Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Asset Management / Cohen & Steers / FY2015 Annual Report

Cohen & Steers
Annual Report 2015

CNS · LSE Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker CNS
Exchange LSE
Sector Financial Services
Industry Asset Management
Employees 51-200
← All annual reports
FY2015 Annual Report · Cohen & Steers
Loading PDF…
C
o
r
e
r
o
N
e
t

w
o
r
k
S
e
c
u
r
i
t
y
p

l

c

A
n
n
u
a

l

R
e
p
o
r
t
&
A
c
c
o
u
n
t
s
2
0
1
5

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR REAL-TIME DDoS PROTECTION

ADVANCED DDoS  
DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY

BUILT ON NEXT  
GENERATION 
ARCHITECTURE

SOPHISTICATED 
DDoS ANALYTICS & 
VISUALISATION

Annual Report &  
Accounts 2015

Corero Network Security plc 

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Registered Office
Regus House
Highbridge 
Oxford Road
Uxbridge
Middlesex 
UB8 1HR

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
b

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Corero Network Security is dedicated to  
improving the security and availability of  
the Internet through the deployment of its  
award winning technology, with automatic  
DDoS attack detection and mitigation.

Corero Network Security is the leader in 
real-time, high-performance DDoS defence 
solutions. Service providers, hosting 
providers and online enterprises rely on 
Corero’s award winning technology to 
eliminate the DDoS threat to their 
environment through automatic attack 
detection and mitigation, coupled with 
complete network visibility, analytics and 
reporting. This next-generation technology 
provides a First Line of Defense® against 
DDoS attacks in the most complex 
environments while enabling a more cost 
effective economic model than previously 
available. For more information,  
visit www.corero.com 

20 Gbps

80 Gbps

320 Gbps

SmartWall® Threat Defense System (TDS)

•  Service/Hosting Providers and Online Enterprises

•  On Premises or Cloud deployments

•  Protection in modular increments of 10/20 Gbps

• 

In-line or scrubbing topologies

CONTENTS

Overview
Highlights 

Chairman’s Statement 

Strategic Report
What we do 

Why we do it 

Our performance 

How we do it  

Our difference 

Our strategy for sustainable growth 

01

02

04

06

10

12

16

18

Governance
Directors’ biographies 

Directors’ Report 

Corporate Governance Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

20

22

25

29

Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report 

Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive Income 

30

31

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position  32

Company Statement of Financial Position 

Statements of Cash Flows 

33

34

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity  35

Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Notice of AGM 

Corporate Directory 

36

37

61

64

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015OVERVIEW

Highlights

Customer wins across the SmartWall TDS target markets  
– service providers, hosting providers and online enterprises

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

•   Revenue up 11% to $8.3 million (2014: $7.5 million)

•  

 Customer wins across the SmartWall TDS target markets

•  

 Reduced EBITDA loss* $6.4 million  
(2014: $7.1 million) 

– 

 Including first Tier 1 service provider contract wins  
in the US and Europe

•   Reduced loss per share 8.5 cents (2014: 11.5 cents)

•  Additional development facility established in Edinburgh, 

•  

 Net cash $2.7 million at 31 December 2015  
(2014: $6.0 million)

Scotland 

• 

 Orders for SmartWall TDS product up 186% to $4.3 million  
(2014: $1.5 million)

*  before depreciation, amortisation and financing (and comprises the operating loss less depreciation and amortisation of intangibles)

ESSENTIAL READS

4–5

6–7

12–13

What we do
Corero DDoS protection solutions provide 
automatic detection and mitigation of 
DDoS attacks for Internet service 
providers, hosting providers, and the 
online enterprise. 

Why we do it
DDoS attacks continue to rise in size, 
frequency, and complexity, impacting the 
security and availability of the Internet. 
Providers and the Internet connected 
business require automatic protection 
against this evolving threat landscape to 
avoid unplanned downtime, disruption 
and diversionary security incidents.

How we do it
The Corero SmartWall® TDS provides 
real-time protection against a 
continuously evolving spectrum of DDoS 
attacks by inspecting every packet for 
suspicious intent. Packets that are 
determined to be malicious are blocked 
before they can impact the service 
providers, hosting providers and the 
enterprises that they serve. 

01

O
v
e
r
v

i

e
w

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

N
o
t
i

c
e
o
f

A
G
M

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
D

i
r
e
c
t
o
r
y

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015 
 
 
 
 
02

OVERVIEW

Chairman’s Statement

The market opportunity for Corero’s SmartWall TDS product  
has been validated with multiple key customer wins

Overview 
Corero ended the year strongly, with 
final quarter billings of $3.2 million, the 
Company’s highest quarterly billings 
for more than three years. The final 
quarter billings included Corero’s first 
US Tier 1 service provider win, first 
European Tier 1 service provider win 
and a significant support services 
order of over $0.7 million.

In 2015 Corero sold the SmartWall TDS to 
over 20 service providers, hosting 
providers and enterprises, providing 
real-time DDoS and cyber threat 
protection, with an average order value 
exceeding $200,000. Winning the level and 
calibre of customers through competitive 
tenders demonstrates that the SmartWall 
TDS is a market leading and differentiated 
solution. SmartWall TDS trials are being 
conducted by several leading service 
providers and hosting providers and since 
the year end Corero has also secured its 
largest single hosting provider customer 
win to date. 

Strategic focus
Corero is well positioned to capitalise on 
the evolving DDoS defence market and 
the increasing requirement for real-time, 
automatic DDoS mitigation. This is  
a market the SmartWall TDS was 
designed to address.

Market dynamics
The service provider and hosting provider 
requirements for real-time, in-line and 
automatic DDoS mitigation solutions are 
growing rapidly, driven by the increasing 
demand from their customers for DDoS 
protection. Corero is extremely 
encouraged with the market validation 
from numerous material customer wins  
in the past year.

The key market drivers are:

• 

Increasing adoption of the Cloud and 
continuing rise of security threats

•  Network capacity needs are growing 
exponentially by number of Internet 
links and speed

•  Frequency and magnitude of  
DDoS attacks continue to  
increase dramatically

The market opportunity for Corero is 
further driven by the demand for DDoS 
security services which are forecast to 
grow significantly through both Service 
Provider push and Enterprise pull or 
demand for such services.

The industry analysts are forecasting 
double digit growth for the DDoS market 
segment and forecast the DDoS market 
will be in excess of $1 billion in 3 years.

The key trends that will drive demand  
for Corero DDoS solutions are:

•  Enterprises looking to providers for 
protection – buy a service versus  
build a solution

•  Service providers looking to offer  

more high margin services – becoming 
more than just network transport

•  Premium offerings include  

security services, for example 
DDoS-as-a-service 

Jens Montanana
Chairman

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201503

$3.2 million
Q4 2015 the Company’s highest quarterly  
billings for more than three years

Double digit growth 
The industry analysts are forecasting  
double digit growth for the DDoS market

I call our Corero SmartWall TDS, ‘The Beast’ because it just 
handles everything we throw at it. LA Dedicated continues 
to get pounded with attacks every day but they have no 
impact anymore. We haven’t had any downtime since we 
installed this device. We have pretty much eliminated the 
DDoS problem for our company.

Robby Hicks, CEO, LA Dedicated
Hosting provider (US)

•  Service provider networks  
evolving beyond traditional  
core and edge boundaries

•  Hosting providers need always-on 
mitigation, due to their large attack 
surface represented by the aggregate 
online presence of the many 
customers that they host, and to  
deal with the increasing volume 
of DDoS attacks 

Outlook
Corero enters 2016 with growing 
confidence on the back of important 
customer wins in 2015, and a solid first 
quarter of sequential growth in 2016. We 
are currently engaged with a number of 
large opportunities where we believe the 
SmartWall TDS solution is well matched 
to the customer requirements.

Jens Montanana
Chairman
20 April 2016

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201504

What we do

The Corero SmartWall TDS provides real-time protection  
against DDoS attacks 

PRODUCT OFFERING

The Corero SmartWall TDS is a purpose-
built family of network security appliances 
configurable to meet the needs of service 
and hosting providers and online 
enterprises all of which are impacted  
by the challenges of DDoS attacks.  
These appliances deliver automatic  
threat defence services in rapidly  
scalable deployments for high 
performance networks.

•  SmartWall Network NTD Appliance  
Provides continuous visibility and 
security policy enforcement to 
establish a proactive First Line of 
Defense for inspecting traffic, 
detecting threats and blocking attacks. 

It is capable of mitigating a wide range 
of DDoS attacks while maintaining full 
service connectivity and availability to 
avoid degrading the delivery of 
legitimate traffic. 

•  SmartWall Network Bypass Appliance 

Network availability is the key to 
maintaining an always on Internet 
presence. The Corero SmartWall 
Network Bypass Appliance provides 
organisations with 100% network 
connectivity to eliminate downtime of 
their Internet presence in case of 
power or equipment failures as well  
as during maintenance windows.

Ashley 
Stephenson
CEO Corero

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015STRATEGIC REPORT05

With Corero, we get the whole package, said Zubel. Attack vectors are changing all the time, so dynamic protection is 
important for us. We get more visibility with SmartWall TDS and SecureWatch – it’s more than just knowing that we are  
under attack. Corero has offered us a solution that is an intelligence tool as much as a DDoS mitigation tool.

Barry Zubel Head of IT, Jagex 
Online Gaming (UK)

OUR TECHNOLOGY

OUR SERVICES

SmartWall TDS
The Corero SmartWall TDS is deployed 
in-line at the network edge to provide 
continuous visibility and security policy 
enforcement so that organisations can 
employ a proactive First Line of Defense for 
inspecting traffic, detecting threats and 
blocking DDoS attacks, while maintaining full 
service connectivity and availability to avoid 
degrading the delivery of legitimate traffic. 
Key SmartWall TDS technology features:

•  Leverages a “Do-No-Harm” 
architecture which scales in 
increments of 10 Gbps at 30 Mpps 
(packets per second) without 
disrupting any good user traffic 

•  Uses multi-levels of filtering 

functionality to detect and mitigate 
single and multi-vector DDoS attacks 
including pre-defined filters to 
instantaneously detect and mitigate 

known DDoS attacks, as well as 
programmable filters to mitigate 
zero-day DDoS attacks

•  Heuristic and Behavioural analysis 

along with autonomic filtering allows 
for comprehensive protection against 
DDoS attacks

Additionally, the SmartWall TDS enables 
SecureWatch® Analytics, a powerful 
web-based security analytics portal that 
delivers comprehensive, easy-to-read, and 
actionable security dashboards based on 
DDoS tailored security feeds from the 
Corero SmartWall TDS products. The portal 
leverages Splunk® software for big data 
analytics and advanced visualisation 
capabilities and provides never-before-seen 
insights into network and security activity for 
rapid response in combating DDoS attacks 
and cyber threats.

SecureWatch PLUS
A comprehensive suite of DDoS  
defence configuration, optimisation,  
24x7 monitoring and attack  
mitigation services. 

These services are customised to meet 
the security requirements and business 
goals of each customer. SecureWatch 
PLUS includes access to experts to assist 
in the realisation of the desired DDoS 
defence solution starting with the 
organisation-specific implementation, 
commissioning and testing, continuing 
with round-the-clock monitoring, and 
immediate response in the event of a 
DDoS attack. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201506

Why we do it

DDoS attacks are accelerating in purpose, sophistication, complexity, scale and frequency

DDoS Attacks – 2015 Snapshot

Total Attack Bandwidth Gbps
Data shown represents the top ~2% of reported attacks

$1.5m

49%

per annum is the average cost to 
deal with DDoS attacks

of companies expect DDoS attacks 
to increase in next 12 months

Source: Digital Attack Map and Ponemon Institute

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015STRATEGIC REPORT07

The world in which we operate

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest 
growing IT sectors. It impacts all 
individuals, businesses, institutions 
and governments, and poses an 
increasing risk to the economies of  

the world. Organisations worldwide  
are spending more each year on cyber 
security solutions to protect their brand 
or reputation, their commerce, their 
intellectual property, and their citizens. 

Within the overall cyber threat 
landscape, an important developing 
field is protection against DDoS 
attacks which have become a  
widely used cyber weapon. 

82%

Of companies reported DDoS attacks shut down 
or partially shut down their data centres

We guarantee the 5x9 SLA to our 
customers and we commit to 
maintaining 24/7 network uptime; 
therefore, it’s crucial for us to deploy 
a dedicated, inline anti-DDOS 
appliance. Corero’s SmartWall TDS 
solves the DDoS problem entirely, 
which improves our overall value 
proposition, and it allows us to 
extend our service offerings.

Salim Gasmi, CTO 
SdV Plurimédia  
Hoster (France)

DDoS attacks range in effectiveness, 
complexity, size, frequency, and 
duration, making DDoS attacks 
difficult to anticipate, prepare for, 
detect, and mitigate without 
specialised solutions.

DDoS attacks are highly disruptive 
attacks that hurt the victimised 
organisation’s online operations, 
brand name and ability to conduct 
business. Consequently the demand 
for DDoS mitigation solutions 
continues to grow.

Frost & Sullivan 
DDoS Mitigation Market  
Global Markets Analysis  
November 2015

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015 
 
08

Why we do it continued

DDOS ATTACKS ARE  
HERE TO STAY

SOLVING THE DDOS 
PROBLEM PRESENTS 
UNIQUE TECHNICAL 
CHALLENGES

INCREASING DDOS RISK 
IS CREATING DEMAND 
FOR DDOS MITIGATION 
SOLUTIONS

•  44% of companies reported  
an increase in DDoS attacks  
in the past year and 49%  
expect they will increase in  
the next 12 months

•  DDoS attacks are one of the  
top three security threats  
facing companies 

Source: Ponemon Institute – The Cost  
of Denial-of-Service Attacks, March 2015

•  Real time detection and mitigation 
is a complex problem beyond the 
scope of Cloud DDoS services, 
scrubbing centres and ‘best  
effort’ human intervention

•  This is an opportunity for 

specialised security technology 
vendors like Corero

•  Growth in number of DDoS attacks 
– according to Akamai (whose 
content delivery network is one of 
the world’s largest distributed 
computing platforms servicing 
between 15 and 30% of all web 
traffic) the third quarter of 2015 saw 
a record number of DDoS attacks 
(an increase of over 180% over  
the third quarter of 2014)

•  DDoS attacks being used as  
a smokescreen for other  
cyber attacks

$

CYBER-CRIME CONTINUES 
TO BE COSTLY

DRIVERS FOR INVESTING  
IN DDOS SOLUTIONS

•  The average annualised cost of 
cyber-crime for organisations is 
$7.7 million per year 

Service providers, hosting and cloud providers, and on-line enterprises need 
DDoS solutions with improved performance, faster physical interfaces, and 
advanced detection and mitigation technologies

•  DDoS attacks are the second 
most costly cyber attacks 
(behind web-based attacks) 

Source: Ponemon Institute 2015 Global 
Report on Cost of Cyber Crime

•  Data centre consolidation, data centre upgrades and the roll-out of cloud 

infrastructure will underpin the next generation of cloud services

•  Large data centres and cloud providers are highly visible targets who must 

protect their own infrastructure and the customer who trusts these providers 
to host data, IT infrastructure and applications

Source: Infonetics

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015STRATEGIC REPORT09

THE COMPETITIVE 
ENVIRONMENT 
Corero is focused on security solutions to 
mitigate DDoS attacks. Corero has 
defined the market for on premises First 
Line of Defense and have developed the 
following key competitive advantages:

Real-time protection 
Blocks both network-layer flooding attacks, 
as well as the more difficult to detect, low 
and slow application-layer attacks.

Unrivalled analytics  
and security event reporting 
Sophisticated security event data 
presented in dashboards of actionable 
security intelligence.

Industry-leading density,  
scalability and performance
Protection is provided through 
configurable access policies with 
scalability from 10 Gbps to 1 Tbps in a 
single rack.

Granular configuration  
of security policies 
Allows legitimate traffic to pass while 
blocking unwanted traffic.

Broad security coverage 
Inspection of every packet, every flow 
and specific packet payload information 
to detect and mitigate single and multi-
vector DDoS attacks.

Purpose-built security appliance 
High performance traffic inspection using 
a multi-core processor architecture.

