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CML Microsystems Plc

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FY2018 Annual Report · CML Microsystems Plc
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Annual Report and Accounts
Financial year ended 31 March 2018

50 years in a  
connected world

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Growth in a connected world

Founded fifty years ago, we design, 
manufacture and market semiconductors, 
primarily for global communication and solid 
state storage markets, operating internationally 
from the UK, the USA, Germany, China, 
Singapore and Taiwan.

Our mission is to 
be the first choice 
key‑component 
supplier within our 
chosen end‑markets.

Our vision for the 
business is to build 
on our existing core 
strengths, seizing the 
growth opportunities 
in a connected 
world to be an 
emphatic leader on 
the global industrial 
technological stage.

Our focus is one of 
delivering sustainable, 
long‑term growth; 
whether organically 
or by acquisition, 
grow the business and 
grow returns for our 
stakeholders.

Section 1  
Strategic report 

Financial highlights  

Operational highlights 

At a glance 

Group Chairman’s statement 

Market opportunity 

Business model 

Group Managing Director’s review 

Corporate social responsibility 

Section 2  
Directors’ report 

Directors and advisors  

Corporate governance 

Directors’ remuneration report 

Other disclosures 

03

01

01

02

04

06

08

10

16

18

19

20

25

Section 3  
Financial statements 

Section 4 
Other information 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities  29

Notice of Annual General Meeting 

Five‑year record 

Shareholder information 

Glossary 

Advisors 

Independent auditor’s report  

Consolidated income statement  

Consolidated statement of  
total comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement  
of financial position 

Consolidated and Company  
cash flow statements  

Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity 

Company statement of 
financial position 

Company statement of 
changes in equity 

Notes to the financial statements 

30

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

75

81

82

83

84

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
Financial highlights

Revenue (£m)

31.67 +14%

Pre‑tax profit (£m)

4.58 +9%

Adjusted EBITDA1 (£m)

10.00 +13%

31.67

27.74

4.21

4.58

10.00

8.84

22.83

3.32

6.97

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Shareholders’ equity (£m)

41.77 +11%

Cash (£m)

13.82 +11%

Basic earnings per share (p)

24.52 +6%

37.64

32.58

41.77

13.60

13.82

12.45

23.09

24.52

18.03

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

1.  For definition and reconciliation see Note 12.

Operational highlights

Storage

Communications

•  49% of Group revenue

•  51% of Group revenue 

•  Revenue up 22% to £15.43m 

•  Revenue up 10% to £16.17m 

(2017: £12.69m)

(2017: £14.64m) 

•  Full market launch of new class‑leading 

•  Enlarged RF product range now 

CompactFlash controller 

•  Enlarged product range now includes 
CompactFlash, SD, MMC, USB and SATA 
host interface standards

encompasses operation at 
frequencies up to 3.6GHz

•  DMR, M2M/IIoT recorded strong 
gains against the prior year
•  RF semiconductors posted a 
revenue gain of over 30%
•  Released five new products

Find out more on page 12

Find out more on page 13

01

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18At a glance

Global reach and world‑class customers

The Company has long held an outstanding reputation for the quality of 
its engineering and development teams, supported by a clear strategy, 
depth of management and a strengthened global sales team.

Our brands

Storage

Communications

Our global footprint

Sheffield, UK

Essex, UK

Somerset, UK

California, USA

North Carolina, USA

Quanzhou, China

Wuxi, China
Shanghai, China

Taipei, Taiwan

Konstanz, Germany

Singapore

 Group operations
 Support and distribution offices

This map is illustrative, but not fully definitive of our locations. For a 
full list of our locations please visit our website at cmlmicroplc.com

02

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Our growth strategy is to ensure we retain our existing customers, 
developing our product range and adding new customers to expand 
the total addressable market.

2018 revenue split by region (%) 

2018 revenue split by application area (%) 

Rest of World
1%

Americas 
19%

Far East
50%

%

Storage
49%

%

Europe
30%

Communications
51%

Established in

1968

Employees worldwide

222

Offices

11

Headquartered in the UK

1

4

Design facilities

03

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Group Chairman’s statement

The year has seen the business 
deliver a number of record 
financial metrics.

Introduction
I am delighted to report on another 
year of positive progress, delivering 
against many of our strategic and 
financial objectives. Pleasingly, the 
year has seen the business deliver a 
number of record financial metrics, 
with the growth in revenue and 
profit providing us with the means to 
continue to invest in the business to 
ensure we have the right structure and 
product suite to maintain long‑term, 
sustainable growth. While profit growth 
in the year has been dampened due 
to the planned increase in overheads, 
it is this investment that will ensure CML 
has the capability to drive through to 
the next stage of growth.

N G Clark
Group Non‑Executive Chairman

Results and Dividend
Results for the year were positive, with 
revenues increasing by 14% to a record 
£31.67m (2017: £27.74m), profit before 
taxation rising by 9% and basic EPS 
by 6%. Operating cash generation, 
always considered of high importance, 
continues to be very healthy. Total 
cash balances at 31 March 2018 were 
a record £13.82m (2017: £12.45m) 
after dividend payments of £1.58m 
(2017: £1.13m) relating to the prior 
financial year and a maiden interim 
dividend introduced at the half year. 
The cash generation is particularly 
pleasing given the levels of ongoing 
investment in the Group, with another 
record investment in research and 
development being made during the 
year.

The Board is pleased to recommend 
an increased total dividend payment 
for the year, with a final dividend of 
5.8p raising the total dividend for the 
year to 7.8p (2017: 7.4p). If approved, 
this will be paid on 6 August 2018 to 
shareholders whose names appear on 
the register at the close of business on 
6 July 2018 with an ex‑dividend date 
of 5 July 2018. The dividend is in line 
with the Company’s progressive policy 
and reflects the performance for the 
year, coupled with our confidence 
for the future whilst retaining a strong 
balance sheet and sufficient cash to 
take advantage of opportunities that 
may present themselves. 

Employees
Following the successful integration 
of Sicomm, we now have over 220 
employees around the world. It is 
their skill and commitment which 
forms the basis of the continued 
success of CML and, on behalf of 
the Board, I would like to thank them 
for their ongoing dedication and 
commitment to excellence. 

Prospects and Outlook
Our strategy continues to be to invest 
in the development of products within 
areas that we know and understand 
and where the quality of our products 
and our competitive advantages 
enable us to achieve acceptable 
gross margins. The growth achieved 
in the year demonstrates the success 
of this strategy and with new product 
launches feeding into the pipeline we 
are confident in our ability to deliver 
long‑term sustainable growth. Following 
the acquisition and integration of 
Sicomm, acquisitions will continue to 
form part of our strategy, coupled with 
a strong focus on organic growth, and 
the Board remains alert to opportunities 
that meet our strict criteria. 

04

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18The Company has long held an 
outstanding reputation for the quality 
of its engineering and development 
teams, and this is now supported by a 
clear strategy, depth of management 
and a strengthened global sales team. 
With record net assets of over £41m 
and net cash of almost £14m we have 
a strong balance sheet on which to 
drive the Company forward. 

In what is CML’s 50th year as a 
business, we are confident that 
the Company is in good shape to 
deliver our objective of long‑term, 
sustainable growth. 

N G Clark
Group Non‑Executive Chairman

22 June 2018

Our timeline

2018
CML Microsystems

2017
Increased US presence

The Group opens an office in Mission Viejo, California

2016
Acquisition of Sicomm 
Technologies

CML Microsystems Plc acquires 
China‑based Wuxi Sicomm 
Technologies Ltd

2004
Formation of Hyperstone USA

Hyperstone establishes a US subsidiary

2013
Formation of design centre  
in Sheffield

Establishes an RF and 
mixed‑signal semiconductor 
design engineering team 
in Sheffield

2003
Formation of Hyperstone Taiwan

Hyperstone establishes its Taiwan subsidiary

2003
Acquisition of Hyperstone GmbH

CML Microsystems acquires Hyperstone, 
a fabless semiconductor company

2002
Formation of Systems Group

Specialising in DSP software and RF design, 
solutions developed by engineers for engineers

1996
Full Listing on the LSE

Moved to a Full Listing  
on the London Stock Exchange

1994
Opened Singapore office

1980
Opened US office

1968
CML Microsystems founded

1994
Acquired Integrated Microsystems

1984
Initial Public Offering

Shares were listed on the Unlisted Securities 
Market USM

05

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Market opportunity

Addressing growing market sectors

The need to transmit and store ever greater amounts of data, 
more quickly and securely is driving both markets.

Key market trends

Demand for data
The connected world is driving the 
insatiable appetite for data in the 
industrial arena.

Speed
Increasing amounts of data need to 
be retrieved, communicated and 
stored, faster and more securely.

Reliability
Extremely low field failure rates 
underpin the Group’s enviable 
reputation for quality.

Our market application areas:

Storage

Communications

Revenues

Revenues

49%

51%

Hyperstone‑branded products

Application areas:

Incorporates Wireless and Wireline business

Application areas:

Industrial flash memory cards; solid state drives; 
embedded storage

Professional and industrial voice and/or data 
communications products

Key end markets:

Key end markets:

Telecoms/network infrastructure; industrial 
automation; in‑vehicle infotainment; IIoT

Voice‑centric mission/business critical 
communications (military, commercial, construction, 
transportation)

Non‑cellular wireless data communications; satellite 
M2M; Asset tracking; SCADA

Market growth drivers:

Acceleration of HDD to SSD transition

Need for increased speed and highest reliability within 
“mission critical” applications

Market growth drivers:

Need for higher data rates

Analogue digital migration

IP connectivity

Find out more on page 12

Find out more on page 13

06

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18

The Group’s wide‑ranging skills, diversified technology portfolio 
and systems‑level understanding, coupled with market‑leading 
functionality and an extensive selling network are key factors in 
the Group’s success.

Superior performance for 
targeted application areas

Time‑to‑market 

•  Communications: high performance RF products, 

mixed‑signal baseband/modem processors

•  Storage: class leading endurance and reliability; 
patented techniques; flash memory agnostic

•  ‘Off the shelf’ integrated circuits for focused niche 

application areas

•  Integrates many engineer‑years of hardware and 

software development

•  Reduces the development cycle for the customer

Proprietary Intellectual 
Property (IP)

High‑levels of customer 
design‑in support and service

•  We have full control of the functionality and 

subsequent partitioning of silicon and software: 
this means we can deliver the optimum design mix 
for a specific target application

•  We are viewed as a one‑stop shop for support with 
hardware, software and system expertise; often 
regarded as an extension of the customer’s own 
engineering team

•  Through our depth of experience, we have 

extensive overall “system” knowledge, irrespective 
of our ‘component’ supplier status

•  We have the ability to provide backwards 
compatibility for customer‑developed 
legacy systems

•  Proprietary silicon and software developments 

•  We have key relationships with complementary 

produce internal IP that does not attract third‑party 
royalty payments

integrated circuit providers

Customer  
relationships

Focus on research and 
development and scalability

•  We enjoy high levels of trust with our customers. 

This translates and promotes long‑term relationships

•  Through repeat design wins, we have 

upsell opportunities

•  Many of our customers are multi‑national 

‘blue‑chip’ companies

•  We have extensive, established global routes 

to market

•  Multi‑year investment in the business, along with 
normal levels of R&D refresh, has significantly 
expanded our pipeline of products and total 
addressable market

•  Design is supported by a mixture of in‑house and 

outsourced assembly and testing

•  Majority of manufacturing is outsourced, thus 

providing scalability for the business

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18

07

Business model

Delivering long‑term sustainable growth

The business model is to design, manufacture and market a range 
of semiconductors for global industrial and professional applications 
within the storage and communications market areas. It incorporates 
our objectives towards sustainable growth, namely of focused 
engineering investment, stable cost control, progressive revenues 
and consistent gross margins. 

SISTENT G R O S S  M

N
O
C

R G I N S

A

FOCUSED E

N

G

I

N

E

E

R
I

N

G

I

N

V

E

S

T

M

E

N

T

T A I N ABLE GROWTH

S

U

S

N

ESIG

D

M

A

N

U

F

Technical
customer
focus

A

C

T

U
R
E

MARK E T

P

R

O

G

R

E

S

S
I

V

E 

R

E

V

E

N

UES

O ST BASE

G E D C

A

N

M A

Innovation 
Technical innovation is a fundamental 
contributor to the Group’s success. Our 
marketing and engineering personnel 
collaborate to define and deliver 
compelling, commercially attractive 
semiconductor solutions. Our extensive 
and growing silicon and software IP 
portfolio can be combined using optimal 
partitioning for a specific end‑market 
to achieve the right balance between 
performance and cost.

Quality 
Superiority and excellence are 
important definitions of quality within our 
organisation and are widely applicable 
across numerous activities. Whether it is 
product design, manufacturing, selling or 
stakeholder relationship management, we 
strive to be a quality company operating 
with the high levels of business acumen 
and ethical practices that the business 
was founded 50 years ago.

Support 
Superlative customer support is part of 
CML’s DNA. It is a key trait that customers 
associate us with; and an important 
factor in customers’ decision‑making 
process to select us as a long‑term 
supplier and partner. A thorough “system 
knowledge” of the end‑application within 
the markets that we address underpins 
our long‑standing reputation.

Our growth strategy is to be the first choice key‑component supplier 
within our chosen end‑markets.

08

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
We have a range of performance measures to monitor and manage 
the business, some of which are considered key performance 
indicators (“KPIs”).

KPIs1

Principal risks and uncertainties

Revenue (£m)

Cash (£m)

27.74

31.67

13.60

13.82

12.45

22.83

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Gross profit  
(£m)

Profit from operations  
(£m)

22.24

19.82

4.31

4.55

16.25

3.39

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Basic earnings per share 
(p)

Adjusted EBITDA2  
(£m)

23.09

24.52

10.00

8.84

18.03

6.97

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

1.  The above KPIs are of a financial nature. Management use 

financial KPIs to monitor the business, rather than a combination 
of financial and non‑financial KPIs.

2.  For definition and reconciliation please see Note 12.

These KPIs include revenue, 
gross profit, profit from operations, 
basic earnings per share and 
cash, summary details of which 
are shown above and discussed 
within the Group Chairman’s 
statement on page 4 and the 
Group Managing Director’s 
review on page 10.

Key risks of a financial nature
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group are 
with foreign currencies and customer dependency. With the 
majority of the Group’s earnings being linked to the US Dollar, 
a decline in this currency will have a direct effect on revenue, 
although since the majority of the cost of sales are also 
linked to the US Dollar, this risk is reduced at the gross profit 
line. Furthermore, the Group does however have significant 
Euro‑denominated fixed costs. Additionally, though the 
Group has a very diverse customer base in certain market 
sectors, key customers can represent a significant amount 
of revenue though their end‑customers may be a diversified 
portfolio. Key customer relationships are closely monitored, 
however changes in buying patterns of a key customer 
could have an adverse effect on the Group’s performance. 
Further details of risks, uncertainties and financial instruments 
are contained in note 23 and customer concentration is 
discussed in the Group Managing Director’s review. 

Key risks of a non‑financial nature 
The Group is a small player operating in a highly 
competitive global market that is undergoing continual 
and geographical change. The Group’s ability to respond 
to many competitive factors including, but not limited 
to, pricing, technological innovations, product quality, 
customer service, raw material availabilities, manufacturing 
capabilities and employment of qualified personnel will 
be key in the achievement of its objectives, but its ultimate 
success will depend on the demand for its customers’ 
products since the Group is a component supplier. 

A substantial proportion of the Group’s revenue and 
earnings are derived from outside the UK and so the 
Group’s ability to achieve its financial objectives could be 
impacted by risks and uncertainties associated with local 
legal requirements (including the UK’s withdrawal from the 
European Union, or “Brexit”), political risk, the enforceability 
of laws and contracts, changes in the tax laws, terrorist 
activities, natural disasters or health epidemics.

Understanding of the development, performance 
or position of the Company’s business 
For financial years ending on or after 30 September 2013, 
all companies must prepare a stand‑alone strategic report 
in addition to their directors’ report (Section 414C (7) of 
The Companies Act 2006 Strategic Report and Directors’ 
Report). The Directors do not believe that environmental 
matters (including the impact of the Company’s business 
on the environment), details of the Company’s employees 
(including gender), anti‑corruption and bribery matters and 
social, community and human rights issues are needed 
for an understanding of the development, performance 
or position of the Company’s business and accordingly 
have not included this within the strategic report but have 
added these to the Other Disclosures and Corporate Social 
Responsibility sections of this Annual Report.

09

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Group Managing Director’s review

Our revenue and adjusted EBITDA 
performances are at all‑time highs, 
as is the year end cash position.

C A Gurry
Group Managing Director

passed through the often lengthy 
qualification period and gained 
market acceptance. 

During the course of the year, we 
continued our planned resource 
investment programme into the 
business and this is now largely 
complete. While we will carry on 
our high level of research and 
development spend, we now have 
an appropriate operational structure 
to manage our business and deliver 
growth over the medium term. 
Pleasingly, we are already seeing the 
impact made by these investments 
into extra resources, particularly in sales 
and marketing, with our potential sales 
pipeline growing well, and a healthy 
level of new design wins being 
secured. We are experiencing an 
underlying uplift in our sales opportunity 
metrics, which bodes well for further 
sustainable growth. 

Financial Review
Group turnover for the year to 
31 March 2018 was £31.67m, 
representing an increase of 
14% against the prior full year 
(2017: £27.74m). Revenues were 
higher across both of the main 
market areas addressed, namely 
Communications and Storage, with 
the shipment of products into Asian 
and European countries being the 
driver behind that growth. That said, 
it is important to note that annual 
revenue comparisons by region can be 
misleading as some customers can and 
do alter their manufacturing locations 
periodically. A fuller revenue analysis 
at the market application area level is 
covered later in this report.

Sales in the second half of the year 
were slightly lower than the first 
six‑months, with extended raw material 
lead times and currency headwinds 
being contributing factors. Revenues 
in the second half were ahead 7% 
on the comparable period. Gross 
profit improved by 12% to £22.24m 
(2017: £19.82m) with margins slightly 
reduced due to product mix.

The year under review represents 
the first full year of trading following 
the acquisition of Sicomm in August 
2016. As a result of the high levels 
of investment in research and 
development and personnel that 
have been made in the intervening 
period, distribution and administration 
costs increased by 15% to £18.52m 
(2017: £16.12m). 

It is noteworthy to report that within 
these costs, the Group recorded 
a £0.4m foreign exchange loss 
which, when compared to the gains 
made in the prior financial year 
represents a £1.2m negative swing. 
The overall increase in distribution 
and administration expenditure was 
also impacted by higher amortisation 
of development costs at £4.75m 
(2017: £4.10m).

As expected, research and 
development costs for the year 
remained at elevated levels, totaling 
£6.87m (2017: £6.82m). Of this amount, 
£1.19m was expensed (2017: £1.06m) 
and £5.68m was capitalised under the 
Group’s research and development 
policy (2017: £5.76m).

Other income consists of three main 
elements; amounts received from the 
commercial rental of Group‑owned 
property assets that are now surplus 

Operational and 
Financial Review
Introduction 
I am pleased to be able to report on 
another year of continued progress 
across the Group. Our revenue and 
adjusted EBITDA performances are 
at all‑time highs, as is the year end 
cash position. These results, achieved 
whilst continuing to invest in the 
business, are further validation of our 
strong commitment to research and 
development and the success of 
working closely with our customers 
to design and deliver the products 
that they need to meet commercial 
requirements.

Particularly pleasing is that this 
steady growth remains in line with 
the expectations that we set out 
three years ago when the current 
strategy was communicated and 
we embarked upon a number 
of investment and organisational 
initiatives to position the Company 
for long‑term success. The Group has 
experienced top line growth of 45% 
through that period although we are 
yet to see the full operational benefits 
given the time it takes for early stage 
customer engagements to become 
revenue generating.

We have been delighted by the 
increase in orders across our customer 
base and product range. The growth 
in revenues has been derived largely 
through improved sales to our existing 
customers, with the majority of our 
top 40 customers posting a year on 
year increase. Importantly, we have 
also seen a selection of relatively new 
customers reach a meaningful level of 
sales, indicating their products have 

10

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18to operational requirements; regional 
grant income associated with specific 
engineering development activities 
and an element of royalty income 
associated with the sale of third party 
technology. The amount recorded this 
year was £0.83m (2017: £0.61m).

Profit from operations increased by 
6% to £4.55m compared to a figure 
of £4.31m for the prior year. After 
accounting for share‑based payments, 
net finance income and a small uplift 
in the value of the Group’s investment 
property assets of £0.14m, a profit 
before tax of £4.58m was recorded 
(2017: £4.21m), equating to growth 
of 9%.

Customer dependency for the year 
reflected some movement against 
the prior year. Contribution from 
the top two customers fell slightly 
to a combined contribution of 
approximately 28%, although only 
one of these customers was above 
the 10% threshold. All other customers 
remained below the 6% level.

The Group continued to benefit from 
UK tax credits associated with some 
of its research and development 
activities and that is the primary driver 
behind the lower than average rate 

of taxation achieved. An income tax 
expense of £0.44m was posted against 
a prior year figure of £0.34m.

Profit after tax amounted to £4.14m 
(2017: £3.87m), an improvement of 
7%, with Basic EPS rising 6% to 24.52p 
(2017: 23.09p) despite a higher 
number of ordinary shares in issue.

The Group’s cash reserves at 
31 March 2018 stood at £13.82m, 
delivering an increase of £1.37m 
when compared to the same cut‑off 
date one year earlier (31 March 2017: 
£12.45m). The balance reported follows 
a research and development spend 
of £6.87m, dividend payments totaling 
£1.58m and the payment of a warranty 
retention associated with the Sicomm 
acquisition of £0.32m. Included in the 
cash balance is a conditional customer 
prepayment of £1.15m made against 
future product purchases. 

The semiconductor industry as a whole 
has been experiencing extended lead 
times for raw materials due to capacity 
constraints. The Group communicated 
a general tone of caution around the 
issue at the interim stage and continues 
to act appropriately to minimize the 
effects on the business. 

Against this backdrop, inventory 
levels at the year‑end totaled £2.35m 
(2017: £2.15m), with all of the increase 
attributable to raw materials and work 
in progress. Finished goods stock levels 
were lower year on year.

The Group has a historic final salary 
pension scheme that has been closed 
to both new members and future 
accruals for many years. Along with 
the Company, the Trustees and their 
professional advisors have worked 
diligently in recent years towards 
achieving the right balance between 
adequate scheme funding and 
business growth objectives. As a result, 
the scheme funding position has 
improved and for the year under review 
a deficit of £2.07m has been recorded 
under accounting rule IAS 19 (2017: 
£3.08m). Separately, the most recent 
triennial actuarial valuation carried 
out by an independent professionally 
qualified actuary, as at 31 March 
2017, resulted in a net pension surplus 
of £1.89m (1 April 2014: net deficit of 
£1.54m). This actuarial valuation showed 
that the scheme assets were sufficient 
to cover 111% of the benefits accrued 
to members, after allowing for future 
increases in these benefits. 

Revenue (£m)

31.67 +14%

Gross profit (£m)

22.24 +12%

Profit from operations (£m)

4.55 +5%

31.67

27.74

19.82

22.24

4.31

4.55

22.83

16.25

3.39

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

Adjusted EBITDA1 (£m)

10.00 +13%

Shareholders’ equity (£m)

41.77 +11%

Dividend (p)

7.80 +5%

10.00

8.84

32.58

6.97

37.64

41.77

7.00

7.40

7.80

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

2018

2016

2017

20182

1.  For definition and reconciliation see Note 12.
2.  2018 incorporates a maiden interim dividend of 2.0p and a proposed final dividend of 5.8p, providing a total dividend of 7.8p (see Note 10).

11

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Group Managing Director’s review continued
Market application areas

Storage

Our strategy for the Storage market continues to be 
investment into the expansion of the product range towards 
increasing our share of existing customer product portfolios 
whilst simultaneously widening the customer base.

Application areas

Industrial flash memory cards; solid 
state drives; embedded storage

Markets served

Automotive

Industrial

Medical

Infrastructure

Infotainment

Gaming

Security

Telecoms

Utilities

£

Mobile and 
POS payment

Our strategy for the Storage market 
continues to be investment into the 
expansion of the product range 
towards increasing our share of existing 
customer product portfolios whilst 
simultaneously widening the customer 
base. Our focus continues to be on 
strengthening our product portfolio to 
include all major interface standards 
used within our intended end‑markets 
and interoperation with all relevant 
third‑party NAND Flash devices from 
top tier global memory suppliers. 

