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Filtronic Plc

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FY2016 Annual Report · Filtronic Plc
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Filtronic plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2016
Stock Code: FTC

www.filtronic.com

2

Welcome to 
Filtronic plc

Filtronic plc is a world leader in the 
design and manufacture of a broad 
range of customised RF, microwave 
and millimetre-wave components 
and subsystems.

The Company’s products are used 
in mobile wireless communication 
equipment, point-to-point 
communication systems and 
adjacent defence sectors.

Filtronic’s customers include 
leading international original 
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) 
as well as a wide range of mobile 
phone network operators.

Filtronic’s  strategic  objective  is  to  become  one  of 
the  world’s 
leading  RF  electronics  subsystems 
companies  in  the  wireless  infrastructure  sector  by 
utilising  its  proprietary  technologies  and  engineering 
expertise  and  applying  them  to  markets  that  offer 
opportunities  for  significant,  sustainable  rates  of 
growth  and  shareholder  return.  Filtronic  addresses 
these  opportunities  by  designing  and  supplying 
sophisticated and customised RF filter and microwave
subsystems,  antennas  and  millimetric  transceiver 
products to customers’ requirements and by continuing 
to  develop  and  support  its  global  relationships  with 
these customers.

The  Group’s  operations  include  two  separately 
reported trading business segments: Filtronic Wireless 
and Filtronic Broadband (which has been transitioned 
from  the  traditional  point-to-point  (PTP)  backhaul 
business).

Filtronic plc Annual Report 2016
Filtronic plc Annual Report 2015
Filtronic plc Annual Report 2015
Filtronic plc Annual Report 2015
Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Filtronic  Wireless  is  a  leader  in  the  design  and 
manufacture  of  RF  filters,  microwave  subsystems, 
and  ultra  wide  band  (UWB)  antennas  for  the  mobile 
telecommunications  industry  focusing  on  equipment 
for OEMs and network operators.

is  an  established 

Filtronic  Broadband 
leading 
designer  and  manufacturer  to  the  OEM  mobile 
for  millimetre-wave
telecommunications 
industry 
to  print 
products  as  well  as  providing  build 
manufacturing  and  testing  services  for  microwave 
and  millimetre-wave  products  at  its  state-of-the-
art  highly    automated  UK  facility.  The  product  range 
includes  transceiver  modules  and  multi-chip,  surface 
mountable 
transceiver  packages  at  microwave, 
E-band and V-band frequencies.

Contents

What’s inside:

01

Glossary

Strategic Report
Financial highlights 

Operational highlights 

Chairman’s statement 

Chief Executive’s review 

Market overview 

Objective and strategy 

Financial review 

Risk management 

Corporate Responsibility Report 

Key performance indicators 

Governance Report

Introductory letter from the Chairman 
of the Board on the Governance Report 

Governance framework: board and
committees, membership, remit and
activities

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Directors’ Report

Financials
Independent auditor’s report to 
the members of Filtronic plc only 

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Consolidated statement of
changes in equity 

Company statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated cash flow statement 

Company balance sheet 

Company cash flow statement 

Notes to the financial statements 

Shareholder Information

02

04

04

05

06

08

12

14

16

18

20

21

22

24

28

30

31

32

33

34

34

35

36

37

38

64

05

Chairman’s 
statement
The general market outlook 
remains positive with demand for 
infrastructure products being driven 
by increasing consumption of data-
heavy apps on mobile devices.

06

Chief Executive’s 
review
The mobile telecommunications 
infrastructure market continues to 
show strong growth and our E-band 
transceivers and ultra wide band 
integrated antennas will be our 
leading products in these markets in 
the next few years. 

08

Market overview
Mobile video traffic is increasingly 

dominant and is forecast to grow by 

around 55 percent annually through 

to 2021. 

12

Objective and 
strategy
Our objective is to be a major 
supplier of RF, microwave and 
mmWave products to the global 
telecommunications equipment
infrastructure market.

www.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC

Glossary

3G: 

4G: 

5G: 

CDMA: 

C-RAN: 

DAS

dBm:  

3rd generation mobile networks

4th generation mobile networks

5th generation mobile networks

Code Division Multiple Access

Cloud Radio Access Network, a new  
cellular network architecture

Distributed Antenna Systems

An abbreviation for the power ratio in  
decibels (dB) of the measured power  
referenced to one milliwatt (mW)

Diplexer:  

A diplexer is a passive device that  
implements frequency domain multiplexing.

E-band:

71GHz to 86GHz

EDGE:

Gbps: 

GHz: 

Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution

Gigabit per second

Gigahertz 10^9 Hertz

Gigabit: 

10^9 bits

GSM: 

HSPA: 

Hz: 

IoT

LTE: 

MHz: 

Global System for Mobile communications

High Speed Packet Access

the international standard symbol for  
Hertz, the unit of frequency

Internet of things

Long Term Evolution

10^6 Hertz

MMIC: 

Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit

Mobile PC: 

Mobile router: 

Multiplexing: 

ODU:

OEM: 

OFCOM: 

Defined as laptop or desktop PC devices 
with built-in cellular modem or external 
USB dongle

A device with a cellular network 
connection to the internet and Wi-Fi or 
ethernet connection to one or several 
clients (such as PCs or tablets)

A method by which multiple analogue 
message signals or digital data streams 
are combined into one signal over a   
shared medium.

Outdoor unit

Original Equipment Manufacturer

The Office of Communications; the 
government approved regulatory  
and competition authority for the broadcasting, 
telecommunications and postal industries 
of the United Kingdom.

PetaByte: 

10^15 bytes

PIM

QAM:

RAN:

RF: 

Passive Intermodulation

Quadratic Amplitude Modulation

Radio Access Network

Radio Frequency, a rate of oscillation in 
the range of around 3kHz to 300GHz

Smartphone:

Mobile phones with data processing  capabilities, 
e.g. iPhones, Android OS phones, Windows 
phones but also Symbian and Blackberry OS

UWB: 

V-band: 

Ultra Wide Band

57GHz to 66GHz

WCDMA: 

Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pictured:   Filtronic antenna test range, 

Täby, Sweden

www.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
04

Strategic report

Financial highlights

Sales revenue

Adjusted operating loss*

Operating loss

Loss before taxation  

Basic and diluted loss per share 

Net (debt)/cash balance as at 31 May 

Cash outflow from operating activities 

*Operating loss before amortisation of intangibles, exceptional items 

and R&D development cost capitalisation/amortisation (the definition of 

which is referenced in the income statement).

•

•

•

2016

£13.6m

(£6.8m)

(£7.0m)

(£7.0m)

(3.20p)

(£0.3m)

(£5.0m)

2015

£17.5m 

(£8.1m)

(£11.0m)

(£11.0m)

(10.16p) 

£0.8m

(£3.7m)

Operational highlights

•

• 

• 

•

•

• 

Receipt of several materially significant orders 
from a world leading wireless infrastructure OEM 
for our new integrated antenna product line.

Orpheus, our new E-band transceiver, has seen 
demand ramping progressively with our lead 
customer whilst sample orders have been received 
and fulfilled from a further eight customers.

Strong sales order book and growing customer 
opportunity pipeline resulting from improved sales 
and marketing activity.

Investment in the senior management team 
including the appointment of a Managing Director 
in Filtronic Broadband with substantial sales and 
marketing experience.

Restructured Filtronic Wireless delivering  
annualised cost savings of £1.2m with strategic 
focus on UWB antennas.

Second half sales 100% higher than first half 
carrying good momentum into FY2017.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Pictured: Antenna phasing network

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
05

Chairman’s statement

Dear fellow shareholder, 

Welcome to the Filtronic plc Annual Report for the year ended 
31 May 2016.

Over recent years the Company has focused considerable 
resources on developing advanced technologies and product 
capabilities across both Filtronic Wireless and Filtronic 
Broadband. However, the market demand for these new 
products emerged more slowly than anticipated. To provide a 
more secure financial platform to bring these new products to 
market the Board took the decision to raise additional equity 
in the form of a placing and open offer which together raised 
a net £4.5m after issue costs. In addition, the Board took the 
decision to substantially restructure the operational cost base 
of Filtronic Wireless enabling an annualised £1.2m of cost to be 
removed from the business, of which £0.6m was  realised in the 
year ending 31 May 2016.

At this point the Board took the opportunity to move from 
the Main List to AIM on the London Stock Exchange, which 
it considered would provide a more appropriate corporate 
environment for the scale and nature of the company. 

On behalf of the Board I would like to thank shareholders for 
their overwhelming support for these major developments.

At the time of the move to AIM, the Board reduced in size 
with the retirements at the 2015 AGM of Howard Ford as 
Chairman and Graham Meek as Senior NED. I would like to 
thank Howard and Graham for their unswerving commitment 
to the company over many years and in particular for their 
diligence during the difficulties of the past two years.

Following the refinancing and restructuring measures, the 
previously anticipated demand for the new products started 
to materialise and the year closed with an encouraging 
opportunity pipeline and a strong opening order book for the 
current year.

•  During Q4 we announced several materially significant, 

orders from a world leading wireless infrastructure OEM for 
our new integrated antenna product line which leverages 
our long established excellence in filter design, with further 
enquiries for additional variants currently under development 
for trial this year. 

•  Our new E-band module, Orpheus, has been 

enthusiastically embraced by the market with our lead 
customer progressively ramping demand and a further eight 
new customers having ordered sample units to date. In 
addition, the application sphere for the Filtronic Broadband 
products in general has been significantly enhanced, 
providing a much needed broadening of our addressable 
market.

Financial Performance Summary
Overall, the performance for the year ended broadly as 
anticipated at the time of refinancing the business.

Group revenue for the year was £13.6m (2015: £17.5m) with a 
second half recovery of £9.1m (2015: £10.2m) following delays 
earlier in the year to the roll out of the ultra wide band antennas 
from our OEM customer.

An adjusted operating loss of £6.8m (the consolidated income 
statement on page 31 sets out the basis of calculation of the 
adjusted operating loss) was recorded for the year (2015: 
£8.1m loss) with cost reduction measures and new product 
orders coming through in the second half.

Filtronic Wireless business revenue was £9.0m (2015: £10.3m) 
with £7.0m being delivered in the second half. A Filtronic 
Wireless adjusted operating loss of £4.5m (2015: £5.7m loss) 
was delivered overall.

Filtronic Broadband business revenue was £4.6m (2015: £7.2m) 
with an adjusted operating loss of £1.7m (2015: £1.6m loss).

The Group had net debt of £0.3m at the end of the year (2015: 
£0.8m net cash). In addition to the equity funds raised during 
the year, the group’s UK invoice discounting facility with 
Barclays was raised from £2.0m to £4.0m and a new invoice 
discounting facility in the US of $3.5m with Faunus Group 
International Inc (FGI) was secured in order to ensure we had 
sufficient headroom to finance the working capital requirements 
of our growing order book.

Dividend
No dividend is proposed for the year (2015: £nil).

Outlook
The growth in both orders and further opportunities for our 
new products is very encouraging and forms the basis for 
our continued confidence that we are on the right strategic 
pathway toward delivering a return to profitable growth. We 
remain, however, at the early post-launch stages for these 
new products and rely heavily on our end customer roll-out 
programmes performing to plan. Consequently, until these 
roll-out programmes are in full swing and the customer base 
has been further broadened, we expect to see some continued 
volatility in demand.

As I write this Chairman’s statement we face considerable 
uncertainty as to the impact of ‘Brexit’ and it would be remiss 
not to mention it. We serve a global telecommunications and 
related sectors market working to global standards, Overall, at 
this time, we do not anticipate any significant impact from Brexit 
on our ability to design, manufacture and sell our products in 
Europe and the wider world. The more immediate impact of 
Brexit relates to currency exchange movements and whilst this 
situation is still very fluid, and its impact difficult to accurately 
predict, it is reassuring that much of our business is transacted 
in USD (both buying and selling) thus providing us with a good 
degree of natural hedging.

Finally, I would like to thank all Filtronic employees for their 
significant contribution and efforts over the past year in putting 
the business back on a path to profitability in addition to our 
shareholders and bankers for their continued support and 
patience. I look forward to the team delivering the success that 
we have all worked for.

Reg Gott
Chairman
2 August 2016

Pictured: Antenna phasing network

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC06

Chief Executive’s review

Our focus and strategy
FY2016 was a critical turnaround year for Filtronic. It was 
important for us to act decisively to address the poor financial 
performance caused both by the slow take up of products 
developed in recent years and by increased commoditisation 
and falling prices in our traditional filter business.

Our primary market is the mobile telecommunications 
infrastructure market and the key trends in this industry 
have been the continuing roll out of 4G services and the 
ever increasing demand for data, principally in the form of 
streaming video services. The challenge in the industry has 
been to provide greater capacity in a highly competitive cost 
environment. Mobile network operators are increasingly 
moving to pricing models that charge for data consumption 
with the traditional service of voice telephony and text 
messaging bundled in at no extra charge.

For Filtronic to compete in this market environment we have 
to offer innovative product solutions that deliver fundamentally 
lower cost of ownership for the end user or provide a 
quantum shift at capacity bottlenecks. The key products we 
have focussed on have been integrated UWB antennas and 
E-band transceivers.

The organisation has been restructured to support this 
strategy and that has resulted in a reduction in our overall 
operating expenses. We have become more critical in our 
product development activities and carefully consider the 
return on investment when committing our resources. This 
rigour has forced us to ensure that we value our engineering 
assets more and move away from developing ‘commodity 
products’.

During the second half of FY2016 we were delighted to 
make a number of contract award announcements that have 
validated our strategy. Whilst the progress we have made so 
far has been very encouraging, we are still in the early days 
of our turnaround strategy and until we have expanded our 
product portfolio and customer base we will remain exposed 
to short term variations in demand patterns at our main 
customer.

To this end we have recognised the need to improve our 
selling and marketing activities and have taken a number of 
initiatives to address this requirement, which have resulted in 
a substantially better opportunity pipeline that we are working 
hard to convert. This pipeline includes opportunities within 
the mobile telecommunications infrastructure industry and in 
the adjacent markets of satellite communications, defence & 
aerospace, and network communications.

Organisation
Filtronic is organised into two business units, both of which 
are independently managed to ensure that they are focussed 
on better serving their customers and delivering a profitable 
return.

The business units are: -

•   Filtronic Wireless - specialising in integrated antennas, 
filters and combiners for the mobile telecommunications  
infrastructure industry.

•   Filtronic Broadband - specialising in high-frequency 
transceivers, associated components and systems, 
primarily for the mobile telecommunications infrastructure 
industry, but with a growing presence in the satellite 
communications, defence & aerospace, and network 
communications sectors  

In addition to the business units we have a small central cost 
centre that includes the Directors and the costs associated 
with being a plc.

Filtronic Wireless
Filtronic Wireless is a technology leader in the design and 
manufacture of ultra wide band integrated antennas, RF filters 
and combiners for the mobile telecommunications market, 
supplying both OEMs and network operators.

The segment of the market served by Filtronic Wireless is 
more widely known in the industry as RF conditioning and 
manages the various transmissions to and from base stations.
The trend in recent years has been to reduce the total cost of 
RF conditioning by integrating as many functions at the top of 
base station masts as possible. By integrating RF conditioning 
into the antenna, Filtronic has successfully achieved this 
objective, as well as lowering total system investment and 
running costs which achieves an overall weight and wind 
loading reduction on the tower.

Our fundamental knowledge of antenna and filter design, 
management of PIM (Passive Intermodulation distortion) and 
electronics has enabled us to launch a range of products 
built upon a modular design philosophy meaning that we 
can quickly launch new product variants that address new 
frequency releases in the market place.

Good initial commercial success for our new antenna range 
has been achieved with a leading OEM to whom we supply 
a customised version of our core antenna design. We are 
now shipping this unit in volume after a successful production 
ramp in Q4 FY2016. Feedback from this lead customer 
continues to be positive and the long term demand projection 
is healthy.