Powerful centralised management 
Facilitates configuring, controlling, and 
monitoring all SmartWall TDS appliances 
from a central location.

Single solution 
Family of SmartWall TDS appliances 
delivers comprehensive DDoS protection, 
forensics analysis and network resiliency.

their customers, and an overwhelming 
number – 83 percent – said DDoS 
protection was equally important or more 
important. More than half of respondents 
(51 percent) said it was more important.

Industry disrupting price for 
performance
With varied mitigation bandwidth 
licensing options, Corero provides the 
most comprehensive peer-point 
protection, at industry disrupting 
economic scale. 

OPPORTUNITIES
The key trends expected to have a 
positive impact on the Corero market are:

•  Hosting and service providers, and 
their customers, increasingly being 
impacted by DDoS attack threats

•  Online enterprises, of all sizes, are 

seeing an increase in DDoS attacks 
which adversely impact revenue 
generation, customer satisfaction and 
brand value, and such attacks are 
increasingly used as a smokescreen 
for other cyber threats, such as a  
data breach

•  Growth in cloud computing and the 
trend of organisations outsourcing 
their IT infrastructure is increasing 
demand for service providers and 
hosting providers to deliver protection 
against DDoS attacks

Corero is targeting a high growth security 
market; the market for DDoS mitigation 
(which includes products and services) is 
forecast by the leading industry analysts 
to more than double in the period to 2019 
to reach more than $1.0 billion.

Key research conducted by Corero in late 
2015 within the Internet Service Provider 
community asked respondents to rate  
the importance of DDoS defences in 
relation to other types of security for  

This same research confirmed the features 
deemed essential in a DDoS mitigation 
solution including the following important 
SmartWall TDS features:

•  Ability to maintain bandwidth/

throughput

•  Ability to handle high-volume, 

indiscriminate attacks

•  Ability to handle attacks aimed at 
disrupting specific applications

•  Ability to handle other non-DDoS 

network attacks

•  Ability to provide reporting and 
visibility into attack types and 
mitigation that was provided

•  Low false blocking rate

•  Little to no human intervention 

required

KEY MARKET CHALLENGES
The market for security products and 
services is competitive and characterised 
by constant changes in technology, the 
evolving cyber threat landscape, 
customer requirements, and industry 
standards as well as frequent new 
product introductions. Corero needs to 
be focused on its chosen market and 
deliver continuous innovation to stay 
ahead of the competition. Corero will 
address this challenge by working closely 
with customers and prospects, to 
leverage the flexibility of the Corero 
technology platform to deliver 
continuously evolving leadership 
protection against the latest DDoS 
attacks and cyber threats.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201510

Our performance

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

REVIEW OF THE 
COMPANY’S BUSINESS

The year ended 31 December 2015 is the first full twelve month reporting 
period following Corero’s decision to transition the business to focus 
exclusively on the SmartWall TDS product for the DDoS protection market. 

Highlights of 2015 include:

•  Customer wins across the multiple 
SmartWall TDS target markets

•  Revenue of $8.3 million, an increase of over 10% over the prior year  

(2014: $7.5 million)

•  Reduced EBITDA loss before depreciation, amortisation and financing $6.4 million 

(2014: $7.1 million)

The loss for the year after taxation amounted to $11.2 million (2014: $10.1 million)  
and includes:

•  Unrealised exchange gain of $0.4 million (2014: gain $0.4 million) arising  

on an intercompany loan;

•  Finance costs of $0.02 million (2014: $0.02 million) 

Reduced loss per share 8.5 cents (2014: 11.5 cents). 

The Group’s net assets at 31 December 2015 were $26.3 million (2014: $30.5 million).

– 

Including first Tier 1 service 
provider contract wins in the  
US and Europe

•  Additional development facility 

established in Edinburgh, Scotland

•  Orders for SmartWall TDS product  
up 186% to $4.3 million (2014:  
$1.5 million)

Mobile and wireline service providers—including ISPs, converged carriers, cable MSOs and others are uniquely positioned 
to inherently change the way DDoS attacks impact downstream customers. As the DDoS threat landscape has evolved over 
time, so has the ability to surgically remove DDoS attack traffic from transiting freely through provider networks. With new 
solutions providing economies of scale for modern and sophisticated DDoS mitigation, providers are now enabled to 
completely eliminate the DDoS challenge.

Dave Larson, Corero COO

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015STRATEGIC REPORT 
11

Unlocking the potential of this opportunity means these vendors need to not only sell to the obvious large data center, cloud 
and telecom service providers, but also Tier 2 and 3 service providers of all types, convincing them to invest in on-premises 
DDoS mitigation (like Corero’s recent announcement with Block Communications). We’re starting to see more real traction 
here, which is the primary reason we increased the forecast in this report.

Jeff Wilson, Infonetics Research Director, Cybersecurity Technology 
DDoS Prevention Appliances Biannual Worldwide and Regional Market Share and Forecasts:  
2nd Edition December 2015

$

CASH AND  
TREASURY 

The closing cash balance was  
$2.7 million (2014: $6.0 million). 
Corero had no debt at 31 December 
2015 (2014: $0).

The net reduction in cash from operating 
activities in the year ended 31 December 
2015 was $7.7 million (2014: $5.4 million).  
In the year ending 31 December 2015,  
the Company raised $7.7 million (before 
expenses), of which the Chairman 
contributed $3.0 million, to fund the  
further development and sales of the 
SmartWall TDS.

REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE  
& PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The Directors monitor a number of metrics, both financial and non-financial, 
on a monthly basis. 

The most important financial metrics are as follows:

•  Order intake: $7.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2015 (2014: $8.6 million);

•  Gross margin: 75% for the year ended 31 December 2015 (2014: 78%); 

•  Operating expenses (gross of research and development costs capitalised and  
before depreciation and amortisation of intangibles): $15.0 million for the year  
ended 31 December 2015 (2014: $16.6 million); and

•  Net cash: $2.7 million at 31 December 2015 (2014: $6.0 million)

The order intake in 2015, the first full year Corero focused its business on SmartWall 
TDS, included $4.3 million of SmartWall TDS orders (2014: $1.5 million) to over  
20 service providers, hosting providers and enterprises, providing real-time DDoS and 
cyber threat protection, with an average order value exceeding $200,000 (a significant 
increase over the 2014 average order value of $74,000). In 2015 Corero announced the 
end of life of its previous generation products. 

Operating expenses, gross of research and development costs capitalised of  
$2.3 million (2014: $3.6 million), of $15.0 million were below the prior year (2014:  
$16.6 million) reflecting lower development costs following the initial release of the 
SmartWall TDS product in mid-2014 and lower sales costs as result of the decision  
to focus the sales efforts on the North American and the EMEA markets.

Despite the 2015 EBITDA loss being lower than the prior year, the operating loss  
of $11.6 million was higher than the prior year (2014: $10.4 million) due to the  
increased amortisation of capitalised development expenditure in 2015 of $2.4 million 
(2014: $1.1 million) which came as a result of a full 12 months amortisation in 2015 
following the SmartWall TDS launch in mid-2014. An impairment charge of $0.8 million 
in 2015 relating to previous generation products for which end of life announcements 
were made in 2015 also contributed to the higher operating loss.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201512

How we do it

The sale of SmartWall TDS solutions to customers in Corero’s target markets has demonstrated 
the value of SmartWall TDS in protecting organisations from the impact of DDoS attacks

BUSINESS MODEL 
The Corero business model comprises the development, marketing and sale of network security products and 
services to provide customers with protection from DDoS attacks and cyber threats. 

 SECURITY APPLIANCE  
SALE – HARDWARE AND 
SOFTWARE PRODUCT

HARDWARE AND 
SOFTWARE SUPPORT, 
MONITORING AND UPDATE 
SERVICES

SECUREWATCH  
PLUS DDOS DEFENCE 
SERVICES

Contractual arrangement 
Hardware sale and perpetual  
software license.

Contractual arrangement 
Single/multi-year contracts for 
support and SecureWatch services.

Contractual arrangement 
Single/multi-year 
service contracts.

Nature of revenue

Nature of revenue

•  New customer sale 

•  New sale 

Nature of revenue

•  New sale

•  Existing customer renewal 

•  Add on sale to existing customer

•  Existing customer renewal

Description
24x7x365 monitoring and support 
services including DDoS attack 
mitigation services delivered by  
the Corero support team.

Description
Support and monitoring services 
are delivered by the Corero  
support team. 

Updates are delivered to the Corero 
appliances in customer networks  
to provide proactive on-going 
protection from the latest cyber 
security threats. Corero undertakes 
its own research into such threats 
and also partners with third  
party organisations.

•  Existing customer upgrades  
for increased performance or 
expansion 

•  Existing customer add on sale  

of new software modules

Description
The Corero software comprises 
ostensibly Corero developed 
proprietary software complemented 
by third party licensed and open 
source software. The hardware 
solution is assembled by a third 
party contract manufacturer  
using industry standard hardware 
components and a Tilera 
Corporation multi-core CPU chip to 
deliver a high performance solution 
required for an in-line network 
security solution.

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015STRATEGIC REPORT13

Corero’s first Tier 1 Internet Service Provider order is a significant milestone for the Company and is further validation of the 
SmartWall TDS product. The service provider market for real-time and automatic DDoS mitigation solutions is growing fast, 
driven by the increasing demand from their customers for DDoS protection as a service. 

Ashley Stephenson
Corero CEO

TARGET MARKETS

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Large on-line 
enterprise

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201514

How we do it continued

TARGET MARKETS

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

providers are increasingly looking to 
create additional revenue streams to 
differentiate their business, and DDoS 
defense as-a-service quickly becomes an 
opportunity for meeting this need. 

The lifecycle of a DDoS attack is often 
measured by the time it takes to detect 
the attack plus the time required to 
analyse and effectively mitigate the event. 
If the victims’ important Internet facing 
applications are taken down due to a 
DDoS attack or compromised by other 
cyber threats impacting Internet 
availability then the victim businesses 
face the prospect of multiple negative 
outcomes including lost revenue, lost 
customers, brand damage, poor 
customer satisfaction, and in some 
regulated industries, possible fines.

services. SmartWall TDS is designed to 
overcome the challenges associated with 
a wide range of hosting requirements: 
maintaining highly available applications, 
mission critical systems and maximum 
levels of reliability.

The target addressable market comprises 
over 10,000 hosting and data centre 
providers in North America and Europe 
with the targeted Corero deal sizes 
dependent on the number of locations 
and size of the provider:

• 

• 

 Single location / small providers:  
$100,000 to $250,000

 Multiple locations / larger providers: 
$250,000+

Service providers 
Any Internet related provider, whether it 
be a telecom carrier, Internet or Multi-
Service Provider (ISP/MSP) or Content 
Delivery Network (CDN) are unwilling 
accomplices to DDoS attacks and other 
cyber threats that transit or terminate on 
their networks. 

Service providers and their customers 
are inseparably linked by the challenges 
DDoS attacks present. As DDoS attacks 
have grown in size, frequency and 
sophistication in recent years the 
demands to ensure service availability 
and service security from customers have 
risen in unison. The online Enterprise is 
looking to their service providers for 
assistance in securing their Internet service 
either through procuring “protected” 
Internet connectivity or Cloud DDoS 
mitigation services. In response, 

Hosting providers & data centres 
The Corero First Line of Defense 
solutions deliver to hosting and data 
centre operators the ability to offer 
comprehensive DDoS and cyber threat 
protection to their hosted customers  
as an extension of their service 
offerings, improving their overall  
value proposition and providing an 
opportunity to offer differentiated  
value added security services.

Hosting providers and data centre 
operators must overcome the challenges 
associated with a wide range of hosting 
requirements; maintaining highly available 
applications, mission critical systems and 
maximum levels of reliability. However, 
DDoS attacks threaten their ability to do 
so. This is problematic as a Web hosting, 
co-location and data centre operator’s 
livelihood is closely tied to the ongoing 
success of their customers’ online 

The target addressable market comprises 
some 500 Internet service providers, 
cable and mobile operators in North 
America and Europe with the targeted 
Corero deal sizes dependent on the size 
of the service provider:

•  Small Tier 3 provider: $200,000 to 

$500,000

•  Medium size Tier 2 provider: 

$500,000+

•  Large Tier 1 provider: $1.0 million+

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015STRATEGIC REPORT15

Network or website service 
availability is crucial to ensure 
customer trust and satisfaction, and 
vital to acquire new customers in a 
highly competitive market. When an 
end user is denied access to 
Internet-facing applications or if 
latency issues obstruct the user 
experience, it immediately impacts 
the bottom line.

Dave Larson
Corero COO

Enterprises 
Today’s on-line enterprises are 
dependent on their online presence, 
whether it is for generating revenues, 
ensuring high employee productivity, or 
providing a superb customer experience. 

Ubiquitous Internet access also makes 
the online enterprise susceptible to cyber-
attacks such as DDoS, from around the 
world. The resulting service outages 
cause costly downtime, lost productivity, 
brand damage and impact the 
enterprise’s legitimate users. Traditional 
security solutions like firewalls and IPS 
devices are ineffective against advanced 
cyber-threats and are frequently a target 
of attacks themselves. What enterprises 
require is a First Line of Defense solution 
which is built to withstand modern cyber 
threats, such as DDoS attacks and 
ensuring business continuity of their 
Internet facing services and applications. 

On-line enterprises can protect 
themselves from DDoS attacks with a 
combination of on-premises or always-on 
DDoS mitigation (with a solution such as 
SmartWall TDS) to inspect raw Internet 
traffic and mitigate attacks in real time, 
coupled with Cloud DDoS mitigation 
services (from a service provider) for 
protection in the event of a full Internet 
pipe saturation attack.

The target addressable market comprises 
tens of thousands of mid to large 
corporations and public sector entities 
with the targeted average Corero deal 
size of $100,000+.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201516

Our Difference

The Corero SmartWall TDS technology provides real-time DDoS protection, coupled with 
advanced visibility, reporting and analytics, allowing the Internet connected business to 
maintain service availability in the face of DDoS attacks

HOW WE  
CREATE VALUE
Order intake analysis*

WHERE WE  
CREATE VALUE
Geographic analysis*

New Contracts

Renewals  
(support and services)

North America

EMEA

ROW

* gross order intake

Corero’s SmartWall TDS architecture, designed for in-line, always-on and automatic protection is the best-of-breed solution 
to the DDoS attacks of today and tomorrow. Corero’s purpose built architecture delivers high performance and real-time 
protection, without false positives. This is accomplished through powerful programmable protections, advanced heuristics, 
and best-of-breed security analytics and visualisation.

Julian Palmer, Corero VP Engineering

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015STRATEGIC REPORT 
17

Our people
Corero has a team of talented 
employees who are focused on 
delivering the Company’s strategy.

Product engineering and 
product management

Sales and marketing

Support and services

Management and administration

RESOURCES AND  
RELATIONSHIPS WE RELY ON

Intellectual property
Corero’s proprietary technology is 
primarily implemented in software. 
Corero holds a number of patents. With 
the ongoing investment in product 
software enhancements, the Company 
has filed and expects to file additional 
patent protections.

International reach
Corero has operations in 
Massachusetts, USA with the European 
headquarters being in the UK. In 
addition, Corero has sales operations 
servicing customers across North 
America and Europe.

Partners
Corero will invest in the development  
of channel partner relationships with 
security resellers and distributors to 
drive SmartWall TDS sales growth. 

Finance
Corero’s net cash at 31 December 2015 
amounted to $2.7 million. In addition, 
on 21 April 2016 Corero announced a 
fund raise, comprising a conditional 
placing and subscription of $11.5 
million, and an open offer of up to 
$1.4 million which is subject to 
shareholder approval at a general 
meeting of the Company on 9 May 
2016. This cash has been allocated  
to fund organic investment in the 
SmartWall TDS product and  
investment in sales and marketing.

