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Halma Holdings Inc

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FY2020 Annual Report · Halma Holdings Inc
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Halma plc
Annual Report 
and Accounts 2020

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Growing a  
safer
cleaner
healthier
future

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our purpose 
is to grow a 
safer, cleaner, 
healthier future 
for everyone, 
every day.

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Halma is a global group  
of life-saving technology 
companies. Our companies 
provide innovative solutions 
to many of the key problems 
facing the world today.

Contents

Strategic Report
02 Highlights
03 At a glance
04 Chairman’s statement
06 Group Chief Executive’s review
12 Halma’s Sustainable Growth

Model

18 Financial review 
26 Key performance indicators
30 Process Safety
32 Infrastructure Safety
34 Environmental & Analysis
36 Medical
38 Our people
40 Our stakeholders
42 Sustainability
48 Risk management and  

internal controls
54 Viability statement
55 Non-financial information 

statement

Governance

56 Introduction to governance
58 Board of Directors
60 Board leadership and
Company purpose
66 Division of responsibilities
68 Composition, succession and 

evaluation

69 Nomination Committee Report
71 Audit, risk and internal control
72 Audit Committee Report
77 Remuneration Committee 

Report

80 Remuneration at a glance
82 Annual Remuneration Report

100 Directors’ Report
103 Directors’ responsibilities

Financial Statements
104 Independent Auditors’ Report
to the members of Halma plc

112 Consolidated Income 

Statement

113 Consolidated Statement 

of Comprehensive Income 
and Expenditure

114 Consolidated Balance Sheet
115 Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity
117 Consolidated Cash Flow 

Statement

118 Accounting Policies
130 Notes to the Accounts
179 Company Balance Sheet
180 Company Statement 
of Changes in Equity

182 Notes to the Company 

Accounts

194 Summary 2010/11 to 2019/20

Other Information
196 Shareholder Information

01

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Highlights

Revenue

£1,338m

+11%

Adjusted1 profit before taxation

Statutory profit before taxation

£267.0m

+9%

£224.1m

+8%

£m

808

962

1,076

1,211

1,338

166.0

194.0

213.7

245.7

267.0

£m

275

225

175

125

75

25

136.3

157.7

171.9

206.7

224.1

£m

250

200

150

100

50

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

p

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

Dividend per share paid and proposed

Return on Sales4

16.50p

+5%

19.9%

12.81

13.71

14.68

15.71

16.50

20.6

20.2

19.9

20.3

19.9

%

25

20

15

10

5

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Continuing operations

Revenue

Adjusted1 Profit before Taxation

Adjusted2 Earnings per Share

Statutory Profit before Taxation

Statutory Earnings per Share

Total Dividend per Share3

Return on Sales4

Return on Total Invested Capital5

Net Debt6

2020

2019

Change

+11%

+9%

+9%

+8%

+9%

+5%

£1,338.4m

£1,210.9m

£267.0m

£245.7m

57.39p

52.74p

£224.1m

£206.7m

48.66p

16.50p

19.9%

15.3%

44.78p

15.71p

20.3%

16.1%

£375.3m

£181.7m

02

Pro-forma information
1  Adjusted to remove the amortisation and 
impairment of acquired intangible assets, 
acquisition items, restructuring costs, 
profit or loss on disposal of operations and 
in the prior year only the effect of 
equalisation of benefits for men and 
women in the defined benefit pension 
plans, totalling £42.9m (2019: £39.0m). 
See note 1 to the Accounts.

2  Adjusted to remove the amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets, acquisition 
items, restructuring costs, profit or loss on 
disposal of operations, in the prior year 
only, the effect of equalisation of benefits 
for men and women in the defined benefit 
pension plans, and the associated taxation 
thereon. See note 2 to the Accounts.

3  Total dividend paid and proposed 

per share.

4  Return on Sales is defined as Adjusted1 
Profit before Taxation from continuing 
operations expressed as a percentage of 
revenue from continuing operations.

5  Return on Total Invested Capital (ROTIC) 
is defined as post-tax Adjusted1 Profit 
as a percentage of average Total 
Invested Capital.

6 2020 includes lease liabilities of £61.5m.
7  Adjusted1 Profit before Taxation, Adjusted2 
Earnings per Share, organic growth rates 
and Return on Sales4 and ROTIC are 
alternative performance measures used 
by management. See notes 1, 2 and 3 to 
the Accounts.

