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Filtronic Plc

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FY2017 Annual Report · Filtronic Plc
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Filtronic plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2017
Stock Code: FTC

www.filtronic.com

2

Welcome to 
Filtronic plc

Filtronic plc is a leader in the design 
and manufacture of a specialised 
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 related 
defence applications.

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  comprise  two  separately 
reported  trading  businesses:  Filtronic  Wireless  and 
Filtronic Broadband (which has been transitioned from 
the legacy point-to-point 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 2017

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

Contents

Glossary

Strategic report
Financial highlights 

Operational highlights 

Chairman’s statement 

Chief Executive’s review 

Market overview 

Objective and strategy 

Financial review 

Risk management 

Corporate social 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 

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 

Notes to the financial statements 

Shareholder information

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62

01

What’s inside:

05

06

09

13

www.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC

Chairman’s statementThe general market outlook remains positive with demand for infrastructure products being driven by increasing consumption by data-heavy apps on mobile devices.Chief Executive’s reviewThe 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. Objective and strategyOur objective is to be a major supplier of RF, microwave and mmWave products to the global telecommunications equipmentinfrastructure market.Market overviewMobile video traffic is increasingly dominant and is forecast to grow by around 55 percent annually through to 2021. Glossary

3G: 

3GPP: 

4G: 

5G: 

CAGR: 

CDMA: 

C-RAN: 

DAS:

dBm:  

Diplexer:

E-band:

EDGE:

EMEA:

3rd generation mobile networks

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project

4th generation mobile networks

5th generation mobile networks

Compound average growth rate 

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)

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

71GHz to 86GHz

Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution

Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

ExaByte:

One quintillion bytes

Gbps: 

GHz: 

Gigabit per second

Gigahertz 10^9 Hertz

Gigabit: 

10^9 bits

GPS:

GSM: 

HSPA: 

Hz: 

IoT:

LTE: 

Mbps:

MCP:

MHz: 

MMIC:

Global Positioning System

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

Megabit per second

Multi-chip package

10^6 Hertz

Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit

mmWave: 

Millimetre-wave

MNO:

Mobile network operator

Mobile PC: 

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

Mobile router: 

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)

Multiplexing: 

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

ODU:

OEM: 

OFCOM: 

PIM:

QAM:

RAN:

RET:

RF: 

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.

Passive Intermodulation

Quadratic Amplitude Modulation

Radio Access Network

Remote Electrical Tilt

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

Wi-Fi:

Technology for wireless local area networking with devices based on the IEEE 
802.11 standard.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 profit/(loss)*

Operating profit/(loss)

Profit/(loss) before taxation  

Basic earnings/(loss) per share 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

Net cash/(debt) balance as at 31 May 

Cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

2017

£35.4m

£1.8m

£1.7m

£2.2m

1.51p

1.49p

£2.6m

£3.9m

2016

£13.6m

(£6.8m)

(£7.0m)

(£7.0m)

(3.20p)

(3.20p)

(£0.3m)

(£5.0m)

*Operating profit/(loss) before amortisation of intangibles, exceptional 

items and R&D development cost capitalisation/amortisation (the 

definition of which is referenced in the income statement).

Operational highlights

•

•

•

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

•	 Considerable	progress	made	with	revenues		

increasing by 160 percent year-on-year to £35.4m,  

	 returning	the	Group	to	profitability.

•	 Successfully	fulfilled	the	large	order	for	ultra		
  wide band antennas from a world leading    
  mobile telecommunications infrastructure OEM,  
  demonstrating our ability to introduce new  
  products and rapidly ramp to volume production.

•	 Strong	demand	for	filter	products	to	mobile		
  telecommunications infrastructure and public  
  safety communications markets in the year  
  expected to continue into FY2018.

•	 Investment	in	the	sales	and	marketing	teams		
  across EMEA and the US resulting in a growing  
  opportunity pipeline.

•	 Major	contract	win	for	Filtronic	Broadband	to		
  a tier 1 European defence equipment supplier  
  to manufacture their advanced radar transmit  
  receive modules, broadening the customer base  
  and markets we serve.

•	 Encouraging	customer	engagement	in	a	broad		
	 range	of	markets,	including	major	Silicon	Valley		
  technology companies, who see the value in our  
  mmWave technology.

Pictured: Filtronic Ultra Wide Band Antenna

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
05

Dividend
No dividend is proposed for the year (2016: £nil). The Board 
periodically reviews its dividend policy and concluded that, 
whilst cash reserves had increased substantially through the 
year, shareholders interests would be better served by retaining 
the cash to fund our working capital and further investment 
plans than by distributing cash at this time. 

Outlook
The progress made in FY2017 has demonstrated the capability 
of Filtronic to grow and deliver profit. However, the growth 
achieved has been with a concentrated number of customers 
and with relatively few products. Notwithstanding the growing 
opportunity and product pipeline we continue to remind 
shareholders that until there has been a further widening of the 
customer base, growth will continue to be lumpy and difficult to 
forecast in the short term, we also note that our major telecoms 
OEM customers have downgraded their projections for the 
current financial year. This underscores the importance for 
Filtronic to continue to reduce dependence on these customers 
and to seek opportunities in other markets.

We are encouraged by the breadth of opportunities being 
generated and remind investors that the substantial multi-
year contract win of a defence related programme underpins 
Filtronic Broadband business revenues for several years. 
Consequently, the Board continues to have a positive outlook 
for the longer-term prospects for the Group. 

The terms and impact of “Brexit” remain unclear but the global 
nature of our trade should provide a good degree of shelter 
from the currently anticipated major changes that will likely flow 
from the UK leaving the European Union. 

Finally, I would like to thank our employees for all their hard 
work over the year in delivering a substantially improved 
performance and to thank our shareholders and bankers for 
their continued support. 

Reg Gott
Chairman
31 July 2017

Chairman’s statement

Dear fellow shareholder

Welcome to the Filtronic plc Annual Report for the year ended 
31 May 2017.

The year under review was one of considerable progress as 
the Group increased revenue and returned to profitability. The 
Board is very pleased with the progress made to date with the 
improved trading being a direct result of the more focussed 
strategy and reduced cost base that have been implemented 
over the past two financial years. 

The success in the year was initially down to sales of our ultra 
wide band integrated antennas to a tier 1 telecoms customer 
backed up by a growth in demand for a broader range of filter 
products across the telecommunications and public safety 
markets. 

The markets we serve and the technologies we offer are 
changing rapidly. Product lifecycles are compressing and 
this means that we are constantly refining our product and 
operating strategies to adapt to the evolving environment. 
To successfully develop the business, we recognise that 
we must broaden our customer base, enhance our product 
offerings and expand the market space we serve. With an 
improved balance sheet, we have been able to invest in these 
areas more than in recent years and we now have an exciting 
pipeline of new products and customer opportunities in a 
broader spread of market sectors. 

Financial Performance Summary
Group financial performance for the year ended ahead of our 
initial expectations with sales of £35.4m (2016: £13.6m), an 
operating profit of £1.7m (2016: £7.0m loss) and an adjusted 
operating profit of £1.8m (2016: £6.8m adjusted operating 
loss). The consolidated income statement on page 30 sets 
out the basis of calculation of the adjusted operating profit. 

Filtronic Wireless business revenue was £30.5m (2016: 
£9.0m) with an operating profit of £3.5m (2016: £4.5m 
operating loss) and an adjusted operating profit of £3.6m 
(2016: £4.5m adjusted operating loss). 

Filtronic Broadband business revenue was £4.9m (2016: 
£4.6m) with an operating loss of £0.9m (2016: £1.6m 
operating loss) and an adjusted operating loss of £0.9m 
(2016: £1.7m adjusted operating loss). 

The Group had net cash of £2.6m at the end of the year 
(2016: £0.3m net debt). The cash generation in the year 
was a direct result of the improved trading performance. The 
Group maintains an invoice discounting facility in the UK with 
Barclays Bank plc of £3.0m that was undrawn at the year-
end and through the year had a facility of $3.5m with Faunus 
Group International Inc. (FGI). However, the Group decided to 
terminate the FGI facility in May 2017 as the cost of the facility 
and its terms no longer met the business’ requirements. 
We are currently reviewing our finance needs in the US with 
alternative debt providers to secure facilities should we need 
them that more closely match our needs. 

Pictured: Filtronic Ultra Wide Band Antenna

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC06

Chief Executive’s review

FY2017 was a strong recovery year for Filtronic as the Group 
increased sales revenues by 160 percent year-on-year and 
returned to profitability. The financial results stem from our 
strategic focus on servicing key markets with technically 
innovative products and excellence in execution to ensure we 
meet or exceed customer expectations for product quality 
and service. 

Our strategy and markets
Filtronic is a leading designer and manufacturer of 
components and sub-systems used in advanced 
communication applications. The Group is organised into 
two independently managed business units, Filtronic Wireless 
and Filtronic Broadband, that respectively focus on RF 
conditioning and transceiver products. 

Our strategy is to profitably grow our business by focussing 
on supplying, class leading, RF communication components 
and sub-systems for demanding applications across a 
number of target markets. Our key objectives are: - 

•  To offer a growing range of technically advanced,  
  ultra wide band antennas, mmWave transceivers and  

associated products;

•   To expand our customer base within existing markets; and

•   To widen the number of markets we address. 

Our largest serviced market is the mobile telecommunications 
infrastructure equipment market. This market has seen 
robust levels of investment in increased capacity for 4G/LTE 
in recent years as end user demand for services continues 
to grow. However, we note the recent reductions in current 
calendar year forecasts from both Nokia and Ericsson and 
we are a little more cautious regarding the short term as a 

consequence, though remain confident in the mid-term to 
long-term and continue to expect renewed demand growth 
from calendar 2018 from the new spectrum releases. The 
sector offers significant opportunities for volume deliveries 
but is highly competitive and price sensitive. Consequently, 
we have focussed our efforts on offering products that are 
technically challenging and innovative to differentiate us from 
larger, vertically integrated, Asian based suppliers. 