The Company’s cash resources 
including the post year end fund raise 
are expected to be sufficient to fund its 
requirements for the foreseeable future.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201518

STRATEGIC REPORT

Our strategy for sustainable growth

The Corero strategy is to protect against a continuously evolving DDoS threat landscape  
that threatens any Internet connected business, or the providers that serve them

The Company’s strategic objectives and plans are summarised below:

OBJECTIVES

PLAN

•    Establish SmartWall TDS as a leading  

•  Raise Corero profile with analysts and press 

solution for DDoS protection 

•  Referenceable customers

• 

Independent market testing

•  Thought leadership

Product

•   Improve Corero DDoS defence technology

• 

 Continuous improvement approach to development

•  New DDoS attack defences

•  Cloud deployment model

• 

 Additional forensics and analysis capability

•  Prioritise markets
  – 

 Geographic and provider segments

Go To
Market 

•  Expand routes to market
  – 

 Systems integrators, OEM  
and partnerships

•  US, UK and Europe sales focus

•  Target  service providers, hosting/Cloud providers

•  Pursue system integrators and OEM channels 

Recent high profile victims of DDoS attacks including Carphone Warehouse, the BBC, and HSBC are bringing the frequency 
and severity of DDoS attacks to the forefront. The disruption caused by a DDoS attack can expose weaknesses in 
organisations’ cyber defences or overwhelm other security tools and IT infrastructure. The use of DDoS attacks as a 
smokescreen to camouflage other cyber-attacks, including data breaches and financial fraud, is a real threat, especially for 
any internet-connected business with sensitive data, such as credit card details or other sensitive personal data. Eliminating 
this risk, and the significant reputational damage of such an attack, requires real-time DDoS detection and mitigation 
solutions such as Corero’s SmartWall TDS.

Ashley Stephenson, Corero CEO

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015 
19

We have received alerts from the Corero SOC team to let us know about events that were going on. When a major attack does 
come in, Corero gives us a courtesy notice to tell us it’s already being blocked or in mitigation. It has minimised the negative 
impact to our service availability. Corero’s solution does exactly what we hoped it would do. We specifically value the automated 
attack mitigation functionality. Corero’s Support Operations Center monitors conditions for us and responds accordingly. Our 
team monitors traffic but we don’t have to worry about it. We set it and forget it. 

Stephen Clark, Director IP Networks at Telesystem Communications

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The principal risks and uncertainties for Corero are:

Sales  
growth

Market  
awareness

 Technology  
change and 
innovation

 People

Corero’s business success depends on growing SmartWall TDS product sales to new customers in its 
target market of hosting and service providers and on-line enterprises. To be successful Corero will  
focus its lead generation and sales resources, and product development, on these markets. If Corero  
is not successful in identifying customer prospects with a business need Corero can solve, this will 
compromise growth plans and success. 

Corero is an emerging player in the DDoS prevention market and competes with much larger  
organisations. To raise market awareness of Corero and its DDoS mitigation solutions, the Company  
will invest in targeted public relations and marketing. If Corero is not successful in connecting with the 
market and raising its profile this will compromise growth plans.

The DDoS mitigation market is competitive and characterised by constant changes in technology, 
customer requirements and frequent new product introductions and improvements. Cyber security and 
DDoS attacks are constantly evolving and changing as attackers develop new methods and tools to  
evade defences. To be a market leader and to grow, Corero needs to be focused on its chosen market  
and deliver continuous innovation by adding new DDoS attack defences to the SmartWall TDS solution. 

Retaining and recruiting people with the necessary skills and experience. Revenue growth requires  
a strong sales and business development capability. Corero operates in a high growth market  
with new players emerging. If Corero is unable to recruit and retain the right skills this will compromise 
growth plans.

Corero is dependent on revenue growth to deliver on its strategy. Lower sales growth will reduce the Company’s cash resources 
which could impact the investment in product development which may impact sales growth.

The Strategic Report on pages 4 to 19 is signed by order of the Board.

Duncan Swallow
Company Secretary
20 April 2016

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201520

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

Jens Montanana 
Non-executive Chairman 
Age: 55 
Appointed: 9 August 2010

Ashley Stephenson
Chief Executive Officer 
Age: 55
Appointed: 6 September 2013

Andrew Miller
Chief Financial Officer
Age: 51
Appointed: 9 August 2010

Jens is the founder and CEO of Datatec 
Limited, established in 1986. Between 
1989 and 1993 Jens served as managing 
director and vice-president of US 
Robotics (UK) Limited, a wholly owned 
subsidiary of US Robotics Inc., which was 
acquired by 3Com. In 1993, he co-
founded US start-up Xedia Corporation in 
Boston, an early pioneer of network 
switching and one of the market leaders 
in IP bandwidth management, which was 
subsequently sold to Lucent Corporation 
in 1999 for $246 million. In 1994, Jens 
became CEO of Datatec Limited which 
listed on the Johannesburg Stock 
Exchange in 1994 and on AIM in 2006.  
He has previously served on the boards 
and sub-committees of various  
public companies.

Ashley first joined Corero Network 
Security as Executive Vice President  
of the Network Security division, with 
responsibility for product and solution 
strategy in March 2012, and was 
appointed chief executive officer of the 
division in January 2013. An IT industry 
executive and Internet technology 
entrepreneur, Ashley has operating 
experience in the United States, Europe 
and Asia. Previously, he was CEO of Reva 
Systems, acquired by ODIN, and Xedia 
Corporation, acquired by Lucent. He  
has provided strategic advisory services  
to a number of leading multi-national IT 
companies including technology vendors, 
distributors and services companies. 
Ashley began his career at IBM Research 
& Development in the UK. He is a 
graduate of Imperial College, London  
with a degree in Physics and an 
Associate of the Royal College  
of Science.

Prior to joining the Company, Andrew  
was with the Datatec Limited group in a 
number of roles between 2000 and 2009 
including the Logicalis Group Operations 
Director and Corporate Finance and 
Strategy Director. He led the Logicalis 
acquisition strategy, acquiring and 
integrating 12 companies in the US, UK, 
Europe and South America. Prior to this, 
Andrew gained considerable corporate 
finance experience in London with 
Standard Bank, West Deutsche 
Landesbank and Coopers & Lybrand.  
He trained and qualified as a chartered 
accountant and has a bachelor’s degree 
in commerce from the University of  
Natal, South Africa. 

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201521

Richard Last
Non-executive Director
Age: 58
Appointed: 22 May 2008

Andrew Lloyd
Non-executive Director
Age: 49
Appointed: 19 November 2012

Duncan Swallow
Company Secretary
Age: 51
Appointed: 1 November 2007

Richard is Chairman of a number of 
companies including Servelec Group plc, 
and Tribal Group plc, UK technology 
groups quoted on the London Stock 
Exchange; Gamma Communications plc, 
a UK telecommunications service 
provider which is listed on AIM; 
Arcontech Group PLC, a provider of IT 
solutions for the financial services sector 
which is listed on AIM; Lighthouse Group 
plc, an AIM listed financial services 
group; and the British Smaller Technology 
Companies VCT 2 plc, a fully listed 
Venture Capital Trust. He is also a director 
of a number of private companies. 
Richard is a Fellow of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in England and 
Wales (FCA). Richard is chairman of the 
Corero Audit Committee. 

Andrew has been involved in the IT 
software and systems sector for more 
than 25 years. His career has included 
roles in early stage companies, high-
growth pre-IPO ventures as well as  
large corporations such as Computer 
Associates and Oracle. He is currently 
Chief Customer Officer of workforce 
management software company 
Workplace Systems Limited and 
previously was Senior Vice President  
of PRISMTECH Group’s OpenSplice 
business. Andrew has a BSc (Hons), 
Electronic and Electrical Engineering  
from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.  
Andrew is chairman of the Corero 
Remuneration Committee. 

Duncan is responsible for the  
Company secretarial function and  
is also the Group Financial Controller. 
Prior to joining the Company, Duncan  
was Divisional Financial Controller  
for CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business, 
specialising in providing books, online 
information, software, CPD and fee 
protection to tax and accounting 
professionals. He is a fellow of  
the Association of Chartered  
Certified Accountants.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201522

Directors’ Report

for the year ended 31 December 2015

Group results
The Group’s Statement of Comprehensive Income on page 31 shows a loss for the year of $11.2 million (2014: $10.1 million).

Going concern
The financial position and cash flows are described in the Strategic Report on pages 10 and 11. An indication of likely future 
developments affecting the Company is included in the Strategic Report on pages 9 and 18. 

Forecasts and projections, taking into account reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Company  
and Group will be able to operate within the level of current cash balances and facilities.

The Directors are satisfied, in view of the cash reserves of $2.7 million (2014: $6.0 million) held on the balance sheet at 
31 December 2015 and the cash to be raised by the fund raise which will be announced by the Company on 21 April 2016,  
that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future.

For this reason the going concern basis has been adopted in preparing the accounts.

Dividends
The Directors have not recommended a dividend (2014: $nil).

Share capital
The issued share capital of the Company, together with details of movements in the Company’s issued share capital during the 
financial period are shown in note 24 to the financial statements. As at the date of this report, 165,637,416 ordinary shares of 1p 
each (‘ordinary shares’) were in issue and fully paid with an aggregate nominal value of $2.6 million.

The market price of the ordinary shares at 31 December 2015 was 15.5p and the shares traded in the range 10.25p to 15.5p  
during the year.

Issue of shares
At the AGM held on 17 June 2015, shareholders granted authority to the Board under the Articles and section 551 of the Companies 
Act 2006 (the ‘Act’) to exercise all powers of the Company to allot relevant securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of 
£385,458. It is proposed at the forthcoming AGM to renew the authority to allot relevant securities up to an aggregate nominal 
amount of £552,125, being one-third of the nominal value of the current issued share capital.

Also at the AGM held on 17 June 2015, shareholders granted authority to the Board under the Articles and section 570(1) of the Act 
to exercise all powers of the Company to allot equity securities wholly for cash up to an aggregate nominal amount of £115,637 
without application of the statutory pre-emption rights contained in section 561 (1) of the Act. It is proposed at the forthcoming AGM 
to renew the authority to allot relevant securities wholly for cash up to an aggregate nominal amount of £165,637 being 10%  
of the current nominal value of the issued share capital, without application of the statutory pre-emption rights.

Substantial shareholdings
The Company has been notified of the following holdings that are 3% or more of the Group’s ordinary share capital as at  
20 April 2016:

Ordinary shares of 1 pence each

Jens Montanana*

Richard John Koch

Herald Investment Management

Sabvest Capital Holdings Limited

Peter Kennedy Gain**

Number

65,440,354

23,841,000

13,561,723

13,000,000

10,533,333

%

39.5

14.4

8.2

7.8

6.4

*  of which 20,936,545 are held in the name of JPM International Limited, which is wholly owned by Jens Montanana, and 12,000,000 are held in the name of 

The New Millennium Technology Trust of which Jens Montanana is a beneficiary. 

**of which 4,900,000 shares are held in the name of Draper Gain Investments Ltd

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015GOVERNANCE23

Directors and directors’ interests
The directors who served in office during the year and up to the date of this report and their interests in the Company’s shares were 
as follows:

Ordinary shares held

Jens Montanana

Ashley Stephenson

Andrew Miller

Richard Last

Andrew Lloyd 

 20 April 2016

31 December 2015

31 December 2014

Number

65,440,354

38,000

823,255

1,316,667

–

%

Number

%

Number

39.5

65,440,354

39.5

45,690,354

0.0

0.5

0.8

–

38,000

823,255

1,316,667

–

0.0

0.5

0.8

–

38,000

723,255

1,066,667

–

%

39.5

0.0

0.8

0.9

–

The biographical details of the current Directors of the Company are given on pages 20 and 21.

Jens Montanana, Ashley Stephenson, Andrew Miller, Richard Last and Andrew Lloyd hold share options, details of which are  
shown in note 30 to the Financial Statements. 

Directors’ indemnities
The Company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its Directors. These remain in force at the  
date of this report.

Financial risk management objectives and policies
Capital management
The Group monitors its available capital, which it considers to be all components of equity against its expected requirements. 

The Group’s objectives when maintaining capital are to safeguard the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can 
continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders, and to ensure that sufficient funds can be raised for 
investing activities. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may return capital to shareholders, issue new 
shares, or sell assets to reduce debt. The Group does not review its capital requirements according to any specified targets or ratios.

Treasury management
The objectives of Group treasury policies are to ensure that adequate financial resources are available for development of the 
business while at the same time managing financial risks. Financial instruments are used to reduce financial risk exposures arising 
from the Group’s business activities and not for speculative purposes.

The Group’s treasury activities are managed by the Group finance function under the direction of the Group Financial Controller.  
The Group Financial Controller reports to the Board on the implementation of Group treasury policy.

The Group’s business activities expose it to a variety of financial risks. The policies for managing these risks are described below:

•  Liquidity risk – arises from the Group’s management of working capital and finance charges. It is the risk that the Group will 
encounter difficulty in meetings its financial obligations as they fall due. Liquidity risk is managed by the finance function. 
Budgets are agreed by the Board annually in advance enabling the Group’s cash flow requirements to be anticipated

•  Credit risk – arises from cash and cash equivalents and from credit exposures to the Group’s customers including outstanding 
receivables and committed transactions. Credit risk is managed with regular reports of exposures reviewed by management.  
The Group does not set individual credit limits but will seek to ensure that customers enter into legally enforceable contracts  
that include settlement terms that demonstrate the customers’ commitment to the transaction and minimise this risk exposure

The amounts of trade receivables presented in the Statement of Financial Position are shown net of allowances for doubtful accounts 
estimated by management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment (note 17).

The credit risk on liquid funds and financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with acceptable credit 
ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201524

Directors’ Report continued

for the year ended 31 December 2015

Financial risk management objectives and policies continued
Treasury management continued
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a number of customers.

•  Cash flow interest rate risk – the Group’s policy is to minimise interest rate cash flow risk exposure on its financing. The Group’s 
policy is to balance the risk in relation to cash balances held by spreading these across a number of financial institutions as 
opposed to maximising interest income

•  Currency risk – there is no material impact on the Group’s profit or loss for the year from exchange rate movements, as foreign currency 
transactions are entered into by Group companies whose functional currency is aligned with the currencies in which it transacts

The principal risk which applies to the parent Company’s financial statements is the risk that the returns generated by the 
subsidiaries might not support the carrying value of the cost of the investments in subsidiaries. The carrying value is tested at least 
annually for impairment and if necessary impaired. 

Environment
The Group’s activities are primarily office based and as such the directors believe that there is no significant environmental impact 
arising from the Group’s activities. The Group complies with local WEEE regulations. No environmental performance indicators are 
therefore included within this report. The Group’s environmental policy states: “We endeavour to recycle appropriate materials 
where possible and to efficiently use natural resources and energy supplies so as to minimise our environmental impact. We will 
comply with the relevant statutes and legislation. Furthermore employees are encouraged to be environmentally aware. Company 
cars are not provided.”

Research and development
The development of computer software is an integral part of the Group’s business and the Group continues to develop its core 
software in response to user demand, and particularly the changing IT security threat landscape, and changes in software 
technology. During the year the Group enhanced its existing products and developed new products. A capital investment of 
$2.3 million (2014: $3.6 million) was made during the year. Amortisation and impairment of $3.3 million (2014: $1.1 million) was 
charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income during the year. 

Employees
The quality and commitment of the Group’s employees has played a major role in the Company’s progress. This has been 
demonstrated in many ways, including strong customer satisfaction, the development of new product offerings and the flexibility 
employees have shown in adapting to changing business requirements. The Group operates sales commission, incentive bonus 
plans and share option plans to provide incentives for achievements which add value to the business.

Post balance sheet event
On 21 April 2016 Corero will announce a conditional firm placing and subscription to raise $11.5 million before expenses and an 
open offer of $1.4 million, which are subject to shareholder approval at a general meeting of the Company on 9 May 2016.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held at the offices of Redleaf Communications, First Floor, 4 London Wall Buildings, London, EC2M 5NT, on  
15 June 2016 at 9.30 a.m. The notice convening the meeting is on page 61 together with details of the business to be considered. 

Auditors
In so far as each director is aware:

•  there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and

•  the directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information 

and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information

A resolution to re-appoint BDO LLP for the ensuing year will be proposed at the AGM.

By order of the Board

Duncan Swallow
Company Secretary 
20 April 2016

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015GOVERNANCE25

Corporate Governance Report

As an AIM listed company, Corero is not required to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code however, the Company has 
regard to the requirements of the Code and its activities in these areas are described below.