Our enlarged flash memory controller 
product range now includes 
CompactFlash, SD, MMC, USB and 
SATA host interface standards, 
complemented by an Application 
Programmers Interface (“API”) that 
our customers are using to develop 
their own proprietary security or 
IIoT solutions. A pleasing number of 
customers have adopted our API 
through the year and we started 
to see the resulting end‑products 
launched to market. 

Storage revenue for the year 
amounted to £15.43m (2017: £12.69m) 
representing an increase of 22% with 
the main contributors being increased 
shipments into the automotive, 
industrial automation and telecom 
infrastructure markets. The gain 
made is evidence that our focus on 
sustainable growth opportunities has 
traction. Product mix differed from 
expectations at the beginning of the 
year with a higher contribution from 
products shipped in silicon wafer form, 
resulting in a negative skew to average 
selling prices. 

As has been the case for some time, 
a number of customers reported being 
affected by continually tight levels 
of NAND flash supply coupled with 
elevated pricing, although it is not 
possible to judge the overall impact 
on the numbers being reported.

It was a busy year in terms of 
operational progress. In August 
2017 the full market launch of a 
new class‑leading CompactFlash 
controller took place, enabling 
customers to use more recently 
available flash memory technologies 
within their CompactFlash‑based 
storage products and benefit from 
the advantages they offer. A raised 
level of promotional activities 
occurred around industry‑specific 
exhibitions in the US, China and Europe, 
supplemented by white papers and 
conference presentations designed 
to raise awareness of the technical 
superiority and reliability of our 
semiconductor solutions. Customer 
facing resources were enhanced 
further and a new EU‑based distribution 
agreement was announced.

Encouragingly, the level of interest 
being generated through promotion 
of the enlarged product portfolio 
increased and a number of customer 
designs from prior years passed 
through the qualification phase and 
have begun shipping in production 
quantities. It was pleasing to record 
a design win for one of the world’s 
largest server manufacturers. With 
servers typically containing a number 
of storage devices, each with a 
different host interface, the server 
market represents an additional 
growth area for the Group. 

Overall, our progress with Storage 
activities was pleasing and the 
underlying sales opportunity 
pipeline grew well. 

12

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Communications

Our strategy within Communications is to grow customer 
share and expand the customer base through the 
development and marketing of products that offer 
increased functionality within the customers’ end product.

Application areas

Professional and industrial voice  
and/or data communications 
products

Markets served

Industrial

Medical

Satellite

Marine

Military

Transport

Security

Telecoms

Utilities

Critical
comms

Telephony

POS

In total we released five new 
products across the year targeted at 
end markets including marine AIS and 
VDES, where a technology partnership 
led to release of a module for a new 
high‑speed data exchange system 
targeting industry adoption over 
the coming years. Expansion of the 
RF product range to field products 
that operate at frequencies >1GHz 
has been a well communicated 
focus and the first two products 
were released to market. These 
IC’s are suitable for use in satellite 
communications and other more 
general applications. A second RF 
power amplifier IC capable of higher 
output power was also launched.

The various organisational reporting 
changes and resource level 
improvements made in the prior 
year along with the first full year 
contribution from the acquisition of 
Sicomm, all collectively served to 
drive business forward within what is 
now a scalable operating structure. 
A new sales channel agreement was 
signed in the USA during the year and 
our manufacturer’s representative 
network was bolstered.

As reported at the interim stage, we 
experienced strong growth across 
the focus product groups and a high 
proportion of the opportunities being 
worked are for multiple CML IC’s 
within each customer end‑product. 
All things considered, it has been 
another pleasing year.

Our strategy within Communications 
is to grow customer share and 
expand the customer base through 
the development and marketing 
of products that offer increased 
functionality within the customers’ 
end product. This includes expanding 
the product portfolio to include 
semiconductors with performance 
characteristics that are expected to 
widen the addressable market. 

The enlarged product range now offers 
the ability for a single customer product 
to incorporate up to five separate CML 
devices. This has the added benefit of 
generating increased efficiency across 
our sales and marketing activities and, 
with the aid of focused demonstration 
platforms, helps our customers get to 
market faster and at lower overall cost.

The encouraging progress made in 
the first six months is reflected in a solid 
full year performance, with revenues 
rising 10% to £16.17m (2017: £14.64m). 
This figure is even more satisfying given 
the need to navigate through selected 
third‑party raw material supplier delays 
as the year progressed. This increase 
is delivered as a growing number of 
individual customer projects reach 
production status and is against a 
particularly strong performance in 
the prior year.

In terms of product categories, strong 
increases were made with the sale of 
baseband processors for use within 
voice‑centric digital radios, particularly 
those that operate to the DMR global 
standard. The Group’s Data Modems 
for “Machine‑to‑Machine (“M2M”) / 
“Industrial Internet of Things” (“IIoT”) 
applications also recorded strong gains 
against the prior year, as did the sale of 
RF semiconductors, posting a revenue 
gain of over 30%. 

13

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Group Managing Director’s review continued

Strategy Overview
The Group’s strategy today remains 
consistent with that previously 
communicated. Our semiconductor 
business continues to be focused on 
two important niche market areas, 
industrial storage and industrial 
communications, where our proprietary 
IP, along with the quality and reliability 
of our technology, sets us apart from 
our peers and makes us an integral 
part of our customers’ products. We 
have a strong and growing reputation 
in each of these market areas and 
have a world‑class customer base as 
well as an established sales network 
which has been improved further 
through adding resources and the 
appointment of complementary 
distributors and representatives in 
specific regions.

The ongoing demand for increasing 
amounts of data to be delivered faster 
and stored more reliably and securely 
continues to drive demand for our 
products. We have succeeded in 
generating a diverse revenue stream 
across a broad range of customers and 
products and will continue to expand 
this further. We are, to our customers, 
a single‑source supplier, meaning that 
once designed in, the displacement of 
our chips would require some element 
of end‑product redesign.

Ongoing investment in research and 
development remains a key pillar of 
our growth strategy and the benefits 
continue to be seen. This focus on 
developing new products should lead 
to design wins with both new and 
existing customers. This will enable us 
to improve our market share as well as 
increase our total addressable market 
and deliver significant, profitable 
revenue generation. We continue to 
seek acquisition opportunities which 
meet our strict criteria to complement 
our ongoing organic growth.

Market Developments
The long‑term trends that we have 
consistently highlighted within our 
two niche industrial application areas 
remain as strong today as ever. The 
principal factor for both remains the 
persistent demand for increasing 
amounts of data to be transmitted 
and stored more quickly and securely.

Performance for the full year could 
have been stronger but for well 
publicised global constraints in the 
supply of silicon. The semiconductor 
market as a whole is in a growth phase 
at the moment and the knock‑on 
effect of that is for a general tone of 
caution around raw material lead 
times. We continue to monitor the 
situation and act appropriately to 
minimise any effect this might have on 
the business. It is particularly pleasing 
to note that the business delivered 
against expectations, despite this issue 
and a negative impact from currency 
movements in the year, demonstrating 
the strength of our business model.

Within industrial data storage there 
are several exciting opportunities in 
which we are securing a growing 
number of design wins following 
successful product qualifications. 
The automotive sector has performed 
well again this year and continues to 
present opportunities for continued 
growth. Again, it is pleasing to note 
that progression is in keeping with 
the dynamics that we had foreseen 
some years ago. Other areas include 
industrial automation, the telecoms/
network infrastructure market and 
various security related applications. 
A number of the major original 
equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) 
or tier one suppliers to those OEMs 
are our customers, meaning we are 
well positioned to benefit from the 
ever‑growing demand.

The Communications market is 
exhibiting a number of growth 
areas including the transition to 
higher‑capacity digital networks 
within voice‑centric markets and, in 
data‑centric markets, the increasing 
data throughput requirements from 
terrestrial and satellite communications 
applications. The latter is required to 
meet the needs of the growing M2M 
and IIoT sectors. Ancillary markets 
continue to develop which serves to 
maintain the very fragmented nature 
of the Group’s communications 
markets. New product releases over 
the last few years should serve to 
capture a higher share of a growing 
market over time.

Again, we are already suppliers to, 
or working with, many of the leading 
OEMs in these areas and the Board 
believes we are well placed for 
future growth. 

14

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Outlook
The business has continued to perform 
in line with expectations, which gives 
us confidence in the future. The lead 
times and sales cycles on our products 
are long and the revenue growth we 
are seeing today is the result of the 
continuous research and development 
investments that we make to deliver 
the products our customers need. 
Group products released three to four 
years ago are now entering the growth 
phase amongst the customer base and 
we envisage a repeat of this cycle with 
our recently released products and 
those under development, providing us 
with a long and sustainable pipeline of 
sales opportunities.

Operational Developments
The investment made in senior people 
towards the end of the prior year 
and early into this year has created 
the necessary capacity and skill set 
to facilitate the Group’s continued 
growth. This process is now largely 
complete. Whilst our fixed cost base 
has increased, the benefits are already 
being seen with the additions in sales, 
marketing and customer support 
functions leading to an improved sales 
opportunity pipeline. 

The other significant investment in the 
year has been in a new enterprise 
resource planning (“ERP”) system, 
which is on track to go‑live in the 
second half of this current financial 
year. Given the increasing scale and 
global nature of the business, the ERP 
system will unify our operating systems 
across different geographies, which 
will not only create efficiencies but also 
improve decision making. 

Both market areas addressed are 
delivering a satisfying performance 
and continue to be well placed for 
future growth. Our focus on research 
and development investment will 
remain, whilst other spending initiatives 
will benefit the business in future years.

Clearly it is not possible to predict 
issues that may arise in the wider 
market, but a note of caution needs 
to be conveyed given one or two 
raw material supplier issues that were 
a feature of the latter part of the 
year to 31 March 2018. These events 
have the potential to affect customer 
purchasing patterns and, as a result, 
we currently expect revenue and profit 
progress for the year ahead to be 
weighted towards the second half. 

The Board believes that CML is well 
positioned to deliver steady, sustained 
growth and expectations are for a 
further advance in profitability for the 
year to 31 March 2019.

C A Gurry
Group Managing Director

22 June 2018

15

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Corporate social responsibility

The Group’s employees are its greatest asset and 
ultimately are the key factor in determining the 
long‑term success of the business.

Employees
The Board aims to ensure that all 
employees work in an environment 
that supports diversity and fosters 
a culture of dignity and respect. 
We are committed to supporting 
employment policies and practices 
that support equal opportunities, 
non‑discrimination, and that comply 
with relevant local legislation and 
accepted employment practice 
codes. Policies and practices of equal 
opportunities and non‑discrimination 
will ensure that an individual’s ability, 
aptitude and talent are the sole 
determinants in recruitment, training, 
career development and progression 
opportunities rather than on the 
grounds of age, beliefs, disability, 
ethnic origin, gender, marital status, 
race, religion or sexual orientation.

Breakdown of employees as at 31 March by gender and management

2018 

2017

Plc Board Directors  

Senior management  

Staff  

Total  

Male 

Female 

Total 

Male 

Female 

Total

6  

14 

139 

159 

—  

1 

62 

63 

6 

15 

201 

222 

6  

15  

138  

159  

—  

1  

58  

59  

6

16 

196 

218 

Senior management is per the definition in Section 414C of the UK Companies 
Act 2006.

The Group encourages employees to participate directly in the success of the 
business through a free flow of information and ideas along with Company share 
ownership. Options over shares in employee share plans do not hold the rights of 
the ordinary shares themselves.

16

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental issues and greenhouse gas emissions
The Board recognises its responsibility as a manufacturing concern to reduce, where economically sound, the energy it 
uses and where possible take advantage of recycling opportunities, complying with local laws as a minimum standard. 
The direct impact of the Company’s own business on the environment is little more than that of a normal office environment 
so has minimal effect. This is due to the fact that the Company mainly uses a sub‑contractor model for the manufacture of 
its products. The mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report 
and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013 (“the Regulations”) requires we report the data shown below.

Greenhouse gas emissions in tonnes of CO2 equivalents

Tonnes of CO2e 

Scope 1 

Scope 2 

Total controlled emissions 

Source of emissions

Tonnes of CO2e 

Scope 1 

Fuel – Company owned vehicles 

Gas – heating  

Refrigerant 

Total scope 1 emissions 

Scope 2 

Electricity – office and manufacturing  

Total scope 2 emissions  

Geographical breakdown

2018 Tonnes of CO2e 

UK  

Taiwan  

Singapore 

China 

Germany 

Total emissions  

2017 Tonnes of CO2e  

UK  

Taiwan  

Singapore 

China 

Germany  

Total emissions  

Intensity of emissions 
Tonnes of CO2e/£’000 turnover 

Scope 1  

Scope 2  

Total  

2018 

133.84 

381.93 

515.77 

 % of total 
 emissions 

25.95% 

74.05% 

100.00% 

2017 

137.41 

437.61 

575.02 

 % of total 
emissions

23.90%

76.10%

100.00%

2018 

 % of total 
 emissions 

2017 

 % of total 
emissions

21.12 

112.71 

0.01 

133.84 

381.93 

381.93 

Scope 1 

118.21 

7.58 

0.00 

8.05 

0.00 

4.10% 

21.85% 

0.00% 

25.95% 

74.05% 

74.05% 

Scope 2 

325.64 

18.16 

3.75 

17.04 

17.34 

22.40 

115.00 

0.01 

137.41 

437.61 

437.61 

Total  

443.85 

25.74 

3.75 

25.09 

17.34 

3.90%

20.00%

0.00%

23.90%

76.10%

76.10%

% of total 
emissions

86.06%

4.99%

0.73%

4.86%

3.36%

133.84 

381.93 

515.77 

100.00%

Scope 1 

119.02 

8.78 

0.00 

9.61 

0.00 

Scope 2 

377.52 

19.16 

4.30 

12.30 

24.33 

Total  

496.54 

27.94 

4.30 

21.91 

24.33 

% of total 
emissions

86.35%

4.86%

0.75%

3.81%

4.23%

137.41 

437.61 

575.02 

100.00%

2018 

0.00 

0.01 

0.01 

2017

0.01

0.02

0.03

The above greenhouse gas emissions data is reported using an operational control approach to define our organisational 
boundary, which meets the definitional requirements of the Regulations in respect of those emissions for which we are 
responsible. This includes all material emission sources which we deem ourselves to be responsible for. These sources are 
within our organisational boundary and align with our own internal and financial control. We do not have responsibility for 
any emission sources outside this boundary such as commercial flights (scope 3) since they are not within our control and 
therefore are not considered to be our responsibility.

17

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors

The Board is collectively responsible for  
the long‑term success of the Company.

From left to right: Neil Pritchard, Chris Gurry, Nigel Clark, Geoff Barnes, Hugh Rudden and Jim Lindop.

Nigel Clark 
Group Non‑Executive Chairman 
Aged 64, Nigel joined the Company in 1980. 
He was appointed Company Secretary in 1983 
and Group Financial Director in 1985. Prior to 
joining CML, he was with Touche Ross & Co. 
(which subsequently merged with Deloitte in 
1989) and is a qualified chartered accountant, 
holding an FCA. Nigel became Group 
Non‑Executive Chairman in January 2015. He 
holds a Mathematical Science degree from 
the University of London. Nigel is Chairman of 
the Remuneration Committee and member of 
the Audit Committee.

Chris Gurry
Group Managing Director
Aged 54, Chris joined the Group in 1994, was 
appointed to the Board in 2000 as Business 
Development Director and became Group 
Managing Director in October 2007. Prior to 
joining CML, he worked within the electronics 
industry and has over 25 years’ experience 
within communications markets.

Neil Pritchard 
Group Financial Director and Company Secretary 
Aged 46, Neil joined the Company in January 
2015. He was previously Finance Director 
of the UK and Eire division of the DAX listed 
automotive products group, Continental AG. 
Prior roles include Group Financial Controller 
at multinational London Stock Exchange listed 
Delta PLC (acquired by US company Valmont 
Industries in 2010) and Group Finance Manager 
at FTSE 250 multinational speciality chemicals 
group Yule Catto & Co PLC (now renamed 
Synthomer PLC). Neil is a qualified chartered 
accountant, holding an FCA, having spent 
six years with KPMG London in audit and 
forensic transaction services roles. He holds 
an Economics and Politics degree from the 
University of Bath.

Hugh Rudden 
Group Sales and Marketing Director
Aged 58, Hugh joined the Company in June 
2014. He has over 25 years’ sales and marketing 
experience in the semiconductor industry. Prior 
to joining the Company, he divided his time 
between leading a VC‑backed photovoltaic 
start‑up company through early stage financing 
and providing business and management 
consultancy services across a number of sectors. 
Prior to this, he was CEO at Bede Plc (acquired 
by Jordan Valley Semiconductors in 2008), and 
also spent 14 years at Memec Group (acquired 
by Avnet in 2005), a global semiconductor 
distribution and designs services organisation 
where his roles included product marketing 
manager, regional CEO and VP global design 
services solutions. Hugh speaks German and 
holds a BSc in Physics from the University of 
Durham.

Jim Lindop
Non‑Executive Director
Aged 61, Jim joined the Company in April 
2013 and has extensive innovative leadership 
experience in the technology and engineering 
sectors, having spent over 30 years in the 
industry. Most recently he was founder and CEO 
of Jennic Ltd, a privately held semiconductor 
company established in 1996 and subsequently 
acquired by NXP Semiconductors in 2010. 
Prior to Jennic, he consulted to companies in 
Cambridge, UK, including Symbionics, building 
and leading project teams in new wireless 
technologies. Earlier experience includes 
working at Rolls Royce designing electronic 
instrumentation for aero‑engines and as a 
director of engineering at Simmons Limited. Jim 
holds a BSc and MSc in Electronics from the 
University of Nottingham.

Geoff Barnes (Appointed 1 April 2017)
Non‑Executive Director
Aged 73, Geoff joined the Company in April 2017. 
He is currently a director of Baker Tilly International 
having transitioned to the role in June 2016 after 
serving as its CEO and President for 16 years. He is 
also Non‑Executive Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board of Baker Tilly South East Europe Ltd, strategic 
advisor on international matters to a major city law 
firm and chairman of the International Advisory 
Panel of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales. In 2015, Geoff was awarded 
the prestigious life‑time achievement award by 
the International Accounting Bulletin for services 
to global public accounting. Previous roles include 
18 years with Casson Beckman, culminating in 
the position of Executive Chairman, and 6 years 
with Deloitte Haskins & Sells in London where he 
qualified as a chartered accountant. Geoff is 
Chairman of the Audit Committee.

18

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Corporate governance

The Company is committed to high standards 
of corporate governance.

The Board meets formally a minimum 
of four times per year. During the year 
ended 31 March 2018, eight Board 
meetings were held where all Directors 
in post participated (2017: eight).

All Board members have full access 
to the Group’s advisors for seeking 
professional advice at the Company’s 
expense and the Group’s culture 
is to openly discuss any important 
issues. New appointments are led by 
the Group Managing Director and 
considered by the whole Board acting 
as the nominations committee.

The Group’s wider organisational 
structure has clear lines of responsibility. 
Operating and financial responsibility 
for all subsidiary companies is the 
responsibility of the Board. The CODM 
monitors operating performance 
through the regular review of financial 
reports and by holding regular formal 
discussions with senior managers and 
their respective senior personnel.

In accordance with the Articles of 
Association, one‑third of the Board 
excluding the Group Managing 
Director, is subject to re‑election by 
rotation annually.

Accountability
On pages 25 to 28 of this Annual 
Report and Accounts there are details 
of the Group’s internal financial control 
procedures and risk management 
practices. The Group has a 
long‑established framework of internal 
financial controls and the Board 
recognises that the Group operates in 
highly competitive markets that can 
be affected by factors and events 
outside its control. Accordingly, an 
annual review of the material controls, 
including financial, operational, 
compliance and risk management 
systems is undertaken during the year 
by the internal audit function.

Statement of the application of 
principles in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2014 
(the “Code”) 
The Board acknowledges the 
importance of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2014 (the “Code”) 
revised in September 2014. Companies 
that have a standard listing on the 
London Stock Exchange are not 
required to comply with the Code 
under the Listing Rules. However 
there is a requirement to comply with 
certain disclosure and transparency 
rules, specifically DTR 7.2, relating to 
corporate governance statements.

The Company is committed to high 
standards of corporate governance 
and has sought to comply with 
those aspects of the Code that are 
considered by the Board to be practical 
and appropriate for an organisation 
of its size and nature and where, in the 
Board’s opinion, are of material benefit 
to the Company and/or its stakeholders. 
A copy of the Code is available on 
the Financial Reporting Council’s 
website at www.frc.org.uk/corporate/
ukcgcode.cfm.

In particular, the Company places 
a high degree of importance 
on corporate governance issues 
relating to internal financial control, 
accountability and the ability of its 
Directors to behave independently 
and appropriately. Consequently, 
consideration of the Code has been 
weighted towards these issues whilst 
also having due regard for the size 
and nature of the Group.

Directors
The Group is led and controlled by 
an effective Board that comprises 
three Executive Directors and three 
Non‑Executive Directors. Details of the 
Directors can be found on page 18. 
The Group Non‑Executive Chairman is 
primarily responsible for the running of 
the Board and the Group Managing 
Director is the Chief Operating Decision 
Maker (“CODM”) with responsibility for 
the day‑to‑day running of the Group 
and for implementing Group strategy. 

In accordance with the objectives of 
the Code, the Board reviews the results 
of the review and takes necessary 
actions where required. The Board is 
satisfied there is an ongoing process 
in place for identifying, evaluating 
and managing the Group’s significant 
risks. Further details of our financial risk 
management policy are provided in 
note 23.

Audit
The audit committee is responsible for 
ensuring the financial performance of 
the Group is properly measured and 
reported and for reviewing reports 
from auditors relating to the Group 
accounts and the Group’s internal 
control systems. The audit committee 
also reviews the independence and 
the objectivity of the auditor and 
the supply of non‑audit services. 
The audit committee comprises the 
Non‑Executive Chairman and an 
Independent Non‑Executive Director. 
(see Directors section). During the 
year ended 31 March 2018, two 
audit committee meetings were held 
where all Directors in post participated 
(2017: two meetings).

Relations with shareholders
The Group Managing Director and 
the Group Financial Director are the 
Group’s principal spokesmen with 
investors, fund managers, the press 
and other interested parties. They hold 
briefings with institutional and private 
client fund managers and analysts 
primarily following the announcement 
of half‑year and preliminary results 
along with other ad‑hoc meetings 
throughout the year. The Board also 
welcomes all shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting where they 
are able to question the full Board and 
meet with them afterwards. Details 
of all briefings and meetings are 
communicated to the full Board.

By order of the Board

N B Pritchard
Company Secretary
22 June 2018

19

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Directors’ remuneration report

Introduction
This report has been prepared in accordance with the regulations regarding the Directors’ remuneration report (Schedule 8 
of the Large and Medium‑sized Companies and Group (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 as amended in 2013). 
As in previous years the shareholders will be asked to approve the Directors’ remuneration report at the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting of the Company at which the financial statements will be approved. Approval sought for this will 
have advisory status. The remuneration committee reviewed the existing policy revised in 2014 and deemed no change 
necessary to the current arrangements. Therefore, there has been no change in remuneration policy from 2017.

Consideration of employment conditions elsewhere in the Group
In setting the policy for Directors, the remuneration committee is mindful of the Group’s objective to reward all employees 
fairly according to their role, experience and performance. In setting the policy for Directors’ remuneration the committee 
considers the pay and employment conditions of the other employees within the Group. No formal consultation has been 
undertaken with the Group’s employees in drawing up this policy.

The committee has not used formal comparison measures.

Remuneration committee
The Board has established a remuneration committee that currently comprises G. F. Barnes, C. A. Gurry and N. G. Clark 
(committee Chairman). C. A. Gurry does not participate in deciding his personal remuneration package. During the year 
ended 31 March 2018, one remuneration committee meeting was held where all Directors in post participated (2017: one 
meeting).

Remuneration policy
Set out in the table below is the Group policy on Directors’ remuneration. In setting the policy, the remuneration committee 
has taken into account:

•  the need to attract, retain and motivate individuals of a calibre who will ensure successful leadership and management 

of the Company;

•  the Group’s general aim in seeking to reward all employees fairly according to the nature of their role;
•  the need to align the interests of the shareholders as a whole with the long‑term growth of the Group;
•  the need to be flexible and adjust with operational changes throughout the term of this policy;
•  the size and nature of the business; and
•  knowledge of general pay levels within the Company’s peer group and similarly sized companies.

The remuneration of the Non‑Executive Directors is determined by the Board and takes into account additional 
remuneration for services outside the scope of the ordinary duties of Non‑Executive Directors.

Executive Directors

Element

Base salary

Purpose

Policy

Operation

Performance conditions

To recognise skills, 
responsibility, accountability, 
experience and value.

Set at a level considered 
appropriate to attract, retain, 
motivate and reward the 
right individual.