In addition to the mobile telecommunications infrastructure 
equipment market we have an established presence in public 
safety communications and have also recently won our first 
major contracts in the defence & aerospace and high speed 
wireless internet markets. A number of new opportunities 
are opening up for mmWave products and these include 
applications in the industrial, security, satellite communication, 
automotive and transportation sectors.

Filtronic Wireless
Filtronic Wireless is a specialist designer and manufacturer 
of RF conditioning products supplying antennas and filters to 
the telecommunications infrastructure equipment and public 
safety communications markets. 

The Filtronic Wireless business more than tripled sales 
revenue in the year to £30.5m (2016: £9.0m) with an even 
split of sales between antenna and filter products achieving an 
operating profit of £3.5m (2016: £4.5m operating loss). 

Sales of ultra wide band antennas to our lead customer 
were particularly strong in the first half of the year as we 
successfully completed the majority of the orders announced 
in FY2016. Executing these contracts has demonstrated our 
ability to introduce new products and rapidly ramp to volume 
production whilst controlling costs to ensure that we make a 
healthy margin for the business. Disappointingly, the follow-
on demand for this product variant has been lower than 
initially forecast by our customer. However, this business has 
enabled us to gain good momentum into the antenna market 
and has established us as a credible player in the sector as 
confirmed by the growing number of trials underway with 
other customers. 

Filter sales in FY2017 exceeded our expectations as we saw 
strong demand from both our main telecommunications 
original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) customers and 
in the public safety communications market. Demand was 
spread over several filter variants, which delivered improved 
margins as a result of excellent work by our operations and 
engineering teams on cost reduction initiatives. 

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Pictured: Antenna phasing network

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
05

New product development within Filtronic Wireless is 
focussed on antenna products, and filters that go into these 
antennas, where we see greater long-term potential due 
to the trend towards integrated antenna and filter products 
in the industry. During the year, we launched products that 
support the newly released frequency spectrums in the 
US (600MHz) and Europe (1400MHz) and we are currently 
working on antennas that provide additional high and low 
bands in different configurations. 

Progress in Filtronic Wireless is expected to remain lumpy 
due to the high level of customer concentration with just 
over 80 percent of sales revenue being derived from our 
largest customer. 

Over the past few years Filtronic Wireless has focussed 
on supplying Western OEMs who service the mobile 
telecommunications infrastructure market. Following a 
series of consolidations in the industry in recent years, 
there are now only a handful of OEMs available for us to 
service. Filtronic Wireless has therefore looked to broaden 
its customer base by expanding its exposure to the public 
safety communications sector and to re-engage with 
mobile network operators (“MNOs”) where there is no direct 
competition with our OEM sales. To execute this strategy 
we have reorganised and strengthened our sales function 
in EMEA and the US. To augment our direct sales channels, 
we have appointed agents and distributors in certain 
territories to enable us to gain traction without the high 
overhead associated with a direct salesforce. 

The process of reintroducing Filtronic as a supplier to MNOs 
will take time to yield significant contracts. However, we are 
making good progress and we are starting to see some 
initial small successes with some orders for filter products 
and growing engagement with our antenna product 
development roadmap, including the supply of sample 
antennas to MNOs for evaluation. We anticipate this area of 
activity will grow over the coming months.

Filtronic Broadband
Filtronic Broadband is a specialist designer and 
manufacturer of high frequency transceivers, sub-systems 
and components for the mobile telecommunications 
backhaul, defence & aerospace and other adjacent 
markets. 

Sales revenue in our Filtronic Broadband business was 
approximately £4.9m for the year (2016: £4.6m) giving 
year on year sales growth of 7 percent. During the year the 
business reduced its operating loss to £0.9m (2016: £1.6m 
operating loss). Whilst this financial performance is clearly 
unsatisfactory, substantial progress has been made to 
diversify our customer base and the markets that we serve. 

We saw good growth in demand for Filtronic Broadband’s 
flagship E-band transceiver product, Orpheus, in the first 
half of FY2017. However, it became apparent that our lead 

Pictured: ODU, incorporating Orpheus

customer has struggled to compete with its Asian competitors 
and has sought price reductions from us that would have 
resulted in unacceptable margins. We have therefore declined 
to meet the target prices set by this customer and have 
focussed our resources on gaining business from customers 
who value our products more highly. Consequently, we saw 
a fall in demand from this customer in the second half of the 
year and we do not anticipate further significant volumes from 
them over the next year. 

The prospects for Orpheus remain positive where 
customers understand the true value of our offering. Recent 
developments in our technology have seen Orpheus 
reliably operating at 10Gbps. The superior specification and 
demonstrable value proposition that we offer has resulted in 
growing demand from several tier 2 clients and we are also 
pleased that Orpheus has been selected by another tier 1 
OEM for their new backhaul E-band radio. We are further 
encouraged to note that we have been commissioned to 
develop a derivative of Orpheus for a high speed wireless 
internet network in the US. This client is planning to use 
E-band as a lower cost and faster to install alternative to 
fibre optic cable and represents a clear sign that broadband 
networks of the future will include wireless technology. 

Filtronic Broadband has also seen an increase in demand for 
legacy multi-chip package (“MCP”) assemblies at 6-11GHz 
and a new customer recently commissioned us to assemble 
38GHz MCPs for a 5G trial system. 

During the year, we completed the key milestones in the 
development of a long range (20km) sub-system E-band link 
that utilised Orpheus transceivers and our recently developed 
Cerus power amplifier. These sub-systems are currently 
undergoing flight trials by our customer pending their decision 
to proceed with commercialisation of this technology. Our 
ability to develop complex E-band sub-systems capable 
of achieving long range high capacity data links opens up 
significant market opportunities in a number of adjacent 

Pictured: Antenna phasing network

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC08

Chief Executive’s review continued

sectors including satellite and battlefield communications 
where traditional frequency bands are capacity constrained. 

Entering the defence & aerospace market has been a key 
objective for Filtronic Broadband for several years and 
following a number of prototype builds, we were pleased 
to announce that we were selected as a manufacturing 
partner for a tier 1 European defence equipment supplier to 
manufacture their advanced radar transmit receive modules. 
The working capital for this initial programme is financed by 
our customer as they buy all material and they supply that 
material to us on a “free issue” basis for manufacture and test. 

Pre 5G
3GPP have now named 5G as “5GNR” (5G New Radio) with 
a full specification expected to be announced in September 
2018 (release 15). Leading up to the release of these 
specifications and in order to excite the market, both the 
OEMs and MNOs are starting to “beat the drum” about 5G. 

We are seeing a number of operators increasing their 4G/LTE 
capacity and branding these updates variously as “Pre 5G” 
and “5G Evolution”. In addition, there are a number of trials 
being undertaken of various enabling technologies that will be 
used in 5G. 

The demand for high frequency transceivers, sub-systems 
and components is set to grow rapidly in the coming years 
and the business is ideally placed to benefit from this growth. 
We have further strengthened our sales team and attended 
several trade shows that have led to exciting new customer 
engagements that include major Silicon Valley technology 
companies who are seeing the value of our mmWave 
technology capabilities.

Future trends
In the telecommunications infrastructure sector, we see 
several trends that are defining the market and directly impact 
on product and technology development. The market data, 
as set out in the market overview section of the annual report 
and accounts, continues to indicate that future infrastructure 
expenditure will be driven by the need to increase capacity. 

The development of 5G networks is a hot topic in trade and 
general press publications and considerable investment is 
being made by MNOs and OEMs in preparation for 5G. 

5G promises a significant rise in capacity as data rates to 
devices are predicted to increase from their current 100Mbps 
to 1Gbps. Currently the applications that require these data 
rates have not been defined but industry speculation suggests 
driverless cars and other IoT requirements will be sufficiently 
data hungry to require this capacity. 

Although specifications have not yet been released, there 
is an emerging consensus on the frequencies that will be 
required for the higher data rates that 5G envisages and 
OEMs are working on developing products and technologies 
accordingly. 

True 5G
3GPP have now named 5G as “5GNR” (5G New Radio) with 
a full specification expected to be announced in September 
2018 (release 15). Leading up to the release of these 
specifications and in order to excite the market, both the 
OEMs and MNOs are starting to “beat the drum” about 5G. 

We are seeing a number of operators increasing their 4G/LTE 
capacity and branding these updates variously as “Pre 5G” 
and “5G Evolution”. In addition, there are a number of trials 
being undertaken of various enabling technologies that will be 
used in 5G. 

Although specifications have not yet been released, there 
is an emerging consensus on the frequencies that will be 
required for the higher data rates that 5G envisages and 
OEMs are working on developing products and technologies 
accordingly. 

Rob Smith
Chief Executive Officer
31 July 2017

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 201709

Market overview

Targeting key markets
The primary market for Filtronic’s products continues to be the 
mobile telecommunications infrastructure market. However, 
we are actively pursuing adjacent markets where there is a 
good technology fit that have good growth prospects and are 
less price sensitive.

Increased subscriptions
Mobile subscriptions increased by 107 million between Q1 2016 
and Q1 2017 totalling 7.6 billion globally. The largest growth in 
new subscribers was in the Asia-Pacific region with 43 million 
being added in India alone where an operator launched a free data 
introductory package to win market share.

Adjacent markets that we are targeting include public safety 
communications, defence & aerospace, broadband networks 
and satellite communications.

In all cases, the markets that we are targeting are for wireless 
communication products where quality and innovation are 
essential to the customer.

Mobile telecommunications infrastructure 
equipment
The mobile telecommunications infrastructure equipment 
sector is a $100 billion-plus market, which continues to 
experience growth driven by the demand for data.

Mobile network operators worldwide continue to invest in 
networks to upgrade to 4G/LTE and to expand capacity as 
more subscribers are added and data traffic increases.

In many countries, mobile subscriptions exceed the population 
mainly due to users enjoying services with multiple devices. It is 
estimated that there are 5.2 billion subscribers accounting for the 
7.6 billion subscriptions. 4G/LTE subscriptions accounted for 2.1 
billion (27.6 percent) of the total as at Q1 2017.