The Board
Corero recognises its responsibility to provide entrepreneurial and responsible leadership to the Group within a framework of prudent 
and effective controls (described below) allowing assessment and management of the key issues and risks impacting the business. 

The Board sets Corero’s overall strategic direction, reviews management performance and ensures that the Group has the 
necessary financial and human resources in place to meet its objectives. The Board is satisfied that the necessary controls and 
resources exist within the Group to enable these responsibilities to be met.

Operational management of the Group is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.

The Board of Directors comprises the non-executive chairman, two executive directors and two non-executive directors whose 
Board and Committee responsibilities as at 31 December 2015 are set out below:

Jens Montanana

Ashley Stephenson

Andrew Miller

Richard Last

Andrew Lloyd 

Board

Chairman

Member

Member

Member

Member

Audit

Remuneration

Member

Member

Chairman

Member

Chairman

The composition of the Board of Directors is reviewed regularly. Appropriate training, briefings, and induction are available to all 
directors on appointment and subsequently as necessary, taking into account existing qualifications and experience.

Richard Last and Andrew Lloyd are considered to be independent. 

Executive directors’ normal retirement age is 60 and non-executive directors’ normal retirement age is 65. One third of all directors 
are subject to annual reappointment by shareholders as well as any director appointed by the Board in the period since the last 
AGM. Richard Last and Andrew Lloyd will be offering themselves for re-election at the forthcoming AGM.

The Board of Directors meets on average once a quarter and additional meetings are held each year to review and approve the 
Group’s strategy and financial plans for the coming year. Each director is provided with sufficient information to enable them to 
consider matters in good time for meetings and enable them to discharge their duties properly.

All directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary. There is also a procedure in place for any director to 
take independent professional advice if necessary, at the Company’s expense.

The Board also ensures that the principal goal of the Company is to create shareholder value, while having regard to other 
stakeholder interests and takes responsibility for setting the Company’s values and standards. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201526

Corporate Governance Report continued

The Board continued
There is a documented schedule of matters reserved for the Board, the most significant of which are:

•  responsibility for the overall strategy and management of the Group;

•  approval of strategic plans and budgets and any material changes to them;

•  approval of the acquisition or disposal of subsidiaries and major investments, projects and contracts;

•  oversight of the Group’s operations ensuring competent and prudent management, sound planning and management  

of adequate accounting and other records;

•  changes relating to the Group’s capital structure;

•  final approval of the annual and interim financial statements and accounting policies;

•  approval of the dividend policy;

•  ensuring an appropriate system of internal control and risk management is in place;

•  approval of changes to the structure, size and composition of the Board;

•  review of the management structure and senior management responsibilities;

•  with the assistance of the Remuneration Committee, approval of remuneration policies across the Group;

•  delegation of the Board’s powers and authorities;

•  consideration of the independence of the non-executive directors; and

•  receiving reports on the views of the Company’s shareholders

In the year ended 31 December 2015, the Board received monthly briefings on the Group’s performance (including detailed 
commentary and analysis), key issues and risks affecting the Group’s business. 

The Company maintains liability insurance for its directors and officers. The Company has also entered into indemnity agreements 
with the Directors, in terms of which the Company has indemnified its directors, subject to the Companies Act limitations, against 
any liability arising out of the exercise of the directors’ powers, duties and responsibilities as a director or officer.

In the year ended 31 December 2015 the Board met on four scheduled occasions; further meetings and conference calls were held 
as and when necessary. Details of Directors’ attendance at scheduled meetings in the year to 31 December 2015 is shown in the 
table below: 

Meetings attended

Jens Montanana

Ashley Stephenson

Andrew Miller

Richard Last

Andrew Lloyd 

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

4/4

Board Committees
The Company has an Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee, details of which are set out below.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee members comprise Richard Last, who is the committee chairman, and Jens Montanana, and meets twice a 
year. The Group Chief Financial Officer and Group Financial Controller, and the Company’s external auditors attend the meetings. 
The Audit Committee considers the adequacy and effectiveness of the risk management and control systems of the Group. It 
reviews the scope and results of the external audit, its cost effectiveness and the objectivity of the auditors. It also reviews, prior  
to publication, the interim financial statements, preliminary results announcement, the annual financial statements and the other 
information included in the annual report. 

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015GOVERNANCE27

The Audit Committee met twice in the year ended 31 December 2015. The attendance of individual Committee members at Audit 
Committee meetings in the year to 31 December 2015 is shown in the table below: 

Meetings attended
Richard Last
Jens Montanana

2/2
2/2

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises Andrew Lloyd, who is the committee chairman, Jens Montanana and Richard Last. It 
meets at least twice a year and reviews and advises upon the remuneration and benefits packages of the executive directors.  
The remuneration of the chairman and non-executive directors is decided upon by the Board of Directors. 

In the year ended 31 December 2015, the Remuneration Committee Board met on two scheduled occasions; further meetings and 
conference calls were held as and when necessary. The attendance of individual Committee members at Remuneration Committee 
meetings in the year to 31 December 2015 is shown in the table below: 

Meetings attended
Andrew Lloyd
Jens Montanana
Richard Last

2/2
2/2
2/2

Nominations Committee
Due to the size of the Board of Directors, the directors do not consider there to be any need for a nominations committee. Issues 
that would normally be dealt with by a nominations committee are handled by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will 
review the need for a nominations committee on a regular basis.

Internal controls
The directors are responsible for the Group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness whilst the role of 
management is to implement policies on risk management and control. The Group’s system of internal control is designed to 
manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve the Group’s business objectives and can only provide reasonable, and 
not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The Board continually reviews the effectiveness of other internal controls, including financial, operational, compliance controls and 
risk management. There were no specific reports tabled during the year ended 31 December 2015. 

The Group operates a risk management process, which is embedded in normal management and governance processes. As part of 
the annual and budgeting process, the Group documents the significant risks identified, the probability of those risks occurring, 
their potential impact and the plans for managing and mitigating each of those risks. 

The Group operates a series of controls to meet its needs. These controls include, but are not limited to, the annual strategic 
planning and budgeting process, a clearly defined organisational structure with authorisation limits, reviews by senior management 
of monthly financial and operating information including comparisons with budgets, monthly treasury and cash flow reports and 
forecasts to the Board. 

The Audit Committee receives reports from management and observations from the external auditors concerning the system  
of internal control and any material control weaknesses. Significant risk issues, if any, are referred to the Board of Directors  
for consideration.

The Board of Directors makes an annual assessment of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control system, including financial, 
operational and compliance controls, before making this statement. The Board of Directors also considers issues included in 
reports received during the year, how the risks have changed during the year and reviews any reports prepared on internal controls 
by management and any issues identified by external auditors. 

The Board of Directors does not believe it is currently appropriate to establish a separate, independent internal audit function given 
the size of the Group.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201528

Corporate Governance Report continued

Remuneration report
The Remuneration Committee’s principal function is to set remuneration of the Group’s executive directors and management  
to ensure they are fairly compensated. 

Basic salaries are set to ensure high quality executive directors and management are attracted and retained by the Group.  
They reflect the knowledge, skill and experience of each individual director. Bonuses are non-pensionable and only payable  
if the Remuneration Committee assesses the director’s achievements as worthy of the award.

The Remuneration Committee is also responsible for ensuring the Group’s share option schemes are operated properly.  
Details of directors’ share options at 31 December 2015 are disclosed in note 30 of the Financial Statements.

Details of directors’ remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2015 is set out in note 27 of the Financial Statements.  
Jens Montanana has elected to waive the fees payable to him for the financial year ended 31 December 2015.

Ashley Stephenson, executive director, has a service agreement which provides for the payment of six months’ base salary if  
the agreement is terminated by the Company without cause. 

Andrew Miller, executive director, has an employment agreement which is terminable by either party on not less than three months’ 
written notice increasing by one month at the end of each complete 12 month period of continuous employment provided that the 
notice period shall not exceed six months in total. The agreement contains provisions for early termination in certain circumstances.

None of the Non-executive Directors has a service agreement. Letters of appointment for Jens Montanana, Richard Last and 
Andrew Lloyd are for 12 month terms and provide that the appointment may be terminated by either party giving to the other not 
less than three months’ notice. 

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015GOVERNANCE29

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law  
and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have  
elected to prepare the Group and Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards  
as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless  
they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that 
period. The directors are also required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange 
for companies trading securities on the AIM. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•  state whether applicable IFRSs have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the  

financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will  

continue in business

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and enable them to ensure that 
the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group 
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial statements are made available on a website. Financial 
statements are published on the Company’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation 
and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of 
the Company’s website is the responsibility of the directors. The directors’ responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the 
financial statements contained therein.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015 
30

Independent Auditor’s Report

to the members of Corero Network Security plc

We have audited the financial statements of Corero Network Security plc for the year ended 31 December 2015 which comprise the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated and company statements of financial position, the group and 
company statements of cash flows, the consolidated and company statements of changes in equity and the related notes. 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. 

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.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion 
on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those 
standards require us to comply with the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/
auditscopeukprivate.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion: 

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

31 December 2015 and of the group’s loss 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

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the strategic report and directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where 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 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

Gary Hanson (senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, statutory auditor
London
United Kingdom
20 April 2016

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 December 2015

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Operating expenses before highlighted items 

Depreciation and amortisation of intangible assets

12,13,14

Note

5

6

8

Operating expenses 

Operating loss

Finance income

Finance costs

Loss before taxation

Taxation

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive expense

Difference on translation of UK functional currency entities

Total comprehensive expense for the year 

Total loss for the year attributable to: 

Equity holders of the parent

Total

Total comprehensive expense for the year attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

Total 

Total 
2015 
$’000

8,340

(2,073)

6,267

(12,699)

(5,174)

(17,873)

(11,606)

11

(20)

Total 
2014*
Restated 
$’000

7,477

(1,661)

5,816

(12,961)

(3,272)

(16,233)

(10,417)

22

(24)

(11,615)

(10,419)

382

358

(11,233)

(10,061)

(482)

(11,715)

(479)

(10,540)

(11,233)

(11,233)

(10,061)

(10,061)

(11,715)

(11,715)

(10,540)

(10,540)

Basic and diluted loss per share

Basic and diluted loss per share

2015 
Cents

(8.5)

2014
Cents

(11.5)

10

* Support department costs of $1.7million previously included in Cost of sales are now included in Operating expenses before highlighted items.

The notes on pages 37 to 60 form part of these financial statements.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201532

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

as at 31 December 2015

Assets

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Acquired intangible assets

Capitalised development expenditure

Property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Deferred income

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities

Deferred income

Deferred taxation

Net assets

Total equity attributable to owners of the parent

Ordinary share capital

Deferred share capital

Capital redemption reserve

Share premium

Share options reserve

Translation reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

Note

2015
 $’000

2014 
$’000

11

12

13

14

17

16

17

18

19

21

21

22

24

24

25

26

17,983

375

7,620

893

228

27,099

661

3,738

2,706

7,105

(2,551)

–

(3,791)

(6,342)

763

(1,439)

(85)

(1,524)

26,338

2,573

–

7,051

56,835

282

232

(40,635)

26,338

17,983

1,548

8,624

1,175

87

29,417

749

2,724

6,036

9,509

(2,362)

(20)

(4,055)

(6,437)

3,072

(1,570)

(467)

(2,037)

30,452

1,804

7,051

–

50,000

285

714

(29,402)

30,452

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 20 April 2016 and signed on their behalf.

Andrew Miller
Director

The notes on pages 37 to 60 form part of these financial statements.

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCompany Statement of Financial Position

as at 31 December 2015

Assets

Non-current assets

Investments in subsidiaries

Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Net current assets

Net assets

Equity

Ordinary share capital

Deferred share capital

Capital redemption reserve

Share premium

Share options reserve

Translation reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

33

Note

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

15

17

18

24

24

25

26

28,797

15,958

44,755

42,747

12,761

55,508

2,463

5,123

(202)

2,261

47,016

2,573

–

7,051

56,835

282

(3,755)

(15,970)

47,016

(223)

4,900

60,408

1,804

7,051

–

50,000

285

(219)

1,487

60,408

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 20 April 2016 and signed on their behalf.

Andrew Miller
Director

The notes on pages 37 to 60 form part of these financial statements. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201534

Statements of Cash Flows

for the year ended 31 December 2015 

Cash flows from operating activities

Note

(Loss)/profit for the year

Adjustments for:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

Amortisation and impairment of capitalised 
development expenditure

Depreciation 

Finance income

Finance expense

Taxation

Share-based payment credit

Increase in provision

Decrease /(increase) in inventories

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other 
receivables

(Increase)/decrease in payables

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of intangible assets

Capitalised development expenditure

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Payments made to subsidiaries

Group

Company

2015 
$’000

2014
 $’000

(11,233)

(10,061)

2015
 $’000

(17,457)

2014 
$’000

402

12

13

14

8

30

12

13

14

1,210

1,229

3,289

675

(11)

20

(382)

(3)

–

88

(1,167)

(168)

(7,682)

(37)

(2,285)

(392)

–

1,118

925

(22)

24

(358)

(8)

–

(334)

893

1,234

(5,360)

(142)

(3,621)

(844)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(376)

(395)

–

–

(3)

17,835

–

4

72

75

–

–

–

–

–

(8)

–

–

(4)

47

42

–

–

–

(9,914)

(9,914)

(11,057)

(11,057)

Net cash used in investing activities

(2,714)

(4,607)

Cash flows from financing activities

Net proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital

7,604

6,964

7,604

6,964

Finance income

Finance expense

Repayment of credit facility

Net cash from financing activities

Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash 
equivalents

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

11

(20)

(20)

7,575

(509)

(3,330)

6,036

2,706

22

(24)

(236)

6,726

(498)

(3,739)

9,775

6,036

11

–

–

21

–

–

7,615

6,985

(436)

(2,660)

5,123

2,463

(473)

(4,503)

9,626

5,123

The notes on pages 37 to 60 form part of these financial statements.

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS35

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2015

Share 
capital 
$’000

8,384

–

–

–

–

471

471

8,855

–

–

–

–

769

1 January 2014

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive expense 
for the year

Contributions by and 
distributions to owners

Share-based payments

Issue of share capital

Total contributions by and 
distributions to owners

31 December 2014

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive expense 
for the year

Contributions by and 
distributions to owners

Share-based payments

Issue of share capital

Shares purchased for 
cancellation

Total contributions by and 
distributions to owners

31 December 2015

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
$’000

Share 
premium 
account 
$’000

Share 
options 
reserve
 $’000

Translation 
reserve 
$’000

Retained 
earnings 
$’000

Total 
attributable 
to equity 
holders of 
the parent 
$’000

43,507

293

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6,493

6,493

50,000

–

–

–

–

6,835

–

–

–

(8)

–

(8)

285

–

–

–

(3)

–

–

1,193

–

(479)

(19,341)

(10,061)

–

34,036

(10,061)

(479)

(479)

(10,061)

(10,540)

–

–

–

714

–

(482)

–

–

–

(29,402)

(8)

6,964

6,956

30,452

(11,233)

(11,233)

–

(482)

(482)

(11,233)

(11,715)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3)

7,604

–

7,601

232

(40,635)

26,338

(7,051)

7,051

–

(6,282)

2,573

7,051

7,051

6,835

56,835

(3)

282

The share capital comprises the nominal values of all shares issued.

The capital redemption reserve comprises the amount transferred from deferred shares on redemption of the deferred shares.

The share premium account comprises the amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of the nominal value.

The share options reserve represents the cost to the Group of share options. 

The translation reserve arises on retranslating the net assets of UK operations into US dollars.

The retained earnings are all other net gains and losses and transactions with owners not recognised elsewhere.

