Quarterlytics / Industrials / Aerospace & Defense / BAE Systems

BAE Systems

ba · LSE Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker ba
Exchange LSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Aerospace & Defense
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2020 Annual Report · BAE Systems
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
 Annual Report 2020 
BAE Systems plc

baesystems.com

Navigating our Annual Report

Strategic  
report

Governance

Financial 
statements

BAE Systems at a glance 

01-15

Directors’ report 

100-176

Group accounts 

185-255

Chairman’s governance  
letter 

Board governance 

Applying the UK 
Corporate Governance 
Code Principles 

Board of directors 

Board information 

Governance disclosures 

Audit Committee report 

Corporate Responsibility  
Committee report 

Nominations Committee  
report 

Remuneration Committee 
report 

Annual remuneration  
report at a glance 

Annual remuneration  
report 

Directors’ remuneration  
policy 

Statutory and other  
information 

100

102

104

106

108

109

111

116

120

124

129

131

156

172

Auditor’s report 

177-184

Independent Auditor’s  
report 

177

Preparation 

Consolidated income  
statement 

186

189

Consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income  190

Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity 

Consolidated  
balance sheet 

Consolidated cash flow 
statement 

Notes to the  
Group accounts 

191

192

193

194

Company accounts  256-263

Company statement  
of comprehensive income  256

Company statement 
of changes in equity 

Company balance sheet 

Notes to the  
Company accounts 

Shareholder  
information 

256

257

258

264

Our purpose 

Our business at a glance 

Our strategic framework 

Our business model 

01

02

04

06

Our stakeholders 

Our markets 

Our key programmes 
and franchises 

Performance 

08

10

14

16-21

Our operational highlights 

16

Our financial highlights 

20

22-33

The work of the Board 

30

Our investment in innovation  18

View from the Board 

Chairman’s letter 

Chief Executive’s review 

Sustainability 

Our sustainability agenda  
and governance 

Environment 

Technology 

22

26

34

36

40

Social 

Governance 

Financial and segmental review 

Group financial review  

Guidance for 2021 

Segmental review 

Electronic Systems 

Cyber & Intelligence 

56

64

66

68

72

Platforms & Services (US) 

Air 

Maritime 

76

80

84

Segmental looking forward  88

Risk 

How we manage risk 

90

Our principal risks 

Our risk management 
framework 

92

90-99

93

Please note that some of the images featured in this report were 
taken before the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore do not reflect 
the precautionary measures we now have in place.

34-55

42

53

56-89

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.

Our purpose

At BAE Systems we serve, supply and protect those 
who serve and protect us, in a corporate culture 
that is performance driven and values led.

We have an important role in society because we:

– help our customers to provide security and safety;

–  inspire and excel in the work we do – the 

–  contribute to the economic prosperity of the places 

where our people live and work;

–  support high value jobs in our business and in 

our supply chains;

–  value our people and their diversity so they can 

fulfil their potential in an inclusive and supportive 
working environment;

–  seek to identify opportunities for individuals from 

disadvantaged backgrounds;

–  support employees’ rights in relation to freedom 

of association;

technologies we develop and the talent we build;

–  develop cutting-edge technologies to sustain 
the competitive strength of the Company in 
global markets;

–  create best-in-class products and services by forging 
strong relationships with our suppliers and partners;

–  care for and support our local communities; and

–  use our knowledge and technologies to reduce 
the environmental impacts of our activities. 
We have set ourselves the target of achieving 
net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our 
operations by 2030.

Through careful long-term sustainable management and governance 
of our business we will continue to create value for our stakeholders. 

How our purpose connects to our strategy
–  We never lose sight of who are the users of our products 

and services – often members of the armed forces and security 
services – and the critical work they do to keep us safe.

–  Our strategy sets out our actions for investing in the long-term 
future of the Company based on driving operational excellence, 
continuously improving our competitiveness and efficiency, and 
advancing and further leveraging our technology. By doing this 
we will fulfil the needs of customers and build a sustainable future 
for our business for the benefit of our stakeholders.

Page 04
Our strategic framework

How our purpose connects to our culture
–  We are proud of the work we do to serve and equip those 
who protect us. We know our customers rely on us so we 
constantly innovate and 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 are accountable for all that we do and seek to do the 

right thing at all times.

–  Our culture values diversity and rewards integrity and merit 

so that everyone can fulfil their potential. 

–  The safety and wellbeing of our employees is paramount 

and we have a deep commitment to supporting the 
communities in which we work and to reduce the 
environmental impacts of our activities.

–  At the heart of our business we are performance driven 

and values led.

Page 08
Our stakeholders

Further information can be found online by visiting

baesystems.com

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

01

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur business 
at a glance

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

Air

Sales1 by domain

 55%

Maritime

Sales1 by domain

 24%

–  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

Sales1 by line of business 
(%)

G H

F

A

–  Design, manufacture and support of electronics 

E

equipment for military aircraft

–  Manufacture, upgrade and in-service support 

D

of Hawk trainer aircraft

B

–  In-service support of Tornado combat aircraft

–  Development of next-generation unmanned 

and future air system capabilities under 
the Tempest programme, 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

C

A Typhoon
B F-35 Lightning II
C Defence electronics
D Tornado
E Commercial avionics
F Weapon systems
G Hawk
H Other

–  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

–  Newly acquired Techmodal business supports 

the Group’s digital and data capabilities

Sales1 by line of business 
(%)

E

A

D

C

B

A Submarines
B Complex warships
C US naval ship repair
D UK naval support
E Other

25%
13%
24%
11%
6%
14%
3%
4%

32%
16%
15%
14%
23%

Sales1 by destination

Sales1 by activity

Sales1 by reporting segment

E

A

D

C

B

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.

D

A

C

B

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

D

A

C

B

BAE Systems reports its 
performance through five 
principal reporting segments.

A US
B UK
C Saudi Arabia
D Australia
E Other international markets

45%
19%
13%
3%
20%

A Platforms
36%
B Military and technical services and support 37%
22%
C Electronic systems
5%
D Cyber

A Electronic Systems
B Cyber & Intelligence
C Platforms & Services (US)
D Air
E Maritime

22%
8%
17%
38%
15%

02

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

–  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 drive 

propulsion systems

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

–  Development and demonstration of 

autonomous and unmanned capabilities

Sales1 by line of business 
(%)

A

D

C

B

A Combat vehicles
B Munitions
C Commercial
D Weapon systems/other

47%
22%
5%
26%

–  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

Sales1 by line of business 
(%)

C

A

B

Land

Sales1 by domain

 16%

Cyber

Sales1 by domain

5%

Employees by location

2020 sales1

E

A

D

C

B

A UK
B US
C Saudi Arabia
D Australia
E Other
Total employees2

BAE Systems employs a skilled 
workforce of 89,600 people2 
in more than 40 countries.

 £20,862m

2020 revenue

 £19,277m

35,300
31,900
6,700
4,500
11,200
89,600

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

03

A US government
B UK and other governments
C Commercial

49%
37%
14%

Page 10
Our markets

Page 56
Group financial review

Page 66
Segmental review

Page 34
Sustainability

Page 14
Our key programmes and franchises

1.  Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue 
of equity accounted investments, excluding 
subsidiaries’ revenue from equity accounted 
investments. Sales is an Alternative Performance 
Measure as defined by the Group. Note 1 to 
the financial statements on page 196 provides 
a reconciliation to the IFRS Revenue measure.
2. Including share of equity accounted investments.

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur 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 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

Our strategy

Maintain and  
grow our  
defence business

Progress during the year
–  Defence sales growth of 7%
–  Two US acquisitions totalling $2.2bn completed and 

integrations progressing in Electronic Systems

Outlook
–  Strong order backlog and established positions 

on long-term programmes provide a strong platform 
to deliver growth in the mid term

–  US business book-to-bill ratio1 of over one
–  Number of major programmes ramping up in Electronic 

Systems, US Combat Vehicles, Air and Maritime

–  Opportunities in Air – Typhoon orders, 

F-35 sustainment, MBDA

–  Opportunities in Electronic Systems to maintain 

–  German Typhoon contract award
–  15-year munitions contract extension signed in UK
–  Increased self-funded R&D spend

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

–  Work continued on a number of key controls and 

–  Cyber security opportunities with allied governments 

avionics development programmes including the 777X
–  Selected to develop the flight control system for Aerion’s 

A2s supersonic jet

and global financial services markets

–  Our electric drive propulsion technology is well placed 

as demand for low and zero emission technology grows

–  BAE Systems’ clean propulsion system selected for 

–  Commercial aerospace market is likely to be impacted 

600 new buses for the Republic of Ireland

for a number of years

Develop and  
expand our  
international  
business

Inspire and develop 
a diverse workforce  
to drive success

–  US Commercial Avionics business affected by COVID-19 

impact on air travel

–  Qatar programme ramping up
–  MBDA revenue growth
–  CV90 upgrade awards in Netherlands and Switzerland
–  Continue to widen reach and relationships in 

targeted markets

–  Opportunities to further positions in current International 

markets and develop new markets

–  Strong bid pipeline in Europe, Middle East and 

Asia-Pacific

–  Defence budget increase in a number of international 

markets should create further bid opportunities

–  Implemented behaviour-based approach to performance 

–  Building stronger employee value proposition and brand 

management that informs future skills planning

to drive future skills recruitment

–  Introduced new talent management model to deliver 

–  Broadening diversity and inclusion into our processes, 

robust succession planning

practices, policies, systems and training

–  Initiated recruitment transformation programme to 

improve process effectiveness and candidate experience

–  Strengthening our approach to strategic workforce 

–  Strengthening Employee Resource Groups/employee 
networks to play a vital role in fostering a diverse 
and inclusive workplace

planning to align with our strategic aspirations

–  Recruiting a record 1,250 UK graduates and 

–  Focusing on talent development and succession planning, 
extending the talent pipeline further into the organisation

–  Invested in dedicated team and technology to drive 

skills development and talent management

–  Increased women in engineering roles, including 
leadership, by 3%, with broader gender diversity 
targets set for 2021

apprentices in 2021, and launching a future talent 
development programme

–  Relaunching our flagship education programmes 
and partnerships with the RAF and Royal Navy

Enhance financial 
performance and deliver 
sustainable growth in 
shareholder value

–  Good financial performance given disruptions 

–  Strong order backlog and established positions 

and challenges from the global pandemic
–  Increased orders, sales, underlying EPS and 

cash generation2 over the last year

on long-term programmes provide a strong platform 
to deliver mid-term growth

–  Focus on improving cash conversion and 

–  Acquisitions made and action taken to accelerate 

margin expansion

UK pension deficit contributions

1.  Ratio of Order intake to Sales.  2. Before £1bn contribution to UK pension scheme.

04

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Through successful execution of this strategy we target the 
delivery of a high-performing, well-run sustainable business 
which will generate 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 2020
–  Effective response to COVID-19, maintaining 

Successes in 2020
–  Focused on supply chain resilience in response 

Successes in 2020
–  Military GPS and Airborne Tactical Radios 

delivery of critical customer priorities

–  Astute Boat 4 delivered under 

lockdown conditions

–  Offshore Patrol Vessel programme completed

–  Amphibious Combat Vehicle Initial 
Operational Capability achieved

–  Management continued to be 

strengthened with a blend of internal 
promotions and external hires

–  Engineering leaders development 

programme roll-out

–  Applied Intelligence delivered 

improved profitability

Our priorities for 2021
–  US Combat Vehicles long-term 

multi-programme delivery

–  Type 26/Hunter Class programme ramp up

–  US acquisition integration and delivery

–  Full rate production on F-35

–  Improved profitability in Platforms & 
Services (US) and Applied Intelligence

–  Enhance recruitment practices and further 
leverage strategic workforce planning to 
deliver business plans

–  Supplier quality (right first time) and supplier 
delivery (on time, in full) performance to 
support programme delivery

–  Accelerate sustainability agenda

–  Working capital management

to COVID-19 and preparation for Brexit transition, 
ensuring critical programmes remained on track

–  Financial assistance provided to those suppliers who 
were vulnerable and/or critical to our operations

–  Continued to drive value from our external spend 

and worked to further relationships with our 
strategic suppliers

–  Process improvements and robotic welding 
machines installed in US Combat Vehicles

–  Savings and efficiencies achieved in COVID-19 

conditions to help maintain productivity

Our priorities for 2021
–  Continue to drive supply chain savings and 

‘Partner to Win’ programme

–  Maintain lessons learnt from cost savings achieved 

in COVID-19 operating environment

–  Increased collaboration across the Group and with 

industry partners

–  Continued focus on identifying and securing talent 

and critical skills to fulfil future requirements

–  Continue to drive best value from external spend 
and manage payment performance to optimise 
cash management

–  Automate and digitise our core supply chain 
processes as far as possible to maximise our 
productivity and efficiency

–  Aggregate our supply chain risk and illuminate 
lower levels of our supply chain to manage risk 
and support programme delivery

US acquisitions

–  Techmodal acquisition
–  PHASA-35® successfully completed critical 

endurance flight trials

–  Our PAC-24 autonomous sea boat purchased 

by the Royal Navy and undergoing trials

–  Tempest programme advancement: 

60+ technology demonstrations underway

–  Increased level of classified work
–  FAST Labs™ awards for leading-edge technology 
development to include advancing machine-
learning and autonomous capabilities

–  Riptide new product launched

Our priorities for 2021
–  Target further increases in self-funded research 

and development spend and technology 
bolt-on acquisitions, focusing on multi-domain 
integration, autonomy and sustainability

–  Continue to accelerate our investment in 
Electronic Systems’ strategic priority areas

–  Further develop our Industry 4.0 Factory of 

the Future work, which will support Tempest 
programme and shipbuilding in Australia

–  Continue to develop UK university partnerships, 
working on technologies including advanced 
materials, quantum sensing, data science, 
autonomy and sustainability

Our values

Trusted

Innovative

Bold

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

05

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance Our business model

We serve, supply and protect those who serve and protect us, in a corporate culture that is 
performance driven and values led. Through careful long-term sustainable management 
and governance of our business we will continue to create value for 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

Services, sustainment and upgrade

Research and development

–  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

–  Technology and innovation underpin our strategy 
and the development of products and services

–  We 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 and services strategies

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 prosperity and 
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

06

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Our business model is underpinned by:

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 users of 
our products and services are and the critical work 
they do to keep us safe. 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 in our business and 
in our supply chains. 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 and governance of our business 
we are well placed to continue to generate 
good returns for our shareholders.

Our values
Our values of Trusted, Innovative 
and Bold and our Company 
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.

Page 04
Our strategic framework

Our people
Our culture values diversity and 
rewards integrity and merit so 
that everyone can fulfil their 
potential. 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.

Page 42
Social

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 customers’ needs 
now and in the future.

Page 18
Our investment in innovation

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.

Page 55
Responsible supply chain

Responsible sourcing 
and impact
We take pride in managing our 
operations responsibly. We use 
our expertise to reduce the 
environmental impacts we have 
around the globe and to develop 
products and services for our 
customers which reduce their 
impacts on the environment. 
Our goal is to develop and 
implement a strategy to meet 
our net zero targets.

Page 36
Environment

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.

Page 102
Board governance

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

07

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance 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 
and end-users

Our  
suppliers

Our  
partners

BAE Systems

Our  
shareholders

Our  
communities

Regulators

Our  
pensioners

Stakeholders

Description

Areas of interest

Why we engage

How we engage

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 is valued and 
can fulfil their potential.

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

Our end-users protect people, 
information and nations.

We keep employees informed about what 
is happening across the business using a 
variety of channels, including our employee 
app, intranet, email, through podcasts, 
newsletters, leadership blogs and trades 
union forums, and also through virtual 
and face-to-face 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 trades unions in Australia 
and the UK and labour unions in the US.

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

We work very closely with the people 
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, virtual 
and face-to-face meetings.

Our  
people

Employees of 
BAE Systems

–  Safety and wellbeing

–  Ensuring our people can 

fulfil their potential at work

–  Recruitment 

–  Training and development

–  Reward and recognition

–  Diversity and inclusion

–  How we work together

–  Environmental and 
social considerations

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

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

–  Value for money

–  Quality of products 

and services

–  Risk management

–  Timely delivery

–  Safety and wellbeing

–  Environmental and social 

considerations

–  Reliability of our teams 
to rectify issues quickly

Page 43
More information

Our  
customers 
and end- 
users

Page 55
More information

Our  
suppliers

Page 55
More information

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

–  Labour and skills requirements

–  Cost of materials and 

operations

–  Terms of trade

–  Timely payment

–  Sustainable sourcing

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.

08

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Stakeholders

Description

Areas of interest

Why we engage

How we engage

–  Product and service 

development

–  R&D investment

–  Profitability, growth potential 

and cash generation

–  Capital allocation; returns 
via dividend and buyback

–  Operational performance

–  Quality of management

–  Environmental, social and 
governance considerations

–  Share price performance

–  The value we bring to 

the communities in which 
we operate

–  Employment

–  Local community factors 
including environmental 
and social considerations

Our  
partners

Page 40
More information

Other industry 
companies 
or academic 
institutions who 
we work with

Our  
shareholders

Investors who 
provide capital 
to the business

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

Page 32
More information

Our  
communities

Page 50
More information

Regulators

Page 53
More information

Bodies that supervise 
industry or business 
activities

–  Industry or business 

policies and regulations

Our  
pensioners

Members and 
trustees of our 
pension schemes

Page 30
More information

–  Company performance

–  Member benefits

–  Pension fund 

investment strategy

–  Deficit recovery

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

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.

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

Through regular dialogue and via 
trade associations.

Through newsletters, our website and 
pensions contact centres.

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.

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.

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.

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

To inform our pensioners on 
how we continue to meet our 
commitments to them.

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

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

09

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance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.

Programme diversity and longevity 
The Group has a wide diversity of 
capabilities and geographical spread 
of its operations meaning it is not overly 
reliant on a few key programmes or 
franchises. Additionally, these programmes 
and franchises in a number of cases are well 
positioned to extend beyond their funded 
backlog for many years (see Our key 
programmes and franchises on page 14).

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.

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 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.

BAE Systems’ global defence market position
Top ten global defence contractors’ revenue ($bn)

1. Lockheed Martin

2. Boeing

3. General Dynamics

4. Northrop Grumman

5. Raytheon

6. Aviation Industry Corporation of China

7. BAE Systems

8. China North Industries Group Corporation Limited

9. L3Harris Technologies

10. United Technologies Corporation

34

30

29

27

25

21

15

14

13

Source: Defense News Top 100 for 2020 (based on 2019 numbers). Exchange rate applied to BAE Systems is $1.277/£1.

10

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Growth aspirations
Budgetary growth and contract wins in a 
number of our principal markets in recent 
years has provided a growth platform for 
the Group in the coming years. Through 
long-standing customer relationships and 
the development of 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 as these nations 
increase defence spending in response 
to a multi-faceted threat environment.

57

 US

45%

Accessible global 
defence markets1
Top ten global 
defence markets 
accessible for business 
by the Group ($bn)

US

India

705

S

o

u

t

h

G

e

K

r

o

m

r

e

a

a

n

y

S

a

u

d

i

A
u
s
t
r
a

l
i

a

A

r

a

b

i

a

I

t

a

l

y

U

K

F
r
a

n

c

e

J
a

p

a

n

54

52

51

49

28 29 48

Source: 2019 US budget as shown in the Department 
of Defense Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request and, 
outside the US, Jane’s Defence Budgets (based on 2019 
total defence budgets and constant 2020 US dollars).

63

54

 UK

19%

 Saudi Arabia

13%

 Australia

3%

Sales2 by 
destination

International

20%

1.  Markets inaccessible for business by BAE Systems are excluded.
2.  Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue of equity accounted investments, excluding subsidiaries’ revenue from equity accounted investments.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

11

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance 
 
Our markets 
continued

US
The US continues to represent the 
single largest defence market in 
the world. BAE Systems is a top ten 
defence supplier in the US.
The Group’s US-based portfolio is well 
aligned to customer priorities and growth 
areas, which we expect to continue under 
the new administration. These include 
electronic warfare, precision-guided 
munitions, hypersonics and space security, 
naval ship repair and modernisation services 
and combat vehicles. 

The two-year budget deal enacted in 
2019 established a defence spending level 
of approximately $740bn for fiscal year 
2021 and with bi-partisan support for 
defence, the budget is aligned with our 
medium-term planning assumptions and 
maintains positive support for military 
readiness and modernisation programmes. 
The backlog for the US-based business has 
continued to grow organically and through 
the two acquisitions made earlier this year. 
This backlog provides good visibility of 
growth in the US business. 

BAE Systems is a leader in advanced 
electronic systems, real-time intelligence 
and analysis, naval gun systems, naval ship 
repair and modernisation and tracked 
combat vehicles. Our position is supported 
by strong positions on a number of franchise 
US defence programmes, including 
F-35 Lightning II, M109 self-propelled 
howitzer, Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle 
and Amphibious Combat Vehicle.

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 enhance 
existing commercial programmes, including 
engine and flight controls, and electric 
drive propulsion systems.

Opportunities: Budget increases or 
prioritisation towards our capabilities; 
increased Foreign Military Sales; civil 
aerospace recovery earlier than expected; 
expanded workscope platform positions; 
and commercial operation expansion. 

Risks: Budget cuts in future years driven by 
US debt levels or spend priorities; slower civil 
aerospace recovery cycle post COVID-19.

Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
continues to be a leading military 
power and one of the largest 
defence markets globally.
BAE Systems continues to work closely with 
industry partners and the UK government 
to ensure that the export licences required 
to enable the Group to fulfil its contractual 
obligations in the Kingdom are in place. 

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. We are 
working with Saudi Arabian Military 
Industries (SAMI) to explore how we can 
collaborate to deliver further In-Kingdom 
Industrial Participation. This is through 
the restructuring of the Group’s portfolio 
of interests in a number of industrial 
companies, along with sustaining current 
industrialised capability, and by building 
on our strong history in Saudi Arabia. 
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.

Opportunities: Securing orders for 
additional support and training, new 
equipment, upgrades and defence 
infrastructure programmes.

Risks: Scope changes to long-term support 
contract renewals, changes in spending 
priorities, nation-to-nation relations and 
licensing changes.

UK
BAE Systems is the largest defence 
company in the UK, with strong 
and long‑standing relationships 
with the Ministry of Defence and 
our supply chains.
In the UK, the government has re-stated 
its commitment to meeting the NATO 
target of spending of at least 2% of Gross 
Domestic Product on defence. While the 
government’s Integrated Foreign Policy, 
Defence and Security Review is due to be 
published early in 2021, the UK government 
has made a series of recent programme 
announcements related to the review 
and we welcome the UK government’s 
increased investment in defence 
and security.

As a result, we have long-term visibility 
and a stable outlook for our major UK 
operations of submarine build, complex 
warship building and associated support, 
and a growth outlook in UK air support 
as increased numbers of F-35s come into 
service, along with investments in the 
next generation of air capabilities in 
line with the UK Combat Air Strategy.

As one of the UK’s largest employers 
of engineers we have a central role in 
the engineering and manufacturing 
fabric of the country and we are currently 
training around 2,500 apprentices and 
graduates on our early careers programmes. 
We collaborate with suppliers, SMEs and 
regional partners, including universities, 
to support and deliver long-term economic 
growth and productivity, technological 
know-how and the development of skills.

The Group has limited UK-EU trading 
and the majority of the UK workforce 
consists of UK nationals. Accordingly, any 
resulting near-term Brexit impacts across 
the business are likely to be limited.

Opportunities: Leveraging our 
expertise and capabilities into export 
sales and partnerships.

Risks: Long-term spending in some 
capabilities comes under pressure due 
to economic priorities.

Sales1

Sales1

Sales1

 £9,315m

 £3,965m

 £2,716m

12

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

International
BAE Systems has many strong and enduring relationships 
in international markets.
Regional security tensions, the growing 
emphasis on indigenous capabilities and 
varying economic conditions continue to 
influence defence spending internationally. 
BAE Systems has developed and seeks to 
further relationships with partners and 
customers in a number of countries.

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.

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 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 
for Turkish and international customers 
through the FNSS joint venture. 

In Asia-Pacific, we are a supplier to a 
number of armed forces, both directly 
and through joint ventures.

In Qatar, the build contracts for 
24 Typhoon and nine Hawks are 
progressing well and our relationships 
are strengthening as we implement 
our support and training commitments 
with the Qatari Armed Forces.

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 are 
well placed to benefit from the expected 
European defence spending increases as 
a number of countries look to move nearer 
to their NATO commitments. In addition 
to Germany’s order for 38 new Typhoon 
aircraft in November, Germany and 
Spain are considering future Typhoon 
orders, and other Typhoon and support 
opportunities are being pursued in the 
Middle East and Europe.

We have a strong presence in Sweden 
through BAE Systems Hägglunds supplying 
and supporting tracked vehicles for 
international customers, and Sweden 
is one of the international partners 
on the Tempest programme.

In Canada, BAE Systems is the warship 
design partner on the Canadian Surface 
Combatant programme of 15 ships for 
the Royal Canadian Navy. We are working 
on other prospects in Canada.

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

Australia
BAE Systems is the largest defence 
company in Australia, with strong 
activities across all domains 
and the business is set to grow 
significantly in the coming years 
as the Hunter Class Frigate 
programme matures.
Regional instability, the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, 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. Underpinned also by its policies of 
developing a strong, sustainable and secure 
Australian defence industry and supporting 
leading-edge technological innovation, the 
Australian government continues its policy 
of approving a ten-year funding model for 
defence. The government announcement 
in July to increase their ten-year investment 
in new and upgraded defence capabilities 
from A$195bn to A$270bn should provide 
further opportunities to enhance and 
extend our growth profile.

As part of this commitment, the 
government has made clear its objective 
to build a robust, resilient and 
internationally competitive domestic 
defence industry to ensure the expertise 
resident in the industrial base effectively 
supports Australia’s national security.

We believe we are well positioned to 
assist the Australian government to meet 
its defence and security objectives through 
an established business and workforce 
based at more than 25 sites across the 
country, in addition to a strong ability 
to leverage BAE Systems’ international 
positions to support domestic products 
in international markets. 

Opportunities: Securing additional 
workshare from the increased 
spending outlook.

Risks: Long-term spending in some 
capabilities comes under pressure due 
to change of government priorities.

Sales1

 £665m

Sales1

 £4,201m

1.  Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue 
of equity accounted investments, excluding 
subsidiaries’ revenue from equity 
accounted investments.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

13

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur key programmes  
and franchises

BAE Systems has strong, established and growing positions 
supplying defence equipment, electronics and services, as well 
as cyber, intelligence and security solutions for governments.

The programmes and franchises underpinning these positions 
are primarily long-term in nature giving our business high 
visibility of its order backlog. This allows for long-term planning 
to ensure we have the right people, processes and facilities to 
enable delivery. We also have positions in adjacent commercial 
markets which our strategy targets to expand over time.

Defence electronics

Weapon systems and munitions

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. 
Our leading position on the US fixed 
and rotary wing platforms, an increasing 
number of which are coming into service, 
and a strong demand for capability and 
solutions to defeat increasingly sophisticated 
threats, are expected to provide this 
franchise with a solid platform for the 
coming years.

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. The increasing 
number of new platforms entering service 
in the coming years will create opportunities 
within this broad set of capabilities.

Commercial avionics equipment

F-35 Lightning II

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. 
Revenues have reduced due to COVID-19 
impacts on the civil aerospace sector and 
we have scaled the business appropriately, 
working with our key customers. However, 
we have maintained our capabilities to 
meet the expected return of long-term 
demand as business operations normalise.

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. 
Full-rate production is expected to be 
achieved in 2021 with production then 
expected to be maintained for over a 
decade, based on a programme of record 
of more than 3,000 aircraft.

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 labour, logistics and training, 
training aircraft (including Hawk) and 
upgrades to Tornado aircraft in 
Saudi Arabia. Contracts to support Hawk 
aircraft across 14 countries and support 
for the F-35 Lightning II fleet and systems 
across the UK, US and Australia.

14

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime

Typhoon and Hawk manufacture 
and capability development

Manufacture of Typhoon major units and 
final assembly of aircraft. Expansion of the 
capabilities of the aircraft with the E-Scan 
radar for Typhoon contracted in 2020 and 
ongoing development of new technologies 
aligned with the UK Combat Air Strategy 
and forward progress on the Tempest 
programme. Current backlog includes the 
Qatar contract signed in 2017 to provide 
Typhoon and Hawk aircraft along with 
a bespoke support and training package. 
Typhoon manufacturing is currently 
underpinned by the orders from Qatar 
and Germany which will ensure continuity 
of production of major units into the 
mid-2020s.

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, while the fourth 
boat left Barrow for sea trials in April. 
The remaining three boats are at an 
advanced stage of build, and 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 
two Dreadnought Class boats is under 
way, with production on the programme 
to continue into the 2030s.

Our teams are building 
on decades of leadership 
in designing, delivering 
and sustaining electronic 
warfare systems to 
develop next-generation 
systems for the world’s 
most advanced aircraft.

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. The increasingly 
sophisticated threat environment is leading 
to increased government cyber spend in 
markets such as the US, UK and Australia, 
and we are well placed to support our 
customers in these markets.

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, at home and 
on deployment. In the US, BAE Systems 
has facilities located on the Atlantic and 
Pacific coasts. In the UK, we operate HM 
Naval Base Portsmouth on behalf of the 
Ministry of Defence. Our key customers 
in the US, UK, Australia and Canada are 
looking to extend and modernise the size 
of their fleets in the coming years which 
will create further support opportunities.

Complex warships

Design and manufacture of 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 up to nine Hunter 
Class Frigates. Provider of the warship 
design for the Canadian Surface Combatant 
programme. This business is accordingly 
well positioned for sales growth in the 
coming years.

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 
under the Tempest programme, which 
was launched in 2018 in support of the 
UK Combat Air Strategy. The Tempest 
programme is progressing at pace, with 
Tempest partners currently working on 
more than 60 technology demonstrations.

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. More than 
1,300 vehicles in the US Combat Mission 
Systems backlog are to be delivered in the 
coming years, and together with expected 
domestic demand beyond that and 
combined with recent upgrade awards 
on CV90, the franchise has good visibility. 
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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

15

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur operational highlights

In 2020, we delivered on our customer-critical key 
programmes in a highly challenging global environment.

Effective response to COVID-19
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
was effectively managed across the 
business. Our response demonstrated 
the Group’s resilience and agility, 
as well as the remarkable efforts 
of our employees.

F-35 approaches full-rate 
production in 2021
F-35 production ramp up continues 
towards full-rate production in 2021, 
with support to the UK Ministry of 
Defence in the successful achievement 
of the F-35 Initial Operational Capability 
and preparation for Australian 
depot operations.

Qatar contract milestones 
achieved
Qatar Typhoon and Hawk aircraft 
programme met its contractual 
milestones in the year.

Integrating US 
business acquisitions
Integration of the acquired 
Military Global Positioning 
System and Airborne Tactical 
Radios businesses continues, 
with seamless deliveries to 
customers and successful 
new business wins.

F-35 electronic 
warfare systems
Electronic Systems surpassed a 
cumulative delivery milestone of 
more than 800 F-35 electronic 
warfare systems by year end.

Global Combat Ship 
continues to progress in the 
UK, Australia and Canada
Type 26 City Class frigate 
construction for the Royal Navy 
continues, with design and 
production readiness for 
the Australian Hunter Class 
programme and design for the 
Canadian Surface Combatant 
programme progressing.

Queen Elizabeth 
Carrier Class
HMS Queen Elizabeth 
went to sea as part 
of the UK’s new 
Carrier Strike Group 
for the first time.

16

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Amphibious Combat Vehicle 
programme achieves multiple 
milestones
The Amphibious Combat Vehicle 
programme transitioned to the 
full-rate production phase after Initial 
Operational Capability was declared 
by the US Marine Corps.

Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle 
variant deliveries begin
Initial deliveries of the first 
production Armored Multi-Purpose 
Vehicles in each of the five variants 
began in the year.

M109A7 vehicle 
deliveries progressing
After receiving the full-rate production 
decision from the US Army, M109A7 
vehicles were consistently delivered.

Construction of Dreadnought 
Class submarines
Construction on Boat 1 and Boat 2 
continues on the Dreadnought Class 
of submarines.

Offshore Patrol Vessel 
programme completed 
in the year
The final two Offshore Patrol Vessels, 
HMS Tamar and HMS Spey, were 
accepted by the customer.

Fourth Astute Class 
submarine delivered under 
lockdown conditions
Astute Boat 4, HMS Audacious, 
delivered to the customer for sea 
trials under lockdown conditions.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

17

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur investment  
in innovation

Technology and innovation are central to our business, they underpin our strategy 
and the development of our products and services. Developing innovative technologies 
is a key part of the work we do to ensure we have a sustainable business that will 
continue to create value for our stakeholders.

In 2020, many of our customers 
strengthened their intention to increase 
integration across their operational domains, 
allowing land, sea, air and cyber forces to 
work together more closely. There is also 
growing awareness of the weaponisation 
of space, as well as the danger posed by 
the proliferation of hypersonic weapons. 

In addition, many customers have also 
reiterated their commitment to increasing 
the sustainability of their platforms, operating 
bases and supply chains, through reducing 
their environmental impact. We share this 
commitment and are working on a range 
of technologies to help them to fulfil this 
ambition, as well as working to reduce the 
environmental impact of our own activities.

Our technology investments reflect this 
operating environment. 

We have a broad portfolio across all defence 
domains and are well positioned to 
develop multi-domain capabilities to meet 
the growing customer need in this area. 
For example, our Intelligence, Surveillance 
and Reconnaissance (ISR) Gateway enables 
data to be shared securely between 
systems at different levels of classification, 
using metadata to control security access. 
As well as providing communications 
across domains, this enables allies to 
share complex data in real-time.

At the core of the US Electronic Systems 
business, our FAST Labs™ innovation hub 
supports technological advances across the 
enterprise, developing and proving new 
technologies to accelerate their transition 

into customer programmes. Our scientists 
and engineers create and evolve capabilities 
across multiple domains, with focus areas 
spanning advanced electronics, autonomy, 
cyber, electronic warfare, and sensors and 
processing. One such multiple-domain 
capability is FAST Labs’ Fox Shield™ cyber 
protection technology that can be integrated 
into ground, air, and space vehicles to help 
platforms detect, respond and recover 
from cyber attacks in real time. The system’s 
cyber resilience capabilities provide 
protection from cyber attacks designed 
to access and degrade mission capabilities.

Enabling cyber-secure rapid access to 
a variety of data sources will be vital in 
detecting hypersonic threats. Our Red 
Ochre Labs team in Australia is developing 
the capability to collate a variety of data 
sources, use artificial intelligence to detect 
potential weapon launches and give allies 
more time to take mitigating action.

In the UK, we are supporting the Ministry of 
Defence in space by delivering a key package 
in its Serapis framework, which involves 
working with UK SMEs on projects such as 
satellite operation, space surveillance from 
earth and the development of new launch 
equipment. In the US, we are developing 
a new suite of software-defined radios, 
which have the potential to be used in 
lighter weight, multi-purpose satellites 
that could then be used simultaneously as 
radio communications devices, GPS signal 
provision and surveillance devices – rather 
than having several satellites that perform 
these operations individually.

18

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

We continue to develop our capabilities in 
autonomy. The Royal Navy is trialling our 
PAC-24 autonomous sea boat, the first of 
its kind in the world. It is capable of taking 
on dangerous pursuit, monitoring and 
engagement missions, while constantly 
sharing a live data feed with operators. 
In Australia, we have demonstrated an 
autonomous land vehicle, bringing this new 
capability to the Australian Army’s M113, 
while the BAE Systems, Inc. team has been 
selected to provide autonomous systems 
to the US Air Force’s Skyborg Unmanned 
Aerial Vehicle programme.

We are also changing how we design and 
build our products, with the development 
of our Factory of the Future in North West 
England. This is being created to help us 
engineer Tempest, the UK’s next-generation 
fighter aircraft, in half the time and at 
half the cost of previous generations. 
Collaborating with more than 40 blue-chip 
and SME companies along with academic 
institutions, we are creating automated robots 
and using virtual and augmented reality 
to increase speed, precision and efficiency. 
Our new intelligent workstation, developed 
in collaboration with The University of 
Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing 
Research Centre and Fairfield Control 
Systems, is already delivering benefits 
on the Typhoon production line. It uses 
a system which recognises operators and 
automatically delivers tailored instructions 
using ‘pick by light’ technologies.

Research & development (R&D)
We structure our R&D activities around 
our business and product strategy, ensuring 
a clear focus for our R&D spend. We also 
continually scan the horizon for new 
technologies and developments in defence 
technology around the world.

In 2020, we spent £1.6bn (2019 £1.5bn) 
on R&D, of which £236m (2019 £237m) 
was funded by BAE Systems. In addition, 
the Group’s share of the R&D expenditure 
of its equity accounted investments in 2020 
was £0.4bn (2019 £0.3bn). 

We continue to 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 
As well as partnering with our customers, 
we work with other companies and 
academia to invest in technologies and 
assets that complement our existing 
capabilities or our future product strategy. 

Defence technology also drives the R&D 
ecosystem. Over the last ten years we have 
placed more than £125m with universities 
around the UK, much of that our own 
money, as well as investment from our 
customers and government. In the UK, 
we work directly with our five Strategic 
University Partners on new technologies 
and currently sponsor more than 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. In 2020, the 
award-winning project proved how 
active noise control could reduce 
underwater noise from ships, which 
could reduce harm to marine wildlife. 

In our Electronic Systems sector in the 
US, we often partner with the US Defense 
Advanced Research Projects Agency, 
universities, commercial technology 
companies and other research laboratories, 
to solve complex challenges across the 
defence, aerospace and security domains. 
In particular, our FAST Labs™ R&D teams 
leverage internal resources, the broader 
external innovation ecosystem, 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 customers’ requirements 
for the rapid development of new 
technologies. FAST Labs™ has teamed 
with the US Army’s Advanced Teaming 
Demonstration Program (A-Team) to 
develop autonomous capabilities that will 
be critical components of the Future Vertical 
Lift programme. The Army developed the 
A-Team programme to create an automated 
system to offload the cognitive burden on 
pilots while enabling them to command 
swarms of unmanned aircraft. BAE Systems 
was selected to deliver a highly automated 
system to provide situational awareness, 
information processing, resource 
management, and decision-making that 
is beyond human capabilities.

We will continue working with academic 
and industry partners to develop and apply 
new technology, including in deploying 
Industry 4.0. This will build on the success 
of our Factory of the Future launched in 
2020, allowing us to increase the speed 
and efficiency of digital design and 
manufacture. This will also underpin 
our progress on the Tempest programme. 

Autonomy is another area vital to our 
customers. We had proven success in 2020 
with our PAC-24 autonomous sea boat for 
the Royal Navy and M113 Armored Personnel 
Carrier demonstrator for the Australian 
Army, so we are looking at new projects 
to make greater use of this technology. 

We continue our work to increase 
sustainability, both at the facilities we 
operate and in the products we supply 
to customers. As well as incorporating 
new power sources – as we have done 
with our Hybrid-Electric Drive system on 
a US Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle – we 
are also using artificial intelligence to run 
existing equipment more efficiently, such 
as the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyer. 
We expect to see further results in this 
area in 2021.

See examples of how we are using 
technologies to reduce the impact of 
our operations on pages 40 and 41.

We also use seedcorn funding to invest in 
technology or ideas that have the potential 
to deliver tremendous value, but are too 
new or untested for our usual funding 
mechanisms. Over the last six years we 
have funded more than 60 such projects. 
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. 
The development of the PAC-24 
autonomous sea boat, mentioned above, 
was funded through this route.

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. Key to 
this is our digital strategy, which is moving 
us towards common digital systems for 
areas such as design and manufacturing, 
supply chain management, managing 
human resources and online collaboration.

2021 priorities 
BAE Systems has world-leading capabilities 
across sub-sea, sea, land, air, cyber and 
growing work in space. Going forward we 
will use this wider experience to help our 
customers integrate these domains to share 
and use information more effectively. 

In the US, FAST Labs™ will continue to invest 
and leverage external technologies and 
advances through both scouting and 
collaborative partnerships, to drive rapid 
transition of disruptive capabilities. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

19

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur 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 £0.8bn, a 4% increase excluding 

the impact of currency translation3.

–  Underlying EBITA increased to £2,132m, a 1% increase 

on a constant currency basis3.

–  Underlying earnings per share increased by 2% to 46.8p, 
excluding the impact of the prior year one-off tax benefit4.

–  Free cash flow5 was £367m after the impact of the £1bn 
contribution into the UK pension scheme. Excluding this 
contribution free cash flow was £1,367m.

–  Net debt increased to £2,718m, following the £1bn bond 
issuance to fund the UK pension scheme, and the $2.2bn 
(£1.7bn) acquisitions of the Airborne Tactical Radios and 
Military Global Positioning System businesses.

–  Order intake6 of £20.9bn.
–  Order backlog6 of £45.2bn.

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 144).

Financial performance measures as defined by the Group

Sales 

KPI

Net debt 

 £20,862m

(2019 £20,109m)

Definition: Revenue plus the 
Group’s share of revenue of equity 
accounted investments, excluding 
subsidiaries’ revenue from equity 
accounted investments.

 £(2,718)m

(2019 £(743)m)

Underlying EBITA 

 £2,132m

(2019 £2,117m)

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

KPI

Order intake6 

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.

 £20,915m

(2019 £18,447m)

Underlying earnings per share4 

BONUS   KPI

Order backlog6

 46.8p

(2019 45.8p) 
Excluding one-off 
tax benefit 

(2019 50.8p)
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.

 £45.2bn

(2019 £45.4bn)

BONUS   KPI

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.

BONUS   KPI

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.

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.

Free cash flow5 

 £1,367m 

Before £1bn UK pension 
scheme contribution 
(2019 £850m)

KPI

 £367m

After £1bn UK pension
scheme contribution

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

Purpose: Allows management to monitor utilisation of cash in line with the 
Group’s capital allocation policy.

20

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 56 to 63.

–  Revenue increased by £1.0bn to £19.3bn.
–  Operating profit increased by £31m to £1,930m, including 

a non-recurring credit of £19m (2019 £27m charge).

–  Basic earnings per share decreased by 12% to 40.7p. 2019 
included the impact of the one-off tax benefit of £161m.

–  Net cash flow from operating activities decreased 

by £431m to £1,166m.

–  Order book of £36.3bn (2019 £37.2bn).

–  Group’s share of the pre-tax accounting net post-employment 

benefits deficit was in line with the prior year at £4.5bn.
–  Final dividend of 14.3p making a total of 23.7p per share in 

respect of the year ended 31 December 2020. The total for the 
year includes an interim dividend of 13.8p per share in respect of 
the year ended 31 December 2019, which was originally proposed 
as a 2019 final dividend but subsequently deferred in light of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial performance measures defined in IFRS1

Other financial highlights

Revenue

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

 £19,277m

(2019 £18,305m)

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

 £(4.5)bn

(2019 £(4.5)bn)

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

Operating profit

 £1,930m

(2019 £1,899m)

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

Basic earnings per share

 40.7p

(2019 46.4p)

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

Net cash flow from operating activities

 £1,166m

(2019 £1,597m)

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

Order book

 £36.3bn

(2019 £37.2bn)

Definition: The transaction price 
allocated to unsatisfied and partially 
satisfied performance obligations 
as defined by IFRS 15 Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers.

Definition: Interim dividends 
paid and final dividend 
proposed per share.

Dividend per share

 23.7p (2019 9.4p)
 13.8p

interim dividend in respect  
of 2019 performance

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 one-off tax benefit in 2019 is described on page 59.
5. During 2020 the Group has determined that Free cash flow is its key performance 

measure for utilisation of cash at a Group level. The Group continues to use 
Operating business cash flow as its key segment metric, to monitor operational 
cash generation.

6. Including share of equity accounted investments.
7.  Items that are not relevant to an understanding of the Group’s 

underlying performance (see page 58).

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

21

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceChairman’s letter

Operationally, the business has shown itself to be robust, 
resilient and agile. The foundations are strong, the sustainability 
agenda is accelerating and the business is evolving positively.

Sir Roger Carr 
Chairman

Five-year dividend history 
(pence)

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

23.72

23.22

22.2

21.8

21.3

22

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Reflections on the year
There is no doubt that in my own business 
lifetime of over half a century, I have never 
witnessed a more challenging year than 
2020. The scourge of COVID-19 has created 
a degree of unparalleled corporate, social, 
and economic upheaval against a backdrop 
of political turbulence across the world.

It is against this background of material 
challenge, however, that I am pleased 
to report the Company has fared well – 
strengthening its order book, successfully 
integrating two new acquisitions in the 
US, delivering growth in sales, orders, profit 
and free cash flow1, and rewarding our 
shareholders with an increased dividend 
for the seventeenth consecutive year.

None of this could have been achieved 
without the extraordinary commitment 
of our people across the globe, in adapting 
to new ways of working, adopting new 
behaviours and consistently delivering 
an outstanding performance against 
all the odds.

I have felt very privileged to chair such 
a remarkable company as it has risen 
to overcome the daily difficulties of 
the pandemic. The leadership given 
by Charles Woodburn, supported by 
Tom Arseneault and Brad Greve and 
the executive team, has been exceptional 
as have the efforts made by everyone in 
the Group, all over the world, on site or 
at home, in contributing to our success.

1.  Excluding the £1bn UK pension scheme contribution.

Dividend 
(pence)2

 23.7p 
+2%

2.  2020 does not include the interim dividend paid 
of 13.8p per share paid in September in respect 
of 2019 performance. This amount is reflected 
in the 2019 dividend history.

It is clear that in these difficult times 
the defence industry in general has been 
resilient and BAE Systems has been able 
to navigate the pandemic better than many 
other business sectors. Our resilience has 
stemmed from our deep and long order 
backlog, and our geographic footprint, 
delivering products and services of national 
importance to customers who value, 
respect and reward us for what we do. 

Self-help has been our watch-word 
throughout. I am pleased to confirm that 
in delivering this performance, we did not 
take advantage of the UK government’s 
funded furlough scheme and we 
have not borrowed any money under 
government borrowing facilities that 
have been made available to address 
the COVID-19 challenge.

In the same spirit, we have worked 
in close harmony with our suppliers, 
providing support in dealing with the 
pandemic including financial assistance 
where required.

Our commitment to apprenticeships 
has remained undiluted, recognising that 
educating and supporting our young people 
today with the assistance of our exceptional 
workforce protects all our prospects in 
the longer term.

In summary, in the midst of a pandemic 
that has cruelly affected the lives 
and livelihoods of so many, we have 
endeavoured to act thoughtfully, 
caringly and responsibly throughout 
for the benefit of our stakeholders.

Meeting the challenges
There is no doubt that adversity often 
brings out the best in businesses and 
people, and in the last 12 months at 
BAE Systems, we have seen how good 
things can come from difficult times. 
I would like to comment on just 
three examples.

First, team spirit. Everyone has 
worked together better than ever. 
A bond that has been strengthened 
in overcoming obstacles we have all 
faced and underpinned by a more 
informal leadership style – more collegiate, 
more approachable, more personal. 

Second, the higher the hurdle, the higher 
we have jumped. We recognise what we 
do is important. Those that we work for 
have seen us lean in, go the extra mile, 
whether supporting our supply chains 
or servicing our customers. Our customers 
and suppliers have themselves faced fresh 
challenges and valued our efforts, noted 
our support, seeing that we have stepped 
up when it really counts, and strengthened 
a partnership that lies at the very heart 
of our business.

Third, the visibility of our values. Across 
the globe our values have been evident 
in caring for each other, prioritising safety, 
working in the local community and for 
the nations we serve, whether building 
ventilators, providing PPE or simply standing 
up for social justice at a time when diversity 
and inclusion must be part of the DNA 
of our business. Our people have ensured 
that there is a warm welcome for everyone 
joining as new members of our corporate 
family, in the form of businesses acquired 
or as individuals. The ethics of the Company 
have ensured that talent, irrespective of 
background, is valued and appreciated.

Lessons learned
In many ways we have seen our business 
at its best in the worst of times. We have 
learned to be more agile, flexible, caring 
and concerned, for our customers and each 
other, reinforcing our long-held purpose 
to be performance driven and values led.

On this broader front we are responding 
to the increasing demands of society 
for conducting our business with a 
clear focus on setting and meeting 
high standards in our environmental, 
societal, and governance responsibilities.

We are clear that to our investors, 
customers, colleagues and future employees, 
it has never been more important to 
concentrate on how we make money, 
not simply how much money we make.

To meet the demands, we are fortunate 
in having a Board that is populated by 
people with great experience, deep 
convictions, and strong opinions, who are 
united in their belief in both the business 
and our role in society. The discussions are 
always robust, thoughtful, and constructive, 
with an appropriate mix of challenge and 
support when reviewing our purpose, 
priorities and performance.

For much of the year, our Board meetings 
have been conducted virtually, but 
in the brief period that permitted groups 
to gather together, socially distanced, the 
UK members of the Board met together 
in London, with our US colleagues joining 
from Washington DC via videoconference.

It was one small step towards the normality 
we all hope for in the year ahead.

As a Board, we have all learned much from 
the pandemic and recognise how vulnerable 
we all are to risks that appear remote, but 
are potentially catastrophic. The virus has 
made us more aware of our human frailty, 
our mutual dependency, and the need to 
care for the mental and physical health of 
colleagues at all times. It has brought to the 
forefront the vulnerabilities to the planet, 
such that our business priorities must 
encompass caring for the environment. 

These lessons learned will be evident in 
both what we say and what we do, and 
reflected in our behaviours and reporting 
in the years ahead.

Our strategy
Our core strategy remains unchanged 
(see pages 4 and 5). This includes 
continuing to focus on the design, 
development, and delivery of products 
and services as a world leader in the 
defence industry and to employ our 
skills to succeed in adjacent markets.

The operational imperatives set by 
the Chief Executive include advancing 
technology, improving competitiveness 
and driving operational excellence. 

The cash we generate from our 
operational performance is employed to 
fulfil a hierarchy of needs, encompassing 
supporting our pension commitments, 
investing in technology and other organic 
opportunities, completing relevant 
acquisitions when available, and rewarding 
our shareholders with a dividend. Surplus 
cash may, of course, be used to strengthen 
shareholder returns when appropriate.

During 2020, the execution of our 
strategic plan has been evident in the 
acquisitions made in the US to strengthen 
our Electronic Systems business, the 
continued investment in projects and 
people, and the maintenance of our 
dividend in the midst of the pandemic.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

23

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceChairman’s letter 
continued

Our strategy is, of course, an evolving item 
and subject to regular review by the Board. 

Our relationships with all our major 
customers remain strong and their 
commitment to defence expenditure 
undimmed in a turbulent world. The nature 
of defence, however, continues to reflect 
the changing battlespace, and to that 
end, we aim to grow our own interests 
to encompass multi-domain autonomous 
systems and networking, low earth orbit 
space and sustainability-driven product 
innovation. These developments are a 
natural extension of existing capabilities, 
and building on these strong foundations 
will ensure that those that follow will 
have a legacy on which to secure a 
long-term future.

Non-executive directors
The preservation of a deep knowledge 
of the Company has been particularly 
important in a period of extreme 
turbulence. It was in recognition of 
this need that we were fortunate to 
receive the support of shareholders in 
extending the terms of both Nick Rose and 
Paula Rosput Reynolds by approximately 
one year, but sadly their extensions expired 
and both non-executive directors stood 
down from the Board in December 
2020. Both Nick and Paula made an 
outstanding contribution to the Company 
as non-executive directors and committee 
chairs for which they will both be long 
remembered and much missed.

In anticipation of their departure, we 
conducted a comprehensive search in 
2020 for individuals of similar experience 
and equal calibre, and were fortunate 
to secure Dr Jane Griffiths and Nick 
Anderson who joined the Board in April 
and November respectively. Both bring 
a wealth of international experience and 
strengthen our operational, environmental 
and scientific skillset.

Across our UK businesses safe 
systems of work were put in 
place to ensure safe and efficient 
operations. F-35 production line, 
Samlesbury, UK.

24

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Summary
In summary, we are pleased to 
have delivered another year of strong 
performance, especially against the 
backdrop of a global pandemic, with 
sales of £20.9bn, underlying earnings 
per share of 46.8p, underpinned by 
an order backlog of £45.2bn and 
free cash flow of £367m.

In a challenging environment, the 
business has performed well and 
my thanks go to all of our colleagues, 
suppliers, customers and stakeholders 
who have made this possible.

None of us will ever forget 2020, but as 
the new year begins, I am confident that 
the Company has stronger foundations 
than at any time during my tenure as 
Chairman, and is well placed to face 
whatever is ahead.

The Board, therefore, has recommended 
a final dividend of 14.3p for a total of 23.7p 
for the full year. Subject to shareholder 
approval at the May 2021 Annual General 
Meeting, the dividend will be paid on 1 June 
2021 to holders of ordinary shares 
registered on 23 April 2021.

Sir Roger Carr 
Chairman

We have announced recently that Dame 
Carolyn Fairbairn and Dr Ewan Kirk will 
join the Board as non-executive directors 
on 1 March and 1 June respectively. Dame 
Carolyn, who was until recently Director-
General of the Confederation of British 
Industry, brings extensive business leadership 
and commercial experience across multiple 
business sectors, and Ewan brings a deep 
insight and knowledge of emergent digital 
technologies, that have been the basis for 
a successful business career. We are looking 
forward to them joining the Board and 
adding further to the quality of our 
deliberations and oversight. To complete the 
planned changes to the Board, we will be 
looking to make one further non-executive 
appointment later this year.

Executive directors
During the course of the year, Jerry DeMuro 
retired from the Board as the Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., and Peter Lynas 
retired as the Group Finance Director. Both 
executive directors contributed enormously 
to strengthening the rigour, discipline and 
performance of the Company and their 
service was valued and appreciated.

Following their retirement, there was 
a seamless transition in the US through 
the promotion of Tom Arseneault from 
President and Chief Operating Officer 
to President and Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc., and to Brad Greve 
as Group Finance Director, who had 
been recruited for that role some 
months before.

Charles Woodburn completed his third 
year as an outstanding and highly effective 
Chief Executive, with the newly-appointed 
directors now fused into a strong leadership 
team. The complete refreshment of the 
executive board in recent times has been 
an important step in reinvigorating the 
Company and providing a secure platform 
on which to build a promising future in 
the interests of all stakeholders.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

25

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceChief Executive’s  
review

During 2020, we have been resilient 
and agile in managing our response to 
the challenges created by the COVID-19 
pandemic. As we faced up to the global 
pandemic, we focused on protecting our 
employees and helping the communities 
in which we operate, as well as ensuring 
continued support for our customers. 
We entered the year in a position of 
strength, and addressed the pandemic-
related challenges whilst also completing 
two major strategic actions in the year: 
firstly, the two US-based acquisitions; and 
secondly, accelerating payments into the 
UK pension scheme. I am very proud of 
the response of our businesses and the 
outstanding efforts of our employees 
in these challenging times.

Demand for our capabilities remains high 
and we recognise our role not only in 
supporting national security, but also in 
contributing to the economic prosperity 
of the countries in which we operate.

Through a continuous drive on operational 
performance and with progress on our 
strategic objectives we are well placed 
to deliver a long-term sustainable business 
and generate shareholder value.

Through a continuous drive on operational performance 
and with progress on our strategic objectives we are well 
placed to deliver a long-term sustainable business and 
generate shareholder value.”

Charles Woodburn 
Chief Executive

26

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

During 2020, we focused on ensuring support for our customers and protecting our employees. Against the challenging backdrop of the global pandemic, we delivered a strong set of results.Overview
BAE Systems delivered a strong and 
resilient set of results in the face of a 
global pandemic, with higher year-on-year 
orders, sales, profit and free cash flow1, 
thanks to the outstanding efforts of 
our employees. Pandemic-related 
disruptions did impact profit in the first 
half of the year but the second half was 
stronger, enabling the Company to deliver 
higher year-on-year profit.

Our strategy remains consistent and is 
delivering results. We completed two key 
strategic actions in the year, which should 
benefit our outlook in the short and 
long term. Firstly, two acquisitions for a 
combined $2.2bn (£1.7bn) were announced 
and completed in the US. The Military 
Global Positioning System and Airborne 
Tactical Radios business acquisitions were 
opportunistic, arising from the Raytheon 
and United Technologies merger. Both 
are strategically attractive, complementary 
to our Electronic Systems portfolio and 
represent unique opportunities to purchase 
high-quality, technology-based businesses 
with market-leading capabilities and long 
histories of innovation in their respective 
fields. We were delighted to welcome 
the employees from these businesses 
into BAE Systems. The businesses are 
performing well and the integrations are 
progressing smoothly, benefiting from 
positive levels of engagement by the teams. 
Secondly, we made a £1bn one-off cash 
injection into the UK pension scheme, to 
accelerate the deficit reduction and give 
increased certainty to all our stakeholders. 
From a business perspective, it is anticipated 
this will give us additional cash flow looking 
forward and therefore opportunities for 
further generation of shareholder value.

BAE Systems has proven to be a resilient 
company and has long-term strength 
from its programmes, technologies, 
customer relationships and sustainability 
agenda. The Group maintained its strong 
sales balance between production and 
aftermarket services. The geographic mix 
of the business continued to evolve as 
our US business grew and our UK and 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia revenues 
remained stable. The geographic 
mix and reach, the programme spread 
and longevity of the positions which 
mean we are not dependent on a small 
number of programmes, are key factors 
in our resilience and also the strength 
of our outlook.

1. Excluding the £1bn UK pension scheme contribution.

Throughout the crisis, we supported 
governments and communities in the 
countries where we operate as they 
responded to the pandemic. We deployed 
our 3D printing capabilities and collaborated 
with our supply chain to donate more than 
150,000 items of Personal Protective 
Equipment (PPE) to healthcare workers in 
the US and the UK. We are proud to have 
supported ventilator production as part 
of the VentilatorChallengeUK consortium. 
We also supported our communities in 
our principal markets through the provision 
of online educational resources for young 
people, as well as financial support to 
healthcare providers and local charities 
to enable them to provide care packages 
and food relief to the most vulnerable. 
Much of our outreach work has been 
supported by our employees who 
volunteered their time and skills to 
help local relief efforts. I am exceptionally 
proud of how our people and the business 
have responded, it was truly inspiring.

Evolving to a sustainable business
Sustainability is important to us and our 
stakeholders. We recognise that the way we 
do business and the actions and behaviours 
we demonstrate are vital for the future 
strength of our business. The long-term 
outlook for the Company and the defence 
industry means we need to anticipate 
change and ensure that we can continue to 
improve upon what we do today, and into 
the future. We are committed to building 
a sustainable future by having a clear 
sustainability agenda focused on valuing 
and developing our people, making a 
positive social and economic contribution 
to our communities, developing innovative 
technology and collaborating with our supply 
chains and reducing the environmental 
impacts of our operations and products. 
We have set ourselves the target of 
achieving net zero greenhouse gas 
emissions across our operations by 2030. 
All of these are underpinned by sound 
governance at the core of our business. 
We will continue to review ways to integrate 
sustainability practices holistically into our 
business, driven through, and aligned with, 
our strategic objectives as we look to 
develop sustainable solutions to meet 
ever-evolving customer requirements. 
This sustainability agenda is fundamental 
to our business performance and aligns 
stakeholder priorities with the Group’s 
Environmental, Social and Governance 
(ESG) risks and opportunities so that we 
can drive the success of the business for 
the benefit of all of our stakeholders. 

Page 34
Sustainability

Our response to COVID-19
The safety and wellbeing of our employees 
is paramount and it was our primary 
consideration as we managed our response 
to the global pandemic. The professionalism, 
agility and understanding of our employees, 
customers, trades unions and suppliers 
was outstanding, as we embarked on the 
implementation of new working practices 
such as scaled-up home-working 
capabilities, reconfigured floorplans, shift 
patterns, enhanced cleaning regimes and 
other appropriate safe working measures. 

By taking these actions to build in resilience 
for a prolonged period of disruption, we 
were able to continue to deliver critical 
work for our customers and, where 
operations were impacted, ensure that 
site-critical workers were able to safely 
return to work. These actions and ways 
of working have endured into 2021 with 
the reintroduction of lockdown measures 
in many of our locations.

We coordinated closely with our supply 
chains to mitigate disruptions where 
possible and maintain resilience, in some 
cases advancing payments where required. 
Overall the response up and down the 
supply chains was outstanding. 

Support for the defence industry from 
the governments in our key markets has 
been exceptional around prioritisation of 
capabilities, cash flows, recognition of the 
need to maintain strong supply chains and 
collaborative working to maintain critical 
defence and security programmes. 

We in turn looked to help our customers 
by being agile in our working practices 
to deliver critical work and, where needed, 
prioritising the social needs of our 
governments and communities as we 
all responded to the challenges arising 
from the pandemic.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

27

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceChief Executive’s review 
continued

2020 operational performance
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. 

Continually pushing operational 
performance improvement is central to 
our strategy to ensure delivery of our order 
backlog and improvements in long-term 
cash generation.

Based on the acquisitions and organic 
operations, our US defence electronics 
business delivered another standout 
performance in 2020, 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 Electronic Systems business closed 
with a record order backlog supplemented 
by the acquisitions. 

Within Electronic Systems, our Controls 
and Avionics franchises in the civil aerospace 
market of engine and flight controls were 
negatively impacted by the pandemic. 
We have scaled the business appropriately, 
worked closely with our key customers 
and maintained our leading positions and 
capabilities to meet the expected return of 
long-term demand once COVID-19 vaccine 
prevalence is achieved.

Platforms & Services (US) work is 
predominantly on military contracts. 
Some schedule adjustments have occurred 
on the fixed price contracts in US Ship 
Repair and on the less mature combat 
vehicle programmes such as the Armored 
Multi-Purpose Vehicle. These operational 
challenges resulted from a combination 
of COVID-19 cases, supply chain 
disruptions and the ongoing investments 
and refinements in our vehicle designs and 
production processes that are integral to 
the early programme stages of low-rate 
initial production. Notwithstanding these 
challenges, our Combat Mission Systems 
business continues to make progress 
towards achieving consistent quality and 
production throughput across multiple 
programmes as the investment in new 
production capabilities, processes, and 
applying lessons learned take hold. 

Our US-based Intelligence & Security 
business delivered a highly resilient 
performance in the year and maintained 
its bid pipeline to deliver an enhanced 
backlog position at year end.

In our Applied Intelligence business, our UK 
Government division performed well, 
driving the whole business into a profit this 
year. We completed the disposal of the 
Applied Intelligence US-based software-as-
a-service business and exited the UK-based 
managed security services business.

In the Air sector profitability was impacted 
in the second quarter as our global 
operations had to adjust to operating 
under pandemic conditions. The Air 
sector responded to deliver a strong 
overall operational performance. Highlights 
included the meeting of key milestones on 
the Qatar build programmes, preparations 
for the continued ramp up of F-35 
production and the delivery of in-service 
support on Typhoon, Tornado and Hawk 
for international customers. The Tempest 
programme is progressing at pace, with 
Tempest partners currently working on 
more than 60 technology demonstrations.

In Maritime, significant progress was 
made on our operational performance 
in the year, working closely with the 
Royal Navy to deliver a number of key 
milestones. The fourth Astute Class 
submarine, HMS Audacious, was accepted 
and left our Barrow site in April during 
lockdown conditions, the final two Offshore 
Patrol Vessels, HMS Tamar and HMS Spey, 
were accepted and the work to bring the 
Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers to operational 
status continued with a particular highlight 
being HMS Queen Elizabeth going to sea 
with the UK’s new Carrier Strike Group for 
the first time as part of a NATO exercise. 
Maintaining this level of improved operational 
performance is vital as we progress with 
production on the Type 26 and Dreadnought 
programmes, the mainstays of the Maritime 
business for the next decade.

Driving competitiveness 
and efficiency
We will not forget the lessons learned 
during the response to the pandemic 
and there are a number of areas where 
the enforced changes in working practices 
may be able to provide learning and 
improvements to future business 
operations, all contributing to our strategic 
priority of competitiveness and providing 
value for money for our customers and 
shareholders. Areas highlighted to date 
include the streamlining of processes, 
general and administration cost savings, 
office footprint requirements, flexible 
working practices and how we can be 
more agile and adaptable to deliver our 
commitments in different ways.

Advancing and further 
leveraging our technology
The Group has world-class engineering 
capabilities and high-end discriminating 
technologies, well aligned to the current 
and future requirements of our customers. 

We have the ability and intention to 
advance our technology further and 
are working hard to drive forward our 
strategy, in partnership with our customers. 
We will do this through investing more 
in self-funded research and development, 
making acquisitions to enhance our 
exposure to high-growth areas – as shown 
by investing more than $2bn for the two 
US acquisitions and smaller bolt-ons this 
year – and working with our customers, 
industry partners, SMEs and academia.

Our technology strategy is driven by 
the challenges that our customers face 
now and in the future, given the multiplying 
threats they face, ranging from daily cyber 
attacks to the novel weapons being devised 
by potential adversaries. As a result, our 
systems and products need to be more 
adaptable and competitive than ever before. 
In addition to continuing to advance our 
portfolio in the more traditional domains 
of air, sea and land, we are focused on 
developing a number of technologies 
that support long-term market trends 
in our sector including: cyber capabilities; 
multi-domain autonomous systems and 
networking; delivery of military capability 
from space; and sustainability-driven 
product innovation.

In addition, the Electronic Systems and 
Air sectors remain focused on investment 
in emerging technologies and leveraging 
customer funding to maintain, develop 
and grow our strong market positions. 

Demand outlook
We have a large order backlog and 
exceptional programme positions, 
providing visibility of growth. Orders in 
2020 exceeded expectations, with pleasing 
progression in our US-managed businesses 
with a book-to-bill ratio1 of over one, as 
well as our workshare on the German 
award for 38 Typhoon aircraft. 

Our defence and security capabilities 
remain highly relevant in an uncertain global 
environment with complex threats and 
with the additional need for governments 
to drive a domestic economic prosperity 
agenda in a post-pandemic world.

1.  Ratio of Order intake to Sales.

28

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 remain high 
on national agendas with the need in 
many cases to recapitalise or upgrade 
ageing equipment.

The US continues to represent the world’s 
largest defence budget and accounts for 
around 45% of our sales. The Group’s 
US-based portfolio remains well aligned 
to customer priorities, growth areas, and 
the US National Defense Strategy, which 
we expect to continue under the new 
administration. The backlog for the 
US-based business has continued to grow 
both organically and through the two 
acquisitions successfully closed during the 
year. This backlog provides good visibility 
of growth in the US business.

In the UK, where we are the largest defence 
contractor, defence and security spending 
is set to increase over the next four years. 
The Integrated Foreign Policy, Defence and 
Security Review is due to be published early 
in 2021, and the UK government has 
made a series of recent programme 
announcements related to the review. 
Similarly in Australia, where we are the 
leading defence contractor, the business 
is set to grow significantly in the coming 
years as the Hunter Class Frigate 
programme matures. The government 
announcement in July to increase its 
ten-year investment in new and upgraded 
defence capabilities from A$195bn 
to A$270bn should provide further 
opportunities to enhance and extend 
our growth profile.