Reviewed annually by the 
remuneration committee.

Contribution to pension

To provide competitive 
retirement benefits.

Fixed percentage of 
base salary.

Paid monthly into pensions 
or as an adjusted amount of 
salary in lieu.

Benefits1

To provide a competitive 
benefits package.

Annual bonus

To reward and incentivise.

Includes car or car 
allowance, health cover and 
death in service.

Tied to the overall profit and 
performance of the business 
as well as the individual in 
that period.

Assessed annually on both a 
financial and non‑financial 
basis.

As defined in the 
employment contract.

No specific performance 
conditions.

No specific performance 
conditions, no maximum 
salary and no minimum or 
maximum rate of increase.

No specific performance 
conditions.

The maximum bonus will not 
exceed 50% of base salary 
and is totally at the discretion 
of the remuneration 
committee.

No minimum or maximum 
levels set and no 
performance criteria 
specified.

Share options

To provide Executive 
Directors with a long‑term 
interest in the Company.

Granted under general 
group‑wide schemes.

Offered at appropriate 
times by the remuneration 
committee.

1.  Principally a car and private medical insurance. The contracts of the Executive Directors allow the provision of a company car to be 

exchanged for a car allowance and where this is done, this allowance is added to the benefits in kind figure. Contributions to pension  
figures may include where Executive Directors elect to make payments into a personal pension plan in lieu of salary awarded.

20

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Non‑Executive Directors

Element

Base salary

Purpose

Policy

Operation

Performance conditions

To recognise skills, 
experience and value.

Set at a level considered 
appropriate to attract, retain 
and motivate the individual. 

Reviewed periodically 
as needed.

No specific performance 
conditions, no maximum 
salary and no minimum or 
maximum rate of increase.

Contribution to pension

None offered.

None offered.

None offered.

None offered.

Benefits

Health cover when 
employed under PAYE.

Health cover where 
appropriate up to the  
age of 75.

Group organised.

No specific performance 
conditions.

Share options

None offered.

None offered. 

None offered. 

None offered. 

The Company has no long‑term incentive plans for Directors and no separate share option scheme exists solely for Executive 
Directors and they therefore only participate in share option plans that are eligible to all employees. The committee believes 
that share option schemes for all employees maximise shareholder value over time and therefore no specific performance 
conditions attach to the number of options granted to Executive Directors on an individual basis.

Policy on payment for loss of office
There are no contractual provisions that could impact on a termination payment. Termination payments will be calculated 
in accordance with the existing contract of employment or service contract. It is the policy of the remuneration committee 
to issue employment contracts to Executive Directors with normal commercial terms and without extended terms of notice 
which could give rise to an extraordinary termination payment.

Single total figure of remuneration (audited)
Individual Directors’ remuneration was as follows:

2018 

N. G. Clark  

C. A. Gurry  

N. B. Pritchard  

H. F. Rudden 

G. F. Barnes 

J. A. Lindop 

2017 

N. G. Clark  

C. A. Gurry  

N. B. Pritchard  

H. F. Rudden 

R. J. Shashoua1 

J. A. Lindop 

Salary 
£’000 

60 

214 

141 

147 

25 

23 

610 

Salary 
£’000 

60 

214 

141 

147 

25 

23 

610 

Bonus 
£’000 

— 

47 

31 

32 

— 

— 

110 

Bonus 
£’000 

— 

47 

31 

32 

— 

— 

110 

Benefits 
in kind 
£’000 

Total 
excluding 
pension 
£’000 

Contribution  
to pension 
£’000 

Benefits 
total 
£’000

1 

29 

18 

14 

— 

1 

63 

61 

290 

190 

193 

25 

24 

783 

— 

25 

12 

13 

— 

— 

50 

61

315

202

206

25

24

833

Benefits 
in kind 
£’000 

Total 
excluding 
pension 
£’000 

Contribution  
to pension 
£’000 

Benefits 
total 
£’000

1 

27 

17 

20 

— 

1 

66 

61 

288 

189 

199 

25 

24 

786 

— 

25 

10 

12 

— 

— 

47 

1.  R. J. Shashoua announced his retirement from the Company’s Board effective 31 March 2017. 

See remuneration policy for types of benefits in kind. No formal performance measures are considered relevant due to 
the size and nature of the Board and therefore bonuses and share options granted are entirely at the discretion of the 
remuneration committee.

61

313

199

211

25

24

833

21

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Single total figure of remuneration (audited) continued
Remuneration of the Group Managing Director over the last five years:

Year  

2018 

2017 

2016 

2015  

2014  

Group 
 Managing Director  

C. A. Gurry 

C. A. Gurry 

C. A. Gurry 

C. A. Gurry  

C. A. Gurry  

Total remuneration 
including bonus  
£’000  

Annual bonus payout/ 
 maximum opportunity 
% 

Long‑term incentive 
vesting rates against 
maximum opportunity 
 %

315 

313 

289 

287 

294  

22.0%/50% 

22.0%/50% 

17.5%/50% 

17.5%/50% 

20.0%/50%  

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Change in Group Managing Director’s remuneration:
The table below shows the Group Managing Director’s total remuneration from the prior year to the current year compared 
to the total remuneration for the Group.

Basic salary  

Taxable benefits and pension  

Annual bonus  

Total remuneration of Group Managing Director  

Total remuneration of employees  

2018 
£’000 

214 

54 

47 

315 

2017 
£’000 

214 

52 

47 

313 

14,118 

12,636 

2016 
£’000

201

53

35

289

9,999

Share options (audited)
The following Directors had interests in options to subscribe for ordinary shares as follows:

C. A. Gurry  

N. B. Pritchard  

H. F. Rudden  

Number of 
options at 
1 April 2017 
’000  

Options 
exercised 
in year 
’000  

Gain on 
options 
exercised 
in year 
’000  

20 

30 

20 

25 

— 

20 

25 

— 

140 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Options 
granted 

Number of 
options at  
in year  31 March 2018 
’000  

’000  

— 

— 

— 

— 

55 

— 

— 

55 

20 

30 

20 

25 

55 

20 

25 

55 

110 

250 

Exercise 
price  

Exercise date

£2.20  

15 June 2014 to 14 June 2021

£3.51 

25 Sept 2018 to 25 Sept 2025

£3.45  

2 April 2018 to 2 April 2025

£3.475 

25 Sept 2018 to 25 Sept 2025

£5.20 

28 Mar 2021 to 28 Mar 2028

£3.125  

17 Sept 2017 to 17 Sept 2024

£3.475 

25 Sept 2018 to 25 Sept 2025

£5.20 

28 Mar 2021 to 28 Mar 2028

Depending on the share option scheme, options are granted at an exercise price not less than the market price on the 
last dealing day prior to the date of grant or the average for the last three dealing days prior to date of grant, and, under 
normal circumstances, remain exercisable between the third and tenth anniversaries of the date of grant. The share option 
schemes cover all Group employees, not just the Directors. The share options have no performance conditions attached. 
Further details are provided in notes 29 and 30 to the financial statements. The market price of the Company’s shares 
on 31 March 2018 was 520.0p (2017: 437.5p) and the range for the year was 415.0p to 547.5p.

22

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pensions (audited)
The Group operates several pension schemes throughout the United Kingdom and overseas in which some of the Directors 
are included. Full details of these schemes are given in note 27 to the financial statements. The number of Directors who 
were members of pension schemes operated by the Company (where a member is defined as a current member, deferred 
member or pension member) was:

Defined contributions scheme  

Defined benefit scheme  

2018 
Number  

2017 
Number

3 

— 

3

—

The Company’s defined benefit pension scheme was closed in respect of future benefit accruals on 31 March 2009. Life 
assurance cover and widows’ death‑in‑service cover was provided under this scheme for the year ended 31 March 2018, 
as in the previous year.

Company contributions of £50,000 (2017: £47,000) were made towards the defined contribution scheme during the year in 
respect of the Executive Directors as detailed earlier in this report.

Normal retirement age for all Company pension schemes is 65 years (2017: 65 years). There are no additional benefits that 
will become receivable by a Director in the event of early retirement.

Approach to recruitment remuneration
All appointments to the Board are made on merit. The components of the remuneration package (for a new Director 
recruited within the life of the approved remuneration policy) would comprise of a base salary, pension, benefits, annual 
bonus and an opportunity to be granted share options. The approach with any appointment is detailed in the policy table. 
The Company aims to attract appropriately skilled and experienced individuals offering a level of remuneration that, in the 
opinion of the remuneration committee, is not excessive but fair.

Remuneration scenarios
An indication of the possible level of remuneration that would be received by each Executive Director in the year 
commencing 1 April 2018 in accordance with the Directors’ remuneration policy and contractual terms, is shown below:

C. A. Gurry (£’000)

N. B. Pritchard (£’000)

H. F. Rudden (£’000)

Minimum

On target

Maximum

268

295

Minimum

On target

171

189

Minimum

On target

174

192

375

Maximum

242

Maximum

248

 Salary   

 Benefits in kind   

 Pension   

 Bonus

The “minimum” remuneration consists of the base salary, benefits and pension as disclosed in the remuneration table for 
2018 contained within this report. The “on target” remuneration is the minimum remuneration figure plus, as an example, 
a 12.5% bonus paid on the base salary element part of the minimum remuneration. There are no contractual targets set 
for Directors’ bonuses and in the last five years bonus levels have ranged from zero to 22.5% of the base salary element. 
The maximum remuneration assumes a 50% bonus paid on the base salary element part of the minimum remuneration.

Non‑Executive Directors
The fees payable to Non‑Executive Directors are determined by the Board and designed to recognise the experience and 
responsibility whilst rewarding the expertise and ability of the individual.

0

50

100

250

150

Directors’ service contracts
200
400
C. A. Gurry is employed by the Company under a written contract of employment that provides for termination by either 
party giving twelve months’ notice. N. B. Pritchard and H. F. Rudden are employed by the Company under written service 
contracts that provide for termination by either party giving six months’ notice. 

200

350

300

150

150

100

200

250

100

50

50

0

0

250

J. A. Lindop has a service contract effective from 1 April 2016. N. G. Clark has a service contract effective 19 January 2015. 
G. F. Barnes has a service contract effective from 1 April 2017. All Directors are subject to re‑appointment at the first 
Annual General Meeting after their appointment and thereafter, apart from the Group Managing Director, one‑third of the 
remaining Directors shall retire by rotation at the Annual General Meeting.

Directors’ notice periods are set in line with market practice and of a length considered sufficient to ensure an effective 
handover of duties should a Director leave the Company.

23

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Consideration by the Directors of matters relating to Directors’ remuneration
The remuneration committee considered the Executive Directors’ remuneration and the Board considered the 
Non‑Executive Directors’ remuneration in the year ended 31 March 2018. Any movements awarded to salary are shown 
on page 21 and no external advice was taken in reaching this decision.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The total expenditure of the Group on remuneration to all employees (note 6) is shown below:

Employee remuneration  

Group Managing Director 

Distributions to shareholders  

2018 
£’000 

14,118 

315 

1,581 

2017  
£’000 

12,636 

313 

1,134 

Movement 
£’000 

Movement 
%

+1,482 

+2 

+447 

12

1 

39

Shareholder voting
At the Annual General Meeting on 2 August 2017, there was an advisory vote on the resolution to approve the remuneration 
report the result of which is detailed below:

Resolution to approve the remuneration report  

% of  
votes for 

% of  
 votes against  

% of 
votes withheld

99.94  

0.06  

0.00

Consideration of shareholder views
No shareholder views have been taken into account when formulating this policy. In accordance with the regulations, an 
ordinary resolution for approval of this policy will be put to the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in August 2018.

Company’s performance
The graph below shows the total shareholder return on a holding of shares in the Company as against the average total 
shareholder return (“TSR”) of the companies comprising the TechMark 100 Index for the last ten years. The TechMark 
100 Index was selected because in the opinion of the Board it is the most appropriate for benchmarking the Company.

800

600

400

200

0

Apr
2007

CML

TechMark

Apr
2008

Apr
2009

Apr
2010

Apr
2011

Apr
2012

Apr
2013

Apr
2014

Apr
2015

Apr
2016

Apr
2017

Apr
2018

On behalf of the Board of Directors

N G Clark
Group Non‑Executive Chairman and  
Chairman of the remuneration committee

22 June 2018 

24

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other disclosures

Report of the Directors
The Directors submit their report and Group financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018 in addition to the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 20 to 24. 

The Directors referred to on page 18, all served throughout the year ended 31 March 2018.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, performance, position and risks are set out in this Annual Report and Accounts. The financial 
position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position, borrowing facilities and the use of financial instruments and policies 
relating thereto are detailed in the appropriate sections on pages 33 to 74 and elsewhere in the notes to the financial 
statements. The report also includes details of the Group’s risk mitigation and management. The Group has considerable 
financial resources, and the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully. After 
making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts.

Principal activities
The Group designs, manufactures and markets a range of semiconductor products for use in communications and data 
storage industries.

Business review and future developments
The strategic report on pages 1 to 17 provides an analysis of the business of the Group along with the development and 
performance of the business during the year and the position at the year end along with future developments. A range of 
performance measures to monitor and manage the business are discussed within the strategic report on page 9.

Results
The results for the Group for the current and comparative periods are discussed in the Financial Review section of the 
Group Managing Director’s Review within the Strategic Report. This information would have otherwise been required 
by Schedule 7 of the Large and Medium‑sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 to be 
contained in the Directors’ report.

Dividends
A maiden interim dividend of 2.0p per 5p ordinary share was paid on 15 December 2017 to shareholders on the Register on 
1 December 2017. 

The Directors are proposing to pay a final dividend of 5.8p per 5p ordinary share taking the total dividend amount in respect 
of the year ended 31 March 2018 to 7.8p (2017: 7.4p final dividend). 

Research and development
The Group actively reviews developments in its markets with a view to taking advantage of the opportunities available to 
maintain and improve its competitive position. This action involves the design and development of hardware and firmware 
for the semiconductor environment.

Strategic report
Carbon dioxide emissions are detailed in the Corporate Social Responsibility section on pages 16 and 17. In accordance 
with S414C (11) of the Companies Act 2006; included in the strategic report is the disclosure of future developments. This 
information would have otherwise been required by Schedule 7 of the Large and Medium‑sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 to be contained in the Directors’ report.

Share capital
The Company’s authorised and issued ordinary share capital as at 31 March 2018 comprised a single class of ordinary 
shares. Details of movements in the issued share capital can be found in note 29 to the financial statements. Each share 
carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the Company. During the period, 251,667 ordinary shares (2017: 9,077 
ordinary shares) in the Company were issued under the terms of the various share option schemes.

25

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Other disclosures continued

Restrictions on transfer of securities
There are no specific restrictions on the transfer of securities in the Company, which is governed by the Articles and 
prevailing legislation. Nor is the Company aware of any agreements between holders of securities that may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of securities or that may result in restrictions on voting rights.

Variation of rights
Subject to applicable statutes, rights attached to any class of shares may be varied with the written consent of the holders 
of at least 75% in nominal value of the issued shares of that class, or by a special resolution passed at a separate general 
meeting of the shareholders.

Rights and obligations attaching to shares
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, any resolution passed by the Company under the Companies Act 
2006 and other shareholder rights, shares may be issued with such rights and restrictions as the Company may by ordinary 
resolution decide, or (if there is no such resolution or so far as it does not make specific provision) as the Board (as defined in 
the Articles) may decide. Subject to the Articles, the Companies Act 2006 and other shareholder rights, unissued shares are 
at the disposal of the Board.

Powers for the Company issuing or buying back its own shares
The Company was authorised by shareholders, at the 2017 AGM, to purchase in the market up to 2,529,053 of the 
Company’s issued share capital, as permitted under the Company’s Articles. This standard authority is renewable annually; 
the Directors will seek to maintain the authority for 2,566,803 ordinary shares of 5p at this year’s AGM.

The Directors were granted authority at the 2017 AGM to allot relevant securities up to a nominal amount of £562,011. 
That authority will apply until the conclusion of this year’s AGM. At this year’s AGM shareholders will be asked to grant an 
authority to allot relevant securities up to a nominal amount of £570,343.

Interests in voting rights
Information provided to the Company pursuant to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (“FCA”) Disclosure and Transparency 
Rules (“DTRs”) is published on a Regulatory Information Service and on the Company’s website. Directors and their voting 
rights are listed further below in this Report. As at 11 June 2018, the Company had been notified under DTR 5 of the following 
significant holdings of voting rights in its shares.

Registered holder  

Miton Group Plc 

Schroder Investment Management Limited 

J. M. Gurry  

M. I. Gurry  

T. M. R. Dean    

Ruffer Investment Management 

Herald Investment Management 

Legal and General Investment Management Limited  

Slater Investments Limited 

M&G Investment Management Limited 

Type of investor  

% of issued share capital

Institutional investor  

Institutional investor  

Private investor  

Private investor  

Private investor  

Institutional investor  

Institutional investor  

Institutional investor  

Institutional investor  

Institutional investor  

22.05%

11.14%

9.19%

5.63%

5.40%

4.92%

4.90%

3.60%

3.60%

2.94%

Deadlines for exercising voting rights
Votes are exercisable at a General Meeting of the Company in respect of which the business being voted upon is being 
heard. Votes may be exercised in person, by proxy, or in relation to corporate members, or corporate representatives. The 
Articles provide a deadline for submission of proxy forms of not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the holding 
of the meeting or adjourned meeting.

Significant agreements – change of control
There are no agreements to which the Company is party that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of 
the Company following a takeover bid, other than Director share options.

26

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Payment of payables
It is the Company’s policy to negotiate payment terms with its suppliers in all sectors and to ensure that they know the terms 
on which payment will take place when the business is agreed. It is our policy to abide by these terms. The Company has no 
trade payables outstanding at the end of the financial year and therefore the Company’s practice in respect of the year 
with regard to its payment of creditors has been zero days (2017: zero days). The Group’s general policy is to pay all creditors 
in a period between 30 and 45 days.

Market value of land and buildings
Investment properties in both the Group and Company comprise freehold and leasehold land and buildings and it is from 
the operating leases on these properties that the Group’s rental income is generated. The Board has considered the recent 
professional valuation of the Company’s investment properties by Everett Newlyn, Chartered Surveyors and Commercial 
Property Surveyors, on the basis of open market value as at 31 March 2018, at a valuation of £3,690,000 (2017: £3,550,000) 
and have accepted this valuation. 

Directors and their interests
The Directors of the Company at 31 March 2018, all of whom have served throughout the year, together with their interests 
in the shares of the Company were:

N. G. Clark 

C. A. Gurry1 

N. B. Pritchard  

H. F. Rudden 

G. F. Barnes 

J. A. Lindop 

Ordinary shares  
of 5p each

31 March 
2018 

24,600  

908,816  

— 

—  

12,000 

 —  

31 March 
2017

24,600 

917,567 

—

— 

8,000 

 — 

1.  C. A. Gurry’s shareholding amounts to 5.33% of the issued share capital. 

The above interests in the ordinary share capital of the Company are beneficial. Details of the Directors’ interests in options 
granted over ordinary shares are disclosed in the Directors’ remuneration report. There have been no changes in the 
Directors’ interests in shares between 1 April 2018 and 22 June 2018. With the exception of Directors’ service contracts, 
there are no contracts of significance in which the Directors have an interest.

Third party indemnity provision for Directors
The Company currently has in place, and has done for the whole of the year ended 31 March 2018, Directors’ and officers’ 
liability insurance for the benefit of all Directors of the Company.

Annual General Meeting
The notice of the Annual General Meeting sets forth resolutions for the customary ordinary business resolutions 1 to 8 and 
also special business comprising one ordinary resolution, 9 and three special resolutions, 10, 11 and 12 relating to the 
following matters:

Special business ordinary resolution
•  To renew the authority for the Company to allot relevant securities.

Special business special resolutions
•  To disapply the pre‑emption provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
•  To disapply the pre‑emption provisions of the Companies Act 2006 for the purposes of financing an acquisition or 

capital investment. The Prospectus Rules were amended in July 2017 whereby a Prospectus is not required for additional 
shares being issued as part of an acquisition where those shares are below 20% of the total equity holding less treasury 
shares. Accordingly, the numbers in this resolution have been revised to provide for the additional flexibility afforded 
by this amendment.

•  To renew the authority to the Company to make market purchases of its own shares.

Capital risk management
The Company only has one class of share as detailed in note 29. Although no specific basis, such as the gearing ratio is used 
to monitor the capital, the Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a 
going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, 
return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

27

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other disclosures continued

Interest rate, liquidity and foreign currency management
Further information regarding these matters is provided in note 23. 

Internal control and risk management systems in relation to the process  
of preparing consolidated accounts
The elements of the internal control system are aimed at ensuring the accuracy and reliability of consolidated financial 
reporting and guarantee that business transactions are recognised in full and at the proper time in accordance with 
statutory regulations and CML Microsystems Plc’s Articles of Association. Furthermore, they ensure that inventory counts are 
carried out correctly and that assets and liabilities are accurately recognised, measured and disclosed in the consolidated 
financial statements. The systems also ensure that the accounting documents provide reliable, comprehensible information.

The Group has zero tolerance towards bribery and corruption in its business dealings. The controlling activities to ensure the 
accuracy and reliability of the accounting include analytical reviews as well as the execution and control of important 
and complex transactions by different people. The separation of administrative, executive, accounting and authorisation 
functions and their performance by different individuals (dual signatures) reduces the risk of fraud.

Internal guidelines also govern specific formal requirements made of the consolidated financial statements. Establishing the 
group of consolidated companies is defined in detail, as are the components of the reports to be drawn up by the Group 
companies and their transmission to the central consolidation system. 

The formal requirements relate to the mandatory use of a standardised and complete set of reporting forms and a uniform 
account framework for the Group. The internal guidelines also include concrete instructions on presenting and carrying out 
netting procedures within the Group and confirming the resulting account balances.

At Group level the specific control activities to ensure the accuracy and reliability of consolidated financial reporting 
include the analysis and if necessary restatement of separate financial statements prepared by Group companies, taking 
into account the auditor’s report and meetings held to discuss them. 

Statement as to disclosure of information to the auditor
The Directors who were in office on the date of approval of these financial statements have confirmed that, as far as they 
are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor is unaware.

Each of the Directors have confirmed that they have taken all the steps that they believe they ought to have taken 
as Directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that it has been 
communicated to the auditor.

Auditor
A resolution to re‑appoint RSM UK Audit LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditor of the Company will be put to the members 
at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

By order of the Board

N B Pritchard
Company Secretary

22 June 2018

28

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
in respect of the financial statements

The Directors submit their report and Group financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic report, the Directors’ report (which includes the Corporate 
Governance statement, the Directors’ remuneration report and Other disclosures) on pages 1 to 28 and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Company financial statements for each financial year. The 
Directors are required under the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority to prepare Group financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union (“EU”) and have 
elected under company law to prepare the Company financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU.

The financial statements are required by law and IFRS adopted by the EU to present fairly the financial position of the Group 
and the Company and the financial performance of the Group. The Companies Act 2006 provides in relation to such 
financial statements that references in the relevant part of that Act to financial statements giving a true and fair view are 
references to their achieving a fair presentation.

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 the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

In preparing the Group and Company financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•  state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS adopted by the EU; and
•  prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 

Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group 
and the Company transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and 
the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the Directors’ remuneration report comply 
with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed on page 18 confirm that, to the best of each person’s knowledge:

a.  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 of the company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole; and

b.  the Strategic Report contained in the Annual Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of 
the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on 
the CML Microsystems Plc website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

29

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of CML Microsystems Plc

Opinion 
We have audited the financial statements of CML Microsystems Plc (the “parent company”) and its subsidiaries 
(the “Group”) for the year ended 31 March 2018 which comprise the consolidated income statement, the consolidated 
statement of total comprehensive income, the consolidated and company statements of financial position, the 
consolidated and company cash flow statements, the consolidated and company statement of changes in equity and 
notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework 
that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as 
adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance 
with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 

In our opinion: 

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 

31 March 2018 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended; 

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; 
•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 

European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and 

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, 

as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

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 parent company in accordance with the ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as 
applied to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 
requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern 
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to 
you where: 

•  the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not 

appropriate; or 

•  the Directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant 
doubt about the Group’s or the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

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. 

Goodwill risk 
The Group carries goodwill amounting to £9.2m with £5.7m arising in respect of the acquisition in the prior year. As set out in 
note 13 of the financial statements, the recoverability of the goodwill arising on the acquisition of Wuxi Sicomm Technologies, 
Inc is dependent on the underlying businesses generating sufficient cash flows in the future. Due to the significant 
management judgement in forecasting the cash flows and selecting an appropriate discount rate there is a high level of 
estimation uncertainty which results in there being a significant risk associated with determining whether goodwill is impaired. 

