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Dialight plc

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FY2019 Annual Report · Dialight plc
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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

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2019 RESULTS

Our purpose is to improve the world we live 
in through sustainable, energy efficient and 
intelligent LED lighting technologies. We enable 
our customers to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Our next generation of lighting solutions provide superior 
operational performance, reliability and durability, 
reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs 
while creating a safer working environment.

Dialight is a pioneer of change for the industrial world; 
advancing the performance standards of industrial  
LED technology; using light fixtures in new and 
connected ways; and creating networks that deliver 
data-driven insights.

Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in 
how businesses respond to the world. It is becoming the 
lens through which a business is judged by its customers, 
workforce, society and investors.

STATUTORY MEASURES

Gross profit (£’m)

(Loss)/profit from operating activities (£’m)

(Loss)/profit for the year (£’m)

(Loss)/earnings per share (p)

2019

2018

2017

43.9

60.3

66.7

(11.3)

(16.2)

7.6

5.3

(49.8)

16.4

3.3

1.7

4.8

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue
£m

181.0

169.6

Proforma 
unaudited  
gross profit*
£m

66.7

60.3

Proforma  
unaudited  
operating profit*
£m

Proforma  
unaudited  
basic EPS**
p

Net cash  
(debt)
£m

9.7

17.9

12.8

151.0

54.1

8.0

17.3

5.2

2017

2018

2019

5.8

(2.9)

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

*  See page 139

** See page 127

(16.5)

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

 
What’s inside this report

STRATEGIC REPORT

02   Our business at a glance
04   Chairman’s letter
06   Group Chief Executive’s review
10   Insight into operations
20   Our business model
22   Our strategy at a glance
24   Key performance indicators
26   Sustainability
32   Risk management
34   Principal and emerging risks and uncertainties
37   Financial review

GOVERNANCE

42   Chair’s introduction to governance
44   Board of Directors
46   Leadership
52   Effectiveness
56   Nominations Committee report
58   Accountability
60   Audit Committee report
65   Remuneration Committee Chair Annual Statement
68   Directors’ remuneration policy
76   Annual report on remuneration
85   Other statutory information
88   Directors’ responsibility statement

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

89   Independent auditor’s report
100  Consolidated income statement
101  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
102  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
103  Consolidated statement of total financial position
104  Consolidated statement of cash flows
105  Notes to the consolidated financial statements
142  Company balance sheet
143  Company statement of changes in equity
144  Notes to the Company financial statements
151  Five-year summary
152  Directory and shareholder information

To find out more

Additional information can  
be found within this report

More information is  
available online

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

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Our business at a glance

Product Management

Globally coordinated
•  Regionally focused
•  Regionally specified products

Operations

Regional assembly facilities
•  Global purchasing with local delivery
•  Fulfilment from regional hubs
•  Regional customer service

Operational footprint

Americas

Roxboro, NC, US
Injection molding
•  79,000 sq ft
•  All products

Tijuana, Mexico
New facility for distribution, CNC,  
painting & machining
•  100,000 sq ft
•  All products

Ensenada, Mexico
Final assembly
•  162,000 sq ft
•  All products

02 

Europe

London, UK
Distribution
•  R&D

Engineering

Global technology leadership  
deployed regionally
•  Dialight design rules
•  Increase speed to market
•  R&D London
•  R&D New Jersey

Sales

Outstanding customer experience
•  Global coordination for global customers
•  Regional teams

Australia | Asia

Penang, Malaysia
New facility for final assembly, moulding
•  90,000 sq ft
•  All products

Perth, Australia
Distribution
•  14,000 sq ft
•  All products

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Business type

Lighting

An overview

What’s 
driving demand

Industries  
we work in

Dialight’s LED lighting for industrial applications is providing 
the next generation of lighting solutions that deliver reduced 
energy consumption and create a safer working environment. 
Our products are specifically designed to provide superior 
operational performance, reliability and durability, reducing 
energy consumption and ongoing maintenance and achieving 
a rapid return on investment.

Competing in this segment requires significant development costs 
and regulatory certifications which create barriers to entry.

Signals & Components

The Signals and Components division 
consists of the Traffic and Transportation 
and Components businesses. Traffic and 
Transportation is focused on supplying traffic 
lights plus niche lights for specialist vehicles. 
The Components business sells status 
indicators to electronic original equipment 
manufacturers (“OEMs”). This is a mature 
market with low barriers to entry.

•  Industrial LED market penetration is only single digit with significant 

•  Our brand reputation and consequent 

opportunity for growth

•  Customer sustainability targets to reduce CO2
•  Productivity and safety benefits of better quality lights
•  Reliability of our fixtures in the harshest environments, at both 

extremes of the temperature scales

•  Long-term cost savings of LED through lower energy use and 

reduced maintenance demands

•  Industrial Internet of Things/connectivity in the 

industrial environment

repeat business help us maintain 
sales volumes in this mature and 
competitive market.

•  Heavy industry – steel processing, pulp and paper, 

•  Traffic management, typically 

automotive plants

•  Oil and gas – upstream, midstream and downstream
•  Mining – surface and underground
•  Chemical and pharmaceutical
•  Power generation – from oil and coal to nuclear and wind powered
•  Collision avoidance lighting – for towers, chimneys and 

wind farms

•  Food and beverage – processing, grain storage, flour milling and 

cold storage areas

for municipalities

•  Vehicle manufacturing, supply of 

niche lights

•  Electronic equipment manufacturing, 

supply of status indicators

Our performance

Revenue

£111.5m

(2018: £125.0m)

Proforma unaudited operating profit

£7.0m

(2018: £8.5m) 

Statutory operating loss £9.5m (2018: profit of £8.5m)

Proforma unaudited gross profit. 

£41.5m

(2018: £47.1m)

Statutory gross profit £31.3m (2018: £47.1m)

Additional information can be found  
on page 114 of this report

Revenue

£39.5m

(2018: £44.6m)

Operating profit

£4.3m

(2018: £4.5m)

Gross profit

£12.6m

(2018: £13.2m)

Additional information can be found  
on page 114 of this report

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

03

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsChairman’s letter

At Dialight, our purpose is to improve 
the world we live in through sustainable, 
energy efficient and intelligent LED lighting 
technologies. We enable our customers 
operating in demanding environments to 
reduce their energy costs, maintenance costs 
and carbon footprint while maximising the 
safety and productivity of their facilities.

An important corporate purpose, however, 
does not give us a pass on financial 
performance. In 2019, we again delivered 
deeply disappointing financial results. 
This must change. Indeed, our corporate 
purpose depends upon it.

In 2019, we took control of our operations 
after many years of flux. We invested 
significantly in opening two new facilities in 
Mexico and Malaysia. The level of on-time 
delivery performance is industry leading. 
With the new facilities we have significant 
capacity to support our longer-term 
growth plans.

We continue to focus on product 
development with three new products 
launched during 2019. Our new products are 
designed to expand our potential market size 
by serving a wider offering for our existing 
customers. In addition, we are concentrating 
on product enhancements to improve 
performance and reduce costs in our existing 
product lines.

One of the core strengths of the Group is the 
sales team who are extremely well respected 
by customers and distributors. We are 
heavily focused on rebuilding customer and 
distributor confidence. A key initiative is to 
hold finished goods inventory in our plant in 
Mexico which can be shipped within 24 hours. 

Our brand remains strong and well respected 
despite the operational issues of the past 
and this has been evident in the strong win 
rates for projects in the US. The most telling 
sign has been former customers returning 
to Dialight and requesting retrofits of 
competitors equipment showing our value 
proposition remains strong. 

04 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Dividend
In 2019, we invested £12.8m to support future 
growth. The Board is not proposing any final 
dividend payment for 2019.

Board changes
There have been important changes to the 
composition of the Board over the past 
12 months. In August 2019, Wayne Edmunds 
stepped down as Chair and I was appointed 
as his successor. Also, in August, Marty Rapp 
stepped down as CEO and Fariyal Khanbabi, 
formerly CFO, was appointed as interim CEO.  
On 5 March 2020, we announced Fariyal 
as our Chief Executive Officer. We would 
like to thank Wayne and Marty for their 
contributions. A search for a new CFO 
is currently underway.

In February this year, we appointed two new 
Board members, Karen Oliver and Gotthard 
Haug. Both have international experience 
in diverse industrial markets which will help 
the Group in its next phase of development. 
Steve Good has indicated that he will step 
down from the Board at the end of March 
2020 and we thank him for his contribution. 

People
We would like to thank all our employees 
for their hard work and efforts in 2019. 
The business enters 2020 in a much better 
place due to their resilience and commitment.

Outlook
The past few years of operational issues 
should not distract from the compelling 
market proposition that Dialight has to offer. 

The investment in our manufacturing 
footprint and strong focus on product 
development and expansion of the available 
market positions the Company to grow and 
recapture lost market share. 

Our market proposition remains compelling 
and we are confident of the Group’s ability 
to deliver future growth in the medium term 
(subject to the impact of COVID-19).

David Blood
Chair

31 March 2020

Investment proposition

Positioned for growth 

Trusted

Our global footprint and diverse customer 
base ideally position us to capture the 
potential of an industrial market which is 
largely unpenetrated by LED and whereby 
the majority of lighting is antiquated, 
dangerous and environmentally damaging. 
LED lighting represents the future.

Significant expertise exclusively in LED and 
a decade of experience as a lighting partner 
to many of the world’s leading organisations 
has helped us achieve the largest installed 
base with over 2.0 million industrial LED 
fixtures around the world.

Differentiated 

Sustainable

Our best-in-class designs offer superior 
performance backed by a ten-year warranty, 
low maintenance, high efficiency and long 
life. That’s how we provide our customers 
with faster payback and a better return 
on investment.

A strategic focus on environmentally friendly 
LED technology and a commitment to 
helping all organisations, including our own, 
reach corporate sustainability goals.

Intelligent

Scalable

Controlled lighting solutions that seamlessly 
integrate with existing factory automation 
and building management systems to 
conveniently optimise site safety and 
productivity. In 2020, we launched the next 
generation of our controls offering.

Increased manufacturing capacity with our 
new facility in Tijuana, Mexico and enlarged 
facility in Penang, Malaysia in order to 
provide scalable production. We now have 
sufficient capacity in the Group to support 
significant growth without needing to add 
any new facilities.

  Section 172  
The Board considers the interests of the Group’s employees and other stakeholders, including the 
impact of its activities on the community, environment and the Group’s reputation, when making 
decisions. The Board, acting fairly between members, and acting in good faith, considers what is 
most likely to promote the success of the Group for its shareholders in the long term.

Read more about:
•  how the views and interests of all our stakeholders were represented in the Boardroom during the 

year together with the key topics raised and how we responded on pages 54 to 55 

•  the Group’s goals, strategy and business model in the Strategic report on pages 20 to 23
•  how we manage risks on pages 32 to 36 

•  corporate governance on pages 42 to 55 including how governance supported the delivery of 
our strategic objectives in 2019 and how we are responding to the UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2018

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

05

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsGroup Chief Executive’s review

 More information and an interview  
with Fariyal Khanbabi is available online 
http://ir.dialight.com/reports-
presentations-and-results

Overview
Climate change poses a significant challenge 
for business. Investing in sustainability 
initiatives is a critical imperative for key 
stakeholders, including employees. Dialight is 
in a privileged position to be able to help 
its customers in this regard. The company’s 
LED products provide lighting solutions 
that deliver reduced energy consumption 
and create a safer working environment. 
Our products are specifically designed to 
provide superior operational performance, 
reliability and durability, reducing energy 
consumption and ongoing maintenance. 
In addition, our new products are designed 
with field replaceable parts, which continues 
to solidify our commitment to sustainability. 

Our technology remains best in class, 
stemming from designing our own power 
supplies. Dialight is the only pure play LED 
lighting company in the hazardous industrial 
market, with many years of experience. 
We have been the pioneer within this market 
and continue to be the technological leader. 
The Group is built on a very strong US sales 
team with a strong channel to market and 
long-term relationships with our distributors 
and end customers that span the last decade. 

The financial performance of the Group was 
adversely impacted by the significant costs 
(£10.2m) associated with exiting from our 
former outsource manufacturer. These were 
short term and were incurred whilst our own 
facilities became fully operational. We have 
upgraded, expanded and geographically 
diversified our operational footprint. 
Our operations are fully recovered and we 
have sufficient capacity to support our long-
term growth plans. One of the key actions 
to demonstrate to the market that we have 
recovered has been to hold finished goods 
inventory in our plant in Tijuana. These are 
high running items that we are able to ship 
within 24 hours, improving our service levels 
to our customers.

In the second half of the year, we focused 
on rebuilding customer and distributor 
confidence from this stronger operational 
base. The sales team have good visibility of 
the potential sales pipeline but predicting 
the timing of orders remains challenging as 
the typical order cycle is between four to 
eight weeks with no long-term contracts. 
We are achieving strong win rates for projects 
in the US, which demonstrates we are 
recovering our lost market share. In addition, 
former customers are returning to Dialight 
and requesting retrofits of competitor 
equipment showing our quality proposition 
remains strong. 

06 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our focus on product development continues 
with developing new products to fill the 
gaps in our product portfolio with a specific 
focus on meeting regional differences. 
The technologies that we have developed in 
2019 such as our new power supply are being 
used to upgrade parts of our existing product 
range and, which will result in significant 
cost reductions. 

Business performance

Our 2019 financial results were disappointing 
due in large part to the significant costs 
(£10.2m) associated with exiting from 
our outsource manufacturer. The Group 
achieved revenues of £151.0m and a proforma 
unaudited operating profit of £5.2m for the 
year ended 31 December 2019, within our 
previously disclosed guidance. Our proforma 
unaudited gross margin was in line with 
the previous year. We incurred additional 
costs for machining and painting while our 
own facility in Tijuana, Mexico ramped up 
which have been classified as non-recurring. 
We have also taken steps to right size the 
group so we have a leaner cost structure, 
which resulted in severance charges of 
£1.1m in H2 2019. After the one-off costs of 
in-sourcing and other non-recurring costs, 
the Group made an operating loss of £11.3m.

Dialight finished the year with net debt of 
£16.5m, an increase of £13.6m in the year 
reflecting the capital expenditure on our 
new facilities (£6.8m) and third-party costs 
for producing sub-assemblies and internal 
ramp costs (£6.1m), which position us well 
for the future.

The hybrid model was successful as a tool for 
exiting Sanmina and getting the new Penang 
facility operational faster. As our operational 
performance improved on a sustainable basis, 
we have eliminated the use of third-party 
vendors and have in-sourced all painting 
and machining in Mexico. With more of our 
processes vertically integrated, this has 
given us flexibility and ultimately will drive 
costs down. We have deferred in-sourcing 
in Penang; it will require further investment, 
which we will make once we see volumes 
increase in EMEA and APAC.

Our US orders were down 7% compared 
to 2018. The operations of the Group were 
not fully recovered until the start of Q4 
2019 which impacted revenue in the US. 
This region has a very solid foundation, with 
a well-established channel strategy and a 
strong sales team. It is important as we grow 
regionally to continue to invest in our largest 
market, where there remains a significant 
amount of growth opportunity.

Above: Dialight’s next generation Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) LED Linear expands our current Linear options. It is very easy 
to install and has a lumen output of 2,785 to 5,750. We have launched the version for hazardous markets and the non-hazardous 
version will be launched shortly.

Orders in EMEA were 21% lower than 2018. 
We have specific products being developed 
for this region that will support growth. 
However, the key to success in this region 
is developing a better route to market and 
emulating the channel strategy we have 
in the US. We have deployed additional 
resources from our US team to help execute 
these initiatives.

Asia achieved 2% order growth at constant 
currency (see note 32). The Australian market 
is heavily driven by mining and the downturn 
in their end markets had a significant impact 
on orders for the year. Australia was down 
11% year on year.

Our Obstruction business consists of lighting 
systems for cell phone towers in the US. 
We are currently in the process of upgrading 
our beacons and our integrated obstruction 
software system, which is scheduled to 
launch in Q2 2020. These are necessary steps 
to rejuvenate the Obstruction business after 
insufficient investment in prior years. This is 
in conjunction with a sales strategy aimed 
at widening the customer base as we have 
a high customer concentration with two key 
accounts. Orders were 10% below 2018 at 
constant currency.

The Signals and Components business was 
impacted by a downturn in the component 
product lines. This business sells exclusively 
through distribution channels, and the 
distributors have cited excess inventory as the 
reason for reduced order intake. The decline 
stabilised in Q4 but we are not expecting 
any recovery until the second half of 2020. 
This business had an order decline of 19% 
at constant currency compared to 2018 but 
was able to largely maintain the EBIT levels 
of last year.

Strategy
The industrial lighting market is still estimated 
to be at low levels of conversion to LED. 
Cost savings from high- energy efficiency 
and maintenance along with safety, health, 
and environmental benefits and regulations 
are the main drivers of positive adoption. 
There are still some growth inhibiting 
factors such as initial cost of investment 
and industrial technical standards that are 
slowing full-fledged adoption. 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

07

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsThe longer-term prospects from the ongoing 
conversion to industrial LED lighting remain 
strong and the sustainability benefits to our 
customers are even more relevant. We remain 
excited by the Group’s prospects over the 
medium to long term and are confident of 
delivering further progress.

Fariyal Khanbabi
Group Chief Executive

Group Chief Executive’s review continued

Some of the significant industry trends 
that will continue to shape the LED 
lighting industry in the next generation 
of products are: 

•   Smaller and denser form factors 
•   Easier installation methods 
•   Connected lighting 
•   Lighting type and quality as an influencer 

on health and safety 

Last year our product roadmap was focused 
on the EMEA and APAC region. The three 
products we developed in 2019 represent 
40% of the expanded market we have 
targeted. This year we are ensuring that we 
have sufficient product development time 
dedicated to the US market. We are also 
concentrating on minor product enhancements 
to improve performance and reduce costs 
in our existing product lines. These product 
modifications will help us regain our lost 
market share in our core market and, by 
providing enough differentiation between 
the products, protect against cannibalisation 
as we enter adjacent markets.

The technology and engineering functions 
have been merged within Dialight and we 
have shifted the focus to develop a portfolio 
of next generation technologies in advance 
of the next generation of luminaire design. 
As the market moves to high-energy efficient, 
lower cost, smaller weight/size and easier 
to install fixtures, we have centered our 
technology around achieving these market 
drivers. The two areas to highlight here relate 
to power supplies and integrated controls. 
We are moving our technology to reduce 
the size of the power supply and enable it to 
be field programmable, hence reducing the 
overall size of the luminaire and SKU count 
of the modules.

We still believe that controls will be a major 
driver in accelerating market adoption. 
However, the cost of adding connectivity 
remains a barrier to adoption. If we can offer 
a fixture with controls capability that is at a 
similar price to one without, whilst maintaining 
our gross margin, then it makes the controls 
buying decision for the customer irrelevant. 
They will purchase a fixture that has controls 
even if they choose not to adopt them 
immediately. By making our controls field 
programmable, we can offer that functionality 
after the installation.

The key to success within the Group’s 
operations is a sustainable supply chain. 
Our products are complex with a large variety 
of SKUs and therefore managing the supply 
chain is not straightforward. The strategic 
imperative for our supply chain team has been 
integrated into the New Product Development 
process so they are able to influence the 
components used in new products. They are 
also focused on negotiating key supplier 
agreements and more actively managing those 
relationships while ensuring we have no single-
sourced components. In terms of execution, 
the supply chain will be locally sourced around 
the manufacturing plants with supply chain 
teams embedded into the factories.

Full year guidance for 2020
Most of our end markets are likely to remain 
challenging short-term, exacerbated by the 
possible impacts of the COVID-19 virus. 
Nonetheless, in 2020 we continue to target 
a materially improved trading performance, 
with a strong focus on sales and new product 
development, and again with an H2 weighting 
and we expect a significant reduction in our 
year-end net debt.

Subject to the impact of COVID-19, our 
focus remains on rebuilding customer and 
distributor confidence and, with our new 
products, we are confident that we have 
the foundations in place for modest levels 
of revenue growth this year. We expect 
gross margin recovery in 2020 and we are 
targeting exiting the year at 40% Lighting 
gross margins. Our target inventory levels for 
year-end 2020 are £38-£40m, which includes 
finished goods inventory in the US of £4.0m.

We expect our capital expenditure to be in 
the region of c£2m together with c£5m of 
capitalised development costs. We expect 
net debt to reduce during 2020. The tax rate 
for the year is expected to be c.26%.

The COVID-19 outbreak is an evolving 
situation and its potential impacts on supply 
and demand are hard to assess. However, 
there can be no certainty on the outbreak’s 
future impact on our activities; hence, we 
are taking measures to ensure that we are 
prepared for all possible eventualities. 
Should conditions relating to COVID-19 
worsen, we have measures at our disposal to 
reduce the impact on our business including, 
but not limited to, capex postponement 
and cost reductions. The potential impact 
of these have been highlighted in our going 
concern statement. 

08 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

The following section  
gives an insight into  
Dialight’s operations 
worldwide and the  
value we deliver for 
our customers.

Insight into operations

OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

Average weekly production 6,500+  
units up from 3,500 units at start of year

New distribution centre serving US market

Late order reduction 89%

190,000 sq ft of new production facilities  
fully operational

Average lead time reduced to 22 days  
from 51 days in regional markets

OPERATIONAL CHANGES  
AND IMPROVEMENTS

2019 saw significant changes in Dialight operations 
with the business achieving a full exit from our 
outsource manufacturer and the opening of two 
new facilities, our distribution and production 
facility in Tijuana, Mexico, and our enlarged facility 
in Penang, Malaysia. Lighting order fulfilment is 
now carried out from our four distribution hubs 
around the world. Previously no finished goods 
inventory was held for the US markets; as part of 
the recovery our Tijuana facility is holding c£6m of 
high-running products (at the end of the year sales 
value), ready for immediate shipment. 

RESEARCH

We have two research facilities, one in New Jersey, 
US and the other in London, UK. We have c.60 
engineers who review the latest available technologies 
and design product applications based on guidance 
from product managers, customer feedback, changes 
in the market and any gaps in our portfolio. 

They have the facilities to make working prototypes 
and to test them in-house before proceeding to the 
development phase.   

DEVELOPMENT

We have a pipeline of product development that will 
enhance existing products and fill portfolio gaps. 
After the research phase, we complete a business 
case to assess the commercial viability of the 
product, prior to development.

During development, the engineers liaise with supply 
chain in relation to material choices and operational 
engineers at the factory to ensure that products are 
designed for manufacture.

DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE

The complexity of our product offering and high 
number of SKUs has made it challenging for the 
business to effectively manage inventory and 
respond to changes in demand. 

As we develop future technologies and products, 
we are adopting a design for manufacture approach 
to build on the work we undertook to platform 
engineer our product lines in 2016. This will ensure 
that we move towards commonality of parts, reducing 
the complexity for operations, improving efficiency 
on the production lines and allowing greater flexibility 
to respond to changing customer demands. 

The operations function will be working closely with 
the engineering team on all developments, ensuring 
that the group can achieve significant efficiencies. 

MEXICO

Performance at our facilities in Mexico exceeded 
expectations in 2019, with late orders reducing 
by 89% from the start of the year and Group 
production volumes exceeding 6,500 units per 
week, from 3,500 at the start of the year. 

We now have a fully operational paint line installed 
in the Tijuana site alongside our CNC machining 
processes, all of which were relocated from our 
former outsource manufacturer during the year. 
The Mexican facilities provided 83% of Group 
production in the year.

MALAYSIA

Our facility in Penang, Malaysia was previously 
a small and highly efficient facility that only made 
products for Signals and Components.  

Following a move to a new and larger facility, they 
now produce four lighting product lines serving the 
EMEA and APAC regions. This has reduced shipping 
times to these markets and improved lead times 
to customers. Production of Lighting products are 
now running at acceptable levels and we have made 
significant improvements to the supply chain. 

For more information, please see 
www.dialight.com/about/news-events/

The market

WHY LED?

The industrial market is dominated by High 
Intensity discharge (HID) lamps that are relatively 
rudimentary devices, incorporating either mercury, 
metal halide (a combination of mercury and 
halogen) or SON (sodium) gases that facilitate the 
creation of an electric arc between two electrodes. 
HID lamps suffer from shortcomings that limit 
their efficacy, lifespan and safety. 

Replacement of such lamps with LED luminaires is enormously 
beneficial for organisations aiming to maximise productivity by 
creating a comfortable and correctly lit working environment, while 
also achieving energy and maintenance cost savings. An LED luminaire 
typically uses 50-60% less energy than a traditional light source, 
such as a fluorescent or HID lamp. 

A properly illuminated working environment enhances physical safety, 
particularly in hazardous industrial facilities where good visibility can 
reduce the likelihood of accidents involving heavy plant and machinery. 

Energy efficiency today is a major factor in the decision-making 
process for industrial, warehousing and manufacturing operations, 
as a result of rising energy costs, regulatory pressures and widespread 
expectations of environmental performance. In large facilities such as 
factories and warehouses, lighting can consume as much as 50% of 
the total electricity bill. Where lighting systems are 15 to 20 years old, 
the adoption of newer technology can bring the running cost of lights 
down by 90%. This is one of the major reasons why LED lighting has 
risen up the purchasing agenda in recent years. 

The appeal of LED lighting lies in its highly efficient ability to generate 
more light per unit of electricity than almost any other available 
technology. In terms of their lifespan, they last up to 50 times longer 
than a conventional incandescent lamp and around five times longer 
than a compact fluorescent energy-saving light bulb. 

Industrial operations are often characterised by harsh conditions, 
which require luminaires that are robust enough to withstand 
environmental factors and impacts. Alongside the IP rating of a 
luminaire, buyers give consideration to the IK rating, which denotes 
impact protection. 

Impact protection is not only a concern in rough or heavy industrial 
workplaces but also in others such as food manufacturing, where 
any breakage that causes loose debris could create a risk of 
contamination. The glass used in conventional lamps has been 
a particular concern for the food industry, since glass cannot 
be detected by the x-ray equipment that may be used to detect 
contaminants in the end product.

This is one major benefit of installing LED luminaires, which do not 
contain glass but are nevertheless protected by a polycarbonate 
front plate. Another consideration in some applications might be the 
presence of corrosive substances such as fatty acids, which may 
damage plastic parts of luminaires. 

Ambient temperatures in industrial and manufacturing buildings can 
vary wildly from freezing temperatures in cold stores to extremely high 
temperatures in boiler rooms or furnaces. One of the characteristics 
of LED lamps is that they emit far less heat into the working space 
than their incandescent counterparts. The actual heat produced 
(approximately half that of HID lamps) is generally dissipated through 
the back of the unit rather than being projected through the front.

As a result, LED luminaires are well suited to cold storage rooms, 
where conventional lamps may raise the ambient temperature to 
a point where refrigeration equipment must work harder to maintain 
a sufficiently low temperature. 

Another distinctive benefit of LEDs is their ability to switch on instantly 
compared to conventional lamps, which can take up to several minutes 
to reach full luminance and therefore is an aid to productive working.

18 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

ADOPTION

Cost savings from high energy efficiency and maintenance along with 
safety, health, and environmental benefits and regulation compliance 
are the main drivers of this positive adoption. There are still some 
growth inhibiting factors such as initial cost of investment, industrial 
technical standards and low corporate priority that are slowing  
full-fledged adoption. 

Some of the significant industry trends that will continue to shape 
the LED lighting industry in the next generation of products are: 

•  Smaller and denser form factors 
•  Easier installation methods 
•  Connected lighting 
•  Lighting type and quality as an influencer on health and safety 

Industrial LED lighting fixtures can be broadly categorised by the type 
of environmental protection they provide and their performance level. 
Dialight’s key differentiators are its high performing, reliable products 
backed by industry leading warranty terms. This differentiation is 
achieved through rugged designs, higher lumen maintenance,  
in-house designed power supplies, higher operating temperatures, 
low T-rating, and efficient optics.

DIALIGHT’S FOCUS

Dialight has traditionally focused on the “high tier” segment. 
This segment values high performance, durability, and environmental 
protection. While this segment differentiates on design and demands 
a higher premium on price, it has limitations on market size and lower 
volume growth rates. Price erosion is lower in this segment due to the 
inherent differentiation and hence in spite of lower volume growth, 
it is characterised by higher revenue growth.

In contrast, the “low-tier” market segment caters to light industrial 
areas with low to medium performance products. This “low-tier” 
segment is characterised by low performance, short life, and mostly 
serves low economic regions of the world. Inherently this segment has 
the lowest price points. Even though the volume growth is highest due 
to favourable adoption factors, it has the lowest revenue growth due to 
higher price erosion. Due to these highly competitive conditions, low 
differentiation, and Dialight’s lack of market access, this segment will 
not be the area of interest for us.

In between these two tiers lies the “mid-tier” segment. Dialight has 
competed in this space using its “high tier” product portfolio at the 
expense of lower margins due to a lack of specific products that fulfill 
this tier. Industrial customers require different luminaire types and 
multiple product tiers to serve different areas of their site. The three 
products developed in 2019 were focused on fulfilling this segment.

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
a

i

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

DRIVERS FOR ADOPTION

Cost  
savings

Low 
maintenance

Safety, health, 
environmental

ADOPTION INHIBITORS

e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P

High

Med

HIGH

MID

Initial  
investment

Technical 
standards

Low corporate 
priority

LOW

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

Heavy

Hazardous

Protection

19

 
 
Our business model

Our purpose is to improve the world we live in through sustainable, 
energy efficient and intelligent LED lighting technologies. 

We enable industrial customers operating in demanding environments to 
reduce their energy costs, maintenance costs and carbon footprint while 
maximising the safety and productivity of their facilities. 

Our inputs

What we do

Financial
Strong financial performance through 
innovation, cost control and high returns 
on capital.

Sustainability
Developing products to reduce 
maintenance and improve safety and 
environmental efficiency.

Product innovation
Developing market-leading products at the 
forefront of technology within industrial 
markets. In 2019 we invested £8.1m in 
research and development to extend our 
product portfolio.

Intellectual assets
Protecting our product innovation by patents, 
trademarks and intellectual property licences.

Human capital
We hire and develop innovative engineers 
who, together with supporting teams and 
senior management, can develop and deploy 
Dialight’s sustainable, energy efficient and 
intelligent LED lighting solutions.

Relationships
Dialight has multiple routes to market through 
established distribution networks and selling 
directly to the end customer. Our sales 
approach targets plant managers as well 
as corporate decision makers.

Product innovation

Manufacturing & supply chain

Continuous 
development of our 
industry leading power 
supply technology

Effective  
management of local  
supply chains

Future proofing  
our products with 
Intelligent controls

Designing the  
most efficient optical 
systems

Improving thermal 
management through 
innovative materials

Efficient manufacturing 
processes ensuring  
all products meet the  
standard required for  
our 10 year warranty

Identification and  
feedback for next 
generation product 
improvements

20 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

We do this by offering the largest selection of rugged, cutting-edge 
products to suit virtually any industrial application. Additionally, our 
controls solutions can seamlessly integrate with existing factory 
automation and building management systems to deliver granular 
control and system-wide visibility that reduce lighting energy costs 
by as much as 60%.

Potential reduction in lighting  
energy costs for our customers

60%

Our outputs

The value we share

Multi-channel distribution

Nurturing strong  
relationships within our 
distribution network

Developing  
strategic partnerships  
in new regions 

Utilising our global  
distribution centres  
to ensure the shortest 
lead times

Revenue
Our revenue is mainly derived from the sale of 
lighting fixtures (74%). We sell via distribution 
channels and direct to the customer using our 
own sales force. Fixtures are installed by the 
customer or by third-party contractors.

Cash flow
Revenue is turned into cash flow, 
with a very small amount of bad debt, 
reflecting the quality of the customer base. 
This is used to fund the operating costs of 
the business, working capital requirements 
and re-investment.

Re-investment
Cash generated from operations is 
re-invested in three main ways: to pay for 
research and development to keep our 
product offering up to date; to expand our 
manufacturing capacity; and, in accordance 
with our capital allocation methodology, the 
return of capital to shareholders via dividend.

Shareholders
Our goal is to deliver long-term value for 
shareholders. We do this by developing 
products that are sustainable and stimulate 
demand in a market with very low penetration. 
We use our capital allocation discipline to 
balance between investment, balance sheet 
management and shareholder returns.

Employees
We offer opportunities for personal 
development and competitive rewards linked 
to performance. We believe in a creative 
working environment with scope for individual 
responsibility and personal achievement.

Customers
We add value to our customers’ businesses. 
Our staff work closely with our customers in 
order to understand their requirements and 
help them achieve their objectives. 

Communities
Our operations create jobs for local 
communities in 15 countries around the world. 
By supporting local supplier development, 
where possible, we drive sustainable value for 
shareholders and further economic benefits 
for local communities.

Governments
We support local economies by creating 
employment and paying local taxes. 
We stimulate local economic prosperity 
which contributes to the maintenance of 
public infrastructure and services.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

21

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOur strategy at a glance

OUR STRATEGY TO ADDRESS  
AN EXPANDED LED MARKET

Our goal

Our values

Our strategy

Our goal is to deliver the most 
energy efficient, reliable LED lighting 
solutions available – leading the 
way in the energy efficient LED 
lighting revolution for industrial and 
hazardous applications. 

Our values are at the core of 
our business. Our culture is 
one of openness, honesty and 
accountability. We believe that 
businesses thrive by sharing 
knowledge and experiences. 

We improve safety while integrating 
lighting as a key information node 
within our customers’ operations.

In order to capitalise on the cross 
fertilisation of ideas, we employ 
people from a diverse range of 
backgrounds and industries.

1. Commitments
All our actions are based on commitments 
made to each other and our business

Continued operational improvements

The business will focus on the supply chain to 
ensure it is sustainable and is able to respond 
quickly to customer demand.

2. Accountability
We empower and are held accountable to 
deliver results

Next generation product 
development

3. Respect
We are proud of what we do and how we treat 
each other. We have high ethical standards

4. Collaboration
No one person or team can do it alone. 
The Company is larger than any one individual

5. Communication
We communicate with our teams; listening 
and partnering for faster and wiser 
business decisions

We are focused on developing next 
generation technology to utilise in our new 
products that respond to customer needs. 

Sales driven

6. Innovation
We lead the market through our ground 
breaking technology

The primary focus will be to increase market 
adoption and generate significant growth in 
the Lighting business 

7. Excitement
We thrive on talent and passion. We are a great 
place for smart people with a passion to work

See our KPIs on pages 24 and 25 
See our Risks on pages 34 to 36 
See our Market drivers on page 19

22 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

  
Our priorities

1

The focus on creating a robust 
and sustainable supply chain will 
ensure that we can continue to 
respond quickly to customer 
demands

2

Product development will 
be focused on customer 
requirements and will use the 
latest technology to produce 
next generation fixtures

3

A sales driven organisation that 
utilises our well respected sales 
teams to increase conversion 
to LED through the use of 
our high quality fixtures.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

23

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsKey performance indicators

Financial

Revenue
£m

181.0

169.6

Proforma unaudited operating 
profit
£m

Cash conversion
(%)

Non-financial

Health and safety
(number)

9.7

165

6

151.0

8.0

143

5

Retention

(%)

94

92

93

Operational

Lighting orders

(£’m)

145

124

112

5.2

1

Lighting on-time delivery

Proforma unaudited lighting 

(%)

48

80

70

gross profit

(£’m)

54.3

47.1

41.5

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

Description

Description

Description

Description

A measure of how well the Group 

Orders received for 

can retain its staff.

lighting products.

The percentage of orders delivered 

The gross profit related to the 

on time (year-end numbers 

performance of the underlying 

are shown).

Definition

lighting business.

Definition

Description

Revenue from sales.

Description

The proforma unaudited 
operating profit (EBIT) related 
to the performance of the 
underlying business.

-51

Description

The ability to turn profits into cash.

Description

A measure of how many serious 
accidents have occurred within 
the Group.

Definition

Definition

Definition

Definition

Definition

Definition

Revenue from continuing operations.

Operating profit of the business 
excluding items that are considered 
as non-recurring or not reflective of 
the underlying performance of the 
business (see page 139).

Proforma adjusted operating cash 
flow divided by proforms adjusted 
underlying EBITDA. See calculation 
on page 139.

A recordable incident is one 
that results in a member of staff 
being incapacitated for more than 
three days.

The number of staff at the end of 

Total orders received for lighting 

The value of orders shipped in the 

Gross profit of the lighting business 

the year divided by the total of the 

products in the year.

year meeting the customer request 

excluding items that are considered 

number of staff at the start of the 

year and joiners. This calculation 

excludes direct manufacturing staff.

date over the total value of the 

as non-recurring or not reflective of 

orders shipped in the year.

the underlying performance of the 

business (see page 139).

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Revenue growth in territories and 
segments is part of capturing 
value, enabled by reinforcing our 
foundations and strengthening 
our capabilities.

The key measure of the success of 
our near-term strategic goals is EBIT.

In order to fund our strategic 
objectives, cash management  
is very important.

Ensuring a safe working environment 
for employees is fundamental to 
attracting and retaining good-
calibre staff which will enable us to 
achieve our strategic goals.

Retaining high-calibre staff is part of 

Order growth is a lead indicator 

On-time delivery is a lead 

One of the key near-term strategic 

creating and capturing value.

of the financial strength of our end 

indicator of the operational issues 

goals is to build a robust and scalable 

markets and in resolving the current 

being resolved.

operational issues.

operational platform. Lighting gross 

profit is a good indicator of the 

success of this target.

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Revenue growth is a key element in 
achieving short-term and long-term 
incentive targets. Due to revenue 
reduction year on year, there were 
no management bonus payments 
in 2019.

EBIT is one of the main measures 
used in short-term and long-term 
incentive targets. The target 
for 2019 was not achieved and 
therefore there were no management 
bonus payments.

Cash conversion does not directly 
link to remuneration but is an enabler 
to achieving our EBIT target.

Health and safety does not directly 
link to remuneration but is an enabler 
to achieving our EBIT target.

Business growth will come 

from the intellectual property 

Order growth drives revenue 

which in turn drives EBIT and 

A low level of on-time delivery will 

Lighting gross profit expansion is 

impact revenue and hence EBIT and 

a key part in achieving short-term 

generated by our engineers and our 

EPS, both forming part of the 

EPS. Our on-time delivery improved 

and long-term incentive targets. 

knowledgeable sales teams.

remuneration targets.

again in 2019 and closed at 80% 

Lighting gross profit is a key 

with the distribution centre in Mexico 

contributor to EBIT.

improving performance in H2.

Target

Target

Target

Target

Target

Target

Target

Target

Year-on-year revenue growth 
(at constant currency). We did not 
achieve this in 2019 as there was 
a 14% decline.

For 2019 the target was consensus 
EBIT at the start of the year, which 
was £13.3m.

The target was 80% and we 
achieved 165%.

Link to strategy  

Continued operational  
improvements

Next generation  
product development

Sales driven

Zero recordable incidents.

At least 90% retention.

Year on year order growth. Due to 

The target level was exceeded.

Year on year expansion of gross 

some disruption in operations during 

insourcing and market slow-down 

in Q4, orders were 10% lower than 

prior year.

profit. This is impacted by two 

factors, revenue which was lower 

than last year and gross margin 

which was marginally lower than last 

year so the target was not achieved.

24 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Financial

Revenue

£m

181.0

169.6

Proforma unaudited operating 

Cash conversion

profit

£m

9.7

151.0

8.0

(%)

143

165

6

5

Non-financial

Health and safety

(number)

5.2

Retention
(%)

Operational

Lighting orders
(£’m)

94

92

93

145

124

112

Lighting on-time delivery
(%)

80

70

48

Proforma unaudited lighting 
gross profit
(£’m)

54.3

47.1

41.5

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

2017

2018

2019

Description

Revenue from sales.

Description

The proforma unaudited 

operating profit (EBIT) related 

to the performance of the 

underlying business.

-51

Description

The ability to turn profits into cash.

A measure of how many serious 

accidents have occurred within 

A measure of how well the Group 
can retain its staff.

Orders received for 
lighting products.

The percentage of orders delivered 
on time (year-end numbers 
are shown).

The gross profit related to the 
performance of the underlying 
lighting business.

Description

Description

Description

Description

Definition

Definition

Definition

Definition

Definition

Definition

Definition

Revenue from continuing operations.

Operating profit of the business 

Proforma adjusted operating cash 

A recordable incident is one 

excluding items that are considered 

flow divided by proforms adjusted 

that results in a member of staff 

as non-recurring or not reflective of 

underlying EBITDA. See calculation 

being incapacitated for more than 

the underlying performance of the 

on page 139.

three days.

business (see page 139).

The number of staff at the end of 
the year divided by the total of the 
number of staff at the start of the 
year and joiners. This calculation 
excludes direct manufacturing staff.

Total orders received for lighting 
products in the year.

The value of orders shipped in the 
year meeting the customer request 
date over the total value of the 
orders shipped in the year.

Gross profit of the lighting business 
excluding items that are considered 
as non-recurring or not reflective of 
the underlying performance of the 
business (see page 139).

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

1

Description

the Group.

Definition

Revenue growth in territories and 

The key measure of the success of 

In order to fund our strategic 

Ensuring a safe working environment 

our near-term strategic goals is EBIT.

objectives, cash management  

for employees is fundamental to 

Retaining high-calibre staff is part of 
creating and capturing value.

segments is part of capturing 

value, enabled by reinforcing our 

foundations and strengthening 

our capabilities.

is very important.

attracting and retaining good-

calibre staff which will enable us to 

achieve our strategic goals.

Order growth is a lead indicator 
of the financial strength of our end 
markets and in resolving the current 
operational issues.

On-time delivery is a lead 
indicator of the operational issues 
being resolved.

One of the key near-term strategic 
goals is to build a robust and scalable 
operational platform. Lighting gross 
profit is a good indicator of the 
success of this target.

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Remuneration linkage

Revenue growth is a key element in 

EBIT is one of the main measures 

Cash conversion does not directly 

Health and safety does not directly 

achieving short-term and long-term 

used in short-term and long-term 

link to remuneration but is an enabler 

link to remuneration but is an enabler 

incentive targets. Due to revenue 

incentive targets. The target 

to achieving our EBIT target.

to achieving our EBIT target.

Business growth will come 
from the intellectual property 
generated by our engineers and our 
knowledgeable sales teams.

Order growth drives revenue 
which in turn drives EBIT and 
EPS, both forming part of the 
remuneration targets.

A low level of on-time delivery will 
impact revenue and hence EBIT and 
EPS. Our on-time delivery improved 
again in 2019 and closed at 80% 
with the distribution centre in Mexico 
improving performance in H2.

Lighting gross profit expansion is 
a key part in achieving short-term 
and long-term incentive targets. 
Lighting gross profit is a key 
contributor to EBIT.

Year-on-year revenue growth 

For 2019 the target was consensus 

The target was 80% and we 

Zero recordable incidents.

(at constant currency). We did not 

EBIT at the start of the year, which 

achieved 165%.

Target

Target

Target

At least 90% retention.

Target

Target

Target

Year on year order growth. Due to 
some disruption in operations during 
insourcing and market slow-down 
in Q4, orders were 10% lower than 
prior year.

The target level was exceeded.

Year on year expansion of gross 
profit. This is impacted by two 
factors, revenue which was lower 
than last year and gross margin 
which was marginally lower than last 
year so the target was not achieved.

reduction year on year, there were 

for 2019 was not achieved and 

no management bonus payments 

therefore there were no management 

in 2019.

Target

bonus payments.

Target

achieve this in 2019 as there was 

was £13.3m.

a 14% decline.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

25

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsSustainability

Dialight enable our customers to improve 
safety, working environments and achieve 
their sustainability goals through the use 
of technology. We innovate to provide new 
products that further reduce power consumption 
while often improving lumen efficiency. 

Our product pipeline will broaden the range 
of our products and expand our sustainability 
offering to our customers.

ESG
The Dialight business is based on providing products that 

•  Enable our customers to reduce carbon emissions 
•  Provide better working environments and
•  Enable customers to achieve their sustainability goals

We continue to innovate by producing new products that further 
push the boundaries of reduced power consumption. Our current 
product pipeline will broaden the range of our products and expand 
our sustainability offering to our customers.

Sustainability
Customers convert to LED lighting because doing so remains the most 
efficient way to reduce their carbon emissions. Our lighting solutions 
reduce energy usage and create a safer working environment. Our new 
products have been designed with field replaceable parts which 
continues to solidify our commitment to sustainability. 

We are proud that Dialight has been recognised for this by the London 
Stock Exchange’s award of the “Green Economy Mark” and we are 
also included in the FTSE4Good Index. This underlines that investing 
in Dialight shares meets the criteria of many professional and private 
investors who base their decisions on environmental, ethical and 
social (ESG) considerations. 

 The Group’s non-financial KPIs  
are set out on pages 24 and 25.

SUSTAINABILITY 
HIGHLIGHTS 2019

Carbon emissions and power savings
Last year, we estimate that our products helped our customers:

•  eliminate more than 213,000 tonnes of carbon emissions; and
•  reduce electricity consumption by more than 300,000 MWh 
– this is the equivalent of taking 50,000 cars off public roads 
for a year.

7,000 TONNES
10,000 MWH

Carbon emissions and power consumed in our production
Carbon emissions: 7,000 tonnes 
Electricity: 10,000 MWh.

540 TONNES

Recycling
We recycled over 500 tonnes of materials at our 
production facilities.

ISO 14001

Certifications
Our three main production facilities have Environmental 
Management Systems and are certified under ISO 14001.

1

Recordable Incident

Governance 
Our goal is to have no accidents. We monitor Health & Safety 
daily to ensure the safety of our staff. We report recordable 
incidents in our KPI’s. 

32%

Diversity
Our goal is to increase the number of women in senior 
management positions. We currently have 34 senior managers,  
of which 11 are female.

26 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

  
Customer case study

A.B. JEWELL WATER TREATMENT 

In 2013, A.B. Jewell’s replaced the 350 existing 
lights, ranging from 70 to 400 watts, with just 259 
Dialight LEDs, ranging from just 33 to 212 watts. 
They were able to reduce the total fixture count, 
and 446,576 kWh from their annual consumption 
whilst dramatically improving the brightness & 
quality of light in and around the facility.

Seven years later, they continue to reap the benefits.

446,576

kWh saved

£17K

Annual energy savings

£25K

Utility incentive

£4K-£5K

per year saved on lighting maintenance

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

27

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsSustainability continued

In February 2020 Dialight was awarded 
the London Stock Exchange (LSE) Green 
Economy Mark.
The LSE classification and Green Economy 
Mark (the “Mark”) is available to equity 
issuers on all segments of the LSE’s Main 
Market and AIM who earn more than 
half of their total annual revenues from 
products and services that contribute 
to the global green economy. The Mark 
facilitates visibility and investment by 
addressing the information gap around 
what constitutes commercial activity 
relating to environmental solutions. 
“Green revenue” is defined as revenues 
from products and services that contribute 
to positive environmental outcomes, 
for example: renewable energy helps 
to mitigate climate change; recycling 
technologies reduce waste such as 
plastics; zero emission vehicles contribute 
to improved air quality.

Health & safety
Our products must conform to minimum 
safety standards, based on area of utilisation, 
hazardous and non-hazardous areas and all 
products are tested by external certification 
agencies prior to being released in the market.

The Group manages its activities to avoid 
causing unnecessary or unacceptable risks to 
the health and safety of its employees in the 
workplace or to the public. Health and safety 
processes, procedures and reporting are 
closely monitored to ensure a safe working 
environment for our employees and visitors 
to our sites. At our three main production 
sites in Mexico, US and Malaysia, Dialight 
has implemented a certified, occupational 
health and safety management system to an 
internationally recognised standard, namely 
BS OHSAS 18001. The Board has endorsed 
the inclusion of the Group’s accident 
frequency rate as one of its non-financial 
KPIs on page 24.

Health and safety performance is regularly 
reviewed throughout all levels of the Group. 
Each site must have an independent health 
and safety review every three years, with 
a view to ensuring a consistent approach 
in the quality of reporting, adherence to 
internal processes and procedures, adequate 
reporting and investigation and to further 
promote our health and safety culture. 
We thoroughly review the root cause of any 

accidents to ensure that we take preventative 
measures, including further training for, and 
education of, our employees. 

Employee engagement

Our people
Our culture reflects the collective capabilities 
of our people and is one of our unique 
strategic assets. We attract high achievers 
interested in working collaboratively and 
making a positive difference in the world. 
We facilitate this by minimising bureaucracy, 
preferring instead to act with speed 
and precision to maximise our impact. 
This encourages us all to imagine the future 
and then create it, working seamlessly with 
internal and external partners to ensure 
our purpose is fulfilled. We view talent, 
culture and communications as strategic 
growth enablers. 