We are now offering the core antenna products direct to 
operators and are beginning to see interest from a number of 
these potential customers. Whilst we are building this antenna 
business we can expect to see peaks and troughs in demand 
that will be smoothed as more product variants are released 
and more customers are converted. 

The market for our traditional filter products has become 
increasingly commoditised and a number of trends in the 

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 201605

market have conspired to make this a less attractive 
business proposition going forward. These trends include 
continued consolidation in the OEM customer base and 
a change in their business models toward outsourcing 
designed and manufactured product, combined with a 
slowdown in domestic demand in China that has released 
significant excess manufacturing capacity at low cost 
Chinese manufacturers who are now directly competing for 
this business in the west.

Notwithstanding the competitive pressures in the traditional 
filter market, there continue to be developments that 
will present opportunities for Filtronic. These include the 
release of new spectrum in the US (600MHz) and Europe 
(1400MHz) that will result in the demand for filters and 
combiners as operators look to deploy these frequencies. 
We expect therefore that there will be opportunities for 
operator direct business where there are more attractive 
requirements for combining the new bands with legacy 
spectrum.

Filtronic Broadband
Filtronic Broadband’s core technology is mmWave 
transceiver products that operate in the E-band spectrum. 
These products have been developed, using Filtronic’s 
proprietary chip set, to backhaul voice and data traffic, 
wirelessly, around the cellular network.

E-band is a particularly attractive technology for 
backhaul as it has far higher data rates than legacy 
wireless backhaul. Filtronic’s latest offering, Orpheus, has 
consistently performed at data rates in excess of 4Gbps 
and is competitive with fibre optic cable in terms of speed, 
whilst offering a far higher degree of flexibility in terms of 
installation.

Orpheus was launched in October 2015 and has been 
well received by our lead customer and has been trialled 
by a further eight potential clients who have taken over 
150 evaluation units to date. Output of the Orpheus line 
has continued to ramp since launch and we expect to see 
further growth in demand as we convert our pipeline of 
opportunities to production volume. 

In addition to Orpheus, Filtronic Broadband has 
been developing its contract product development, 
manufacturing and test services to a range of clients who 
have high frequency transmit and receive requirements. 
In early 2016, we were delighted to announce that we 
had been awarded a contract to develop long range 

Pictured: ODU, incorporating Orpheus

(20km) E-band communication modules for a prestigious US 
technology multinational. This contract has progressed well 
and a number of milestones have now been successfully 
achieved.

In October 2015, we appointed a Managing Director in 
Filtronic Broadband who has introduced a new commercial 
rigour and drive into the business. As a result, we have a 
growing pipeline of enquiries from a number of industry 
sectors that augment our traditional telecommunications 
market and the business will greatly benefit from the stability a 
more diversified customer base will bring.

Trends for the future
4G deployment is currently the dominant industry trend 
with operators’ spend on infrastructure growing globally. 
We concur with analysts who anticipate that 4G roll out will 
continue into the 2020’s and we will continue to position 
our product development roadmaps to where operators are 
investing.

5G development is increasingly being discussed within the 
industry. Whilst we feel it is too early for Filtronic to invest in 
product development while 5G is in the definition phase, we 
are confident that the higher data rates perceived as being 
required by 5G will mean that we will have a very active role to 
play when the time is right.

Rob Smith
Chief Executive Officer
2 August 2016

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC08

Market overview

Market overview
The mobile telecommunications infrastructure equipment 
sector is a $100 billion-plus market, which is experiencing 
substantial growth due to the continual year-on-year increase 
in demand for data. 

Network infrastructure
This demand for infrastructure is being driven by the 
exponential global growth in mobile broadband subscriptions 
and the increasing volume of data being consumed. End user 
expectations are for high-quality services that allow them to 
consume data, and in particular streaming video, seamlessly on 
the move at any location. The network operators are competing 
to supply a comprehensive seamless network and are investing 
in infrastructure to meet this demand.

The original mobile networks were designed primarily for voice 
traffic. Today the networks are being redesigned in order to 
provide a high-quality and seamless mobile broadband user 
experience for customers. Operators will be judged on whether 
applications (‘apps’) available to users can be accessed, and 
whether they work as expected.

Device affordability has increased subscriptions and 
smartphones are now used by more age demographics. 
Developing regions also now have access to ‘smart’ technology 
which indicates a shift in behaviour with requirements to access 
mobile data worldwide. As smartphone subscriptions increase, 
data traffic will accelerate and data per subscription, especially 
driven by streaming video, will add to this rise in data volume.

Mobile data traffic is projected to increase at a compound 
annual growth rate of approximately 45 percent to 2021, 
with smartphones generating more data traffic than mobile 
PCs, tablets and mobile routers combined. It is projected that 
smartphone subscriptions will more than double by 2021 giving  
a 10-fold increase in traffic growth.

Mobile video is forecast to grow, where it will account for 
almost two-thirds of all mobile data traffic, an overall growth of 
around 55 percent annually through to 2021. Ericsson reports 

“

Given the massive explosion of video 
content available on the internet, there 
is a corresponding sharp increase in 
streamed video viewing, particularly 
among younger generations. Today’s 
teens are streaming natives, as they 
have no experience of a world without 
online video streaming.”

(Ericsson, June 2016)

“

Mobile video traffic is increasingly 
dominant and is forecast to grow by 
around 55 percent annually through 
2021 when it should account for over 
two-thirds of all mobile data traffic.”

(Ericsson, June 2016)

that YouTube is again dominating video traffic across many mobile 
networks, accounting for 50-70 percent of all video traffic (an 
increase of 10 percent from 2015); whereas Netflix has a share of 
10-20 percent, attributable to the fact that it is traditionally viewed 
over a Wi-Fi network. Social media has also increased the amount 
of video traffic transferred via the mobile networks, a share of 
around 20 percent, as their sites and respective mobile apps have 
updated over the years to include videos and live streaming which 
auto-play on a user’s ‘time-line’.

Todays’ teenagers are the new streamers; being mobile first and 
mobile only. As the younger generation, in particular teens, now 
have access to a host of online content available 24/7, this has 
shown the viewing of TV/video on smartphones increasing by 85 
percent in just four years. With many TV services moving to an 
online platform such as BBC iPlayer, NOW TV and Amazon Prime, 
this allows ease of access on smartphones and tablets. Viewing is 
changing as users are switching from traditional TV to streaming via 
their connected devices, and whilst a majority of this viewing data 
will be generated over Wi-Fi, the increased use of mobile network 
data is significant and will further fuel demand.

Disruptive and emerging technologies such as Snapchat and 
Instagram, are the latest and current apps which are causing an 
increase in video data traffic. These apps allow social sharing of 
videos and are popular among teenagers, who make and share 
videos from any location, requiring an immediate and seamless 
mobile broadband user experience.

Gaming apps are set to be another heavy data user across smart 
devices. Pokémon GO, a recent addition to worldwide mobile 
gaming apps, with an estimated 21 million daily active users in the 
U.S. alone; remains permanently connected to data networks, and 
actively encourages users to travel away from household Wi-Fi 
networks and onto mobile data networks. Users of Pokémon GO 
might expect to use in excess of 2-8Mb of mobile data per hour 
whilst playing the game.

Other apps requiring continual updated location-based information 
are mobile dating apps, which are now commonplace on 
smartphones worldwide. Connections to mobile networks for 
location-based information means data usage over mobile networks 
is increasing in a population that is more technologically driven.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 201609

Subscriptions - All Device Types

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2011

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2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

 Other technology      

  CDMA     

  TD-SCDMA     

  GSM/EDGE     

  WCDMA/HSPA     

  LTE/SG

Global monthly data and voice traffic 2011 to 2016

60%Data traffic grew

60% between Q1
2015 and Q1 2016

Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4  Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4  Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4  Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4  Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4  Q1 

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

 Data       

 Voice  

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
 
 
 
 
10

Market overview continued

The emergence of new applications can shift the relative 
volumes of different types of traffic, but the proliferation 
of specific devices will also affect the traffic mix.

Web browsing has shown a continual decline across 
all devices with consumer preferences shifting towards 
video and app-based mobile use.

The early introduction of mobile networks in Europe 
has meant that there is a legacy of older base stations 
compared to regions where infrastructure was rolled 
out subsequently. This has resulted in the need to 
modernise base stations in recent years as more efficient 
infrastructure is required to handle multi-standard 
technologies such as GSM/EDGE and WCDMA/HSPA. 
Other regions have seen modernisation programmes 
driven by the introduction of LTE. Adoption of 4G/
LTE has been faster in North America, where 3G was 
generally not adopted, and Asia, led by infrastructure 
investment in China.

Network backhaul
Mobile broadband backhaul capacity is predicted to 
see further expansion as demand continues to grow. By 
2020, Ericsson predicts that 65 percent of all cell sites 
will be connected with microwave solutions as capacity 
needs continue to increase on the road to 5G. High 
capacity base stations will typically require backhaul in 
the 1Gbps range, however, capacity per base station will 
vary by site depending on population density and target 
data rates.

“

In supporting microwave to meet 
the capacity increase for backhaul 
as well as fronthaul, E-band (70/80 
GHz) spectrum is the key.”

(Ericsson, September 2015)

Network operators look to provide the best possible 
performance and quality of experience in the most cost-
efficient way, and microwave networks have become the 
dominant backhaul technology to support this, due to the 
quick deployment, high capacity capabilities and the low 
total cost of ownership. As microwave solutions are also able 
to support legacy equipment, vertical applications such as 
broadcasting, utilities and transport networks are looking to 
migrate away from fibre.

To meet the capacity increase for backhaul as well as 
fronthaul, the E-band spectrum is key, due to its advantages 
of a wide spectrum and channels that enable very high 
capacities. The E-band market is expanding quickly and 
has already been opened in many countries with additional 
countries rapidly being added.

  Open  for  deployment   

  Considered  to  be  open  for  deployment   

  Not  yet  considered  to  be  open  for  deployment   

  Unknown

E-band World Map

Source: Ericsson (2015)

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Future developments
Early mobile networks pre-date the development of smart 
mobile devices and were designed primarily to service voice 
traffic. Mobile network operators have been forced to invest 
in the modernisation of their infrastructure and to adopt 
new technologies such as HSPA, LTE and Advanced-LTE. 
The modernisation process has led to the development 
of seamless heterogeneous networks capable of handling 
multiple technologies.

The development of heterogeneous networks has resulted 
in a requirement for complex hardware solutions combining 
multiple technologies. OEMs are developing integrated 
product solutions to address this requirement and these 
standardised products will service multiple operators in 
multiple territories.

The next step in this ongoing network development is the 
inclusion of the upcoming 5G services. Whilst we await the 
final specification and standards for the deployment of 5G 
networks, the need for spectrum harmonisation between 
countries is being discussed by mobile network operators, 
including the challenges of including microwave backhaul to 
ensure coverage and capacity of 5G services. 

The Internet of Things (‘IoT’) is an increasing high growth 
market due to the evolution of the smartphone and smart 
devices. Whilst mobile phones are expected to remain the 
largest category of connected device, it is expected that 
by 2018 they will be surpassed by IoT, which includes 
connected cars, machines, utility meters, remote metering 
and consumer electronics. Cellular IoT is expected to have 
the highest growth, with an estimate of 1.5 billion cellular 
subscriptions by 2021, requiring network operators to 
increase efforts on access and coverage to mobile network 
services.

Conclusion
The wireless infrastructure market, including mobile 
backhaul, will continue to grow as network operators 
upgrade their networks to provide platforms capable of 
delivering the coverage, capacity and resiliency required to 
service the growing data traffic generated by users of smart 
mobile and IoT connected devices.

It is this continual growth and increase in demand for data 
that will drive demand for both Filtronic Wireless and Filtronic 
Broadband, with Filtronic positioned to be a key supplier to 
OEMs and operators as they develop and supply products 
required to upgrade current networks to satisfy consumer 
demand for high quality, seamless mobile experiences.

Pictured: MMIC

Data and information in the market overview have been 
sourced from the June 2016 Ericsson Mobility Report 
that is available at http://www.ericsson.com/mobility-
report, and the September 2015 Microwave Towards 
2020, https://www.ericsson.com/res/docs/2015/
microwave-2020-report.pdf.

Pictured: Filtronic exhibiting at the IMS exhibition, 
San Francisco, USA - 2016

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC12

Objective and strategy

Our objective is to be a profitable supplier of value added RF, microwave and millimetre-wave sub-
systems to the global telecommunications equipment infrastructure and adjacent markets.

As a market led business, we aim to meet the growing need for technically advanced products that 
satisfy our customers’ demands for enhanced capability and capacity whilst reducing overall cost of 
ownership.

The Group comprises two business units.

Filtronic Wireless
This business designs and manufactures RF products 
for the mobile telecommunications and other 
communications markets.

Filtronic has developed a range of UWB antennas, based 
on our own IP, that cover current released spectrum in 
the US, Europe and other major territories. We continually 
upgrade products to cover new spectrum releases. Our 
products are designed specifically to address the operator 
direct market but we work with OEMs to customise 
products to meet their specific requirements.

Our antennas are designed for mechanical and electrical 
performance requiring no in-production tuning. All our 
products have PIM optimised designs by using antenna 
elements without galvanic contact to ground, a low 
number of solder points and metallic parts that are 
galvanically isolated where possible.  Antennas incorporate 
fully integrated Remote Electronic Tuning (RET) and 
incorporate EMC designed internal RET control.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts  2016

“

The Mobile Radio Access Network
LTE equipment market for both
macro and small cell radios will
witness tremendous growth over
the next five years, with LTE RAN
revenue levels expected to outdo
the RAN revenue peaks of GSM in
2007 and WCDMA in 2011.”

(Dell’Oro Group quarterly report, July 2014)

We offer solutions for DAS to Macrocells and all array 
topologies (interleaved and side-by-side) are compelling 
offerings compared to competitive products.

These products are designed and engineered to offer 
lower overall system cost, weight and wind loading 
characteristics.

Our filter and combiner products have been developed 
to either OEM specifications or to satisfy niche operator 
requirements.

Filtronic Wireless sells directly to OEMs based on relationships 
developed over a number of years and both directly and 
through manufacturers’ representatives to mobile network 
operators in the US and Europe.

Filtronic Broadband
Filtronic Broadband has developed proprietary, best in class 
chipsets that are incorporated into our leading E-band 
modules. Our latest generation product, Orpheus, is capable 
of operating at greater than 5Gbps and has a compact form 
factor designed to enable our customers to develop small, 
light outdoor radios for cell tower mounting.

Pictured: Manufacturing line in China

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 201613

Pictured: Orpheus 
E-band Transceiver

Our product development road map is targeted at 
increasing data rates and reducing total product cost so 
that operators can have the highest backhaul capacity at 
the lowest cost per Gb available.

In addition to our E-band range Filtronic’s unique 
capabilities of high frequency product assembly and test 
have been recognised by a growing number of customers 
in a number of adjacent markets. We also offer a range 
of RF and microwave components to customers in the 
Defence & Aerospace industry.

Filtronic Broadband sells direct to customers and uses 
manufacturers’ representatives where appropriate.

Key group strategic drivers
The demand for infrastructure equipment is being driven 
by the growth in mobile broadband subscriptions and the 
increasing volume of data being consumed. Our customers 
include the network operators and the large OEMs that 
supply these network operators. In Filtronic Wireless 
we are focused on delivering ultra wide band integrated 
antennas. In Filtronic Broadband the focus is on further 
commercialising our latest generation of E-band modules. 
By 2020, high capacity base stations are predicted to 
require mobile backhaul to achieve a traffic rate of 1Gbps 
and then, with the adoption of C-RAN, a rate of up to 
10Gbps.

Investing in research and 
development

Filtronic operates in a fast moving, technology driven 
market place where generating our own proprietary 
technology is key to maintaining our competitive 
advantage. The Group therefore invests in research and 
development and where appropriate obtains patents to 
protect our intellectual property.