The total number of subscriptions is expected to grow to 9 billion 
by the end of 2022 with 4G/LTE expanding to 5 billion equating to 
65.8 percent. 5G subscriptions are expected to reach 0.5 billion 
(5.5 percent) in the same time frame. North America is expected 
to be an early adopter of 5G with 25 percent of subscriptions in 
that region on the new standard by 2022. The Asia-Pacific region 
is expected to have 10 percent 5G subscriptions with Japan and 
South Korea leading the way as early adopters.

n
o

i
l
l
i

B

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Mobile subscriptions by technology (billion)

9
billion

7.5 
billion

5 billion LTE
subscriptions 
by the end 
of 2022

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2012

  5G     

  LTE     

  WCDMA/HSPA     

  GSM/EDGE-only     

  TD-SCDMA     

  CDMA-only     

  Other

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC10

Market overview continued

Increased traffic
Mobile data traffic grew 70 percent between Q12016 and Q12017 
mainly driven by increased viewing of video content. There was a 
spike in the underlying growth rate in Q42016 resulting from the 
Indian free data package and it remains to be seen if the users 
will continue to use data at the current rates when the free period 
ends.

Video traffic accounted for 50 percent of the data traffic in 2016 
and video viewing is expected to grow at a faster rate than other 
applications over the next five years and is forecast to account 
for 75 percent of mobile data traffic by 2022. YouTube is still the 
dominant video service accounting for between 40-70 percent 
of total video traffic. Netflix is also seeing increased use as it is 
deployed to most markets and in some territories it regularly 
accounts for 10-20 percent of video data.

Global monthly data and voice traffic 2011 to 2016

10

8

6

4

2

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70%Data traffic grew

70% between Q1
2016 and Q1 2017

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

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

 Data       

 Voice  

Mobile data traffic by application category per month (ExaBytes)

50% 
video

2016 
8.8 ExaBytes

In 2022, video will 
account for around 
75% of mobile data 
and traffic

2022 
71 ExaBytes

 Video

 Audio

 Web browsing

 Social networking

 Software download

 other

 File sharing

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
11

Global mobile data traffic (ExaBytes per month)

 Mobile PCs, tablets and routers

 Smartphones  

2016    2022
North America

2016    2022
Latin America

2016    2022
Western Europe

2016    2022
CEMA

2016    2022
Asia Pacific

fibre and offers significant advantages over older fixed line 
technologies.

Microwave can carry both fixed and mobile traffic, 
supporting traffic separation and security requirements, 
making E-band a stronger fibre alternative to be used as a 
complement or as a fibre extension.

In parts of Europe, the introduction of E-band frequencies 
in combination with lower fees compared to ‘traditional’ 
frequencies and lower total cost of ownership, has led to 
a rapid uptake. E-band has provided the tipping point for 
increased microwave deployments in specific markets such 
as high-frequency stock trading networks who require the 
extreme low latency performance which microwave offers.

With further multiband solutions for microwave expected 
this will accelerate the growth of E-band (70/80GHz). If the 
growth curve continues, E-band is expected to account for 
20 percent of new deployments by 2020.

Public safety communications
Public safety communications networks have been 
established globally to allow interoperable emergency 
communication between “blue light” services and other 
government agencies. There are two widely adopted 
standards, Project-25 (P25) and Tetra. P25 was developed in 
the US and has been adopted in the US, Canada, Australia, 
New Zealand, Brazil, India and Russia. Tetra was developed 
in Europe and has been adopted in 60 countries including 
most of Europe and China.  

The rate of adoption of public safety communications 
technology has been far slower than mobile 
telecommunications systems as its deployment is subject to 
state and national government budgetary constraints.

Public safety communications networks are a narrow band 
“voice first” platform with some data capability. Some 
jurisdictions are assessing the possibility of adopting 4G/
LTE for public communication. This would enable far greater 
data capacity yet would require a “carve out” of the mobile 
networks in the event of an emergency. 3GPP release 13 
includes some key functionality (push-to-talk) that is required 

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Traditional social networking (e.g. Facebook and Twitter) 
as a proportion of the total traffic decreased somewhat 
(excluding embedded video). However, there has been an 
increase in communication-oriented services like WhatsApp, 
Snapchat and WeChat. Social media remains the second 
biggest category of mobile data use with predictions this will 
continue to be the case over the next five years.

Total mobile data traffic is forecast to grow at a compound 
average growth rate (CAGR) of 42 percent between 2016 
and 2022. More than 90 percent of the growth is expected 
to derive from Smartphone use with all regions expected to 
see substantial growth.

As the most populous region, Asia-Pacific accounts for 
42 percent of total mobile data traffic and is expected to 
maintain that position in 2022.

5G
Deployments of 5G are expected in early adopter markets 
with forecasts suggesting that there will be approximately 
500 million subscriptions by 2022. Use cases for 5G are 
being developed with IoT applications, including automotive, 
expected to be the main driver.  Automotive applications are 
expected to evolve from the current 4G/LTE delivered Wi-Fi 
hotspot and on-demand GPS map data to autonomous 
vehicle control and cooperative collision avoidance as 5G is 
deployed.

More capacity required
The increased number of subscriptions and growing data 
consumption will continue to stretch existing network 
capacity. The release of additional spectrum and use of 
unlicensed, sub-6GHz will alleviate capacity constraints 
to a degree but it will require continued investment in 
infrastructure by mobile network operators. We expect to 
see investment in antennas capable of operating at the 
newly released frequencies as well as the further adoption of 
equipment sharing combiners at base stations.

Backhaul is expected to be a capacity bottleneck in certain 
areas, especially where wireless backhaul is the predominant 
technology.

Broadband networks
Broadband networks for home and enterprise use have 
traditionally been deployed using fixed line, fibre optic cable 
and copper wire technology. There has been growing use 
of wireless links for “last mile” connection in recent years, in 
rural locations where capacity demand is low.

The deployment of fibre is a slow and expensive process, 
especially in urban environments where companies are 
required to dig up public highways, etc. It is also impractical 
to lay fibre where there are natural or manmade obstacles 
such as rivers and motorways.

With Orpheus E-band wireless links now achieving data 
rates of 10Gbps, wireless is now a realistic alternative to 

 Video

 Audio

 Web browsing

 Social networking

 Software download

 other

 File sharing

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC12

Market overview continued

by public safety users. The migration to 4G is expected to 
take up to ten years and both Tetra and P25 are expected to 
see continual deployment and upgrade through this period.

Filtronic has developed a range of filter and combiner 
products for its lead customer in this market and has 
primarily been involved in P25 equipment sold into the US 
market. We are actively working to increase our presence 
in this market and have recently tendered for filters required 
in Tetra applications where we have also identified antenna 
opportunities that we can address in the medium-term.  

Defence and aerospace
Mission critical communications and radar systems in 
the defence and aerospace sectors are a primary target 
market for Filtronic. Whilst overall expenditure for defence 
budgets has reduced in recent years, spending on secure 
communications and radar-related applications has 
remained a priority.

Filtronic will service this industry and is focussed on 
supplying the global customer base. Having engaged with 
several tier one primes, opportunities exist within this market 
to supply filters, switched filters, amplifiers and high data-
rate transceiver products. In addition to the announced 
contract win for transmit-receive modules, we have secured 
several prototype orders for a variety of different component 
designs.

Design-in and qualification processes in this industry take 
longer than our traditional commercial/telecoms markets, 
however, longevity of the product lifecycle is increased along 
with improved visibility and commitment.

Satellite communications
The satellite communications sector is evolving as existing 
frequency bands for up/down links become congested. 
This, along with the need to transmit/receive higher-capacity 
data (10Gbps+), means that the satellite companies must 
now move up in frequency from “traditional” microwave 
bands to licence free, mmWave bands. Filtronic is well 
placed to service this market with its in-depth knowledge 
of mmWave transceivers and its experience of high-power 
systems for low Earth orbit and high altitude applications.

Other
In addition to our target markets, we continue to receive 
enquiries from companies in other sectors. We are seeing 
potential demand for mmWave products for applications 
as diverse as test equipment and transportation (mmWave 
links to mass transit).

Whilst we are focussing on our target markets we evaluate 
enquiries from other sectors on their merits.

The market overview contains some data and information 
sourced from the June 2017 -  Ericsson Mobility Report, 
available at www.ericsson.com/en/mobility-report, and 
the October 2016 - Ericsson Microwave Outlook,  
www.ericsson.com/en/microwave-outlook.

Filtronic exhibiting at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain - 2017

Pictured: MMIC

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 201712

13

Objective and strategy

Filtronic is a leading designer and manufacturer of components and sub-systems used in advanced 
communication applications. The Group is organised into two independently managed business units, 
Filtronic Wireless and Filtronic Broadband, that respectively focus on RF conditioning and transceiver 
products. 

Our strategy is to profitably grow our business 
by focussing on supplying class leading, RF 
communication components and sub-systems for 
demanding applications across a number of target 
markets. Our key objectives are:-

•  To offer a growing range of technically advanced,    
  ultra wide band antennas, mmWave transceivers and  

associated products;

•  To expand our customer base within existing  
  markets; and

•  To widen the number of markets we address.

Filtronic Wireless
Filtronic Wireless designs and manufactures RF 
conditioning products, filters and antennas, for the 
mobile telecommunications infrastructure and public 
safety communications markets.

Product strategy
Antennas

Filtronic has developed a range of ultra wide band 
antennas, based on our own intellectual property, 
that covers released spectrum in the US, Europe and 
other major territories. We continue to develop new 
products that cover new spectrum releases and add 
functionality to enable MNOs to maximise utilisation of 
their frequency assets.

Our products utilise our innovative application specific 
phase shifter, remote electronic tuning technology 
(“RET”) and filters and combiners. All antennas 
incorporate our novel, patented radiating elements 
and are designed to meet demanding customer 
specifications using principles that ensure our products 
are cost competitive, easy to install and service and are 
highly reliable. 