In Europe, a number of nations are 
increasing their defence budgets to address 
the threat environment and move towards 
their 2% of GDP NATO commitments. We 
remain well placed through our positions on 
the Eurofighter Typhoon, our shareholding 
in MBDA and our BAE Systems Hägglunds 
Sweden-based land vehicles business. 

In our Middle East markets, our long-
standing relationships at government 
and company levels, continued regional 
instability and in many areas the nature of 
our long-term contracts, mean we expect 
defence and security to remain a priority 
despite the impacts of the current low 
oil price.

The civil aerospace market accounts for 
around 5% of Group sales. COVID-19 
significantly impacted this market, and 
a recovery to 2019 levels is likely to be 
some years away. Despite the near-term 
challenges, this remains an important 
franchise for us in which we have leading 
capabilities in flight and engine controls 
across new, developing and more mature 
programmes with capabilities transferable 
from defence air platforms.

Brexit
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.

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. We have been 
working with our supply chain throughout 
the Brexit process to mitigate any major 
disruptions. Accordingly, the resulting 
impacts of Brexit across the business 
are expected to be limited.

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.

In April, BAE Systems issued $1.3bn (£1.0bn) 
of ten-year bonds to fund the £1bn 
contribution into the BAE Systems Pension 
Scheme. In September, BAE Systems issued 
$2.0bn (£1.5bn) of bonds, the proceeds 
of which were applied in the repayment 
of the $1.9bn bridge loan facility that had 
been drawn to fund the acquisition of 
the Military GPS business.

Post-employment benefits schemes
The Group’s share of the pre-tax 
accounting net post-employment benefits 
deficit remained in line with the prior year 
at £4.5bn. The impact of significantly lower 
discount rates increased liabilities, which 
offset asset returns and the Group’s 
contributions into the schemes.

Under the funding deficit recovery 
plan agreed in February 2020, a one-off 
payment of £1bn was made in April. 
Approximately £261m of funding was 
paid in the year, and in December, we 
also took the opportunity to make our 
March 2021 deficit payment of £161m 
ahead of schedule. The next triennial 
review is scheduled for 2022.

Executive Committee changes
At the start of 2020 Ben Hudson was 
appointed as Chief Technology Officer, 
replacing Nigel Whitehead who 
announced his intention to retire.

Summary
As demonstrated this year, 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.

In this challenging year we have built 
resilience into the business, returned 
the defence business to a near normal 
operational tempo, and completed our two 
US acquisitions smoothly. Relationships with, 
and support from our customers remains 
strong, with governments in our key markets 
continuing to prioritise defence and security. 
We are investing in technology aligned to 
our customers’ priorities. Our large order 
backlog, incumbent programme positions 
and evolving pipeline of opportunities mean 
we are well placed to deliver profitable 
top-line growth with increasing cash 
conversion in the coming years.

Charles Woodburn 
Chief Executive

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

29

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceThe work  
of the Board

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 the directors must have regard (amongst other things) 
to certain stakeholders and other factors. In this statement, we highlight some of the key decisions 
and discussions undertaken by the Board during 2020.

Overview of the year
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant 
impact on business and communities in 
2020, and that was also the case for 
BAE Systems and the Board. At the start 
of the pandemic, a great deal of Board 
and executive time was focused on 
understanding what was required to 
safeguard our employees, our local 
communities and support our defence 
and national security customers in the 
vital roles they play. During this period 
of uncertainty, the Board took important 
decisions to manage cash resources in 
the near term, until the risks to the 
business were better understood.

The first few months of the crisis provided 
additional insight as to the culture and 
underlying resilience of our people and 
our businesses, and our ability to adapt. 
As the year progressed, and after a 
tremendous effort by all involved, the Board 
was able to focus once more on longer-term 
decisions, including how best to incorporate 
what had been learned from how the 
Company had dealt with that initial crisis. 

As a result of the various global restrictions, 
the Board was unable to complete its 
planned programme of non-boardroom 
activities, which originally included site 
visits and the associated face-to-face 
engagement with employees, customers 
and shareholders. Where possible, the 
programme was adapted to seek 
stakeholder feedback and engage 
remotely but, as felt by much of society, 
this did not entirely replicate the richness 
of first-hand engagement. 

In the second half of the year, with 
the first phase of the pandemic behind 
us, the Company’s performance stabilised 
and the Board was able to consider 
the long-term trends in defence and the 
changes in technology that are driving 
these. This deep understanding of future 
trends is integral to how the Board allocates 
capital and invests to secure the long-term 
success of the Company. 

Throughout the year, the Board has 
been listening to customers, suppliers, 
shareholders, employees and our local 
communities in respect of our wider 
responsibilities to society. The Board 
appreciates and understands its responsibility 
for maintaining our reputation for high 
standards of business conduct, and it 
recognises that social and environmental 
responsibility are a key element of these 
high standards. These important matters 
will be on the Board’s agenda for 2021 
and beyond.

February
Pension funding
In February last year, the Board made an 
important decision on the funding of our 
commitments to the UK pension scheme. 

In October 2019, six of our nine UK pension 
schemes were consolidated into a single 
scheme, with nearly 165,000 members – 
of whom 150,000 have defined benefit 
arrangements. The consolidation helped to 
facilitate discussions between the Company 
and the trustee on a proposal to accelerate 
funding into the defined benefit sections of 
the main UK Scheme. Following completion 
of an actuarial valuation to determine the 
level of funding deficit and engagement 
with the trustee, the Board reviewed the 
proposal to agree a new deficit recovery 
plan. Under the proposal, the Company 
would make a one-off £1bn payment in 
April 2020 (to be funded by way of a bond 
issue), followed by fulfilment of the existing 
funding commitments of £490m by 
31 March 2021. 

The Board agreed the accelerated deficit 
funding plan as proposed. In doing so it 
had regard to a number of the factors 
detailed in the Section 172 duty, including:
–  the likely consequences of the decision 

in the long term;

–  the interest of employees and former 

employees participating in the pensions 
scheme; and

–  the important stakeholder relationships 
with the trustees and The Pensions 
Regulator in the UK.

The decision was also important in terms 
of the Board’s capital allocation policy. 
Meeting its pension funding obligations 
is one of the stated aims of this policy and 
the use of debt finance to accelerate deficit 
funding has enabled the Board to meet 
its employee and pensioner stakeholder 
commitments, whilst providing increased 
flexibility in terms of other funding priorities.

March – December
Supporting employees
The Board’s principal focus in the second 
quarter of 2020 was the health and wellbeing 
of our employees and supporting our 
customers, suppliers and local communities. 

Providing safe on-site working environments 
was essential to maintaining our performance 
and continuing to support our defence and 
national security customers. The Board 
considered how vital Personal Protective 
Equipment (PPE) supplies were being utilised 
and how workplaces were being adapted 
to create safe working environments in 
compliance with COVID-19 regulations. 
As part of this, it received updates on our 
close working relationship with the trades 
unions in the UK and their support in 
helping us manage workplace safety 
matters during such difficult times. 

Board members were keen to understand 
the steps taken to maintain communication 
with employees, who were working from 
home or on site in new and challenging 
circumstances. Directors were pleased 
to see the agile and rapid deployment of 
various means of communication across 
the Company. These included the enhanced 
roll-out of an employee app, which allowed 
us to update employees directly and 
immediately through their personal 
devices and receive feedback from them. 
In subsequent Board meetings following 
the initial impact of COVID-19, directors 
dedicated a significant amount of time 
to better understanding workforce 
matters. One such matter was that 
of employee wellbeing, resilience and 
mental health, particularly in regard 
to the implications of lockdown and the 
associated changes in work environment 
and personal circumstances.

30

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Non-financial information statement
The following sections of the Strategic report entitled ‘The work of the Board’ and ‘Sustainability’ (pages 30 to 55) constitute the 
Non-Financial Information Statement as required by the Companies Act 2006 as amended, together with the sections ‘Our business model’ 
(pages 6 and 7) and ‘Our stakeholders’ (pages 8 and 9) which are incorporated in this non-financial information statement by reference.

The Board engagement programme 
was adapted to allow a degree of direct 
engagement with employees. In the 
second half of the year, the Chairman 
and non-executive directors held a number 
of video conferences with a variety of 
colleagues from across our global employee 
base. In these conversations, directors sought 
feedback on the Company’s response to 
the pandemic and heard first-hand accounts 
of the impact of COVID-19 on employees. 
They also shared experiences of how we 
were adapting to support customers, 
suppliers and their communities. 

Faced with the COVID-19 crisis, the Board 
carefully considered the key steps to be 
taken to safeguard the Company. Cash 
expenditure was curtailed but it was agreed 
that wherever possible we would continue 
to fund matters that were important to the 
long-term success of the Company. This 
included our investment in the recruitment 
and training of those just starting their 
careers. As a result, we maintained our 
UK apprentice programme, recruiting 
approximately 750 apprentices in 2020, 
and honoured our commitment to over 
230 individuals recruited under our UK 
graduate programmes and 260 graduates 
within our US business. During the year in 
Australia, the Hunter Class Future Frigate 
programme continues to ramp up, creating 
and sustaining over 5,000 jobs, including 
1,000 apprentice and graduate roles over 
the life of the programme.

Supporting suppliers 
and serving customers
We have always understood the importance 
of our suppliers to our performance, and 
consequently our ability to serve our 
customers. From the onset of the pandemic 
we knew that the effectiveness of our 
supply chain would be critical. We have 
21,000 directly-contracted suppliers 
worldwide. Given the nature of our 
products, replacing a supplier at short 

notice is difficult, as everything from 
major sub-assemblies to simple electrical 
connectors are subject to engineering 
and quality certification requirements. 

At the beginning of the COVID-19 
pandemic, the Board set out to understand 
the steps being taken to monitor supply 
chain performance and our ability to take 
action where necessary. It understood 
that maintaining cash flow through the 
supply chain was critical. Our government 
customers also appreciated this and they 
provided excellent support in maintaining 
payments – and in turn, we were able 
to continue payments to suppliers. This 
flow down of cash was essential to the 
wellbeing of many companies within our 
supply chain that had to cope with hugely 
challenging trading conditions. The Board 
also agreed that additional cash funding 
should be made available from our resources 
to maintain the viability of key suppliers, and 
thereby support our performance and our 
ability to serve customers. As a result, in 2020 
we provided £151m of financial support, 
by way of early or advance payments, to 
around 200 suppliers across the Company.

April
Community support
During the year, the Board and the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee 
regularly discussed the impact of COVID-19 
on our local communities and the ways in 
which we could provide support.

The Board was proud of the Company’s 
membership of the VentilatorChallengeUK 
consortium. We were able to support 
the communities in which we operate as 
they responded to the pandemic through 
donations of approximately 150,000 
items of PPE to healthcare workers in the 
US and UK. Additionally we were pleased 
to have been able to provide financial 
support to healthcare providers and 
local charities.

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.”

We have a large share register with 
thousands of individual shareholders. 
We appreciate the importance of 
maintaining contact with shareholders 
but nevertheless, over time, for various 
reasons we lose contact with some 
shareholders. Having reviewed our register, 
there were a number of shareholders who 
we had not been able to contact for over 
12 years, we therefore implemented an 
intensive tracing and asset reunification 
programme to try to reunite these 
shareholders with their unclaimed assets. 

A number of companies have utilised 
provisions within their Articles of 
Association and undertaken unclaimed 
asset exercises with the proceeds from 
the sale of such assets used to fund 
good causes. Our Articles of Association 
are similar, and it was proposed that 
we undertake such an exercise. 

The Board reviewed a proposal for an 
unclaimed asset programme, with the 
net proceeds from any shares sold used 
to support the local communities in which 
we operate. The proposal was put to the 
Board and, having regard to community 
and social interests, it was approved. 
The share forfeiture was completed 
during the year, with £3.6m being made 
available to fund community support 
projects – this being in addition to our 
regular funding for community initiatives. 

Stakeholder engagement
The Company engages with a variety of 
stakeholders on a regular basis. Feedback 
is received at a number of different levels 
and helps inform numerous decisions 
made on a delegated basis across the 
Company – but within the highly developed 
governance structure approved and 
overseen by the Board. Stakeholder 
feedback is also received by the directors, 
either directly, via executive management 
or through formal reporting processes. 
Further information on stakeholders and 
how we engage can be found in the 
following sections of this Annual Report:

Page 08
Our stakeholders

Page 43
People

Page 50
Supporting our local communities

Page 116
Corporate Responsibility Committee report

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

31

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceThe work of the Board 
continued

April – July
Dividend decisions
As with many businesses, the lockdown 
measures used to manage the COVID-19 
pandemic required the Board to understand 
urgently the possible stresses that a lengthy 
shutdown of operations would have on 
finances. Facilitated by the Group Finance 
Director, the Board reviewed the output 
from a scenario-based exercise, which 
modelled potential impacts of the 
pandemic. These ranged from moderate 
disruption to activity and supply chain 
effectiveness, through to severe operational 
disruptions for an extended period of time. 
Cash flow was the key consideration in all 
the scenarios, and measures were taken 
immediately to conserve cash.

The Board held a special meeting at the 
beginning of April to consider the potential 
impact the pandemic could have on 
employees, customers, suppliers and our 
finances, and take any short-term actions as 
may be necessary to protect the Company 
and promote its success in the longer term.

Given the level of uncertainty at the 
beginning of April, the Board considered 
whether it would be prudent to defer 
the payment of the final dividend for 2019, 
due to be paid in June and requiring a 
cash outflow of approximately £442m. 
It considered the various stakeholders that 
had an interest in the long-term success 
of the Company – including employees, 
customers and suppliers. The Board was 
equally conscious of the importance of the 
dividend to shareholders. Having weighed 
up the various factors, and taking into 
account the high level of uncertainty at the 
time, the Board believed that it was in the 
best interest of all stakeholders to defer the 
final dividend in the short term and review 
the matter later in the year when there 
would be greater clarity as to the impact 
of the pandemic.

The Board reconsidered the payment of 
dividends at the end of July, when the 
half-year results were available. A great deal 
had been achieved in the four months since 
the dividend deferment decision, and many 
of our defence operations had well over 
90% of employees working. There was 
real evidence of the Company’s adaptability 
and resilience, plus we had supported our 
customers and they had supported us 
through a very difficult period. We engaged 
with many of our larger shareholders, and 
also heard from a number of smaller 
shareholders, and understood the 
importance of corporate dividends to the 
wider economy and to individuals for whom 
this was a significant part of their income.

Having considered what was in the 
best long-term interests of the Company 
and having had regard to shareholder 
and broader stakeholder interests, the 
Board agreed that the deferred dividend 
should be paid in September. Based on 
the performance of the Company in the 
year to date, it also decided that an interim 
dividend should be paid in November, in 
line with our usual dividend timetable. 

October – November
Shareholder engagement
COVID-19 restrictions meant that the 
non-executive directors were unable to 
meet personally with a number of major 
shareholders as originally planned for 2020. 
However, we did hold a Board governance 
event by videoconference, which was 
attended by 30 shareholders and investors. 
The Chairman and the non-executive 
chairs of our principal board committees 
led the event, and they answered questions 
submitted by attendees. We also maintained 
our usual investor relations programme 
throughout 2020, with the Chief Executive 
and Group Finance Director holding investor 
meetings, albeit virtually. 

The Chairman held regular meetings with 
shareholders during the year. These were 
focused largely on governance matters, 
rather than the financial and operational 
performance agenda that is the principal 
focus of the investor meetings conducted 
by the executive directors. The latest series 
of these meetings was in October, when the 
Chairman met with 13 major shareholders 
based in the UK and US. A range of matters 
were discussed, including capital allocation 
policy, Board development, how the Board 
facilitates its understanding of the changes 
in technology and the need to ensure that 
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) 
reporting was focused on the key metrics 
widely used by shareholders. In November, 
we hosted a Governance seminar wherein 
we provided investors with an overview 
of the Board governance, culture, purpose 
and our response to COVID-19. The Chairs 
of each Committee gave an overview of 
activities of their respective committees 
during the year and forward-looking plans 
into 2021 and beyond. The Chairman 
produced detailed reports on each meeting 
and shared the feedback with all Board 
members. This helped facilitate an item 
on the November Board meeting agenda on 
shareholder engagement, during which the 
directors considered what we had heard 
from shareholders in the second half of 
the year. 

Our major programmes and markets update 
gave investors an opportunity to hear from 
our Chief Executive, Group Finance Director 
and President and Chief Executive Officer, 
BAE Systems, Inc. Investors were given an 
overview of the performance of our 
businesses and a market update.

November
Strategy and long-term 
decision-making
The Board is responsible for setting the 
Company’s strategy and promoting 
the long-term sustainable success of the 
Company. The annual review of strategy is 
a key part of the Board’s annual programme, 
providing time for all directors to consider 
strategic changes in markets and technology, 
make decisions on our priorities for future 
growth and understand the actions 
required to achieve our strategic aims. 
At the same meeting, the directors review 
and agree the latest iteration of our rolling 
five-year business plan and make decisions 
regarding the risk appetite in pursuit of 
the business plan. In 2020, the Board 
considered the likely long-term market 
trends in defence and aerospace markets, 
focusing on:
–  multi-domain autonomous systems and 

networking; 

–  low earth orbit space; and
–  sustainability-driven product innovation.

The Board reviewed these markets and 
their alignment with our existing products 
and technology, over the next decade 
and beyond. For example, it was recognised 
that we currently have a significant presence 
in the hybrid-electric transit bus market 
– founded on the power management 
capabilities in our US electronic aircraft 
engine controls business. We are developing 
all-electric bus solutions and see longer-
term opportunities to use our power 
management expertise for other transport 
solutions, including electric propulsion 
in aircraft. The Board confirmed its 
commitment to developing our position 
in this market and continuing to assess 
the opportunities that may be available 
to us in adjacent sectors.

The Board will continue to review progress 
in developing our approach to future 
business and the long-term alignment of 
the Company to access agreed strategic 
growth paths. 

32

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

December
Retention of the Chief Executive
During the last quarter of 2020 our 
Chief Executive received an unsolicited 
offer of a role in another major international 
company. Given his commitment to the 
Company, prior to making a decision, he 
chose to share details of the opportunity 
with the directors. The Board valued the 
significant contribution he has made since 
his appointment and recognised the 
importance of his leadership role at a critical 
time in the development of the Company. 
Accordingly, the directors decided that steps 
should be taken to secure his leadership 
of the Company.

In the three years that he has been in post, 
considerable progress has been made in 
the strategic development and operational 
performance of the business. The directors 
considered the risks to the Company and 
its stakeholders that could result from the 
loss of a high-performing Chief Executive 
and the difficulty in replacing him given 
not only the demands of the role but also 
the UK nationality requirement enshrined 
in our Special Share provisions. 

As part of its long-term succession plans, 
the directors had successfully managed 
changes to the other two board-level 
executive roles earlier in the year. With 
those recent changes in mind, the directors 
agreed that it was particularly important to 
maintain the continuity of leadership and 
experience provided by the Chief Executive. 

The directors were also aware of their 
Section 172 duty to promote the success of 
the Company and in doing so have regard 
to certain stakeholder considerations. 
Consequently, the Board reviewed the likely 
consequences of their decision in the long 
term and, amongst others, the interests of 
shareholders, customers and employees. 

As detailed opposite, during October and 
November the Chairman had met with a 
number of major shareholders and, during 
discussions largely on governance matters, 
had sought views on the management of 
the Company, and the performance of the 
Chief Executive in particular. This feedback, 
which was relayed to the directors by the 
Chairman, had been universally positive.

Given the nature of the issue, it was not 
possible to consult with shareholders prior 
to considering the matter but subsequent 
engagement with shareholders, whose 
holdings represent around 60% of our 
issued share capital, has been positive 
and broadly supportive of the decision. 

Based on previous feedback from 
customers, the directors also believed 
that continuity in leadership was crucial 
in maintaining customer relationships 
and in sustaining the progress made in the 
execution of major defence programmes 
that are vital to the long-term success of 
the Company.

Having considered the interests of various 
stakeholders and what was in the best 
long-term interest of the Company, the 
directors determined that they should seek 
to retain Dr Woodburn. They also agreed 
that his then remuneration appeared to 
no longer reflect his value to the Company 
or, in light of the offer he had received, 
his standing in the market. It asked the 
Remuneration Committee to review 
the matter with a view to retaining 
Charles Woodburn as Chief Executive. 
Details of the one-off and exceptional 
decisions it subsequently made are detailed 
in the Remuneration Committee Report 
on pages 124 to 128.

High standards of business conduct
Our Code of Conduct, Operational 
Framework and Supplier Principles – 
Guidance for Responsible Business, set out 
our expectations for employees, business 
partners and suppliers. We believe upholding 
high standards of business conduct is 
essential in promoting the long-term 
sustainable success of the Company, and is 
crucial to our relationship with stakeholders.

To ensure that the Code of Conduct remains 
current and continues to reflect best 
practice, it is subject to a triennial review 
process. Such a process was completed in 
2020 and the Board reviewed and approved 
the revised Code.

The defence industry is subject to strict 
regulatory controls. In line with customer 
and other stakeholder expectations, we 
maintain rigorous internal controls which 
govern what we sell and who we sell to.

Our Product Trading Policy and Responsible 
Trading Principles help us to thoroughly 
evaluate the opportunities we pursue and 
underpin all of our business activity: 
–  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.

During 2020 we commenced a review 
of our Supplier Principles which will be 
concluded in 2021 to further strengthen 
our sustainability agenda. 

We regularly engage with our customers 
and review a variety of stakeholder 
feedback in order to ensure we continue 
to meet stakeholder expectations in the 
conduct of our business operations. 

Environmental commitment
We recognise the environmental impact 
of our global operations and are committed 
to the development and implementation 
of a long-term decarbonisation strategy. 
Our Chief Executive is the owner of the 
Environmental Policy that explains our 
commitment to address the environmental 
impacts resulting from our operations 
and products. The Board and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee support the 
Chief Executive in ensuring that there is 
an appropriate environment and climate 
change programme across the Group.

We sought the views of our stakeholders 
to ensure that we were aligned in our 
environmental ambitions. Our customers’ 
views and country goals in respect of 
carbon reduction were taken into account 
when formulating our environmental 
ambitions. Throughout the year, the 
Chairman met with investors and discussed 
our Environmental, Social and Governance 
(ESG) agenda. This gave shareholders 
the opportunity to provide their views 
on the Company’s obligations in respect 
of the environment and particularly our 
responsibilities in tackling climate change. 
Additionally, during virtual get-together 
meetings hosted by the Chairman and 
the Chief Executive, employees sought to 
understand the Company’s approach 
to reducing carbon emissions and 
employees were given the opportunity 
to provide feedback. 

In September, taking into account 
various stakeholder views, the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee reviewed a 
proposal for the Company’s net zero 
strategy and sought to understand the 
infrastructure and activity required. 

Following a thorough review, the Company 
was able to set the target of achieving net 
zero greenhouse gas emissions across our 
operations by 2030. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

33

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability

 Our sustainability agenda  
and governance

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

Introduction
Sustainability is important to us and to all 
of our stakeholders. At BAE Systems we 
serve, supply and protect those who serve 
and protect us, in a corporate culture that 
is performance driven and values led. 
Our sustainability agenda supports this 
purpose and our important role in society 
by reducing the environmental impacts 
of our operations and products, valuing 
and developing our people, making a 
positive social and economic contribution 
to our communities, developing innovative 
technologies and collaborating with our 
supply chains.

This approach is fundamental to 
our business performance and aligns 
stakeholder priorities with the Group’s 
Environmental, Social and Governance 
(ESG) risks and opportunities so that 
we can deliver positive outcomes for 
our stakeholders. 

Our sustainability agenda
Our sustainability agenda incorporates 
the following priorities.

Environment
–  Environment and climate change – 
the risk that climate change will have 
a significant and lasting impact on global 
economic growth and prosperity is a 
factor that we recognise and are 
responding to.

Social
–  People – our ability to deliver against our 
strategy is dependent on recruiting and 
retaining people with appropriate skills.
–  Safety and wellbeing – ensuring a safe 
and constructive working environment is 
a fundamental responsibility.

–  Human rights – we are committed to 
respecting and upholding human rights 
wherever we operate, in respect of 
activities under the full, direct control 
of the Company.

–  Social impact – making a positive social 

and economic contribution to the 
communities in which we live and work 
by contributing to activities and 
organisations that align with our values 
and business objectives.

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

Governance
–  Governance and business conduct 
– our licence to trade is dependent 
upon adherence to all relevant laws 
and regulations, robust governance and 
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.

Our approach to Environmental, 
Social and Governance factors
Our sustainability agenda incorporates 
Environmental, Social and Governance 
(ESG) considerations that affect the 
success of our business. Our agenda 
provides a framework for how we do 
business. It is driven from the top by 
our Chief Executive who has primary 
responsibility for delivery of the Group’s 
strategy. He is supported on sustainability 
matters by the Group Director Governance, 
Conduct and Sustainability who advises 
on our sustainability strategy with input 
from a wide range of stakeholders. 

Our Board Corporate Responsibility 
Committee is dedicated to the oversight 
of many aspects of the Company’s 
performance in sustainability, including 
governance and ethics, and it takes a 
longer-term view in reviewing challenges 
and opportunities in this area (see page 116).

Investors are increasingly reviewing ESG 
issues that influence companies’ long-term 
success and considering these factors in 
their decision-making.

34

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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. 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 support the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs) and remain 
committed to driving progress on specific 
goals that are aligned to our sustainability 
agenda. The 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.

During 2020, we reviewed the SDGs that 
the Company can directly contribute to 
by progressing its sustainability agenda. 
The Company is committed to contributing 
to the four SDGs on the following page, 
by leveraging the individual elements of 
our sustainability agenda which will drive 
change for the Company and its wider 
stakeholders and communities. The global 
nature of our business means that some of 
our programmes may influence other SDGs.

Our sustainability agenda contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

Quality education
We work closely with schools, colleges 
and universities as well as engineering 
and business organisations in our 
principal markets to promote and inspire 
people to pursue careers in Science, 
Technology, Engineering and Maths.

We create employment opportunities 
across our organisation via our apprentice, 
graduate, career development and 
recruitment programmes to help increase 
youth and adult employment. 

We will continue to support and encourage 
our employees to develop their skills to 
engage in lifelong learning via our training 
and development programmes.

Industry, innovation 
and infrastructure
We structure our R&D activities around 
our business and product strategy, ensuring 
a clear focus for our R&D spend. We also 
continuously scan the horizon for new 
technologies and developments in defence 
technology around the world.

As well as partnering with our customers, 
we work with other companies and academia 
to invest in technologies and assets that 
complement our existing capabilities and 
our future product development.

–  Approximately 750 

–  811 hours of training per 

apprentices recruited 
as part of our 2020 
intake in the UK.

–  170 graduates recruited 
in the UK in 2020 as well 
as 60 undergraduates 
(12-month industrial 
placement).

employee2 in 2020.
–  £1,7001 invested in 

training per employee 
in 2020.

–  40% of global hires 

recruited into STEM roles.

Decent work and 
economic growth
We contribute to economic productivity 
by investing in people, skills and innovation 
throughout our value chain. This investment 
is strengthened by our commitment to 
continue to create a diverse and inclusive 
work environment, underpinned by safe work 
practices promoting employee wellbeing, 
maintaining robust governance systems 
and efficiently using natural resources. 

1. UK figure.
2.  Average hours per full-time employee.

Responsible consumption 
and production
We are committed to reducing the 
environmental impact of our operations 
and value chain by actively managing 
the energy and resources that we use.

Our products are built to be in active 
service for decades and we work with 
our customers and suppliers to develop 
innovative technology that is designed 
to reduce the environmental impacts 
of such products. 

–  £236m invested in 

research and development 
by the Company in 2020.

–  Patents and patent 

applications covering 
approximately 2,500 
inventions internationally.

–  £11bn spent with 
21,000 directly 
contracted suppliers.

–  Target set to achieve 
net zero greenhouse 
gas emissions across 
our operations by 2030.

–  Working towards a net 

zero value chain by 2050.

–  Alignment of our 

business with the goals 
of the Paris Agreement.

Our programmes influence these Sustainable Development Goals:

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

35

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability

 Environment

Our goal is to develop and implement 
a long-term strategy that reduces the 
impact of our activities and products 
on the environment, whilst progressing 
our ambition of net zero greenhouse gas 
emissions across our operations and value 
chain. We aim to improve energy efficiency, 
introduce cleaner technologies, collaborate 
across our value chain, and mitigate climate-
related risk, both physical and transitional. 

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD)
The TCFD was founded in 2015 by the 
Financial Stability Board, to improve and 
increase reporting of climate-related 
financial information. In 2017, the TCFD 
made its first recommendations designed 
to help companies provide better 
information to support stakeholders 
in understanding a company’s exposure 
to climate-related risk.

We are committed to implementing the 
recommendations of the TCFD, to ensure 
we are aligned to them by the end of 
2021 and beginning to report our status 
in 2022. They are an important step 
towards enabling a net zero economy.

Environmental strategy
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.

To do this, we have taken a business-led 
approach to setting reduction targets 
and driving improvement programmes 
and activities to reduce our 
environmental impacts. 

Our net zero programme

Activities have included installing a solar 
array on company land, moving to LED 
lighting systems, decommissioning carbon 
intensive coal fired boilers, installing a reed 
bed to clean effluent, designing buildings 
to meet BREEAM standards, re-using 
heat in a maritime platform and installing 
a Combined Heat and Power plant at the 
Portsmouth Naval Base and changing 
behaviours through implementing energy 
management systems.

Our ambition to achieve net zero
We recognise the need to accelerate 
our response in relation to climate change 
including the alignment of our business 
with the goals of the Paris Agreement. 
As a result, during 2020, environmental 
leads and functional representatives 
from across the business worked 
together to scope a net zero ambition 
for the Group. Following this first phase 
of work, BAE Systems can now outline 
its ambition to get to net zero.

We define net zero as achieving a 
state in which our activities result 
in no net impact on the climate 
from greenhouse gas emissions.

We have set ourselves the target of:
–  achieving net zero greenhouse gas 
emissions across our operations 
(Scope 1 and 2) by 2030. We aim 
to do this by reducing our emissions 
as a minimum in line with the 
1.5°C pathway; and

–  working towards a net zero value 

chain by 2050.

We recognise we cannot do this alone. 
We intend to collaborate with our 
suppliers and customers, and partner 
with researchers and technologists 
to innovate for a net zero future.

During 2021 we will move to the next 
phases of our net zero programme.

Phase two of our programme will focus 
on developing a net zero roadmap and 
will consider the use of several strategic 
levers, to enable emissions to be reduced 
as far as possible, including activities 
relating to:
–  low/zero carbon products;
–  our supply chains;
–  renewable energy;
–  energy efficiency in our facilities 

and buildings; and

–  business travel.

In phase three our operating model and the 
capabilities that will be required to transition 
to a net zero organisation will be assessed 
and key performance metrics and interim 
targets identified.

Phase four will involve implementing 
the changes required to deliver our 
net zero strategy.

Governance of environment
Responsibility for climate change and 
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 climate change and 
environment programme and performance 
objectives are set and flowed down across 
the business. These objectives are intended 
to reduce the Group’s environmental 
impact, including climate change impact, 
in the immediate and long term, to enable 
the Group to deliver against its climate 
change and environmental commitments. 
The Corporate Responsibility Committee 
monitors progress in this area.

Phase

1Define net zero 

target

Phase

2 Develop net zero 

roadmap

Phase

3 Develop net zero 

operating model

Phase

4 Implement

change

36

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 below are built into business EMS 
systems. Part of the EMS process is to define 
issues and set appropriate targets for the 
reduction of environmental and climate 
change impacts and risks. 

Environmental risk management
Our approach to identifying and assessing 
environmental risks is embedded within 
our approach to risk management 
(see page 90). Environmental risks may 
present as financial or non-financial risks 
depending on the extent to which their 
impacts can be quantified, and how they 
have been classified.

The Group operates in a highly regulated 
environment across many jurisdictions 
and is subject to regulations relating 
to environmental factors including but 
not limited to climate change, therefore 
consideration of current and emerging 
regulation within our environmental 
management system is key to mitigating 
risk. Identified regulatory risks include 
energy-related taxes and the increased costs 
of compliance with energy-related schemes.

Understanding how the business may 
be impacted by its environmental factors 
is also a key component of mitigating 
emerging, medium- and longer-term 
risk. Water scarcity is an example of an 
environmental factor that has the potential 
to impact our operations, for example, 
if a site extracts water for process use. 

Extreme weather events are another key 
environmental factor. These weather events, 
primarily flood risks, have the potential to 
directly impact our operations and, in turn, 
programme schedules. BAE Systems uses 
analytical tools to apply natural catastrophe 
classifications to each of its sites worldwide. 
This has informed our strategy as to where 
to target a programme of specific flood, 
windstorm and earthquake assessments of 
our sites and implement the subsequent risk 
reduction recommendations. The relocation 
of our Fort Wayne site is a good example 
of where we have worked to mitigate the 
risk of future river flood events. In 2020, 
we conducted a refresh of this data and 
during 2021 we will be modelling climate 
scenarios for 2030, 2050 and 2085.

1.  International Organization for Standardization.

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 

2020 key environment data1

Water consumption

2020
cubic metres

2019 
cubic metres

Mains

2,039,777

2,264,302

legislation and policy in our various markets.

Abstracted

3,584,015

90,607,341

Total

Recycled

5,623,792

92,871,643

19.3%

1.3%

Waste production

Non-hazardous

Hazardous

Total

Recycled2

2020
tonnes

39,211

15,922

55,133

80%

2019 
tonnes

67,719

88,549

156,268

70%

Electricity consumption3

2020
kWh

2019 
kWh

Grid

752,188,305

880,610,015

Renewable4

7,288,830

13,093,192

Total

759,477,135

893,703,207

1.  While operational performance improvements 

have contributed to the downward trend for 2020 
across the environmental data, the most significant 
factor in the reductions seen is the removal of 
two facilities from our reporting boundary as 
noted on page 38.

2.  Includes both non-hazardous and hazardous 

waste recycling.

3.  Includes only those facilities that record 

their electricity consumption via the Group’s 
environmental database.

4.  Includes only directly-produced 

renewable electricity.

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

Risks associated with the transition towards 
net zero are also identified and these will 
be further assessed as part of our net 
zero programme via the phased approach 
outlined above. We also continue to take 
into account opportunities associated 
with climate change, including the ways 
in which we can use our advanced 
engineering capabilities to develop new 
products and services that support low 
carbon or reduced emissions requirements. 

Our approach to environmental targets
Due to the differences in geography and 
stage of manufacture of platforms and 
programmes, each business implements its 
own environmental targets and initiatives. 
Businesses set objectives to improve the 
performance of their operations and reduce 
energy used and the generation of waste, 
emissions and other discharges, such as 
effluents. Our businesses also set targets 
to reduce water consumption. 

During 2020 we have implemented energy 
efficiency measures at a number of sites 
across multiple business units and 
geographies. The most notable include 
the continuation of a steam rationalisation 
project to reduce energy consumption 
associated with steam, LED lighting 
replacements at several sites, replacement 
of current single panel windows with 
double glazed units and improvements to 
HVAC controls. Additionally, several sites 
continue to implement ISO1 50001 which 
demonstrates their commitment to energy 
management and energy efficiency best 
practices. We purchased 173,502 MWh 
of renewable energy attributes under the 
Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin 
scheme during 2020.

Across the Group, we aim for the efficient 
use of resources and a reduction in waste 
across the full lifecycle of our products, 
from design through to manufacturing, 
use and end-of-life.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

37

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability
Environment continued

Greenhouse gas emissions
Our aim is to continually improve energy 
efficiency and the decarbonising of our 
energy supply to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions. Once implemented our net zero 
programme will provide the framework 
to accelerate reductions. 

The majority of our operational 
greenhouse gas emissions come from 
the gas and electricity we use across 
our facilities. Our focus is on making our 
facilities more efficient and generating 
electricity from lower-emission sources.

During 2020, we removed two facilities 
from our organisational reporting boundary, 
as we do not have operational control of 
these facilities. Another business entity 
includes the emissions from these facilities 
within their environmental reporting 
obligations. As a result of these changes 
energy and emissions for the Group have 
reduced and our top ten site listing has 
been revised.

Our top ten largest sites accounted for 54% 
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 greenhouse gas emissions. 

The majority of these sites operate 
environmental management systems 
certified to ISO1 14001, with an aim to 
reduce their energy consumption and 
in turn greenhouse gas emissions. Other 
sites certified to 14001 will set appropriate 
objectives and targets to improve 
environmental performance.

During the financial year, Group-wide 
greenhouse gas emissions have reduced 
by 50% and total greenhouse gas 
emissions per employee by 55%. While 
the implementation of energy efficiency 
projects has contributed to this decrease, 
the most significant factor in the Group-
wide reductions is the removal of two sites 
from our reporting boundary. Reported 
Scope 3 emissions have been effected by a 
decrease in business travel due to COVID-19. 
We will continue our focus on improving 
and reducing emissions going forwards.

Greenhouse gas emissions data

Absolute energy consumption

2020

Global  
kWh

UK 
kWh

2019

Global 
kWh

UK 
kWh

Energy consumption  
Scope 1 and 2

1,700,834,942

669,133,482

3,351,428,765

690,707,464

Greenhouse gas emissions data1

Scope definition

1   Emissions from activities which 

2020

Global  
tonnes  
CO2e

UK  
tonnes  
CO2e

2019

Global 
tonnes  
CO2e

UK 
tonnes  
CO2e

BAE Systems owns or controls (Scope 1)

151,190

69,948

480,392

84,206

2   Emissions from the electricity and steam 
purchased for BAE Systems’ use (Scope 2 
– location-based)

336,207

73,221

Total gross Scope 1 and 2 emissions

487,397

143,169

484,504

965,436

82,896

167,102

3   Emissions from employee business 
travel which BAE Systems does 
not own or control (Scope 3)2

54,769

11,941

138,020

47,705

Greenhouse gas emissions per employee3

2020

Global  
tonnes  
CO2e

UK  
tonnes  
CO2e

2019

Global 
tonnes  
CO2e

UK 
tonnes  
CO2e

Per each full-time equivalent employee 
(Scope 1 and 2)

5

4

11

5

1.  2020 emissions data has been subject to limited assurance verification by Ramboll US Consulting, Inc.
2. Relevant reporting period 1 November 2019 to 31 October 2020.
3. Including share of equity accounted investments.

1.  International Organization for Standardization.

38

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

UK Streamlined Energy & Carbon 
Reporting (SECR)
The SECR requirements are mandatory 
reporting standards that build on the 
existing UK greenhouse gas reporting 
requirements to encourage businesses 
to implement energy efficiency measures 
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2021 priorities
During 2021, we will aim to:
–  progress our net zero programme 
including developing our net zero 
road map and developing our net 
zero operating model;

–  continue to set environmental goals 
and undertake supporting initiatives 
to reduce environmental impacts 
at a business level; and

–  model climate scenarios for 2030, 

2050 and 2085.

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

For the 2020 reporting cycle, the 2020 UK 
government emissions factors published by 
the Department for Business, Energy and 
Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have been utilised. 
The most up-to-date Emissions and Generation 
Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) factors 
published by US Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) are utilised for US electricity. 
For the 2020 reporting cycle, the most up-to-
date US factors are from the year 2018. 

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

Energy consumption figures are calculated 
using energy consumption records reported 
via the Group’s global environmental database 
or, where actual usage data is not available, 
by estimating consumption based on the type 
of building. The energy consumption figures 
are used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse gas emissions related to business 
travel include air travel data for the majority 
of the global business, rail data for business 
units operating in the UK and US, and vehicle 
(including hire car, company car and personal car) 
data for business units operating in the UK, US 
and Australia. These data sets are taken from 
suppliers’ procurement records.

Emissions from pension scheme properties 
not occupied by the Group and joint ventures 
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 413,434 tCO2e. 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 
Greenhouse Gas 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 
Greenhouse Gas Protocol Guidance.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

39

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability

 Technology

BAE Systems has world-class 
engineering capabilities and 
high-end discriminating 
technologies, well aligned 
to the current and future 
requirements of our customers.

Our technology strategy is driven by the 
challenges that our customers are facing 
now and will face in the future. We are 
focused on developing a number of 
technologies that support long-term 
market trends in our sector which includes 
sustainability-driven product innovation. 

Please see Our investment in innovation 
on pages 18 to 19 which sets out our 
approach to technology and innovation 
and why it is a key part of the work 
we do to ensure we have a sustainable 
business that will continue to create 
value for our stakeholders.

Using 
technologies 
to reduce the 
impacts of 
our activities

40

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Advancing technology to power 
environmentally-friendly urban transit
Cities and bus operators around the globe 
use BAE Systems’ low-emission technology 
to solve complex transportation challenges. 
The San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency 
has established nine ‘green zones’ and 
selected our electric drive propulsion 
solution for its buses in these zones to 
help reduce emissions in disadvantaged 
neighbourhoods experiencing high rates 
of air pollution and respiratory illness. The 
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority 
operates the same BAE Systems electric 
drive propulsion technology to reduce 
emissions in its contained underground 
tunnels and neighbourhoods. Tourist 
areas in Nashville, Tennessee, and Brighton, 
UK, have also embraced the use of our 
GPS-enabled system to run buses on full 
electric power in high-traffic areas to 
achieve similar environmental aims. 

As a world leader in electric propulsion 
for urban transit buses, we advanced 
our capabilities in 2020 when we delivered 
the first plug-in capable electric propulsion 
systems to Alexander Dennis Limited. Their 
new buses for Ireland will employ the 
Series-ER (Electric Range) systems, which 
build on our decades of innovation and 
proven technology on a globally-installed 
base of more than 13,000 buses. In addition 
to plugging into the grid for power, the 
Series-ER system can use the efficient 
onboard generator to charge itself while 
the bus is on the move, giving operators 
another way to recharge their buses and 
enabling the buses to run for up to five 
kilometres at a time with the engine 
turned off – a capability that provides 
towns and cities with another opportunity 
to improve air quality.

Shipyard sustainability
The team working on the Osborne shipyard 
in Australia, where the Hunter Class frigates 
will be built, has the ambition to create not 
only the most digitally advanced shipyard in 
the world, but also the most sustainable. 

While BAE Systems has only recently started 
running the shipyard, our local partnerships 
are already being built around improving 
sustainability. Flinders University located at 
the Tonsley Innovation District in Adelaide 
is an academic partner on the project and 
helping to develop our workforce and new 
technologies for use on site.

It is an exciting chance to transform the 
sustainability of shipbuilding. We are 
exploring the range of technologies we can 
use including large-scale solar on the shipyard 
buildings. This would provide us with more 
electricity than we will need during the 
summer months, potentially allowing us to 
store energy for later re-use. Our collaboration 
partner is a leader in this field, having 
recently installed Australia’s largest hydrogen 
electrolyser – the type of device we could 
power with our excess solar energy. 
We will also investigate opportunities 
to integrate resource circularity throughout 
our operations and ship build, and focus 
on integrating technological solutions to 
sustainability challenges across the lifecycle 
of the programme.

Physical prototyping work began in 
December 2020, so the team is mobilising 
to bring as many sustainable technologies 
online as possible in parallel, to align with 
steel cutting on the first Hunter Class 
Frigate in 2022.

>

Synthetic training for pilots
We completed nearly 9,200 training 
events in UK synthetic pilot training 
facilities in 2020, representing nearly 
13,000 hours. Performing this training 
virtually rather than in a real aircraft 
saved around 75 million litres of aviation 
fuel – equivalent to 184,000 tonnes 
of CO2.

This approach provides clear 
operational and safety benefits as well 
as environmental benefits. Pilots are able 
to gain valuable experience by training 
in a hyper-realistic environment prior to 
flying in a real aircraft. This is particularly 
true for landing on an aircraft carrier, 
which is widely considered to be one 
of the most difficult flight manoeuvres a 
pilot can carry out. Before we developed 
the ability to accurately model the air 
flow dynamically between the aircraft 
and the carrier’s complex deck, pilots 
had no lifelike way to train for this in 
advance of doing it for real.

Maritime Services
In our Maritime Services business we 
have been working to decarbonise our 
in-house facilities as well as our portfolio 
of products and services. Using COVID-19 
as a catalyst to transform the way we 
work, we are adapting our office space 
and reducing commuting and business 
travel, whilst transitioning to on-site 
sustainable energy generation with 
intelligent energy management. 

Working with our customers and 
supply chain, we are evolving our 
products and services to enable our 
collective ambition around increased 
sustainability and military operational 
advantage. By exploiting digital data, 
augmented reality and artificial 
intelligence, we are enabling intelligent 
asset management and operational 
efficiency while reducing resource 
usage. We are also introducing new 
technologies into our product lines 
to enable automation, utilise more 
sustainable materials and optimise 
system efficiency. In addition, we 
are transitioning to sustainable power 
generation through electric propulsion 
systems, alternative fuels and waste 
energy capture, storage and recycling.

Courtesy Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

41

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability

 Social

Safety and wellbeing
The safety and wellbeing of our 
employees is paramount. The global 
COVID-19 pandemic drove many of our 
safety and wellbeing initiatives in 2020, 
and will continue to do so in 2021, with 
a specific focus on ensuring employee 
safety for both those continuing to work 
on site and those working from home. 
Operationally, we did not meet our 2020 
safety targets although we did marginally 
improve on 2019 major injuries recorded.

COVID-19 challenges
Throughout the pandemic, our priority has 
been, and continues to be, the health and 
wellbeing of our employees. In line with 
government and World Health Organization 
guidelines, and working alongside our 
trades unions and employee representatives, 
we introduced a number of measures 
to return employees safely back to work 
where their role could not be carried out 
from home. Measures included: return 
to work inductions outlining new working 
practices; additional hygiene measures 
and temperature checks; increased provision 
of PPE; introduction of physical distancing 
practices where possible which included 
reconfiguring our workplaces and practices 
such as elongated shift patterns to maintain 
output and staggered shift changes to 
improve personnel flows; capping the 
number of workers on site at any given 
time; and zoning systems to keep groups 
of workers together in bubbles. Through 
these and other measures, we reduced 
the risks of COVID-19 spread and preserved 
our ability to deliver a number of critical 
milestones for our customers.

We bolstered our IT network capacity and 
provided additional hardware and software 
so that employees who could carry out 
their roles at home could do so. To assist 
home-working, we developed guides to 
support employees in maintaining their 
safety, security, wellbeing and productivity 
whilst working effectively from home.

Employee wellbeing
Our wellbeing programmes support 
employees in balancing their work and 
personal responsibilities. It is important 
that we support our employees in 
navigating wider issues that they may face 
in their daily lives, especially throughout 
this unexpected and persistent COVID-19 
pandemic. We extended the reach of our 
Employee Assistance Programme to cover 
our international locations and delivered 
a series of online resources, including 
wellbeing webinars for employees to attend 
virtually. In the US, the team also launched a 
Resilience Hub to offer physical, emotional, 

financial and mindfulness ideas and 
activities to encourage a healthy focus 
on total wellbeing. 

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 continue to promote 
mental health awareness programmes 
across the business, which this year 
included virtual wellbeing and resilience 
sessions to support employees during 
the pandemic. We have trained mental 
health first aiders and champions to 
support employees experiencing a mental 
health issue or emotional distress at work 
or whilst working from home. 

Our safety programme
The nature of our manufacturing activities 
presents a range of risks. These include 
slips, trips and falls, work in confined 
spaces, machinery operation and working 
at height, amongst others. We monitor 
and aim to eliminate, mitigate and manage 
all risks. Our approach to identifying 
and assessing safety risks is embedded 
within our approach to risk management 
(see page 90).

We strive for world-class safety conditions 
and performance. Our management focus 
on this objective is necessarily strong and 
tailored towards achieving a world-class 
safety standard that is embedded in our 
Safety Policy. We have a number of 
programmes focused on the health, safety 
and wellbeing of our employees. We also 
ensure employees exposed to identified/
known hazards have the protective 
equipment they need and we continually 
monitor our operations to ensure the 
working environment is as safe as possible.

Safety objectives 
To ensure an improving safety culture 
and to incentivise leadership in this area, 
the Board continues to prioritise safety 
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 incentivised to achieve the 
desired safety culture and additional personal 
objectives are identified through the 
Performance Development Review process. 

Recordable Accident Rate 
(per 100,000 employees)1 

BONUS   KPI

2020

2019

Major injuries recorded1 

2020

2019

BONUS

485

470

BONUS

37

38

3% of the UK executive directors’ bonuses are based 
on the achievement of safety KPIs (see page 144).

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 2020, we did not meet the overall 
Recordable Accident Rate reduction target 
of 10%2. Several of our businesses did 
however meet or exceed the 10% reduction 
target. Our Air, Maritime and Land sectors 
exceeded the 10% target with the Air 
sector achieving a 25% reduction on 2019 
numbers. The health and safety of our 
employees continues to be our highest 
priority and we continue to push for zero 
injuries across all of our businesses.

The portion of executive bonus associated 
with safety performance has been assigned 
accordingly with those achieving the targets 
receiving a payout commensurate with a 
strong performance and those who did not 
meet the target receiving zero. At Group 
level, a small part of the available award 
was made in 2020.

2021 priorities
During 2021, we will aim to:
–  reduce the overall significant safety 

risk rating;

–  build on the improvements seen  

in 2020;

–  drive improvements in behavioural 

safety; and

–  demonstrate improvements against 

key safety indicators.

1. BAE Systems Internal Audit has reviewed and 

confirmed effective systems, processes and controls 
are in place to collate and validate this data.
2. We define recordable injuries in line with the 

US Occupational Health and Safety Administration 
reporting standard.

42

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Human rights 
We are committed to respecting and 
upholding human rights wherever we 
operate, in respect of activities under 
the full, direct control of the Company. 
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 minimise the risk of slavery 
and human trafficking in our business or 
supply chain. Our human rights statement 
outlines our approach to responsible 
business behaviour, including in relation 
to anti-corruption, the environment, 
as well as our workplace, supply chain, 
local communities and products.

Our approach to human rights constitutes: 
–  maintaining high ethical standards and 
acting in a socially responsible manner 
in accordance with applicable laws;

–  respecting and supporting the 

communities in which our businesses 
are located;

–  maintaining and improving global 
policies and processes which relate 
to human rights wherever we operate, 
in respect of activities under the full, 
direct control of the Company;

–  respecting the labour and workplace 

rights of our employees in accordance 
with national laws;

–  responsible product development; and
–  appointing and working with suppliers 

and business partners who are expected 
to adopt high standards of ethical 
behaviour and business conduct, 
consistent with our own, in accordance 
with applicable national laws. 

Our Code of Conduct and other global 
policies and processes mandated under 
the Operational Framework, together with 
our supporting principles and guidance, 
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. 

We publish our response to the UK Modern 
Slavery Act and a statement in response to 
the California Transparency in Supply Chains 
Act on our website. 

Our approach to identifying and assessing 
human rights risks is embedded within our 
approach to risk management (see page 90). 

For more information on our human 
rights approach and statement visit 
baesystems.com/humanrights.

Social impact
We contribute to the economic prosperity 
of the places where our people live and 
work by supporting high value jobs in our 
business and in our supply chains and caring 
for and supporting our local communities.

We support jobs through direct employment, 
through the indirect impact of the employees 
employed as a result of our supply chains’ 
spending and through those jobs supported 
by the consumer spending of our employees 
and of those in our supply chains.

We are a technology-driven company and 
are proud of the key role we play in the 
industrial capability of our principal markets. 
We collaborate with suppliers, SMEs and 
regional partners, including academic 
institutions to develop some of the most 
technically advanced defence, aerospace 
and security technologies. Working with 
our partners we are able to support and 
deliver technological know-how and the 
development of skills. 

We invest in people, technologies and 
infrastructure across our sites to ensure 
we remain at the forefront of innovation. 
We focus on supporting STEM activities 
and enable social mobility through our 
investment in skills and apprenticeships.

People 
Inspiring and enabling our people to fulfil 
their potential
Our ability to take on and solve some of our 
customers’ most complex and demanding 
engineering and technology challenges – 
and to continue to deliver our customers’ 
critical requirements through a year unlike 
any other – depends on the commitment, 
skill and talent of our people. We strive 
to create an inclusive, agile environment 
in which everyone can do their best work 
for our customers and feels valued 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 inclusive and supportive 
working environments. 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 
in order to meet the needs of our business 
and our customers.

During 2020, we maintained our focus 
on identifying, securing and developing 
the diverse range of skills and capabilities 
required to meet our customers’ current 
and future needs.

Our business is dependent on our ability 
to recruit and retain a diverse workforce 
with the talent and skills to deliver 
excellence to our customers, including 
engineers, designers, software developers 
and project managers. We have identified 
this as a principal risk (see page 99) and 
we continue to take a range of actions 
to mitigate the risk. 

In 2020, we further embedded strategic 
workforce planning to ensure that our 
Integrated Business Plan takes account 
of the people, skills, technology and 
facilities we will need to deliver our future 
plans. This foresight helped us to meet 
elevated recruitment requirements in some 
of our major markets in 2020, including 
surpassing 1,000 employees on the Hunter 
Class Frigate programme in Australia, and 
hiring over 500 more people in the UK than 
in the previous year. It is also enabling us 
to identify and fulfil requirements for key 
manufacturing, engineering and software 
engineering skills, and to proactively 
manage knowledge transfer ahead of 
forecast peaks in retirements. Robust 
strategic workforce planning and analysis 
were also instrumental in monitoring the 
impact of COVID-19 and supporting swift 
returns to productivity.

Our learning and development strategy 
is also key to building the skills and 
capabilities we will need to meet our 
customers’ future needs. We support 
employees to fulfil their potential through-
career frameworks, face-to-face and virtual 
training and development programmes. 

In 2020, for markets outside of 
BAE Systems, Inc., we launched a mobile 
learning app giving employees off-network 
access to a wide range of digital learning 
opportunities. As teams adapted to new 
ways of working in light of the pandemic, 
we were able to quickly offer line managers 
and employees anytime access to relevant 
guidance and support through the app, 
including how to inspire virtual teams 
and to maintain wellbeing.

In BAE Systems, Inc. we supported 
managers and employees through virtual 
learning activities including workshops on 
topics such as wellbeing and resilience, and 
resources to support leaders in maintaining 
engagement across their teams.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

43

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability
Social continued

 Developing 
highly-skilled 
people

FIRST® Robotics – partnering to inspire 
the next generation of innovators
For nearly three decades we have partnered with the 
non-profit organisation FIRST® to advance a shared 
mission: inspiring young people to become future 
science and technology leaders and innovators. 

In 2020, BAE Systems was named a FIRST® strategic 
partner, joining a select number of companies 
recognised for their dedication to engaging students 
in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 
Our Electronic Systems business led the way in our 
early support of FIRST®, and since then engagement 
has expanded across our organisation in the US. 
Over the years, we have invested more than $9m in 
FIRST®’s youth robotics programmes, given thousands 
of hours through employee volunteering and 
mentorship, directly sponsored hundreds of robotics 
teams and granted a number of scholarships. Support 
of FIRST® teams has also grown internationally to 
include our business in Australia. This community 
partnership extends well beyond building robots 
by inspiring students to develop their collaboration, 
critical thinking and creativity skills – all of which are 
vital in developing our future workforce.

44

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Movement to Work
In the UK, BAE Systems has supported 
Movement to Work – an employer-led 
initiative to tackle youth unemployment 
– since 2014 and has committed support 
until 2023. The initiative provides a 
pathway into employment or training 
for disadvantaged and unemployed young 
people through quality work experience 
and employability skills training. In our 
four-week face-to-face Movement to 
Work programme, young people spend 
two weeks at one of BAE Systems’ facilities 
and experience an introduction to life at 
work, meet role models and develop their 
employability and teambuilding skills. In 
total, BAE Systems provided 620 placements 
for young people between 2014 and 2020. 
Typically, per annum we offer 30 permanent 
apprenticeship positions through Movement 
to Work and in 2019, 80% of young people 
who undertook a placement with us went 
on to gain employment with BAE Systems 
or another organisation, or pursued further 
education. Last year, BAE Systems did 
suspend its involvement in Movement 
to Work as a result of the pandemic but 
we relaunched the programme in our 
business in November 2020 on a virtual 
basis. We have also agreed to extend our 
support to the young unemployed in 2021 
by taking on 30 young people through 
the UK government’s Kickstart initiative.

>

Saudi National Advanced 
Apprenticeship Programme (SNAAP) 
In a new model for education and business 
partnerships, SNAAP has been launched 
to support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
achieve its Vision 2030 goals. The 
programme is the first of its kind in the 
Kingdom and trains Saudi national youth 
in project management principles and 
application so they can directly enter the 
labour market, including employment with 
BAE Systems Saudi Arabia. As part of their 
degree courses, students work in a project 
environment in our business and this 
experience helps to instil values, culture 
and standards in the way of working. 
SNAAP has been developed in strategic 
collaboration with Al-Faisal University and 
will deliver a sustainable source of future 
employment while addressing the problem 
of employee retention. It will also help to 
bring some diversity in age for management 
positions, bridging the current skill gap and 
transferring knowledge to the next 
generation of Saudis.

BAE Systems Maritime Australia 
apprentices and graduates
In 2020, BAE Systems Maritime Australia 
onboarded the first intake of 18 high school 
students in its plans to provide 1,000 early 
careers opportunities including apprentices, 
graduates and trainees for the multi-decade 
Hunter Class Frigate programme. The new 
employees are learning essential skills 
to build nine world-class ships for the 
Royal Australian Navy. The apprenticeship 
programme allows students to embark on 
training while still completing school and 
incorporates the steelwork, mechanical 
and electrical trades that will be central 
to ensure the right breadth and depth 
of skilled workers. By the time the nine 
anti-submarine warfare frigates are built, 
it is estimated that three-quarters of the 
programme workforce, including senior 
executives, will have started as graduates 
or apprentices. The students from the 
first intake were recruited from more than 
ten South Australian schools, as part of 
a regular and rolling intake of apprentices 
each year.

We are taking an increasingly collaborative 
and future-focused approach to talent 
management and succession planning. 
This has facilitated a purposeful balance of 
internal talent moves and external hires into 
key strategic leadership roles, to strengthen 
our leadership teams and further enhance 
our talent pipeline across our markets and 
sectors. Despite the challenges presented 
by the pandemic, many of our sectors 
achieved targets for cross-sector talent 
moves through the year, aimed at giving 
our future leaders broader and deeper 
experience of the organisation. For example, 
across BAE Systems, Inc. we achieved our 
targets to move or promote 20% of the 
successors to top roles, and to move or 
promote 20% of those employees identified 
as either female or people of colour in the 
talent pipeline.

We continued to recruit throughout 2020, 
focusing on improving the efficiency and 
effectiveness of our recruitment processes, 
and enhancing the experience of our 
candidates and new employees. In the UK 
we have significantly reduced our internal 
time-to-hire processes and consolidated 
our induction and onboarding support 
to increase accessibility and agility. In the 
US, the rapid deployment of a virtual 
recruitment process enabled over 6,100 
jobs to be filled in 2020, despite the impacts 
of the pandemic, with our offer acceptance 
rate increasing to 91% (up from 84% in 
2019). Developing virtual onboarding 
processes also increased our flexibility, 
efficiency and effectiveness as many new 
starters began their employment working 
from their homes.

As the economic impact of the pandemic 
led to redundancies in other companies, we 
coordinated our response to outplacement 
providers to match people with our 
vacancies across the UK and Saudi Arabia. 
By the end of the year, we had processed 
more than 500 applications for employment 
through outplacement providers, resulting 
in more than 150 interviews and 60 people 
starting work with us. This work continues 
into 2021.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

45

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability
Social continued

Gender pay gap
We have published our fourth annual 
gender pay gap report in line with 
UK regulations. For 2020, the average 
gender pay gap for our UK workforce 
was 9.1% (2019 10.3%) which is 6.4% 
lower than the current UK national 
average of 15.5%. 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. As a result, 
a greater proportion of our workforce 
and our senior leadership population 
is male and this is a major factor in our 
gender pay gap. We continue to work 
hard to improve our gender balance 
and remain steadfast in our commitment 
to delivering the plans we have in place 
to increase the number of women in 
BAE Systems and support the progression 
of women into senior executive positions.

Gender diversity

Board

Senior managers1,2

Total employees3,4

Age diversity3,4

E

A

B

D

C

A 24 years and younger
B 25–34 years
C 35–49 years
D 50–59 years
E 60 years and older

Male
8
73%

269
80%

63,000
78%

Female
3
27%

69
20%

18,000
22%

6,000
17,000
26,000
22,000
10,000

Through 2020 we intensified our focus on 
creating a diverse and inclusive environment 
in which colleagues from any background 
can fulfil their potential.

Our Company Behaviours, launched in 
2019, build on our organisational strengths 
and focus us, individually and collectively, 
on the characteristics that will underpin our 
success into the future. They define the way 
we want to work – with each other and 
with our partners and customers – and are 
key to creating an inclusive culture in which 
everyone can thrive. During the pandemic, 
these Behaviours came to the fore. 
Qualities such as adaptability, creativity, 
collaboration and integrity enabled us 
to meet unprecedented challenges.

During 2020, we have further embedded 
our Behaviours in our performance 
management, talent management, 
recruitment and reward processes as we 
continue to measure, recognise and reward 
not just what our people achieve but also 
how they achieve it.

Our line managers across the world play 
a key role in inspiring individuals and teams 
to perform at their best and support them 
in this ongoing priority. In 2020 we launched 
a comprehensive new line manager 
development programme which is being 
rolled out across our markets outside of 
the US. This programme and its established 
equivalents in our US business, help set 
the specific standards expected of line 
managers at BAE Systems, supporting them 
in role-modelling our Company Behaviours 
to enhance engagement and performance.

Increasing the diversity of our workforce 
and building diversity and inclusion into 
our processes, practices, policies, systems 
and training remains an area of strategic 
focus for the organisation. We have 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.

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.

46

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Our leaders are held accountable for 
progress against these objectives through 
targets, measured through robust data 
analysis of the demographic profile 
of our workforce. We are working with 
our employees to obtain data to help 
us to build a rich picture of our diversity 
today and set meaningful targets and 
improvement plans.

In line with our diversity targets for 2020, 
we increased female representation across 
our global workforce by 0.5%. In Saudi 
Arabia, we met our target to increase 
female representation in the workforce 
and launched our two-year fast-track 
development programme for women, 
preparing them for senior roles and 
supporting the country’s Vision 2030. 
Additionally, BAE Systems, Inc. met its goal 
to increase representation of both women 
and people of colour at leadership levels.

Attracting and bringing on board 
candidates from a diverse range of 
backgrounds and experiences is a key focus 
of our recruitment practices. In 2020 we 
launched additional diversity training for 
recruiting managers in the UK and realigned 
our recruitment suppliers’ objectives to 
increase their focus on identifying diverse 
talent. We also enhanced our early careers 
selection process to ensure it opens 
opportunities to applications from all 
groups, including those from disadvantaged 
backgrounds. Through our ongoing 
commitment to the Movement to Work 
programme in the UK we provide a 
pathway into employment or training for 
disadvantaged and unemployed young 
people through quality work experience 
(see page 45). Having also welcomed 
apprentices made redundant from other 
organisations as a result of the pandemic in 
2020, we are extending our support to the 
young unemployed in 2021 by taking on 30 
young people through the UK government’s 
Kickstart initiative.

Our award-winning apprenticeship and 
graduate programmes bring new talent into 
our business and help individuals develop 
foundational skills for a rewarding career. 
In the 2020 cycle we recruited around 
750 apprentices and nearly 180 graduates 
into our UK businesses – one of our highest 
intakes in recent years. We have just over 
420 graduate scheme members in the 
UK and 63 undergraduate students on 
a 12-month industrial placement.

In 2020, 40% of our global hires 
(almost 3,700 positions) were into Science, 
Technology, Engineering and Maths 
(STEM) roles.

Trades unions/labour unions
We seek to maintain constructive 
relationships with trades unions in 
Australia and the UK and labour 
unions in the US, providing a foundation 
for a positive and productive working 
environment. Of our UK workforce, 
69% are covered by collective bargaining 
agreements and approximately 55% 
of the UK workforce are trades union 
members. In the US approximately 
10.5% of the workforce is covered 
by a collective bargaining agreement; 
in Australia this number is approximately 
20% of the workforce. In the UK, 
participation and engagement is positive, 
open and constructive. The main 
organisations are involved in regular 
meetings with Company representatives 
from the Chief Executive to local business 
leaders, through our Corporate Trade 
Union Constitution. In our response 
to the COVID-19 pandemic, these 
strong relationships enabled us to work 
swiftly and effectively with employee 
representatives to devise, implement 
and evolve new, COVID-19-safe practices 
and systems of work on our sites to 
help keep our people safe and maintain 
productivity on critical programmes.

To help address the STEM skills shortage 
and increase the diversity of the pipeline 
of STEM talent in our major markets, 
we continue our long-term commitment 
to engage children and young adults 
in STEM subjects and careers. While 
opportunities to engage with young 
people face-to-face, at events and in 
schools, were reduced in 2020 due to the 
pandemic, we adapted and found creative 
ways to engage young people: in the UK, 
our home-learning resources were accessed 
by just under 9,000 individuals and our 
virtual participation in the Big Bang Digital 
and WorldSkills events reached tens of 
thousands of students.

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.

Throughout 2020 our leaders have been 
visible and active in their support of diversity 
themes, initiatives and events, embedding 
inclusive leadership as an everyday habit for 
themselves and among their teams.

In the UK we ran our first Inclusion Week, 
inviting all employees to take part in a range 
of virtual events and discussions with our 
leaders, to explore others’ experiences and 
perspectives and understand how we can 
all build greater inclusion. In the US, the 
BAE Systems, Inc. senior leadership team 
participated in VITAL (Valuing Inclusion 
Through Adaptive Leadership), an immersive 
development programme designed to 
enhance cultural competence and build 
skills to lead inclusive work environments. 
During 2020, our US businesses also 
facilitated Courageous Conversations for 
senior leaders and over 1,000 employees 
to have honest dialogue about race in 
the workplace.

In 2020 we broadened and strengthened 
a number of our Employee Resource Groups 
(ERGs), which play a vital role in fostering a 
diverse and inclusive workplace. Our ERGs 
include: Gender (UK, US, Saudi Arabia and 
Australia); Veterans (UK, US); Disability (UK, 
US and Saudi Arabia); Race (UK, US); LGBTQ+ 
(UK, US); as well as Hispanic/Latino, Black/
African American and Asian/Pacific Islanders; 
and inter-generational ERGs in the US. Over 
8,700 employees across our geographically 
diverse enterprise have signed up to be a 
member of one of our ERGs.

In response to heightened tensions 
regarding racial injustice in the US 
in 2020, BAE Systems, Inc. launched 
CARE: Colleagues Advancing Racial 
Equity, bringing together a diverse group 
of over 130 employees to recommend 
actions to increase diversity and inclusion 
in the business.