We have launched new communications 
efforts internally to foster more awareness 
of the challenges and opportunities across 
the Group, and share best practices and 
know-how to help grow the business. Our 
“people policy” reflects our commitment to 
our employees. It outlines the commitments 
we make to select and develop our people, 
and to establish a work environment where 
everyone can take an active part in reaching 
our strategic goals while feeling a sense of 
pride in their contribution.

Dialight is a constituent member of the 
FTSE4Good index.
FTSE Russell (the trading name of FTSE 
International Limited and Frank Russell 
Company) recently confirmed that 
Dialight has been independently assessed 
according to the FTSE4Good criteria, 
and has satisfied the requirements to 
become a constituent of the FTSE4Good 
Index Series. Created by the global 
index provider FTSE Russell, the 
FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to 
measure the performance of companies 
demonstrating strong Environmental, 
Social and Governance (ESG) practices. 
The FTSE4Good indices are used by a 
wide variety of market participants to 
create and assess responsible investment 
funds and other products.

Respond to climate change
Our business is to encourage conversion 
to LED in the industrial lighting sector 
in order to reduce the global carbon 
footprint. The majority of our sales are 
from retrofitting industrial premises that 
currently have much less efficient forms 
of lighting. Our products are continually 
upgraded to ensure that customers get the 
most energy efficient fixture. 

Build trust and foster innovation
We have an anonymous whistle-blowing 
line that is provided by a 3rd party in 
order to allow staff to report any areas 
of concern.

We have c.60 engineers involved in R&D 
in two innovation centres, one in New 
Jersey and one in London. They design 
new technology and new fixtures based 
on customer and market requirements.

Treat their workers
We have a talented and diverse work 
force. We take Health & Safety very 
seriously, not just in our manufacturing 
facilities but all around the Group and the 
accident rate is one of our non-financial 
KPI’s. We encourage diversity and employ 
people in more than 15 countries.

Manage their supply chains
We are committed to having an ethical 
supply chain. All suppliers and customers 
are screened against watch-lists. 
We have rolled out training on the 
Modern Slavery Act to all employees. 
We have a zero-tolerance policy on 
bribery and corruption.

28 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Autonomy
We believe in empowerment. Our structure 
allows managers to be autonomous and 
responsible for making timely decisions in the 
best interests of our business. We support 
personal and professional development 
through a range of training programmes. 
These enable and prepare leaders to 
continue to grow the business. 

Innovation
We are committed to innovation and customer 
satisfaction. We have two R&D facilities, one 
in New Jersey, US and one in London, UK 
that employ c. 60 engineers. Creating and 
developing new products gives us a competitive 
edge. We encourage the sharing of knowledge 
and the acquisition of greater technological 
understanding throughout the Group. 

Through collaboration and sharing best 
practice, we continue to deliver market-leading 
innovations that benefit our customers. 
Group leaders come together to learn from 
one another, identify ways to collaborate, share 
developments in our technology or simply 
learn from each other’s experience. We believe 
that empowered business leaders are a key 
part of our current and future success.

Talent development
We offer challenging personal development 
programmes to enhance the quality of 
leadership throughout the Group. A number of 
our senior leaders have individual development 
programmes that are reviewed regularly. 
Our development programmes are designed 
to promote personal growth and enhance 
leadership and relationship skills. Our objective 
is to provide these individuals with the tools 
and training they need to achieve more in 
their existing role and to advance through the 
organisation if their achievements merit it.

Employee involvement
The Group places considerable value on the 
involvement of its employees, keeping them 
informed on matters affecting them individually 
and on the various factors affecting the 
performance of the Group as a whole. We do 
this through formal and informal meetings, 
internal communications and our Annual 
Report. Employee representatives are consulted 
routinely on a wide range of matters affecting 
employees’ current and future interests. 

Achievement
Our employees are highly motivated by the 
opportunity to make a difference. We strive 
each day to make products that protect lives 
and make the world a safer and healthier 
place. We invest a lot of time finding and 
developing the right people who have the 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

initiative, knowledge and leadership qualities 
to help us do this.

To unleash their potential, we provide 
employees with:

•  the opportunity to make a difference 

– our products make the world a safer 
and  healthier place;

•  an entrepreneurial business environment;
•  a portfolio of cutting-edge technologies 

with which to work 

•  and the ability to add more;
•  in-house training for personal 
•  and professional development;
•  international career 

development opportunities;

•  performance-linked rewards; and
•  the opportunity to learn from peers.

Human rights & ethics
Dialight’s core requirements for human 
rights prohibit forced labour, child labour 
and discrimination, and respect freedom 
of association and the right to collective 
bargaining. We do not tolerate practices that 
contravene recognised international standards. 
Managers and supervisors must promote 
human rights alongside other business issues. 
All employees are responsible for ensuring that 
their own actions do not impair the human rights 
of others and are encouraged to bring forward, 
in confidence, any concerns they may have about 
disregard or abuse of human rights. Our Chief 
Executive Officer has overall responsibility for 
ensuring that human rights considerations are 
integral to existing operations and in how new 
opportunities are developed and managed.

Dialight published its first Modern Slavery 
Act statement in 2017 and has worked since 
the Act’s introduction to raise awareness of 
this important issue. We have done this by 
rolling out Modern Slavery Act training to all 
employees across the Group to ensure that 
we all understand our responsibilities and 
consider the Act in all our operations. 

Each business has performed a risk 
assessment as regards the potential for 
modern slavery and human trafficking within 
the business and its supply chain. All existing 
and new clients and suppliers are screened 
against negative media watch-lists and 
evaluated for their compliance risks.

Dialight has a zero-tolerance policy in respect 
of bribery and corruption. This extends to 
all business dealings and transactions and 
includes a prohibition on offering or receiving 
inappropriate gifts or making undue payments 
to influence the outcome of business 
dealings. Compliance with the policy is 
checked as part of the half year and year-end 
process. All employees were trained on anti-
bribery and corruption in the year.

The Group does not make political donations. 

We require our employees and business 
partners to maintain the highest standards of 
integrity and to act in good faith. Dialight has 
a Group-wide whistleblowing policy which as 
well as applying to all employees, applies to 
joint venture partners, suppliers, distributors 
and customers. Although we encourage 
and maintain an open culture in which any 
issues can be raised, we recognise that 
there will be times when it is not appropriate, 
or a person will not be comfortable, to 
raise a concern through line management. 
An independent third-party provider, Safecall, 
has been appointed to operate a confidential 
reporting service for the Group which enables 
employees to raise any concerns they may 
have in confidence. All reports are also 
treated confidentially and are provided to the 
Group Company Secretary and Chair of the 
Audit Committee for review and to ensure 
that they are appropriately investigated and 
resolved. We are committed to ensuring 
that anyone raising a concern in good faith 
is not subject to any form of victimisation or 
detrimental treatment, although a malicious 
allegation may result in disciplinary action.

Sustainability  
targets

Customers
Our products eliminate more than 0.2m tonnes of 
carbon emissions annually for customers

Since 2006, we have eliminated 2.0m tonnes of 
carbon emissions for customers

Our products eliminate 

300,000 MWH

 annually

29

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsSustainability continued

Board gender diversity

Senior management
gender diversity

All employee
gender diversity

4 Male
2 Female

23 Male
11 Female

1058 Male
743 Female

Employee location

1215

285

201

Mexico

Malaysia

North &
South
America 
(excl Mexico)

32
APAC
(excl 
Malaysia)

37
Europe
(excluding
staff in 
business 
disposal 
in the year)

11 (32%)

women in senior management

42%

women overall staff

Diversity and inclusion
We see diversity and inclusiveness as being 
essential to our productivity, creativity, 
innovation and competitive advantage. 
They are the foundation of a performance 
culture that promotes understanding 
and appreciation of, and respect for, all 
perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.

We believe in developing policies and actions 
which support our long-term aims, as well as 
establishing appropriate measurable targets. 

The result is that we have significant diversity 
throughout our operations across the world.

Geographical diversity
As our business continues to expand 
globally, it is important that the insights and 
perspectives of local markets are represented 
on our leadership teams. We continue to 
seek ways to ensure that local leadership is 
contributing to our global business strategies.

Diversity and inclusion policy
We recognise that the diversity of the people 
in our business and the inclusion of all enriches 
our products and performance, and the lives of 
our employees. Our approach is formalised in 
the Group’s diversity and inclusion policy.

Diversity is one of our biggest competitive 
advantages. The diversity of our workforce 
provides stability and broadens the scope 
for growth. The diversity of our people 
helps us stay agile as the needs of our 
customers change and as business adapts. 
From a gender perspective in Dialight, 
the representation of women is strong in 
management and production roles, and 
weakest in middle management roles. We are 
committed to gender pay equality and we 
have parity by role. We operate in many 
countries and the diversity of our workforce 
can be seen in the chart above. 

Applications for employment from 
disabled people and disabled employees
Applications for employment from disabled 
people are always fully considered, bearing 
in mind the aptitudes of the applicant 
concerned. In the event of members of staff 
becoming disabled, every effort will be made 
to ensure that their employment with the 
Group continues and that any appropriate 
training is arranged. It is the policy of the 
Group that the training, career development 
and promotion of disabled people should, 
as far as practicable, be identical to that of 
other employees.

30 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

The EMS includes procedures for the 
management of waste, trade effluent, 
hazardous substances, environmental 
processes and procedure, enforcement 
actions, and compliance with regulatory 
frameworks and legislation.

Furthermore, we are committed to elevating 
employee awareness of environmental 
issues and the effects of their activities 
through Company-wide promotion and 
communication. We recognise that simple 
and small measures taken in the workplace 
can have a large impact on the reduction 
of environmental damage.

Carbon footprint
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) 
Regulation 2013, the table below sets out 
Dialight’s emissions in 2019, compared with 
2018 and 2017. 

Waste management
The Group has a zero-waste-to-landfill site 
in Australia. We work with our supply chain 
to identify opportunities to reduce waste at 
source as well as recycling opportunities. 
In 2019, we recycled over 540 tonnes of 
cardboard, plastic, wood and metals at our 
production facilities. All administrative offices 
have a recycling policy to help reduce waste 
going to landfill.

Carbon and the environment

The environment
We lead the market in low environmental 
impact LED products and have the most 
efficient power supply units in the industry. 
All our products benefit from temperature 
compensation technology, maximising 
their life span and advanced optics that 
direct light precisely where it is needed. 
Many of our products have an industry-
leading ten-year warranty.

Dialight helps our customers change their 
emission profiles and assists countries 
in the attainment of their emission goals. 
Governments around the world have to 
update their emission reduction plans by 
2020 as part of the Paris climate change 
agreement process so we and our customers 
play an important part by promoting and 
using LED lights.

Since 2006, we have sold more than 2.0m 
lights which have helped our customers 
save 2.8 million MWh of electricity and 
avoid 2.0m tonnes of carbon emissions.

Our impact and environmental 
management system “EMS”
The environmental impact of our operations 
is relatively low compared with manufacturers 
in other sectors. 

We are committed to continually reducing our 
environmental impact. We have performance 
indicators to assist local management in 
implementing the policy. All Group companies 
are certified to ISO 14001 accreditation, 
where warranted. Group companies are 
encouraged to improve energy efficiency, 
reduce waste and emissions and reduce the 
use of materials in order to minimise their 
environmental impact.

Consumption of resources

Emissions from combustion of fuel and operation 
of facilities 

Emissions from purchased electricity 

Total

2019 
Resource

Electricity

Water

2019
Tonnes
CO2

1,564

5,501

7,065

2018
Tonnes
CO2

85

5,104

5,189

2017
Tonnes
CO2

271

5,756

6,027

Total
consumption
(m’s)

10.4

12.1

Consumption 
per £ 
turnover

0.069

0.080

Unit

kWh

litre

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

31

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsRisk management
Risk landscape

We believe that great risk management involves 
people at all levels in the organisation being 
empowered to manage risks and take advantage 
of opportunities as an integral part of their day 
to day activities. Our risk awareness culture 
allows management to make better commercial 
decisions and helps to maximise the benefits 
of our business model.

Risk management approach 
The effective understanding, acceptance and management of risk is 
fundamental to the long-term success of the Group. The Group has 
developed specialist knowledge in products, services, processes 
and regions, which allows us to understand the associated risks and 
accept them in an informed way. Our approach is encapsulated in the 
key principles of our new risk management process:

•  to understand the nature and extent of risks facing the Group;

•  to accept and manage within the business those risks which our 

employees have the skills and expertise to understand and leverage;

•  to assess and transfer or avoid those risks which are beyond our 

appetite for risk; and

•  by consideration of materiality, establish the authority layers within 

the Group at which decisions on acceptance and mitigation of levels 
of risk are taken.

Embedding internal controls and risk management further into 
the operations of the business is an ongoing process and we 
will continually improve our risk management structures over the 
coming year.

Risk appetite and culture 
The Risk Committee is responsible for overseeing the risk management 
processes and procedures. It is primarily comprised of the members 
of the executive committee and reports to the Board through the 
Audit Committee on the key risks facing the Group. It monitors the 
mitigating actions put in place by the relevant operational managers to 
address the identified risks. The Board has approved the acceptance 
of certain risks which are considered appropriate to achieve the 
Group’s strategic objectives. The degree of risk to be accepted within 
the business is managed on a day-to-day basis through the Board-
delegated authority levels. These are the framework for informed risk 
taking within the businesses and the route for escalating decision 
making up to the Board.

The key areas of the Group’s system of internal controls are as follows:

Group internal control system

Daily and weekly data on cash, sales and orders are sent 
to the Group Finance Team by regional management. 
A weekly report is issued to the Group Chief Executive 
and Group Finance Director which provides an early 
warning system on potential risks and helps to direct 
mitigating actions.

Each month the Group Chief Executive reports to the 
Board outlining the Group’s operations and providing 
analysis of significant risks and opportunities. The paper 
covers progress against strategic objectives and 
shareholder-related issues. The Group Finance Director 
also submits a separate financial report to the Board 
each month evaluating progress against internal targets 
and external expectations. Quarterly re-forecast papers, 
an annual budget paper and an annual strategic plan 
paper are also submitted to the Board.

The Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director 
report to the Audit Committee on all aspects of internal 
control. The internal audit function prepares quarterly 
reports on specific topics which are reviewed by the 
Audit Committee. The Board receives regular reports 
from the Audit Committee, and the papers and minutes 
of the Audit Committee are used as a basis for the 
Board’s annual review of internal controls.

A comprehensive financial reporting package is received 
from all operating units monthly with comparisons 
against budget, forecast and prior year performance. 
Each operating unit is required to submit a quarterly  
self-certification on compliance and controls. 
A thorough re-forecast is prepared quarterly and a 
budget is prepared annually. The Group updates its 
three-year strategic plan annually.

See Viability statement on page 59
See Going concern on page 59

32 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

  
Risk management framework

The diagram below summarises our complementary approach 
based on utilising a top-down plus a bottom-up process:

Top down
•  Group risk policy and strategy
•  Group risk appetite
•  Principal risk oversight
•  Group compliance oversight

Dialight 
plc Board

Operational

Compliance

Chief Executive

Audit Committee

RISK 
COMMITTEE

Executive Committee

Company Secretary

Senior Managers

Internal Audit

Bottom up
•  Business risk appetite policy
•  Assessment and mitigation of specific risks
•  Upward reporting of key residual risks

Senior 
Finance staff

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

33

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsPrincipal and emerging risks and uncertainties

Production capacity  
& supply chain

IT systems

Geo-political conditions  
& macro-economic impacts

Description

Description

Description

The Group uses IT systems to operate 
and control its business; any disruption to 
this would have an adverse impact on the 
business. The Group also needs to ensure 
the protection and integrity of its data

The procurement planning process is 
dependent on the accuracy of sales 
forecasts to ensure adequacy of 
component supply

The Group needs to maintain a robust 
supply chain.

Production capacity needs to be sufficient 
to ensure current orders can be fulfilled 
in a timely manner and be scalable to 
support growth

Risks to production capacity by having 
concentration of production in a 
single location, for the manufacture 
of Lighting products

The Group’s main manufacturing plants 
are in Mexico and its main market is North 
America. Whilst competitors may experience 
tariff impacts on goods imported from 
China to the US, there may be some impact 
on our supply chain for components and on 
the wider economic climate. The Group has 
limited operations in countries with unstable 
political climates. Raised levels of global 
political and economic uncertainty may 
impact our major markets.

Disruption to global markets and transport 
systems arising from geological, biological 
(in particular the COVID-19 emerging risk),  
economic and/or political events may 
impact the Group’s ability to operate 
and the demand for its products.

Gross risk
Medium 

Gross risk
Medium 

Gross risk
High 

Impact on strategy

Impact on strategy

Impact on strategy

•  Revenue
•  Underlying operating profit
•  On-time delivery
•  Order growth

•  Revenue
•  Underlying operating profit
•  On-time delivery
•  Order growth

•  Revenue
•  Underlying operating profit

Impact on viability, reputation and health and safety

Impact on viability, reputation and health and safety

Impact on viability, reputation and health and safety

•  Inability to fulfil demand due to lack of 

product availability

•  Inability to supply customers
•  Loss of revenue and significant 

•  Higher inventory obsolescence with an 

business disruption

•  Reduced financial performance
•  Loss of market share
•  Unforeseen liabilities

adverse impact on gross margin
•  Loss of revenue and operating profit

•  Loss of commercially sensitive information

Mitigation

Mitigation

Mitigation

•  We continue to refine our forecasting 
process and review the accuracy level 
monthly in order to provide a continuous 
cycle of ownership and improvement

•  Focus on design for manufacturing
•  Variety of product offering reduced based 

on empirical analysis

•  Established two new facilities in Mexico 
and Malaysia and now have sufficient 
capacity to support significant growth
•  Re-located CNC and paint equipment 
from our former manufacturing partner 
to our own facility

•  All final assembly is in-house
•  Continued focus on a dual sourcing 

programme is a high-priority issue for 
the coming year

•  The Group continually reviews its IT 

systems to ensure that they are robust 
and scalable in line with the expansion 
of the business

•  There are back-ups built into all 

Group systems and the diversity of 
systems offers good protection from 
individual events

•  Third-party suppliers are used to provide 
security and data protection software

•  The Group will continue to consider the 
optimal siting of its production capacity 
to minimise cross-border tariff risk

•  External tax advisers appointed in high 

risk areas

•  The Group carries finished goods and 

component inventory to mitigate supply 
chain disruption caused by COVID-19 
(in the short-term) and is able to operate 
across short time horizons with disruption 
to freight and personnel movements.

34 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Succession planning  
and staff calibre

Intellectual property

Description

Description

The Group performance is dependent on 
attracting and retaining high-quality staff 
across all functions

Theft or violation of intellectual property 
(“IPR”) by third parties or third parties 
taking legal action for IPR infringement

Market trends  
& competition

Description

To continue to lead the market, the Group 
must be able to identify where customer 
demand (in terms of protection of product 
reputation and customer financial, functional 
and technical requirements) is trending and 
ensure that we have the products to match. 

Failure to deliver technologically advanced 
products and to react to disruptive 
technologies and economic models or to 
execute on our sales strategy could result 
in loss of market share

Gross risk
Medium 

Gross risk
Medium 

Gross risk
Medium 

Impact on strategy

Impact on strategy

Impact on strategy

•  Revenue
•  Retention

•  Revenue
•  Underlying operating profit

•  Revenue
•  Order growth

Impact on viability, reputation and health and safety

Impact on viability, reputation and health and safety

Impact on viability, reputation and health and safety

•  Without good-calibre staff, the Group will 
find it difficult to expand and achieve its 
strategic goals

•  Proprietary technology used by 

competitors leading to loss of market 
share and revenue
•  Unforeseen liabilities

•  Loss of market share

Mitigation

Mitigation

Mitigation

•  The Group’s development programmes 
enhance the skills of executives and 
middle managers

•  A comprehensive recruitment process 

and ongoing evaluation assist high-quality 
hiring and development

•  Considerable time is spent assessing 

middle and senior management in order 
to identify succession plans

•  Core group IPR is protected by patents 

•  The Group has improved and expanded 

(where applicable) and potential violations 
will be pursued through legal action

•  By ensuring internal technical IPR 
expertise and the use of external 
patent advice during the production 
development process the risk of infringing 
third party IPR is minimised

considerably the execution of its 
product development strategy and 
has a robust business case process 
which incorporates feedback from 
customers and is evaluated through 
market intelligence 

•  Establishing new regional development 
centres has brought additional breadth 
and depth of talent into the group

•  Internal and external marketing resources 
are used to review market trends and 
ensure that the Group’s products remain 
at the forefront of the market

•  Group market reputation is recovering 

from the impact of previously outsourcing 
manufacturing production.

Link to strategy  

Gross Risk – Change  

Continued operational  
improvements

Next generation  
product development

Sales driven

Increased/
Reduced

No change

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

35

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsPrincipal and emerging risks and uncertainties continued

Product development strategy

Product-related 
reputational & financial risk 
(including liquidity)

Foreign exchange

Description

Description

Description

Ability to deliver new products to the market 
on a timely basis. Ability to originate and 
execute the product development strategy, 
ensuring integrated quality control.

The Group gives a ten year warranty on 
Lighting products which are installed in a 
variety of high-risk environments. Risks could 
arise in relation to product failure and harm to 
individuals and damage to property.

The Group reports in Sterling; however, the 
majority of its revenues and its cost base are 
in US Dollars. Fluctuations in exchange rates 
between Sterling and US Dollar could cause 
profit and balance sheet volatility

The Group has a net debt position and there 
is a risk related to liquidity.

The Group has shown a potential 
uncertainty in relation to going concern 
based on the impact of COVID-19.

Gross risk
Medium 

Gross risk
High 

Gross risk
Medium 

Impact on strategy

Impact on strategy

Impact on strategy

•  Revenue
•  Underlying gross profit
•  Order growth

•  Revenue
•  Underlying operating profit

•  Revenue
•  Underlying operating profit

Impact on viability, reputation and health and safety

Impact on viability, reputation and health and safety

Impact on viability, reputation and health and safety

•  Loss of market share
•  Lack of order growth

•  Unforeseen liabilities
•  Covenant compliance

•  Volatile financial performance 

arising from translation of profit from 
overseas operations

•  Most of the Group’s profit earned is not 

in the reporting currency

Mitigation

Mitigation

Mitigation

•  We have launched 3 new products during 

•  We maintain a reserve against potential 

the year that address the expanded 
target market 

•  We have a pipeline of product 

development that will enhance our 
existing products and fill portfolio gaps

claims and product quality is a key 
focus in the design stage and during 
the manufacturing process

•  The Group manages post-sale risk 

exposure through the distribution of 
product specification, safety installation 
and maintenance information and through 
appropriate insurance protections

•  The Group currently has sufficient 
headroom against its borrowing 
covenants and has just refinanced its 
banking facility with HSBC. We have run 
severe but plausible downside scenarios 
plus mitigating actions that show that in 
almost all scenarios, the Group remains 
compliant with its financial covenants.

•  The Group uses natural hedging to cover 
operational exposure as the majority 
of revenue and costs are in US Dollars. 
As the business expands geographically, 
the use of forward contracts will be 
reviewed to limit operational exposure 
on a selected currency basis

•  Translational exposure is not currently 
hedged but the Group reports key 
financial indicators on an actual and 
a constant currency basis

Link to strategy  

Gross Risk – Change  

Continued operational  
improvements

Next generation  
product development

Sales driven

Increased/
Reduced

No change

36 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Financial review

The Group has had a year of change following 
the exit from our outsourced manufacturing 
contract in Q4 2018, when we brought all final 
assembly of Lighting back in-house. We used 
a hybrid-manufacturing model to ensure a 
rapid and controlled exit from Sanmina, which 
came at a significant cost to the business.

Group revenue was 11% behind 2018 at 
£151.0m and was 14% lower on a constant 
currency basis. This impact was mainly a 
result of our operational recovery not being 
fully complete until Q4 2019. This was 
compounded by a weakening in some of our 
end-markets. Signals and Components had a 
poor year as a result of its component lines, 
which were down by £5.1m in the year. 

Gross margin on a statutory basis was 
29.0%, which is a reduction of 6.5% on 2018. 
The reduction in gross margin predominately 
relates to the additional cost for sub-
assembly production at third party vendors as 
part of the hybrid-manufacturing model. On a 
proforma unaudited basis gross margins, 
were in line with the previous year. 

The results of the Group can be summarised 
as follows:

Proforma unaudited operating 
profit (Proforma unaudited 
EBIT bridge)

2019
Unaudited
£m

Underlying EBIT 2018*
Impact of revenue reduction
Lower distribution costs
Lower administrative costs

Proforma unaudited operating 
profit (Proforma unaudited 
EBIT) (see note 32)

8.0
(5.3)
2.0
0.5

5.2

*  The equivalent measure for 2019 consists of unaudited 
adjustments and is referred to as proforma unaudited 
operating profit (see note 32)

The reduction in the Group’s proforma 
unaudited operating profit (Proforma 
unaudited EBIT) from £8.0m in 2018 to £5.2m 
in 2019 is due to:

•  £5.3m gross margin impact of the revenue 

reduction, offset by;

•  £2.0m reduction in distribution costs due to 
lower sales commissions and reductions in 
headcount; and

•  £0.5m reduction in administrative expenses 

due to headcount reduction

 More information is available online 
http://ir.dialight.com/reports-
presentations-and-results

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

37

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsFinancial review

Currency impact
Dialight reports its results in GBP. Our major 
trading currency is the US Dollar, which 
in 2019 comprised 86% of the Group’s 
revenue (2018: 80%). The Group has both 
translational and transactional currency 
exposure. Translational exposures arise on the 
consolidation of overseas results into Sterling 
and this is the major currency exposure. 
Transactional exposure is where the currency 
of sales or purchases differ from the local 
functional currency. We use natural hedging 
on revenue and purchases to mitigate the 
majority of the currency risk.

The average rate for the US Dollar against 
Sterling strengthened by 3.8% compared to 
the prior year, with the rate moving from 1.33 
in 2018 to 1.28 in 2019. Based on the current 
mix of currencies, a 1% movement of the US 
Dollar relative to Sterling changes revenue by 
£1.3m and EBIT by £0.1m.

These products are aimed at the European 
and APAC markets and are now made in the 
new Malaysia facility. In addition, there is a 
revised sales strategy for EMEA, which is key 
to generating growth in the region but will 
take some time to be fully effective.

Proforma unaudited gross margin declined by 
100 bps to 37.2%. If we exclude the prior year 
credit on inventory provisions, the margin was 
flat year on year. In 2019, we have attributed 
costs of £10.2m with the use of the hybrid 
model. Overheads were lower in 2019 with 
reduced sales commissions and the benefit 
of redundancies. The overall result was a 
reduction of £1.5m in the proforma unaudited 
operating profit (Proforma unaudited EBIT).

Signals and Components (Fig 2)
Signals and Components is a high-volume 
business operating within highly competitive 
markets. Revenue was 11% lower year on 
year (15% at constant currency) with the 
components market seeing over-supply 
particularly in H1. We saw some recovery in 
this business in H2 and there was a 200bps 
improvement in gross margin as more shared 
production costs were borne by the Lighting 
division in Malaysia, which resulted in an EBIT 
of £4.3m, 4% lower than 2018.

Lighting (Fig 1)
The results for Lighting can be summarised 
as follows:

The Lighting segment represented 74% 
(2018: 74%) of the Group’s revenue and 62% 
(2018: 65%) of the Group’s proforma unaudited 
segmental operating profit. Revenues were 
11% lower (13% lower at constant currency) 
compared with the prior year. 

Revenue in the US was 9% lower, we did 
see some early signs of recovery but this 
has been hampered by the slowdown in the 
global markets. The uncertainty of the trading 
relationship between China and the US was a 
significant headwind for 2019, which resulted 
in a deferral of orders. 

During the year, we opened a distribution 
centre in Tijuana, Mexico, which carries 
high running variants of finished goods and 
allows us to fulfil orders for the US within 
24 hours. This has helped to recover customer 
confidence and is a key part of our strategy 
to support growth in the US market, which 
comprises 77% of our Lighting revenue. 

Revenue in the APAC business was 1% lower 
with Asia being 73% higher year on year 
offset by Australia at 18% lower than 2018. 
The Australian business had a significant 
number of orders related to the mining sector 
deferred. Revenue in EMEA was 27% lower 
year on year and resulted in some significant 
personnel changes in order to address the 
problem. We have launched the round Reliant 
High Bay during the year and the new GRP 
Linear towards the latter end of the year. 

Lighting (Fig 1)

Revenue 
Gross profit 
Gross profit % 
Overheads *

Proforma unaudited operating profit (Proforma unaudited EBIT)

*  Overheads excluding audited non-underlying costs of £6.3m

Signals and Components (Fig 2)

Revenue 
Gross profit 
Gross profit % 
Overheads 

EBIT

38 

2019
Unaudited
£m

111.5
41.5
37%
(34.5)

7.0

2019
Unaudited
£m

39.5
12.6
32%
(8.3)

4.3

2018
Audited
£m

125.0
47.1
38%
(38.6)

8.5

2018
Audited
£m

44.6
13.2
30%
(8.7)

4.5

Variance

(11%)

-100bps
+11%

(18%)

Variance

(11%)

+200bps
+5%

(4%)

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Central overheads
Central overheads comprise of costs not 
directly attributable to a segment and are 
therefore unallocated. In 2019, these costs 
amounted to £6.1m, an increase of £1.1m 
compared to 2018. The increase relates to 
significantly increased audit fees, recruitment 
costs and other professional services.

Non recurring costs (Fig 3)
In the assessment of performance of the 
Group in prior periods, management removed 
the impact of outsourcing costs. In the 
current year, we have removed the impact 
of in-sourcing costs. In the judgement of 
the Directors, these items are separately 
disclosed due to the nature and value from the 
underlying results of the Group to allow the 
reader to obtain a proper understanding of the 
financial information and the best indication of 
underlying performance of the Group.

The table below presents the components of 
non-underlying profit or loss recorded within 
cost of sales and administrative expenses.

Proforma unaudited costs
The costs of exiting the outsource contract 
of £10.2m are in line with previous market 
guidance. We do not expect any further costs 
in 2020 related to this. These costs arose 
directly from the decision to exit our outsource 
manufacturing contract in September 2018. 
We had to pay £0.9m for the removal of our 
CNC machines and paint line from the former 
outsource manufacturer’s premises and then 
transported and re-installed and calibrated at 
our Tijuana plant. We also incurred costs of 
£3.2m to move inventory that we purchased 
from our former outsource manufacturer to 
our own facilities in Mexico and Malaysia. 
In addition, the exit resulted in the local 
supply chain in Malaysia not being in place 
for Lighting products. We incurred additional 
costs to airfreight materials in order to ensure 
production was not impacted.

The exit also resulted in the acquisition of a new 
facility in Tijuana, Mexico that is used primarily 
to carry out machining and painting functions. 
This took most of the year to get to full capacity 
as we didn’t receive our equipment back from 
the former outsourcer until Q2 and we then 
had to get it all installed, tested, certified and 
fully staffed at a cost of £2.1m. These costs of 
ramping up lasted until the end of Q3. At the 
same time, using the hybrid model, we were 
paying smaller third-party vendors to make 
sub-assemblies. This resulted in higher prices 
and payments that covered their overheads 
and profit margin, generating £3.9m of 
additional costs that have been treated as non-
recurring. The total costs of exit of £10.2m are 
management’s best estimate of these costs. 

Non-underlying costs
Redundancy costs of £1.1m relate to various 
initiatives during the year to deal with areas 
of the business that were not performing 
well and also to right-size the cost base. 
The loss on disposal of subsidiary relates 
to the sale of the Group’s Wind business in 
Denmark in September 2019 and the exit from 
that operational site. The loss comprised of 
two elements, £0.8m loss in the year (prior 
to sale) and £1.7m loss at the point of sale. 
The business had been in decline for two 
years following the loss of a major customer. 
The revenue for this business was £4.4m in 
2018 generating a profit of £nil and prior to 
the sale in 2019, it had revenue of £1.9m and 
generated a loss of £0.8m.

In the prior year, the charge within administrative 
expenses related to a one-off increase in 
pension liabilities arising from Guaranteed 
Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation.

Pension costs
The company has two defined benefit pension 
schemes, both of which are closed to new 
entrants. The aggregate scheme surplus is 
£2.3m, an increase of £1.9m in the year. The net 
surplus has increased due to a combination 
of the return on plan assets and changes in 
demographic assumptions, offset by the impact 
of a reduction in the discount rate. The cash 
cost in the current year was £0.5m and this will 
reduce as part of the triennial funding valuation 
that is in currently in progress. 

Non recurring costs (Fig 3)

Costs to exit outsource contract
Costs to move equipment from outsource manufacturer’s site
Costs to move inventory from outsource manufacturer’s site 
Additional costs from using 3rd party vendors to make sub-assemblies and internal ramp up costs

Unaudited costs recorded in cost of sales

Non-underlying costs

Redundancy costs
Loss on disposal of subsidiary
Write-off receivable from outsource manufacturer
Increased pension liability from GMP capitalisation 

Non-underlying costs recorded in administrative expenses 

Total non-recurring costs

Total cash impact

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

2019
Unaudited
£m

2018
Audited
£m

0.9
3.2
6.1

10.2

1.1
2.5
2.7
–

6.3

16.5

11.8

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
0.4

0.4

0.4

–

39

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
Financial review continued

Tax
There is a tax charge of £3.7m in the year on 
a loss before tax of £12.5m. The normalised 
tax rate (tax rate before adjustments) for the 
Group is 21% in the year and based on a loss, 
this would generate a tax credit of £2.6m. 
The bridge from an expected tax credit of 
£2.6m to a tax charge of £3.7m is as follows:

•  the de-recognition of the deferred tax 

assets on previously recognised losses 
in the European Lighting business due to 
poor performance, results in a tax charge of 
£4.5m. We do not anticipate this business 
making sufficient taxable profits in the 
short-term to utilise the losses

•  we have not recognised any deferred tax 

asset on £1.0m of losses in the current year 

•  there is a non-deductible loss of £0.5m on 
the disposal of Denmark A/S, the former 
European Wind business which was sold 
in September 2019

The cash payment for tax in 2019 was £0.5m 
(2018: £1.7m).

Inventory

Inventory (excluding 
spare parts)

Raw materials 
and sub-
assemblies
Finished goods

2019
Audited
£m

2018
Audited
£m

28.5
17.2

45.7

29.2
16.8

46.0

The total movement on inventory (on an 
actual currency basis) was a reduction of 
£0.3m year on year. Raw materials and work 
in progress reduced by £0.7m with £0.6m 
sold as part of the disposal of our Danish 
subsidiary. There was an increase of £1.3m 
related to new products launched by the 
Group which was offset by a comparable 
unwind of inventory. Finished goods inventory 
increased by £0.4m with the main movements 
being the addition of a distribution centre 
in Tijuana, Mexico to further improve lead 
times to the North American market, adding 
£3.8m to Lighting inventory. At the same time, 
the new production facility in Malaysia has 
reduced lead times to APAC and this has 
lowered Lighting inventory by £2.7m. Our end 
of February 2020 inventory levels was £3.1m 
lower than the year-end position.

Net debt roll forward (Fig 4)

Net debt roll forward

Net debt at 31 December 2018
Inflows
Proforma unaudited EBITDA
Net working capital movement

Outflows related to exit from outsource manufacturer
Logistical cost of exit and premium from 3rd party vendors 
Investment in operating facilities

Other outflows 
Investment in new products
Redundancy costs and disposal of subsidiary
Other

Net debt at 31 December 2019

40 

Cash flow
The Group’s net debt position increased by 
£13.6m in the year from net debt of £2.9m at 
31 December 2018 to net debt of £16.5m at 
31 December 2019.

The roll forward of net debt is shown in Fig 4:

There were inflows of operating cash of 
£12.1m in the year. The most significant 
was from our proforma unaudited EBITDA 
of £10.1m from trading when we exclude 
all costs related to the exit of our former 
outsource manufacturer. In addition to this, 
there was a favourable net working capital 
movement of £2.0m. 

There was a small increase in inventory year 
on year but this includes £3.8m of finished 
goods that we have added in the US as 
an investment in our recovery. We have 
undertaken a detailed review of our inventory 
and we are satisfied that the obsolescence 
risk is low. There was a net inflow from 
receivables and payables as we ensured 
collections were kept current. 

There were outflows of £17.0m related to the 
exit from our former outsource manufacturer 
and investment in internal capacity. It cost 
£4.1m to move equipment and materials 
because of the exit. It cost a further £6.1m 
in premiums paid to 3rd party vendors to 
produce sub-assemblies and internal ramp up 
costs. In addition, we invested £6.8m in two 
new operating facilities as a result of the exit. 

There were other outflows of £8.7m, which 
consisted of £6.0m on product development, 
£1.6m for redundancies and disposal of the 
loss-making subsidiary in Denmark.

£m
Unaudited

£m
Unaudited

10.1
2.0

(10.2)
(6.8)

(6.0)
(1.6)
(1.1)

(2.9)

12.1 

(17.0) 

(8.7)

(16.5)

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking
The Group has its banking relationships with 
HSBC Bank plc and Wells Fargo. The Group 
has a multi-currency revolving credit facility 
with HSBC of £25m. This has been renewed 
on 25 February 2020 for a further 3 years to 
February 2023 with the option to add on 2 
further years. As part of renewing our bank 
facility, we have agreed with HSBC that all 
non-recurring items were added back for 
covenant calculation purposes measured  
on a quarterly basis. The Group had net  
debt of £16.5m at the balance sheet date 
(2018: net debt £2.9m) and remains fully 
compliant with its covenant requirements. 

We are fully compliant with our banking 
covenants at 31 December 2019, see fig 5: 

Capital management and dividend
The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong 
capital base in order to maintain customer, 
investor and creditor confidence and to 
sustain future development of the business. 
The Board considers consolidated total equity 
as capital. At 31 December 2019, this equated 
to £67.8m (2018: £85.1m). 

The Board is not proposing any final dividend 
payment for 2019 (2018: nil). The Group 
has a clear capital allocation discipline and 
is committed to returning excess funds 
to shareholders via future dividend or 
share repurchase.

Fariyal Khanbabi
Group Chief Executive 

Ronan Sheehy
Group Finance Director (Interim)

31 March 2020

Covenant calculations (Fig 5)

Ratio

Calculation

Leverage ratio Net debt: proforma unaudited EBITDA
Interest cover Proforma unaudited EBITDA: interest expense

Actual

Threshold

1.63x
16.83x

<3.0x
>4.0x

COVID-19
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has conducted an assessment on 
the potential financial and operational risks to the business. While the Group is yet to 
experience any significant impact from the virus, there may be an impact on revenue, 
supply chain and operating facilities if the situation worsens. The Group continues to 
monitor the potential impact on the supply chain, with a particular focus on raw material 
supply. To date we have not seen any impact but we are aware there is the potential for 
shortages in materials globally.

Although we have not seen a reduction in order levels currently, there may be an impact on 
order intake if the situation worsens. The Group has a duty of care towards all employees, 
and therefore we expect some of our staff to be required to self-isolate and a lower level 
of sales visits to take place than anticipated. There is also the potential for some customers 
to prohibit contractors from entering their sites restricting installations.

The Group relies on a large direct labour force in our facilities in Mexico and Malaysia for 
production and inventory management. The Group has taken action to mitigate the spread 
of infection at our facilities through enhanced cleaning processes, staggering of shifts 
and the provision of hand sanitiser in common areas. As part of the 2020 strategy, the 
Group has increased the level of finished goods held in our regional distribution centres 
which will mitigate the risk in the short term against labour shortages and subsequent 
production delays.

BREXIT
Considerable uncertainties remain regarding the level of tariffs on goods imported to the 
UK following the UK’s exit from the EU on 31 January 2020. A post-Brexit transition period, 
keeping most UK EU arrangements as they are now, is due to expire on 31 December 2020.

The majority of the Group’s sales in Europe are outside the UK, and will therefore not be 
impacted by Brexit. In the short-term goods that have already been imported to the UK 
prior to exit will not be impacted as they will not attract any further tariff. Any goods that 
are currently stored in the UK and destined for the EU can be moved to another storage 
location in the EU prior to an exit.

The Group will continue to supply its UK market from Malaysia or Mexico and will review 
the location of its UK distribution centre once the impact of Brexit on movement of goods 
between the UK and mainland Europe is clarified.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

41

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsChair’s introduction to governance

Biographies for each of the current Directors 
and the interim Group Finance Director are 
set out on pages 44 and 45. The progress 
in talent development and diversity can be 
found in the Our People section on pages 28 
to 30.

Compliance statements
Throughout the year ended 31 December 
2019, the Company has complied with 
the provisions as set out in the 2018 
Code (a copy of which is available on the 
Financial Reporting Council’s website at 
www.frc.org.uk) in all respects except that 
I was not deemed to be independent upon 
appointment as chairman (Provision 9) – an 
explanation of the Board’s view on this matter 
is set out below under the section headed 
‘independence’ on page 52. The Group’s 
approach to risk management and internal 
control is set out on pages 32 and 33.

The Board confirms that it considers that 
the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a 
whole, are fair, balanced and understandable 
and provide the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s 
position and performance.

Board priorities
Our priorities for 2020 are to continue to 
focus on the Group’s wider strategic plans 
as well as effectiveness of our operational 
recovery plan, which was implemented last 
year and to stabilise and incentivise our 
senior leaders across the Group to continue 
to deliver on the Group’s recovery after a 
difficult few years. We will continue to build on 
the strong foundations put in place over the 
last 12 months through investment in talent, 
innovation, product and process optimisation 
and delivering on our ambitious new product 
pipeline in order to build a robust operational 
platform for the long-term success of the 
Group and its stakeholders.

David Blood
Chair

31 March 2020

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to report 
on Dialight’s Corporate Governance during 
2019. The aim of this report is to explain 
Dialight’s governance framework and how it 
was applied on a day-to-day basis in the year 
under review, with particular emphasis to how 
we have applied the principles and provisions of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the 
“2018 Code”). 

The Board’s role in setting the Group’s culture 
and core values is a significant one. We aim 
to achieve a balance between accountability, 
collaboration and respect, so as to enable 
agile decision making and constructive 
challenge, which in turn promote innovation 
and open collaboration – these are qualities 
that will help with Dialight’s continued recovery.

The Board is very serious about its 
responsibilities in relation to Group strategy, 
including: its setting; the monitoring and 
reviewing of progress as that strategy is 
implemented; and ensuring that any risks 
that threaten that strategy are managed or 
mitigated. In September 2019, the Board 
held an in-depth strategy review with the full 
Executive team to consider and challenge the 
three-year strategic plan and the proposed 
organisational model. We have continued to 
monitor carefully the implementation of the 
strategic plan.

As a Board, we are conscious that we are 
accountable to all our shareholders and 
must have regard to other stakeholders 
such as employees, customers, suppliers 

and the environment. We maintain an active 
dialogue with shareholders throughout the 
year and listen to views of representatives of 
investors and financial institutions. We also 
welcome the opportunity to meet and answer 
shareholders’ questions at our 2020 Annual 
General Meeting (“AGM”).

Leadership
There have been important changes to 
the composition of the Board over the 
past 12 months. In August 2019, Waynes 
Edmunds stepped down as Chairman and 
I was appointed as his successor. Also, in 
August, Marty Rapp stepped down as CEO 
and Fariyal Khanbabi, formerly CFO, was 
appointed as interim CEO. On 5 March 2020, 
we announced Fariyal as our Chief Executive 
Officer. We would like to thank Wayne and 
Marty for their contributions. A search for a 
new CFO is currently underway.

In February this year we announced the 
appointment of two new board members 
(with effect from 1 April 2020), Karen Oliver 
and Gotthard Haug. Both have experience 
in diverse industrial markets which will help 
the Group in its next phase of development. 
Steve Good has indicated that he will step 
down from the Board at the end of March to 
focus on his other board commitments. It has 
been a privilege to work with Steve, who has 
provided the Company with invaluable service 
since he joined us. We are sorry to see him go 
and wish him all the best.

42 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

How the Board supported strategy
This report aims to provide shareholders and other stakeholders with an understanding of how our Group is managed and the governance and 
control framework within which we operate. Governance at Dialight is integral to the organisation’s operating culture and the functioning of 
the Board of Directors. The Directors are unanimous in their aim to maintain robust but pragmatic levels of governance and risk-management, 
focused on delivering long-term shareholder value.

Strategy

Objectives

Streamlining  
operations

Next generation 
technology

Sales driven

The Board has monitored the 
operational recovery to ensure that 
progress was made on a number of 
key issues:

•  reduction in late orders

•  review of supply chain

•  on-time delivery

•  monitoring inventory levels

The Board reviews the product 
strategy to evaluate progress on 
maintaining and increasing our 
technological lead. The key items 
reviewed were:

•  new product roadmap

•  new technology roadmap

•  monthly progress on all projects

The Board monitors the major levers 
that will recover our lost market 
share. The key levers are:

•  monthly review of orders 

and sales

•  review of major sales projects

•  review of end markets

Achievements

The Board approved securing 
two new facilities in Mexico and 
Malaysia. Individual board members 
visited the site in Mexico to 
ensure appropriate progress was 
being made.

Engineering and technology teams 
have been merged. The resources 
are focused on projects that deliver 
the most value in the short and 
medium term.

There has been progress on 
building sales momentum across  
all three regions.

See Our strategy on pages 22 and 23

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

43

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements  
Board of Directors

Fariyal Khanbabi
Chief Executive Officer

David Blood
Chair

Stephen Bird
Senior Independent Director

Gaëlle Hotellier

Non-Executive Director

Steve Good

Ronan Sheehy

Non-Executive Director

Group Finance Director (Interim)

Appointed

Appointed as interim Chief Executive 
Officer on 10 August 2019 and 
appointed Group Chief Executive 
on 5 March 2020.

Appointed as a Non-Executive 
Director on 1 July 2015, and 
subsequently as Chair of the 
Board on 5 August 2019.

Senior Independent Director since 
February 2013. Joined Dialight 
as Non-Executive Director on 
10 January 2013. 

Committee membership

– 

Nominations (Chair)

Audit, Nominations

Audit (Chair), Nominations, 

Audit, Nominations, Remuneration 

Nominations, Remuneration

n/a

Remuneration

(Chair)

Background and career

From 2009 until September 2014, 
Fariyal was Chief Financial Officer at 
Blue Ocean Group, an independent 
privately-owned £4bn revenue fuel 
trading and distribution business. 
She has over ten years’ experience in 
senior financial positions, including 
roles at NYSE and Nasdaq-listed 
companies. Fariyal joined Dialight 
as Group Finance Director on 
8 September 2014 and was appointed, 
on an interim basis, as Dialight’s 
Chief Executive Officer on 10 August 
2019. On 5 March 2020, Fariyal was 
appointed Chief Executive Officer.

David Blood is co-founder and Senior 
Partner of Generation Investment 
Management. Since its founding 
in 2004, Generation has played an 
integral role in the development 
of sustainable investing and in 
demonstrating the long-term 
commercial and societal benefits of 
this approach. Previously, David spent 
18 years at Goldman Sachs including 
serving as CEO of Goldman Sachs 
Asset Management. David received 
a B.A. from Hamilton College and an 
M.B.A. from the Harvard Graduate 
School of Business. 

Stephen is currently Group Chief 
Executive of The Vitec Group plc and 
has previous Board experience as a 
Non-Executive Director of Umeco 
plc. Prior to joining Vitec, Stephen 
was Divisional Managing Director 
of Weir Oil & Gas, part of Weir 
Group plc, and has held senior roles 
at Danaher Corporation, Black & 
Decker, Unipart Group, Hepworth plc 
and Technicolor Group.

Current external appointments

None.

He is chair of Dialight, Social Finance 
UK and co-chair of The World 
Resources Institute and serves on the 
boards of On the Edge Conservation 
and SHINE. David is also a life trustee 
of Hamilton College.

Group Chief Executive of The Vitec 
Group plc.

David is a Non-Executive Director and 

Within Siemens GmbH & Co KG, 

Steve is the non-executive chair of 

None.

Audit Committee Chair at Victrex plc.

Gaëlle is Head of Global Operations 

Zotefoams plc as well as a member of 

for Generation Service Units.