Filters
Filtronic offers a range of standard filters and combiners 
to MNOs and custom designed filters and combiners 
to OEMs. We focus on niche products that have 
demanding specifications for applications such as base 
station equipment sharing.

In addition, we design and manufacture advanced 
filters to our own specification for use in our integrated 
antenna products.

Market strategy
We have established close working relationships with 
the major Western OEMs and are working to win 

Pictured: Manufacturing line in China

B
L

1
R
B
B
TH
L
H
G
R
B
H

I

T
F
E
L
B
H

2
Y
B
H

4
Y
B
H

2
Y
B
H

1
R
B
L

4
Y
B
H

RET

RET

RET

RET

1
R
B
L

1
Y
B
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3
Y
B
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1
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1
Y
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3
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RET

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RET

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RET

Filtronic quadband, pentaband and hexaband antenna configurations.

business at MNOs that value our design philosophies. In 
the US, we have a direct sales channel and in EMEA we 
have a direct sales channel supported by a number of 
distributor and agency arrangements.

Organisation/fulfilment strategy
Antenna design is based at our NPI centre in Täby, Sweden 
where our EMEA sales team is also based. Filter design is 
based in Leeds, UK as are our operations, logistics and 
cost reduction management teams. Our US sales and 
engineering centre is based in Salisbury, MD.

Manufacturing is outsourced to our partners in Suzhou, 
China. Our quality and high value procurement teams are 
based at our manufacturing partner to ensure that we have 
full ownership of these key functions.

www.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14

Objective and strategy continued

Filtronic Broadband
Filtronic Broadband is a designer and manufacturer 
of advanced RF, microwave and mmWave products 
used in communications applications including mobile 
telecommunications, defence & aerospace and 
broadband networks.

Product strategy
Filtronic Broadband’s core capabilities are centred 
around three distinct groups:

•  mmWave Transceiver Modules;

•  Microwave/mmWave Defence and Aerospace  
  Components; and

•  Contract Manufacturing and Design Services. 

The business is a device-agnostic supplier of 
mmWave transceivers to OEMs offering high data-rate, 
competitively priced modules that reduce customer time 
to market.

We supply customised, turnkey microwave solutions 
and bespoke Contract Manufacturing Services including 
‘chip & wire’ and multichip packaging from our highly-
automated UK facility.

The Filtronic Broadband component range includes GaN 
& GaAs amplifiers, MMIC’s, diplexers and filter products 
covering a wide frequency range from DC-110GHz.

Market strategy
Filtronic Broadband sells its proprietary Orpheus and 
derivative transceivers directly to Tier 1 and Tier 2 OEMs 
for backhaul applications. In addition, we market ODUs 
to clients where this does not compete with our OEM 
customers.

We have a direct sales channel which has been 
strengthened in the year. To broaden our customer 
base we have successfully developed relationships with 
several European defence contractors selling directly in 
the UK and have recently signed agreements to work 
with distributors and agents in a number of European 
countries.

We exhibit at several trade shows including European 
Microwave Week, the International Microwave 
Symposium and Defence and Security Equipment 
International.

Organisation/fulfilment strategy
Filtronic Broadband is based at our mmWave centre 
of excellence on the North-East Technology Park in 
Sedgefield, UK where we design and manufacture all of 
our products in this business.

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.

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.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Financial review

Revenues 
Sales revenue for the Filtronic Group increased in the 
year by 160 percent to £35.4m (2016: £13.6m). Filtronic 
Wireless was the main driver of the growth with sales 
of £30.5m (2016: £9.0m) as the business successfully 
fulfilled orders of ultra wide band antennas to its lead 
customer and the filter product offering saw much 
stronger trading to OEM customers in both the mobile 
telecommunications infrastructure and the public safety 
communications markets. Filtronic Broadband saw 
revenue growth of 7 percent with sales increasing to 
£4.9m (2016: £4.6m). Whilst this growth was modest, 
it was very encouraging to see a large proportion of 
revenues coming from new products as the business 
continues to make significant progress in diversifying the 
customer base and the markets it serves. 

Operating Costs 
Operating costs reduced in the year as the Group 
benefitted from cost reductions implemented in FY2016. 
Further to this, we took the opportunity in the period 
under review to consolidate our operational footprint 
in the US down to a single site in Salisbury, Maryland, 
which has resulted in reduced property costs and 
associated overheads. We continue to invest in product 
development, engineering and customer support to grow 
our business whilst ensuring that we have an efficient 
operating structure in line with the size and nature 
of our business. Overheads, excluding depreciation, 
amortisation and share based payments, reduced 
to £9.6m (2016: £10.0m). The average headcount 
during the year was 116 (2016: 128) although a recent 
investment has been made to increase the size of the 
engineering and product development organisation to 
facilitate further organic growth. 

Adjusted operating profit/(loss) 
Adjusted operating profit/(loss) (the definition of which is 
referenced on the income statement on page 30) was 
£1.8m (2016: £6.8m loss). Filtronic Wireless returned to 
profitability with an adjusted operating profit of £3.6m 
(2016: £4.5m loss) due to significantly higher revenues, 
improved product margins and a reduced overhead cost 
base. Filtronic Broadband posted an adjusted operating 
loss of £0.9m (2016: £1.7m) which, whilst unsatisfactory, 
represents a significant improvement on the prior year. 

Operating profit/(loss)
Operating profit was £1.7m (2016: £7.0m loss) in the 
year. The difference between adjusted operating profit 
and operating profit in the year being a charge for 
amortisation of development costs in the year of £0.1m 
(2016: £nil).

15

Pictured: Cerus, E-band Power Amplifier

Exceptional costs 
Exceptional finance income of £0.7m (2016: £nil) was 
credited to the income statement due to the revaluation 
of a US Dollar denominated intercompany balance in the 
Filtronic Wireless UK entity. This was a result of the US 
Dollar strengthening against Sterling during the year and 
the intercompany loan to the US subsidiary being worth 
more in Sterling. 

Capital expenditure  
Capital expenditure of £0.8m (2016: £0.2m) included 
£0.3m for the Filtronic Wireless business (2016: £0.1m) 
and £0.5m for Filtronic Broadband (2016: £0.1m). 
Filtronic Wireless invested in production tooling to enable 
cost savings to improve product margins, whilst Filtronic 
Broadband invested in new test equipment to increase 
production capacity on the recently secured contract 
to supply a tier 1 European defence OEM over the next 
eight years. 

Research and development costs  
Total research and development costs in the year were 
£3.2m (2016: £4.3m). The Group continues to invest in 
research and development for the future growth of the 
business through new and enhanced products to meet 
the expanding demands of customer programmes. Key 
areas of expenditure included the development of a 
wider portfolio of antennas and E-band products, both 
of which we expect to deliver significant future revenue 
opportunities. The Group capitalises its research and 
development costs in line with IAS 38; no costs met the 
criteria for capitalisation in the current financial year (2016: 
£0.3m). Amortisation of intangible assets in the year relating 
to development costs previously capitalised was £0.1m 
(2016: £nil) giving an underlying research and development 
charge to the income statement of £3.1m (2016: £4.0m). 

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC16

Financial review continued

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 2017 the 
inventory provision was £1.6m (2016: £2.0m).

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 2017 the warranty provision was £0.5m (2016: 
£0.2m); the increase in provision at the year-end reflected 
the higher sales attained during FY2017. 

Funding and cash flow  
The Group ended the year with net cash of £2.6m 
(2016: £0.3m net debt). Cash generation from operating 
activities in the year included receipts from research 
and development tax credits of £1.6m of which £0.8m 
related to development activities in FY2016 and £0.8m to 
activities in FY2015. The £0.8m relating to FY2015 was 
recognised in the income statement last year and a was 
a debtor on the balance sheet at 31 May 2016. Cash 
inflow from operating activities was £3.9m (2016: £5.0m 
outflow). The full breakdown of this movement can be 
seen on the consolidated cash flow statement on page 34.

Filtronic has a £3.0m invoice discounting facility with 
Barclays Bank plc in the UK, which was increased from 
£2.0m during the year. As at 31 May 2017 £nil was drawn 
down against this facility (2016: £0.5m). Following the 
increase of the Barclays facility and as a consequence 
of the Group’s improved balance sheet, the Board took 
the decision to terminate the FGI US debtor book facility 
as the terms of this facility no longer met the Group’s 
requirements. We maintain an ongoing review of our 
US debtor book financing requirement and will secure 
appropriate facilities that more closely match our future 
funding requirements if and when necessary. 

Michael Tyerman
Finance Director 
31 July 2017

Pictured: Filtronic 8-Port and 10-Port, 65 Degree, Ultra Wide Band 
Base Station Sector Antennas.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017                               
17

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: -

Risk

Market

Nature

Mitigation

Change 
in year

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 mobile 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.

The Group seeks to mitigate this risk by working 
closely with customers, on an engineer to 
engineer basis, to ensure that we are designed 
in to their products at an early stage. The Group 
has strengthened the sales teams both directly 
and indirectly and is actively seeking to increase 
the number of design wins across a range of 
products with a growing opportunity pipeline. 
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.

Manufacturing

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’s internal and outsourced 
manufacturing processes are certified    
to ISO 9001. 

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.

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC18

Risk management continued

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 communication meetings 
in each of our business locations along with 
a bi-monthly newsletter including 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 35 to the financial 
statements. Predominantly, currency risk on the 
US Dollar is managed through a natural hedge.

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, evaluated, 
managed and controlled and whether any significant 

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Change 

in year

19

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 its stakeholders, 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. 

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, throughout the Group.

Employee development
Employee development is an important element of employee 
retention and motivation. The Group has an education and 
training policy in place which is being implemented through 
developing a group-wide infrastructure to support the 
identification of staff development needs through meetings 
and staff appraisals.  The aim is to provide quality staff 
development which supports the Group’s strategic objectives, 
simultaneously aiding talent management and succession 
planning. 

In Filtronic Broadband we also continue to develop our 
partnerships with education providers. 

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.