To help create an inclusive and supportive 
environment in which employees can 
balance their work commitments and 
personal priorities, we have a range of 
policies including Maternity, Paternity, 
Adoption and Shared Parental Leave 
policies, agile and flexible working practices 
and career breaks. As we look to sustain 
the benefits of the agility and flexibility 
our teams have demonstrated over the 
course of the pandemic – opening up 
the possibilities for new ways of working 
and broader talent pools less bound by 
geography – we have developed guidance 
to help our people adopt effective hybrid 
working across different locations.

Keeping our people connected, informed 
and engaged has never been more 
important as employees in all of our 
markets experienced unprecedented impact 
on their personal circumstances and ways 
of working through the pandemic. We used 
a range of channels to make sure our 
people had access to the information and 

support they needed throughout the year, 
as well as keeping employees informed 
about the performance, developments 
and prospects of the business. This included 
engagement through our intranet, employee 
app, email, videos, podcasts, newsletters, 
leadership communications, virtual 
discussions and briefings, and through 
our line managers who played a key role 
in keeping their teams connected and 
engaged. We continue to focus on 
two-way communications, ensuring we 
have channels through which employees 
can express their views, feedback and any 
concerns, helping us understand employee 
sentiment on an ongoing basis and 
respond appropriately. 

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-employment benefits 
aligned to competitive practice in each 
relevant home market. We encourage 
employees to become shareholders in 
BAE Systems and, where appropriate, 
offer share schemes to support this.

2021 priorities
During 2021, we will aim to:
–  support business objectives by 

maintaining a robust pipeline of talent 
and critical skills to fulfil our customers’ 
future requirements, through ongoing 
focus on strategic workforce planning, 
training, development, performance 
management and succession planning;

–  embed the benefits of new ways of 
working adopted in 2020, including 
increased flexible and hybrid working 
where appropriate;

–  leverage technology to enhance our 

employees’ experiences, empowering 
them with greater access to information, 
benefits and opportunities;

–  evolve organisational design to improve 

efficiency and effectiveness and facilitate 
greater collaboration;

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

–  continue to build a high-performing 

culture focused on demonstrating our 
Company Behaviours and delivering our 
shared strategic objectives; and

–  embed practices to gather quantitative 
and qualitative insight into employee 
sentiment across the Group.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

47

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability
Social continued

Supporting families in need 
in Saudi Arabia
Many people have been negatively 
impacted by COVID-19, and found 
themselves in need of help. Within our 
business in Saudi Arabia, we worked with 
seven charitable organisations to support 
families in need during the month of 
Ramadan. Some 1,100 families across 
seven cities were given care packages 
with basic essential products to support 
their health and wellbeing during the 
holy month. The initiative was part of 
our work with the Ministry of Human 
Resources and Social Development.

At the same time, our team in the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia worked with 
the Ministry of Health to support the 
production of an animated video targeted 
at children aged four to eight years old, 
outlining how they could protect 
themselves against the COVID-19 virus.

Supplying PPE at volume to healthcare 
providers and creating a new ventilator
In March it was clear that UK industry 
had to step up to the challenge facing 
the country and play its role. The most 
critical areas where we could help were 
in providing PPE to healthcare providers 
and helping create new ventilators 
quickly, in response to the government’s 
ventilator challenge.

A call from a local doctor to our site in 
Barrow alerted us to the PPE shortage. 
We immediately began both designing 
our own PPE we could manufacture 
in-house as well as contacting our 
suppliers to rapidly scale up production. 
Within 24 hours our first in-house 
produced face shield was with the 
GP and we had quotes from suppliers 
for thousands more. Between late March 
and mid-May we supplied more than 
150,000 face shields to over 250 
individual healthcare providers across 
the UK. Our employees helped identify 
the greatest need in their communities 
so we could direct our efforts.

Simultaneously, our teams in Portsmouth, 
Guildford, Hillend near Edinburgh and 
Lancashire worked tirelessly to design, 
produce and start regulatory approval 
of a brand new ventilator in three weeks 
– a process that usually takes years. 
While the ventilators were ultimately not 
required, it was a profound experience 
for our people to do their part.

Supporting OzHarvest
BAE Systems supported OzHarvest in 
Australia as they experienced an increased 
demand for their services in the wake of 
the COVID-19 pandemic. This demand came 
on the back of additional need following 
the bushfires and droughts which had 
impacted the country earlier in the year. 

OzHarvest is a national charity that collects 
quality excess food from commercial outlets 
and delivers it directly to more than 1,300 
charities and schools in an effort to help 
eliminate hunger. With a donation from 
BAE Systems together with employee 
fundraising, our support enabled the charity 
to provide an additional 100,000 meals to 
vulnerable Australians, many of whom are 
located in our local communities.

>

PPE Rapid Response in the US
In the early days of the pandemic, employees 
of Platforms & Services (US) joined together 
to offer rapid support for frontline 
responders, to include a rush delivery of 
more than 3,000 Tyvek coverall suits to 
safeguard healthcare workers in New York 
City, and a donation of six pallets of 
disposable gloves, gowns, hand sanitiser, 
masks, safety glasses, and toilet paper to 
a hospital in York, Pennsylvania.

When it became clear there was a critical 
shortage of face shields in hospitals, 
Electronic Systems’ additive manufacturing 
team responded by rapidly exploring how 
to use its in-house 3D printing capabilities 
to make frames for face shields. The team 
sourced the frames in partnership with 
strategic suppliers and collaborated with 
colleagues in Platforms & Services for extra 
production support. More than 7,000 face 
shield frames were shipped to local 
healthcare organisations in New Hampshire, 
Massachusetts, Alabama, New York, 
Indiana, California, New Jersey and Virginia, 
and they were shipped with extra clear 
shields to allow them to be used for about 
70,000 shield assemblies over time.

48

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Supporting 
our stakeholders 
during 
COVID-19

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

49

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability
Social continued

Supporting 
our local 
communities

Australian bushfires
When the bushfires in Australia devastated 
more than 11 million hectares of land at the 
end of 2019 and early 2020, BAE Systems 
stepped up to support with donations 
valued at more than A$250,000. It was 
truly inspiring to see the response of our 
people not only from Australia, but across 
the globe. Employees came together to 
highlight the impact of the bushfires and 
supported with fundraising events and 
personal donations, which BAE Systems 
matched alongside a Company contribution. 
In addition, many of our people were 
deployed with the Australian Defence Force 
Reserves to support clean-up efforts. Whilst 
the impact of the bushfires is still felt long 
after they have been put out, coming 
together at a time of national crisis instilled 
a real sense of pride into our employees.

All images courtesy of the CFS Foundation.

50

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Warrior Integration Program 
welcomes US combat veterans
Our focus on creating a diverse and 
inclusive environment in which colleagues 
from any background can fulfil their 
potential is demonstrated by our 
Warrior Integration Program.

The three-year rotational programme 
taps into the rich talent of US military 
veterans and is designed to enhance the 
integration of post-9/11 combat veterans 
into BAE Systems. The programme provides 
US military veterans with a meaningful, 
challenging and rewarding future, and 
incorporates extensive mentorship aspects 
to enhance the warriors’ transition to civilian 
life and to support the translation of their 
military job skills and leadership capabilities 
into corporate opportunities and careers. 
This growing programme is serving veterans 
of the US Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine 
Corps who are working at our sites in 
New Hampshire, Alabama and Texas.

We are proud to welcome combat-wounded, 
injured, or ill service members through 
the Warrior Integration Program to provide 
a clear and supported path for these 
veterans to seamlessly transfer their military 
experience to advance and achieve our 
BAE Systems mission.

Be the Business
Working with Be the Business in the UK on 
their successful Productivity through People 
initiative has been something BAE Systems 
has been proud to support for a number 
of years. Supporting at a national level 
over the last four years, our backing has 
contributed to the development of the 
academic content of a training course 
and provided expertise and coaching 
for delegates. The initiative is now being 
delivered at scale across the UK in multiple 
regions and across multiple sectors. 
During 2020, in addition to our financial 
contribution, some 116 of our employees 
got involved by providing more than 
700 hours of mentoring for 152 small- and 
medium-sized enterprises. Whilst this clearly 
has a positive impact on the delegates and 
their businesses, by mentoring individuals, 
our employees not only provide practical 
tools to assist them, but in return they 
gain invaluable personal development 
from the initiative.

University Collaboration Programme
One of the leading national programmes 
created by BAE Systems and its partner 
companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
is the University Collaboration Programme. 
Working with six Saudi universities, the 
programme supports the Saudi Vision 
2030, focusing on supporting education 
for male and female students. The unique 
programme encompasses specialised 
lectures in the fields of engineering, 
administration, IT, safety and the 
environment. Training opportunities 
have also been a successful element 
of the partnership, where students 
have been invited to spend time with 
employees at our Saudi headquarters. 

Engaging in this programme enables 
us to demonstrate our commitment to 
supporting development opportunities 
for young people in the Kingdom as they 
consider their future in the labour market.

Community investment by type1

E

A

D

C

B

A Customer
B Education
C Community
D Heritage
E Other

28%
28%
17%
7%
20%

Fostering strong community partnerships 
It is important to us to support the local 
communities in which we operate through 
charitable donations and sponsorships.

During 2020 the Group contributed £10m1 
to local, national and international charities 
and not-for-profit organisations through our 
community investment programmes. This 
includes charitable sponsorships, donations, 
employee fundraising and volunteering. 
In addition, £1.5m was directed to a 
charitable foundation supporting our 
US Employee Relief Fund to support those 
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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. 

In 2020 we aided organisations and 
initiatives in support of the COVID-19 
response. We were able to react to 
the unfolding situation and apply our 
contributions where possible to the 
communities where we are based 
to enable greater social impact. 

Our employees volunteered, fundraised 
and donated throughout the year, in 
support of our established and new 
emerging charity partners, alongside 
the donations and support provided by 
the Company. We worked with charity 
partners to expand the criteria of our 
funding where possible and provide 
greater flexibility to the charities whilst 
they navigated the challenging environment 
created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Deloitte LLP has provided limited assurance 
on the total value of community investment 
programme donations.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

51

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance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. 

2021 priorities 
During 2021, 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. 
Building on the support we provided 
during 2020 in relation to COVID-19, 
and recognising the changing landscape 
in our communities going forward, we will 
focus on identifying initiatives with greater 
social impact in our local communities. 
We will also look for opportunities 
to provide more in-kind support with 
knowledge, skills and expertise to our 
partners and demonstrate greater value 
to the wider community. 

Sustainability
Social continued

We use the B4SI Framework 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 
be 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. In the UK in 
2020 we saw an increase in employees 
providing mentoring to SMEs and 
individuals seeking career support.

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 Australia we partner with 
Soldier On to support the health, wellbeing 
and employment of Australia’s returned 
service personnel and their families. In the 
UK we are supporting Team Invictus UK 
on their journey to the Invictus Games 
The Hague 2020 (subsequently postponed 
due to COVID-19), a partnership which 
has enabled a number of employees to 
be 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 within our established focus areas 
and offer volunteering opportunities, 
including virtual options, to encourage 
our employees to support our charitable 
partners and communities in alignment 
with our Global Community Investment 
Strategy and guidelines. 

Our communications team also supports 
our community investment efforts by raising 
awareness and promoting projects and 
employee engagement in our communities.

Partnering on education 
in the supply chain 
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. In 
the UK, we encourage our suppliers to 
be involved with apprenticeship schemes 
and other career development programmes. 
We take a leadership role in the development 
of new apprenticeship standards crucial 
to employers and chair both the Aerospace 
& Airworthiness, and Maritime Defence 
Trailblazer Groups. These groups involve 
other employers and supply chain employers 
in our sector, both large and small, as well 
as professional engineering institutions, 
awarding organisations and the Civil 
Aviation Authority.

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. 

52

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Sustainability

 Governance

Governance and business conduct
Our success depends on us being trusted 
by all our stakeholders to uphold high 
standards of governance and business 
conduct. Robust governance remains 
at the core of our business as detailed in 
the Governance section on page 102 and 
underpins the sustainability of the business. 
Our Operational Framework sets out our 
approach and the policies, processes and 
standards to which we adhere and apply 
everywhere we operate, more detail of 
which is set out on page 102. Our approach 
to risk management, including our principal 
risks, is covered on page 90. 

Our policies, processes and due diligence 
along with our Code of Conduct and 
Supplier Principles – Guidance for 
Responsible Business cover all aspects 
of our sustainability agenda and outline 
expectations for employees and 
business partners. 

Anti-corruption programme
Each employee has a vital role to play 
in ensuring that we maintain the high 
standards of ethical conduct that our 
customers, shareholders, partners and 
colleagues expect. BAE Systems has a 
zero tolerance policy regarding corruption 
in all its forms.

Our anti-corruption programme is designed 
to ensure adherence to the relevant legal 
and regulatory requirements recognising 
the bribery and corruption risks faced by 
the Company. Clear policies and principles 
inform our business decisions and provide 
our employees with practical guidance. 
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.

Anti-corruption programme
Our anti-corruption programme 
is embedded in our Operational 
Framework, through key policies and 
processes below, including due diligence: 
–  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: Community 
Investment Policy; 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 anti-corruption programme guides 
and supports our employees in making 
responsible decisions.

We continually check and test the 
effectiveness of our programme receiving 
both internal and external oversight and 
assurance, including encouraging feedback 
internally from our employees and 
externally from independent third parties. 
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. 

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 98.

Employee ethics programme
During 2020, we updated our Code of 
Conduct to include changes to our internal 
processes and policies and incorporate 
external best practice. The Code will be 
rolled out across our business during 
early 2021.

All employees are required to complete 
training annually. During 2020, with 
the backdrop of COVID-19, we adapted 
our ethics training, Scenarios for Team 
Discussions, to be fully accessible online 
to address employees working remotely 
or working under different conditions 
at Company locations. Managers and 
employees across the business could 
download ethical scenarios to discuss 
during virtual or socially distanced 
team meetings.

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

53

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceSustainability
 Governance continued

Total ethics enquiries1

2020

2019

Anonymity rate

 32%

(2019 35%)

2020 ethics enquiries by type1,2

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

  1 Enquiries that led to guidance and advice
Enquiries that led to investigations
  2 Accounting charge practices
  3 Anti-corruption
  4 Data, technology and trade controls
  5 Employee conduct
  6 Employee relations
  7 Financial misconduct
  8 Management practices
  9 Policy, process and trading
10 Safety, health and environment
11 Sales, manufacturing and delivery
12 Security and misuse of assets
13 Supplier and procurement

2020 ethics enquiries by region

C

D

B

A

A US
B UK
C Saudi Arabia
D Australia

1,119

1,432

488

119

32

8

215

96

1

67

6

50

18

13

6

We collect data on ethics enquiries 
and dismissals for reasons relating 
to unethical behaviour.

During 2020, we received 1,119 enquiries, 
a decrease of 21.8% compared to 2019. 
This downward trend is attributed to the 
change in working patterns as a result 
of COVID-19. For example, working from 
home means people are less likely to 
observe poor behaviour in co-workers.

Of the 1,119 enquiries received, 631 (56%) 
required investigation, 34% of which were 
substantiated. The top five categories for 
investigation were: employee conduct; 
accounting practices; management practices; 
Safety, Health and Environment; and 
anti-corruption. Of the 631 investigations 
for 2020, 537 were closed and 94 remain 
open. These will be closed out during 2021.

Six ethics enquiries were received about 
our suppliers. Four required investigation, 
of which one was substantiated and three 
are ongoing investigations.

68.2% of ethics enquiries came from the 
US. The number of ethics reports varies 
by region. Factors influencing this include 
the number of individuals working in 
that region and the cultural propensity 
of individuals from that region to utilise 
Speak Up mechanisms.

We value openness, and strive to create 
a culture where people feel they can speak 
up freely. We measure this with two main 
metrics – anonymity rate and contacts made 
directly to one of our 207 Ethics Officers 
(one for every 386 employees) across our 
business. When someone decides to remain 
anonymous, it tells us that there may be a 
fear of retaliation. In 2020 our anonymity 
rate was 32% – down 3% from 2019, and 
well below the benchmark rate of 59%3. 

45% of reports were made directly to 
Ethics Officers in 2020 – we particularly 
encourage this route for making reports, 
as it allows for an immediate response by 
someone familiar with the local situation.

Dismissals for reasons relating 
to unethical behaviour1

2020

2019

236

257

In 2020, 236 employees were dismissed 
for breaches of the Code, an 8% decrease 
from 2019.

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.

Improving industry standards
We play our part in supporting others too. 
We set an example for business partners 
and seek to help improve standards across 
our industry. The Company takes a 
proactive leadership role in its engagement 
with the defence industry, governments, 
NGOs and other interested parties to 
develop initiatives that will address the key 
ethical issues affecting the defence industry.

Examples of this include taking leadership 
positions on our industry body for ethics, 
the International Forum on Business Ethical 
Conduct (IFBEC) and in the US the Defense 
Industry Initiative (DII). We also regularly 
interact and support the Institute of 
Business Ethics (IBE) and Ethics & 
Compliance Institute (ECI), and are proactive 
members of both the Aerospace and 
Defence Industries Association of Europe 
and the Aerospace, Defence, Security and 
Space trade associations. Recent projects 
that we have collaborated on are the 
development of the IFBEC Model Supplier 
Code, supporting the IBE in its upcoming 
Training Good Practice Guide and 
developing the DII small business tool kit 
and supplier code of conduct.

763
302
45
9

1. BAE Systems Internal Audit has reviewed and confirmed effective systems, processes and controls 

are in place to collate and validate this data.

2. We have updated our ethics enquiry reporting categories internally to reflect trends in reporting 

and to achieve greater commonality in reporting categories across the business.

3. Navex 2020 anonymity benchmark.

54

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 
in accordance with our values.

Export of controlled goods and technology 
must be authorised in advance by 
governments. Failure to comply with all 
applicable 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 comply with 
applicable laws and regulations, as well 
as to detect and provide timely responses 
to actual or potential violations, including 
prompt investigations and appropriate 
remedial actions.

2021 priorities
During 2021, we will aim to:
–  launch our updated Code of Conduct and 
roll-out supporting employee training.

For more information on our anti-corruption 
programme visit baesystems.com/
ethicsandanti-corruption.

Responsible supply chain
We create best-in-class products and 
services through extensive collaboration 
spending more than £11bn with more 
than 21,000 directly contracted suppliers 
worldwide. These relationships are usually 
long-lasting due to the complex nature 
of our products and their long lifecycles.

Governance of our supply chain
It is important that we work with suppliers 
who share our values and who embrace 
standards of ethical behaviours consistent 
with our own. In order to do business 
ethically, how our third parties behave 
is of the utmost importance. Our supply 
chain management and Supplier Principles 
– Guidance for Responsible Business 
(the Supplier Principles) are focused 
on high achievement of our standards.

Risk-based due diligence is undertaken 
for all third parties with whom we engage, 
whether supplier, adviser, potential joint 
venture partner, acquisition opportunity or 
other third party. Where required, this may 
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, 
Supplier Principles, safety, environment 
and human rights.

Once a supplier has been approved and a 
contract has been signed, we continue to 
actively manage and monitor that supplier 
throughout the life of their contract. This 
includes managing any significant changes 
in our relationship with the supplier as well 
as ongoing risk-based due diligence.

To clarify what we expect from our suppliers 
and their supply chains we have developed 
the Supplier Principles, which reflect the 
standards we set for our suppliers. During 
2020 we commenced a review of our 
Supplier Principles. In 2021 that review 
will be concluded to further strengthen 
our sustainability agenda. 

The Supplier Principles expect compliance 
with all relevant national and international 
laws and set out best practice guidance in 
relation to matters such as anti-corruption 
behaviours, environmental issues, 
responsible payment, conflict minerals 
and how employees are treated.

We use the Supplier Principles as part of a 
risk management framework to assess new 
suppliers. They are also used as an integral 
part of our supplier evaluation, selection 
and approval processes.

During 2020, we undertook supply chain 
assurance activity to assess compliance with 
our Supplier Principles. Our assessments 
covered 20% of global spend. 14 low-level 
risks were identified and resolved. We also 
continued to collaborate with suppliers 
during these unprecedented times to 
facilitate best practice sharing and 
champion the sustainability agenda.

Supporting our supply chain 
during COVID-19
Our supply chains are the critical links 
which make much of what we do possible. 
During 2020, our activities focused on 
responding to pandemic-related disruption 
by reinforcing supply chain resilience and 
sharing best practices across our business 
and supply chain (where feasible). In 2020, 
in response to COVID-19, we provided 
£151m of financial support, by way of 
early or advance payments, to around 
200 suppliers across the Group. 

In 2020, in response to the global pandemic 
and to further strengthen our supply chain 
resilience, we identified suppliers globally 
that were critical to programme delivery. 
These were defined as suppliers that are 
required in direct support of business critical 
activities, either on site or off site and for 
both goods and services. We engaged 
critical suppliers and carried out financial 
assessments to ensure continuity of supply 
and to understand the impacts of COVID-19 
on their business and supplying our 
programmes. We worked closely with our 
supply chains to mitigate disruptions where 
possible and maintain resilience, in some 
cases advancing payments where required.

We continued to support our supply chain 
and have seen a £102m increase in spend 
with our suppliers in the first half of 2020 
compared with 2019.

We continue to monitor local operational 
situations with particular focus on our 
supply chains as we manage fragility in 
certain areas. 

2021 priorities
During 2021, we will aim to:
–  develop a Sustainable Procurement 

Charter which sets out our responsible 
environmental, social and economic 
procurement principles;

–  continue to extend coverage of 

Supplier Principles assurance; and

–  continue to assess our business partners 
and suppliers on the adoption of our 
Supplier Principles.

Our UK Modern Slavery Act and California 
Transparency in Supply Chain Act statements 
can be viewed at: baesystems.com.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

55

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceGroup financial review

We monitor the underlying financial performance of the Group using the 
alternative performance measures defined on page 20. 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.

Brad Greve 
Group Finance Director

56

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

1. International Financial Reporting Standards.
2. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Financial performance

Measures as defined by the Group

Measures defined in IFRS1

Sales 

KPI

Revenue

 £20,862m

(2019 £20,109m)

Underlying EBITA 

 £2,132m

(2019 £2,117m)

 £19,277m

(2019 £18,305m)

KPI

Operating profit

 £1,930m

(2019 £1,899m)

Underlying earnings per share2 

BONUS   KPI

Basic earnings per share

 46.8p

(2019 45.8p) 
Excluding one-off 
tax benefit 

Free cash flow 

(2019 50.8p)
Including one-off
tax benefit

 £1,367m 

Before £1bn UK pension 
scheme contribution 
(2019 £850m)

 £367m

After £1bn UK pension
scheme contribution

Net debt 

 £(2,718)m

(2019 £(743)m)

Order intake3 

 £20,915m

(2019 £18,447m)

Order backlog3

 £45.2bn

(2019 £45.4bn)

 40.7p

(2019 46.4p)

KPI

Net cash flow from operating activities

 £1,166m

(2019 £1,597m)

BONUS   KPI

Order book

 £36.3bn

(2019 £37.2bn)

BONUS   KPI

KPI

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

BONUS

75% of the UK executive directors’ bonuses 
are based on the achievement of financial KPIs 
(see page 144).

Page 20
Alternative performance measure definitions

1. International Financial Reporting Standards.
2. The one-off tax benefit in 2019 is described on page 59.
3. Including share of equity accounted investments.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

57

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceGroup financial review 
continued

Income statement
Sales increased by £0.8bn to £20.9bn 
(2019 £20.1bn), a 4% increase on a 
constant currency basis1.

Underlying EBITA increased to 
£2,132m (2019 £2,117m), giving a return 
on sales2 of 10.2% (2019 10.5%). Excluding 
the impact of exchange translation, the 
increase was 1%.

Revenue increased by £1.0bn to £19.3bn 
(2019 £18.3bn).

Operating profit increased by £31m 
to £1,930m (2019 £1,899m). 

Non-recurring items in 2020 reflect a 
credit of £19m. This comprises a settlement 
gain on a US pension annuity buy-out 
of £64m, offset by charges relating to 
acquisitions and disposals of £38m and a 
Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation 
charge of £7m. Non-recurring charges in 
2019 of £27m comprised a £36m software 
intangible derecognition charge and a net 
gain relating to acquisitions and disposals 
of £9m. 

Amortisation of intangible assets 
is £137m (2019 £109m), the increase 
mainly a result of intangible assets arising 
from the acquisitions.

Impairment of intangible assets in 2020 
is £4m (2019 £6m).

Net finance costs, including equity 
accounted investments, were £366m 
(2019 £296m). The underlying interest 
charge, excluding pension accounting, 
and fair value and foreign exchange 
adjustments on financial instruments and 
investments was £255m (2019 £257m). 
Net interest expense on the Group’s 
pension deficit was £70m (2019 £117m). 
There was a charge in respect of fair value 
and foreign exchange adjustments of £41m 
(2019 £78m credit) on exchange translation 
of US dollar-denominated bonds.

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

Income statement

Financial performance measures as defined by the Group
Sales
Underlying EBITA
Return on sales2

Financial performance measures defined in IFRS3
Revenue
Operating profit
Return on revenue4

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 expense5
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$

2020
£m
20,862
2,132

2019
£m
20,109
2,117
10.2% 10.5%

£m
£m
18,305
19,277
1,930
1,899
10.0% 10.4%

£m

£m

20,862
(2,652)
1,067
19,277

20,109
(2,878)
1,074
18,305

£m

2,117
(27)
(109)
(6)
(23)
(53)
1,899
(273)
(94)
1,532

(257)
(117)

78
(296)

2019
1.277
1.141
1.836

£m

2,132
19
(137)
(4)
(32)
(48)
1,930
(334)
(225)
1,371

(255)
(70)

(41)
(366)

2020
1.283
1.125
1.862

£m
700
100
40

1. Current year compared with prior year translated at current year exchange rates.
2. Underlying EBITA as percentage of Sales.
3. International Financial Reporting Standards.
4. Operating profit as percentage of Revenue.
5. 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.

58

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Taxation expense, including equity 
accounted investments, of £273m reflects 
the Group’s underlying effective tax rate for 
the year of 17%. The 2019 charge of £147m 
reflected the Group’s underlying effective 
tax rate for that 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 was 
recognised; and following review of the 
April 2019 EU Commission decision that 
concluded that the UK’s Controlled Foreign 
Company regime partially represented State 
Aid, a provision was recognised for the 
estimated exposure.

The calculation of the underlying effective 
tax rate is shown in note 6 to the Group 
accounts on page 203.

Earnings per share
Underlying earnings per share for the 
year increased by 2% to 46.8p (2019 45.8p, 
excluding the one-off tax benefit). 

Basic earnings per share was 40.7p 
(2019 46.4p).

Orders
Order intake3 increased by £2.5bn 
to £20,915m (2019 £18,447m). Our 
US-managed businesses had a book-
to-bill4 ratio of more than one.

Order backlog3 decreased by £0.2bn 
to £45.2bn.

Order book decreased by £0.9bn 
to £36.3bn.

Earnings per share
Financial performance measures as defined by the Group
Underlying earnings (excluding the 2019 one-off tax benefit)
Underlying earnings per share (excluding the 2019 one-off 

tax benefit)

Underlying earnings (including the 2019 one-off tax benefit)
Underlying earnings per share (including the 2019 one-off 

tax benefit)

Financial performance measures defined in IFRS1
Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders
Basic earnings per share

2020

2019
£1,493m £1,457m

KPI

46.8p

45.8p
£1,493m £1,618m

46.8p

50.8p

£1,299m £1,476m
46.4p

40.7p

Reconciliation of underlying EBITA to underlying earnings
Underlying EBITA
Underlying net interest expense (including equity accounted investments)2

Taxation expense (at the underlying effective tax rate,  

excluding the 2019 one-off tax benefit)

Non-controlling interests
Underlying earnings (excluding the 2019 one-off tax benefit)
One-off tax benefit
Underlying earnings (including the 2019 one-off tax benefit)

Reconciliation of underlying earnings to profit for the year 
attributable to equity shareholders
Underlying earnings (excluding the 2019 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 (2019)
Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders
Non-controlling interests
Profit for the year

£m
2,132
(255)
1,877

(312)
(72)
1,493
–
1,493

£m
1,493
15
(117)

£m
2,117
(257)
1,860

(347)
(56)
1,457
161
1,618

£m
1,457
(18)
(93)

(58)

(95)

(34)
–
1,299
72
1,371

64
161
1,476
56
1,532

Orders
Financial performance measures as defined by the Group
Order intake3
Order backlog3

Financial performance measures defined in IFRS1
Order book

2020

2019

KPI

£20,915m £18,447m
£45.2bn £45.4bn

£36.3bn £37.2bn

1. International Financial Reporting Standards.
2. 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.

3. Including share of equity accounted investments.
4. Ratio of Order intake to Sales.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

59

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceGroup financial review 
continued

Cash flow
Free cash flow1 was £367m (2019 £850m), 
which includes the impact of the Group’s 
£1bn contribution into the UK pension 
scheme. The remaining inflow reflects 
the Group’s strong focus on liquidity.

Net cash inflow from operating 
activities was £1,166m (2019 £1,597m), 
including the effect of the £1bn 
contribution to the UK pension scheme. 

Taxation payments were in line with 
the prior year at £251m.

Net capital expenditure and financial 
investment was £392m (2019 £454m).

Dividends received from equity 
accounted investments of £27m (2019 
£142m). The prior year included a dividend 
from MBDA of £73m.

Interest received was £19m (2019 £28m).

The cash outflows in respect of 
acquisitions, disposals, held for sale 
assets and the partial disposal of 
shareholdings in subsidiary undertakings 
primarily represent the two US acquisitions 
and that of Techmodal, with an inflow of 
£27m from the reduction in the Group’s 
shareholding in Overhaul and Maintenance 
Company (OMC). The cash inflows in 2019 
of £43m represented 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 shareholding in 
OMC (£31m), less the investment in Riptide 
Autonomous Solutions (£9m) and the 
Prismatic acquisition (£3m).

Interest paid was £227m (2019 £233m).

Equity dividends paid in 2020 represents 
the two 2020 interim dividends. The first 
of these reflects the dividend proposed 
but subsequently deferred in respect of 
the year ended 31 December 2019 which 
was paid in September (£444m). The second 
interim dividend is in respect of the half 
year ended 30 June 2020 and was paid 
in November (£302m).

Dividends paid to non-controlling 
interests decreased to £19m (2019 £56m), 
reflecting a lower 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 
£16m (2019 £40m), arising from rolling 
hedges relating to balances within 
the Group’s subsidiaries and equity 
accounted investments.

KPI

KPI

KPI

Cash flow

Financial performance measures as defined by the Group
Free cash flow1

Financial performance measures defined in IFRS2
Net cash flow from operating activities

Reconciliation from free cash flow  
to net cash flow from operating activities
Free cash flow
Add back Interest paid, net of interest received
Add back Taxation
Operating business cash flow3
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 disposals
Net cash flow from investing activities 
Interest paid
Equity dividends paid 
Partial disposal of shareholding in subsidiary undertaking
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 increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(Deduct)/add back Net cash flow from loans
Foreign exchange translation
Other non-cash movements
(Increase)/decrease in net debt
Opening net debt

Net debt

KPI

Pages 244 and 246
Notes 27 and 29 to the Group accounts

2020
£m

367

2019
£m

850

£m
1,166

£m
1,597

£m

367
208
251

826
392
226
(27)
(251)
1,166
(392)
10
27
19
(1,701)
(2,037)
(227)
(746)
27
(19)
(236)

16
(2)
2,160
973
102
(2,160)
220
(137)
(1,975)
(743)

(2,718)

£m

850
205
252

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. During 2020 the Group has determined that Free cash flow is its key performance measure for utilisation 
of cash at a Group level. The Group continues to use Operating business cash flow as its key segment 
metric, to monitor operational cash generation.

2. International Financial Reporting Standards.
3. Operating business cash flow is defined as Net cash flow from operating activities excluding taxation 

and including net capital expenditure and lease principal amounts, financial investments and dividends 
from equity accounted investments.

60

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 
Lease liabilities
Group’s share of net IAS 19 post-employment benefits deficit
Net tax assets and liabilities
Net other financial assets and liabilities

Net debt
Net assets held for sale
Net assets

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$

2020
£m
11,745

2019
£m
10,371

3,158
409
(3,021)
(1,203)
(4,485)
906
36

(2,718)
94
4,921

£m
2,768
(62)
(4,957)
(467)

(2,718)

3,188
441
(2,854)
(1,291)
(4,455)
690
34

(743)
130
5,511

£m
2,587
67
(3,020)
(377)

(743)

2020
1.367
1.117
1.770

2019
1.324
1.180
1.884

KPI

KPI

Accounting net pension deficit – bridge 
(£bn)

Maturity of the Group’s borrowings 
(£bn)

2019

Add back 2019 allocation2

UK scheme funding contributions

Interest on liabilities

Return on assets

Real discount rate

Other

Deduct 2020 allocation2

2020

(4.5)

(0.3)

1.3

(0.7)

2.4

(3.6)

0.5

0.4

(4.5)

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

Page 229
Note 24 to the Group accounts

Page 227
Note 21 to the Group accounts

(5.4)

(4.9)

(4.5)

(4.5)

(3.9)

(3.4)

(3.4)

(3.0)

(3.0)

(3.0)3

1. Funding received of £678m (2019 £524m) 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. Amounts allocated to equity accounted investments.
3. Repayable in 2030 (£0.9bn), 2031 (0.7bn), 2041 (£0.3bn), 2044 (£0.4bn) and 2050 (£0.7bn).

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

Balance sheet
The £1.3bn increase in intangible assets 
to £11.7bn (2019 £10.4bn) mainly reflects 
goodwill and intangible assets arising 
on the US acquisitions.

Property, plant and equipment, 
right-of-use assets and investment 
property is £3.2bn (2019 £3.2bn). 

Equity accounted investments and 
other investments was £409m (2019 
£441m) mainly reflecting the Group’s 
share of profit for the year (£69m), offset 
by the pension deficit allocation (£70m) 
and dividends received (£27m). 

The Group’s share of the net IAS 19 
post-employment benefits deficit 
was in line with the prior year at £4.5bn. 
The £1bn contribution into the UK pension 
scheme and favourable asset returns were 
offset by an increase in liabilities driven by 
lower discount rate 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 24 
to the Group accounts on page 229.

A net deferred tax asset of £0.8bn (2019 
£0.8bn) relating to the Group’s pension 
deficit is included within net tax assets 
and liabilities.

In aggregate, there was a £0.2bn decrease 
in working capital largely reflecting the 
strong focus on liquidity in the year.

The Group’s net debt at 31 December 
2020 is £2,718m, a net increase of £1,975m 
from the position at the start of the year. 
This is primarily a result of funding the two 
US acquisitions and the contribution to the 
UK pension scheme, partly offset by strong 
operational cash generation. The maturity 
of the Group’s borrowings is shown in the 
chart on this page. 

Cash and cash equivalents of £2,768m 
(2019 £2,587m) are held primarily for the 
repayment of debt securities, pension deficit 
funding, payment of the 2020 final dividend 
and management of working capital.

Net assets held for sale represent 
the Advanced Electronics Company in 
Saudi Arabia. The 2019 net assets held 
for sale comprised the Applied Intelligence 
US-based software-as-a-service business, 
the disposal of which completed in October 
2020, and Advanced Electronics Company. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

61

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance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 14.3p per share making a total 
of 23.7p per share in respect of the year 
ended 31 December 2020. An interim 
dividend of 13.8p was also paid in 
September, reflecting the dividend proposed 
but subsequently deferred in respect of 
the year ended 31 December 2019. At this 
level, the annual dividend is covered two 
times by underlying earnings. Subject to 
shareholder approval at the 2021 Annual 
General Meeting, the dividend will be paid 
on 1 June 2021 to holders of ordinary shares 
registered on 23 April 2021. The ex-dividend 
date is 22 April 2021.

At 31 December 2020, the Company had 
retained earnings of £2.7bn (2019 £3.0bn), 
the non-distributable portion of which 
is £827m (2019 £767m) (see page 256). 
Total external dividends relating to the year 
ended 31 December 2020 are £762m 
(2019 £745m). The 2020 dividends consist 
of the interim dividend in respect of the 
year ended 31 December 2019 (£444m), 
the interim dividend paid during the year 
in respect of the first half of 2020 of 
£302m (2019 £301m) and the final dividend 
proposed of approximately £460m (2019 
£nil). 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 109 and 110).

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 £19.3bn (year ended 31 December 2020) 
See note 1 to the Group accounts
Carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill £10.8bn (at 31 December 2020) 
See note 8 to the Group accounts
Deferred tax asset on post-employment 
benefits obligations
Deferred tax asset on post-employment scheme 
deficit £0.8bn (at 31 December 2020) 
See note 15 to the Group accounts
Tax provisions
Tax provisions £185m (at 31 December 2020) 
See note 17 to the Group accounts
Post-employment benefits obligations
Group’s share of the net IAS 19 post-employment 
scheme deficit £4.5bn (at 31 December 2020) 
See note 24 to the Group accounts

Page 186
Critical accounting policies

Changes in accounting policies
No new or amended standards which 
became applicable for the year ended 
31 December 2020 had a material impact 
on the Group or required the Group to 
change its accounting policies.

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

Page 241
Note 26 to the Group accounts

62

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 2025 
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.

Page 218
Note 14 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.

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. 

Page 202
Note 6 to the Group accounts

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

63

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceGuidance  
for 2021

Whilst the Group is subject to geopolitical and other uncertainties, the following 
guidance is provided on current expected operational performance.

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 2020 
are provided in the Group financial review on pages 56 to 63.

Group guidance
With a strong year behind us against a challenging backdrop of the global pandemic, we look forward to another year 
of top line growth, with a year of margin expansion and good cash flow, all reflected in our Group guidance. The guidance 
reflects the Group’s move to its new measure of operating profitability (see page 65). Guidance is provided on the basis of 
an exchange rate of $1.35:£1.

Sales
Growth in the 3% to 5% range over 2020.
–  Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, we expect growth 

to be between 5% to 7%

–  Growth expected in Air and Electronic Systems, including full 

year impact of acquisitions, partially offset by continued weakness 
in commercial aerospace revenues

–  Approximately 80% of expected sales already in Order backlog

Old EBITA basis

New EBIT basis

Free cash flow target for 2021
in excess of

Three-year free cash flow target
(2021 to 2023) in excess of 

 £1bn

 £4bn

Finance costs expected to be around £270m
Group effective tax rate expected to be around 18%
Non-controlling interest expected to be around £85m

64

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Underlying EBITAexpected to increase in the range of 6% to 8%Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, we expect growth in excess of 10%2020: £2,132m Underlying EPSexpected to increase in the range of 3% to 5%2020: 46.8pUnderlying EBITexpected to increase in the range of 6% to 8%Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, we expect growth in excess of 10%2020: £2,037m (new basis – see page 65)Underlying EPSexpected to increase in the range of 3% to 5%2020: 44.3p (new basis – see page 65)Exchange rate assumption of $1.35:£1A 10 cent movement in the exchange rate impacts EPS by around 2 penceAs communicated in the Preliminary Announcement of 25 February, 
the Group will, with effect from 2021, use underlying EBIT as its key 
measure of operational profitability.

The following table provides guidance by segment, aligned to the Group guidance.

Segmental guidance

Sales
Guidance ($1.35:£1)

Electronic  
Systems

Cyber &  
Intelligence

Platforms &  
Services (US)

Air

Maritime

Up 4% to 6%

Down 3% to 5%

Down 3% to 5%

Up 7% to 9%

Up 2% to 4%

Constant currency basis1

Up 10% to 12%

Stable

Stable

Up 7% to 9%

Up 2% to 4%

Underlying EBIT margin2
New basis – see below

15% to 16%

7% to 8%

8% to 9%

10% to 11%

8% to 9%

1. Constant currency growth rates eliminate the impact of foreign exchange translation.
2. Underlying EBIT as percentage of Sales.

HQ costs are expected to be 10% lower than 2020.

Revised profit performance measures
Management will adopt the underlying EBIT profitability measure, to include charges relating to software 
and development intangible amortisation, in place of the previously reported underlying EBITA measure, 
as it reflects a better measure of underlying profitability. Underlying earnings per share will also be 
recalculated to ensure consistency with the updated operational profitability measure. The change in profit 
measure has no impact on the Group’s existing business performance or cash guidance.

The underlying financial performance for 2020 of segments and the Group is re-presented below on this 
new basis, along with reconciliations from the previous underlying performance measures. The re-presented 
underlying financial performance for 2020 forms the new basis for Guidance for 2021.

Re-presented underlying financial performance for the year ended 31 December 2020

Sales
£m

4,557

1,812

3,503

7,910

3,257

(177)

20,862

Year ended 31 December 2020

Electronic Systems

Cyber & Intelligence

Platforms & Services (US)

Air

Maritime

HQ/intra-Group

Group

Underlying net interest
Underlying taxation expense
Non-controlling interest

Underlying earnings

Underlying EPS (pence)

1. Underlying EBITA as percentage of Sales.
2. Underlying EBIT as percentage of Sales.

Underlying
EBITA
£m

Underlying
EBITA margin1
%

Software and 
development 
intangible 
amortisation
£m

Underlying  
EBIT
£m

Underlying
EBIT margin2
%

15.0

7.5

5.6

11.9

9.4

10.2

684

136

195

941

306

(130)

2,132

(255)
(312)
(72)

1,493

46.8p

(10)

(1)

(5)

(32)

(27)

(20)

(95)

16

(79)

(2.5)p

674

135

190

909

279

(150)

2,037

(255)
(296)
(72)

1,414

44.3p

14.8

7.5

5.4

11.5

8.6

9.8

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

65

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceNet cash  
flow from  
operating
activities
£m

Order 
book
£bn

767

251

458

5.3

1.1

5.6

917

16.5

317

(1,293)

(251)
1,166

8.5

–

(0.7)

36.3

Segmental  
review

The Group reports its performance through five principal 
reporting segments.

Financial performance measures

As defined by the Group

Defined in IFRS1

Year ended 31 December 2020

Sales
£m

KPI

Underlying
EBITA
£m

Return
on sales2
%

Operating 
business 
cash flow
£m

Order
intake3
£m

Order
backlog3
£bn

Revenue
£m

Operating
profit/(loss)
£m

Return
on revenue4
%

KPI

KPI

KPI

Page 68
Electronic Systems

Page 72
Cyber & Intelligence

Page 76
Platforms & Services (US) 3,503

4,557

684

15.0

580

4,722

1,812

7,910

3,257

190

(367)

7.5

5.6

11.9

9.4

136

195

941

306

(130)

221

1,987

382

4,137

6.5

1.7

6.1

4,557

1,812

3,399

718

6,494

22.5

6,593

243

3,772

(1,318)

171

9.1

–

(368)

(0.7)

3,195

40

(319)

14.2

7.6

5.4

13.1

8.5

648

138

183

862

272

(173)

20,862

2,132

10.2

8267

20,915

45.2

19,277

1,930

10.0

Page 80
Air

Page 84
Maritime

HQ5

Deduct Intra-group

Deduct Taxation6

Total

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 IFRS1 are provided in the Group 
financial review on pages 56 to 63. Reconciliations by reporting segment for revenue and 
operating profit are included in note 1 to the Group accounts (see page 194) and for net cash 
flow from operating activities in note 27 to the Group accounts (see page 244).

1. International Financial Reporting Standards.
2. Underlying EBITA as percentage of Sales.
3. Including share of equity accounted investments.
4. Operating profit as percentage of Revenue.
5. HQ comprises the Group’s head office activities, together with a 49% interest in Air Astana.
6. Taxation is managed on a Group-wide basis.
7.  At a Group level, the key cash flow metric is Free cash flow, defined as Operating business cash 
flow less interest paid (net) and taxation. In 2020 Free cash flow was £367m (2019 £850m).

66

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Our people have continued 
to enable F-35 aircraft and 
trained aircrew in advance 
of the UK Carrier Strike 
Group’s first operational 
deployment in 2021.

Image copyright Lockheed Martin.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

67

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance Electronic Systems
 Segmental review continued

Electronic Systems comprises the US- and UK-based electronics activities, 
including electronic warfare systems, navigation 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, space electronics 
and electric drive propulsion systems.

At our Manassas, Virginia 
facility, we produce resilient, 
space-qualified subsystems 
and space components.

Electronic Combat Solutions designs, 
builds and supports integrated electronic 
warfare systems for platform prime and 
government customers, and is an affordable 
and dependable mission systems provider 
for all three electronic warfare missions: 
electronic attack; electronic protection; 
and electronic support.

Countermeasure & Electromagnetic 
Attack Solutions provides next-generation 
threat detection, countermeasure, and 
attack solutions that deliver full-spectrum 
electronic warfare capabilities to enhance 
mission survivability.

Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions 
designs and manufactures state-of-the-art 
systems and technology that enable 
our customers to execute their precision 
strike missions.

C4ISR Systems provides actionable 
intelligence through innovative technical 
solutions for airborne persistent surveillance, 
identification systems, signals intelligence, 
underwater and surface warfare solutions, 
and space resiliency products.

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

Power & Propulsion Solutions delivers 
propulsion and power management 
performance with innovative electrification 
products and solutions that advance 
vehicle mobility, efficiency, and capability.

68

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

16,600

Employees1

 £4,557m

Sales

Page 20
Alternative performance measure definitions

Operational and strategic key points

Financial performance

–  Airborne Tactical Radios and 

Military Global Positioning System 
acquisitions completed, performing 
well and integrations are progressing.

–  F-35 electronic warfare systems for 

Lot 12 completed, surpassing cumulative 
programme deliveries of 800 electronic 
warfare systems as of year end.

–  Successful demonstration of APKWS® 

ground-launch capability.

–  Terminal High Altitude Area Defense 
(THAAD) seeker executing at full-rate 
production, and receipt of additional 
order to design and manufacture 
next-generation infrared seekers.

–  Continued classified work.
–  Demand in the commercial business 
lines of Controls & Avionics Solutions 
and Power & Propulsion Solutions has 
been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Financial performance measures 
as defined by the Group

Financial performance 
measures defined in IFRS2

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

KPI

KPI

Operating business 

KPI

cash flow
Order intake1
Order backlog1

2020

2019

£4,557m £4,439m

Revenue

£684m

15.0%

£580m

£687m

15.5%

£672m

Operating profit

Return on revenue

Cash flow from 

operating activities

2020

2019

£4,557m £4,439m

£648m

14.2%

£767m

£672m

15.1%

£833m

KPI

£4,722m £5,023m

Order book

£5.3bn

£4.9bn

£6.5bn

£6.0bn

–  Sales in our Electronic Systems 

–  Underlying EBITA was in line with the 

defence business grew by 12%, with 
almost half of that growth coming 
from our acquisitions.

prior year, although return on sales was 
lower, reflecting the fall in higher margin 
commercial revenues.

–  Our commercial operations were 

–  The sector continued to deliver high 

impacted by COVID-19, though overall 
segment sales growth was around 3%.

cash conversion3 levels.

–  Order backlog benefited from orders 
for F-35 electronic warfare systems, 
the Precision Strike business and 
C4ISR programmes.

Sales by domain 
(%)

C

B

A

A Air
B Maritime
C Land

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

Sales by line of business 
(%)

Sales analysis: Defence and commercial 
(%)

F

E

D

C

A

B

B

A

87%
2%
11%

25%
A Electronic Combat
25%
B C4ISR Systems
C Precision Strike & Sensing
17%
D Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack 16%
13%
E Controls & Avionics
4%
F Power & Propulsion

A Defence
B Commercial

86%
14%

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

69

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance Electronic Systems
 Segmental review continued

Operational performance 
and COVID-19 impact
The defence electronics businesses were 
generally able to maintain operational 
workflows despite the COVID-19 pandemic. 
This lesser impact on defence operations 
helped to offset the significantly reduced 
demand for commercial avionics products 
and related aftermarket services, as well 
as the sector’s urban transit bus solutions. 
As a result, the business adjusted its 
US workforce accordingly to reflect the 
reduced requirements. While impacts 
on the air travel and mass transit markets 
are being realised in the near term, as a 
virus vaccine becomes available and the 
pandemic recovery proceeds, we would 
expect an eventual return of overall demand 
for which the business is well positioned.

Electronic Combat Solutions
The F-35 Lightning II programme completed 
deliveries for Lot 12 and has delivered a 
cumulative total of 830 electronic warfare 
systems as of year end. We also continue 
to support the Block 4 modernisation 
efforts under multiple contracts worth 
approximately $400m (£293m), and 
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 our 
next-generation electronic warfare Eagle 
Passive Active Warning Survivability System 
to support the upgrade of the US Air Force 
F-15 platform and support the testing on 
F-15E test aircraft at both Eglin and Edwards 
Air Force Bases. The programme passed a 
critical Department of Defense milestone in 
late 2020, culminating in the programme’s 
approval to enter the Low-Rate Initial 
Production phase in December. 

We are also under contract to install 
the Digital Electronic Warfare System on 
new and existing F-15 aircraft to provide 
advanced electronic warfare capability, 
and to provide spare units and modules 
for domestic and international customers, 
including the provision of hardware and 
software to support the first successful 
flight of the F-15QA fighter under a 
Qatar Foreign Military Sale programme. 

Under a $140m (£102m) contract with 
Lockheed Martin for Lots 2 and 3, we 
are producing the sensor technology for 
the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). 
We are also executing a Diminishing 
Material Sources contract for the next 
configuration of LRASM and have received 
a $38m (£28m) contract for the LRASM 
Improvement Program to enhance the 
overall performance of the missile.

Due to the sensitive nature of electronic 
combat systems and technology, many of 
our programmes are classified. These include 
our work as a world leader in electronic 
warfare providing next-generation 
technologies in support of our US military 
customers and our allies.

Countermeasure & Electromagnetic 
Attack Solutions
The Compass Call programme is currently 
executing contracts worth in excess of 
$600m (£439m). The team continues to 
sustain and upgrade prime mission 
equipment on the existing EC-130H fleet, 
and is progressing the cross-decking of 
the mission system to a special-mission 
Gulfstream G550 jet. This aircraft will be 
designated as the EC-37B and is targeted 
to field in 2024.

We received $179m (£131m) in US Army 
funding for the Limited Interim Missile 
Warning System programme for the first 
two production lot orders, and to advance 
efforts to enable fielding on other Army 
rotary-wing aircraft. In parallel, the team 
continues to support government testing.

Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions
The acquisition of the Military Global 
Positioning System business in July 
advances our world-class Navigation 
& Sensor Systems offerings with the 
development of next-generation GPS 
technologies for the US military and 
its allies. In November, we were among 
three companies to collectively receive 
US Space Force awards totalling more 
than $550m (£402m) over five years 
from the Space and Missile Systems Center 
to develop and produce next-generation 
integrated circuit cards for military GPS 
receivers that are compatible with the 
secure M-Code signal.

The APKWS® laser-guided rocket 
programme provides guidance sections 
for 70mm rockets for US military rotary- 
and fixed-wing platforms. In addition to 
generating international interest, the 
programme announced a successful 
demonstration of ground-launch capability. 
The programme is executing under two 
Indefinite Delivery contracts, with awards 
totalling $385m (£282m) received.

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense 
(THAAD) seeker programme was awarded 
a contract and is executing at full-rate 
production, providing critical targeting 
technology that helps to protect the US 
and its allies from ballistic missiles. The 
programme has also initiated work to 
design and manufacture the next-
generation THAAD infrared seekers.

C4ISR Systems
In May, we acquired the assets of the 
Airborne Tactical Radios business, advancing 
our strategic objective to pursue and deliver 
long-term growth and expand our full 
spectrum communications portfolio with 
multi-band radios and advanced 
cryptographic technologies. Under a legacy 
Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity 
(IDIQ) contract from the US Army, we were 
awarded $83m (£61m) in delivery orders 
for 1,124 ARC-231A radio systems at 
full-rate production levels. The ARC-231A 
is software-defined and can accommodate 
rapid upgrades without requiring the radio 
to be removed from its platform.

We affirmed our position as a leader in 
Link 16 technology, receiving a contract 
worth up to nearly $1bn (£0.7bn) to 
produce, retrofit, and sustain joint 
tactical radios for the US Navy through 
our Data Link Solutions venture with 
Collins Aerospace. 

We are experiencing steady growth in 
signals intelligence, where we captured a 
development and production programme 
worth up to $190m (£139m) for a new 
mission, advanced SIGINT payload. In the 
space domain, we remain a leading provider 
of resilient, space-qualified subsystems and 
components. We were awarded a sole-
source contract worth up to $188m (£138m) 
to continue a vital national security mission. 

70

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Our active inceptors received certification 
and are now in service on the Gulfstream 
G500 and G600, with initial production 
and flight testing ongoing for the G700. 
A derivative, LinkEdge™ (Active Parallel 
Actuation Subsystem), is in qualification 
for the Chinook CH-47.

Development of the F-35 vehicle 
management computer technology refresh 
is proceeding to plan, and we are actively 
working towards a sustainment contract 
for the active inceptor systems.

We also continue to progress our 
autonomous mission technologies and 
were awarded an IDIQ contract by the 
US Air Force for the Skyborg programme. 
The next call is to compete for the 
digital design phase for a low-cost 
attritable vehicle.

Controls & Avionics Solutions
The business continues to develop the 
integrated flight control electronics and 
remote electronic units for the new Boeing 
777X airplane family. The flight control 
system is performing as expected during 
flight testing and we continue to complete 
software updates and systems verification 
testing in support of aircraft certification. 
Boeing has also restarted production of 
the 737 MAX and the aircraft has returned 
to service. 

The business was selected to develop 
the flight control system for Aerion’s 
AS2 supersonic jet, reaffirming our 
market-leading position in flight controls.

Our engine control product line 
continues to perform well across our 
legacy portfolio with FADEC International 
and FADEC Alliance, a joint venture between 
GE Aviation and FADEC International 
(our joint venture with Safran Electronics 
& Defense). The next-generation engine 
control for the engine that powers the 
777X aircraft received FAA certification 
and continues to support the flight 
test programme.

Power & Propulsion Solutions
In the first half of the year, Alexander 
Dennis Limited selected BAE Systems’ 
clean propulsion systems to power up 
to 600 buses for the new fleet of the 
Republic of Ireland’s National Transport 
Authority. In addition, New York City 
Transit solidified its commitment to green 
technology by maximising the full order 
of 435 BAE Systems-powered electric drive 
buses, and our Series-ER (Electric Range) 
electric drive propulsion solution is 
helping San Francisco address green zones 
set up in population-dense areas affected 
by air pollution. The business has also 
begun to address emerging demand 
for similar technology in the marine 
and military sectors.

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

Page 88
Segmental looking forward

Navigation & Sensor 
Systems employees are 
developing next-generation 
GPS technology for the 
US military and its allies.

More online
baesystems.com

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

71

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance 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.

Our Applied Intelligence business 
helps nations, governments and 
businesses around the world 
defend themselves against 
cybercrime, reduce their risk 
in the connected world, comply 
with regulation and transform 
their operations.

Intelligence & Security comprises 
the three US-based businesses.

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

Integrated Defense Solutions provides 
the US Army, Navy, and federal civilian 
markets with systems engineering, 
integration, and sustainment services 
for critical weapons and C5ISR systems 
and enterprise IT networks and 
cyber security 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 through automation, 
augmented analytics, and artificial 
intelligence/machine learning 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 
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.

72

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

 9,700

Employees1

 £1,812m

Sales

Page 20
Alternative performance measure definitions

Operational and strategic key points

Financial performance

Intelligence & Security
–  US-based Intelligence & Security business 
continues to maintain its bid pipeline, 
perform on existing contracts and win 
new orders. All three businesses delivered 
a book-to-bill2 ratio of over one.

–  Awarded a seven-year, $495m (£362m) 
contract on Instrumentation Range 
Support Programme.

–  Multi-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite 
Quantity contract received to provide 
electronic hardware and engineering 
services for a US government customer.
–  Our Federated Secure Cloud technology 

approach and processes are being 
employed to maintain and secure 
US Army Cyber Command’s virtual 
desktop infrastructure.

Applied Intelligence
–  Strong order intake, revenue and 

profitability performance in the core 
underlying business driven by the 
Government business unit.

–  Significant profit growth year-on-year 
due to cycling the restructuring of 
the Technology & Commercial business 
in 2019.

–  Sale of the US-based software-as-a-

service business completed in November.

Financial performance measures 
as defined by the Group

Financial performance 
measures defined in IFRS3

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

KPI

KPI

£136m

7.5%

Operating business 

KPI

£221m

cash flow
Order intake1
Order backlog1

2020

2019

£1,812m £1,732m

Revenue

£91m

5.3%

£68m

Operating profit

Return on revenue

Cash flow from 

operating activities

2020

2019

£1,812m £1,732m

£138m

7.6%

£251m

£80m

4.6%

£99m

KPI

£1,987m £1,846m

Order book

£1.1bn

£1.1bn

£1.7bn

£1.8bn

–  Operating business cash flow 

benefited throughout the year from 
accelerated collections on a number 
of government contracts.

–  Order backlog was slightly reduced, 

mainly as a result of the Silversky disposal.

–  Sales grew by 5%. Applied Intelligence 
was stable with more than 10% growth 
in its Government Services business, 
offset by weaker demand in Financial 
Services. The US Intelligence & Security 
business grew sales by 7% with growth 
across all three of its businesses.

–  Underlying EBITA improved as 

Applied Intelligence returned to 
profitability following the action 
taken on restructuring.

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. Ratio of Order intake to Sales.
3. International Financial Reporting Standards.

Sales by business 
(%)

Sales by line of business: 
Intelligence & Security (%)

Sales analysis:  
Applied Intelligence (%)

A

C

A

C

B

B

A Applied Intelligence
B Intelligence & Security

B

A

28%
72%

A Air Force Solutions
B Integrated Defense Solutions
C Intelligence Solutions

26%
43%
31%

A Government
B Financial Services
C Technology & Commercial

74%
18%
8%

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

73

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance Cyber & Intelligence
 Segmental review continued

Operational performance 
and COVID-19 impact
Intelligence & Security
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we 
activated a Pandemic Management Response 
Plan to ensure continued support of our 
customers’ missions while mitigating any 
impacts to our employees’ safety. 

We implemented measures to protect 
the health and wellbeing of all sector 
employees, to include social distancing 
through 60% of our employees working 
remotely, and others moving to shift 
work to reduce on-site workforce numbers. 
Where employees are required to work on 
location, we have fulfilled guidelines 
on social distancing, PPE, quarantines 
and enhanced cleaning measures. 

Supply chain issues resulting from COVID-19 
were minimised through supplier outreach 
and monitoring. Proactive customer 
notifications helped to identify effective 
mitigation strategies and resulted in revised 
delivery schedules to maintain on-time 
delivery metrics. Contract modifications were 
secured that allowed billing for programmes 
impacted by COVID-19 as contemplated 
by the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, 
and Economic Security) Act Section 3610.

Actions were taken to support business 
liquidity, to include partnering with our 
Intelligence Community customers to 
minimise revenue impacts through CARES 
Act Section 3610, and the implementation 
of strong cash management and 
appropriate cost reduction measures 
to mitigate COVID-19’s profit impact.

Across our government customers, 
the pandemic has caused some delays 
in the acquisition process as requests 
for proposals, as well as recompete 
and new contract awards have been 
pushed back. 

Air Force Solutions
We were awarded a seven-year, $495m 
(£362m), Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite 
Quantity contract on the Instrumentation 
Range Support Programme (IRSP) to provide 
logistics sustainment support to the US 
Space Force for instrumentation tracking 
(radar, telemetry and optics) systems located 
around the world. Under IRSP, we have 
been a radar sustainment contractor of 
choice since 1985, providing support, 
sustainment and maintenance services 
for instrumentation systems at test ranges 
around the world. This single award contract 
has a ceiling value of $945m (£691m) over 
the seven-year performance period.

On the US Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic 
Missile Integration Support Contractor 
programme, we continue to provide 
programme management, systems 
engineering, integration and testing, 
sustainment and cyber defence support, 
and cumulative funding is approaching the 
$1.1bn (£0.8bn) contractual ceiling.

We were awarded a multi-year Indefinite 
Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract 
with an expected lifecycle value of 
$474m (£347m) to provide electronic 
hardware and engineering services for 
a US government customer. 

We were awarded a five-year, $67m 
(£49m) contract for obsolescence 
management services across multiple 
platforms and weapon systems for 
the US Air Force, which we have been 
supporting for nearly 30 years.

Our Enterprise IT Solutions business 
won a recompete for a five-year 
$85m (£62m) contract with the Air 
Force Research Laboratories for systems 
engineering, evaluation, and analysis. 

We won a multi-year US Navy award worth 
$27m (£20m) for KC-130J Large Aircraft 
Infrared Countermeasures installations.

Internationally, we also received $48m 
(£35m) in firm fixed-price awards for 
new radar and mid-life upgrade systems 
from the French Directorate General 
of Armaments.

Integrated Defense Solutions
We are executing the fifth year of a 
five-year, $368m (£269m) sole-source 
contract to support weapon systems 
on board US Ohio and UK Vanguard 
Class submarines, as well as future 
US Columbia Class and UK Dreadnought 
Class submarines.

We were awarded a five-year, $94m (£69m) 
US Navy contract to provide engineering, 
test, and evaluation support for sensors 
and communication, control, and weapons 
systems for various manned and unmanned 
airborne platforms. 

After 15 years of strong performance, we 
were awarded a five-year, $66m (£48m) 
follow-on contract to provide platform 
integration, systems analysis, and In-Service 
Engineering Agent support for US Marine 
Corps future systems and other fielded 
tactical Air Traffic Control systems for 
the US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Army, 
and US Air Force.

The business was awarded a five-year, 
$188m (£138m) US Navy contract to 
provide critical large-scale system 
engineering, integration and testing 
expertise for the AEGIS Weapons and 
Combat Systems aboard the Navy’s 
surface combatant ships. 

The US Navy awarded us a prime position 
on a ten-year, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite 
Quantity contract with an expected lifecycle 
value of $150m (£110m) to provide full-rate 
production of mission system avionics and 
aircraft components, and production and 
installation of modification kits for the 
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. 

We were awarded a ten-year renewal of 
our Bankruptcy Noticing Center contract 
with a lifecycle value of $106m (£78m) to 
distribute documents for the US Bankruptcy 
Courts to creditors.

74

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Intelligence & Security is a 
leading systems integrator 
providing solutions and 
advanced technologies for 
critical customer missions 
across all domains.

More online
baesystems.com

Intelligence Solutions
We successfully completed designing, 
building, deploying, and testing the secure 
IT infrastructure for multiple networks at 
the new headquarters for US Army Cyber 
Command at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Our 
performance earned us a $12m (£9m) 
contract for operations, support, and 
maintenance services, which will utilise 
our Federated Secure Cloud approach 
and processes to implement and maintain 
the US Army Cyber Command’s Multiple 
Independent Levels of Security virtual 
desktop infrastructure. 

We were awarded one of three contracts 
by the US Marine Corps to develop a 
prototype design of a new state-of-the-art 
Wargaming Center in Quantico, Virginia. 
Our award, valued at $19m (£14m), 
represents new work for us and will 
integrate advanced technologies, including 
artificial intelligence, machine learning, 
game theory, multi-domain modelling and 
simulation, and predictive data analytics to 
bring rigour to many wargaming processes.

We were selected as a subcontractor to 
support prime teams for two new 
opportunities: the seven-year Federal 
Systems Integration and Management 
Center Pathfinder contract with an expected 
lifecycle value of $50m (£37m) to provide 
professional services for operations and 
intelligence support and management; and 
the five-year Joint Artificial Intelligence 
Center Joint Warfighting National Mission 
Initiative contract with an expected lifecycle 
value of $90m (£66m) to provide a full 
spectrum of technical support and deliver 
AI-enabled systems.

Applied Intelligence
Applied Intelligence delivered a significant 
increase in profit during 2020 driven by 
strong operational performance and the 
cycling of restructuring charges incurred 
in 2019 relating to the divestment of the 
legacy Technology & Commercial business. 
During 2020 the divestment activity was 
concluded with the sale of the US-based 
software-as-a-service business (Silversky) 
completing in November following the 
divestment of the Enterprise Managed 
Security Services in April. The underlying 
core business has continued to deliver 
positive revenue growth, driven by strong 
order intake in the Government business, 
and improved profitability from high levels 
of productivity and a significant focus on 
cost reduction. 

The business has continued to operate 
at full capacity throughout the global 
pandemic. Significant focus has been 
directed to employee wellbeing and 
remote working in order to enable teams 
to continue to deliver effectively. The health 
and safety of employees is always a priority, 
with the large majority of employees 
working from home and investments made 
in creating COVID-19 secure office spaces 
where necessary. 

Government
The Government business has delivered 
strong order intake driven by the 
International and Central Government 
business units. Revenue growth has 
benefited from a strong performance in 
the National Security business, following 
the large multi-year deals signed in 2019, 
and the Defence business which has 
benefited from growth in major Ministry 
of Defence programmes. The business has 
delivered a strong operational performance, 
with high levels of utilisation benefiting 
revenue generation and profitability. 

Financial Services
The Financial Services business launched 
NetReveal 360° in July. This new product 
opens up a wider market of customers 
looking for a comprehensive and 
competitively-priced compliance solution 
hosted in the cloud. The business has seen 
some slippage in order intake throughout 
the year due to the pandemic. Focus on 
operational efficiency and cost reduction 
has limited impacts on profitability.

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

Page 88
Segmental looking forward

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

75

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance Platforms & Services (US)
 Segmental review continued

Platforms & Services (US), with operations in the US, UK and 
Sweden, manufactures and upgrades 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.

ACV launches from the well 
deck of the USS Somerset 
during sea-based testing.

Combat Mission Systems focuses on 
a portfolio of tracked combat vehicles, 
amphibious vehicles, protection systems, 
naval weapons, artillery, advanced 
weapons and precision munitions for the 
US military and international customers.

Ordnance Systems is the operator 
of the US Army’s Holston and Radford 
facilities under government-owned, 
contractor-operated arrangements, and 
focuses on high explosives, propellants, 
and facility modernisation.

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.

BAE Systems Bofors provides 
advanced land and maritime weapons 
and precision-guided munitions.

Weapon Systems UK is a provider 
of land-based artillery systems with 
the M777 towed ultra-lightweight 
howitzer as its main product.

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.

76

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

 12,600

Employees1

 £3,503m

Sales

Page 20
Alternative performance measure definitions

Operational and strategic key points

Financial performance

–  Delivery of the first production Armored 
Multi-Purpose Vehicles took place in 
the second half; one of each of the five 
variants delivered by year end.

–  Amphibious Combat Vehicle programme 
moved to full-rate production phase after 
Initial Operational Capability declared.
–  Delivery of more than 50 production 

Bradley A4 vehicles. 

–  New US Navy contract modifications 
totalling $114m (£83m) for Mk45  
Mod 4 upgrades.

–  Initial deliveries of Virginia Payload 

Module tubes completed.

–  Ship Repair secured more than $1bn 

(£0.7bn) in US Navy maintenance and 
modernisation orders.

–  Ordnance Systems received $233m 
(£170m) in modernisation contracts.

–  Contracted to provide five 57Mk3 

and ten 40Mk4 naval gun systems for 
the UK Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates.

–  Operational delays and disruptions 
related to the COVID-19 pandemic 
were experienced across manufacturing 
and shipyard facilities.