The notes on pages 37 to 60 form part of these financial statements.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201536

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2015 

Share 
capital 
$’000

8,384

–

–

–

–

471

471

8,855

–

–

–

–

769

1 January 2014

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive expense 
for the year

Contributions by and 
distributions to owners

Share-based payments

Issue of share capital

Total contributions by and 
distributions to owners

31 December 2014

Loss for the year 

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive expense 
for the year

Contributions by and 
distributions to owners

Share-based payments

Issue of share capital

Shares purchased for 
cancellation

Total contributions by and 
distributions to owners

31 December 2015

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
$’000

Share 
premium 
account 
$’000

Share 
options 
reserve 
$’000

Translation 
reserve 
$’000

Retained 
earnings 
$’000

Total 
equity 
$’000

43,507

293

3,259

1,085

56,528

–

–

–

–

6,493

6,493

50,000

–

–

–

–

6,835

–

–

–

–

–

(8)

–

(8)

–

(3,478)

(3,478)

–

–

–

402

–

402

–

–

–

285

(219)

1,487

402

(3,478)

(3,076)

(8)

6,964

6,956

60,408

–

–

–

(3)

–

–

–

(17,457)

(17,457)

(3,536)

–

(3,536)

(3,536)

(17,457)

(20,993)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3,755)

(15,970)

(3)

7,604

–

7,601

47,016

(7,051)

7,051

–

(6,282)

2,573

7,051

7,051

6,835

56,835

(3)

282

The notes on pages 37 to 60 form part of these financial statements. 

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS37

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. General information
Presentation currency
These consolidated financial statements 
are presented in US Dollars (“$”) which 
represents the presentation currency  
of the Group. The average $-GBP  
sterling (“GBP”) exchange rate, used  
for the conversion of the statement of 
comprehensive income, for the 12 months 
ended 31 December 2015 was  
1.53 (2014: 1.65). The closing $-GBP  
exchange rate, used for the conversion  
of the Group’s assets and liabilities, at  
31 December 2015 was 1.48 (2014: 1.56). 

Corero Network Security plc is a public 
limited company incorporated in the 
United Kingdom under the Companies 
Act 2006.

2. Significant accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation
The Group and parent Company financial 
statements have been prepared in 
accordance with EU endorsed 
International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS), International Financial 
Reporting Interpretations Committee 
(IFRIC) interpretations and those parts of 
the Companies Act 2006 applicable to 
companies reporting under IFRS. 

2.2 Going Concern
The financial statements have been 
prepared on a going concern basis. 

The directors have prepared detailed 
income statement, balance sheet and 
cash flow projections for the period to 
31 December 2017. These include the 
cash to be raised by the fund raise which 
will be announced by the Company on  
21 April 2016. The cash flow projections 
have been subjected to sensitivity 
analysis at the revenue, cost and 
combined revenue and cost levels.  
The cash flow projections show that  
the Group will maintain a positive cash 
balance until at least December 2017.

As a result, the directors are of the 
opinion that the Group has adequate 
working capital to continue as a going 
concern for the foreseeable future and,  
in particular, for a period of at least  
12 months from the date of approval  
of these financial statements. 

2.3 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements 
incorporate the results, assets, liabilities 
and cash flows of the Company and each 
of its subsidiaries for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2015. 

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by  
the Group. Control is deemed to exist 
when the Group has all of the following 
elements a) power over the subsidiary, b) 
exposure or rights to variable returns from 
that subsidiary, c) ability to use its power 
to affect the amount of the return from  
the subsidiary. The results, assets, 
liabilities and cash flows of subsidiaries 
are included in the consolidated  
financial statements from the date  
control commences until the date that 
control ceases.

Where necessary, adjustments are made 
to the financial statements of subsidiaries 
to bring the accounting policies used into 
line with those used by the Group.

Intra-group balances and transactions  
are eliminated on consolidation.

2.4 Business combinations
The acquisition method is used to 
account for all acquisitions. The cost of 
an acquisition is measured at the fair 
values, on the date of exchange, of assets 
given, liabilities incurred or assumed,  
and equity instruments issued. 

At the date of acquisition, the identifiable 
assets and liabilities and contingent 
liabilities of a subsidiary are measured  
at their fair values. Any excess of the cost 
of acquisition over the fair values of the 
identifiable net assets acquired is 
recognised as goodwill.

2.5 Revenue
Revenue is measured at the fair value of 
the consideration received or receivable 
and represents the amounts receivable 
for services provided in the normal 
course of business, net of all related 
discounts and sales tax.

The Group has adopted the following 
policy in respect of revenue recognition:

1. Hardware and Software Products
When a sales arrangement contains 
multiple elements, such as hardware and 
software products, licenses and/or 
services, the Group allocates revenue to 
each element based on a selling price 
hierarchy, having evaluated each 
deliverable in an arrangement to 
determine whether they represent 
separate units of accounting. A 
deliverable constitutes a separate unit of 
accounting when it has standalone value.

The selling price for a deliverable is based 
on its vendor specific objective evidence 
(“VSOE”) if available, third party evidence 
(“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or best 
estimated selling price (“BESP”) if neither 
VSOE nor TPE is available. In multiple 
element arrangements where more-than-
incidental software deliverables are 
included, revenue is allocated to each 
separate unit, accounting for each of  
the non-software deliverables and to  
the software deliverables as a group 
using the relative selling prices of each  
of the deliverables in the arrangement 
based on the aforementioned selling  
price hierarchy.

The Group establishes the VSOE of 
selling price using the price charged for  
a deliverable when sold separately. The 
TPE of selling price is established by 
evaluating similar and interchangeable 
competitor products or services in 
standalone sales to similarly situated 
customers. The best estimate of selling 
price is established considering both 
internal and external factors such as 
pricing practices, customer pricing 
strategies, margin objectives, market 
conditions, competitor pricing strategies, 
and industry technology lifecycles.

2. Consulting and Professional Services
Revenue from the provision of 
consultancy and professional services is 
recognised as the work is performed.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201538

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

2. Significant accounting policies 
continued
3. Maintenance and Support Services
Revenue is recognised on a straight line 
basis over the life of the agreement.

2.6 Cost of sales
Cost of sales includes all direct costs 
associated with revenue generation, 
including services delivery, operation 
costs and amounts charged by external 
third parties for services and goods 
directly related to revenue. Examples of 
such costs would include, but not be 
limited to, royalties and third party 
hardware and software costs. 

2.7 Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are 
translated at the exchange rate ruling at 
the date of each transaction. Foreign 
currency monetary assets and liabilities 
are retranslated using the exchange rates 
at the reporting date. Gains and losses 
arising from changes in exchange rates 
after the date of the transaction are 
recognised in profit or loss in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

Non-monetary assets and liabilities that 
are measured in terms of historical cost  
in a foreign currency are translated at  
the exchange rate at the date of the 
original transaction.

In the consolidated financial statements, 
the net assets of the Group’s UK 
operations are translated into US dollars 
at the exchange rate at the reporting date. 
Income and expense items are translated 
into US dollars at the average exchange 
rates for the period. The resulting 
exchange differences are recognised in 
the translation reserve. 

2.8 Intangible assets
Internally generated intangible assets
The Group’s internally generated intangible 
asset relates to its development expenditure.

Development expenditure is capitalised 
only when it is probable that future 
economic benefit will result from the 
project and the following criteria are met:

•  The technical feasibility of the  
product has been ascertained;

•  Adequate, technical, financial and other 
resources are available to complete and 
sell or use the intangible asset;

•  The Group can demonstrate how the 
intangible asset will generate future 
economic benefits and the ability to 
use or sell the intangible asset can  
be demonstrated;

• 

It is the intention of management to 
complete the intangible asset and  
use it or sell it; and 

•  The development costs can be 

measured reliably

Expenditure not meeting these criteria  
is expensed in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income – Profit and Loss.

After initial recognition, internally 
generated intangible assets are carried at 
cost less accumulated amortisation and 
any impairment losses. Amortisation is 
charged once the asset is capable of 
generating economic benefits. 

Acquired intangible assets
Purchased computer software is carried 
at cost less accumulated amortisation 
and any impairment losses.

Customer contracts and the related 
customer relationships are carried at cost 
less accumulated amortisation and any 
impairment losses.

Identifiable intangible assets acquired as 
part of a business combination are initially 
recognised separately from goodwill, 
irrespective of whether the assets have 
been recognised by the acquiree before 
the business combination. An intangible 
asset is considered identifiable only if it is 
separable or if it arises from contractual 
or other legal rights, regardless of 
whether those rights are transferable or 
separable from the entity or from other 
rights and obligations.

Intangible assets acquired as part of a 
business combination and recognised by 
the Group are computer software, 
customer contracts and the related 
customer relationships.

After initial recognition, assets acquired 
as part of a business combination are 
carried at cost less accumulated 
amortisation and any impairment losses.

Amortisation
Intangible assets are amortised on a 
straight line basis, to reduce their carrying 
value to zero over their estimated useful 
lives. The following useful lives were 
applied during the year:

•  Computer software acquired –  

3 years straight line

•  Customer contracts and the related 
customer relationships – 7 years 
straight line

•  Capitalised development expenditure 

– 5 years straight line

Amortisation costs are included within 
operating expenses in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income.

Methods of amortisation and useful lives 
are reviewed, and if necessary adjusted, 
at each reporting date.

2.9 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at 
cost less accumulated depreciation and 
any impairment losses. Cost comprises 
the purchase cost of property, plant and 
equipment together with any directly 
attributable costs.

Subsequent costs are included in an 
assets carrying value or are recognised 
as a separate asset when it is probable 
that future economic benefits associated 
with the additional expenditure will flow to 
the Group and the cost of the item can be 
measured reliably. All other costs are 
charged to the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income – Profit and Loss 
as incurred.

Depreciation commences when an asset 
is available for use. Depreciation is 
calculated so as to write off the cost or 
value of an asset, net of anticipated 
disposal proceeds, over the useful life of 
that asset as follows:

•  Leasehold improvements – period of 

the lease straight line

•  Computer equipment – 3 years  

straight line

•  Fixtures and fittings – 5 years  

straight line

•  Office equipment – 5 years straight line

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 39

Methods of depreciation, residual values 
and useful lives are reviewed, and if 
necessary adjusted, at each balance 
sheet date.

The gain or loss arising from the disposal 
or retirement of an item of property, plant 
and equipment is determined as the 
difference between the net disposal 
proceeds and the carrying amount of the 
item, and is included in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income – Profit and Loss.

2.10 Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or 
net realisable value. Cost is computed 
using standard cost, which approximates 
actual cost, on a first-in, first-out basis. 
Rapid technological change and new 
product introductions and enhancements 
could result in excess or obsolete inventory. 

To minimise this risk, the Group evaluates 
inventory levels and expected usage on a 
periodic basis and records valuation 
allowances as required.

2.11 Impairment
At each reporting date, the Group 
assesses whether there is any indication 
that its assets have been impaired. If any 
such indication exists, the recoverable 
amount of the asset is estimated in order 
to determine the extent of any 
impairment. If it is not possible to 
estimate the recoverable amount of the 
individual asset, the recoverable amount 
of the cash-generating unit to which the 
asset belongs is determined.

The recoverable amount of an asset or a 
cash-generating unit is the higher of its 
fair value less costs to sell and its value in 
use. The value in use is the present value 
of the future cash flows expected to be 
derived from an asset or cash-generating 
unit. This present value is discounted 
using a pre-tax rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of 
money and of the risks specific to the 
asset for which future cash flow estimates 
have not been adjusted. If the recoverable 
amount of an asset is less than its 
carrying amount, the carrying amount of 
the asset is reduced to its recoverable 
amount. That reduction is recognised as 
an impairment loss.

An impairment loss relating to assets 
carried at cost less any accumulated 
depreciation or amortisation is 
recognised immediately in the Statement 
of Comprehensive Income – Profit  
and Loss.

Statement of Comprehensive Income – 
Profit and Loss over the period of the 
lease and is calculated so that it 
represents a constant proportion of  
the lease liability. The capital element 
reduces the balance owed to the lessor.

Where substantially all of the risks and 
rewards incidental to ownership are not 
transferred to the Company (an 
“operating lease”), the total rentals 
payable under the lease are charged to 
the Statement of Comprehensive Income 
– Profit and Loss on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term. The aggregate 
benefit of lease incentives are recognised 
as a reduction of the rental expense over 
the lease term on a straight-line basis.

2.13 Investments in subsidiaries
In the Company’s separate 
financial statements, investments in 
subsidiaries are carried at cost less  
any impairment provisions.

2.14 Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of 
current tax and deferred tax.

Current tax
Current tax is based on taxable profit for 
the year and is calculated using tax rates 
enacted or substantively enacted at the 
reporting date. Taxable profit differs from 
accounting profit either because items 
are taxable or deductible in periods 
different to those in which they are 
recognised in the financial statements,  
or because they are never taxable 
or deductible.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax on temporary differences at 
the reporting date between the tax bases 
of assets and liabilities and their carrying 
amounts for financial reporting purposes 
is accounted for using the balance sheet 
liability method.

Goodwill acquired in a business 
combination is, from the acquisition date, 
allocated to each of the cash-generating 
units or groups of cash-generating units 
that are expected to benefit from the 
synergies of the combination.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at least 
annually, and whenever there is an 
indication that the asset may be impaired.

An impairment loss is recognised for 
cash-generating units if the recoverable 
amount of the unit is less than the 
carrying amount of the unit. The 
impairment loss is allocated to reduce the 
carrying amount of the assets of the unit 
by first reducing the carrying amount of 
any goodwill allocated to the cash-
generating unit, and then reducing the 
carrying amounts of the other assets of 
the unit pro rata.

If an impairment loss subsequently 
reverses, the carrying amount of the asset 
is increased to the revised estimate of its 
recoverable amount but limited to the 
carrying amount that would have been 
determined had no impairment loss been 
recognised in prior years. A reversal of an 
impairment loss is recognised in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income - 
Profit and Loss. Impairment losses on 
goodwill are not subsequently reversed.

2.12 Leases
Where substantially all of the risks and 
rewards incidental to ownership of a 
leased asset are transferred to the 
Company (a “finance lease”), the asset is 
treated as if it had been purchased 
outright. The amount initially recognised 
as an asset is the lower of the fair value of 
the leased property and the present value 
of the minimum lease payments payable 
over the term of the lease. The 
corresponding lease commitment is 
shown as a liability. Lease payments are 
analysed between capital and interest. 
The interest element is charged to the 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201540

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

2. Significant accounting policies 
continued
Using the balance sheet liability method, 
deferred tax liabilities are recognised in 
full 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. However, if the temporary 
difference arises from the initial 
recognition of goodwill or the initial 
recognition of an asset or liability in a 
transaction other than a business 
combination, that at the time of the 
transaction affects neither accounting  
nor taxable profit, it is not recognised  
as deferred tax asset or liability.

Deferred taxation is measured at the  
tax rates that are expected to apply  
when the asset is realised, or the liability 
settled, based on tax rates and laws 
enacted or substantively enacted at  
the reporting date.

2.15 Provisions
A provision is recognised when, as a 
result of a past event, the Group has a 
legal or constructive obligation, it is 
probable that an outflow of resources 
embodying economic benefits will be 
required to settle the obligation and a 
reliable estimate of the amount of such  
an obligation can be made.

Provisions are measured at the best 
estimate of the expenditure required to 
settle the obligation at the reporting date. 
When the effect is material, the expected 
future cash flows required to settle the 
obligation are discounted at the pre-tax 
rate that reflects the current market 
assessments of the time value of money 
and the risks specific to the obligation.

2.16 Post-retirement benefits
The Group makes contributions in respect 
of certain employees to defined 
contribution pension plans under which it 
is required to pay fixed contributions to 
group and personal pension funds. 

Contributions to the schemes are based 
on a proportion of the employees’ 
earnings and are charged to the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income – 

Profit and Loss when incurred. The  
Group has no obligation beyond  
these contributions.

2.17 Financial instruments
The Group classifies financial 
instruments, or their component parts, on 
initial recognition as a financial asset, a 
financial liability or an equity instrument in 
accordance with the substance of the 
contractual arrangement.

Financial assets and financial liabilities 
are recognised in the Group’s statement 
of financial position when the Group 
becomes party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument.

The particular recognition and 
measurement methods adopted for  
the Group’s financial instruments are 
disclosed below:

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are stated  
at their fair value at time of initial 
recognition, reflecting where material  
the time value of money. A provision  
for impairment of trade receivables is 
established when there is evidence that 
the Group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the original 
terms of these receivables. The amount of 
the provision is the difference between 
the carrying value and the present value 
of estimated future cash flows, 
discounted at the original effective 
interest rate. 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash 
in hand, deposits on call with banks.