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/investors/corporate-governance 
/group-policies/

Diversity and inclusion
Filtronic has a policy on diversity (which includes gender 
diversity) and equal opportunities and our aim of providing 
equal opportunities for all without discrimination is one of the 
Group’s core values (expected of employees, suppliers and 
other stakeholders). 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 appropriate 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. In 2016, 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. 

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTCSupply chain
The adoption of an advanced product life cycle management 
software system in 2014, 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 & 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. The adoption of a customer relationship 
management (CRM) system in Filtronic Broadband during the 
year complements this approach. The CRM system will be 
implemented in Filtronic Wireless during the coming year.

20

Corporate social 
responsibility report 
continued

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 ISO 9001 standard; 
Salisbury, Maryland, USA; Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK; and 
Sedgefield, County Durham, UK. The Leeds site is also 
certified to the ISO 14001 standard.

Work is ongoing in our Swedish facility to attain both  
ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.

Charitable and community support
To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the community 
the Group has introduced paid leave for staff to undertake 
voluntary or charitable work. 

Staff at Filtronic Broadband have mentored St Leonard’s 
Catholic School in Durham as part of the “Future Business 
Magnates” programme, whilst Filtronic Wireless staff in Sweden 
have supported the Schools Road Safety initiative in Täby. 

Over the course of the year Filtronic employees have 
organised and sponsored staff competing in the Great 
North Run and London Marathon and have made additional 
donations to the Heel & Toe Children’s Charity and the Solan 
Connor Fawcett Cancer Trust charity. 

In relation to community support, Filtronic has also hosted a 
number or work experience placements for GCSE students.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
21

Key performance indicators

The Group’s management team uses various key performance indicators (‘KPIs’) to monitor financial 
and non-financial performance of their business units. Below are the measures and metrics which 
the Board believes best indicate the performance of the Group as a whole.

Revenue (£m)
£35.4m

4
.
5
3

9
.
2
3

Adjusted operating 
profit/(loss) (£m)
£1.8m

8
.
1

Adjusted operating profit/
(loss) per employee (£k)
£15.5k

5
.
5
1

5
.
7
1

6
.
3
1

2017

2016

2015

2014

The total amount the Group earns 
from the sale of products and services

Research and
development costs (£m)
£3.1m

5
.
6

4
.
6

3
.
4

1
3

.

2017

2016

2015

2014

The Board recognises that the Group 
needs to invest in new products, 
capabilities and technologies to 
participate in a technology driven 
market and measures the investment 
made in research and development.

2017

2016

2015

2014

2017

2016

2015

2014

)
8
.
6
(

)
1
.
8
(

)
4
.
0
(

)
2
.
2
(

)
1
.
3
5
(

)
6
.
7
4
(

The Board recognises adjusted 
operating profit/(loss) as a key metric of 
the underlying health of the business.

Employees are a critical asset in our 
business and we monitor the adjusted 
operating profit/(loss) per employee to 
measure productivity

Cash generated from/(used in) 
operating activities (£m)
£3.9m

9
.
3

6
.
1

2017

2016

2015

2014

)

7
3

.

(

)

0

.

5

(

The Board recognises that cash flow 
from operating activities indicates 
whether the Group is able to generate 
sufficient positive cash flow to maintain 
and grow its operations, or it may 
require external funding for financing.

The FY2017 strategic report, from pages  
4 to 21 has been reviewed and approved 
by the Board of Directors on 31 July 
2017 and signed on its behalf by 

Rob Smith
Chief Executive Officer 
31 July 2017

Strategic Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC22

Governance report

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

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 clarity.

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

Yours sincerely

Reg Gott
Chairman
31 July 2017

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 contributes minutes each board 
meeting.

Executive Directors
Robert (Rob) Smith (aged 53) 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 38) 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 60) 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 
Change 
engineering group, and from 2009 to 2012 he was Chief 
in year
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.

Michael Roller (aged 52) 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.

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.

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 Chairman 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 operational sites in the UK to enable local 
management teams to present operational and strategic 

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Governance report

Change 

in year

23

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 three 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 of 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 FY2017
The Board normally schedules at least 10 meetings during the 
year. Last year the Board met 12 times. Attendance at board 
meetings and committee meetings during the year ended   
31 May 2017 was as follows:

Board

Audit

Nominations

Remuneration

12

12
12
12
12

3

3
3
N/A
N/A

2

2
2
N/A
N/A

2

2
2
N/A
N/A

programme progress to the Board. The Board believes this 
fosters greater transparency and enhanced relationships 
between the management and the Board. During the year, the 
Board also held a board meeting at the company premises in 
Suzhou, PR China as well as at its engineering design centre 
in Täby, Sweden.

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,  
  PDMAs and the Company Secretary);

•  Approval of all terms of reference for the committees of the  
  Board;

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

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

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. 

Total meetings in year
Director attendance
Reg Gott
Michael Roller
Rob Smith 
Michael Tyerman

Attendance at board (and committee) meetings held in FY2017

In addition to these 12 board meetings, there were 5 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

On behalf of the Board I am pleased to present the Filtronic 
Directors’ remuneration report for the year ended 31 May 
2017. 

The Company, being listed on AIM, is not required to produce 
a comprehensive Directors remuneration report or to submit 
a remuneration policy to a binding vote. However, the Board 
does wish to maintain transparency and demonstrate good 
governance 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/investors/corporate-governance/
remuneration-committee.

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

Reg Gott
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
31 July 2017

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 £157,594

12 Months

Car allowance

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Pension

Michael Tyerman
Finance Director

Appointed to the Board on 1 April 2016

Base salary £90,200

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
Appointed Chairman on 27 November 2015

£60,000

6 Months

Michael Roller

Audit Committee Chairman

Appointed to the Board on 1 June 2013

£40,000

3 Months

Certain sections constitute the audited part of the reports of the remuneration report.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Directors’ remuneration report

25

Total single figure of remuneration for Directors - audited
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

FY2017

FY2016

FY2017

FY2016

FY2017

FY2016

FY2017

FY2016

Executive Directors
Rob Smith 
Michael Tyerman*

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

154
82

60
35
-
-
331

150
14

50
38 
35
20
307

141
40

-
-
-
-
181

50
-

-
-
-
-
50

11
8

-
-
-
-
19

11
1

-
-
1
-
13

306
130

60
35
-
-
531

211
15

50
38 
36
20
370

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

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

Taxable benefits
Taxable benefits in kind were unchanged in FY2017 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 FY2017
The executive Directors were rewarded during the year for delivering profit targets aligned to the 2017 business plan.

Annual performance related bonus plan
An annual performance related bonus plan has been introduced for the year ending 31 May 2018 which will reward executive 
Directors and key management and staff cash bonuses for delivering stretching profit targets aligned to the 2018 business plan.

Total single figure of pension benefits for Directors - audited
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

Contributions were made to the Company defined contribution scheme.

Pension contributions

FY2017

FY2016

12
7
19

12
1
13

Governance Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
26

Directors’ remuneration report continued

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 2017, 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 

2017

Shares 

%

257,656
11,882
354,429
101,762
725,729

0.1%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
0.3%

2016

Shares 

257,656
11,882
354,429
101,762
725,729

%

0.1%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
0.3%

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

Management share option scheme - audited

The executive Directors who served during the year ending 31 May 2017 held the following options over the ordinary shares of 
the Company.

Rob Smith
Rob Smith
Michael Tyerman
Michael Tyerman

Plan

ESOP
SAYE
ESOP
SAYE

Exercise period 

Option price

2017

2016

01/03/2019 - 28/02/2026
01/06/2019 - 30/11/2019
01/03/2019 - 28/02/2026
01/06/2019 - 30/11/2019

5.37p
5.20p
5.37p
5.20p

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

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

The ESOP scheme introduced in May 2017 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. Information relating to share options can be found in note 30.

The closing middle market price on 31 May 2017 was 12p, and on 31 May 2016 it was 11p. The range of middle market
share prices during the year ended 31 May 2017 was 9p-14p.

There were no changes in Directors’ interests between 31 May 2017 and 31 July 2017. The Company’s register of Directors’ 
interests, which is open to inspection at the registered office, contains full details of Directors’ shareholdings.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
Directors’ remuneration report continued

Directors’ report

The Directors present their report together with the audited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 May
2017. 

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 15. 

After a review of forecasts including projections of profitability 
and cash flows for the year to 1 August 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, and up to the 
date of this report, were as follows:

Rob Smith
Michael Tyerman
Reg Gott
Michael Roller

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

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

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.

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

Top Investors

Rank

Investor

27

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 £3.2m 
(2016: £4.3m), of which £nil were capitalised (2016: £0.3m). 
Amortisation of development costs in the year was £0.1m 
(2016: nil)

Substantial shareholdings
Up to 31 May 2017 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 2017 
(as disclosed by shareholders via TR1), is set out in the table 
below. As at 31 May 2017 the Company had issued share 
capital of 206,910,146 ordinary shares of 0.1p each.

Financial results and dividend
The results for the year are set out in the income statement on
page 30. The position at the end of the year is shown in the 
balance sheet on page 32.

The Directors are not recommending payment of a dividend
(2016: 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 September 2016.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Legal & General Investment Mgt
Mrs Diana M Dixon
Aberforth Partners
River & Mercantile Asset Mgt
Hargreave Hale
Old Mutual Global Investors
Hargreaves Lansdown Asset Mgt
Barclays Wealth
Mr David Newlands and Mrs Monique Newlands
Halifax Share Dealing

31-May-17

30,994,078
24,000,000
15,305,008
14,921,251
12,697,180
10,148,000
9,716,298
8,215,160
8,015,000
6,235,446

% IC

14.98
11.60
7.40
7.21
6.27
4.90
4.70
3.97
3.87
3.01

Governance Reportwww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC28

Directors’ report continued

Political and charitable contributions 
No contributions were made for political or charitable 
purposes (2016: £nil).

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 28 September 2017 at the offices of Panmure 
Gordon & Co, 1 New Change, London EC4M 9AF. 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.  