As part of our research and development activities we 
are working to develop solutions which support the 
market trend towards smaller, more compact products 
encompassing the use of alternative materials.

Pictured: Cross pilarised panel ultra wide band antenna

Strategic relationships

Our business model has been developed around close 
working relationships with both our customers and 
suppliers to maintain a dialogue at multiple levels to cover 
all aspects of the business.

Filtronic Wireless continues to develop its long-standing 
relationship with its manufacturing partner in China where 
we have our own specialist staff on site to ensure close  
cooperation and good communication.

When there is a customer requirement to dual source 
production, for reasons of security of supply or logistical 
competitiveness, Filtronic will, where economically viable, 
use more than one source of supply.

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC14

Financial review

Revenues 
Sales revenue in the year ended 31 May 2016 for the 
Filtronic Group was £13.6m (2015: £17.5m) with a 
stronger performance in the second half of the year of 
£9.1m (2016 H1: £4.5m). This was predominantly due 
to the encouraging growth in the second half of the 
new antenna product range in the Filtronic Wireless 
business as it underwent a production ramp in the final 
quarter. Filtronic Broadband, however, saw sales in the 
year decline as the new E-band production volumes 
took longer than expected to ramp and so failed 
to fully offset the anticipated legacy product sales 
reduction.

Operating Costs 
As set out in the table below, operating costs were 
reduced as the cost base of the organisation was 
aligned with reductions in revenues. Cash overheads 
reduced to £10.0m (2015: £13.6m). This was 
achieved by two programmes of cost reduction; 
one implemented in the year under review with an 
annualised £1.2m of cost removed from the business, 
mainly from headcount reduction, with £0.6m of the 
benefit coming in the financial year and the second 
from a programme implemented in FY2015 with the 
Group benefitting from a full year of cost savings in this 
financial year valued at £2.0m. The headcount at 31 
May 2016 was 118 (2015: 133).

Cost savings from cost reduction programmes

FY2015 
Impact 
£m 

 FY2016 
Impact 
£m 

FY2017 
Impact 
£m

FY2015 cost reductions  0.2 
- 
FY2016 cost reductions 

Annualised impact 

0.2 

2.0 
0.6 

2.6 

2.0
1.2

3.2

The table shows the cumulative impact is a £3.2m cost saving in 2017 
over the 2015 base line costs.

Adjusted operating loss 
Adjusted operating loss (the definition of which is 
referenced on the income statement on page 31) was 
£6.8m (2015: £8.1m loss). Filtronic Wireless saw its 
adjusted operating loss reduce to £4.5m (2015: £5.7m) 
despite reduced revenues. Financial performance 
improved as the year progressed with an adjusted 
operating loss in the second half of £1.8m (2016 H1: 
£2.7m). The margins on the antenna products, which 
started shipping in volume in Q4, were initially low as 
start-up yield and volume ramp issues were overcome 
and significantly improved margins will be realised in 

FY2017. For the year as a whole, Filtronic Broadband’s 
adjusted operating loss was slightly higher than the 
previous year at £1.7m (2015: £1.6m) However, in 
the second half of the year, Filtronic Broadband’s 
performance was significantly improved, and much 
better than the second half of the previous year, largely 
as a result of the previously announced contract win 
with a large US multinational. 

A table of these results is set out on page 15.

Exceptional costs 
Exceptional costs of £0.4m (2015: £0.5m) primarily 
related to the costs associated with reducing the 
overhead cost base and the Company’s move from the 
Official List to AIM on the London Stock Exchange. 

Taxation  
A tax credit of £1.9m (2015: £0.5m) has been 
recognised for the year, as set out in note 12 to the 
financial statements. An R&D tax credit from the prior 
year accounts form a large part of this value and will 
be realised in FY2017 as cash to assist cash flow. The 
remaining part of the tax credit is the recognition of 
a deferred tax asset of £0.8m in respect of brought 
forward losses.

Capital expenditure  
Capital expenditure of £0.2m (2015: £0.2m) included 
£0.1m for Filtronic Wireless (2015: £0.2m) and £0.1m 
for Filtronic Broadband (2015: £nil). 

Research and development costs  
Total research and development costs in the year 
were £4.3m (2015: £6.5m). Historically, the Group has 
expensed all its research and development costs as 
they did not meet the criteria for capitalisation under 
IAS 38, as set out in note 2 to the financial statements. 
In the current financial year, some £0.3m of research 
and development costs (£0.2m in Filtronic Wireless and 
£0.1m in Filtronic Broadband) were judged to have met 
the criteria for capitalisation and have accordingly been 
capitalised. Amortisation of these capitalised costs was 
negligible in the financial year and therefore the total 
charge to the income statement in respect of Research 
and Development costs was £4.0m (2015: £6.5m)

Inventory provision  
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realisable 
value. It is the Group’s policy to regularly review the 
carrying value of its inventories and to make a provision 
for excess and obsolete inventory. As at 31 May 2016 
the inventory provision was £1.7m (2015: £1.6m).

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
17

Warranty provision  
In line with industry practice the Group provides 
warranties to customers over the quality and 
performance of the products it sells. The Group’s policy 
is to make a provision, calculated as a percentage 
of sales revenue, after reviewing costs associated 
with faulty products returned. As at 31 May 2016 the 
warranty provision was £0.2m (2015: £0.1m).

Funding and cash flow  
The Group ended the year with net debt of £0.3m 
(2015: £0.8m net cash). The decrease resulted from 
the operating losses incurred in the year, offset by the 
proceeds of the placing and open offer (net of issue 
costs) of £4.5m. Cash outflow from operating activities 
was £5.0m (2015: £3.7m).

With volume ramps expected on both the antenna 
product range and Orpheus, our E-band product, a 
key focus for the Group is the management of cash 
to facilitate each of the production ramps and their 
increased working capital requirements, in addition to 
enabling continued investment and development of our 
product ranges to ensure we remain well positioned in 
the market.

Filtronic has two invoice discounting facilities in place, 
with Barclays Bank plc in the UK and Faunus Group 
International Inc (FGI) in the US. The Barclays facility 
has increased to £4.0m following the successful 
negotiation of a temporary increase from £2.0m, which 
is the Group’s long term agreed facility level. It is 
anticipated this increased facility will revert to £2.0m 
in October 2016 once we have overcome the working 
capital impact of the volume production ramp. As at 
31 May 2016, £0.5m was drawn down against this 
facility (2015: £0.3m). The FGI facility enables the US 
Filtronic Wireless entity to borrow up to $3.5m against 
its debtor book. As at 31 May 2016, £0.7m (2015: 

Pictured: Automatic wire bonder

£nil) was drawn down against this facility which is our 
minimum borrowing requirement at any given time. 

On 16 November 2015 the Company completed a 
move to AIM on the London Stock Exchange. AIM is a 
more appropriate market for a company of Filtronic’s 
size which should help attract new investors, providing 
a platform to promote the Company and trading in its 
shares. It also offers greater flexibility with regard to 
potential future corporate transactions enabling the 
Company to agree and execute certain transactions 
quicker and more cost effectively than on the Official 
List. This move to AIM was accomplished at the same 
time as the share placing and open offer.

Michael Tyerman
Finance Director 
2 August 2016

Adjusted operating loss by business and financial period

H1 FY2016 
£m 

H2 FY2016 
£m 

FY2016 Total 
£m 

H1 FY2015 
£m 

H2 FY2015 
£m 

FY2015 Total 
£m

Filtronic Wireless 

Filtronic Broadband 

Central 

Total Group 

(2.7) 

(1.1) 

(0.3) 

(4.1) 

(1.8) 

(0.6) 

(0.3) 

(2.7) 

(4.5) 

(1.7) 

(0.6) 

(6.8) 

(2.6) 

(1.1) 

(0.4) 

(4.1) 

(3.1) 

(0.5) 

(0.4) 

(4.0) 

(5.7)

(1.6)

(0.8)

(8.1)

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
16

Risk management

Effective risk management is key to our success both in the industry that we operate in and within 
our chosen business model. Filtronic supplies microwave, base station filter products and antennas 
for the wireless telecommunications market. The Group operates in a fast-changing sector with a 
small number of sophisticated customers, demanding high performance standards and international 
competition, all of which pose risks to the business.

The Directors recognise that risk is inherent in any business and seek to manage risk in a controlled manner. The key 
business risks are set out as follows: -

Nature

Mitigation

Change 
in year

Risk

Market

Manufacturing

We supply a range of niche products to a small 
number of large OEM customers in both Filtronic 
Broadband and Filtronic Wireless as well as 
a number of network operators in Filtronic 
Wireless. The loss of any of these customers, 
material reduction in orders from any such 
customer or the timing of customer project rollouts 
may have a material adverse effect upon Filtronic’s 
financial condition. With the rapid evolution of 
product technology and other corporate decisions 
the size of our addressable market may be 
affected. We may also fail to forecast market 
movements correctly so missing opportunities or 
wrongly predicting product longevity.

In most of the products, production is demand
led and customers may vary their requirements
from the Group at short notice, which also
impacts inventory management. Customers in
these businesses expect consistently high 
quality product and reducing prices, hence 
we depend on control of our operating 
environment, including management of security 
of supply in our supply chain, and the provision 
of correctly designed technological solutions 
including the achievement of target cost 
reduction plans. Non-performance in
these areas would result in a diminished market 
position.

Technology

Our product competitiveness is strongly 
influenced by technology choices at product 
concept stage and throughout execution of 
design to product launch. For products in 
the production cycle, technology insertion is 
often required as a means of achieving price 
reductions, which underpin sales. The market 
is time sensitive and opportunities may be lost 
if the technology we develop is not appropriate 
or ready for exploitation to match market 
demand, so having an adverse effect on 
business performance.

The Group seeks to mitigate this risk by working 
closely with OEMs, on an engineer to engineer 
basis, to ensure that we are designed in to their 
products at an early stage. The Group is actively 
seeking to increase the number of design wins 
across a range of OEM and operator products. 
This strategy is designed to diversify market risk.

In addition, Filtronic Broadband is actively 
engaging within adjacent markets of satellite 
communications, defence & aerospace and 
network communications.

The relationship that the Group maintains with 
OEMs is key to ensuring that we are involved in 
the early stages of product design.

The Group’s internal and outsourced 
manufacturing processes are certified to 
ISO9001. 

Filtronic Broadband manufactures and 
assembles based on its core competences 
and where appropriate outsources non-core 
processes to suppliers who can offer better 
quality and consistency of manufacturing.

Filtronic Wireless has an outsourced partner 
who has a high degree of flexibility and a 
proven track record of product ramp and mass 
volume manufacturing.

All our products are provided to customers 
after detailed qualification testing. We work 
closely with our customers to ensure that 
the test processes employed ensure that all 
the products are supplied compliant to the 
customer’s specification.

Our ability to remain competitive in terms of 
technology and product design is underpinned 
by retaining key staff.

We work closely with our customers and 
suppliers to gain a thorough knowledge 
of the technology being developed in the 
marketplace. By staying close to the market  
we position ourselves to react quickly to any 
technology changes that develop.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Pictured:  Filtronic antenna test range,  

Täby, Sweden 

05

Change 

in year

Risk

Nature

Mitigation

Change 
in year

The Group has a competitive remuneration 
package that is reflective of market conditions 
for key roles and is under review as conditions 
change. The Group also operates a long term 
incentive plan for key employees as well as 
SAYE schemes for all UK employees. 

A number of key employees have been brought 
in to the Group during the year to strengthen 
the senior management team.

We also provide regular communications to 
all employees through regular communication 
meetings in each of our businesses along 
with a monthly newsletter and a CEO blog 
giving updates about business performance. 
By giving our employees an understanding of 
our strategic direction we believe it enables 
them to make meaningful contributions to the 
achievement of our goals.

The Group has established a number of 
policies to mitigate these risks, further details of 
which are presented in note 36 to the financial 
statements. Predominantly, currency risk on the 
US dollar is managed through a natural hedge.

evaluated, managed and controlled and whether any 
significant weaknesses are promptly remedied and 
indicate a need for more extensive monitoring. The 
Board has also performed a specific assessment for 
the purpose of this annual report. This assessment 
considers all significant aspects of internal control 
arising during the period covered by the report.

Recruitment 
and retention

The Group is reliant on the key skills and 
knowledge of its people in a range of areas but 
especially in the engineering function. Failure 
to recruit and retain an appropriate number of 
suitably qualified people in critical areas could 
affect our ability to design new products and 
meet our customers needs. We have also 
benefited from a number of non-UK employees 
filling key roles within the business due to the 
highly technical nature of our activities. These 
skills are not always readily available within 
the UK and any restrictions on employment of 
these people would have an adverse effect on 
the Group.

Financial
management

The Group has a specific exposure to 
credit risk and exchange rate fluctuations. 
A large proportion of the Group’s sales are 
denominated in US dollars, so the Group 
is subject to risks associated with currency 
movements. 

The Board has established a continuous process for 
identifying, evaluating, and managing the significant risks 
the Group faces which has operated throughout the 
year and up to the date of this report. Such a system 
is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk 
of failure to achieve business objectives and can only 
provide reasonable and not absolute assurance with 
respect to the preparation of financial information and the 
safeguarding of assets and against material misstatement 
or loss.

The Board regularly reviews the effectiveness of the 
Group’s system of internal control. The Board’s monitoring 
covers all controls, including financial, operational and 
compliance controls and risk management systems. It is 
based principally on reviewing reports from management 
to consider whether significant risks are identified, 

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
 
 
18

Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Acting with integrity and behaving responsibly is central to the execution of our strategy and 
underpins our business model. This report covers how Filtronic interacts with a range of groups, 
stakeholders and its approach to key issues and its aims for the future.

Health and safety
The Board is committed to ensuring the health and safety of 
the Group’s employees and applies high standards throughout 
the Group in the control and management of its operations. 
We have appointed a dedicated HSE consultant to further 
enhance our commitment towards health and safety. 

Equal opportunities
The Group is committed to a policy of equal opportunities 
by which it ensures that all employment related activities 
are based on merit and suitability for the job alone. Further 
information on our equal opportunities policy may be found on 
our website www.filtronic.com.

Employees
The Group’s success depends on its employees and the 
board recognises that it is their commitment and contribution 
that is vital to the execution of the Group’s strategy.

With an international workforce, it is important that we provide 
an environment where we attract, motivate and reward high 
quality employees.

Employee development
Employee development is an important element of employee 
retention and motivation. The Group has an education and 
training policy in place to implement continuous improvement 
where beneficial to the Group and employees, thus underlying 
the Group’s commitment to ongoing employee development 
and training.

Employee communications
The Group believes in keeping employees fully informed on 
matters which affect them through various communication 
forums. The Group holds regular employee communications 
sessions at which employees can review Group progress 
and raise, share and discuss specific issues and concerns 
that affect employees with senior management. The Group 
publishes a monthly newsletter which outlines developments 
across the business.

Diversity and inclusion
Although Filtronic currently has no specific policy on diversity, 
including gender diversity, it is one of the Group’s core values 
(expected of employees, suppliers and other stakeholders) 
that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
Our policies and practices emphasise the importance of 
treating people in a non-discriminatory manner across 
the full employment life cycle, including hiring, reward, 
development, promotions, mobility and departure. In the 
event that an employee becomes disabled the Group will 
make reasonable adjustments, and so far as is practicable; 
will continue to provide employment. Training is provided to 
those making decisions on these factors so that no individual 
is disadvantaged and to prevent discrimination on the grounds 
of gender, religion, belief, race, creed, age, disability, sexual 
orientation, ethnic origin, or marital status. 

The Chief Executive Officer is the board member responsible 
for human resources.