30

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Our response 
Our audit procedures included reviewing the discounted cash flow model, testing and challenging the judgements 
and assumptions used by management in their assessment of whether goodwill had been impaired and assessing 
management’s sensitivity analysis on the cash flow model. 

We have used our knowledge of comparable companies and market data to challenge the assumptions and inputs in 
determining the discount rate used to calculate the present value of projected future cash flows. We have consulted with 
our valuations experts and challenged the valuation model and the basis of managements impairment considerations. 

We considered the historical accuracy of key assumptions by comparing the accuracy of the previous estimates of 
profitability and related cash flows to the actual amounts realised. We assessed management’s sensitivity analysis of key 
assumptions, including the revenue growth forecasts and the discount rate and considered whether the disclosures about 
the sensitivity of the outcome of the impairment assessment to reasonably possible changes in key assumptions were 
adequate and properly reflected the risks inherent in the assessment of the carrying value of goodwill. 

Key observations 
We have no other key observations, other than those already considered in this audit report. 

Our application of materiality 
When establishing our overall audit strategy, we set certain thresholds which help us to determine the nature, timing 
and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effects of misstatements, both individually and on the financial 
statements as a whole. During planning we determined a magnitude of uncorrected misstatements that we judge would 
be material for the financial statements as a whole (FSM). During planning, FSM was calculated as £307k, which was not 
changed during the course of our audit. We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all unadjusted 
differences in excess of £10k, as well as differences below those thresholds that, in our view, warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds. 

An overview of the scope of our audit 
Our audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its control environment, including Group‑wide 
controls, and assessing the risks of material misstatement. Based on our assessment, we focused our group audit scope 
on the businesses in the UK and Germany which are subject to a full audit. This covered 78% of consolidated profit before 
tax and 85% of consolidated net assets. All other components have been covered by desktop review and analytical 
procedures. The parent company was subject to full audit.  

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. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise 
explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit 
of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise 
appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are 
required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the 
other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other 
information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

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. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception 
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 material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report. 

31

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Independent auditor’s report continued
to the members of CML Microsystems Plc

Matters on which we are required to report by exception continued
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to 
report to you if, in our opinion: 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not 

been received from branches not visited by us; or 

•  the parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of Directors 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement (set out on page 29), the Directors are responsible for 
the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal 
control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the parent company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going 
concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable 
assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will 
always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered 
material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

As part of our audit, we will consider the susceptibility of the Group and parent company to fraud and other irregularities, 
taking account of the business and control environment established and maintained by the Directors, as well as the nature 
of transactions, assets and liabilities recorded in the accounting records. Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there 
is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements of the financial statements may not be detected, even though the 
audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the ISAs. However, the principal responsibility for ensuring that 
the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error, rests with management 
who should not rely on the audit to discharge those functions. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at: http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

Other matters which we are required to address 
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by the members in 1988 to audit the financial 
statements for the year ending 31 March 1988 and subsequent financial periods. 

The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 31 years, covering the years ending 1988 to 2018. 

The non‑audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group or the parent company 
and we remain independent of the Group and the parent company in conducting our audit. 

Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee.

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. 

David Clark 
Senior Statutory Auditor

For and on behalf of RSM UK  
Audit LLP, Statutory Auditor  
Chartered Accountants  
25 Farringdon Street  
London EC4A 4AB

22 June 2018

32

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 March 2018

Continuing operations

Revenue  

Cost of sales 

Gross profit    

Distribution and administration costs  

Other operating income  

Profit from operations  

Share‑based payments 

Profit after share‑based payments  

Revaluation of investment properties 

Finance income  

Profit before taxation  

Income tax expense  

Profit after taxation  

Profit after taxation attributable to equity owners of the parent  

Basic earnings per share 

From profit for year  

Diluted earnings per share 

From profit for year  

Adjusted EBITDA1 

Adjusted EBITDA 

1.  See Note 12 for definition and reconciliation. 

Notes 

2018 
£’000 

2017 
£’000

27,737

(7,922)

19,815

31,674 

(9,438) 

22,236 

(18,518) 

(16,116)

3,718 

829 

4,547 

(143) 

4,404 

140 

39 

4,583 

(444) 

4,139 

4,139 

3,699

614

4,313

(139)

4,174

—

34

4,208

(341)

3,867

3,867

24.52p 

23.09p

23.95p 

22.84p

3  

 4  

4  

5  

30 

8  

9  

11  

11  

12  

9,998 

8,840

33

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of total comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 March 2018

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

Items that will not be reclassified  
subsequently to profit or loss:

Notes 

2018 
£’000 

2018 
£’000 

4,139 

2017 
£’000 

2017 
£’000

3,867

Actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligations 

Deferred tax on actuarial (gains)/losses  

Items reclassified subsequently to profit or loss upon  
derecognition:

27 

26 

Foreign exchange differences  

Other comprehensive income for the year net of  
taxation attributable to equity holders of the parent 

Total comprehensive income for the year  
attributable to the equity holders of the parent 

911 

(155) 

(84) 

(1,048)

 178

1,068

672 

4,811 

198

4,065

34

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of financial position
as at 31 March 2018

Notes 

2018 
£’000 

2018 
£’000 

2017 
£’000 

2017 
£’000

Assets 

Non‑current assets 

Goodwill 

Other intangible assets  

Property, plant and equipment 

Investment properties  

Investments 

Development costs  

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 

Inventories  

Trade receivables and prepayments  

Current tax assets  

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets    

Liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables  

Current tax liabilities  

Provision – current 

Non‑current liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities  

Retirement benefit obligation   

Provision – non current 

Total liabilities  

Net assets  

Capital and reserves attributable to  
equity owners of the parent   

Share capital   

Share premium  

Capital redemption reserve 

Treasury shares – own share reserve 

Share‑based payments reserve  

Foreign exchange reserve  

Accumulated profits reserve 

Total shareholders’ equity  

2,351 

3,112 

675 

13,816 

3,950 

2,070 

196 

13 

14  

15  

16 

17 

18  

26  

19  

20  

25  

21  

24  

25 

28 

26  

27  

28 

29 

30 

30 

30 

30 

30 

30  

9,190 

1,570 

5,410 

3,690 

83 

12,542 

1,068 

33,553 

19,954 

53,507 

5,292 

48 

181 

5,521 

6,216 

11,737 

41,770 

856 

9,068 

9 

(190) 

443 

1,302 

30,282 

41,770 

2,154 

2,697 

971 

12,447 

3,692 

3,084 

423 

The financial statements on pages 33 to 74 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 22 June 2018, 
and signed on its behalf by:

C A Gurry  
Director   

N B Pritchard
Director

Registered in England and Wales: 000944010

9,306

1,339

5,330

3,550

85

11,401

1,419

32,430

18,269

50,699

5,757

57

51

5,865

7,199

13,064

37,635

843

8,319

9

(190)

504

1,386

26,764

37,635

35

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated and Company cash flow statements
for the year ended 31 March 2018

Notes 

Group 

2018 
£’000 

2017 
£’000 

Company

2018 
£’000 

2017 
£’000

Operating activities

Profit for the year before taxation  

Adjustments for:

Depreciation   

Amortisation of development costs  

Amortisation of intangibles recognised on acquisition  

Revaluation of investment properties 

Movement in non‑cash items (pension) 

Share‑based payments 

Movement in provisions 

Finance income 

Movement in working capital  

33 

Cash flows from/(used in) operating activities  

Income tax received/(paid) 

Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities  

Investing activities 

Purchase of acquisition, net of cash acquired  

Payment of warranty retention 

Receipt of escrow cash deposit  

Purchase of property, plant and equipment    

Investment in development costs 

Investment in intangibles 

Disposal of property, plant and equipment  

Finance income  

4,583 

4,208 

(74) 

411 

4,745 

155 

(140) 

(103) 

143 

(48) 

(39) 

(874) 

8,833 

309 

9,142 

— 

(320) 

— 

(488) 

(5,680) 

(392) 

— 

39 

325 

4,100 

102 

— 

(31) 

139 

474 

(34) 

1,745 

11,028 

(224) 

10,804 

(3,576) 

— 

385 

(450) 

(5,763) 

— 

17 

34 

79 

— 

— 

(140) 

— 

143 

— 

— 

(377) 

(369) 

— 

(369) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(392) 

— 

— 

Net cash flows used in investing activities    

(6,841) 

(9,353) 

(392) 

Financing activities 

Issue of ordinary shares  

Purchase of own shares for cancellation 

Dividends paid to shareholders  

Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities  

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  

Movement in cash and cash equivalents: 

At start of year 

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  

Effects of exchange rate changes  

At end of year  

 21  

21 

762 

— 

(1,581) 

(819) 

1,482 

12,447 

1,482 

(113) 

13,816 

25 

(669) 

(1,134) 

(1,778) 

(327) 

13,596 

(327) 

(822) 

12,447 

762 

— 

— 

762 

1 

171 

1 

— 

172 

996

79

—

—

—

—

139

—

—

(1,237)

(23)

—

(23)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

25

—

—

25

2

169

2

—

171

During the comparative year ending 31 March 2017, 774,181 shares in CML Microsystems Plc were issued in part consideration 
for the acquisition of Sicomm equity to the value of £2,632,000. As a significant non‑cash transaction, this is not reflected in 
the above consolidated cash flow statement.

Cash flows presented exclude sales taxes. Further cash related disclosure details are provided in Notes 21, 22, 23 and 33. 

36

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 March 2018

Share  
capital  
£’000  

Share 
premium  
£’000  

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’000 

Treasury 
shares 
£’000 

Share‑ 
based 
payments  
£’000 

Foreign  Accumulated 
profits 
reserve  
 £’000 

exchange  
reserve  
 £’000 

Total  

 £’000

813  

5,700  

— 

 (190) 

388 

318 

25,547 

32,576

3,867 

3,867

1,068 

1,068

At 31 March 2016  

Profit for year  

Other comprehensive income  
net of taxes

Foreign exchange differences 

Net actuarial loss recognised  
directly to equity 

Deferred tax on actuarial loss  

Total comprehensive income for year 

— 

— 

813  

5,700  

— 

— 

— 

 (190) 

—  

388 

1,068 

1,386 

(1,048) 

(1,048)

178 

178

2,997 

4,065

28,544 

36,641

2,633

25

(1,134) 

(1,134)

(669) 

(669)

— 

139 

(23) 

504 

— 

(1,803) 

855

139

23 

—

1,386 

26,764 

37,635

4,139 

4,139

(84) 

(84)

911 

911

(155) 

(155)

762

(1,581)  (1,581)

— 

 143 

(204) 

— 

(1,581) 

(819)

143

204 

—

Transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners

Issue of ordinary shares  
re acquisition 

Issue of ordinary shares 

Dividend paid  

Share purchase for cancellation  

Total transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners 

Share‑based payments  

Cancellation/transfer of  
share‑based payments 

At 31 March 2017 

Profit for year  

Other comprehensive income  
net of taxes

Foreign exchange differences  

Net actuarial gain recognised  
directly to equity 

Deferred tax on actuarial gain 

2,594 

25 

39 

— 

(9) 

30 

2,619 

9 

9 

— 

843 

8,319 

9 

(190) 

Total comprehensive income for year 

— 

— 

— 

9 

— 

(190) 

— 

504 

(84) 

4,895 

4,811

1,302 

31,659 

42,446

843 

8,319 

13 

749 

13 

749 

— 

— 

Transactions with owners in  
their capacity as owners

Issue of ordinary shares 

Dividend paid  

Total transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners  

Share‑based payments  

Cancellation/transfer of  
share‑based payments 

At 31 March 2018 

856 

9,068 

9 

(190) 

443 

1,302 

30,282 

41,770

There is considered to be no significant tax effect of foreign exchange differences in the above consolidated statement of 
changes in equity.

37

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of financial position
as at 31 March 2018

Assets 

Non‑current assets 

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment  

Investment properties  

Investments  

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 

Trade receivables and prepayments  

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets    

Liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables  

Non‑current liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities  

Total liabilities  

Net assets  

Equity 

Share capital   

Share premium  

Capital redemption reserve 

Treasury shares – own share reserve 

Share‑based payments reserve  

Merger reserve  

Accumulated profits  

Total shareholders’ equity  

Notes 

2018 
£’000 

2018 
£’000 

2017 
£’000 

2017 
£’000

14 

15  

16  

17  

26  

20  

21  

24 

26 

29  

30 

30 

30 

30 

30 

30  

69 

172 

392 

4,651 

3,690 

12,092 

151 

20,976 

241 

21,217 

749 

749 

579 

1,328 

19,889 

856 

9,068 

9 

(190) 

443 

316 

9,387 

19,889 

66 

171 

—

4,730

3,550

11,968

113

20,361

237

20,598

911

911

578

1,489

19,109

843

8,319

9

(190)

504

316

9,308

19,109

The parent company profit for the financial year attributed in the financial statements of the parent company was 
£1,456,000 (2017: £996,000). The financial statements on pages 33 to 74 were approved and authorised for issue by 
the Board on 22 June 2018 and signed on its behalf by:

C A Gurry  
Director   

N B Pritchard
Director

Registered in England and Wales: 000944010

38

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 March 2018

996 

996 

996

996

11,088 

18,115

2,633

25

(1,134) 

(1,134)

(669) 

(669)

Share  
capital  
£’000  

Share 
premium  
£’000  

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’000 

Treasury 
shares 
£’000 

Share‑ 
based 
payments  
£’000 

Merger   Accumulated 
profits  
reserve  
 £’000 
 £’000 

Total 
 £’000

813 

5,700 

— 

(190) 

388 

316 

10,092 

17,119

At 31 March 2016 

Profit for year  

Total comprehensive income for year   — 

— 

813 

5,700 

— 

— 

— 

(190) 

—  

388 

— 

316 

Transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners

Issue of ordinary  
shares re acquisition  

Issue of ordinary shares 

Dividend paid  

39 

— 

2,594 

25 

Share purchase for cancellation  

(9) 

Total transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners 

30 

2,619 

9 

9 

— 

Share‑based payments  

Cancellation/transfer of  
share‑based payments 

At 31 March 2017 

Profit for year  

Total comprehensive  
income for year  

 843 

8,319 

9 

(190) 

—  

139 

(23) 

504 

— 

(1,803) 

23 

855

139

—

316 

9,308 

19,109

1,456 

1,456

— 

— 

— 

— 

843  

8,319 

9  

(190)  

— 

504  

— 

316 

1,456 

1,456

10,764 

20,565

Transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners 

Issue of ordinary shares  

13 

749  

Dividend paid  

Total transactions with owners  
in their capacity as owners  

Share‑based payments  

Cancellation/transfer of  
share‑based payments  

At 31 March 2018 

13 

749 

— 

— 

762

(1,581) 

(1,581)

— 

143  

(204) 

— 

(1,581) 

(819)

143

204 

—

856 

9,068 

9 

(190) 

443 

316 

9,387 

19,889

39

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2018

1 Accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and IFRIC 
interpretations as endorsed by the EU (“IFRS”) and the requirements of the Companies Act applicable to companies 
reporting under IFRS. The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with items which are 
considered material in relation to the financial statements.

a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of investment 
properties that are carried at valuation. This is done on a going concern basis as the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group and Company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future.

The Group’s presentational currency is Pounds Sterling since that is the currency in which the majority of the Group’s 
transactions are denominated. The Company’s functional currency is Pounds Sterling and are rounded to the nearest 
thousand pounds.

b) Basis of consolidation
These financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings using the 
acquisition method of accounting. The results of acquired subsidiary undertakings are included from the date of acquisition. 
No income statement is presented for CML Microsystems Plc as provided by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. 

A subsidiary is defined as a company, over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity where the Group is 
exposed to or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the entity. Dormant subsidiaries are not included in the consolidated financial statements on the 
basis that they are not material to the Group.

c) Segmental reporting
The Group is focused for management purposes on one primary reporting segment, being the semiconductor segment, 
with similar economic characteristics, risks and returns and the Directors therefore consider there to be one business 
segment classification. 

d) Revenue
The Group recognises revenues from semiconductor products or services when the significant risks and rewards of 
ownership have passed to the customer. This is generally when goods have been despatched to the customer and the 
revenues can be measured reliably. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration receivable excluding 
discounts, rebates, Value Added Tax and other sales taxes or duties. Other income such as interest earned and property 
income is recognised as earned. Warranty for all product sold or any loss or damage suffered by a purchaser only extends 
to the refund of the purchase price or replacement of the product originally sold regardless of how the claim has arisen 
therefore it is only accounted for on an actual identified potential liability.

e) Intangibles
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable 
assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Under IFRS 1 the Group elected to adopt the 31 March 2005 
balance sheet amortised value prepared under UK GAAP for Hyperstone‑related goodwill relating and carry out annual 
impairment reviews as required under IAS 36 and in accordance with IAS 38. Goodwill was recognised for the Sicomm 
acquisition in August 2016. Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment by comparing its carrying value to the value in 
use or net selling price of the cash generating unit; any resultant loss being charged through the consolidated income 
statement. Net selling price is determined using a five‑year average of projected future earnings as applied to the price 
earnings ratio for the technology sector. No impairments are reversed.

Other intangibles
Externally acquired intangible assets have been recognised in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations in relation to the acquisition of Sicomm. These acquired intangibles have been amortised in accordance 
with the following: 

•  Brands 
•  Customer relationships 
•  Intellectual property 

10 years from date of acquisition
9 years from date of acquisition
10 years from date of acquisition

40

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
Software
The Group is presently implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system for use by all companies in the Group 
across business functions. This purchased intangible will be amortised over its useful economic life from its future date of 
implementation. 

Amortisation of all the above intangible assets is recognised on consolidation and reported in distribution and administration 
costs in the consolidated income statement. 

f) Research and development
Development expenditures that satisfy the recognition criteria as set out in IAS 38 are shown at historical cost less 
accumulated amortisation since they have a finite useful life. In determining the period over which the carrying value of 
the intangible fixed assets are amortised, the Group is required to consider the likely period over which the developed 
products are likely to generate economic benefits. Amortisation is calculated using the straight‑line method to allocate 
the cost of the development over a period up to four years, representing the period over which economic benefit is 
derived from developed products and is charged to administration costs in the income statement. Research and other 
development expenditures that fall outside the scope of IAS 38 are charged to the income statement when incurred. 
An internally‑generated intangible asset arising from the Group’s business development is recognised only if all of the 
following conditions are met:

•  an asset is created that can be identified;
•  it is probable that the asset created will generate future economic benefits;
•  the development cost of an asset can be measured reliably;
•  the product or process is technically and commercially feasible; and
•  sufficient resources are available to complete the development and to either sell or use the asset.

g) Property, plant and equipment and investment property
All property, plant and equipment, other than investment properties, are stated at historical cost. Depreciation is provided 
on all property, plant and equipment other than freehold land and investment properties at rates calculated to write each 
asset down to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life, as follows:

•  Freehold and long leasehold premises 
•  Short leasehold improvements  
•  Plant and equipment  
•  Motor vehicles   

2% straight line 
period of the lease 
25% straight line 
25% straight line

Investment properties are stated at their fair values and are revalued annually by the Directors and every third year by an 
independent chartered surveyor on an open market basis. No depreciation is provided on freehold investment properties 
or on leasehold investment properties. In accordance with IAS 40, gains and losses arising on revaluation of investment 
properties are shown in the income statement.

h) Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable, adjustments in respect of prior years and deferred tax. 
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the 
income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it 
further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated by using tax 
rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the year end.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amount of assets 
and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and 
is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary 
differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available 
against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the 
temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business 
combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit. 
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries except where 
the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary difference will 
not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period 
when the asset is realised or the liability is settled based upon tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted 
by the year end. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items credited or 
charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

41

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

1 Accounting policies continued 
i) Inventories
Inventories are valued on a first‑in, first‑out basis and are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. In respect of 
work in progress and finished goods, cost comprises direct materials, direct labour and a proportion of overhead expenses 
appropriate to the business. 

j) Foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end. 
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rates ruling at the date of the transactions. All differences are taken 
to the income statement. The financial statements of the overseas subsidiaries are translated into Sterling at the average 
rate of exchange for the period for the income statement and at the closing rate for the statement of financial position. 
Translation differences are dealt with through the foreign exchange reserve in shareholders’ equity. The Group decided 
to deem the cumulative amount of exchange differences arising on consolidation of the net investments in subsidiaries 
at 1 April 2004 to be zero.

k) Investments
Investments are stated at cost less any provision for diminution in value.

l) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short‑term highly‑liquid investments 
with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts where there is a set‑off arrangement with the bank. 
Other bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the statement of financial position. 

m) Employee benefits – pension obligations
Group companies operate both defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes. The schemes are funded 
through payments to funds administered separately by trustees and these are determined by periodic actuarial 
calculations in respect of the defined benefit pension schemes. The liability recognised in the statement of financial position 
in respect of the defined benefit pension schemes is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the year end less 
the fair value of the scheme assets. Independent actuaries using the projected unit method calculate the defined benefit 
obligation annually. 

The current service cost, which is the increase in the present value of the retirement benefit obligation resulting from 
employee service in the current year, and gains and losses on settlements and curtailments, which arise on transactions 
that eliminate part or all of the benefits provided or when there are amendments to terms such that a significant element 
of future service will no longer qualify for benefits or will qualify only for reduced benefits, are included within operating 
profit in the consolidated income statement. Past service credits/costs are those service credits/costs in relation to prior 
years’ service costs as a result of changes of future benefits earned by members. Past service credits/costs are recognised 
immediately in the consolidated income statement.

Re‑measurement of the UK defined benefit scheme due to actuarial gains and losses from experience adjustments and 
changes in actuarial assumptions are immediately recognised in other comprehensive income and charged or credited 
directly to equity. For defined contribution schemes, contributions are recognised as an employee benefit expense in the 
consolidated income statement when they are due.

n) Employee benefits – share‑based payments
Share options which are equity settled are valued using the Black‑Scholes model. This fair value at the date of the grant is 
charged to the income statement over the vesting period of the share‑based payment scheme. The value of the charge 
is adjusted to reflect expected and actual levels of options vesting.

Cancelled or settled options are accounted for as an acceleration of vesting. The unrecognised grant date fair value is 
recognised in the profit or loss in the year that the options are cancelled or settled.

o) Government grants
Government grants receivable to assist the Group with costs in respect of development work are credited against 
capitalised development costs or capitalised property, plant and equipment so as to match them with the expenditure 
to which they relate. Other grants that are not of a capital nature are credited to the income statement as part of 
other operating income. Grants are only recognised when all conditions of the grant have been complied with and 
are matched to the expenditure to which they relate.

42

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18p) Leases
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has substantially all the risk and rewards of ownership are 
classified as finance leases. Leases in which a significant number of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the 
lessor are classified as operating leases. Rental payments under operating leases are charged to the income statement on 
a straight‑line basis. Rental income under operating leases is credited to the income statement on a straight‑line basis and 
any contingent rents are recognised as income in the period to which they relate.

q) Dividends
Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the 
period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders.

r) Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of consolidated financial statements under IFRS requires the Group to make estimates and assumptions 
that affect the application of policies and reported amounts. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and 
are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be 
reasonable under the circumstances. The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting 
accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual result. The amortisation period 
of development costs, the assumptions made (for example mortality, inflation and discount rates) for the UK defined benefit 
pension scheme and the impairment of goodwill are considered to be critical accounting estimates and judgements; 
details of which are referred to in this accounting policies note, sections e, f, h, m and u. Deferred tax assets are only 
recognised when there is a reasonable expectation of recovery.

•  Impairment of goodwill

An annual review is carried out (as set out in note 13) as to whether the current carrying value of goodwill is impaired, 
Detailed calculations are performed based on (i) discounting expected pre‑tax cash flows of the relevant cash 
generating units and discounting these at an appropriate discount rate; and/or (ii) the comparison of carrying value 
to the net selling price of the cash generating unit; the determination of these factors require the exercise of judgement.

•  UK defined benefit pension scheme

Actuarial assumptions are made in valuing future benefit pension obligations (as set out in note 27). The principal 
significant assumptions relate to the rate of inflation, the discount rate and life expectancy of members. Estimates 
are used for these factors in determining the pension costs and liabilities in the financial statements.

•  Research and development – measurement and amortisation

Distinguishing whether development expenditure satisfies the recognition requirements for the capitalisation of 
development costs requires the exercise of judgement. The corresponding amortisation period is derived from existing 
developed products in the markets served and therefore the assumption is that new products will provide economic 
benefit for similar periods of time. 