Under company law the Directors must not approve the 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a 

true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent 
Company and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing 
each of the Group and parent Company financial statements, the 
Directors are required to:  

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them  
  consistently;  

•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable 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.

Maura Moynihan
Company Secretary
31 July 2017

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report continued

29

Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of Filtronic plc

We have audited the financial statements of Filtronic plc for 
the year ended 31 May 2017 set out on pages 30 to 61.  
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 28, 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.  

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. Based solely on the work required 
to be undertaken in the course of the audit of the financial 
statements and from reading the Strategic report and the 
Directors’ report:

•  we have not identified material misstatements in those  

reports; and 

•  in our opinion, those reports have been prepared in    
  accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

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  

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. 

•  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.  

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 2017 and of the Group’s profit for the year  

then ended;  

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

Johnathan Pass (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor  
Chartered Accountants  
1 Sovereign Square
Sovereign Street
Leeds
LS1 4DA
31 July 2017

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
 
 
 
30

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 May 2017

Revenue 

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)*

Amortisation of development costs 

Capitalisation of development costs

Exceptional operating items

Operating profit/(loss) 

Finance costs

Exceptional finance items

Finance Income

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Taxation 

Profit/(loss) for the period 

Basic earnings/(loss) per share 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share 

Group

Note

2017 
£000

2016 
£000

35,373

1,797

(95)

-

-

1,702

(287)

740

740

2,155

962

3,117

1.51p

1.49p

13,580

(6,840)

-

286

(426)

(6,980)

(59)

-

-

(7,039)

1,922

(5,117)

(3.20p)

(3.20p)

16

16

5

4

11

5

12

13

14

14

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

The profit 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.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Consolidated income statement

for the year ended 31 May 2017

Consolidated statement of
comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 May 2017

Profit/(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

31

Note

Group

2017
£000

2016
£000

3,117

(5,117)

27

(541)

2,576

(55)

(5,172)

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

statement of comprehensive income has been presented.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC32

Consolidated balance sheet
at 31 May 2017

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

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

Company number 2891064

Approved by the Board on 31 July 2017 and signed on its behalf by

Rob Smith

Chief	Executive	Officer

31 July 2017

Group

Note

2017
£000

2016
£000

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

34

23

25

26

27

29

3,590

1,354

1,015

5,959

2,249

8,643

2,598

13,490

19,449

3,648

1,230 

834

5,712

1,685

8,960 

990

11,635 

17,347

8,061

7,295

545

105

-

8,711

11

11

8,722

10,727

10,788

10,640

(796)

(9,905)

10,727

161

460

1,270

9,186

32

32

9,218 

8,129

10,788

10,640

(255)

(13,044)

8,129

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Consolidated balance sheet

at 31 May 2017

Consolidated statement of
changes in equity
for the year ended 31 May 2017

Share 
capital
£000

Share 
premium
£000

Translation 
reserve 
£000

33

Total 
Equity
£000

8,729

(5,117)

31

4,541

(55)

8,129

3,117

22

(541)

Retained 
earnings
£000

(7,958)

(5,117)

31

-

-

(13,044)

3,117

22

-

(9,905)

10,727

-

-

-

(55)

(255)

-

-

(541)

(796)

10,688

6,199

(200)

Balance at 1 June 2015

Loss for the year

Share based payments

Shares issued in the year

Currency translation movement arising on consolidation

Balance at 31 May 2016

Profit for the year

Share based payments

Currency translation movement arising on consolidation

-

-

100

-

-

-

4,441

-

10,788

10,640

-

-

-

-

-

-

Balance at 31 May 2017

10,788

10,640

Company statement of
changes in equity
for the year ended 31 May 2017

Balance at 1 June 2015

Loss for the year

Shares issued in the year

Balance at 31 May 2016

Profit for the year

Share based payments

Balance at 31 May 2017

Share 
capital
£000

10,688

-

100

10,788

-

-

Share 
premium
£000

6,199

-

4,441

10,640

-

-

Retained 
earnings
£000

1,749

(4,678)

-

(2,929)

(631)

5

Total 
Equity
£000

18,636

(4,678)

4,541

18,499

(631)

5

10,788

10,640

(3,555)

17,873

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC34

Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 May 2017

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit/(loss) for the period 

Taxation

Finance income

Finance costs

Operating profit/(loss) 

Share-based payments

(Profit)/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

Tax received 

Net cash from/(used in) operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities

Interest paid 

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)

Proceeds from interest bearing borrowings 

Payment of interest bearing borrowings

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities 

Movement in cash and cash equivalents

Currency exchange movement 

Opening cash and cash equivalents 

Closing cash and cash equivalents 

Group

Note

2017 
£000

2016 
£000

3,117

(962)

(740)

287

1,702

22

(85)

658

110

(493)

(214)

559

384

(376)

1,599

3,866

(286)

-

(811)

86

(1,011)

-

-

(1,270)

(1,270)

1,585

23

990

2,598

(5,117)

(1,922)

-

59

(6,980)

31

76

655

15

(25)

(175)

603

50

439

261

(5,050)

(59)

(286)

(172)

36

(481)

4,541

950

-

5,491

(40)

(57)

1,087

990

34

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Consolidated cash flow statement

for the year ended 31 May 2017

Company balance sheet
at 31 May 2017

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 

Total liabilities

Net assets 

Equity

Share capital 

Share premium 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

Company number 2891064

Approved by the Board on 31 July 2017 and signed on its behalf by

Rob Smith

Chief	Executive	Officer

31 July 2017

35

Company

Note

2017 
£000

2016
£000

15

16

17

20

21

25

26

29

10,564

10,564

143

-

127

38

10,707

10,729

12,472

124

12,596

23,303

5,430

5,430

17,873

10,788

10,640

(3,555)

17,873

13,039

125

13,164

23,893

5,394

5,394

18,499

10,788

10,640

(2,929)

18,499

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC36

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

1

Accounting policies
Reporting entity
Filtronic plc is a Company registered in England and Wales, domiciled in the United Kingdom, and 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 at least the next twelve months from the balance sheet signing date 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 and foreign currency translation
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, cash flow 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; and
•  The income statements and cash flow statements are translated at the average rate of exchange each month in 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.

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.

The timing of the transfers of risks and rewards varies depending on the individual terms of the contract of sale. The 
majority of sales in the Group are made at the point the product leaves the Filtronic production facility but there are sales 
to a number of customers 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 vendor managed inventory at third party locations, 
in this instance, revenue is recognised when the goods have been moved out of the location by the customer and a 
consumption advice has been provided.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

37

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Contracts undertaken to provide an engineering service, such as the design of a product, funded by the customer is 
recognised as revenue when the outcome of the contract can be estimated reliably and the contract revenue is recognised in the 
income statement in proportion to the stage of completion of the contract. The stage of completion is assessed against project 
milestones. Otherwise, contract revenue is recognised only to the extent of contract costs incurred that are likely to be recoverable.

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 schemes, under which share options are granted to certain employees. The granting of the 
share options constitutes 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 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
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the acquisition method. Business combinations are accounted for 
using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is transferred to the Group.

The Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:

•  the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus

•  the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus

•  the fair value of any existing equity interest in the acquiree; less

•  the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

When the excess is negative, a gain is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement.

Costs related to the acquisition, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, are expensed as  
incurred.

Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is 
classified as equity, it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes 
to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Where contingent 
consideration is linked to continued employment it is classified as an employment cost and recognised in the consolidated 
income statement over the relevant period.

On a transaction-by-transaction basis, the Group elects to measure non-controlling interests, which have both present 
ownership interests and are entitled to a proportionate share of net assets of the acquiree in the event of liquidation, at its 
proportionate interest in the recognised amount of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree at the acquisition date.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC 
38

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

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. 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 the income statement 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:

•  Licences 
•  Software Licence 

Life of the licence/patent
4 to 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 the income statement. 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 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

39

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 
 
 
40

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

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
The following new standards and amendments to standards are mandatory for the first time for the financial year 
beginning 1 June 2016:

•  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 standards are not expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

41

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 based on sales order book, market intelligence and 
inventory aging.

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 based on historical data, aging of debts and market intelligence of 
our customers. 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 using customer forecasts and market knowledge.

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 
 
42

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

3

Segmental analysis
Operating segments
IFRS 8 requires consideration of the identity 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 two customers representing individually over 10 percent each and in aggregate 82 percent of
revenue. This is split as follows:

•  Customer A (Filtronic Wireless) — 71%

•  Customer B (Filtronic Wireless) — 11%

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

2017
£000

2016 
£000

2017
£000

2016
£000

2017 
£000

2016
£000

2017
£000

2016
£000

4,917

4,618

30,456

8,962

304

330

354

316

-

-

-

9

35,373

13,580

658

655

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)*

(901)

(1,723)

3,602

(4,514)

(904)

(603)

1,797

(6,840)

Amortisation of development costs

Capitalisation of development costs

Exceptional operating Items

(33)

-

-

-

100

-

(62)

-

-

-

186

(209)

Reportable segment operating profit/(loss)

(934)

(1,623)

3,540

(4,537)

-

-

-

(904)

(23)

-

-

-

(217)

(820)

-

-

(95)

-

-

-

286

(426)

1,702

(6,980)

(287)

740

(59)

-

-

-

-

-

(264)

740

(59)

-

(934)

(1,623)

4,016

(4,596)

(927)

(820)

2,155

(7,039)

3,082

2,475

12,817

11,306

15,012

15,601

30,911

29,382

467

58

344

107

-

7

811

172

Finance costs

Finance income

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Reportable segment assets 

Capital expenditure 

Reportable segment liabilities

10,078

8,778

12,141

14,546

516

480

22,735

23,804

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

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

43

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 development costs 

Amortisation of other intangible assets

Consolidated depreciation and amortisation

Assets

Total assets for reportable segments 

Intercompany 

Group/unallocated 

Consolidated total assets 

Liabilities

Total liabilities for reportable segments 

Intercompany

Consolidated total liabilities

2017
£000

2016
£000

658

95

15

768

655

-

15

670

30,911

29,382

(14,013)

(14,586)

2,551

2,551

19,449

17,347

22,735

23,804

(14,013)

(14,586)

8,722

9,218

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.