Human rights
Filtronic applies human rights considerations to the way it 
does business, for example through our supplier and
anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies, our code of ethics 
which is an integral part of our management policies, our 
practices in relation to health and safety, equal pay and 
employees’ freedom to join trade unions. During the year, the 
Group adopted a specific policy on modern slavery reflecting 
the obligations contained in the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 
2015. Filtronic is committed to ensuring transparency in our 
approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our supply 
chain. 

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Corporate Social Responsibility Report

05

Pictured: Die bonding at NETPark

The environment
Care for the environment is an integral part of the Group’s 
business activities. It is the Group’s policy to ensure that its 
facilities are safe and the Group is committed to ensuring that 
its impact on the environment is minimised. The Group
supports and trains its personnel to act responsibly in matters 
relating to the environment. The Group takes account of 
relevant legislation and regulations and analyses its practices, 
processes and products to reduce their environmental impact, 
and works with its customers and suppliers to achieve a high 
standard of environmental stewardship.

We have three sites which are certified to ISO9001 standard; 
Salisbury, Maryland, USA; Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK; and 
Sedgefield, County Durham, UK. The Leeds site is also 
certified to the ISO14001 standard.

Charitable and community support
Filtronic Broadband has signed up to be part of the Future 
Business Magnates initiative, which is an enterprise 
competition for schools. Each school is paired with a business 
partner who provides industry experience, support and advice 
to assist the school team to prepare for their challenges. 
In return, the business assists schools to deliver an 
understanding of enterprise, broaden student understanding 
of job roles and functions, and provides an introduction to 
possible career pathways, assisting study choices.

Supply chain
The adoption of a new, advanced product life cycle 
management software system has allowed for group-wide 
management and control of our documentation to include 
product design, suppliers and change management as well as 
a module to address specific quality processes. Supply chain 
management is working to develop partnerships with our main 
suppliers to ensure they have systems in place that focus 
on quality, environment, corporate social responsibility and 
health and safety. The Group has adopted a specific policy 
on conflict minerals and works with our suppliers to ensure 
implementation including reporting on the use of conflict 
minerals throughout our supply chain.

The implementation of these management systems, which 
are designed to monitor and control processes such as 
quality, the environment and health and safety will provide 
Filtronic with the confidence that each and every product 
that is delivered to our customers is an appropriate level 
of quality, and has been designed and manufactured in a 
way that considers our impact on the environment and the 
ultimate health and safety of our employees who contribute 
to our success. To further complement this approach, the 
Group will also be introducing a CRM (customer relationship 
management) process this financial year.

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC20

23

Key performance indicators

Group

Filtronic Broadband

Filtronic Wireless

FY2016

FY2015

FY2016

FY2015

FY2016

FY2015

(£54,528)

(£47,837)

(£28,249)

(£19,566)

(£80,153)

(£66,115)

29.5%

36.9%

18.4%

13.2%

35.2%

53.6%

Change 
in year

(50.4%)

(46.4)%

(37.3%)

(22.8%)

(50.4%)

(55.4%)

21

19.3

2

12.2

34

30.0

77

86

65

61

89

97

82

72

92

54

80

76

Adjusted operating loss per 
employee
Filtronic recognises that 
employees are a critical asset in 
our business and we monitor the 
profit per employee to measure 
productivity.

Research and development 
to sales percent
The Board recognises that 
the Group needs to invest in 
new products, capabilities and 
technologies to participate in 
a technology driven market and 
monitors the investment made 
in research and development as 
a proportion of sales.

Adjusted operating loss to 
sales per cent
The Board monitors profitability 
to ensure that an acceptable 
return is being made on 
operating activities in the year.

Inventory turns
The Group maintains inventory 
so that it can meet customer 
demand for scarce and 
long lead-time items and to 
fulfil customer orders where 
deliveries are scheduled over a 
number of months or years.

Trade receivables days
In line with other companies in 
the sector the Group extends 
credit facilities to customers that 
have an acceptable credit rating.

Trade payables days
The Group receives credit from 
a number of suppliers and 
recognises the importance of 
paying its suppliers on time.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 201621

Change 

in year

Governance Report

Introductory letter from the Chairman of the 
Board on the Governance Report

Dear fellow shareholder

Following its admission to AIM in November 2015, the 
Company is no longer required to comply with the revised 
2014 UK Corporate Governance Code (“the Code”). However, 
since the Board has developed and implemented, over 
a number of years, comprehensive governance policies 
and procedures commensurate with the requirements of a 
company with a premium listing, it intends to maintain, in 
the main, the same level of governance and continue, where 
reasonably practical to do so, adherence to its existing 
policies and governance framework. 

The Board does however intend to reduce the management 
time and cost burden of producing the annual report by 
streamlining it where it feels it can reasonably do so without 
diluting transparency or shareholder visibility.

I hope you will find this report helpful in understanding our 
commitment to good governance.

Yours sincerely
Reg Gott
Chairman
2 August 2016

Governance Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC22

Governance Report continued

Governance framework: Board and 
committees, membership, remit and activities

The Board
The Board is comprised of two executive Directors (Rob 
Smith, CEO and Michael Tyerman, FD) and two non-executive 
Directors (Reg Gott, Chairman and Michael Roller). The Board 
is supported and assisted by the Company Secretary (Maura 
Moynihan), who attends and minutes each board meeting.

Michael Roller (aged 51) was appointed as a non-executive 
Director on 1 June 2013 and also took over as Chairman of 
the Audit Committee at the 2015 AGM. In March 2014 he 
joined the board of Bioquell plc as Group Finance Director. He 
has previously been Finance Director of a number of quoted 
companies, most recently Corin Group plc. He has also held a 
number of other senior finance roles in a broad range of listed 
and private companies. He qualified as an accountant with 
KPMG.

Executive Directors
Robert (Rob) Smith (aged 52) was appointed as Chief  
Executive Officer with effect from 3 March 2015. Prior to 
this date he was Chief Financial Officer. He was previously 
Finance Director at APC Technology Group PLC, a 
distributor of specialist electronic components and smart 
energy saving products and services provider. Rob has 
also served as Finance Director at Densitron Technologies 
plc, a manufacturer and distributor of electronic displays. 
Rob’s earlier career was spent principally in the electronic 
components industry working for GEC, Centronic and 
International Rectifier. He is a Chartered Management 
Accountant and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of 
Management Accountants.

Michael Tyerman (aged 37) was appointed as Finance 
Director with effect from 1 April 2016. Prior to joining Filtronic, 
Michael held various positions within Procter and Gamble, 
Huntsman Polyurethanes and Komatsu. He joined Filtronic 
in 2007 as Financial Controller of Filtronic Broadband and 
was promoted to the position of Group Financial Controller 
in 2009. He was Interim Head of Finance for the Filtronic 
Group from June 2015 and served in this position until 
his appointment to the Board. Michael is a Chartered 
Management Accountant.

Non-executive Directors
Reginald (Reg) Gott (aged 59) has been a non-executive 
Director since 2006. He was appointed as Chairman of the 
board at the AGM held in 2015. He continues to act as the 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. He was Chief 
Executive of Resource Group Limited until early 2016. From 
2002 to 2008 he was an executive Director of FKI plc, an 
international diversified engineering group, and from 2009 
to 2012 he was Chief Executive of Nuaire Group. He has 
an extensive background in the machinery, automation and 
controls segments of the capital goods markets across 
Europe and North America.

All members of the Board have access to the advice and services 
of the general counsel and Company Secretary and are able to 
take independent professional advice at the Company’s expense 
in the discharge of their duties. The Company has procedures to 
deal with Directors’ conflicts of interest and the Board is satisfied 
that these procedures operate effectively.

Change 
in year

Relations with shareholders
The Board places great value on maintaining open relationships 
with shareholders and the primary point of contact in the 
Company for this function is the CEO, supported by the FD, 
both of whom undertake an extensive programme of meetings 
with shareholders at least twice a year following the release 
of results announcements. The success of the 2015 share 
placement exercise is a measure of the effort and the quality 
of this work delivered by the CEO. In 2015 the Chairman 
accompanied the CEO on his investor rounds and is available to 
speak with shareholders at their request. Presentations are also 
made to analysts at those times to present the Group’s results. 
This assists with the promotion of knowledge of the Group in 
the investment marketplace and with shareholders and also 
helps the Directors to understand the needs and expectations 
of shareholders. The Board believes that the Annual General 
Meeting provides an excellent opportunity to communicate 
directly with shareholders.

Board meetings
The Board meets regularly against a defined reporting timetable 
and also at times in between the scheduled meetings when 
required. 

As far as is reasonably practical, the board meetings are 
held at the Company’s main operational sites to enable local 
management teams to present operational and strategic 
programme progress to the Board. The Board believes this 
fosters greater transparency and enhanced relationships between 
the management and the Board.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Governance Report continued

Change 

in year

23

Remit of the Board
Whilst day to day operational matters are managed by the 
Chief Executive Officer, other matters, including those listed 
below, are reserved for the Board:

•  Strategy and oversight of the management of the Company;

•  Approval of the Company and consolidated financial   
  statements;

•  Approval of major corporate transactions and  
  commitments;

•  Succession planning (appointment/removal of Directors and  

the Company Secretary);

•  Approval of all terms of reference for the committees of the  
  board and delegation of authority to the Chief Executive  
  Officer;

•  Review of the Group’s overall corporate governance    
  arrangements including systems of internal controls and risk  
  management;

•  Approval of the delegation of authority to the Chief  
  Executive Officer or where appropriate to the relevant board  
  committee;

•  Approval of the terms of reference of all committees of the  
  Board.

Committees
The Board continues to operate with three committees, the 
Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the 
Nominations Committee. Detailed written terms of reference 
for each committee are maintained and are available to view 
on the Company website. 

Audit Committee 
The primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the 
Board in fulfilling its financial and risk oversight responsibilities. 

During the year, it met four times. The committee reviews 
items such as the half and full year results and then makes 
a recommendation to the Board. The Audit Committee is 
chaired by Michael Roller and includes Reg Gott.

Nominations Committee 
The Nominations Committee is chaired by Reg Gott and 
includes Michael Roller. The Nominations Committee’s 
duties are confined to the nomination of appointments, 
reappointments and termination of employment or 
engagement of Directors and the Company Secretary.

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Reg Gott and 
includes Michael Roller. The members of the Remuneration 
Committee have no personal interest in the matters 
considered other than as shareholders. No potential 
conflicts of interest exist in relation to any member of the 
committee and their duties. The Remuneration Committee’s 
responsibilities include ensuring that the remuneration policy 
of the Company and its implementation are appropriate. It 
ensures that levels of remuneration are sufficient to attract, 
retain and motivate Directors or the quality required to run 
the company successfully whilst avoiding paying more than is 
necessary for this purpose.

The CEO, FD and Company Secretary attend the committee 
meetings when invited, as appropriate.

Directors’ attendance table FY2016
The Board normally schedules at least 10 meetings during the 
year. Last year the board met 13 times. Attendance at board 
meetings and committee meetings during the year ended 31
May 2016 was as follows:

Total meetings in year
Director attendance
Reg Gott
Michael Roller
Rob Smith 
Michael Tyerman
Howard Ford
Graham Meek

Board

Audit

Nominations

Remuneration

13

13
12
13
3/3
8/8
7/8

4

4
4
N/A
N/A
0/1
0/1

2

2
2
N/A
N/A
1/1
1/1

4

4
4
N/A
N/A
2/2
2/2

Attendance at board (and committee) meetings held in FY2016

In addition to these 13 board meetings, there were 10 further board update calls held during the year which were focused on 
trading and finance. These calls continued after the year end in addition to scheduled board meetings.

Governance Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
 
24

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Annual statement on remuneration

Dear fellow shareholder,

I am pleased to present the Filtronic Directors’ Remuneration
Report for the year ended 31 May 2016. 

Since the move to AIM, the Company is no longer required 
to produce a comprehensive Directors’ Remuneration 
Report or to submit a remuneration policy to a binding 
vote. As previously explained, however, although wishing to 
reduce the management time and cost burden of providing 
comprehensive reports, the Board does wish to maintain 
transparency and so provides the following Remuneration 
Report.

The Remuneration Report sets out payments and awards 
made to the Directors.

The Remuneration Committee comprises the non-executive 
Directors, including the Chairman. It defines the Company’s 
policy on remuneration, benefits and terms of employment for 
executive Directors and senior management. The committee 
also reviews and approves general increases in staff salaries 
and bonus arrangements and takes these into account when 
setting remuneration packages for executive Directors and 
senior management.

The Remuneration Committee has reviewed the remuneration 
packages of the executive Directors and senior management 
to ensure these continue to attract, retain and motivate 
talented people, while recognising wider shareholder interest. 
The committee reviews all incentive-based rewards before 
they are awarded and has full discretion to adjust awards 
downwards if deemed appropriate. 

The Remuneration Committee terms of reference are available 
to view at www.filtronic.com.

The Remuneration Committee met four times during the year 
and ad hoc when needed.

Reg Gott
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
2 August 2016

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration Report

25

Details of the service contracts currently in place for Directors are as follows:

Name

Executive service agreement appointment date 

Key current terms

Notice period

Rob Smith 
CEO 

Appointed to the Board on 16 June 2014
Appointed CEO on 3 March 2015

Base salary £153,750

12 Months

Car allowance

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Pension

Michael Tyerman
Finance Director

Appointed to the Board on 1 April 2016

Base salary £82,000

6 Months

Car allowance

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Pension

Name

Role

Non-executive terms of appointment date

Fee

Notice period

Reg Gott

Chairman, Nominations 
Committee Chairman and 
Remuneration Committee 
Chairman

Appointed to the Board on 13 July 2006

£60,000

6 Months

Michael Roller

Audit Committee Chairman

Appointed to the Board on 1 June 2013

£35,000

3 Months

Certain sections constitute the audited part of the reports of the Remuneration Report.

Total single figure of remuneration for Directors
The Directors’ total remuneration in respect of the year under review is shown below and compared to the previous year. The 
information in these tables has been audited by the Company’s independent auditors.

Salary or fee

Bonus

Benefits

Total remuneration excluding 
pension contributions and
share based payments

£000’s

FY2016

FY2015

FY2016

FY2015

FY2016

FY2015

FY2016

FY2015

Executive Directors
Rob Smith 
Alan Needle 
Michael Tyerman*

Non-executive Directors
Reg Gott 
Michael Roller 
Howard Ford**
Graham Meek**
Total

150
-
14

50
38 
35
20
307

143
279
-

40
40 
70
40
612

50
-
-

-
-
-
-
50

50
-
-

-
-
-
-
50

11
-
1

-
-
1
-
13

10
7
-

-
-
1
-
18

211
-
15

50
38 
36
20
370

203
286
-

40
40 
71
40
680

*Michael Tyerman was appointed to the Board on 1 April 2016
**Howard Ford and Graham Meek retired on 27 November 2015

Governance Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
26

Annual report on remuneration continued

Total single figure of pension benefits for Directors
The executive Directors’ total pension benefits in respect of the year under review are shown below and compared to the 
previous year. The information in these tables has been audited by the Company’s independent auditors. 

£000’s

Rob Smith 
Michael Tyerman
Total

Pension contributions

FY2016

FY2015

12
1
13

12
-
12

Contributions were made to the Company defined contribution scheme.

Notes to the single figure table of remuneration for Directors - audited

Taxable benefits
Taxable benefits in kind were unchanged in FY2016 and comprised car allowance and private health insurance.

In addition to these taxable benefits, the executive Directors are provided with life assurance.

Incentive outcomes for FY2016
Given the difficult circumstances at the time of Rob Smith’s appointment to the position of CEO, he was awarded a two-part 
retention payment of which the second installment of £50,000 was paid on 31 December 2015 for remaining in post and not 
having served notice by 31 December 2015.

Statement on voting at the 2015 Annual General Meeting
The voting on the Directors’ Remuneration Report at the 2015 AGM was as follows:

For/discretionary
Against

Withheld

Shares 

99.94%

110,354,170

0.06%

0.00%

63,682

14,736

Annual performance related bonus plan
An annual performance related bonus plan has been introduced for the year ending 31 May 2017 which will reward executive 
Directors and key management and staff cash bonuses for delivering stretching profit targets aligned to the 2017 business plan.