•  Recognition of deferred tax assets

The extent to which deferred tax assets can be recognised is based on an assessment of probabilities that future taxable 
incomes in jurisdictions will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry‑forwards 
can be utilised in the future.

s) Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

t) Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position when the Group 
has become a party to the contractual provision of the instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences 
a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. Trade receivables and other receivables 
are classified as loans and receivables and are initially recognised at fair value then at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method. They are subsequently measured at their amortised cost less any provision for impairment. An impairment 
of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts 
due according to the original terms of receivables. The amount of impairment is the difference between the asset’s 
carrying amount and the present value of its estimated future cash flows. The amount of the impairment is recognised in 
the consolidated income statement. Trade payables and other payables are not interest bearing and are initially stated 
at their fair value then amortised cost using the effective interest method. Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, 
deposits held on call with banks or legal bodies, other short‑term highly‑liquid investments with original maturities of three 
months or less and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within current liabilities on the consolidated statement of 
financial position. Borrowings are recognised initially at their fair value. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless 
the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the year end. 
Finance charges are accounted for on an accruals basis and are added to the carrying amount to the extent that they 
are not settled in the period in which they arise.

43

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

1 Accounting policies continued 
u) Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill
At each year end, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to 
determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If such indications exist, the 
recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of any impairment loss. Where the asset 
does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the 
cash generating unit to which the asset belongs. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is tested for impairment 
annually and whenever there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. The recoverable amount is the higher 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 a pre‑tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and risks 
specific to the asset. If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying 
amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment 
loss is recognised as an expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the 
impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease until the associated revaluation reserve is extinguished.

v) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event which it is probable will result 
in an outflow of economic benefits that can be reliably estimated. Provisions are discounted where material to do so. 

w) Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are 
shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

Where the Company has purchased its own equity share capital, the consideration paid, including directly attributable 
incremental costs, is deducted from retained earnings until the shares are cancelled. On cancellation, the nominal value 
of the shares is deducted from share capital and the amount is transferred to the capital redemption reserve. 

x) Acquisitions
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of acquisition is measured at the 
aggregate of the fair values, at the date of change of control, of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity 
instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree, plus any costs relating to the issue of debt or 
equity securities. Any costs directly attributable to the business combination are expensed to the consolidated income 
statement. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities are recognised at their fair value at the 
acquisition date. 

Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognised as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of 
the business combination over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities recognised. If, after reassessment, the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities exceeds the cost of the business combination, the excess is recognised immediately in 
profit or loss. 

y) Adoption of International Accounting Standards
New standards, amendments to published standards and interpretations to existing standards effective in 2018, with their 
dates of adoption adopted by the Group and brief description:

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014–2016 Cycle 

1 January 2017

The improvements in this Amendment clarify the requirements of IFRSs 
and eliminate inconsistencies within and between Standards.

Amendments to IAS 12 Recognition of Deferred 
Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses 

1 January 2017

Clarifies deferred tax on unrealised losses generated by debt 
instruments carried at fair value. 

Amendments to IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative

1 January 2017

The amendments clarify and improve information provided to users of 
financial statements. 

The implementation of these standards did not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

44

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been early 
adopted by the Group:

IAS 40 Investment Property

1 January 2018

IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint 
Ventures

1 January 2018

Amendments to IFRS 2 Classification and 
Measurement of Share‑based Payment 
Transactions

1 January 2018

IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and 
Advance Consideration

1 January 2018

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

1 January 2018

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

1 January 2018

IFRS 16 Leases

1 January 2019

Clarifies that an entity transfers a property to, or from, an investment 
property when, and only when, there is evidence of change in use. 
A change of use occurs if a property meets, or ceases to meet, the 
definition of investment property. 

Clarifies whether an entity has an investment‑by‑investment choice 
for measuring investees at fair value in accordance with IAS 28 by 
a venture capital organisation, or a mutual fund, unit trust or similar 
entities including investment linked insurance funds.

Amendments to provide requirements on the accounting for the 
effects of vesting and non‑vesting conditions on the measurement 
of cash‑settled share‑based payments, share‑based payment 
transactions with a net settlement feature for withholding tax 
obligations, and a modification to the terms and conditions of 
a share‑based payment that changes the classification of the 
transaction from cash‑settled to equity‑settled. 

Provides requirements about which exchange rate to use in reporting 
foreign currency transactions (such as revenue transactions) when 
payment is made or received in advance.

Replacement to IAS 39 and is built on a logical, single classification 
and measurement approach for financial assets which reflects both 
the business model in which they are operated and their cash flow 
characteristics. Also addresses the so‑called ‘own credit’ issue and 
includes an improved hedge accounting model to better link the 
economics of risk management with its accounting treatment.

Introduces requirements for companies to recognise revenue to 
depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts 
that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to 
be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Also results 
in enhanced disclosure about revenue and provides or improves 
guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed 
comprehensively and for multiple‑element arrangements.

The new standard recognises a leased asset and a lease liability 
for almost all leases and requires them to be accounted for in a 
consistent manner. This introduces a single lessee accounting model 
and eliminates the previous distinction between an operating lease 
and a finance lease. 

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations in future periods will have little or no 
material impact on the financial statements of the Group, subject to any future business combinations, and with the 
possible exception of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’, and IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ 
where our review of the impact is ongoing as described overleaf:

45

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

1 Accounting policies continued 
y) Adoption of International Accounting Standards continued
(i) IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’: For the Group, transition to IFRS 15 will take effect from 1 April 2018 
The half‑year results for the six months ended 30 September 2018 will be IFRS 15 compliant with the first Annual Report 
published in accordance with IFRS 15 being the year ended 31 March 2019. The Group plans to adopt a fully retrospective 
transition approach and so comparatives for the year ended 31 March 2018 will be restated where applicable. 

IFRS 15 sets out the requirements for recognising revenue from contracts with customers. The standard requires entities to 
apportion revenue earned from contracts to individual promises, or performance obligations, on a stand‑alone selling 
price basis, based on a five‑step model (identification of contracts; performance obligations; transaction prices; allocation 
of price to performance obligations; and recognition of revenue). Revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects 
the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. 
It replaces existing revenue recognition guidance, including IAS 18 Revenue. 

The Group has performed an impact assessment in an attempt to quantify the full impact of this standard and is working 
through a comprehensive transition exercise. The transition exercise has involved scoping the Group’s revenues to identify 
revenue streams with like commercial terms and performing sample contract reviews to determine the appropriate 
revenue recognition under IFRS 15. The review and conclusion of this exercise is ongoing. Based on the initial reviews we 
do not expect there to be a material change in the timing or quantum of revenue recognition. Microchips involve both 
hardware and embedded software within a chip product, and revenues are recognised when invoices are raised and 
chip products are despatched. 

While many of our companies have warranty arrangements with their customers, having reviewed the details of the 
warranty arrangements, these have been determined to be of an assurance nature and as such there is no material 
change in accounting required by IFRS 15. 

(ii) IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’: For the Group, transition to IFRS 9 will take effect from 1 April 2018 
The half‑year results for the six months ended 30 September 2018 will be IFRS 9 compliant with the first Annual Report 
published in accordance with IFRS 9 being the year ended 31 March 2019. 

IFRS 9 provides a new expected losses impairment model for financial assets, including trade receivables, and includes 
amendments to classification and measurement of financial instruments. 

During this year the Group has undertaken a high‑level review of the impact of this new standard on its financial 
statements. The Group’s use of financial instruments is limited to short‑term trading balances such as receivables and 
payables. The Group has no borrowings and does not use complex financial instruments for hedging foreign exchange 
risks. We therefore expect that the impact of this standard will be limited to classification of financial instruments and the 
measurement of impairment of short‑term financial assets using the expected losses impairment model where appropriate. 

Given the straightforward nature of the financial assets for the Group, we do not expect there will be a material change 
in any level of impairment recognised compared to that based on current procedures. 

(iii) IFRS 16 ‘Leases’: For the Group, transition to IFRS 16 will take effect from 1 April 2019 
The half‑year results for the six months ended 30 September 2019 will be IFRS 16 compliant with the first Annual Report 
published in accordance with IFRS 16 being for the year ending 31 March 2020. 

IFRS 16 provides a single model for lessees which recognises a right of use asset and lease liability for all leases which are 
longer than one year or which are not classified as low value. The distinction between finance and operating leases for 
lessees is removed. This can substantially affect metrics such as total assets, total liabilities, classification of costs (for example 
depreciation replacing operating lease rental costs) and key financial ratios such as (Adjusted) EBITDA where rental costs 
are replaced by depreciation. 

The Group is currently assessing the impact of the new standard. The most significant impact currently identified will be that 
the Group’s mainly non‑UK subsidiaries’ land and buildings leases taken up as lessee will be brought on to the balance 
sheet as assets and lease liabilities. Further assessment of other less significant leases is currently ongoing. The Group’s future 
lease commitments for land and buildings as at 31 March 2018, which provides an indicator of the value to be brought on 
to the balance sheet, was £1,349,000. This aggregate total is an undiscounted amount. (Adjusted) EBITDA, as discussed 
above, sees rental costs being replaced by depreciation and the Group’s rental costs for the year ended 31 March 2018 
amounted to £585,000. IFRS16 is not anticipated to have a material effect on the Group where it is acting in its capacity 
as lessor. 

46

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY182 Segmental analysis
Reported segments and their results, in accordance with IFRS 8, are based on internal management reporting information 
that is regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (C. A. Gurry). The measurement policies the Group uses for 
segmental reporting under IFRS 8 are the same as those used in its financial statements.

Information about revenue, profit/loss, assets and liabilities

Total segmental revenue 

Profit 

Segmental result  

Finance income  

Revaluation of investment properties 

Income tax expense 

Profit after taxation  

Assets and liabilities 

Segmental assets  

Unallocated corporate assets 

Investment properties  

Deferred tax assets  

Current tax assets  

Consolidated total assets  

Segmental liabilities  

Unallocated corporate liabilities  

Deferred tax liabilities 

Current tax liabilities 

Retirement benefit obligation   

Consolidated total liabilities  

Other segmental information

Property, plant and equipment additions 

Development cost additions    

Intangible additions 

Depreciation   

Amortisation of development costs 

Amortisation of acquired intangibles 

Other non‑cash income 

2018 

2017

Semiconductor 
components 
£’000 

31,674 

Group 
£’000 

31,674 

Semiconductor 
components 
£’000 

27,737 

Group  
£’000

27,737

4,174 

4,174

4,404 

4,404 

39 

140 

(444) 

4,139 

48,074 

44,759 

5,669 

48,074 

3,690 

1,068 

675 

53,507 

5,669 

3,950 

48 

2,070 

11,737 

6,231 

2018 

2017

Semiconductor 
components 
 £’000 

488 

5,680 

392 

411 

4,745 

155 

103 

Group 
£’000 

488 

5,680 

392 

411 

4,745 

155 

103 

Semiconductor 
components 
£’000 

450 

5,763 

— 

325 

4,100 

102 

31 

34

—

(341)

3,867

44,759

3,550

1,419

971

50,699

6,231

3,692

57

3,084

13,064

Group 
£’000

450

5,763

—

325

4,100

102

31

47

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

2 Segmental analysis continued
Geographical information (by origin)

Year ended 31 March 2018

Revenue to third parties – by origin 

Property, plant and equipment  

Investment properties  

Development costs  

Intangibles – software 

Goodwill  

Other intangible assets arising on acquisition   

Total assets  

 Year ended 31 March 2017

Revenue to third parties – by origin 

Property, plant and equipment  

Investment properties  

Development costs  

Goodwill  

Other intangible assets arising on acquisition   

UK  
£’000 

Rest of Europe  
£’000 

Americas  
£’000 

Far East  
£’000 

Total  
£’000

5,073 

5,024 

3,690 

4,424 

392 

— 

— 

7,355 

290 

— 

8,118 

— 

3,512 

— 

6,744 

5,056 

3,550 

3,827 

— 

— 

4,856 

243 

— 

7,574  

3,512 

— 

5,848 

13,398 

65 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

16 

— 

— 

— 

— 

31 

— 

— 

— 

5,678 

1,178 

11,454 

15 

— 

— 

5,794 

1,339 

2,056 

31,674

5,410

3,690

12,542

392

9,190

1,178

53,507

27,737

5,330

3,550

11,401

9,306

1,339

50,699

23,915 

15,556 

2,582 

6,047 

10,090 

Total assets  

35,192 

11,482 

1,969 

Revenue contribution from the top two customers provided a combined contribution of approximately 28% (2017: 29% of 
revenues), although only one of these customers was above the 10% threshold (2017: two customers).

3 Revenue
The geographical classification of business turnover (by destination) is as follows:

2018 
£’000 

9,477 

15,764 

5,919 

514 

31,674 

2017 
£’000

7,600

13,460

6,117

560

27,737

Continuing business 

Europe  

Far East  

Americas  

Others  

48

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 Profit from continuing operations

Profit from operations is stated after charging or crediting: 

2018 

2017

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000

Cost of sales: 

Depreciation   

Amount of inventories written down  

Cost of inventories recognised as expense  

Other (stock) movements 

Distribution and administration costs:  

Distribution costs (mainly staff costs)  

Administration costs: 

Amortisation of development costs 

Research and development expensed 

Amortisation of acquired intangibles 

Depreciation   

Foreign exchange losses/(gains) 

Rentals under operating leases: 

Land and buildings 

Other operating leases  

Provision creation (note 28) 

Auditor’s fees (see below) 

Other expenses (mainly staff costs)  

9,438 

3,444 

105 

24 

9,051 

258 

4,745 

1,191 

155 

306 

445 

494 

91 

— 

174 

7,473 

7,922

3,182

72 

119 

7,619 

112 

4,100 

1,057 

102 

253 

(800) 

452 

115 

453 

171 

7,031 

Amounts payable to RSM UK Audit LLP, Chartered Accountants in respect of both audit and non‑audit services:

2018 
£’000 

2017  
£’000

Audit services: 

Statutory audit of Company’s annual accounts and Group consolidation   

63 

63

15,074 

18,518 

12,934

16,116

Other services 

The auditing of accounts of associates of the Company pursuant to legislation  
(including that of countries and territories outside the United Kingdom)

This includes: 

Audit of subsidiaries where such services are provided by RSM UK Audit LLP  

Audit of associated pension schemes  

Other services supplied pursuant to such legislation  

Tax services:

Tax compliance services 

Amounts payable to other auditors in respect of both audit and non‑audit services: 

Statutory audit services  

Tax compliance services  

Other services  

16 

11 

8 

— 

98 

42 

33 

1 

76 

16

16

5

16

116

42

6

7

55

49

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

5 Other operating income

Rental income  

Government grants and consulting  

Other income  

2018 
£’000 

315 

205 

309 

829 

2017  
£’000

306

202

106

614

All conditions relating to the government grants have been fulfilled and there are no other contingencies. Other income 
relates to ancillary Chinese business and other miscellaneous income. 

6 Employees

Staff costs, including Directors, during the year amounted to:   

Wages and salaries  

Social security costs  

Other pension and health care costs  

Share‑based payments  

The average number of employees, including Directors,  
during the year was: 

Administration  

Engineering 

Manufacturing  

Selling  

7 Directors’ emoluments

Remuneration (including fees) 

Emoluments in respect of the highest paid Director amounted to: 

Remuneration  

Group 

2018 
£’000 

11,482 

1,353 

1,140 

143 

2017 
£’000 

10,343 

1,181 

973 

139 

Company

2018 
£’000 

1,060 

132 

75 

29 

2017 

£’000

929

108

71

26

14,118 

12,636 

1,296 

1,134

Group 

Company

2018 
Number 

2017 
Number 

2018 
Number 

2017 
Number

55 

101 

35 

29 

220 

49 

99 

39 

28 

215 

9 

— 

— 

— 

9 

2018 
£’000 

833 

315 

7

—

—

—

7

2017  
£’000

833

313

Further details on Directors’ emoluments, including contributions to pension, can be found in the Directors’ remuneration 
report on pages 20 to 24.

8 Finance income 

Bank interest receivable 

2018 
£’000 

39 

2017  
£’000

34

50

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9 Income tax expense
a) Analysis of tax expense in period 

Current tax

UK corporation tax on results of the year  

Adjustment in respect of previous years  

Foreign tax on results of the year  

Foreign tax – adjustment in respect of previous years  

Total current tax  

Deferred tax

Current year movement  

Adjustments to deferred tax charge in respect of previous years  

Total deferred tax 

Tax charge on profit on ordinary activities (note 9b)  

2018 
£’000 

(595) 

44 

(551) 

626 

(12) 

63 

387 

(6) 

381 

444 

2017  
£’000

(419)

(1)

(420)

511

—

91

272

(22)

250

341

b) Factors affecting tax expense for period
Tax assessed for the period is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2017: 20%). The differences 
are explained below:

Profit before tax  

Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of UK corporation tax of 19% (2017: 20%)  

Effects of: 

Capital allowances less than depreciation 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes  

Share‑based payments – tax effect 

Research and development tax credits 

Different tax rates in countries in which the Group operates 

Adjustments to current tax charge in respect of previous years  

Adjustments to deferred tax charge in respect of previous years  

Reduction in deferred tax rate  

Non‑taxable income and other 

Tax expense for period (note 9a)  

2018 
£’000 

4,583 

871 

16 

25 

(12) 

(711) 

244 

32 

(6) 

56 

(71) 

444 

2017  
£’000

4,208

842

15

76

5

(719)

159

(1)

(22)

(23)

9

341

A deferred tax charge of £155,000 was recognised on an actuarial gain of £911,000 on a retirement benefit net obligation 
and was recognised in the year in the consolidated statement of total comprehensive income (2017: deferred tax credit of 
£178,000 on an actuarial loss of £1,048,000 on a retirement benefit net obligation). 

10 Dividend – proposed
During the year, a final dividend of 7.4p per ordinary share of 5p was paid in respect of the year ended 31 March 2017. 
A maiden interim dividend of 2.0p per ordinary share was paid on 15 December 2017 to shareholders on the Register on 
1 December 2017. 

It is proposed to pay a final dividend of 5.8p per ordinary share of 5p, taking the total dividend amount in respect of 
the year ended 31 March 2018 to 7.8p. It is proposed to pay the final dividend of 5.8p, if approved, on 6 August 2018 
to shareholders registered on 6 July 2018 (2017: 7 August 2017 to shareholders registered on 7 July 2017). 

51

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

11 Earnings per ordinary share

Basic earnings per share

From profit for year  

Diluted earnings per share

From profit for year  

2018 
p 

2017  
p

24.52 

23.09

23.95 

22.84

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders, divided 
by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year, as shown below:

2018 

Weighted  
average  
number 
of shares  
Number 

Profit  
£’000 

Profit per 
share 
p 

Profit  
£’000 

2017

Weighted  
average  
number 
of shares  
Number 

Profit per 
share 
p

4,139 

16,876,684 

24.52 

3,867 

16,745,457 

23.09

Basic earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share

– from profit for year 

Diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share  

4,139 

16,876,684 

Dilutive effect of share options 

— 

402,348 

24.52 

(0.57) 

3,867 

16,745,457 

— 

183,699 

23.09

(0.25)

Diluted earnings per share 

– from profit for year 

4,139 

17,279,032 

23.95 

3,867 

16,929,156 

22.84

On 10 June 2015, the Company purchased 50,000 ordinary shares of 5p each in the Company at a price of 376.5p per 
ordinary share. These shares are held in treasury and are excluded from the denominators listed above for the purposes 
of earnings per share calculations.

The Company issued 774,181 of its own 5p ordinary shares at a price of 340p per share as part of its acquisition on 
3 August 2016 of the Sicomm group of companies. 

On 23 December 2016, the Company purchased 179,439 of its own 5p ordinary shares at a price 370p per share for 
cancellation. These shares were cancelled on 18 January 2017 (see note 30).

On 8 December 2017, the staff exercised 233,026 staff options under the terms of the staff share option schemes at a price 
of 5p per share. 

12 Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (‘Adjusted EBITDA’) is defined as profit from operations 
before all interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation charges and before share‑based payments. The following is a 
reconciliation of the Adjusted EBITDA for the years presented:

2018 
£’000 

4,139 

(39) 

444 

411 

4,745 

155 

143 

9,998 

2017  
£’000

3,867

(34)

341

325

4,100

102

139

8,840

Profit after taxation (earnings) 

Adjustments for: 

Finance income  

Income tax expense  

Depreciation   

Amortisation of development costs 

Amortisation of intangibles recognised on acquisition 

Share‑based payments 

Adjusted EBITDA 

52

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 Goodwill

Cost and net book value

At 1 April 

Additions – acquisition 

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March 

2018 
£’000 

9,306 

— 

(116) 

9,190 

2017  
£’000

3,512

5,669

125

9,306

The 2017 opening goodwill arose on the Hyperstone acquisition that was amortised under UK GAAP until 31 March 2004 
when the Group transitioned to IFRS. The additional goodwill in the prior year related to the acquisition of the Sicomm 
group of companies in August 2016. Goodwill arising on acquisitions after the date of transition to IFRS such as this Sicomm 
goodwill is attributable to operational synergies and earnings potential expected to be realised over the longer term. This 
Sicomm goodwill above of £5,678,000 is held in RMB upon Group consolidation and therefore is subject to foreign exchange 
fluctuations between periods. 

Annual impairment testing
Goodwill is not amortised under IFRS but instead tested annually for impairment. An annual impairment review is carried 
out in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1, namely: the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its 
goodwill and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment 
loss. The recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of any impairment loss. Where the 
asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount 
of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell 
and value in use. Goodwill and other intangibles are allocated to cash generating units, which represent the appropriate 
level that those cash generating units are monitored for internal management purposes. In assessing value in use, 
the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value utilising a pre‑tax discount rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset, in addition to the basis of the weighted 
average cost of capital for the Group. Projections are based on budgets for year one and cash flow projections for the 
following four years extrapolations using growth rates and terminal cash flows considered to be in line with the economic 
environment in which the cash generating unit operates, past and current local management experience. In accordance 
with IAS 36, growth rates do not exceed the long term average growth rates for the industry in that jurisdiction. If the recoverable 
amount of the cash generating unit is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the cash 
generating unit is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately, unless 
the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease 
until the associated revaluation reserve is extinguished.

Evaluation of Hyperstone goodwill and Sicomm goodwill 
The Directors consider no impairment is required for either business. The recoverable amount of Hyperstone related goodwill 
is determined using the fair value less cost of disposal and recoverable amount of Sicomm related goodwill is determined 
using the value in use methodologies. Net selling price in respect of the Hyperstone goodwill is determined using a five‑year 
average of projected future earnings as applied to the price earnings ratio prevailing for the technology sector (14‑18x) 
operating in industrial markets (2017: similar metric range). For Sicomm related goodwill, the pre‑tax discount rate used was 
15% and growth rates vary from 7% to 15% over a five year prospective period (2017: similar metric range). Management 
consider these key assumptions do not differ from past experience or external sources of information. 

Sensitivity analysis
The Group has not identified any reasonable potential changes to key assumptions that would cause the carrying value 
of the goodwill or other intangibles to exceed its recoverable amount. Fair value less cost of disposal price earnings ratio 
benchmarks are widely and publicly available in active markets. For value in use methodology in respect of the Sicomm 
acquisition, the key assumptions are growth rates and discount rate. Long term growth rates would have to average 1.2% 
or less or pre‑tax discount rates move to 24.8% for carrying value to be impacted by any impairment. Sensitivity analysis of 
these key assumptions are built into our annual impairment testing modelling. 

53

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

14 Other intangibles 

Group 

Cost/valuation

At 1 April 2016  

Additions  

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March 2017 

Additions  

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March 2018 

Amortisation 

At 1 April 2016  

Charge for the year  

At 31 March 2017 

Charge for the year  

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March 2018 

Net book value

At 31 March 2018 

At 31 March 2017 

Intangible assets  
acquired in  
business combinations 

Intangible assets 
capitalised/ 
purchased

Brands 
£’000 

Customer 
relationships 
£’000 

Intellectual 
property 
£’000 

Software 
£’000 

Total  
£’000

— 

96 

— 

96 

— 

— 

96 

— 

6 

6 

10 

— 

16 

80 

90 

 — 

934 

6 

940 

— 

(5) 

935 

 — 

69 

69 

105 

(1) 

173 

762 

871 

— 

402 

3 

405 

— 

(2) 

403 

— 

27 

27 

40 

— 

67 

336 

378 

— 

— 

— 

— 

392 

— 

392 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

 —

1,432

9

1,441

392

(7)

1,826

 —

102

102

155

(1)

256

392 

— 

1,570

1,339

The intangible assets above were recognised on the acquisition of Sicomm in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 3 
Business Combinations.