8  Adjusted1 operating profit before central 

administration costs after share of 
associate.

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020At a glance

Our sectors

Process Safety

Infrastructure Safety

Protecting people and assets at work across a range of 
critical industrial and logistics operations.

Protecting people, property and assets and enabling safe 
movement in public spaces.

Process Safety’s technologies prevent accidents and ensure 
critical processes operate safely by detecting hazardous 
gases, analysing air quality and managing the movement 
of people in high risk areas. It protects pressurised vessels 
and pipework through its explosion protection devices and 
systems and safeguards people and processes with its 
real-time corrosion monitoring and valve interlocking 
systems.
Read more on page 30

Infrastructure Safety’s technologies protect people, property 
and assets with fire detection and suppression systems, 
ensure the security of commercial, residential and public 
buildings, and make elevators smarter, simpler and safer 
with safety and communications systems and components. 
Its sensors automate doors in public, commercial and 
industrial buildings, and its advanced radar technology 
makes highways and airports safer and more efficient.

Read more on page 32

Revenue

Adjusted1 operating profit8

Revenue

Adjusted1 operating profit8

£200m

15% of Group revenue

£44m

14% of Adjusted1 operating profit8

£467m

35% of Group revenue

£108m

35% of Adjusted1 operating profit8

Environmental & Analysis

Medical

Monitoring and protecting the environment, ensuring the 
quality and availability of life-critical resources, and using 
optical and imaging technology in materials analysis. 

Environmental & Analysis’ technologies include 
environmental data recording, water quality testing, water 
network monitoring and ultraviolet treatment, helping to 
monitor and improve the quality of drinking, industrial and 
recreational water, and to monitor air and water pollution 
and analyse gases. Its optical, opto-electronic and spectral 
imaging systems use light to analyse materials across a 
broad range of applications and industries.

Enhancing the quality of life for patients and improving the 
quality of care delivered by healthcare providers.

Medical’s technologies enable health assessment across 
the continuum of care and treatment in clinical specialties. 
They assess eye health, monitor vital signs, and assist with 
surgery. Its components are used by medical diagnostic 
OEMs and laboratories in fluidic handling applications, 
enabling in-vitro diagnostics and life-science 
developments. Its sensor technologies are used in hospitals 
and healthcare facilities to improve care quality, safety, 
hygiene and operational efficiency.

Read more on page 34

Read more on page 36

Revenue

Adjusted1 operating profit8

Revenue

Adjusted1 operating profit8

£325m

24% of Group revenue

£69m

23% of Adjusted1 operating profit8

£347m

26% of Group revenue

£84m

28% of Adjusted1 operating profit8

Revenue by destination

20+

Countries with a Halma 
company presence

4

International hubs in the USA, 
the UK, India and China

100+

Countries with customers

16%

16%

9%

38%

 USA  
 Mainland Europe  
 United Kingdom  
 Asia Pacific  
 Other

21%

03

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Chairman’s statement

“ Our colleagues across the Group 
have shown immense dedication 
in these difficult circumstances 
to support the communities and 
customers that they serve. ”

Paul Walker
Chairman

As the world adjusts to life in a COVID-19 environment, I reflect 
on the past financial year with mixed feelings. This global health 
crisis has seen suffering and hardship for many people and has 
put considerable strain on governments, healthcare providers 
and many businesses. It seems likely that we will have to contend 
with its economic consequences for some time to come, while 
adapting to potentially significant changes in the ways we live 
and work and possible longer-term consequences on 
human health.

Despite this, the spirit of collective purpose in the fight against this 
pandemic has been remarkable within our communities and our 
healthcare systems, and not least within Halma’s companies. Our 
colleagues across the Group have shown immense dedication and 
I would like to thank them all for their hard work, in these difficult 
circumstances, in supporting the communities and customers that 
we serve. I am really proud of what our companies have achieved, 
particularly in recent months, in keeping our operations running to 
provide the life-sustaining equipment needed by healthcare 
providers and the products and services required to keep essential 
infrastructure safe and operational.