Directors’ and relevant senior management holdings of Filtronic shares - audited
Directors are not required but are expected to have holdings in the ordinary share capital of the Company. The information in the 
following tables has been audited by the Company’s independent auditors. 

The interests of the Directors, who were serving as at 31 May 2016, in the Company’s ordinary shares, which excludes interests 
under the share option schemes, are set out below:

Rob Smith 
Michael Tyerman
Reg Gott 
Michael Roller 

2016

2015

Shares 

257,656
10,611
359,429
101,762
729,458

%

0.1%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
0.3%

Shares 

57,656
1,271
154,429
28,833
242,189

%

0.1%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
0.2%

All of the above shareholdings are held beneficially and include holdings of Directors’ connected parties.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Annual report on remuneration continued

27

Management share option scheme - audited

The executive Directors who served during the year ending 31 May 2016 held the following options over the ordinary shares of 
the Company.

Rob Smith
Rob Smith
Rob Smith
Michael Tyerman
Michael Tyerman

Plan

ESOP
ESOP
SAYE
ESOP
SAYE

Exercise period 

Option price

2016

2015

14/08/2017 - 13/08/2024
01/03/2019 - 28/02/2026
01/06/2019 - 30/11/2019
01/03/2019 - 28/02/2026
01/06/2019 - 30/11/2019

25.75p
5.37p
5.20p
5.37p
5.20p

-
1,000,000
165,565
300,000
275,478
1,741,043

175,000
-
-
-
-
175,000

The ESOP scheme introduced in May 2016 was opened to executive Directors and key management and staff across the 
Group with the specific intent to retain staff by awarding share options for delivering a significant increase in the share price, 
which if sustained for a defined minimum period will trigger vesting, but which can only be exercised by Directors after three 
years of the scheme opening. Participants of this scheme were asked if they would like to voluntarily relinquish any outstanding 
options they held in previous management incentive share option schemes. More information on the specific nature of these 
options can be found in note 29 (management incentive plans).

Rob Smith and Michael Tyerman voluntarily relinquished all of the share options granted under the previous ESOP scheme.

The closing middle market price on 31 May 2016 was 11p, and on 29 May 2015 it was 12p. The range of middle market
share prices during the year ended 31 May 2016 was 5p-12p.

There were no changes in Directors’ interests between 31 May 2016 and 1 August 2016. The Company’s register of Directors’ 
interests, which is open to inspection at the registered office, contains full details of Directors’ shareholdings.

Governance Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
28

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their report together with the audited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 May
2016. The Corporate Governance Statement set out earlier in
the Governance Report forms part of this Directors’ Report 
and is incorporated by reference.

Going concern
The Group’s business, together with the factors likely to affect 
its future development, performance and position are set out 
in the strategic report.

The revenue, trading results and cash flows are explained in 
the financial review on page 14. 

After a review of forecasts including projections of profitability 
and cash flows for the two years to 31 May 2018, the 
Directors believe that the Group has adequate resources to 
continue to operate for the foreseeable future and that it is 
therefore appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting in the preparation of the consolidation and 
Company financial statements.

Directors and their interests
The Directors of the Company during the year were as follows:

Rob Smith
Michael Tyerman
Reg Gott
Michael Roller
Howard Ford (retired 27 November 2015)
Graham Meek (retired 27 November 2015)

Details of Directors’ interests in the share capital of the
Company are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 26.

Reg Gott, having served on the Board for more than nine
years, retires by rotation and, being eligible, offers
himself for re-election at the Annual General Meeting.

Michael Tyerman, having been appointed by the Board on  
1 April 2016, offers himself for election at the Annual General 
Meeting.

Michael Roller, retires by rotation, and being eligible, offers 
himself for re-election at the Annual General Meeting.

Directors’ indemnity
The Company has in place directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance on behalf of its Directors and officers in accordance
with the provisions of the Companies Act. In addition, certain
Directors benefit from an indemnity from the Company, to the
extent not prohibited by law, in respect of losses incurred as
a result of the discharge of their duties in the management
or supervision of any Company in the Group. The indemnity
does not automatically terminate when the indemnified person
ceases to be a Director.

Directors’ conflicts of interest
There are no declarations to be made under Article 182 of the
Companies Act 2006.

Research and development expenditure
Research and development costs in the year were £4.3m 
(2015: £6.5m), of which £0.3m were capitalised (2015: £nil).

Substantial shareholdings
Up to 31 May 2016 the Company had been notified, in
accordance with chapter 5 of the disclosure and transparency
rules, of the following voting rights as a shareholders of the
Company. An analysis of shareholders as at 31 May 2016 (as 
disclosed by shareholders via TR1), is set out in the table below.
As at 31 May 2016 the Company had issued share capital of
206,910,146 0.1p ordinary shares.

Financial results and dividend
The results for the year are set out in the income statement on
page 31. The position at the end of the year is shown in the
balance sheet on page 33.

The Directors are not recommending payment of a dividend
(2015: nil).

Share capital
The Company’s share capital consists of 0.1p ordinary shares.
The rights and obligations attached to each share are equal.
Each share carries the right to one vote at the Annual General 
Meeting of the Company and carries no right to fixed income. 
There are no limitations on holding or transfer of the shares. 
The Board has no powers to issue or buy back the Company’s 
shares, other than those approved by the shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting held in November 2015.

Top Investors

Rank

Investor

1

2

3

4

5

6

Aberforth Partners LLP

Legal & General Investment Management Limited

Mrs D. M. Dixon

Hargreave Hale Limited

Mr David Newlands and Mrs Monique Newlands

Prof. John D Rhodes 

31-May-16

34,591,915

30,994,078

16,450,000

10,724,500

8,973,000

6,548,642

% IC

16.72%

14.98%

7.95%

5.18%

4.34%

3.16%

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Report

29

Political and charitable contributions 
No contributions were made for political or charitable 
purposes (2015: £nil).  

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:  

Equal opportunities
The Directors are committed to ensuring that there are equal
opportunities throughout the Group for all employees with
no discrimination on account of race, gender, age, sexual
orientation, disability, political views or religious beliefs.

Disabled employees
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always
welcome and fully considered bearing in mind the skills and
aptitude of the applicant concerned. Where an employee
becomes disabled, all reasonable efforts are made to
ensure that employment with the Group continues and that
appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the Group to 
ensure that the training, career development and promotion 
of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to 
that of other members of staff.

Employee communication
Employee engagement with its strategy and values is vital 
to the success of the Group. The Directors place great 
importance on keeping employees informed on matters 
that affect them as employees as well as matters that affect 
the performance of the Group. This is achieved through 
formal and informal meetings as well as through Group 
communications sessions.

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on
Thursday 29 September 2016 at the offices of KPMG LLP, 
1 Sovereign Square, Sovereign Street, Leeds LS1 4DA. Full 
details of the business to be transacted at the meeting will be 
set out in the notice of Annual General Meeting.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in 
respect of the Annual Report, the Directors’ 
report and the financial statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report, the Directors’ Report and the 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.  
As required by the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange 
they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applicable 
law and have elected to prepare the parent Company financial 
statements on the same basis.  

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them  
  consistently;  

•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and  
  prudent;  

•  state whether they have been prepared in accordance  
  with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and  

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern  
  basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group  
  and the parent Company will continue in business.  

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 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 responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions  

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
Disclosure of information to the auditor
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this
Directors’ report confirm that:

•  so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit  
information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware;  

  and

•  each Director has taken all the steps that they ought to have  

taken as a Director to make themselves aware of any relevant   

  audit information and to establish that the Company’s  
  auditor is aware of that information.

Auditor
KPMG LLP has expressed a willingness to continue in office
as auditor and a resolution to reappoint KPMG LLP will be
proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Under company law the Directors must not approve the 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give 
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and 

Maura Moynihan
Company Secretary
2 August 2016

Governance Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
 
 
 
30

Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of Filtronic plc

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

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

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the  
  parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have  
  not been received from branches not visited by us; or  

•  the parent Company financial statements are not in  
  agreement with the accounting records and returns; or  

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by  

law are not made; or  

•  we have not received all the information and explanations  
  we require for our audit.  

Johnathan Pass (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor  
Chartered Accountants  
1 Sovereign Square
Sovereign Street
Leeds
LS1 4DA
2 August 2016

We have audited the financial statements of Filtronic plc for 
the year ended 31 May 2016 set out on pages 31 to 63.  
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in 
their preparation is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and, as 
regards the parent Company financial statements, as applied 
in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.  

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, 
as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the 
Companies Act 2006.  Our audit work has been undertaken 
so that we might state to the Company’s members those 
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report 
and for no other purpose.  To the fullest extent permitted by 
law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone 
other than the Company and the Company’s members, as a 
body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we 
have formed.  

Respective responsibilities of Directors  
and auditor  
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 29, the Directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is 
to audit, and express an opinion on, the financial statements 
in accordance with applicable law and International Standards 
on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to 
comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards 
for Auditors.  

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

Opinion on financial statements  
In our opinion:  

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the  
  state of the Group’s and of the parent Company’s affairs  
  as at 31 May 2016 and of the Group’s loss for the year  

then ended;  

•  the Group financial statements have been properly  
  prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;  

•  the parent Company financial statements have been  
  properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted  
  by the EU and as applied in accordance with the provisions  
  of the Companies Act 2006; and  

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

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report 

to the members of Filtronic plc

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 May 2016

Revenue 

Adjusted operating loss*

Amortisation of other intangibles 

Capitalisation of development costs
Exceptional items

Operating loss 
Finance costs

Loss before taxation
Taxation 

Loss for the period 

Basic and diluted loss per share 

31

Group

Note

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

13,580

(6,840)

-

286
(426)

(6,980)
(59)

(7,039)
1,922

(5,117)

(3.20p)

17,524

(8,136)

(2,418)

-
(491)

(11,045)
-

(11,045)
537

(10,508)

(10.16p)

15
5

4
11

12

13

*Operating loss before amortisation of other intangibles, exceptional items and R&D development cost capitalisation/amortisation.

The loss for the period is attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent company, Filtronic plc.

The above results are all as a result of continuing operations.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC32

Consolidated statement of
comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 May 2016

Loss for the period

Other comprehensive income

Items that are or may be subsequently reclassified to profit and loss:

Currency translation movement arising on consolidation

Total comprehensive income for the period

Note

Group

2016
£000

2015
£000

(5,117)

(10,508)

26

(55)

236

(5,172)

(10,272)

The total comprehensive income for the period is attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent company, Filtronic plc.

For the Company, there were no other items of comprehensive income other than the loss for the year. Accordingly, no 

company statement of comprehensive income has been presented.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Consolidated statement of

comprehensive income

for the year ended 31 May 2016

Consolidated balance sheet
at 31 May 2016

Non-current assets

Goodwill and other intangibles 

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax 

Current assets

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Provisions 

Deferred income 

Interest bearing borrowings

Non-current liabilities

Deferred income

Total liabilities 

Net assets

Equity

Share capital 

Share premium 

Translation reserve

Retained earnings 
Total equity

33

Group

Note

2016 
£000

2015
£000

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

35

22

24

25

26

28

3,648

1,230 

834

5,712

1,685

8,960 

990

11,635 

17,347

3,377

1,796

-

5,173

1,646

7,906

1,087

10,639

15,812

7,295

6,577 

161

460

1,270

9,186

32

32

9,218 

8,129

10,788

10,640

(255)

(13,044)

8,129

111

21 

320 

7,029

 54

54

7,083 

8,729

10,688

6,199

(200)

(7,958)

8,729

The total equity is attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent company, Filtronic plc.

Company number 2891064

Approved by the Board on 2 August 2016 and signed on its behalf by

Rob Smith

Chief Executive Officer

2 August 2016

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC34

Consolidated statement of
changes in equity
for the year ended 31 May 2016

Opening total equity 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

New shares issued (net of issue costs) 

Share-based payments

Closing total equity

Company statement of
changes in equity
for the year ended 31 May 2016

Opening total equity 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

New shares issued (net of issue costs) 

Share-based payments

Closing total equity

Note

24,25

31

Note

24,25

31

Group

2016
£000

2015 
£000

8,729

16,899

(5,172)

(10,272)

4,541

31

8,129

2,026

76

8,729

Company

2016
£000

18,636

(4,678)

4,541

-

2015
£000

17,161

(538)

2,026

(13)

18,499

18,636

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Consolidated statement of

changes in equity

for the year ended 31 May 2016

Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 May 2016

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss for the period 

Taxation

Finance costs

Operating loss 

Share-based payments

Loss on disposal of plant and equipment

Depreciation 

Amortisation of intangibles 

Movement in inventories

Movement in trade and other receivables 

Movement in trade and other payables 

Movement in provision 

Change in deferred income including government grants

Tax received/(paid) 

Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities

Interest paid 

Acquisition of intangible assets

Capitalisation of development costs

Acquisition of plant and equipment 

Proceeds on sale of assets 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from new shares issued (Net of issue costs)

Movement in interest bearing borrowings 

Net cash from financing activities 

Movement in cash and cash equivalents

Currency exchange movement 

Opening cash and cash equivalents 

Closing cash and cash equivalents 

35

Group

Note

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

(5,117)

(1,922)

59

(10,508)

(537)

-

34

(6,980)

(11,045)

31

76

655

15

(25)

(175)

603

50

439

261

76

50

1,045

2,436

2,375

2,930

(1,094)

(222)

(169)

(62)

34

(5,050)

(3,680)

(59)

-

(286)

(172)

36

(481)

4,541

950

5,491

(40)

(57)

1,087

990

-

(160)

-

(201)

219
(142)

2,026

320

2,346

(1,476)

32

2,531

1,087

34

34

35

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
36

Company balance sheet
at 31 May 2016

Non-current assets

Investments in subsidiaries

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Provision 

Total liabilities

Net assets 

Equity

Share capital 

Share premium 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

Company number 2891064

Approved by the Board on 2 August 2016 and signed on its behalf by

Rob Smith

Chief Executive Officer

2 August 2016

Company

Note

2016 
£000

2015
£000

14

15

16

19

20

21

24

25

28

10,564

10,564

127

38

142

39

10,729

10,745

13,039

125

13,164

23,893

5,394

-

5,394

18,499

10,788

10,640

(2,929)

18,499

13,237

225

13,462

24,207

5,561

10

5,571

18,636

10,688

6,199

1,749

18,636

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Company balance sheet

at 31 May 2016

Company cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 May 2016

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss for the period 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Operating loss 

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangibles

Share-based payments

Movement in trade and other receivables

Movement in trade and other payables 

Movement in provision 

Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities

Acquisition of plant and equipment

Acquisition of intangible assets

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

New shares issued (net of issue costs)

Net cash from financing activities

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Opening cash and cash equivalents

Closing cash and cash equivalents

37

Company

2016
£000

2015
£000

(4,680)

3

-

(4,677)

8

15

-

198

(168)

(10)

(538)

-

(207)

(745)

6

18

(13)

(188)

(736)

(215)

(4,634)

(1,873)

(7)

-

(7)

4,541

4,541

(100)

225

125

(45)

(160)

(205)

2,026

2,026

(52)

277

225

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC38

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

1

Accounting policies
Reporting entity
Filtronic plc is a Company registered in England and Wales, domiciled in the United Kingdom, and is listed on AIM on the 
London Stock Exchange.

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted 
by the European Union (IFRS).

In accordance with the corporate governance requirements and the statement of Directors’ responsibilities, and as disclosed 
in the Directors’ report, the Directors have undertaken a review of forecasts and the Group’s cash requirements for the next 
two financial years ending 31 May 2018, in order to consider whether it is appropriate that the Group continues to adopt the 
going concern assumption. 