Company  

Cost 

At 31 March 2017 

Additions  

At 31 March 2018 

Amortisation  

At 31 March 2017 

Charge for the year  

At 31 March 2018 

Net book value 

At 31 March 2018 

At 31 March 2017 

Software 
£’000 

Total  
£’000

— 

392 

392 

— 

— 

— 

392 

— 

—

392

392

—

—

—

392

—

The Group is presently implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system for use by all companies in the Group across 
business functions. This purchased intangible will be amortised over its projected useful economic life from the future date 
of implementation. 

54

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15 Property, plant and equipment

Freehold and 
 long leasehold  
premises  
£’000  

Short  
leasehold 
improvements  
£’000 

 Plant and  
equipment  
 £’000 

Motor  
vehicles  
 £’000 

Total  

 £’000

Group  

Cost 

At 1 April 2016  

Additions – acquisition 

Additions  

Disposals 

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March 2017 

Additions  

Disposals 

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March 2018 

Depreciation  

At 1 April 2016  

Depreciation – acquisition 

Charge for the year  

Disposals 

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March 2017 

Charge for the year  

Disposals 

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March 2018 

Net book value 

At 31 March 2018 

At 31 March 2017 

Company 

Cost 

At 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017 

Additions  

At 31 March 2018 

Depreciation  

At 1 April 2016  

Charge for the year  

At 31 March 2017 

Charge for the year  

At 31 March 2018 

Net book value 

At 31 March 2018 

At 31 March 2017 

6,062 

— 

— 

— 

— 

6,062 

— 

— 

— 

6,062 

1,253 

— 

79 

— 

— 

1,332 

79 

— 

— 

1,411 

4,651 

4,730 

49 

— 

— 

— 

9 

58 

— 

— 

(5) 

53 

45 

— 

— 

— 

9 

54 

— 

— 

(5) 

49 

4 

4 

11,089 

117 

17,317

234 

450 

(17) 

231 

60 

— 

— 

1 

294

450

(17)

241

11,987 

178 

18,285

488 

(168) 

(19) 

— 

— 

(1) 

488

(168)

(25)

12,288 

177 

18,580

10,783 

224 

226 

(17) 

217 

11,433 

320 

(168) 

(22) 

11,563 

725 

554 

65 

50 

20 

— 

1 

136 

12 

— 

(1) 

147 

30 

42 

Equipment 
£’000 

Freehold and  
long leasehold  
premises 
£’000 

49 

— 

49 

49 

— 

49 

— 

49 

— 

— 

6,062 

— 

6,062 

1,253 

79 

1,332 

79 

1,411 

4,651 

4,730 

12,146

274

325

(17)

227

12,955

411

(168)

(28)

13,170

5,410

5,330

Total  
£’000

6,111

—

6,111

1,302

79

1,381

79

1,460

4,651

4,730

55

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

16 Investment properties

 Group and Company 

Valuation 

At 1 April 2016 and at 31 March 2017 

Revaluation 

At 31 March 2018 

Net book value 

At 31 March 2018 

At 31 March 2017 

Investment  
properties  
£’000  

3,550 

140 

3,690 

3,690 

3,550 

Total  

 £’000

3,550

140

3,690

3,690

3,550

Investment properties in both the Group and Company comprise £3,690,000 (2017: £3,550,000) of freehold and leasehold 
land and buildings and it is from the operating leases on these properties that the Group’s rental income is generated. 
Everett Newlyn, Chartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Consultants professionally valued the investment properties 
on the basis of open market value as at 31 March 2018, for which this valuation of £3,690,000 has been advised.

The value of the investment properties were they to be held at historic cost would be £2,792,000 (2017: £2,792,000). 
The Group/Company does not incur significant costs not otherwise recharged to its tenants for its investment properties. 

The investment properties are measured at fair value. Valuations are based on what is determined to be the highest and 
best use. When considering the highest and best use the Directors will consider, on a property by property basis, its actual 
and potential uses which are physically, legally and financially viable. Where the highest and best use differs from the 
existing use, the valuer will consider the cost and likelihood of achieving and implementing this change in arriving at 
its valuation.

The methods of fair value measurement are classified into a hierarchy based on the reliability of the information used to 
determine the valuation, as follows:

•  level 1: valuation based on inputs on quoted market prices in active markets;
•  level 2: valuation based on inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that maximise the use of observable 

data directly or from market prices or indirectly derived from market prices; and

•  level 3: where one or more inputs to valuations are not based on observable market data. 

The values used below utilise a level 2 methodology:

Investment properties  

The prior year comparative values were as follows:

Carrying/ 
fair value 
£’000 

Valuation 
technique 

Key observable 
inputs 

3,690 

Income  
  capitalisation  

Estimated 
rental value 

Range  
(weighted  
average)  

2018

£4 – £8 
 per sq ft

Per sq ft p.a. 

8% – 10%

 Equivalent yield 

7.9%

3,690 

Carrying/ 
fair value 
£’000 

Valuation 
technique 

Key observable 
inputs 

Range  
(weighted  
average)  

2017

£4 – £8 
 per sq ft

Investment properties  

3,550 

Income  
  capitalisation  

Estimated 
rental value 

Per sq ft p.a. 

8% – 11%

 Equivalent yield 

8.1%

3,550 

56

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17 Investments 

 Group – investments 

Cost and net book value 

At 1 April  

Additions – acquisition 

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March    

2018 
£’000 

2017  
£’000

85 

— 

(2) 

83 

—

84

1

85

The investment represents the Group’s 14.29% equity investment measured at cost (not at valuation) in Quanzhou 
Cybercomm Wireless Communication Technologies Institute Co., Inc., a Chinese industrial institutional body, acquired with 
the acquisition of the Sicomm group of companies. 

Company – investments 

Cost of investment in subsidiary undertakings: 

As at 1 April  

Additions – acquisitions 

As at 31 March 

Advances to subsidiary undertakings:

As at 1 April  

Increase/(decrease) in advances  

As at 31 March  

Net book value

As at 31 March 

2018 
£’000 

2017  
£’000

12,964 

— 

12,964 

(996) 

124 

(872) 

4,960

8,004

12,964

4,369

(5,365)

(996)

12,092 

11,968

57

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

17 Investments continued
The Group is headed by the Company, CML Microsystems Plc. Details of the subsidiary undertakings of the Company are 
as follows:

Name 

CML Microsystems Inc  

CML Microcircuits (UK) Ltd 

CML Microcircuits (USA) Inc 

Country of 
incorporation  

Percentage  
held  

USA  

England  

USA  

CML Microcircuits (Singapore) Pte Ltd 

Singapore  

Wuxi Sicomm Technologies, Inc 

Shanghai Futiake Investment Consulting Co., Ltd  

Quanzhou Sicomm Communication  
Technologies Co., Ltd 

Applied Technology (UK) Ltd   

Integrated Micro Systems Ltd   

Hyperstone GmbH  

Hyperstone Inc  

Hyperstone Asia Pacific Ltd  

China 

China 

China 

England  

England 

Germany  

USA  

Taiwan  

100% 

100%  

100%  

100%  

100% 

100% 

100% 

100%  

100% 

100%  

100%  

100%  

Status 

 Trading in USA  

Trading in England 

Trading in USA  

Trading in Singapore 

Trading in China 

Holding company 

Holding

Direct

Direct

Indirect

 Direct

Indirect

Direct

Trading in China 

Indirect

Dormant  

Dormant 

Trading in Germany  

Trading in USA  

Trading in Taiwan  

Direct

 Direct

Direct

Indirect

Direct

All of the above companies are holding or trading companies involved in the design, manufacture and marketing of 
specialised electronic devices for use in the telecommunications, radio and data communications industries, or dormant 
as stated. The above all share the same reporting date as the Company, with the exception of the three Chinese 
subsidiaries above which have, in line with Chinese laws and regulations, a 31 December year end. The Group has 
accordingly taken up the financial results and financial position of these Chinese subsidiaries up to 31 March 2018. 

Company registered addresses/locations are as follows:

CML Microsystems Inc  

CML Microcircuits (UK) Ltd  

CML Microcircuits (USA) Inc  

486 N Patterson Avenue, Suite 301, Winston‑Salem, NC 27101, USA

Oval Park, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6WG England

486 N Patterson Avenue, Suite 301, Winston‑Salem, NC 27101, USA

CML Microcircuits (Singapore) Pte Ltd  

150 Kampong Ampat, 05‑03A KA Centre, Singapore 368324

Wuxi Sicomm Technologies, Inc 

2/F Building B, 21 Changjiang Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China

Shanghai Futiake Investment Consulting Co., Ltd  

Room B02, F16, No. 2188 Huangxing Road, Yangpu District,  
Shanghai, China 

Quanzhou Sicomm Communication Technologies Co., Ltd 

9 Chifeng Road, Licheng, Hitech District,  

Applied Technology (UK) Ltd  

Integrated Micro Systems Ltd 

Hyperstone GmbH  

Hyperstone Inc  

Quanzhou, Fujian, China

Oval Park, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6WG England

Oval Park, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6WG England

Line‑Eid‑Strasse 3, 78467 Konstanz, Germany

486 N Patterson Avenue, Suite 301, Winston‑Salem, NC 27101, USA

Hyperstone Asia Pacific Ltd  

3F, No.501, Sec.2, Tiding Boulevard, Neihu District, Taipei City 114, Taiwan

58

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18 Development costs

Cost

At 1 April  

Additions – internal sources 

Fully amortised costs  

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March    

Amortisation

At 1 April  

Charged in the year  

Fully amortised costs  

Foreign exchange difference   

At 31 March    

Net book value

At 31 March 

At 31 March 2016  

2018 
£’000 

2017  
£’000

29,249 

5,680 

(3,854) 

428 

31,503 

17,848 

4,745 

(3,854) 

222 

18,961 

12,542 

27,107

5,763

(4,108)

487

29,249

17,815

4,100

(4,108)

41

17,848

11,401

9,292

No government grants have been credited to the cost of development in arriving at the net book value at the year end 
(2017: £Nil).

19 Inventories

Raw materials  

Work in progress  

Finished goods  

20 Trade receivables and prepayments

Amounts falling due within one year:

Trade receivables 

Other receivables  

Prepayments and accrued income  

Group 

2018 
£’000 

2,540 

139 

433 

3,112 

2017 
£’000 

2,011 

214 

472 

2,697 

Disclosure of credit risk and associated disclosures are provided in Note 23. 

21 Cash and cash equivalents

Group

2018 
£’000 

1,036 

343 

972 

2,351 

Company

2018 
£’000 

— 

52 

17 

69 

Cash on deposit  

Cash at bank   

Group 

Company

2018 
£’000 

9,429 

4,387 

2017 
£’000 

8,431 

4,016 

13,816 

12,447 

2018 
£’000 

83 

89 

172 

Disclosure of foreign currency risk is provided in Note 23. 

22 Bank loans and overdrafts
There were no bank overdrafts or loans in the current or prior period for either the Group or Company. Undrawn facility 
details are provided in Note 23. 

2017 
£’000

803

193

1,158

2,154

2017 
£’000

—

28

38

66

2017 
£’000

90

81

171

59

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

23 Financial instruments
Financial instruments
The Group’s financial instruments can comprise cash balances, bank loans, overdraft facilities and items such as trade 
receivables and trade payables that arise directly from its operations. The overall objective of the Board is to reduce risks 
where possible within a competitive, dynamic and flexible trading environment. 

Capital market risk is discussed below. The risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are interest rate/liquidity risk 
and foreign currency risk. The policies for managing these risks are summarised below and have been applied throughout 
the year. 

Credit and cash flow risk
The Group has little exposure to credit and cash flow risk. It is, and has been throughout the year under review, the Group’s 
policy that no trading in financial instruments shall be undertaken. The maximum credit exposure of financial instruments 
within the scope of IAS 39, without taking account of collateral, is represented by the carrying amount for trade receivables, 
other receivables and cash and cash equivalents included in the statement of financial position.

Capital market risk
The Board considers capital to be the carrying amount of equity and debt. The Group presently does not have any debt. 
Its overall capital objective is, in the light of changes in economic conditions, to maintain a strong and efficient capital 
base to support the Group’s strategic growth objectives, provide progressive returns to shareholders and safeguard the 
Group’s status as a going concern. 

Interest rate/liquidity risk
Cash balances are placed so as to maximise interest earned while maintaining the liquidity requirements of the business. 
The Directors regularly review the placing of cash balances. A significant movement in LIBOR would be required to have 
a material impact on the cash flow of the Group. The gross overdraft facility provided by the Group’s principal bankers is 
£750,000 (2017: £750,000); US$100,000 (2017: US$100,000); and is subject to renewal annually. In addition, the Group’s German 
subsidiary has, through its principal bankers, a €1m gross overdraft facility (2017: €1m), renewable on an annual basis. 

Foreign currency risk
The Group has overseas subsidiary operations in Germany, the USA, China, Taiwan and Singapore. As a result, the 
Group’s Sterling statement of financial position could be affected by movements in the Euro, US Dollar, Chinese Renminbi, 
Singapore Dollar and Taiwan Dollar to Sterling exchange rates. At 31 March 2018, the Group had monetary assets 
denominated in foreign currencies of approximately £6.4m (2017: £5.9m), of which approximately 76% (2017: 67%) was 
denominated in US Dollars, 21% in Chinese Renminbi (2017: 26%) and 2% (2017: 5%) was denominated in Euros. As national 
currency of China, the Chinese Renminbi is subject to foreign exchange controls made by that country. The effects of 
foreign exchange recognised in the income statement amounted to a loss of £445,000 (2017: gain of £800,000).

Financial instruments recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position
All financial instruments are recognised initially at their fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost (see note 1t).

 Group and Company 

Non‑current financial assets  

Equity investment (see note  17)  

Total 

Current financial assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents  

Total  

Trade and other receivables are all due within six months.

2018 
£’000 

83 

83 

2017  
£’000

85

85

Group 

Company

2018 
Loans and 
receivables 
£’000 

2017 
Loans and 
receivables  
£’000 

2018 
Loans and 
receivables 
£’000 

2017 
Loans and 
receivables 
£’000

2,679 

13,816 

16,495 

2,225 

12,447 

14,672 

52 

172 

224 

28

171

199

60

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The average credit period was 29 days (2017: 26 days). There were no allowances made, based on the knowledge of the 
financial circumstances of individual debtors at the year end, for estimated irrecoverable amounts from the sale of goods 
at the year end (2017: no allowances). At 31 March 2018, £Nil (2017: £Nil) of trade receivables were impaired in relation to 
customers who are known to be in financial difficulty and from whom payment was overdue by more than three months. 
The Group holds no collateral against receivables at the year end. There were £445,000 trade and other receivables 
that were past due at 31 March 2018 (2017: £Nil) which have been subsequently received. There are no significant credit 
risks arising from financial assets that are either past due, or impaired. The Group believes that balances are ultimately 
recoverable based on a review of past payment history and the current financial status of the customers.

At 31 March 2018, £394,000 (2017: £137,000) of trade receivables was denominated in Sterling, £1,724,000 (2017: £1,546,000) 
in US Dollars, £317,000 (2017: £302,000) in Euros, and £105,000 in Chinese Renminbi (2017: £26,000). The Directors consider 
that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximate to their fair value. Cash and cash equivalents of 
£13,816,000 (2017: £12,447,000) comprise cash and short‑term deposits held by the Group treasury function. The carrying 
amount of these assets approximates to their fair values. 

Group 

Company

2018 
  Other financial 
liabilities 
£’000 

2017 

2018 
Other financial  Other financial 
liabilities 
£’000 

liabilities 
£’000 

2017 
Other financial 
liabilities 
£’000

Current financial liabilities

Trade and other payables  

Accruals 

Provisions – current 

Total  

2,038 

2,910 

181 

5,129 

2,164 

3,297 

51 

5,512 

301 

325 

— 

626 

574

262

—

836

Sensitivity analysis
Interest rate sensitivity
A sensitivity analysis has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates at the reporting date and the stipulated 
change taking place at the beginning of the financial year and held constant through the reporting period. A 100 basis 
point change has been used. At the reporting date if the interest rate had been 100 basis points:

•  higher and all other variables were constant, the Group’s profit before taxation would have increased by £78,000 

(2017: increased by £76,000); or

•  lower and all other variables were constant, the Group’s profit before taxation would have decreased by £39,000 

(2017: decreased by £34,000); or

•  higher and all other variables were constant, the Group’s other equity and reserves would have increased by £63,000 

(2017: increased by £61,000); or

•  lower and all other variables were constant, the Group’s other equity and reserves would have decreased by £31,000 

(2017: decreased by £27,000).

Foreign currency sensitivity
The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% change in exchange rates against the Sterling equivalents. 
The sensitivity analysis of the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange risk at the reporting date has been determined based 
on the change taking place at the beginning of the financial year and held constant throughout the reporting period.

10% movement in rates  
will have an impact on: 

Profit before taxation  

Cash 

Equity  

US$ impact 

2018 
£’000  

1,529 

484 

1,741 

2017 
£’000  

1,412 

395 

1,440 

Euro impact 

2018 
£’000  

357 

14 

894 

2017 
£’000  

424 

29 

299 

RMB impact

2018 
£’000  

81 

132 

376 

2017 
£’000 

40

156

260

The Group closely monitors its access to bank and other credit facilities in comparison to its outstanding commitments on 
a regular basis to ensure that it has sufficient funds to meet the obligations of the Group as they fall due.

The Board receives regular forecasts that estimate the cash flows over the next twelve months, so that management can 
ensure that sufficient financing is in place as it is required. Detailed analysis of the debt facilities held and available to the 
Group are disclosed in this note above.

61

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

24 Trade and other payables

Amounts falling due within one year: 

Trade payables  

Other taxation and social security costs  

Other payables and deferred income  

Accruals 

25 Current tax liabilities/assets

Current tax liabilities  

Current tax assets  

Group 

2018 
£’000  

1,525 

344 

513 

2,910 

5,292 

2017 
£’000  

1,401 

296 

763 

3,297 

5,757 

Company

2018 
£’000  

— 

123 

301 

325 

749 

Group 

Company

2018 
£’000  

48 

675 

2017 
£’000  

57 

971 

2018 
£’000  

— 

— 

2017  
£’000

—

75

574

262

911

2017  
£’000

—

—

£595,000 (2017: £419,000) of the current tax asset is an R&D claim that by its nature is subject to HMRC approval.

26 Deferred tax

Provision for deferred taxation comprises: 

Accelerated capital allowances  

Tax losses carried forward  

Pensions  

Share‑based payments  

Research and development 

Provisions 

Intangible assets 

Other  

Deferred tax asset 

Deferred tax liability  

At 1 April  

Net deferred tax assets acquired 

Foreign exchange difference   

Deferred tax (charged)/credited in income statement  
for year (see note 9)  

Deferred tax (charged)/credited to statement of total  
comprehensive income  

At 31 March 

Group 

2018 
£’000  

(534) 

497 

352 

84 

2017 
£’000  

(424) 

557 

524 

96 

(3,145) 

(2,883) 

19 

(177) 

22 

(2,882) 

1,068 

(3,950) 

(2,882) 

(2,273) 

— 

(73) 

19 

(201) 

39 

(2,273) 

1,419 

(3,692) 

(2,273) 

(2,108) 

37 

(130) 

(381) 

(250) 

(155) 

(2,882) 

178 

(2,273) 

Company

2018 
£’000  

2017 
£’000 

(579) 

(578)

67 

— 

84 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(428) 

151 

(579) 

(428) 

(465) 

— 

— 

37 

— 

17

—

96

—

—

—

—

(465)

113

(578)

(465)

(511)

—

—

46

—

(428) 

(465)

The financial statements include a deferred tax asset of £1,068,000 (2017: £1,419,000) of which £480,000 (2017: £540,000) 
arises as a result of trading losses. In accordance with the requirement of IAS 12 Income Taxes, the Directors have 
considered the likely recovery of this deferred tax asset. The Directors have taken into account expected future taxable 
profits and expect an improvement in profitability and profits in future periods and that this will be sustained. Accordingly 
the Directors have satisfied themselves that it is appropriate to recognise the above deferred tax asset. The deferred 
tax charge of £155,000 (2017: deferred tax credit of £178,000) relates to the retirement benefit obligation (see note 27). 
The Directors consider the deferred tax asset relating to the retirement benefit obligation to be recoverable on the basis 
that the deficit is a long‑term liability that will be satisfied from future profitability.

62

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Finance Act 2016 provides that the rate of corporation tax from 1 April 2017 will be 19% and from 1 April 2020 would be 
17%. The Directors consider it appropriate to use 19% and 17% as the rate deferred tax should be provided for depending 
on when the timing differences are expected to be reversed. 

Deferred tax assets recoverable/(liabilities) expected to be settled under twelve months are £44,000 and (£37,000) 
respectively (2017: £58,000 and (£27,000) respectively). Deferred tax assets recoverable/(liabilities) expected to be settled 
over twelve months are £1,024,000 and (£3,913,000) respectively (2017: £1,361,000 and (£3,665,000) respectively). Deferred 
tax assets/(liabilities) expected net by jurisdiction consist of the Far East (£79,000) (2017: £9,000), Europe (£2,902,000) 
(2017: (£2,496,000)) and the Americas £99,000 (2017: £214,000).

27 Retirement benefit obligations
Explanation of current pension schemes in operation worldwide – defined contribution schemes
The Group operates several pension schemes, mostly of a defined contribution nature, around the world. Today the 
majority of the Group’s employees are members of defined contribution schemes. All schemes are operated by trustees, 
independent of operation by the Company and Group. The Trustees are responsible for the operation and governance of 
the schemes. 

Defined contribution pension schemes pay fixed contributions from Group companies (where applicable) to employees’ 
individual investment funds. There is therefore no further liability on the Group balance sheet relating to defined contribution 
pension schemes. For the defined contribution schemes operated throughout the Group the employer contributions are 
generally up to 6% of eligible salary but are subject to minimum employee contributions. 

The total contributions to the schemes over the year were:

Pension contributions 

UK defined benefit pension scheme (discussed further below)  

Defined contribution pension schemes (UK and overseas) 

2018 
 £’000 

151 

521 

672 

2017 
 £’000

151

516

667

In relation to the UK defined contribution scheme, the Group had outstanding contributions of £59,000 (2017: £58,000). 
Contributions to the UK defined benefit pension scheme for administrative expenses are discussed further below in this note. 

Explanation of UK defined benefit pension scheme (closed to new members on 1 April 2002)
Details from this point to the end of this note relate to the UK defined benefit scheme only. 
This part of the note therefore details the financial and demographic assumptions made in estimating the defined benefit 
obligation, together with an analysis of the components of the pension liability. The consolidated balance sheet therefore 
includes a retirement benefit liability which is the expected future cash flows to be paid out by the UK defined benefit 
scheme, offset by assets held by that scheme to meet those liabilities. 

Historically, the majority of the Group’s employees in the UK were members of a defined benefit scheme (which is governed 
by the UK Pensions Regulator) that was closed to new members on 1 April 2002 and with effect from 31 March 2009 future 
pension accrual ceased for the remaining active members. Under the UK defined benefit pension scheme’s trust deed the 
Company has the authority to appoint up to two‑thirds of the Trustees. Currently there are two member‑appointed Trustees 
and two Company‑appointed Trustees. The Trustees of this defined benefit pension scheme are also responsible for the 
scheme’s investment strategy, as well as the operation and governance of that scheme. 

Triennial actuarial funding valuation and IAS 19 accounting valuation
The pension scheme is subject to a full actuarial valuation every three years using assumptions agreed between the Trustees 
and the Company. The latest available triennial actuarial funding valuation of the defined benefit scheme in the UK was 
prepared as at 31 March 2017. The purpose of this valuation is to design a funding plan to ensure that the pension scheme 
has sufficient funds available to meet future defined benefit payments. This most recent triennial actuarial valuation carried 
out by an independent professionally qualified actuary, as at 31 March 2017, resulted in a net pension surplus of £1,890,000 
(1 April 2014: net pension deficit of £1,544,000). The market value of the assets of the scheme as at 31 March 2017 was 
£19,490,000 (1 April 2014: £15,727,000) and the actuarial valuation showed that these assets were sufficient to cover 111% 
(1 April 2014: 91%) of the benefits which accrued to members, after allowing for expected future increases in these benefits. 

The main actuarial assumptions used were: allowance for future investment returns; i.e. the discount rate, of 4.8% p.a. both 
before and after retirement; pensions accrued prior to 6 April 1997 and after April 2005 will increase in payment at 3% p.a. 
compound; pension accrued between 6 April 1997 and 6 April 2005 will increase in payment at 3.7% p.a.; i.e. in line with RPI 
capped at 5% p.a., minimum 3% p.a. and early leaver revaluations will be at 2.85% p.a.. 