Financial performance measures 
as defined by the Group

Financial performance 
measures defined in IFRS2

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

KPI

KPI

2020

2019

£3,503m £3,337m

Revenue

£195m

5.6%

£267m

Operating profit

8.0%

Return on revenue

Operating business 

KPI

£382m

£241m

Cash flow from 

2020

2019

£3,399m £3,185m

£183m

£239m

5.4%

7.5%

£458m

£305m

cash flow
Order intake1
Order backlog1

KPI

£4,137m £4,020m

Order book

£5.6bn

£5.1bn

£6.1bn

£5.8bn

operating activities

–  Sales grew by 5% as the ramp in 

US combat vehicles continued. US Ship 
Repair and M777 sales to India were 
challenged due to COVID-19 with 
volumes down compared to the 
prior year.

–  Underlying EBITA was lower than the 

prior year, primarily due to the impacts 
of COVID-19 in Ship Repair and on 
the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle 
programme where less developed 
supply chains were particularly affected.

–  Operating business cash flow was 
higher, from improved working 
capital in combat vehicles, an advance 
payment received for Switzerland’s 
CV90 programme, and lower customer 
cash retentions in Ship Repair.
–  Orders worth more than $2.6bn 

(£1.9bn) were received on multiple 
combat vehicle programmes, and 
more than $1bn (£0.7bn) in the 
Ship Repair business.

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

Sales by domain 
(%)

Sales by line of business 
(%)

Sales analysis: Platforms and services 
(%)

A

B

C

A Air
B Maritime
C Land

F G

E

D

C

B

1%
34%
65%

A Combat Mission Systems
B Ordnance Systems
C US Ship Repair
D BAE Systems Hägglunds
E BAE Systems Bofors
F Weapon Systems UK
G FNSS

A

A

B

A Platforms
B Services

49%
14%
21%
5%
4%
4%
3%

45%
55%

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

77

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance Platforms & Services (US)
 Segmental review continued

Operational performance 
and COVID-19 impact
Overall, our manufacturing facilities and 
shipyards have continued to operate with 
the implementation of pandemic safety 
measures. Despite these measures, 
operational disruptions have resulted in 
delivery delays on most vehicle programmes, 
some stemming from a temporary pause 
in manufacturing operations at our 
York, Pennsylvania manufacturing hub to 
implement expanded preventative measures. 
In addition, significant interruptions, 
delays and performance challenges were 
experienced in shipyard work and awards.

Whilst the majority of office-based 
employees are working remotely, employee 
furloughs have occurred during the year 
where programme demand has slowed, 
and some reductions were taken to address 
changing business needs across the segment. 
We are working with our customers to meet 
programme requirements, and when there 
is a COVID-19 impact, we are engaging 
quickly to determine levels of disruption 
and maintaining open dialogues to establish 
new delivery schedules as appropriate.

Combat Mission Systems
While some schedule adjustments 
have been required due to the pandemic, 
related supply chain impacts and challenges 
associated with the early phases of new 
programmes, Combat Mission Systems 
continues to make progress towards 
achieving consistent production throughput 
across multiple programmes. Investments 
in facilities and new manufacturing 
technologies, including automation and 
robotic welding, are delivering long-term 
benefits. Despite the effects of the 
pandemic, we more than tripled our 
monthly vehicle production in 2020.

We continue to deliver Amphibious Combat 
Vehicles (ACVs) to the US Marine Corps 
under Low-Rate Initial Production contracts 
totalling $599m (£438m) for 116 vehicles. 
Design and development have begun on 
new ACV mission variants, and a 30mm 
gun system for the ACV-30 weapons variant 
was selected. The Marine Corps declared 
Initial Operational Capability for the ACV, 
and in December awarded a $184m 
(£135m) contract for full-rate production 
of 36 ACVs.

We continue to work on the US Army’s 
Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) 
programme under contracts worth $1.3bn 
(£1.0bn). The first production AMPVs 
were delivered in August, and deliveries 
of each of the five variants followed later 
in the second half. 

Progress continues on the M109A7 
programme under cumulative awards 
totalling approximately $1.5bn (£1.1bn) 
for 204 vehicle sets. Following the full-rate 
production decision, we received a $339m 
(£248m) contract in March for 48 vehicle 
sets. We are also supporting the customer-
led integration efforts for the Extended 
Range Cannon Artillery on the M109A7 to 
nearly double the range of the gun system.

Work has begun to upgrade Bradley 
vehicles to the A4 configuration. Following 
the June award, we have received contracts 
totalling $848m (£620m) for 491 vehicles, 
with more than 50 delivered by year end.

We are executing on a $32m (£23m) 
prototype contract received in July from 
the US Army’s Rapid Capabilities and 
Critical Technologies Office to integrate 
a Hybrid-Electric Drive system onto 
Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

We continue to produce and sustain the 
US Army’s M88 recovery vehicles, including 
under a contract valued at $148m (£108m) 
to upgrade 43 vehicles from the M88A1 
to the M88A2 HERCULES configuration, 
and a $318m (£233m) contract to develop 
and test upgrades for the next-generation 
M88A3 configuration to restore single-
vehicle recovery capability. In October, 
we secured a $127m (£93m) contract 
for 38 M88A2 HERCULES vehicles – 
19 for the US Army and 19 for Kuwait.

In addition, we have continued delivering 
on a programme for 36 Assault Amphibious 
Vehicles under a US government Foreign 
Military Sale.

In the weapon systems product line, 
we are producing Vertical Launch System 
missile canisters for the US Navy under 
initial awards totalling $166m (£121m), 
which could reach $955m (£699m) over 
five years if all options are exercised.

In addition to 2019 orders, we are 
working to deliver Mk45 Mod 4 gun 
systems to the US Navy, including 2020 
contract modifications valued at $114m 
(£83m). Under a $19m (£14m) award, 
we started work to provide the US Navy 
and Coast Guard with Mk38 machine 
gun systems. 

78

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Initial deliveries began of the 37 Virginia 
Payload Module tubes for the US Navy’s 
Block V Virginia Class submarines.

Ordnance Systems
We continue to operate and modernise the 
US Army’s Radford and Holston ammunition 
plants, with a total of $233m (£170m) in 
modernisation orders received in the year. 
Operationally, implementing necessary, 
updated pandemic safety guidelines 
resulted in minor schedule and cost impacts. 
The Army is progressing towards a five-year 
extension for Radford operations and 
competition for the operation at Holston. 

At Holston, modernisation activities 
continue, including the construction of 
a Weak Acid Recovery Plant, and multiple 
contracts for a natural gas-fired steam 
facility, a wastewater management 
facility, and the design, construction and 
commissioning of new production facilities.

At Radford, 2020 marked significant 
progress towards completion of 
construction of a modern nitrocellulose 
facility. We are actively managing 
subcontractor performance, cost, and 
schedule issues and disputes as we work 
towards commissioning of the facility.

US Ship Repair
The US Ship Repair business continues to 
conduct modernisation and maintenance 
activities for the US Navy’s non-nuclear 
fleet, but experienced performance 
challenges throughout the year. We 
continue to monitor volume and timing 
impacts related to COVID-19, with delays 
in both contract awards and the start of 
work owing to availability issues. In 2020, 
we secured orders totalling approximately 
$1bn (£0.7bn), including a $200m (£146m) 
award to service the USS Boxer in San 
Diego. Additionally, we received a $197m 
(£144m) contract to sustain the USS Wasp 
in Norfolk and an $84m (£61m) award that 
could total $212m (£155m) to consecutively 
service the guided-missile destroyers USS 
Carney and USS Winston Churchill in 
Jacksonville.

As previously announced, we have begun 
to cease operations at our Hawaii shipyard, 
ahead of its closure in 2021.

BAE Systems Hägglunds
The Netherlands has started work to 
upgrade and extend the life of its CV9035 
fleet, and we are working under a previous 
contract to integrate the Elbit Systems 
Iron Fist Active Protection System and 
an anti-tank guided-missile system on the 
vehicles. In October, we received a contract 
to convert the Dutch fleet of CV90s to 
composite band track, and a new contract 
worth over $500m (£366m) for mid-life 
upgrades was received in early 2021.

Work is progressing to refurbish the 
Swedish CV90 fleet, and deliveries are in 
process for the 40 CV90-based Mjölner 
mortar systems.

In November, we received a contract to 
extend the expected life of 186 Swiss Army 
CV90s to 2040. Discussions are underway 
with Finland and Norway for life extension 
of CV90s in their inventories. The Czech 
Republic’s competitive procurement for a 
new fleet of infantry combat vehicles has 
been delayed due to COVID-19.

In our all-terrain vehicle portfolio, significant 
interest continued for new procurements 
to replace ageing BV 206 vehicles. We 
proposed our Beowulf unarmoured vehicle 
for the US Army’s Cold Weather All-Terrain 
Vehicle prototype programme.

BAE Systems Bofors
We continue to deliver on Swedish and 
US Army contracts for the 155mm BONUS 
ammunition, including a US Army contract 
received in the first half. We are nearing 
completion of 24 additional ARCHER 
systems for Sweden. ARCHER was selected 
by the US Army for further evaluation for 
its wheeled howitzer requirements. 

We are under multiple export contracts 
to deliver 40Mk4 and 57Mk3 naval gun 
systems, including a recent order for 
five 57Mk3s and ten 40Mk4s for the 
UK Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates. We are 
also delivering 57mm (Mk110) gun systems 
to the US Navy and Coast Guard.

Weapon Systems UK
Production of 145 M777s for the Indian 
Army continues under a $542m (£397m) 
Foreign Military Sales contract. UK 
production resumed after a brief pause 
due to the pandemic. Due to COVID-19, 
36 guns originally to be built in-country 
will now be assembled in Barrow, UK. 

FNSS
FNSS, our land systems joint venture 
based in Turkey, continues to produce 
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, and work began to 
supply medium weight tanks to Indonesia.

Multiple contracts for the Turkish Armed 
Forces worth in excess of €670m (£600m) 
are progressing, including contracts for 
air defence vehicles, 27 assault amphibious 
vehicles and 100 special purpose 8x8 
and 6x6 vehicles. Production began for 
260 anti-tank vehicles, and a modernising 
programme for 133 armoured combat 
vehicles was also signed.

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

Page 89
Segmental looking forward

The Fleet Support team 
completes an overhaul 
of a Mk110 (57Mk3) 
Naval Gun System.

More online
baesystems.com

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

79

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance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.

A concept model of Tempest, 
our future combat air system.

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. The business is also contracted 
for the Hunter Class nine-ship Future 
Frigate programme. Services contracts 
include the provision of sustainment, 
training solutions and upgrades.

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

Our UK-based business includes 
programmes for the production of 
Typhoon combat and Hawk trainer 
aircraft, support, training and upgrades 
for Typhoon, Tornado and Hawk aircraft, 
and development of next-generation 
Air Systems and defence information 
systems, as well as 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.

80

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

 29,300

Employees1

 £7,910m

Sales

Page 20
Alternative performance measure definitions

Operational and strategic key points

Financial performance

–  Contract secured to support the 

production of 38 Typhoon aircraft 
for the German Air Force.

–  Qatar Typhoon and Hawk aircraft 
programme met its contractual 
milestones in the year.

–  F-35 programme Lots 12 to 14 contract 
definitised following price agreement. 
126 rear fuselage assemblies completed 
in the year, below the contracted level 
as a result of COVID-19 disruption. 
Ramp up to full-rate production in 2021. 

–  Governments of Italy and Sweden 
committed to working with the UK 
to develop next-generation combat 
air capability.

–  A further six Hawk aircraft assembled 
in Saudi Arabia were accepted and 
entered service in-Kingdom.

–  The design and production readiness 
phase of the Hunter Class Frigate 
programme for the Royal Australian 
Navy continues to make good progress.
–  Sale of Advanced Electronics Company 
to Saudi Arabian Military Industries 
completed in February 2021.

Financial performance measures 
as defined by the Group

Financial performance 
measures defined in IFRS2

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

KPI

KPI

Operating business 

KPI

cash flow
Order intake1
Order backlog1

2020

2019

£7,910m £7,457m

Revenue

£941m

11.9%

£718m

£887m

Operating profit

11.9%

Return on revenue

£408m

Cash flow from 

operating activities

2020

2019

£6,593m £6,153m

£862m

13.1%

£917m

£777m

12.6%

£497m

KPI

£6,494m £4,594m

Order book

£16.5bn

£18.3bn

£22.5bn

£23.9bn

–  Air sales grew by 6%, driven by F-35, 
Typhoon activity, and the ramp up in 
production on the Qatar Typhoon and 
Hawk programmes.

–  Air delivered strong underlying 

EBITA in the second half, overcoming 
a significant amount of Q2 under-
recoveries, and continued to save costs 
and retire risk on the back of good 
programme execution.

–  Operating business cash flow benefited 
from advances received on the German 
Typhoon programme and enhanced 
funding on the F-35 programme.
–  Orders included our share of the 

German Typhoon award, orders for 
radar upgrades, further F-35 awards and 
continued good demand through MBDA.

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

Sales by line of business 
(%)

Sales analysis: Platforms and services 
(%)

D

E

C

A

B

B

A

A European and International Markets
B US Programmes
C Saudi Arabia
D Australia
E MBDA

30%
12%
34%
9%
15%

A Platforms
B Services

47%
53%

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

81

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceAir
 Segmental review continued

Operational performance 
and COVID-19 impact
The COVID-19 pandemic affected all 
markets and countries in the Air sector, 
with the priority throughout the delivery 
of customer-critical activity whilst ensuring 
the safety and wellbeing of employees. 
Swift enactment of business continuity 
plans enabled safe systems of work to be 
developed and significant mitigation against 
the adverse financial effects of the pandemic, 
ensuring continuity of cash flow both from 
customers and into the supply chain.

Operations have been stable across our 
main markets with a significant number of 
employees continuing to work from home. 
Where roles cannot be performed at home, 
we have employees working at BAE Systems 
sites and customer locations, including Air 
Force bases, where we collaborate closely to 
ensure a safe system of work. The business 
has continued to adapt and enhance its 
protective measures, in particular with the 
emergence of second and third waves of 
the pandemic in the UK and with a number 
of our sites being located in areas with high 
rates of infection. Nonetheless, key outputs 
have been maintained and the productivity 
of remote working has continued to improve 
via enhancements to IT infrastructure and 
tools. Safe systems of work continue to be 
adapted to the local situation as required.

In Australia, there have continued to be 
intermittent outbreaks which have resulted 
in the imposition of varying restrictions 
by the states. The business is managing 
activity on site versus at-home working on 
a site-by-site basis to reflect these regional 
variations. International travel to and from 
Australia is likely to remain restricted until 
late 2021.

In Saudi Arabia, COVID-19 levels have 
reduced significantly over the last six 
months and the Saudi government has 
partially lifted the international air, land 
and sea border restrictions. This change 
has come as a welcome relief to employees 
and dependants alike. Operations returned 
to a normal level of activity in the last 
quarter of the year.

MBDA initiated its own business continuity 
plans in response to restrictions in Germany, 
Italy, France and the UK. All sites remain 
operational with appropriate safe and 
remote-working practices in place.

Across all markets, the business continues 
to work closely with its supply chain to 
manage any impacts from the COVID-19 
pandemic and the downturn in the 
commercial aircraft market. Where suppliers 
have schedule or liquidity risk, mitigating 
actions have been implemented, as well 
as looking at dual source opportunities.

PHASA-35®
A solar powered aircraft 
with the potential to stay 
airborne for a year.

More online
baesystems.com

82

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

European and International Markets
We secured an order in excess of £1.2bn 
to support the production of a further 
38 aircraft for the German Air Force to 
replace its original Typhoon Batch 1 aircraft.

Activity on the 24 Typhoon and nine Hawk 
aircraft and associated support and training 
contract for the Government of the State of 
Qatar progresses well, with all milestones 
achieved in the year. 

Seven deliveries of major units under the 
Kuwait Typhoon contract, secured by Italian 
Eurofighter partner Leonardo, occurred in the 
period, with the remainder planned by 2022.

The final Tranche 3 Typhoon aircraft was 
delivered to Italy in October. 

The UK Typhoon fleet continues to achieve 
the contracted flying hours, under its ten- 
year partnership arrangement. BAE Systems 
continues to support the European Partner 
Nations’ own support arrangements.

During the first half of the year, the Group 
was asked to enter into negotiations with 
the Omani customer regarding a transition 
to a reduced scope support solution for 
the Typhoon fleet. These negotiations have 
concluded successfully, and an amended 
scope of work has been agreed to secure 
Typhoon support services in Oman until 
mid-2022.

Support to the Royal Air Force’s UK fleet 
of Hawk fast jet trainer aircraft continues, 
with an interim extension to the availability 
contract received. We remain in discussions 
concerning the follow-on arrangement to 
support the Royal Air Force’s UK fleet of 
Hawk fast jet trainer aircraft through a 
long-term availability contract.

The future electronically scanned European 
Common Radar Solution is progressing 
with initial entry into service contracted 
on Kuwait and Qatar aircraft. German and 
Spanish Air Forces have awarded contracts 
to enhance the capability of their in-service 
aircraft by upgrading some of their fleet 
with the new electronically scanned radar 
standard. The UK continues to fund activity 
for the future UK standard of weapon 
system and sensors.

The next phase of the Tempest technology 
maturation programme is progressing well. 
The UK, Swedish and Italian governments 
are engaged to develop the next-generation 
combat air capability. 

The Group continues to invest in promising 
new and innovative technologies for the 
future. The PHASA-35® solar-electric 
powered unmanned aircraft successfully 
completed its maiden flight in February, 
and completed 72 hours of continuous 

ground testing including communications 
payload. Discussions with a range of 
customers continue in the development 
of this technology and a range of services. 

Our employees in Turkey continue to 
support the design and development phase 
of an indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet 
for the Turkish Air Force.

US Programmes
The production of F-35 rear fuselage 
assemblies will ramp up to full rate in 2021. 
In the year, 126 rear fuselage assembles 
were completed on the production contracts 
across Lots 11 to 14, falling below the 
contracted level as a result of the COVID-19 
disruption. Contract negotiations for 
Lots 15 to 17 have commenced during 
the second half of the year and are likely 
to conclude during 2021. 

We continue to support the Royal Navy 
and Royal Air Force in integrating the 
F-35 aircraft into its operational fleet 
and forward deployments.

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

Saudi Arabia
Through the restructuring of the Group’s 
portfolio of interests in its Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia industrial companies, we are 
working in partnership with Saudi Arabian 
Military Industries (SAMI) to explore how 
we can collaborate to deliver further 
In-Kingdom Industrial Participation, in line 
with the Kingdom’s National Transformation 
Plan and Vision 2030. 

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 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. 
BAE Systems continues to perform on 
the contract secured in 2018 to provide 
Typhoon support services to the Royal 
Saudi Air Force through to 2022. Through 
this contract, the business also supports 
the Industrialisation of Defence capabilities 
in Saudi Arabia.

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 training 
for the Royal Saudi Air Force, as well 
as engineering and logistics services for 
the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. While we 
continue to meet the key contractual 
obligations under these contracts, there 
has been some disruption because of 
the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A total of 12 Hawk aircraft assembled 
in-Kingdom have now been completed 
and entered service with the Royal 
Saudi Air Force, including six in the year. 
The Company has delivered all 22 major 
units to meet this final assembly programme.

We continue to reorganise our portfolio of 
interests in a number of industrial companies 
in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Wings Aviation 
Academy LLC (RW) increased its ownership 
to 49% in the Group’s Overhaul and 
Maintenance Company (OMC) subsidiary, 
completing the contract for RW to acquire 
this shareholding.

The SAMI purchase of Advanced Electronics 
Company completed in February 2021.

Australia
The Royal Australian Navy Hunter Class 
Frigate programme initial design and 
production readiness phase has successfully 
progressed into prototyping and remains 
on track for cut steel on Ship 1 in December 
2022. BAE Systems Maritime Australia 
(formerly ASC Shipbuilding) has been fully 
integrated into the Australian operations 
and the handover of the new shipyard 
completed to schedule despite the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jindalee Operational Radar Network 
continues to meet operational targets 
and the optimised delivery strategy on the 
upgrade programme is being implemented 
with the Commonwealth of Australia.

Rectification of outstanding warranty 
items continues to progress under the 
Landing Helicopter Docks Acquisition 
contract and the route to contract 
closure is being agreed. 

Hawk Lead-in Fighter availability was 
affected by supply chain quality issues, 
however pilot training requirements for 
the Australian Defence Force have been 
met. Supply chain remediation has returned 
availability to required levels with some 
operational impacts still being resolved. 

A bid submission to extend the service 
to 2031 was made in the year, with 
contract award expected in 2021.

Sustainment capability continues to grow 
for the regional F-35 fleet at our Williamtown 
facility, with 30 aircraft now on base, and 
aircraft depot-level maintenance work 
scheduled to commence in 2021. 

Research and development activity in 
Australia has increased, with progress made 
supporting the Boeing Australia Loyal 
Wingman programme, the Australian Army 
Land Autonomy experimentation, and in 
data analytics for hypersonic missile defence.

MBDA
During 2020, MBDA continued to secure 
domestic and export orders. The business 
continues to expect to benefit from defence 
spending in a number of European countries 
and from international opportunities with 
several significant bids underway.

Orders for the Brimstone Capability Upgrade 
Programme, Spear 3 development and 
manufacturing contracts for the UK Armed 
Forces’ air platforms, the Mid-Life Update of 
the Aster Air Defence missile for the French 
customer and the Teseo Mk2E development 
contract for the Italian customer were 
secured. The Future Cruise/Anti-Ship 
Weapon Assessment Phase contract 
(the Anglo/French co-operation programme 
to replace Storm Shadow/Harpoon in the 
UK and SCALP/Exocet in France) is now 
expected to be awarded in 2021.

Since the German TLVS (Ground-Based 
Air Defence System) down select decision 
in 2015, the MBDA/Lockheed Martin 
consortium provided its final offer in 2020, 
however, following the subsequent German 
Federal Ministry of Defence announcement 
to re-evaluate German Air Defence in its 
entirety, a TLVS contract is no longer 
planned for 2021.

MBDA has successfully adapted working 
practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, 
enabling good progress on a number 
of development programmes (including 
Spear 3, MICA NG and Aster Block 1 
New Technology), continuing with 
production deliveries and providing support 
to its domestic and export customers.

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

Page 89
Segmental looking forward

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

83

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance Maritime
 Segmental review continued

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

The two Queen Elizabeth 
Class aircraft carriers alongside 
at HM Naval Base Portsmouth.

Maritime programmes include the 
construction of seven Astute Class 
submarines for the Royal Navy, as well 
as the design and production of the 
Royal Navy’s 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’s munitions business designs, 
develops and manufactures a comprehensive 
range of munitions products serving a 
number of customers including its main 
customer, the UK Ministry of Defence. 
Its RBSL joint venture with Rheinmetall 
is a 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.

84

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

 17,400

Employees1

 £3,257m

Sales

Page 20
Alternative performance measure definitions

Operational and strategic key points

Financial performance

–  The fourth Astute Class submarine, 
HMS Audacious, left our Barrow site 
in April to begin sea trials with the 
Royal Navy.

–  Construction of the first two Dreadnought 
Class submarines continues to advance.

–  The build phase of the River Class 

Offshore Patrol Vessel programme is 
now complete, with the fourth ship, 
HMS Tamar, handed over to the Royal 
Navy in March, and HMS Spey, the fifth 
and final ship, handed over in October.
–  Construction of the first two City Class 
Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy 
continues to progress.

–  Acquisition of Techmodal, a UK data 

consultancy and digital services business, 
completed in August.

–  Announcement of a 15-year agreement 

with the UK Ministry of Defence to 
supply the Next Generation Munitions 
Solution between 2023 and 2037. 

–  RBSL has secured its share of 

the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle 
Boxer programme.

Financial performance measures 
as defined by the Group

Financial performance 
measures defined in IFRS2

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

KPI

KPI

2020

2019

£3,257m £3,116m

Revenue

£306m

£268m

Operating profit

9.4%

8.6%

Return on revenue

Operating business 

KPI

£243m

£150m

Cash flow from 

2020

2019

£3,195m £3,071m

£272m

8.5%

£317m

£253m

8.2%

£289m

cash flow
Order intake1
Order backlog1

KPI

£3,772m £2,875m

Order book

£8.5bn

£8.4bn

£9.1bn

£8.6bn

operating activities

–  Maritime sales grew by 4%, driven by 

–  Cash flow improved on better programme 

the continued ramp up in Dreadnought 
activity, which now represents sales 
of more than £1bn per annum.
–  Underlying EBITA benefited from 

improved programme performance.

performance and completion of the 
Offshore Patrol Vessel build programme.
–  Order backlog benefited from ongoing 

Dreadnought funding. The Land business 
received the Next Generation Munitions 
Solution award, and the flow down of 
work to RBSL for the Boxer programme.

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

Sales by domain 
(%)

Sales by line of business 
(%)

Sales analysis: Platforms and services 
(%)

B

C

A

B

B

A

A

A Maritime
B Land

91%
9%

A Naval Ships
B Submarines
C Land UK

A Platforms
B Services

42%
49%
9%

68%
32%

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

85

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance Maritime
 Segmental review continued

Operational performance 
and COVID-19 impact
Maritime
Essential operations in support of the 
Royal Navy and other customers have 
been maintained throughout the COVID-19 
pandemic. We continue to sustain operations, 
with approximately 9,000 employees working 
on our sites and the remainder working 
from home. On our sites, a range of safety 
measures have been implemented including 
reducing the number of employees on site, 
enhanced cleaning regimes, additional 
cleaning stations, reconfiguration of 
workspaces, social distancing, temperature 
checks, mandatory wearing of face 
coverings and the provision of appropriate 
PPE where required. At Submarines, a 
COVID-19 test and trace programme has 
been established for employees and visitors 
attending the business’ sites with more than 
8,000 tests being undertaken on average 
each week. 

In parallel, while the pandemic has caused 
schedule pressures on a number of the 
sector’s programmes, our businesses 
continue to work collaboratively with our 
main customer, the Ministry of Defence, 
and their supply chains to ensure that 
business and service continuity is 
maintained through the pandemic. 

Naval Ships
All five River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels 
have now been accepted by the Ministry 
of Defence, with the final ship, HMS Spey, 
leaving Glasgow and arriving at her home 
port of Portsmouth Naval Base in October. 
The build phase of this programme is 
now complete with all five ships designed, 
constructed, commissioned and delivered 
in six years. 

The first three City Class Type 26 frigates 
are on contract with construction underway 
on the first two ships. The programme 
continues to progress with all units of the 
first of class, HMS Glasgow, in construction. 
HMS Glasgow remains on track to be 
delivered to the Royal Navy in the mid-2020s. 
The second ship, HMS Cardiff, entered the 
manufacturing phase in August 2019 and 
approximately one-third of the units of the 
vessel are in construction. In the second half 
of 2020 a further five contracts were placed 
with UK suppliers worth more than £100m, 
supporting 250 jobs. The programme 
sustains more than 4,000 jobs in total 
across the UK.

The Canadian Surface Combatant team 
continues to work closely with Lockheed 
Martin Canada and Irving Shipbuilding, Inc. 
on the Preliminary Design Phase of the 
programme. With the signing of the 
Support Services contract in Q2 2020, 
the team is working closely with Irving 
Shipbuilding, Inc. to transfer product and 
process knowledge and shared experience 
of complex operations.

Submarines
BAE Systems Submarines is a member 
of the Dreadnought Alliance, working 
alongside the Submarine Delivery Agency 
and Rolls-Royce to deliver the 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 £5.9bn, with 
contract funding of £0.6bn received in 
2020. 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 and 
second submarines continues to advance. 
The major programme of investment to 
redevelop the Barrow site to support the 
delivery of Dreadnought is progressing, 
with a number of new facilities complete 
and in operation. 

The first four Astute Class submarines have 
now been delivered to the Royal Navy, with 
the fourth boat, HMS Audacious, setting 
sail in April for its home naval base. The 
remaining three boats are at an advanced 
stage of construction, and the naming 
ceremony for the fifth boat, HMS Anson, 
took place in December. HMS Anson is 
scheduled to begin sea trials in 2022.

Maritime Services
Our Maritime Services business is responsible 
for management and maintenance of 
HM Naval Base Portsmouth and supports 
the Royal Navy’s Portsmouth-based surface 
fleet, including the Type 45 destroyers, 
Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, 
Type 23 frigates and Hunt Class mine 
countermeasure vessels through the 
Maritime Support Delivery Framework 
contract. The Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol 
Vessels, including the new River Class 
Batch 2 ships, are also supported from 
Portsmouth under availability contracts. 

HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Diamond, 
HMS Defender and HMS Kent were all 
successfully prepared and supported for 
the first deployment of the UK’s new 
Carrier Strike Group as part of a NATO 
exercise in October.

All warship upkeeps, fleet time support 
periods and capability insertion periods 
were delivered to agreed schedules. The 
upkeep of HMS Dauntless was completed 
in May, and the ship was the first Type 45 to 
enter the Power Improvement Programme, 
being delivered by BAE Systems, Cammell 
Laird and BMT. New diesel generators 
have been installed and the ship is now 
approaching the commissioning phase.

We continue to deliver the £230m 
Torpedo Repair and Maintenance contract. 
Progress also continued on the £270m 
Spearfish torpedo upgrade programme. 
A seven-year contract worth up to £87m 
was secured with the US Navy for the 
manufacture, delivery and support of 
Archerfish mine neutralisers. This is the 
fourth consecutive Archerfish contract 
awarded by the US to BAE Systems 
since 2003.

We continue to provide radar support, 
upgrades and enhancements to the 
Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

The delivery of a new support system 
for HMS Victory under a contract to 
the National Museum of the Royal Navy 
was successfully completed.

We acquired Techmodal, a UK data 
consultancy and digital services business, 
in August. The acquisition supports 
both the BAE Systems digital and data 
strategy and the UK’s Armed Forces 
digital transformation.

86

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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

Page 89
Segmental looking forward

Land UK
Our Munitions business provides 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. 

Following the conclusion of negotiations 
with the UK Ministry of Defence, we 
announced a 15-year agreement with 
the UK Ministry of Defence to supply the 
Next Generation Munitions Solution 
between 2023 and 2037.

Our RBSL joint venture has secured the 
contract for its share of the work on the 
Mechanised Infantry Vehicle programme. 
RBSL will produce approximately half of the 
British Army’s Boxer vehicles from its Telford 
facility. This marks a significant milestone 
for the programme and will create and 
sustain skilled jobs in and around Telford, 
as well as throughout the UK supply chain.

Shell filling at our munitions 
site in Glascoed, South Wales.

More online
baesystems.com

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

87

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance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.

2020 Sales1

E

D

A

C

B

A Electronic Systems
B Cyber & Intelligence
C Platforms & Services (US)
D Air
E Maritime

2020 Underlying EBITA2

E

D

A

B

C

A Electronic Systems
B Cyber & Intelligence
C Platforms & Services (US)
D Air
E Maritime

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 with the opportunity 
for modest mid-term growth, although 
market conditions remain highly competitive 
and continue to evolve in response to the 
change in administration and shifting 
government priorities. 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 in our 
Government business ensure that we are 
well placed to deliver growth as UK cyber 
budgets increase and cyber security 
becomes an increasingly important part 
of a nation’s security. We continue to shape 
the Financial Services division to deliver 
growth given cyber is, and will continue 
to be, a core element of stewardship 
for companies in a sophisticated and 
persistent threat environment.

22%
8%
17%
38%
15%

30%
6%
9%
41%
14%

Electronic Systems comprises the 
US- and UK-based electronics activities, 
including electronic warfare systems, 
navigation 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, space electronics, 
and electric drive propulsion systems.

Electronic Systems is well positioned for 
growth in the medium term as it continues 
to address current and evolving US defence 
priority programmes from its strong 
franchise positions in electronic warfare, 
navigation systems, 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 significant roles on F-35 Lightning II, 
F-15 upgrade, M-Code GPS upgrades 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. With our electric 
drive propulsion capabilities we are well 
placed to continue to address the need for 
low- and zero-emission technology across 
an increasing number of platforms.

The commercial aviation market has been 
negatively impacted by the pandemic and 
is expected to take several years to recover 
to previous levels. The business has been 
scaled appropriately and Electronic Systems’ 
technology innovations are enabling the 
business to maintain its long-standing 
customer positions and adjust as the 
market evolves.

1.  Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue 
of equity accounted investments, excluding 
subsidiaries’ revenue from 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.

88

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Page 10
Our markets

Page 20
Alternative performance measure definitions

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

The outlook is stable based on long-term 
contracted positions. Within Submarines, 
the business is executing on two long-term 
programmes. The Astute Class programme 
has three remaining boats in build. On the 
Dreadnought programme manufacturing 
activities continue on the first two boats 
of a four-boat programme. Investment 
continues in the Barrow facilities in order 
to provide the capabilities to deliver these 
long-term programmes through the decade 
and beyond. In shipbuilding, sales through 
the decade and beyond 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 contracted 
workshare on the Mechanised Infantry 
Vehicle programme. Munitions supply 
continues under the Munitions Acquisition 
Supply Solution partnering agreement 
which will be followed in 2023 by the 
recently agreed 15-year Next Generation 
Munitions Solution. 

Platforms & Services (US), with 
operations in the US, UK and Sweden, 
manufactures and upgrades 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 Mission Systems 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 
home ports. This capitalised infrastructure 
represents a high barrier to entry, and the 
business remains well aligned to the US 
Navy’s operational strategy and projected 
fleet increase.

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 2021 and is 
expected to be sustained at these levels. 
The business plays a significant role in the 
F-35 sustainment programme in support 
of Lockheed Martin, and revenues are set 
to grow as the number of aircraft deployed 
increases over the coming years. Defence 
and security remains a priority 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. Our in-Kingdom 
support business is expected to remain 
stable underpinned by long-standing 
contracts renewed every five years.

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. It has 
expanded into ship design and production 
on the Hunter Class Frigate programme, 
which will drive growth in the coming years.

MBDA has a strong order backlog 
supporting future years’ sales. Development 
programmes continue to improve the 
long-term capabilities of the business in 
air, land and sea domains.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

89

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernance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.

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 2020 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.

90

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Page 92
Our risk management framework

Page 93
Our principal risks

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 93 to 99.

As mentioned in the Group’s 2020 
Half-yearly Report, and with the advent 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group 
has identified as a new principal risk since 
the 2019 Annual Report that the outbreak 
of contagious diseases may have an adverse 
effect on the Company’s business, financial 
condition and results of operations.

Since the 2019 Annual Report, in view 
of the evolving nature of the climate 
change risk, the Group has also identified 
as a new principal risk that the Group 
may be impacted by environmental factors, 
including those relating to climate change. 
The directors have considered the relevance 
of the risks of climate change and transition 
risks associated with the Company’s net 
zero greenhouse gas emissions targets 
when preparing and signing off the 
Company’s accounts.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

91

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur risk  
management framework

Board – Overall responsibility for risk management

g
n
i
t
r
o
p
e
r
d
n
a
g
n
i
r
o
t
i
n
o
m
e
g
n
e
l
l
a
h
c
k
s
i
R

,

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

Corporate Responsibility Committee
Non-financial Risk Register

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

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 review and five-year plan for each business

g
n
i
t
r
o
p
e
r
d
n
a
g
n
i
r
o
t
i
n
o
m
e
g
n
e
l
l
a
h
c
k
s
i
R

,

Strategic objectives and shareholder value

Project objectives and financial return

Business Risk
Risk Management Policy – Mandated Policy*
Identification
Financial and non-financial risks  
recorded in risk registers

Project Risk
Lifecycle Management Framework – Mandated Policy*
Identification
Financial and non-financial risks  
recorded in risk registers

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

04

01

03

02

Analysis
Risks analysed 
for impact 
and probability 
to determine 
gross exposure

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

04

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 Process*
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

Page 102
*As defined in the Group’s Operational Framework

92

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
Outbreak of contagious diseases
The outbreak of contagious diseases may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Mitigation

Impact

There is currently a COVID-19 pandemic across 
the world and governments are taking a number 
of steps to mitigate the impact of this pandemic. 
Many people have contracted the disease 
across the world and many deaths have 
occurred. Although there have been recent 
positive developments in relation to the 
approval of vaccines and the commencement 
of immunisation programmes, it is not clear for 
how long this pandemic will last or how much 
more extensive it will become, or the further 
measures that will be taken by governments 
and others to seek to control this pandemic 
and its impact.

The COVID-19 pandemic could also result in 
changes to the outlook in the Group’s markets.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 
Group has taken a number of responsive measures 
including reducing site operational levels and 
introducing new cleaning regimes, safe working 
distance measures and protective equipment for our 
employees. A significant proportion of the Group’s 
employees are working from home. 

By taking these measured actions to build in resilience 
for a prolonged period of disruption, we have continued 
to deliver critical work for our customers and, where 
operations were impacted, ensured that site-critical 
workers have now been able to safely return to work 
where possible. 

Support for the defence industry from the governments 
in our key markets has been strong around 
prioritisation of capabilities, cash flows, recognising 
the need to maintain a strong supply chain and 
working collaboratively to maintain critical defence 
and security programmes.

Contagious diseases can have an adverse 
effect on the Group’s business, financial 
condition and results of operations. 

While the Group is liaising closely with 
its customers and suppliers to understand 
any changes in requirements and priorities 
during this time, the uncertainties 
surrounding the development of this 
pandemic make it difficult to predict 
the extent to which the Group may 
be affected.

Areas of the Group’s business that could be 
impacted include a decrease in spending by 
the Group’s major defence and commercial 
customers; an increase in taxation by 
governments; the failure to obtain awards 
for defence and commercial contracts; the 
failure of suppliers to deliver parts to the 
Group; the requirement for the Group or 
its suppliers to reduce site operational levels 
or close sites; the inability of the Group to 
meet contractual delivery requirements on 
time; the inability to adequately staff and 
manage the business; and an increase in 
the cost or lack of availability of funding. 

If the Group were unable to obtain 
appropriate funding, it could be forced 
to make reductions in spending, seek to 
extend payment terms with suppliers and/
or suspend or curtail planned programmes. 

Any of the above could have a material 
adverse effect on the Group’s 
business, financial condition and results 
of operations.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

93

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur principal risks 
continued

Description
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.

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 and due to 
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 
global economy.

While the terms of the UK’s relationship with 
the EU after the end of the transition phase 
on 31 December 2020 have now been clarified 
by the entry by the UK and the EU into the 
Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the UK 
is now a third country for the purposes of 
EU-funded defence projects. There remains 
the risk that, as a result of the UK leaving the 
EU, the Group’s ability to take part in new 
European collaborative defence programmes, 
whether under such EU-funded projects or 
otherwise, could be hampered. 

Impact

Mitigation

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.

Significant fluctuations in exchange rates to 
which the Group is exposed could have a 
material adverse effect on the Group’s 
future results and financial condition.

If the UK is excluded from new European 
collaborative defence programmes, this 
could impact the Group’s future results 
and financial condition.

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 term 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. BAE Systems has 
key roles in major ongoing European programmes, 
such as Eurofighter, which are only likely to be 
marginally affected by Brexit. 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 in the post-Brexit environment, 
and to strengthen bilateral relationships with key 
partners in Europe. This will be important for ongoing 
collaboration with such partners in Europe on the 
development of defence capabilities.

94

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Description
Defence spending
The Group is dependent on defence spending.

In 2020, 95% 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. 

Defence spending by governments has also 
been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak 
due to reprioritisation of funds.

Impact

Mitigation

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

The business is geographically spread across US, UK 
and international defence markets:

–  in the US, the two-year budget deal enacted in 2019 

established a defence spending level of approximately 
$740bn for fiscal year 2021 and, with a demonstrable 
bi-partisan support for defence, it maintains support 
for our medium-term planning assumptions and 
positive momentum for military readiness and 
modernisation programmes;

–  in the UK, the government has re-stated its 

commitment to meeting the NATO target of spending 
of at least 2% of Gross Domestic Product on defence. 
While the government’s Integrated Foreign Policy, 
Defence and Security Review is due to be published 
early in 2021, the UK government has made a series 
of recent programme announcements related to the 
review and we welcome the UK government’s 
increased investment in defence and security;

–  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, underpinned also by 
its policies of developing a strong, sustainable and 
secure Australian defence industry and supporting 
leading-edge technical innovation. The Australian 
government continues its policy of providing a 
ten-year funding model for defence. As part of this 
commitment, the Australian government has made 
clear its objective to build a robust, resilient and 
internationally competitive domestic defence industry 
to ensure the expertise resident in the industrial base 
effectively supports Australia’s national security.

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

95

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur principal risks 
continued

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

Impact

Mitigation

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

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

In 2020, 49% of the Group’s sales were 
generated by its 15 largest programmes. 
At 31 December 2020, the Group had nine 
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-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.

96

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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

Impact

Mitigation

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

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

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

The Group has long-standing relationships 
and security arrangements with a number of 
its government customers, including its three 
largest customers, the governments of the 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. The risk of 
modification, termination or cancellation of 
government contracts has recently increased 
due to the reprioritisation of government funds 
as a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19 
pandemic. 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.

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. The timing of cash receipts could be 
impacted by the reprioritisation of government 
funds as a result of the outbreak of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

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

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

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

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

97

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceOur principal risks 
continued

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

Impact

Mitigation

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

The 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.

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 
paid £1bn into the Scheme in April 2020, representing an 
advancement of £1bn of deficit contributions due between 
2022 and 2026.

The UK triennial funding valuations for the other smaller 
UK pension schemes dated 31 March 2020 are being 
finalised. As at the previous valuations these schemes 
were in surplus.

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.

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

BAE Systems has a well-established legal and regulatory 
compliance structure aimed at ensuring adherence to 
regulatory requirements and identifying 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.

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.

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.

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

98

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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

Mitigation

Impact

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.

Climate change and the environment
The Group may be impacted by environmental factors, including those relating to climate change.

The Group is subject to comprehensive 
environmental laws and regulations in each 
of the countries in which it operates, including 
those relating to the impacts of climate change. 
Such laws and regulations impose standards with 
respect to air emissions, wastewater discharges, 
the use, handling and storage of hazardous 
wastes and materials, remediation of soil and 
groundwater contamination and the prevention 
of pollution. They can also include energy-related 
taxes and the increased costs of compliance with 
energy-related schemes. The Group may also 
be impacted by environmental factors, including 
those arising from climate change, such as 
scarcity of water and other resources as well 
as extreme weather events such as, for example, 
flooding and storms.

Environmental factors, including those 
relating to climate change, have the 
potential to materially impact our 
business and operations. Increasing 
changes in environmental laws and 
regulations can expose the Company 
to increasing capital and operating costs 
associated with compliance, remediation 
and protection of the environment. 
Breaches of such laws and regulations 
can result in substantial costs, including 
fines, penalties or other sanctions, 
investigations and clean-up costs, 
and third-party claims for property 
damage or personal injury as well 
as the termination of permits.

We have taken a business-led approach to setting reduction 
targets and driving improvement programmes and activities 
to reduce our environmental impacts. We have an 
environmental management system in place for all of our 
businesses and short- and long-term risks relating to the 
environment and climate change, including those arising 
from current and emerging regulation, are built into these 
business environmental management systems. These 
systems enable us to define issues and set appropriate 
targets for the reduction of environmental and climate 
change impacts and risks.

Understanding how the business may be impacted by 
environmental factors is also a key component of how 
we seek to mitigate emerging, medium- and longer-term 
risk. BAE Systems uses analytical tools to apply natural 
catastrophe classifications to each of its sites worldwide. 
This has informed our strategy as to where to target a 
programme of specific flood, windstorm and earthquake 
assessments of our sites and implement the subsequent 
risk reduction recommendations. In 2020, we conducted 
a refresh of this data and during 2021 we will be modelling 
climate scenarios for 2030, 2050 and 2085.

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 24 February 2021.
David Parkes 
Company Secretary

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

99

Strategic reportFinancial statementsGovernanceChairman’s 
governance letter

Contents
Chairman’s governance letter 

Board governance 

Applying the UK Corporate 
Governance Code Principles 

Board of directors 

Board information 

Governance disclosures 

Audit Committee report 

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee report 

Nominations Committee report 

Remuneration Committee report 

100

102

104

106

108

109

111

116

120

124

Dear Shareholders
There is no doubt that the challenges of 
COVID-19 have tested the fabric and culture 
of all organisations as they have adjusted 
operationally, socially and managerially 
to the demands of the pandemic. 

In these circumstances, the quality 
of leadership, the strength of board 
membership, and the value of our 
relationships with employees, customers, 
suppliers and local communities have 
never been more important.

I am pleased to confirm that in 2020 
the Company responded well to these 
challenges and I felt it would be helpful 
to provide some deeper insight into 
our performance in these areas.

Board leadership
The Board has consistently focused on 
promoting the long-term sustainable 
success of the Company, having regard 
to wider stakeholder interests including 
in particular the need to contribute to 
the wider needs of society.

In order to help it discharge its 
responsibilities and meet its aspirations 
as a valuable contributor to society at 
large, the membership of the Board has 
been drawn from a number of different 
nationalities, with a diverse mix of gender, 
skills and backgrounds that bring relevant 
contributions, robust opinions, quality 
oversight and collegiate engagement. 

To plan for the future and help maintain 
these qualities, we have announced 
that two new non-executive directors, 
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn and Dr Ewan 
Kirk, will be joining the Board shortly.

During the last six years, the Board 
has been focused on refreshing the 
organisation, revising the culture, 
reinvigorating the performance and 
underpinning the long-term future 
by building a substantial order book, 
a clear strategy and a refreshed and 
capable leadership team.

The performance of the Company, 
as outlined in this report, demonstrates 
the success of this focus and there is 
no doubt that our Chief Executive, 
Charles Woodburn, has had a material 
impact on achieving this in the three 
years he has held the role.

His success and reputation have, of course, 
raised his executive profile in the wider 
corporate community, and during the 
course of the year he was offered a role 
outside of the Company with attractive 
career and reward prospects. As a Board, 
we were clear that his departure at this 
critical time in our development would 
impact the future success of the Company 
and be damaging for all stakeholders. 
Consequently, we took decisive action 
to secure his long-term commitment 
with a modified reward package.

With the Chief Executive’s leadership 
firmly in place, a refreshed and capable 
senior executive team assembled and 
overseen and supported by a group of 
non-executive directors of considerable 
quality, I am confident that the Board is 
well placed to lead the successful growth 
of the Company in the years ahead.

Shareholders
The relationship with our major 
shareholders is of critical importance, 
and we seek to sustain and develop 
this through regular contact with the 
Chief Executive, Group Finance Director 
and Chief Executive Officer of our 
US business, and supported by a 
professional Investor Relations team. 
This is supplemented by direct contact 
with myself as Chairman and wider 
engagement through an annual shareholder 
forum that enables interaction between 
the non-executive members of the Board 
and major shareholders on all aspects of the 
business with an emphasis on non-financial 
and governance matters.

With the restrictions imposed by the 
pandemic, much of that contact has 
been limited to electronic communication, 
but as all parties have adjusted to the use 
of technology, the quality of interaction 
has remained productive and valued 
by both parties.

Employees
2020 has undoubtedly demonstrated the 
importance of a transparent, authentic and 
engaged relationship with all employees. 
The need for mutual trust and respect has 
been vital and has enabled safe working to 
continue, processes and procedures to be 
quickly revised, on-site working carefully 
managed where necessary to maintain 
production and support provided for 
those required to work from home.

100

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Sustainability
The Environmental, Social and Governance 
agenda has been, and continues to be, 
a priority for the Board. Our Corporate 
Responsibility Committee encourages, 
monitors and oversees our performance 
in this area with rigour and resolve. 

To that end, we have made it a priority 
to deliver improved, measurable and 
reportable performance in all these 
key areas. 

In particular, we recognise the 
environmental impact of our global 
operations and are committed to the 
development and implementation of 
a long-term decarbonisation strategy. 
In 2020 we accelerated our response in 
relation to climate change and a proposal 
for the Company’s net zero strategy 
was put to the Corporate Responsibility 
Committee. Following a thorough review 
of the proposal the Company has set a 
target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas 
emissions across our operations by 2030.

We cannot do this alone and so we intend 
to collaborate with our suppliers and 
customers, and partner with researchers 
and technologists to innovate for a net 
zero future.

Sir Roger Carr 
Chairman

Suppliers
Through the pandemic, the preservation 
of strong, dependable supply chains has 
been critical. We have worked closely with 
our suppliers, providing advice and practical 
support, and have consistently sought to 
build mutually rewarding relationships with 
our suppliers by sharing knowledge and 
encouraging best practice in productivity 
and service. 

As a leading member of ‘Be the Business’, 
a UK independent body of like-minded 
companies working in the nation’s 
interest to improve productivity, we 
have continued to share insights into 
improved manufacturing techniques and 
mentoring for management best practice. 
The combination of practical support 
and positive communication has served 
both BAE Systems and its suppliers well 
in these difficult times.

Community
As a Company, we have a history of 
supporting the communities in which we 
work and the needs of people we serve.

This has been amplified this year with our 
contribution to the production of PPE and 
ventilators through the tireless commitment 
of our people who gave their efforts 
unstintingly around the clock at a time 
of great need both in the UK and US.

Our contribution to good causes 
both financially and through employee 
engagement has continued, including my 
own as Vice-President of the Royal Navy 
and Royal Marines Charity.

Our employees, by their actions, have 
always demonstrated their conviction 
that BAE Systems is an integral part of 
the nations and communities we protect 
and our involvement transcends the supply 
of products and services to being part 
of the societies we serve. This was never 
more evident than in 2020.

I cannot thank our employees across 
the world enough for their outstanding 
response in these most difficult times. 
There is no doubt that we have drawn 
on the quality of the relationships built 
over many years through our engagement 
with employees, formal trades union 
interactions, our commitment to training 
and apprenticeships and our belief in open 
and transparent communication that is 
linked to the pride and passion for what we 
do as a business, in supporting the security 
and prosperity of the customers we serve.

In a year where physical site visits have 
not been possible due to the pandemic, 
we have supplemented our normal 
communication channels with much 
increased use of electronic communications, 
including video messaging from myself, 
the non-executive directors and the Chief 
Executive, podcasts and videoconferencing 
with group gatherings all over the world. 
The value of these interactions has been 
substantial and it is our intention to 
maintain the use of video messaging 
through the BAE Systems corporate 
app in a post-COVID-19 environment. 
Feedback from employees has been 
extremely positive and it is clear that this 
type of communication is an important 
addition to maintain a close link with 
colleagues across the world.

Customers
The relationships with our customers 
are strong and I believe we have seen 
an increased sense of partnership in all 
parts of the world as we strive to support 
each other despite the challenges faced. 
The work that we do in both supplying 
and servicing the armed forces in the UK, 
North America, Middle East and Australia 
is mission-critical and has required 
continuous operations throughout the 
pandemic. By working in close harmony, 
we have maintained a steady drumbeat 
of production and service provision. 
We are very appreciative of the support 
provided by our customers in ensuring 
we are appropriately paid for our products 
and services, and we in turn have ensured 
that the cash has flowed down to support 
our suppliers.

In periods of adversity, there is no doubt 
that loyalty, reliability and dependability 
are valued and remembered by all 
parties and I believe we will emerge 
from this period of crisis with stronger 
and deeper relationships as a result 
of our joint endeavours.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

101

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportBoard governance

This is the structure through which we manage the Group including 
the Board division of responsibilities. The structure continues to evolve 
to meet the needs of the business and our stakeholder responsibilities.

Shareholders

Board

Board committees

Operational governance 

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.

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.

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 
Group’s principal 
shareholders on 
a regular basis. 
Separately, the 
Chairman maintains 
regular contact with 
the Group’s principal 
shareholders on 
governance matters 
and ensures that all 
directors are aware 
of their views.

Audit  
Committee

Page 111

Nominations 
Committee

Page 120

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.

Remuneration  
Committee

Page 124

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee

Page 116

102

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Our purpose
The Board has established the 
Company’s Purpose (see page 1) 
that recognises we have an important 
role in society. Our Purpose connects 
with our strategy and culture.

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. 

Operational Framework
Our 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 4). 
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.

Operational Assurance 
Statement 
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.

Culture
The Board assesses and monitors 
the Company’s culture to ensure 
that it is aligned with our purpose, 
values and strategy. Each year, it 
reviews the nature of the issues 
reported through our global 
network of Ethics Officers and 
our Ethics Helpline (see pages 53 
and 54). Directors engage regularly 
with customers and employees, 
and the Board uses this and other 
feedback to monitor Company culture. 

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 92).

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.

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.

Integrated Business Planning
Creates an agreed five-year business 
plan and robust strategy against which 
performance is monitored through our 
Performance Management Process.

Lifecycle Management  
Framework
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.

Mergers, Acquisitions 
and Disposals process
A structured approach to mergers, 
acquisitions and disposals.

Leadership Framework
Supports the development of a diverse 
and inclusive culture that delivers the 
Group strategy. Provides a principled 
approach to employee performance, 
assessment, development and reward.

Page 04
Our strategic framework

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

103

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportApplying the UK Corporate 
Governance Code Principles

Applying Principles of Good Governance: The Company has applied the Principles in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. Using the principal headings in the Code, the following provides details of how it has applied 
those principles and references other parts of these reports to provide more detail. The statements reference 
the Code Principles.

Section 1 – Board leadership and Company purpose

Principles

A. We have an effective and entrepreneurial Board that promotes the long-term 

sustainable success of the Company, generates value for shareholders and contributes 
to wider society.

B. The Board has established the Company’s purpose, values and strategy, and satisfied 

itself that these and its culture are aligned. All directors are required to act with integrity, 
lead by example and promote the culture they wish to see for the Company.

C. Through the Company’s integrated strategic planning process the Board has agreed 

annual and long-term strategic and financial objectives for the Company. The integrated 
nature of the planning process will help ensure that the necessary resources are in place to 
meet those objectives. The Board regularly reviews progress against the plan. The Company 
has a comprehensive controls structure that enables risk to be assessed and managed.

D. In order for the Company to meet its responsibilities to shareholders and stakeholders, 
the directors have established a number of means through which it is able to engage 
with them in order to better understand their views and expectations.

E. The Board looks to ensure that workforce policies and practices are consistent with 

our values and support our long-term sustainable growth. All members of our workforce 
are able to raise any matters of concern through our Ethics Helpline or with a local 
Ethics Officer.

Reference

Page 50
Supporting our local communities
Page 62
Dividends paid and capital 
allocation policy objectives
Page 122
Annual Board evaluation

Page 01
Our purpose
Page 04
Our strategic framework
Page 53
Sustainability 
 – Governance
Page 102
Board governance
Page 116
Corporate Responsibility Committee report

Page 06
Our business model
Page 102
Board governance 
– Operational Assurance Statement 
– Integrated Business Planning 
– Lifecycle Management Policy

Page 08
Our stakeholders
Page 30
The work of the Board
Page 116
Corporate Responsibility Committee report

Page 01
Our purpose
Page 04
Our strategic framework
Page 42
Sustainability 
 – Social

Section 2 – Division of responsibilities

F. The Chairman leads the Board and is responsible for the overall effectiveness of the Board 
in directing the Company. In doing so he seeks to demonstrate objective judgement and 
promotes a culture of openness and debate within the boardroom. The directors are provided 
with accurate, timely and clear information, to facilitate open and constructive board relations.

Page 102
Board governance
Page 122
Annual Board evaluation

G. The Board comprises the Chairman, three executive directors and seven non-executive 
directors. There is a clear division in the roles and responsibilities of the executive and 
non-executive directors and between the Chairman and Chief Executive which are detailed 
in our Board Charter (available on the Company’s website).

H. The non-executive directors have committed to having sufficient time to meet their 
responsibilities. The non-executive directors provide constructive challenge, strategic 
guidance, offer specialist advice and hold management to account.

I. The Company Secretary supports the Board in ensuring the directors have the 

correct policies, processes, information and time in order to function effectively 
and efficiently.

Page 102
Board governance
Page 100
Chairman’s governance letter

Page 102
Board governance
Page 108
Board information
Page 109
Governance disclosures

Page 102
Board governance
Page 123
Board performance evaluation

104

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Section 3 – Composition, succession and evaluation

Principles

J. The Nominations Committee undertakes a formal, rigorous and transparent approach to 
succession planning for Board appointments. The Board oversees the development and 
implementation of succession plans for directors and senior management. Appointments 
and succession plans are based on merit and objective criteria, whilst also promoting 
diversity in all forms.

K. The directors look to maintain a good combination of skills, experience and knowledge 

on the Board and on its committees. Succession plans take into consideration the lengths 
of service of directors and the need to regularly refresh Board membership.

L. The Board annual performance evaluation undertaken by the Board in 2020 

considered its composition, diversity and how effectively members worked together 
to achieve objectives. The evaluation included an assessment of the effectiveness 
of individual members.

Reference

Page 108
Board information
Page 120
Nominations Committee report

Page 100
Chairman’s governance letter
Page 108
Board information
Page 120
Nominations Committee report

Page 120
Nominations Committee report
Page 122
Annual Board evaluation

Section 4 – Audit, risk and internal control

M. The Board through its Audit Committee has established formal and transparent policies 
and procedures to ensure the independence and effectiveness of internal and external 
audit functions and the work they undertake assists the Board in satisfying itself as to 
the integrity of financial and narrative statements.

N. As detailed in these reports, the directors confirm they consider the 2020 Annual Report 
and financial statements taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable and 
provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy.

O. The Board has established procedures to manage risks, it also oversees the internal 
control frameworks and determines the nature and extent of the principal risks the 
Company is willing to take in order to achieve its long-term strategic objectives.

Page 111
Audit Committee report

Page 176
Directors’ responsibility statement

Page 92
Our risk management framework
Page 93
Our principal risks
Page 102
Board governance

Section 5 – Remuneration

P. The policies and practices of the Remuneration Committee have been designed to 

support our strategy and promote the long-term sustainable success of the Company. 
Executive remuneration is aligned to Company purpose and values and is linked to 
the successful delivery of our long-term strategy.

Q. The Remuneration Committee has a formal and transparent procedure for developing 

policy on executive remuneration and also for determining the remuneration of 
directors and senior management. Directors are not involved in determining their 
own remuneration outcome.

R. The Remuneration Committee has the ability to exercise its discretion and independent 

judgement when agreeing remuneration outcomes. When exercising such discretion it will 
take into account Company and individual performance, and also wider circumstances.

Page 124
Remuneration Committee report
Page 129
Annual remuneration report

Page 124
Remuneration Committee report
Page 156
Directors’ remuneration policy

Page 124
Remuneration Committee report

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

105

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportBoard of 
directors

A

B

Sir Roger Carr
Chairman

C

Dr Charles Woodburn
Chief Executive

D

Brad Greve
Group Finance Director

Tom Arseneault
President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

E

F

Nick Anderson
Non-executive director

Dame Elizabeth Corley
Non-executive director

G

H

Dr Jane Griffiths
Non-executive director

Chris Grigg CBE
Non-executive director and Senior Independent Director

I

J

Stephen Pearce
Non-executive director

K

Ian Tyler
Non-executive director

Nicole Piasecki
Non-executive director

  Chairman
  Executive directors
  Non-executive directors

106

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 three 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, Chairman of 
the English National Ballet and Vice President of the 
Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

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   Dr 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.

Based on strong engineering and technology 
credentials, Charles is an experienced business leader 
with over 25 years’ experience in the defence and 
aerospace, and oil and gas industries. Prior to joining 
the Company in 2016 he was Chief Executive Officer 
of Expro Group, before which he spent 15 years with 
Schlumberger Limited holding a number of senior 
management positions in the Far East, Australia, 
Europe and the US. He is a Fellow of the Royal 
Academy of Engineering.

Non-executive appointments 
None.

C   Brad Greve Group Finance Director
Appointed to the Board: 2020  Nationality: US

Skills, competence and experience 
Brad joined BAE Systems in 2019 as Group 
Finance Director Designate and joined the Board 
on 1 April 2020.

He is a highly experienced executive with deep 
financial and operational management experience 
gained over a 30-year career in international 
engineering and technology businesses. Prior to 
joining the Company he held a number of senior 
executive roles in Schlumberger, undertaking 
roles in Europe, Africa, South America and the 
United States.

Non-executive appointments 
None.

D    Tom Arseneault President and  

Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.
Appointed to the Board: 2020  Nationality: US

Skills, competence and experience 
Tom was appointed to the Board on 1 April 2020, 
serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of 
BAE Systems, Inc. Throughout his career, Tom has 
led complex organisations responsible for fulfilling 
critical and technologically challenging missions. 
Most recently he served as President and Chief 
Operating Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., having 
held various senior roles within BAE Systems, Inc. 

Prior to his senior leadership appointments, 
Tom managed various organisations and 
programmes for Sanders, a Lockheed Martin 
company, until it was acquired by BAE Systems 
in 2000. Earlier in his career, he held a variety 
of engineering and programme management 
positions with General Electric and TASC.

Non-executive appointments 
None.

E   Nick Anderson Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2020  Nationality: UK

Skills, competence and experience 
As Group Chief Executive of a FTSE 100 industrial 
engineering company, Nick has a strong record 
of leading and growing global businesses. His 
knowledge and experience, particularly in leading 
international engineering and manufacturing 
operations, are a particular asset to the Board. 

Since being appointed Group Chief Executive 
of Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc in January 2014, 
Nick has overseen the successful global growth of 
Spirax-Sarco Engineering, which serves customers 
in 130 countries worldwide. Prior to joining 
Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc in 2011, Nick worked 
for Smiths Group plc as Vice-President of John 
Crane Asia Pacific and previously President 
of John Crane Latin America.

Other non-executive appointments 
None.

Committee membership 
Nominations Committee and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee.

F    Dame Elizabeth Corley  
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 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, the AQR Institute of Asset 
Management at the London Business School, 
the Committee of 200 and the 300 Club; and 
is a former member of the board of the 
UK Financial Reporting Council. 

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 
Audit Committee, Nominations Committee 
and Remuneration Committee.

G   Dr Jane Griffiths Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2020  Nationality: UK

Skills, competence and experience 
Appointed to the Board on 1 April 2020, Jane brings 
experience in leading high technology businesses 
and international corporate leadership to the Board. 
During her career with Johnson & Johnson, she held 
various executive positions and led its Corporate 
Citizen Trust in EMEA and sponsored its Women’s 
Leadership Initiative.

Jane previously had been Company Group Chair 
of Janssen EMEA, the group’s research-based 
pharmaceutical arm, where she was sponsor of 
Janssen’s Global Pharmaceuticals Sustainability 
Council. She is a former Chair of the European 
Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and 
Associations, past Chair of the PhRMA Europe 
Committee and former member of the Corporate 
Advisory Board of the UK government-backed 
‘Your Life’ campaign, aimed at encouraging more 
people to study STEM subjects.

J   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 
Non-executive director of Johnson Matthey Plc.

Other non-executive appointments 
Weyerhaeuser Company and Howmet Aerospace Inc.

Committee membership 
Chair of the Corporate Responsibility Committee 
and member of the Nominations Committee.

Committee membership 
Nominations Committee and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee.

K   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 the UK housebuilding 
company, Vistry Group PLC.

Ian was formerly Chairman of Cairn Energy PLC 
and non-executive director of Mediclinic 
International plc, Cable & Wireless Communications 
Plc and VT Group plc. 

Other non-executive appointments 
Chairman and non-executive director of Amey plc, 
a subsidiary of Ferrovial, S.A., AWE Management 
Limited and Affinity Water Limited.

Committee membership 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, 
and member of the Audit Committee and 
Nominations Committee.

H    Chris Grigg CBE Non-executive director 

and Senior Independent Director

Appointed to the Board: 2013  Nationality: UK

Skills, competence and experience 
Chris recently retired as Chief Executive of 
The British Land Company PLC, a position 
he held for over 11 years. He brings extensive 
public company business leadership experience 
to the Board. He is currently a senior adviser 
to HM Treasury.

He 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 a former 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.

I

  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 20 years of public company 
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 Anglo American 
Platinum Limited and De Beers plc, both of which 
are non-wholly-owned subsidiaries of Anglo 
American plc.

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 Fellow 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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

107

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportBoard 
information

  Chairman
  Non-executive director
  Executive director

Membership

  Committee chair
A   Audit Committee
C   Corporate Responsibility Committee
N   Nominations Committee
R   Remuneration Committee

  First term
  Second term
  Third term

Committee 
membership

Nationality

Tenure

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

Sir Roger Carr
Chairman1

Nick Anderson
Non-executive director

Dame Elizabeth Corley
Non-executive director

Jane Griffiths
Non-executive director

Chris Grigg
Non-executive director

Stephen Pearce
Non-executive director

Nicole Piasecki
Non-executive director

Ian Tyler
Non-executive director

N

C   N

A   N   R

C   N

C   N   R

A   N

C   N

A   N   R

UK

UK

UK

UK

UK

AU

US

UK

The average length of appointment of non-executive members of the Board (as at 31 December 2020) was four years.

Charles Woodburn
Chief Executive

Brad Greve
Group Finance Director

Tom Arseneault
President and Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

UK

US

US

Date of appointment to the Board of executive members

9 May 2016

1 April 2020

1 April 2020

The average length of appointment of executive members of the Board (as at 31 December 2020) was two 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 2020

Nominations 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Tenure – independent 
non‑executive directors

Board 
diversity

Board

Audit  
Committee

Revathi Advaithi1
Nick Anderson2
Tom Arseneault3

Sir Roger Carr

Dame Elizabeth Corley
Jerry DeMuro4
Brad Greve3
Jane Griffiths3

Chris Grigg
Peter Lynas4

Stephen Pearce

Nicole Piasecki
Paula Rosput Reynolds5
Nick Rose5

Ian Tyler

Charles Woodburn

4/4

2/2

6/6

8/8

8/8

1/2

6/6

6/6

8/8

1/2

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

–

–

–

–

5/5

–

–

–

–

–

5/5

–

–

–

5/5

–

Corporate 
Responsibility 
Committee

1/2

–

–

–

–

–

–

2/2

4/4

–

–

2/2

–

–

4/4

–

1/1

1/1

–

4/4

4/4

–

–

1/1

4/4

–

4/4

3/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

–

–

–

–

–

8/8

C

–

–

–

8/8

–

–

–

8/8

–

8/8

–

1. Retired on 25 June 2020.
2. Appointed on 1 November 2020.
3. Appointed on 1 April 2020.

4. Retired on 31 March 2020.
5. Retired on 31 December 2020.

108

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

8

A

B

3

A Up to three years
B Over three and up to six years
C Over six years

4
1
3

e
l
a
m
e
F

e
l
a
M

Governance 
disclosures

UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) compliance: The Company was compliant with the provisions of 
the Code throughout 2020 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 
(see page 102). 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”. The 
Remuneration Committee has considered 
this requirement with regard to pension 
arrangements for Charles Woodburn, the 
Chief Executive. Recognising the practical 
issues involved and the Company’s existing 
contractual commitments, it was agreed 
that his employer pension contribution rate 
should be fixed at its monetary value as at 
the beginning of 2020 (at which point it 
was 19% of his base salary). Consequently, 
it is anticipated that his contribution rate 
will, over time, reduce to the weighted 
average of employer contribution rates 
for active members across all UK pension 
schemes (see Remuneration Committee 
report, page 127). Peter Lynas was Group 
Finance Director up to 31 March 2020, 
when he retired. His pension contribution 
rate did not comply with Code Provision 38 
but Brad Greve, who succeeded him in that 
role, has an employer pension contribution 
rate in line with that of the wider UK 
workforce participating in the Company’s 
defined contribution pension arrangements.