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are not interest 
bearing and are stated at their fair value 
at time of initial recognition. Thereafter 
they are accounted for at amortised cost.

2.18 Equity instruments
An equity instrument is any contract that 
evidences a residual interest in the assets 
of the Company after deducting all its 
liabilities. Equity instruments issued by 
the Company are recorded at the 
proceeds received, net of directly 
attributable issue costs.

2.19 Employee share option schemes
The Group operates an equity-settled 
share-based compensation plan. The fair 
value of the employees’ services received 
in exchange for the grant of share options 
is measured at grant date and recognised 
as an expense on a straight line basis 
over the vesting period, based on the 
Group’s estimate of shares that will 
eventually vest. Fair value is determined 
by reference to the Black-Scholes option 
pricing model.

At each reporting date, the Group revises 
its estimate of the number of options that 
are expected to become exercisable. 
When share options are exercised, the 
proceeds received, net of any transaction 
costs, are credited to share capital 
(nominal value) and share premium.

2.20 Receivables-backed working 
capital facility
The Group makes use of a receivables-
backed working capital facility. Trade 
receivables are recognised as the Group 
retains the significant risks and benefits. 
The related funding is shown as a 
financial liability and accounted for on  
an amortised cost basis.

2.21 Standards and Interpretations not 
yet effective
There are no standards and 
interpretations other than IFRS 15 and 16 
that are issued but not yet effective at the 
date of authorisation of these financial 
statements that the Group reasonably 
expects will have an impact on 
disclosures, financial position or 
performance when applied at a future 
date. The existing Group revenue 
recognition policy complies with IFRS 15 
– Revenue from contracts with 
customers. IFRS 16 – Leases will change 
the way the Group currently accounts for 
property operating leases. None of the 
standards that became effective during 
the year had a material impact on the 
preparation of the financial statements.

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 41

3. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
3.1 Critical judgements in applying the Group’s accounting policies
In the process of applying the Group accounting policies, the following judgements have had a significant effect on the amounts 
recognised in the financial statements:

Internally generated research and development costs
Management monitors progress of internal research and development projects. Judgement is required in distinguishing the 
research phase from the development phase. Development costs are recognised as an asset when all criteria are met, whereas 
research costs are expensed as incurred. Management monitors whether the recognition requirements for development costs 
continue to be met. This is necessary as the economic success of any product development is uncertain.

3.2 Key accounting estimates and assumptions
Key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a 
material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are as follows:

Impairment of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
The Group tests goodwill at least annually for impairment, and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.  
All other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are tested for impairment when indicators of impairment exist. 
Impairment is determined with reference to the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Value in use is estimated using 
discounted future cash flows. Significant assumptions are made in estimating future cash flows about future events including future 
market conditions, future growth rates and appropriate discount rates. Changes in these assumptions could affect the outcome of 
impairment reviews. Details of the main assumptions used in the assessment of the carrying value of the Group’s cash generating 
unit is set out in note 11.

Impairment of investments and intercompany balances (applies to the Company Financial Statements only)
The directors have reviewed the carrying value of the intercompany balances and cost of investments in subsidiaries of the 
Company with reference to current and future trading conditions. The investment and intercompany balances between the 
Company and Corero Network Security, Inc. and Corero Network Security (UK) Limited have been reviewed with reference to a 
valuation based on a discounted free cash flow which the directors consider to be an appropriate valuation methodology, in 
conjunction with the goodwill impairment review. 

Going Concern
The directors have reviewed the future profit and cash flow projections in conjunction with the current economic climate in order  
to express an opinion on the adequacy of working capital and the ability to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. 
The methodology contained in the projections are detailed in the note 2.2. 

4. Segment reporting
Business segments
The Group is managed according to one business unit Corero Network Security which makes up the Group’s reportable operating 
segment. This business unit forms the basis on which the Group reports its primary segment information to the Board, which 
management consider to be the Chief Operating Decision maker for the purposes of IFRS 8 Operating Segments. 

The Group’s revenues from external customers and its non-current assets are divided into the following geographical areas:

North America

EMEA

Other countries

Total

2015
Revenue
$’000

3,627

4,375

338

8,340

2015
Non-current 
assets
$’000

27,099

–

–

27,099

2014
Revenue
$’000

3,684

3,284

509

7,477

2014
Non-current 
assets 
$’000

29,417

–

–

29,417

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201542

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

4. Segment reporting continued
EMEA revenue analysis

UK

Europe

Other

Total

2015 
$’000

3,492

771

112

4,375

2014 
$’000

1,918

1,312

54

3,284

Revenues from external customers are identified on the basis of invoicing systems and adjusted to take into account the difference 
between invoiced amounts and deferred revenue adjustments required by IAS. 

The revenue is analysed as follows for each revenue category:

Hardware and licence revenue

Maintenance and support services revenue

Total

5. Finance income

Interest on bank deposits 

6. Finance costs

Bank interest payable (accounts receivable financing facility)

7. Loss for the year
The following items have been included in arriving at the loss for the year before taxation:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (note 12)

Amortisation of capitalised development (note 13)

Impairment of capitalised development (note 13)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 14)

Research and development cost 

Operating lease rentals payable

 2015
 $’000

2,879

5,461

8,340

2015
 $’000

11

2015 
$’000

20

20

2015 
$’000

1,210

2,446

843

675

2,285

384

2014 
$’000

2,467

5,010

7,477

 2014
 $’000

22

 2014 
$’000

24

24

2014 
$’000

1,229

1,118

–

925

3,621

324

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 43

2015
$’000

 2014
 $’000

84

15

21

–

120

83

15

26

3

127

2015 
$’000

382

2014 
$’000

358

Auditor’s remuneration

Remuneration received by the Company’s auditor or an associate 
of the Company’s auditor for the audit of these Financial Statements

The audit of the accounts of other group companies

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for taxation compliance services

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for taxation advisory services

8. Tax on loss on ordinary activities

Deferred tax credit for the year

The tax assessed on the loss on ordinary activities for the year differs from the weighted average UK corporate rate of tax of 
20.25% (2014: 21.5%). The differences are reconciled below:

Total tax reconciliation

Loss before taxation

Theoretical tax credit at UK Corporation tax rate 20.25% (2014: 21.5%)

Effect of:

– expenditure that is not tax deductible

– R&D tax credits

– accelerated capital allowances 

– losses not utilised

– deferred tax credit

Actual taxation credit

(11,615)

(2,352)

(10,419)

(2,240)

428

(130)

(6)

2,060

382

382

(296)

(277)

(1)

2,814

358

358

Factors affecting future tax charges
As at 31 December 2015, the Group’s cumulative fixed asset timing differences were $12,000 (2014: $811,000) and no deferred tax 
asset has been recognised in respect of these items.

In addition, the tax losses at that date amounted to $65.3 million (2014: $56.4 million). This comprised UK tax losses of $10.9 million 
and US tax losses of $54.4 million. $0.2 million of the tax losses relate to US capitalised R&D deductions which will be available at 
an accelerated level for one year. $9.0 million of the tax losses relate to pre-acquisition US tax losses which can be offset against 
taxable profits over 16 years (there is a limit on the utilisation of pre-acquisition tax losses of $0.7 million per annum and any unused 
loss may be carried forward to subsequent periods). All other US tax losses will expire in 20 years from the end of the accounting 
period in which the loss arose. UK tax losses do not expire.

The deferred tax assets of $2.0 million (2014: $1.8 million) at a rate 18%-19% relating to the UK tax losses and the deferred tax 
assets of $19.0 million (2014: $16.9 million) at a rate of 35% relating to the US tax losses and taxable temporary fixed asset 
differences have not been recognised due to uncertainties as to the extent and timing of their future recovery.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201544

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

9. Loss of the parent Company for the financial year
The Company has taken advantage of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not included an income statement in these 
financial statements. The parent Company’s loss for the year was $17.5 million (2014: profit $0.4 million).

10. Loss per share
Loss per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. The effects of anti-dilutive ordinary shares resulting from the exercise of share 
options are excluded from the calculation of the loss per share. Therefore the diluted loss per share is equal to the loss per share.

2015 
weighted 
average 
number of 1p 
shares 
Thousand

2015  
loss 
$’000

2015 
 loss per 
share 
Cents

2014 
weighted 
average 
number of 1p 
shares 
Thousand

2014 
loss 
$’000

Basic and diluted loss per share

(11,233)

132,761

(8.5)

(10,061)

87,446

11. Goodwill
Group

Cost

At 1 January 2014

At 31 December 2014

At 31 December 2015

Impairment

At 1 January 2014

At 31 December 2014

At 31 December 2015

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2015

At 31 December 2014

At 1 January 2014

2014 
loss per 
share 
Cents

(11.5)

$’000 

17,983

17,983

17,983

–

–

–

17,983

17,983

17,983

Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment and whenever there are indications that goodwill might be impaired.

Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s single cash-generating unit (CGU) Corero Network Security (“CNS”).

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 45

The recoverable amount for the CNS CGU was determined based on a discounted cash flow calculation using cash flow projections 
over a 10 year period (2014: 10 year period). The key assumptions for the discounted cash flow calculation are those regarding 
revenue growth and discount rates as summarised in the table below and commented on below: 

Forecast cash flow period

Extrapolated cash flow period

2015

2014

Years 1–2

Years 1–2

Years 3–10

Years 3–10

Cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) for revenue used for the forecast/extrapolated periods

14.5%

12.2%

Average revenue growth rates used for the forecast/extrapolated periods:

  Year 1–2 (forecast period)

  Years 3–5 (extrapolated period)

  Years 6–10 (extrapolated period)

Revenue growth rate used beyond the extrapolated period

Discount rate

Discount rate required for recoverable amount to equal carrying amount

Percentage reduction in forecast revenue for recoverable amount to equal carrying amount

68.8%

18.2%

4.0%

1.5%

18.0%

20.6%

9.0% 

85.6%

18.3%

4.0%

1.5%

15.7%

24.0%

14.0% 

Amount by which the CGU’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount

$7.7 million

$26.5 million

The pre-tax cash flows for the forecast period are derived from the most recent financial budget for the year ending 31 December 
2016 and the plan for the year ending 31 December 2017 approved by the Board. The extrapolation for the period 2018 to 2025 is 
based on management estimates (with the key assumptions set out below).

The future pre-tax cash flows are discounted by a WACC of 18.0%.

The key assumptions underlying the cash flow projections and which the recoverable amount is most sensitive to are (i) the revenue 
growth rates forecast and extrapolated for the period 2016 to 2020 (ii) and the discount rate. 

The cash flow forecasts assume a CAGR revenue growth of 29.2% in the period 2016 to 2020 (68.8% for the period 2016 to 2017) 
and 4.0% for the period 2021 to 2025 (a CAGR of 14.5% for 10 year forecast period). The management of the Group believe these 
growth rates are appropriate for the forecasts given the expected impact from the new product, SmartWall TDS which was launched 
in 2014 and started selling to customers in the second half of 2014. SmartWall TDS is expected to deliver a step change in revenue 
in the forecast period. 

These growth rates are supported by the fact that the IT security market is forecast to grow strongly for the foreseeable future. 

Worldwide spending on information security will reach $75 billion for 2015, an increase of 4.7% over 2014, according to the latest 
forecast from Gartner. The global cybersecurity market is expected to be worth $170 billion by 2020, according to security advisory 
firm SSP Blue. The cyber security market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2015 to 
2020, according to a report from Markets and Markets. 

The DDoS mitigation market is expected to almost double in the period 2014-2019 and exceed $1.0 billion per IDC Worldwide DDoS 
Prevention Products and Services Forecast, 2015-2019, September 2015.

The above market growth rates used in the future cash flow assumptions reflect that CNS is in the early stages of the commercial 
exploitation of its intellectual property. In addition, the business’ strategy is to continue to develop its product and solution offerings 
to remain a market leader in its chosen markets thereby providing the opportunity to generate above market average growth rates.

The growth rate assumed in the period beyond the 10 year extrapolation period of 1.5% is considered reasonable as historically IT 
spend has exceeded GDP growth.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201546

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

11. Goodwill continued
The discount rate is based on a cost of equity using the Capital Asset Pricing Model with the key inputs being a risk-free interest 
rate estimate of 3.0% (based on 30 year US government bonds), comparable company betas, an equity risk premium of 7.4%, and 
small company risk premium of 4.5%. The WACC has been assessed based on that fact that the Company had no gearing at 
31 December 2015. The WACC used in the valuation reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the  
risks specific to CNS.

As stated above, the valuation to support the value in use of the CNS CGU is highly sensitive to changes in cash flow forecasts  
and discount rate assumptions, and there is no guarantee that the expected growth will be achieved. If the expected growth is not 
achieved, this could result in a requirement to impair the goodwill associated with the CNS CGU in the future. If the revenue growth 
in 2016 and 2017 is reduced by 30% (which in the assessment of management is reasonably possible), and a 15.0% reduction is 
made to overheads, this would result in an impairment of the carrying value of goodwill at 31 December 2015 of $15.4 million. If  
the discount rate is increased by 50% (which in the assessment of management is reasonably possible), this would result in an 
impairment of goodwill of $12.3 million.

Apart from the considerations in determining the value in use of the CNS CGU described above, the management of the Group is 
not currently aware of any other reasonably possible changes that would necessitate changes in its key estimates.

12. Acquired intangible assets
Group

Cost

At 1 January 2014

Additions

At 31 December 2014

Additions

At 31 December 2015

Amortisation

At 1 January 2014

Charge for year

At 31 December 2014

Charge for year

At 31 December 2015

Net book value

At 31 December 2015

At 31 December 2014

At 1 January 2014

Company
The Company has no intangible fixed assets (2014: $nil).

Computer 
software 
$’000

Customer 
relationships 
$’000

5,782

142

5,924

37

5,961

(3,265)

(1,201)

(4,466)

(1,182)

(5,648)

313

1,458

2,517

197

–

197

–

197

(79)

(28)

(107)

(28)

(135)

62

90

118

Total  
$’000

5,979

142

6,121

37

6,158

(3,344)

(1,229)

(4,573)

(1,210)

(5,783)

375

1,548

2,635

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 13. Capitalised development expenditure
Group

Cost

At 1 January 2014

Additions

At 31 December 2014

Additions

At 31 December 2015

Amortisation

At 1 January 2014

Charge for year

At 31 December 2014

Charge for year

Impairment

At 31 December 2015

Net book value

At 31 December 2015

At 31 December 2014

At 1 January 2014

47

$’000 

7,229

3,621

10,850

2,285

13,135

(1,108)

(1,118)

(2,226)

(2,446)

(843)

(5,515)

7,620

8,624

6,121

The impairment recorded during 2015 of $843,000 related to expenditure on previous generation products. Corero announced  
their previous generation products end of life in mid-2015 which allowed customers to purchase products and support up to  
31 December 2015. Having identified that these products would no longer generate cash inflows in the future sufficient to support 
their carrying value, management determined an impairment should be recorded.

Company
The Company has no capitalised development expenditure (2014: $nil).

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201548

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

14. Property, plant and equipment
Group

Computer 
Equipment 
$’000

Fixtures and 
Fittings
 $’000

Office 
Equipment 
$’000

Leasehold 
Improvements 
$’000

Cost

At 1 January 2014

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2014

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December 2015

Depreciation

At 1 January 2014

Charge for year

Disposals

At 31 December 2014

Charge for the year

Disposals

Foreign currency translation

At 31 December 2015

Net book value

At 31 December 2015

At 31 December 2014

At 1 January 2014

2,942

844

(104)

3,682

387

(835)

3,234

(1,664)

(887)

17

(2,534)

(657)

835

1

(2,355)

879

1,148

1,278

94

–

–

94

–

–

94

(65)

(13)

–

(78)

(6)

–

–

(84)

10

16

29

Company
The Company has no property, plant and equipment (2014: $nil).