63

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

27 Retirement benefit obligations continued
Triennial actuarial funding valuation and IAS 19 accounting valuation continued
The valuation calculated under the funding valuation basis of £1,890,000 pension surplus above is different to the 
accounting valuation presented in the Group consolidated balance sheet of a net pension liability of £2,070,000. 
Differences arise between the funding valuation and accounting valuation, mainly due to the use of different assumptions 
to value the liabilities to be in accordance with the accounting standard IAS 19 Retirement Benefits, together with any 
changes in market conditions between the two valuation dates of 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018. Therefore for funding 
valuation purposes the liabilities are determined based on assumptions set by the Trustee following consultation with the 
Company and scheme actuaries. For example, the discount rate used for the most recent funding valuation is based on 
a 4.80% discount rate. Whereas, in the financial statements the liabilities are determined in accordance with IAS 19 and this 
accounting valuation uses a discount rate predicated on high quality (AA) corporate bond yields of an appropriate term 
equating to 2.8%. 

Funding of the defined benefit scheme is agreed with the Trustees following each triennial actuarial valuation and the 
following funding agreement has been put in place until the earlier of any revised settlement arising from the next triennial 
valuation or by 31 January 2023 (“future revised date”): scheme expenses, premiums for insured death‑in‑service lump sum 
and spouses’ benefits, as well as the levies to the Pension Protection Fund, have previously been paid from the Scheme and 
then reimbursed by the Employer. With effect from 1 April 2018 until this review on the future revised date, all administration 
expenses of running the Scheme will be met directly by the Employer and all PPF levies (and any minor Scheme expenses 
e.g. Pensions Regulator levies) will be paid from the Scheme and will not be reimbursed by the Employer. The next triennial 
actuarial funding valuation will take place as at 31 March 2020. 

The net pension liability recognised in these consolidated financial statements has been calculated reflecting the most 
recent accounting valuation under IAS 19 to reflect the assets and liabilities of the scheme as at 31 March 2018, using 
assumptions further in this note. 

Risk management
The cost of the UK defined benefit pension scheme depends on a number of assumptions of future events. Future 
contribution requirements may emerge in future if those estimated assumptions are not borne out in practice or if different 
assumptions are agreed in future. Specific risks mitigated by the Trustees where possible in the investment strategy include: 
any changes in future expectations of price inflation, including reducing real rates of return; changes in the discount rate 
used to value the pension liabilities; interest rate risk on pension asset matching liabilities held; the return on assets being 
different to that assumed; concentration of plan assets in equities versus liquidity risk of holding assets which may be difficult 
to sell; counterparty credit risk including, but not limited to, fund manager risk; currency risks where investments are held in 
overseas markets via pooled investment vehicles; impact of bond rate on liabilities held; any movements in asset values not 
matched by similar movements in the value of liabilities, perhaps caused by pricing risks; and any unanticipated changes 
in life expectancy which may have a bearing on the size of the scheme liabilities. The investment strategy for the defined 
benefit pension scheme is discussed further in this note. 

Financial and demographic assumptions
Principal actuarial assumptions at the balance sheet date (expressed as weighted averages), the discount rate of liabilities 
applied being the most significant:

a) Financial assumptions

Discount rate   

Future salary increases  

Expected duration of liabilities (years) 

Pension revaluation in deferment (Consumer Prices Index – max. 5.0%) 

Pension escalation in payment  
(Retail Prices Index – max. 5.0%, min. 3.0% from 6 April 1997 to 5 April 2005)  

Proportion of employees opting for early retirement  

Inflation assumption  

2018 

2.8% 

n/a 

14 

2.1% 

3.1% 

0% 

3.1% 

2017

2.9%

n/a

15

2.2%

3.2%

0%

3.2%

The difference between the expected investment returns on the Scheme’s assets and the actual investment returns was 
£823,000 (2017: £2,007,000). 

64

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
b) Demographic assumptions

Assumed life expectancy in years, on retirement at 65 

Retiring today  

Males  

Females  

Retiring in 20 years 

Males  

Females  

2018 

2017

21.9 

23.8 

23.3 

25.4 

22.0

24.0

23.3

25.5

On the basis of the above assumptions, the amounts that have been charged to administration expenses within the 
income statement and the statement of total comprehensive income for the year to 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017 
are as follows:

Amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement are as follows:

Administration expenses (see details above) 

Net interest on deficit  

Total  

Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of total comprehensive income: 

Actual return on assets less return implied by net interest income 

Experience gains on liabilities   

Change in assumptions: 

Discount rate   

Inflation rate    

Demographic assumptions 

Net actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in equity 

2018 
 £’000 

(50) 

(87) 

(137) 

823 

145 

(358) 

556 

(255) 

911 

2018 
 £’000 

2017 
 £’000

(130)

(79)

(209)

2,007

1,361

(3,910)

(743)

237

(1,048)

2017 
 £’000

Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position:  

Present value of funded obligations 

Fair value of plan assets 

Deficit under IAS 19 as reported by the actuary  

(22,747) 

20,677 

(2,070) 

(22,547)

19,463

(3,084)

The main reasons for the improvement in the IAS 19 accounting position are that the Scheme’s investments performed 
better than was expected at the start of the year, along with the contributions the Company paid into the Scheme over 
the year. The pension plan assets do not include ordinary shares issued by the sponsoring employer nor do they include 
property occupied by the sponsoring employer.

Sensitivity to significant assumptions

 Significant assumptions 

Discount rate   

RPI 

Assumed life expectancy 

 Change in 
assumption 
% 

Change in  
defined benefit 
obligation  

%

+/‑ 0.5% p.a. 

‑ 7.6%/+ 8.0%

+/‑ 0.5% p.a. 

+ 3.8%/‑ 3.4%

+ 1 year 

+ 3.0% 

These sensitivities have been derived by the actuary using similar methodologies consistent with the rest of the disclosure. 

65

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

27 Retirement benefit obligations continued
Sensitivity to significant assumptions continued
Analysis of changes in the funded status of the scheme over the period:

Funded status at start of period  

Amount charged to income statement 

Employer contributions 

Amount recognised in other comprehensive income  

Funded status at end of period 

2018 
 £’000 

(3,084) 

(137) 

240 

911 

(2,070) 

The weighted average duration of scheme liabilities at the end of the year is 14 years (2017: 15 years). 

Present value of the defined benefit obligation
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:

Opening defined benefit obligation  

Expenses incurred  

Interest cost 

Actuarial (gain)/loss 

Benefits paid (including expenses) 

Closing defined benefit obligation  

Comprising: 

Deferred members 

Pension members 

Fair value of defined benefit plan assets
Changes in the fair value of the plan assets are as follows:

Opening fair value of plan assets  

Interest income on assets 

Actuarial gain on assets 

Contributions by employer 

Benefits paid   

Expenses paid  

Closing fair value of plan assets 

2017 
 £’000

(2,067)

(209)

240

(1,048)

(3,084)

2017 
 £’000

19,111

130

722

3,055

(471)

22,547

15,837

6,710

2017 
 £’000

17,044

643

2,007

240

(341)

(130)

2018 
 £’000 

22,547 

50 

649 

(88) 

(411) 

22,747 

15,966 

6,781 

2018 
 £’000 

19,463 

562 

823 

240 

(361) 

(50) 

20,677 

19,463

The actuarial loss due to the change in demographic assumptions was £255,000 (2017: actuarial gain of £237,000) and the 
actuarial gain due to the change in financial assumptions was £198,000 (2017: actuarial loss of £4,653,000). 

The return on plan assets excluding net interest was £1,385,000 (2017: £2,650,000). The interest income on plan assets 
is calculated using the assets, market conditions and the long‑term expected rate of interest set at the start of the 
accounting period. The Company expects to contribute £Nil (2017: £151,200) as contributions to the CML Microsystems Plc 
Retirements Scheme in the next accounting year. 

66

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following is a breakdown of Plan assets held at each respective balance sheet date 

Asset class 

Equities (all quoted) 

Fixed interest bonds  

Index linked bonds 

Property  

Cash 

Diversified growth funds 

Diversified credit funds 

Liability driven investments 

Other  

Year ended 31 March 2018 

Year ended 31 March 2017

Market value 
£’000 

% of total 
assets 

Market value 
 £’000 

% of total 
assets

9,663 

47% 

— 

— 

— 

1,216 

6,678 

1,209 

1,911 

— 

— 

— 

— 

6% 

32% 

6% 

9% 

— 

14,172 

1,995 

200 

312 

1,424 

— 

— 

— 

1,360 

19,463 

73%

10%

1%

2%

7%

—

—

—

7%

100%

Closing fair value of plan assets 

20,677 

100% 

Note: all assets listed above have a quoted market price in an active market and are valued using their bid values in accordance with IAS 19. 
The pension scheme no longer invests in bonds or property following a change in investment strategy. 

The Trustees’ investment strategy has the objectives to generate an appropriate level of investment returns to improve the 
financial position of the Scheme (thereby improving security for its members); to manage cash flow requirements to ensure 
there are sufficient assets and cash flows available (to pay for member benefits as they arise); and, to protect the financial 
position (in so doing limiting the scope for adverse investment experience impacting on members). The Trustee’s strategic 
asset allocation is determined after considering written advice from the investment advisor and is designed to strike the 
appropriate balance between these objectives. Liability matching assets are selected by the Trustees having regard to 
the nature of the Scheme’s liability profile and are expected to react to changes in market conditions in a similar way to 
liabilities. Growth assets are expected to deliver long term returns in excess of liability growth. Current allocations are 15% 
of liability matching assets and 85% growth assets but this is monitored and rebalanced at the discretion of the Trustees and, 
moreover, on a day‑to‑day basis management of the assets delegated to the investment managers who have knowledge 
and experience for managing the investments. The Trustees, in conjunction with the investment advisor, regularly review 
each of the investment managers to ensure that the managers remain competent and assets continue to be managed in 
accordance with the managers’ mandates (the Scheme objectives being implemented within an acceptable level of risk). 

Assets are held predominantly on regulated markets, as so defined in legislation. Any investments that do not trade on 
regulated markets are kept to a prudent level. To ensure the safekeeping of assets, ownership and day‑to‑day control of 
the assets is undertaken by custodian organisations which are independent of the sponsoring employer and the investment 
managers. Where pooled investment vehicles are used, the custodians will typically be appointed by the investment manager. 

Five year comparison 
Amounts for the current and previous four periods are as follows:

Defined benefit obligation  

Plan assets 

Deficit  

Experience adjustments on plan liabilities 

Actuarial gain on plan assets   

2018  
IAS 19  
£’000 

22,747 

20,677 

(2,070) 

145 

823 

2017 
IAS 19 
£’000 

22,547 

19,463 

(3,084) 

1,361 

2,007 

2016 
IAS 19 
£’000 

19,111 

17,044 

(2,067) 

460 

475 

2015 
IAS 19 
£’000 

19,976 

16,352 

(3,624) 

472 

507 

2014 
IAS 19 
£’000

18,473 

15,775 

(2,698) 

1,108

200 

67

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

28 Provisions

At 1 April  

Creation 

At 31 March 2017 

Utilisation 

Foreign exchange  

At 31 March 2018 

Analysed as: 

Current liabilities  

Non‑current liabilities 

At 31 March 2018 

£’000

—

474

474

(48)

(49)

377

181

196

377

The above provision relates to onerous lease and property obligations held by Group subsidiaries. The provision has not 
been discounted on the grounds of materiality. The majority of cash outflows to settle the above provision are expected 
to be over the next two (2017: three) years. 

29 Share capital and share options

Authorised 

2018 
 £’000 

2017 
 £’000

25,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each (2017: 25,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each)  

1,250 

1,250

Issued and fully paid 

At 1 April 

16,860,356 ordinary shares of 5p each 

Issued in year: 251,667 ordinary shares (2017: 9,077) of 5p  
were issued in the year as a result of employees exercising their options  

Issued in year: Nil ordinary shares (2017: 774,181 of 5p  
were issued in the year as a result of acquisition of Sicomm  

Cancelled in year: Nil (2017: 179,439) ordinary shares  
were bought and cancelled by the Company  

At 31 March

17,112,023 ordinary shares of 5p  

843 

813

13 

— 

— 

—

39

(9)

856 

843

The Company has only one class of ordinary share with no special rights, preferences or restrictions attached to them, 
including on the distribution of dividends or the repayment of capital. 

68

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share options
The Company has a number of approved and unapproved share option schemes in place for the benefit of its employees. 
On 2 August 2000 the Company approved at the Annual General Meeting a scheme, which was United Kingdom 
Revenue & Customs Approved. This scheme was amended and reapproved at the Extraordinary General Meeting held 
on 10 February 2004. At the 2008 Annual General Meeting a new Enterprise Management Incentive share option plan was 
approved. On 18 November 2011 a further scheme was approved which is United Kingdom Revenue & Customs Approved 
and has an addendum for issuing unapproved options. The Company has the authority to grant options up to a limit, at any 
time, such that no more than 10% of the issued share capital is available under option.

The number of shares over which options remained in force at the year end along with a reconciliation of option 
movements and their exercise period and price is shown below:

Ordinary shares of 5p each

2017 
Number 

Granted  
Number 

Exercised  
 Number  

Forfeited  
Number 

2018 
Number

From 18 June 2010 to 17 June 2017  
at £1.16 

From 15 June 2014 to 14 June 2021  
at £2.20 

From 15 June 2014 to 14 June 2021  
at £2.30  

From 2 September 2015 to 1 September 2022  
at £2.84  

From 2 October 2015 to 1 October 2022  
at £3.22  

From 2 October 2015 to 1 October 2022  
at £3.34  

From 1 May 2016 to 1 May 2023  
at £3.84  

From 1 July 2016 to 1 July 2023  
at £0.00  

From 17 September 2017 to 17 September 2024  
at £3.125  

From 2 April 2018 to 2 April 2025  
at £3.45 

From 25 September 2018 to 25 September 2025  
at £3.51 

From 25 September 2018 to 25 September 2025  
at £3.475 

From 22 December 2019 to 22 December 2026 
at £3.70 

From 1 August 2020 to 1 August 2027  
at £4.58 

From 28 March 2021 to 28 March 2028  
at £5.20 

3,063 

83,836 

12,500 

20,000 

253,654 

5,000 

31,220 

5,311 

20,000 

20,000 

424,387 

100,000 

20,000 

— 

— 

998,971  

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

96,371 

110,000 

206,371 

(3,063) 

(26,671) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

—

57,165

12,500

20,000

(214,122) 

(12,660) 

26,872

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

5,000

28,720

—

20,000

20,000

(24,256) 

400,131

— 

— 

100,000

20,000

(11,850) 

84,521

— 

(2,500) 

(5,311) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(251,667) 

(48,766) 

— 

110,000

904,909

There were 998,971 share options outstanding at the beginning of the year and 904,909 share options at the end of the 
year. Of the total outstanding at the end of the year, 170,257 were potentially exercisable at the prices detailed in the 
table above (2017: 419,584 share options). 251,667 options were exercised in the year (2017: 9,077 options). The weighted 
average market price of the share options exercised in the year was 497.0p (2017: 409.0p). The weighted average exercise 
price of options exercised in the year was 302.6p (2017: 285.2p). Options are forfeited due to the employees concerned 
leaving employment with the Group. The weighted average share option price of the share options forfeited in the year 
was 369.5p (2017: 332.7p). The weighted average exercise price of options granted in the year was 491.0p (2017: 370.0p). 
The weighted average exercise price of all options is £3.69 (2017: £3.27) and the weighted average expected remaining 
contractual life is three years (2017: three years). 

69

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

30 Other equity reserves

Share premium 

At 1 April 

Group 

2018 
£’000 

2017 
£’000 

Company

2018 
£’000 

2017 
£’000

8,319 

5,700 

8,319 

5,700

Issued in year: 251,667 ordinary shares (2017: 9,077) of 5p were  
issued in the year as a result of employees exercising their options  

Issued in year: Nil ordinary shares (2017: 774,181) of 5p were issued  
in the year as a result of acquisition of Sicomm 

At 31 March 

749 

— 

9,068 

25 

749 

2,594 

8,319 

— 

9,068 

This reserve is a result of the premium being paid for the issue of shares over their par value.

Capital redemption reserve  

At 1 April  

Own shares purchased and cancelled 

At 31 March 

Group 

2018 
£’000 

9 

— 

9 

2017 
£’000 

— 

9 

9 

Company

2018 
£’000 

9 

— 

9 

25

2,594

8,319

2017 
£’000

—

9

9

The capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of own shares purchased by the Company. On 23 December 2016, 
the Company purchased 179,439 of its own 5p ordinary shares at a price of £3.70 per share for cancellation. These shares were 
cancelled on 18 January 2017. An amount equal to the nominal value of the cancelled shares was transferred to a capital 
redemption reserve. 

Treasury shares – own share reserve 

At 1 April  

Purchased in the year  

At 31 March    

Group 

2018 
£’000 

(190) 

— 

(190) 

2017 
£’000 

(190) 

— 

(190) 

Company

2018 
£’000 

(190) 

— 

(190) 

The Company purchased on 10 June 2015 50,000 ordinary shares of 5p each at a price of 376.5p per ordinary share plus 
associated transaction costs. The shares are to be held in treasury for the benefit of various employee share plans.

Share‑based payments reserve 

At 1 April  

Options exercised or released  

Charged in year  

At 31 March 

Group 

2018 
£’000 

504 

(204) 

143 

443 

2017 
£’000 

388 

(23) 

139 

504 

Company

2018 
£’000 

504 

(204) 

143 

443 

2017 
£’000

(190)

—

(190)

2017 
£’000

388

(23)

139

504

Options are granted with a fixed exercise price equal to the market price of the shares under option at the date of the 
grant. The contractual life of an option is ten years. Awards under the share option scheme are typically for all employees 
throughout the Group. Options granted under the share option scheme become exercisable on the third anniversary of 
the grant date. Options were valued using the Black‑Scholes model. The share option charge for the year was £143,000 
(2017: £139,000). 

70

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The fair value per option granted and the assumptions used in the calculation are as follows:

Grant date  

28/03/18 

01/08/17 

22/12/16 

25/09/15 

25/09/15 

02/04/15 

17/09/14

Share price at  
grant date (£)  

Exercise price (£) 

Number of employees  

5.20 

5.20 

2 

4.58 

4.58 

47 

3.70 

3.70 

1 

3.475 

3.475 

4 

3.475 

3.51 

158 

3.45 

3.45 

1 

Shares under option 

110,000 

84,521 

20,000 

100,000 

400,131 

20,000 

Vesting period (years)  

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3 

3.125

3.125

1

20,000

3

Expected volatility  

23.31% 

19.37% 

16.02% 

33.20% 

33.20% 

38.00% 

26.84%

Option life (years)  

Expected life (years)  

Risk‑free rate    

Expected dividend yield  

10 

3 

1.37% 

1.40% 

Possibility of ceasing  
employment before vesting  4.5% 

Fair value per option (£) 

0.80 

10 

3 

1.10% 

1.84% 

4.5% 

0.54 

10 

3 

1.15% 

1.86% 

4.5% 

0.35 

10 

3 

1.83% 

1.92% 

4.5% 

0.74 

10 

3 

1.83% 

1.92% 

4.5% 

0.73 

10 

3 

2.09% 

1.57% 

4.5% 

0.87  

10

3

2.43%

1.26%

4.5%

0.60

Grant date 

Share price at  
grant date (£)  

Exercise price (£) 

Number of employees  

Shares under option  

Vesting period (years)  

Expected volatility  

Option life (years)  

Expected life (years)  

Risk‑free rate    

Expected dividend yield 

Possibility of ceasing  
employment before vesting 

Fair value per option (£) 

01/05/13  

01/10/12  

01/10/12 

01/09/12  

15/06/11  

15/06/11 

3.88 

3.84 

7 

3.34  

3.34 

1  

3.34  

 3.22  

124  

2.84  

2.84 

1  

2.30  

 2.20  

1  

2.20 

2.20 

22 

28,720 

5,000  

26,872  

20,000  

12,500  

57,165 

3 

3  

3 

 3  

3  

3 

43.30% 

29.36%  

29.36%  

29.36%  

35.70%  

35.70% 

10 

 3 

3.60% 

1.20% 

4.5% 

0.71 

10  

3  

3.09%  

1.49%  

4.5%  

0.67  

10  

3  

3.09%  

1.49%  

4.5%  

0.67  

10  

3  

3.09%  

1.49%  

4.5%  

0.67  

10  

3 

4.28%  

1.50%  

4.5% 

0.58 

The expected volatility is based on 90 days’ trading prior to the grant date. The expected life is the average expected 
period to exercise. The risk‑free rate of return is the yield to redemption on UK gilt strips with four‑year maturity.

Company only 

Merger reserve 

At 1 April and 31 March  

2018 
£’000 

316 

This reserve relates to the acquisition in 1995 of Integrated Micro Systems Limited. In accordance with the provisions of 
Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company transferred to merger reserve the premium arising on shares issued 
as part of the acquisition. 

Group 

Foreign exchange reserve 

At 1 April  

Retranslation of overseas subsidiaries  

At 31 March    

2018 
£’000 

1,386 

(84) 

1,302 

2017  
£’000

318

1,068

1,386

This reserve represents the foreign exchange differences arising from the retranslation of financial statements of foreign subsidiaries.

71

10 

 3

4.28% 

1.50% 

4.5%

 0.58 

2017 
£’000

316

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

30 Other equity reserves continued

Accumulated profits reserve  

At 1 April  

Profit for the year  

Dividend paid  

Cancellation/transfer of share‑based payments  

Net actuarial gain/(loss) 

Deferred tax (loss)/gain on actuarial gain/(loss) 

Own shares purchased and cancelled 

At 31 March 

Group 

2018 
£’000 

26,764 

4,139 

(1,581) 

204 

911 

(155) 

— 

30,282 

2017 
£’000 

25,547 

3,867 

(1,134) 

23 

(1,048) 

178 

(669) 

26,764 

Company

2018 
£’000 

9,308 

1,456 

(1,581) 

204 

— 

— 

— 

9,387 

2017  
£’000

10,092

996

(1,134)

23

—

—

(669)

9,308

31 Capital commitments
Capital commitments which have been authorised by the balance sheet date, represent a three‑year purchasing 
commitment with a supplier for £1,368,000 (2017: £3,078,000), and £201,000 (2017: £Nil) in relation to intangible assets. 
No provision has been made in these financial statements for these capital commitments.

32 Operating lease arrangements
The Group as a lessee

Land and buildings 

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised  
in income statement as an expense for the year 

2018 
 £’000 

2017  
£’000

494 

452

At the year end, the Group had future minimum lease payments under non‑cancellable operating leases, which fall due 
as follows:

Within one year  

In the second to fifth year inclusive  

After five years  

2018 
 £’000 

517 

593 

146 

1,256 

2017 
 £’000

433

916

254

1,603

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the Group for some of its office properties. Leases are normally 
negotiated for an initial term of three years and rentals are fixed for that period. 

Other 

Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised  
in income statement as an expense for the year 

2018 
 £’000 

2017 
 £’000

91 

115

At the year end, the Group had future minimum lease payments under non‑cancellable operating leases, which fall due 
as follows:

2018 
£’000 

69 

24 

93 

2017  
£’000

91

137

228

Within one year  

In the second to fifth year inclusive  

72

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Group and Company as a lessor 
Property rental income earned during the year was £290,000 (2017: £290,000). Current commercial market conditions 
have improved and the Group now has all properties let albeit with fairly short leases. It is impractical to estimate what the 
estimated yields will be in the longer term but over the shorter term yields are expected to be typical 6‑7% levels. 

At the year end, the Group had contracted with tenants for the following future minimum lease payments:

Within one year  

In the second to fifth year inclusive 

After five years  

33 Notes to the cash flow statement

Group 

Movement in working capital:  

Increase in inventories  

(Increase)/decrease in receivables  

Increase in payables 

Analysis of changes in net cash – Group:

Cash and cash equivalents 

Company 

Movement in working capital:  

(Increase)/decrease in advance to subsidiary undertaking  

(Increase)/decrease in receivables  

(Decrease)/increase in payables 

Movement in investments and dividends 

Net cash at  
1 April 2017 
£’000 

12,447 

12,447 

Cash flow  
£’000 

1,482 

1,482 

2018 
£’000 

227 

306 

4 

537 

2018 
£’000 

(227) 

(1,087) 

440 

(874) 

2017 
£’000

246

256

—

502

2017 
£’000

(583)

761

1,567

1,745

Exchange 
movement  
 £’000  

Net cash at  
31 March 2018 
£’000

(113) 

(113) 

2018 
 £’000 

(124) 

(3) 

(250) 

(377) 

— 

(377) 

13,816

13,816

2017 
 £’000

5,366

339

221

5,926

(7,163)

(1,237)

In preparing the statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 March 2018 for the Parent Company, reclassifications have 
been identified and made in respect of the 2017 statement of cash flows to reclassify ‘Dividends received from Group 
companies’ and ‘Movement in investments’ to ‘Movement in working capital’. As a result the following comparative period 
reclassifications have been made: ‘Dividends received from Group companies’ of £1,189,000, ‘Movement in investments 
plus warranty retention – acquisition’ of £8,352,000 and ‘Movement in working capital’ of £5,926,000 have been re‑presented 
to aid comparability and enhanced understanding for the reader to arrive at the above £1,237,000 note total. There has 
been no change in the ‘Cash flow from operating activities’ or the ‘Increase in cash and cash equivalents for the year. 