44 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

David Thomas

Non-Executive Director, 

Employee Liaison NED (ELNED)

Joined Dialight on 26 April 2016 

as a Non-Executive Director and 

Chair of the Audit Committee. 

David also has responsibility as 

the Group’s nominated ELNED, 

introduced by the Board to 

strengthening the representation 

of employees’ views and issues at 

a Board level independently from 

the executive management. 

Joined Dialight on 3 October 2016 

and was appointed as Chair of 

the Remuneration Committee on 

Joined Dialight on 1 June 2018 as a 

Non-Executive Director. Steve has 

Stepped into the role of Group 

Finance Director while a search is 

notified the Company of his intent to 

underway for a permanent candidate.

1 June 2018.

step down as a director with effect 

31 March 2020 due to the weight of 

his other board commitments and he 

will not be seeking re-election at the 

2020 AGM.

Ronan currently attends Board 

meetings as an attendee rather 

than a member.

David was Chief Financial Officer 

at Invensys plc from 2011 until his 

Gaëlle has worked for the Siemens 

group since 2002, during which 

retirement in 2014, having held senior 

time she has held various senior 

roles across the business since 2002. 

management roles. Between 2013 

Prior to joining Invensys, he was a 

and 2015, Gaëlle was an Executive 

Senior Partner in Ernst & Young LLP, 

Board member of the EU’s Fuel Cell 

Steve has international experience 

in speciality chemicals businesses, 

manufacturing and diverse industrial 

markets. Steve was Chief Executive 

Officer at Low & Bonar plc from 

2009 to 2014. Prior to that role, 

Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, a public-

he was Managing Director of its 

private partnership with the European 

technical textiles division between 

specialising in long-term industrial 

contracting businesses. He is also 

a former member of the Auditing 

Practices Board. 

Commission. She is also a former 

Chair of the Supervisory Board of 

Siemens Industriegetriebe GmbH 

in Penig.

Ronan has worked in industry for all 

of his career. He has held senior roles 

in public and private companies. 

He joined Dialight in January 2014 and 

became Group Financial Controller 

in March 2015. Earlier in 2019, he 

became the finance director for the 

Operations division but later moved 

into the vacant role of Group Finance 

Director on an interim basis.

He is a chartered certified accountant.

2006 and 2009, Director of New 

Business between 2005 and 2006, 

and Managing Director of its Plastics 

division between 2004 and 2005. 

Prior to joining Low & Bonar Steve 

spent 10 years with BTP plc (now part 

of Clariant) in a variety of leadership 

positions managing international 

speciality chemicals businesses. 

Steve was also a Non-Executive 

Director of Cape plc and Chair of 

its Remuneration Committee from 

July 2015 until 2017, and was a  

Non-Executive Director of Anglian 

Water Services Ltd and a member of its 

Audit, Nominations and Remuneration 

Committees until October 2018. 

Steve holds a degree in Economics 

and Financial Management 

from Sheffield University and is 

a chartered accountant. 

its remuneration committee. Steve is 

also the non-executive chair of Devro 

plc, and a non-executive director of 

Elementis plc, where he is chair of its 

remuneration committee.

Fariyal Khanbabi

Chief Executive Officer

David Blood

Chair

Stephen Bird

Senior Independent Director

Appointed

Appointed as interim Chief Executive 

Appointed as a Non-Executive 

Senior Independent Director since 

Officer on 10 August 2019 and 

appointed Group Chief Executive 

on 5 March 2020.

Director on 1 July 2015, and 

subsequently as Chair of the 

Board on 5 August 2019.

February 2013. Joined Dialight 

as Non-Executive Director on 

10 January 2013. 

David Thomas
Non-Executive Director, 
Employee Liaison NED (ELNED)

Joined Dialight on 26 April 2016 
as a Non-Executive Director and 
Chair of the Audit Committee. 
David also has responsibility as 
the Group’s nominated ELNED, 
introduced by the Board to 
strengthening the representation 
of employees’ views and issues at 
a Board level independently from 
the executive management. 

Gaëlle Hotellier
Non-Executive Director

Steve Good
Non-Executive Director

Ronan Sheehy
Group Finance Director (Interim)

Joined Dialight on 3 October 2016 
and was appointed as Chair of 
the Remuneration Committee on 
1 June 2018.

Joined Dialight on 1 June 2018 as a 
Non-Executive Director. Steve has 
notified the Company of his intent to 
step down as a director with effect 
31 March 2020 due to the weight of 
his other board commitments and he 
will not be seeking re-election at the 
2020 AGM.

Stepped into the role of Group 
Finance Director while a search is 
underway for a permanent candidate.

Ronan currently attends Board 
meetings as an attendee rather 
than a member.

Committee membership

– 

Nominations (Chair)

Audit, Nominations

Audit (Chair), Nominations, 
Remuneration

Audit, Nominations, Remuneration 
(Chair)

Nominations, Remuneration

n/a

Background and career

From 2009 until September 2014, 

David Blood is co-founder and Senior 

Stephen is currently Group Chief 

Fariyal was Chief Financial Officer at 

Partner of Generation Investment 

Blue Ocean Group, an independent 

Management. Since its founding 

privately-owned £4bn revenue fuel 

trading and distribution business. 

in 2004, Generation has played an 

integral role in the development 

She has over ten years’ experience in 

of sustainable investing and in 

senior financial positions, including 

demonstrating the long-term 

Executive of The Vitec Group plc and 

has previous Board experience as a 

Non-Executive Director of Umeco 

plc. Prior to joining Vitec, Stephen 

was Divisional Managing Director 

of Weir Oil & Gas, part of Weir 

roles at NYSE and Nasdaq-listed 

companies. Fariyal joined Dialight 

as Group Finance Director on 

commercial and societal benefits of 

Group plc, and has held senior roles 

this approach. Previously, David spent 

at Danaher Corporation, Black & 

18 years at Goldman Sachs including 

Decker, Unipart Group, Hepworth plc 

8 September 2014 and was appointed, 

serving as CEO of Goldman Sachs 

and Technicolor Group.

on an interim basis, as Dialight’s 

Asset Management. David received 

Chief Executive Officer on 10 August 

a B.A. from Hamilton College and an 

2019. On 5 March 2020, Fariyal was 

M.B.A. from the Harvard Graduate 

appointed Chief Executive Officer.

School of Business. 

David was Chief Financial Officer 
at Invensys plc from 2011 until his 
retirement in 2014, having held senior 
roles across the business since 2002. 
Prior to joining Invensys, he was a 
Senior Partner in Ernst & Young LLP, 
specialising in long-term industrial 
contracting businesses. He is also 
a former member of the Auditing 
Practices Board. 

Gaëlle has worked for the Siemens 
group since 2002, during which 
time she has held various senior 
management roles. Between 2013 
and 2015, Gaëlle was an Executive 
Board member of the EU’s Fuel Cell 
Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, a public-
private partnership with the European 
Commission. She is also a former 
Chair of the Supervisory Board of 
Siemens Industriegetriebe GmbH 
in Penig.

Current external appointments

None.

He is chair of Dialight, Social Finance 

Group Chief Executive of The Vitec 

David is a Non-Executive Director and 
Audit Committee Chair at Victrex plc.

Within Siemens GmbH & Co KG, 
Gaëlle is Head of Global Operations 
for Generation Service Units.

UK and co-chair of The World 

Group plc.

Resources Institute and serves on the 

boards of On the Edge Conservation 

and SHINE. David is also a life trustee 

of Hamilton College.

Ronan has worked in industry for all 
of his career. He has held senior roles 
in public and private companies. 
He joined Dialight in January 2014 and 
became Group Financial Controller 
in March 2015. Earlier in 2019, he 
became the finance director for the 
Operations division but later moved 
into the vacant role of Group Finance 
Director on an interim basis.

He is a chartered certified accountant.

None.

Steve has international experience 
in speciality chemicals businesses, 
manufacturing and diverse industrial 
markets. Steve was Chief Executive 
Officer at Low & Bonar plc from 
2009 to 2014. Prior to that role, 
he was Managing Director of its 
technical textiles division between 
2006 and 2009, Director of New 
Business between 2005 and 2006, 
and Managing Director of its Plastics 
division between 2004 and 2005. 
Prior to joining Low & Bonar Steve 
spent 10 years with BTP plc (now part 
of Clariant) in a variety of leadership 
positions managing international 
speciality chemicals businesses. 
Steve was also a Non-Executive 
Director of Cape plc and Chair of 
its Remuneration Committee from 
July 2015 until 2017, and was a  
Non-Executive Director of Anglian 
Water Services Ltd and a member of its 
Audit, Nominations and Remuneration 
Committees until October 2018. 

Steve holds a degree in Economics 
and Financial Management 
from Sheffield University and is 
a chartered accountant. 

Steve is the non-executive chair of 
Zotefoams plc as well as a member of 
its remuneration committee. Steve is 
also the non-executive chair of Devro 
plc, and a non-executive director of 
Elementis plc, where he is chair of its 
remuneration committee.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

45

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsLeadership

Role of the Board and Principal Committees
The principal role of the Board is to provide 
effective and entrepreneurial leadership, 
within a framework of controls, that promotes 
the interests of the Company sustainably over 
the long term – thereby generating value for 
its shareholders as well as benefiting its other 
stakeholders. The Board sets the Group’s 
purpose, values and strategy, and has ultimate 
responsibility for its management, direction 
and performance. The Company’s Articles 
of Association set out the Board’s powers. 
The Board has adopted a formal schedule 
of matters reserved solely for its decision 
(a summary of which is set out on page 51) 
and certain decision-making and monitoring 
activities have been delegated to Board 
Committees or management, through formal 
terms of reference for Board Committees 
and a clearly defined Group delegated 
authority matrix. The Board has established 
three principal Committees: the Nominations 
Committee; the Audit Committee; and the 
Remuneration Committee, which review 
and monitor key areas on behalf of the 
Board and make recommendations for its 
approval. Each Board committee operates 
under written terms of reference which are 
approved by the Board and made available 
at www.dialight.com. The Chair of each 
Committee reports to the Board on its 
activities after each meeting and minutes 
are circulated to all Board members once 
they have been approved by the Committee. 
The Board also has a Disclosure Committee 
and appoints ad hoc sub-committees from 
time to time as required. 

Further information on the activities and 
composition of each Committee is detailed 
within the separate Committee reports.

Board meeting attendance
In 2019, the Board had five scheduled 
face-to-face meetings, which had the 
option of attendance by telephone where 
necessary. These face-to-face meetings 
were supplemented by two scheduled Board 
calls. Additionally, the Board met to review 
the overall strategy of the Group and had 
two other calls and two meetings on an ad 
hoc basis.

During the year, attendance by Directors 
at Board and Committee meetings was 
as follows:

David Blood1

Wayne Edmunds2

Fariyal Khanbabi

Marty L. Rapp3

Stephen Bird

David Thomas

Gaëlle Hotellier

Steve Good

Board

10/11

6/7

11/11

7/7

11/11

11/11

10/11

11/11

Audit

Remuneration

Nominations

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

5/5

5/5

5/5

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

8/8

8/8

8/8

4/5

3/3

n/a

n/a

5/5

5/5

5/5

5/5

1.  David Blood was appointed as Chair of the Board and the Nominations Committee on 5 August 2019.

2.  Wayne Edmunds stepped down as Chair of the Board and the Nominations Committee on 5 August 2019.

3.  Marty L. Rapp retired as a director and as CEO on 9 August 2019.

46 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our governance structure

Dialight benefits from a robust corporate governance 
framework, structured to maintain good oversight and 
control over: financial and management reporting; 
compliance and regulatory matters; risk management; 
and, the approval of significant decisions (such as 
material agreements). The diagram below sets out 
the top-level corporate governance framework of the 
Board and its interaction with its Committees.

THE BOARD

Nominations 
Committee

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Executive  
board

The Board 
Provides strategic leadership to the Group 
within a framework of robust corporate 
governance and internal control, setting 
the culture, values and standards that are 
embedded throughout the business to deliver 
long-term sustainable growth for the benefit 
of our shareholders.

Nominations Committee 
•  reviews the structure, size and 
composition of the Board; 

•  oversees the Board’s succession 

planning; and

•  keeps under review the leadership 

needs of, and succession planning for, 
the Company.

Audit Committee 
•  monitors the integrity of financial 

statements, formal announcements relating 
to the Company’s financial performance 
and the Company’s narrative reporting;

•  oversees risk management and 

internal controls;

•  considers the requirement for an internal 

audit function; and

•  reviews external auditor independence 
and leads the audit tender process.

Remuneration Committee
•  sets and keeps under review the framework 
and policy on executive director and senior 
management remuneration (including 
pension arrangements); 

•  evaluates the advice of external 

remuneration consultants and when 
receiving views from executive directors 
and senior management; and

•  approves the design and targets framework 

for share incentive plans.

Executive Board
•  management committee chaired by the 

CEO, which reviews operational matters 
and business performance;

•  reinforces the operational and governance 
structures in place across the Group; and

•  acts as a forum for management decisions.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

47

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsLeadership continued

Division of responsibilities of the Board
A summary of the business carried out by the Board during the year, the standing Board agenda items and a summary of the matters that are 
formally reserved for the Board (as set out in writing) is given on page 51.

Chairman

Governance

Strategy

People

Chief Executive 
Officer

•  Promoting high standards of corporate governance;
•  Leading, chairing and managing the Board;
•  Ensuring all Board committees are properly structured and operate with appropriate terms of reference;
•  Regularly considering the composition and succession planning of the Board and its committees;
•  Ensuring that the Board’s and its committees’ performance are evaluated on a regular basis;
•  Ensuring adequate time is available for all agenda items and that the Board receives accurate, clear and timely 

information; and

•  Ensuring that there is effective communication with major shareholders.

•  Leading the Board in developing the strategy of the business and setting its objectives;
•  Promoting open and constructive debate in Board meetings;
•  Ensuring effective implementation of Board decisions with the support of the Chief Executive Officer;
•  Ensuring that the Board manages risk effectively; and
•  Consulting, where appropriate, with the Senior Independent Director on Board matters.

•  Chairing the Nominations Committee;
•  Identifying and meeting the induction and development needs of the Board and its committees;
•  Developing a strong working relationship with the Chief Executive Officer;
•  Ensuring a strong working relationship between Executive and Non-Executive Directors;
•  Setting clear expectations concerning the Company’s culture, values and behaviours that will support its long-term 

sustainable success; and

•  Ensuring effective relationships are maintained with all key stakeholders in the business.

•  With the Chair, providing coherent leadership and management of the Company;
•  Developing objectives, strategy and performance standards to be agreed by the Board;
•  Providing input to the Board’s agenda;
•  Providing effective leadership of the Executive Board to achieve the agreed strategies and objectives;
•  Securing an Executive Board of the right calibre, with specific responsibility for its composition, and ensuring that its 

succession plan is reviewed annually with the Chair and the Non-Executive Directors;

•  Monitoring, reviewing and managing emerging and principal risks and strategies with the Board;
•  Ensuring that the assets of the Group are adequately safeguarded and maintained;
•  Building and maintaining the Company’s communications and standing with shareholders, financial institutions and 

the public, and effectively communicating the Dialight investment proposition to all stakeholders; and

•  Ensuring the Board is aware of the view of employees on issues of relevance to Dialight.

Executive Directors

•  Implementing and delivering the strategy and operational decisions agreed by the Board;
•  Making operational and financial decisions required in the day-to-day management of the Company;
•  Providing executive leadership to senior management across the business;
•  Championing the Group’s values and reinforcing the governance and control procedures; and
•  Promoting talent management, encouraging diversity and inclusion.

Senior 
Independent 
Director

Independent 
Non-Executive 
Directors

•  Acting as a sounding board for the Chair;
•  Serving as a trusted intermediary for the other Directors; and
•  Providing an alternative channel for shareholders to raise concerns, independent of executive management and the Chair.

•  Contributing independent thinking and judgement, and providing external experience and knowledge, to the 

Board agenda;

•  Scrutinising the performance of management in delivering the Company’s strategy and objectives;
•  Providing constructive challenge to the Executive Directors; and
•  Monitoring the reporting of performance and ensuring that the Company is operating within the governance and risk 

framework approved by the Board.

Company 
Secretary

•  Acting as a sounding board for the Chair and other Directors;
•  Ensuring clear and timely information flow to the Board and its Committees; and
•  Providing advice and support to the Board on matters of corporate governance and risk.

48 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Principal Committees of the Board
The Board has established three principal Committees: the Nominations Committee, the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee. 
Details of their constitution, their roles and responsibilities, and the activities of each Committee during the year are set out in their respective 
reports, which follow this corporate governance report.

Each Committee operates under its own terms of reference, which have been approved by the Board and are reviewed annually. In addition, 
the Board has approved the establishment of: an informal management committee, the Executive Board, which is chaired by the Group Chief 
Executive; a Disclosure Committee comprised of the Group Chief Executive, the Group Finance Director and the Company Secretary; a Risk 
Committee, chaired by the Company Secretary, which is responsible for oversight of the Group’s risk and risk evaluation; and, various ad hoc 
sub-committees as required from time to time. The Executive Board provides a forum in which the Executives, representing their sector or 
functional area, can review and take decisions on operational and financial matters that arise in day-to-day business operations. The Executive 
Board is also an effective means for implementing actions from the Company Board and providing oversight of operational matters. 

Reporting requirement

Description of the business model and strategy.

Location

Strategic Report 
See pages 20 to 23

Description of the significant issues that the Audit Committee considered in relation to the 
financial statements and how these issues were addressed, having regard to the matters 
communicated to it by the external audit team.

Audit Committee report 
See pages 63 and 64

Explanation of how the Audit Committee has assessed the effectiveness of the external 
audit process.

Audit Committee report 
See page 62

Explanation of how internal assurance is achieved despite the absence of an internal audit 
function and how this affects the work of external audit.

Audit Committee report 
See page 61

Description of the Nomination Committee’s work, including an explanation of its choice on 
the use of external search consultancies.

Nominations Committee report 
See page 56

Description of the Company’s succession plans, the Board’s policy on diversity and inclusion 
and their links to company strategy.

Nominations Committee report 
See page 56

Statement that the Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, 
is fair, balanced and understandable and provides information necessary for shareholders to 
assess the Company’s financial position and performance.

Directors’ Responsibilities 
See page 88

Future policy table and notes, performance scenario charts, remuneration obligations in 
service contracts.

Remuneration Committee report 
See page 73

Policy implementation, remuneration paid to service advisers, single total figure tables, 
Chief Executive Officer pay comparison to Company performance, alignment of directors’ 
remuneration (including pension contributions) with the workforce’s and relative importance 
of spend on pay.

Remuneration Committee report 
See pages 77 to 79

Directors’ shareholdings and variable pay awarded in the year.

Remuneration Committee report 
See pages 77 to 84

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

49

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsLeadership continued

Board activities

Strategy, Investor Relations & 
Communications
•  Strategic reviews
•  Review of organisational structure
•  Strategic growth opportunities
•  Communications strategy
•  Review of regional sales strategy

Ensuring Group objectives are aligned 
with shareholders
•  Review of feedback from shareholders and 

engagement with shareholders
•  Review of Group strategy annually
•  Review of capital allocation decisions
•  Review of the Board evaluation

Governance, Compliance & Ethics
•  Review and discussion of the external 
Board and Committee evaluations

•  Review of Chairman and Non-Executive 

Director fees
•  AGM business
•  Code of conduct approval
•  Review of the Annual Report
•  Review of compliance reports (including 

progress reports on GDPR and 
preparations for CCPA compliance)

•  Review of cyber security 
•  Review of pension policies
•  Modern Slavery Act Statement approval

Review and discussion of external Board 
and Committee evaluations
•  Ensuring adequacy of risk 
management framework

•  Overseeing the findings of the 

Risk Committee

•  Reviewing the output of internal audit
•  Reviewing any whistleblowing instances

Financial & Operational
•  Budget for 2019/20
•  Half-year results, full-year results and 

trading updates

•  Review of Group cash position 

and forecasting

•  Review of changing global 

taxation landscape

•  Approval of the Group’s tax strategy

Ensuring robustness and integrity of 
financial statements
•  Review areas of judgement within the 

financial statements

•  Review external auditor independence
•  Review investor relations materials

Talent & Culture
•  Succession planning and talent 
development for all senior roles

•  Review of implementing 
engagement surveys

•  Review of strengthening operations 

and sales teams

Ensuring health and safety of employees 
•  Reviewing accident frequency rates
•  Reviewing any reports of near misses
•  Ensuring safe and comfortable 

working environments

BOARD ACTIVITIES

Strategy,  
Investor Relations & 
Communications

Financial  
& Operational

Talent  
& Culture

Governance,  
Compliance  
& Ethics

50 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Standing Board agenda items
At each meeting the Board considers the following standing items, which include:

Review and approval of the previous minutes

Status update on any matters outstanding from previous meetings

Updates from each Board Committee on the activities since the last Board meeting

Report from the Group Chief Executive

Report from the Group Finance Director

Report from the Group General Counsel

Investor Relations report

Health & Safety review

Risk review

Corporate governance update 

Updates from the Company Secretary on administrative matters

Matters reserved for the Board

Setting the Group’s long-term objectives and commercial strategy

Approving annual operating and capital expenditure budgets

Ceasing all or a material part of the Group’s business

Significantly extending the Group’s activities into new business or geographic areas

Changing the share capital or corporate structure of the Company

Changing the Group’s management and control structure

Approving half-year and full-year results and reports

Approving dividend policy and the declaration of dividends

Approving significant changes to accounting policies

Approving key policies

Approving risk management procedures and policies, including anti-bribery and corruption

Approving major investments, disposals, capital projects or contracts (including bank borrowings and debt facilities)

Approving guarantees and material indemnities 

Approving resolutions to be put to the AGM and documents or circulars to be sent to shareholders

Approving changes to the Board structure, size or its composition (following the recommendation of the Nominations Committee)

Ensuring succession planning

Succession plans have been introduced for all senior managers

Board succession plans have also been put in place 

Ensuring the Board interacts with senior managers as much as possible to judge the depth of the management team

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

51

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsEffectiveness

Composition of the Board
The Board currently comprises six directors, 
who bring a wide variety of skills and 
experience to the Boardroom. The Interim 
Group Finance Director is an attendee at 
Board meetings. With one current Executive 
Director and five Non-Executive Directors 
(including the Chair) of whom four have been 
judged by the Board under Provision 10 of 
the 2018 Code to be independent, there is 
a strong independent element to Dialight’s 
Board which encourages constructive 
challenge and ensures that the balance of 
power rests with the Non-Executive members 
of the Board. With the changes announced 
on 27 February 2020 in Board composition, 
the Board will be further strengthened by the 
net addition of one more independent NED. 
The Board considers both the current Board 
structure, and the Board structure following 
the new appointments on 1 April 2020, to 
be appropriate in terms of both size and the 
balance of skills. The search will continue in 
respect of the appointment of a permanent 
Group Finance Director.

The biographies of each Director, including 
an overview of their skills and experience, are 
set out on pages 44 and 45. The Board has 
established a formal process for the search, 
appointment and induction of new Directors, 
details of which are set out in the Nomination 
Committee report on page 56.

Independence
The Board has reviewed the independence 
of the Chair and each Non-Executive Director 
and considers all of the Non-Executive 
Directors to be independent of management 
and free from business or other relationships 
that could interfere with the exercise of 
independent judgement. The Board also 
considers that Karen Oliver and Gotthard 
Haug (to join the Board on 1 April 2020) will 
be independent of management and free from 
business and other relationships that could 
interfere with the exercise of independent 
judgment. The Company meets the 
requirement under Provision 11 of the 2018 
Code that at least half of the Board has been 
determined by the Board to be independent. 
The Board believes that any shares in the 
Company held personally by a member of 
the Board serves to align their interests with 
those of the shareholders. 

The Chair, David Blood, is not, on a strict 
interpretation of the examples that could 
potentially impair independence set out in 
Provision 10 of the 2018 Code, considered 
to be independent as a consequence of his 

connection with Generation Management 
LLP (currently the Company’s largest 
shareholder). This was the position on the 
date on which he was appointed Chair of 
the Board on 5 August 2019. However, the 
Board has always considered, and continues 
to consider, David to be independent in 
character and judgement in performing his 
duties as a director and as Chair, and is fully 
confident that David would absent himself 
from any Board discussions at which any 
conflict might arise (and would ensure that 
he did so). In the event that David absented 
himself from any specific discussions, the SID 
would ordinarily assume the chairship of the 
relevant meeting. Notwithstanding the non-
independent status of David on appointment 
(as deemed under Provision 9 of the 2018 
Code), the Board, when considering his 
potential appointment as Chair, came to the 
view that on balance the very considerable 
corporate experience and specific knowledge 
of the Group that David brought to the role 
outweighed any technical non-compliance 
and was in the best interests of the Group 
and of its shareholders generally. The Board 
remains particularly conscious of its duties 
under Provision 7 of the 2018 Code to actively 
manage general potential conflicts of interest 
arising from significant shareholdings and 
of the specific matters relating to David’s 
role as Chair, and accordingly, David’s letter 
of appointment contains additional clauses 
covering confidentiality, insider dealings and 
conflicts of interest and the Board considers 
potential conflicts arising at each and every 
meeting. No external search consultancy was 
used in the search process for the chair (at 
the time of David’s appointment) as the Board 
considered that David was best placed to 
step into the role, following Wayne Edmund’s 
decision to retire from the Board, and that he 
alone provided the continuity and knowledge 
of the business and its senior management 
team that the Group required as it executed 
its strategy for revitalising the Group 
following the reversion to the in-sourced 
manufacturing model.

Time allocation
The Board benefits from the wide variety of 
skills, experience and knowledge that each 
of the Directors bring to their roles. However, 
being available and committing sufficient 
time to the Company is essential. Therefore, 
the number of external directorships that 
a Non-Executive Director holds is an 
important consideration when recruiting and 
when performing the annual evaluation of 
Non-Executive Director effectiveness. 

Executive Directors are permitted to accept 
one external appointment, subject to the prior 
approval of the Chair. Approval will only be 
given where the appointment does not create 
a conflict of interest with the Group’s activities 
and where the role is considered to be 
beneficial to the development of the individual 
(which will, in turn, benefit the Company).

In addition to the six scheduled Board 
meetings and five Board calls, Non-Executive 
Directors are expected to attend the AGM, 
the annual strategy meeting and certain 
other Company events and site visits 
throughout the year. A time commitment of 
at least 20 days per annum is the anticipated 
requirement for each Non-Executive Director. 
Confirmation is obtained on appointment 
from each Non-Executive Director that they 
can allocate sufficient time to the role. 

The Chair and Non-Executive Directors (NED) 
also meet twice a year without Executive 
Directors present to ensure there is an 
opportunity to discuss potentially sensitive 
matters. The Senior Independent Director 
meets with the Non-Executive Directors, 
without the Chair present, at least once per 
year, to evaluate the Chair’s performance. 

Re-election of Directors
In compliance with the 2018 Code, all of 
the current Directors, with the exception of 
Steve Good, will stand for re-election at the 
forthcoming AGM. In addition, both Karen 
Oliver and Gotthard Haug will stand for first 
election at the AGM. Following the annual 
evaluation of the Board and its committees, 
and the recruitment process for the two new 
NEDs, the Board has determined that all 
Directors standing for election or re-election 
at the AGM continue to be effective, hold 
recent and relevant experience and continue 
to demonstrate commitment to the role. 
Biographical details of each Director standing 
for election or re-election are set out in the 
notice of AGM.

Liability insurance
Each Director is covered by appropriate 
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, 
at the Company’s expense. In addition, the 
Directors are entitled to be indemnified by 
the Company to the extent permitted by law 
and the Company’s Articles of Association 
in respect of all losses arising out of or 
in connection with the execution of their 
powers, duties and responsibilities.

52 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Board evaluation
The Board evaluation is performed annually 
and meets the requirements under Provision 
21 of the 2018 Code that the review of Board 
performance is externally moderated every 
three years. 

The last Board review was conducted in 
autumn 2019 with the help of the leading 
advisory firm Lintstock and, based on the 
feedback received, the Board determined that 
the Board and its Committees continue to 
operate effectively. 

Induction of new Directors
Newly appointed Non-Executive Directors 
follow a tailored induction programme, 
which includes dedicated time with Group 
executives and visits to regional offices.

There are tailored induction materials which 
provide a comprehensive overview of: the 
Group and its legal and organisational 
structure; the governance framework; the role 
of the Non-Executive Director; key business 
contacts at the Company level; and details 
of the Board’s external advisers. In addition 
to the latest Annual Report and Company 
announcements, further materials such as 
recent broker coverage and the last Board 
evaluation are also provided. 

Performance evaluation
The Board undertakes a formal evaluation of 
its performance, and that of each Director, on 
an annual basis. The principal Committees of 
the Board undertake an annual evaluation of 
their effectiveness, in accordance with their 
terms of reference. 

The Executive members of the Board have 
frequent contact with all executives and 
make regular visits to Group sites. All new 
Non-Executive members of the Board will 
carry out Company visits as part of their 
induction and routinely thereafter. The Board 
members also engage with our current and 
future business leaders working within the 
Group. This regular interaction between the 
Board and the businesses provides a vital 
channel of communication and a forum for 
open dialogue, which encourages the sharing 
of knowledge and experience.

Board, Committee and Directors’ performance evaluation cycle

Questionnaire
A comprehensive 
questionnaire sent 

Evaluation
The external evaluator or the 
Company Secretary compiles 
the results

Action Plan
The collated results are 
discussed by the Board and an 
action plan is formulated

Feedback
Individual feedback plans are 
provided to Directors

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

53

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsEffectiveness continued

Relations with shareholders and stakeholders

with the operation of the PSP scheme) 
are addressed in either the draft 2020 
Remuneration Policy and the accompanying 
notes or by the Company’s Remuneration 
Committee in setting performance targets for 
future PSP awards. In respect of pre-emption 
rights, the votes against were principally 
from three shareholders, one of whom 
no longer holds shares in the Company. 
The Company has sought to engage with 
these shareholders and believes that the 
drafting of the explanatory notes to the 2020 
AGM resolutions provides greater clarity in 
relation to the potential use by the Company 
of any pre-emption powers granted. 

HOW WE ENGAGE  
WITH STAKEHOLDERS

Employees

Communities

Customers & 
Distributors

Authorities & 
Regulators

Partners

Investors

Shareholder engagement
The Company is committed to maintaining 
good communications with investors. 
Although overall responsibility for ensuring 
the effectiveness of communication with 
shareholders lies with the Chair, the Board’s 
primary contact with shareholders on a 
day-to-day basis is through the Executive 
Directors. The Chair is generally available 
to shareholders and meets with institutional 
and other large investors; and the Senior 
Independent Director is also available to 
shareholders as required.

The Company regularly meets with its large 
investors and institutional shareholders who, 
along with sell-side research analysts, are 
invited to presentations by the Company 
immediately after the announcement of the 
Company’s interim and full year results. 
The contents of these presentations and 
conference calls are available on the Group’s 
website www.ir.dialight.com/reports-
presentations-and-results/resports-and-
presentations and shareholders can register 
on the website to receive email alerts. 

The Annual General Meeting
The Company’s AGM presents an additional 
opportunity to communicate with private and 
institutional investors. The AGM is attended 
by the Board and is open to all Dialight 
shareholders to attend. 

The Chief Executive Officer gives a 
presentation on operational matters before 
the Chair deals with the formal business of the 
meeting. Each substantially separate issue is 
proposed as a separate resolution. Details of 
resolutions to be proposed, and shareholders’ 
options for voting, at the forthcoming AGM 
are to be found in the separate circular to 
shareholders. All shareholders present can 
question the Board during the meeting as 
well as informally afterwards. The Company’s 
forthcoming AGM will take place at 11.30am 
on Wednesday, 13 May 2020.

At the Company’s 2019 AGM, three 
resolutions received votes against in excess 
of 20%. As announced on 2 October 2019, 
the Board and RemCo have undertaken a 
consultation with principal shareholders so 
as to better understand the significant votes 
against resolution 2 (remuneration report) and 
resolutions 15 and 16 (pre-emption rights). 
Of the issues identified in the consultation 
process: one issue, relating to a former CEO, 
will be non-recurring; issues concerning CEO 
and Chair remuneration levels have been 
addressed (see remuneration report); and 
the remaining issues (primarily concerned 

54 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our employees

Our communities

Our customers  
and distributors

Our authorities  
and regulators

Our partners

Our investors

Why we engage

How the Board engages

Employees are critical to the Group, 
demonstrate its culture and embody 
its values.

Review and develop plans that promote 
safety, transparency, diversity and inclusion, 
innovation and high-achieving teams.

Read more

Page 28

What we do impacts on the communities we 
work with all around the world.

Site visits; the local media; and community 
outreach programmes.

Page 26 to 31

It is our pleasure to serve our customers 
and distributors, who are responsible for 
our success. We aim to understand our 
customers’ and distributors’ requirements 
and behaviours to enable us to deliver the 
products that they need and want.

The products that we produce must meet 
stringent regulatory requirements.

Regular visits; reports from dedicated 
client account teams that obtain feedback 
on existing products and receive requests 
for new product designs or for specific 
solutions; and joint value-creation initiatives.

Page 12

Attending governmental roundtables 
and seminars; and providing feedback to 
regulators on future product developments.

Page 19

We believe in establishing honest and fair 
long term relationships with our suppliers 
and advisors that are consistent with 
the Group’s ethos, and based on value 
and quality.

Continual dialogue with our suppliers 
and advisors.

Page 29

As a publicly-listed company, we need to 
provide fair, balanced and understandable 
information to instil confidence in our 
providers of finance. We take care to 
consider shareholder feedback on the 
business and management performance.

Annual General Meetings; investor 
roadshows and results briefings; updates 
to the investor relations section of our 
website; and ongoing dialogue with 
analysts and shareholders.

Page 68

How stakeholders are considered 
by the Board in decision-making
The Board considers the impact on 
stakeholders when taking a number of key 
decisions. Following shareholder feedback 
at our 2019 AGM, we proactively engaged 
with shareholders to ensure the alignment 
of our new remuneration policy with their 
expectations and interests as well as with 
our employees.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

55

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsNominations Committee report

Allocation of time

75% Governance and reporting
10% Succession planning and recruitment
  5% Re-election of Directors

Dear Shareholder,

Both the Nominations Committee and the 
Board as a whole recognise their crucial 
roles in nurturing talent at management and 
executive levels. I am pleased, therefore, to 
report that the Nomination Committee’s work 
continued in 2019 as it selected a new chair on 
Wayne Edmund’s departure, and a new CEO 
upon Marty Rapp’s retirement. Marty stepped 
down in August 2019 and Fariyal, formerly 
CFO, was appointed as interim CEO. 
On 5 March 2020, we announced Fariyal as 
our Chief Executive Officer. We would like to 
thank Wayne and Marty for their contribution. 
A search for a new CFO is currently underway. 
As reported elsewhere and since the year-
end, we have also strengthened the Board 
through the appointment of two new non-
executive directors.

When Wayne Edmunds indicated that 
he wished to step down form the Board, 
there was a need to identify a successor. 
During that process, the Committee was 
chaired by Stephen Bird acting in his capacity 
as SID and, as a potential candidate for 
the role of Chair, I absented myself for all 
relevant discussions.

With Fariyal stepping up into the CEO role, 
a vacancy was created for a new Group 
Finance Director. The Committee and the 
Board is very grateful to Ronan Sheehy, 
the former Group Financial Controller, for 
agreeing to move from an operational role into 
the CFO role on an interim basis. Ronan has 
attended Board meetings since he accepted 
the role but is not a director of the Company. 
Ronan has indicated that he does not wish 
to be considered for the full-time role and 
will return to his operational role once a 
successor has been appointed. The search 
for a replacement CFO was initiated in 
Autumn 2019 with the assistance of the 
external search firm Egon Zehnder. There are 
no disclosable connections between Egon 
Zehnder and any directors of the Company, 
or with the Group (other than in respect of the 
provision of search services).

As detailed above, the Committee has 
conducted a search process for two 
additional non-executive directors to further 
strengthen the Board. The Committee and 
the Board were mindful of the need to further 
broaden the diversity of the Board in making 
these appointments whilst at the same time 
ensuring that appointees bring relevant and 
complementary experience. The search for 
the additional non-executive directors was 
initiated in Autumn 2019 with the assistance of 
the external search firm Heidrick & Struggles. 
There are no disclosable connections between 

Heidrick & Struggles and any directors of the 
Company, or with the Group (other than in 
respect of the provision of search services).

Role of the Committee
The Board has delegated responsibility to the 
Committee under written terms of reference, 
which are available on the Group’s website. 
The Committee’s primary responsibilities are to:

•  review the size, balance and composition 
(evaluating the skills, diversity, knowledge 
and experience) of the Board and its 
committees, ensuring that they remain 
appropriate and making recommendations 
to the Board with regard to any changes;
•  lead the process for Board appointments;
•  oversee the succession planning 

requirements for the Board and other senior 
Executives, including the identification and 
assessment of potential candidates, and 
making recommendations to the Board for 
its approval; and

•  keep under review the leadership needs of 
the Group in relation to both its Executive 
Directors and other senior executives, 
including any recommendations made by 
the Chief Executive Officer for changes to 
the executive membership of the Board.

The Committee ensures all Board 
appointments are made in line with the 
Group’s employment policies and practices, 
which aim to ensure that an individual’s 
skills, experience and talents are the sole 
determinants in recruitment and career 
development, by eschewing discriminatory 
practices and providing equal opportunities.

Composition of the Committee 
The Committee currently comprises David 
Blood (who was appointed chair of the 
Committee as of 5 August 2019) and four 
Non-Executive Directors. David Blood 
would not chair a meeting of the Committee 
which was dealing with the appointment of 
a successor to the Chair. 

The members of the Committee during the 
year were:
Committee member

Member from

Wayne Edmunds

25 January 2016 to 
5 August 2019

Stephen Bird

10 January 2013

David Thomas

26 April 2016

David Blood

23 July 2015

Gaëlle Hotellier

3 October 2016

Steve Good

1 June 2018

56 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

10% Composition of the BoardActivities during 2019
The Committee’s role has strengthened over 
the last year and, in response to the increased 
workload required of it, the Committee met 
four times during the year. Two scheduled 
meetings were held to consider the 
Committee’s ongoing responsibilities of 
Board and senior management succession 
planning, and the appointment and 
reappointment of Directors based on the 
Board evaluation. The additional meetings 
were held in relation to the Chief Executive 
Officer, non-executive director and Group 
Finance Director recruitment process. 
During the year, the Committee has also 
undertaken the following activities:

•  Reviewed talent and development at sector 
and company managing director level; and

•  Carried out the annual self-evaluation 

and review of Director independence in 
accordance with the terms of reference. 

Board appointments and process 
The role of the Committee in facilitating board 
changes during the year is summarised above. 

Diversity 
The Board recognises the benefits of 
greater cognitive diversity on the Board and 
in management positions throughout the 
Group. The Board is currently comprised 
of six Directors, of whom two are women 
(33%). The spread of nationalities is: four 
British, one American and one French, 
with three members of the Board having 
accountancy backgrounds and three with 
listed plc CEO experience. With effect from 
1st April 2020 the Board will be comprised 
of seven directors, three of whom will be 
women (43%). Whilst the Board does not have 
a parity of gender balance, it believes that 
gender is one, but not the only, indicator of 
the Board’s cognitive diversity and diversity 
of experience, and is mindful of the need to 
further strengthen such diversity in any future 
Board appointments.

Further details on diversity are set out in the 
“Our People” section on page 28. 

Priorities for the coming year 
The Committee’s priority for 2020 will be 
to focus on succession planning and talent 
development at executive and Board level. 

On behalf of the Nominations Committee.

David Blood
Chair of the Nominations Committee

31 March 2020

Composition of the Board
at 31 December 2019

5 Non-Executive
1 Executive

Board gender diversity
at 31 December 2019

Non-Executive Director tenure 
(number of years)

6

3

2.75

3.5

2.2

0.6

Wayne
Edmunds

Stephen
Bird

David 
Thomas

David
Blood

Gaëlle
Hotellier

Steve
Good

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

4 Male
2 Female

4 UK
1 US
1 French

Board nationalities
at 31 December 2019

57

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAccountability

Internal control statement

The Board’s responsibilities
The Board has overall responsibility to the 
shareholders for the Group’s systems of 
internal control and risk management, and 
the review of the system’s effectiveness is 
carried out with the assistance of the Audit 
Committee. Whilst not providing absolute 
assurance against material misstatements 
or loss, this system is designed to identify 
and manage those risks that could adversely 
impact the achievement of the Group’s 
objectives. The Group’s risk management 
structure and process is detailed on pages 32 
and 33.

There is a Risk Committee at a sub-Board 
level that periodically reviews strategic and 
tactical risks facing the Group, and comprises 
members of the Executive Committee. 
The Risk Committee is responsible for 
maintaining the Group’s risk register which is 
then periodically reported to, and reviewed 
by, the Board. The Group’s principal risks and 
uncertainties, extracted from the Group’s risk 
register, are detailed on pages 34 to 36.

The Board confirms that there is an ongoing 
process for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the significant risks faced by the 
Group, and for determining the nature and 
extent of the significant risks which it is willing 
to take in achieving its strategic objectives. 
The Board, advised by the Audit Committee, 
regularly reviews the process, which has been 
in place for the year under review and up to 
the date of approval of the Annual Report and 
Accounts. This process is in accordance with 
the Financial Reporting Council’s (“FRC”) 
‘Guidance on Risk Management, Internal 
Control and Related Financial and Business 
Reporting’. The Board has continued to 
improve and embed controls throughout the 
Group, and will continue to keep the process 
under review to ensure that the internal 
control and risk management framework 
remains fit for purpose.

Review of internal control effectiveness
The Board regularly reviews the effectiveness 
of the Group’s risk management and 
internal control systems, including financial, 
operational and compliance controls. This is 
principally achieved through reviewing reports 
prepared by management, to determine 
whether significant risks have been identified, 
evaluated, managed and controlled. 

1. Functional and  
front line controls

4. Ethical and  
cultural environment

RISK

2. Assurance  
activities

3. Monitoring and 
oversight controls

58 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Going concern
The Board has undertaken a rigorous 
assessment of the going concern 
assumptions using the base case financial 
forecasts and considering a wide range 
of downside scenarios. The business has 
had a number of challenging years with 
outsourcing production and subsequently 
insourcing. These operational issues have 
been resolved with significant investment 
made in the Group during 2019.

The base case projections prepared for the 
going concern and viability assessment are 
derived from the business plan but are based 
on a cautious approach with muted levels 
of growth despite the new products already 
launched in 2019 and the significant pipeline 
of new products over the viability period.

For the going concern assessment, the 
Board have considered the base case 
projections for the period to 30 September 
2021. In accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, the Board has considered 
the Company’s longer-term viability and 
sets out its Viability Statement in the panel 
on the right.

In assessing the going concern assumptions, 
the Board has undertaken a rigorous 
assessment of the forecast outturns and 
assessed identified downside risks and 
mitigating actions. The downside risks include 
a number of severe but plausible scenarios 
incorporating underperformance against the 
business plan, execution risk, unexpected 
cash outflows and customer attrition.

The broader political and economic 
uncertainty coupled with the potential future 
impact on the Group of the recent COVID-19 
outbreak has been factored into the scenarios 
considered as part of the Group’s adoption 
of the going concern basis. The Group has 
also considered what mitigating actions are 
available to it in the event that such downside 
scenarios arise. The Group believes that it has 
sufficient mitigating actions available to it that 
it could address almost all such downside 
scenarios. Under these severe but plausible 
scenarios there is a risk of breaching the 
Group’s financial covenants, unless a waiver 
agreement is reached with the lender within 
the going concern period. 

The above situation gives rise to a material 
uncertainty, as defined in auditing and 
accounting standards, related to events or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt 
on the entity’s ability to continue as a going 
concern and in such circumstances, it may 
therefore be unable to realise its assets 

and discharge its liabilities in the normal 
course of business. Reflecting the Board’s 
confidence, the Group continues to adopt the 
going concern basis in preparing its financial 
statements as the Group has sufficient 
headroom under its recently renewed banking 
facility and sufficient liquidity to operate. 

Viability statement

During the year, the Board carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks affecting the 
Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency 
or liquidity. The principal risks and uncertainties, including an analysis of the potential impact 
and mitigating actions, are set out on pages 34 to 36 of the Strategic Report.

The Board has assessed the Group’s viability across a three-year period, taking into account 
the Group’s current position and the potential impact of the principal risks and uncertainties. 
Whilst the Board has no reason to believe that the Group will not be viable over a longer 
period, it has determined that three years is an appropriate period. In drawing its conclusion, 
the Board has aligned the period of viability assessment with the Group’s rolling three-year 
strategic planning period. The Board believes that this approach also provides an appropriate 
alignment with annual awards under the share-based incentive plan.

In assessing the viability of the Group, sensitivities have been performed on the key 
assumptions below:

•  revenue growth;
•  gross margin;
•  inventory levels
•  mitigations; and
•  the outcome of litigation.

In reviewing the Company’s viability, the Board has identified the following factors which they 
believe support their assessment:

•  the market drivers for LED adoption remain strong due to the increasing importance 

of sustainability

•  the Group operates in diverse end markets, with no material individual 

customer concentration;

•  the impact of operational issues on the cost base and the ability to fulfil customer orders is 

largely dissipated;

•  positive customer and distributor feedback and invitations to bid on large projects;
•  product development partly focused on cost reduction through technological advances;
•  financial capacity under the current banking facilities that are in place until February 2023;
•  there is a framework of accountability within a robust governance and control 

framework; and

•  there is an ethical approach to business throughout the Group.

The Board reviewed and challenged a comprehensive exercise of financial modelling carried 
out by management and stress-tested for the impact of numerous potential risk scenarios. 
They also considered the mitigations presented by management, the potential impact, the 
time required to implement the mitigating actions and the financial benefit.

The scenarios chosen are plausible downside scenarios and on a combined basis, modelled 
the impact of a severe downturn in performance. Each scenario tested the impact on the 
Group’s banking covenants to ensure compliance. The downside sensitivities relating to 
the cash outflows from changes in key assumptions, both in isolation and in aggregate, 
demonstrate that, the Group has sufficient mitigating actions available to it that it could 
address almost all such downside scenarios. Based on this assessment, the Board confirms 
that it has a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and 
meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three-year period to 31 December 2022.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

59

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAudit Committee Report
Activities during the year

Activities during the year

50% Financial statements and business report
12% Internal audit
10% External audit
25% Risk management
3% Other

We have continued to focus 
our efforts on the Committee’s 
core areas of responsibility 
of maintaining integrity across 
all aspects of corporate 
reporting, internal control, risk 
management and audit quality.

I am committed to delivering strong 
leadership of the Committee throughout 
my tenure and to actively encourage the 
Committee to challenge management 
assumptions. Each member of the Committee 
has a detailed understanding of Dialight’s 
strategy and business model and of the 
Group’s culture and core values. 

The difficulties experienced in the business 
in recent years were primarily operational 
and in the current year there was a significant 
financial impact of completing the separation 
from our outsource manufacturer. Now that 
this separation is substantially complete the 
monitoring of the operational performance 
of the Group is being refocused on sales and 
production forecasts, inventory levels and the 
effectiveness of supply chain. The Group’s 
bank facilities were renewed and now extend 
to February 2023.

Role and responsibilities
The Committee is appointed by the Board and 
operates under written terms of reference, which 
were updated in December 2016 and reviewed 
again in December 2018. These are available to 
view at www.ir.dialight.com. The Committee’s 
primary duties are summarised within each of the 
five sub-headings set out below:

2. Internal controls and risk management 
•  Monitor the adequacy and effectiveness 

of internal controls and risk 
management systems;

•  Review and approve the statements to 
be included in the Annual Report and 
Accounts concerning internal controls and 
risk management;

•  Review and provide oversight, on behalf of 
the Board, of the processes by which risks 
are managed; and

•  Review the process undertaken and 

appropriateness of stress-testing required 
to approve the Group’s viability statement 
and its going concern statement. 

3.Internal audit
•  Manage the relationship with the internal 

audit function that was previously provided 
by a 3rd party;

•  Review the role, composition and 

effectiveness of the internal audit function. 
Internal audit and the requirements of the 
business will be reviewed fully in 2020.

4. External audit
•  Manage the relationship with the Group’s 

external auditor;

•  Monitor and review the independence 

and performance of the external auditor 
and formally evaluate their effectiveness. 
The external auditor is not to carry out non-
audit services;

•  Negotiate and approve the external 

auditor’s fee, the scope of the audit and the 
terms of their engagement; and

•  Make recommendations to the Board for 
the appointment or reappointment of the 
external auditor.