The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for forward foreign exchange
contracts that are accounted for on a fair value basis.

The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the Group.

Basis of consolidation
The financial statements consolidate the income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements of the Company 
and all of its subsidiaries.

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies. 
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group, and are not consolidated from 
the date that control ceases. Intragroup transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.

In publishing the parent company financial statements here together with the Group financial statements, the Company 
has taken advantage of the exemptions in s408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual income statement 
and related notes that form part of these approved financial statements. On consolidation, the financial statements of 
subsidiaries with a functional currency other than sterling are translated into sterling as follows:

•  The assets and liabilities in their balance sheets plus any goodwill are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the
  balance sheet date.

•  The income statements and cash flow statements are translated at the average rate of exchange for the period, which
  approximates the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transactions.

Currency translation movements arising on the translation of the net investments in foreign subsidiaries are recognised in 
the translation reserve, which is a separate component of equity.

Foreign currency translation
The functional currency of each group company is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the group
company operates. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional and presentational currency 
of the Company.

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency of each Group company at the
exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
translated into the functional currency at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date.

Foreign exchange gains and losses arising on the settlement of such transactions and translation of monetary assets and
liabilities are recognised in the income statement.

Revenue
Revenue is recognised for goods and services during the periods when the risks and rewards of ownership have been
transferred to the customer, there is no continuing management involvement and the amount of revenue can be measured
reliably. Revenue excludes any related value added or sales tax.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

39

1

Accounting policies (continued)
The timing of the transfers of risks and rewards varies depending on the individual terms of the contract of sale. The 
majority of sales are made at the point the product leaves the Filtronic production facility but there are sales where the 
revenue is recognised once the product is delivered to the customer. In addition, some customers require Filtronic to store 
items on their behalf, in this instance, revenue is recognised when the goods have been invoiced and when the products 
have been moved to a stock location for customer property.

Research and development
All research costs are expensed as incurred.

Development costs chargeable to the customer are recognised as an expense in the same period as the associated
customer revenue.

Development costs incurred on projects requiring product qualification tests to satisfy customer specifications are generally 
expensed as incurred, reflecting the technical risks associated with meeting the resultant product qualification test. 

Development costs incurred on projects are capitalised where firstly, the technical feasibility can be tested against
relevant milestones, secondly, the probable revenue stream foreseen over the life of the resulting product can support
the development, and thirdly, sufficient resources are available to complete the development. These capitalised costs are
amortised on a straight line basis over the expected life of the associated product.

Once a new product is in volume production, further development costs are expensed as they arise because they are 
incurred in response to continual customer demand to enhance the product functionality and to reduce product selling 
prices.

Operating leases
Operating lease rentals are charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Share-based payments
The Group operates share option and share award schemes, under which share options and share awards are granted to
certain employees. The granting of the share options and share awards are share-based payments.

The fair value of the share options at the date of grant was calculated using an option pricing model, taking into account 
the terms and conditions applicable to the option grant. The fair value of the number of share options or share awards 
expected to vest was expensed in the income statement on a straight line basis over the expected vesting period. At 
each reporting period these vesting expectations were revised as appropriate.

A credit was made to equity equal to the share-based payment charge in the period.

Exceptional items
Exceptional items are those significant items which are separately disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence to enable a 
full understanding of the financial results.

Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for by applying the acquisition method.

Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In
assessing control, the Group takes into consideration potential voting rights that currently are exercisable. The acquisition
date is the date on which control is transferred to the acquirer. Judgement is applied in determining the acquisition date 
and determining whether control is transferred from one party to another.

The Group measures goodwill as the fair value of the consideration transferred including the recognised amount of any 
non-controlling interest in the acquiree, less the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured as of the acquisition date.

Consideration transferred includes the fair values of the assets transferred, liabilities incurred by the Group to the previous
owners of the acquiree, and equity interests issued by the Group. Consideration transferred also includes the fair value of 
any deferred consideration, which is undiscounted.

A contingent liability of the acquiree is assumed in a business combination only if such a liability represents a present
obligation and arises from a past event, and its fair value can be measured reliably.

Transaction costs that the Group incurs in connection with a business combination, such as finder’s fees, legal fees, due
diligence fees, and other professional and consulting fees are expensed as incurred.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC40

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016 

1

Accounting policies (continued)
Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are stated in the Company’s financial statements at cost less any accumulated impairment 
losses.

Investments in subsidiaries are tested for impairment when there is an indication of impairment.

Goodwill
Goodwill that arises upon the acquisition of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets.

Goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. 

Goodwill, which is allocated to cash-generating units, is tested for impairment annually and when there is an indication of
impairment. If impaired, the goodwill carrying value is written down to its recoverable amount.

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.

Amortisation is calculated over the cost of the asset, or another amount substituted for cost, less its residual value.
Amortisation is recognised in profit or 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, since this most closely reflects the expected pattern of
consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset.

The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows:

•  Intangibles relating to core technology and know-how: 4.5 years.

Amortisation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each financial year-end and adjusted if appropriate.

Impairment charges
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 useful lives or that are not
yet available for use, the recoverable amount is estimated each year at the same time. The recoverable amount of an 
asset or cash-generating unit 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. For the purposes of impairment 
testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates 
cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the 
“cash-generating unit, or CGU”). Subject to an operating segment ceiling test, for the purposes of goodwill impairment 
testing, CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are aggregated so that the level at which impairment is tested reflects 
the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes.

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount.
Impairment losses are recognised in profit or 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 amounts of the other
assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro-rata basis.

An 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.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and less any accumulated impairment
losses.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016 

41

1

Accounting policies (continued)
Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

•  Land  
•  Buildings   
•  Plant and equipment  

Not depreciated 
50 years
3 to 10 years

Property, plant and equipment are tested for impairment when there is an indication of impairment. If impaired, the 
carrying values of the assets are written down to their recoverable amounts.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises weighted average cost of materials 
and components together with attributable direct labour and overheads. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price 
less estimated costs of completion and sale.

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are stated net of any provision for doubtful debts.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprises cash balances and bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less.

Defined contribution pension schemes 
Defined contribution pension schemes are operated for employees. Contributions are recognised as an expense in the
income statement as incurred.

Financial liabilities
Other current financial liabilities comprise borrowings and trade and other payables, and are recognised initially at fair 
value and subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Current tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using rates enacted or
substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method. Provision is made for temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the amounts for taxation purposes.

Temporary differences are not provided for the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor
taxable profit. No provision is made for differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will 
probably not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount 
of the assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against
which the asset can be utilised.

Grants
Capital based grants are included within deferred income in the balance sheet and credited to the profit and loss account
over the estimated useful economic lives of the assets to which they relate.

Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are recognised in profit or loss as other operating income on a
systematic basis in the same periods in which the expenses are recognised.

Warranty provision
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when there is 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 warranty provision
is recognised when products are sold. The provision is based on historical warranty data. The level of warranty provision
required is reviewed on a product by product basis and adjusted accordingly in light of actual experience.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
 
42

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

1

Accounting policies (continued)
Dilapidations and onerous leases
A provision for dilapidations and onerous leases is recognised in the balance sheet on a lease by lease basis and is based 
on the Group’s best estimates of the required cost to settle the obligations.

Share capital
Ordinary shares issued are classified as share capital in equity.

Dividends 
Interim dividends are recognised in equity in the period they are paid. Final dividends are recognised in equity in the period
they are approved by shareholders.

Forward currency contracts
Forward currency contracts are held at fair value. The gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is recognised 
immediately in the consolidated income statement.

Accounting Developments
Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published that are mandatory 
for the Group’s accounting period beginning on or after 1 June 2015.  The following new standards and amendments to 
standards are mandatory and have been adopted for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 June 2015:

•  Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions (Amendments to IAS 19);

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010 - 2012 Cycle; and

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2011 - 2013 Cycle.

These standards have not had a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published that are mandatory 
for the Group’s accounting period beginning on or after 1 June 2016. The Group has elected not to adopt early these 
standards which are described below:

•  Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations (Amendments to IFRS 11);

•  Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation (Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38);

•  Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements (Amendments to IAS 27);

•  Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture (Amendments to IFRS 10 and  

IAS 28);

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012 - 2014 Cycle; and

•  Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 1).

The above are not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s reported results.

IFRS 15 - “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” has been published which will be mandatory for the Group’s 
accounting period beginning on or after 1 June 2018. The Group is still considering the impact of this standard however it 
is anticipated the impact on the financial position and performance of the Group will not be material. 

IFRS 16 - “Leases” has been published which will be mandatory for the Group’s accounting period beginning on or after  
1 June 2019. The Group is still considering the impact of this standard however it is anticipated the impact on the financial 
position and performance of the Group will not be material.

In addition, the IASB has indicated that it will issue a new standard on accounting for leases. Under the proposals, lessees 
would be required to recognise assets and liabilities arising from both operating and finance leases on the balance sheet. 
The IASB also plans to issue a new standard on insurance contracts. The Group will consider the financial impacts of this 
new standard when finalised.

There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material 
impact on the Group.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

43

2

Accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of accounting estimates and judgements, that affect the
application of accounting policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The accounting
estimates and judgements are continually evaluated. They are based on historical experience and other factors, including
expectations of the future, that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from the
expected results.

The accounting estimates and judgements that have a significant effect on the financial statements are considered below.

Goodwill and other intangibles impairment
Goodwill and other intangibles are tested for impairment by reference to the expected cash generated by the business 
unit. This is deemed to be the best approximation of value, but is subject to the same uncertainties as the cash flow 
forecast being used.

Inventory
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The assessment of the net realisable value of inventory
requires forecasts of the future demand and selling prices of inventory.

Debtors
In line with industry practice,  Filtronic extends credit terms to its customers. Due to the concentration of debtors the effect of 
any one debtor defaulting would be material to the Group’s financial statements. Estimates and judgements are made when 
valuing the debtor as to its recoverability. A bad debt provision is created when it is unlikely the debt will be recovered.

Deferred tax asset
The recognition of the deferred tax assets relating to tax losses carried forward depends on forecasts of the future taxable
profits of the Company and its subsidiaries. These forecasts require the use of estimates and judgements about the future
performance of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Warranty provision
Warranties are given to customers on products sold to them. A warranty provision is recognised when products are sold.
The provision is based on historical warranty data. Actual warranty costs in the future may differ from the estimates based
on historical performance. The level of warranty provision required is reviewed on a product by product basis and adjusted
accordingly in light of actual experience.

Capitalisation of development costs
In line with the requirements of IFRS, the Group’s policy is to capitalise development expenditure as intangible assets 
when all the following criteria are met:

•  the technical feasibility of completing the asset so that it will be available for use or sale;

•  the intention to complete the asset and use or sell it;

•  the ability to use or sell the asset;

•   the asset will generate probable future economic benefits and demonstrate the existence of a market or the usefulness

  of the asset if it is to be used internally;

•   the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell it;

and the ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset.

This process is continually reviewed to ascertain whether any development costs meet the criteria for capitalisation.  
This requires various judgements by management as to whether the various criteria have been met.

The period over which development costs are amortised are reviewed on a case by case basis in line with the expected 
product life.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
44

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

3

Segmental analysis
Operating segments
IFRS 8 requires consideration of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) within the Group. In line with the Group’s
internal reporting framework and management structure, the key strategic and operating decisions are made by the CEO,
who reviews internal monthly management reports, budget and forecast information as part of this. Accordingly, the CEO 
is deemed to be the CODM.

Operating segments have then been identified based on the reporting information and management structures within the
Group. The Group has four customers representing individually over 10 percent each and in aggregate 74 percent of
revenue. This is split as follows:

•  Customer A (Filtronic Wireless) — 29%

•  Customer B (Filtronic Broadband) — 22%

•  Customer C (Filtronic Wireless) — 13%

•  Customer D (Filtronic Wireless and Filtronic Broadband) — 10%

The Group operates in two trading business segments:

•  The design of radio frequency conditioning product for base stations used in wireless telecommunication networks

(Filtronic Wireless).

•  The design and manufacture of transceiver modules and filters for backhaul microwave linking of base stations used in  
  wireless telecommunications networks (Filtronic Broadband).

The Group also contains a central services segment that provides support to the trading businesses.

In the table below reportable segment assets and liabilities include intersegment balances. These have been included  
to reflect the assets and liabilities of the segment as monies are freely moved around the Group to provide funding for 
working capital where required.

Revenue

Depreciation

Filtronic
Broadband

Filtronic
Wireless

Central 
Services

Total

2016
£000

2015
£000

2016
£000

2015
£000

2016 
£000

2015
£000

2016
£000

2015
£000

4,618

7,241

8,962

10,283

330

482

316

557

-

9

-

6

13,580

17,524

655

1,045

Adjusted operating loss*

(1,723)

(1,648)

(4,514)

(5,697)

(603)

(791)

(6,840)

(8,136)

Amortisation of other intangibles

Capitalisation of development costs

Exceptional Items

-

100

-

-

-

186

-

-

-

(256)

(209)

(180)

Reportable segment operating loss 

(1,623)

(1,904)

(4,537)

(5,877)

-

-

(217)

(820)

-

-

-

-

(2,418)

286

-

(55)

(426)

(491)

(846)

(6,980)

(11,045)

-

(59)

-

Finance costs

Loss before taxation

Reportable segment assets 

Capital expenditure 

Reportable segment liabilities

-

-

(59)

-

(1,623)

(1,904)

(4,596)

(5,877)

(820)

(846)

(7,039)

(11,045)

2,475

4,883

11,306

7,251

15,601

11,959 

29,382

24,093

58

5

107

151

8,778

9,877

14,546

7,381

7

480

45

172

201

657

23,804

17,915

*Operating loss before amortisation of other intangibles, exceptional items and R&D development cost capitalisation/amortisation.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

45

3

Segmental analysis (continued)
Reconciliation of reportable segment revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities and other material items

Depreciation and amortisation

Reportable segment totals

Amortisation of intangibles 

Consolidated depreciation and amortisation

Loss before taxation

Loss before taxation for reportable segments

Group/unallocated amortisation of intangibles

Consolidated loss before taxation

Assets

Total assets for reportable segments 

Intercompany 

Group/unallocated 

Consolidated total assets 

Liabilities

Total liabilities for reportable segments 

Intercompany

Consolidated total liabilities

2016
£000

2015
£000

655

15

670

1,045

2,436

3,481 

(7,039)

-

(8,627)

(2,418)

(7,039)

(11,045)

29,382

24,093

(14,586)

(10,832)

2,551

2,551

17,347

15,812

23,804

17,915

(14,586)

(10,832)

9,218

7,083

Geographical information
In presenting information on the basis of geographical segments, segment revenue is based on geographical location of
customers. Segment assets are based on the geographical location of the assets.

Revenue by destination

United Kingdom

Europe

Americas 

Rest of the world 

Split of non-current assets by location

United Kingdom 

Europe  

Americas 

Rest of the world 

Non-current assets relate to property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and deferred tax.

2016
£000

188

5,606

4,132

3,654

2015 
£000

1,772

4,412

7,727

3,613

13,580

17,524

2016
£000

4,519

94

1,094

5

5,712

2015
£000

3,772

131

1,095

175

5,173

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC46

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

4 

Operating loss

Revenue

Other operating income

Raw materials and consumables

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Pension costs 

Share-based payments 

Exceptional redundancy and resignation costs 

Staff costs 

Amortisation of intangibles 

Depreciation 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Other operating charges 

Operating costs 

Operating loss

2016
£000

2015
£000

13,580

17,524

(40)

9,936

5,566

670

363

31

217

6,847

15

655

670

3,147

(69)

11,478

7,345

830

453

76

370

9,074

2,436

1,045

3,481

4,605

20,560

28,569

(6,980)

(11,045)

The operating loss is stated after the exceptional items in note 5. £217,000 of exceptional items have been charged  
through wages and salaries with the remainder charged through other operating charges.