2017
£000

218

18,696

14,602

1,857

2016 
£000

188

5,606

4,132

3,654

35,373

13,580

2017 
£000

4,459

107

1,255

138

5,959

2016
£000

4,519

94

1,094

5

5,712

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC44

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

4 

Operating profit/(loss)

Revenue

Other operating income

Cost of sales

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 

Total operating costs 

Operating profit/(loss)

5 

Exceptional items
Operating profit/(loss) is stated after charging exceptional items as follows:

Listing on AIM on the London Stock Exchange

Redundancy costs

Finance income is stated after crediting exceptional items as follows:

Revaluation of US Dollar denominated intercompany balance

2017
£000

2016
£000

35,373

13,580

(24)

23,315

5,479

637

338

22

-

(40)

9,936

5,566

670

363

31

217

6,476

6,847

110

658

768

15

655

670

3,136

3,147

10,380

10,664

1,702

(6,980)

2017
£000

-

-

-

2017
£000

740

740

2016 
£000

209

217

426

2016
£000

-

-

An intercompany relationship exists between the Filtronic Wireless subsidiaries in the UK and the US. The balance is 
denominated in US Dollars and is owed to the UK subsidiary. The US Dollar has seen a significant strengthening during 
the year which has led to a large credit on revaluation in the UK entity.

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Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
6 

Operating items

Operating profit/(loss) is stated after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Research and development costs before capitalisation/amortisation of development costs

Development costs capitalised

Amortisation of intangibles

Operating lease rentals 

Foreign exchange loss/(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

Other services

8

Employees
The average number of employees comprised:

Manufacturing 

Research and development

Sales

Administration

45

2016
£000

655

4,294

(286)

15

381

(16)

2017
£000

658

3,119

-

110

383

123

2017 
£000

2016
£000

12

44

2

2

60

11

40

2

42

95

2017 
Number

2016
Number

56

44

5

11

116

56

51

4

17

128

The Directors are related parties.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC46

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

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 26. The compensation of the Directors was:

Salary or fees  

Bonuses  

Benefits  

Total remuneration excluding pension contributions and share-based payments  

Pension contributions  

2017 
£000

2016 
£000

331

181

19

531

19

550

307

50

13

370

13

383

The schedule 5 disclosure requirements are included in the Directors remuneration report. The elements that are audited 
are identified as such in that report. 

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 (2016: £432,000) and a royalty charge of 1 percent of Filtronic Wireless sales to the Filtronic 
Wireless business of £305,000 (2016: £90,000). 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 20 and 21 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 26.

11

Finance costs

Interest costs on invoice discounting facilities

Termination fee of Faunus Group International (“FGI”) invoice discounting facility

12

Finance income

Revaluation of US Dollar denominated intercompany balance

2017
£000

233

54

287

2017
£000

740

740

2016
£000

59

-

59

2016
£000

-

-

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Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

13

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

Origination of temporary differences 

Total deferred tax credit

Income tax credit

The reconciliation of the effective tax rate is as follows:

Profit/(loss) before taxation

Profit/(loss) before taxation multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax

in the UK

Disallowable items

Income not taxable 

Deferred tax asset not recognised

Impact of tax rate change on deferred tax

Enhanced R&D tax credit

Adjustment in respect of prior year R&D tax credit 

Foreign tax not at UK rate 

Recognition of deferred tax asset from prior year

Taxation

47

2017 
£000

2016 
£000

62

(843)

(781)

(181)

(181)

(962)

40

(1,128)

(1,088)

(834)

(834)

(1,922)

2016 
£000

(7,039)

2016 
£000

(20%)

(1,408)

(1%)

1%

17%

-

-

(57)

64

1,181

-

-

(16%)

(1,128)

(4%)

(4%)

(275)

(299)

(27%)

(1,922)

2017 
£000

2,155

2017 
£000

427

98

(196)

335

83

(357)

(843)

262

(771)

(962)

20%

5%

(9%)

16%

4%

(17%)

(39%)

12%

(36%)

(44%)

The main rate of UK corporation tax was reduced from 20 percent to 19 percent on 1 April 2017 giving an effective tax 
rate for the financial year of 19.83 percent. This will reduce to 17 percent from 1 April 2020. The deferred tax assets 
recognised in the year have been calculated at the rates of their expected use.

14

Earnings/(loss) per share

Profit/(loss) for the period

Basic weighted average number of shares

Dilution effect of share options

Diluted weighted average number of shares

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

Group

2017
£000

3,117

2015
£000

(5,117)

000
206,910

2,839

000
160,070

-

209,749

160,070

1.51p

1.49p

(3.20p)

(3.20p)

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC48

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

15

Investments in subsidiaries

Cost

At 1 June 2015, 31 May 2016 and 31 May 2017
Impairment

At 1 June 2015, 31 May 2016 and 31 May 2017

Carrying amount at 1 June 2015, 31 May 2016 and 31 May 2017

Company
investments in
subsidiaries
£000

21,110

10,546

10,564

The Company’s subsidiaries are related parties.

The subsidiaries at 31 May 2017, which were owned by Filtronic plc, were as follows:

Name of subsidiary

Country of
incorporation

Description of
equity held

Proportion
held

Activity

Filtronic Broadband Limited1

UK

1p ordinary shares 

100%

Filtronic Holdings UK Limited1
Isotek (Holdings) Limited1

UK

UK

£1 ordinary shares 

1p ordinary shares 

100%

100%

Design and manufacture 
of  microwave products for 
telecommunication systems
Holding Company

Holding Company

Filtronic Comtek (UK) Limited1

UK

12.2787p ordinary 
shares

100%

Dormant Company

Owned by Filtronic Holdings (UK) Limited:
Filtronic Wireless AB3

Sweden

SEK1 ordinary shares

100%

Owned by Isotek (Holdings) Limited:
Filtronic Wireless Limited1

UK

1p ordinary shares

100%

Filtronic Wireless Inc.2

USA

$1 ordinary shares

100%

Isotek Limited1

UK

1p 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
Dormant Company

Owned by Filtronic Wireless Limited:
Isotek Hong Kong Holdings 
Limited4

Hong Kong

HK$1 ordinary shares

100%

Holding Company

Owned by Isotek Hong Kong Holdings Limited:
Isotek Suzhou Limited5

China

USD $350,000
paid in share capital

Filtronic Wireless Suzhou5

China

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

1 Filtronic House, 3 Airport West, Lancaster Way, Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 7ZA, UK
2 700 Marvel Road, Salisbury, Maryland, 21801, USA
3 Antennvägen  6A, 18766, Täby, Sweden
4 RM 1501, C1 Grand Millennium Plaza (lower block), 181 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
5 RM 802, Block 1, No.135 Wangdun Road, SIP, Suzhou, China

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Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

16

Goodwill and other intangibles

49

Goodwill
£000

Other intangibles
(core technology)
£000

Licence 
agreement 
£000

Software 
costs 
£000

Development 
costs
£000

Total
£000

Group

Cost

At 1 June 2015 

Additions

At 31 May 2016

Reclassification of software costs

At 31 May 2017

Amortisation

At 1 June 2015 

Provided in year 

At 31 May 2016

Provided in year 

Reclassification of software costs

At 31 May 2017

3,235

-

3,235

-

3,235 

-

-

-

-

-

-

Carrying amount at 1 June 2015 

Carrying amount at 31 May 2016

Carrying amount at 31 May 2017

3,235

3,235

3,235

10,884

-

10,884

-

10,884

10,884

-

10,884

-

-

10,884

-

-

-

-

160

160

-

160

18

15

33

15

-

48

142

127

112

-

-

-

567

567

-

-

-

-

515

515

-

-

52

-

14,119

286

286

-

446

14,565

567

286

15,132

-

-

-

95

-

95

-

286

191

10,902

15

10,917

110

515

11,542

3,377

3,648

3,590

The Company accounts include the licence agreements for £112,000 and £31,000 of software costs (2016: licence 
agreements £127,000, software costs £nil).

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 percent was applied to the projections together with cost inflation of 3 percent. A perpetuity factor has been  
  applied based on the year to 31 May 2021; and

•  The Group’s discount rate of 12 percent (2016:12 percent) 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 Tilt (‘‘RET’’) licence to enable the use of RETs in the antenna 
products.

Software costs have historically been held in property, plant and equipment under the category ‘computers’. Due to 
the immaterial level of the net book value the costs have never been reclassified. However, the Directors have taken the 
decision in the year to reclassify software costs so the Group is fully compliant with IFRS.

The accounting policy for intangible assets relating to development costs 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 
 
 
50

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

17

Property, plant and equipment

Cost

At 1 June 2015 

Additions 

Disposals 

Currency translation movement 

At 31 May 2016 

Additions 

Disposals 

Reclassification of software costs

Currency translation movement

At 31 May 2017 

Depreciation and impairment

At 1 June 2015 

Depreciation 

Disposals

Currency translation movement

At 31 May 2016 

Depreciation 

Disposals 

Reclassification of software costs

Currency translation movement 

At 31 May 2017

Carrying amount at 1 June 2015 

Carrying amount at 31 May 2016

Carrying amount at 31 May 2017 

18 

Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets

Opening balance 

Tax losses recognised

Effect of change in UK corporation tax rate 

Closing balance

Group 
plant and 
equipment
£000

Company 
plant and 
equipment
£000

8,324

172

(1,118)

70

7,448

811

(556)

(567)

119

7,255

6,528

655

(1,008)

43

6,218

658

(556)

(515)

96

5,901

1,796

1,230

1,354

45

7

-

-

52

-

-

(52)

-

-

6

8

-

-

14

-

-

(14)

-

-

39

38

-

Group

2017
£000

834

264

(83)

1,015

2016 
£000

-

834

-

834

Deferred tax assets within the  Filtronic Wireless subsidiaries in the UK and US have been recognised as the Directors 
consider that future taxable profits will be available against which they can be used. Future taxable profits are determined 
based on business plans for individual subsidiaries in the Group and the reversal of temporary differences. Deferred tax 
assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax 
benefit will be realised; such deductions are reversed when the probability of future taxable profits improves.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

51

18

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

2017 
£000

2,110

2016
£000

2,109

12,944

11,969

80

47

2017
£000

455

9,274

80

2016 
£000

455

9,161

47

15,134

14,125

9,809

9,663

The deferred tax assets have not been recognised where the Directors consider that it is unlikely that future taxable profits 
will be available against which they can be used. There is no expiry date for these unrecognised deferred tax assets which 
are reassessed at each reporting date.