1. Financial reporting
•  Review and challenge significant financial 

 5. Compliance, whistleblowing and fraud
•  Monitoring the processes in place 

reporting judgements and the application of 
accounting policies, including compliance 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS);

throughout the Group to prevent and detect 
fraud and to enable employees to raise 
concerns in confidence; and

•  Reviewed the Group’s whistleblowing 

policy and procedures

•  Ensure the integrity of the financial 

statements and their compliance with UK 
company law and accounting regulations;

•  Ensure the Annual Report and Accounts 

are fair, balanced and understandable, and 
recommend their approval to the Board; and

•  Monitor the integrity of announcements 

containing financial information.

60 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Composition of the Committee
The committee currently comprises the 
three independent Non-Executive Directors. 
The following members served on the 
committee during the year:

•  David Thomas (appointed 26 April 2016)
•  Stephen Bird (appointed 10 January 2013)
•  Gaëlle Hotellier (appointed 3 October 2016)

Their attendance can be seen on page 46.

The Chairman, Group Chief Executive 
and Group Finance Director also attend 
Committee meetings, together, where 
appropriate with the Group Financial 
Controller. Representatives from the external 
auditor also attend key Committee meetings.

The Committee’s activities during the 
period are set out below
Financial reporting
•  Reviewed the Annual Report and Accounts, 
the Half Year Report and trading updates 
issued. As part of these reviews, the 
Committee received a report from the 
external auditor on the audit of the Annual 
Report and Accounts; 

•  Reviewed the disclosures made in the 

Annual Report and Accounts relating to risk 
management and internal controls;

•  Reviewed the process and stress testing 

undertaken to support the Group’s viability 
and going concern statements;

•  Reviewed the Group’s compliance with 

borrowing covenants;

•  Considered the adequacy and 

appropriateness of the Group’s policies 
and disclosures in respect of those new 
IFRS adopted in the year and those 
assessed for their likely impact on adoption 
in future periods;

•  Considered the ongoing accounting and 
commercial implications of the Group’s 
separation from its former outsource 
manufacturer; and

•  Considered the Group’s judgments, 

policies and disclosures in respect of  
“non-recurring” items.

Internal controls and risk management
•  Considered the output from the Group-
wide risk review process to identify, 
evaluate and mitigate risks, the Group’s 
changing risk profile and future risk reports;

•  Reviewed the resource and requirements 

for risk management and internal control in 
the Group; and

•  Reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s 
risk management and internal controls. 

Internal audit
•  Given the significant changes associated 
with the insourcing of production and the 
management changes it was concluded 
that the existing internal audit arrangements 
were no longer appropriate. Internal audit 
will be fully evaluated in 2020. 

External auditor and non-audit work
•  Agreed the scope and methodology of 
the audit work to be undertaken by the 
external auditor;

•  Evaluated the independence and objectivity 

of the external auditor; and

•  Agreed the terms of engagement and 
fees to be paid to the external auditor 
for the audit of the 31 December 2019 
financial statements.

Whistleblowing
The Committee has responsibility for 
ensuring that adequate arrangements are 
in place for employees to raise concerns 
or suspicions which they may have about 
possible wrongdoing in financial reporting 
or other matters. 

An external organisation, Safecall, operates 
a 24-hour confidential reporting service 
for the Group, which provides employees 
with the choice of making a report via a 
multilingual telephone line or via the internet.

This service allows employees to remain 
anonymous (subject to local legislation) and 
also provides a case reporting number which 
ensures that there is a mechanism for two-
way communication between the reporter and 
the Company, even if the reporter has chosen 
to remain anonymous.

Confidential reports from this service are 
provided to the Company Secretary, as well 
as to the Committee Chair, for investigation 
and to report any significant cases to 
the Committee. 

Governance
The Committee meets at least three times 
per year and routinely meets with the external 
auditor without the Executive Directors 
present. It is chaired by David Thomas, an 
independent Non-Executive Director, who is a 
chartered accountant with recent and relevant 
financial experience. The Group Finance 
Director works closely with the committee 
Chairman to facilitate open communication 
and regular information flow. Each Committee 
member brings a wealth of professional 
and practical knowledge and experience 
which is relevant to the Company’s industry. 
Such abilities ensure that the Committee 
functions with competence and credibility. 
The Committee receives regular updates on 
changes to financial accounting standards 
and reporting requirements, regulatory and 
governance changes and developments 
around risk management, fraud prevention 
and detection, and cyber security.

In its advisory capacity, the Committee 
confirmed to the Board that, based on its 
review of the Annual Report and Accounts 
and of the disclosures contained therein, 
the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a 
whole, are fair, balanced and understandable, 
and provide the necessary information for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s position 
and performance, its business model and 
its strategy.

Engagement of the external auditor 
and tenure 

KPMG was first appointed as external 
auditor in 2001. KPMG is required to rotate 
the audit partner responsible for the Group 
every five years. The previous audit partner’s 
term ended in 2018, with the current audit 
partner being responsible with effect from 
the 2018 audit. 

During 2019, the Committee continued to 
monitor legislative and best practice changes 
in this area. Under the Statutory Auditors and 
Third Country Auditors Regulations 2016, the 
Company is required to retender its external 
auditor by 31 December 2023. At that point, 
KPMG would not be eligible to be re-appointed. 

Whilst KPMG would be eligible to continue as 
auditor until 31 December 2023, the Group 
intends to commence a tender process for the 
external audit as soon as practical. 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

61

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsConflicts of interest
The Company has arrangements in place to 
consider and deal with Directors’ conflicts 
of interest. An annual review is undertaken, 
facilitated by the Company Secretary, 
with all identified conflicts recorded on 
a register that is adopted by the Board. 
Conflicted Directors are not able to attend 
meetings where the conflicted matter is 
discussed and at which decisions are made. 
None of the Directors has had or has an 
interest in any material contract relating to 
the business of the Company or any of its 
subsidiary undertakings.

Significant issues
Significant issues and accounting judgements 
are identified by the finance team, or through 
the external audit process, and are reviewed 
by the Audit Committee. The significant 
issues considered by the Committee in 
respect of the year ended 31 December 2019 
are set out in the following table:

Audit Committee Report continued

Auditor independence

At each meeting, the Committee receives 
a summary of all fees, audit and non-audit, 
payable to the external auditor. A summary 
of fees paid to the external auditor is set out 
in note 10 to the financial statements.

The current auditor is not allowed to tender 
for non-audit services. 

The external auditor confirmed its 
independence as auditor of the Company 
in a letter addressed to the Directors.

External audit effectiveness
The effectiveness of the external audit 
process is assessed by the Committee, which 
meets regularly throughout the year with the 
audit partner and senior audit managers. 
Key to the overall effectiveness of the process 
is a “no surprises” approach, adopted by 
both the Group and the external auditor, 
under which each party makes the other 
aware of accounting and financial reporting 
issues as and when they arise, rather than 
limiting this exchange to the period in which 
formal audit and review engagements 
take place.

This general approach is supported by 
a formal annual survey process involving 
subsidiary and Group management as well 
as Audit Committee members and attendees.

Surveys are tailored and issued to three 
distinct groups of respondents:

•  subsidiary financial controllers;
•  the Group finance team; and
•  Audit Committee members and attendees.

The survey completed by the first group is 
divided between questions focusing on audit 
quality and client service. As this group is 
involved primarily in the execution phase of 
the audit, the responses cover practical audit 
management issues as well as observations 
made of the integrity and quality of audit 
field teams. The second, and particularly 
the third group interact mainly with senior 
audit management and the audit partner 
so that the survey covers more general 
audit planning and wider issues around 
the audit relationship.

In addition to assessing the effectiveness 
of the external auditor, the Committee 
recognises that Group management has 
an important role to play in the overall 
effectiveness of the external audit process. 
This survey addresses items such as the 
timeliness, quality and reliability of data 
provided to the external auditor.

Taken together, the Committee believes that 
sufficient and appropriate information is 
obtained to form an overall judgement of the 
effectiveness of the external audit process. 

The external audit effectiveness process 
findings from last year’s review were also 
incorporated into our audit processes 
this year.

Risk management and internal controls
Further details of risk management and 
internal controls are set out on pages 32 and 
33. Through monitoring of the effectiveness 
of the Group’s internal controls and risk 
management, the Committee is able to further 
its understanding of business performance, 
key areas of judgement, and decision-making 
processes within the Group.

Fair, balanced and understandable
One of the key governance requirements is 
for the Annual Report and Accounts to be fair, 
balanced and understandable. Ensuring that 
this standard is met requires continuous 
assessment of the financial reporting issues 
affecting the Group on a year-round basis, 
in addition to a number of focused exercises 
that take place during the Annual Report and 
Accounts production process.

These focused exercises can be 
summarised as:

•  reviewing how alternative performance 

measures were used in the Annual Report 
and Accounts ensuring completeness and 
accuracy of definitions, consistency of 
use, relevance to the user of the Annual 
Report and Accounts and balance with 
statutory metrics.

•  risk comparison review, which assesses the 
consistency of the presentation of risks and 
significant judgements throughout the main 
areas of risk disclosure in the Annual Report 
and Accounts;

•  formal review of all Board and Committee 

meeting minutes by the Company Secretary 
to ensure that all significant issues are 
appropriately reflected and given due 
prominence in narrative reporting; and

•  preparation and issue to the Audit 

Committee of the key working papers and 
results for each of the significant issues 
and judgements considered by the Audit 
Committee in the period.

The Directors’ statement on a fair, balanced 
and understandable Annual Report and 
Accounts is set out on page 88.

62 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Risk area

Significant issues and judgements

How the issues were addressed

Going concern

The Group has considered the impact of COVID-19 on the 
adoption of the going concern.

The Group has conducted stress tests against a number 
of scenarios to test the resilience of the business (see 
page 105), taking into account possible mitigating actions. 
In addition to testing individual scenarios, the Committee 
also considered the impact of a combination of scenarios 
over the assessment period. This was to stress test 
an aggregation of the severe risk occurring that would 
represent the greatest potential financial impact in the 
short term and long term viability period.

Revenue 
recognition

Non-recurring 
costs

Inventory

The Group’s revenue recognition policies are not complex 
and are based largely on the contractual terms for transfer 
of ownership. The maintenance of an effective control 
environment within the production sites is fundamental to 
ensuring appropriate revenue recognition especially in the 
final month of the year which is the peak revenue month due 
to the seasonality of our markets.

Controls relevant to the production sites are formally 
documented within those sites. The accounting policies 
for revenue recognition are set out in note 3 to the 
financial statements and are unchanged from previous 
periods. The Audit Committee considered existing 
controls over revenue recognition and noted no significant 
issues with respect to the operation of those controls.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with 
management the constituent items of the charge presented 
within non-recurring costs for 2019. They were satisfied with 
the classification of costs and that they should be separately 
disclosed due to their nature and value and they allowed the 
reader to obtain a proper understanding of the underlying 
business performance. Further disclosure on the exit from 
our outsource manufacturing contract is provided in the 
contingencies note on page 136.

The basis for and level of stock obsolescence and 
valuation provisioning, including those areas that 
are judgemental are presented to the Committee by 
management. The Audit Committee discussed and 
assessed the information provided by management 
and concluded that the value of Inventory and provisions 
held by the Group are appropriate. 

Following the exit of the outsource manufacturer in Q4-
2018, the Group incurred significant costs in removing 
and transporting equipment and materials from the 
outsourcer’s premises and ramping up production at our 
in-house facilities.

Consistent with the Group’s existing policy, the costs of 
exiting the contract have been presented as non-recurring 
costs on the face of the Consolidated Income Statement.

The Group also incurred costs relating to the closure of the 
European Obstruction business based in Denmark and also 
a program of redundancies to right size the business.

As part of the exit from the outsource manufacturer, we 
purchased an excess of materials that has been unwinding 
during 2019. The inventory purchased was selective and 
based on materials that we believed were usable and were 
all inspected when received, to ensure they were in good 
condition. Inventory is reviewed regularly by operational and 
financial management to ensure that it is usable. In previous 
years, the inventory reserve was calculated based on an 
expected period of usage of 12 months. As a result of the 
strategic decision to purchase additional inventory, during  
H2-2018 and H1- 2019, during 2019 the Group revised 
the basis of estimate of the reserve for raw materials and 
sub- components to a usage period of up to 24 months. 
Parts known to be redundant are provided in full. This change 
did not result in a release of provisions created in prior periods.

The valuation of inventory requires the use of judgements in 
relation to the amount of overhead costs to be absorbed. 
The attributable costs over which judgement was exercised 
was £6.3m and this represents 14% of the inventory value.

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63

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAudit Committee Report continued

Risk area

Significant issues and judgements

How the issues were addressed

Termination of 
outsource 
manufacturing 
agreement

Use of 
judgements

On 20th December 2019, Sanmina Corporation issued legal 
proceedings against the Group with a range of possible 
outcomes of £0 - £8m.  

The Committee assessed the claim in conjunction with 
external legal advice and the judgement was that the 
Group’s was confident in the merits of its legal position. 
Therefore this is disclosed as a contingent liability.

The use of judgements and estimates is required in 
a number of areas, primarily in assessing the amount 
of development costs capitalised and the level of 
warranty reserve.

The Audit Committee reviewed the value in use calculation 
for capitalised development costs and concluded that no 
projects needed to be impaired. They also reviewed the 
warranty reserve calculation for adequateness.

Following review, the Audit Committee concluded that 
the judgements applied were appropriate in preparing 
the financial statements for the year.

When considering the financial statements, the Committee also considered the issues included in the Group’s critical accounting policies, which 
are set out in note 2 to the financial statements. Having discussed these matters with management and the external auditor, the Committee has 
satisfied itself that such risks are being appropriately managed, that the judgements made are reasonable and that they are being accounted for 
in accordance with the relevant accounting standards and principles.

David Thomas
Chair of the Audit Committee

31 March 2020

64 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Remuneration Committee Chair Annual Statement

agreement) and were also published, in the 
interests of transparency, at the time of Marty’s 
decision to retire, on the Company’s website.

Following Marty’s retirement, on 9 August, 
Fariyal Khanbabi, Chief Financial Officer, was 
appointed as Interim Chief Executive, a role 
for which she received an additional monthly 
payment of £12,292 (non-pensionable and not 
attracting additional APBP or PSP payments / 
awards). In the interests of transparency, details 
of the uplift in Fariyal’s payment were published, 
at the time, on the Company’s website. 

The Committee took this opportunity to 
benchmark Executive remuneration levels (with 
advice from Mercer Kepler) and this process 
and the subsequent agreement with regards 
to Fariyal (on her assumption of the CEO role) 
has resulted in a material reduction in executive 
pension payment level; fixed remuneration for 
executive directors and total remuneration level 
for executive directors.

2019 also saw Wayne Edmunds step down as 
Chairman. He was succeeded by David Blood, 
an existing Non-Executive Director, with the 
fees paid for the role reduced significantly to 
better reflect Dialight’s size, and as disclosed 
on page 77.

2019 AGM result and subsequent actions
The Committee recognises that there 
were significant votes against (28.99%) 
the resolution to approve the 2018 Annual 
Report on Remuneration. Following the 
vote, the Committee engaged with 16 of 
its top shareholders to better understand 
the reasons for the level of dissent, and to 
begin the process of reviewing the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy for 2020.

Of the issues identified during the outreach 
exercise: one issue, relating to a former 
Chief Executive (Michael Sutsko), will be  
non-recurring; issues concerning Chief 
Executive and Chairman remuneration levels 
have been addressed; and, the remaining 
issues (primarily concerned with the operation 
of the PSP scheme) will be addressed as 
part of the new Remuneration Policy and the 
Committee’s implementation of that policy 
(if approved by shareholders).

Both Marty Rapp and Fariyal Khanbabi were 
granted an award under the PSP during the 
year, the vesting outcome of which will be 
based on performance over the three financial 
years to 31 December 2021. These awards 
will vest to the extent that the EPS and TSR 
targets are achieved over the three-year 
period (and subject to a pro rata reduction in 
Marty Rapp’s award to reflect his retirement in 
August 2019). Further details of awards made 
to Executive Directors during 2019, including 
details of the performance targets applying, 
are included on page 81.

In respect of the long-term incentive plan 
awards made in 2017, both the EPS and TSR 
performance of Dialight over the three-
year performance period were below the 
performance targets set by the Remuneration 
Committee at the time of grant. As a result, 
all 2017 PSP awards to executive directors 
will lapse in full in 2020.

The Remuneration Committee remains 
committed to ensuring that rewards 
received by our Executive Directors reflect 
performance. 2019 has seen continued 
challenge both financially and operationally, 
and, whilst the Remuneration Committee 
strongly believes that the Company is well 
positioned for the future following recent 
operational improvements and progress on 
new product development, we are satisfied 
that the nil outcomes under the Group’s 
variable incentive arrangements for the year 
ending 31 December 2019 are appropriate. 
No discretion has been exercised in respect 
of the APBP or PSP this year. 

Board changes
Marty Rapp, Chief Executive since January 
2018, retired from the Board with effect from 
9 August 2019. Payments to Mr Rapp were 
made in line with Dialight’s leaver policy. 
He continued to receive pay and benefits up to 
and including the day of his retirement, but did 
not receive any additional payment and did not 
participate in the 2019 APBP. As a retiree, and in 
accordance with the rules of the shareholder-
approved PSP, Marty was accorded ‘good 
leaver’ status and retains interests under the 
2018 and 2019 PSP award cycles (pro-rated 
for time served in-role and remaining subject 
to Company performance over the relevant 
performance testing period). Further details – 
including details of the consultancy agreement 
with Mr Rapp – are included in the relevant 
section on page 81 (including the payment of 
the limited sum of $30,000 in consultancy fees 
to Mr Rapp under the terms of the consultancy 

On behalf of the Board, 
I am pleased to present the 
Directors’ Remuneration 
Report for the year ended 
31 December 2019. 

As in previous years, this report is split into 
three sections: this Annual Statement; the 
Remuneration Policy; and the Annual Report 
on Remuneration. This year, we will be 
asking our shareholders to approve a new 
Remuneration Policy at our Annual General 
Meeting. The background to, and the reasons 
for, the proposed changes are set out later in 
this Annual Statement.

Key remuneration outcomes for 2019
Following a review of Dialight’s performance 
against the EBIT targets set for the Annual 
Performance Bonus Plan (APBP), the 
Remuneration Committee determined that 
no bonuses would be payable to in respect 
of 2019 performance. The Committee noted 
that Fariyal Khanbabi had performed well 
against her individual strategic objectives 
and in stepping up to the role of Interim 
Chief Executive, with notable achievements 
including: the refocusing of the corporate 
strategy and operating plan; the stabilisation 
of the management teams and the business 
generally; the successful completion of 
the insourcing process for all the Group’s 
manufacturing operations; and, the 
implementation of supply chain and inventory 
management improvements. However, the 
Committee concluded that, as the primary 
financial target (ie the EBIT under-pin) had 
not been achieved, no bonus could be paid.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

65

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsRemuneration Committee Chair Annual Statement continued

Review of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy
The 2020 AGM marks the third anniversary of the adoption of the current 2017 Remuneration Policy and in line with UK reporting regulations, 
Dialight is required to submit a new Policy to shareholders for approval this year. 

Given the focus on the turn-around of the Group, the Committee considered that wholesale changes to the Remuneration Policy should not be a 
priority at this time. Accordingly, and reflecting the feedback received from shareholders as part of the outreach exercise, we are proposing, at this 
stage, to only make such evolutionary changes to the Policy to support the current situation and reflect prevailing market and best practice.

Element

Summary of proposed policy and approach for 2020

Annual Performance 
Bonus Plan (APBP)

Proposed Policy:
•  reduction in maximum APBP opportunity from 175% to 150% of salary;
•  reduction in pay-out for target performance from 60% to 50% of maximum;
•  clarification on weighting of non-financial performance measures in any given year – at least 75% of the APBP will be 

based on financial metrics; and,

•  removal of the formulaic EBIT under-pin on other performance metrics; instead, the Committee will have discretion to 

amend APBP outcomes to ensure a fair outcome in the context of overall business performance.

Approach for 2020:
•  maximum opportunity for CEO role of 150% of salary (75% of salary for on target performance); maximum 

opportunity for CFO role of 125% of salary (62.5% of salary for on target performance);

•  2020 APBP to be based 50% on EBIT, 25% on cash conversion and 25% on individual strategic goals which will be 

clearly disclosed when appropriate; and,

•  APBP will continue to be paid in cash up to target, with pay-outs above target deferred in Dialight shares vesting 

50% after 2 years and 50% after 3 years.

PSP

Proposed policy:
•  clarification on maximum opportunities; 125% of salary will be the maximum annual award level in normal 

circumstances, with the existing 150% of salary limit reserved only for exceptional circumstances;

•  flexibility for the Committee to determine measures, weightings and targets annually to support Dialight’s strategy; and,
•  greater Committee discretion to amend PSP outcomes to ensure a fair outcome in the context of overall 

business performance.

Approach for 2020:
•  2020 PSP grant to CEO of up to 125% of salary, to CFO of up to 100% of salary;
•  2020 PSP to be based 50% on EPS and 50% on TSR relative to the FTSE SmallCap (excluding investment trusts). 

EPS targets will be set in the context of relevant reference points for internal and external expectations for Dialight 
over the performance period. Targets will be appropriately stretching for the award opportunity; and,

•  vested awards will continue (net of tax) to be subject to a 2-year holding period.

Pension

Proposed policy:
•  maximum pension contributions for newly appointed Executive Directors will be in line with the rate offered to the 

majority of employees in the relevant jurisdiction at the time of appointment.

Approach for 2020:
•  new UK appointees to receive salary contributions equal to the % of salary offered to the majority of employees in the 

relevant jurisdiction.

•  Fariyal Khanbabi’s pension, as a new CEO, has been reduced from the 15% she was contractually due (and was 
applicable in her role as CFO) to 5% of her CEO salary – a change that has resulted in a signficant, real-terms, 
reduction in her pension payment from the Company.

Shareholding 
guidelines 

Proposed Policy:
•  new requirement for any shares earned from the PSP (net of tax) to be retained until the shareholding guideline has 

been met.

Salary/fees

Approach for 2020:
•  Board Chair’s fee was significantly reduced on the appointment of David Blood in August 2019; and,
•  the new Chief Executive’s salary has been set at a significantly lower level than that of the former CEO (a reduction in 

total cash target of c.25% and of total remuneration of c.17%).

66 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Quantum
During the outreach exercise, a number of 
shareholders commented on the relatively 
high base salary of the former Chief Executive 
and questioned whether the implied total 
remuneration opportunity was appropriate for 
Dialight. It is the Board’s intention that the CEO 
base salary level will better reflect Dialight’s 
current size and performance.

As part of this rebasing of Chief Executive pay, 
we are also proposing to reduce the maximum 
annual bonus opportunity from 175% of salary 
to 150% of salary, with the pay-out for achieving 
on-target performance reduced from 60% to 
50% of maximum. This reduction takes into 
account market opportunities at size and sector 
comparators, whilst ensuring that a significant 
proportion of Executive Director remuneration 
remains linked to Dialight’s performance 
and payable only for the achievement of 
stretching targets.

Combined with a reduction in the pension 
contribution rate to the amount outlined 
above, the Committee is confident that 
the total remuneration offering for the new 
Chief Executive is appropriately positioned 
against market.

In respect of Non-Executive Directors, on the 
appointment of a new Chair in August 2019, the 
Committee took the opportunity to significantly 
reduce the annual fee paid for this role to better 
reflect Dialight’s current size. It should also be 
noted that there has been no increase in Non-
Executive Director fees in respect of 2019 nor 
2020. The two new appointees to the Board, 
announced on 27 February 2020 and effective 
on 1 April 2020, will both be paid fees at the 
prevailing NED rates.

Performance measures
Annual bonus
During the outreach exercise, shareholders 
proposed a range of financial metrics which 
could be used to supplement EBIT in the 
annual bonus plan. Having carefully considered 
the various suggestions and reflected on 
Dialight’s strategy and immediate priorities, the 
Committee is proposing to introduce a cash 
conversion metric for the 2020 APBP, weighted 
at 25% of total. Cash conversion is an existing 
financial KPI which is well understood internally, 
with careful cash management being important 
to ensure we are able to fund the Company’s 
strategic objectives on both a short-term and 
long-term basis. The Committee is aware that 
various shareholders have their preferences 
as to the appropriate cash metric and/or 
calculation of that metric but have arrived at a 
proposed position that takes into account all 
shareholder feedback in the round.

The Committee is also proposing to increase 
the weighting on individual strategic goals 
to 25% of total for the 2020 APBP (which 
will no longer have an EBIT under-pin, as it 
is felt to be unduly restrictive and inflexible 
but the committee will continue to exercise 
discretion both upwards and downwards, as 
is appropriate, subject as always to the 25% 
cap), reflecting the increasing importance of 
incentivising non-financial objectives linked to 
Dialight’s strategy. The 25% weighting on this 
element will be set as a cap in the policy, with 
at least 75% of the annual bonus based on 
financial metrics in any given year.

Targets for the 2020 APBP will be disclosed 
retrospectively in the 2020 Annual Report on 
Remuneration to allow shareholders to make 
an informed voting decision at the time.

PSP
In respect of the PSP, the Committee has 
taken time to consider the pros and cons of 
a range of additional performance measures 
for future awards including cash, revenue, 
returns and broader strategic imperatives. 
Mindful of the differing views expressed by 
shareholders during the outreach, and noting 
the inherent increase in complexity from 
introducing additional performance measures, 
the Committee determined that vesting of 
2020 PSP awards will continue to be made with 
reference to EPS and relative TSR performance 
over a period of 3 years. The Committee is, 
however, proposing to increase the weighting 
on relative TSR to 50% of total and reduce the 
weighting on EPS commensurately (from 75% 
to 50% of total) to give equal importance to 
the principal internal and external measures of 
Dialight’s long-term performance.

A number of shareholders suggested ROCE 
as a possible additional measure (or underpin), 
however on balance the Committee is mindful that 
this is not currently an explicit KPI of the Group. 
The Committee will retain overarching discretion 
on final PSP vesting to ensure that reward reflects 
the underlying performance of the Company. 
The Committee will also reserve flexibility in the 
new Policy to determine measures, weightings 
and targets annually to support Dialight’s strategy 
and subject to disclosure and (if substantial) 
consultation where applicable.

Other changes
Other changes proposed by the Committee are 
intended to provide additional flexibility in the 
Remuneration Policy and to reflect emerging 
best practice. 

In particular, we are proposing to set the 
pension contribution for new Executive 
Director appointees in line with the majority 
of employees in the relevant jurisdiction, 

consistent with the revised UK Corporate 
Governance Code. Accordingly, the pension 
contribution to Fariyal Khanbabi has been 
reduced from 15% (under the terms of her CFO 
engagement) to 5% of her CEO base salary 
(compared to 18% for her predecessor and 
11% for other UK-based senior managers) upon 
assumption of the full-time CEO role - to align 
her with the majority of the UK workforce.

The Committee has considered the introduction 
of post-employment guidelines, but believes 
that the existing PSP holding period provides 
sufficient alignment at this time and that further 
work around the technicalities of applying 
and monitoring such guidelines (such as the 
need for assurance that they cannot be simply 
circumvented by a former-employee, rendering 
them ineffective) needs to be undertaken before 
committing to them in the Remuneration Policy. 

Looking forward
Although the Remuneration Committee is not 
bringing forward extensive changes to the Policy 
this year, we do consider that there is merit in 
reviewing the Policy further over the next one 
to two years. Among other matters, such as 
post-employment shareholding guidelines, we 
would like to explore the possible introduction 
of restricted shares to replace the PSP in future. 
Dialight already grants restricted shares to senior 
management below Board level and this is seen as 
both motivational and retentive. The Committee 
also strongly believes that smaller, but more 
certain, annual awards of shares would serve to 
align Executive Directors with shareholders in a 
way that the current incentive has failed to do so 
for a number of years and notes the supportive 
reaction of shareholders, during the recent 
consultation, to this approach. 

Implementation of the Policy in 2020
The Committee’s proposed implementation 
of the revised Remuneration Policy is 
summarised in the table opposite and covered 
in greater detail on page 82. Of particular 
note, and reflecting the Company’s share 
price performance over the year, PSP awards 
to be granted in March 2020 will be scaled 
back from normal levels, to reflect that fall 
in the Company’s share price and in line 
with advice from the Company’s external 
remuneration consultants.

On behalf of all of my colleagues on the 
Remuneration Committee, I hope that you 
will support the resolutions approving the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the Annual 
Report on Remuneration at the 2020 AGM.

Gaëlle Hotellier
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

31 March 2020

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

67

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ Remuneration Policy

This section of the report details the Remuneration Policy for Executive and Non-Executive Directors which will be voted upon by shareholders at 
the 2020 AGM. The previous remuneration policy (effective for up to three years) was approved at the 2017 AGM.

Compliance Statement
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized 
Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (Regulations). It also meets the requirements of the UK Listing 
Authority’s Listing Rules and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules. The sections of the Remuneration Report that are subject to audit are 
marked as Audited Information. The remaining sections of the Remuneration Report are not subject to audit. 

Background and overview of the Policy
The Remuneration Committee continues to have a clear policy on remuneration; namely that base salary and benefits for Executive Directors 
should represent a fair return for employment but that the majority of potential remuneration should be dependent on the continued success 
of the Company and aligned with the creation of shareholder value and delivery of Dialight’s strategic plan. The Policy has been designed and 
reviewed so that it continues to reinforce these principles, while also taking account of prevailing best practice, investor expectations, and the 
level of remuneration and pay awards made generally to employees of the Group.

The Remuneration Committee has consulted extensively with its principal shareholders over the last 12 months. While there have been some 
broad themes that achieved a clear consensus view from shareholders, there were other areas where the feedback received from various 
shareholders conflicted. The Remuneration Committee has therefore sought to steer a course that meets the concerns of the majority of our 
shareholders while being mindful of the critical need to incentivise executive management to drive forward the turn-around at Dialight.

The Remuneration Committee is seeking shareholder approval for a new Remuneration Policy at the 2020 AGM. A summary of the principal 
changes compared to the previously approved policy is provided in the Annual Statement above, and identified in the relevant sections below:

Remuneration Policy table (Note: tabulated as per 2019)

Link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Change to policy for 2020

None.

None. 

Base salary
To recruit, retain and motivate 
individuals of high calibre, and 
reflect the skills, experience 
and contribution of the 
relevant Director; to ensure 
that fixed pay represents a fair 
return for employment.

Any base salary increases 
are applied in line with the 
outcome of the review.

In respect of existing Executive 
Directors, it is anticipated 
that salary increases will 
generally be in line with the 
broader employee population. 
In exceptional circumstances 
(including, but not limited 
to, a material increase in 
role size or complexity), the 
Remuneration Committee has 
discretion to make appropriate 
adjustments to salary levels 
to ensure that they remain 
market competitive. It is not 
envisaged that this will be a 
frequent occurrence.

Detail of current salaries for 
the Executive Directors can 
be found on page 77.

The Remuneration Committee 
sets base salary with 
reference to relevant market 
data and an individual’s 
experience, responsibilities 
and performance.

Base salary is considered by 
the Remuneration Committee 
on an individual’s appointment 
and then generally reviewed 
once a year or when an 
individual changes position 
or responsibilities.

When making a determination 
as to the appropriate 
level of remuneration, the 
Remuneration Committee 
firstly considers pay and 
conditions for employees 
across the Group, the 
general performance of the 
Company and the wider 
economic environment. 
The Remuneration Committee 
may also undertake periodic 
benchmarking for similar roles 
in comparable organisations.

68 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Change to policy for 2020

Clarification that any 
new benefits for other 
employees may be provided 
to Executive Directors. 
There are no plans for any 
such change at this stage.

Reduction in pension 
contribution for Fariyal 
Khanbabi from 15% (under 
the terms of her CFO 
engagement) to 5% of her 
CEO base salary, upon 
assumption of the CEO role, 
to align with the majority of 
UK employees.

Confirmation that Directors 
appointed from 1 January 
2020 will have a pension 
contribution that is aligned 
with the workforce in the 
relevant jurisdiction.

Benefits
To provide market competitive, 
yet cost effective, benefits 
to attract and retain high 
calibre executives.

Pension
To provide market competitive, 
yet cost effective, benefits 
to attract and retain high 
calibre executives.

Executive Directors receive 
benefits which consist 
primarily of the provision of a 
car allowance, life insurance 
and medical insurance, 
although they may include 
such other benefits as the 
Committee deems appropriate 
including in circumstances 
where new benefits are 
introduced for other 
employees in the location 
where an Executive Director 
is based.

A Company contribution to a 
defined contribution pension 
scheme or provision of a cash 
payment in lieu of a pension 
contribution (or combination of 
such) for UK-based Directors. 
In the US, Dialight operates 
a 401(k) and SERP (or cash 
equivalent payment in lieu in 
respect of the latter).

Salary is the only element 
of remuneration that 
is pensionable.

Benefits vary by role and 
individual circumstances; 
eligibility and cost are 
reviewed periodically.

None.

None.

The Remuneration Committee 
retains the discretion to 
approve a higher total 
benefit cost in exceptional 
circumstances (e.g. relocation) 
or in circumstances where 
factors outside the Company’s 
control have changed 
materially (e.g. increases in 
life insurance premiums).

The value of benefits awarded 
to the Executive Directors 
can be found in the table on 
page 77.

Executive Directors appointed 
from 1 January 2020 will 
receive pension arrangements 
consistent with the majority 
of employees in the 
relevant jurisdiction: 

•  UK-based Executive 

Directors will be entitled 
to join the existing 
defined contribution 
scheme offering employer 
contributions of up to 5% 
of salary, or to receive an 
equivalent cash payment 
in lieu;

•  US-based Executive 

Directors will be entitled 
to participate in the 
401(k) and the SERP (or to 
receive a cash equivalent 
payment in lieu of employer 
contribution in respect 
of the latter) on terms 
consistent with the majority 
of US employees

Notwithstanding her status as 
an existing Executive Director 
(and thus her contractual 
entitlements), Fariyal Khanbabi 
has agreed to accept pension 
contributions at a reduced rate 
of 5% of base salary. In her 
previous CFO role, she was 
entitled to a contribution of 
15% of her base salary and 
her predecessor was entitled 
to a contribution of up to 18% 
of base salary. This reduced 
contribution rate is consistent 
with the arrangements for the 
majority of UK-based Group 
employees (although certain 
other senior managers are 
entitled to a contribution rate 
at 11% of base salary).

Further details of what has 
been paid during 2019 can be 
found on page 77.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

69

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Change to policy for 2020

Annual Performance 
Bonus Plan (APBP)
The APBP incentivises the 
achievement of annual 
objectives which support the 
short-term performance goals 
of the Company.

Performance Share  
Plan (PSP)
The PSP provides direct 
alignment between the 
interests of shareholders 
and those of the Executive 
Directors by linking vesting 
of awards to the Company’s 
long-term financial and share 
price performance.

The maximum bonus 
opportunity is 150% of salary.

Threshold performance will 
deliver payouts of up to 20% 
of maximum, while payouts for 
target performance will be up 
to 50% of maximum.

The PSP provides for an 
award up to a normal limit of 
125% of salary for Executive 
Directors, with an overall limit 
of 150% of salary for use in 
exceptional circumstances.

APBP measures, weightings 
and targets are set by the 
Remuneration Committee at 
the beginning of each financial 
year following the finalisation 
of the budget for that year.

Bonuses up to target are paid 
in cash, with payouts above 
target delivered in Dialight 
shares. Where the executive 
receives Dialight shares, half 
of these vest after two years 
with the balance vesting 
after three years, subject to 
continued employment with 
the Group. Dividends are 
accrued on these deferred 
shares and are paid to the 
participant on release of 
shares that are subject to 
the award.

Awards under the APBP are 
subject to malus and clawback 
provisions, further details of 
which are included as a note to 
the Policy Table.

PSP awards may be structured 
as conditional shares or nil-
cost options with a two-year 
exercise window from the date 
of vesting.

The release of awards may, 
at the discretion of the 
Remuneration Committee, 
be deferred in whole or 
in part following the end 
of a three-year vesting 
period. The Remuneration 
Committee’s current intention 
is that all vested awards will 
be subject to a two-year post-
vesting holding period. 

The Remuneration Committee 
has the power to authorise 
the payment of dividends or 
dividend equivalents under the 
rules of the PSP.

Awards under the PSP are 
subject to malus and clawback 
provisions, further details of 
which are included as a note to 
the Policy Table.

Reduction in maximum APBP 
opportunity from 175% to 
150% of salary.

Reduction in maximum 
payout for on target 
performance from 60% to 
50% of maximum.

Clarification on weighting of 
non-financial performance 
measures in any given 
year – at least 75% of the 
APBP will be based on 
financial metrics.

Removal of the formulaic 
EBIT underpin on other 
performance metrics; 
instead, the Remuneration 
Committee will have 
discretion to amend 
APBP outcomes to 
ensure a fair outcome 
in the context of overall 
business performance.

Clarification on maximum 
opportunities; 125% of 
salary will be the maximum 
annual award level in 
normal circumstances, 
with the 150% of salary 
limit reserved only for 
exceptional circumstances.

Introduced greater flexibility 
for the Remuneration 
Committee to determine 
measures, weightings and 
targets annually to support 
Dialight’s strategy.

Introduced greater 
Remuneration Committee 
discretion to amend 
PSP outcomes to 
ensure a fair outcome 
in the context of overall 
business performance.

Performance is assessed on an 
annual basis, as measured against 
specific objectives set at the start 
of each year.

Financial measures will make up 
at least 75% of the total annual 
bonus opportunity in any given 
year, with up to 25% based on 
individual objectives linked to 
Dialight’s strategy. 

The Remuneration Committee 
has discretion to adjust the 
formulaic bonus outcomes both 
upwards (within the plan limits) 
and downwards (including to 
zero) to ensure alignment of pay 
with performance, for example, 
in the event of one of the 
targets under the bonus being 
significantly missed or if there 
are unforeseen circumstances 
outside management control. 
The Remuneration Committee also 
considers measures outside the 
bonus framework to ensure there 
is no reward for failure and that 
outcomes are fair in the context of 
overall performance.

Further details of the measures, 
weightings and targets applicable 
for 2019 can be found on page 78. 
The 2020 APBP will be based on a 
combination of EBIT (50%), cash 
conversion (25%) and individual 
strategic goals (25%).

Vesting of PSP awards is subject 
to continued employment and 
performance against relevant 
metrics measured over a 
period of at least three years. 
The Remuneration Committee 
will select performance measures 
ahead of each cycle to ensure that 
they continue to be linked to the 
delivery of the Company strategy.

Under each measure, threshold 
performance will result in up to 
25% of maximum vesting for that 
element, rising on a straight-line to 
full vesting.

As under the APBP, the 
Remuneration Committee has 
discretion to adjust the formulaic 
PSP outcomes to ensure alignment 
of pay with performance, i.e. 
to ensure the outcome is a genuine 
reflection of the underlying 
performance of the Company.

Further details of the measures, 
weightings and targets applicable 
for awards made during 2019 can 
be found on page 81. The 2020 
PSP will be based 50% on EPS and 
50% on TSR relative to the FTSE 
SmallCap (excluding investment 
trusts), further details of which is 
included on page 82.

70 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Change to policy for 2020

None.

None.

Non-Executive  
Director fees
The Company sets fee levels 
to attract and retain Non-
Executive Directors with 
the necessary experience 
and expertise to advise and 
assist with establishing and 
monitoring the strategic 
objectives of the Company.

Fee levels are typically 
considered every year, 
taking into account fees 
paid for equivalent roles at 
companies of similar size, time 
commitment and complexity.

The fees paid to the Chairman 
are determined by the 
Remuneration Committee, 
while fees for Non-Executive 
Directors are determined by 
the Board.

Additional fees are payable for 
acting as Senior Independent 
Director and as Chair of any 
of the Board’s committees. 
Non-Executive Directors do 
not receive any bonus, do not 
participate in awards under 
the Company’s share plans 
and are not eligible to join the 
Company’s pension scheme.

The Company’s policy in 
relation to fees is to reflect 
the time commitment and 
responsibilities of the roles, 
normally by paying up to 
median level fees, compared 
to market, depending on the 
experience and background of 
the Non-Executive Directors. 
The Company also reimburses 
the Non-Executive Directors 
for expenses reasonably 
and properly incurred in the 
performance of their duties.

In normal circumstances, 
increases to fees will be 
broadly in line with price 
inflation, subject to cases of 
material misalignment with 
the market or a change in the 
complexity, responsibility or 
time commitment required 
to fulfil a Non-Executive 
Director role.

It remains important for the 
Board to have the necessary 
flexibility to step outside this 
general policy should the 
requirement be clear that a 
certain type of individual is 
required to conform with new 
governance requirements 
or legislation.

Aggregate fees for all 
Non-Executive Directors 
will be within the limits set 
by the Company’s Articles 
of Association.

Details of current Non-
Executive Director fees can 
be found on page 77.

Notes to the Remuneration Policy table
Explanatory detail for future remuneration policy table
For the avoidance of doubt, in approving this Directors’ Remuneration Policy, authority is given to the Company to honour any commitments 
entered into with current or former Directors (such as the vesting or exercise of past share awards).

Performance measures and targets
Measures used under the APBP and PSP are selected annually to reflect Dialight’s main short-term and long-term objectives and to reflect both 
financial and non-financial priorities, as appropriate.

For the APBP, EBIT continues to be used as the primary measure to provide a direct link to one of our KPIs. The Remuneration Committee has 
also introduced cash conversion for the 2020 APBP, reflecting the importance of careful cash management in ensuring we are able to fund the 
Company’s strategic objectives over both the short-term and longer-term. Finally, up to 25% of the APBP may be based on individual strategic 
goals in order to reflect the importance of incentivising non-financial objectives linked to Dialight’s strategy. Targets are set on an annual basis 
taking into account the Company’s budget as well as external expectations for Dialight and the sector.

For the PSP, the Remuneration Committee considers that TSR provides clear alignment between Executive Directors’ interests and those of 
shareholders and provides an objective measure of the Company’s success over time, while EPS provides good line of sight and helps to 
focus participants on the Company’s financial performance. EPS targets will be reviewed and confirmed prior to each grant, taking account 
of the Company’s strategic plan, analyst estimates, historical performance and EPS performance ranges used at other FTSE companies. 
Other performance measures may be adopted for future awards where the Remuneration Committee consider that these would be beneficial in 
aligning remuneration with Company strategy.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

71

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued

If an event occurs which causes the Remuneration Committee to consider that an outstanding PSP award or bonus would not achieve its original 
purpose without alteration, the Remuneration Committee has discretion to amend the targets, provided that the new conditions are materially 
no less challenging than was intended when originally imposed. Such discretion could be used to appropriately adjust for the impact of material 
acquisitions or disposals, or for exceptional and unforeseen events outside the control of the management team.

Difference between the Directors’ remuneration policy and that for other employees
All employees receive salaries and benefits which are consistent with local market practice, with any review of fixed pay taking into account 
experience, responsibility, individual performance and salary levels at comparable companies.

Senior management is typically eligible to participate in the APBP, with opportunities and performance measures reflecting organisational level 
and business area, as appropriate. PSP awards at senior management level and to other key employees take the form of restricted share units 
with vesting subject only to continued employment over a number of years. This provides participants below Executive Director level greater 
flexibility and helps Dialight remain competitive in the main talent markets in which it operates, while also continuing to align plan participants 
with the interests of shareholders in growing the value of the Company over the longer term. Share awards (whether subject to performance 
conditions or not) to participants below Executive Director level are not subject to a holding period.

Shareholding guidelines
Executive Directors are required to accumulate and maintain a holding of Dialight shares equivalent in value to their last annual PSP award. 
The net of tax number of vested shares under the Company’s PSP will normally be required to be retained until the guideline has been met. 
Current shareholding levels are included on page 84.

The Remuneration Committee has considered the introduction of post-employment guidelines, but believes that the existing APBP deferral and 
PSP holding period provide sufficient alignment at this time and that further work around the technicalities of applying and monitoring such 
guidelines needs to be undertaken before committing to them in the Remuneration Policy.

Change to Policy for 2020: Replaced specific timeframe for the achievement of shareholding guidelines with a requirement to hold 100% of 
vested shares (net of tax) under the PSP until the guideline has been met.

Committee discretion
As it is not possible for any Remuneration Policy to anticipate every possible scenario, the Remuneration Committee retains the ability to apply 
various discretions and judgements in order to ensure the achievement of fair outcomes and to maintain the flexibility required to balance the 
interests of individuals and those of the Company. 

For example, the Remuneration Committee may be required to exercise discretion when determining whether or not the outcomes of 
performance measures and targets applicable to variable incentives are fair in context, or if realities encourage the use of upward or downward 
adjustments (within scheme limits).

Accordingly, the Remuneration Committee retains a number of discretions including the ability to determine the following:
•  scheme participants; the timing of grant and size of awards;
•  appropriate treatment of vesting of awards in the context of a change of control;
•  appropriate adjustments to awards in the event of variations to the Company’s share capital;
•  treatment, size and grant of awards in a recruitment context; and,
•  the application, scope, weighting and targets for performance measures and performance conditions.

Although it is not possible to give an exhaustive list of Remuneration Committee discretions, the exercise of any such discretion and the rationale 
underpinning their use, would be provided in context, as part of the relevant Annual Report on Remuneration.

Malus and clawback 
Payments and awards under the APBP bonus and PSP are subject to malus and clawback provisions which can be applied to both vested and 
unvested awards. Circumstances in which malus and clawback may be applied include a material misstatement of the Company’s financial 
accounts, fraud or gross misconduct on the part of the award-holder, an error in calculating the award vesting outcome, material reputational 
damage and corporate failure. In respect of the APBP, the provisions apply for up to two years following payment, whilst PSP awards remain 
subject to the provisions throughout the vesting and holding period (where applicable). 

Participants in both schemes are required to acknowledge their understanding of the withholding and recovery provisions as a pre-condition to 
participation in order to help ensure that the provisions would be enforceable should the circumstances arise.

Change to Policy for 2020: Clarified recovery provisions applying to APBP and PSP awards. 

72 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Pay for performance
The following chart provides an estimate of the potential future rewards for the Chief Executive, Fariyal Khanbabi, and the potential split between 
different elements of pay, under four different performance scenarios: ‘Fixed’, ‘On-target’, ‘Maximum’ and ‘Maximum including share price 
appreciation’ using the following assumptions:

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

£483.0k

100%

£586.0k

50.81%

34.72% 14.47%

£1,200.8k

£950.5k

Max with illustrative 50%
share price appreciation

28.53%

24.54%

38.98%

32.49%

£2,061.0k

£1,693.0k

33.54%

£1,968.0k

41.92%

Fixed

Short-term incentive

Long-term incentive

Marty Rapp’s 2018 remuneration scenarios as disclosed on 
page 73 of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report and Accounts1

1 

Marty Rapp 2018 comparatives have been translated from US$ (as presented in the 2018 ARA) to GBP, using the 2019 FX rate for comparability

Note that the PSP awards granted in a year do not normally vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant, and the projected value is based 
on the face value at award rather than vesting (i.e. the scenarios exclude the impact of any share price movement over the period). The exception 
to this is the last scenario, which, in line with the relevant reporting requirements, illustrates the maximum outcome assuming 50% share price 
appreciation for the purpose of PSP value.

The ‘Minimum’ scenario reflects base salary, pension and benefits (i.e. fixed remuneration) which are the only elements of the remuneration 
package not linked to performance.

The ‘On-Target’ scenario reflects fixed remuneration as above, plus APBP payout of 50% of maximum and PSP threshold vesting at 25% of 
maximum award.

The ‘Maximum’ scenario is shown on two bases: excluding and including the impact of share price appreciation on the value of PSP outcomes. 
In both cases, the scenario includes fixed remuneration and full payout of all incentives, with the final scenario also including the impact of a 50% 
increase in Dialight’s share price on the value of the PSP.

Recruitment Policy
In cases of appointing a new Executive Director from outside the Company, the Remuneration Committee may make use of all the existing 
components of remuneration as follows:

Component

Approach

Maximum 

Salary

Benefits

Pension

APBP

PSP

Executive Directors will receive a base salary which will be determined by reference to relevant market data, 
experience and skills of the individual, internal relativities and their current basic salary.
Where new appointees have initial basic salaries set below market, any shortfall may be managed with phased 
increases over a period of two to three years subject to the individual’s development in the role.