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 90 to 99. 
These processes are an integral part of our 
governance framework, the Operational 
Framework, details of which can be found 
on page 102. 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 55 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 2020, 36% of Group 
sales were product/programme related 
and 64% services and support; 

–  a geographically diverse business with a 
high proportion of sales to governments 
and other major prime defence contractors. 
In 2020, 36% of sales were to the 
US Department of Defense, 21% to 
the UK Ministry of Defence and 13% 
to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry 
of Defence and Aviation. In recent years, 
major new business wins in the Middle 
East, Australia, Canada and Germany 
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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

109

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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 Company’s 
liquidity is underpinned by an undrawn 
committed Revolving Credit Facility of £2bn 
contracted to April 2025, and is available to 
meet general corporate funding 
requirements. 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; and

–  the loss of a major export market. 

The scenarios tested included the impact 
of multiple adverse factors.

Conclusion 
In undertaking its review of the IBP in 2020, 
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 90 to 99). 

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 re-election 
by shareholders. 

Prior to making Board 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 Vistry Group PLC, a listed 
FTSE 250 company, and three unlisted 
companies: AWE Management, a private 
company owned by three joint venture 
partners; Amey plc, a subsidiary of 
Ferrovial, S.A., a Spanish listed company; 
and Affinity Water Limited. His appointment 
with AWE Management will end in 
June 2021.

The Chairman has reviewed Ian’s 
commitments and is satisfied that he has 
sufficient time to meet his responsibilities 
to BAE Systems. This position will be kept 
under review.

Dame Elizabeth Corley, a non-executive 
director, is also a non-executive director 
of Pearson Plc and of Morgan Stanley, 
a US-listed company. One of its UK 
subsidiaries provides broking services 
to the Company. Consequently an 
assessment was undertaken to assess 
whether this relationship has a bearing 
on her independence for the purpose 
of Provision 10 of the Code. After review, 
it was determined that it 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.

The Board considers all of the non-executive 
directors shown on pages 106 and 107 of 
this report to be independent in accordance 
with Code provisions.

110

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 2020. It has been 
an interesting, and indeed challenging, 
year, set against the backdrop of the global 
pandemic where corporates have been faced 
with the challenges of having to address a 
wide range of unprecedented issues whilst 
at the same time striving initially to keep 
employees safe and their businesses on an 
even keel, and then to operate as closely as 
possible on a business as usual level – a real 
live and protracted testbed for sound 
governance, effective business continuity 
planning, risk mitigation, decision-making 
agility and corporate resilience.

The Company’s operational response 
to the global pandemic is set out on 
page 27. The elements which comprise 
the Company’s system of internal controls 
– primarily the Operational Framework; 
mandated reviews that provide visibility 
of business performance; the Operational 
Assurance Statement (OAS) process; and 
independent assessment of the effectiveness 
of internal controls – continued to operate 
throughout the year.

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. Such approvals 
are kept to a minimum and relate to 
work which, by its nature, is most 
appropriately carried out by the auditor.

The new UK Ethical Standard came into 
force in 2020 and changes to policy were 
made to reflect the new requirements. 
A copy of the policy is available on the 
Company’s website. 

Details of fees payable to the auditor are 
set out on page 199. In 2020, non-audit 
fees for Deloitte represented 16% of the 
audit fee. The principal non-audit services 
provided by Deloitte related to their review 
of the Half-yearly report, US benefit plan 
audits and non-audit work in relation to the 
two bond issues referred to on page 29.

The Audit Committee too continued 
to focus throughout the year on the 
key areas of its remit whilst also focusing 
on the COVID-19 impacts. The section on 
the Audit Committee’s year on page 115 
provides an overview of the work that we 
have undertaken in the last 12 months and 
I will comment below on various aspects 
of that activity.

The Committee also remains mindful of 
the changing governance landscape and 
potential weight of anticipated regulation 
in the near future, particularly given the 
number of formal reviews undertaken 
recently regarding different aspects of 
the statutory audit sector including, 
amongst other things, the perceived 
widening of the ‘audit expectation gap’. 
Whilst UK government focus has necessarily 
been heavily engaged in steering a way 
through the pandemic, we expect 
regulatory attention to gather pace during 
the year ahead and will be looking to 
consider the outputs from that process 
as appropriate. 

External audit
Deloitte LLP was originally appointed by the 
shareholders in 2018 as our external auditor 
and has just completed the third year of its 
first five-year cycle. 

In June we agreed the scope and level of 
materiality of the 2020 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 
scope of work took account of the evolution 
of the Group and programme status as well 
as rotational scoping requirements under 
international auditing standards, with four 
business units coming into scope for the 
first time. 

To take account of the COVID-19 
environment, the audit timetabling and 
resourcing was reassessed; however, there 
were no major changes to the way in 
which the audit was executed other than 
a greater need to work remotely, including 
developing data sharing solutions. Risk 
assessments were undertaken to determine 
potential areas of increased risk as a result 
of COVID-19, and the audit programme was 
kept flexible to accommodate any additional 
impacts. The Company adjusted the date of 
its annual report approval and preliminary 
announcement to the market to enable an 
additional week to be factored into the 
full-year audit timetable than would 
otherwise have been the case. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

111

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAudit Committee report 
continued

Audit independence and effectiveness
The scope and output of our annual 
review of the independent effectiveness 
of the 2020 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 has taken us through the 
findings from its latest AQR report and 
outlined initiatives being taken in respect 
of the firm’s evolution of its firmwide 
audit approach and methodology.

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.

It is recognised that remote working 
and social distancing have placed strain 
on established processes and procedures. 
As the business responded to COVID-19, 
reliance on first, second and third line 
assurance providers to monitor the 
effectiveness of the control environment 
was heightened. Focus areas for assurance 
teams included health, safety and wellbeing, 
physical and cyber security, financial controls 
(including procurement), and export controls.

The Committee’s review of the 
effectiveness of internal controls has 
encompassed a review of the reports 
relating to the six-monthly OAS, which are 
submitted by each business or function as 
a mandated policy under the Group-wide 
Operational Framework.

Documentation of the governance changes 
implemented in response to COVID-19 
through the half-year OAS process acted 
as a record of management response 
and expected control.

Other control reports, and reports 
from both internal and external auditors, 
supported the Audit Committee’s 
assessment of the control environment.

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. 
–  General IT controls – the importance 
of a strong IT control environment is 
acknowledged and remediation is a key 
focus where testing has identified that 
improvement is required.

–  Cyber risk – remains a key focus for 

many corporates. The IT assurance and 
governance programme has been further 
developed over the year with 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 93 to 99.

The Committee has also met with 
the Director of Insurable Risk to receive 
an update on insurance matters and 
market conditions.

Internal Audit
Internal Audit plays an integral role in 
the Company’s governance structure and 
provides regular reports to the Committee 

on its assessment of governance and 
controls across the Group. These include 
an overview of the work undertaken in 
the period under review, individual reports 
on audits conducted, progress against the 
agreed internal audit plan and the tracking 
of remedial action in the case of any 
control failures. Internal Audit also reports 
the outputs of the twice-yearly OAS 
process. Specific attention has been paid 
during the year to ensure governance 
and controls have been maintained during 
the COVID-19 period. As well as financial 
and export controls, programme execution 
and operational excellence continue to 
be areas of focus for assurance work. 

A rolling three-year flexible internal 
audit programme has been developed 
and mapped against the Group’s overall 
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 three-year programme is prepared by 
Internal Audit using a risk-based approach. 
The programme for the year ahead is 
agreed jointly by the Audit and Corporate 
Responsibility Committees to ensure that 
the overarching programme covers not only 
financial and business 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, 
business and regulatory changes, and areas 

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 
with the external auditor having delivered 
an effective audit in challenging 
COVID-19 conditions, providing robust 
and constructive challenge, and focusing 
on continual improvement. The benefit 
of maintaining continuity of audit teams 
was noted as the external auditor 
continued to build on its understanding 
of the Group’s business and key risks. 
Areas for focus in 2021 would include 
enhancing communications in a small 
number of businesses. 

On the basis of the review following 
the 2020 year-end audit, the Committee 
has proposed to the Board that it 
recommends that shareholders support 
the re-appointment of Deloitte LLP 
at the 2021 AGM.

112

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

How the Committee assesses the independence and effectiveness of Internal Audit

Who we survey:
–  Group-wide heads of Audit 

Review Boards

–  Other business leaders
Audit Committee members have 
also input into the review.

Areas for feedback include:
–  Role of Internal Audit 
and independence

–  Audit planning, processes 

and execution

–  People resources and skilling
–  Communications and reporting

Review of the 2020 interim EY report on progress in respect of recommendations made 
in the last External Quality Assessment conducted by EY was also taken into account.

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. 

The majority of the 2020 internal audit plan 
has been delivered, of necessity remotely 
within the COVID-19 environment, with the 
scope of each audit remaining substantially 
as planned and some of the timescales to 
complete being extended. A small number 
of audits have been postponed. The review 
of governance and controls has continued 
virtually through Quarterly Business Reviews 
and Audit Review Boards (ARBs) and 
businesses have documented any changes 
to governance and controls as a result of 
remote working in their OAS responses. 
Document retention has been accelerated 
into electronic format, with increased 
digitalisation seen on approvals and 
previously paper-based processes. Internal 
Audit has tested controls that were affected 
by or introduced because of COVID-19. 
Overall, governance and controls have 
continued to operate effectively. Examples 
of good practice – be they generic or 
specifically relating to the COVID-19 
environment – have been collated by 
Internal Audit to be shared by the businesses.

We held a session with the VP, Internal Audit, 
to discuss the scope, environment and 
priorities for internal audit work undertaken 
within the US businesses, the levels of 
resourcing available to undertake the 
programme of work and specific challenges 
stemming from the COVID-19 environment. 

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, senior 
members of his team and the external 
auditor. The wide-ranging discussion at 
this year’s session focused on progress 
to date on preparations for the potential 
UK framework for controls over financial 
reporting/Sarbanes Oxley, reporting and 
assurance expectations; preparations for 
ESG/TCFD1 reporting and assurance; 
information management and technology 
controls; the resilience of Group employees 
in the current working environment; 

technology in assurance; and the quality of 
risk management beyond in-year risks.

Revisions to the International Standards 
for the Professional Practice of Internal 
Auditing issued by the Institute of Internal 
Audit (IIA) came into effect in 2020. The 
IIA also issued a new Code of Practice for 
Internal Audit in 2020. Internal and external 
review of the revised standards evidenced 
Internal Audit’s standards and practice to 
be broadly aligned.

Internal Audit is running a programme 
of continuous improvement relating to 
its purpose, people and processes. The 
programme was 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 evaluations and the 
new IIA standards. Progress has been made 
against the 2018 EQA recommendations 
and a formal review of progress was 
undertaken with EY in 2020. The review 
concluded that 12 out of the 22 
recommendations had been implemented 
with significant progress made on the 
remaining recommendations. Successes 
include the clarity of purpose and 
independence of the Internal Audit 
function, work undertaken to develop 
people capability and improvement in 
the standard and content of audit reports. 
The introduction of the Climate Assessment 
Framework considering culture within the 
business is notable. Further work is required 
on the adoption of technology and this will 
be addressed in 2021 through the roll-out 
of a more comprehensive Data Analytics 
programme and implementation of a new 
Audit Management System.

Results from the 2020 internal 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 leveraging knowledge 
and sharing best practice across the 
business, and supplementing Internal 
Audit’s resource given the complexity of the 
business and broad range of audit topics. 
These will be considered in Internal Audit’s 
functional improvement activity for 2021. 

1. Environmental, Social and Governance/Task Force for Climate Related Financial Disclosure.

Financial statements
The Committee reviews all significant 
issues concerning the financial 
statements which include the going 
concern and viability statement. 

The Committee agreed the parameters of, 
and subsequently reviewed the supporting 
report for, the going concern statement 
(see page 110) and the statement on the 
Board’s assessment of the prospects of 
the Company (see the viability statement 
on page 109) 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 given our business planning 
cycle and the long-term nature of a number 
of our programmes. 

In assessing going concern and viability, 
the Committee has considered cash flow 
projections and timings, which include 
assumptions, as far as they can be made, 
of the impact of COVID-19, with related 
sensitivity analysis and stress testing 
scenarios, borrowing facilities available 
to the Company and covenants. Other 
related issues such as credit ratings are 
also considered.

The potential impact of COVID-19 on 
liquidity and cash management have 
clearly been, and continue to be, a key 
focus for the Board as a whole during 
the global pandemic. 

In addition to the going concern and 
viability statement reviews, the principal 
matters we considered concerning the 
2020 financial statements 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 requires 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 Typhoon; and
–  US Land Programmes.
In addition the Committee reviewed 
estimates and judgements associated 
with the Group’s accounting for the impact 
of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

113

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAudit Committee report 
continued

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 24 to the Group accounts 
on pages 229 to 239).

As previously reported, a $1.3bn (£1.0bn), 
ten-year, 3.4% bond was raised in April 
2020 in order for the Group to inject £1bn 
into the UK pension scheme.

The Committee also considered the 
accounting treatment of a Pension Annuity 
buy-out of certain US pension benefits 
which resulted in a non-recurring settlement 
gain of approximately £64m under IAS 19.

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 Committee noted that at 31 December 
2020, the carrying value of the Land 
Munitions Cash-Generating Unit (CGU) 
was broadly equal to its recoverable amount 
and therefore sensitive to movements in the 
discount rate. No goodwill impairments 
were made as a result of the review.

The methodology for impairment testing 
used by the Group is set out in note 8 to 
the Group accounts on page 206, including 
disclosures on CGUs and their assumptions. 

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.

The reconciliations continue to be provided 
in the segmental analysis note on page 
194 and the Sales and Underlying EBITA 
continue to be presented in the Our financial 
highlights and Group financial review 
sections on pages 20 and 57 respectively. In 
terms of other APMs included in the prior 
year’s Annual Report, the Committee 
further agreed that the IFRS measure ‘Order 
Book’ (i.e. Order Backlog less unfunded 
order backlog and share of order backlog of 
equity-accounted investments) would be 
included alongside the APM ‘Order Backlog’ 
in the 2020 year-end reporting process, 
enabling the Group to align more closely 
the number of IFRS and APMs published in 
the Annual Report. Finally, it was agreed 
that at Group level, the APM Operating 
Business Cash Flow (OBCF) would be 
replaced by Free Cash Flow (FCF), with 
OBCF continuing to be used at segment 
level. At Group level, FCF would provide a 
fuller illustration of cash available for the 
Group’s discretionary use.

The Committee also agreed that, for its 
2021 reporting cycles, the Group would 
adopt an Underlying EBIT profitability 
measure in place of the previously reported 
Underlying EBITA measure, as it reflects a 
better measure of underlying profitability. 
The calculation of the Group’s Underlying 
earnings per share measure would also be 
updated to ensure consistency with the 
Underlying EBIT measure.

In 2021 and beyond we will be looking to 
adopt or incorporate the various governance 
and regulatory initiatives under formulation 
as the governance landscape continues 
to evolve.

Stephen Pearce 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

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 63. 
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. In addition we took 
the opportunity to meet with the incoming 
Group Tax Director designate, an external 
appointee, who succeeded the outgoing 
Group Tax Director on his retirement at the 
year-end, to discuss her views and priorities 
in relation to tax matters.

Acquisitions accounting
The Committee reviewed the accounting 
treatment under IFRS3 regarding the 
Group’s recent US acquisitions of the 
Airborne Tactical Radios business and 
the Military Global Position business, 
in particular the purchase price allocation 
methodology to establish the fair value 
of the goodwill and intangible and 
other assets acquired.

Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
The Committee has considered the 
Company’s use of APMs within the 2020 
Annual Report.

In the light of recent FRC guidance and a 
current IASB Exposure Draft on ‘General 
Presentation and Disclosures’ which would 
prohibit presentation of APMs on the face 
of the income statement, the Committee 
has considered management’s 
recommendations on use of APMs going 
forward. After consideration the Committee 
agreed that the Sales and Underlying 
EBITA APMs, together with their related 
reconciliations to statutory measures, should 
be removed from the 2020 income statement. 

114

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic report

Financial statements

The Audit Committee’s year

February, London, UK
Committee
–  Reviewed the financial statements 
and specific disclosures, including 
viability and going concern, for 
recommendation to the Board.

–  Considered the accounting, 

financial control and audit issues 
reported by the auditor that 
flowed from the audit work.
–  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 2020 

Internal Audit programme.

Committee composition 
and evaluation
The composition of the Audit 
Committee is stated on page 111 
and the breadth of experience of the 
Committee members is set out on 
page 107. 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.

June, Videoconference
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.
–  Considered progress made by Internal 
Audit against its latest External Quality 
Assessment.

–  Reviewed the Non-Audit Services Policy.
–  Regular quarterly items1. 

July, Videoconference
Committee
–  Reviewed the financial statements 
and specific disclosures, including 
going concern, for recommendation 
to the Board.

–  Considered the accounting, 

financial control and audit issues 
reported by the auditor that flowed 
from the half-year review work.
–  Received an update on the status 
of aged debt and receivables.

–  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. 

December, Videoconference
Committee
–  Considered any emerging accounting 

issues prior to the year end.

–  Considered the external auditor’s 

controls report.

–  Considered output of the Internal 

Audit Director’s report.

–  Received a report on export 

control compliance.

–  Set the parameters for work 

supporting the viability and going 
concern statements.

–  Received an update on the status 
of aged debt and receivables.
–  Received a presentation from the 
Director, Group Insurable Risk.
–  Considered use of Alternative 
Performance Measures (APMs).
–  Discussed the first iteration of the 
2021 Internal Audit programme.
–  Reviewed the Internal Audit Charter.
–  Undertook a review of the effectiveness 

of the Internal Audit function.
–  Reviewed the Committee’s Terms 

of Reference.

–  Regular quarterly items1.

Meeting
–  Informal meeting with the Internal 
Audit Director and external auditor 
to discuss a range of issues as detailed 
on page 113.

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 
with the Group Finance Director, the Internal Audit Director and the 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

July

Committee

Committee

December

Committee

Meeting

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

115

GovernanceCorporate Responsibility  
Committee report

Dear Shareholders
I am pleased to present my first Corporate 
Responsibility Committee report that I hope 
provides an insight into the discussions 
and the work undertaken by the Committee 
in 2020, and an overview of our plans 
for 2021.

During the year there were some changes 
to the Committee’s membership. Revathi 
Advaithi stepped down from the Board in 
June, and Nicole Piasecki and I were 
welcomed to the Committee in September. 
On 1 January 2021, I succeeded Ian Tyler 
as Chair of the Committee. I would like to 
thank Ian for his dedication and stewardship 
of the Committee over the last seven years. 

We view employee engagement as a 
key method in monitoring and assessing 
Company culture. This engagement, 
coupled with employee sentiment surveys 
and regular discussions with the executive, 
support the Committee in better 
understanding Company culture. At the 
beginning of 2020 we agreed our priorities 
and the employee engagement programme, 
which centred on in-person interaction 
between the Committee and members 
of the workforce. However, the onset 
of COVID-19 meant that priority was given 
to engagement by the executive team and 
the Chairman, who were at the forefront 
of the interaction with the workforce. 

As such, in 2020, the Committee relied 
largely on the regular updates from the 
Chairman, Chief Executive, President & 
Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., 
the executive team and business line leaders. 
In the second half of the year non-executive 
directors did benefit from limited 
engagement with a small number of 
employees by videoconference, during 
these online meetings, at which executive 
directors were not present, we had 
an opportunity to discuss the Group’s 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic 
and learn more about how the Group 
was supporting the workforce.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
our priorities have been focused on the 
health, safety and wellbeing of our 
workforce, supporting our local communities 
and customers. In light of the unique set 
of challenges posed by COVID-19, the 
Committee was pleased with the range 
and extent of methods used by the Group 
to support and engage employees, 
including: videoconferences with senior 
managers; virtual get together sessions 
and town hall meetings with the Chief 
Executive, Chairman and President & Chief 
Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.; 
podcasts; and the launch of an employee 
app. The swift actions put in place to 
address IT capacity challenges and the 
enhanced roll-out of the employee app 
were crucial to ensuring employees 
remained connected. The employee app 
also provided a forum for employees to ask 
questions, raise concerns and for feedback 
to be gathered and responded to.

To facilitate changing working environments, 
we were briefed on the managerial and 
employee guidance which was adapted to 
support on-site, home-working and hybrid 
teams. In recognition of the changes and 
pressures upon personal circumstances, 
employees were encouraged to utilise 
the employee assistance programme. 
The Group also partnered with a learning 
platform, Percipio, to provide courses on 
health, safety and wellbeing, and also 
provided guidance on building personal 
resilience to cope with the logistical and 
emotional challenges endured by all.

We were very proud to learn of employee 
efforts in responding to the various 
challenges posed by COVID-19, the Group’s 
membership of the VentilatorChallengeUK 
consortium and community support 
through the provision of Personal Protective 
Equipment, and financial support to 
healthcare providers and local charities. 

In addition to working closely with the 
executive team, navigating workforce 
wellbeing and through COVID-19, we 
continued to oversee areas such as safety, 
environment, diversity and inclusion, 
anti-bribery and corruption, and the 
business conduct and supplier 
conduct programmes.

Jane Griffiths 
Chair of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee

Members
Jane Griffiths (Chair)
Nick Anderson
Chris Grigg
Nicole Piasecki 

The UK Corporate 
Governance Code
Provision 5 of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the Code) requires 
that boards have an effective mechanism 
to engage with the workforce. In 2019, 
the Board agreed that the most 
appropriate and effective method of 
undertaking employee engagement 
was for the Corporate Responsibility 
Committee to take up this responsibility. 

This decision was made on the 
basis that engaging with employees 
had always been a key part of 
the Committee’s activities since 
establishment. The non-executive 
membership of the Committee achieves 
the same independence characteristics 
as appointing a single non-executive 
director (as suggested in the Code). 
The Company has 89,600 employees 
across more than 40 countries and in 
recognition of the geographical spread, 
size and complexity of the business, 
there were practical advantages to 
the role being performed by more 
than one director.

We will continue to monitor how 
best practice evolves across UK 
listed companies and review our 
approach accordingly.

116

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Workforce engagement 
by members of the Board

Virtual get together sessions
The Chief Executive and Group Finance 
Director, members of the executive team 
and various line leaders hosted interactive 
forums to provide regular updates on 
Company matters during the course of 
the year.

Videoconferences with a global 
cohort of high-potential employees
Informal engagement with high-potential 
individuals gave members of the Board 
a view of employee experiences. 

Virtual trades union forum
Meeting with the Chief Executive, 
trades union representatives and 
members of the executive team 
to discuss employee matters.

Site visit to Rochester
An easing of restrictions allowed the 
Committee Chairman, a non-executive 
director and the Chief Executive to visit 
our Electronic Systems site in Rochester. 
They undertook socially-distanced 
workplace engagement and informal 
meetings with employees.

Employee app videos
Reflections of the challenges of 2020, 
with views from the Chairman and 
members of the Committee, expressing 
their thanks for the dedication and hard 
work of employees during the year. 

End-of-year get together
Virtual interactive get together hosted 
by the Chairman and Chief Executive, 
discussing the Company outlook and 
priorities for 2021.

Engagement on workforce matters

COVID-19 response
Business conduct
Executive behaviours
Diversity and inclusion
Safety, Health and Environment

Safety, Health and Environment 
The safety of our employees is a key area 
of focus for the Committee and in 2020 
we reviewed both site and programme-
specific safety performance, as well as 
health and safety practices associated 
with COVID-19 return to work plans. 

The Company appointed Safety, Health 
and Environment (SHE) directors in all 
principal markets and at the start of the 
year, we met the SHE Director for the UK 
business. Over the course of the year, we 
continued to meet with senior executives 
within the UK and US businesses who 
presented the actions being taken to 
improve safety performance levels across 
the Group. Although we were pleased to 
see a reduction in the severity of incidents 
as a result of various safety cultural initiatives 
and process improvements, it was 
disappointing to see an increase in the 
number of injuries overall during 2020. 

The Group’s safety performance is a 
non-financial component of the annual 
incentive plan for senior executives. The 
Committee sets, measures and determines 
the level of performance achieved 
against the safety objectives and makes 
a recommendation to the Remuneration 
Committee. Under the annual incentive 
plan, 3% of the maximum amount payable 
to participants is based on the Committee’s 
assessment of performance against safety. 

At a Group level, the targeted Recordable 
Accident Rate reduction of 10% was not 
met. Although significant strides were 
made in the UK, Saudi Arabia and Australia 
businesses, with a 37% improvement in the 
number of major injuries recorded, we were 
disappointed in the level of injuries recorded 
by our US business, BAE Systems, Inc. We 
also review the number of major injuries, 
and 37 such incidents were recorded in 
2020 (38 in 2019). Accordingly, under this 
element of the annual incentive plan, only 
those who achieved the reduction target 
will be eligible to receive a payout. In order 
to better understand the safety challenges 
faced by the US businesses, we asked 
the President & Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc. to attend one of our 
meetings and provide details of the actions 
being taken to improve safety performance. 
The Committee will continue to engage 
with senior executives to ensure we 
remain focused on continually improving 
performance in this area.

Diversity and inclusion
The Group has a clear purpose, a set 
of values and behaviours that guide the 
culture, and commitment to ensuring that 
BAE Systems is an inclusive organisation. 
The Group strives to ensure a diverse 
workforce that has a variety of skills and 
perspectives which reflects the richness 
of the markets and communities in which 
we operate. 

The Group’s performance on diversity 
and inclusion is a non-financial component 
of the annual incentive plan for senior 
executives. The Committee sets, measures 
and determines the level of performance 
achieved against these objectives and 
makes a recommendation to the 
Remuneration Committee. Under the 
annual incentive plan, 2% of the maximum 
amount payable to participants is based on 
the Committee’s assessment of 
performance against diversity and inclusion.
The executive annual incentive plan includes 
the following 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.

In 2020, the executive annual incentive plan 
measures were based on:
–  increasing the representation of women 

at senior levels in the Group; and
–  driving inclusion through leadership 

and engagement.

During the year, the Committee reviewed 
progress against the 2020 diversity and 
inclusion objectives.

Across the global workforce, female 
representation had increased by 0.5%. 
The Saudi Arabian business met targets 
to increase female representation in 
the workforce and launched a two-year 
fast-track senior management development 
programme for women. In our US business, 
BAE Systems, Inc. met its goal to increase 
representation of both women and people 
of colour at leadership levels.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

117

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportCorporate Responsibility Committee report 
continued

We learned that there had been an 
improvement in the data provided by 
a self-identification campaign that 
encouraged employees to share more 
information about themselves, to aid 
our understanding and improve equitable 
and inclusive decision-making. This data 
allowed us to recognise that, whilst 
progress has been made, there is more to 
do on the journey to a truly representative 
and inclusive workplace. In order to achieve 
this goal, we will keep monitoring the 
progress made toward increasing gender 
diversity and ethnic minority representation 
across the Company. The Committee will 
continue to oversee the efforts to embed 
diversity and inclusion into processes, 
practices, policies, systems and training 
across the Group. 

To foster employee engagement and 
inclusive practices, the Group launched an 
Employee Resource Group (ERG) framework 
and we were pleased to hear of the support 
that employees received from the ERGs in 
our UK and US businesses and that each 
ERG was sponsored by a senior leader from 
across the Group. Senior leaders also took 
an active and visible approach to fostering 
workplace conversations and hosted 
employee panel discussions during the 
Group’s Inclusion Week conference. 

Climate change and 
environmental sustainability 
We are committed to meeting the UK 
government targets of net zero emissions 
by 2050 and recognise the environmental 
impact of our global operations. In 
September, the Committee took an 
in-depth look at the Group’s aspirations 
to reduce carbon emissions. We received 
a presentation on proposed decarbonisation 
targets, which had been developed through 
a holistic Group-wide process that set 
out reduction targets and improvement 
activities to reduce our carbon footprint.

Developing our understanding of the 
emission scopes and associated activity was 
crucial to assessing the feasibility of meeting 
each scope within a certain timeframe, and 
understanding the required infrastructure 
to ensure success. Following this work, 
the Group was able to articulate and set 
ourselves the target of achieving net zero 
greenhouse gas emissions across operations 
by 2030; and working towards a net zero 
value chain by 2050.

Looking forward
As we look forward to 2021, there will 
no doubt be continued focus on monitoring 
the impact of COVID-19 on employees, 
customers, local communities and 
our suppliers. 

We are committed to engaging with 
employees first-hand in order to understand 
matters of importance and provide updates 
on the Group’s performance. Our plan 
of activities has been adapted to ensure 
the Committee is able to engage with 
employees and other stakeholder groups 
directly in order to continue to monitor 
and assess Company culture.

Our 2021 plan includes remote forums 
and various opportunities to enable us to 
better engage with the workforce, in the 
face of any COVID-19-related disruptions. 
Additionally, the Committee will oversee the 
Company’s progress against the net zero 
target and continue to focus on health and 
safety performance, diversity and inclusion 
and our broader sustainability ambitions.

Jane Griffiths 
Chair of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee

118

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic report

Financial statements

The Corporate Responsibility Committee’s year

February, London, UK
Committee
–  Received an update on the 

implementation of the Group Product 
Trading Policy within the Applied 
Intelligence business. 

–  Reviewed 2019 safety performance 
relative to the objectives and made 
recommendations to the Remuneration 
Committee concerning the element 
of the annual incentive plan.

–  Agreed the 2020 annual incentive 
targets in respect of safety, and 
diversity and inclusion.

–  Began to review sustainability 

strategy ambitions. 

–  Received a presentation from the 
recently-appointed Safety, Health 
and Environment Director.

–  Joint session with the Audit Committee: 

Agreed final iteration of the 2020 
Internal Audit programme.

June, Videoconference
Committee
–  Reviewed the employee engagement 

activities that had been taken across the 
Group in light of COVID-19 and received 
presentations from the Group HR 
Director and Senior Vice President HR, 
BAE Systems, Inc. to better understand 
the wellbeing and support initiatives 
provided to the workforce in the UK, 
Rest of World and BAE Systems, Inc. 

–  Reviewed safety performance 
within the BAE Systems, Inc. 
business and undertook a year-on 
review of the safety position within 
Platforms & Services (US) and, in 
particular, the Ship Repair business.

–  Received an update on Group 
performance against the 2020 
diversity and inclusion objectives. 

September, Videoconference
Committee
–  Received an update on the 

continued COVID-19 workforce 
engagement programme and 
the preliminary ideas around the 
future working practices. 

–  Considered the Group’s net zero 

ambitions and discussed potential 
timeframes.

–  Received a presentation from the 
Internal Audit Director about the 
Operational Assurance Statement 
process and the key challenges 
posed by COVID-19. 

December, Videoconference
Committee
–  Received the annual update 

on responsible procurement and 
considered supply chain resilience. 

–  Considered our sustainability 
social targets and ambitions. 

–  Reviewed the anti-bribery 
and corruption policy. 

–  Agreed the Corporate Responsibility 

2021 objectives and agenda.

February
–  Review of 2020 

performance metrics.

–  Environment.

–  Social and community.

–  Employee engagement.

–  Product trading.

–  Review and approval of 

Modern Slavery statement.

–  Agree annual Internal 

Audit programme with 
Audit Committee.

Schedule of activities in 2021

June
–  Review of anti-bribery and 

corruption processes.

–  Environment.

–  Social and community.

–  Employee engagement.

–  Workplace safety and 

wellbeing (US).

–  Diversity and inclusion.

September
–  Application of the Product 

Trading Policy.

–  Environment.

–  Social and community.

–  Employee engagement.

–  Workplace safety and 
wellbeing (UK and 
Rest of World).

–  Sustainability strategy 

and direction.

December
–  Review of Advisers Policy.

–  Environment.

–  Social and community.

–  Employee engagement.

–  Workplace and stakeholder 

engagement plan.

–  Corporate Responsibility-related 

performance objectives.

Corporate Responsibility Committee timeline

February

Committee

June

Committee

September

Committee

December

Committee

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

119

GovernanceNominations  
Committee report

Sir Roger Carr 
Chairman of the 
Nominations Committee

Members
Sir Roger Carr (Chairman)
Nick Anderson
Dame Elizabeth Corley
Jane Griffiths
Chris Grigg
Stephen Pearce
Nicole Piasecki
Ian Tyler

Dear Shareholders
Last year we saw a significant number of 
changes to membership of the BAE Systems 
Board, with five directors leaving and 
four joining. In terms of Board succession 
planning, a good deal was achieved, 
particularly with regard to executive 
directors, where we successfully completed 
our succession planning for the Group 
Finance Director and US President & 
Chief Executive Officer roles. We also 
accomplished the first part of our planned 
non-executive director changes in 2020, 
with the appointment of Jane Griffiths 
and Nick Anderson. This year, following 
the retirement of two experienced 
non-executives, we have announced 
that Dame Carolyn Fairbairn will be joining 
the Board on 1 March and Dr Ewan Kirk 
will join shortly afterwards on 1 June 2021.

At Executive Committee level, our Chief 
Executive has continued to strengthen his 
senior management team and we have seen 
further changes as a result. In recognition 
that there is more work to be done, we 
are actively addressing and making 
progress on our succession plans below 
Executive Committee level, and also in 
completing our non-executive director 
changes, to ensure our Board maintains 
the right balance of skills, experience, 
knowledge and diversity. These matters 
are being actively addressed and progress 
is being made.

Board succession
In last year’s report, we detailed how Brad 
Greve had been recruited with the intention 
that he would succeed Peter Lynas as Group 
Finance Director at the beginning of April 
2020. Peter had served in that position 
since 2011 and had provided Brad with an 
excellent legacy, including a robust control 
environment and strong financial discipline. 
I would like to thank Peter for the 
professional and collaborative manner 
in which he managed the handover of 
responsibilities to Brad, the two having 
worked together for seven months prior 
to his appointment to effect a seamless 
handover on 1 April. Additionally, from 
that date, Tom Arseneault succeeded 
Jerry DeMuro as head of our US business 
and joined the Board. His appointment 
was the culmination of a succession 
management process going back a 
number of years and one which saw 
Tom developing and showing excellent 
leadership credentials in a number of roles, 
initially in leading our US Electronic Systems 
business and more recently in taking 
on the operational management of 
BAE Systems, Inc. as a whole.

Following their new appointments, Brad 
Greve and Tom Arseneault could not have 
had a more difficult start, immediately 
having to deal with the unprecedented 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It proved 
to be a good – but unexpected – test of the 
work the Committee had undertaken in 
planning executive director succession over 
the last few years. I am pleased to report 
that, led by our Chief Executive, Charles 
Woodburn, they have shown excellent 
leadership, resourcefulness and adaptability 
in the management of the Company during 
2020 and into the new year.

Having served as a non-executive director 
for just over nine years, Paula Rosput 
Reynolds stood down from the Board 
at the end of the year. In planning for her 
retirement, Ian Tyler joined the Remuneration 
Committee from the beginning of 2020 
ahead of succeeding Paula as Chair of the 
Committee, with effect from 1 January 2021. 
Our longest serving non-executive director, 
Nick Rose, was due to retire from the Board 
in April 2020 but I am very grateful that 
he agreed to stay on until the end of the 
year to help the Company navigate the 
challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Sadly, in June, Revathi Advaithi stepped 
down from the Board and retired as a 
non-executive director for personal reasons.

Using the services of Julia Budd at the 
search consultants Russell Reynolds 
Associates, the Committee identified 
two excellent candidates for appointment 
as non-executive directors in 2020, with 
Jane Griffiths joining the Board in April and 
Nick Anderson in November. Jane has an 
impressive record of leading research-led 
high-technology businesses and brings a 
wealth of international corporate experience 
to the Board. Nick is the Chief Executive of 
the FTSE 100 industrial engineering company 
Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc, and has 
extensive experience in growing and 
leading international manufacturing 
and engineering businesses.

The forthcoming appointments of 
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn and Dr Ewan Kirk 
will further strengthen the Board, and the 
timing of their joining will allow them to 
develop their understanding and knowledge 
of the Company ahead of anticipated 
non-executive retirements in the next year 
or so. Dame Carolyn, who recently stepped 
down as Director General of the CBI, brings 
a deep understanding of business and 
government. Ewan has extensive experience 
in identifying and leveraging emergent 
scientific research, and know-how and 
insight into the successful commercial 
exploitation of digital technology.

120

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Executive succession planning
The Committee undertook a detailed review 
of succession plans in July last year, and 
evaluated our plans for the executive 
directors and Executive Committee 
positions, 11 roles in total. The key points 
from this review were:
–  There had been an improvement in 

the quality of the succession plans with 
greater diversity in terms of the number 
of individuals identified and an increase 
in the number of individuals currently 
at the lower end of the pipeline. For the 
11 Executive Committee positions (which 
includes the three executive directors), 
57 potential successor candidates had 
been identified and classified in terms 
of being ‘ready now’ or were within 
two job moves away from being ready 
for one of these roles.

–  There had been an increase in the 

movement of individuals within the 
succession pipeline during the previous 
12 months, with 28% of individuals 
assessed as having advanced in their 
‘readiness’ to take on an Executive 
Committee level role.

–  Gender diversity had improved a little 
on the previous year and by over 20% 
in the last three years, with female 
employees accounting for 39% of 
the potential successors identified.

–  There was clear evidence of individuals 
identified as high-potential succession 
candidates moving more rapidly into 
senior roles than their peers, and also 
of more stretching roles being used to 
develop such individuals and provide 
them with opportunities to demonstrate 
their capabilities.

The succession planning review concluded 
that progress was being made in the 
quality of the Company’s succession and 
development planning processes. There was 
also visibility of a more proactive approach 
to the development of senior managers 
and progress around greater gender 
diversity, although it was apparent that 
further work was required to progress 
better ethnic diversity. 

Skills and experience

Financial/accounting

International business

Board experience

Engineering/technology

Long-term contracting

1

1

2

5

3

3

4

4

8

8

Executive

Non-executive

Board composition
The Nominations Committee is aligned 
with the Company’s diversity values. It aims 
to create a Board that not only brings 
individuals together with the right balance 
of skills, knowledge and experience, but 
is also reflective of the global markets in 
which we operate. To help us achieve this, 
we will continue to work with search 
consultants to identify a diverse range of 
potential non-executive director candidates. 
With regard to executive directors, the 
Committee specifically monitors the level 
of gender and ethnic diversity (to the extent 
it is possible to do so) in its oversight of the 
executive succession planning process used 
across the Company. Led by the Corporate 
Responsibility and Remuneration 
committees, the Board has set goals and 
incentivised executives to achieve greater 
workforce diversity. These actions are 
having an impact on the level of diversity 
within our succession plans and driving 
change in the executive pipeline that 
ultimately produces candidates for 
appointment to the Board. At present, 
there is only one woman on the Executive 
Committee but women comprise 37% 
(2019 34%) of the Company’s senior 
management, i.e. Executive Committee 
members, the Company Secretary and their 
first reports. Also, as you can see from the 
analysis above, there is a growing number 
of women on the Executive Committee 
succession plans and the Chief Executive 
and the Board have agreed clear 
incentivised actions aimed at achieving 
greater diversity and inclusion at all levels 
in the Company.

The Committee has to take into account 
national security considerations for certain 
roles within the Company – particularly 
those in line management positions, where 
higher levels of a particular nation’s security 
clearances are likely to be required. Through 
the Special Share mechanism contained in 
the Company’s Articles of Association, the 
UK government requires that the Chief 
Executive of the Company must be a British 
national. Similarly, the US national security 
arrangements governing our US defence 
businesses effectively limit the senior line 
leadership positions in those companies 
to US nationals. The Special Share provisions 
also require that a majority of all directors 
must be British nationals. Such restrictions 
are an intrinsic part of being a defence 
company and being trusted with matters 
affecting national security, however they 
do add to the complexity of managing 
succession planning. For certain senior 
positions these constraints limit the size 
of the internal pipeline significantly.

Ultimately, the Committee’s principal focus 
is on the three Board level executive roles. 
As detailed above, we have been successful 
in managing transitions in two of these 
roles within the last 12 months. Not so long 
ago, we also managed the Chief Executive 
succession successfully with Charles 
Woodburn taking on that role in 2017. 
The national security and UK citizenship 
requirements mentioned above, plus the 
usual challenges of leading a large and 
complex company such as BAE Systems, 
mean that long-term succession planning 
for our Chief Executive role is unusually 
challenging. That said, the Committee 
recognises the importance of further 
improving the quality of the succession 
pipeline to ensure we have robust and 
quality succession plans – not just for the 
Chief Executive role, but all for all senior 
executive positions in the Company.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

121

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportNominations Committee report 
continued

The Board was on course for much of 2020 
to meet the target set by the Hampton-
Alexander Review, concerning gender 
diversity, and also the recommendations 
of the Parker Review, concerning ethnic 
diversity. Unfortunately, with the loss of 
Revathi Advaithi part way through the year, 
we narrowly missed these targets for 
gender and ethnic diversity at the year-end. 
We recognise the value of diversity around 
the Board table and it is our policy to 
meet the targets set by these two reviews.

At present, following the loss of Revathi 
Advaithi, the Board lacks ethnic diversity. 
This is an issue that we are determined 
to address, and we will meet the Parker 
Review target in 2021. We will also 
maintain focus on the diversity and inclusion 
objectives the Board has set (see pages 46 
and 117) and help drive long-term 
sustainable change.

Board evaluation
At the beginning of 2020 we completed 
a comprehensive performance evaluation, 
led by Ffion Hague of Independent Board 
Evaluation. Following feedback on the 
evaluation at a Board meeting in February, 
the directors set themselves a number 
of objectives and monitored performance 
against these during the year. Two of these 
covered executive and non-executive 
succession planning, details of which are 
provided elsewhere in this report. Another 
objective was to engage directly as a 
Board with shareholders, customers and 
employees. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 
pandemic meant that direct engagement 
was not possible but virtual meetings were 
held by individual directors with employees 
and shareholders. This was useful but did 
not replicate fully the quality of engagement 
we had hoped to enjoy in 2020; we will 
look to achieve this in 2021, COVID-19 
restrictions permitting.

One of our key objectives for 2020 was to 
engage the Board in taking a longer-term 
review of our strategy. We were able to 
achieve this at the beginning of November, 
when we conducted a review of future 
technologies and how they would likely 
drive change in defence markets over the 
next decade and beyond. This is reported 
more fully in our summary of The work of 
the Board (on page 30) and we will be 
revisiting the key themes and tracking the 
agreed actions during our meetings in 2021.

For a number of years, we have followed 
the practice of alternating between 
internally- and externally-facilitated annual 
performance evaluations. As the 2020 
review was facilitated externally, a simpler 
internal review has just been completed. 
More details of this process and a summary 
of the outcomes is shown opposite.

Summary
Board succession planning is always an 
ongoing process but one where short-term 
goals have to be achieved. In 2020 we 
delivered on the appointment of two 
new executive directors and made two 
non-executive director appointments. 
The pace of change has been maintained 
into 2021 with two further non-executive 
director appointments being made and we 
look to make a further appointment during 
the year to ensure we have a diverse 
Board with the right skills and experience 
to provide the highest standards of 
leadership and oversight in the years 
ahead. The Committee will continue to 
drive executive succession planning with 
energy and determination. 

Sir Roger Carr 
Chairman of the 
Nominations Committee

122

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic report

Financial statements

Board evaluation – 2020/2021

Period of evaluation
Evaluation conducted at the end of 
2020 with feedback and review taking 
place at a Board meeting held on 
24 February 2021.

Evaluation process
Internally evaluated using a questionnaire 
developed by the Company using best 
practice guidance, including the FRC’s 
Guide on Board effectiveness. Questions 
covered the performance of the Board, 
its committees and individual directors.

Facilitator
The Company Secretary, with guidance 
from the Chairman.

Feedback
The Company Secretary produced a report 
for the Board analysing the responses to 
the questionnaire, including any additional 
comments made by directors. Also, where 
the same questions had been used for 
previous surveys, the trend in performance 
relative to past years was provided.

The report formed the basis of a discussion 
at a Board meeting, following which it 
agreed a number of objectives for 2021. 
Reports were also produced analysing 
the responses to questions concerning the 
performance of the Board’s committees, 
which have been provided to committee 
chairs and will be considered by the 
individual committees.

Feedback for the survey concerning 
individual directors has been provided 
to the Chairman and this will be used 
as part of an annual review process 
with each Board member. Feedback on 
the Chairman’s own performance has 
been provided directly to the Senior 
Independent Director who, following 
discussion with his fellow non-executive 
directors, will discuss this with him.

Resulting actions
The Board has agreed the following 
actions in response to the evaluation:

Executive succession – we will build 
on the work undertaken to date to drive 
executive succession and development 
activity to ensure that the Company has 
strong and diverse pipeline of candidates 
for all senior executive roles.

Sustainability – we will ensure that we 
remain focused on delivering against our 
sustainability agenda, including valuing 
and developing our people, making a 
positive social and economic contribution 
to our communities and reducing the 
environmental impact of our operations 
and products. We will also oversee the 
next phase of our carbon net zero plans.

Evolve our strategy – the Board’s 
strategy review activities have identified 
certain key technologies and long-term 
growth areas, in 2021 it will undertake 
further work in evaluating the 
technology and looking at how to 
exploit these developing business 
opportunities successfully.

Efficiency and effectiveness – the 
Board will be reviewing the actions being 
taken to improve our competitiveness 
and drive profitable growth.

Nominations Committee timeline

March

Committee

July

September

November

Committee

Committee

Committee

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

123

GovernanceRemuneration  
Committee report

The year in review
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic 
In making remuneration decisions in relation 
to 2020, the Committee, whilst mindful of the 
impact of COVID-19 on the cost of delivering 
service and product to our customers, chose 
to make no allowance for these additional 
challenges when assessing the performance 
and reward outcomes for the executive directors. 
The Committee believed that achievements 
should be assessed against performance 
hurdles established prior to the pandemic without 
adjustment, and respecting that the Company 
has paid all dividends, has not taken advantage 
of the UK government’s funded furlough scheme, 
nor any government COVID-19 borrowing 
facilities and has not raised additional equity.

2020 incentives outcome
After the close of 2020, the Committee met 
and reviewed performance under the short-term 
annual incentive for all the executive directors and 
Executive Committee members. The Committee 
has not made any adjustment to the performance 
conditions in respect of the vesting outturn of the 
2020 annual incentive or 2018 long-term incentive 
awards to account for the impact of COVID-19. 
Group financial results for the 2020 annual 
incentive were achieved at between target and 
stretch; performance for the non-financial 
element varied for the executive directors and 
Executive Committee members and was between 
target and stretch overall.

As set out on page 205 of our report, the 2020 
fully diluted underlying EPS is 46.5p. Pursuant 
to the strict definition set out in the Annual 
Incentive Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan 
(LTIP) documentation, this figure excludes a 
non-recurring benefit of 1.7p resulting from the 
buy-out of certain US defined benefit pension 
liabilities. During the course of the year, in 
discussion with the Board, management 
undertook to re-examine a number of areas, 
including pensions, to seek additional value 
enhancement. A market opportunity was 
identified to reduce a material element of the 
Company’s US defined benefit pension liability 
through a buy-out, delivering an immediate 
improvement in earnings and an enduring 
benefit in cost and cash outflow. Through 
what the Committee saw as highly effective 
action taken by the leadership team, after a 
period of prolonged negotiations, a buy-out 
was successfully completed in the third quarter 
of 2020. As a result, the Committee exercised 
its discretion and agreed that the final incentives’ 
vesting outturn should reflect the 2020 fully 
diluted underlying EPS result including the 1.7p 
of earnings associated with this achievement.

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 144 to 147.

The Performance Shares granted in 2018 to 
Tom Arseneault, Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro 
under our long-term incentives will partially 
vest in early 2021. In addition, the 2018 Restricted 
Shares granted to our US-based executive directors 
will vest. The awards due to Peter Lynas and 
Jerry DeMuro, are subject to time pro-rating 
as set out on page 154. The vesting of the 2018 
Performance Shares award granted to Charles 
Woodburn is described separately in the section 
regarding 2021 remuneration. The details of the 
vesting outcomes and amounts awarded are also 
described in the following report.

Having thoroughly reviewed annual and three- 
year performance, and the related remuneration 
outcomes, the Committee is satisfied that the 
Policy operated as intended during 2020.

Granting of long-term incentives
Last year, in relation to the grant of the 2020 
long-term incentive awards, the Company 
followed its normal practice of using the closing 
share price immediately prior to the date of grant 
to determine the number of shares awarded. 
However, given the volatility in the market in 
March 2020, we attached an additional condition 
to retain the ability to exercise discretion to 
ensure that the value of the awards in three 
years’ time at vesting is appropriate. Given the 
continued uncertainty in the broad market, we 
intend, in the grant of 2021 performance shares, 
to include the same condition regarding the 
ultimate vesting of shares.

Executive director changes
Brad Greve was appointed Group Finance 
Director and joined the BAE Systems plc Board 
on 1 April 2020, succeeding Peter Lynas who 
retired after a distinguished career of over 35 
years with BAE Systems, including nine years 
as Group Finance Director. Tom Arseneault joined 
the BAE Systems plc Board on 1 April 2020, 
succeeding Jerry DeMuro as President and 
Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. 
The retirements of Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro 
were both handled according to our approved 
Policy and were disclosed previously. 

2020 Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
The Committee has implemented the 2020 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy (the Policy) 
that was approved by shareholders at the 2020 
AGM, and includes the following key changes. 
The Policy maintained our three-part construct 
of base salary, annual incentive and long-term 
incentives (LTIs), with no changes to the target 
or maximum annual incentive opportunity or 
LTI award levels.
–  from 2021, safety and diversity and inclusion 

measures within non-financial annual 
incentive will apply as a ‘downward’ underpin 
if performance is not achieved at the high 
levels expected;

–  from 2021, metrics applicable to award 

of Performance Shares will include a cash-
generation measure and strategic progress 
measures, in addition to existing EPS growth 
and relative TSR, all with an equal weighting 
of 25%;

Ian Tyler 
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

Members
Ian Tyler (Chairman)
Dame Elizabeth Corley
Chris Grigg

Dear Shareholders
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present 
the Remuneration Committee’s report for 2020. 
I assumed the chairmanship on 1 January 2021, 
succeeding from Paula Rosput Reynolds who 
has chaired this Committee for over five years. 
Together with my colleagues, we have 
appreciated the quality of shareholder 
consultation you have provided, which led, 
among other things, to the strong support 
we received for the renewal of our Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy at the 2020 Annual 
General Meeting (97.5% in favour).

Whilst the market for BAE Systems’ capabilities 
has mostly remained strong so far through the 
COVID-19 pandemic, delivering our customers’ 
needs whilst keeping all our employees safe 
against such a challenging backdrop has called 
on all the ingenuity, determination and innovation 
of our management teams and our workforce. 
We could not have asked more from them. As a 
result of their efforts, the Company has not taken 
advantage of the UK government’s funded 
furlough scheme and we have not borrowed any 
money under government COVID-19 borrowing 
facilities. Overall the Company has delivered a 
year of strong performance. Our employees 
across the Group have demonstrated fantastic 
commitment and contribution to delivering 
our customers’ priorities, and the Committee 
has ensured its continued focus on the wellbeing 
and remuneration of the wider workforce in its 
considerations over the year.

124

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Our Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
and options for discretion
The reasonableness discretion afforded to the 
Committee under the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy allows the Committee to increase or 
decrease the number of Performance Shares 
vesting in exceptional circumstances in light 
of important factors in the business. The 
Remuneration Committee and Board considered 
the immediate and present danger of the loss of 
Dr Woodburn to be an exceptional circumstance 
and elected to exercise its discretion in modifying 
his salary and increasing the number of shares 
vesting in his 2018 Performance Shares award. 

The basis for the use of Remuneration 
Committee Policy discretion
The Board and Remuneration Committee 
considered the potential modification of the 
reward package by addressing specific criteria:

1. Salary would correspond to the current 
median level of reward as published for 
a FTSE 50 chief executive.

2. LTIP award would be paid only if the individual 
remained in employment as Chief Executive 
as at December 2023 and market expectations 
of 2020 performance were achieved.

3. The quantum of the award would align with 
the now lapsed one-off Performance Shares 
award allocated at the time of his recruitment, 
which was intended as buy-out of certain 
long-term incentives that were forfeited 
at the time of his departure from his 
previous company.

4. All of the above adjustments will be made 

on a one-off basis.

Irrespective of the size of the offer made by 
the alternative employer, the Board was clear 
that no further reward adjustment of any 
kind would be made at any time in relation 
to such an offer irrespective of circumstance 
and any future remuneration adjustments would 
always be subject to the approved remuneration 
policy at the time and to shareholder approval 
where required.

–  any new UK executive directors will be offered 
employer pension contribution of 8% into a 
defined contribution scheme, or cash alternative, 
in line with the wider UK workforce;

–  current Chief Executive pension allowance 

to be fixed in monetary terms at the employer 
pension contribution level of £186,200 
per annum;

–  introduction of five-year time period for 

achieving Minimum Shareholding Requirement 
with effect from the AGM and confirmation 
of consequences of not meeting it; and

–  establishment of a formal post-cessation 

shareholding policy:
–  100% of full MSR to be held for two years 

by UK executive directors; and

–  300% of salary to be held for one year 
applicable to US executive directors.

2021 remuneration
To confirm, for 2021 no revisions are proposed 
to our executive remuneration framework that 
would constitute a change to the Policy. In line 
with our commitment to continued transparency, 
we have engaged with our major shareholders 
and informed them of the decisions for 2021 
reported here. As part of this, we informed them 
of the important remuneration decisions made 
by the Board and Remuneration Committee 
in relation to our Chief Executive.

Chief Executive remuneration
As set out on pages 30 to 33 of this Annual 
Report, the directors have detailed some of the 
decisions they made during 2020, and in doing 
so, how they looked to promote the success of 
the Company, having regard to key stakeholder 
interests. One of the key decisions reported, 
concerns how the directors acted to secure 
the continued services of our Chief Executive, 
Dr Charles Woodburn. Given the exceptional 
nature of the matter, we have written to 
our major shareholders to provide a detailed 
explanation and to ask for their support in 
this matter.

Background
During the last quarter of 2020, our Chief 
Executive, Dr Woodburn, received an offer to 
become chief executive of a major international 
public company based in the UK. The offer, which 
resulted from a discussion regarding a potential 
non-executive role, was unsolicited, attractive, 
and provided a material opportunity to expand 
his career horizon and improve his immediate and 
long-term financial reward. Given his commitment 
to the Company, prior to accepting the offer, he 
chose to share the opportunity he had been given 
with the Board. 

The Board valued the significant contribution 
Dr Woodburn had made since his appointment 
and recognised the importance of his leadership 
role at this critical time in the development of 
the Company. Accordingly, the Board elected to 
review his remuneration with a view to securing 
his enthusiastic and enduring commitment to 
the Company with goodwill on both sides. 

Remuneration Committee and 
Board considerations
The Board carefully reviewed the Company 
and stakeholder risks of the potential departure 
of Dr Woodburn and the challenges of replacing 
him. Given the nature of our business, the UK 
government has mandated through the Special 
Share arrangements that the Chief Executive 
must be a British citizen and they would have 
the highest level of security clearance. Most 
importantly, the Chief Executive must have 
sufficient intellect and experience to occupy 
a position that is critical to our important role 
in the defence and security interests of the UK, 
US, Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
These challenges were weighed against the cost 
of measures that may be required to retain his 
services for an extended period. 

The Board concluded that in the three years 
he had served as Chief Executive, considerable 
progress had been made in the strategic 
development and operational performance 
of the business and that he was respected and 
valued by the Board, his executive team, our 
shareholders, political leaders and customers in 
the countries we serve. The Board also recognised 
that the progress he had made in that period 
through refreshing management, deepening 
our order book, strengthening our technology 
and sharpening our competitive edge, had been 
substantial. Despite a good deal of work having 
been undertaken on succession planning, given 
the exacting requirements for the role outlined 
above, as yet no internal successor for the Chief 
Executive role had been sufficiently developed 
to effect a seamless transition of leadership. 

In considering Board composition, it was also 
noted that of the three Executive Directors, 
Dr Woodburn had the longest tenure as a 
Board member, with the Group Finance Director 
and President and Chief Executive Officer, 
BAE Systems, Inc. being respectively recruited 
and appointed only in the last 12 months. In light 
of the above, the Board also reflected on the past 
challenges faced by the Company in recruiting 
a Chief Executive some four years ago, the 
time taken for him to build a comprehensive 
understanding of a complex international 
business, the generational change of leadership 
that is now in process, and the potential damage 
that the early departure of Dr Woodburn would 
inflict on the Company, important government 
customer relationships and shareholders. Based 
on close examination of both the defence 
industry and FTSE 50 median reward levels, it had 
become increasingly clear that Dr Woodburn’s 
current remuneration no longer reflected his 
value to the Company or standing in the market.

As a defence company of international 
importance the Board therefore concluded 
that the benefit of retaining our existing Chief 
Executive on improved terms with a long-term 
commitment to stay, materially outweighed 
the risk to all stakeholders associated with the 
turbulence of change and the cost and time 
associated with finding, hiring and introducing 
a new leader into the Company. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

125

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportRemuneration Committee report 
continued

The award
The Committee has therefore applied the 
following two-step adjustment to Dr Woodburn’s 
salary, which is within the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy: (i) salary increase of 3.21% with effect 
from 1 December 2020 and (ii) a further salary 
increase with effect from 1 January 2021 of 9.5%, 
to deliver a total base salary of £1,107,538. This 
salary is in line with median market levels for 
a FTSE 50 Chief Executive and is a fair reflection 
of his value, competence, skill and performance 
having now been in post for over three years.

The Committee additionally agreed the need 
to strengthen his existing long-term incentive 
arrangements to recognise more fully the 
critical nature of the role and the importance 
of retaining him. By exercising its discretion, 
the Committee determined that a Performance 
Share award granted to Dr Woodburn in 2018 
will vest in full with the shares being receivable 
in 2023. Such vesting is conditional on his 
continued employment as Chief Executive 
through to December 2023, and the delivery 
of 2020 performance in accordance with current 
market expectations. Taking into account the 
2020 performance outcome, the additional value 
of this LTIP award as a result of the discretion 
applied is approximately £2m, as at the share 
price stated in the table shown in line with 
the lapsed Performance Share award agreed 
at the time of his joining. 

LTIP award reconciliation
Basis of calculation of 2018 LTIP

Number of shares 

Share price (three-month average)  
as at 31 December 2020 

570,454

£4.844

Nil vest

50% vest

TSR 

EPS 

LTIP 
2018 grant

Number 
of shares

Value at 
£4.844 
share price

Shares 
released 
for TSR 
(nil vest)

Shares 
released  
for EPS 
(50% vest)

Total grant

570,454

0

142,613

£2,763,393

–

£690,846

Total possible value of 2018 LTIP

£2,763,393

Earned outturn based 
on EPS performance

Additional share value 
required to equate to full 
potential value of 2018 LTIP

Total

Reward conditionality

£690,846

£2,072,547

£2,763,393

–  Delivery of the 2020 performance 
in accordance with the Company’s 
November 2020 EPS guidance (achieved).

–  Dr Woodburn to be in role as Chief Executive 

until at least December 2023.

–  All standard terms and conditions associated 

with LTIP to apply.

The decision-making process 
and conclusions
In considering both the importance of retaining 
Dr Woodburn as Chief Executive and determining 
a reward package that was proportionate and 
appropriate, the Board referenced its duties under 
Section 172(1) of the Companies Act to act in the 
way that it considered in good faith would be 
most likely to promote the success of the company 
for the benefit of its members as a whole. 

All non-executive directors of the Board were 
engaged in a step-by-step process in making 
these decisions through assessing alternative 
options, risks and comparative marketplace 
reward levels. The decisions on both the principle 
of retention and determination of the reward 
package were achieved only after careful thought 
and discussion, and were reached unanimously 
and unequivocally by the Board under the rules 
of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy. All parties 
agreed that a positive outcome had been 
achieved. The Company has retained a first 
class leader on fair market value terms. The 
three-year commitment enables the development 
of candidates for internal succession to the post 
of Chief Executive to be successfully executed. 
Dr Woodburn, appropriately compensated, is 
pleased to remain and is enthusiastic to complete 
the job he had started to make BAE Systems 
a more competitive, agile, and technically 
advanced company.

Review of other executive director 
base salaries 
The Committee has considered carefully the 
level of performance of our executive directors, 
who have been expected to demonstrate 
exceptional leadership and resilience throughout 
the COVID-19 crisis. Reflecting the skills, time, 
performance and experience since appointment 
in role, the Committee has approved salary 
increases in line with the wider workforce in 
the relevant markets, being 2% for our Group 
Finance Director and 3.5% for our President 
and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

Annual incentive plan metrics
As set out in our approved Policy, the structure 
of the annual incentive plan for 2021 will be 
75% financial performance measures and 25% 
non-financial measures. The annual financial 
targets will continue to align with the long-term 
earnings and cash targets based on the same 
weightings and metrics that applied in 2020. 
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 key strategic objectives. As previously 
disclosed, from 2021 forwards, safety and diversity 
and inclusion (D&I) will operate as an underpin 
to the non-financial component of the annual 
incentive. The Committee will use their 
discretion to modify the annual incentive outturn 
downwards if they find that safety and/or D&I 
are not up to the high standards expected of 
our leadership. 

Long-term incentive plan metrics
In line with our approved Policy, from 2021, 
Performance Shares will be measured over a 
three-year period against a cash generation 
measure and measures reflecting strategic 
progress, in addition to the existing Earnings per 
Share (EPS) and relative Total Shareholder Return 
(TSR) measures; each of these four performance 
conditions will be equally weighted at 25%.

25% subject to strategic progress metrics
The Committee has previously confirmed 
that these metrics will be measured against 
quantifiable targets based on our three key 
strategic pillars, each with equal weighting. 
The Committee will disclose the areas of 
strategic progress applicable in each year, with 
the specific metrics to be disclosed retrospectively 
after the end of the relevant financial year due 
to commercial sensitivity.

(i) Drive operational excellence
The focus of this objective is the adherence to 
project plans of mission-critical projects over the 
three-year performance period. This objective will 
be measured by the metric of On Time Delivery, 
evaluated against an approved set of customer 
contracts, in a manner consistent with the normal 
course of business. The contracts to be measured 
will be representative of each of our main 
business sectors, having regard to execution 
risk, scale and duration, and will be approved 
by the Committee on an annual basis. For our 
US executive director, On Time Delivery will be 
measured against BAE Systems, Inc. contracts 
only. The Company’s robust quality and safety 
processes will continue to apply.

Measurement of On Time Delivery will be 
derived from our existing systems, which 
measures progress compared to the contracted 
project baseline, as modified by any customer-
agreed re-baselining. The overall outturn will 
be based on the aggregated On Time Delivery 
three-year average. Target performance will be 
achieved for equal or better than the aggregated 
On Time Delivery three-year average, with 
threshold and stretch levels also applying. 
The final outturn (between 0% and 100%) 
will be subject to review by Group Internal 
Audit and approved by the Committee.

(ii) Continuously improve 
competitiveness and efficiency
As a company, we strive to continually improve 
our competitiveness in order to drive profitable 
growth to benefit all of our stakeholders. The 
most effective measure of this is three-year Return 
on Capital Employed (ROCE). ROCE demonstrates 
our ability to generate profitable business 
growth, manage our overhead costs through 
improved efficiency, and strategically deploy 
capital to enhance future shareholder return. 

The Committee has approved the ROCE metrics 
applicable to the 2021 Performance Share 
awards, calibrated in line with the approved 
Integrated Business Plan (IBP) as follows:
–  Threshold set as 25bps reduction in 2023 

ROCE, and reflecting an improvement across 
the three-year period;

126

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

–  On Target set as 2023 ROCE consistent with 

the IBP; and

–  Stretch reflecting a 25bps improvement in 2023 
ROCE, thereby ensuring an increase in return 
and/or improvement in capital employed.

The level of vesting for achieving the Threshold, 
On Target and Stretch targets shall be 25%, 
50% and 100% respectively of the award, with 
pro-rata vesting for intermediate performance. 

(iii) Advance and leverage our technology
This metric is designed to support our strategic 
focus on making technology investments. Effective 
delivery of major technology programmes will 
be used to measure this objective.

Annually, the Committee will approve the 
significant strategic technology projects to be 
measured, such that they highlight leveraging 
digital technology internally within the Company. 
The IBP process will be used to identify these 
projects such that they are strategic in nature, 
above the threshold for Lifecycle Management 
(LCM), and have clearly articulated and 
measurable value contributions. Each project 
will be measured against key milestones within 
the LCM process which include: (i) project launch/
business case agreed; (ii) go-live; and (iii) benefits 
delivered, and will be independently assessed via 
the LCM process. The vesting outcome will be 
derived from the outturn of each of the projects 
(between 0% and 100% of this element), with 
final approval by the Committee.

25% subject to cash generation
UK executive directors will be measured on 
three-year Free Cash Flow (FCF). The Company 
regularly publishes three-year FCF guidance, 
and presents FCF in the financial results. 
The FCF metric itself will be calibrated to be 
closely correlated to the Group’s approved IBP. 
Threshold, Target and Stretch levels will be set 
appropriately to align with the Group’s three-year 
FCF guidance and to incentivise improved cash 
performance over the three-year period.

To provide focus on cash generation within 
our BAE Systems, Inc. business, and maintain 
alignment within the senior BAE Systems, Inc. 
leadership team, our US executive director will 
be subject to three-year Operating Cash Flow 
(OCF) in respect of the BAE Systems, Inc. business.

Due to commercial sensitivity, the Free Cash 
Flow and BAE Systems, Inc., OCF targets will 
be disclosed retrospectively after the end of 
the relevant financial year.

25% measured against 
Total Shareholder Return
This metric will be measured against a 
single comparator group being a subset of 
the companies in the FTSE 100 index, chosen 
to ensure they reflect the size, sector, nature 
of operations, level of international exposure 
and shareholder base of BAE Systems. The 
same performance requirements will apply 
as for the 2020 Performance Share awards.

25% subject to earnings per share growth
The Committee has reviewed how the IBP approved 
by the Board has been translated into EPS targets 
that are appropriately challenging, aligned with 
shareholder expectations and still provide a 
meaningful incentive for executives to drive 
performance. Therefore the same performance 
requirements will apply as for the 2020 
Performance Share awards.

Other items of note
We recognise that there is an increasing focus 
on measures relevant to Environmental, Social 
and Governance (ESG) performance. Our current 
remuneration framework includes a focus on 
safety that will apply as a downward underpin 
in the annual incentive, if the Committee finds 
that this is not up to the high standards expected. 
The Committee will continue to monitor the 
relevance of ESG metrics within the remuneration 
construct as they relate to our sustainability 
agenda (see page 34). 