Analysis of changes in net cash – Company:

Cash and cash equivalents  

Net cash at 
1 April 2017 
£’000 

171 

171 

Cash flow  
£’000 

1 

1 

Exchange 
movement  
 £’000  

Net cash at  
31 March 2018 
£’000

— 

— 

172

172

73

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued
for the year ended 31 March 2018

34 Related party transactions
Transactions and balances with operating companies that were eliminated in the consolidation consist of:

Company 

Management fees charged to subsidiary undertakings by parent: 

CML Microcircuits (UK) Ltd  

CML Microcircuits (USA) Inc 

Hyperstone GmbH 

Dividends paid to parent: 

Received from Hyperstone GmbH 

Received from CML Microcircuits (Singapore) Pte Ltd  

2018 
 £’000 

1,000 

151 

220 

1,371 

1,244 

251 

1,495 

2017 
 £’000

1,000

152

209

1,361

901

288

1,189

Contributions to the Group’s pension schemes 
Contributions to the Group’s defined contribution pension schemes by the Group as employer consisted of £672,000 in the 
year (2017: £667,000). Contributions to the closed UK defined benefit scheme was £151,000 (2017: £151,000).

Group and Company
Key management personnel consist of the Board of Directors and transactions during the year (included within 
remuneration disclosed in notes 6 and 7) were as follows:

Group and Company 

Employee benefits  

Pension contributions 

Share-based payments  

2018 
 £’000 

879 

50 

22 

951 

2017 
 £’000

910

47

19

976

35 Listings
CML Microsystems Plc ordinary shares are traded on the Official List of the London Stock Exchange and the Company is 
incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Company’s registered address is: Oval Park, Langford, Maldon, 
Essex, CM9 6WG, England. 

36 Approval of financial statements
These financial statements were formally approved by the Board of Directors on 22 June 2018.

74

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of CML Microsystems Plc (the “Company”) will be held at Pontlands 
Park Hotel, West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8HR on Wednesday 1 August 2018 at 11am to 
transact the following business:

Ordinary business
Ordinary resolutions
To consider, and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions as ordinary resolutions:

1.  To receive and adopt the Group’s consolidated financial statements and the reports of the Directors and auditor for the 

year ended 31 March 2018.

2.  To receive and approve the Directors’ remuneration report for the year ended 31 March 2018.

3.  To declare a final dividend of 5.8p per 5p ordinary share for the year ended 31 March 2018 to be paid on 6 August 2018 

to shareholders whose names appear on the register at the close of business on 6 July 2018.

4.  To re‑appoint Neil Pritchard, who retires by rotation, as a Director of the Company.

5.  To re‑appoint Jim Lindop, who retires by rotation, as a Director of the Company.

6.  To send or supply all documents or information relating to the Company to members by making them available 

on a website.

7.  To re‑appoint RSM UK Audit LLP as auditor of the Company.

8.  To authorise the Directors to determine the remuneration of the auditor.

Special business
Ordinary resolution
To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolution as an ordinary resolution:

9.  That pursuant to Section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”), the Directors be and are generally and 

unconditionally authorised to exercise all powers of the Company to allot Relevant Securities:

a)  comprising equity securities (as defined in Section 560(1) of the Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of 

£570,343 (such amount to be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of Relevant Securities allotted pursuant 
to paragraph b) of this resolution) in connection with a rights issue:

i. 

ii. 

to holders of ordinary shares in the capital of the Company in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the 
respective numbers of ordinary shares held by them; and

to holders of other equity securities in the capital of the Company, as required by the rights of those securities 
or, subject to such rights, as the Directors otherwise consider necessary, but subject to such exclusions or other 
arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to treasury shares, fractional 
entitlements, record dates or any legal or practical problems under the laws of any territory or the requirements 
of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and

b)  otherwise than pursuant to paragraph a) of this resolution, up to an aggregate nominal amount of £285,171 (such 

amount to be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of Relevant Securities allotted pursuant to paragraph a) 
of this resolution in excess of £285,171, provided that (unless previously revoked, varied or renewed) these authorities 
shall expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution 
or on the date which is 15 months after the date of the annual general meeting at which this resolution is passed 
(whichever is the earlier), save that, in each case, the Company may make an offer or agreement before the 
authority expires which would or might require Relevant Securities to be allotted after the authority expires and the 
Directors may allot Relevant Securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the authority had not expired. 
These authorities are in substitution for all existing authorities under Section 551 of the Act (which, to the extent 
unused at the date of this resolution, are revoked with immediate effect).

In this resolution, “Relevant Securities” means shares in the Company or rights to subscribe for or to convert any security 
into shares in the Company; a reference to the allotment of Relevant Securities includes the grant of such a right; and a 
reference to the nominal amount of a Relevant Security which is a right to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares 
in the Company is to the nominal amount of the shares which may be allotted pursuant to that right. 

75

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

Special business continued
Special resolutions
To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions as special resolutions:

10.  That, subject to the passing of resolution 9 and pursuant to Sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”), 
the Directors be and are generally empowered to allot equity securities (within the meaning of Section 560 of the Act) 
for cash pursuant to the authorities granted by resolution 9 and to sell ordinary shares held by the Company as treasury 
shares for cash as if Section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to any such allotment or sale, provided that this power shall 
be limited to:

a)  the allotment of equity securities or sale of treasury shares in connection with an offer of equity securities (whether 
by way of a rights issue, open offer or otherwise, but, in the case of an allotment pursuant to the authority granted 
by paragraph a) of resolution 9, such power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities in connection with 
a rights issue):

i. 

ii. 

to holders of ordinary shares in the capital of the Company in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the 
respective numbers of ordinary shares held by them; and

to holders of other equity securities in the capital of the Company, as required by the rights of those securities or, 
subject to such rights, as the Directors otherwise consider necessary;

iii.  but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient in 

relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates or any legal or practical problems under the laws 
of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and

b)  the allotment of equity securities pursuant to the authority granted by paragraph b) of resolution 9 or sale of treasury 

shares (in each case, otherwise than pursuant to paragraph a) of this resolution) up to an aggregate nominal 
amount of £42,780 and (unless previously revoked, varied or renewed) this power shall expire at the conclusion 
of the next annual general meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or on the date which is 
15 months after the date of the annual general meeting at which this resolution is passed (whichever is the earlier), 
save that the Company may make an offer or agreement before this power expires which would or might require 
equity securities to be allotted or treasury shares to be sold for cash after this power expires and the Directors may 
allot equity securities or sell treasury shares for cash pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this power had not 
expired. This power is in substitution for all existing powers under Sections 570 and 573 of the Act (which, to the extent 
unused at the date of this resolution, are revoked with immediate effect).

11.  That, subject to resolution 9 being passed, and in addition to any authority granted under Resolution 10 to allot equity 
securities pursuant to the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) for cash under the authority given by that resolution, the 
Directors be and are generally empowered to allot equity securities (pursuant to Sections 570 and 573 of the Act) for 
cash under the authority given by resolution 9 and/or to sell treasury shares as if Section 561(1) of the Act did not apply 
to any such allotment or sale, provided that this power shall be:

a)  limited, in the case of the authority granted under paragraph b) of resolution 9 and/or in the case of any sale of 
treasury shares, to the allotment of equity securities or sale of treasury shares up to a nominal amount of £127,879 
(being 14.99% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital, excluding treasury shares); and

b)  used only for the purposes of financing (or refinancing, if the authority is to be used within six months after the original 
transaction) a transaction which the Directors determine to be an acquisition or other capital investment of a kind 
contemplated by the Statement of Principles on Disapplying Pre‑Emption Rights most recently published by the 
Pre‑Emption Group prior to the date of this notice,

and (unless previously revoked, varied or renewed) this power shall expire at the conclusion of the next annual general 
meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or on the date which is 15 months after the date of the 
annual general meeting at which this resolution is passed (whichever is the earlier), save that the Company may make 
an offer or agreement before this power expires which would or might require equity securities to be allotted or treasury 
shares to be sold for cash after this power expires and the Directors may allot equity securities or sell treasury shares for 
cash pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this power had not expired. This power is in substitution for all existing 
powers under Sections 570 and 573 of the Act (which, to the extent unused at the date of this resolution, are revoked 
with immediate effect).

76

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY1812.  That, pursuant to Section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”), the Company be and is generally and 

unconditionally authorised to make market purchases (within the meaning of Section 693(4) of the Act) of ordinary 
shares of 5p each in the capital of the Company (“Shares”), provided that:

a)  the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be purchased is 2,566,803;

b)  the minimum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid for a Share is 5p (being the nominal amount of a Share);

c)  the maximum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid for a Share is the higher of:

i.  an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle market quotations for a Share as derived from the 

Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange plc for the five business days immediately preceding the day 
on which the purchase is made; and

ii.  an amount equal to the higher of the price of the last independent trade of a Share and the highest current 

independent bid for a Share on the trading venue where the purchase is carried out;

d)  an ordinary share so purchased shall be cancelled or, if the Directors so determine and subject to the provisions of 

applicable laws or regulations of the United Kingdom Listing Authority, held as a treasury share, and

e)  (unless previously revoked, varied or renewed) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next annual general 
meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or on the date which is 15 months after the date of the 
annual general meeting at which this resolution is passed (whichever is the earlier), save that the Company may 
enter into a contract to purchase Shares before this authority expires under which such purchase will or may be 
completed or executed wholly or partly after this authority expires and may make a purchase of Shares pursuant 
to any such contract as if this authority had not expired.

By order of the Board

N B Pritchard
Company Secretary

22 June 2018

Registered office
Oval Park  
Langford  
Maldon  
Essex CM9 6WG

Registered in England and Wales: 000944010

77

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

1 Attending the AGM in person
If you wish to attend the AGM in person, you should arrive at the venue for the AGM in good time to allow your attendance 
to be registered. You must bring some form of identification as evidence of your identity prior to the Company’s 
representatives allowing your admittance to the AGM.

2 Appointment of proxies
Members who are entitled to attend and vote at the AGM are entitled to appoint one or more proxies to exercise all or any 
of their rights to attend, speak and vote at the AGM. A proxy need not be a member of the Company but must attend the 
AGM to represent a member. To be validly appointed, a proxy must be appointed using the procedures set out in these 
notes and in the notes to the accompanying proxy form.

If a member wishes a proxy to speak on their behalf at the meeting, the member will need to appoint their own choice of 
proxy (not the Chairman of the AGM) and give their instructions directly to them. Such an appointment can be made using 
the proxy form accompanying this notice of AGM or through CREST.

Members can only appoint more than one proxy where each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different 
shares. Members cannot appoint more than one proxy to exercise the rights attached to the same share(s). If a member 
wishes to appoint more than one proxy, they should contact Neville Registrars Limited, by writing to Neville House, 
18 Laurel Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 3DA.

A member may instruct their proxy to abstain from voting on a particular resolution to be considered at the meeting by 
marking the “Withheld” option in relation to that particular resolution when appointing their proxy. It should be noted that 
an abstention is not a vote in law and will not be counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes “for” or “against” 
the resolution.

The appointment of a proxy will not prevent a member from attending the AGM and voting in person if he or she wishes.

A person who is not a member of the Company but who has been nominated by a member to enjoy information rights 
does not have a right to appoint any proxies under the procedures set out in these notes and should read note 8 below.

To be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM (and for the purpose of determining the number of votes a member may 
cast), members must be entered on the Register of Members of the Company at 6pm on 30 July 2018.

Under section 337(3) of the Act members may circulate and move a resolution at the AGM if members representing at least 
5% of the total voting rights request it, of if at least 100 members request it, if those members hold shares in the Company in 
holdings on which an average of £100 per member has been paid up. 

3 Appointment of a proxy using a proxy form
A proxy form for use in connection with the AGM is enclosed. To be valid any proxy form or other instrument appointing 
a proxy, together with any power of attorney or other authority under which it is signed or a certified copy thereof, must 
be received by post using the postal address on the form of proxy to the Company’s Registrars, Neville Registrars Limited, 
Neville House, 18 Laurel Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 3DA, or by hand by the Company at its registered office at 
CML Microsystems Plc, Oval Park, Langford, Maldon, Essex CM9 6WG, not later than 11am on 30 July 2018 or if the AGM 
is adjourned, at least 48 hours before the time of the adjourned meeting.

If you do not have a proxy form and believe that you should have one, or you require additional proxy forms, please 
contact the Company’s Registrars, Neville Registrars Limited, Neville House, 18 Laurel Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands 
B63 3DA.

4 Appointment of a proxy through CREST
CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do 
so by using the procedures described in the CREST Manual and by logging on to the following website: www.euroclear.
com/CREST. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed 
a voting service provider(s), should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) who will be able to take the 
appropriate action on their behalf.

In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message 
(a “CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s 
specifications, and must contain the information required for such instruction, as described in the CREST Manual. The 
message, regardless of whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or is an amendment to the instruction given to 
a previously appointed proxy, must in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the registrar (ID 7RA11) 
not later than 11am on Monday 30 July 2018 or if the AGM is adjourned at least 48 hours before the time of the adjourned 
meeting. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the 
message by the CREST Application Host) from which the Registrar is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in 
the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be 
communicated to the appointee through other means.

78

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service provider(s) should note that Euroclear UK & 
Ireland Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular message. Normal system timings 
and limitations will, therefore, apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST 
member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member, or sponsored member, or has appointed 
a voting service provider(s), to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be 
necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time.

In this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting system providers are referred, 
in particular, to those sections of the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.

The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the 
Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

5 Appointment of proxy by joint holders
In the case of joint holders, where more than one of the joint holders purports to appoint one or more proxies, only the 
purported appointment submitted by the most senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which 
the names of the joint holders appear in the Company’s register of members in respect of the joint holding (the first named 
being the most senior).

6 Corporate representatives
Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives. Members can only appoint 
more than one corporate representative where each corporate representative is appointed to exercise rights attached to 
different shares. Members cannot appoint more than one corporate representative to exercise the rights attached to the 
same share(s).

7 Entitlement to attend and vote
To be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM (and for the purpose of determining the votes they may cast), members must 
be registered in the Company’s register of members at 6pm on Monday 30 July 2018 (or, if the AGM is adjourned, at 6pm 
on the day two days prior to the adjourned meeting). Changes to the Company’s register of members after the relevant 
deadline will be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend and vote at the AGM.

8 Nominated persons
Any person to whom this notice is sent who is a person nominated under Section 146 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “2006 
Act”) to enjoy information rights (a “Nominated Person”) may, under an agreement between him/her and the member by 
whom he/she was nominated, have a right to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy for the AGM. 
If a Nominated Person has no such proxy appointment right or does not wish to exercise it, he/she may, under any such 
agreement, have a right to give instructions to the member as to the exercise of voting rights.

9 Website giving information regarding the AGM
Information regarding the AGM, including information required by Section 311A of the 2006 Act, is available from the 
Company’s website www.cmlmicroplc.com.

10 Audit concerns
Members should note that it is possible that, pursuant to requests made by members of the Company under Section 527 of 
the 2006 Act, the Company may be required to publish on a website a statement setting out any matter relating to: a) the 
audit of the Company’s accounts (including the auditor’s report and the conduct of the audit) that are to be laid before 
the AGM; or b) any circumstance connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing to hold office since the previous 
meeting at which annual accounts and reports were laid in accordance with Section 437 of the 2006 Act. The Company 
may not require the members requesting any such website publication to pay its expenses in complying with Sections 527 
or 528 of the 2006 Act. Where the Company is required to place a statement on a website under Section 527 of the 2006 
Act, it must forward the statement to the Company’s auditor not later than the time when it makes the statement available 
on the website. The business which may be dealt with at the AGM includes any statement that the Company has been 
required under Section 527 of the 2006 Act to publish on a website. In order to be able to exercise the members rights to 
require the Company to publish audit concerns the relevant request must be made by (a) a member or members having a 
right to vote at the meeting and holding at least 5% of the voting rights of the Company or (b) at least 100 members having 
a right to vote at the meeting and holding, on average, at least £100 of paid up share capital. For information on voting 
rights, including the total number of voting rights, see note 11 and the website referred to in note 9. Where a member or 
members wishes to request the Company to publish audit concerns such request must be made in accordance with one of 
the following ways (a) by hard copy request which is signed by a member, states their full name and address and is sent to 
CML Microsystems Plc, Oval Park, Langford, Maldon, Essex CM9 6WG or (b) a request which states the member’s full name 
and address, and is sent to group@cmlmicroplc.com. Please state “AGM” in the subject line of the email.

79

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

11 Voting rights
As at 20 June 2018 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this notice) the Company’s issued share 
capital consisted of 17,112,023 ordinary shares, carrying one vote each. The Company holds 50,000 shares in treasury 
meaning the total voting rights in the Company as at 20 June 2018 were 17,062,023 votes.

12 Payment of dividend
It is proposed to pay the dividend, if approved, on 6 August 2018 to shareholders registered on 6 July 2018. 

13 Notification of shareholdings
Any person holding 3% or more of the total voting rights of the Company who appoints a person other than the Chairman 
of the AGM as his proxy will need to ensure that both he, and his proxy, comply with their respective disclosure obligations 
under the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

14 Further questions and communication
Under Section 319A of the 2006 Act, the Company must cause to be answered any question relating to the business being 
dealt with at the AGM put by a member attending the meeting unless answering the question would interfere unduly with 
the preparation for the meeting or involve the disclosure of confidential information, or the answer has already been given 
on a website in the form of an answer to a question, or it is undesirable in the interests of the Company or the good order of 
the meeting that the question be answered. Members who have any general queries about the AGM should contact the 
Company Secretary.

Members may not use any electronic address provided in this notice or in any related documents (including the 
accompanying document and proxy form) to communicate with the Company for any purpose other than those 
expressly stated.

15 Documents available for inspection
A copy of each of the Directors’ service contracts or letter of appointment will be available for inspection at the registered 
office of the Company during normal business hours on each business day (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 
excepted) from the date of this notice and on the date of the AGM at Pontlands Park Hotel, West Hanningfield Road, 
Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8HR from 10.30am until the conclusion thereof. 

80

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Five‑year record

Income statement 

Revenue (continuing operations)  

Revenue (acquisition) 

Revenue (discontinued operations)  

Total revenue1  

Gross profit1 

Gross profit percentage1 

Profit before taxation1  

Adjusted EBITDA2 

Earnings per share1 

Basic  

Diluted 

Statement of financial position 

Shareholders’ equity1  

Dividend per ordinary share  

2018 
£’000 

2017 
£’000 

2016 
£’000 

2015 
£’000 

2014 
£’000

31,674 

— 

— 

31,674 

22,236 

70.20% 

4,583 

9,998 

24.52p 

23.95p 

26,076 

1,661 

— 

27,737 

19,815 

71.44% 

4,208 

8,840 

23.09p 

22.84p 

22,833 

21,804 

24,394 

— 

— 

22,833 

16,253 

71.18% 

3,324 

6,970 

18.03p 

17.94p 

— 

— 

21,804 

15,465 

70.93% 

3,178 

6,698 

16.71p 

16.51p 

—

282 

24,676 

17,882 

72.47%

5,792 

8,729

29.96p 

29.20p

41,770 

37,635 

32,576 

28,971 

27,926 

Dividend proposed/paid per 5p ordinary share1 

7.80p 

7.40p 

7.00p 

6.90p 

6.25p

1.  As reported in the years’ Annual Report.
2.  Adjusted EBITDA is defined as profit from operations before all interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation charges and before 

share‑based payments.

Issued 5p ordinary shares  
(including treasury shares) 

Number 
of shares 

Number  
of shares 

Number  
of shares 

Number  
of shares 

Number  
of shares

17,112,023 

16,860,356 

16,256,537 

16,256,537 

15,960,027

81

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information 

CML Microsystems plc share price – for the year ended 31 March 2018

£6.00

£5.50

£5.00

£4.50

£4.00

Apr
2017

Techmark 100 Index – for the year ended 31 March 2018
4,800

4,600

4,400

4,200

4,000

Apr
2017

FTSE 100 Index – for the year ended 31 March 2018

7,900

7,600

7,300

7,000

6,700

Apr
2017

Financial calendar
2018 
1 August  

Annual General Meeting

30 September  

Half‑year end

20 November  

Anticipated date for half‑year results

Year end

Anticipated date for preliminary announcement of year end 2019 results

2019 
31 March  

11 June    

82

Apr
2018

Apr
2018

Apr
2018

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Glossary

AIS 

API 

Automatic Identification System

Application Programmers Interface

ASIC   Application‑Specific Integrated Circuit

DMR  

Digital Mobile Radio

DSP  

Digital Signal Processing

DTR 

Disclosure and Transparency Rules

EBITDA 

 Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

EU 

European Union

FRC 

Financial Reporting Council

GAAP   Generally Accepted Accounting Practice

HDD  

Hard Disk Drive

IAS  

International Accounting Standard

IASB  

International Accounting Standards Board

IC  

Integrated Circuit

IFRIC  

 International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee

IFRS  

International Financial Reporting Standards

IIoT  

Industrial Internet of Things

IoT  

Internet of Things

IP  

Intellectual Property

ISA  

International Standard on Auditing

M2M   Machine‑to‑Machine

MMC   Multimedia Card

NAND   Not And

OEM   Original Equipment Manufacturer

POS  

Point‑of‑Sale

R&D 

Research and Development

RF  

Radio Frequency

RFID  

Radio Frequency Identification

SATA  

Serial ATA Interface

SCADA   Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition

SD card  Secure Digital Card

SSD  

Solid State Drives

TSR  

Total Shareholder Return

USB  

Universal Serial Bus

VDES   VHF Data Exchange System

83

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Advisors

Registered office
CML Microsystems Plc
Oval Park  
Langford  
Maldon  
Essex CM9 6WG

Registrars
Neville Registrars Limited 
Neville House  
18 Laurel Lane  
Halesowen B63 3DA

Joint Stockbrokers
Cenkos Securities plc 
6, 7, 8 Tokenhouse Yard  
London EC2R 7AS

S P Angel 
Prince Frederick House  
35‑39 Maddox Street  
London W1S 2PP

Auditor
RSM UK Audit LLP 
25 Farringdon Street  
London EC4A 4AB

Financial Public Relations
Alma PR 
Aldwych House 
71‑91 Aldwych 
London WC2B 4HN

84

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18The paper used in this report is produced using virgin wood fibre from well managed forests 
in Brazil, Sweden and Germany with FSC® certification. All pulps used are Elemental 
Chlorine Free (ECF) and manufactured at a mill that has been awarded the ISO 14001 and 
EMAS certificates for environmental management. The use of the FSC® logo identifies 
products which contain wood from well‑managed forests certified in accordance with the 
rules of the Forest Stewardship Council.

Printed by Pureprint Group Limited, a Carbon Neutral Printing Company. Pureprint Group 
Limited is FSC® certified and ISO 14001 certified showing that it is committed to all round 
excellence and improving environmental performance is an important part of this strategy. 
We aim to reduce at source the effect our operations have on the environment, and are 
committed to continual improvement, prevention of pollution and compliance with any 
legislation or industry standards.

Designed and produced by

www.lyonsbennett.com

Advisors

Registered office
CML Microsystems Plc
Oval Park  
Langford  
Maldon  
Essex CM9 6WG

Registrars
Neville Registrars Limited 
Neville House  
18 Laurel Lane  
Halesowen B63 3DA

Joint Stockbrokers
Cenkos Securities plc 
6, 7, 8 Tokenhouse Yard  
London EC2R 7AS

S P Angel 
Prince Frederick House  
35‑39 Maddox Street  
London W1S 2PP

Auditor
RSM UK Audit LLP 
25 Farringdon Street  
London EC4A 4AB

Financial Public Relations
Alma PR 
Aldwych House 
71‑91 Aldwych 
London WC2B 4HN

Visit us online at
cmlmicroplc.com

CML Microsystems Plc
Oval Park, Langford
Maldon, Essex
CM9 6WG

T: +44 (0)1621 875500
F: +44 (0)1621 875606

group@cmlmicroplc.com

86

CML Microsystems Plc Annual Report and Accounts FY18Page title underhead