5 

Exceptional items
Operating loss is stated after charging exceptional items as follows:

Listing on AIM on the London Stock Exchange

Redundancy costs

Director resignation

Closure of Filtronic Wireless California operation

Filtronic Broadband relocation

Dilapidation of premises of discontinued operations

Electrical damage

l

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r
o
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s
e
a
R
c
c
n
a
g
n
e
i
t
F
a
r
t

i

S

2016
£000

209

217

-

-

-

-

-

426

2015 
£000

-

244

131 

67

98

(75)

26

491

The Company delisted from the Official List on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange on 16 November 2015 

and moved its listing to AIM on the London Stock Exchange. The cost of doing this including professional advisors was 

£209,000.

The Filtronic Wireless business completed a restructure of its operational cost base to deliver annualised cost savings of 

over £1.0m. The cost to implement this was £217,000.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

6 

Operating items

Operating loss is stated after charging/(crediting):

Research and development costs before capitalisation of development costs

Development costs capitalised

Operating lease rentals 

Foreign exchange gain

7 

Auditor’s remuneration 
The Company’s auditor is KPMG LLP. The auditor’s remuneration was as follows:

Company auditor:

Audit of the Group and Company financial statements 

Company auditor and their associates:

Audit of subsidiaries’ financial statements pursuant to legislation 

Other services pursuant to such legislation

Taxation services 

Other services

47

2015
£000

6,466

-

478

(108)

2016
£000

4,294

(286)

381

(16)

2016 
£000

2015
£000

11

40

2

-

42

95

11

47

5

11

2

76

£40,000 was paid to KPMG LLP in the year for professional services relating to the move to AIM on the London Stock 

Exchange.

8

Employees
The average number of employees comprised:

Manufacturing 

Research and development

Sales

Administration

2016 
Number

2015
Number

56

51

4

17

128

68

80

5

17

170

The Directors are related parties.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
48

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

9

Compensation of Directors
Details of the remuneration, pension entitlements and share options of the individual Directors are set out in the 
Remuneration Report on pages 24 to 27. The compensation of the Directors was:

Salary or fees  

Loss of office  

Bonuses  

Benefits  

Total remuneration excluding pension contributions and share-based payments  

Pension contributions  

Share-based payments  

2016 
£000

307

-

50

13

370

13

-

383

2015
£000

501

111

50

18

680

12

-

692

10

Related party transactions

Identity of related parties
The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries and with its Directors.

Transactions with subsidiaries
The main transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are management administration recharges to its
subsidiaries of £432,000 (2015: £432,000) and a royalty charge of 1 percent of Filtronic Wireless sales to the Filtronic 
Wireless business of £90,000 (2015: £102,000). The royalty charge is eliminated on consolidation.

The Company also acts as a central service to distribute money around the Group to ensure subsidiaries are adequately
funded to meet obligations and to invest funds from subsidiaries where surplus cash exists. The total figures for these
transactions along with the management and royalty charge can be seen in notes 19 and 20 through the movement in the
Company’s intercompany receivables and payables.

Transactions with key management personnel
Key management personnel are considered to be the executive Directors of the Company. The remuneration given to 
these individuals is disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 24 to 27.

11

Finance costs

Interest costs

2016
£000

59

59

2015
£000

-

-

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Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 201612

Taxation

Recognised in the income statement

Current tax credit

Overseas taxation in the period

Adjustment in respect of prior year — R&D tax credit 

Total current tax credit

Deferred tax credit

Release of deferred tax liability

(Origination) and reversal of temporary differences 

Total deferred tax credit

Income tax credit

The reconciliation of the effective tax rate is as follows:

Loss before taxation

Loss before taxation multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax

in the UK

Disallowable items

Income not taxable 

Deferred tax not recognised

Impact of tax rate change on deferred tax

Adjustment in respect of prior year R&D tax credit 

Foreign tax not at UK rate 

Recognition of deferred tax asset from prior year

De-recognition of deferred tax asset

Taxation

49

2015
£000

136

(673)

(537)

(485)

485

-

(537)

2016 
£000

40

(1,128)

(1,088)

-

(834)

(834)

(1,922)

2016
£000

(7,039)

2016
£000

2015
£000

(11,045)

2015
£000

(20%)

(1,408)

(21%)

(2,300)

(1%)

1%

(57)

64

17%

1,181

-

-

(16%)

(1,128)

(4%)

(4%)

-

(275)

(299)

-

(27%)

(1,922)

2%

1%

16%

1%

(6%)

(2%)

-

4%

(5%)

245

167

1,722

19

(673)

(202)

-

485

(537)

The main rate of UK corporation tax for the full financial year was 20 percent. This will reduce to 19 percent from 1 April 
2017, and to 18 percent from 1 April 2020. The deferred tax assets recognised in the year have been calculated at the 
rates of their expected use.

13

Loss per share

Loss for the period

Basic weighted average number of shares

Basic and diluted loss per share

Group

2016
£000

2015
£000

(5,117)

(10,508)

000
160,070

(3.20p)

000
103,417

(10.16p)

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC50

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

14

Investments in subsidiaries

Cost

At 1 June 2014, 31 May 2015 and 31 May 2016 
Impairment

At 1 June 2014, 31 May 2015 and 31 May 2016

Carrying amount at 1 June 2014, 31 May 2015 and 31 May 2016

Company
investments in
subsidiaries
£000

21,110

10,546

10,564

The Company’s subsidiaries are related parties.

The subsidiaries at 31 May 2016, which were directly owned by Filtronic plc, were as follows:

Name of subsidiary

Country of
incorporation

Description of
equity held

Proportion
held

Activity

Filtronic Broadband Limited

UK

1p ordinary shares 

100%

Design and manufacture 
of  microwave products for 
telecommunication systems

Filtronic Holdings UK Limited

Isotek (Holdings) Limited

Filtronic Comtek (UK) Limited

UK

UK

UK

£1 ordinary shares 

1p ordinary shares 

12.2787p ordinary 
shares

100%

100%

100%

Holding Company

Holding Company

Dormant Company

Owned by Filtronic Holdings UK Limited:

Filtronic Wireless AB

Sweden

SEK1 ordinary shares

100%

Owned by Isotek (Holdings) Limited:

Filtronic Wireless Limited

UK

1p ordinary shares

100%

Filtronic Wireless Inc.

USA

$1 ordinary shares

100%

Design and manufacture 
of antenna products for 
telecommunication systems

Design and manufacture of 
filters and related products for 
telecommunication systems

Design and manufacture of 
filters and related products for 
telecommunication systems

Isotek Limited

UK

1p ordinary shares

100%

Dormant company

Owned by Filtronic Wireless Limited:

Isotek Hong Kong Holdings 
Limited

Hong Kong

HK$1 ordinary shares

100%

Holding company

Owned by Isotek Hong Kong Holdings Limited:

Isotek Suzhou Limited

China

Filtronic Wireless Suzhou

China

USD $350,000
paid in share capital

USD $162,000
paid in share capital

100%

100%

Design and manufacture 
of filters and related products 
for telecommunication systems
Design and manufacture 
of filters and related products 
for telecommunication systems

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Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

51

15 

Goodwill and other intangibles

Cost

At 1 June 2014 

Additions

At 31 May 2015

Additions

At 31 May 2016

Amortisation

At 1 June 2014 

Provided in year 

At 31 May 2015

Provided in year 

At 31 May 2016

Carrying amount at 1 June 2014 

Carrying amount at 31 May 2015

Carrying amount at 31 May 2016

Goodwill
£000

Other intangibles
(core technology)
£000

Licence 
agreement 
£000

Development 
costs
£000

Total
£000

3,235

-

3,235

-

3,235

-

-

-

-

-

3,235

3,235

3,235

10,884

-

10,884

-

10,884

8,466

2,418

10,884

-

10,884

2,418

-

-

-

160

160

-

160

-

18

18

15

33

-

142

127

-

-

-

286

286

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

286

14,119

160

14,279

286

14,565

8,466

2,436

10,902

15

10,917

5,653

3,377

3,648

Goodwill and other intangibles relate to the acquisition of Isotek (Holdings) Limited.

Goodwill is allocated to the Filtronic Wireless cash-generating unit (CGU) and this CGU represents the lowest level within 
the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, which is not higher than the Group’s 
operating segments as reported in note 3. The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if there are 
indications that goodwill may be impaired.

The carrying value of intangible assets and goodwill has been assessed for impairment by reference to its value in use. 
Value in use was determined by discounting the future cash flows generated from the continuing use of the unit. The 
calculation of the value in use was based on the following key assumptions:

•  budgets incorporating post tax cash flows have been prepared to 31 May 2018 based on past experience, actual 
  operating results, known future cash flows and estimates of future cash flows;

•  cash flows for a further 3 years have been extrapolated from the year to 31 May 2018. A revenue growth factor of 5%    
  was applied to the projections together with cost inflation of 3%. A perpetuity factor has been applied based on the       
  year to 31 May 2021; 

•  post tax discount rate of 12% (2015:12%) was applied in determining the recoverable amount of the unit, being the
  estimated weighted average cost of capital for the Filtronic Wireless CGU.

Based on this testing the Directors do not consider any of the goodwill or intangible assets to be impaired, even allowing 
for a reasonable degree of sensitivity to the underlying assumptions, including the discount rate.

The licence agreement relates to a Remote Electrical Downtilt (‘‘RET’’) licence procured during the year to enable the use 
of RETs in the antenna products.

The accounting policy for intangible assets is set out in note 1. Development costs have been recognised in both Filtronic 
Wireless and Filtronic Broadband relating to ultra wide band antennas and E-band developments respectively. 

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
52

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

16

Property, plant and equipment

Cost

At 1 June 2014 

Additions 

Disposals 

Currency translation movement 

At 31 May 2015 

Additions 

Disposals 

Currency translation movement

At 31 May 2016 

Depreciation and impairment

At 1 June 2014 

Depreciation 

Disposals

Currency translation movement

At 31 May 2015 

Depreciation 

Disposals 

Currency translation movement 

At 31 May 2016 

Carrying amount at 1 June 2014 

Carrying amount at 31 May 2015

Carrying amount at 31 May 2016 

17 

Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets

Opening balance 

Tax losses derecognised

Tax losses recognised

Effect of change in UK corporation tax rate 

Closing balance

Group 
plant and 
equipment
£000

Company 
plant and 
equipment
£000

9,738

201

(1,719)

104

8,324

172

(1,118)

70

7,448

6,873

1,045

(1,452)

62

6,528

655

(1,008)

43

6,218

2,865

1,796

1,230

-

45

-

-

45

7

-

-

52

-

6

-

-

6

8

-

-

14

-

39

38

Group

2015
£000

485

(485)

-

-

-

2016
£000

-

-

834

-

834

The deferred tax asset from the Filtronic Wireless UK business has been recognised as the Directors consider that the 
Filtronic Wireless UK legal entity will return to profitability in the next year.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

53

17 

Deferred tax (continued)

Deferred tax assets which have not been recognised:

Depreciation in advance of capital allowances

Tax losses carried forward 

Share options deferment

Group

Company

2016
£000

2,109

2015
£000

1,806

2016
£000

455

2015
£000

455

11,969

12,838

9,161

10,515

47

-

47

-

14,125

14,644

9,663

10,970

The deferred tax assets have not been recognised where the Directors consider that it is unlikely that the underlying
temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future. There is no expiry date for these unrecognised assets.

Deferred tax liability

Opening balance

Release to income statement

Closing balance

18

Inventories

Raw materials 

Work in progress 

Finished goods

Inventory provision

Inventories are stated net of provision

Group

2016
£000

-

-

-

2015
£000

485

(485)

-

Group

Company

2016
£000

3,158

234

316

2015
£000

2,872

350

412

3,708

3,634

(2,023)

(1,988)

1,685

1,646

2016
£000

2015
£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The amount charged to the income statement in the year in respect of write downs of inventories is £636,000 (2015:
£1,190,000). The amount credited to the income statement in the year in respect of reversals of write downs of 
inventories is £nil (2015: £200,000).

19 

Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables

Group receivables 

Other receivables and prepayments 

Group

Company

2016 
£000

7,457

-

1,503

8,960

2015
£000

6,456

2016
£000

-

2015 
£000

-

-

12,996

13,200

1,450

7,906

43

37

13,039

13,237

Trade receivables are stated net of provision. There are no provisions for bad debt.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC54

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

20

Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Group payables 

Other payables and accruals 

21

Provisions

Warranty provision

Opening balance 

Used during the year 

Released unused during the year

Charge for the year 

Closing balance

Group

Company

2016
£000

6,051

-

1,244

7,295

2015
£000

5,381

-

1,196

6,577

2016
£000

113

4,914

367

5,394

2015
£000

19

4,914

628

5,561

Group

2016
£000

101

(4)

(31)

95

161

2015
£000

108

(12)

(35)

40

101

Company

2016
£000

2015
£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The provision for warranty relates to the units sold during the last two financial years. The provision is based on estimates
made from historical warranty data.

Dilapidation provision

Opening balance 

Used during the year 

Released unused during the year

Charge for the year 

Closing balance

Group

Company

2016
£000

10

-

(10)

-

-

2015
£000

225

(140)

(75)

-

10

2016
£000

10

-

(10)

-

-

2015
£000

225

(140)

(75)

-

10

22

Deferred income
Deferred income classified as current consists of a capital grant made by a customer that will be recognised as income 
in the next year. Deferred income classified as non-current consists of the non-current portion that will be released to the 
income statement over the life of the asset.

23

Pension costs

Defined contribution schemes 

Group

Company

2016
£000

361

2015
£000

453

2016
£000

25

2015
£000

20

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

24 

Share capital

At 1 June 2014

Shares issued in year

At 1 June 2015

Shares issued in year

At 31 May 2016

55

Group and Company 
Ordinary shares of 0.1p each
£000

Number

97,160,986

9,716,000

106,876,986

100,033,160

206,910,146

9,716

972

10,688

100

10,788

Holders of the ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends when declared, and are entitled to one vote per share at 
meetings of the Company.

On 16 November 2015, the Company successfully moved from the Official List on the Main Market of the London Stock 
Exchange to AIM on the London Stock Exchange. The primary purpose of this move was to undertake a share placing 
of 90,000,000 new shares at 5.0p per share generating £4.5m before issue costs. This placing successfully concluded 
on the same date with issue costs charged to the share premium account of £321,000. The net proceeds from the new 
shares issued was £4,179,000. 

In order to execute this, the Company completed a capital reorganisation by reducing the nominal value attached to the 
existing shares prior to the placing. This resulted in the nominal value of each existing share reducing from 10p per share 
to 0.1p per share with each share also carrying a deferred share with a value of 9.9p. The deferred shares have no voting 
rights.

An announcement was also made that the Company intended to allow all of the shareholders on the share register at 16 
November 2015 to take part in an open offer, subject to shareholder approval, with a further issue of up to 19,999,373 
shares. On 16 December 2015, shareholders voted in favour of the resolutions relating to the open offer. This resulted in 
a further issue of 10,033,160 shares at 5.0p per share. This generated a further £500,000 before issue costs of £138,000 
with the payment received into the Company’s bank account in December 2015.

25 

Share premium

At 1 June 2014  

Premium on share issue  

At 1 June 2015  

Premium on share issue  

At 31 May 2016

26 

Translation reserve

At 1 June 2014

Currency translation movement arising on consolidation

At 1 June 2015

Currency translation movement arising on consolidation

At 31 May 2016

Group and
Company

5,145

1,054

6,199

4,441

10,640

Group
£000

(436)

236

(200)

(55)

(255)

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC56

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

27 

Dividends
The Directors are not proposing to pay a dividend for the year ended 31 May 2016 (2015: nil).