New appointees will be eligible to receive benefits in line with the current policy, as well as expatriation 
allowances and any necessary expenses relating to an executive’s relocation on appointment.

New appointees will be eligible to participate in one of the Company’s defined contribution plans, or receive a 
cash supplement or local equivalent on the same basis as the majority of employees in the relevant jurisdiction.

The scheme as described in the Policy Table will apply to new appointees, with the relevant maximum typically 
being pro-rated to reflect the proportion of employment over the year. Where applicable, targets for the individual 
strategic element will be tailored to each executive.

New appointees will be granted performance awards under the PSP on the same terms as other Executives, as 
described in the Policy Table. The normal limit of 125% of salary will apply, save in exceptional circumstances 
where up to 150% of salary may be awarded.

150% 
of salary

150% 
of salary

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

73

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued

In determining appropriate remuneration, the Remuneration Committee will take into consideration all relevant factors (including quantum, 
nature of remuneration and the jurisdiction from which the candidate was recruited) to ensure that arrangements are in the best interests of both 
Dialight and shareholders. 

In addition to the remuneration structure outlined above, the Remuneration Committee may, in certain circumstances, choose to make an award 
in respect of a new appointment to ‘buy out’ incentive arrangements forfeited on leaving a previous employer on a like-for-like basis. If the 
Remuneration Committee determines that it is appropriate to do so it will apply the following approach:

The fair value of these incentives will be calculated taking into account the proportion of the performance period completed on the date of the 
Executive’s cessation of employment; the performance conditions attached to the vesting of these incentives and the likelihood of them being 
satisfied; and any other terms and conditions having a material effect on their value (“lapsed fair value”).

The Remuneration Committee may then grant up to the same fair value as the lapsed fair value, where possible, under the Company’s incentive 
plans (subject to the limits under these plans). The Remuneration Committee, however, also retains the discretion to provide the lapsed fair 
value under specific arrangements in relation to the recruitment of the particular individual. Listing Rules may be utilised in order to provide the 
flexibility to the Remuneration Committee to offer a remuneration structure outside of the Group’s existing plans, as appropriate.

The approach to the recruitment of internal candidates would be similar but the Remuneration Committee would continue to honour existing 
contractual commitments prior to any promotion. However, for the avoidance of doubt, this would not extend to pension arrangements which, 
as outlined above, would be aligned with the majority of employees in the relevant jurisdiction.

For Non-Executive Directors, the Remuneration Committee and the Company would seek to pay fees in line with the Company’s existing Policy. 
A base fee in line with the prevailing fee schedule would be payable for Board membership, with additional fees payable for acting as Senior 
Independent Director and/or as Chair of a Board committee.

Change to Policy for 2020: Reduced maximum APBP in line with the change for existing Executive Directors. Updated approach on pensions for 
new appointees to be in line with the majority of employees in the relevant jurisdiction.

Service contracts
Executive Directors’ service contracts, including arrangements for early termination, are carefully considered by the Remuneration Committee. 
Executive Directors’ service contracts contain provisions that require up to 12 months’ notice of termination on either side. Such contracts do not 
contain any provisions for payments outside the scope of those contained in the contract. Executive Director service contracts are available to 
view at the Company’s registered office.

Non-Executive Directors have specific terms of engagement provided in formal letters of appointment, which contain three-month notice periods 
that are mutual. The Non-Executive Directors are appointed for a three-year term, subject to annual re-election by the shareholders at the 
Company’s AGM.

Notice periods
Executive Directors’ service contracts require up to 12 months’ notice to be given by Dialight in the event of termination. Both can be terminated 
with and without cause and require up to 12 months’ notice from either party.

Fariyal Khanbabi’s contract provides for pay in lieu of notice but does not contain any additional compensation provisions, nor does it contain 
liquidated damages clauses.

If a contract is to be terminated, the Remuneration Committee will determine such mitigation as it considers fair and reasonable in each case. 
In determining any compensation, it will take into account the best practice provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code and published 
guidance from recognised institutional investor bodies, and will take legal advice on the Company’s liability to pay compensation and the 
appropriate amount. The Remuneration Committee periodically considers what compensation commitments the Executive Directors’ contracts 
would entail in the event of early termination. There are no contractual arrangements that would guarantee a pension with limited or no 
abatement on severance or early retirement.

The Remuneration Committee will exercise discretion in making appropriate payments in the context of outplacement, settling legal claims or 
potential legal claims by a departing Executive Director, including any other amounts reasonably due to the Executive Director, for example, to 
meet the legal fees incurred in connection with the termination of employment, where the Company wishes to enter into a settlement agreement 
and the individual must seek independent legal advice.

74 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

The table below summarises how the awards under the APBP and PSP are typically treated in specific circumstances, with the final treatment 
remaining subject to the Remuneration Committee’s discretion:

Annual bonus

Cash

In the event of an Executive Director leaving Dialight before the end of a bonus year or prior to the payment of a bonus, 
the Remuneration Committee has discretion to allow them to be paid a portion of bonus relative to their point of leaving. 
This will be highly contingent on the manner of the Executive Director’s departure and whether they are classified as a 
‘good leaver’ pursuant to the rules of the APBP as well as business performance .

Deferred shares

For good leavers, deferred bonus shares will normally be retained by the participant and will be released in full following 
completion of the applicable deferral period. For other leavers, deferred bonus shares will lapse.

LTIP

Leavers before 
the end of the 
performance period

Leavers after the end of 
the performance period

In most circumstances, awards will lapse. If the Executive Director is classed as a ‘good leaver’, outstanding PSP shares 
would typically be pro-rated for the proportion of the performance period served and released, subject to applicable 
performance conditions, at the normal vesting date. The Remuneration Committee has flexibility to allow awards to vest 
earlier than above when an individual leaves; however, the default position will be for awards not to be released early 
except in compassionate circumstances.

Any awards in a holding period will normally be released following the completion of the holding period.

For the purpose of the above, ‘good leaver’ is defined as a participant ceasing to be employed by the Group by reason of death, disability, 
ill health, redundancy, retirement with agreement of the Company or any other reason that the Remuneration Committee determines in its 
absolute discretion. As noted above, should the Executive Director leave the Company in any other circumstances, outstanding awards would 
typically lapse.

The Remuneration Committee also retains discretion in the event of a change of control to release awards under the PSP. It is usual in this 
situation that awards would be pro-rated for time and performance subject to the discretion of the committee. In relation to the APBP, the 
scheme rules allow the Remuneration Committee to determine that all deferred share elements of the bonus awards will vest on a change of 
control and may be exercised within such period as the Remuneration Committee shall specify.

Change to Policy for 2020: Clarification of typical treatment of deferred APBP shares and PSP awards in a holding period, consistent with 
market practice.

External appointments
It is the Company’s policy that, except in extraordinary circumstances, Executive Directors should only accept one appointment with a third 
party as a non-executive director. Any such appointment is subject to prior Board approval and consideration will be given to potential conflicts 
of interest with Dialight and the time demands of the external appointment. The Executive Director concerned is entitled to retain any fees from 
such a non-executive directorship.

Employment conditions elsewhere in the Company
The Remuneration Committee takes into account what the general rise in employee salaries was across the Company at the review date when 
considering changes to the remuneration of the Executive Directors. The Company did not expressly seek the views of employees when drawing 
up the remuneration policy but does carry out an annual review of salaries across the Group.

Shareholder views
The Remuneration Committee maintains a regular dialogue with its major shareholders and will continue to monitor trends and developments in 
corporate governance and market practice to ensure that the structure of executive remuneration remains appropriate.

During 2019, the Remuneration Committee consulted with investors representing over 75% of Dialight’s issued share capital to seek their 
views on changes to the Remuneration Policy, as well as pay more broadly. In total we heard from eleven major shareholders and while the 
feedback received was diverse, there were some clear overarching themes, particularly regarding quantum, performance measures and best 
practice features.

Following the initial outreach, and as noted in the Annual Statement, the Remuneration Committee concluded that wholesale change to the 
Remuneration Policy was not a priority at this important time for the Group. Accordingly, the proposed Remuneration Policy contains only 
evolutionary change aimed at better aligning Dialight with market and best practice.

Subject to Dialight’s improved performance, the Remuneration Committee is minded to revisit the Remuneration Policy within one or two years 
and, as always, commits to revert to its major shareholders as part of this process.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

75

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual report on remuneration

The following section provides details of how the Policy was implemented during the financial year ending 31 December 2019, and how it will be 
implemented in 2020.

Roles and responsibilities 
The primary responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee are to:
•  set the remuneration policy for all Executive Directors, the Company’s Chairman and the Company Secretary including, where appropriate, 

bonuses, incentive payments, share-based incentive schemes and post-retirement benefits;

•   determine the remuneration packages for the Executive Directors, the Company’s Chairman and the Company Secretary, within the terms of 

the Policy; 

•   recommend and monitor the structure of the remuneration of the senior management group as defined by the Board;
•   approve the design of, and determine targets for, any performance-related incentive schemes operated by the Company and approve the total 
annual payments made under such schemes (in accordance with the provisions of Schedule A of the UK Corporate Governance Code); and

•   review the design of all share incentive plans requiring approval by the Board and shareholders. For any such plans, the Committee shall 

determine each year, taking into account the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer, whether awards will be made and, if so, the 
amount of such awards to the Executive Directors, Company Secretary, members of the Executive Committee and other senior Group 
employees from time to time nominated by the Chief Executive Officer, and any performance targets to be used.

A copy of the terms of reference for the Remuneration Committee is available on the Company’s website or on request from the Company 
Secretary at the registered office.

Other decisions
The Remuneration Committee’s other principal activities and key decisions during the year included:
•  On 10 January 2019: approving the cash payments to Fariyal Khanbabi in respect of holiday that she was entitled to take in 2017 and 2018 but 

unable to take due to exceptional operational circumstances;

•   On 22 February 2019: setting the 2019 salary increases for Executive Directors;
•   On 22 February 2019: reviewing of cash bonuses in respect of the 2018 financial year;
•   On 22 February 2019: reviewing the Board Chairman’s fees for 2019;
•   On 22 February 2019: reviewing the performance targets outcome in relation to the 2016 PSP award;
•   On 5 March 2019: setting APBP objectives for 2019; 
•   On 5 March 2019: approving the 2019 PSP awards and setting the associated PSP performance targets;
•   On 31 July 2019: approving the Chief Executive Officer’s termination arrangements and the Interim Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration;
•   On 31 July 2019: reviewing the results of the consultation exercise conducted following the 2019 AGM; 
•   On 2 August 2019: approving the Interim Group Finance Director’s fees; 
•   On 2 August 2019: approving the termination payments to the outgoing Board Chairman and the new fee levels for the incoming 

Board Chairman; 

•   On 26 September 2019: reviewing shareholder feedback on the shareholder consultation in relation to the 2019 AGM remuneration report vote 

and the 2020 Remuneration Policy review; and

•   On 9 December 2019: reviewing and approving the Remuneration Committee’s terms of reference and the new remuneration policy. 

Committee members
The names of those who served on the Remuneration Committee during the year can be found in the table below:

Committee member 

Member from/until

Gaëlle Hotellier (Committee Chair)

from 8 January 2018 (Chair from 1 June 2018)

David Thomas

Steve Good

from 26 April 2016

from 1 June 2018

All members of the Remuneration Committee are considered independent within the definition set out in the 2018 Code. None of the 
Remuneration Committee has any personal financial interest in Dialight (other than as shareholders), conflicts of interests arising from cross 
directorships or day-to-day involvement in running the business.

During the year, the Remuneration Committee met face-to-face three times and held four other meetings by conference call to deal with the 
review and approval of specific matters falling outside of the scheduled meetings. Attendance by individual members of the Remuneration 
Committee is disclosed in the Corporate Governance report on page 46.

Only members of the Remuneration Committee have the right to attend Remuneration Committee meetings. The Chief Executive Officer, the Group 
Finance Director, the Company Secretary and the Group HR Director attend the Remuneration Committee’s meetings by invitation, but are not 
present when their own remuneration is discussed. The Remuneration Committee also takes independent professional advice as required.

76 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

External advice
The Remuneration Committee has access to the advice of the Chief Executive Officer and the Company Secretary as well as external advisers 
as required. During the year ended 31 December 2019, the Remuneration Committee consulted Mercer Kepler, a part of the Mercer Group, 
which provided independent advice on: long-term incentive measures and targets; updates on the external remuneration environment; 
performance testing for long-term incentive plan; the post-2019 AGM Remuneration Report vote review; the consultation for and drafting of the 
2020 Remuneration Policy; and, the drafting of this report, for a total fee of £36,000; and

The Remuneration Committee retains the responsibility for the appointment of remuneration advisers and their associated fees and undertakes 
due diligence periodically to ensure that its advisers remain independent and that the advice provided is impartial and objective.

Statement of shareholder voting
The following table shows the results of the voting at the 2017 (policy) and 2019 (report) annual general meetings.

Directors’ Remuneration report (2019)

Remuneration policy (2017)

% of votes for 

% of votes 
against

Votes withheld

71.01

99.42

28.99

0.58

499

3,911

Details of the shareholder consultation and outcomes following the vote are set out in the Committee chair’s annual statement on page 65.

2019 outcomes

Single figure of total remuneration (audited information)
The following tables provide details of the Directors’ remuneration for the 2019 financial year, together with their remuneration for the 2018 
financial year, in each case before deductions for income tax and national insurance contributions (where relevant):

2019 (all figures in 000s)

Executive Directors

Fariyal Khanbabi1,2

Past Executive Director

Marty Rapp3

Non-Executive Directors

Stephen Bird4

David Blood5

Gaëlle Hotellier4

David Thomas4

Steve Good4

Past Non-Executive Director

Wayne Edmunds4,6

Salary/Fee
2019

Benefits
2019

Pension
2019

Sub-total
fixed
2019

Bonus
2019

PSP
2019

Sub-total 
variable
2019

Total 
remuneration
2019

£364

 £13

£44

£421

$404

$16

$53

$473

£47

£74

€64

£47

£42

$167

–

–

–

–

 –

 –

–

–

–

–

 –

 –

£47

£74

€64

£47

£42 

$167

–

–

–

–

–

–

 –

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 –

–

£421

$473

£47

£74

€64

£47

£42

$167

1  Following a benchmarking exercise by Mercer Kepler, the salary for Fariyal Khanbabi was increased by £20,000 pa with effect from 1 April 2019, in recognition that her assumption of certain 
additional responsibilities (including assuming executive responsibility for the HR and IT functions from the Chief Executive Officer) represented exceptional circumstances as envisaged 
under the 2017 Remuneration Policy, and was broadly in line with the Mercer Kepler benchmarking for SmallCap CFO’s.

2  Fariyal Khanbabi was awarded an uplift of £12,292 pcm (disregarded for the purposes of calculating pension payments, and bonus and PSP awards) with effect from, and for the duration of, 

her appointment as Interim CEO of Dialight plc on 10 August 2019.

3  Marty Rapp retired from his position as a Director with effect from 9 August 2019.
4  There was no increase in the fee rates paid to Wayne Edmunds (in his capacity as Board Chair) or the Non-Executive Directors’ fee rates in 2019.
5  Fees payable to David Blood were increased, above those payable in his capacity as a NED, to £120,000 per annum as a result of his appointment as Board Chair with effect from 

05 August 2019. 

6  Wayne Edmunds stepped down as a Director of the Company with effect from 5 August 2019.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

77

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual report on remuneration continued

2018 (all figures in 000s)

Executive Directors

Marty Rapp

Fariyal Khanbabi

Non-Executive Directors

Wayne Edmunds

Stephen Bird

David Blood

Gaëlle Hotellier

Marty Rapp

David Thomas

Steve Good1

Past Director

Michael Sutsko2

Salary/Fee
2018

Benefits
2018

Pension
2018

Sub-total
fixed
2018

Bonus
2018

PSP
2018

Sub-total 
variable
2018

Total 
remuneration 
2018

$599

£275

$197

£49

£42

€60

$67

£47

£25

$14

$28

£22

$123

£31

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$1

$4

$750

£328

$197

£49

£42

€60

$67

£47

£25

$19

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$750

£328

$197

£49

£42

€60

$67

£47

£25

$19

1  Steve Good was appointed on 1 June 2018 and received a pro-rated amount of his annual fee of £42,000.
2  Michael Sutsko resigned as a Director on 8 January 2018.

Additional disclosures (audited information)

Executive Directors’ benefits
Executive Directors receive benefits comprising life insurance, healthcare and car allowances. In addition, Marty Rapp was entitled to 
reimbursement of his costs of travel and accommodation in travelling from his home to the Farmingdale office in New Jersey.

Pensions
The figure includes the amount of Company contributions to Fariyal Khanbabi’s and Marty Rapp’s pensions during the year. Fariyal Khanbabi 
received Company contributions of 15% of base salary and mid-year elected to receive a cash payment in lieu of the employer contribution. 
Marty Rapp received employer contributions under a US 401(k) plan. Marty Rapp did not participate in the SERP and instead received a cash 
payment in lieu of employer contribution. 

APBP 
The APBP operates on the basis that is set out in the remuneration policy report on page 70. Maximum bonus potential, paid in a mixture of 
cash and, in respect of performance above target, deferred shares, is 150% of salary for the Chief Executive Officer and 125% for the Group 
Finance Director.

2019 APBP
As discussed in the 2019 Remuneration Committee report, in light of the EBIT outturn for 2019 being below the objective target set, no bonuses 
became payable under the APBP 2019.

The 2019 APBP was based primarily on EBIT performance with up to 15% of the Executive Directors’ target bonus being subject to the achievement 
of certain individual goals linked to Dialight’s key strategic goals (but subject to EBIT exceeding a threshold amount). Whilst individual goals 
(including those relating to new product development capacity and execution, strategic market development, product costings, margin reporting 
and other operational accounting improvements) may have been met, the EBIT ‘under-pin’ was missed and therefore no payment was made in 
respect of such personal objectives. The performance range in respect of 2019 EBIT was as follows:

EBIT (after provision for bonus) 

No bonus is payable under either element for below threshold EBIT.

Threshold

£11.3m

Target

Maximum

£13.3m

£15.3m

Actual

£5.2m

Actual EBIT performance for 2019 was £5.2m and as a result no bonuses were payable in respect of the 2019 financial year.

78 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

PSP (audited information)
Awards made in 2016
Awards made under the PSP in 2016 to Executive Directors lapsed in 2019 due to the fact that the related performance conditions were not achieved.

Awards made in 2017
Awards made under the PSP in 2017 to Executive Directors have lapsed as the related performance conditions were not achieved during the 
three-year performance period to 31 December 2019.

Chief Executive Officer’s Pay Ratio
The table below discloses the ratio of CEO pay against the remuneration of the Group’s UK workforce in 2019. The ratios have been calculated 
in accordance with “Option A” of the three methodologies provided under the new regulations, which we believe to be the most statistically 
appropriate approach. The CEO pay figure used for this calculation represents the blended total 2019 remuneration of Marty Rapp and Fariyal 
Khanbabi against the comparable, indicative, full-time equivalent total remuneration of those employees whose pay is ranked at the 25th 
percentile, median and 75th percentile in the Group’s UK workforce.

Where possible, employee pay was calculated based on actual pay and benefits for the 12 monthly payrolls within the full financial year. 
Given the small size of the Group’s UK workforce, we have adopted the following protocols to avoid skewing the figures:

 – if a role was maintained but the individual(s) in such role changed, the figure provided in respect of such role has been calculated on a pro rata 

basis for the two or more relevant individuals; and

 – if there was a new role or a role was eliminated, the figure provided was calculated as an annualised rate for such role.

It should be noted that all the Group’s manufacturing operations and most of its employees are located outside of the UK and therefore do not 
fall within the reporting requirements.

Year

2019 Indicative Figures

25th  
percentile  

ratio

10.8:1

50th  
percentile  

75th  
percentile  

ratio

8.4:1

ratio

5.3:1

Percentage change in the remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer 
The following table sets out the change in remuneration paid to the Chief Executive Officer from 2018 to 2019 compared with the average 
percentage change for employees as a whole:

Salary

Bonus

Benefits

% change 2018–2019

Chief Executive 
Officer

Group 
employees

(2.8)%

0%

(19.4)%

3%

0%

0%

Marty Rapp was Chief Executive Officer from 1 January 2019 to 9 August 2019. Fariyal Khanbabi was appointed interim Chief Executive Officer 
with effect from 10 August 2019 and remained in post as at 31 December 2019. Details of the payments to each of them are set out on page 77. 
The amounts for Chief Executive Officer salary and benefits set out in the table represent a blended rate calculated pro rata to the time spent in 
2019 as Chief Executive Officer by each of Marty Rapp and Fariyal Khanbabi. This calculation is formulaic - as set out in the relevant regulations. 
It should be noted that the fee structure for Fariyal Khanbabi reflected the fact that she has served in an interim capacity and that accordingly the 
movement in values year-on-year is not necessarily indicative of the likely movement in future years. 

Due to operational performance, no bonus was payable in relation to 2019 or 2018. The main benefits provided include healthcare, life insurance 
and car allowance. There has been no change in the level of benefits provided to Group employees.

Relative importance of spend on pay 
The table below shows the total amount paid by the Company to its employees (excluding severance costs) for 2019 and 2018. Details of the 
total amount of distributions for the same two years can also be seen.

2019

2018

Spend on pay

Distributions

£34.4m

£31.9m

2019

2018

£0m

£0m

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

79

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual report on remuneration continued

Performance graph and table
The graph below demonstrates the Company’s TSR performance over the past nine years relative to the FTSE 250 Mid Index (excluding 
investment trusts), the FTSE SmallCap Index (excluding investment trusts) and the FTSE All-Share Electronic and Electrical Equipment Index, 
indices of which Dialight has been a constituent over the period. 

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

Dec 09

Dec 10

Dec 11

Dec 12

Dec 13

Dec 14

Dec 15

Dec 16

Dec 17

Dec 18

Dec 19

Dialight

FTSE 250

FTSE Small Cap

FTSE All Share Electronic & Electrical Equipment

Source: Datastream

The table below sets out the “single figure” of total remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer over the same nine-year period:

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

R Burton

R Burton

R Burton

R Burton

Total remuneration 
($’000)

Bonus outcome  
(% of max)

PSP vesting 
outcome  
(% of max)

 $4,170

$3,843

$1,564

$1,153

100

66.6

0

100

100

100

29

0

M Sutsko

M Sutsko

M Rapp

M Rapp 
(to 9 Aug) /  
F Khanbabi 
(from 10 Aug) 

$1,466

$746

$750

$473 / £192

74

0

0

0

0

0 / 0

n/a

0 / 0

R Burton
(to Feb)
R Stuckes
(Mar to Jun)
M Sutsko
(from Jul)

$112
£185
$523

0
n/a
0

0
n/a
n/a

80 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

PSP awards made in 2019 (audited information)
Awards granted in 2019 are measured against EPS and TSR on the following basis:

EPS 
EPS was used in respect of 75% of the awards in 2019 and before. For awards made in 2019, no part of the award that is subject to the EPS 
condition will vest if the Company’s 2021 EPS over the three-year vesting period is below 40 pence, 25% of the award that is subject to the 
EPS condition will vest if the Company’s 2020 EPS equals 40 pence; rising on a straight-line basis to 100% vesting if it exceeds 60 pence. 
The performance criteria for future awards (including 2020 PSP awards) will be on the basis set out in the proposed 2020 Remuneration Policy.

TSR
TSR was used in respect of the remaining 25% of awards in 2019 and before in order to maintain strong shareholder alignment. No part of the 
awards made in 2019 that are subject to the TSR condition will vest if the percentage increase in the Company’s TSR over the three-year vesting 
period is below the percentage increase in the TSR of the comparator index; 25% of the awards that are subject to the TSR condition will vest if 
the percentage increase in the Company’s TSR is equal to the percentage increase in the TSR of the comparator index; rising on a straight-line 
basis to 100% vesting if the percentage increase in the Company’s TSR is equal to the increase in the TSR of the comparator index plus 10% 
per annum. The comparator index for these purposes is the FTSE SmallCap Index, excluding investment trusts.

Holding period
A mandatory two-year post-vesting holding period will apply to any shares received by Executive Directors on the vesting or exercise of the 2019 
PSP awards.

The 2019 awards made to the Executive Directors are set out below:

Director

Fariyal Khanbabi

Marty Rapp

Plan

PSP

PSP

% of salary 
awarded

100%

Nature of 
interest

Exercise price 
per share

Number of 
shares subject 
to an award 

Face
value of
an award1

Performance 
conditions

Date of grant
of award

Date of end of 
performance 
period

Nil-cost
 option

n/a

68,803

£275,143

TSR/EPS

05.03.19

31.12.21

125% Conditional
share award

n/a

145,0112

£579,899

TSR/EPS

05.03.19

31.12.21

1  Based on five-day average share price on date of award of £3.999.
2  Note that this award was reduced pro rata to the unexpired performance period when Marty Rapp retired as CEO on 9 August 2019.

Payments to past Directors or for loss of office (audited information)
Exit payments
On 2 July 2019, it was announced that Marty Rapp would retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company with effect as of 
9 August 2019. As is customary when a director / executive retires, and in accordance with Dialight’s Remuneration Policy, Marty continued 
to receive pay and benefits up to and including the day of his retirement, but did not receive any additional payment and was excluded from 
participation in the 2019 APBP as he would not be in his role for the entirety of 2019. However, in accordance with the rules of the shareholder-
approved PSP, Marty was accorded ‘good leaver’ status under the PSP (the rules specifically provide for ‘good leaver’ status on retirement).

In the interests of transparency, it is important to note that Marty’s retirement did not crystallise any payments per se (i.e. there was no payment 
for loss of office as his stepping-down as a director was a retirement). On the contrary, it crystallised a pro rata reduction in the value of PSPs 
held by Marty in compliance with the scheme rules of the Company’s shareholder-approved PSP scheme. Marty holds two separate awards 
under the PSP, made in 2018 and in 2019. Under the rules of the PSP, the amount of these awards has been reduced pro rata to the proportion 
of each respective performance period that falls following the date of Marty’s retirement. The pro rata reduced number of awards will vest at 
the end of their respective 3-year performance periods to the extent only that the relevant performance criteria are met. For practical reasons of 
enforcement, these PSP awards, if they vest, would not be subject to the usual mandatory two-year post-vesting holding period.

Following his retirement, Marty acted as a paid adviser to Dialight, focussed on mentoring the Interim CEO and on product and general strategy. 
Marty’s consultancy services were provided for a limited period (c. 2 months) under the terms of an arms-length, market practice, consultancy 
agreement (in respect of which the Company sought external legal advice). Dialight’s Remuneration Committee approved the payment to Marty 
of a fixed $15,000 per calendar month for the duration of his consultancy agreement, which ended on 26 September 2019. 

Marty was not entitled to a bonus in respect of the 2018 financial year as the 2018 bonus performance targets were not met. Up until his 
retirement on 9 August 2019, he was entitled to a payment equivalent to the cost to the Company of continuing healthcare benefits under the 
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act 1985 for him and his qualified beneficiaries and the cost to the Company of his benefits under 
the Company’s group life insurance plan.

He also benefitted from a tax equalisation programme agreed when he was appointed as Chief Executive Officer by the Company, under 
which the Company would pay the reasonable cost of extra-jurisdictional tax advice, in relation to any year in which tax advice was required on 
earnings related to his employment by the Company.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

81

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual report on remuneration continued

On 5 August 2019, it was announced that Wayne Edmunds had resigned as Chairman of the Board. Under the terms of his appointment, Wayne 
was entitled to give 3 months’ notice of his intent to step down. As a successor had been identified, it was agreed with Wayne that his stepping 
down from the Board should be with immediate effect. After taking due account of advice received from Dialight’s external legal advisers, 
Dialight’s Remuneration Committee approved the payment to Wayne of a sum of $49,525 (equal to 3 months’ fees) payable as a single lump sum.

Implementation of the remuneration policy for 2020

Executive Director salaries
Where there are any new appointments of executive directors in 2020, remuneration packages (including base pay) will be compliant with the 
2020 Remuneration Policy (as set out in this report and subject to approval by shareholders at the Company’s 2020 AGM). As announced on 
5 March 2020, Fariyal Khanbabi has been appointed CEO of the Group. Her base pay was set in line with the proposed 2020 Remuneration 
Policy and benchmarking, and specific advice, provided by the Company’s external remuneration consultants. In setting an appropriate level 
of base pay, the Committee was mindful of balancing the need to achieve a material reduction relative to her predecessor (reflecting the 
reduction in the market capitalisation of the Company and shareholder feedback on the level of the predecessor’s base salary) against fairness 
(acknowledging that there has not been any reduction the complexity and demands of the role). The Committee has achieved a 7.8% reduction 
in base salary (compared to Fariyal’s predecessor), and a 14.7% reduction in total fixed remuneration. 

Pensions
The Committee has adopted a clear and principled approach to the setting of Executive Director pension contributions. Under the 2020 
Remuneration Policy, all executive director pension contributions will be capped at the amount offered in the applicable jurisdiction to the 
majority of employees. As at the present time, in the case of UK-based executive directors, this means pension contributions being limited to 5% 
of base salary. The salary contributions in respect of Fariyal Khanbabi have been capped at 5%. This represents a decrease of 74.3% compared 
to the level of pension contribution payable to her predecessor. 

APBP
The 2020 APBP bonus scheme for Fariyal Khanbabi will be in line with that set out in the proposed 2020 Remuneration Policy. In particular, 25% 
of the available bonus opportunity will be tested against personal objectives (without any EBIT under-pin), 25% against a cash conversion metric 
and 50% against an EBIT metric. Details of the personal objectives and the other performance metrics will be released in the Company’s 2020 
annual report. Any bonus payable in excess of target performance (50% of the bonus opportunity) will be paid in shares. 50% of such shares will 
vest after 2 years of award date and 50% after 3 years of award date. Any shares vesting will have to be retained until such time as the recipient 
meets the applicable shareholding guidelines.

PSP
The 2020 PSP scheme awards for Fariyal Khanbabi will be in line with that set out in the proposed 2020 Remuneration Policy – e.g. to a maximum 
of 125% of base salary and with 50% of awards tested against EPS metrics and 50% against TSR metrics. Any shares that vest after the 3-year 
performance period will have to be retained until such time as the recipient meets the applicable shareholding guidelines. 

82 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Outstanding awards under the PSP and APBP (audited information)

Type of 
award

Award date

Number at 
1 January 
2019

Awarded  
in year

Vested  
in year

Exercised  
in year

Lapsed in 
year

Number at  
31 December 
2019

Exercise 
price

Earliest 
vesting/
exercise 
date

Expiry date

Fariyal Khanbabi

PSP

APBP1

PSP

PSP

PSP

Total

NCO 16.03.16

49,240

NCO 09.03.17

1,192

NCO 24.03.17

26,588

NCO 16.03.18

50,862

–

–

–

–

NCO 05.03.19

–

68,803

–

(1,192)

–

–

–

127,882

68,803

(1,192)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(49,240)

–

–

–

–

–

–

26,588

50,862

68,803

(49,240)

146,253

–

–

–

–

–

–

16.03.19

16.03.21

31.01.20

10.03.22

24.03.20

24.03.22

16.03.21

16.03.23

05.03.22

05.03.24

–

–

1   Of the 2,384 deferred share options originally awarded to Fariyal Khanbabi, 1,192 had vested on 31 January 2019 and the balance on 31 January 2020.

Type of 
award

Award date

Number at 
1 January 
2019

Awarded
in year

Vested
in year

Exercised
in year

Lapsed
in year

Number at  
31 December 
2019

Exercise 
price

Earliest 
vesting/
exercise 
date

Expiry date

Marty Rapp

PSP

PSP

Total

CSA

16.03.18

104,280

–

CSA

05.03.19

–

145,011

104,280

145,011

–

–

–

–

–

–

(57,933)

46,347

(124,870)

20,141

(182,803)

 66,488

–

–

–

16.03.21

n/a

05.03.22

05.03.24

–

–

Notes:
CSA denotes conditional share awards. These are subject to performance conditions set out on pages 81 and 82.
NCO denotes nil-cost options. These are subject to performance conditions set out on pages 81 and 82.
The average closing market price of a share over the five trading days of 26 February to 4 March 2019, which was used for the purpose of calculating award values on 05 March 2019, the date of 
the awards recorded in the tables above as made during the year, was 399.9 pence.
Options under the PSP granted from 2015 are exercisable for two years from the date of vesting. Awards granted since 2018 are subject to a mandatory two-year post-vesting holding period.
Options under the APBP are exercisable for five years from the date of grant. 
Under the APBP scheme, awards vest 50% on or after 31 January in the second year after grant with the remaining 50% vesting on or after 31 January in the third year after grant.
During the year, the range of share prices was 224.75 pence to 573.48 pence, with the price on 31 December 2019 being 236 pence.

Executive Directors’ shareholding guidelines
Executive Directors are currently required (under the 2017 Remuneration Policy) to accumulate and maintain a holding of Dialight shares 
equivalent in value to their last annual PSP award within 5 years. This policy will change if the proposed 2020 Remuneration Policy is adopted 
by shareholders in that the specific timeframe for the achievement of the shareholding guidelines will be replaced with a requirement to retain 
all net of tax PSP vestings until the guidelines have been met. All Dialight shares, whether purchased on the open market or received through 
vestings and/or exercises under the various Dialight share plans, shall be included to satisfy the requirements. The Dialight share price used to 
value a holding for the purposes of the guidelines will be the higher of: (i) the prevailing price on the date that the holding is valued; and (ii) the 
acquisition price (i.e. the price on the date on which the awards were acquired).

Fariyal Khanbabi’s shareholding position reflects the fact that none of her PSP awards have vested in recent years. The Remuneration Committee 
is aware of the significance of Executive Directors having a personal holding of shares in Dialight as that creates an alignment of management’s 
interests with those of the shareholders. Although the Committee recognises that Fariyal Khanbabi has not yet acquired the shareholding 
required, the Remuneration Committee acknowledges the mitigating circumstances surrounding this issue.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

83

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual report on remuneration continued

The holdings of ordinary shares in the Company as at 31 December 2019 by the Executive Director (Fariyal Khanbabi) are shown in the table below.

Total shareholding of directors (audited information)
The table below shows the holdings of ordinary shares in the Company as at 31 December 2019 by each of the directors:

Fariyal Khanbabi

Stephen Bird

David Blood

David Thomas

Gaëlle Hotellier

Steve Good

Beneficially-held shares1

Ordinary shares 
at 1 January 
2019

Ordinary shares 
at 31 December 
20192

Unvested and/
or subject to 
performance 
conditions3

 6,675 

 41,728

 –

 5,994

 882 

7,500

 7,300 

 146,253

 41,728

 –

 5,994

 882 

7,500

– 

 –

–

–

–

1   Some of these shares are held through nominees.
2   567 shares of Fariyal Khanbabi’s 2016 APBP were sold on 23 May 2019 to settle the tax liability associated with the vesting of her 2016 APBP. 
3   Relates to outstanding awards under the PSP.

Directors’ service agreements and letters of appointment
The dates on which Directors’ initial service agreements/letters of appointment commenced and the expiry dates as at 31 December 2019 are 
as follows:

Commencement date

Expiry date of current employment/service agreement or letter of appointment

Chairman and Executive Directors

David Blood

1 July 2015

Fariyal Khanbabi

8 September 2014

Non-Executive Directors

Stephen Bird

10 January 2013

David Thomas

26 April 2016

Gaëlle Hotellier

3 October 2016

David entered into a new letter of appointment in respect of his appointment  
as chair on 5 August 2019

The contract is terminable by the Company or the Director on 12 months’ notice. 
Fariyal entered into a new service agreement on 4 March 2020 upon assuming 
the CEO role. She retains continuity of service from her earlier agreement entered 
into on 8 September 2014 (in respect of her CFO role) and supersedes both the 
arrangements put in place upon her assuming the interim CEO role and her previous 
contractual entitlement to a higher pension contribution. 

Letter of appointment was for an initial term of three years. During 2016, this  
was extended for a further three-year period. A further three-year extension  
was agreed in 2019.

Letter of appointment was for an initial term of three years. A further three-year 
extension was agreed in 2019.

Letter of appointment was for an initial term of three years. A further three-year 
extension was agreed in 2019.

Steve Good

1 June 2018

Letter of appointment was for an initial term of three years.

84 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Other statutory information

Activities
Dialight plc is a holding company. A list of its 
subsidiary companies, including its overseas 
branches, is set out on pages 137 and 138. 
Our businesses by sector and their activities 
are set out on page 3.

Ordinary dividends
The Board is not proposing any final dividend 
payment for 2019 (2018: nil). The Group has 
a clear capital allocation discipline and is 
committed to returning future excess funds 
via future dividend or share repurchases.

Share capital and capital structure
Details of the share capital, together with 
details of the movements in the share capital 
during the year, are shown in note 19 to the 
financial statements. The Company has one 
class of ordinary share which carries no right 
to fixed income. Each share carries the right to 
one vote at general meetings of the Company. 
There are no other classes of share capital. 
There are no specific restrictions on the size 
of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, 
with both governed by the general provisions 
of the Articles of Association (the “Articles”) 
and prevailing legislation. No person has any 
special rights of control over the Company’s 
share capital and all issued shares are fully 
paid. No purchases by the Company of its 
own shares were made in 2019 under the 
authority granted at the 2019 AGM.

Employee share plans
Details of employee share plans are set out 
in note 21 to the accounts.

The Company currently has in place three 
share plans: the Performance Share Plan 
(PSP), the Annual Performance Bonus Plan 
(APBP) and, an all-employee Sharesave 
Plan. The Sharesave Plan was not used for 
subscriptions in 2019 as it is a UK-orientated 
scheme and was considered insufficiently 
responsive to the Group’s international 
employee footprint. Further details of these 
share plans are provided in the report of 
the Remuneration Committee on page 70. 
The rules of the PSP provide that, in the event 
of a change of control through a general offer 
or scheme of arrangement, shares subject 
to awards under the PSP could be released 
within one month of the date of notification of 
the likely change of control. The rules of the 
Sharesave Plan have special provisions which 
also allow for early exercise in the event of a 
change of control, reconstruction or winding 
up of the Company. Internal reorganisations 
do not automatically trigger the early exercise 
of options. The Company has established 
the Dialight Employees’ Share Ownership 
Plan Trust (“ESOT”) in respect of which all 
employees of the Group, including Executive 
Directors, are potential beneficiaries. 
The ESOT held no shares as at 31 December 
2019 (2018: Nil). The Trustees of the ESOT 
retain the voting rights over the shares held 
in the ESOT and may exercise these rights 
independent of the interests of the Company.

Rights and obligations of ordinary shares
Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to 
attend and speak at general meetings of the 
Company and to appoint one or more proxies 
or, if the holder of shares is a corporation, 
one or more corporate representatives. 
On a show of hands, each holder of ordinary 
shares who (being an individual) is present in 
person or (being a corporation) is present by 
a duly appointed corporate representative, 
not themselves being a member, shall have 
one vote, as shall proxies (unless they are 
appointed by more than one holder, in which 
case they may vote both for and against the 
resolution in accordance with the holders’ 
instructions). On a poll, every holder of 
ordinary shares present in person or by 
proxy shall have one vote for every share 
of which they are the holder. Electronic and 
paper proxy appointments and voting 
instructions must be received not later than 
48 hours before the meeting. A holder of 
ordinary shares can lose the entitlement to 
vote at general meetings where that holder 
has been served with a disclosure notice 
and has failed to provide the Company with 
information concerning interests held in 
those shares. Except as set out above and 
as permitted under applicable statutes, there 
are no limitations on voting rights of holders 
of a given percentage, number of votes or 
deadlines for exercising voting rights. 

Restrictions on transfer of shares
There are no specific restrictions on the 
transfer of the Company’s shares, although 
the Articles contain provisions whereby 
Directors may refuse to register a transfer 
of a certificated share which is not fully paid.

There are no other restrictions on the transfer 
of ordinary shares in the Company except 
certain restrictions which may from time to 
time be imposed by laws and regulations (for 
example, insider trading laws). The Directors 
are not aware of any agreements between 
holders of the Company’s shares that 
may result in restrictions on the transfer 
of securities or on voting rights.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

85

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsOther statutory information continued

Appointment and replacement of Directors
With regard to the appointment and 
replacement of Directors, the Company is 
governed by its Articles of Association, the 
2018 Code, the Companies Act and related 
legislation. Directors can be appointed by 
the Company by ordinary resolution at a 
general meeting or by the Board. If a Director 
is appointed by the Board, such Director 
will hold office until the next annual general 
meeting and shall then be eligible subject 
to Board recommendation, for election at 
that meeting. In accordance with Provision 
18 of the 2018 Code each of the Directors, 
being eligible, will offer themselves for 
election or re-election at this year’s Annual 
General Meeting (subject to any retirements). 
The Company can remove a Director 
from office, either by passing a special 
resolution or by notice being given by all 
the other Directors. The Articles themselves 
may be amended by special resolution of 
the shareholders.

The Company announced on 27th February 
2020 that Karen Oliver and Gotthard Haug 
would each be appointed to the Board on 
1st April 2020 and that Steve Good would 
step down from the Board with effect on 
31st March 2020. Both Karen Oliver and 
Gotthard Haug are judged by the Board 
to be independent upon appointment. 
Their appointments and continuing 
membership of the Board are both subject 
to election at the Company’s 2020 AGM. 

Powers of Directors
The powers of Directors are described in 
the Articles and in the Matters Reserved for 

the Board, copies of which are available on 
the Company’s website at www.ir.dialight.
com, and are summarised in the Corporate 
Governance Report on page 51.

Essential contracts and change of control
The Directors are not aware of there being 
any significant agreements that contain any 
material change of control provisions to which 
the Company is a party, other than in respect 
of the five-year unsecured £25m multi-
currency revolving credit facility with HSBC 
Bank plc (“HSBC”) which was entered into on 
25 February 2020 for a duration of three years 
expiring on February 2023. Under the terms 
of that facility, and in the event of a change of 
control of the Company, HSBC can withdraw 
funding and all outstanding loans, accrued 
interests and other amounts due and owing 
become payable within 20 business days of 
the change.

Allotment authority
Under the Companies Act 2006, the 
Directors may only allot shares if authorised 
by shareholders to do so. At the Annual 
General Meeting, an ordinary resolution will 
be proposed which, if passed, will authorise 
the Directors to allot and issue new shares 
up to an aggregate nominal value that is in 
line with Investment Association guidelines. 
In accordance with the Directors’ stated 
intention to seek annual renewal, the authority 
will expire at the conclusion of the annual 
general meeting of the Company in 2020. 
Passing this resolution will give the Directors 
flexibility to act in the best interests of 
shareholders, when opportunities arise, 
by issuing new shares.

Substantial interests in shares
As at 6 March 2020, the Company had been notified, in accordance with DTR chapter 5, of the 
following voting rights as a shareholder of the Company. 

The Companies Act 2006 also requires that, 
if the Company issues new shares for cash 
or sells any treasury shares, it must first offer 
them to existing shareholders in proportion to 
their current holdings. At the Annual General 
Meeting, a special resolution will be proposed 
which, if passed, will authorise the Directors 
to issue a limited number of shares for cash 
and/or sell treasury shares without offering 
them to shareholders first. The authority is for 
an aggregate nominal amount of up to 10% of 
the issued share capital of the Company as at 
Annual General Meeting, of which 5% of the 
issued share capital can only be issued for the 
purposes of financing an acquisition or other 
capital investment.

The Company is mindful of the significant vote 
against the allotment authorities sought at the 
2019 AGM. Whilst it believes that it is entirely 
appropriate (not least for administrative 
purposes), and in line with good corporate 
practice, to seek the allotments that will 
be set out in the notes accompanying the 
resolutions to be considered at the 2020 
AGM (the “Notes”), it has provided additional 
assurance, in the Notes, for shareholders with 
regards to the circumstances under which 
such powers may be exercised.

The Company’s Annual General Meeting 
will be held on 13 May 2020. The Notice 
of Meeting, together with an explanation 
of the proposed resolutions, is enclosed 
with this Annual Report and Accounts and 
is also available on the Company’s website 
at www.ir.dialight.com. 

Shareholder

Generation Investment Management
Notz, Stucki Europe
Schroder Investment Management
Aberforth Partners
Impax Asset Management
Blackmoor Investment Partners
UBS Securities
Legal & General Investment Management
Tee Family
Hargreaves Lansdown Asset Management

Holding

6,532,248
4,221,296
4,034,179
3,149,435
3,035,238
1,812,440
698,045
607,572
546,389
512,445

%
Voting 
rights

20.08
12.97
12.40
9.68
9.33
5.57
2.15
1.87
1.68
1.57

86 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

There have been no significant events since 
the balance sheet date. An indication of the 
likely future developments in the business 
of the Company and details of research 
and development activities are included 
in the Strategic Report on pages 20 to 23. 
Details related to employee matters are in the 
“Our people” section on pages 28 and 30. 
Environmental matters, including greenhouse 
gas emissions reporting, are included within the 
Sustainability Report on pages 26 and 31.

Information about the use of financial 
instruments by the Company and its 
subsidiaries is given in note 25 to the 
financial statements.

Information on the Company’s political and 
charitable contributions during the year is set 
out on page 29.

For the purposes of compliance with DTR 
4.1.5 R(2) and DTR 4.1.8 R, the required 
content of the management report can 
be found in the Strategic Report and 
these regulatory disclosures, including 
the sections of the Annual Report and 
Accounts incorporated by reference.

By order of the Board.

Fariyal Khanbabi
Group Chief Executive

31 March 2020

Auditor
Each of the persons who is a Director at the 
date of approval of this Annual Report and 
Accounts confirms that:

•  so far as the Director is aware, there is 

no relevant audit information of which the 
Company’s Auditor is unaware; and

•  the Director has taken all the steps that he/
she ought to have taken as a Director in 
order to make himself/herself aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s Auditor is aware of 
that information.

This confirmation is given and should be 
interpreted in accordance with the provisions 
of s418 of the Companies Act 2006.

The Board is recommending to shareholders 
the re-appointment of KPMG as auditor of 
the Company and a resolution authorising 
the Directors to set its remuneration will be 
proposed at the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting. However, shareholders’ attention 
is drawn to the notes accompanying such 
resolution in the Notice of the AGM with 
regards to: the Company’s intention to initiate 
a tender process for a new auditor as soon 
as practical; and, the common understanding 
of both the Company and KPMG, that KPMG 
will not participate in any such tender and 
will stand down as soon as a new auditor has 
been identified.

Scope of the reporting in this Annual 
Report and Accounts
The Directors present their Annual Report 
on the affairs of the Group, together with the 
financial statements and Auditor’s Report, 
for the year ended 31 December 2019. 
The Corporate governance report set out on 
pages 42 to 84, which includes details of the 
Directors who served during the year, forms 
part of this report.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

87

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ responsibility statement

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the parent 
company’s transactions and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial 
position of the parent company and enable 
them to ensure that its financial statements 
comply with the Companies Act 2006. 
They are responsible for such internal control 
as they determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error, and have general 
responsibility for taking such steps as are 
reasonably open to them to safeguard the 
assets of the Group and to prevent and 
detect fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are also responsible for 
preparing a strategic report, a directors’ 
report, a directors’ remuneration report and 
a corporate governance statement that each 
comply with applicable law and regulations.

The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the corporate 
and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK 
governing the preparation and dissemination 
of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility statement of the Directors 
in respect of the annual financial report
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  the financial statements, prepared in 
accordance with the applicable set 
of accounting standards, give a true 
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss of the 
Company and the undertakings included 
in consolidation taken as a whole; and
•  the Directors’ and Corporate governance 

reports include a fair review of the 
development and performance of the 
business and the position of the issuer 
and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, together 
with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that they face.

We consider the annual report and accounts, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Group’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy.

For and on the behalf of the Board of 
Dialight plc.

Fariyal Khanbabi
Group Chief Executive

31 March 2020

The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report and the Group and parent 
company financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare Group and parent company financial 
statements for each financial year. The Group 
financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with the International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) (as adopted by 
the European Union (“EU”) and applicable law) 
and the parent company financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with UK 
Accounting Standards (including FRS 102 the 
financial reporting standard applicable in the 
UK and Republic of Ireland).

The Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they 
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Group and parent company and of their 
profit or loss for that period. In preparing each 
of the Group and parent company financial 
statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then 

apply them consistently;

•  make judgements and estimates that are 

reasonable, relevant, reliable and prudent;

•  for the Group financial statements, state 
whether they have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRS as adopted by 
the EU;

•  for the parent company financial 

statements, state whether applicable 
UK Accounting Standards have been 
followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the parent 
company financial statements;

•  assess the Group and parent Company 
ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related 
to going concern; and

•  use the going concern basis of accounting, 
unless they either intend to liquidate the 
Group or the parent Company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative 
but to do so.

88 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Dialight plc

1. Our opinion is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of Dialight plc (“the Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2019 which comprise the Consolidated 
income statement, Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, Consolidated statement of changes in equity, Consolidated statement of 
financial position, Consolidated statement of cash flows, Company balance sheet, Company statement of changes in equity and the related notes, 
including the accounting policies in note 3 (page 106) and note 2 (page 144).

In our opinion:
•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and 

of the Group’s loss for the year then ended; 

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by  

the European Union; 

•  the parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK accounting standards, including FRS 102  

The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland; and 

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

financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities are 
described below. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a sufficient and appropriate basis for our opinion. Our audit opinion is 
consistent with our report to the audit committee. 

We were first appointed as auditor by the directors in 2001. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is for the 18 financial years ended 
31 December 2019. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities under, and we remain independent of the Group in accordance with, UK ethical 
requirements including the FRC Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities. No non-audit services prohibited by that standard 
were provided. 

Overview

Materiality: group financial statements as a whole

£0.54m (2018:£0.37m) 

Coverage

91% (2018:95%) of Group loss (2018: profit) before tax 

Material Uncertainty: Going Concern 

0.33% of Group revenue (2018: 4.75% of normalised profit before tax)

Key audit matters

New risks

Event driven

Recurring risks

vs 2018

New: Management override of controls

New: Alternative Profit Measures (APMs)

New: Termination of outsourced manufacturing supply arrangement

Inventory valuation

Valuation of capitalised development costs 

Revenue recognition 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsIndependent auditor’s report to the members of Dialight plc continued

2. Material uncertainty relating to Going Concern

The risk

Our response

Going concern
We draw attention to note 2 to the financial 
statements which indicates that under 
certain severe but plausible scenarios there 
is a risk of the Group breaching its financial 
covenants, unless a waiver agreement is 
reached with the lender within the going 
concern period. 

These events and conditions, along with 
the other matters explained in note 2, 
constitute a material uncertainty that may 
cast significant doubt on the group’s and the 
parent company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern.  

Our opinion is not modified in respect of 
this matter. 

Disclosure quality
The financial statements explain how the 
Board have formed a judgement that it is 
appropriate to adopt the going concern 
basis of preparation for the Group and 
Parent company. 

That judgement is based on an evaluation 
of the inherent risks to the Group’s and 
Company’s business model, including the 
impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and how 
those risks might affect the Group’s and 
Company’s financial resources or ability 
to continue operations over a period of at 
least a year from the date of approval of the 
financial statements. 

The risk for our audit is whether or not those 
risks are such that they amount to a material 
uncertainty that may cast significant doubt 
about the ability to continue as a going 
concern. If so, that fact is required to be 
disclosed (as has been done) and, along 
with a description of the circumstances, is a 
key financial statement disclosure. 

Our procedures included:

Funding assessment: 
•  Obtained confirmation letters for the loan and 

cash balances at 31 December 2019 

•  Obtained and inspected the new facilities 

agreement signed on 25 February 2020 and 
assessed the forecasts going forward in light of 
the new terms to identify any expected future 
covenant breaches or liquidity shortfalls. 

Historical comparisons: 
•  We compared previous cash flow forecasts 
against actual cash flows achieved in the 
year and in previous years to assess historical 
reliability of the forecasting 

Sensitivity analysis: 
•  We considered sensitivities over the level of 

available financial resources indicated by the 
Group’s financial forecasts taking account of 
severe but plausible downsides that could arise 
from these risks individually and collectively; 
•  In conjunction with our restructuring specialists, 
we challenged the directors’ stress testing of 
forecast revenue, forecast gross profit margin 
and forecast reduction of inventory applied in 
the calculation of the forecast covenant tests. 
We also assessed the directors’ adjustments  
for non-underlying items included in the  
forecasted covenant tests and the impact  
on associated sensitivities. 

Our experience: 
•  With the assistance of our restructuring 

specialists, we used our own sector experience 
to assess and challenge the key assumptions in 
the cash flow forecasts. 

Evaluating directors’ intent:
•  We evaluated the intent of the Directors and the 
timing and achievability of the proposed cost 
saving actions they consider they would take to 
improve the position should the risks materialise, 
against our understanding of the business. 

Assessing transparency:
•  Assessing the completeness and accuracy 
of the matters covered in the going concern 
disclosure with reference to the outcome of  
the procedures detailed above. 

Our results: 
•  We found the disclosure of the material 

uncertainty to be acceptable. 

We are required to report to you if the directors’ going concern statement under the Listing Rules set out on page 59 is materially inconsistent 
with our audit knowledge. We have nothing to report in this respect. 

90 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

3. Other key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements and 
include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those which had 
the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. 
Going concern is a significant key audit matter and is described in section 2 of our report. We summarise below the other key audit matters in 
decreasing order of audit significance, in arriving at our audit opinion above, together with our key audit procedures to address those matters 
and, as required for public interest entities, our results from those procedures. These matters were addressed, and our results are based on 
procedures undertaken, in the context of, and solely for the purpose of, our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our 
opinion thereon, and consequently are incidental to that opinion, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

We continue to perform procedures over the impact of uncertainties due to the UK exiting the European Union and recoverability of parent 
company’s investment in subsidiaries on our audit. However, we have not assessed this as one of the most significant risks in our current year 
audit and, therefore, it is not separately identified in our report this year. 

Inventory valuation
(£45.7 million; 
2018: £46.0 million)

Refer to page 63 (Audit 
Committee Report), 
page 110(accounting 
policy) and page 125 
(financial disclosures).

Our response

Our procedures included:

Inventory provision:
Tests of detail:
We formed our own expectation of the stock provision 
based on an alternate methodology, stock usage, and 
compared this to Group’s provision and challenged the 
Group where differences arose. 

Tests of detail:
We tested the carrying value of inventory by comparing 
the carrying value to annual average and latest sales price 
for each product to assess whether those items were held 
at the lower of cost or net realisable value. 

Personnel enquiries
We identified raw materials and sub assembly products 
where the previous usage extrapolated over the next five 
years was less than the current the level of inventory held, 
indicating potential excess being held on these items. 
We enquired with the Group’s senior finance executives 
and technical engineers about discontinued products 
lines and used this in assessing the provision recognised 
in relation to these products. 

Assessing transparency:
We assessed the adequacy of the group’s disclosures 
about the degree of estimation involved in arriving at the 
provision. This included assessing whether reasonably 
possible outcomes that could have resulted in a higher 
provision were made clear. 

The risk

Subjective estimate: inventory provision 
The Group operates in an industry whereby developments 
in product technology may result in inventory becoming 
slow moving or obsolete. These factors, in turn, may 
mean that inventory cannot be sold or sales prices are 
discounted to less than the inventory carrying value. 

During the year, the Group have changed their inventory 
provisioning policy in relation to certain raw materials and 
sub-assemblies. For these items, they now provide for 
any items older than two years compared to previously 
providing for any items older than one year. 

The termination of the agreement with the Group’s 
outsourced manufacturing partner in the prior year 
resulted in the Group purchasing large quantities of 
inventory from the former partner as a result of certain 
contract termination clauses. At the year end there 
is certain inventory which, assuming the same usage 
and sales between 2020 and 2024 as in 2019, will not 
be used before 31 December 2024. There is a risk that 
finished goods items will be sold at amounts less than the 
carrying amounts and raw materials and sub-assembly 
inventory will not be used in the manufacture of products. 
Therefore there is a risk that the inventory provision for this 
inventory of £2.1m is inadequate. 

The Group have undergone operational changes in its 
manufacturing footprint, and have transferred inventory 
around the Group. During this process, the ageing of 
inventory has been reset in the groups’ records and 
therefore, there is increased estimation uncertainty and 
increased inherent risk associated with the assessment of 
levels of provision in the US and Malaysian components, 
where the majority of inventory has been shipped to.   

In addition, as noted in our key audit matter Management 
override of control, we consider there is a fraud risk 
relating to inventory provisioning as management could 
manipulate the inventory provision in order to create an 
artificial improvement in the Group’s trading performance. 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsIndependent auditor’s report to the members of Dialight plc continued

The risk

Our response

Subjective estimate: allocation of costs to inventory
This year, the Group have invested in two new 
manufacturing facilities in Tijuana and Penang, and now 
manufacture the majority of sub-assemblies which had 
been outsourced in the prior year. 

As a result, the Group have revised their methodology for 
the allocation of overhead costs, freight costs and some 
labour costs to inventory. 

There is a risk that the allocation of costs to inventory is 
not in accordance with accounting standards. 

As described in our Management override of control key 
audit matter, we also consider there to be a fraud risk that 
costs are incorrectly capitalised to inventory to manipulate 
the results for the year to include more or fewer costs in 
the income statement. 

The effect of both of these matters in relation to inventory 
is that, as part of our risk assessment, we determined that 
the valuation of inventory has a high degree of estimation 
uncertainty, with a potential range of reasonable 
outcomes greater than our materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole, and possibly many times that 
amount. The financial statements (note 2) disclose the 
sensitivity estimated by the Group. 

Allocation of costs to inventory
Accounting analysis
We assessed the appropriateness of the Group’s policy 
relating to costs allocated to inventory and its compliance 
with accounting standards. We sample selected costs that 
were allocated to inventory and corroborated the nature 
and amount these costs to invoices and timesheets. 

Tests of detail:
We assessed the inventory turns calculation methodology, 
including the formulas and key inputs, that was used in 
determining the amount of labour and overhead costs 
allocated to inventory. 

We recalculated the amount of freight costs allocated to 
inventory by multiplying inventory turn days against actual 
freight costs incurred over the corresponding time period. 
We evaluated the underlying allocation methodology 
and assumptions. 

Historical comparison
We assessed the methodologies for allocating costs to 
inventory against those used in prior year and evaluated 
the changes against our understanding of changes 
in business 

Sensitivity analysis
We assessed the overall impact of an increase or 
decrease in the inventory turns used on a daily basis to 
assess the sensitivity of the allocation to key assumptions. 

Assessing transparency:
We assessed the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures 
about the degree of estimation involved in determining the 
amounts of the overhead, freight and relevant labour costs 
to allocate to closing inventory. 

Our results:
We found the resulting estimate of the carrying value of 
inventory to be acceptable (2018: acceptable). 

92 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

The risk

Termination of 
outsourced 
manufacturing supply 
arrangement: Group 
and Parent
Refer to page 64 (Audit 
Committee Report), 
page 105 (accounting 
policy) and page 136 
(financial disclosures).

Dispute Outcome
On 20 December 2019, there was a claim brought against 
the Parent by its former outsourced manufacturing partner 
(‘the claimant’) of £7.5m ($9.9m) relating to excess and 
obsolete inventory and unpaid trade payables balances, 
netted off with an amount held in Escrow. Following the 
termination of the group’s manufacturing outsourcing 
agreement, the claimant has alleged they should be 
reimbursed for this excess and obsolete inventory which 
have been disclosed as a contingent liability and have not 
been recognised in the Group’s financial statements.  

There is significant judgement involved in determining the 
likelihood of success of the claim, , and if the claimant is 
successful, the potential range of reasonable financial 
outflows in settlement could be greater than our materiality 
for the financial statements as a whole, and possibly many 
times that amount 

As described in our Management override of control key 
audit matter, there is an increased incentive for results to 
be manipulated to achieve the targets presented to the 
market. There is a risk that certain balances and disclosures 
associated with the termination of the outsourcing 
arrangement are misstated. 

Our response

Our procedures included:

Enquiry of lawyers: 
We assessed the status and likely outcome of the claim 
through enquires of the Group’s internal legal counsel 
and inspection of internal notes and reports, as well as 
discussions with and written correspondence from the 
Group’s external counsel. 

Tests of detail:
We have inspected the terms of the contract with the 
manufacturer to assess whether the contract supports 
the claim made by the outsource provider that the Group 
are responsible for the purchase of or reimbursement for 
excess and obsolete inventory. 

Accounting analysis: 
We challenged the assessment performed by the 
Directors to determine whether the criteria for recognising 
a provision or a contingent liability was met at year end. 

Accounting analysis: 
We challenged the accounting assessment performed 
by the Directors in relation to each of the recognised and 
unrecognised balances relating to the claim to determine 
its compliance with the accounting standards at year end.

Assessing transparency: 
We assessed whether the Group’s and parent company’s 
disclosures relating to the contingent liability and related 
balances adequately disclose the circumstances and 
judgement applied. 

Our results:
We found the treatment and disclosure of this contingent 
liability and related balances to be acceptable.  

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

93

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsIndependent auditor’s report to the members of Dialight plc continued

Management 
override of control

The risk

Our response

Management override of control
The Group’s loan facilities include financial covenants. 
The group have previously presented the market with 
an expectation of performance for the year. There is 
an increased incentive for results to be manipulated to 
achieve these targets. 

Moreover, during the second half of the year, there were 
significant changes in the senior executive team, resulting 
in the departure of the Chairman and CEO, with both 
positions being held on an interim basis for the remainder 
of the year.  The CEO is now a permanent position, held 
by the former CFO. Therefore, there is a heightened 
risk that segregation of duties may have become limited 
through increased involvement by the CEO in accounting 
policies and key accounting judgements. 

There are a number of subjective balances where 
significant estimation and/or judgement is required,  
and balances susceptible to manipulation, including  
those covered in our key audit matters on valuation of 
inventory, termination of outsourced manufacturing  
supply arrangement, revenue recognition, valuation 
of capitalised development costs and alternative 
performance measures. There is a risk that the  
estimates and judgements made are inappropriate  
and balances are misstated. 

Our procedures, alongside those outlined in our key audit 
matters on valuation of inventory, revenue recognition, 
valuation of capitalised development costs, termination 
of outsourced manufacturing supply arrangement and 
alternative performance measures, included: 

Test of details 
•  We considered the changes in roles and responsibilities 
and the opportunity to manipulate accounting records 
and prepare fraudulent financial statements by 
overriding controls. 

•  We assessed the changes in the year to the methods 

and underlying assumptions used to prepare 
accounting estimates, for example as described in our 
valuation of inventory key audit matter. 

•  We assessed the accounting for significant transactions 
that are outside the Group’s normal course of business, 
or are otherwise unusual. 

•  We applied a risk-based approach to select a sample 
of manual journal entries, which we assessed against 
source documentation and corroborative explanation  
by Executive Directors 

Our results:
As reported under our key audit matters on valuation of 
inventory, termination of outsourced manufacturing supply 
arrangement, revenue recognition, valuation of capitalised 
development costs and alternative performance 
measures, we found those estimates and disclosures 
to be acceptable and the results of our procedures to 
be satisfactory. 

94 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Alternative Profit 
Measures (APMs)

The risk

The risk
Presentation appropriateness
The Group, in the front end and in the financial statements, 
presents unaudited APMs such as pro-forma unaudited 
gross profit and proforma unaudited operating profit. 

Our response

Our response
Our procedures included:

Assessing principles: 
•  We assessed the Group’s accounting policies and 

principles for recognising costs as ‘non-underlying. 

The Group also presents other APMs including 
adjustments for ‘non-underlying items’ which, where 
referred to in the financial statements, have been audited. 

Assessing application: 
For audited non-underlying items:

These APMs are not defined by IFRSs, instead being 
defined by the directors in their accounting policies. 
As such there is a risk of management bias. 

In addition, the Group’s key financial covenants are based 
on certain of these APMs. This introduces a further risk of 
management bias to ensure compliance is achieved. 

There is a risk that the adjustments made are inappropriate 
and the presentation of these APMs is not transparent 
and therefore may distort a reader’s view of the financial 
results for the year. 

•  We assessed the inclusion of these items as ‘non-

underlying’, based on our knowledge of the business 
and the activities to which the costs relate and informed 
by the terms of the financing agreements explaining 
what items can be adjusted for the purpose of preparing 
the covenant calculations. 

•  We assessed the balance between credit and debit 

items included within those items. 

•  On a sample basis, we assessed the classification of 

the items recorded as ‘non-underlying’ with reference to 
internal and external documentation. 

•  We assessed the consistency of application of the 

Group’s accounting policy for the classification of items 
as ‘non-underlying’ year-on-year. 

Assessing transparency: 
•  We assessed whether unaudited APMs are clearly 

presented as such throughout the annual report and 
financial statements.  

•  We assessed the Group’s disclosures of other APMs, 
including those adjusting for non-underlying items, in 
light of the ESMA guidance on the reporting of APMs, 
including assessing their labelling, the inclusion of 
a definition and reconciliation to equivalent GAAP 
measures, their prominence and their comparability. 

Our results
We found the audited adjustments for ‘non-underlying’ 
items made to derive APMs, and the presentation of those 
resultant APMs, to be acceptable. 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

95

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsIndependent auditor’s report to the members of Dialight plc continued

Valuation of 
capitalised 
development costs
(£10.3 million; 
2018: £6.3m)

Refer to page 64 (Audit 
Committee Report), 
page 106 (accounting 
policy) and page 122 
(financial disclosures).

The risk

Accounting treatment
The group have significant intangible assets from 
capitalised development costs. 

Judgement is applied in assessing the ultimate commercial 
viability of the projects and therefore whether related 
costs should be capitalised or should be expensed. 

We have identified a fraud risk that development costs 
are incorrectly capitalised to manipulate the results for 
the year. 

Subjective estimate
The capitalised development costs are at significant risk 
of impairment due to the Group’s trading performance. 

The effect of these matters is that, as part of our risk 
assessment, we determined that the valuation of 
capitalised development costs have a high degree 
of estimation uncertainty, with a potential range of 
reasonable outcomes greater than our materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole, and possibly many times 
that amount. The financial statements (note 13) disclose 
the sensitivity estimated by the Group. 

Revenue recognition
(£151.0 million; 
2018: £169.6 million)

Refer to page 63 (Audit 
Committee Report), 
page 111 (accounting 
policy) and page 114 
(financial disclosures).

Accounting application
There is a risk that transactions completed during the year 
or after the year end could be recorded in the incorrect 
period due to the high volume of transactions close to the 
year-end, which is typically the Group’s highest revenue 
generating period. 

The Group also have a number of customers who have 
different contractual terms meaning that the transfer of 
control of the goods occurs at different timings (such 
as on dispatch, on receipt at port of destination and 
on receipt by customer) with the result that there is an 
increased risk that revenue may not be recognised in the 
correct period for such sales occurring around year end. 

In addition, there is a risk of fraudulent revenue recognition, 
both in the year and around the year end. As Dialight plc is a 
listed entity there are external pressures to perform and meet 
investors’ expectations and also to meet covenant targets 
(as noted in the Management override of controls key audit 
matter). In addition, senior executives earn share-based 
bonuses based on EBIT and sales staff are incentivised 
through commissions linked to sales order targets. 

Our response

Our procedures included:

Personnel interview
We enquired with the Technology and Engineering Director 
about specific projects to understand their status.  For 
closed projects we enquired whether they were revenue 
generative or included within the forecasts to be revenue 
generative. For open projects we enquired about and 
challenged the commercial viability and launch details of 
those projects against our understanding of the Group.  

Test of details:
We assessed the Group’s policy for capitalisation of 
development costs and its compliance with accounting 
standards. We sample selected costs that were 
capitalised and corroborated the nature and amount of 
these costs to invoices and timesheets. 

Benchmarking assumptions:
For a sample of completed capitalised projects, we 
challenged the carrying value through assessing forecast 
sales data, with reference to external evidence (where 
available) and to actual sales and gross margin achieved 
during the year. 

Sensitivity analysis: 
On a product basis, we considered the sensitivity of the value 
in use to key inputs, such as revenue, gross profit margin 
and discount rate by taking account of possible downside 
scenarios that could arise individually and collectively. 

Accessing transparency:
We assessed the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures 
outlining the judgement involved in assessing the carrying 
amount and degree of estimation involved in assessing the 
recoverable amount of the capitalised development costs. 

Our results:
We found the valuation of capitalised development costs 
to be acceptable (2018: acceptable). 

Our procedures included:

Test of detail: 
•  Assessing the recognition of revenue for a sample 

of items recorded either side of the financial year by 
reference to the identified trigger event for revenue, 
when contractual performance conditions are satisfied, 
and tracing back to third party carrier documentation 
and customer agreements. 

•  Performing a reconciliation of revenue recognised for 

the year to cash received. Where reconciling items were 
found, we obtained explanations from management and 
agreed to external documentation, where available. 

Our results:
The results of our procedures were satisfactory  
(2018: satisfactory). 

96 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

4. Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit
Materiality for the group financial statements as a whole was set at £0.54 million (2018: £0.37m), determined with reference to a benchmark of total 
revenue, of £151.0m, of which it represents 0.33% (2018: 4.75% of Group profit before tax, normalised to exclude non-underlying items as disclosed  
in Note 6). We consider total revenue to be the most appropriate benchmark given the recent volatility in the Group’s profitability benchmarks. 

Materiality for the parent company financial statements as a whole was set at £0.4m (2018: £0.24m), determined with reference to a benchmark of gross 
assets, of which it represents 0.6% (2018: 0.4%). 

We agreed to report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding £27,000 (2018: £18,000), in addition to 
other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

Of the group’s eight (2018: nine) reporting components, we subjected four (2018: five) to full scope audits for group purposes and one (2018: one) to 
specified risk-focused audit procedures. The latter was not individually financially significant enough to require a full scope audit for group purposes, 
but did present specific individual risks that needed to be addressed. 

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the percentages illustrated opposite. 

The remaining 5% of total group revenue (2018: 2%), 9% of the total group loss before tax (2018: 5% of Group profit before tax) and 4% of total group 
assets (2018: 5%) is represented by three of reporting components (2018: three), none of which individually represented more than 4% of any of total 
group revenue, group loss before tax or total group assets. For these residual components, we performed analysis at an aggregated group level to  
re-examine our assessment that there were no significant risks of material misstatement within these. 

The Group team instructed component auditors as to the significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks detailed above and the information 
to be reported back. The Group team approved the component materialities, which ranged from £0.19m to £0.40m (2018: £0.24m), having regard to  
the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the components. The work on two of the eight components (2018: two of the nine components)  
was performed by component auditors and the rest, including the audit of the parent company, was performed by the Group team. 

Telephone conference meetings were held with the two component auditors that were not physically visited. At these meetings, the findings reported 
to the Group team were discussed in more detail, and any further work required by the Group team was then performed by the component auditor. 

Group materiality
£0.54m (2018: £0.37m)

£0.54m
Whole financial statements materiality (2018: £0.37m)

£0.40m
Range of materiality: 
£0.19m to £0.40m (2018: £0.24m)

£0.027m
Misstatements reported to the audit committee
(2018: £0.018m)

Group loss before tax

Group total assets

9%

3%

5% 

6%

89%

88%

91%

(2018: 95%)

4%

2%

5%

4%

91%

94%

Revenue
£151.0m (2018: £169.6m)

Revenue
Group materiality

Group revenue

5%

7%

6% 2%

95%

(2018: 98%)

92%

88%

Full scope for Group audit purposes 2019
Specified risk-focused audit procedures 2019
Full scope for Group audit purposes 2018
Specified risk-focused audit procedures 2018
Residual components

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

96%

(2018: 95%)

97

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsIndependent auditor’s report to the members of Dialight plc continued

5. We have nothing to report on the other information in the Annual Report
The directors are responsible for the other information presented in the Annual Report together with the financial statements. Our opinion on the 
financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated 
below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit work, the information 
therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work we have not identified 
material misstatements in the other information. 

Strategic report and directors’ report
Based solely on our work on the other information: 

•  we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and the directors’ report; 
•  in our opinion the information given in those reports for the financial year is consistent with the financial statements; and 
•  in our opinion those reports have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Directors’ remuneration report
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006. 

Disclosures of emerging and principal risks and longer-term viability
Based on the knowledge we acquired during our financial statements audit, other than the material uncertainty related to going concern referred 
to above1, we have nothing further material to add or draw attention to in relation to:

•  the directors’ confirmation within the Viability statement on page 59 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and 

principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity; 
•  The Emerging and Principal Risks disclosures describing these risks and explaining how they are being managed and mitigated; and 
•  the directors’ explanation in the Viability statement of how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have done 
so and why they considered that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Viability statement. We have nothing to report in this respect. 

Our work is limited to assessing these matters in the context of only the knowledge acquired during our financial statements audit. As we 
cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgments that 
were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of anything to report on these statements is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and 
Company’s longer-term viability. 

Corporate governance disclosures
We are required to report to you if: 

•  we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our financial statements audit and the directors’ 
statement that they consider that the annual report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy; or 
•  the section of the annual report describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated by  

us to the Audit Committee 

We are required to report to you if the Corporate Governance Statement does not properly disclose a departure from the provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code specified by the Listing Rules for our review. 

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

We have nothing to report on the other matters on which we are required to report by exception 
Under the Companies Act 2006, we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

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

branches not visited by us; or 

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

accounting records and returns; or 

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

We have nothing to report in these respects. 

98 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

6. Respective responsibilities 
Directors’ responsibilities
As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 88, the directors are responsible for: the preparation of the financial statements 
including being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the Group and parent Company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting 
unless they either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

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

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 

Irregularities – ability to detect
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our 
general commercial and sector experience, through discussion with the directors and other management (as required by auditing standards), 
and from inspection of the group’s regulatory and legal correspondence and discussed with the directors and other management the policies 
and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and 
remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. This included communication from the group to component audit 
teams of relevant laws and regulations identified at group level. 

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably. 

Firstly, the Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including 
related companies legislation), taxation legislation and distributable profits legislation and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws 
and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items. 

Secondly, the Group is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on 
amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation. We identified the following areas as 
those most likely to have such an effect: health and safety, anti-bribery, employment law and certain aspects of company legislation recognising 
nature of the group’s activities and its legal form. 

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and 
other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. 

Through these procedures, we became aware of actual or suspected non-compliance and considered the effect as part of our procedures on 
the related financial statement items. The identified actual or suspected non-compliance was not sufficiently significant to our audit to result in 
our response being identified as a key audit matter. 

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the 
financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, 
the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial 
statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there 
remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all 
laws and regulations. 

7.  The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities 
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s 
report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the 
Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

David Neale (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants  
15 Canada Square, 
London 
E14 5GL 
31 March 2020

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

99

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsConsolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Distribution costs
Administrative expenses

(Loss)/profit from operating activities
Financial expense

(Loss)/profit before tax
Income tax expense

(Loss)/profit for the year

(Loss)/profit for the year attributable to:
Equity owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

(Loss)/profit for the year

(Loss)/earnings per share
Basic
Diluted

Note

5

6

5
8

5
9

10

2019  
£’m

151.0
(107.1)

43.9
(27.2)
(28.0)

(11.3)
(1.2)

(12.5)
(3.7)

(16.2)

(16.1)
(0.1)

(16.2)

2018  
£’m

169.6
(109.3)

60.3
(30.4)
(22.3)

7.6
(0.2)

7.4
(2.1)

5.3

5.2
0.1

5.3

20
20

(49.8p)
(49.8p)

16.4p
16.1p

Alternative Performance Measures - Operating (loss)/profit and proforma unaudited operating profit

Statutory (loss)/profit from operating activities

(11.3)

7.6

Non-underlying items:
Redundancy costs
Loss incurred and loss on disposal of business
Write-off of receivables from outsource manufacturer

Increase in pension liability for GMP equalisation

Operating (loss)/profit

Proforma unaudited adjustments

Costs to move equipment from outsource manufacturer’s site 
Costs to move inventory from outsource manufacturer’s site 

Additional costs from using 3rd party vendors to manufacture sub-assemblies and internal ramp-up costs

Proforma unaudited operating profit

Proforma unaudited earnings per share
Basic
Diluted

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

6
6
6

6

6
6

6

1.1
2.5
2.7
–

(5.0)

0.9
3.2
6.1

5.2

–
–
–
0.4

8.0

–
–
–

8.0

20
20

5.8p
5.8p

17.3p
17.0p

100 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Other comprehensive (expense)/income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Income tax on exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension liability
Income tax on remeasurement of defined benefit pension liability

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year, net of tax
(Loss)/profit for the year

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the parent
Non-controlling interests 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

Note

2019  
£’m

2018  
£’m

21
16

(2.6)
 (0.1)

(2.7)

1.6
(0.3)

1.3

(1.4)
(16.2)

(17.6)

(17.5)
(0.1)

(17.6)

4.2
(0.3)

3.9

(0.6)
0.1

(0.5)

3.4
5.3

8.7

8.6
0.1

8.7

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

101

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsConsolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Balance at 1 January 2019

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive  
(expense)/income:
Foreign exchange translation 
differences, net of tax 
Remeasurement of defined benefit 
pension liability, net of tax 

Total other comprehensive  
(expense)/income

Total comprehensive expense 
for the year 

Transfer of merger reserve on 
disposal of business

Transactions with owners, recorded 
directly in equity:
Share-based payments

Total transactions with owners

Balance at 31 December 2019

Balance at 1 January 2018

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive  
income/(expense): 
Foreign exchange translation 
differences, net of tax 
Remeasurement of defined benefit 
pension liability, net of tax 

Total other comprehensive  
income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income  
for the year 

Transactions with owners,  
recorded directly in equity:
Share-based payments

Total transactions with owners

Balance at 31 December 2018

Note

21

19

7

Note

21

7

Total 
equity
£’m

85.1

(16.2)

(2.7)

1.3

(1.4)

Share 
capital 
£’m

0.6

–

Merger 
reserve 
£’m

Translation 
reserve
 £’m

1.4

–

14.3

–

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’m

2.2

–

Retained 
earnings 
£’m

66.2

(16.1)

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£’m

0.4

(0.1)

Total 
£’m

84.7

(16.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

Share 
capital 
£’m

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.9)

–

-

0.5

(2.7)

–

(2.7)

(2.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11.6

2.2

Merger 
reserve 
£’m

Translation 
reserve
 £’m

1.4

–

10.4

–

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£’m

2.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.9

–

3.9

3.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

1.4

14.3

2.2

–

1.3

1.3

(2.7)

1.3

(1.4)

–

–

–

(14.8)

(17.5)

(0.1)

(17.6)

0.9

–

0.3

0.3

52.6

Retained 
earnings 
£’m

61.2

5.2

0.3

0.3

67.5

Total 
£’m

75.8

5.2

–

3.9

(0.5)

(0.5)

(0.5)

4.7

0.3

0.3

66.2

3.4

8.6

0.3

0.3

84.7

–

–

–

0.3

Non-
controlling 
interests 

0.3

0.1

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

0.4

–

0.3

0.3

67.8

Total 
equity
£’m

76.1

5.3

3.9

(0.5)

3.4

8.7

0.3

0.3

85.1

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

102 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Consolidated statement of total financial position
at 31 December 2019

Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right of use assets 
Intangible assets
Deferred tax assets
Employee benefits
Other receivables

Total non-current assets

Inventories
Inventories - spare parts
Trade and other receivables
Income tax recoverable
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Tax liabilities
Lease liabilities

Total current liabilities
Provisions
Borrowings
Lease liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets 

Equity
Issued share capital
Merger reserve
Other reserves
Retained earnings

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Note

2019  
£’m

2018  
£’m

11
12
13
16
21
31

17

18

24

23
22

15,25

22
14
15,25

19
19

15.6
12.2
21.3
1.7
2.3
4.7

57.8

45.7
0.4
23.8
1.1
0.5

71.5

14.7
–
16.5
5.3
0.4
0.2

37.1

46.0
0.1
36.7
1.2
2.2

86.2

129.3

123.3

(28.4)
(0.9)
(1.5)
(1.6)

(32.4)
(1.4)
(17.0)
(10.7)

(29.1)

(61.5)

67.8

0.6
0.5
13.8
52.6

67.5
0.3

67.8

(30.0)
(1.0)
(1.6)
–

(32.6)
(0.5)
(5.1)
–

(5.6)

(38.2)

85.1

0.6
1.4
16.5
66.2

84.7
0.4

85.1

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 
31 March 2020 and were signed on its behalf by:

Fariyal Khanbabi 
Group Chief Executive 

David Blood
Chairman

Company number: 2486024

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

103

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsConsolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Operating activities
(Loss)/profit for the year
Adjustments for:
Financial expense 
Income tax expense
Share-based payments
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right of use assets
Amortisation of intangible assets
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of business
Pension charge for GMP equalisation loss 

Operating cash flow before movements in working capital
Increase in inventories
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
Increase/(decrease) in provisions
Pension contributions in excess of the income statement charge

Cash generated by/(used in) operations

Income taxes paid
Interest paid2

Net cash generated by/(used in) operating activities 

Investing activities 
Capital expenditure
Capitalised expenditure on development
Purchase of software and licences
Bank and cash balances in disposed business 
Disposal of business

Net cash used in investing activities

Financing activities
Drawdown of bank facility
Repayment of lease liabilities1

Net cash generated from financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Effect of exchange rates on cash held

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Note

2019  
£’m

2018  
£’m

(16.2)

1.2
3.7
0.3
2.6
1.7
2.0
0.1
1.7
–

 (2.9)
(1.9)
8.8
(0.3)
0.3
(0.5)

3.5

(0.6)
(1.1)

1.8

(6.8)
(6.0)
(0.3)
(0.5)
(0.5)

(14.1)

11.9
(1.2)

10.7

(1.6)
2.2
(0.1)

0.5

5.3

0.2
2.1
0.3
3.1
–
1.5
–
–
0.4

12.9
(19.6)
(1.2)
1.8
(0.8)
(0.5)

(7.4)

(1.7)
(0.2)

(9.3)

(3.1)
(3.3)
–
_
–

(6.4)

5.1
–

5.1

(10.6)
12.8
–

2.2

8
9

11
12
13

6
21

22
21

8,15

11
13
13
6
6

14
15

13

24

Following the adoption of IFRS 16 from 1 January 2019, the Group has classified:
1  cash payments for the principal portion of lease payments as financing activities; 
2  cash payments for the interest portion of lease payments as operating activities consistent with the presentation of interest payments chosen by the Group. This includes £0.6m (2018: £nil) in 

relation to finance leases.

104 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2019

1. Reporting entity
Dialight plc is a company domiciled in England. The address of the Company’s Registered Office is Leaf C, Level 36, Tower 42, 25 Old Broad 
Street, London EC2N 1HQ. The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2019 comprise the 
Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”).

2. Basis of preparation
(a) Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the EU (“IFRSs”). The Company has elected to present its parent company financial statements in accordance with 
FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”.

(b) Consolidated basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.

The Group’s business activities, together with the factors most likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the 
Operating Review on pages 16 to 18. The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the 
Finance Review on pages 37 to 41. The directors’ assessment of the viability of the Group is set out in the Viability Statement on page 59. In addition 
note 28 to the financial statements includes the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management 
objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. In the year ended 31 December 
2019 the Group recorded an operating loss for the year of £11.3m. This has been principally as a result of the termination of the outsourcing 
arrangements with Sanmina. The Group has now brought all production back in house and is focused on building sales momentum. In addition, the 
Group has recently renewed its banking facilities with HSBC of £25m until February 2023. As part of renewing our bank facility, we have agreed with 
HSBC that all non-recurring items were added back for covenant calculation purposes. The covenants are tested quarterly and are as follows:

Ratio 

Calculation 

Threshold

Leverage ratio 

Net debt: proforma unaudited EBITDA   

<3.0x

Interest cover 

Proforma unaudited EBITDA: interest expense 

>4.0x

In assessing the going concern assumptions, the Board has undertaken a rigorous assessment of the forecast outturns and assessed identified 
downside risks and mitigating actions. The downside risks include a number of severe but plausible scenarios incorporating underperformance 
against the business plan, execution risk, unexpected cash outflows and customer attrition.

The broader political and economic uncertainty coupled with the potential future impact on the Group of the recent COVID-19 outbreak has 
been factored into the scenarios considered as part of the Group’s adoption of the going concern basis. The Group has also considered what 
mitigating actions are available to it in the event that such downside scenarios arise. The Group believes that it has sufficient mitigating actions 
available to it that it could address almost all such downside scenarios. Under these severe but plausible scenarios there is a risk of breaching 
the Group’s financial covenants, unless a waiver agreement is reached with the lender within the going concern period. 

The above situation gives rise to a material uncertainty, as defined in auditing and accounting standards, related to events or conditions that may 
cast significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and in such circumstances, it may therefore be unable to realise its 
assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Reflecting the Board’s confidence, the Group therefore continues to adopt 
the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

(c) Use of estimates, judgements and assumptions
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made a number of judgements. The process of preparing 
the Group’s financial statements inevitably requires the Group to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future and the resulting 
accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The judgements and estimates that have the most significant 
effect on the amounts included in these consolidated financial statements are as follows:

Significant judgements
Termination of outsourced manufacturing agreement
We have sought to reach a negotiated conclusion on various outstanding matters following the termination of the manufacturing services agreement 
with our former outsourced manufacturing partner, Sanmina Corporation. On Friday, 20th December 2019, both parties issued legal proceedings 
against the other, with Sanmina claiming up to £8m against Dialight and Dialight counter claiming up to £190m against Sanmina. The basis of the 
claim filed by Sanmina Corporation relates to outstanding invoices and residual inventory they allege they purchased for Dialight. The claim filed 
by Dialight is more complex in nature and relates to significant costs and losses suffered as a direct consequence of Sanmina Corporation not 
performing in accordance with the terms of the manufacturing services agreement. Existing GAAP precludes us from holding accounts receivable 
balances that relate to this claim so they have been impaired. However, this has no impact on the legal claim. In the unlikely event that Sanmina’s 
claim is successful, the range of outcomes could be £0 - £8m. Management have assessed the claim in conjunction with external legal advice and 
the judgement is that we are confident of the merits of our legal position. Therefore, the matter is disclosed as a contingent liability. 

Significant estimates
Inventory reserve 
The overall level of inventory in the Group has remained static year on year but as part of the preparation for exit of the outsource contract, it had 
increased in H2-18 when we purchased an excess of Lighting raw materials and sub components that have been unwinding during 2019. We were 
selective in the inventory purchased and all materials were inspected when received, to ensure they were in good condition. Although we 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

105

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
2. Basis of preparation (continued)
have more inventory than we would like, it is all usable in current products that are being sold. In previous years, the Lighting inventory reserve 
was calculated based on the ageing of inventory with all items greater than 12 months being reserved. As a result of the strategic decision to 
purchase additional inventory, using the existing ageing policy would have resulted in a charge that not have been representative of potential 
obsolescence. Therefore, the Group revised the basis of estimate for reserving raw materials and sub components so that these are now only 
reserved after 24 months. In addition to the ageing basis, inventory is reviewed regularly by operational and financial management to ensure that 
it is usable. Estimation is applied to the expected usage of individual parts. 

The inventory reserve at 31 December 2018 was £4.7m (9.3% of gross inventory) and £2.5m of this was utilised in 2019 when we disposed of old, 
fully-reserved inventory, and £0.3m was removed as part of the sale of Dialight A/S. The inventory reserve at 31 December 2019 is £2.1m, which 
represents 4.4% of gross inventory. If the reserve remained at 9.3% of inventory, the 2019 reserve would be £4.7m.

Development and patent costs 
The Group capitalises development costs and patent costs provided they meet all criteria in the respective accounting policy. Costs are only 
capitalised when management apply judgement that they are satisfied as to the ultimate commercial viability of the projects based on review 
of the relevant business case. The capitalised costs are amortised over the expected useful economic life, which is determined based on the 
reasonable commercial prospects of the product and a comparison to similar products being sold by the Group.

The Group has £11.8m (2018: £6.5m) of development and patent costs that relate to the current product portfolio and new products expected 
to launch in 2020. Management have reviewed all of these for impairment using the expected revenues from the Board approved 3-year plan 
to complete a value in use calculation on a product-by-product basis giving a total headroom of £294m and their judgement is that there is 
no impairment. The total impact on headroom from the sensitivities that we have run is as follows; a 10% reduction in revenue would reduce 
headroom to £267m, a 10% reduction in margin would reduce headroom to £217m, an increase in WACC of 1% would reduce headroom to 
£287m, the combined impact of all three would be a reduction in headroom to £193m.

Inventory - absorbed overhead costs
The valuation of inventory, detailed in note 17, requires the use of judgement in the amount of costs to be absorbed into inventory valuation. 
There are two elements of cost over which this judgement is applied:

Firstly, in relation to the amount of production overheads that are included in the inventory valuation. The pools of cost related to production 
comprise labour and direct overheads attributable to the production process. They are assessed to ensure that costs not related to production 
are excluded. We use the weighted average inventory turns calculated by comparing the level of inventory on hand with the amount of production 
by month. This gives the number of days of overhead that should be absorbed in inventory. Management uses their judgement in the assessment 
of the calculation and in the current year made allowance for the in-sourcing of a significant element of sub component production by changing 
the weighting applied to be based on the number of sub components used. This changed the number of days from 70 days in the prior year 
(when 80% of sub components were made externally) to 93 days in the current year (when 90% of sub components are made internally) 
due to insourcing. The value of directly attributable costs over which judgement was exercised was £6.3m (2018: £5.2m) and this represents 
14% (2018: 11%) of the inventory value. For every day that the estimate of the days used for the overhead absorbed changes, it changes the 
calculation by £63k.

Secondly, in relation to the amount of freight costs that are included in the inventory valuation. The costs represent transportation costs for raw 
materials and the labour cost of the buyers placing the orders. The cost is absorbed into inventory by comparing the level of inventory on hand 
with the amount of material costs in the cost of sales. This gives the number of days of freight costs that are capitalised. Costs of transporting 
finished goods to distribution centres on a global basis are included in the inventory valuation until the associated finished goods have been sold 
outside the Group. The value of freight costs over which judgement was exercised was £2.4m (2018: £2.2m) and this represents 5% (2018: 4%) of 
the inventory value. For every day that the estimate of the days used for the freight costs absorbed changes, it changes the calculation by £17k.

3. Changes in significant accounting policies
The Group initially applied IFRS 16 Leases from 1 January 2019. A number of other new standards are also effective from 1 January 2019 but they 
do not have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements. 

IFRS 16
The Group applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach, under which the cumulative effect of initial application is recognised 
in retained earnings at 1 January 2019. Accordingly, the comparative information presented for 2018 is not restated – i.e. it is presented, 
as previously reported, under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4. Additionally, the disclosure requirements in IFRS 16 have not generally been applied to 
comparative information.

A. Definition of a lease
Previously, the Group determined at contract inception whether an arrangement was or contained a lease under IFRIC 4 Determining whether 
an Arrangement contains a Lease. The Group now assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease based on the definition of a lease, as 
explained in Note 4(u).

On transition to IFRS 16, the Group elected to apply the practical expedient to grandfather the assessment of which transactions are leases. 
The Group applied IFRS 16 only to contracts that were previously identified as leases. Contracts that were not identified as leases under IAS 17 
and IFRIC 4 were not reassessed for whether there is a lease under IFRS 16. Therefore, the definition of a lease under IFRS 16 was applied only 
to contracts entered into or changed on or after 1 January 2019.

106 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20193. Changes in significant accounting policies (continued)
B. The Group as a lessee
As a lessee, the Group leases many assets including industrial premises, office buildings, IT and other equipment. The Group previously 
classified leases as operating or finance leases based on its assessment of whether the lease transferred significantly all of the risks and rewards 
incidental to ownership of the underlying asset to the Group. Under IFRS 16, the Group recognises right of use assets and lease liabilities for 
many of these leases – i.e. these leases are on-balance sheet.

At commencement or on modification of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to 
each lease component on the basis of its relative stand-alone price.

However, for leases of property the Group has elected not to separate non-lease components and to account for the lease and associated  
non-lease components as a single lease component.

i. Leases classified as operating leases under IAS 17
Previously, the Group classified property leases as operating leases under IAS 17. On transition, for these leases, lease liabilities were measured 
at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the Group’s incremental borrowing rate as at 1 January 2019 (see note 15). 

Right of use assets are measured at either:

 – their carrying amount as if IFRS 16 had been applied since the lease commencement date, discounted using the Group’s incremental 

borrowing rate at the date of initial application; or

 – an amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments.

The Group has tested its right of use assets for impairment on the date of transition and has concluded that there is no indication that any of the 
right of use assets are impaired.

The Group used a number of practical expedients when applying IFRS 16 to leases previously classified as operating leases under IAS 17. 
In particular, the Group:

 – did not recognise right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases for which the lease term ends within 12 months of the date of 

initial application;

 – did not recognise right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases with an initial contract value of less than £10,000;
 – excluded initial direct costs from the measurement of the right of use asset at the date of initial application for most assets; and
 – used hindsight when determining the lease term.

ii. Leases classified as finance leases under IAS 17
The Group had no finance leases at 31 December 2018.

C. As a lessor
The Group is not required to make any adjustments on transition to IFRS 16 for leases in which it acts as a lessor, other than in respect of one 
sub-lease.

The Group entered into a sub-lease during 2019, which has been classified as an operating lease. The Group assessed the classification of 
the sub-lease contract by reference to the right of use asset rather than the underlying asset, and concluded that it is an operating lease under 
IFRS 16.

D. Impact on financial statements
Impact on transition* 
On transition to IFRS 16, the Group recognised right of use assets and lease liabilities, and the impact on transition is summarised below.

Right of use assets – see note 12 
Lease restoration costs
Lease liabilities - see note 15

1 January 
2019
£’m

3.8 
(0.1)
(3.7) 

For detailed information on the impact on right of use assets and lease liabilities refer to notes 12 and 15 respectively. 

There was no impact on retained earnings on adoption of IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019. 

*  For the impact of IFRS 16 on profit or loss for the period, see Note 33. For the impact of IFRS 16 on segment information and EBITDA, see Note 5. For the details of accounting policies under 

IFRS 16 and IAS 17, see Note 4(u).

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements3. Changes in significant accounting policies (continued)
E. Discount rates applied for different jurisdictions
IFRS 16 allows the use of two possible discount rates, namely the interest rate implicit in the lease from the perspective of the lessor (implicit 
rate) or the Group’s incremental borrowing rate (IBR). The Group has used the IBR for existing leases at the date of transition of 1 January 2019 
as  well as for new leases after that date.

The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that Dialight pays to borrow, a) over a similar term b) with a similar security, c) the funds 
necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use asset d) in a similar economic environment. The rate reflects the amount that 
the Group could borrow over the term of the lease. 

Dialight operates in multiple jurisdictions and the economic environment in those jurisdictions would also influence the IBR. This is expected to 
lead to a different IBR for every lease in a different territory. Key information that the Group considered while determining the IBR at the date of 
initial application of IFRS 16 relates to the region where the lease is domiciled, the functional currency and the currency of the lease, the asset 
being leased and the remaining years left on the lease.

The Group has property leases in the USA, Mexico, UK, Australia and Malaysia. The Mexican and Malaysian leases are for industrial premises 
with the remaining leases being for office buildings. The lease terms varied on initial application of IFRS 16 between 1.5 and 10 years. 

The IBR is determined based on the interest rates available to the Group entities in which the underlying leases are held, based on the credit 
rating of each of these entities. Certain adjustments are made to these interest rates to reflect the terms of the individual leases and the types 
of assets leased.

The IBR’s calculated for use by the Group vary between 2% to 5% for the UK, USA and Australia jurisdictions and between 5% to 7% for the 
Mexico and Malaysia jurisdictions.

4. Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements and 
have been applied consistently by Group entities.

(a) Basis of consolidation
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is 
transferred to the Group. In assessing control, the Group takes into consideration potential voting rights that were then currently exercisable.

Acquisitions on or after 1 January 2010
For acquisitions on or after 1 January 2010, the Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:

 – the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus
 – the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; less
 – the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in profit or loss. Costs related to the acquisition, other than 
those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurs in connection with a business combination are expensed 
as incurred.

Acquisitions between 1 January 2004 and 1 January 2010
For acquisitions between 1 January 2004 and 1 January 2010, goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the Group’s 
interest in the recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree.

Transaction costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurred in connection with business 
combinations were capitalised as part of the acquisition.