Total
 $’000

3,239

844

(104)

3,979

392

(835)

3,536

(1,896)

(925)

17

(2,804)

(675)

835

1

126

–

–

126

5

–

131

(120)

(6)

–

(126)

(1)

–

–

77

–

–

77

–

–

77

(47)

(19)

–

(66)

(11)

–

–

(127)

(77)

(2,643)

4

–

6

–

11

30

893

1,175

1,343

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 49

Company 
2015 
$’000

Company 
2014 
$’000

42,747

6,197

(17,835)

(2,312)

28,797

36,930

8,087

–

(2,270)

42,747

15. Investments in subsidiaries

Net book value

At 1 January 

Investment in Corero Network Security, Inc.

Provision against investment in Corero Network Security, Inc.

Foreign currency translation

At 31 December 

The directors have reviewed the carrying value of the cost of investments in subsidiaries of the Company with reference to current 
and future trading conditions and a valuation based on a discounted free cash flow which the directors consider to be an 
appropriate valuation methodology, in conjunction with the goodwill impairment review (note 11) and concluded that an impairment 
of the investment balances was required. 

Included in the Company’s investment in Corero Network Security, Inc. is a loan note instrument. These loan notes bear interest at 
5% per annum that at the election of Corero Network Security, Inc. is payable quarterly or added to the principal amount. The loan 
notes are repayable on 31 October 2016.

Loan note instrument

The Company owns:

2015 
$’000

7,265

2014 
$’000

7,298

100% of the issued share capital of Corero Network Security, Inc., a company incorporated in Delaware, USA. The principal 
business of the company consists of the development and sale of hardware and software security products.

100% of the issued share capital of Corero Group Services Limited, a company incorporated and registered in England and Wales. 
The principal business of the company consists of providing administration services to the Group.

100% of the issued share capital of Corero Network Security (UK) Limited, a company incorporated and registered in England and 
Wales. The principal business of the company consists of providing sales and marketing services on behalf of Corero Network 
Security, Inc.

16. Inventories

Gross inventory

Less: provision for impairment

Net inventory

Net inventory comprises finished goods and raw materials.

The Company holds no inventory (2014: $nil).

Group 
2015 
$’000

795

(134)

661

Group 
2014 
$’000

977

(228)

749

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201550

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

17. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment 
Net trade receivables
Amounts owed by subsidiaries
Other debtors 
Prepayments and accrued income 

Provision for impairment

Balance 1 January

Charged to income

Utilisation

Release of unused amounts

Balance 31 December

Group 
2015 
$’000
2,973
–
2,973
–
275
718
3,966

Group 
2014
 $’000
2,002
(35)
1,967
–
309
535
2,811

Company 
2015 
$’000
–
–
–
15,875
83
–
15,958

Company 
2014 
$’000
–
–
–
12,674
87
–
12,761

2015 
$’000

2014 
$’000

35

–

(15)

(20)

–

–

35

–

–

35

The banking facility of the Group, summarised in note 19, is secured by assets of Corero Network Security, Inc. Up to 80% of the trade 
receivables of Corero Network Security, Inc., included under ‘Group’, can be financed and are therefore secured for credit enhancements.

None of the Company’s trade and other receivables are secured by collateral or credit enhancements.

Amounts due from Group undertakings are recoverable after more than one year from the reporting date. 

The age of trade receivables not impaired but past due are as follows:

Not more than 3 months

More than 6 months but not more than 1 year

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value.

Group 
2015
 $’000

125

–

125

Group 
2014 
$’000

551

88

639

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 51

The maturity profile of trade and other receivables is set out in the table below:

In one year or less, or on demand

In more than one year, but not more than five years

Group 
2015 
$’000

3,738

228

3,966

Group 
2014 
$’000

2,724

87

2,811

Company 
2015 
$’000

Company 
2014 
$’000

–

15,958

15,958

–

12,761

12,761

Balances due in more than one year, but not more than five years are now presented as non-current in the Statement of Financial Position.

The analysis of trade and other receivables by foreign currency is set out in the table below:

US dollars

UK pound

Group
 2015 
$’000

3,652

314

3,966

Group 
2014 
$’000

2,557

254

2,811

Company 
2015
 $’000

Company 
2014
 $’000

–

15,958

15,958

–

12,761

12,761

The Group’s foreign currency receivables are denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiaries in which they arise. There is 
no impact on the loss for the year from exchange rate movements on such financial instruments. 

18. Trade and other payables

Trade payables 

Other payables 

Accruals

Group 
2015 
$’000

1,006

7

1,538

2,551

Group
 2014 
$’000

966

62

1,334

2,362

Company 
2015 
$’000

Company 
2014 
$’000

–

–

202

202

–

–

223

223

None of the Group or Company’s trade and other payables are secured by collateral or credit enhancements.

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates its fair value.

67% (2014: 89%) of the trade and other payables are due in less than 3 months.

The analysis of trade and other payables by foreign currency is set out in the table below:

US dollars

UK pound

Group 
2015 
$’000

1,784

767

2,551

Group
 2014 
$’000

1,809

553

2,362

The Group’s foreign currency payables are denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiaries in which they arise. There is 
no impact on the loss for the year from exchange rate movements on such financial instruments.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201552

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

19. Borrowings
Group

Current

Accounts receivable financing facility

Company
The Company has no borrowings (2014: $nil).

2015
 $’000

2014
 $’000

–

–

20

20

The accounts receivable financing facility was not utilised at the year end. The facility bears interest at c.16.8% of the financed value 
with a limit of US$1.5 million or 80% of the eligible accounts receivable balance. The funding is secured by a first lien on the 
corporate assets of Corero Network Security, Inc. and is guaranteed by Corero Network Security plc.

All receipts for financed assets are payable to a lockbox account held with the provider of the financing facility. The accounts 
receivable assets are exposed to the risk of non or late payment by customers. There are no restrictions on the use of the financed 
accounts receivable assets.

At 31 December 2015, the Group’s liabilities have contractual maturities which are summarised below. These contractual maturities 
reflect the payment obligations which may differ from the carrying values of the liabilities at the balance sheet date.

Group

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Total

Company

Trade and other payables

Total

In one year or less,  
or on demand

2015 
$’000

2,551

–

2,551

2014 
$’000

2,362

20

2,382

In one year or less,
or on demand 

2015 
$’000

202

202

2014 
$’000

223

223

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 20. Financial instruments
The Group’s financial instruments are categorised as shown below:

Group

Financial assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash

Group

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities at amortised cost:

Trade and other payables

Accounts receivable financing

53

Book Value
 2015 
$’000

Book Value 
2014 
$’000

3,248

2,706

5,954

2,276

6,036

8,312

Book Value 
2015 
$’000

Book Value 
2014 
$’000

2,551

–

2,551

2,362

20

2,382

The Group manages liquidity and credit risk in line with the Financial risk management objectives and policies on page 23.

There are no differences between the fair values and book values held by the Group and Company.

The Company has a loan note instrument with CNS, Inc. at 31 December 2015 of $7.3 million (note 15) (2014: $7.3 million). The 
instrument is denominated and repayable in GBP which is the functional currency of the Company and therefore the Company  
does not bear any foreign exchange risk. As the Group’s reporting currency is dollars, unrealised gains/losses on translation of  
the GBP balance are included within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income – Profit and Loss. A 5% weakening/
strengthening of the GBP against the dollar would have the effect of increasing/decreasing the Company’s and, by virtue of its  
effect on CNS, Inc., the Group’s comprehensive income for the year and decreasing/increasing the Company’s net assets by  
$0.4 million (2014: $0.4 million).

The Company has amounts due from subsidiaries at 31 December 2015 of $15.9 million (2014: $12.7 million). The amounts owing 
are denominated and repayable in GBP which is the functional currency of the Company and therefore the Company does not bear 
any foreign exchange risk. Unrealised gains/losses on translation of the GBP balance are included within the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income – other comprehensive income. 

The repayment of amounts receivable from subsidiaries, including the loan note from CNS, Inc. (note 15) is dependent on CNS CGU 
generating future revenue growth and cash flows. Note 11 sets out management’s assumptions in assessing whether there is any 
impairment of the CNS CGU goodwill at 31 December 2015. The valuation model concluded that the CGU’s recoverable amount 
exceeded its carrying amount. This assessment supports the carrying value of the amounts receivable from subsidiaries.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201554

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

21. Deferred income
Group

Current 

More than one year but less than five years

2015 
$’000

3,791

1,439

5,230

2014 
$’000

4,055

1,570

5,625

The Group’s deferred income balance will be recognised as revenue evenly over the remaining term of the support agreements in 
place. Support agreements expire at various times throughout the year with no particular seasonality. 

Company
The Company has no deferred income (2014: $nil).

22. Deferred tax liability
Group

1 January 2014

Credit to income statement

31 December 2014

Credit to income statement

31 December 2015

$’000

825

(358)

467

(382)

85

The deferred tax liability relates to the software and customer relationships acquired as part of the Top Layer Networks, Inc. acquisition 
in March 2011. The deferred tax liability has been calculated using a US Federal tax rate of 35%. The liability is released to the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income - Profit and Loss as the intangible software and customer relationship assets are amortised.

23. Pensions
The Group’s pension arrangements are operated through defined contribution schemes. 

Defined contribution schemes

Defined contribution pension costs 

2015 
$’000

101

2014 
$’000

70

24. Share capital
Authorised share capital
The authorised share capital comprises 745,821,970 (2014: 745,821,970) ordinary shares of 1p (1.48c) each.

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Issued ordinary share capital 

1 January 2014

85,637,416 ordinary shares of 1p each

Issued

30,000,000 ordinary shares of 1p each (1.57c)

31 December 2014

115,637,416 ordinary shares of 1p each

Issued

50,000,000 ordinary shares of 1p each (1.54c)

31 December 2015

165,637,416 ordinary shares of 1p each

55

$’000

1,333

471

1,804

769

2,573

On 28 August 2015, 50,000,000 ordinary shares with a nominal value of 1p were issued at 10p (15c) per share by way of a subscription.

Deferred share capital
2014: 1,518,000 deferred shares of £2.99 ($4.64) each.

31 December 2014

Cancellation

31 December 2015

$’000

7,051

(7,051)

–

On 17 June 2015 the Company purchased the entire deferred share capital of 1,518,000 £2.99 shares for a consideration of 1p (1.57c). 
The deferred shares were subsequently cancelled on 22 June 2015.

25. Capital redemption reserve

1 January 2015

Purchase of deferred shares

31 December 2015

26. Share premium

1 January 2014

30,000,000 ordinary shares of 14p each (22c) less issue costs

31 December 2014

50,000,000 ordinary shares of 10p each (15c) less issue costs

31 December 2015

$’000

–

7,051

7,051

$’000

43,507

6,493

50,000

6,835

56,835

Consideration received in excess of the nominal value of the 50,000,000 shares issued on 28 August 2015 as a result of the 
subscription has been included in share premium, less registration, commission and professional fees of $78,000. The amount of 
such directly attributable costs deducted from share premium in 2014 was $99,000. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201556

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

27. Employees and directors
Employee expenses during the period
Group

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Other pension costs (note 24)

Cost of employee share scheme (note 30)

Average monthly numbers of employees (including directors) employed

Sales and marketing

Technical, support and services 

Management, operations and administration

Company
The Company has no employees (2014: nil). 

Directors

Total 
2015 
$’000

9,377

764

101

(3)

Total 
2014 
$’000

9,962

896

70

(8)

10,239

10,920

2015
Number

2014
Number

19

30

14

63

21

37

13

71

Salary & 
fees $’000

Bonus 
$’000

Benefits 
$’000

Pension 
$’000

Company 
National 
Insurance 
Contributions
$’000

Total 2015 
$’000

Total 2014 
$’000

228

270

31

40

29

598

120

135

–

–

–

255

10

21

–

–

–

31

23

–

–

–

–

23

28

–

3

–

2

33

409

426

34

40

31

940

316

291

36

43

28

714

Executive directors

Andrew Miller

Ashley Stephenson

Non-executive directors

Andrew Lloyd

Jens Montanana

Richard Last

Bonus payments of $255,000 were awarded during the period to 31 December 2015 (2014: $32,000). 

Richard Last was paid $1,500 during the period to 31 December 2015 (2014: $7,000) as a contribution to office and secretarial costs.

The key management personnel share based payment charge was $nil (2014: $nil).

Andrew Miller has a service contract with a 6 month notice period. A subsidiary company provides for pension contributions 
(included in the table above) of 10% of basic salary payable to a personal pension plan. 

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 57

No directors were accruing benefits from the Group’s defined contribution pension arrangements (2014: $nil).

Post the year end, Jens Montanana notified the Company that he wished to waive his non-executive director fees for the year ended 
31 December 2015 of $40,000. Jens Montanana waived his non-executive director fees for the year ended 31 December 2014 
of $43,000. 

28. Operating lease commitments
The Group has total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases totalling $285,000 (2014: $239,000) 
analysed by year of expiry as follows:

Land and building agreements expiring:

Within one year

Within two to five years

Other agreements expiring:

Within one year

2015
 $’000

216

62

7

285

2014
$’000

232

–

7

239

The Company has no operating lease commitments (2014: $nil).

29. Contingent liabilities
Corero Network Security (UK) Limited has secured a development grant of up to £600,000 over three years from Scottish 
Enterprise. Any monies becoming repayable by Corero Network Security (UK) Limited under the terms of the grant are guaranteed 
by Corero Network Security plc.

The Group and Company did not have any contingent liabilities in 2014.

30. Share options
The Company has the following share option schemes:

•  Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme for its employees, which has been approved by HMR&C, 2010 Executive Enterprise 

Management Incentive Scheme, which has been approved by HMR&C, 2010 Unapproved Share Option Scheme, and

•  Deferred Payment Share Plan

In August 2010, 1,257,000 options were granted to certain directors and employees under the 2010 Executive Enterprise 
Management Incentive scheme and 2010 Unapproved Share Option Scheme. The options granted vested immediately upon grant. 

All other options granted in 2010–2015 have a three year vesting period, vesting one third on the first anniversary of grant, one third 
on the second anniversary of grant and one third on the third anniversary of grant. There are no vesting conditions. Shares acquired 
on the exercise of an option may not be sold until the expiry of the second anniversary following the date of option grant.

If an option holder ceases to be in employment or hold office within the Group, options granted shall immediately lapse unless such 
cessation is because of the option holder’s death; the option holder’s ill health or disability; the company that employs the option 
holder ceasing to be under the control of the Company or such company ceasing to be within the Group; the transfer of sale of the 
undertaking or part-undertaking in which the option holder is employed to a person who is neither under the control of the Company 
nor within the Group; or any other reason that the Board in its absolute discretion shall determine.

On a cessation of employment or office as set out above, options shall be exercisable to the extent they have vested according to 
the terms of the option agreement and the provisions of the relevant share option scheme and must be exercised within 30 days 
following such cessation unless it is by reason of death whereby the option holder’s personal representatives must exercise the 
option within 12 months following the date of the option holder’s death.

On the 18 March 2014, the Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme was extended by ten years to 20 April 2021. 