In relation to aligning pension contributions for 
incumbent directors, the Committee recognises 
the desire to see pension provision for highly-
compensated executives brought in line with 
those available to the wider workforce. Since 2020, 
the Chief Executive’s pension has been fixed at 
the monetary value of £186,200 per annum. 
This is equivalent to 16.8% of his 1 January 2021 
salary (a reduction from 19%), and represents a 
move towards the level of employer contributions 
based on a weighted average of UK active 
members (approximately 15.5%). It is anticipated 
that his effective contribution rate will continue 
to reduce in future years and over time this will 
align his rate with that of the wider workforce. 
Recognising the practical issues involved and the 
Company’s existing contractual commitments, 
the Committee will continue to monitor the 
matter of pension provision as part of broader 
market trends and investor expectations.

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.

In addition to developing the overall Directors’ 
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. 

Nevertheless, despite the challenges resulting 
from the COVID-19 pandemic and those in relation 
to securing the continued services of our Chief 
Executive, we believe we have made balanced 
judgements in respect of 2020. As a Committee, 
we will continue to look ahead to 2021 as another 
year in which we strengthen our framework 
on pay for performance. With the enhancement 
in individual goals now firmly in place and the 
changes approved in the 2020 policy review, 
we have the basis on which to exercise greater 
judgement in evaluating the performance, 
contributions and potential of our executives. 
As well, the Committee is engaged in ensuring 
the wider workforce remuneration, succession 
pipeline, and incentives are creating an environment 
where our most talented employees are being 
recognised and given greater responsibilities 
– and differences in individuals are valued.

Concluding comments
The Remuneration Committee remains committed 
to its policy of paying for performance, with 
our Directors’ Remuneration Policy ensuring 
that our executive incentive arrangements are 
meaningful whilst simultaneously aligning 
them to the Company’s strategic goals and to 
the interests of our shareholders. 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. 

I do hope you find this detailed explanation and 
transparency of our remuneration changes helpful, 
and in particular, in relation to the one-off and 
exceptional remuneration decisions we have 
made to secure the continued services of Charles 
Woodburn as Chief Executive of the Company. 
It is against this background that we ask for 
your support when voting on our Directors’ 
remuneration report at this year’s AGM.

On behalf of the Board
Ian Tyler 
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

127

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportRemuneration Committee report 
continued

The Remuneration Committee’s year

January, London, UK
Committee
–  Assessed outturn of 2019 strategic 

objectives for executive directors and 
Executive Committee members.

–  Agreed 2020 key strategic objectives for 

executive directors and Executive 
Committee members.

February, London, UK
Committee
–  Determined 2019 bonuses against 

performance for executive directors and 
Executive Committee members for 
payment in March 2020.

–  Approved 2019 Group All-Employee 

Free Share Plans payments. 

–  Determined vesting outcome for 2017 

Long-Term Incentive awards.

–  Approved grant of 2020 Long-Term 
Incentive awards and associated 
performance targets for executive 
directors and Executive Committee 
members.

–  Reviewed feedback from shareholder 
consultation on 2020 remuneration 
policy renewal and remuneration review.

May, Videoconference
Committee
–  Reviewed feedback from shareholder 
consultation and Annual General 
Meeting in respect of 2020 
remuneration policy renewal and 
remuneration review.

–  Considered reward implications 

as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
–  Received an overview of broader 

workforce remuneration. 

July, Videoconference
Committee
–  Considered reward implications 

as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
–  Reviewed progress against Executive 

Committee 2020 objectives.
–  Approved the vesting outcome 
of the 2017 Autumn Long-Term 
Incentive awards.

September, Videoconference
Committee
–  Received an executive 
remuneration update.

–  Considered long-term incentive metrics 

–  Approved 2019 Annual remuneration 

applicable to 2021 awards.

report including renewal of 
remuneration policy.

March, Videoconference
Committee
–  Approved 2020 Long-Term Incentive 

grant resolutions.

–  Approved grant of 2020 Autumn 

Long-Term Incentive awards.

–  Received an overview of broader 

workforce remuneration.

November, Videoconference
Committee
–  Approved the approach to the 

development of the 2020 Annual 
remuneration report.

–  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  
for 2021.

–  Approved long-term incentive metrics 

applicable to 2021 awards.

–  Reviewed cascade of approved 

remuneration policy below executive 
director level.

–  Received key external market trends 
from the 2020 AGM season, and 
an internal update ahead of 2021 
reward review.

–  Received remuneration analysis for 
individuals on Executive Committee 
succession plans.

December, Videoconference
Committee
–  Considered the recent updates 

to institutional investor guidance.

–  Reviewed and set salaries for 

executive directors and Executive 
Committee members.

–  Agreed the approach, structure 
and targets for the 2021 annual 
incentive plan.

–  Reviewed the draft 2021 

strategic objectives applicable 
to the Executive Committee.
–  Agreed special remuneration 

adjustment for the Chief Executive 
to secure his services.

Remuneration Committee timeline

January

February

March

May

July

September

November

December

Committee

Committee

Committee

Committee

Committee

Committee

Committee

Committee

128

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Annual remuneration report at a glance
for the year ended 31 December 2020

Business performance and incentive outcomes in 2020
Group underlying EPS1

AIP

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

LTI

LTI

2020  
performance

2020  
incentive outcome

48.3p

£(97)m

£20.2bn

485

37

5%

–4.3%

AIP   Annual Incentive Plan
LTI   Long-Term Incentive

  Below threshold
  Between threshold and target
  At or above target

1. Adjusted to be on a like-for-like basis with the targets (see page 144).
2. Safety performance has been assigned at a Group level, with a small portion of the available award made in recognition of the improvement (reduction) in the number 

of injuries recorded in the UK, Saudi Arabia and Australia businesses. No payout was awarded in respect of BAE Systems, Inc.’s safety performance as a result of the level 
of major injuries recorded.

This resulted in the following incentive outcomes:
–  2020 annual bonus payouts for the executive directors were between target and 80% of maximum; and
–  The outcomes applicable to Tom Arseneault, Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro are as follows: Performance Shares (EPS) granted in March 2018 

achieved target performance and will vest at 50%. Performance Shares (TSR) granted in March 2018 did not meet their performance condition 
and will lapse. However, with respect to Charles Woodburn’s March 2018 Performance Shares, as detailed in the Remuneration Committee 
Chairman’s letter on page 125, the Committee exercised its discretion to determine the outcome of the award at the maximum level of 100%.

Summary of executive directors’ remuneration in 2020
The charts below show the 2020 actual remuneration achieved, as disclosed in the single total figure of remuneration on page 140, compared 
with the 2020 on-target and maximum opportunity. In respect of Brad Greve and Tom Arseneault who were appointed as executive directors 
during the year, annualised figures have been provided to include their remuneration prior to their appointment. On-target remuneration 
assumes target vesting of incentives payable in respect of the performance period with year-end 2020, whilst maximum remuneration assumes 
maximum vesting of incentives payable. Also included is the value of the actual shareholding for each executive director as at 31 December 2020 
compared to their Minimum Shareholding Requirement (as set out on page 152).

£m
7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

£6.05m

£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

£1.44m

£2.91m

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

Brad Greve
Group Finance Director

Tom Arseneault 2
President and Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc.

1. The figures for Tom Arseneault have been converted from US dollars to sterling.
2. Long-term incentive figures above are based on the 2018 Performance Shares and Share Options. For Tom Arseneault, the figures include his 2020 Restricted Shares award 
(as required by regulation in the single total figure of remuneration); his single total figure of remuneration on page 140 includes pro-rating of his 2018 Performance Shares 
and Share Option awards (the latter is underwater and shown as nil).

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 43 our objective is to inspire 
and enable our people to fulfil their potential. We strive to create an inclusive, agile environment in which everyone does their best work for our customers 
and feels valued 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 through a variety of financial and non-financial recognition schemes; 

–  we offer post-employment benefits aligned to competitive practice in each relevant home market;
–  we also encourage employees to become shareholders in BAE Systems and, in some markets, offer share schemes to support this;
–  we have further embedded our Behaviours in our people processes, to measure, recognise and reward not just what our people achieve 

but how they achieve it;

–  the mean pay difference between men and women across the UK workforce is 9.1% in favour of men; and
–  the median pay ratio of Chief Executive remuneration to UK average employee is 102:1.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

129

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual remuneration report at a glance
for the year ending 31 December 2021

Summary of remuneration framework
The table below sets out the overall remuneration framework applicable to each of the executive directors under the 2020 approved 
remuneration policy.

Purpose and link to strategy

Base Salary 
(with effect from 
1 January 2021)

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.

On-target/maximum 
opportunity (% salary)

Performance condition

Deferral into Deferred  
Bonus Plan

Charles 
Woodburn
CEO

Brad
Greve
GFD

Tom Arseneault
President and 
CEO Inc.

£1,107,538

£622,200

$1,014,000

Defined 
contribution 
(£186,200)

Defined  
contribution 
(8% salary)

US defined benefit 
and Section 401(k) 
defined contribution1

112.5%/225%

80%/160%

112.5%/225%

75% financial (Earnings, cash and order intake)/  
25% non-financial (key strategic objectives)2

One-third compulsory deferral

Performance 
Shares

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.

Grant (% salary)

370%

335%

298%

Performance condition

25% relative TSR/ 
25% three-year diluted underlying EPS growth/ 
25% cash generation/ 
25% strategic progress

Vesting

Three-year performance 
conditions, vests in year 5

Restricted  
Shares

Provide long-term reward through 
time-vesting awards principally in 
the Company’s US market.

Grant (% salary)

Vesting

n/a

n/a

Three-year 
performance 
conditions and 
vested shares 
released one-third 
in years 3,4,5

150%

Three-year service 
condition and 
two-year clawback 
period

Minimum 
Shareholding 
Requirement

Provide long-term alignment with 
shareholder interests.

(% salary)

300%

200%

425%

Post-cessation shareholding 
requirement (% salary)

300% for  
two years

200% for  
two years

300% for  
one year

1. Further detail on Tom Arseneault’s pension is provided on pages 149 and 164.
2. Safety and diversity and inclusion measures will operate as a downward underpin to non-financial measures.

Application of 2021 package for UK executive directors

Application of 2021 package for US executive director

Performance 
Shares

Vests in year 5 subject to three-year EPS, TSR, 
cash generation and strategic progress metrics

Performance 
Shares

Vests in years 3,4 and 5 subject to three-year EPS, 
TSR, cash generation and strategic progress metrics; 
vested shares released in one-thirds

Restricted 
Shares

Vests subject to three-year service 
condition with an additional 
two-year clawback period

Compulsory bonus deferral 
into Deferred Bonus Plan 
One-third deferred in shares for 
three years

Cash-based element 
Two-thirds paid in cash 
immediately

1

2

3

4

5

Annual
Incentive

Base
Salary

Annual
Incentive

Base
Salary

Charts are illustrative and are not to scale.

Year

130

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Compulsory bonus deferral 
into Deferred Bonus Plan 
One-third deferred in shares for 
three years

Cash-based element 
Two-thirds paid in cash 
immediately

1

2

3

4

5

Year

Annual remuneration report
for the year ended 31 December 2020

This section details the remuneration of the executive and 
non‑executive directors (including the Chairman) during the 
financial year ended 31 December 2020 and will be proposed 
for an advisory vote by shareholders at the 2021 Annual 
General Meeting (AGM).

It has been prepared on the basis prescribed in Schedule 8 of the Large and 
Medium‑sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.

Response to remuneration reporting provisions in the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code
In response to the Code requirements, you will find the following detailed in our reporting:

Page 137
Strategic rationale of our remuneration framework

Page 132
Appropriateness of our remuneration

Page 136
How the Committee has addressed the factors of clarity, simplicity, 
risk, predictability, proportionality and alignment to culture

Page 124
Operation of our policy

Page 138
Engagement with shareholders

Page 133
Engagement with our workforce

Page 124
Exercise of discretion

Statement of voting
Shareholder voting on the resolutions to approve the Annual remuneration report put to 
the 2020 AGM and the Directors’ remuneration policy put to the 2020 AGM was as follows:

Annual remuneration report

Votes for

%

Votes against

2,228,101,351

92.50

180,570,698

%

7.50

Total votes cast

Votes withheld 
(abstentions)

2,408,672,049

94,920,178

Directors’ remuneration policy

Votes for

2,423,919,276

%

97.55

Votes against

60,821,405

%

2.45

Total votes cast

Votes withheld 
(abstentions)

2,484,740,681

18,848,820

The Directors’ remuneration policy approved at the 2020 AGM, which took effect on 7 May 
2020, is detailed on pages 157 to 171. It is also available in the Investor Relations section of 
the Company’s website: baesystems.com

Contents
Response to remuneration reporting 
provisions in the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code 

Statement of voting 

Appropriateness of remuneration 
and wider context 

Remuneration principles 

Strategic rationale for our 
directors’ remuneration 

131

131

132

136

137

Single total figure of remuneration:
–  for the Chairman and  

non-executive directors 
–  for the executive directors 

139
140

Implementation of our policy in the 
year ending 31 December 2021 

141

Executive director changes in 2020  142

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 

–  Statement of directors’ 

144
145

147

148

149

150

shareholdings and share interests  152

Remuneration Committee  
composition and advisers 

155

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

131

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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 financial 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. During 2020, we have further embedded our Behaviours 
in our people processes as we continue to measure, recognise and reward not just what our people achieve but how 
they achieve it. 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 136, the Committee considered a number of core principles in the renewal of our 2020 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 
trades 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 key 
strategic objectives, with 
safety and diversity and 
inclusion applied as 
downward underpin. 
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 the US only).

Annual incentive based 75% on financial 
performance of our KPIs and 25% on 
non-financial metrics of key strategic objectives, 
with safety and diversity and inclusion applied 
as downward underpin. 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 (with no performance conditions) 
are exercisable after three years.

Restricted shares vest subject to three-year service 
condition (predominantly applicable in the US).

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 Committee regularly undertakes a deep-dive session to build its understanding of reward arrangements applicable 
to the wider workforce. The Committee has deepened its approach, not only due to the broader governance requirements, 
but because it believes that well-designed remuneration can be a tool of culture change and progressive improvement 
in Company performance. Such deep-dive sessions provide assurance that the remuneration for the wider workforce 
is consistent with market trends, with regulation, and is non-discriminatory with respect to gender, ethnicity and other 
personal attributes not related to performance.

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 annual 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 Committee is also periodically 
updated on wider employee matters such as the outcome of our UK gender pay analysis and an analysis of selected key 
talent such as those individuals on an Executive Committee succession plan.

132

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

The Committee, as well as all Board members, meets periodically with the wider workforce and with high-potential 
employees to engage in candid dialogue.

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 138.

Pay comparisons
Pay ratio of Chief Executive to UK average employee
The Committee is mindful of the relationship between Chief Executive remuneration and the remuneration of the wider 
BAE Systems employee population. 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

2020

2019

2018

Method

Option B

Option B

Option B

25th  
percentile 
pay ratio

120:1

90:1

61:1

Median  
pay ratio

102:1

72:1

48:1

75th  
percentile 
pay ratio

88:1

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 2020.

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 132). 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. The overall picture presented by the ratios is consistent with our pay, reward and progression policies.

£

Total pay and benefits

Salary component

25th  
percentile

50,444

33,254

50th  
percentile

59,183

41,126

75th  
percentile

68,487

51,117

Relative to 2019, the pay ratio in 2020 has increased by approximately 33%, 42% and 50% at 25th, median and 75th 
percentiles respectively. Whilst there has been a decrease in annual bonus in respect of 2020 (78.7% of maximum in 2020 
versus 95.6% in 2019), the pay ratio has been impacted by the full vesting of long-term incentives in respect of performance 
ending in 2020 for the Chief Executive (compared with partial vesting in respect of 2019).

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

133

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance and Chief Executive pay
The graph below shows the value by 31 December 2020, on a TSR basis, of £100 invested in BAE Systems on 31 December 2010 
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 as a bar chart 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 between 2016 and 2020. The equivalent data is shown for the sectoral comparator 
group which is of relevance to our international shareholder base, and forms the remaining 50% of the TSR performance 
measures for awards made until 2020.

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 2020 of £100 investment at 31 December 2010

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

20171

2018

2019

2020

£’000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

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

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

20171

2018

2019

2020

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

n/a

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,279

2,416

3,747 6,048

4,810

4,613

2,574 2,499

3,519

2,929 3,463

3,365

2,416

3,747 6,048

71.0% 68.6% 55.6% 53.4% 74.3% 72.4% 82.3% 75.9%

n/a

n/a

n/a

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 75.8% 65.6% 95.6% 78.7%

57.6% 44.3%

–

–

nil

–

nil 16.8%

–

–

nil

–

nil 11.3%

n/a

n/a

n/a

–

n/a

nil 10.9% 100%

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 as a bar chart on the secondary y-axis.
3. Total remuneration includes the value of share plans vesting that were granted prior to appointment as Chief Executive.

134

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Annual percentage change in directors’ remuneration
The table below shows the percentage change over the year ended 31 December 2019 to the year ended 31 December 2020 
in respect of directors’ remuneration and average employee remuneration. As required by legislation, Directors’ remuneration 
is compared to employees of the BAE Systems plc entity on a full-time equivalent basis. We are voluntarily disclosing this 
information on the required basis in this year’s report. As such, we have excluded any directors who left or joined the Board 
part way through 2020.

Salary/fees
% change

Benefits
% change

Annual bonus
% change1

Executive directors

C N Woodburn

Non-executive directors

Sir Roger Carr

Dame Elizabeth Corley

C M Grigg
S T Pearce2
N W Piasecki2
P Rosput Reynolds

N C Rose

I P Tyler

Average employee3

+6.9

0.0

+4.7

+28.1

+133

+79.5

+3.6

–30.8

+3.6

+2.5

–3.9

0.0

–100.0

–100.0

–4.0

–35.5

–82.1

–87.4

–64.7

+2.5

–12.1

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

–2.0

1. Annual percentage change information is provided on a voluntary basis for 2020. The table includes those individuals employed as a director 

for the whole of 2020 and with remuneration disclosed in the 2019 single figure table (to determine the percentage change).

2. Remuneration for Stephen Pearce and Nicole Piasecki in respect of 2019 reflects their part-year from joining the Board on 1 June 2019.
3. Figures provided in respect of employees of BAE Systems plc on a full-time equivalent basis, calculated on a median average basis.

Gender pay
BAE Systems has published its annual gender pay gap report in line with the UK regulations. For 2020, the average (mean) 
gender pay gap for our UK workforce was 9.1% in favour of men (2019 10.3%), which is lower than the current UK national 
average of 15.5%. 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 continue to work hard to improve our gender balance 
and remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the plans we have in place to increase the number of women in 
BAE Systems and support the progression of women into senior executive positions.

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 2019 and 2020. These charts have been chosen as they are most representative 
in assisting to understand the relative importance of spend on pay.

Underlying EBITA1 
(£m)

+0.7%

2020

2019

Total employee costs2 
(£m)

+4.2%

2020

2019

Returns to shareholders3 
(£m)

+3.0%

2020

2019

Average headcount4 
(’000)

+1.3%

2020

2019

2,132

2,117

6,687

6,417

746

724

80

79

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 58). This is included as it is the Group’s principal measure of operational profitability.
2. After excluding the impact of exchange translation, wages and salaries increased by approximately 3% per employee in 2020.
3. Returns to shareholders comprise dividends to ordinary shareholders paid in the year.
4. Excluding share of equity accounted investments. This is included for year-on-year comparison of employee headcount.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

135

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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, 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
Clarity
Remuneration arrangements 
should be transparent and 
promote effective engagement 
with shareholders and 
the workforce.

Simplicity
Remuneration structures 
should avoid complexity and their 
rationale and operation should be 
easy to understand.

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.

How the Committee addresses the factor

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. 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.

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 allowing 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 metric 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 137, 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 137, 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.

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
Reward 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.

136

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Strategic rationale for our directors’ remuneration

As detailed on page 132, 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 financial 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

Drive  
operational 
excellence

Continuously  
improve 
competitiveness 
and efficiency

Advance and 
further leverage 
our technology

Pursue  
and deliver  
growth

Lead  
and inspire  
high-performing 
teams and  
individuals

Build trust by 
operating to the 
highest standards 
of business  
conduct

How our strategic objectives are measured in our incentives

Annual incentive

Earnings per share

Net debt

Order intake

Safety1

Diversity and inclusion1

Key strategic objectives

Long-term incentive

Three-year earnings per share

Three-year relative  
Total Shareholder Return

Three-year cash generation

Three-year strategic progress

1. Safety and diversity and inclusion will be applied as a downward underpin if these are not achieved at high levels expected.

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

Bonus deferral

Performance shares

Restricted shares 
(predominantly in the US)

Share options  
(below executive director level)

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.

Compulsory deferral into shares increases alignment with shareholder interests.

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.

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

137

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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 remuneration changes planned. In a year of 
significant change, such as 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 himself available for such meetings throughout the 
year to hear their perspective on remuneration matters.

Periodically, BAE Systems conducts a Governance Investor event, aimed at encouraging greater transparency and awareness 
of our governance programmes. The event provides an opportunity for closer contact with non-executives, particularly the 
committee chairs. As part of the November 2020 event, held virtually, the Remuneration Committee Chairman shared an 
overview of the Remuneration Committee including their role and remit, the key areas for consideration during 2020 and 
beyond, and a summary of the changes in our 2020 Remuneration Policy.

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 is valued and can 
fulfil their potential. 

Our Company Behaviours, launched in 2019, build on our organisational strengths and focus us, individually and collectively, 
on the characteristics that will underpin our success in the future. They define the way we want to work – with each other 
and with our partners and customers – and are key to creating an inclusive culture in which everyone can thrive. During the 
pandemic, these Behaviours came to the fore, with qualities like adaptability, creativity, collaboration and integrity enabling 
us to meet unprecedented challenges. During 2020, we have further embedded our Behaviours in our performance, talent, 
recruitment and reward processes as we continue to measure, recognise and reward not just what our people achieve but 
how they achieve it.

As a result of the various global restrictions, the Board was unable to complete its planned programme of site visits and 
associated face-to-face engagement with employees. Where possible, the programme was adapted to seek employee 
feedback and engage remotely. The Chairman and non-executive directors held a number of video conferences with 
a variety of colleagues from across our global employee base. In these conversations, directors sought feedback on 
the Company’s response to the pandemic and heard first-hand accounts of the impact of COVID-19 on the employees. 
They also shared experiences of how we were adapting to support customers, suppliers and their communities.

We keep employees informed about what is happening across the business using a variety of channels, including our 
intranet, email and employee app, through podcasts, newsletters, leadership blogs and trade union forums, and also 
through virtual and face-to-face 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.

As shareholders through our all-employee share schemes, eligible employees are encouraged to vote and attend 
(subject to COVID-19 restrictions) 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.

138

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

700

700

40

14

84

n/a

64

103

109

84

109

90

109

80

n/a

80

68

n/a

80

47

47

105

130

105

–

2

1

–

n/a

–

–

1

7

2

–

1

–

7

n/a

3

2

n/a

3

1

11

8

1

2

–

–

–

–

n/a

–

–

–

4

4

–

–

–

700

700

700

700

18

n/a

4

18

n/a

4

4

13

27

4

5

42

15

84

n/a

64

103

110

95

115

90

110

105

n/a

87

88

n/a

87

52

71

140

135

112

42

15

84

n/a

64

103

110

95

115

90

110

105

n/a

87

88

n/a

87

52

71

140

135

112

–

–

–

–

n/a

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

n/a

–

–

n/a

–

–

–

–

–

–

Chairman
Sir Roger Carr

Non-executive directors
R Advaithi1

N J Anderson2

Dame Elizabeth Corley

H Green3

J V Griffiths4

C M Grigg

S T Pearce5

N W Piasecki5

P Rosput Reynolds6

N C Rose6

I P Tyler

1. Retired from the Board on 25 June 2020.
2. Appointed to the Board on 1 November 2020.
3. Retired from the Board on 7 November 2019.
4. Appointed to the Board on 1 April 2020.
5. Appointed to the Board on 1 June 2019.
6. Retired from the Board on 31 December 2020.

  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), Charles Woodburn and, from 1 April 2020, 
Tom Arseneault. Jerry DeMuro was a member of this committee until his retirement from the Board on 31 March 2020.

The fee structure was reviewed in January 2020 and was set from 1 April 2020 on a per annum basis as follows: 
(i) Chairman, Audit Committee: £110,000 (2019 £105,000); (ii) Chairman, Corporate Responsibility Committee: £110,000 
(2019 £105,000); (iii) Chairman, Remuneration Committee: £110,000 (2019 £105,000); (iv) other non-executive directors: 
£85,000 (2019 £80,000); and (v) additional fee for Senior Independent Director: £25,000 (2019 £25,000). These amounts 
are shown in the ‘Fees’ column above. This will be subject to periodic review.

A travel allowance of £4,500 per meeting is also paid on each occasion that a non-executive director’s travel necessitates 
air travel of more than five hours (one way) to the meeting location, subject to a maximum of six travel allowances per year. 
These amounts are shown in the ‘Other’ column.

The amounts in the ‘Benefits’ column relate to travel expenses and subsistence.

The above table has been subject to audit. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

139

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

C N Woodburn

B M Greve*

T A Arseneault*6

P J Lynas**

J DeMuro**6

983

458

578

165

210

920

n/a

n/a

658

849

20

12

18

6

17

21 1,740 1,978 3,118

n/a

n/a

19

49

573

748

n/a

n/a

206 1,006

274 1,805

–

45

205

493

651

n/a

n/a

476

766

186

38

12

132

13

*  Appointed to the Board on 1 April 2020.
** Retired from the Board on 31 March 2020.

  Fixed remuneration element
  Variable remuneration element

175

n/a

1

1

2 6,048 3,747 1,189 1,116 4,859 2,631

n/a 1,035

n/a 2,436

n/a 1,082

n/a

n/a

508

608

n/a

574

n/a 1,828

n/a

n/a

535

13

–

1

714 2,695

303 1,212

411 1,483

252 1,317 1,259 4,799

240

911 1,019 3,888

The above table has been subject to audit.
Note: The figures in respect of Brad Greve and Tom Arseneault are in relation to the nine-month period from their 
appointment as executive directors on 1 April 2020. The total single figure in respect of Brad Greve for the full year 
1 January to 31 December 2020 is £1,441k. The respective figure in respect of Tom Arseneault is £2,779k. The figures 
in respect of Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro are in relation to their service as executive directors in the three-month 
period from 1 January to 31 March 2020.
Details of Brad Greve’s and Tom Arseneault’s salary arrangements on appointment are detailed on pages 142 and 
143 respectively. As disclosed last year this includes for Brad Greve details of the £210,000 cash payment paid to him 
within 30 days of him commencing employment in 2019 of which 50% of the net amount had to be used to purchase 
BAE Systems plc shares. This arrangement, whereby the Company bought out certain incentives previously awarded by 
his previous employer and forfeited as a consequence of joining BAE Systems, was at a level consistent with the fair value 
at the time of recruitment and in accordance with the Remuneration Policy. This payment is not included in the above table.
1.   The benefits received by Charles Woodburn include the provision of a car allowance and the private use of a chauffeur-
driven car (2020 £20k; 2019 £21k). The benefits received by Brad Greve include the provision of a car allowance and 
the private use of a chauffeur-driven car (2020 £12k). The benefits received by Tom Arseneault include private use of 
a chauffeur-driven car and parking (2020 £327); medical and dental benefits (2020 £11k); and insured life and disability 
benefits (2020 £6k). The benefits received by Peter Lynas include the provision of a car allowance and the private use 
of a chauffeur-driven car (2020 £6k; 2019 £19k). Jerry DeMuro’s benefits include private use of a chauffeur-driven car 
and parking (2020 £1k; 2019 £2k); medical and dental benefits (2020 £3k; 2019 £13k); insured life and disability benefits 
(2020 £2k; 2019 £9k); and the private use of a company aircraft (2020 £11k; 2019 £25k).

2.  Further detail on bonus payments is provided on page 144. One-third of the net bonus paid to Charles Woodburn, 
Brad Greve and Tom Arseneault will be deferred compulsorily into BAE Systems shares for a three-year period, 
without additional performance conditions. This arrangement also applies to the net bonuses paid to Peter Lynas 
and Jerry DeMuro in respect of their service as executive directors in 2020. The full year net bonus in respect of 
Brad Greve is subject to compulsory deferral as set out above. In the case of Tom Arseneault, the net bonus earned 
since becoming an executive director on 1 April 2020 is subject to compulsory deferral as set out above. Bonuses 
presented for approval at the Remuneration Committee meeting on 24 February 2021 in relation to Tom Arseneault 
and Jerry DeMuro included a clerical error, which was subsequently identified, and which in aggregate overstated these 
bonuses by £258k. The corrected bonuses above, of £748k for Tom Arseneault and £274k for Jerry DeMuro, are both 
calculated in compliance with the remuneration policy noted in this report.

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 2020 column are calculated on the basis of the three-month average share price of £4.8442 as at 
31 December 2020 and relate to the vesting portion (50%), including shares deriving from notional reinvested dividends, 
of the 2018 LTIP PSEPS granted to Peter Lynas, Jerry DeMuro and Tom Arseneault for which the performance period ended 
on 31 December 2020 (see page 147 for further detail). The respective figures for Charles Woodburn’s 2018 LTIP PS are 
based on full 100% vesting as set out on page 147. The values in respect of Tom Arseneault have been apportioned to 
include amounts in respect of his service as executive director since 1 April 2020. There has been no exercise of discretion 
as a result of share price appreciation or depreciation.
 An estimate of the amount of 2018 LTIP award attributable to share price appreciation is set out below. As the 2018 LTIP 
grant price was higher than the 2020 year-end three-month average share price, this has resulted in a negative share price 
appreciation for the 2018 vested awards.

140

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

 
 
C N Woodburn

T A Arseneault1

P J Lynas

J DeMuro

2018 LTIP PS 
£

–555,508

–8,030

–36,599

–87,863

1. The figures in respect of Tom Arseneault have been apportioned to include amounts in respect of his service as an executive director since 

1 April 2020.

 As required by regulation, the estimated vesting values for the awards shown in the 2019 column (which were calculated in 
the 2019 Annual Report on the basis of the three-month average share price of £5.64 as at 31 December 2019), have 
been adjusted to reflect the actual value on the vesting of the performance award in March 2020 based on the then share 
price of £4.39. The figures reported in the 2019 column in the 2019 Annual Report on the estimated basis were Charles 
Woodburn: £838k; Peter Lynas: £612k; and Jerry DeMuro: £985k. The respective figures in the 2019 Total column have 
been recast accordingly.

4.  The figures for Charles Woodburn relate to a salary supplement in lieu of Company pension contributions and the 

added pension value received in the year from his defined contribution scheme in respect of the employer contributions.
 The figures for Brad Greve relate to a salary supplement in lieu of Company pension contributions (in respect of the 
period from 1 April 2020) and the added pension value received over the full year from his defined contribution scheme 
in respect of the employer contributions.
 The figures for Tom Arseneault and Jerry DeMuro include company contributions paid into their Section 401(k) defined 
contribution arrangements in respect of the full year.
 The figures for Peter Lynas in the 2019 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. The figure in the 2020 column has been 
calculated on the same basis to 31 March 2020, the date of his retirement. Details of his pension payments in 2020 are 
given on page 149.
 Further detail on pensions is given on page 148.

5.  This column includes (i) the value of Free Share awards under the UK all-employee Share Incentive Plan (SIP) of £535 
for Charles Woodburn and Brad Greve, and their respective Matching Shares under voluntary investment in the SIP; 
and (ii) for Tom Arseneault, the value of the 2020 grant of Restricted Shares (£1,035k). This award formed part of 
Tom Arseneault’s 2020 LTIP allocation but is required to be reported under ‘Other’ as it has no performance conditions 
attached. This award was granted in March 2020, prior to Tom Arseneault becoming an executive director. Jerry DeMuro’s 
prior year figure relates to his Restricted Shares award in 2019 and the value of the notional reinvested dividends in 
respect of his 2016 Restricted Share Plan award. Jerry DeMuro’s 2020 figure (£252k) relates to the value of the notional 
reinvested dividends in respect of his 2017 Restricted Share Plan award which vested in March 2020, and his 2018 
Restricted Share Plan and 2019 Restricted Share Plan awards, both of which vested on 31 December 2020. The full values 
of the 2018 and 2019 awards have been included in the table, reflecting his continued employment to 31 December 2020.

6.  Tom Arseneault is paid in US dollars (as was Jerry DeMuro) with the disclosed figures above being converted into 

sterling at the required exchange rate.

The nine-month figure in respect of Jerry DeMuro’s role as Executive Vice President since 1 April 2020 is £1,640,989. 
This amount largely relates to salary, benefits and annual incentive earned as detailed on page 143. There were no other 
payments to former directors in 2020 other than pension payments made to Peter Lynas as disclosed on page 149.

Implementation of our policy in the year ending 31 December 2021
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 7 May 2020 at the 2020 AGM. The remuneration for 2021 will be implemented 
as follows:
–  The salary of the Chief Executive is increased to £1,107,538 with effect from 1 January 2021.
–  The salary of the Group Finance Director is increased to £622,200 with effect from 1 January 2021.
–  The salary of the President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. is increased to $1,014,000 with effect 

from 1 January 2021. 

–  Annual and Long-Term Incentive opportunity levels are in line with 2020 approved Policy (as set out on pages 155 to 159).
–  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 2021 for the Annual Incentive and Long-Term Incentives are set out 

on pages 160 to 163 with additional information on pages 126 and 127.

–  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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

141

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report 
 
 
 
 
Annual remuneration report 
continued

Executive director changes in 2020

Group Finance Director
As announced by the Company on 8 August 2019, the following arrangements applied in relation to Peter Lynas when he 
retired as a director and ceased employment on 31 March 2020. The arrangements were in accordance with the Company’s 
2017 Remuneration Policy, approved by shareholders, and the Rules of the Company’s 2000 Pension Plan and Executive 
Pension Scheme:

Peter Lynas’ retirement on 31 March 2020 was at his Normal Retirement Date and accordingly:
–  he was 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 were 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 vesting 
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 had vested on or before 31 March 2020 but had not been exercised at that 

date lapsed unless exercised in the six-month period from 31 March 2020 or, if earlier, the date on which such award 
normally lapsed;

–  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 remained eligible to receive an annual incentive payment for 2019 in accordance with the Company’s Remuneration 
Policy. His bonus was 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 remained 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. His 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 remained at the 2019 level until his retirement date;
–  no payment in lieu of notice or other termination payment was payable; and
–  taxable benefits comprising the provision of a car allowance and the private use of a chauffeur-driven car ceased from 

31 March 2020.

As also announced on 8 August 2019, the Company 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 were in line with the 
Company’s 2017 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.

142

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc.
It was announced on 17 December 2019 Jerry DeMuro would retire from the Company on 31 December 2020. He stepped 
down from the BAE Systems plc Board and from his role as Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. on 31 March 2020 
and undertook the role of Executive Vice President until the end of the year, remaining on the BAE Systems, Inc. Board. 
In this capacity he had 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 applied in relation to Jerry DeMuro when he retired as a director of BAE Systems plc on 
31 March 2020 and ceased employment on 31 December 2020. The arrangements are in accordance with the Company’s 
2017 Remuneration Policy, approved by shareholders:

For retirement benefit and share plan purposes, Jerry DeMuro separated from the Company with the Company’s consent 
on 31 December 2020 and:
–  he was 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, subject to the discretion of 
the Remuneration Committee, vested on 31 December 2020 or, if later, will vest as soon as practicable after the first 
opportunity when any relevant performance conditions can be determined, and subject to time pro-rating. Awards were 
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 continued 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 remained eligible to receive an annual incentive payment for 2019 in accordance with the Company’s Remuneration 
Policy. His bonus was 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 remained at the 2019 level 
until his retirement date of 31 December 2020. In addition, he remained 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 was not 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 was payable; and
–  benefits comprising the use of a chauffeur-driven car, medical and dental benefits and insured life and disability benefits 

ceased from 31 December 2020.

Tom Arseneault succeeded Jerry DeMuro as President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. and joined 
the BAE Systems plc Board on 1 April 2020. Tom Arseneault had been President and Chief Operating Officer of 
BAE Systems, Inc. since May 2019 and continued as a member of the BAE Systems, Inc. Board and the BAE Systems plc 
Executive Committee. On appointment his Remuneration arrangements were in line with the Company’s 2017 
Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders:
–  base salary of $980,000 (Note: Tom Arseneault was appointed with a base salary which was approximately 10% below 
that of his predecessor. It was noted that consideration would 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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

143

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Annual bonus

Annual bonuses for the 2020 year are paid in March 2021. 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

Brad Greve 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

Threshold 
for 2020

Target 
for 2020

Stretch 
for 2020

Actual
performance1

 46.6p

48.0p

49.4p

£(1,044)m £(871)m £(569)m

48.3p

£(97)m

n/a

£17.1bn

£18.0bn

£20.2bn

See note 2 below

See note 2 below

See Key strategic objectives section on page 146

Total bonus (as a percentage of maximum)

Percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

60.7%

100%

100%

40%

100%

90.8%

78.7%

Amount of bonus £1,739,713

Threshold 
for 2020

Target 
for 2020

Stretch 
for 2020

Actual
performance1

 46.6p

48.0p

49.4p

£(1,044)m £(871)m £(569)m

48.3p

£(97)m

n/a

£17.1bn

£18.0bn

£20.2bn

See note 2 below

See note 2 below

See Key strategic objectives section on page 146

Percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

60.7%

100%

100%

40%

100%

89%

Total bonus (as a percentage of maximum)

78.3%

Amount of bonus

£573,313

Tom Arseneault President and 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

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 2020

Target 
for 2020

Stretch 
for 2020

Actual
performance1

46.6p

48.0p

49.4p

£(1,044)m £(871)m £(569)m

48.3p

£(97)m

n/a

£17.1bn

£18.0bn

£20.2bn

$1,395.9m $1,437.0m $1,482.2m $1,281.4m

$3,629m $3,679m $3,779m

$4,372m

n/a

$11.7bn

$12.2bn

$13.4bn

See note 2 below

See note 2 below

See Key strategic objectives section on page 146

Total bonus (as a percentage of maximum)

Percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

60.7%

100%

100%

0%

100%

100%

0%

100%

84.6%

58%

Amount of bonus

$959,675

The above table has been subject to audit.

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 116). In respect of safety, at a Group level, the 
targeted Recordable Accident Rate reduction of 10% was not met. However, as significant progress was made in the 
UK, Saudi Arabia and Australia businesses, with a 37% improvement (reduction) in the number of injuries recorded, 
a partial payout was awarded, as denoted by the amber performance rating above. In respect of our US business, 
BAE Systems, Inc., the target level of performance was not achieved in respect of key safety performance indicators 
including the number of major injuries recorded, and recordable accident rate, as denoted by the red performance 
rating above.

144

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

 In relation to diversity and inclusion, the Company met stretch targets in respect of increasing representation of women 
at senior levels in the Group, and achieved a 0.5% increase in female representation across the Group. Stretch target 
was also achieved against the objective of driving inclusion through leadership and engagement. Our US business, 
BAE Systems, Inc., met its goal to increase representation of both women and people of colour at leadership levels.

As set out on page 205 of the Annual Report, the 2020 fully diluted underlying EPS is 46.5p. This figure excludes a 
non-recurring benefit of 1.7p resulting from the buy-out of certain US Defined Benefit pension liabilities. During the course 
of the year, in discussion with the Board, management undertook to re-examine a number of areas, including pensions, 
to seek additional value enhancement. A market opportunity was identified to reduce a material element of the Company’s 
US Defined Benefit pension liability through a buy-out, thereby delivering an immediate improvement in earnings and 
an enduring benefit in cost and cash outflow. Through what the Committee saw as highly effective action taken by the 
leadership team, after a period of prolonged negotiations, the buy-out was successfully completed in the third quarter of 
2020. As a result, the Committee exercised its discretion and determined that the final vesting outcome of the EPS should 
include the 1.7p of earnings associated with this achievement and the Committee will ensure the continuing benefit will 
be reflected in the ongoing incentive targets. Taking into consideration the overall business performance during the year, 
the Committee believes the bonus outturns are appropriate.

As set out on page 142, Peter Lynas remained eligible to receive an annual incentive payment for 2020, determined by 
the Remuneration Committee, subject to an assessment of performance and pro-rated for three months’ service during 
2020, and is subject to compulsory deferral of one-third of the net amount under the BAE Systems Deferred Bonus Plan. 
The annual bonus applicable to Peter Lynas is subject to the same metrics and weightings as set out above for the Group 
Finance Director. The payout due in respect of the financial, safety and diversity and inclusion elements are as set out above, 
being (as percentage of maximum opportunity) 76%, 40% and 100% respectively. Peter Lynas’ achievement of 89% against 
the key strategic objectives element is set out on page 147. His overall total bonus (as percentage of maximum) is 78%. 

Brad Greve was appointed as Group Finance Director and joined the BAE Systems plc Board on 1 April 2020. The relevant 
table above relates to the period from his appointment to the Board on 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020.

As set out on page 143, Jerry DeMuro remained eligible to receive an annual incentive payment for 2020, determined 
by the Remuneration Committee, subject to an assessment of performance and pro-rated for three months’ service during 
2020, and is subject to compulsory deferral of one-third of the net amount under the BAE Systems Deferred Bonus Plan. 
The annual bonus applicable to Jerry DeMuro is subject to the same metrics and weightings as set out above for the 
President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. The payout due in respect of the financial, safety and diversity 
and inclusion elements are as set out above, being (as percentage of maximum opportunity) 52%, 0% and 100% respectively. 
Jerry DeMuro’s achievement of 85% against the key strategic objectives element is set out on page 147. His overall total 
bonus (as percentage of maximum) is 58%.

Tom Arseneault was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. and joined the BAE Systems plc 
Board on 1 April 2020. The relevant table above relates to the period from his appointment to the Board on 1 April 2020 to 
31 December 2020.

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, continuously improve competitiveness and efficiency, 
and advance and further leverage our technology. To support these priorities, there are six shared strategic objectives.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

145

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report 
Annual remuneration report 
continued

Key achievements in the year included:
Charles Woodburn
Chief Executive

Brad Greve
Group Finance Director

Tom Arseneault President and  
Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

Drive operational excellence
Key successes in 2020 – Astute Boat 4 delivered under lockdown conditions. Offshore Patrol Vessel programme completed. Amphibious Combat Vehicle initial 
operating capability achieved.

–  Successful implementation of framework 

–  Successful implementation of framework 

–  Achieved improved BAE Systems, Inc. supplier 

for Quality measurement across the Group.

for Quality measurement across the Group.

delivery quality metric.

–  Achieved improved Group supplier 

–  Achieved improved Group supplier 

delivery quality metric.

delivery quality metric.

Continuously improve competitiveness and efficiency
Key successes in 2020 – Focused on supply chain resilience in response to COVID-19 and preparation for Brexit transition, ensuring critical programmes remained 
on track. Development of our Factory of the Future. Savings and efficiencies achieved in COVID-19 conditions to help maintain productivity. Process improvements 
and robotic welding machines installed in US Combat vehicles.

–  Exceeded Group supply chain savings targets.
–  Reduced general and administration costs.
–  Development of enterprise plan for automation 

of commercial and procurement functions.

–  Enhanced customer relationships internationally 

and collaboration across the Group.

–  Exceeded Group supply chain savings targets.
–  Reduced general and administration costs.
–  Development of enterprise plan for automation 

of commercial and procurement functions.
–  Delivered £1bn one-off cash injection into UK 
pension scheme, accelerating deficit reduction.

–  Exceeded BAE Systems, Inc. supply chain 

savings targets.

–  Reduced general and administration costs at 

BAE Systems, Inc.

–  Developed enterprise plan for automation of 

commercial and procurement functions.

–  Enhanced customer relationships internationally 

and collaboration across the Group.

Advance and further leverage our technology
Key successes in 2020 – Increased year-on-year self-funded research and development spend. Military GPS and Airborne Tactical Radios US acquisitions. Techmodal 
acquisition integrated in Maritime. Tempest programme advancement. PHASA-35 successfully completed critical endurance flight trials.

–  Delivered progress on Group-wide 

integrated technology plans.

–  Increased self-funded R&D spend.
–  Completed two US acquisitions of $2.2bn.

–  Increased self-funded R&D spend.
–  Completed two US acquisitions of $2.2bn.

–  Delivered progress on Group-wide 

integrated technology plans.

–  Achieved integrated development and 
cross-sector technology transitions.

–  Completed two US acquisitions of $2.2bn.

Pursue and deliver growth
Key successes in 2020 – US defence electronics business delivered another record order backlog supplemented by the acquisitions. Secured German order for 
38 Typhoons. Munitions business announced a 15-year partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence. Number of major programmes ramping up in Electronic Systems, 
US Combat Vehicles, Air and Maritime.

–  Secured Eurofighter Typhoon contract.
–  Progress in awards of MK45 LOA in India 

and FMSP.

–  Continued improvement in cost 

management and data to support successful 
bids, ongoing management of programmes 
and cash generation.

–  Orders exceeded expectations, underpinned by 

contract awards across all three business sectors, 
including additional F-35 EW orders, wins in 
Aegis Recompete and international wins for 
CV90 upgrades and refurbishments.

–  Key programme milestones delivered despite 

COVID-19 conditions, including cumulative delivery 
milestone of over 800 F-35 electronic warfare 
systems, and full-rate production decision on 
M109A7, and on the ACV programme.

Lead and inspire high-performance teams and individuals (see note 2 on page 144 as separately assessed within diversity and inclusion target)
Key successes in 2020 – Management continued to be strengthened with a blend of internal promotions and external hires. Engineering leaders development 
programme roll-out. Implementation of behaviour-based approach to performance management, and investment to drive skills development and talent management. 
Increase in women in engineering roles, including leadership, by 3%.

–  Improvements in talent management to support 

–  Improvements in talent management to support 

–  Improved succession planning and talent 

delivery of robust succession planning.

delivery of robust succession planning.

management.

–  Developments in recruitment to ensure strategic 

–  Developments in recruitment to ensure strategic 

workforce plans are met.

workforce plans are met.

–  Increased mobility across executive population.

–  Increased mobility across executive population.

Build trust by operating to the highest standards of business conduct
Key successes in 2020 – Increased level of classified work, including in Applied Intelligence’s cyber security domain.

–  Reduced overall significant Group risk rating.

Achievements were offset by need to drive 
further improvements in safety and the 
impact of COVID‑19 work interruptions, 
delays and costs.

–  Successfully stepped into new role with 
smooth transition from predecessor.

–  Reduced overall significant Group risk rating.
–  Achieved high level of internal and external 
audit results and strong financial controls.

–  Reduced overall significant Group risk rating.
–  Received superior ratings for BAE Systems, Inc. 

system security plan.

–  Successfully stepped into new role with 
smooth transition from predecessor.

–  Continued transparency in investor relations and 
positive feedback from annual investor survey.

Achievements were offset by need to drive 
further improvements in safety and the 
impact of COVID‑19.

Achievements were offset by ongoing 
challenges in safety, impact of COVID‑19 on 
US Commercial Avionics business and project 
performance margin issues.

Payout (% of maximum): 90.8%

Payout (% of maximum): 89.0%

Payout (% of maximum): 84.6%

146

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

The outturn of 89% in respect of Peter Lynas’ key strategic objectives for the three-month period to 31 March 2020, 
has been based on the following key achievements:
–  achieving a high level of internal and external audit results in respect of 2019 financial year end;
–  securing a new deficit recovery plan in relation to our UK pension schemes including the one-off payment of £1bn;
–  maintaining the Group’s investor proposition; and 
–  ensuring a smooth handover and transition to his successor, Brad Greve.

The outturn of 85% in respect of Jerry DeMuro’s key strategic objectives for the three-month period to 31 March 2020, 
has been based on the following key achievements:
–  securing Military GPS and Airborne Tactical Radios US acquisitions;
–  maintaining strength of the BAE Systems, Inc. business with portfolios being well aligned to customer priorities 

and growth areas outlined in the National Defense Strategy; and

–  ensuring a smooth handover and transition to his successor, Tom Arseneault.

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) performance

Annual average diluted underlying EPS growth

Outperformance of performance conditions ending on 31 December 2020

Threshold

Maximum

2020 EPS requirement

Annual average EPS growth

45.7p

3%

50.7p

7%

Relative TSR against comparator groups

Outperformance of performance conditions ending on 31 December 2020

Threshold

Maximum

TSR against sectoral comparator group

TSR against FTSE 100 comparator group

Overall vesting against TSR

3.2%

(1.2)%

31.6%

31.9%

Actual

48.2p

5%

Actual

(4.3)%

(4.3)%

Percentage of  
maximum achieved

50%

Percentage of  
maximum achieved

0%

0%

0%

2018 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 three-year performance period ended on 31 December 2020. The outcomes in relation to 
the TSR and EPS conditions set out below are applicable to Tom Arseneault, Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro. However, with 
respect to Charles Woodburn’s 2018 LTIP PS, as detailed in the Remuneration Committee Chairman’s letter on pages 125 
and 126, the Committee exercised its discretion to determine the outcome of the award at the maximum level of 100%. 
The value of the shares vesting was £3,117,834 as included in the table on page 140.

With respect to the 2018 LTIP PS TSR award, the threshold TSR performance was not met and therefore the TSR portion 
of the award will lapse.

With respect to the 2018 LTIP PSEPS award, the vesting outturn has been determined as follows. As set out on page 205 
of the Annual Report, the 2020 fully diluted underlying EPS is 46.5p. This figure excludes a non-recurring benefit of 1.7p 
resulting from the buy-out of certain US Defined Benefit pension liabilities. During the course of the year, in discussion 
with the Board, management undertook to re-examine a number of areas, including pensions, to seek additional value 
enhancement. A market opportunity was identified to reduce a material element of the Company’s US Defined Benefit 
pension liability, thereby delivering an immediate improvement in earnings and an enduring benefit in cost and cash 
outflow. Through what the Committee saw as highly effective action taken by the leadership team, after a period of 
prolonged negotiations, the buy-out was successfully completed in the third quarter of 2020. As a result, the Committee 
exercised its discretion and determined that the final vesting outcome of the EPS should include the 1.7p of earnings 
associated with this achievement. The Committee was therefore satisfied that the performance condition was partially 
met and that it was appropriate for vesting at 50.0% of the EPS portion. Taking into consideration the overall business 
performance over the three-year performance period, the Committee believes the vesting outturns are appropriate.

The value of the shares vesting for Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro was £205,343 and £492,856 respectively, as included in 
the table on page 140, being 50% of the 2018 LTIP PS EPS portion of the award, and 25% of the overall 2018 LTIP PS award 
(their 2018 LTIP PS awards having been pro-rated on their respective retirements on 31 March 2020 and 31 December 2020). 
The value of shares vesting for Tom Arseneault was £180,224, being 50% of the 2018 LTIP PS EPS portion of the award, and 
25% of the overall 2018 LTIP PS award. The amount included in the table on page 140 has been apportioned to reflect his 
service as an executive director since 1 April 2020.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

147

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual remuneration report 
continued

A summary of TSR performance to 31 December 2020 on outstanding TSR-related LTIP awards is illustrated in the chart below. 
The vesting percentage for the 21 March 2018 award is the actual vesting outturn referred to above for Tom Arseneault, 
Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro.

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 circles 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 2020

0% vesting

0% vesting

41.5% vesting

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

-10%

-20%

21 March 2018
award

20 March 2019
award

25 March 2020
award

Pension entitlements
Total pension entitlements

Sectoral comparator group
FTSE 100 comparator group
BAE Systems’ TSR

Figures included in the remuneration table on page 140

Director

Charles Woodburn

Brad Greve*

Tom Arseneault*

Peter Lynas**

Jerry DeMuro**

Age

49

53

57

62

65

Normal 
retirement
age

Accrued
benefit at

1 January 20201,2
£ per annum

Accrued
benefit at
31 December 20201
£ per annum

65

65

65

62

65

43,809

11,873

See notes below

357,303

226,737

51,457

18,411

366,3432

282,511

*  Appointed to the Board on 1 April 2020.
** Retired from the Board on 31 March 2020.

Added pension
 value received in 
the year from 
defined 
benefit
scheme
£

Added pension 
value received in 
the year from 
defined 
contribution 
scheme
£

n/a

n/a

–

132,201

n/a

Total
£

3,000

5,5003

11,9403

3,000

5,500

11,940

n/a

132,201

12,511

12,511

1.   Accrued benefit for Charles Woodburn and Brad Greve is the total value of their 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 factors in force at the effective date of the calculation. As Peter Lynas 
retired from the Board on 31 March 2020, the closing accrued benefit figure is as at that date, his date of retirement.

3.  Whilst Brad Greve and Tom Arseneault were appointed to the Board on 1 April 2020, the added pension values received 

cover the whole year.

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. A salary supplement of £186,200 per annum 
is paid in lieu of the Company contributions in excess of those permitted by the Annual Allowance (£4,000 per annum from 
6 April 2020), which are paid into the EPS DCRP. Up to 5 April 2020 Charles Woodburn contributed the maximum £10,000 
per annum into the EPS DCRP arrangement as permitted by the Annual Allowance at that time.

Brad Greve also participates in the BAE Systems EPS DCRP. The Company contributes the maximum into the EPS DCRP 
arrangement as permitted by the Annual Allowance (£10,000 per annum to 5 April 2020, £4,000 per annum from 6 April 
2020). An 8% salary supplement is paid in lieu of the Company contributions in excess of those permitted by the Annual 
Allowance which are paid into the EPS DCRP.

148

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Tom Arseneault participates in US defined benefit and Section 401(k) arrangements as follows:
Arrangement

Accrued benefit at 1 January 2020

Accrued benefit at 31 December 2020

BAE Systems ERP Qualified Plan – life pension

BAE Systems ERP 2006 Qualified Plan – lump sum

12/31/2004 BRP Restoration Plan – life pension

2007 BRP – 10-year pension

Section 401(k)

$39,348 per annum

$81,000 per annum

$5,283 per annum

$106,313 per annum

$1,110,166

$39,348 per annum

$82,000 per annum

$5,283 per annum

$108,868 per annum

$1,352,745

Accrued defined benefit for Tom Arseneault is annual pension payable at retirement prior to any reduction for early 
retirement. The added pension value received in 2020 from defined benefit schemes is a negative figure (and thus floored at 
zero) largely due to using prescribed UK methodology to calculate US pension benefits. Tom Arseneault also 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 (2021 and 2020 $19,500). In 2020, the company 
paid contributions of $16,319 into this arrangement. Accrued Section 401(k) benefit for Tom Arseneault is the total value 
of his Section 401(k) account including both employee and company contributions as well as investment returns.

Jerry DeMuro participates in a Section 401(k) defined contribution arrangement set up for US employees in which the 
company matched his contributions up to a maximum contribution of 6% of salary, up to US regulatory limits (2020 $19,500). 
In 2020, the company paid contributions of $17,100 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 are subject to actuarial reduction. Peter Lynas retired at 31 March 2020 aged 62 
with a pension of £350,395 per annum (with his pension payments totalling £263,309 for the nine months from retirement 
to 31 December 2020) and a cash lump sum of £150,296 (excluding Additional Voluntary Contributions). As disclosed and 
described in prior years, bonuses up to 10% of base salary are pensionable for all members of the 2000 Plan.

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

Brad Greve

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

Tom Arseneault

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

25.03.20

373,737

185% of salary

1,812,998

25.03.20

373,737

185% of salary

1,812,998

25.03.20

210,626 167.5% of salary

1,021,747

25.03.20

210,627 167.5% of salary

1,021,752

25.03.20

211,994

149% of salary2

1,028,383

25.03.20

211,994

149% of salary2

1,028,383

LTIP RS

Retention

25.03.20

213,416

150% of salary2

1,035,281

nil

nil

nil

nil

n/a

n/a

n/a

Three years 
to 31.12.22

TSR/secondary 
financial measure

25%

Three years 
to 31.12.22

EPS

25%

Three years 
to 31.12.22

TSR/secondary 
financial measure

25%

Three years 
to 31.12.22

EPS

25%

Three years 
to 31.12.22

TSR/secondary 
financial measure

Three years 
to 31.12.22

n/a

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.
2. Calculated on the previous salary of the President & Chief Operating Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. in line with the usual timetable of granting 

awards to senior executives prior to assuming the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. on 1 April 2020.

Key: LTIP – Long-Term Incentive Plan. PS – Performance Shares. RS – Restricted Shares.

Note: As set out in the Remuneration Committee Chairman’s letter on page 124, in light of the volatility in the market during March 2020, 
the Committee attached an additional condition to retain the ability to exercise discretion to ensure that the value of awards in three years’ 
time at vesting is appropriate.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

149

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual remuneration report 
continued

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.

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 being exercised 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 and will be exercisable until 
the seventh anniversary of grant. For US participants, the awards are automatically delivered in three equal tranches 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.

Existing awards granted up to 2020 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

LTIP PSEPS

Performance condition

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 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 2016–2019 comprises:

Cobham

General Dynamics

Harris Corporation

L3 Technologies

Leidos

Leonardo

Lockheed Martin

Meggitt

Northrop Grumman

Raytheon

SAIC

Thales

United Technologies

The TSR sectoral comparator group for awards made in 2020 comprises:

General Dynamics

L3 Harris Technologies

Leidos

Leonardo

Lockheed Martin

Meggitt

Northrop Grumman

Raytheon Technologies

SAIC

Thales

The TSR comparator group for awards from 2021 will be a subset of the companies in the FTSE 100 index, chosen to 
ensure the peer group of companies better reflects the size, sector, nature of operations, level of international exposure 
and shareholder base of BAE Systems.

For awards granted from 2021 onwards, the EPS and TSR measures referred to below will be supplemented by a cash 
generation measure and measures reflecting strategic progress; each of these four performance conditions will be equally 
weighted at 25%.

150

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Plan

LTIP PSEPS

Performance condition

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 vesting is determined by:

LTIP PSFCF

Applicable to 
UK directors only

LTIP PSOCF

Applicable to 
US director only

LTIP PSSP

(i)   The Company’s TSR measured against a single comparator group being a defined subset of companies in the 
FTSE 100 index. No shares vest if the Company’s TSR is less than the 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; 
EBIT (as set out on page 65); order book; turnover; risk; and project performance.

Three-year cumulative Free Cash Flow (FCF) at a Group level, with 25% vesting at threshold, 50% vesting at target 
and 100% vesting at stretch, with vesting on a straight-line basis between these parameters. Due to commercial 
sensitivity, the targets will be disclosed retrospectively after the end of the relevant financial year.

Three-year Operating Cash Flow (OCF) in respect of the BAE Systems, Inc. business, with 25% vesting for threshold 
performance, 50% vesting for target performance and 100% vesting for stretch performance, with vesting on a 
straight-line basis between these targets. Due to commercial sensitivity, the targets will be disclosed retrospectively 
after the end of the relevant financial year.

The proportion of the award capable of vesting is determined by the following three key strategic objectives, each 
with equal weighting. Due to commercial sensitivity, the targets will be disclosed retrospectively after the end of the 
relevant financial year.

(i)   Drive operational excellence. Focuses on the adherence to project plans of mission-critical projects. Measured 
by the metric of On Time Delivery, evaluated against an approved set of customer contracts, in a manner consistent 
with the normal course of business. Contracts are representative of each main business sector, having regard 
to execution risk, scale and duration. For our US executive director, On Time Delivery will be measured against 
BAE Systems, Inc. contracts only. The Company’s robust quality and safety processes will continue to apply. 
Target performance achieved for equal or better than aggregated On Time Delivery three-year average. Threshold 
and stretch performance levels will also apply, with final vesting outturn between 0% and 100% of this element.

(ii)  Continuously improve competitiveness and efficiency. Measured by three-year Return on Capital Employed 
(ROCE) to support continually improving our competitiveness in order to drive profitable growth benefiting all 
of our stakeholders. 25% vesting for 25bps reduction in 2023 ROCE, 50% vesting for 2023 ROCE consistent 
with the Integrated Business Plan (IBP) and 100% vesting for 25bps improvement in 2023 ROCE, with vesting 
on a straight-line basis between these parameters.

(iii)  Advance and leverage our technology. Effective programme delivery for major technology programmes 
will be used to measure our effectiveness at driving technology adoption. Measurement based on milestone 
achievement over three-year performance period. The selected projects will be measured against the key 
milestones including: (i) project launch/business case agreed; (ii) go-live; and (iii) benefits delivered. The vesting 
outcome will be derived from the outturn of each of the projects (between 0% and 100% of this element) with 
final approval by the Committee.

Note that in accordance with the Directors’ remuneration policy: (a) Performance Share awards granted to executive 
directors are subject to application of reasonableness discretion in light of other important factors in the business; and 
(b) 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.

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.

Note: The share options granted to Tom Arseneault between 2013–2019 as set out on page 154 were granted prior to him being appointed 
as an executive director and do not have performance conditions attached to them. Share options granted to him from 2015 onwards are subject 
to a two-year clawback period after the initial three-year vesting period.

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

151

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Statement of directors’ shareholdings and share interests
Minimum Shareholding Requirement (MSR)
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 the 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. Shares owned beneficially by the director and his/her spouse count 
towards the MSR.

With effect from adoption of the 2020 Remuneration Policy at the AGM on 7 May 2020, 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 and actuals as at 31 December 2020: 

Charles Woodburn

Brad Greve

Tom Arseneault

Initial Value

Subsequent Value

150%

100%

212.5%

300%

200%

425%

Actual

139%

23%

271%

The actual MSR figures in the table are provided as at 31 December 2020, based on the year-end share price of £4.88.

The higher MSR values applicable to Tom Arseneault 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.

Prior to the 2020 Remuneration Policy coming into effect on 7 May 2020, the MSR policy did not apply after the individual 
ceased to be a director. However, as disclosed last year, the Committee agreed specific arrangements for post-cessation 
shareholding levels for Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro. On his retirement on 31 March 2020, Peter Lynas became subject 
to a reduced MSR of 100% of salary for a period of two years. Following cessation of employment on 31 December 2020, 
Jerry DeMuro became subject to a MSR of 300% of salary for a period of one year. Peter Lynas’ and Jerry DeMuro’s 
post-cessation MSR as at 31 December 2020 are shown below.

Peter Lynas

Jerry DeMuro

Post-cessation MSR

100%

300%

Actual

310%

420%

152

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Share interests as at 31 December 2020 (or date of cessation as a director)

The interests of the directors who served during the year ended 31 December 2020 in the shares of BAE Systems plc, 
or scheme interests in relation to those shares, were as follows: 

Shares

Scheme interests: Options and awards over shares

Share awards 
with performance 
conditions

Share awards 
without performance 
conditions

Share options 
with performance 
conditions

Share options 
with performance 
conditions, vested 
but unexercised

Share options 
without performance 
conditions

Total 
scheme 
interests

Sir Roger Carr

R Advaithi1

N J Anderson2

T A Arseneault3

Dame Elizabeth Corley

J DeMuro4

B M Greve3

J V Griffiths3

C M Grigg

P J Lynas4

S T Pearce

N W Piasecki

P Rosput Reynolds5

N C Rose5

I P Tyler

C N Woodburn

166,549

–

14,000

398,777

19,000

680,758

29,020

–

24,555

341,003

10,000

–

25,200

55,000

–

288,003

–

–

–

777,255

–

1,013,034

421,253

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1. Retired from the Board on 25 June 2020.
2. Appointed to the Board on 1 November 2020. 
3. Appointed to the Board on 1 April 2020. 
4. Retired from the Board on 31 March 2020.
5. Retired from the Board on 31 December 2020.

–

–

–

365,958

–

452,227

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

102,004

–

–

–

373,960

64,615

–

–

–

–

–

2,108,001

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,028,576

3,171,789

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,567,265

421,253

–

–

438,575

–

–

–

–

–

2,108,001

Note: The share options without performance conditions were granted to Tom Arseneault prior to him being appointed as an executive director. 
Of these options, 1,407,511 are vested but unexercised. The related breakdown of these options is shown on page 154.

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 were 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 2020 (or date of 
cessation as a director) are given on page 154 together with details of nil-cost options exercised in 2020, and the pro-rating 
of outstanding awards held by Jerry DeMuro when he ceased to be an employee on 31 December 2020.

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.

The interests of Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro are shown in the table as at 31 March 2020, the date they retired as directors. 
Their interests as at 31 December 2020 were as follows:
–  Peter Lynas: Beneficial interest in shares: 418,283; Share options with performance conditions: 244,324; Total scheme 

interests: 244,324.

–  Jerry DeMuro: Beneficial interest in shares: 680,758; Share awards with performance conditions: 779,294; Share awards 
without performance conditions: 334,572; Share options with performance conditions, vested but unexercised: 102,004; 
Total scheme interests: 1,215,870.

Since 31 December 2020, both Charles Woodburn and Brad Greve have each acquired an additional 91 shares under the 
Partnership and Matching Shares elements of the Share Incentive Plan so that their beneficial shareholdings at the date 
of this report stood at 288,094 and 29,111 respectively.

There have been no changes in the interests of the remaining directors in the shares of BAE Systems plc between 
31 December 2020 and the date of this report.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

153

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Breakdown of scheme interests

Charles Woodburn
Options and awards held as at 31 December 2020

LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS

31 December 
2020
88,5991
285,2272
285,2272
350,7373
350,7373
373,7373
373,7373
2,108,001

Date of  
grant

Exercise 
price 
£

Date from which  
exercisable or part  
exercisable

21.03.17

20.03.18

20.03.18

20.03.19

20.03.19

25.03.20

25.03.20

nil

 nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

21.03.21

20.03.23

20.03.23

20.03.24

20.03.24

25.03.25

25.03.25

Performance Shares – nil cost options exercised during 2020

Exercised 
during the 
year

44,298

Exercise 
price
£

Date of  
grant

Date of 
exercise

Market price
on exercise
£

nil

21.03.17

03.08.20

4.88

LTIP PSEPS

The Performance Shares nil-cost options exercised by Charles Woodburn attracted 
notional reinvested dividends which equated to an additional 5,227 shares on 
exercise of these options.

Brad Greve
Options and awards held as at 31 December 2020

LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS

31 December 
2020
210,6263
210,6273
421,253

Date of  
grant

25.03.20

25.03.20

Exercise 
price 
£

Date from which  
exercisable or part  
exercisable

nil

nil

25.03.25

25.03.25

Peter Lynas
Options and awards held as at 31 March 2020

31 March  
2020
17,2551
15,4361
96,9451
75,1674
75,1675
46,9953
46,9953
373,960
64,6151

Date of  
grant

Exercise 
price 
£

Date from which  
exercisable or part  
exercisable

25.03.15

23.03.16

21.03.17

23.03.18

20.03.18

20.03.19

20.03.19

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

25.03.20

23.03.20

21.03.20

20.03.23

20.03.23

20.03.24

20.03.24

23.03.16

4.99

23.03.19

LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS

LTIP SO

Note: The breakdown for Peter Lynas is shown as at 31 March 2020, the date 
he retired as a director, and includes pro-rating of his awards on retirement. 
The subsequent exercise of nil cost options (Performance Shares) during 2020 
is shown below. His 2016 Share Option lapsed on 30 September 2020.