Acquisitions prior to 1 January 2004 (date of transition to IFRSs)
As part of its transition to IFRSs, the Group elected to restate only those business combinations that occurred on or after 1 January 2003. 
In respect of acquisitions prior to 1 January 2003, goodwill represents the amount recognised under the Group’s previous accounting 
framework, UK GAAP.

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements 
from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Intra-group balances, and any unrealised income and expenses arising 
from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

108 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20194. Significant accounting policies (continued)
(b) Non-underlying and non-recurring costs
The Group incurs costs and earns income that is non-recurring in nature or that, in the Directors’ judgement, need to be disclosed separately 
by virtue of their size and incidence in order for users of the consolidated financial statements to obtain a proper understanding of the financial 
information and the underlying performance of the business.

These items could include (but are not limited to):

•  The costs directly arising from transferring production to an outsourced manufacturer 

•  The costs related to transferring production back from an outsourced manufacturer 

•  The impairment of tangible or intangible assets which relate to the closure of part of a business or removal of a product line 

•  The impairment of inventory as a result of a significant change in product design

•  Individual restructuring projects which are material or relate to the closure of a part of the business and are not expected to recur.

•  Gains or losses on disposal of businesses.

•  Gains or losses arising on significant changes to or closures of defined benefit pension plans.

Determining whether an item is part of specific adjusting items requires judgement to determine the nature and the intention of the transaction. 

(c) Foreign currency translation
For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations, including goodwill 
and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated using exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date.

Income and expense items of overseas operations are translated at average exchange rates for the period.

Since the transition date, resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity within the Group’s translation 
reserve. Such translation differences are recognised in the income statement in the period in which the foreign operation is disposed of. 
Foreign currency transactions are accounted for at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction.

Gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary and non-monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement.

(d) Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments are recorded initially at cost and are remeasured to fair value at subsequent reporting dates. The gain or loss on 
remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the income statement.

(e) Property, plant and equipment
All items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and provision for impairment. Subsequent costs are 
included in the asset carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits 
associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance costs are charged to the 
income statement in the financial period they are incurred.

(f) Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group and have finite useful lives are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
accumulated impairment losses. 

(g) Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation
Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, 
plant and equipment, except for right of use assets which are depreciated over the shorter of the lease contract period and their useful lives. 
Land is not depreciated.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Plant, equipment and vehicles  
Right of use assets   

3–10 years
1.5–10 years

Amortisation
Amortisation is recognised in profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, other than goodwill, 
from the date that they are available for use.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Patents and trademarks  
Development costs  

4 years
3–5 years

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

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Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
4. Significant accounting policies (continued)
(h) Goodwill
Goodwill that arises upon acquisition of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. For the measurement of goodwill at initial recognition, 
see note 4(a).

Subsequent measurement
After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses until disposal or termination of the previously 
acquired business when the profit or loss on disposal or termination will be calculated after charging the gross amount at current exchange 
rates of any such goodwill through the income statement. Goodwill is allocated to the CGUs and is tested at least annually for impairment. 
An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.

(i) Research and development costs
Expenditure on research activities undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding is 
recognised in the income statement as an expense as incurred.

Development expenditure is capitalised only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the product and process is technically and 
commercially viable, future economic benefits are probable and the Group intends and has sufficient resources to complete the 
development and to use or sell the asset. Costs are only capitalised once the initial research phase has been completed and the business 
case for development has been approved by management. The expenditure capitalised includes direct cost of material, direct labour 
and directly attributable overheads. Other development expenditure is recognised in the income statement as an expense as incurred. 
Capitalised development expenditure is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.

(j) Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each reporting date 
to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. 
For goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite lives or that are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is estimated at each 
reporting date.

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. A CGU is the smallest 
identifiable asset group that generates cash flows that are largely independent from other assets and groups. Impairment losses are recognised 
in profit and loss. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated 
to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro-rata basis.

The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, 
the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments 
of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

Any impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognised in prior periods are 
assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has 
been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s 
carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment 
loss had been recognised.

A financial asset, in particular the carrying value of trade receivables, is considered to be impaired if one or more events have had a negative 
effect on the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from that asset. Any impairment losses are recognised through the income statement.

(k) Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of inventories comprises all costs of purchase, costs of 
conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their location and condition at the balance sheet date. Items are valued using 
the first in, first out method. When inventories are used, the carrying amount of those inventories is recognised as an expense in the period in 
which the related revenue is recognised. Provision for write-down to net realisable value and losses of inventories is recognised as an expense 
in the period in which the write-down or loss occurs.

(l) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise bank and cash balances, call deposits, and bank overdrafts.

(m) Share capital
(i) 

 Dividends are recognised in the period in which they are approved by the Company’s shareholders, or, in the case of an interim dividend, 
when the dividend is paid.
 When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased by the ESOT, the amount of the consideration paid is recognised as a deduction 
from equity.

(ii) 

(iii)   Under the terms of the PSP and deferred bonus scheme, dividends accrue on shares not yet vested; however, in the event that the shares 

lapse or are forfeited then the dividends will not be paid and the accrual is reversed.

(n) Employee benefits
(i) 
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement when they are due.

 Defined contribution pension plans

110 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2019 Defined benefit pension plans

4. Significant accounting policies (continued)
(ii) 
The Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future 
benefit that employees have earned for their service in the current and prior periods, discounting that amount and deducting the fair value of any 
plan assets.

The calculation is performed by an independent qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. In accordance with IFRIC 14 – IAS 19  
‘The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction’, the pension surplus can be recognised as an asset 
on the balance sheet, limited to the present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions 
in future contributions to the plan. To calculate the present value of economic benefits, consideration is given to any applicable minimum 
funding requirements.

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding interest) and 
the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest) are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income. The Group determines the 
net interest expense/(income) on the net defined benefit liability/(asset) for the period by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined 
benefit obligation at the beginning of the annual period to the then-net defined benefit liability/(asset), taking into account any changes in the 
net defined benefit liability/(asset) during the period as a result of contributions and benefit payments. Net interest expense and other expenses 
related to defined benefit plans are recognised in profit or loss.

When the benefits of a plan are changed, or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting change in benefit that relates to past service, or the gain or 
loss on curtailment, is recognised immediately in profit or loss. The Group recognises gains and losses on the settlement of a defined benefit 
plan when the settlement occurs.

(iii)  Share-based payments and deferred bonus transactions
The PSP allows Group employees to acquire shares of the Company. The fair value of the award granted is recognised as an employee expense 
with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at the grant date and spread over the performance period during which the 
employees become unconditionally entitled to the award.

The fair value of the grants is measured using the Monte Carlo or Black-Scholes models, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the 
grants were made. The amount recognised as an expense is only adjusted to reflect forfeitures resulting from failures to meet non-market conditions. 
The share-based payments are equity-settled. Key Group employees are awarded shares in the Company under the Annual Performance Bonus Plan. 
The fair value of the award granted is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at the 
grant date and spread over the performance period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the award.

(o) Provisions
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event 
and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. A provision is made for the expected costs of 
future warranty claims relating to past product sales. This provision is estimated based on historical trends for returns, product-specific warranty 
terms, internal knowledge of product performance characteristics and the expected costs of remedying warranty-returned products.

(p) Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are initially recorded at fair value and then subsequently stated at their amortised cost less any impairment losses. 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment.

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects 
current market assessment of the time value of the money and risks specific to the asset. Receivables with a short duration are not discounted. 
An impairment loss in respect of trade and other receivables is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the 
recoverable amount.

The Group has applied the simplified approach as permitted by IFRS 9. The expected credit loss model (ECL) considers the Group’s historical 
credit loss, factors specific to each receivable, the current economic environment and expected changes in future forecasts (see note 25).

(q) Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are initially recorded at fair value and then subsequently stated at amortised cost.

(r) Revenue recognition
Revenue from the sale of goods is measured by completion of the performance obligations in the contract and at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable, net of returns and allowances, trade discounts, volume rebates and product returns. An allowance is 
made for expected returns, discounts and rebates based on distributor agreements and historic trends. Revenue represents the invoiced value 
of goods supplied and is recognised in the income statement in line with performance of contractual obligations and based on Incoterms in 
contract. The majority of our sales are on an ex works basis with revenue recognised on despatch of finished goods. Warranty is not a separable 
performance obligation so has no impact on revenue recognition.

(s) Expenses
(i) Operating lease payments – See note(u) below.
(ii) Net financing costs 
Net financing costs comprise interest receivable, interest payable, borrowings, interest payable on lease liabilities, interest on pension assets 
and liabilities, foreign exchange gains and losses and unwinding of discount.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

111

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements4. Significant accounting policies (continued)
(t) Tax charge
The tax charge comprises current and deferred tax, and is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised 
directly in equity. The tax currently payable is based on the taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the income 
statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are 
never taxable or deductible.

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the 
corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax 
liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that taxable profits will be available against which temporary differences can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that 
sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the assets to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates that are 
enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited to profit and loss, except when it relates to items 
charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities, 
and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on 
a net basis. Additional income taxes that arise from the distribution of dividends are recognised at the same time as the liability to pay the related 
dividend is recognised.

(u) Leases
The Group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach and therefore the comparative information has not been restated and 
continues to be reported under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4. The details of accounting policies under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 are disclosed separately.

Policy applicable from 1 January 2019
At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract 
conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract 
conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group uses the definition of a lease in IFRS 16. This policy is applied to contracts 
entered into on or after 1 January 2019.

(i) As a lessee
At commencement or on modification of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to 
each lease component on the basis of its relative stand-alone prices. However, for leases of property the Group has elected not to separate  
non-lease components and accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

The Group recognises a right of use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right of use asset is initially measured at 
cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus 
any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the 
site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received.

The right of use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the lease term, 
unless the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the Group by the end of the lease term or the cost of the right of use asset 
reflects that the Group will exercise a purchase option. In that case the right of use asset will be depreciated over the useful life of the underlying 
asset, which is determined on the same basis as those of property, plant and equipment. In addition, the right of use asset is periodically 
reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using 
the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate (IBR). Generally, the 
Group uses its IBR as the discount rate. The Group operates in multiple economic environments so the IBR that applies will vary from lease to 
lease. The calculation of IBR and the different rates applied is covered in detail in note 3(E).

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following:

Fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments; variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using 
the index or rate as at the commencement date; amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; the exercise price under a 
purchase option that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise; lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain 
to exercise an extension option; and penalties for early termination of a lease unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early.

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease 
payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a 
residual value guarantee, if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option, or if there 
is a revised in-substance fixed lease payment. When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the 
carrying amount of the right of use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right of use asset has been reduced to zero.

The Group presents right of use assets that do not meet the definition of investment property in right of use assets and lease liabilities separately 
in the statement of financial position. 

112 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20194. Significant accounting policies (continued)
The Group has elected not to recognise right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low-value assets and short-term leases, including 
IT equipment. The Group recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

(ii) As a lessor
When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interests in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. It assesses the lease 
classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right of use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset. 
The Group classifies the sub-lease as an operating lease as the lease does not transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to 
ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease. The Group recognises lease payments received under 
operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term as part of ‘other revenue’.

Policy applicable before 1 January 2019
For contracts entered into before 1 January 2019 the Group determined whether the arrangement was or contained a lease based on the 
assessment contained in IFRIC 4.

(i) As a lessee 
In the comparative period the Group had no finance leases. Assets held under other leases were classified as operating leases and were not 
recognised in the Group’s statement of financial position. Payments made under operating leases were recognised in profit or loss on a straight-
line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received were recognised as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term 
of the lease.

(ii) As a lessor
In the comparative period the Group did not act as a lessor and had no sub-leases.

(v) Changes in accounting policies
As described in Note 3, the Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases, with effect from 1 January 2019, which materially impacted the Consolidated 
statement of financial position. 

Adoption of new and revised standards/interpretations and amendments
A number of new standards and amendments to standards, with an effective date of 1 January 2019, have also been adopted but have no 
material impact on the Group. These comprise:

 – Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (IFRIC 23)
 – Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation (Amendments to IFRS 9)
 – Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures (Amendments to IAS 28)
 – Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement (Amendments to IAS 19)
 – Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015–2017 Cycle (Amendments to IFRS 3, IFRS 11, IAS 12 and IAS 23)

Forthcoming requirements
The following standards and interpretations have been issued but are not mandatory for annual reporting periods ending on 31 December 2019:

 – Amendments to References to Conceptual Framework for IFRS Standards
 – Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3)
 – Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8)

The effective date for these is 1 January 2020, but they are not expected to be material to the Group.

 – IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts. The current effective date is 1 January 2022. This is not expected to be applicable to the Group.
 – Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint venture (Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28).

The effective date for these amendments was deferred indefinitely although early adoption continues to be permitted. These amendments are 
not expected to be material to the Group if adopted.

(w) Measurement of fair values
A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair values, for both financial and non-financial assets 
and liabilities.

The Group has an established control framework, appropriate for the size and complexity of the Group, with respect to the measurement of 
fair values. When measuring the fair value of an asset or liability, the Group uses market observable data as far as possible. Fair values are 
categorised into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability might be categorised in different levels of the fair value hierarchy, then 
the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant 
to the entire measurement.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

113

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements5. Operating segments
The Group has two reportable operating segments. These segments have been identified based on the internal information that is supplied 
regularly to the Group’s chief operating decision maker for the purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources. The chief operating 
decision maker is considered to be the Group Chief Executive.

The two reportable operating segments are:

 – Lighting, which develops, manufactures and supplies highly-efficient LED lighting solutions for hazardous and industrial applications in which 

lighting performance is critical and includes anti-collision obstruction lighting; and

 – Signals & Components, which develops, manufactures and supplies status indication components for electronics OEMs, together with niche 

industrial and automotive electronic components and highly-efficient LED signalling solutions for the traffic and signals markets.

There is no inter–segment revenue and there are no individual customers that represent more than 10% of revenue.

All revenue relates to the sale of goods. Segment gross profit is revenue less the costs of materials, labour, production and freight that 
are directly attributable to a segment. Overheads comprise operations management, selling costs plus corporate costs, which include 
share-based payments.

Segmental assets and liabilities are not reported internally and are therefore not presented below.

Reportable segments

2019

Revenue

Statutory gross profit
Unaudited non-recurring costs

Proforma unaudited gross profit 
Overheads*

Proforma unaudited operating profit/(loss)

Audited non-underlying costs

Unaudited non-recurring costs
Statutory (loss)/profit from operating activities
Financial expense 

Loss before tax 
Income tax expense

Loss after tax 

* Overheads excluding audited non-underlying costs of £6.3m

2018

Revenue

Gross profit 
Overheads

Underlying operating profit/(loss)
Audited non-underlying costs

Statutory profit/(loss) from operating activities
Financial expense 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense

Profit after tax 

Lighting
£m

Signals & 
Components 
£’m

Unallocated 
£’m

Note

111.5

31.3
10.2

41.5
(34.5)

7.0

(6.3)

(10.2)
(9.5)

39.5

12.6
-

12.6
(8.3)

4.3

_

–

4.3

6

6

–

-
-

–
(6.1)

(6.1)

–
(6.1)

_

(6.3)

Lighting
£’m

Signals & 
Components 
£’m

Unallocated 
£’m

Note

125.0

47.1
(38.6)

8.5
–

8.5

44.6

13.2
(8.7)

4.5
–

4.5

–

–
(5.0)

(5.0)
(0.4)

(5.4)

6

Total 
£’m

151.0

43.9
10.2

54.1
(48.9)

5.2

(10.2)
(11.3)
(1.2)

(12.5)
(3.7)

(16.2)

Total 
£’m

169.6

60.3
(52.3)

8.0
(0.4)

7.6
(0.2)

7.4
(2.1)

5.3 

114 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2019 
5. Operating segments (continued)
Other segmental data

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right of use assets
Amortisation

2019

2018

Lighting 
£’m

Signals & 
Components 
£’m

1.9
1.3
1.5

0.7
0.4
0.5

Total 
£’m

2.6
1.7
2.0

Lighting 
£’m

Signals & 
Components 
£’m

2.3
–
1.1

0.8
–
0.4

Total 
£’m

3.1
–
1.5

There were no impairment losses on tangible or intangible assets or write-downs in the current or prior year.

Geographical segments
The Lighting and Signals & Components segments are managed on a worldwide basis, but operate in three principal geographic areas: 
North America, EMEA and Rest of World. The following table provides an analysis of the Group’s sales by geographical market, irrespective 
of the origin of the goods. All revenue relates to the sale of goods.

Sales revenue by geographical market

North America
EMEA
Rest of World

2019 
£’m

117.8
12.6
20.6

151.0

2018 
£’m

124.1
20.3
25.2

169.6

6. Non-recurring costs (audited and unaudited)
In the assessment of performance of the Group in prior periods, management removed the impact of outsourcing costs. In the current year, 
we have removed the impact of in-sourcing costs. In the judgement of the Directors, these items are separately disclosed due to the nature and 
value from the underlying results of the Group to allow the reader to obtain a proper understanding of the financial information and the best 
indication of underlying performance of the Group. The table below presents the components of non–underlying profit or loss recorded within 
cost of sales and administrative expenses.

Non-underlying costs (audited)
Redundancy costs 
Loss on disposal of subsidiary
Write-off receivable from outsource manufacturer
Increased pension liability from GMP equalisation

Non-underlying costs recorded in administrative expenses

Pro-forma unaudited costs

Costs to move equipment from outsource manufacturer’s site
Costs to move inventory from outsource manufacturer’s site
Additional costs from using 3rd-party vendors to make sub-assemblies and internal ramp-up costs

Unaudited costs recorded in cost of sales

Total non-recurring costs

Total cash impact

2019 
£’m

2018 
£’m

1.1
2.5
2.7
–

6.3

0.9
3.2
6.1

10.2

16.5

11.8

–
–
–
0.4

0.4

–
–
–

–

0.4

–

Non-underlying costs
Redundancy costs of £1.1m relate to various initiatives during the year to deal with areas of the business that were not performing well and also 
to right-size the cost base. The loss on disposal of subsidiary relates to the sale of the Group’s Wind business in Denmark in September 2019 and 
the exit from that operational site. The loss comprised of two elements, £0.8m loss in the year (prior to sale) and £1.7m loss at the point of sale. 
The business had been in decline for two years following the loss of a major customer. The revenue for this business was £4.4m in 2018 with a 
profit of £nil, and in the period of ownership in 2019, it had revenue of £1.9m and generated a loss of £0.8m.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

115

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements6. Non-recurring costs (audited and unaudited) continued

The net assets and the net loss on disposal of Dialight A/S were as follows:

Property, plant and equipment
Current assets (including cash balances of £0.5m)
Current liabilities

Net assets of the business disposed of
Loss on disposal of the business

Total consideration paid

Satisfied by:
Cash received
Disposal costs paid

Net cash paid
Provision for warranties
Accrued disposal costs

Total consideration paid

2019 
£’m

0.1
1.3
(0.7)

0.7
(1.7)

(1.0)

0.1
(0.6)

(0.5)
(0.4)
(0.1)

(1.0)

We have impaired accounts receivable with our former outsource manufacturer as existing GAAP precludes us from holding these receivables on 
the balance sheet. However, this has no impact on validity of these as part of our legal claim (see note 28).

In the prior year, the charge within administrative expenses related to a one-off increase in pension liabilities arising from Guaranteed Minimum 
Pension (GMP) equalisation (see note 21).

Proforma unaudited costs
There were costs in 2019 that arose directly from the decision to exit our outsource manufacturing contract in September 2018. We had to pay 
£0.9m for the removal of our CNC machines and paint line from the former outsource manufacturer’s premises and then transport them and have 
them re-installed and calibrated at our Tijuana plant. There were no equivalent costs in the prior year.

We also incurred costs of £3.2m to move inventory that we purchased from our former outsource manufacturer and transport it to our own 
facilities in Mexico and Malaysia. In addition, the exit resulted in the local supply chain in Malaysia not being in place for Lighting products and 
we incurred additional expense to airfreight materials in order to ensure production was not impacted. 

The exit also resulted in the acquisition of a new facility in Tijuana, Mexico that is used primarily to carry out machining and painting functions. 
It took most of the year to get this facility to full capacity as we didn’t receive our equipment back from the outsourcer until Q2 and we then had 
to get it all installed, tested, certified and fully staffed at a cost of £2.2m. These costs of ramping up lasted until the end of Q3. Whilst we ramped 
up our own facility, we were paying smaller third-party vendors to make sub-assemblies. This resulted in higher prices and payments that covered 
their overheads and profit margin. We have calculated the additional costs relating to this at £3.9m and treated this as non-recurring. 

The costs of exit of £10.2m are management’s best estimate of the costs. Due to their subjective nature and their similarity to standard 
manufacturing processes, it is difficult to audit them so we are presenting them as proforma unaudited costs.

116 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20197. Personnel expenses

Wages and salaries
Social security contributions
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions
Contributions to defined contribution plans
Total charge for defined benefit plans

2019 
£’m

34.4
3.9
0.3
1.3
0.1

40.0

2018 
£’m

31.9
3.2
0.3
1.2
0.5

37.1

Wages and salary costs have increased year on year with the main driver being increased average headcount at our production facilities in 
Mexico and Malaysia due to insourcing production. There were no management incentives in 2019 or the prior year. 

The above expenses exclude £1.1m (2018: £nil) paid in respect of redundancy costs (see “Non-underlying costs” above).

The average number of employees by geographical location was:

US and Mexico
Rest of World

2019 
Number

2018 
Number

1,478
323

1,801

1,093
239

1,332

In 2019, the Group employed an average of 1,091 direct staff (2018: 717) and 710 indirect staff (2018: 615).

The main Board Directors are considered to be the Group’s key management personnel. There are no loans between the Group and key 
management personnel.

Key management personnel compensation comprised the following:

Short-term employee benefits 
Post-retirement benefits
Share-based payments

2019 
£’m

1.1
0.1
0.3

1.5

2018 
£’m

1.2
0.1
0.3

1.6

The aggregate of remuneration and amounts receivable under long-term incentive schemes of the highest paid Director was £0.4m (2018: £0.6m), 
and pension contributions of £0.0m (2018: £0.1m) were made to a money purchase scheme on their behalf. During the year, the highest paid 
Director received 68,803 shares under a long-term incentive scheme.

Number of Directors accruing benefits under money purchase schemes
Number of Directors who exercised share options 
Number of Directors in respect of whose qualifying services shares were received or receivable  
under long term incentive schemes

2019

2018

2
–

2

2
–

2

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

117

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements8. Financial expense 
Recognised in profit and loss

Net interest on defined benefit liability
Interest expense on financial liabilities other than lease liabilities
Interest expense on lease liabilities

Financial expense (including £0.1m non-cash (2018: £nil))

9. Income tax expense
Recognised in the income statement

Current tax charge:
Current year
Adjustment for prior years

Deferred tax charge:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
Adjustment for prior years
Reduction in tax rate
Derecognition of deferred tax assets in respect of European losses

Total tax charge

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

(Loss)/profit for the year

Total income tax charge

(Loss)/profit before income tax

Income tax using the UK corporation tax rate
Non-deductible loss on disposal of a business
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
Increase in tax rate
Non-deductible expenses
Current year losses for which no deferred tax is recognised
De-recognition of deferred tax previously recognised
Adjustment for prior years 
Research and development credits
Recovery of foreign taxes suffered
Other adjustments

2019 
£’m

0.1
0.5
0.6

1.2

2019 
£’m

0.6
(0.1)

0.5

(0.9)
(0.4)
–
4.5

3.2

3.7

2018 
%

19.0
–
5.8
0.9
–
–
–
3.9
(2.0)
–
0.8

28.4

2018 
£’m

–
0.2
–

0.2

2018 
£’m

2.1
0.2

2.3

(0.4)
0.1
0.1
–

(0.2)

2.1

2018 
£’m

5.3

2.1

7.4

1.4
–
0.4
0.1
–
–
–
0.3
(0.2)
–
0.1

2.1

2019 
%

(19.0)
4.0
–
–
1.6
8.0
35.9
(4.0)
(0.8)
3.9
–

29.6

2019 
£’m

(16.2)

3.7

(12.5)

(2.4)
0.5
–
–
0.2
1.0
4.5
(0.5)
(0.1)
0.5
–

3.7

The effective tax rate for the year is 29.6% compared with 28.4% in the prior year and compared with the standard rate of 19.0% (2018: 19.0%) 
in the UK.

118 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20199. Income tax expense (continued)
The normalised tax rate for the Group in the year is 21.0% (tax rate before adjustments), and based on a pre-tax loss of £12.5m this would 
generate a tax credit of £2.6m. However, in the year there is a tax charge of 29.6%. The difference of 48.6% is due to the following factors:

•  the de-recognition of the deferred tax assets on previously recognised losses in the European Lighting business, resulting in a tax charge 

of £4.5m (charge of 35.9%). We do not anticipate this business making sufficient taxable profits in the short-term to utilise the losses;

•  the non-recognition of any deferred tax asset on £1.0m of losses arising in the current year (charge of 8%);

•  A non-deductible loss of £0.5m (charge of 4.0%) on disposal of Denmark A/S, the former European Wind business which was sold in 

September 2019.

Tax recognised directly in equity

Employee benefits
Other

2019 
£’m

0.3
0.1

2018 
£’m

(0.3)
0.1

Current tax
Current tax is calculated with reference to the profit or loss of the Company and its subsidiaries in their respective countries of operation. Set out 
below are details in respect of the significant jurisdictions where the Group operates and the factors that influenced the current and deferred 
taxation in those jurisdictions.

UK
The UK companies are subject to a corporate tax rate of 19.0% (2018: 19.25%). No UK corporation tax rate reductions have been announced. 
There are no UK timing differences recognised at 31 December 2019.

US

The majority of the Group’s profits arise in the US where the corporation tax rate is 21% (2018: 21%).

Group

The higher overall effective tax rate is due to the mix of profits being weighted towards higher tax jurisdictions and the deferred tax asset  
write-offs relating to the European businesses as mentioned above. 

10. (Loss)/profit for the year
(Loss)/profit for the year has been arrived at after charging:

Research and development costs:
Expensed as incurred
Amortisation charge

Total research and development costs
Depreciation of fixed assets, excluding right of use assets
Depreciation of right of use assets
Lease expense - low value leases and leases with a remaining term of less than one year
Operating leases – property 
Operating leases – other 

There were no impairment charges for tangible or intangible assets in either the current or the prior year.

Auditor’s remuneration

Audit of these financial statements
Amounts receivable by auditor in respect of:
Audit of financial statements of subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

2019 
£’m

2018 
£’m

2.8
0.9

3.7
2.6
1.7
0.4
–
–

2019 
£’m

0.4

0.1

0.5

6.3
0.8

7.1
3.1
–
–
2.0
0.1

2018 
£’m

0.2

0.1

0.3

119

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements11. Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2018
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2019
Reclassification to intangible assets
Exchange adjustments
Additions
Disposal of business
Other disposals

Balance at 31 December 2019

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2018
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2019
Reclassification to intangible assets
Exchange adjustments
Charge for the year
Disposal of business
Other disposals

Balance at 31 December 2019

Carrying amount at 31 December 2019

Carrying amount at 31 December 2018

In the year we have re-classified software and IT licences with a net book value of £1.1m to intangible assets.

Land and 
buildings 
£’m

Plant, 
equipment 
and vehicles 
£’m

3.0
0.1
0.1
–

3.2

3.2
–
(0.1)
–
(0.1)
–

3.0

(2.9)
(0.1)
(0.1)
–

(3.1)

(3.1)
–
0.1
(0.1)
0.1
–

(3.0)

–

0.1

47.6
2.7
3.0
(2.0)

51.3

51.3
(5.4)
(1.7)
6.8
(0.2)
(2.7)

48.1

(33.8)
(1.9)
(3.0)
2.0

(36.7)

(36.7)
4.3
1.2
(2.5)
0.1
1.1

(32.5)

15.6 

14.6

Total 
£’m

50.6
2.8
3.1
(2.0)

54.5

54.5
(5.4)
(1.8)
6.8
(0.3)
(2.7)

51.1

(36.7)
(2.0)
(3.1)
2.0

(39.8)

(39.8)
4.3
1.3
(2.6)
0.2
1.1

(35.5)

15.6

14.7

120 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201912. Right of use assets

Cost
At 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2019
Recognition of right of use assets on initial application of IFRS 16

Adjusted balance at 1 January 2019
Exchange adjustments 
Additions

Balance at 31 December 2019

Accumulated depreciation

At 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2019
Charge for the year

Balance at 31 December 2019

Carrying amount at 31 December 2019

Carrying amount on initial application of IFRS 16

 Buildings 
£’m

Total 
£’m

–

–
3.8

3.8
(0.3)
10.4

13.9

–

–
(1.7)

(1.7)

12.2

3.8

–

–
3.8

3.8
(0.3)
10.4

13.9

–

–
(1.7)

(1.7)

12.2

3.8

The Group leases various industrial premises, office buildings, equipment and IT equipment. Rental contracts are typically for fixed periods of 1.5 
to 10 years, but may have extension options as described in note 33A.iv. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide 
range of different terms and conditions. The lease agreements do not impose any covenants, but leased assets may not be used as security for 
borrowing purposes.

The new leases added during the year relate to industrial premises and office buildings and one of the leases has been sublet as discussed 
in note 33B.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

121

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements13. Intangible assets 

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2018
Additions 
Disposals
Effects of foreign exchange movement

Balance at 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2019
Reclassification from property, plant and equipment
Additions
Effects of foreign exchange movement

Balance at 31 December 2019

Amortisation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 January 2018
Amortisation for the year
Disposals
Effects of foreign exchange movement

Balance at 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2019
Reclassification from property, plant and equipment
Amortisation for the year
Effects of foreign exchange movement

Balance at 31 December 2019

Carrying amount at 31 December 2019

Carrying amount at 31 December 2018

Concessions,  
patents,  
licences and 
trademarks 
£’m

Order book, 
customer 
relationships 
and 
Technology 
£’m

Goodwill 
£’m

Software 
and 
Licences 
£’m

Development 
costs
£’m

7.1
0.8
–
0.5

8.4

8.4
–
0.7
(0.3)

8.8

(5.8)
(0.7)
–
(0.5)

(7.0)

(7.0)
–
(0.6)
0.3

(7.3)

1.5

1.4

12.7
–
–
0.3

13.0

13.0
–
–
(0.1)

12.9

(4.2)
–
–
–

(4.2)

(4.2)
–
–
–

(4.2)

8.7

8.8

2.7
–
(2.7)
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

(2.7)
–
2.7
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
5.4
0.3
(0.1)

5.6

–
–
–
–

–

–
(4.3)
(0.5)
–

(4.8)

0.8

–

20.2
2.5
–
1.1

23.8

23.8
–
5.3
(1.0)

28.1

(16.1)
(0.8)
–
(0.6)

(17.5)

(17.5)
–
(0.9)
0.6

(17.8)

10.3

6.3

Total 
£’m

42.7
3.3
(2.7)
1.9

45.2

45.2
5.4
6.3
(1.5)

55.4

(28.8)
(1.5)
2.7
(1.1)

(28.7)

(28.7)
(4.3)
(2.0)
0.9

(34.1)

21.3

16.5

The amortisation charge for the year is included within administrative expenses in the income statement. 

Goodwill
The Group has two distinct cash-generating units (CGUs), Lighting and Signals & Components, which are the smallest identifiable independent 
groups of assets that generate cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Where assets 
and costs are shared between the two cash-generating units a reasonable apportionment of these are made for the purpose of the 
impairment calculation.

All of the £8.7m (2018:£8.8m) goodwill recognised in the Group’s balance sheet is considered to be attributable to Lighting.

Impairment testing 
The Group tests goodwill (at the CGU level) annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. 
The recoverable amount of the CGU is determined from value-in-use calculations. The key assumptions for the value-in-use calculations are 
those regarding the discount rates and growth rates.

Management estimates discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of a number of factors that impact on the time 
value of money and any risk specific to the CGU. The rate includes management’s assessment of a normal level of debt-to-equity ratio within 
similar companies in its sector.

Management has prepared a three-year plan based upon certain assumptions derived from a combination of internal assessment of the market 
size, an assessment of customer product requirements, production capacity requirements and the operational costs of the organisation. The key 
assumptions within the three-year forecasts are revenue growth and gross profit, which is based on management’s best estimate of material, 
labour and production cost trends and manufacturing efficiencies. Cash flows in years four and five are extrapolated using similar growth rates 
to the first three years. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using estimated growth rates of between 0% and 1%.

122 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201913. Intangible assets (continued)
Sensitivity to changes in key assumptions:
The risk-adjusted pre-tax discount rate used to discount the forecast cash flows for the Lighting CGU was 15.0% (2018:13%), reflecting 
reduced year on year revenue in the Lighting business. Management has applied different growth rates for the value-in-use calculations of each 
underlying element of the CGU over the five-year period to take account of the differing nature of the individual products, and of the countries 
in which the CGU operates. The impairment tests showed significant headroom (greater than £70m) and we sensitised this by reducing growth 
rates by 25% and increasing discount rates by 25% and there was still headroom. Given the sensitivity scenarios performed, the Directors 
consider that no reasonable potential downside scenario would lead to an impairment.

14. Borrowings 
On 25 February 2020 the Group renewed its revolving credit facility with HSBC for a further 3 years to February 2023, with the option to extend 
for an additional 2 years. The covenants attached to the facility relate to net debt to EBITDA ratio and interest cover. As part of renewing 
our bank facility, we have agreed with HSBC that all non-recurring items were added back for covenant calculation purposes. Net debt is 
defined for covenant purposes as excluding the impact of IFRS 16 leases. During the year and subsequently, the Group has operated within 
those covenants.

At 1 January 2018
Facility draw-down

At 31 December 2018

At 1 January 2019
Facility draw-down

At 31 December 2019

Loans
£’m

–
5.1

5.1

5.1
11.9

17.0

15. Lease liabilities 
As explained in “Changes in significant accounting policies” in Note 3, the Group initially applied IFRS 16 Leases, with effect from 
1 January 2019.

When measuring lease liabilities for leases that were previously classified as operating leases, the Group discounted lease payments using its 
incremental borrowing rate at 1 January 2019. The weighted-average rate applied was 4.2%.

Operating lease commitments at 31 December 2018 as disclosed under IAS 17 in the Group’s consolidated financial statements

Operating lease commitments discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at 1 January 2019
Recognition exemption for leases with less than 12 months of the lease term left at transition
Recognition exemption for low-value leases
Lease committed, but not yet recognised for IFRS 16

Lease liabilities recognised at 1 January 2019
Interest expense

New lease liabilities
Repayment of liabilities
Exchange adjustments

Lease liabilities recognised at 31 December 2019

2019 
£’m

7.7

6.9
(0.3)
(0.4)
(2.5)

3.7
0.6

10.1
(1.8)
(0.3)

12.3

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

123

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements16. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Property, plant and equipment
Right of use assets 
Intangible assets
Employee benefits
Provisions
Losses and other items

Tax assets/(liabilities)

Assets

Liabilities

Net

2019 
£’m

2018 
£’m

–
0.1
–
–
2.3
2.7

5.1

–
–
–
0.1
2.4
5.1

7.6

2019 
£’m

(1.4)
–
(1.9)
(0.1)
–
–

(3.4)

2018 
£’m

(0.9)
–
(1.4)
–
–
–

(2.3)

2019 
£’m

(1.4)
0.1
(1.9)
(0.1)
2.3
2.7

1.7

2018 
£’m

(0.9)
–
(1.4)
0.1
2.4
5.1

5.3

Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of all tax losses in entities expected to generate sufficient future taxable profits. 
As mentioned in note 9, deferred tax assets previously recognised for the European businesses have been written off as these businesses are 
now not expected to generate sufficient short-term taxable profits to justify recognising the associated deferred tax assets. The Group expects 
to generate sufficient taxable profits to recover the remaining deferred tax assets within 3 to 4 years. The geographic split of the deferred tax 
asset in relation to trading losses is Australia £0.2m, Malaysia £0.2m, US £2.2m and Singapore £0.1m. The aggregate amount of temporary 
differences associated with investments in subsidiaries for which deferred taxation liabilities have not been recognised is £nil (2018: £nil).

Movement in temporary differences during the year

Balance at 1 January 2018
Recognised in income
Recognised in equity 

Balance at 31 December 2018

Balance at 1 January 2019
Recognised in income
Recognised in equity

Balance at 31 December 2019

Property, 
plant and 
equipment 
£’m

Intangible 
assets 
£’m

Employee 
benefits 
£’m

Provisions 
£’m

Other short-
term timing 
differences 
£’m

Right of use 
asset
£m

(0.8)
(0.1)
–

(0.9)

(0.9)
(0.5)
–

(1.4)

(0.9)
(0.5)
–

(1.4)

(1.4)
(0.6)
0.1

(1.9)

0.2
–
(0.1)

0.1

0.1
0.1
(0.3)

(0.1)

2.2
0.2
–

2.4

2.4
(0.1)
–

2.3

4.6
0.2
0.3

5.1

5.1
(2.2)
(0.2)

2.7

–
–
–

–

–
0.1
–

0.1

Total 
£’m

5.3
(0.2)
0.2

5.3

5.3
(3.2)
(0.4)

1.7

i. Unrecognised deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items, because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be 
available against which the Group can use the benefits:

Deductible temporary differences
Tax losses

ii. Tax losses carried forward
Tax losses for which no deferred tax assets were recognised expire as follows.

Expire

Never expire

2019 
£’m

2018 
£’m

Gross 
amount

Tax effect

Gross 
amount

Tax effect

1.2
28.1

29.3

0.2
5.4

5.6

–
–

–

–
–

–

2019 

£’m  Expiry date 

 2018 
£’m

 Expiry date

–

28.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

124 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201916. Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued)
In 2019, the deferred tax assets for Dialight Plc, Dialight Europe Limited and Dialight GmbH were reassessed in accordance with IAS 12. 
Management has determined that, based on the most recent 3-year forecasts, the recoverability of deferred tax assets is not certain in the  
short-term and therefore these assets were impaired. 

As a result, the Group has derecognised deferred tax assets of £0.3m, £3.1m and £1.4 arising in Dialight Plc, Dialight Europe and Dialight 
GmbH respectively, which are not expected to be utilised in the near future. The impact of the derecognition of these deferred tax assets 
on the deferred tax expense for the year is shown in note 9.

17. Inventories (excluding spare parts)

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished goods

2019 
£’m

17.3
11.2
17.2

45.7

2018 
£’m

17.4
11.8
16.8

46.0

Raw materials and work in progress reduced by £0.7m with £0.6m sold as part of the disposal of our Danish subsidiary. There was an increase 
of £1.3m related to new products launched by the Group which was offset by a comparable unwind of inventory. Finished goods inventory 
increased by £0.4m due to the addition of a distribution centre in Tijuana, Mexico to further improve lead times to the North American market, 
adding £3.8m to Lighting inventory. At the same time, the new production facility in Malaysia has reduced lead times to APAC and this has 
lowered Lighting inventory by £2.7m due to shorter lead times. 

Inventories to the value of £65.7m (2018: £76.7m) were recognised as expenses in the year, and there was a net inventory provision charge 
of £0.3m (2018: net inventory provision write-back £1.3m). During the year we changed the estimate used to calculate the inventory reserve for 
Lighting raw materials and sub components from reserving everything over 12 months to reserving everything over 24 months. There was no 
credit to the Income Statement as a result.

18. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Other non-trade receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

2019 
£’m

20.9
0.9
2.0

23.8

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risks and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables is disclosed in note 25.

19. Capital and reserves
Share capital

Allotted and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 1.89 pence each

2019 
Number

2019 
£’m

2018 
Number

32,539,165

0.6

32,534,237

2018 
£’m

28.6
6.5
1.6

36.7

2018 
£’m

0.6

During the year, 4,928 shares were issued (2018: 13,058 shares) in order to satisfy the requirement for shares that vested as part of the Sharesave 
scheme (3,736 shares) and for deferred share options exercised (1,192 shares). The proceeds of issue were less than £0.0m (2018: £0.1m). 
The ordinary shares issued in the year have the same rights as the other shares in issue.

Issued share capital

In issue at 1 January
Shares issued 

Issued and fully paid at 31 December

Ordinary shares

2019 
Number

2018 
Number

32,534,237
4,928

32,521,179
13,058

32,539,165

32,534,237

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

125

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements19. Capital and reserves (continued)
Merger reserve
On acquiring Lumidrives Limited in 2006, the Company issued ordinary shares as part of the consideration. Merger relief was taken in 
accordance with Section 131 of the Companies Act 1985 and hence £546,000 was credited to the merger reserve.

On acquiring Dialight A/S in 2010, the Company issued ordinary shares as part of the consideration. Merger relief was taken in accordance with 
Section 612 of the Companies Act 2006 and hence £903,000 was credited to the merger reserve. On disposal of Dialight A/S in September 
2019, the £903,000 merger reserve balance attributable to that business was transferred to retained earnings.

Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences from 1 January 2004 arising from the translation of the financial statements of 
the Company’s overseas subsidiaries.

Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve comprises the nominal value of “B” preference shares redeemed since the capital reorganisation in 2005.

Dividends
No dividends were declared in the current or the prior year. After the balance sheet date no dividends were proposed by the Directors and there 
are no income tax consequences for the Company.

At 31 December 2019, the number of shares held by the Group through the Dialight Employees’ Share Ownership Plan Trust (“ESOT”) was nil 
(2018: nil). The market value of these shares at 31 December 2019 was £nil (2018: £nil).

20. (Loss)/earnings per share
Basic (loss)/earnings per share
The calculation of basic (loss)/earnings per share (“EPS”) at 31 December 2019 is based on a loss for the year of £16.2m (2018: profit £5.3m) 
and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year of 32,536,701 (2018: 32,527,708).

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
The calculation of diluted EPS at 31 December 2019 is based on a loss for the year of £16.2m (2018: profit £5.3m) and the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year of 32,536,701 (2018: 33,006,459) was calculated as follows:

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares
Effect of share options in issue

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)

Basic (loss)/earnings
Diluted (loss)/earnings

2019 
£’m

2018 
£’m

32,537
–

32,537

32,528
479

33,007

2019 
per share

2018 
 per share

(49.8)p
(49.8)p

16.4p
16.1p

Basic proforma unaudited earnings per share
The calculation of basic proforma unaudited earnings per share at 31 December 2019 is based on a profit for the year of £1.9m (2018: profit 
£5.7m) – see below - and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year of 32,536,701 (2018: 32,527,708).

Diluted proforma unaudited earnings per share
The calculation of diluted proforma unaudited earnings per share at 31 December 2019 is based on a profit for the year of £1.9m (2018: profit 
£5.7m) and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year of 32,619,806 (2018: 33,006,459).

126 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201920. (Loss)/earnings per share (continued)
Proforma unaudited earnings

Proforma unaudited operating profit
Financial expense

Proforma unaudited profit before tax
Tax charge on proforma unaudited profit before tax

Proforma unaudited profit for the year

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares
Effect of share options in issue

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)

Basic proforma unaudited earnings
Diluted proforma unaudited earnings

2019 
£’m

5.2
(1.2)

4.0
(2.1)

1.9

2018 
£’m

8.0
(0.2)

7.8
(2.1)

5.7

2019 
’000

2018 
’000

32,537
83

32,620

32,528
479

33,007

2019 
per share

2018 
 per share

5.8p
5.8p

17.3p
17.0p

21. Employee benefits
Defined benefit pension obligations
The Group makes contributions to two closed defined benefit plans (referred to below as Plan A and Plan B) to provide benefits for employees 
and former employees upon retirement. The plans expose the Group to actuarial risks, such as longevity risk, interest rate risk and investment 
risk. Both plans are administered by discrete funds (the “Funds”) that are legally separate from the Group. Trustees include independent and 
Company-appointed individuals. The Trustees of the plans are required by law to act in the best interests of the plan participants and are 
responsible for setting certain policies (e.g. investment) of the Funds. 

Part of the increase in pension liability in the prior year was to incorporate the Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation 
(£0.4m representing 1.8% of liabilities) into the scheme liabilities. The equalisation issue was discussed in detail in the 2018 Annual Report. 

The Company is required to agree a Schedule of Contributions with the Trustees of the Funds following a valuation of each Fund which must be 
carried out at least once every three years. The latest actuarial valuations of the Funds are being carried out as at 5 April 2019, and the liabilities 
at 31 December 2019 have been calculated by an independent qualified actuary, rolling forward the valuation liabilities from the preliminary 
5 April 2019 valuations, which have not yet been finalised, and allowing for Fund cash flows to 31 December 2019. The Company expects to 
pay contributions of £0.4m in respect of the Funds in the year to 31 December 2020. The weighted average duration of the defined benefit 
obligation is 13 years. There is no effect on recognition of the net defined benefit surplus as a result of the asset ceiling.

The following table shows a reconciliation from the opening balances to the closing balances for the net defined benefit asset and 
its components:

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

127

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements21. Employee benefits (continued)

Balance at 1 January

Included in profit or loss
Current service cost
Past service cost-GMP
Interest cost/(income)

Included in other comprehensive income
Remeasurements (gain)/loss
Actuarial (gain)/loss arising from:
– changes in demographic assumptions
– changes in financial assumptions
– return on plan assets excluding interest income

Other
Contributions paid by the employer
Benefits paid

Balance at 31 December

Represented by:

Net defined benefit asset (Plan A)
Net defined benefit asset (Plan B)

Plan assets consist of the following:

Equities (class 2)
Bonds and gilts (class 2)
Cash 

Defined 
benefit obligation

Fair value 
of plan assets

Net defined benefit 
liability/(asset)

2019 
£’m

24.9

–
–
0.7

0.7

(2.0)
2.3
–

0.3

–
(1.3)

(1.3)

24.6

2018 
£’m

25.8

–
0.4
0.6

1.0

(0.2)
(0.7)
0.3

(0.6)

–
(1.3)

(1.3)

24.9

2019 
£’m

2018 
£’m

(25.3)

(26.8)

0.1
–
(0.6)

(0.5)

–
–
(1.9)

(1.9)

(0.5)
1.3

0.8

0.1
–
(0.6)

(0.5)

–
–
1.2

1.2

(0.5)
1.3

0.8

(26.9)

(25.3)

2019 
£’m

(0.4)

0.1
–
0.1

0.2

(2.0)
2.3
(1.9)

(1.6)

(0.5)
–

(0.5)

(2.3)

2019 
£’m

(0.1)
(2.2)

(2.3)

2019 
£’m

10.1
16.7
0.1

26.9

2018 
£’m

(1.0)

0.1
0.4
–

0.5

(0.2)
(0.7)
1.5

0.6

(0.5)
–

(0.5)

(0.4)

2018 
£’m

(0.1)
(0.3)

(0.4)

2018 
£’m

9.2
16.0
0.1

25.3

All equity securities and government bonds have quoted prices in active markets.

128 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201921. Employee benefits (continued)
Actuarial assumptions
The principal assumptions at the balance sheet date (expressed as weighted averages) are:

Discount rate at 31 December
Future salary increases
Future pension increases
Inflation – RPI
Inflation – CPI 

% per annum

2019

1.90
n/a
3.10
3.20
2.20

2018

2.70
n/a
3.25
3.35
2.35

Assumptions regarding future mortality have been based on published statistics and mortality tables. The current longevities underlying the 
values of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date were as follows: 

Longevity at age 65 for current pensioners
Males
Females
Longevity at age 65 for current members aged 45
Males
Females 

2019

2018

Plan A

Plan B

Plan A

Plan B

23.4
24.9

24.3
26.0

20.4
23.4

21.4
24.6

22.1
24.2

23.7
25.7

22.1
24.2

23.7
25.7

Sensitivity analysis
Potential changes at the reporting date to one of the relevant actuarial assumptions, holding other assumptions constant, would have affected 
the defined benefit obligation by the amounts shown below:

Discount rate (0.5% movement)
Inflation (0.5% movement)
Life expectancy (+/–1 year)

Defined benefit obligation

Increase 
£’m

Decrease 
£’m

(1.4)
1.1
1.1

1.6
(1.0)
(1.1)

Although the analysis does not take account of the full distribution of cash flows expected under the plans, it does provide an approximation of 
the sensitivity of the assumptions shown.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

129

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements21. Employee benefits (continued)
Share-based payments
PSP
In September 2005, the shareholders approved the PSP.

During the year, an award under the PSP was made to the Executive Directors and senior managers, details of which are set out below. 
The award was split into three components, based on the EPS performance of the Group, based on the Group’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) 
performance and based on service conditions.