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201558

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

30. Share options continued
Share options granted at 31 December 2015 were as follows:

  Option Holders

Date  

granted

Expiry 
 date

Exercise 
price

At 
1 January 

2015 Granted Exercised

Forfeit

Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme
Other Holders

March 2011
March 2011
March 2012

36p (59c)
March 2021
March 2021
40p (65c)
March 2022 54.5p (89c)
43p (70c)
25p (38c)
25p (42c)
25p (41c)
15p (23c)
15p (23c)

April 2013
May 2014

September 2012 September 2022
April 2023
May 2024
September 2014 September 2024
April 2025
October 2015 September 2025

April 2015

2010 Executive Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme
August 2010
Andrew Miller
September 2012
April 2013
May 2014

25p (41c)
August 2020
March 2022 54.5p (89c)
25p (38c)
25p (42c)

April 2023
May 2024

7,000
40,000
30,000
110,000
95,000
48,000
10,000
–
–

476,000
80,000
250,000
362,570

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
750,000
57,000

–
–
–
–

2010 Unapproved Share Option Scheme
Jens Montanana

Richard Last

Andrew Lloyd

Ashley Stephenson

Andrew Miller

Other holders

August 2010
March 2012
April 2013
March 2012
April 2013
April 2013
May 2014
March 2012
April 2013
May 2014
April 2015
May 2014
April 2015
August 2010
March 2011
March 2011

March 2012

April 2023

April 2023
April 2023
May 2024

August 2020
25p (41c)
165,000
March 2022 54.5p (89c)
30,000
25p (38c)
80,000
March 2022 54.5p (89c)
20,000
25p (38c)
60,000
25p (38c)
60,000
25p (42c)
40,000
March 2022 54.5p (89c)
180,000
400,000
25p (38c)
25p (42c) 1,720,000
15p (23c)
–
387,430
25p (42c)
–
15p (23c)
308,000
31p (50c)
95,500
36p (59c)
290,000
40p (65c)
163,500
37.5p (61c)
216,250
March 2022 54.5p (89c)
34,500
43p (70c)
25p (38c)
414,500
115,000
25p (40c)
25p (42c) 1,880,750
25p (41c)
440,000
15p (23c)
15p (23c)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
200,000
–
300,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
– 1,803,000
352,000
–
8,609,000 3,462,000

April 2023
May 2024
April 2025
May 2024
April 2025
August 2020
March 2021
March 2021
September 2011 September 2021

April 2013

September 2012 September 2022
April 2023
September 2013 September 2023
May 2024
September 2014 September 2024
April 2025
October 2015 September 2025

April 2015

May 2014

At 31 
December 
2015

7,000
40,000
30,000
110,000
95,000
48,000
10,000
750,000
57,000

476,000
80,000
250,000
362,570

165,000
30,000
80,000
20,000
60,000
60,000
40,000
180,000
400,000
1,720,000
200,000
387,430
300,000
308,000
54,750
290,000
163,500
216,250
14,500
307,000
40,000
1,432,750
440,000
1,803,000
352,000
11,379,750

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(40,750)
–
–
–
(20,000)
(107,500)
(75,000)
(448,000)
–
–
–
(691,250)

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 59

The closing mid-market price for the Company’s shares at 31 December 2015 was 15.5p (22c) and the high and low for the year was 
15.5p (24c) and 10.25p (16c). There are no performance conditions to be met before share options are exercisable. No options were 
exercised and 2,299,875 options were forfeited in the 12 months to 31 December 2014.

Andrew Miller has a contractual right (granted in March 2011) to purchase 140,000 ordinary shares in the Company from the 
Employee Share Ownership Trust at 40p per share pursuant to a grant made to him under the Deferred Payment Share Plan.

None of the directors holding office at the balance sheet date exercised options during the year.

Share based payments
The Remuneration Committee can grant options to employees of the Group under the Group’s share option schemes. 

Options are granted with a fixed exercise price which is equal to the market price at the date of the grant or higher price determined 
by the Remuneration Committee. The contracted life is ten years from the date of grant. 

Options are valued using the Black–Scholes option–pricing model.

Options granted during 2015
The value of options granted during the year was calculated using the Black–Scholes option pricing model. The following variables 
and ranges were used:

Share price at date of grants 

Exercise price

Expected volatility

Years to maturity

Risk free interest rate

The following table provides information on all options outstanding at the end of the year:

Weighted average remaining contractual life

Average remaining contractual life

Options exercisable

Exercise price range

Weighted average share price

Weighted average exercise price

Expected volatility

Risk free rate – 5 year gilt rate

Expected dividend yield

13p–14p (20c)

15p (23c)

0.2%

9.3–9.8

1.12–1.17%

8.0 years

10.0 years

4,526,583

15p–55p (41c–91c)

21p (31c)

24p (36c)

0.2%–6.4%

0.63%–2.6%

Nil

Volatility is calculated as the standard deviation of the closing daily share price over a period of 24 months prior to the grant date.

The total credit in the year to the Statement of Comprehensive Income - Profit and Loss relating to employee share based payments 
was $3,000 (2014: credit $8,000).

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201560

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

31. Related parties and transactions
Related party transactions subsist between Group companies and relate to costs paid on behalf of the parent Company. The 2015 
costs paid by other Group companies on behalf of the parent Company were $303,000 (2014: $355,000). The parent Company 
balance due from Corero Group Services Limted at 31 December 2015 was $4,948,000 (2014: $4,213,000) and Corero Network 
Security (UK) Limited $10,927,000 (2014: $8,461,000).

The parent Company has a loan note instrument with Corero Network Security, Inc. which bears interest at 5% per annum (note 15). 
The parent Company received $365,000 intercompany interest from Corero Network Security, Inc. during the year (2014: $374,000). 
The loan balance at 31 December 2015 was $7,265,000 (2014: $7,298,000) The instrument is denominated and repayable in GBP 
and subject to exchange rate movements.

On 30 July 2015, Jens Montanana lent the Company £500,000 pursuant to a share subscription advance by way of a loan 
agreement (“the Loan”). The Loan was non–interest bearing if repaid within 60 days, and was repayable on the earlier of (i) the day 
immediately following the date upon which the resolution proposed at the general meeting of the Company’s shareholders on 
27 August 2015 to approve the subscription was passed and (ii) 31 July 2016. Part of the subscription monies owed by 
Jens Montanana to the Company pursuant to a subscription agreement dated 7 August 2015 was satisfied by the release of the 
Company of its obligation to repay the Loan in full on 28 August 2015.

As part of the subscription on 28 August 2015, Jens Montanana contributed $3.0 million gross of the Loan repayment. Andrew Miller 
contributed $15,000 and Richard Last contributed $38,000 (note 24).

On 20 November 2014, Jens Montanana lent the Company £450,000 pursuant to a share subscription advance by way of a loan 
agreement (“the Loan”). The Loan was unsecured, and non–interest bearing if repaid within 60 days, and was repayable on the 
earlier of (i) the day immediately following the date upon which the resolution proposed at the general meeting of the Company’s 
shareholders on 9 December 2014 to approve the fund raising was passed and (ii) 31 December 2015. Part of the subscription 
monies owed by Jens Montanana to the Company pursuant to a subscription agreement dated 20 November 2014 was satisfied by 
the release of the Company of its obligation to repay the Loan in full on 9 December 2014.

As part of a placing and subscription on 9 December 2014, Jens Montanana contributed $2.8 million gross of the Loan repayment 
(note 24).

The directors consider the Group’s key management personnel to be the Board of directors of the Company whose compensation  
is detailed below:

Key management personnel

598

Salary & fees 
$’000

Bonus  
$’000

255

Benefits 
$’000

31

Pension 
 $’000

23

2015 
 $’000

907

 2014 
 $’000

664

Company key management compensation was $nil (2014: $nil) as the key management are employed by subsidiaries.

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 61

Notice of AGM

Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting (the “AGM”) of Corero Network Security plc (the “Company”) will be held at 
the offices of Redleaf Communications, First Floor, 4 London Wall Buildings, London, EC2M 5NT on 15 June 2016 at 9.30 a.m. for 
the following purposes:

Ordinary Business
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as ordinary resolutions:

1.  Report and accounts

 To receive the audited annual accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2015, together with the directors’ 
report and the auditor’s report on those annual accounts. 

2.  Re-election of director

 To re-elect Mr Andrew Lloyd, who retires by rotation in accordance with the Company’s articles of association, as a director of 
the Company. 

3.   Re-election of director

 To re-elect Mr Richard Last, who retires by rotation in accordance with the Company’s articles of association, as a director of 
the Company. 

4.   Re-appointment of auditors

 To re-appoint BDO LLP as auditors of the Company to hold office from the conclusion of this AGM until the conclusion of the 
next annual general meeting at which accounts are laid before the Company.

5.   Auditors’ remuneration

To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.

Special Business 
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions of which resolution 6 will be proposed as an ordinary resolution and 
resolutions 7 and 8 will be proposed as special resolutions:

6.   Directors’ authority to allot shares

 THAT, in substitution for all existing and unexercised authorities and powers granted to the Directors prior to the date of this 
resolution in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (“Act”), the Directors be generally and unconditionally 
authorised for the purposes of section 551 of the Act to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company 
and grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares of the Company (such shares and rights to subscribe for 
or to convert any security into shares of the Company being “relevant securities”) up to a maximum nominal amount of 
£552,124.72 on such terms and conditions as the Directors may determine provided that, unless previously revoked, varied or 
extended, this authority shall expire on the earlier of the date falling 15 months after the date of the passing of this resolution and 
the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company except that the Company may at any time before such expiry 
make an offer or agreement which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors 
may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired.

7.   Disapplication of pre-emption rights

 THAT, in substitution for all existing and unexercised authorities and powers granted to the Directors prior to the date of this 
resolution in accordance with section 570(1) of the Act and subject to and conditional on the passing of resolution 6, the 
Directors be and are hereby empowered to allot equity securities (as defined in section 560(1) of the Act) of the Company for 
cash, pursuant to the authority of the Directors under section 551 of the Act conferred by resolution 6 above, and/or by way of a 
sale of treasury shares for cash (by virtue of section 573 of the Act), in each case as if section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to 
such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:
(a) 

 the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer by way of a rights issue or an offer of equity securities open 
for acceptance for a period fixed by the Directors (i) to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly as may be 
practicable) to their respective holdings and (ii) to holders of other equity securities as required by the rights of those 
securities or 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, legal or 
practical problems in or under the laws of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and
 the allotment and/or sale of treasury shares for cash (otherwise than pursuant to resolution 7(a) above) of equity securities 
up to a maximum nominal amount of £165,637.42, 

(b) 

 and that, unless previously revoked, varied or extended, this power shall expire on the earlier of the date falling 15 months after 
the date of the passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company except that the 
Company may before the expiry of this power make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be 
allotted (and treasury shares to be sold) after such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities (and sell treasury shares) 
in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if this power had not expired.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

Notice of AGM continued

8.   Authority to purchase Company’s own shares

 THAT the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 701 of the Act to make market 
purchases (as defined in section 693(4) of the Act) on a recognised investment exchange (as defined in section 693(5) of the 
Act) of ordinary shares of £0.01 each in the capital of the Company (“Ordinary Shares”) and to hold such shares as treasury 
shares (as defined in section 724(3) of the Act) and/or on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may from time to time 
determine provided that:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

 this authority shall be limited to the purchase of Ordinary Shares up to a maximum aggregate nominal value equal to 
£165,637.42 representing approximately 10 per cent. of the nominal value of the current issued ordinary share capital of 
the Company;

the minimum price which may be paid for such Ordinary Shares is £0.01 (exclusive of expenses);

 the maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for an Ordinary Share shall not be more than 5 per cent. 
above the average middle market quotations for an Ordinary Share on the relevant recognised investment exchange on 
which Ordinary Shares are traded for the five business days immediately preceding the date on which the Ordinary Share 
is purchased;

 unless previously revoked, varied or extended, the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the earlier of the date which is 
15 months from the date of the passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the 
Company; and

 the Company may make a contract or contracts to purchase Ordinary Shares under the authority hereby conferred prior to 
the expiry of such authority which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority and may make 
a purchase of Ordinary Shares in pursuance of any such contract or contracts.

Registered Office:
Regus House
Highbridge
Oxford Road
Uxbridge
Middlesex 
UB8 1HR

By order of the Board

Duncan Swallow
Company Secretary
20 April 2016

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015 
 
 
 
 
 
63

The following notes explain your general rights as a shareholder and your rights to attend and vote at the AGM or to appoint 
someone else to vote on your behalf:

Notes:
1. Pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended), only those members registered in the register of members  

of the Company as at Close of Business on 13 June 2016 (or if the AGM is adjourned, on the day which is two business days before the time fixed for the 
adjourned AGM) shall be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM in respect of the number of shares registered in their name at that time. Any changes to  
the register of members after such time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the AGM.

2.  Information regarding the annual general meeting, including information required by section 311A of the Act, is available from www.corero.com.

3.  CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so for the AGM to be held at 
9.30 a.m. on 15 June 2016 and any adjournment(s) thereof by using the procedures described in the CREST Manual. CREST personal members or other 
CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider should refer to their CREST sponsors 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 by means of CREST 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 instructions, as 
described in the CREST Manual. The message must be transmitted so as to be received by the Company’s agent, Capita Asset Services (CREST Participant 
ID: RA10), no later than 9.30 a.m. on 13 June 2016. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the time stamp applied 
to the message by the CREST Application Host) from which the Company’s agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner 
prescribed by CREST.

 CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsor or voting service provider should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make 
available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. 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, to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider takes) 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 sponsor or voting service provider 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.

4. If you wish to attend the AGM in person, you should make sure that you arrive at the venue for the AGM in good time before the commencement of the 

meeting. You may be asked to prove your identity in order to gain admission.

  5.A member who is entitled to attend, speak and vote at the AGM may appoint a proxy to attend, speak and vote instead of him. A member may appoint more 
than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares (so a member must have more than one share to be able to 
appoint more than one proxy). A proxy need not be a member of the Company but must attend the AGM in order to represent you. A proxy must vote in 
accordance with any instructions given by the member by whom the proxy is appointed. Appointing a proxy will not prevent a member from attending in 
person and voting at the AGM (although voting in person at the AGM will terminate the proxy appointment). A proxy form is enclosed. The notes to the proxy 
form include instructions on how to appoint the Chairman of the AGM or another person as a proxy. You can only appoint a proxy using the procedures set 
out in these Notes and in the notes to the proxy form.

6.  To be valid, a proxy form, and the original or duly certified copy of the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed or authenticated, 
should reach the Company’s registrar, Capita Asset Services, PXS, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham BR3 4TU, by no later than 9.30 a.m. on 13 June 2016.

7. In the case of joint holders of shares, the vote of the first named in the register of members who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be 

accepted to the exclusion of the votes of other joint holders.

8. A member that is a company or other organisation not having a physical presence cannot attend in person but can appoint someone to represent it. This  
can be done in one of two ways: either by the appointment of a proxy (described in Notes 1 and 3 to 5 above) or of a corporate representative. Members 
considering the appointment of a corporate representative should check their own legal position, the Company’s articles of association and the relevant 
provision of the Companies Act 2006.

9.  The following documents are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company during usual business hours on any weekday (Saturday, 

Sunday or public holidays excluded) from the date of this notice until the conclusion of the AGM and will also be available for inspection at the place of the 
AGM from 9.00 am on the day of the AGM until its conclusion:

  (a) copies of the executive directors’ service contracts with the Company and any of its subsidiary undertakings; and
  (b) letters of appointment of the non-executive directors.

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015  
  
 
64

Corporate Directory

Directors
Jens Montanana (Non-executive Chairman)
Ashley Stephenson (CEO)
Andrew Miller (CFO) 
Richard Last (Non-executive Director)
Andrew Lloyd (Non-executive Director)

Secretary and Registered Office
Duncan Swallow
Regus House
Highbridge 
Oxford Road
Uxbridge
Middlesex 
UB8 1HR 

Nominated Adviser and Broker
Cenkos Securities plc
6.7.8 Tokenhouse Yard
London
EC2R 7AS

Auditor
BDO LLP
55 Baker Street
London
W1U 7EU

Solicitors
Dorsey and Whitney LLP
199 Bishopsgate
London 
EC2M 3UT

Bankers
Santander
2 The Forbury
Reading 
RG1 3EU

Square 1 Bank
406 Blackwell Street, Suite 240
Durham
North Carolina 
27701
USA

Registrars
Capita Asset Services
Northern House
Woodsome Park
Fenay Bridge
Huddersfield 
HD8 OLA 

Website address
www.corero.com

Corero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 201565

OverviewStrategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotice of AGMCorporate DirectoryCorero Network Security plc Annual Report & Accounts 2015C
o
r
e
r
o
N
e
t

w
o
r
k
S
e
c
u
r
i
t
y
p

l

c

A
n
n
u
a

l

R
e
p
o
r
t
&
A
c
c
o
u
n
t
s
2
0
1
5

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR REAL-TIME DDoS PROTECTION

ADVANCED DDoS  
DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY

BUILT ON NEXT  
GENERATION 
ARCHITECTURE

SOPHISTICATED 
DDoS ANALYTICS & 
VISUALISATION

Annual Report & 
Accounts 2015

Corero Network Security plc 

FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Registered Office
Regus House
Highbridge 
Oxford Road
Uxbridge
Middlesex 
UB8 1HR