19

Inventories

Raw materials 

Work in progress 

Finished goods

Inventory provision

Inventories are stated net of provision

Group

Company

2017
£000

2,749

79

1,070

3,898

2016
£000

3,158

234

316

3,708

(1,649)

(2,023)

2,249

1,685

2017
£000

2016
£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Raw materials, consumables and changes in finished goods and work in progress recognised in cost of sales in the year 
amounted to £22,668,000 (2016: £9,564,000).

The amount charged to the income statement in the year in respect of write downs of inventories is £70,000 (2016: 
£636,000). The amount credited to the income statement in the year in respect of reversals of write downs of inventories 
is £nil (2016: £nil).

20

Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables

Group receivables 

Other receivables and prepayments 

Group

Company

2017 
£000

8,079

-

564

8,643

2016
£000

7,457

2017
£000

-

2016 
£000

-

-

12,426

12,996

1,503

8,960

46

43

12,472

13,039

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

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC52

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

21

Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Group payables 

Other payables and accruals 

22

Provisions

Warranty provision

Opening balance 

Used during the year 

Released unused during the year

Charge for the year 

Closing balance

Group

Company

2017
£000

6,382

-

1,679

8,061

2016
£000

6,051

-

1,244

7,295

2017
£000

24

4,914

492

5,430

2016
£000

113

4,914

367

5,394

Group

2017
£000

161

(11)

(36)

361

475

2016
£000

101

(4)

(31)

95

161

Company

2017
£000

2016
£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 

Released unused during the year

Charge for the year 

Closing balance

Group

Company

2017
£000

-

-

70

70

2016
£000

10

(10)

-

-

2017
£000

-

-

-

-

2016
£000

10

(10)

-

-

The Group leases facilities at five sites in the UK, US, China and Sweden with each lease requiring the site to be restored 
to its original condition.

23

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.

24

Pension costs

Defined contribution schemes 

Group

Company

2017
£000

338

2016
£000

363

2017
£000

33

2016
£000

25

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

53

25 

Share capital

At 1 June 2015

Shares issued in year

At 1 June 2016 and 31 May 2017

Group and Company 
Ordinary shares of 0.1p each
£000

Number

106,876,986

100,033,160

206,910,146

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.

26 

Share premium

At 1 June 2015  

Premium on share issue  

At 1 June 2016 and 31 May 2017

27 

Translation reserve

At 1 June 2015

Currency translation movement arising on consolidation

At 1 June 2016

Currency translation movement arising on consolidation

At 31 May 2017

Group and
Company

6,199

4,441

10,640

Group
£000

(200)

(55)

(255)

(541)

(796)

The translation reserve comprises foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of 
foreign operations.

28 

Dividends
The Directors are not proposing to pay a dividend for the year ended 31 May 2017 (2016: nil).

29 

Retained earnings

At 1 June 2015

Loss for the period 

Share-based payments 

At 31 May 2016 

Profit/(loss) for the period  

Share-based payments  

At 31 May 2017

Group
£000

(7,958)

(5,117)

31

(13,044)

3,117

22

(9,905)

Company
£000

1,749

(4,678)

-

(2,929)

(631)

5

(3,555)

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC54

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

30

Share options
There are six sharesave plans that have been offered to employees at the date of this report. The first four 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 4

Weighted 
average exercise 
price 2017

Number of
options  
2017

Weighted  
average exercise 
price 2016

Number of
options 
2016

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

22,912

-

(22,912)

-

-

56.4p

56.4p

56.4p

56.4p

56.4p

64,652

-

(41,740)

22,912

-

The fourth sharesave scheme was offered to employees in March 2013 and has now closed.

Sharesave Plan - Scheme 5

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

Weighted average 
exercise price 2017

Number of 
options 2017

Weighted average 
exercise price 2016

Number of

options 2016

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

84,189

-

(5,806)

78,383

-

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

31.0p

796,290

-

(712,101)

84,189

-

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

The options outstanding at 31 May 2017 for Scheme 5 have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 0.5 years. 
The share options granted during the year to May 2014 have an exercise price of 31.0p and have an exercise period from 
1 July to 31 December 2017.

Sharesave Plan - Scheme 6

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

Weighted average 
exercise price 2017

Number of 
options 2017

Weighted average 
exercise price 2016

Number of

options 2016

5.2p

5.2p

5.2p

5.2p

5.2p

-

6,244,854

(165,565)

6,079,289

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A sixth sharesave scheme was offered to employees in June 2016.

The options outstanding at 31 May 2017 for Scheme 6 have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.5 years. 
The share options granted during the year to May 2017 have an exercise price of 5.2p and have an exercise period from 
1 June to 30 November 2019.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

55

30

Share options (continued)

Management incentive plans
The options granted in the year to directors, 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 2017:

Ordinary shares of 0.1p

Date granted

Earliest date 
exercisable

Latest date 
exercisable

Exercise price

5,275,000

500,000

1,150,000

6,925,000

01/03/2016

11/04/2016

30/09/2016

01/03/2017

11/04/2017

30/09/2017

29/02/2026

10/04/2026

29/09/2026

5.4p

8.5p 

11.6p

The weighted average price of options of the outstanding options under this scheme at 31 May 2017 was 6.6p

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

Number of share 
options 2017

7,006,624

1,250,000

(1,331,624)

6,925,000

-

Number of share 
options 2016

745,072

7,400,000

(1,138,448)

7,006,624

156,624

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC56

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

31

Share-based payments

Share options expense

Non-vesting LTIP share award

Group

2017 
£000

2016 
£000

Company

2017 
£000

2016 
£000

22

-

22

40

(9)

31

5

-

5

9

(9)

-

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

2017
£000

2016
£000

Company

2017 
£000

2016
£000

7,494,854

7,400,000

1,215,301

1,850,000

6.2p

50%

5.4p

50%

5.2p

50%

5.4p

50%

3.0 years

3.0 years

3.0 years

3.0 years

0.5%

1.0p

0.5%

1.0p

0.5%

1.0p

0.5%

1.0p

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

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

Less than one year

Between one and five years

More than five years

2017 
£000

264

538

40

904

2016 
£000

354

688

111

1,153

2017
£000

2016 
£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.

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

33

Capital expenditure commitments

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

34

Analysis of net funds/(debt)

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest bearing borrowings

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

Movement in cash and cash equivalents

Cash flow from decrease/(increase) in debt financing 

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 

Movement in net funds/(debt) 

Net funds/(debt) at 1 June 2016

Net funds/(debt) at 31 May 2017

57

Group

2017 
£000

2016
£000

Company

2017
£000

2016
£000

93

42

-

4

1 June
2016 
£000

990

(1,270)

(280)

Cash 
flow
£000

Other 
changes 
£000

31 May
2017 
£000

1,585

1,270

2,855

23

-

23

2,598

-

2,598

2017 
£000

1,585

1,270

23

2,878

(280)

2,598

2016 
£000

(40)

(950)

(57)

(1,047)

767

(280)

The Group has invoice discounting facilities of £3.0m with Barclays Bank plc enabling it to borrow money against the UK 
debtor book.

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC58

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

35

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 cash of £2,598,000 whilst the Company has net funds of £124,000. The Group has access to a 
£3.0m sales invoicing facility with Barclays Bank having successfully secured a permanent increase from £2.0m in the 
year.

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 percent of the UK entities’ debtors 
denominated in US Dollars and Sterling up to a value of £3.0m.

The amount of cash available to the Group and the headroom available on debt facilities results in a low liquidity risk.

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

2017
£000

2,598

8,643

11,241

2016
£000

990

8,960

9,950

2017
£000

124

12,472

12,596

2016
£000

125

13,039

13,164

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

Barclays Bank plc

Bank of America Corporation

China CITIC Bank International Limited

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB 

Group

Company

2017
£000

1,800

719

58

21

2,598

2016
£000

196

745

47

2

990

2017
£000

124

-

-

-

2016
£000

125

-

-

-

124

125

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

59

35

Financial instruments (continued) 

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

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 FY2017 or FY2016.

Group

2017
£000

2016
£000

6,070

3,966

524

448

1,037

8,079

834

657

2,000

7,457

Group

2017 
£000

2016 
£000

7,651

7,298

405

23

133

26

8,079

7,457

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)

Financialswww.filtronic.com  Stock Code: FTC60

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 May 2017

35

Financial instruments (continued)
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 exchange 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.

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 

17

-

-

(45)

(28)

1

-

10

(60)

(49)

2017

SEK
£000

EUR
£000

RMB
£000

USD
£000

1,945

-

49

-

796

7,237

(555)

(4,825)

290

4,357

2016

SEK
£000

EUR
£000

2

-

-

-

2

-

-

9

(152)

(143)

RMB
£000

47

-

834

(551)

330

USD
£000

759

(1,275)

6,559

(4,889)

1,154

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 2017 then   
the Group operating profit would have been £103,000 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 £3.0m on the UK. At 31 May 2017 the Group had net cash 
of £2,598,000 and the Company had a cash balance of £124,000. The Group and Company have sufficient cash to cover 
working capital requirements and capital expenditure plans.

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

Filtronic plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 May 2017

61

36

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62

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,
28 September 2017 at the offices of  
Panmure Gordon & Co, 1 New Change,  
London, EC4M 9AF

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 2017