Date of award

March 2016 (EPS)
March 2016 (TSR)
August 2016 (EPS)
August 2016 (TSR)
January 2017 (service condition)
January 2017 (service condition)
March 2017 (EPS)
March 2017 (TSR)
March 2017 (service condition)
August 2017 (service condition)
March 2018 (EPS)
March 2018 (TSR)
March 2018 (service condition)
March 2018 (service condition)
March 2019 (EPS)
March 2019 (TSR)
March 2019 (service condition)

Number of 
awards at the 
beginning of 
the year

Number 
of awards 
granted 
during the 
year

Number 
of awards 
vested 
during the 
year

(1,192)

85,470
85,470
1,919
1,919
1,192
1,192
42,040
14,013
21,006
3,608
116,357
38,786
51,281
5,536

160,360
53,454
115,085

Number 
of awards 
forfeited 
during the 
year

(85,470)
(85,470)
(1,919)
(1,919)

(1,117)

(43,450)
(14,483)
(4,600)
(3,229)
(93,653)
(31,218)
(15,807)

Number 
of awards 
at the year 
end

Fair value 
pence per 
share

–
–
–
–
-
1,192
42,040
14,013
19,889
3,608
72,907
24,303
46,681
2,307
66,707
22,236
99,278

570
356
710
493
1,037
1,037
990
701
990
832
550
272
522
536
453
314
453

Vesting 
period Maturity date

3 years Mar 2019
3 years Mar 2019
3 years Aug 2019
3 years Aug 2019
Jan 2019
2 years
3 years
Jan 2020
3 years Mar 2020
3 years Mar 2020
3 years Mar 2020
3 years Aug 2020
3 years  Mar 2021
3 years Mar 2021
3 years Mar 2021
3 years Mar 2021
3 years Mar 2022
3 years Mar 2022
3 years Mar 2022

469,789

328,899

(1,192)

(382,335)

415,161

Further details of the PSP are included in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 81 to 83.

The 2019 awards linked to EPS have been valued using the Black-Scholes model and those linked to TSR have been valued using the Monte 
Carlo model.

The following key assumptions and inputs have been used in the calculation of the fair values:

Share price
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Award life
Correlation:
Dialight and the FTSE 250 Index (excluding investment trusts)

The employee expense in 2019 was £0.3m (2018: £0.3m) (see note 7). 

March 
2019 EPS 
and TSR 
award

£4.50
Nil
44%
3 years

32%

Save As You Earn (“SAYE”)
In 2014, the Group initiated an all-employee UK Sharesave Plan and established equivalent arrangements in the US and Mexico. Under the 
terms of the SAYE scheme employees can save up to £250 per month (or local currency equivalent) per scheme and up to £500 per month for all 
schemes. Awards under the scheme were made at a 20% discount to the closing mid-market price on the date of invitation, vesting over a three-
year period. There are no performance conditions attached to the SAYE scheme. The latest remaining scheme was rolled out in April 2017.

130 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201921. Employee benefits (continued)

Outstanding at 1 January 2019
Granted during the year
Vested in the year
Forfeited during the year

Outstanding at 31 December 2019

2017 
scheme 
number

35,841
–
–
–

35,841

2015 
scheme 
number

16,674
–
(3,736)
(12,938)

–

There is a 6-month window for exercise of options at the end of each scheme. The options remaining have a weighted average remaining 
contractual life of five months. Options were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 

22. Provisions

Balance at 1 January 2019 
Lease restoration cost in respect of right of use assets recognised at 1 January 2019 on adoption of IFRS 16
Provisions made during the year 
Provisions used during the year 
Provision not required

Balance at 31 December 2019 

Warranty 
 £’m

Lease - 
restoration 
 £’m

 1.5
–
 2.2
 (1.6)
 (0.1)

 2.0

 –
0.1
 0.2
–
–

 0.3

Total 
 £’m

 1.5
0.1
 2.4
 (1.6)
 (0.1)

 2.3

The warranty provision relates to sales made over the past five years. The provision has been estimated based on historical warranty data with 
similar products. The Group expects to settle the majority of the liability over the next two to three years. 

The table below provides a breakdown of the provisions into their short-term and long-term portions:

Due within one year
Due between one and five years
Due after five years

23. Trade and other payables

Trade payables 
Other taxes and social security
Non-trade payables and accrued expenses

The Group’s exposure to currency and liquidity risk related to trade and other payables is disclosed in note 25.

24. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

Total 
2019 
£’m

0.9
1.2
0.2

2.3

2019 
£’m

18.9
0.8
8.7

28.4

Total 
2018 
£’m

1.0
0.5
–

1.5

2018 
£’m

19.4
0.9
9.7

30.0

2019 
£’m

0.5

2018 
£’m

2.2

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

131

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements25. Financial risk management
The Group has exposure to credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk from its use of financial instruments.

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks and the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for 
measuring and managing risk. Further quantitative disclosures are included throughout these consolidated financial statements.

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework. The Group’s 
risk policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks 
and adherence to limits.

The Audit Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group’s risk management policies and procedures and reviews 
the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group.

Credit risk
Trade and other receivables 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a customer fails to meet its contractual obligations by not paying the receivables due. The Group’s 
exposure to credit risk is influenced mainly by the individual characteristics of each customer. The Group has no significant credit risk as it does 
not have any major customer concentration. 

Management has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. Each new customer is analysed 
individually for creditworthiness before the Group’s standard payment conditions and terms and conditions are offered.

The Group’s review includes external ratings when available and, in some cases, bank references. Purchase limits are set for customers. 
Customers who do not meet the benchmark creditworthiness may transact with the Group only on a prepayment basis.

The Group establishes an allowance for impairment that represents its estimate of expected future losses in respect of trade and other 
receivables. Impairment losses are determined having taken into account special customer circumstances and financial position, together with 
Group information about general payment trends. All receivables are less than 120 days, with the exception of £0.1m which is fully impaired.

Under IFRS 9, adopted in 2018, an expected credit loss model is used for calculating impairment of financial assets. The Group applies the 
simplified approach as permitted by IFRS 9. The expected credit loss model (ECL) considers the Group’s historical credit loss, factors specific 
to each receivable, the current economic environment and expected changes in future forecasts, to determine the probability of default over the 
remaining life of the assets. The application of this model did not result in a material impact on the Group’s financial performance or the financial 
position in the current year or prior year. The trade receivables balance below is shown net of the provision for bad debts.  

Exposure to credit risk
The ageing of trade receivables at the reporting date was:

Not past due
Past due 0–30 days
Past due 31–120 days
Past due 121–365 days
Past due more than one year

Total

Gross
 2019 
£’m

Specific 
Impairment 
2019 
£’m

16.9
3.5
0.5
–
0.1

21.0

–
–
–
–
(0.1)

(0.1)

Gross 
2018 
£’m

21.7
4.4
2.6
–
0.1

28.8

Specific 
Impairment 
2018 
£’m

–
–
–
–
(0.1)

(0.1)

132 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201925. Financial risk management (continued)
The movement in the allowance for specific impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows:

Balance at 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019

£’m

0.1

The allowance in respect of trade receivables is used to record forecast impairment losses unless the Group is satisfied that no recovery of the 
amount owing is possible, at which point the amount considered irrecoverable is written off against the financial asset directly. Other non-trade 
receivables of £5.6m (2018: £6.7m) are not past due and have no impairment. The ECL provision for the current year is not material and was not 
material in the prior year.

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates, will affect the Group’s income. 
The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, whilst optimising 
the return.

Interest rate risk
The Group’s policy is to manage exposure to interest rate risk by utilising borrowings at LIBOR plus applicable margins. At 31 December 2019, 
the Group had £17m (2018: £5.1m) drawn against its revolving credit facility. 

Foreign currency risk
Exposure to currency risk arises in the normal course of the Group’s business.

The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than each subsidiary’s functional 
currency. The currencies giving rise to risk are primarily the Euro, CAD Dollar and the US Dollar.

Where possible the Group uses natural hedging within the Group to hedge the majority of its foreign currency risk. Natural hedging is the 
mechanism whereby the cash inflows in a particular currency are matched to the cash outflows in that currency at the same business or 
a different Group company. The Group has borrowing facilities in US Dollars in order to match the currency of the Group’s major market. 
Foreign exchange contracts may be taken out to manage exposures that are not mitigated through natural hedging but the Group had no foreign 
exchange contracts at the balance sheet date.

In respect of other monetary assets and liabilities held in currencies other than UK Sterling, the Group ensures that the net exposure is kept to an 
acceptable level by buying or selling foreign currencies at spot rates where necessary to address short-term imbalances.

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk was as follows:

Trade receivables
Currency cash
Trade payables

Gross balance sheet exposure

* USD element of multi-currency revolving credit facility

2019 
$’m

2019 
CAD’m

0.3
(17.3)*

–

(17.0)

2.0
0.1
–

2.1

2019 
€’m

0.7
–
–

0.7

2019
AUDm

–
–
–

–

2018 
$’m

0.9
(3.9)
–

(3.0)

2018 
CAD’m

2.4
–
–

2.4

2018 
€’m

2.6
–
–

2.6

2018 
AUDm

–
0.1
–

0.1

The following significant exchange rates applied during the year:

US Dollar
Euro
Canadian Dollar
Mexican Peso

2019 
Average
 rate

2019 
At balance 
sheet date

2018 
Average 
rate

2018 
At balance 
sheet date

1.28
1.14
1.69
24.56

1.32
1.18
1.72
24.93

1.33
1.13
1.73
25.63

1.27
1.11
1.74
25.02

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

133

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements25. Financial risk management (continued)
Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities that are settled 
by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have 
sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking 
damage to the Group’s reputation.

Exposure to liquidity risk*
For non-derivative financial liabilities, the Group’s exposure relates principally to trade and other payables and borrowings. Trade and other 
payables arise in the normal course of business and there are no unusual or onerous terms and conditions.

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments and excluding the impact of 
netting agreements: 

31 December 2019

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Lease liabilities

31 December 2018

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Lease liabilities

Carrying 
amount 
£’m

Contractual 
cash flow 
£’m

2 months 
or less
 £’m

2–12 
months 
£’m

1–2 years
 £’m

2–5 years
 £’m

More than 
5 years  

£’m

(28.4)
(17.0)
(12.3)

(57.7)

(28.4)
(17.0)
(12.3)

(57.7)

(21.4)
–
(0.2)

(21.6)

(7.0)
–
(1.4)

(8.4)

–
–
(1.4)

(1.4)

–
(17.0)
(3.7)

(20.7)

–
–
(5.6)

(5.6)

Carrying 
amount 
£’m

Contractual 
cash flow 
£’m

2 months 
or less
 £’m

2–12 
months 
£’m

1–2 years
 £’m

2–5 years
 £’m

More than
 5 years
 £’m

(30.0)
(5.1)
–

(35.1)

(30.0)
(5.1)
–

(35.1)

(30.0)
–
–

(30.0)

–
–
–

–

–
(5.1)
–

(5.1)

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

*  The Group has disclosed a contractual maturity analysis for its financial liabilities, which is the minimum disclosure under IFRS 7 in respect of liquidity risk. IFRS 7 does not mandate the 

number of time bands to be used in the analysis so the Group has applied judgement to determine an appropriate number of time bands. The Group has included both interest and principal 
cash flows in the analysis.

The Group has a five-year unsecured £25m multi-currency revolving credit facility, of which £17m was drawn at 31 December 2019 (2018: £5.1m), 
see note 14. In February 2020 the revolving credit facility was renewed for a further 3 years to February 2023, with the option to extend by an 
additional 2 years.

Capital management
The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base in order to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future 
development of the business. The Board considers consolidated total equity as capital. As at 31 December 2019, this totalled £67.8m 
(2018: £85.1m).

The Board is not proposing a final dividend for 2019. The Group has a clear capital allocation discipline and is committed to returning any excess 
funds to our shareholders via either a future dividend or a share re-purchase.

Sensitivity analysis
In managing interest rate and currency risks the Group aims to reduce the impact of short-term fluctuations on the Group’s earnings. 
Over the longer term, however, permanent changes, in particular in foreign exchange rates, would have an impact on equity value and 
consolidation earnings.

At 31 December 2019, it is estimated that a general increase of 1% in the value of the Euro and the US Dollar against UK Sterling would have 
had no impact on the Group’s loss before tax for the year ended 31 December 2019 (2018: increased profit before tax by £0.4m), but would 
have increased the Group’s equity for the year ended 31 December 2019 by £0.5m (2018: £0.1m).

134 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201925. Financial risk management (continued)
Fair values versus carrying amounts
The fair values of financial assets and liabilities, together with the carrying amounts shown in the balance sheet, are as follows:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and receivables
Trade and other receivables

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings

Total financial liabilities

Net financial liabilities

Carrying 
amount 
2019 
£’m

Fair value 
2019 
£’m

Carrying 
amount 
2018 
£’m

Fair value
 2018 
£’m

0.5

0.5

2.2

2.2

21.8

22.3

21.8

22.3

31.0

33.2

31.0

33.2

(12.3)
(28.4)
(17.0)

(57.7)

(35.4)

(12.3)
(28.4)
(17.0)

(57.7)

(35.4)

–
(30.0)
(5.1)

(35.1)

(1.9)

–
(30.0)
(5.1)

(35.1)

(1.9)

Details of the major methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments reflected in the table are set out in 
note 4(w).

Reconciliation of movements in liabilities arising from financing activities

2019 £’m

2018 £’m

At 1 January
Recognised on adoption of IFRS 16
Loans drawn down
New lease liabilities
Repayment of loans
Repayment of lease liabilities
Exchange adjustments
Interest expense

At 31 December

Loans & 
Borrowings

Lease 
Liabilities

5.1
– 
11.9
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

17.0

– 
3.7
– 
10.1
– 
(1.8)
(0.3)
0.6

12.3

Total

5.1
3.7
11.9
10.1
– 
(1.8)
(0.3)
0.6

29.3

Interest costs on loans and borrowings of £0.5m (2018: £0.2m) were paid in the year.

26. Operating leases
Non–cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:

Less than one year
Between one and five years

Loans & 
Borrowings

Lease 
Liabilities

–
–
5.1
–
–
–
–
–

5.1

–
–
– 
–
–
–
–
–

– 

2019 
£’m

0.2
0.1

0.3

Total

–
–
5.1
–
–
–
–
–

5.1

2018 
£’m

2.2
5.5

7.7

Of the £0.3m (2018: £7.7m), £nil (2018: £6.8m) relates to property and the balance to plant and equipment. On transition to IFRS 16 on  
1 January 2019 certain exemptions were taken from applying the standard in respect of leases of low value items and leases with remaining 
terms of one year or less. These leases have been expensed on a straight line basis in the Consolidated income statement on the same basis 
as previously applied under IAS 17. Refer to the accounting policy applied for IAS 17 in note 4(u).

The Group has no off–balance sheet arrangements that need to be disclosed within the context of Section 410A of the Companies Act 2006.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

135

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements27. Capital commitments
Capital commitments at 31 December for which no provision has been made in the accounts were:

Contracted

2019 
£’m

0.4

2018 
£’m

1.9

28. Contingencies
As previously reported, we have sought to reach a negotiated conclusion of various outstanding matters following the termination of the 
manufacturing services agreement with our former outsource manufacturer, Sanmina Corporation. On Friday, 20th December 2019, both parties 
issued legal proceedings against the other. The parties are therefore in formal litigation, with no conclusion expected before 2021. The basis 
of the claim filed by Sanmina Corporation relates to outstanding invoices and to residual inventory, which they allege that they purchased for 
Dialight. The claim filed by Dialight is more complex in nature and relates to significant costs and losses suffered as a direct consequence of 
Sanmina Corporation not performing in accordance with the terms of the manufacturing services agreement. The Group has sought external 
legal advice and is confident of the merits of its legal position, however in the unlikely event, that Sanmina’s claim is successful, the range of 
outcomes could be £0 - £8m.

The claim filed by Dialight alleges that Dialight suffered significant costs and losses with total damages exceeding £190m suffered as a result of: 
(a) Sanmina’s fraudulent inducement of Dialight to enter into a manufacturing services agreement (MSA); (b) Sanmina breaching the terms of the 
MSA in a willful and/or grossly negligent manner (for example in respect of their failure to appropriately manage supply chain and inventory levels 
and to deliver product on time and free of workmanship defects); and, (c) Sanmina’s gross negligence and/or willful misconduct.

During 2011, the Roxboro UK Pension Fund (the “Scheme”) was closed to future accrual. This Scheme is included within pension asset. As part 
of the negotiations regarding closure, the Company agreed to grant a parent company guarantee in respect of all present and future obligations 
and liabilities (whether actual or contingent and whether owed jointly or severally and in any capacity whatsoever) of Dialight Europe Limited, the 
principal employer, to make payments in the Scheme up to a maximum amount equal to the entire aggregate liability, on the date on which any 
liability under the guarantee arises, of every employer (within the meaning set out in Section 318 of the Pensions Act 2004 and regulations made 
thereunder) in relation to the Scheme, were a debt under Section 75(2) of the Pensions Act 1995 to have become due on that date. No provision 
has been made in relation to this contingency.

The Group operates in certain jurisdictions that are unstable or have changing political conditions, giving rise to occasional uncertainty over 
the tax treatment of items of income and expense. In addition, from time to time certain tax positions taken by the Group are challenged by the 
relevant tax authorities, which carry a financial risk as to the final outcome. The Directors have considered the potential impact arising from these 
uncertainties and risks, on the Group’s tax assets and liabilities, both recognised and unrecognised, and believe that they are not material to the 
Financial Statements.

The Group has received two claims from former employees in France and, whilst recognising the inherent risks of employee-related litigation in 
France, the Directors believe that these two claims are without merit and will be robustly defended, and are not considered likely to result in any 
material outflow of funds from the Group.

29. Related parties
The ultimate controlling party of the Group is Dialight plc. Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated 
on consolidation. 

Transactions with key management personnel

Directors of the Company and their immediate relatives control less than 1% of the Company.

136 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201930. Subsidiaries
In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006, a full list of subsidiaries as at 31 December 2019 is disclosed below. 
Those companies stated in table (a) below are those, in the opinion of Directors, which principally affect the revenue, profit or assets of the 
Dialight Group. The remaining companies that comprise the Dialight Group are set out in table (b) below. All investments are held directly by 
Dialight plc, except for those companies indicated by*.

(a) Trading companies

Name

Percentage owned

Registered office

Principal activity

Dialight Corporation*

100%

Dialight Europe Limited**

100%

Dialight GmbH*

100%

Dialight ILS Australia Pty Limited*

75%

Dialight Asia Pte. Ltd*

75%

Dialight Penang Sdn. Bhd.*

100%

Dialight Do Brasil Tecnologia Led Ltda*

75%

Dialight de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.*

100%

1501 Route, 34 South Farmingdale,  
NJ 07727
United States

Leaf C 
Level 36, Tower 42 
25 Old Broad Street 
London EC2N 1HQ
United Kingdom

Maximilianstrasse 54 
80538 Munchen 
Germany

Level 2 Spectrum 
100 Railway Road 
Subiaco WA 6008 
Australia

33 Ubi Avenue 3 
07–72 Vertex (Tower A) 
Singapore, 408868 

Room B, 3rd Floor 
309-K Perak Road 
10150, Penang 
Malaysia

American Park Empresarial NR 
Indaiatuba 
Sao Paulo/SP 
13347-662, Brazil

Calle Lirios S/N 
Colona Pacheco 
Ensenda 
Baja California 
Mexico

Design, assembly and sale 
of Lighting and Signals & 
Components products

Design and sale of Lighting 
products

Sale of Lighting products

Sale of Lighting products

Sale of Lighting products

Assembly and sale of Lighting 
and Signals & Components 
products

Assembly and sale of Lighting 
products

Assembly of Lighting, Signals & 
Components products

There have been no changes in ownership of any of these subsidiaries. There is only one class of share, and all shares held are considered to be 
ordinary shares. There have been no changes in the class of shares held during the year.

Dialight ILS Australia Pty Limited, Dialight Asia Pte. Ltd and Dialight Do Brasil Tecnologia Led Ltda are all owned 75% by the Group and there are 
non-controlling interests of 25%. The total loss for the year attributable to non-controlling interests is £0.1m (2018: profit £0.1m) and their share 
of equity is £0.3m (2018: £0.4m).

The Group also has branches in France and the United Arab Emirates.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

137

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements30. Subsidiaries (continued)
(b) Other companies
Unless otherwise stated, the registered office for the subsidiaries listed below is Leaf C, Level 36, Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London EN2N 1HQ.

Name

Percentage owned

Registered office

Principal activity

Belling Lee Limited**

Roxboro Overseas Limited**

100%

100%

The Roxboro Trust Company Limited**

100%

The Roxboro UK Pension Trustee 
Limited*

Dialight Latin America, S. de R.L. de 
C.V.*

50%

100%

CRL Components, Inc.*

100%

Roxboro Analytical Inc.*

100%

Roxboro Holdings Inc.*

100%

Intermediary holding company

Non-trading/intermediary 
holding company

Dormant

Corporate pension fund trustee

Non-trading

Dormant

Non-trading

Non-trading/intermediary 
holding company

Calle Lirios S/N 
Colona Pacheco 
Ensenda 
Baja California 
Mexico

The Corporation Trust Co.
Corporation Trust Centre 
1209 Orange Street 
City of Wilmington
County of New Castle DE 
United States

1501 Route 34 South
Farmingdale 
NJ 07727
United States

The Corporation Trust Co. 
Corporation Trust Centre 
1209 Orange Street 
City of Wilmington
County of New Castle DE, 
United States

Roxboro Metrology Inc.* 

100%

1501 Route 34 South Farmingdale 
NJ 07727
United States

Non-trading

** These companies are exempt from the requirement to prepare individual audited financial statements in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019, by virtue of sections 479A and 479C 

of the Companies Act 2006.

31. Other receivables

Other receivables

2019 
£’m

4.7

2018 
£’m

0.2

These relate to deposits on leasehold properties and amounts paid on account related to inventory at our former outsource manufacturer.

32. Reconciliation to non-GAAP performance measures
As explained in note 6, the Group incurs costs and earns income that is non-recurring in nature or that is otherwise considered to not be 
reflective of the underlying performance of the business. In the assessment of performance of the business units of the Group, management 
examines underlying performance, which removes the impact of non-underlying costs and income.

In addition, the results of businesses disposed of during the year are reclassified to non-underlying for the current year, as those businesses 
are no longer part of the Group’s ongoing, underlying business.

138 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201932. Reconciliation to non-GAAP performance measures (continued)

(Loss)/profit from operating activities
Non-recurring costs (see note 6)

Proforma unaudited operating profit (EBIT)

(Loss)/profit from operating activities
Non-recurring costs (see note 6)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (see note 11)
Amortisation of intangible assets (see note 13)
Share-based payments

Proforma unaudited EBITDA*

(Loss)/profit from operating activities
Non-recurring costs (see note 6)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (see note 11)
Amortisation of intangible assets (see note 13)
Share-based payments
Net movement on working capital (Inventories, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables)  
as per Consolidated statement of cash flows

Proforma unaudited operating cashflow

*  All items classified as unaudited non-recurring adjustments are permitted as add-backs for covenant calculation purposes.

Lighting segment

Revenue

Statutory gross profit
Unaudited non-recurring costs

Proforma unaudited gross profit 
Proforma unaudited gross profit %

Overheads*

Proforma unaudited operating profit

2019 
£’m

(11.3)
16.5

5.2

(11.3)
16.5
2.6
2.0
0.3

10.1

(11.3)
16.5
2.6
2.0
0.3

6.6

16.7

2018 
£’m

7.6
0.4

8.0

7.6
0.4
3.1
1.5
0.3

12.9

7.6
0.4
3.1
1.5
0.3

(19.0)

(6.1)

2019
£m

111.5

31.3
10.2

41.5
37.2%

2018
£m

125.0

47.1
–

47.1
37.7%

(34.5)

(38.6)

7.0

8.5

*  Overheads excluding audited non-underlying costs of £6.3m

Constant currency
The Group’s revenues are mainly earned in the US and it presents certain key metrics on a constant-currency basis to remove any impact of 
currency fluctuations. The constant-currency impact is calculated by re-translating the prior year numbers at the exchange rates prevailing in the 
current year.

Net debt
Net debt is defined as total Group borrowings less cash. Net debt of £16.5m at the year-end (2018: £2.9m) consisted of borrowings of £17.0m 
(2018: £5.1m) less cash of £0.5m (2018: £2.2m). For borrowing covenant calculation purposes, all aspects of IFRS 16 leases have been excluded.

33. Leases
See accounting policy in note 4(u).

A. Leases as lessee (IFRS 16)
The Group leases industrial premises, office buildings, IT and other equipment. The leases typically run for a period of 1.5 – 10 years, with 
various options to renew the leases after that date. Lease payments are renegotiated dependent on the lease terms to reflect market rentals. 
Some leases provide for additional rent payments that are based on fixed percentage changes and/or changes in local price indices. 
Until 31 December 2018, these leases were classified as operating leases under IAS 17. 

The Group leases IT and other equipment with contract terms of one to four years. These leases are short term and/or leases of low-value items. 
The Group has elected not to recognise right of use assets and lease liabilities for these leases.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

139

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements33. Leases (continued)
Information about leases for which the Group is a lessee is presented below.

i. Right of use assets
Right of use assets related to leased properties are presented separately (in note 12) from property, plant and equipment (in note 11).

ii. Amounts recognised in profit or loss

2019 – Leases under IFRS 16
Interest on lease liabilities
Income from sub-leasing right of use assets presented in ‘other income’
Expenses relating to short-term leases
Expenses relating to leases of low-value assets, excluding short-term leases of low-value assets

2018 – Operating leases under IAS 17
Lease expense
Contingent rent expenses
Expenses relating to short-term leases
Sub-lease income presented in ‘other revenue’ 

iii. Amounts recognised in statement of cash flows

IFRS 16 lease repayments

£’m

(0.6)
–
(0.2)
(0.2)

 (1.0)

(2.0)
–
(0.1)
–

(2 .1)

2019 
£’m

(1.8)

iv. Extension options
Extension options are included in a number of property and equipment leases across the Group. These terms are used to maximise operational 
flexibility in terms of managing contracts. The majority of extension options held are exercisable only by the Group and not by the respective lessor. 

In determining the lease term, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise an extension 
option. Extension options are only included in the lease term if the lease is reasonably certain to be extended (or not terminated). The assessment 
is reviewed if a significant event or a significant change in circumstances occurs which affects this assessment and is within the control of the 
Group as a lessee. The Group has estimated that the potential future lease payments, should it exercise all the extension options, would result in 
an increase in lease liabilities of £9.7m.

B. Leases as lessor
The Group has a lease on an office that was entered into during 2019 and which it is also sub-letting. (See note 2(c))

i. Operating lease
The Group has classified this sub-lease as an operating lease, because it does not transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental 
to the ownership of the asset. Note 2(c) sets out information about the operating lease for the sub-leased property. The head lease expires 
in 2029 and the sub-lease expires in 2026. The sub-lessor has the option to renew the lease at its sole discretion.

Rental income recognised by the Group during 2019 was £nil (2018: £nil). The following table sets out a maturity analysis of the lease rentals 
receivable relating to the sub-lease, showing the undiscounted lease payments to be received after the reporting date:

2019 – Operating leases minimum rentals receivable under IFRS 16*

Less than one year
One to two years
Two to three years
Three to four years
Four to five years
More than five years

Total

*  There were no Operating leases under IAS 17 for sub-leases in the prior year.

2019 
£’m

0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.6

1.6

140 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201934. Post balance sheet events
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has conducted an assessment on the potential financial and operational risks to the business. 
The Group has a duty of care towards all employees, and therefore we expect some of our staff to be required to self-isolate and a lower level 
of sales visits to take place than anticipated. There is also the potential for some customers to prohibit contractors from entering their sites 
restricting installations.

While the Group is yet to experience any significant impact from the virus, there may be an impact on revenue, supply chain and operating 
facilities if the situation worsens. As part of the 2020 strategy, the Group has increased the level of finished goods held in our regional 
distribution centres which will mitigate the risk in the short term against labour shortages and subsequent production delays.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

141

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsCompany balance sheet (prepared under FRS 102)
at 31 December 2019

Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 
Investments
Pension fund asset

Current assets
Debtors (of which £nil due after 1 year (2018: £28.0m))
Deferred tax asset
Bank and cash balances 

Total assets

Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Bank overdraft
Other creditors
Provisions

Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Borrowings 

Total liabilities

Net current assets

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 
Capital redemption reserve
Other reserve
Profit and loss account

Equity shareholders’ funds

Note

2019  
£’m

2018  
£’m

4 
5
15

8
12

9
10

11

13, 14

0.1
9.4
0.2

9.7

55.5
–
–

55.5

65.2

(0.9)
(1.5)
(0.4)

(2.8)

(17.0)

(19.8)

52.7

45.4

0.6
2.2
4.0
38.6

45.4

0.1
16.3
0.3

16.7

46.0
0.3
0.3

46.6

63.3

–
(3.4)
–

(3.4)

(5.1)

(8.5)

43.2

54.8

0.6
2.2
3.7
48.3

54.8

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate profit and loss account of the parent company has not been presented. 
The parent company’s loss for the year was £9.5m (2018: loss of £1.5m) primarily due to the write-down of investments.

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 31 March 2020 and were signed on its behalf by:

Fariyal Khanbabi 
Group Chief Executive 

David Blood
Chairman

142 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Balance at 1 January 2019

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive expense:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension liability, net of tax

Total other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive expense for the year

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Share-based payments, net of tax

Total contribution by and distribution to owners

Balance at 31 December 2019

Balance at 1 January 2018

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income:
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension liability, net of tax

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive expense for the year

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Share-based payments, net of tax

Total contribution by and distribution to owners

Balance at 31 December 2018

Share 
capital 
£’m

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

Share 
capital 
£’m

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

Other 
reserve 
capital 
contribution 
£’m

Capital 
redemption 
£’m

Retained 
earnings 
£’m

3.7

2.2

Total 
equity 
£’m

54.8

(9.5)

(0.2)

(0.2)

48.3

(9.5)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(9.7)

(9.7)

–

–

0.3

0.3

Total 
equity 
£’m

56.0

(1.5)

–

–

49.8

(1.5)

–

–

(1.5)

(1.5)

–

–

0.3

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.2

38.6

45.4

Other 
reserve 
capital 
contribution 
£’m

Capital 
redemption 
£’m

Retained 
earnings 
£’m

3.4

2.2

–

–

–

–

0.3

0.3

4.0

–

–

–

–

0.3

0.3

3.7

2.2

48.3

54.8

At 31 December 2019 the number of shares held by the Group through the ESOT was nil ordinary shares (2018: nil). The market value of these 
shares at 31 December 2019 was £nil (2018: £nil).

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

143

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsNotes to the Company financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2019

1. General information
Dialight plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The address of the Registered Office is given on 
page 105 of this Annual Report and Accounts. The Company is a holding company that manages the other trading subsidiaries of the Dialight 
Group. The functional currency of Dialight plc is considered to be UK Sterling because that is the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which the Company operates.

2. Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard 
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (“FRS 102”).

Under section s408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own profit and loss account. 

In these financial statements, the Company is considered to be a qualifying entity (for the purposes of this FRS) and has applied the exemptions 
available under FRS 102 in respect of the following disclosures: 

•  Cash Flow Statement and related notes; and

•  Key Management Personnel compensation. 

As the consolidated financial statements of the Company include the equivalent disclosures, the Company has also taken the exemptions under 
FRS 102 available in respect of the following disclosures:

•  Certain disclosures required by FRS 102.26 Share Based Payments; and,

•  Certain disclosures required by FRS 102.11 Basic Financial Instruments and FRS 102.12 Other Financial Instrument Issues in respect of 

financial instruments not falling within the fair value accounting rules of Paragraph 36(4) of Schedule 1.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these 
financial statements:

(a) Going concern
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of no 
less than 12 months from the date of this report. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual 
financial statements.

(b) Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed 
assets at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a straight-line basis over their expected useful life, 
which is between three and ten years.

(c) Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity 
instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after deducting all of its liabilities.

(i) Financial assets and liabilities
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets 
classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding 
transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the 
financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar 
debt instrument.

The Company’s debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Debt instruments that are classified as payable or receivable within one year on initial recognition, and which meet the above conditions, 
are measured at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received, net of impairment.

(ii) Investments
Investments in subsidiaries and associates are measured at cost less impairment. For investments in subsidiaries acquired for consideration, 
including the issue of shares qualifying for merger relief, cost is measured by reference to the nominal value of the shares issued plus the fair 
value of other consideration. Any premium is ignored.

(iii) Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the fair value of cash or other resources received or receivable, net of direct 
issue costs.

(d) Impairment of assets
Assets, other than those measured at fair value, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. If there is objective 
evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

144 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

(e) Taxation
Current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions 
or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. 

Timing differences are differences between the Company’s taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial statements that arise from the 
inclusion of gains and losses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in the financial statements.

Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that, on the basis of all available evidence, it can be 
regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can 
be deducted.

(f) Employee benefits
The Company operates both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The assets of all arrangements are held separately from the assets 
of the Company in independently–administered funds. The amount charged against profits in respect of defined contribution arrangements is the 
contributions payable to those arrangements in the accounting period.

For the defined benefit arrangements, the assets are measured at market values. The liabilities are measured using the projected unit credit 
method, discounted at the current rate of return of a high–quality corporate bond appropriate to the term and currency of the liability.

The defined benefit scheme surplus or deficit is recognised in full and presented on the face of the balance sheet.

Other long–term employee benefits are measured at the present value of the benefit obligation at the reporting date.

(g) Foreign currency
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at that date.

Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

(h) Leases
Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight–line basis over the lease term, even if the payments are not made on such a basis. 
Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are similarly spread on a straight–line basis over the lease term.

(i) Share–based payment
The Company grants to its employees rights to the equity instruments of Dialight plc. The fair value of awards granted is recognised as an 
employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which 
the employees become unconditionally entitled to receive the awards. The fair value of the awards granted is measured using a pricing model, 
taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the awards were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to 
reflect the actual value of share awards that vest except where forfeiture is only due to share prices not achieving the threshold for vesting. 
Where the Company grants awards over its own shares to employees of its subsidiaries, it recognises an increase in the cost of investment 
in its subsidiaries equivalent to the equity–settled share–based payment charge recognised in its subsidiaries’ financial statements with the 
corresponding credit being recognised directly in equity.

(j) Dividends
Dividends are recognised in the period in which they are approved by the Company’s shareholders, or in the case of an interim dividend, when 
the dividend is paid. Dividends receivable from subsidiaries are recognised when either received in cash or applied to reduce a creditor balance 
with a subsidiary.

(k) Provisions
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it 
is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.

3. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, which are described in note 1, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates 
and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and 
associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in 
which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both 
current and future periods.

The Directors consider that there are no critical accounting judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty within the Company’s individual 
financial statements.

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

145

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements4. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2019
Additions

At 31 December 2019

Depreciation
At 1 January 2019
Charge for the year

At 31 December 2019

Net book value at 31 December 2019

Net book value at 31 December 2018

No assets of the Company are held under finance leases.

5. Investments
Investments in subsidiary undertakings

Cost
At 1 January 2019
Share–based payments
Disposal

At 31 December 2019

Provisions
At 1 January 2019
Impairment
Disposal

At 31 December 2019

Net book value at 31 December 2019

Net book value at 31 December 2018

Fixtures, 
fittings and 
equipment 
£’m

0.3
0.1

0.4

(0.2)
(0.1)

(0.3)

0.1

0.1

£’m

23.9
0.3
(3.4)

20.8

(7.6)
(7.2)
3.4

(11.4)

9.4

16.3

In accordance with Section 26 of FRS 102, the cost of investment is increased to reflect the cost of share options awarded to employees of the 
Company’s subsidiaries. 

The disposal relates to the sale of Dialight A/S in September 2019, which comprised the European wind business, and is discussed in detail in 
note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In the current year the impairment review of the carrying value of parent company investments 
resulted in an impairment of £1.3m for Dialight A/S prior to its sale (2018: £1.9m) and £5.9m for Dialight Europe Ltd (2018: £nil). 

A full list of subsidiaries of the Company is provided in note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 137 and 138.

146 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the Company financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 20196. Financial risk management
The Company has exposure to market risk and liquidity risk from its use of financial instruments. The overall framework for managing risk and the 
interest rate risk that affects the Company is discussed in note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

All carrying values are considered to be fair values.

A sensitivity analysis has been carried out in note 25 to the consolidated financial statements, and is considered to not be materially different for 
the results of the Company only.

Foreign currency risk
The Company holds monetary assets and liabilities in currencies other than UK Sterling. The majority of these relate to intercompany balances 
which provide a natural hedge elsewhere in the Group.

The Company’s exposure to foreign currency risk to third parties was as follows:

Currency cash 
Other creditors 

Gross balance sheet exposure

2019 
$’m

(17.3)
–

(17.3)

2019 
€’m

2019
AUDm

–
–

–

–
–

–

2018 
$’m

(3.9)
–

(3.9)

2018 
€’m

2018 
AUDm

–
–

–

0.1
–

0.1

The exchange rates applied during the year are disclosed in note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity risk
The Company’s exposure to liquidity risk relates to its borrowings. This is discussed in note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

7. Share-based payments
Share-based payments are described in full in note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

PSP
The PSP relating to employees of the Company is disclosed on page 70 in the Directors’ remuneration report.

Save As You Earn (“SAYE”)
The options under the SAYE relating to employees of the Company are as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January
Vested during the year
Forfeited during the year

Outstanding at 31 December

2017
 scheme 
number

2,786
–
–

2,786

2015 
scheme 
number

3,736
(3,736)
–

–

Details on assumptions and inputs used in the calculation of share-based payment amounts are disclosed in note 21 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

8. Debtors

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings < 1 year
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings > 1 year
Other debtors 

2019  
£’m

55.3
–
0.2

55.5

2018  
£’m

17.6
28.0
0.4

46.0

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

147

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements9. Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors

10. Provisions

At 1 January
Additions

At 31 December

2019  
£’m

2018  
£’m

0.4
0.8
0.3

1.5

2019  
£’m

–
0.4

0.4

1.4
2.0
–

3.4

2018  
£’m

–
–

–

Following the disposal of the Dialight A/S business in September 2019, a provision was established for the maximum amount that may be 
payable by the Company in respect of future warranty claims relating to historic sales by the business sold, in accordance with the Sale and 
Purchase Agreement.

The contingent liability for the Company in relation to litigation by Sanmina Corporation is disclosed in note 28 (page 136) of the Group Accounts.

11. Borrowings

On 25 February 2020 the Group renewed its revolving credit facility with HSBC for a further 3 years to February 2023, with the option to 
extend by an additional 2 years. The covenants attached to the facility relate to net debt to EBITDA ratio and interest cover. During the year 
and subsequently, the Group has operated well within those covenants. At 31 December 2019 there were £17.0m drawings on the facility 
(2018: £5.1m).

12. Deferred tax assets

At 1 January
Impairment
Recognised in equity

At 31 December

An analysis of deferred tax is as follows:
Losses and other items

13. Called up share capital

Allotted and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 1.89 pence each

Shares classified as liabilities
Shares classified in shareholder funds

2019  
£’m

0.3
(0.3)
–

–

–

2019 
Number

2019 
€’m

2018 
Number

32,539,165

32,534,237

0.6

–
0.6

0.6

2018  
£’m

0.3
–
–

0.3

0.3

2018 
€’m

0.6

–
0.6

0.6

During the year 4,928 shares were issued (2018: 13,058 shares) in order to satisfy the requirement for shares that vested as part of the Sharesave 
scheme and the proceeds of issue were less than £0.1m (2018: £0.1m). The ordinary shares issued in the year have the same rights as the other 
shares in issue.

14. Capital and reserves
Dividends
No dividends were declared in the current or the prior year. After the balance sheet date no dividends were proposed by the Directors and there 
are no income tax consequences for the Company.

148 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the Company financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 201915. Pensions
The Company operates a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit pension arrangement called the Roxboro UK Executive Pension Fund 
(the “Executive Fund”). The Executive Fund provides benefits based on final salary and length of service on leaving. The Executive Fund is closed 
to new members. The following disclosures exclude any allowance for defined contribution funds operated by the Company.

The Executive Fund is subject to the “Statutory Funding Objective” under the Pensions Act 2004. An actuarial valuation of the Executive Fund 
is carried out at least once every three years to determine whether the Statutory Funding Objective is met. As part of the process the Company 
must agree with the Trustees of the Executive Fund the contributions to be paid to address any shortfall against the Statutory Funding Objective.

The latest actuarial valuation is being carried out as at 5 April 2019, and the liabilities at 31 December 2019 have been calculated by an independent 
qualified actuary, rolling forward the valuation liabilities from the preliminary 5 April 2019 valuation, which has not yet been finalised, and allowing for 
Executive Fund cash flows to 31 December 2019 and for changes in the assumptions for FRS 102 purposes.

Recognised assets for defined benefit arrangements

Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of plan assets

Recognised asset for defined benefit arrangements

Plan assets consist of the following:

Bonds

The assets do not include any investments in shares of the Company.

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations

Liabilities at 1 January 
Interest cost 
Benefits paid 
Changes in financial assumptions

Liabilities at 31 December

Movements in fair value of plan assets

Assets at 1 January
Interest on assets
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Return on plan assets less interest

Assets at 31 December

Expense recognised in the profit and loss account

Interest on obligation
Interest on plan assets

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

2019  
£’m

(2.9)
3.1

0.2

2019  
£’m

3.1

2019  
£’m

2.5
0.1
(0.1)
0.4

2.9

2019  
£’m

2.8
0.1
0.1
(0.1)
0.2

3.1

2019  
£’m

0.1
(0.1)

–

2018  
£’m

(2.5)
2.8

0.3

2018  
£’m

2.8

2018  
£’m

2.3
0.1
(0.1)
0.2

2.5

2018  
£’m

2.5
0.1
0.1
(0.1)
0.2

2.8

2018  
£’m

0.1
(0.1)

–

149

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements15. Pensions (continued)
Liability for defined benefit obligations
The principal assumptions at the balance sheet date (expressed as weighted averages) are:

Discount rate at 31 December
Future pension increases
Inflation – RPI
Inflation – CPI 

UK scheme  
(% per annum)

2019 

2018 

1.90
3.10
3.20
2.20

2.70
3.25
3.35
2.35

For its UK pension arrangements, the Company has for the purpose of calculating its liabilities as at 31 December 2019, used SAPS S2NA 
mortality tables based on year of birth (as is published by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries). The UK mortality tables are based on the 
latest mortality investigations and reflect an industry-wide recognition that life expectations have improved. The average life expectancy of an 
individual currently aged 45 years and retiring at age 65 years is 24.3 years for males and 26.0 years for females. For individuals currently aged 
65 years the average life expectancy is 23.4 years for males and 24.9 years for females.

16. Related party transactions
During the period, the Company received no management fees or interest on inter-company loans (2018: £nil) from subsidiaries that are not 
wholly owned. At 31 December 2019 a total of £0.3m was owed to the Company by those subsidiaries (2018: £1.1m).

150 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the Company financial statements continuedfor the year ended 31 December 2019Five-year summary (unaudited)

Revenue

Research and development cash expenditure 

Proforma unaudited operating profit 
Proforma unaudited adjustments

Underlying operating (loss)/profit
Non-underlying items

(Loss)/profit from operating activities
Finance charges

(Loss)/profit before taxation

Cash generated by/(used in) operations
Net (debt)/cash
Shareholders’ funds

Statistical information

Basic (loss)/earnings per ordinary share - pence
Dividends per share - pence
Dividend cover (times)
Proforma unaudited operating margin

2019
 £’m

151.0

8.1

5.2
(10.2)

(5.0)
(6.3)

(11.3)
(1.2)

(12.5)

3.5
(16.5)
67.8

(49.8)
n/a
n/a
3.4%

Prepared under IFRS

2018
 £’m

2017
 £’m

2016
 £’m

2015
 £’m

169.6

181.0

182.2

161.4

7.3

8.0
–

8.0
(0.4)

7.6
(0.2)

7.4

(7.4)
(2.9)
85.1

6.9

9.7
–

9.7
–

9.7
(0.3)

3.0

13.1
12.8
76.1

6.0

13.1
–

13.1
–

13.1
(0.5)

(3.8)

16.3
8.0
77.1

5.5

6.1
–

6.1
–

6.1
(0.5)

(3.9)

8.7
(3.8)
70.1

16.4
n/a
n/a
4.7%

4.8
n/a
n/a
5.4%

(8.4)
n/a
n/a
7.2%

(6.4)
9.8
n/a
3.8%

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019 

151

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectory and shareholder information

Company Secretary and Registered Office
Richard Allan 
Leaf C 
Level 36 
Tower 42 
25 Old Broad Street 
London EC2N 1HQ

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3058 3541

Registered in England and Wales

Company number: 2486024

Email: info@dialight.com

www.dialight.com

Website
Shareholders are encouraged to visit our 
website, www.dialight.com, which contains 
information about Dialight. Any information on 
or linked from the website is not incorporated 
by reference into the Annual Report 
and Accounts.

There is a section designed specifically for 
investors at www.IR.dialight.com, which 
includes detailed coverage of Dialight’s 
share price and our financial results. You can 
also review this year’s Annual Report and 
Accounts. Our share price is also available 
on the London Stock Exchange’s website, 
www.londonstockexchange.com.

Dialight plc shareholders can elect to receive 
their shareholder communications such as 
the Annual Report and Accounts and other 
shareholder documents electronically by 
registering at 

www.dialight.com/SiteServices/
AlertServices

Financial advisers and stockbrokers
Investec Bank PLC
30 Gresham Street 
London EC2V 7QP

Osborne Clarke
One London Wall 
Barbican 
London EC2Y 5EB

Registrars
Equiniti 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA

Principal bankers
HSBC Bank PLC 
West London Corporate Centre

1 Beadon Road

London W6 0EA

Equiniti’s Shareholder Contact Centre can 
be contacted by telephone on 0371 384 
2495 (international callers: +44 121 415 7047) 
between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to 
Friday, excluding bank holidays.

Financial PR
MHP Communications 
6 Agar Street 
London WC2N 4HN

You can also access details of your 
shareholding and a range of other 
shareholder services by registering at  
www.shareview.co.uk.

Dealing service
Equiniti offers Shareview Dealing, a service 
which allows you to sell your Dialight plc 
shares or add to your holding if you are a UK 
resident. You can deal in your shares on the 
internet or by telephone. For more information 
about this service and for details of their 
rates, log on to www.shareview.co.uk/dealing 
or telephone 0345 603 7037 between 8.30am 
and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

If you wish to deal, you will need your 
account/shareholder reference number which 
appears on your share certificate.

Alternatively, if you hold a share certificate, 
you can also use any bank, building society 
or stockbroker offering share dealing facilities 
to buy or sell shares. If you are in any doubt 
about buying or selling shares, you should 
seek professional financial advice.

Auditors
KPMG 
15 Canada Square 
London 
E14 5GL

Legal advisers
Ashurst
London Fruit & Wool Exchange 
1 Duval Square 
London E1 6PW

Financial calendar 2020
Annual General Meeting 
Half Yearly Financial Report 

13 May 2020 
3 August 2020

Forward-looking statements
Certain sections of this Annual Report 
contain forward-looking statements that 
are subject to risk factors associated with, 
amongst other things, the economic and 
business circumstances occurring from 
time to time in the countries and sectors 
in which the Company and its subsidiaries 
and associates operate. It is believed that 
the expectations reflected in the Annual 
Report are reasonable but they may be 
affected by a wide range of variables 
which could cause actual results to differ 
materially from those currently anticipated.

Trademarks
The following registered trademarks of the 
Dialight Group appear in this document: 
“Dialight”, “Vigilant”, “Reliant” and 
“Safesite”.

The following trademarks appear in this 
document: Dialight” and “Vigilant”, and 
they are registered trademarks of the 
Dialight Group.

Dialight plc
Leaf C 
Level 36 
Tower 42 
25 Old Broad Street 
London EC2N 1HQ

www.dialight.com

152 

Dialight plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Consultancy, design and production 
luminous.co.uk

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Leaf C, Level 36 
Tower 42 
25 Old Broad Street 
London EC2N 1HQ

+44 (0)20 3058 3541

info@dialight.com 
www.dialight.com

Registered in England and Wales 
Company number: 2486024