Performance Shares – nil cost options exercised during 2020

Exercised 
during the 
year

Exercise 
price
£

LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS

17,255

7,718

32,314

7,718

64,631

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

Date of  
grant

Date of 
exercise

25.03.15

14.04.20

23.03.16

14.04.20

21.03.17

14.04.20

23.03.16

29.04.20

21.03.17

29.04.20

Market price
on exercise
£

5.29

5.29

5.29

5.19

5.19

The Performance Shares nil-cost options exercised by Peter Lynas attracted notional 
reinvested dividends which equated to an additional 17,294 shares on exercise of 
these options (9,666 on 14 April 2020 and 7,628 on 29 April 2020).

Tom Arseneault
Options and awards held as at 31 December 2020

Jerry DeMuro
Options and awards held as at 31 March 2020

LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS

LTIP SO

LTIP SO

LTIP SO

LTIP SO

LTIP SO

LTIP SO

LTIP SO

LTIP RS

LTIP RS

LTIP RS

31 December 
2020
4,4571
43,7251
65,9704
65,9715
86,5723
86,5723
211,9943
211,9943
777,255

288,602

304,245

258,380

289,258

267,026

268,594

352,471

2,028,576

65,970

86,572

213,416

365,958

Date of  
grant

Exercise 
price 
£

Date from which  
exercisable or part  
exercisable

23.03.16

21.03.17

20.03.18

20.03.18

20.03.19

20.03.19

25.03.20

25.03.20

25.03.13

26.03.14

25.03.15

23.03.16

21.03.17

20.03.18

20.03.19

20.03.18

20.03.19

25.03.20

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.89

4.12

5.43

4.99

6.49

5.82

4.85

n/a

n/a

n/a

23.03.21

21.03.21

20.03.21

20.03.21

20.03.22

20.03.22

25.03.23

25.03.23

25.03.16

26.03.17

25.03.18

23.03.19

21.03.20

20.03.21

20.03.22

20.03.21

20.03.22

25.03.23

LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS
LTIP PSTSR
LTIP PSEPS

LTIP SO

LTIP RS

LTIP RS

Date of  
grant

Exercise 
price 
£

Date from which  
exercisable or part  
exercisable

23.03.16

21.03.17

20.03.18

20.03.18

20.03.19

20.03.19

23.03.16

20.03.18

20.03.19

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.99

n/a

n/a

23.03.21

23.03.21

20.03.21

20.03.21

20.03.22

20.03.22

23.03.19

20.03.21

20.03.22

31 March  
2020
10,5491
104,0621
194,2794
194,2805
254,9323
254,9323
1,013,034
102,0041
195,584

256,643

452,227

Note: The breakdown for Jerry DeMuro is shown as at 31 March 2020, the 
date he retired as a director. As at 31 December 2020, the date he ceased to 
be an employee, his outstanding awards were pro-rated as follows: the 2018 
Performance Share awards were pro-rated to 180,452 (TSR portion) and 180,453 
(EPS portion); each of the TSR and EPS portions of the 2019 Performance Share 
awards were pro-rated to 151,889; and the 2018 and 2019 Restricted Shares 
awards were pro-rated respectively to 181,664 and 152,908 with both of the 
Restricted Share awards vesting on 31 December 2020. The outstanding 2016 
and 2017 Performance Share awards, which had previously met their performance 
conditions, became available for release on 31 December 2020.

The tables above have been subject to audit.
Performance conditions for the LTIP are detailed on page 150.

1. Subject to a performance condition that has been met.
2. All shares due to vest subject to agreed terms.
3. Subject to a performance condition that is yet to be tested.
4. The outstanding award or option will lapse after the end of the financial year having not met the performance condition.
5. The outstanding award or option will partially lapse after the end of the financial year having not met the full performance condition.

154

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Remuneration Committee composition and advisers

The Committee members comprise Ian Tyler (Chairman), Dame Elizabeth Corley and Chris Grigg. Paula Rosput Reynolds 
and Nick Rose also served on the Committee throughout 2020 as Committee Chair and Committee member respectively 
prior to their retirement from the Board on 31 December 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; the Human Resources Director, Reward, Paul Farley; and his successor, Claudia Terry. 
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.

Committee 
appointment. 

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.

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)

£67,824

Fee basis: Hourly

Linklaters

Provided legal services, principally  
advice regarding remuneration 
reporting and remuneration awards.

By the Company 
with the approval 
of the Committee.

Only provides legal compliance, legal 
drafting and review services, and does 
not advise the Committee.

£20,067

Fee basis: Hourly

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.

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 Aon provides 
a variety of other human resources-related 
services to the Company.

£20,550

Fee basis: Fixed fee

The nature of the advice provided to the 
Committee is limited to factual information 
concerning the performance of the 
Company’s shares.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

155

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportPreface to the
 Directors’ remuneration policy

The Directors’ remuneration policy (the Policy) set out on pages 157 to 171 was agreed 
by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 7 May 2020 and took legal effect on 
that date. The approved policy has been printed verbatim from the 2019 Annual Report, 
updated only so that the page numbers, where appropriate, refer to the 2020 Annual 
Report in order to aid readability, and to report subsequent Board membership changes.

Directors’ remuneration for 2021
For 2021, it remains our intention to operate the Policy that was 
agreed by shareholders at the 2020 AGM. This section sets out 
how the Policy will apply in 2021.

Metrics and weightings applicable in 2021
–  The performance metrics and weightings applicable to the 2021 

annual incentive are 75% on financial metrics relating to earnings, 
cash and order intake at a Group level and additionally, in the case 
of the US executive director, at a BAE Systems, Inc. level, and 25% 
personal objectives designed to support the Group’s strategy. 
From 2021, safety and diversity and inclusion measures will 
operate as a downward underpin to the non-financial annual 
incentive, if performance is not achieved at the high level expected. 
The following metrics and weightings will apply for 2021:

Financial metrics

75%

Earnings

45%

Non-financial metrics

25%

Order 
intake

Key strategic objectives

7.5%

25%

Cash

22.5%

–  There are no changes proposed to the quantum applicable to 

the executive directors, and one-third of the net annual incentive 
will continue to be deferred into shares for three years on a 
compulsory basis.

–  As set out in the Chairman’s letter, from 2021, Performance Shares 
will be measured over a three-year period against a cash generation 
measure and a metric reflecting strategic progress, in addition to 
the existing EPS and relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 
metrics, each with equal weighting of 25% as follows:
–  Cash generation metric will be measured as cumulative free cash 
flow at a Group level for UK executive directors, and operating 
cash flow of the US business for the US executive director.

–  Strategic progress metric will be measured against quantifiable 

targets based on our three key strategic pillars of drive 
operational excellence, continuously improve competitiveness 
and efficiency, and advance and leverage our technology.

–  TSR condition measured against a subset of companies from the 
FTSE 100 index, chosen to ensure the peer group better reflects 
our Company, with no change to the performance requirements.

–  EPS condition has a performance range of 3% to 7% average 

annual EPS growth requirement.

–  There is no change in 2021 to the criteria and weightings applying 

to Restricted Shares.

–  UK executive directors will continue to receive Performance Shares 
only. The US executive director will continue to receive an equal weight 
in expected value in Performance Shares and Restricted Shares.

Below executive director level for 2021:
–  UK and Rest of World participants will be measured against the 
free cash flow, strategic progress and EPS metrics set out above, 
each with equal weighting.

–  US participants will be measured equally against the operating 
cash flow of BAE Systems, Inc., and EPS metrics set out above.

Illustration of application of policy for 2021
The following charts show the value of the package each of the 
executive directors would receive based on 2021 base salaries, 
remuneration and 2021 LTI awards assuming the following scenarios:
1. minimum fixed pay (including salary, benefits and pension as 
provided in the single total figure table on page 140), and the 
Restricted Shares award for the US executive director;
2. pay receivable assuming on-target performance is met;
3. maximum pay assuming all variable elements pay out in full; and
4. 50% share price appreciation on maximum payout.

The minimum, on-target and maximum scenarios exclude any share 
price appreciation and dividends. 50% share price appreciation 
assumes all variable elements pay out in full and there is 50% gain 
in share price in respect of Performance Shares and Restricted Shares 
awards received. UK legislation requires that these charts are given in 
relation to the first year in which the remuneration policy takes legal 
effect (see page 166). The charts below are reporting the actual 
levels for 2021.

Chief Executive 
(£’000)

50% share price
appreciation

Maximum

13%

17%

25%

31%

62%

52%

On-target

32%

30%

38%

Minimum

100%

9,954

7,905

4,098

1,315

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Value of package (£’000)

Group Finance Director 
(£’000)

50% share price
appreciation

Maximum

14%

18%

21%

26%

65%

56%

On-target

35%

25%

40%

Minimum

100%

4,811

3,769

1,969

689

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

Value of package (£’000)

President and Chief Executive Officer  
of BAE Systems, Inc. ($’000)

50% share price
appreciation

Maximum

On-target

33%

33%

54%

Minimum

100%

22%

45%

29%

38%

23%

23%

10,155

7,884

4,854

2,581

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Value of package ($’000)

 Fixed elements of remuneration
 Annual bonus
 Performance Shares

156

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

 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 161, 
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 

158

159
159
159
161
163
164

165

Performance measures and targets  165

Minimum Shareholding  
Requirement 

Illustration of application 
of remuneration policy 

Non-executive directors’  
policy table 

Recruitment 

Service contracts and  
letters of appointment 

165

166

167

168

169

Policy on payment for loss of office  170

Consideration of 
employment conditions  
elsewhere in the Company 

Stakeholder considerations 

171

171

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

157

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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.
–  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.

158

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

159

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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 165 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.

160

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 165 regarding the selection and weighting of performance metrics.

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 165.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

161

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportDirectors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Executive directors’ policy table continued

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.

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 pages 150 and 151.

–  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 165.

162

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 165.

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 140. 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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

163

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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 in the 2019 Annual 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.

164

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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%

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

165

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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 2019 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

Maximum

13%

17%

25%

31%

62%

52%

On-target

33%

30%

37%

Minimum

100%

President and Chief Executive Officer  
of BAE Systems, Inc. ($’000)

8,832

7,019

3,650

1,118

50% share price
appreciation

Maximum

On-target

33%

33%

54%

Minimum

100%

22%

45%

29%

38%

23%

23%

9,850

7,655

4,727

2,529

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Value of package (£’000)

Value of package ($’000)

Group Finance Director 
(£’000)

50% share price
appreciation

Maximum

14%

18%

21%

26%

65%

56%

On-target

35%

25%

40%

Minimum

100%

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

Value of package (£’000)

 Fixed elements of remuneration
 Annual bonus
 Performance Shares

4,720

3,699

1,933

679

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.

166

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

167

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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 167.

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 164.

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 163.

168

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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. Retired from the Board and the Company on 31 March 2020 as announced on 8 August 2019.
3.  Retired 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 joined the Board on 1 April 2020 as announced 

on 8 August 2019.

5.  President and Chief Operating Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., he joined the Board and became 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 Advaithi1

Nick Anderson2

Dame Elizabeth Corley

Jane Griffiths3

Chris Grigg

Stephen Pearce

Nicole Piasecki

Paula Rosput Reynolds4

Nick Rose4

Ian Tyler

1. Retired from the Board on 25 June 2020.
2. Appointed to the Board on 1 November 2020.
3. Appointed to the Board on 1 April 2020.
4. Retired from the Board on 31 December 2020.

Date of appointment

Expiry of current term

01.01.2018

01.11.2020

01.02.2016

01.04.2020

01.07.2013

01.06.2019

01.06.2019

01.04.2011

08.02.2010

08.05.2013

25.06.2020

31.10.2023

01.02.2022

31.03.2023

30.06.2022

31.05.2022

31.05.2022

31.12.2020

31.12.2020

07.05.2022

The Company announced on 11 February 2021 the appointments of Dame Carolyn Fairbairn and Dr Ewan Kirk as non-executive directors, 
with effect from 1 March 2021 and 1 June 2021, respectively. Their first terms will expire on 29 February 2024 and 31 May 2024, respectively.

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

169

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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.

170

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

171

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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 
2020 financial year are listed on pages 106 
and 107. Brad Greve, Tom Arseneault and 
Jane Griffiths were appointed to the Board 
on 1 April 2020 and Nick Anderson was 
appointed to the Board on 1 November 2020.

Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro retired 
from the Board on 31 March 2020, 
Revathi Advaithi retired from the Board on 
25 June 2020, and Paula Rosput Reynolds 
and Nick Rose retired from the Board on 
31 December 2020. 

On 11 February 2021 the Company 
announced the appointments of Dame 
Carolyn Fairbairn and Dr Ewan Kirk as 
non-executive directors, with effect from 
1 March and 1 June 2021, respectively.

Dividend
An interim dividend of 9.4p per share was 
paid on 30 November 2020. Prior to that, 
an interim dividend of 13.8p per share was 
paid on 14 September 2020 being the value 
of the dividend proposed but subsequently 
deferred earlier in the year. The directors 
propose a final dividend of 14.3p per 
ordinary share. Subject to shareholder 
approval, the final dividend will be paid 
on 1 June 2021 to shareholders on the 
share register on 23 April 2021.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Company’s AGM will be held on 
6 May 2021. 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 99:
–  disclosures in relation to the use of 

financial instruments;

–  particulars of important events affecting 
the Group which have occurred since 
31 December 2020;

–  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 
30 July 2020, the Group made the following 
statement in respect of the year ending 
2020, which is regarded as a profit forecast 
for the purposes of the Financial Conduct 
Authority’s Listing Rule 9.2.18 (and which 
replaced the profit forecast made in the 
Group’s full-year results announcement on 
20 February 2020 and in the Annual Report 
2019, such forecast being cancelled by the 
Company in its announcement on 3 April 
2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic):

“Whilst the Group is subject to geopolitical 
uncertainties and there remains considerable 
uncertainty in respect of COVID-19, the 
following guidance is provided on current 
expected operational performance under 
new working practices introduced in recent 
months. We expect the Group’s underlying 
earnings per share to be a mid-single digit 
lower than last year’s 45.8p, assuming a 
$1.25 to sterling exchange rate and a tax 
rate now expected to be 19%, in line with 
last year. The final rate is dependent on the 
geographic mix of profits.”

In the Group’s Trading Update on 
11 November 2020, the Group made 
the following statement:

“Underlying earnings per share are 
now expected to be slightly higher than 
previously guided with good operational 
performance and an expected lower tax 
rate offsetting the negative foreign 
exchange impact.”

Underlying earnings per share was 46.8p 
in 2020.

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 2020.

Issued share capital
As at 31 December 2020, 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 2020, 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). 
During 2020, the Company used 
12,902,202 treasury shares (having a total 
nominal value of £322,555 and representing 
0.4% of the Company’s called up share 
capital at 31 December 2020) to satisfy 
awards under the Free and Matching 
elements of the Share Incentive Plan 
(7,886,468 shares in aggregate), awards 
under the Free and Matching elements 
of the International Share Incentive Plan 
(1,043,439 shares in aggregate), awards 
vested under the Performance Shares 
element of the Long-Term Incentive Plan 
(2,005,460 shares), awards vested under 
the Restricted Shares element of the 
Long-Term Incentive Plan (1,416,709 shares), 
and options exercised under the Executive 
Share Option Plan (550,126 shares). The 
treasury shares utilised in respect of the 
Share Incentive Plan, the International 
Share Incentive Plan, and the Performance 
and Restricted Shares elements of the 
Long-Term Incentive Plan were disposed 
of by the Company for nil consideration. 
The 550,126 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 
£8,712,009. As at 31 December 2020, the 
number of shares held in treasury totalled 
248,995,549 (having a total nominal value 
of £6,224,889 and representing 7.2% of 

172

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

the Company’s called up share capital at 
31 December 2020). 

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.

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.

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, 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 2020, the Company had 
been advised of the following significant 
direct and indirect interests in the issued 
ordinary share capital of the Company:

Name of shareholder

AXA S.A. and its group of companies

Barclays PLC
BlackRock, Inc.1
The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

Franklin Resources Inc., and affiliates

Invesco Limited

Silchester International Investors LLP

Percentage 
notified

5.00%

3.98%

11.00%

5.02%

4.92%

4.97%

3.01%

1. The Company was notified on 15 February 2021 
that BlackRock, Inc.’s percentage had reduced 
to 10.97%.

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.

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

173

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportStatutory and other information 
continued

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 2021 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.

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 2020 AGM, the directors were 
given the power to buy back a maximum 
number of 320,673,347 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 2021 AGM or 30 June 
2021. A special resolution will be proposed 
at the 2021 AGM to renew the Company’s 
authority to acquire its own shares.

At the 2020 AGM, the directors were given 
the power to issue new shares up to a 
nominal amount of £26,720,106. This power 
will expire on the earlier of the conclusion 
of the 2021 AGM or 30 June 2021. 
Accordingly, a resolution will be proposed 
at the 2021 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 2020 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 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 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.

174

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

–  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 2020, BAE Systems Global 
Combat Systems Munitions Limited 
and the MoD entered into a 15-year 
agreement for the provision of 
ammunition to UK forces (the Next 
Generation Munitions Solution (NGMS) 
agreement) from 2023 to 2037. Where 
the MoD has any concerns regarding 
a proposed change of control of 
BAE Systems Global Combat Systems 
Munitions Limited and such concerns 
are not resolved, then if the change 
of control proceeds, the MoD may 
terminate the contract.

–  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.

–  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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

175

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic report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 2021 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.

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

Tom Arseneault

President & Chief 
Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc.

Brad Greve

Group Finance Director

Nick Anderson

Non-executive director

Dame Elizabeth Corley Non-executive director

Jane Griffiths

Chris Grigg

Stephen Pearce

Nicole Piasecki

Ian Tyler

Non-executive director

Non-executive director

Non-executive director

Non-executive director

Non-executive director

On behalf of the Board

Sir Roger Carr 
Chairman
24 February 2021

Directors’ report
The Directors’ report was approved by the Board of directors on 24 February 2021.
David Parkes 
Company Secretary

176

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Independent Auditor’s report
to the members of BAE Systems plc only

Report on the audit of the financial statements

1. 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 2020 
and of the Group’s profit for the year then 
ended;

–  the Group financial statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance 
with international accounting standards 
in conformity with the requirements of 
the Companies Act 2006 and 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.

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

2. 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. The non-audit services provided to 
the Group and Parent Company for the year are 
disclosed in Note 2 to the financial statements. 
We confirm that the non-audit services prohibited 
by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided 
to the Group or the Parent Company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our opinion.

3. 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. 

Within this report, key audit matters are 
identified as follows:

–  the related notes 1 to 36 and 1 to 12, including 

 Increased level of risk

the associated accounting policies.

The financial reporting framework that has 
been applied in the preparation of the Group 
financial statements is applicable law and 
international accounting standards in conformity 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006 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).

 Similar level of risk

 Decreased level of risk

Materiality
The materiality that we used for the Group 
financial statements was £72.5m which was 
determined on the basis of forecast adjusted 
profit before tax, adjusted for non-recurring 
items and fair value and foreign exchange 
adjustments on financial instruments as 
described further on page 181 below.

Scoping
Twenty-seven components were subject to 
audit procedures. Of these, six components 
were subject to a full-scope audit. Of the 
remaining twenty-one components, nineteen 
were subject to an audit of specified account 
balances and two were subject to specified 
audit procedures. 

The components, which were either full or 
specified balance scope in the current year, 
contribute 85% of revenue, 85% of profit 
before tax and 90% of net assets.

Significant changes in our approach
Our audit has been responsive to the impact of 
COVID-19, for example in relation to the key audit 
matters as described further below, but otherwise 
there have been no significant changes to our 
audit approach in comparison to the prior period.

4. Conclusions relating 
to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have 
concluded that the directors’ use of the going 
concern basis of accounting in the preparation 
of the financial statements is appropriate.

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment 
of the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability 
to continue to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting included the following 
audit procedures:

–  obtained an understanding of relevant 

controls over management’s going concern 
models, including the review of the inputs 
and assumptions used in those models;

–  tested the accuracy of management’s models, 
including agreement to the most recent board 
approved budgets and forecasts which 
included the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit;

–  we challenged the key assumptions of these 

forecasts by:

–  reading analyst reports, industry data and 
other external information and comparing 
these with management’s estimates; 

–  comparing forecast revenue with the Group’s 

order book and historical performance, 
including the impact of COVID-19 on 
operations in FY20;

–  evaluating the historical accuracy of forecasts 

prepared by management;

–  assessing the sensitivity of the headroom and 

management’s forecasts; and

–  assessed the sufficiency of the Group’s 

disclosure concerning the going concern basis.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

177

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportChallenging management’s assumptions 
and estimates on significant risk contracts

To gain assurance over the contract judgements 
and estimates made, our work included:
–  making inquiries of contract project teams and 
other personnel to obtain an understanding of 
the performance of the project throughout the 
year and at year-end, including where relevant 
the impact of COVID-19;

–  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, and assumptions made 
regarding COVID-19. 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 have concluded overall that the judgements 
made by management are reasonable.

Independent Auditor’s report 
continued

Based on the work we have performed, we 
have not identified any material uncertainties 
relating to events or conditions that, individually 
or collectively, may cast significant doubt on 
the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern for a period of at 
least twelve months from when the financial 
statements are authorised for issue.

In relation to the reporting on how the Group 
has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, 
we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to the directors’ statement 
in the financial statements about whether the 
directors considered it appropriate to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of 
the directors with respect to going concern are 
described in the relevant sections of this report.

5. 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 which 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.

5.1. Revenue and margin recognition 
on long-term contracts 
Refer to page 111 (Audit Committee Report) and 
Note 1 (accounting policy and financial disclosures)

Revenue:  
£19,277m (2019 £18,305m)

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 
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 data analytics, the 
latest contract information, our understanding 
of the business and review of external information 
about market and geopolitical conditions which 
might impact certain contracts, including where 
relevant consideration of the effect of COVID-19. 
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 
five contracts where we consider there to be the 
highest degree of management judgement 
required. These are:
–  Astute Class submarines;

–  Type 26 frigates;

–  Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPV);

–  Saudi Salam Typhoon (Salam); and

–  Saudi British Defence Co-operation Programme 

(SBDCP).

The AMPV contract has been added as a new 
significant risk contract in the current year. 

We consider the level of risk associated with 
this key audit matter has remained consistent 
with the prior year. 

How the scope of our audit responded 
to the key audit matter
Our contract testing approach included:

Testing the relevant controls on significant 
risk contracts

–  We obtained an understanding of and, where 
deemed appropriate, tested relevant 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.

178

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

5.2. Carrying value of goodwill 
Refer to page 111 (Audit Committee Report) and 
Note 8 (accounting policy and financial disclosures)

Goodwill:  
£10,846m (2019 £9,984m)

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. 

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 (Munitions) 
CGUs. These CGUs have goodwill of £3,428m, 
£206m and £427m respectively. Our assessment 
over the level of risk at each CGU included 
consideration of the impact of COVID-19 on 
each business and its respective forecast. 

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: ability to achieve the revenue growth 

and cost reduction forecast following prior 
and current year restructuring and 
business disposals; and

–  Munitions: long-term business growth 
driven by future demand and financial 
performance under revised contract terms.

As a result, we have performed additional 
procedures over the key cash flow assumptions 
for each of these CGUs.

Specifically, in relation to Munitions, the 
recoverable amount is now equal to its 
carrying value and as such we have identified 
a significant risk in relation to the long-term 
growth assumptions. In addition, for P&S the 
headroom between recoverable and carrying 
amount has reduced since the previous year. 
As a result, we consider the level of risk 
associated with this key audit matter to 
have increased compared to the prior year.

The size of the balance, level of management 
judgement and audit effort involved in assessing 
the carrying value of goodwill means we consider 
this to be a key audit matter.

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, the impact to date of COVID-19 
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;

–  specifically in relation to Munitions we 
have challenged the long-term growth 
rate assumption with reference to market, 
industry and economic data combined with 
an evaluation of the underlying key contracts 
that underpin the future growth assumptions;

–  where management’s forecasts have 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. Our 
assessment also considered the potential 
longer-term impact of COVID-19 on defence 
spending and government budgets; 

–  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 Munitions businesses and are 
satisfied that management’s assumptions are 
reasonable and supportable based on available 
evidence, both internal and external.

Management has included disclosure in 
the financial statements indicating that the 
recoverable value of the Munitions CGU 
is equal to its carrying amount and the impact 
on significant CGUs of a reasonably possible 
change in key assumptions. We concur with 
management’s assessment that no reasonably 
possible change in a key assumption would 
lead to a material impairment.

5.3. Valuation of post-employment 
benefit obligations 
Refer to page 111 (Audit Committee Report) and 
Note 24 (accounting policy and financial disclosures)

Group’s share of the net IAS 19 deficit after 
allocation to equity accounted investments:  
£4,485m (2019 £4,455m)

Valuation of post-employment benefit obligation 
assets before allocation to equity accounted 
investments:  
£29,729m (2019 £27,687m)

Valuation of post-employment benefit obligation 
liabilities before allocation to equity accounted 
investments:  
£34,574m (2019 £32,466m)

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, including the basis 
for determining the inflation risk premium;

–  discount rates; and

–  mortality assumptions, including 

consideration of the impact of COVID-19.

Given the significant size of the post-employment 
benefit obligations at year-end, small changes 
to these input assumptions can lead to material 
changes in the net IAS 19 deficit. 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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

179

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportIndependent Auditor’s report 
continued

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;

–  longevity swaps; and

–  property assets.

We consider the level of risk associated with this 
key audit matter is consistent with the prior year. 
However, in the current year property assets have 
been included as a higher risk asset category in 
response to the impact of COVID-19.

How the scope of our audit responded 
to the key audit matter
Liabilities
In relation to 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;

–  specific focus was given to challenging 

the basis on which the Group determined 
its inflation risk premium in relation to RPI 
following the government announcement 
in November 2020, with reference to our 
own independent modelling and other 
market data sources;

–  we have considered the adjustment made by 

management to the CMI 2019 mortality tables 
to normalise for the impact that COVID-19 has 
had on excess deaths in 2020 versus the base 
CMI 2019 assumptions, with reference to 
interim CMI data points and advice the 
company has received from its actuaries;

–  we have assessed the competence, capabilities 
and objectivity of the third party administrators 
who maintain membership data on behalf 
of the Group. This included considering 
and responding to the matters raised in 
the report on controls at one of the Group’s 
third party administrators;

–  we performed analytical procedures to 

challenge key changes in membership data 
since the last triennial valuation, the most 
recent pension scheme accounts and that 
used in the IAS 19 valuation;

–  we agreed a sample of cash contributions 

made into the pension funds, including the 
£1bn accelerated deficit contribution made 
in April 2020;

–  in conjunction with Deloitte actuarial 

specialists, we evaluated the US insurance 
buy-out agreement and challenged the 
assumptions used to value the liability at the 
point it was transferred to the insurer in order 
to ensure the accounting treatment adopted 
by the company and the recognition of the 
net gain was appropriate; 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;

–  in conjunction with our Deloitte actuarial 
specialists, we challenged the fair value 
assumptions used to value the longevity 
swaps including the updates made to the 
mortality base tables in the year as well 
as the future projected mortality rates 
and discount rate;

–  we assessed publicly available information on 
the assets, comparing to internal benchmarks 
and reconciling inputs used by management 
to determine the asset values; and

–  in the case of specialist asset classes, such 

as properties, involved relevant specialists to 
challenge the third party valuations performed 
with reference to recent market transactions, 
rental yields and movements in the MSCI 
Real Estate index.

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 consider that the insurance buy-out in the 
US has been appropriately recorded as a gain 
in the income statement in the current year and 
the basis on which that gain has been determined 
lies within our independently determined 
reasonable range.

We concluded our testing of the assets and are 
satisfied they are appropriately valued.

180

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

6. Our application of materiality
6.1. 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

£72.5m (2019 £75m)

£44m (2019 £46m)

Basis for determining 
materiality

4.5% of adjusted profit before tax of £1,618m 
(2019 4.8% of adjusted profit before tax 
of £1,575m).

Materiality has been set with reference to the 
net assets of the Parent Company.

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

This includes adjustment for non-recurring items 
of £19m and fair value adjustments and foreign 
exchange movements on financial instruments 
of £41m, detailed in notes 1 and 5 of the financial 
statements respectively.

Adjusted profit before tax 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. 

We consider the measure suitable having also 
considered the other relevant benchmark of profit 
before taxation, where our materiality also equates 
to 4.5%.

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 45% 
of that of the Group.

We consider net assets the key benchmark used 
by members of the Parent Company in assessing 
financial performance.

Component 
materiality

The work performed on components identified in our Group audit scope (excluding the Parent Company) 
was completed to a component materiality level between £15m and £30.6m (2019 £21m and £34m).

6.2. Performance materiality
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.

Performance 
materiality

Basis and rationale for 
determining 
performance 
materiality

Group financial statements

Parent Company financial statements

65% (2019 70%)

70% (2019 70%)

In determining performance materiality for the 
Group, we considered the following factors:

–  the quantum and nature of the uncorrected 

In determining performance materiality for 
the Parent Company, we considered the 
following factors:

misstatements identified in the prior year audit;

–  the low value of profit impacting 

–  our assessment of the potential for uncorrected 

misstatements identified in prior periods; and

misstatements in the current year;

–  our risk assessment, including our assessment 

–  the size and nature of the contract-based 
significant risks of material misstatement 
identified; and

–  the heightened uncertainty of forecasting 

and maintaining the control environment in 
a COVID-19 environment in comparison to 
the prior period.

of the overall control environment.

Given the nature of the Parent Company 
operations, the consistency of audit risks 
identified in comparison to the prior year and 
reduced sensitivity to forecasting uncertainty 
on Parent Company balances in comparison to 
the Group, we considered a further reduction to 
performance materiality as a result of COVID-19 
was not required for the Parent Company. 

6.3. Error reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of £3.625m 
(2019 £3.75m), 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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

181

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportIndependent Auditor’s report 
continued

Revenue

C

B

A

A Full audit scope
B Specified audit procedures
C Review at Group level

55%
30%
15%

Profit before tax

C

B

A

A Full audit scope
B Specified audit procedures
C Review at Group level

48%
37%
15%

Net assets

C

B

A

A Full audit scope
B Specified audit procedures
C Review at Group level

60%
30%
10%

7. An overview of the scope of our audit
7.1. Identification and scoping 
of components
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 
twenty-one 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. As a 
result of our risk assessment procedures and the 
detailed scoping exercise performed at the 
planning stage of our audit we determined that it 
was appropriate to rotate certain non-financially 
significant components in and out of our Group 
audit scope in the current year. We have directed 
component auditors to perform an audit of 
specified account balances or specified audit 
procedures on the respective income statements 
and balance sheets for these components. 

For all components 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, specified account balance scope or 
specified audit procedure scope, we performed 
centrally-directed analytical review procedures 
to confirm our conclusion that there was 
no significant material misstatement in the 
residual population. 

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 auditors to perform 
a full-scope audit under our direction 
and supervision.

The twenty-five components within either 
full or specified account balance scope 
contribute the proportions of Group totals 
shown to the left.

7.2. Our consideration of 
the control environment
The Group operates a range of IT systems 
which underpin the financial reporting process. 
These can vary by business and/or by geography. 
For all of the components that were subject to 
either a full scope or audit of specified balances, 
we identified relevant IT systems for the purpose 
of our audit work. These were typically the 
principal Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 
systems for each business that govern the 
general ledger and contract accounting balances, 
and in some cases also included ancillary/feeder 
systems into the main ERP.

Our approach was principally designed to inform 
our risk assessment and, as such, we assessed 
relevant general IT controls. The Group continues 
to invest in its IT systems and this includes seeking 
to remediate control findings where they are 
identified through its own assurance framework, 
including Internal Audit, or through the external 
audit. As part of our controls work in the prior 
and current year, we identified a number of 
control deficiencies that management is in the 
process of remediating as disclosed in the Audit 
Committee report on page 112. Where deficiencies 
have been identified and the remediation activity 
remained ongoing during the current year we 
did not seek to place reliance on those relevant 
IT systems for the purpose of our audit.

The majority of the focus of our significant 
account balance controls assessment is in relation 
to the Group’s contract accounting processes, 
the Lifecycle Management Framework (LCM). 
For each component where revenue is in scope, 
we obtained an understanding of key contract 
controls, such as with respect to the estimation 
of contract costs and the amount of contract 
revenue to recognise in the period. At each 
business unit we also consider key controls 
relevant to other income statement and balance 
sheet items where they are considered relevant 
to our audit.

We have also considered head office controls 
relating to central balances and processes such 
as pension accounting, consolidation and 
financial reporting, treasury and the Group’s 
planning and budgeting process.

During the course of our audit, we placed 
reliance on a number of relevant contract 
accounting controls and certain valuation 
controls in relation to pension assets.

7.3. Working with other auditors
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. 
We issued detailed instructions to the component 
auditors, reviewed and challenged the related 
component inter-office reporting and findings 
from their work, reviewed underlying audit files, 
attended component audit closing conference 
calls and held regular remote communication 
to interact on any related audit and accounting 
matters which arose. Additionally, all teams were 
involved in our annual planning workshop, which 
was overseen and directed by the Group audit 
team. We mitigated our inability to visit overseas 

182

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

components due to COVID-19 travel restrictions 
through increased remote communication and 
remote review of audit working papers.

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.

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 Parent Company is located in the United 
Kingdom and audited directly by the Group 
audit team.

8. Other information
The other information comprises the information 
included in the annual report, other than the 
financial statements and our auditor’s report 
thereon. The directors are responsible for the 
other information contained within the annual 
report. 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.

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 course of 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 this gives rise 
to a material misstatement in the financial 
statements themselves. 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.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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.

11. Extent to which the audit was 
considered capable of detecting 
irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances 
of non-compliance with laws and regulations. 
We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect 
material misstatements in respect of 
irregularities, including fraud. The extent to 
which our procedures are capable of detecting 
irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 

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.

11.1. 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, we considered the following:

–  the nature of the industry and sector, 
control environment and business 
performance including the design of the 
Group’s remuneration policies, key drivers 
for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels 
and performance targets;

–  the Group’s own assessment of the risks 

that irregularities may occur either as a result 
of fraud or error;

–  results of our enquiries of management, 
internal legal counsel, internal audit and 
the Audit Committee about their own 
identification and assessment of the risks 
of irregularities; 

–  any matters we identified having obtained 
and reviewed the Group’s documentation 
of their 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;

–  the internal controls established to mitigate 
risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws 
and regulations, including obtaining an 
understanding of the Group’s bribery and 
corruption and whistleblowing policies; and

–  the matters discussed among the audit 
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 a result of these procedures, we considered 
the opportunities and incentives that may exist 
within the organisation for fraud and identified 
the greatest potential for fraud in the level 
of judgement involved in estimating costs 
to complete on long-term contracts and the 
subsequent impact on revenue and margin 
recognition. In common with all audits under 
ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform 
specific procedures to respond to the risk 
of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the 
legal and regulatory frameworks that the 
Group operates in, focusing on provisions of 
those laws and regulations that had a direct 
effect on the determination of material amounts 
and disclosures in the financial statements. The 
key laws and regulations we considered in this 
context included the UK Companies Act, Listing 
Rules, pension legislation and taxation legislation. 

In addition, we considered provisions of 
other laws and regulations that do not have 
a direct effect on the financial statements 
but compliance with which may be fundamental 
to the Group’s ability to operate or to avoid a 
material penalty, including in respect of export 
controls, defence contracting and anti-bribery 
and corruption legislation. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

183

Financial statementsGovernanceStrategic reportIndependent Auditor’s report 
continued

11.2. 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 
related to the potential risk of fraud. 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 that 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 to supporting documentation to 
assess compliance with provisions of relevant 
laws and regulations described 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 regulatory authorities;

–  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; and

–  as part of assessing relevant controls as 
outlined above in Section 7, we sought 
to gain an understanding of the impact 
COVID-19 and remote working had on 
the nature and operation of those controls, 
to inform our risk assessment and conclusions 
on their effectiveness.

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
12. 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 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.

13. Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ 
statement in relation to going concern, longer-
term viability and that part of the Corporate 
Governance Statement relating to the Group’s 
compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code specified for our review.

Based on the work undertaken as part 
of our audit, we have concluded that each 
of the following elements of the Corporate 
Governance Statement is materially consistent 
with the financial statements and our 
knowledge obtained during the audit: 

–  the directors’ statement with regards the 
appropriateness of adopting the going 
concern basis of accounting and any 
material uncertainties identified set out 
on page 110;

–  the directors’ explanation as to its 

assessment of the Group’s prospects, the 
period this assessment covers and why the 
period is appropriate set out on page 109;

–  the directors’ statement on fair, balanced 
and understandable set out on page 114;

–  the board’s confirmation that it has carried 
out a robust assessment of the emerging 
and principal risks set out on page 109;

–  the section of the annual report that 
describes the review of effectiveness 
of risk management and internal control 
systems set out on page 109; and

–  the section describing the work of the 
Audit Committee set out on page 111.

14. Matters on which we are required 
to report by exception
14.1. 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.

14.2. 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.

15. Other matters which we are 
required to address
15.1. 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 three 
years, covering the years ending 31 December 
2018 to 31 December 2020.

15.2. 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).

16. Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 
3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our 
audit work has been undertaken so that we 
might state to the company’s members those 
matters we are required to state to them in an 
auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the 
fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept 
or assume responsibility to anyone other than the 
company and the company’s members as a body, 
for our audit work, for 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  
24 February 2021

184

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

16. Inventories 

17. Current tax 

18. Cash and cash equivalents 

19.  Assets and liabilities held for 
sale and business disposals 

20. Geographical analysis of assets 

21. Loans and overdrafts 

22. Contract liabilities 

23. Trade and other payables 

24. Post-employment benefits 

25. Provisions 

26. Share capital and other reserves 

27. Operating business cash flow 

28.  Movement in assets and liabilities 
arising from financing activities 

29.  Net debt 

30. Fair value measurement 

31. Share-based payments 

32. Related party transactions 

33.  Contingent liabilities 

34.  Acquisition of businesses 

35. Events after the reporting period 

36.  Information about 

related undertakings 

224

224

225

225

226

227

228

228

229

240

241

244

245

246

246

248

249

250

250

251

252

Financial  
statements

Group accounts
Preparation of the consolidated 
financial statements 

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Consolidated cash flow statement 

1.    Segmental analysis and 
revenue recognition 

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 

186

189

190

191

192

193

194

199

200

200

201

202

205

206

209

211

214

215

13. Trade, other and contract receivables  217

14.  Other financial assets and liabilities 
and financial risk management 

15. Deferred tax 

Company accounts
Company statement of  
comprehensive income 

Company statement  
of changes in equity 

Company balance sheet 

Notes to the Company accounts 

218

222

256

256

257

258

Group accounting policies
Accounting policies are included within 
the relevant note to the Group accounts.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

185

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic reportPreparation of the consolidated  
financial statements

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 110, and in accordance with EU-endorsed International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the Companies Act 2006 applicable 
to companies reporting under IFRS.

Following the ending of the transition period of the UK leaving the EU, the FRC has confirmed that an equivalent UK Endorsement Board 
to the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) will be established, which is expected to be operational later in 2021. For the 
year ended 31 December 2020, the Group continued to apply EU-endorsed IFRS. From 1 January 2021, the Group will prepare consolidated 
financial statements in accordance with UK-endorsed IFRS. It is not expected at this stage that the UK-endorsed IFRS will differ significantly 
from EU-endorsed 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 including the impacts of COVID-19 and climate change, 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

Notes

1

8

15

17

24

186

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Sources of estimation uncertainty
The application of the Group’s accounting policies requires the use of estimates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic 
activity has been, and is expected to continue to be, significant. While the Group has addressed the impact on its business effectively to date, 
it continues to conduct ongoing risk assessments and scenario planning in order that it can respond to potential rapid changes in circumstances, 
given the continuing uncertainty relating to the impact of the pandemic. While this uncertainty continues, the Group will need to consider a 
range of estimates and assumptions in the application of its accounting policies and management’s assessment of the carrying values of assets 
and liabilities. In the event that these estimates or assumptions prove to be incorrect, there may be an adjustment to the carrying values of 
assets and liabilities within the next year. Potential areas of the Group’s financial statements which could be materially impacted may include, 
but are not limited to:
–  revenue and margin recognition on contracts, which is based on constraints on variable consideration, estimates of future costs and 

an assessment of technical and other risks. 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. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased 
uncertainty in relation to these judgements and estimates. The Group continues to work closely and collaboratively with its key customers 
to continue to deliver effectively on its contracts and commitments. However, the volume, scale, complexity and long-term nature of its 
programmes mean that a range of calculated potential sensitivities would be wide-ranging and not practicable to calculate. Owing to the 
ongoing uncertainty regarding the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group’s estimates and assumptions relating to revenue 
could be impacted by issues such as reduced productivity as a result of altered working practices to comply with safety and social distancing 
requirements, production delays and increased costs as a result of disruption to the supply chain or where there is uncertainty as to the 
recovery from customers of programme costs incurred. As shown in note 1, the Group has recognised £0.3bn of revenue in respect of 
performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods (2019 £0.3bn). This continues to provide an approximation 
of the potential revenue sensitivity arising as a result of management’s estimates and assumptions for variable consideration, future 
costs, and technical and other risks, although given its inherent uncertainty, it may not reflect the full potential impact of the pandemic; 

–  the valuation of post-employment benefit obligations and related deferred tax balances, if estimates relating to actuarial assumptions 

(including discount rate, inflation rate, and mortality assumptions) are no longer valid or change significantly as the impact of the pandemic 
develops. Discount and inflation rates could change significantly as a result of a prolonged economic downturn, monetary policy decisions 
and interventions or other macro-economic issues resulting from the pandemic. The impact of estimates made with regard to mortality 
projections may also change significantly, given the uncertainty in this area resulting from the pandemic. Note 24 provides information 
on the key assumptions and analysis of their sensitivities. Pension asset values could also be impacted by the economic uncertainty, for 
example if there is a longer-term impact on the valuation of assets for which there is no observable market value; and

–  the provisional values attributed to assets and liabilities acquired through business combinations during the year, including intangible 

assets and goodwill arising, if estimates relating to the expected performance of those businesses are no longer valid or change significantly. 
This may arise if the performance of the acquired businesses was materially adverse to the acquisition business case assumptions, or if there 
are longer-term changes in customer demand as a result of potential reductions in defence budgets. These may impact upon estimated 
future cash flows for value-in-use assessments and therefore potentially lead to the impairment of acquired assets, including intangible 
assets and goodwill arising. The two US acquisitions which completed in the year form part of the Electronic Systems Cash-Generating 
Unit (CGU), and note 8 provides information for the CGU on the sensitivity of goodwill impairment to changes in assumptions.

Judgements made in applying accounting policies
In the course of preparing the financial statements and when applying its accounting policies, the Group has been required to make judgements 
with regard to the actions required to enable the business to continue to meet customers’ requirements, in an operating environment still 
dominated by uncertainties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. 

Separate from accounting policy judgements, assessments have been made by each business sector to consider how to effectively manage 
and ensure continued delivery of their commitments to customers amid the ongoing impact of the pandemic. These judgements are based on 
considerations such as, but not limited to: local operational restrictions and the ability of sites and facilities to ensure safe and socially distanced 
working practices; customer instructions, requirements and guidance on progression of essential programmes; potential disruption to elements 
of the Group’s supply chain; and possible changes in customer demand in commercial lines of business. While the Group’s actions and decisions 
during 2020 have effectively addressed many of these issues, the ongoing nature of the pandemic and its continuing future uncertainty mean 
that these remain under constant review and adaptation where necessary.

It should be noted that these assessments are part of a broader range of scenario planning undertaken by the business in the face of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, rather than as a formal forecasting process. The pandemic continues to be an inherently uncertain event with future 
developments which cannot be predicted with certainty, and the Group will therefore continue to monitor its impact on the business, 
undertake risk assessments, and amend these judgements as required.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

187

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic reportPreparation of the consolidated financial statements 
continued

Changes in accounting policies
The following standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards became effective on 1 January 2020 and have not had 
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 (Phase 1), effective from 1 January 2020; and
–  Amendments to IFRS 3: Definition of a Business, effective from 1 January 2020.

The following amendments to existing standards have been issued and became effective in the year as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 
but did not have a material impact on the Group:
–  Amendment to IFRS 16 Leases: Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions, effective from 1 June 2020 and endorsed by the EU on 9 October 2020.

The following other standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards have been issued but were not mandatory for accounting 
periods beginning on 1 January 2020:
–  Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Phase 2), effective from 1 January 2021 

(endorsed by the UK); and

–  Amendments to IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts: deferral of IFRS 9, effective from 1 January 2021 (endorsed by the UK).

The Amendments were adopted in the EU by Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2097 of 15 December 2020. However, the Regulation does 
not come into force until 20 days after publication in the Official Journal, which was after the end of the Transition Period. Consequently, it 
was necessary for the Amendments to be adopted in the UK. They were therefore adopted by the Secretary of State on 5 January 2021.

The following other standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards have been issued but were not mandatory for accounting 
periods beginning on 1 January 2020. These are expected to be endorsed by the new UK Endorsement Board after it becomes operational later 
in 2021, and are not expected to have a material impact on the Group:
–  IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts, effective from 1 January 2023 (not yet endorsed by the UK);
–  Amendments to IAS 1: Presentation of Financial Statements, effective from 1 January 2023 (not yet endorsed by the UK);
–  Amendments to IFRS 3: Business Combinations, effective from 1 January 2022 (not yet endorsed by the UK);
–  Amendments to IAS 16: Property, Plant and Equipment, effective from 1 January 2022 (not yet endorsed by the UK);
–  Amendments to IAS 37: Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, effective from 1 January 2022 (not yet endorsed by the UK); and
–  Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 Cycle, effective from 1 January 2022 (not yet endorsed by the UK).

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. 

188

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Consolidated income statement  
for the year ended 31 December

Continuing operations
Revenue
Operating costs
Other income
Share of results of equity accounted investments
Operating profit

Financial income
Financial expense
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

2020

Notes

£m

2019

£m

Total
£m

1
2
4
1
1

5

6

7

Total
£m

19,277
(17,686)
270
69
1,930

17
(351)

27
(300)

(334)
1,596
(225)
1,371

1,299
72
1,371

40.7p
40.5p

18,305
(16,724)
150
168
1,899

(273)
1,626
(94)
1,532

1,476
56
1,532

46.4p
46.1p

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

189

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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
–

2020

Retained
earnings
£m
1,371

Total
£m
1,371

Other 
reserves1
£m
–

2019

Retained 
earnings
£m
1,532

Total
£m
1,532

Notes

–
–
–

(1,361)
330
(55)

(1,361)
330
(55)

–
–
–

(556)
57
(38)

(224)

(327)

(224)

(35)
46 

42
(16)
(3)
(190)
(190)

(176)
(14)
(190)

–

–
–

–
–
–
(1,086)
285

(35)
46

42
(16)
(3)
(1,276)
95

213
72
285

37
58
95

–

–
–

–
–
–
(537)
995

940
55
995

(8)
11

(7)
–
6
(325)
(325)

(320)
(5)
(325)

(556)
57
(38)

(327)

(8)
11

(7)
–
6
(862)
670

620
50
670

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 of subsidiary

19

Fair value gain arising on hedging instruments during the period
Cumulative fair value loss/(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 26.

190

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December

Balance at 1 January 2020

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 2020

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

1. An analysis of other reserves is provided in note 26.

Notes

31

26

31

26

Attributable to equity holders of BAE Systems plc

Issued
share
capital
£m
87
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
87

87
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
87

Share
premium
£m
1,249
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
1,249

1,249
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
1,249

Other 
reserves1
£m
6,156
–
(176)
(176)
–

(35)
–
(22)
5,923

6,481
–
(320)
(320)
–

(5)
–
–
6,156

Retained 
earnings
£m
(2,085)
1,299
(1,086)
213
73

–
(746)
(71)
(2,616)

(2,363)
1,476
(536)
940
75

–
(724)
(13)
(2,085)

Non-
controlling
interests
£m
104
72
(14)
58
–

–
(28)
144
278

72
56
(6)
50
–

–
(56)
38
104

Total
£m
5,407
1,299
(1,262)
37
73

(35)
(746)
(93)
4,643

5,454
1,476
(856)
620
75

(5)
(724)
(13)
5,407

Total
equity
£m
5,511
1,371
(1,276)
95
73

(35)
(774)
51
4,921

5,526
1,532
(862)
670
75

(5)
(780)
25
5,511

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

191

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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
Contract liabilities
Other payables
Post-employment benefit obligations
Other financial liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Loans and overdrafts
Lease liabilities
Contract 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

Approved by the Board of BAE Systems plc on 24 February 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

C N Woodburn 
Chief Executive 

B M Greve 
Group Finance Director

192

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes

2020 
£m

2019
£m

8
9
10
11
12

13
24
14
15

16
13
17
14
18
19

20

21
10
22
23
24
14
25

21
10
22
23
14
17
25
19

26

26

11,745
2,655
1,053
128
409
–
506
408
248
972
18,124

858
5,491
6
189
2,768
94
9,406
27,530

(4,957)
(1,020)
(524)
(1,164)
(4,893)
(282)
(386)
(13,226)

(467)
(236)
(3,238)
(4,898)
(181)
(72)
(291)
–
(9,383)
(22,609)
4,921

87
1,249
5,923
(2,616)
4,643
278
4,921

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)
(527)
(954)
(4,757)
(227)
(385)
(10,986)

(377)
(238)
(3,536)
(4,390)
(232)
(55)
(300)
(5)
(9,133)
(20,119)
5,511

87
1,249
6,156
(2,085)
5,407
104
5,511

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
Profit on sale and leaseback
Loss/(gain) 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, and contract liabilities

Research and development expenditure credits – cash received
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
Proceeds from sale of non-current other investments
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
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 inflow from loans
Cash outflow from repayment of loans
Net cash flow from financing activities
Net increase/(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
Comprising:

Cash and cash equivalents
Overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

Notes

6
4
1
5
2
4
2,4
4
2,4

12

12
34
19

26

28

2020 
£m
1,371
225
(28)
(69)
334
675
(6)
(25)
(21)
5 
74
(30)
(1,396)

24
–
122
162
(251)
1,166
27
19
10
(385)
(92)
68 
–
19
(2)
(1,706)
5
(2,037)
(227)
(746)
(19)
27
(236)
16
(2)
2,666
(506)
973 
102 
2,587
(22)
2,667

2,768
(101)
2,667

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

2,587
–
2,587

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

193

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic reportNotes to the  
Group accounts

1. Segmental analysis and revenue recognition

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. A provision for 
warranties is recognised when the underlying products and services are sold (see note 25 for further detail).

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 variable price mechanisms, 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, for example in 
the case of ongoing maintenance and support of aircraft and flying capability), 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, such as in the production of ships or aircraft to customers’ unique specifications).

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 including the impact of COVID-19 and climate change. 
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.

194

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

1. Segmental analysis and revenue recognition 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, navigation 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, space electronics and electric drive propulsion 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 financial security activities;

–   Platforms & Services (US), with operations in the US, UK and Sweden, manufactures and upgrades 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;

–  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 196) and underlying EBITA (see page 197). Finance costs and taxation expense are managed on a Group basis. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

195

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report1. Segmental analysis and revenue recognition continued

Alternative performance measure – Sales
Definition: Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue of equity accounted investments, excluding subsidiaries’ revenue from 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 Europe
US
Canada
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Rest of Middle East
Australia
Rest of Asia and Pacific
Africa, and Central and South America

2020
£m
4,557
1,812
3,503
7,910
3,257
190
21,229
(367)
20,862

2019
£m
4,439 
1,732 
3,337 
7,457 
3,116 
387 
20,468 
(359)
20,109 

2020
£m
(45)
–
(108)
(2,289)
(65)
(151)
(2,658)
6
(2,652)

2019
£m
(114)
– 
(153)
(2,221)
(50)
(344)
(2,882)
4
(2,878)

2020
£m
45
–
4
972
3
1
1,025
42
1,067

2019
£m
114 
– 
1 
917 
5 
–
1,037 
37 
1,074 

2020
£m
4,557 
1,812 
3,399 
6,593
3,195 
40
19,596
(319)
19,277 

2019
£m
4,439 
1,732 
3,185 
6,153 
3,071 
43 
18,623 
(318)
18,305 

Intra-group revenue

Revenue from 
external customers

2020
£m
95 
81 
32 
13 
89 
9 
319 

2019
£m
89 
102 
43 
12 
62 
10 
318 

2020
£m
4,462 
1,731 
3,367 
6,580
3,106 
31
19,277

2019
£m
4,350 
1,630 
3,142 
6,141 
3,009 
33 
18,305 

Sales

Revenue

2020
£m
3,965
2,017
9,315 
114 
2,716 
1,104
335 
665 
578 
53
20,862

2019
£m
3,850
2,095
8,642
129
2,693
698
482
667
564
289
20,109

2020
£m
3,751
1,235 
9,309 
114 
2,631 
913
309
664 
332 
19
19,277

2019
£m
3,681
1,156
8,635
129
2,593
581
410
667
424
29
18,305

196

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued1. Segmental analysis and revenue recognition continued
Revenue from external customers by domain

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime
HQ

Air
£m
3,884
240 
43 
6,007
–
31
10,205

Maritime
£m
105 
414 
1,180 
396 
2,879 
–
4,974

2020

Land 
£m
473 
77 
2,144
177
227
–
3,098

Cyber
£m
–
1,000 
–
–
–
–
1,000

Total 
£m
4,462 
1,731 
3,367
6,580
3,106
31
19,277

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

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 Defence
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence and Aviation

2020
£m
6,899
4,030
2,559

2019
£m
6,547
3,868
2,541

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.

Alternative performance measure – 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-employment benefit schemes, and other exceptional items which management has determined as not being 
relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying business performance.

2020
The non-recurring credit of £19m in 2020 comprises a settlement gain on the US pension annuity buy-out of £64m, partly offset by 
acquisition-related costs of £20m, a £13m impairment charge relating to Platforms & Services (US)’s legacy Commercial Shipbuilding 
business which the business exited in 2018, a Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation charge of £7m, and a loss on business 
disposals of £5m.

2019
The non-recurring charge of £27m comprised 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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

197

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report1. Segmental analysis and revenue recognition continued
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)

2020
£m
684
136
195
941
306
(130)
2,132

2019
£m
687 
91 
267 
887 
268 
(83)
2,117 

2020
£m
15
3
7
–
–
(6)
19

2019
£m
– 
– 
(13) 
(28) 
14 
– 
(27) 

2020
£m
(51)
(1)
(6)
(31)
(31)
(21)
(141)

2019
£m
(15) 
(11) 
(11) 
(32) 
(25) 
(21) 
(115) 

2020
£m
–
–
(13)
(48)
(3)
(16)
(80)

2019
£m
– 
– 
(4) 
(50) 
(4) 
(18) 
(76) 

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime
HQ

Net finance costs
Profit before taxation
Taxation expense 
Profit for the year 

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

2020
£m
2
16
157
10
(27)
158

2019
£m
5
21 
188 
8 
30 
252 

2020
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–

2019
£m
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–

2020
£m
–
(1)
(8)
–
–
(9)

2019
£m
– 
(1)
(7)
–
–
(8)

2020
£m
–
(13)
(48)
(3)
(16)
(80)

2019
£m
– 
(4)
(50)
(4)
(18)
(76)

2020
£m
648
138
183
862
272
(173)
1,930
(334)
1,596
(225)
1,371

2019
£m
672
80
239
777
253
(122) 

1,899
(273)
1,626
(94)
1,532

Share of results 
of equity accounted 
investments

2020
£m
2
2
101
7
(43)
69

2019
£m
5
16
131
4
12 
168

Alternative performance measure – 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

2020
£bn
45.2
(2.2)
(10.9)
4.2
36.3

2019
£bn
45.4
(2.2)
(9.2)
3.2
37.2

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 44% (2019 40%) of the order book will be recognised as revenue during the next year, with the 
remainder largely recognised over the following four (2019 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 (2019 £0.3bn) was 
recognised during the year in respect of performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods.

198

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued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
Depreciation
Amortisation
Impairment – property, plant and equipment (note 9), and right-of-use assets (note 10)
Impairment – intangible assets (note 8)
Impairment – inventory write down
Acquisition-related costs
Derecognition of intangible assets (note 8) 
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

2020
£m
6,689
88
6,687
7
543
128
–
4
13
20
–
–
5
3,502
17,686

2019
£m
6,448
(20)
6,417
–
511
101
6
6
–
–
36
1
13
3,205
16,724

Operating costs includes research and development expenditure of £228m (2019 £224m) funded by the Group. Development investment 
of £8m (2019 £13m) 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 non-audit services

Total non-audit fees
Total fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates

2020

UK
£’000

Overseas
£’000

Total
£’000

UK
£’000

2019

Overseas
£’000

Total
£’000

2,555

–

2,555

2,032

–

2,032

3,393
5,948
1,137
25
1,162
7,110

5,772
5,772
716
7
723
6,495

9,165
11,720
1,853
32
1,885
13,605

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

1. Audit-related assurance services principally comprises fees in respect of the review of the Group’s Half-yearly Report, the audit of BAE Systems pension schemes and 

comfort letter procedures performed related to the bonds issued to fund the £1bn pension deficit contribution advancement (note 24) and the US acquisitions (note 34).

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

199

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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

2020
Number
’000
16
10
12
24
16
2
80

2019
Number
’000
16
10
12
23
16
2
79

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 31)
Pension costs – defined contribution plans (note 24)
Pension costs – defined benefit plans (note 24)
Other post-employment benefit costs (note 24)

1. After excluding the impact of exchange translation, wages and salaries increased by approximately 3% per employee in 2020.

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 (note 10)
Operating lease income from subleasing right-of-use assets (note 10)
Profit on disposal of businesses
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Profit on disposal of investment property
Gain on sale and leaseback
Gain on revaluation of other investments
Management recharges to equity accounted investments (note 32)
Royalties
Settlement gain on transfer of US pension liabilities (note 24)
Other 1
Other income

2020
Number
’000
16
10
12
24
17
2
81

2020
£m
 5,727 
 426 
 74 
 242 
 206 
 12 
 6,687 

2019
Number
’000
16
10
12
23
16
2
79

2019
£m
5,505
402
74
226
192
18
6,417

2020
£m
28
30
–
–
12
13
21
6
19
20
64
57
270

2019
£m
12
28
1
22
–
10
–
–
19
11
–
47
150

1. Includes £15m (2019 £15m) for capital spend recovery in respect of Saudi Arabia Industrial Participation investments and a £9m (2019 £7m) recovery of site development 

costs for the Dreadnought programme in Barrow.

200

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued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 income
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 24)
Loss on remeasurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss1,2
Foreign exchange gains2,3
Financial expense
Net finance costs

2020
£m
16
1
17
(196)
(4)
(44)
(8)
(68)
(158)
127
(351)
(334)

2019
£m
26
1
27
(187)
(4)
(48)
(28)
(114)
(73)
154
(300)
(273)

1. 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.

2. The net gain or loss on remeasurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss and the net gain or loss on foreign exchange are presented within 

finance costs as the gains and losses relate to the same underlying transactions.

3. The foreign exchange gains 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

2020
£m

(334)
(32)
(366)

(235)
(20)
(255)

(68)
(31)

(2)
(10)
(366)

2019
£m

(273)
(23)
(296)

(240)
(17)
(257)

(114)
81

(3)
(3)
(296)

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 loss (2019 gain) primarily reflects foreign exchange translational losses (2019 gains) on US dollar-denominated bonds held by BAE Systems plc.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

201

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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

202

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

2020
£m

2019
£m

(115)
–
(115)

(171)
53
(118)
(233)

(1)
1
4
4

(2)
(10)
16
4
8
(225)

(111)
(114)
(225)

(91)
(89)
(180)

(208)
297
89
(91)

3
(3)
(1)
(1)

11
(13)
–
(2)
(3)
(94)

(181)
87
(94)

Notes to the Group accounts continued6. Taxation expense continued
Reconciliation of taxation expense 
The following table reconciles the theoretical income tax expense, using the UK corporation tax rate, to the reported tax expense. The 
reconciling items represent, besides the impact of tax rate differentials and changes, non-taxable benefits or non-deductible expenses arising from 
differences between the local tax base and the reported financial statements.

Profit before taxation

UK corporation tax rate
Expected income tax expense
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions, including US state taxes
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
Add back/(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)

2020 
£m
1,596

2019
£m
1,626

19%
(303)
(45)
(6)
54
12
(1)
(1)
1
(3)
44
13
20
(10)
(225)

2020 
£m
1,596
48
4
1,648

(225)
(48)
–
(273)

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)

Underlying effective tax rate

17%

19%

The one-off tax benefit in 2019 related to two items. Firstly, following agreements reached in respect of overseas tax matters, a benefit was 
recognised. Secondly, following review of the April 2019 EU Commission decision that concluded that the UK’s Controlled Foreign Company 
regime partially represented State Aid, a provision was recognised for the estimated exposure.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

203

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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 loss/(gain) on hedging instruments reclassified 

to the income statement
Equity accounted investments

Before 
 tax 
£m

(1,361)
–
(71)

(224)
(35)
46

42
(2)
(1,605)

2020

Tax 
benefit/ 
(expense)  
£m

Net of tax 
£m

2019

Tax
benefit/
(expense) 
£m

Before 
 tax 
£m

Net of tax 
£m

256
74
16

(1,105)
74
(55)

–
–
(9)

(224)
(35)
37

(7)
(1)
329

35
(3)
(1,276)

(556)
–
(52)

(327)
(8)
11

(7)
12
(927)

76
(19)
14

–
–
(2)

2
(6)
65

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 loss/(gain) on hedging instruments reclassified 

to the income statement
Equity accounted investments

Tax on other comprehensive income

Other 
reserves 
£m

2020

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Total 
£m

Other 
reserves 
£m

2019

Retained 
earnings 
£m

–
–

–
–
(9)

(7)
(1)
(17)
(17)

83
83

173
74
–

–
16
263
346

83
83

173
74
(9)

(7)
15
246
329

–
–

–
–
(2)

2
(6)
(6)
(6)

28
28

48
(19)
–

–
14
43
71

204

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

(480)
(19)
(38)

(327)
(8)
9

(5)
6
(862)

Total 
£m

28
28

48
(19)
(2)

2
8
37
65

Notes to the Group accounts continued7. Earnings per share 

Alternative performance measure – 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

2020

Basic  
pence 
per share
40.7

Diluted 
pence 
per share
40.5

46.8

46.5

46.8

46.5

£m
1,299

117
58

34
(15)
1,493
–
1,493

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

Millions

Millions

Millions

Millions

3,191

3,191
19

3,210

3,183

3,183
18

3,201

1. The tax impact is calculated using the underlying effective tax rate of 17% (2019 19%). The calculation of the underlying effective tax rate is shown in note 6.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

205

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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.

206

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued8. Intangible assets continued

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2019 
Additions:

Acquired separately
Internally developed

Business acquisitions (note 34)
Derecognition
Disposals1 
Reclassification as held for sale
Net transfer from property, plant and equipment
Foreign exchange adjustments 
At 31 December 2019
Additions:

Acquired separately
Internally developed

Business acquisitions (note 34)
Disposals1 
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Foreign exchange adjustments 
At 31 December 2020
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2019
Amortisation2
Impairment charge
Disposals1
Reclassification as held for sale
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2019
Amortisation2
Impairment charge
Disposals1
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2020
Net book value
At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019
At 1 January 2019

Goodwill 
£m

Software
£m

Development
costs
£m

Programme  
and 
customer-
related 
£m

15,078

–
–
30
–
–
(48)
–
(320)
14,740

–
–
1,062
–
–
(247)
15,555

4,839
–
–
–
–
–
(83)
4,756
–
–
–
(47)
4,709

10,846
9,984
10,239

775

67
18
–
(36)
(79)
(8)
19
(13)
743

62
22
–
(6)
16
–
837

400
87
6
(78)
(8)
9
(12)
404
86
4
(6)
(1)
487

350
339
375

105

–
13
–
–
(7)
–
–
(5)
106

–
8
–
–
–
(3)
111

73
10
–
(7)
–
–
(4)
72
5
–
–
(2)
75

36
34
32

236

–
–
1
–
(1)
(60)
–
(9)
167

–
–
500
(109)
–
(16)
542

227
5
–
(1)
(60)
–
(8)
163
36
–
(109)
4
94

448
4
9

Other
£m

Total 
£m

93

16,287

9
–
3
–
(65)
–
–
(2)
38

–
–
66
–
–
(5)
99

90
5
–
(65)
–
–
(2)
28
6
–
–
–
34

65
10
3

76
31
34
(36)
(152)
(116)
19
(349)
15,794

62
30
1,628
(115)
16
(271)
17,144

5,629
107
6
(151)
(68)
9
(109)
5,423
133
4
(115)
(46)
5,399

11,745
10,371
10,658

1. Includes intangible assets with nil net book value no longer used by the Group.
2. Amortisation of £133m (2019 £107m) includes £128m (2019 £101m) charged to the income statement as an amortisation expense and £5m (2019 £6m) recoverable 

on customer contracts.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

207

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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, as well as the impact of evolving issues such as COVID-19, climate change and Brexit. Pre-tax 
discount rates, derived from the Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital of 6.13% (2019 6.62%) (adjusted for risks specific to the 
market in which the CGU operates), have been used in discounting these projected risk-adjusted cash flows. The Airborne Tactical Radios and 
Military GPS businesses acquired during the year have been included in the Electronic Systems CGU.

Significant CGUs
Goodwill allocated to CGUs which are largely dependent on US government spending on defence, aerospace and security represents £8.8bn 
(2019 £8.0bn) 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

2020 
£bn
4.8

2019
£bn
3.9

2020 
%
9

2019
%
8

0.7

0.7

3.3

3.4

9

9

8

8

The headroom, calculated as the difference between net assets including allocated goodwill as at 31 December 2020 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, a 1% increase in the discount rate and a 1% reduction in the operating margin used in the value in use calculations.

Cash-Generating Unit
Electronic Systems
Intelligence & Security
Platforms & Services (US)

Headroom as at 
31 December

2020 
£bn
4.7
0.7
1.2

2019
£bn
5.7
0.9
2.2

Headroom assuming  
a 1% reduction in the 
terminal value growth  
rate assumption

2020 
£bn
3.2
0.5
0.5

2019
£bn 
4.1
0.7
1.3

Headroom assuming  
a 1% increase in the  
discount rate

Headroom assuming  
a 1% reduction in 
operating margin

2020 
£bn
2.9
0.4
0.3

2019
£bn
3.8
0.6
1.1

2020 
£bn
4.0
0.5
0.7

2019
£bn
4.9
0.7
1.6

Other CGUs
The remaining goodwill balance of £2.0bn (2019 £2.0bn) is allocated across multiple CGUs, including £0.4bn allocated to the Land Munitions 
CGU. No individual CGU exceeds 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 the Land Munitions CGU, its future cash flows are underpinned by the Next Generation 
Munitions Solution contract secured in 2020. At 31 December 2020, the carrying value of this CGU is broadly equal to its recoverable amount 
and therefore sensitive to movements in the key assumptions.