28 

Retained earnings

At 1 June 2014

Loss for the period 

Share-based payments 

At 31 May 2015 

Loss for the period  

Share-based payments  

At 31 May 2016

Group
£000

2,474

(10,508)

76

(7,958)

(5,117)

31

Company
£000

2,300

(538)

(13)

1,749

(4,678)

-

(13,044)

(2,929)

29

Share options
There are six sharesave plans that have been offered to employees at the date of this report. The first three schemes 
offered to employees have now closed. Under these plans employees who join the plan save up to £500 per month for 
three years. The members of the plans were granted a number of share options based on the amount they would save 
over the three years. At the end of the three years the members have a six-month period in which they can exercise the 
share options. The exercise price for an option for the first five schemes was the middle market quotation of Filtronic plc’s 
ordinary shares as derived from the Official List of London Stock Exchange on the dealing day immediately prior to the 
plan offer date. The sixth scheme had an exercise price of the middle market quotation of Filtronic plc’s ordinary shares as 
derived from AIM on the dealing day immediately prior to the plan offer date.

Sharesave Plan - Scheme 3

Weighted average
exercise price 2016

Number of
options 2016

Weighted average
exercise price 2015

Number of
options 2015

Outstanding at the beginning of the period 

Exercised during the period 

Cancelled during the period 

Outstanding at the end of the period 

Exercisable at the end of the period

22.6p

22.6p

22.6p

22.6p

22.6p

763,313

-

(763,313)

-

-

22.6p

22.6p

22.6p

22.6p

22.6p

883,258

-

(119,945)

763,313

763,313

The third sharesave scheme was offered to employees in April 2012 and has now closed.

Sharesave Plan - Scheme 4

Weighted 
average exercise 
price 2016

Number of
options  
2016

Weighted  
average exercise 
price 2015

Number of
options 
2015

Outstanding at the beginning of the period

Exercised during the period 

Cancelled during the period

Outstanding at the end of the period

Exercisable at the end of the period

56.4p

56.4p

56.4p

56.4p

56.4p

64,652

-

(41,740)

22,912

-

56.4p

56.4p

56.4p

56.4p

56.4p

147,305

-

(82,653)

64,652

7,786

The fourth sharesave scheme was offered to employees in March 2013.

The options outstanding at 31 May 2016 for Scheme 4 have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 0.5 years. 
The share options granted during the year to May 2013 have an exercise price of 56.4p and have an exercise period from 
1 May to 31 October 2016.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

57

29

Share options (continued)
Sharesave Plan - Scheme 5

Weighted average 
exercise price 2016

Number of 
options 2016

Weighted average 
exercise price 2015

Number of

options 2015

Outstanding at the beginning of the period

Granted during the period 

Cancelled during the period

Outstanding at the end of the period

Exercisable at the end of the period

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

796,290

-

(712,101)

84,189

-

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

-

1,088,801

(292,511)

796,290

75,482

The fifth sharesave scheme was offered to employees in June 2014.

The options outstanding at 31 May 2016 for Scheme 5 have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.5 years. 
The share options granted during the year to May 2016 have an exercise price of 31p and have an exercise period from 
1 July to 31 December 2017.

Sharesave Plan - Scheme 6
A sixth sharesave scheme was offered to employees in June 2016. These share options have an exercise price of 5.2p 
and have an exercise period from 1 June to 30 November 2019.

Management incentive plans
The options granted in the year to Directors and key management and staff have specific performance targets attached 
to them. The target requires that the average mid-market closing price of a share over any period of forty consecutive 
business days between the date of grant and the third anniversary of the date of grant is greater than 20 pence per share. 
Directors can only exercise their shares three years after grant after the target has been met. All other staff can exercise 
their shares in three equal tranches after each year if the performance target has been met during the relevant financial 
year. The exercise price for an option was the middle market quotation of Filtronic plc’s ordinary shares as derived from 
the Official List of the London Stock Exchange or AIM depending on the timing of the award and the market Filtronic 
traded on the dealing day immediately prior to the plan offer date. 

The following options under this scheme were outstanding at 31 May 2016:

Ordinary shares of 0.1p

Date granted

Earliest date 
exercisable

Latest date 
exercisable

Exercise price

23,903

132,721

6,350,000

500,000

7,006,624

01/08/2011

01/11/2011

01/03/2016

11/04/2016

01/08/2014

29/10/2014

01/03/2017

11/04/2017

01/08/2021

29/10/2021

29/02/2026

10/04/2026

23.5p

18.1p

5.4p

The weighted average price of options of the outstanding options under this scheme at 31 May 2016 was 5.9p

Number of share 
options 2016

Number of share 
options 2015

Outstanding at the beginning of the period 

Granted during the period

Cancelled during the period

Outstanding at the end of the period

Exercisable at the end of the period

745,072

7,400,000

(1,138,448)

7,006,624

156,624

406,205

450,000

(111,133)

745,072

345,072

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
58

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

30

Share awards

Performance share plan

Outstanding at the beginning of the period 

Granted during the year

Cancelled during the year 

Outstanding at the end of the period

No new share awards were granted in the year.

31

Share-based payments

Share options expense

Share awards expense

Non-vesting LTIP share award

Number of share awards

2016
£000

2015
£000

-

-

-

-

375,648

-

(375,648)

-

Group

2016
£000

2015
£000

Company

2016
£000

2015
£000

40

-

(9)

31

98

(22)

-

76

9

-

(9)

-

9

(22)

-

(13)

The share options expense is the fair value of the share options at the date of grant spread over the expected vesting period 
of the share options. The fair value of the share options at the date of grant was measured using the Black-Scholes model.

The inputs to the Black–Scholes model and the weighted average fair value of the share options granted during the year
were as follows:

Number of share options granted 

Weighted average share price 

Expected volatility 

Expected life 

Risk free interest rate 

Weighted average fair value

Group

2016
£000

2015
£000

Company

2016
£000

7,400,000

-

1,850,000

5.4p

50%

31.0p

60%

5.4p

50%

3.0 years

3.0 years

3.0 years

3.0 years

0.5%

1.0p

3%

10p

0.5%

1.0p

3%

10p

2015
£000

-

31.0p

60%

Expected volatility is the estimate of the volatility of the share price over the expected life of the share options.

The share awards expense was the fair value of the share awards at the date of award spread over the expected vesting period 
of the share awards. The fair value of the share awards at the date of award was the market price of the shares on that day.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

32

Operating lease commitments
At the balance sheet date there were commitments for lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall
due as follows:

Group

Company

59

Less than one year

Between one and five years

More than five years

2016
£000

354

688

111

2015
£000

378

931

230

1,153

1,539

2016
£000

2015 
£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

The Group leases a number of facilities, offices and vehicles under non-cancellable operating leases. The lease terms are for
periods of one to ten years.

The operating lease for a facility in Shrewsbury, UK was transferred to a third party during the year as part of our cost 
restructuring exercise removing the lease commitment from the Group.

33

Capital expenditure commitments

Capital expenditure contracted for at the  balance sheet date  
but not provided in the financial statements

34

Note to the consolidated cash flow statement

Operating loss  

Net cash used in operating activities  

Net cash used in investing activities 

Net cash from financing activities

Group

2016 
£000

2015
£000

Company

2016
£000

2015
£000

42

1

4

-

Group

2016
£000

(6,980)

(5,050)

(481)

5,491

2015 
£000

(11,045)

(3,680)

(142)

2,346

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC60

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

35

Analysis of net (debt)/funds

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest bearing borrowings

Reconciliation of cash flow to movement in net (debt)/funds

Movement in cash and cash equivalents

Cash flow from increase in debt financing 

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 

Movement in net (debt)/funds 

Net funds at 1 June 2014

Net (debt)/funds at 31 May 2015

1 June
2015
£000

1,087

(320)

767

Cash 
flow
£000

Other 
changes 
£000

31 May
2016 
£000

(40)

(950)

(990)

(57)

990

-

(1,270)

(57) 

(280)

2016
£000

(40)

(950)

(57)

(1,047)

767

(280)

2015
£000

(1,476)

(320)

32

(1,764)

2,531

767

The Group has invoice discounting facilities in both the UK and US, enabling it to borrow money against the UK and US 
debtor books.

$1,066,000 is secured against the US debtors in Filtronic Wireless Inc as per the Faunus Group International Inc (FGI) 
sales invoicing agreement. 

The £535,000 is secured against the UK debtors in Filtronic Broadband Limited and Filtronic Wireless Limited as per the 
Barclays sales financing agreement. 

36

Financial instruments
Fair value
The carrying amount of all the financial assets and liabilities approximates to their fair value as described below.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise bank balances and bank deposits with a maturity of three months or less.

Trade and other receivables are all receivable in less than one year. Trade receivables are generally receivable within 90 days.

Trade and other payables are all payable in less than one year. Trade payables are generally payable within 90 days.

Liquidity risk
The Group has net debt of £280,000 whilst the Company has net funds of £125,000. The Group has access to a £4.0m 
sales invoicing facility with Barclays Bank having successfully secured a temporary increase from £2.0m to assist with 
working capital requirements for the ramp of the antenna programme and a $3.5m sales invoice facility with Faunus 
Group International (FGI). 

Cash is held on bank deposit for varying periods from overnight to six months to ensure all liabilities can be met as they 
fall due. 

The sales invoicing facility with Barclays allows the Company to borrow 65% of the UK entities’ debtors denominated in 
US dollars and sterling up to a value of £4.0m reducing back to £2.0m in October 2016.

The US subsidiary, Filtronic Wireless Inc, has a sales invoice finance facility with Faunus Group International Inc (FGI 
Finance). This facility allows the Group to borrow 80% of the US entity’s debtors up to $3.5m.

The amount of cash available to the Group through sales invoice finance facilities along with the ramp in sales results in a 
low liquidity risk.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

61

36

Financial instruments (continued) 
Credit risk
The exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables 
in the balance sheet as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables

Group

Company

2016
£000

990

8,960

9,950

2015
£000

1,087

7,906

8,993

2016
£000

125

13,039

13,164

2015
£000

225

13,237

13,462

The cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet were on deposit with large banks with high credit ratings as follows:

Barclays Bank PLC

China CITIC Bank International Limited

Bank of America Corporation

The Bank of Delmarva 

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB 

Group

2016
£000

2015
£000

196

47

745

-

2

538

41

496

11

1

Company

2016
£000

125

-

-

-

-

2015
£000

225

-

-

-

-

990

1,087

125

225

The credit risk related to cash and cash equivalents is considered to be low due to the banks being large with high credit
ratings.

Credit risk is primarily related to trade receivables. The Group’s businesses are concentrated on long term relationships with 
a small number of larger and long established original equipment manufacturers. Overdue receivables are regularly monitored
and appropriate action is taken to collect payment. The Group has historically incurred only low levels of unrecoverable
receivables. Therefore credit risk is considered to be low.

The Company has no trade receivables.

Trade receivables included the following amounts for the Group’s largest customers:

Customer one  

Customer two

Customer three 

Other customers

Group

2015
£000

1,537

1,424

698

2,797

6,456

2016
£000

3,966

834

657

2,000

7,457

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC62

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2016

36

Financial instruments (continued)

The age of trade receivables that have not been provided for was as follows:

Not past due

Past due less than three months

Past due more than three months

No trade receivables have been provided for in either 2016 or 2015.

Group

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

7,298

5,530

133

26

633

293

7,457

6,456

Interest rate risk
Cash is generally held on short term bank deposits which earns interest at variable money market deposit rates. At 31 May 
2016 there was £nil held on short term deposit. The remaining cash in the Group is held in very low interest rate accounts. 
Sterling interest rates are very low and therefore interest rate risk is considered to be low.

The interest rate sensitivity of the expected annual interest income/(costs) assuming a balance on deposit or loan of
£1,000,000 is as follows:

1.5% 

1.0% 

0.5%

Expected
annual
interest
income
£000

Expected
annual
interest
costs
£000

15

10

5

(15)

(10)

(5)

Foreign currency risk
The Group’s and Company’s reporting currency is sterling, which is also the Company’s functional currency. The functional
currencies of the subsidiaries are sterling, US dollar, Chinese yuan and Swedish krona.

The Group’s results and financial position are affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

The Group has generated a surplus of US dollars during the year due to an increasing number of projects being supplied in
US dollars. Whilst the Group’s major supplier invoices in US dollars, giving some degree of a natural hedge, it is not adequate
to offset the exposure on currency risk. Therefore, the Group has used forward foreign contracts to reduce the currency 
risk from surplus US dollars. The nature of the Group’s businesses means there is limited visibility of the currency required 
in US dollars. Therefore, when forward contracts are used to reduce currency risk, they are usually only for short periods of 
no more than six months. If the US dollar was to weaken significantly this could materially reduce the Group’s revenue and 
operating profit.

Cash is mainly held in sterling and the US dollar.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2016

63

36

Financial instruments (continued) 
The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk for cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables was as
follows:

Group

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest bearing borrowings 

Trade receivables 

Trade payables 

Net exposure 

2

-

-

-

2

-

-

9

(152)

(143)

2016

SEK
£000

EUR
£000

RMB
£000

USD
£000

759

(1,275)

47

-

834

6,559

(551)

(4,889)

330

1,154

2015

SEK
£000

EUR
£000

1

-

-

-

1

80

-

15

(367)

(272)

RMB
£000

41

-

630

(659)

12

USD
£000

647

(137)

5,286

(3,727)

2,069

The sensitivity of the Group operating profit to the US dollar to sterling exchange rate, assuming all other variables remain 
constant, is as follows:

If the US dollar had been one percent stronger/weaker against sterling throughout the year ended 31 May 2016 then    
the Group operating profit would have been £19,000 higher/lower.

Capital management
The Group’s and Company’s capital is the total equity which comprises ordinary share capital and retained earnings. The
Group currently has a sales financing agreement in place for £4.0m on the UK and $3.5m in the US. At 31 May 2016 the 
Group had net debt of £280,000 and the Company had a cash balance of £125,000. The Group and Company have 
sufficient cash to cover working capital requirements and capital expenditure plans.

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to
provide future returns for shareholders.

37

Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this annual report are forward-looking. Where the annual report includes forward-looking statements,
these are made by the Directors in good faith based on the information available to them at the time of their approval of this
report. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including
both economic and business risk factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any expected
future events or results referred to in these forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable law,
regulation or accounting standard, the Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC64

Shareholder information

Directors
(All of Filtronic House, 3 Airport West, 
Lancaster Way, Yeadon, Leeds, 
West Yorkshire LS19 7ZA, UK)

Rob Smith — Chief Executive Officer

Michael Tyerman — Finance  Director

Reg Gott — Non-executive  Chairman

Michael Roller — Non-executive Director

Company Secretary
Maura Moynihan

Company number
2891064

Registered office
Filtronic plc
Filtronic House
3 Airport West
Lancaster Way
Yeadon, Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS19 7ZA
Tel: 0113 220 0000

Auditor
KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
1 Sovereign Square
Sovereign Street
Leeds
LS1 4DA

Bankers
Barclays Bank PLC
10 Market Street
Bradford
BD1 1NR

Financial public relations
Walbrook PR Limited
4 Lombard Street
London
EC3V 9HD
Tel: 020 7933 8780

Annual General Meeting
The Company’s Annual General
Meeting will be held at 11am on Thursday,
29 September 2016 at the offices of  
KPMG LLP, 1 Sovereign Square, Sovereign 
Street, Leeds LS1 4DA. 

Registrars  
Capita Asset Services
Enquiries regarding shareholdings,
change of address or similar particulars
should be directed in the first instance
to our Registrars, Capita Asset Services
whose address is: The Registry,
34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham,
Kent BR3 4TU, or call 0871 664 0300 
(UK calls cost 10p per minute plus network 
extras). From overseas: +44 371 664 0300. 
Lines are open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to
Friday, excluding public holidays.  
Alternatively, you can email 
shareholderenquiries@capita.co.uk

Filtronic website
Shareholders are encouraged to visit our
website: www.filtronic.com which has
more information about the Company.

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Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016