Capital commitments
At 31 December 2020, capital expenditure of £20m (2019 £16m) in respect of intangible assets was contracted for but not provided 
for in the accounts.

208

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued9. Property, plant and equipment

Cost
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost of self-constructed 
assets includes the cost of materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of production overheads. The cost of demonstration 
assets is written off as incurred. 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. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

209

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report9. Property, plant and equipment continued

Cost
At 1 January 2019
Additions1
Reclassification as held for sale
Transfer to intangible assets
Reclassification between categories
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2019
Additions1
Business acquisitions (note 34)
Transfer to intangible assets
Reclassification between categories
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2020
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2019
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 2019
Depreciation charge for the year
Reversal of impairment charge
Reclassification between categories
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2020
Net book value 
At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019
At 1 January 2019

Land and 
buildings 
£m

Plant and 
machinery 
£m

2,315
199
(37)
–
(14)
(21)
(48)
2,394
268
–
(9)
30
(131)
(21)
2,531

1,145
87
2
(21)
–
(13)
(19)
(28)
1,153
88
(2)
2
(116)
(12)
1,113

1,418
1,241
1,170

3,398
238
(25)
(19)
23
(108)
(72)
3,435
279
28
(7)
(30)
(50)
(45)
3,610

2,203
199
1
(22)
(9)
22
(105)
(50)
2,239
213
–
(2)
(48)
(29)
2,373

1,237
1,196
1,195

Total 
£m

5,713
437
(62)
(19)
9
(129)
(120)
5,829
547
28
(16)
–
(181)
(66)
6,141

3,348
286
3
(43)
(9)
9
(124)
(78)
3,392
301
(2)
–
(164)
(41)
3,486

2,655
2,437
2,365

1. Includes £170m (2019 £93m) of land and buildings at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Dreadnought submarine programme funded by the UK government.

210

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued9. Property, plant and equipment continued
Net impairment

Electronic Systems
Platforms & Services (US)

2020 
£m
(2)
–
(2)

2019 
£m
2
1
3

2020
The impairment charge raised in Electronic Systems in 2019 was written back in 2020 due to the sale of the property in Austin, Texas.

2019
The impairment charge in Electronic Systems related to building structural issues in Austin, Texas.

Assets in the course of construction 

At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019

Land and
buildings1
£m
470
313

Plant and
machinery
£m
260
214

Total 
£m
730
527

1. Includes £350m (2019 £210m) at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Dreadnought submarine programme funded by the UK government.

Capital commitments
At 31 December 2020, capital expenditure of £134m (2019 £205m) 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.

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

211

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report10. Leases continued
Right-of-use assets

Additions during the year
Business acquisitions (note 34)
Depreciation expense for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Net book value

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

Land and 
buildings 
£m
142
12
222
–
1,037

Plant and 
machinery 
£m
11
–
10
2
16

Total 
£m
153
12
232
2
1,053

Land and 
buildings 
£m
129
–
207
3
1,120

Plant and 
machinery 
£m
9
–
10
–
18

Total 
£m
138
–
217
3
1,138

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 undiscounted gross payments
Deduct Impact of discounting
Lease liabilities

2020 
£m

2019 
£m

270
633
551
1,454
(198)
1,256

297
710
566
1,573
(219)
1,354

The Group is also committed to future undiscounted lease payments of £95m in respect of leases which had not yet commenced 
at 31 December 2020 (2019 £84m).

The total cash outflow for leases in the year ended 31 December 2020, including short-term leases and low-value leases, amounted 
to £304m (2019 £317m).

Amounts recognised in the income statement

Included in operating costs:
Depreciation on right-of-use assets
Impairment of 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

2020 
£m

(232)
(2)
(23)
(3)
(260)

30
–
30

1
(44)
(43)

2019 
£m

(217)
(3)
(30)
(5)
(255)

28
1
29

1
(48)
(47)

212

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued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:

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

2020 
£m

2019 
£m

30
29
27
26
–
4
116

28
25
24
23
22
3
125

Finance lease receivables
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.

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)

2020 
£m

2019 
£m

11
10
11
9
5
11
57
(4)
53

11
11
11
10
10
15
68
(5)
63

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

213

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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. 

£m

160
45
15
(11)
209
8
(17)
200

62
2
8
72
10
(10)
72

128
137
98

322
222

Cost
At 1 January 2019
Cost recognised on transition to IFRS 16
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2019
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2020
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2019
Impairment recognised on transition to IFRS 16
Depreciation charge for the year
At 31 December 2019
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2020
Net book value 
At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019
At 1 January 2019

Fair value 
At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019

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 2020, capital expenditure of £34m (2019 £45m) in respect of investment property was contracted for but not provided 
for in the accounts.

214

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued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
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 to hedging reserve, net of tax
Foreign exchange adjustments
Total comprehensive income for the year (100%)

2020

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
2,715
12
–
1
–
(4)
9
–
–
–
9

MBDA 
£m
3,193
479
(114)
7
(18)
(106)
248
(148)
4
(6)
98

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

Group’s share of total comprehensive income for the year

3

37

8

66

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%)

16
9
1,143
1,152
–
(68)
(68)
–
(1,065)
(1,065)
35

2,440
2,552
4,410
6,962
(3)
(866)
(869)
–
(7,964)
(7,964)
569

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

1. Operating profit excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets (EBITA), and non-recurring items.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

215

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report12. Equity accounted investments continued

Group’s share of net assets
Goodwill adjustment
Carrying value

Dividends received 

2020

2019

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
12
–
12

MBDA 
£m
213
6
219

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
6

2020

MBDA 
£m
–

Total 
£m
225
6
231

Total 
£m
6

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

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 2020 are as follows: Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) (£78m), FADEC International (£43m), FNSS (£24m) 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 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

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/(charged) to hedging reserve 
Tax on items that may be reclassified to the income statement

Group’s share of total comprehensive income for the year
Equity accounted investment reclassified as held for sale (note 19)
Equity accounted investment funding
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2020

Principal equity 
accounted
investments
£m
207
96
(52)
14
3
16
(3)
74
–
–
–
(76)
(11)
194
95
(71)
16
(2)
2
–
40
–
–
(6)
3
231

Other
£m
211
72
–
–
–
15
(3)
84
(66)
76
6
(66)
(11)
234
(26)
–
–
–
(6)
(1)
(33)
(5)
2
(21)
1
178

Total 
£m
418
168
(52)
14
3
31
(6)
158
(66)
76
6
(142)
(22)
428
69
(71)
16
(2)
(4)
(1)
7
(5)
2
(27)
4
409

Contingent liabilities
The Group is not aware of any material contingent liabilities in respect of its equity accounted investments. 

216

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued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
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 32)
Prepayments
Accrued income
Finance lease receivables (note 10)
Other receivables1

1. Includes £234m (2019 £129m) in relation to VAT receivable in Saudi Arabia.

2020 
£m

27
68
1
344
43
23
506

2,579
1,611
69
646
89
10
487
5,491

2019
£m

38
61
1
322
53
9
484

2,649
1,405
53
855
82
10
404
5,458

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

217

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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.

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.

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

2020

2019

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

111
–
137
248

180
9
–
189

(96)
(4)
(182)
(282)

(136)
(28)
(17)
(181)

233
14
103
350

203
7
–
210

(221)
–
(6)
(227)

(174)
(28)
(30)
(232)

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 4.75% bond, repayable 2021, the US$800m 3.8% bond, repayable 2024, the US$500m 7.5% bond, repayable 2027, 
the US$1,300m 3.4% bond, repayable 2030, 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.

218

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued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% (2019 50%) and a maximum of 90% (2019 90%) of gross debt is 
maintained at fixed interest rates. At 31 December 2020, the Group had 88% (2019 80%) of fixed rate debt and 12% (2019 20%) of floating 
rate debt based on a gross debt of £5.5bn (2019 £3.3bn), 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
2,768
655

Between one  
and two years 
£m
–
655

More than  
two years 
£m
–
655

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 2020, the Group had a total of $0.9bn (2019 $0.9bn) of this type of swap 
outstanding with a weighted average duration of 3.8 years (2019 4.8 years). In respect of the fixed rate debt, the weighted average period in 
respect of which interest is fixed was 12.1 years (2019 7.1 years). Given the level of short-term interest rates during the year, the average cost 
of the floating rate debt was 3.4% (2019 5.3%) on US dollars. The cost of the fixed rate debt was 4.1% (2019 4.7%). 

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 (2019 £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 £22m (2019 £15m).

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 2020

Contracted cash outflow

Less  
than 
one  
year 
£m
(676)

Between 
one and 
five  
years 
£m
(2,240)

More 
than 
five  
years 
£m
(5,013)

Carrying 
amount 
£m
(5,424)

Total 
£m
(7,929)

Carrying 
amount 
£m
(3,397)

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)

Total 
£m
(4,867)

291
(232)

(6,190)
(6,228)

(4,241)
(4,582)

(343) (10,774)
(431) (11,241)

436
(395)

(5,098)
(5,078)

(5,006)
(5,933)

(438)
(602)

(10,542)
(11,613)

9

(516)

–

–

(516)

21

(351)

–

–

(351)

(1,515)
(40)
(457)

–
(144)
(141)

–
(47)
(158)

(1,515)
(231)
(756)

(32)
137
(199)
(26)

(28)
103
(36)
101

(1,679)
(53)
(442)

–
(213)
(248)

–
(370)
–

(1,679)
(636)
(690)

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).

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

219

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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 2020, the Group had a committed Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) of £2bn (2019 £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 2020, the Group had no Commercial Paper 
in issue (2019 £nil).

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

Maturity 
date

to 2029
to 2031
to 2026

1.33
1.09
n/a

Purchase/(sale) contracts:

Sterling/US dollar
Sterling/euro
Other

Cash flow hedges

31 December 2020

Change in  
the value of 
hedging 
instruments  
since 
1 January
£m

Change in  
the value of  
hedged items  
since 
1 January
£m

31 December 2019

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

8
81
(43)
46

(8)
(81)
43
(46)

(137)
(356)
(4)
(497)

to 2029
to 2029
to 2026

1.32
1.11
n/a

71
(34)
(26)
11

(71)
34
26
(11)

(83)
(640)
(46)
(769)

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 $4,420m at a cost of £3,284m and sold $4,150m for £3,147m, resulting in a net purchase of $270m at a cost of 
£137m. For designated sterling/euro cash flow hedges, the Group has purchased €8,174m at a cost of £7,469m and sold €7,773m for £7,113m, 
resulting in a net purchase of €401m at a cost of £356m. The Group also hedges purchases and sales in multiple other currency pairs, with 
£1,594m (2019 £2,288m) of currencies purchased at a cost of £1,598m (2019 £2,333m).

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 £226m (2019 £52m).

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 subcontractors 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, including risk arising amid the 
COVID-19 pandemic; 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 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 (2019 4%).

220

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued14. Other financial assets and liabilities and financial risk management continued
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

2020 
£m
20
19
(3)
36

2019
£m
30
(9)
(1)
20

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 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

2020

Provision 
£m
–
–
(36)
(36)

Gross 
£m
1,029
544
74
1,647

Net 
£m
1,029
544
38
1,611

Gross 
£m
750
388
287
1,425

2019

Provision 
£m
–
–
(20)
(20)

Net 
£m
750
388
267
1,405

Trade receivables past 180 days overdue primarily include amounts which 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.

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 (BBB- and above) credit ratings for 
short periods. The cash and cash equivalents balance at 31 December 2020 of £2,768m (2019 £2,587m) was invested with 38 (2019 28) 
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. The cash and cash 
equivalents balance is subject to review for impairment under IFRS 9 as set out below:

Counterparty credit rating at 31 December
AAA to AA-
A+ to A-
BBB+ to BBB-

Offsetting financial assets and liabilities

2020
59%
40%
1%

2019
41%
51%
8%

2020

2019

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 18
Other financial assets
Liabilities
Overdrafts
Other financial liabilities

21

2,768
437

(101)
(463)

–
–

–
–

2,768
437

–
(303)

2,768
134

(101)
(463)

–
285

(101)
(178)

2,593
560

(6)
(459)

(6)
–

6
–

2,587
560

–
(432)

2,587
128

–
(459)

–
412

–
(47)

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 £285m 

(2019 £412m) in respect of recognised financial instruments and £18m (2019 £20m) in respect of cash collateral.

5. The net balances after deducting the amounts in (4) from (3).

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

221

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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.

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 other 1

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

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Net balance at  
31 December

2020 
£m
33
4
199
–

845
251
19
–
17
–
11
7
1,386
(414)
972

2019
£m
36
–
194
–

759
98
20
–
10
–
10
8
1,135
(409)
726

2020 
£m
(103)
–
–
(279)

–
–
–
(18)
(3)
(11)
–
–
(414)
414
–

2019
£m
(85)
(1)
–
(278)

–
(1)
–
(7)
(27)
(10)
–
–
(409)
409
–

2020 
£m
(70)
4
199
(279)

845
251
19
(18)
14
(11)
11
7
972
–
972

2019
£m
(49)
(1)
194
(278)

759
97
20
(7)
(17)
(10)
10
8
726
–
726

1. Includes deferred tax assets on US deferred compensation plans and, for 2020, relief to be claimed in future periods on UK pension contributions. 

222

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued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 other1

Share-based payments
Financial instruments
Other items
Rolled over capital gains
Capital losses carried forward
Trading losses carried forward

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Provisions and accruals
Goodwill 
Pension/post-employment schemes:

Deficits
Additional contributions and other 1

Share-based payments
Financial instruments
Other items
Rolled over capital gains
Capital losses carried forward
Trading losses carried forward

At 
1 January  
2020 
£m
(49)
(1)
194
(278)

Foreign  
exchange 
adjustments 
£m
5
–
(5)
9

Acquisitions
and disposals
£m
–
(3)
–
–

Recognised
in income
£m
(26)
8
10
(10)

Recognised
in equity
£m
–
–
–
–

At 
31 December 
 2020 
£m
(70)
4
199
(279)

759
97
20
(7)
(17)
(10)
10
8
726

(1)
(3)
–
–
(1)
–
–
–
4

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(3)

(11)
8
–
(2)
32
(1)
1
(1)
8

98
149
(1)
(9)
–
–
–
–
237

845
251
19
(18)
14
(11)
11
7
972

At 
1 January  
2019 
£m
(57)
(1)
202
(283)

Foreign  
exchange 
adjustments 
£m
3
1
(8)
10

Acquisitions
and disposals
£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

1. Includes deferred tax assets on US deferred compensation plans and, for 2020, relief to be claimed in future periods on UK pension contributions.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

223

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report15. Deferred tax continued
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

2020

2019

Gross  
amount  
£m
2
215
289
506

Unrecognised 
deferred  
tax asset  
£m
2
41
43
86

Gross  
amount  
£m
3
221
202
426

Unrecognised 
deferred  
tax asset  
£m
2
38
24
64

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 £467m (2019 £191m) relating to potentially taxable 
unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries and equity accounted investments because the Group is in a position to control the timing of the 
reversal of the temporary differences and none are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.

Changes in tax rates
Both recognised and unrecognised UK deferred tax balances as at 31 December 2020 have been calculated at a rate of 19% (2019 17%). As at 
31 December 2019, legislation was in place for the UK current tax rate to be reduced from 19% to 17% with effect from 1 April 2020. However, 
under the Finance Act 2020, the rate was retained at 19%. The impact of the increase in rate at which UK deferred tax balances are calculated 
by 2% has been recorded partly in the Consolidated income statement but mainly 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

2020 
£m
459
320
79
858

2019
£m
375
348
112
835

The Group recognised £21m (2019 £14m) 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

2020 
£m
(185)
56
63
(66)

6
(72)
(66)

2019
£m
(180)
187
(43)
(36)

19
(55)
(36)

Tax provisions of £185m (2019 £180m) are in respect of known tax issues, of which £146m (2019 £142m) 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 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.

224

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued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 and which 
form an integral part of the Group’s cash management.

Cash
Money market funds
Short-term deposits

2020 
£m
919
966
883
2,768

2019
£m
1,039
680
868
2,587

Cash and cash equivalents includes £109m (2019 £283m) 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.

Advanced Electronics Company
In 2019, the Group’s Overhaul and Maintenance Company (OMC) subsidiary entered into a heads of terms for the sale of its 50% shareholding 
in Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) to Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI). The sale of AEC completed in February 2021. AEC is 
included in the Air segment.

Silversky
The divestment of the Silversky business completed on 2 November 2020. Silversky was included in the Cyber & Intelligence segment.

Business disposals
The loss recognised on the disposal of Silversky was as follows:

Fair value of consideration received
Net assets disposed
Expenses incurred on disposal
Cumulative currency translation gain
Loss on disposal

Net cash inflow arising on disposal:

Cash consideration received
Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed

The loss on disposal is included in the profit for the year from continuing operations, as a component of operating costs (note 2).

2020
£m
14
(51)
(3)
35
(5)

10
(5)
5

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

225

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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
Deferred tax assets
Inventories
Trade, other and contract receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Net assets disposed

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
Trade, other and contract receivables
Assets held for sale

Trade and other payables
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

226

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Total
£m
87
17
–
19
24
2
(23)
(7)
119

Total
£m
48
11
66
5
5
135

(5)
(5)

2020

2019

UK-based 
combat 
vehicles  
£m
87
9
–
2
15
2
(15)
(7)
93

Silversky  
£m
32
3
5
–
7
5
(1)
–
51

AACC
£m
–
8
–
17
9
–
(8)
–
26

2020

2019

AEC
£m
17
6
71
–
–
94

–
–

Silversky 
£m
31
3
–
5
5
44

(5)
(5)

Notes

24
14
15,17
16
13
18
19

AEC
£m
17
8
66
–
–
91

–
–

2020 
£m
4,219
1,065
10,202
538
471
1
16,496
408
437
978
858
5,491
2,768
94
27,530

2019
£m
4,119
935
8,830
679
435
10
15,008
302
560
745
835
5,458
2,587
135
25,630

Notes to the Group accounts continued 
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 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$1,300m 3.4% bond, repayable 2030
US$1,000m 1.9% bond, repayable 2031
US$400m 5.8% bond, repayable 2041
US$550m 4.75% bond, repayable 2044
US$1,000m 3% bond, repayable 2050

Current
Overdrafts
US$500m 2.85% bond, repayable 2020
US$500m 4.75% bond, repayable 2021

2020 
£m

2019 
£m

–
399
584
545
364
942
724
290
393
716
4,957

101
–
366
467

377
399
602
561
376
–
–
299
406
–
3,020

–
377
–
377

In April, BAE Systems issued $1.3bn (£1.0bn) of ten-year bonds in the US capital market maturing in 2030 at a 3.4% coupon. The proceeds were 
used to fund the £1.0bn contribution into the BAE Systems Pension Scheme. In September, BAE Systems issued $2.0bn (£1.5bn) of bonds in the 
US capital market comprising a $1.0bn (£0.8bn) ten-year bond maturing in 2031 at a 1.9% coupon and a $1.0bn (£0.8bn) 30-year bond maturing 
in 2050 at a 3.0% coupon. The proceeds were applied in the repayment of the $1.9bn bridge loan facility that had been drawn to fund the 
acquisition of the Military GPS business from Raytheon Technologies Corporation.

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 2020 of 4.3%.

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 2020 of 2.9%.

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 2020 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 2020 of 4.5%.

US$1,237m of the US$1,300m 3.4% bond, repayable 2030, was converted at issue to a sterling fixed rate bond by utilising cross-currency 
swaps and has an effective rate during 2020 of 3.5%.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

227

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report22. Contract liabilities

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.

Non-current
Contract liabilities
Current
Contract liabilities

2020 
£m

2019
£m

524

527

3,238
3,762

3,536
4,063

Revenue recognised in the year includes £3,150m (2019 £3,422m) that was included in the opening contract liabilities balance.

Non-current and current contract liabilities as at 1 January 2019 were £560m and £3,496m, respectively.

The reduction in contract liabilities since 2019 is primarily due to utilisation of customer advances during the year.

23. Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are stated at amortised cost.

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
Accruals
Amounts owed to equity accounted investments (note 32)
Other taxes and social security costs
Deferred income1
US deferred compensation plan liabilities
Other payables

Current
Trade payables
Amounts owed to equity accounted investments (note 32)
Other taxes and social security costs
Accruals
Deferred income
Other payables

2020 
£m

53
11
36
687
350
27
1,164

697
1,156
536
2,128
131
250
4,898

2019
£m

48
–
–
536
339
31
954

675
1,134
123
2,094
135
229
4,390

1. Includes £678m (2019 £524m) of funding received from the UK government for property, plant and equipment at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Dreadnought 

submarine programme.

228

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued24. 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 233. 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 2020.

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. The largest funded defined 
benefit scheme is the Main Scheme which represents 93% (2019 93%) of the UK IAS 19 defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2020. 
The schemes in other countries are primarily defined contribution schemes. 

At 31 December 2020, the weighted average durations of the UK and US defined benefit pension obligations were 18 years (2019 17 years) 
and 12 years (2019 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. 
2. Source: Annual updates of the US schemes as at 1 January 2020. 

Active 
%
31
28

Deferred 
%
21
16

Pensioner 
%
48
56

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

229

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report24. 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 judgment 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 2020, an allowance 
of £145m (2019 £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 2019, and reflects the updated UK IAS 19 valuations as at 31 December 2020.

A further UK High Court judgment was delivered on 20 November 2020 which ruled that past cash-equivalent transfer values needed to account 
for gender equalisation for the effect of GMPs. The additional liability resulting from this is estimated to be £7m. This has been included within 
the 2020 pension deficit (before allocation to equity accounted investments) and recognised as a non-recurring past service cost.

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.

Funding 
Introduction
Disclosures in respect of pension funding are provided below. Disclosures in respect of pension accounting under IAS 19 are provided 
on pages 233 to 239.

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 233. 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.

230

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued24. 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 funding valuations as at 31 March 2020 are ongoing for the BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme, 
Royal Ordnance Pension Scheme and Royal Ordnance Senior Staff Pension Scheme. The valuations are expected to be concluded during the 
first half of 2021.

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 2020.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

231

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report24. 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 2020, total employer contributions to the Group’s pension schemes were £1,701m (2019 £461m), including amounts funded by equity 
accounted investments of £133m (2019 £40m), and included approximately £1,422m (2019 £231m) of deficit recovery payments in respect 
of the UK schemes, and £70m (2019 £nil) in respect of the US schemes. 

As part of the 31 October 2019 valuation agreement, the Company agreed to pay £1bn into the Main Scheme representing an advancement 
of £1bn in deficit contributions that were due, under the 2017 valuation deficit recovery plan, between 2022 and 2026. This was paid in 
April 2020. The annual payment for 2021 was also accelerated and paid in December 2020. No further annual payments are now due subject 
to the contingency plan discussed above.

The Group does not plan to make any cash contributions to the US pension schemes in 2021.

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 42% (2019 45%) 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 line with the prior year. The strategy also 
caps the upside if equity markets increase more than an agreed percentage.

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 current level of interest rate protection is expressed as a hedge 
ratio of 72.4%.

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 current level of inflation protection is expressed 
as a hedge ratio of 100.2%. 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.

232

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued24. 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

2020

2019

2018

2020

2019

2018

1.4
1.6
2.7
2.7
2.0/2.7

2.1
2.9
2.2
3.0
2.8
3.1
2.8
3.1
2.1/3.1
2.0/2.8
1.6 – 3.6 1.5 – 3.6 1.6 – 3.7

86 – 88
88 – 90
87 – 89
89 – 91

87 – 88
88 – 90
88 – 89
89 – 91

86 – 88
88 – 90
88 – 90
90 – 91

2.4
2.4
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

87
89
87
88

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

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 229. 

Retail Prices Index (RPI) and Consumer Prices Index (CPI) 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. Index-linked government bonds contain a premium 
that investors are willing to pay to mitigate the risk that RPI inflation is higher than expected. To account for this, the RPI assumption includes 
an inflation risk premium deduction.

As a consequence of RPI reform announcements during 2019 and the outcome of the RPI consultation in November 2020, the Company has 
reviewed its approach to setting inflation assumptions. The inflation risk premium deduction has been set at 0.5% per annum (2019 0.35%) 
and the CPI assumption has been set at 0.7% per annum (2019 0.8%) lower than RPI. The resulting RPI assumption is 2.7% per annum and the 
CPI assumption is 2.0% per annum. The 0.7% per annum RPI-CPI differential is a weighted average of a 1% per annum differential pre-2030 
and 0.1% per annum differential post-2030; this reflects the anticipated change to the RPI index from 2030. 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 2.7% (2019 RPI inflation of 2.8%), 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% (2019 CPI inflation of 2.0%), with the exception 
of the legacy 2000 Plan, which is based on RPI inflation of 2.7% (2019 RPI inflation of 2.8%). 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 2019 tables (published by the Institute of 
Actuaries) have been used (in 2019, the Continuous Mortality Investigation 2018 tables were used), with an assumed long-term rate of future 
annual mortality improvements of 1.0% per annum (2019 1.0%), an initial rate adjustment parameter (‘A’) of 0.25% (2019 0.25%) in conjunction 
with a smoothing parameter (‘Sk’) of 7 for all members (2019 7). A refinement has been made to the standard 2019 model for the purpose of 
the IAS 19 valuation, resulting in no weighting being given to the assumed life expectancy improvement in 2020. This is in recognition of the 
excess deaths in 2020 due to COVID-19; however, the assumption is that future years will return to more ‘normal’ life expectancy improvements. 
The CMI is considering changing its methodology and more data may emerge on the long-term impact of COVID-19 which could impact this set 
of assumptions going forward, given the uncertainty that exists.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

233

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report24. Post-employment benefits continued
IAS 19 accounting continued

Over 2020, 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 2020 are a blend of the fully generational PRI-2012 White Collar 
table and the PRI-2012 Blue Collar table, both projected using Scale MP-2020.

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 2020. These valuations were rolled forward to reflect the information at 31 December 2020. The 
method of accounting for these is similar to that used for defined benefit pension schemes.

Long-term healthcare cost is assumed to increase at 4.8% per annum (2019 4.8%). This is based on an assumed increase in 2020 of 7.0% 
for pre-retirement and 7.5% for post-retirement, with both rates then reducing to 4.5% by 2027 and remaining at 4.5% per annum each 
year thereafter.

Summary of movements in post-employment benefit obligations

Total net IAS 19 deficit at 1 January 2020
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 gains/(losses)
Contributions in excess of service cost
Past service cost – plan amendments 
Settlements
Net interest expense 
Foreign exchange adjustments 
Movement in other schemes
Total net IAS 19 deficit at 31 December 2020
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 2020

UK 
£m
(4,111)
 1,146 
(3,067)
–
 344 
 1,398 
(9)
–
(63)
–
–
(4,362)
360

US and 
other 
£m
(668)
 572 
(474)
 7 
(12)
 60 
(1)
 64 
(9)
(5)
(17)
(483)
–

Total 
£m
(4,779)
 1,718 
(3,541)
 7 
 332 
 1,458 
(10)
 64 
(72)
(5)
(17)
(4,845)
 360 

(4,002)

(483)

(4,485)

In October 2020, $872m (£679m) of the US Pension liabilities were removed from the US pension scheme and transferred to an insurance 
company. The premium of $790m (£615m) was approximately 91% of the IAS 19 liability carrying value, creating a one-off accounting gain 
of £64m. This gain has been recognised as non-recurring in the income statement.

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. 

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(152)
(29,239)
 25,029 
(4,362)
 360 
(4,002)

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(146)
(4,748)
 4,482 
(412)
–
(412)

2020

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
–
(157)
 218 
 61 
–
 61 

Saudi 
Arabia end 
of service
benefit
£m
(132)
–
–
(132)
–
(132)

Total 
£m
(430)
(34,144)
 29,729 
(4,845)
 360 
(4,485)

 308 
(4,310)
(4,002)

 36 
(448)
(412)

 64 
(3)
 61 

–

–
(132)
(132)

 408 
(4,893)
(4,485)

–

(143)

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 

Group’s share of net IAS 19 deficit of equity accounted investments

(143)

–

234

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued24. 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
(118)
(26,758)
22,765
(4,111)
324
(3,787)

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(143)
(5,174)
4,703
(614)
–
(614)

234
(4,021)
(3,787)

11
(625)
(614)

Group’s share of net IAS 19 deficit of equity accounted investments

(129)

–

Total cumulative actuarial losses recognised in equity since the transition to IFRS are £6.5bn (2019 £5.2bn).

Changes in the fair value of scheme assets before allocation to equity accounted investments

2019

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
–
(168)
219
51
–
51

Saudi 
Arabia end 
of service
benefit
£m
(105)
–
–
(105)
–
(105)

Total 
£m
(366)
(32,100)
27,687
(4,779)
324
(4,455)

57
(6)
51

–

–
(105)
(105)

302
(4,757)
(4,455)

–

(129)

Value of scheme assets at 1 January 2019

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

Interest income
Actual return on assets excluding amounts included in interest income 

Actual return on assets

Contributions by employer
Contributions by employer in respect of employee salary sacrifice arrangements

Total contributions by employer
Members’ contributions 
Administrative expenses
Settlements
Business acquisitions
Foreign exchange translation
Benefits paid
Value of scheme assets at 31 December 2020

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
21,246
609
1,491
2,100
451
78
529
7
(15)
–
(1,102)
22,765
 487 
 1,146 
 1,633 
 1,621 
 72 
 1,693 
 6 
(14)
–
–
–
(1,054)
 25,029 

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
4,213
173
766
939
10
–
10
–
(21)
(185)
(253)
4,703
 156 
 572 
 728 
 80 
–
 80 
–
(7)
(615)
 7 
(144)
(270)
 4,482 

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
194
8
32
40
2
–
2
–
(1)
(9)
(7)
219
 7 
 8 
 15 
 1 
–
 1 
–
(1)
–
–
(7)
(9)
 218 

Saudi 
Arabia end 
of service
benefit
£m
–
–
–
–
37
–
37
–
–
–
(37)
–
–
–
–
 14 
–
 14 
–
–
–
–
–
(14)
–

Total 
£m
25,653
790
2,289
3,079
500
78
578
7
(37)
(194)
(1,399)
27,687
 650 
 1,726 
 2,376 
 1,716 
 72 
 1,788 
 6 
(22)
(615)
 7 
(151)
(1,347)
 29,729 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

235

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report24. Post-employment benefits continued
IAS 19 accounting continued

Assets of defined benefit pension schemes 

UK1

2020

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 
Derivatives 5 
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 

1,037
2,763
835

1,294
1,900
49
1,931

2,734
–
–
–

792
22
–
13,357

–
–
6,582

–
3,176
–
–

1,037
2,763
7,417

1,294
5,076
49
1,931

456
1,047
1,858
(1,602)

3,190
1,047
1,858
(1,602)

826
28
115
25,029

34
6
115
11,672

UK1

–
–
1,132

–
–
32
3,135

–
–
–
–

–
79
–
4,378

–
–
2

–
–
–
–

–
–
102
–

–
–
–
104

–
–
1,134

–
–
32
3,135

–
–
102
–

–
79
–
4,482

2019

US and other

1,037
2,763
1,967

1,294
1,900
81
5,066

2,734
–
–
–

792
101
–
17,735

–
–
6,584

–
3,176
–
–

1,037
2,763
8,551

1,294
5,076
81
5,066

456
1,047
1,960
(1,602)

3,190
1,047
1,960
(1,602)

826
107
115
29,511

34
6
115
11,776

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

297
994
1,778
(1,405)

29
5
136
9,372

2,215
1,936
7,092

1,280
3,835
41
1,496

2,402
1,262
1,778
(1,405)

648
36
149
22,765

–
–
1,178

–
–
34
3,304

–
–
–
–

–
72
–
4,588

–
–
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
–
–

619
103
13
17,981

1
1
5,162

–
2,359
–
16

297
994
1,891
(1,405)

29
5
137
9,487

2,215
1,936
8,271

1,280
3,835
75
4,800

2,402
1,262
1,891
(1,405)

648
108
150
27,468

1. The Main Scheme and one of the Group’s smaller UK defined benefit pension schemes participate in a Combined Investment Fund (CIF), covering £2.7bn (2019 £10.1bn) 

of assets. The purpose of the CIF is to provide economies of scale for the CIF schemes’ investment administration. 

2. Includes £6m (2019 £15m) 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 £257m (2019 £233m) 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 £393m (2019 £358m) of repurchase agreements. The valuations are based on valuation techniques using underlying market data and discounted 
cash flows.

236

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued24. Post-employment benefits continued
IAS 19 accounting continued

Longevity swap
The Group holds longevity insurance contracts for some of its UK defined benefit pension schemes. These provide long-term protection 
and income to the underlying pension scheme in the event that insured members live longer than expected.

The value of the longevity insurance contracts held by the Group are calculated by an actuary. At a high level, they are measured by 
discounting the difference between the projected fixed and floating cash flows payable under the contracts, excluding the value of future 
projected fees. The significant assumptions used for this valuation are the discount rate and mortality assumptions; fair values for these 
assumptions are advised by an actuary based on external data and characteristics of the insured member population.

As at 31 December 2020, the longevity swap valuation leads to a negative adjustment to the assets which reflects that experience to date 
on the contracts has been higher than expected deaths.

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligations before allocation to equity accounted investments

Defined benefit obligations at 1 January 2019

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

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/(loss) due to changes in demographic assumptions
Experience gains/(losses)
Interest expense
Settlements
Business acquisitions
Foreign exchange translation
Benefits paid
Defined benefit obligations at 31 December 2020

UK defined 
 benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(24,800)
(193)
(78)
(271)
(7)
(4)
(2,547)
448
(96)
(701)
–
1,102
(26,876)
(209)
(72)
(281)
(6)
(9)
(3,067)
–
 344 
(550)
–
–
–
 1,054 
(29,391)

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(4,924)
(11)
–
(11)
–
–
(638)
19
(28)
(201)
213
253
(5,317)
(13)
–
(13)
–
(1)
(474)
 7 
(12)
(165)
 679 
(7)
 139 
 270 
(4,894)

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
(165)
(1)
–
(1)
–
–
(19)
1
8
(6)
7
7
(168)
(1)
–
(1)
–
 8 
(13)
 8 
–
(5)
–
–
 5 
 9 
(157)

Saudi Arabia  
end of service
benefit
£m
(97)
(17)
–
(17)
–
–
(26)
–
(2)
(5)
5
37
(105)
(19)
–
(19)
–
–
(11)
(4)
(7)
(4)
–
–
 4 
 14 
(132)

Total 
£m
(29,986)
(222)
(78)
(300)
(7)
(4)
(3,230)
468
(118)
(913)
225
1,399
(32,466)
(242)
(72)
(314)
(6)
(2)
(3,565)
 11 
 325 
(724)
 679 
(7)
 148 
 1,347 
(34,574)

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

237

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report24. 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

Settlements
Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation charge
Administrative expenses

Included in net finance costs:

2020

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m

Other 
schemes 
£m

(191)
(1)
(192)
–
(7)
(13)
(212)

(13)
(1)
(14)
 64 
–
(7)
 43 

(20)
 8 
(12)
–
–
(1)
(13)

Total 
£m

(224)
 6 
(218)
 64 
(7)
(21)
(182)

Net interest expense on post-employment benefit obligations

(57)

(9)

(2)

(68)

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

Included in operating costs:

Current service cost
Past service cost – plan amendments

Administrative expenses

Included in net finance costs:

(9)
(2)

–
–

2019

–
–

(9)
(2)

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)

–
–

–
–

(9)
(3)

The Group incurred a charge of £242m (2019 £226m) in relation to defined contribution schemes for employees.

238

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued24. 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 2020 and keeping 
all other assumptions as set out on page 233.

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

0.6 
(0.6)

(0.5)
0.5 

(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. The broad discount rate 
impact of a change of more than 0.1 percentage point can be extrapolated from the figures above. However, the majority of inflation-linked 
benefits have upper and lower limits applied; therefore, a change in the underlying expectation of future inflation would result in a smaller 
change to the inflation-related benefits, and hence a smaller absolute 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

(1.7)
1.5 
(3.6)
3.1 

Demographic assumptions
Changes in the life expectancy assumption, including the benefit of longevity swap arrangements (see longevity risk on page 232), would have 
the following effect on the total net IAS 19 deficit: 

Life expectancy: 
One-year increase
One-year decrease

1. Before allocation to equity accounted investments.

(Increase)/decrease
in net deficit1
£bn

(1.5)
1.5 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

239

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report25. 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 2020
Created
Utilised
Business acquisitions (note 34)
Transfer to other balance sheet categories
Released
Net present value adjustments 
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2020
Represented by:
Non-current
Current

Warranties  
and 
after-sales 
service 
£m
54
56
110
38
(34)
4
–
(12)
–
–
106

51
55
106

Legal, 
contractual  
and
environmental
£m
266
186
452
105
(54)
–
(5)
(53)
7
(4)
448

Reorganisations 
£m
18
34
52
13
(14)
–
–
(13)
–
–
38

2
36
38

275
173
448

Other 
£m
47
24
71
16
(10)
15
–
(7)
2
(2)
85

58
27
85

Total 
£m
385
300
685
172
(112)
19
(5)
(85)
9
(6)
677

386
291
677

240

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued25. Provisions continued
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 £9m (2019 £18m) 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. 

26. 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 2019, 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020

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 2020, 248,995,549 (2019 261,897,751) ordinary shares of 2.5p each with an aggregate nominal value of £6,224,889 
(2019 £6,547,444) were held in treasury. During 2020, 12,902,202 (2019 9,752,386) 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 the year. 

At 31 December 2020, the ESOP held 5,946,770 (2019 2,887,846) ordinary shares of 2.5p each, with a market value of £29m (2019 £16m). 
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 the year 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. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

241

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report26. Share capital and other reserves continued
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.

Final 13.2p dividend per ordinary share paid in the year  

in respect of the year ended 31 December 2018

Interim 13.8p dividend per ordinary share paid in the year  

in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019

Interim 9.4p dividend per ordinary share paid in the year (2019 9.4p)

2020 
£m

–

444
302
746

2019 
£m

423

–
301
724

After the balance sheet date, the directors proposed a final dividend of 14.3p per ordinary share. The dividend, which is subject to shareholder 
approval, will be paid on 1 June 2021 to shareholders registered on 23 April 2021. The ex-dividend date is 22 April 2021.

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 2021.

Other reserves

At 1 January 2019
Subsidiaries:

Currency translation on foreign currency net investments
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation reserve 

on disposal of subsidiary

Net amounts charged to hedging reserve

Equity accounted investments, net of tax
At 1 January 2020
Subsidiaries:

Currency translation on foreign currency net investments
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation reserve 

on disposal of subsidiary

Reclassification of cumulative currency translation reserve 

on partial disposal of subsidiary

Net amounts credited to hedging reserve 

Equity accounted investments, net of tax
At 31 December 2020

Merger 
reserve 
£m
4,589

Statutory 
reserve 
£m
202

Revaluation 
reserve 
£m
10

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m
3

Hedging 
reserve 
£m
38

Translation 
reserve 
£m
1,639

Total 
£m
6,481

–

–
–
–
4,589

–

–

–
–
–
4,589

–

–
–
–
202

–

–

–
–
–
202

–

–
–
–
10

–

–

–
–
–
10

–

–
–
–
3

–

–

–
–
–
3

–

(322)

(322)

–
(1)
25
62

–

–

–
37
(5)
94

(8)
–
(19)
1,290

(8)
(1)
6
6,156

(210)

(210)

(35)

(35)

(22)
–
2
1,025

(22)
37
(3)
5,923

242

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued26. Share capital and other reserves continued
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 2020, the Group’s capital was £4,827m (2019 £5,449m), which comprises total equity of £4,921m (2019 £5,511m), excluding 
amounts accumulated in equity relating to cash flow hedges of £94m (2019 £62m). Net debt was £2,718m (2019 £743m).

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

243

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report27. Operating business cash flow

Alternative performance measure – Free cash flow

Definition Operating business cash flow for the Group less interest paid (net) and taxation.

Purpose Allows management to monitor utilisation of cash in line with the Group’s capital allocation policy.

Alternative performance measure – 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 free 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
Proceeds from sale of non-current other investments
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
Taxation paid
Interest paid, net of interest received
Free cash flow

2020 
£m
1,166
251
(385)
(92)
68
–
19
(2)
(226)
(618)
27
826
(251)
(208)
367

2019  
£m 
1,597
252
(360)
(110)
21
1
–
(6)
(230)
(684)
142
1,307
(252)
(205)
850

Reconciliation of operating business cash flow to net cash flow from operating activities by reporting segment

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.

Operating business 
cash flow

2020
£m
580
221
382
718
243
(1,318)
826

2019
£m
672
68
241
408
150
(232)
1,307

Deduct  
Dividends received 
from equity accounted 
investments

Add back  
Net capital expenditure, 
lease principal amounts 
and financial investment

Net cash flow from 
operating activities

2020
£m
(2)
–
(13)
(8)
(4)
–
(27)

2019
£m
(5)
–
(17)
(117)
(3)
–
(142)

2020
£m
189
30
89
207
78
25
618

2019
£m
166
31
81
206
142
58
684

2020
£m
767
251
458
917
317
(1,293)
1,417
(251)
1,166

2019
£m
833
99
305
497
289
(174)
1,849
(252)
1,597

244

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued28. Movement in assets and liabilities arising from financing activities
Non-cash movements

Non-cash movements

As at 
1 January 
2019 
£m

Cash 
(inflow)/
outflow 
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
movements 
£m

Fair value 
and other 
movements  
£m

As at 
31 December 
2019 
£m

Cash 
(inflow)/
outflow 
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
movements 
£m

Fair value 
and other 
movements  
£m

As at 
31 December 
2020 
£m

Non-current assets
Other financial assets1

Current assets
Other financial assets1

Non-current liabilities
Loans
Lease liabilities
Other financial liabilities1
Cash collateral3

Current liabilities
Loans2
Lease liabilities
Other financial liabilities1

Interest paid
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling 

interests

Partial disposal of shareholding 

in subsidiary undertaking

Net cash flow from 
financing activities

120

–

87
207

(167)
(167)

(3,514)
(1,270)
(9)
(19)

–
–
–
(1)

(785)
(216)
(11)

782
239
127
(5,824) 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

(59)
(59)

(3,020) (2,666)
–
(1,116)
–
(6)
2
(20)

(377)
(238)
(58)
(4,835)

506
236
43
(1,879)
(1,938)
227
746

19

(27)

(973)

–

–
–

254
15
–
–

(12)
(5)
(2)
250

20

61
81

475
81
(180)
–

(483)
(229)
(28)
(364)

137

9
146

(4,957)
(1,020)
(186)
(18)

(366)
(236)
(45)
(6,828)

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. Movements in loans exclude overdrafts.
3. Reported in other payables.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

245

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report29. 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
Loans – non-current
Loans and overdrafts – current
Debt-related derivative financial instrument liabilities – non-current
Debt-related derivative financial instrument liabilities – current
Net debt 

30. Fair value measurement
Fair value of financial instruments
Certain of the Group’s financial instruments are held at fair value.

Notes
18
14
21
21
14
14

2020 
£m
2,768
137
(4,957)
(467)
(182)
(17)
(2,718)

2019 
£m
2,587
103
(3,020)
(377)
(6)
(30)
(743)

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).

246

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued30. Fair value measurement continued
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 

2020

2019

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Fair 
value 
£m

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Fair 
value 
£m

Notes

–
248
(282)

189
966
(181)

–
248
(282)

189
966
(181)

14
14

14
18
14

13
350
(227)

210
680
(232)

13
350
(227)

210
680
(232)

21

(4,957)

(5,737)

(3,020)

(3,315)

18
21

1,802
(467)

1,802
(479)

1,907
(377)

1,907
(380)

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

247

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report 
 
31. 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 131 to 155. 

Expense in year

Executive Share Option Plan 
Performance Share Plan
Restricted Share Plan 

2020 
£m
6
20
8
34

2019 
£m
6
21
7
34

The Group also incurred a charge of £40m (2019 £40m) in respect of the equity-settled all-employee Free Shares and Matching Partnership Shares 
elements of the Share Incentive Plan.

Executive Share Option 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

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 (£)

2020

2019

Number of 
 shares 
’000
38,979
11,402
(2,368)
(4,452)
43,561
15,297

Weighted 
average 
 exercise 
price 
£
5.36
4.86
4.77
5.91
5.20
5.36

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

2020
3.01 – 6.49
7
0.96

2019
3.01 – 6.49
7
0.64

Performance Share Plan

Restricted Share Plan

2020 
Number of 
 shares 
’000
22,495
9,525
(1,767)
(4,375)
25,878
471

2020
5
4.38

2019 
Number of 
shares 
’000
22,380
9,653
(964)
(8,574)
22,495
223

2019
5
3.89

2020 
Number of 
 shares 
’000
4,406
2,222
(1,270)
(384)
4,974
–

2020
5
4.86

2019 
Number of 
shares 
’000
4,100
2,084
(1,305)
(473)
4,406
8

2019
5
4.90

The exercise price for the Performance Share Plan and Restricted Share Plan is £nil (2019 £nil).

248

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued31. 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 (%)

2020
4.85 – 5.14
3 – 10
27 – 28
(0.1) – 0.1

2019
4.85 – 5.63
3 – 10
19
0.3

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 £5.24 (2019 £5.21).

32. 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 24).

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
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Limited
BAE Systems Pension Funds 

Trustees Limited

Other

Sales to  
related parties

Purchases from  
related parties

Amounts owed by 
related parties

Amounts owed to 
related parties1

Management 
recharges1

2020 
£m
49
1
897
45
2
24
35
5

2019 
£m
41
2
854
114
2
28
27
4

–
9
1,067

–
2
1,074

2020 
£m
142
–
439
–
–
188
42
–

20
–
831

2019 
£m
215
–
248
–
–
164
16
–

20
1
664

2020 
£m
–
–
58
–
–
8
1
1

–
1
69

2019 
£m
–
1
41
–
–
8
1
–

–
2
53

2020 
£m
43
13
83
–
–
1,024
1
–

212
3
1,379

2019 
£m
35
13
42
–
–
1,041
–
–

225
3
1,359

2020 
£m
–
–
–
–
–
19
–
–

–
–
19

2019 
£m
–
–
–
–
–
19
–
–

–
–
19

1. Also relates to disclosures under IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures, for the parent company, BAE Systems plc. At 31 December 2020, £967m (2019 £862m) was owed 

by BAE Systems plc and £412m (2019 £497m) by other Group subsidiaries.

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 131 to 155. 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

2020 
£’000
15,518
1,072
5,877
22,467

2019 
£’000
18,163
1,275
8,538
27,976

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

249

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report33. 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 25).

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.

34. Acquisition of businesses
Businesses acquired during 2020
On 2 May 2020, the Group completed the acquisition of the assets and liabilities of Raytheon Technologies Corporation’s Airborne Tactical 
Radios business (Airborne Tactical Radios business), for consideration of £216m. The acquisition augments the Group’s Electronic Systems 
portfolio in airborne communications with broad-spectrum, multi-band, multi-channel radios that feature robust anti-jamming and 
encryption capabilities.

On 31 July 2020, the Group completed the acquisition of the assets and liabilities of the Collins Aerospace Military Global Positioning System 
business (Military GPS business) from Raytheon Technologies Corporation, for consideration of £1,472m. The acquisition augments the 
Group’s Electronic Systems portfolio, adding technology that advances the Group’s existing GPS and precision-guided munitions capabilities.

On 19 August 2020, the Group completed the acquisition of Techmodal Limited (Techmodal), a UK-based consultancy and digital services 
company, for consideration of £38m. Techmodal has a number of long-term contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence and complements 
the Group’s existing digital, data and technical service capabilities.

The results and financial position of all three acquired businesses have been consolidated from the date of acquisition.

Purchase consideration and fair value of net assets acquired
The provisional fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired and the consideration for all acquisitions in the year were as follows:

Identifiable intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Inventories
Trade, other and contract receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax
Provisions
Net identifiable assets acquired
Goodwill arising
Net assets acquired
Satisfied by:

Cash
Contingent consideration

Total consideration

Airborne Tactical 
Radios business 
£m
84
8
3
4
13
–
(3)
(8)
–
(3)
98
118
216

Military  
GPS business  
£m
468
20
9
53
28
–
(9)
(17)
–
(1)
551
921
1,472

216
–
216

1,472
–
1,472

Techmodal  
£m
14
–
–
–
3
5
–
(4)
(3)
–
15
23
38

23
15
38

Total 
£m
566
28
12
57
44
5
(12)
(29)
(3)
(4)
664
1,062
1,726

1,711
15
1,726

The fair values acquired are provisional figures, being the best estimates currently available.

250

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued34. Acquisition of businesses continued
The net outflow of cash in respect of the purchase of businesses is as follows:

Cash consideration
Cash and cash equivalents acquired
Net cash outflow in respect of the purchase of businesses

Airborne Tactical 
Radios business 
£m
216
–
216

Military  
GPS business  
£m
1,472
–
1,472

Techmodal  
£m
23
(5)
18

Total 
£m
1,711
(5)
1,706

The goodwill recognised on these acquisitions is primarily attributable to expected synergies.

Coupled with the Group’s Electronic Systems sector, the Airborne Tactical Radios business will enhance its positions in airborne communications 
with broad spectrum, multi-band, multi-channel radios including battle-proven, robust, anti-jam, and encryption capabilities. The Airborne 
Tactical Radios business brings both complementary waveform expertise and a long-trusted partnership with the US Army. The Group will 
achieve operating synergies by expanding capacity in its existing Fort Wayne facility for all Airborne Tactical Radios manufacturing operations. 
Forecasted revenue synergy opportunities include the capture of future radio new starts and upgrade programmes with enhanced competitiveness 
through the ability to offer a more complete radio system with a broad selection of communication and networking waveforms.

The Military GPS business has key products with a production horizon of five to ten years and the business is well positioned to capture 
follow-on work with the M-Code transition. Congress has mandated all Department of Defense systems utilise M-Code for new procurements 
which include GPS requirements. The integration of the Military GPS business presents opportunities for integrating BAE Systems’ M-Code GPS 
into such systems. There are further synergy opportunities in core technology, including in the areas of advanced microelectronics packaging, 
signal processing, gun-hardened electronics, and core components such as oscillators.

Goodwill of at least £1,028m is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

No impairment losses have been recognised in respect of goodwill in the year ended 31 December 2020.

The acquisitions contributed £181m to the Group’s revenue and £53m to the Group’s underlying EBITA1 between the date of acquisition 
and 31 December 2020.

If each acquisition had been completed on 1 January 2020, the Group’s revenue would have been £19,480m, and underlying EBITA1 would 
have been £2,207m for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Acquisition-related costs of £20m have been included as a non-recurring item in operating costs in the Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Contractual cash flows on trade, other and contract receivables are expected to be collected in full. No contingent liabilities have been 
recognised or require disclosure in respect of these acquisitions.

1. Underlying EBITA is an alternative performance measure, defined as operating profit excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs 

and taxation expense of equity accounted investments. Further detail on alternative performance measures can be found on page 20.

Businesses acquired during 2019
All acquisitions which took place during the year ended 31 December 2019 were immaterial, both individually and collectively.

35. Events after the reporting period
On 23 February 2021, the Group completed the sale of its holding in its equity accounted investment Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), 
realising a small profit on disposal.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

251

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report36. 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 2020 
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 Limited2
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

Alvis Limited
Alvis Pension Scheme Trustees Limited3
Alvis Vickers Limited
Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft Limited3
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 Limited3
BAE Systems (Al Diriyah C4i) Limited3
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
Charter Place, 23/27 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE1 1JY

BAE Systems (Consultancy Services) Limited2
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

BAE Systems (Corporate Air Travel) Limited 
BAE Systems (CS&SI – Qatar) Limited3
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) Limited3
BAE Systems (Insurance) Limited2 
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) Limited3
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

BAE Systems (Projects) Limited 

BAE Systems (Property Investments) Limited 

BAE Systems (Vehicles and Equipment) Limited
BAE Systems 2000 Pension Plan Trustees Limited3
BAE Systems AB6
Box 5676, SE-114 86 Stockholm, Sweden

BAE Systems Al Diriyah Programme Limited3
BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Asia Pacific) 
Pte Limited
United Square, 101 Thomson Road, #25-03/04, 307591, 
Singapore

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Australia) 
Pty Limited
Level 12, 16-20 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Belgium) NV
Geldenaaksebaan 329, B-3001, Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Connect) A/S
c/o Kromann Reumert, Sundkrogsgade 5, Copenhagen East, 
2100, Denmark

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
CSC, 100 Shockoe Slip, 2nd Floor Richmond VA 23219, 
United States

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Inc.8
CSC, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington 
DE 19808, 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 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 Australia Defence Pty Limited10
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia Holdings Limited3
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 Limited2,3
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

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 Limited2
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

252

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continued36. Information about related undertakings continued
Subsidiaries – wholly-owned continued

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 International Inc.8
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2000, Arlington VA 22209, 
United States

BAE Systems Electronic Systems (Overseas) Limited

BAE Systems Electronics Limited 

BAE Systems Enterprises Limited 

BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme Trustees 
Limited3
BAE Systems Finance B.V.
c/o IQ-EQ, Hoogoorddreef 15, 1101 BA Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

BAE Systems Finance Inc.7
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems Flight Training (Australia) Pty Limited5
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Funds Management3,13
BAE Systems GCS International Limited

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Bridging 
Limited

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Munitions 
Limited
BAE Systems Global LLC1
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, 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
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems Holdings International LLC1
1676 International Drive, 10th Floor, Suite 1000, 
McLean VA 22102, United States

BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.8
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, 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.3
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 GmbH2
Hans-Stießberger-Str. 2b, 85540 Haar, Germany

BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies Limited

BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair LLC1
2941 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 100, Falls Church VA 22042, 
United States

BAE Systems Land & Armaments Holdings LLC1,7
2941 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 100, Falls Church VA 22042, 
United States

BAE Systems Land & Armaments Inc.7
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

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 Land Systems (Investments South 
Africa) Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Investments) Limited
BAE Systems Land Systems (Logistics) Limited2
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

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 Oman LLC1
PO Box 74, Postal Code 111, Seeb, Oman

BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc.7
4509 West Stone Drive, Kingsport TN 37660-9982, 
United States

BAE Systems Overseas Inc.7
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems Pension Funds CIF Trustees Limited3
BAE Systems Pension Funds Investment 
Management Limited3,15
BAE Systems Pension Funds Trustees Limited3 
BAE Systems Project Services Limited

BAE Systems Projects (Canada) Limited 

BAE Systems Properties Limited 
BAE Systems Quest Limited3 
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, Bogotá, Colombia

BAE Systems Resolution Inc.11
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 900, Dallas TX 75201, 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
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair Inc.6
2205 East Belt Street, Foot of Sampson Street, San Diego 
CA 92113, United States

BAE Systems 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) Limited3
BAE Systems Saudi Arabia (Vehicles and 
Equipment Nominees) Limited3
BAE Systems Saudi Limited
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

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 Limited3 
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 29 Menara Binjai, No 2 Jalan Binjai, Off 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
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc.7
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems Training Services Limited
BAE Systems TVS Holdings LLC1
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
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

253

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic reportTechmodal Limited

Techmodal Ventures Limited
The Blackburn Aeroplane & Motor Co Limited3
The Bristol Aviation Company Limited3
The British & Colonial Aeroplane Co. Limited3
The Leeds Partnership Limited5
The Supermarine Aviation Works Limited3,4
Thomas Sopwith Aviation Company Limited3
VSEL Birkenhead Limited 

Warship Design Services Limited 
Westover Controls Incorporated7
1098 Clark Street, Endicott NY 13760, United States

36. 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) 
Limited3
British Aircraft Corporation Limited3
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

Dividend Training Limited
ETI Engineering, Inc.7
1676 International Drive, 10th Floor, Suite 1000,  
McLean VA 22102, United States

Gloster Aircraft Limited3
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 Limited3,14,18
Hägglunds Vehicle GmbH
Ernst-Grote Strasse 13, 30916 Isernhagen, Germany 

Hawker Siddeley Aviation Limited3
Hawker Siddeley Dynamics Limited3
Hertfordshire Estates Limited5
HSA/HSD Pension Fund Trustees Limited3
Hunter Aerospace Corporation Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

International Military Sales Limited
Jetstream Aircraft Limited3
Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick, Ayrshire 
KA9 2RW, United Kingdom

Lemacrown Limited19
MES Holdco Limited
Charter Place, 23/27 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE1 1JY

MES Interco13
Meslink Limited

Newcombe Properties Limited 
Piper Group plc2
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

Pitch Technologies AB
Repslagaregatan 25, SE-582 22 Linköping, Sweden

Pitch Technologies Limited
Sweden House, 5 Upper Montagu Street, London W1H 2AG, 
United Kingdom

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.2
c/o IQ-EQ, Hoogoorddreef 15, 1101 BA Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

Royal Ordnance Senior Staff Pension Scheme 
Trustees Limited
Royal Ordnance Speciality Metals Limited3
RWT Limited3
Salford Electrical Instruments Limited 

Scentcivil Limited
Scottish Aviation Limited3
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

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

254

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Group accounts continuedNotes
1. 

 Unincorporated entity for which the address 
given is the principal place of business.

2.  In members’ voluntary liquidation.
3.  Directly owned by BAE Systems plc.
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.  Limited by Guarantee.
19.  Ownership held in ordinary shares and class 

of A shares.

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.

36. Information about related undertakings continued
Subsidiaries – not wholly-owned

Equity accounted investments

Advanced National Company for Aircraft 
Maintenance Limited (51%)
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

Aircraft Research Association Limited (92.8%)3,18
Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7PF, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Saudi Development and Training 
Company Limited (51%)21
PO Box 67775, Riyadh 11517, Saudi Arabia

BAE Systems SDT (UK) Limited (51%)
Flight Control System Management GmbH (66.6%)22
PO Box 801109, 81663 Munich, Germany

Granada Enterprises Limited (51%)
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

Hadrian Properties, Inc. (95%)14
521 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 101075, United States

International Systems Engineering Company Limited 
(46.2%)
PO Box 54002, Riyadh 11514, Saudi Arabia

Overhaul and Maintenance Company Holding (51%)
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

Prismatic Limited (76%)
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%)3
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

SMSCMC (UK) Limited (51%)

Abercromby Property International (20.42%)
521 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 101075, United States

Advanced Electronics Company Limited (25.5%)
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 58, Street 850, Area 23, Qatari Bin Al Fajaa, 
Doha, Qatar

BAeHAL Software Limited (40%)3,14
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
350 Collins Road, Northeast Cedar Rapids IA 52498, 
United States

Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH (33%)3
Am Soldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos, Germany

European Aerosystems Limited (50%)3,20
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%)3
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%)3,14
Western Avenue, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend, 
Mid Glamorgan CF31 3RT, United Kingdom

Winner Developments Limited (33.3%)

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

255

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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 (debited)/credited to hedging reserve

Total other comprehensive income for the year (net of tax)
Total comprehensive income for the year

2020
£m
600

2019
£m
874

(137)

(99)

(2)
(139)
461

1
(98)
776

Company statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December

At 1 January 2019
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
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 2020

1. The non-distributable portion of retained earnings is £827m (2019 £767m).
2. Details of ordinary share dividends are provided in note 26 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
205
–
1
1
–
–
206
–
(2)
(2)
–
–
204

Retained
earnings1
£m
2,830
874
(99)
775
75
(724)
2,956
600
(137)
463
74
(746)
2,747

Total 
equity
£m
4,371
874
(98)
776
75
(724)
4,498
600
(139)
461
74
(746)
4,287

256

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

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 
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings1
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
Loans
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 earnings2
Total equity

Notes

2020
£m

2019
£m

53
7
25
9,047
4,173
10
121
301
13,737

69
14
274
2,149
2,506
16,243

(3,071)
(30)
(21)
(469)
(350)
(120)
(4,061)

(467)
(4)
(7,086)
(312)
(26)
(7,895)
(11,956)
4,287

61
10
27
8,987
3,092
3
49
496
12,725

70
14
307
1,763
2,154
14,879

(1,075)
(29)
(21)
(361)
(385)
(126)
(1,997)

–
(1)
(8,007)
(356)
(20)
(8,384)
(10,381)
4,498

87
1,249
204
2,747
4,287

87
1,249
206
2,956
4,498

2
3

8
4

3

4

5

8
4
7

5

6
4
7

9

1. Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings for the year ended 31 December 2019 have been reclassified from current to non-current trade and other receivables. 

See note 3 for details.

2. The Company’s profit for the year is £600m (2019 £874m).

Approved by the Board of BAE Systems plc on 24 February 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

C N Woodburn 
Chief Executive 

B M Greve 
Group Finance Director 

Registered number: 1470151

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

257

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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 110, 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;

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.

–  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 

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.

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.

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 12-month 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
Several standards, interpretations and amendments to existing 
standards became effective on 1 January 2020, as detailed on 
page 188 of the Group accounts, none of which had a material 
impact on the Company.

258

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

2. Investments in subsidiary undertakings and participating interests

Cost
At 1 January 2020
Additions
At 31 December 2020
Impairment provisions
At 1 January and 31 December 2020
Net carrying value
At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019

3. Trade and other receivables

Non-current
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings1,2
Current
Amounts owed by Group joint ventures
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other receivables

£m

9,006
60
9,066

19

9,047
8,987

2020
£m

2019
£m

4,173

3,092

6
14
23
26
69

6
18
21
25
70

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.

2. Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings of £3,092m were previously presented within current receivables in 2019. The Group believes it is more representative 

to present these items within non-current receivables as they are not expected to be settled within the Group’s normal operating cycle. Accordingly amounts presented 
in current receivables in 2019 have been reclassified to non-current receivables.

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

2020

2019

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

164
137
301

–
274
–
274

(168)
(182)
(350)

(1)
(294)
(17)
(312)

393
103
496

1
306
–
307

(379)
(6)
(385)

–
(326)
(30)
(356)

Disclosures in respect of the fair value of other financial assets and liabilities are provided in note 30 to the Group accounts.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

259

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report5. Loans

Non-current
US$500m 4.75% bond, repayable 2021
£400m 4.125% bond, repayable 2022
US$1,300m 3.4% bond, repayable 2030
US$1,000m 1.90% bond, repayable 2031
US$400m 5.8% bond, repayable 2041
US$1,000m 3.0% bond, repayable 2050

Current
Overdrafts
US$500m 4.75% bond, repayable 2021

6. Trade and other payables

Current
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings1
Amounts owed to Group joint ventures
Accruals
Deferred income 
Other payables

2020
£m

2019
£m

–
399
942
724
290
716
3,071

101
366
467

377
399
–
–
299
–
1,075

–
–
–

2020
£m

2019
£m

5,869
967
105
49
96
7,086

6,909
862
121
35
80
8,007

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.

260

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Company accounts continued7. Provisions

Non-current
Current
At 1 January 2020
Created
Utilised
At 31 December 2020
Represented by:
Non-current
Current

Contractual 
and other
£m
126
20
146
3
(3)
146

120
26
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 timing and amount of the outflows could differ 
significantly from management’s estimates. The Company expects these provisions to be utilised over a period of approximately 25 years.

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 24 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 

2020
£m
(87)
(2,837)
2,576
(348)

121
(469)
(348)

2019
£m
(79)
(1,965)
1,732
(312)

49
(361)
(312)

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

261

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report9. Share capital and other reserves
Share capital
Disclosures in respect of the Company’s share capital are provided in note 26 to the Group accounts.

Other reserves

At 1 January 2019
Amounts credited to hedging reserve
At 31 December 2019
Amounts credited to hedging reserve
At 31 December 2020

Statutory 
reserve
£m
202
–
202
–
202

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m
3
–
3
–
3

Hedging 
reserve
£m
–
1
1
(2)
(1)

Total
£m
205
1
206
(2)
204

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.

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 131 to 155.

Executive Share Option Plan
Performance Share Plan

The average share price in the year was £5.24 (2019 £5.21).

2020

2019

Range of 
exercise price  
of outstanding 
options
£
3.01 – 6.49
–

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contracted life
Years
7
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 2020 was 1,743 (2019 1,729). 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 

2020
£m
109
12
4
27
152

2019
£m
113
13
5
21
152

262

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Notes to the Company accounts continued12. Other information
Company audit fee
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts totalled £2,555,000 (2019 £2,032,000). 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 32 to the Group accounts.

The Company also has amounts receivable from Aircraft Research Association Limited of £nil (2019 £3m) which is a partially-owned subsidiary.

Directors’ emoluments
Under Schedule 5 of the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (Schedule 5), total directors’ 
emoluments, excluding Company pension contributions, were £6,267,009 (2019 £9,059,747); 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) Regulations 2008 (Schedule 8). 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 2020 as at the date of exercise was £1,010,527 (2019 £140,961) and the net aggregate value of assets received 
by directors in 2020 from Long-Term Incentive Plans as calculated at the date of vesting was £1,753,203 (2019 £891,314); these amounts are 
calculated on a different basis from the valuation of share plan benefits under Schedule 8 in the Annual remuneration report. Retirement 
benefits are accruing to one director in respect of defined benefit schemes and to three directors in respect of defined contribution schemes.

Company guaranteed borrowings
Borrowings by subsidiary undertakings totalling £1,886m (2019 £2,322m), which are included in the Group’s borrowings, have been guaranteed 
by the Company, with the guarantees measured initially at their fair values, and subsequently measured at the higher of the expected credit 
loss determined under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation.

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 36 to the Group accounts.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

263

GovernanceFinancial statementsStrategic report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 2020 was 488.8p and the range during the year 
was 397p to 669p. 

For more information
Visit the Shareholder information section of our website:  
investors.baesystems.com

Financial calendar
Financial year end
Annual General Meeting
2020 final ordinary dividend payable
2021 half-yearly results announcement
2021 interim ordinary dividend payable
2021 full-year results: 

– preliminary announcement 
– Annual Report

2021 final ordinary dividend payable

31 December
6 May 2021
1 June 2021
29 July 2021
30 November 2021

February 2022 
March 2022
June 2022

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

264

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2020

Download the 
BAE Systems 
Investor App

BAE Systems’ Investor Relations App 
gives you all the latest investor and 
financial media information you need.

Connect with BAE Systems investors 
investors.baesystems.com

Printed by Park Communications on FSC®-certified paper.

Park works to the EMAS standard and its Environmental Management System is certified to ISO 14001.

100% of the inks used are vegetable oil based, 95% of press chemicals are recycled for further use and, 
on average 99% of any waste associated with this production will be recycled. 

This document is printed on Novatech Matt paper, made of material from well-managed, FSC®-certified 
forests and other controlled sources and Nautilus, containing 100% recycled fibre.

This is a certified climate neutral print product for which carbon emissions have been calculated and offset by 
supporting recognised carbon offset projects. The carbon offset projects are audited and certified according 
to international standards and demonstrably reduce emissions. The climate neutral label includes a unique ID 
number specific to this product which can be tracked at www.climatepartner.com, giving details of the carbon 
offsetting process including information on the emissions volume and the carbon offset project being supported.

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar.

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 2021. All rights reserved 
BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.