At this time of global crisis, Halma has benefited from the clarity 
of our purpose, the resilience of our business model, and our 
financial strength. Living our purpose, culture and values has 
never been more important and it has been great to see how our 
colleagues have continued to work with integrity, compassion 
and drive to ensure that we grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future 
for everyone, every day. In doing so, they have been able to 
leverage our inherent agility and adaptability to continue to serve 
our customers’ changing needs and to preserve our robust 
financial position. This solid foundation should enable us to 
emerge from this crisis in a position of strength and to benefit 
from the sustainable growth drivers in our markets over the 
longer term.

Revenue and Profit growth, Dividend increased
We delivered a good set of results, with revenue and profit 
increasing over the prior year, despite the impact of COVID-19 
on the final quarter of the year. We had a record year for 
acquisitions – adding 10 new businesses across all four sectors 
bringing new capabilities and market opportunities to the Group. 
Organic constant currency revenue growth was in line with our 
KPI at 5%, and organic profit growth of 2%, while below our 5% 
KPI, included provisions of £5m for the increased potential of 
customer bad debts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Our financial position remains strong and we do not intend to 
utilise the UK Government’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility 
or claim for our UK furloughed employees under the Coronavirus 
Job Retention Scheme. Despite a more uncertain outlook for the 
year ahead, the Group’s robust financial position and trading 
since the year end has enabled the Board to recommend an 
increase in the final dividend by 3.8% to 9.96p per share, which is 
subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting. 
Together with the 6.54p per share interim dividend, this would 
result in a total dividend for the year of 16.50p, an increase of 5%.

04

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Talent, culture and diversity
Our constant drive to recruit and develop exceptionally talented 
people across our business has helped us to navigate the issues that 
have arisen over the past year. This is enhanced by our collaborative, 
purpose-driven approach and the common set of cultural values 
which are encapsulated in Halma’s DNA. One of Halma’s great 
attributes is the ability to enable people to bring their true self to 
work – a culture that values diversity and inclusion throughout the 
Group. The Board continues to focus on increasing diversity in all its 
forms and is encouraged by the improving gender balance across 
senior management. This initiative has been highly successful at 
the highest level, with 45% of the Executive Board and 40% of the 
main Board being female as at the year end. We have also made 
significant progress on gender diversity within our sector boards, 
the level below the Executive Board, and are now working to 
improve both gender and ethnic diversity across all levels.

I am pleased that, once again, our Employee Engagement Survey 
has shown a high employee response level, and most importantly, 
a high level of employee engagement across the Group. The Board 
regularly monitors the Company culture and seeks opportunities to 
engage with the wider workforce throughout the year, details of 
which are set out in the Governance Report.

Sustainability
Halma has a clear purpose, and integral to delivering it is being 
a socially responsible company which demonstrates strong 
ethical behaviour within a framework of transparent and robust 
governance. These attributes are well-embedded within our 
organisation and are closely monitored by the Board. I am very 
pleased that our achievements have been recognised, for 
example by an improvement this year in our CDP Climate 
Change rating to B (Management) and our continued 
membership of the FTSE4Good Index.

In last year’s Annual Report, we selected four of the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals to be the focus of our 
sustainability initiatives – being the areas where Halma could 
have the most impact. We made progress in the year in 
supporting each of these goals, as well as in other aspects 
of sustainability, such as reducing our environmental impact, 
risk-assessing modern slavery risks in our supply chain, and 
enhancing our sustainability disclosure and reporting. Our desire 
to set a long-term carbon reduction target based on climate 
science has been delayed, due to the focus of our businesses on 
COVID-19-related matters, but we intend to continue to work 
with our external consultants to implement a Science-Based 
Target in the coming year.

Last year, we completed Halma’s first global charitable 
campaign – Gift of Sight. This group-wide initiative delivered 
equipment to medical teams in Ghana in order for them 
to perform sight-restoration surgery in the local community. 
The campaign not only raised over US$200,000 for the 
Himalayan Cataract Project but also engaged and helped 
employees across the Group, with over 3,000 of them undergoing 
eye health screenings. Halma invited employees from the five 
companies that completed the most screenings to visit Ghana 
to see the remarkable work undertaken by the medical team, 
who restored the sight of over 700 people in just one week while 
they were there.

Corporate Governance
The UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 first applied to Halma 
for the year ended 31 March 2020 although the Board began 
aligning to many of the new provisions last year. Steps were 
taken to further the Board’s engagement with the workforce, 
to monitor culture and consider all stakeholders in its decision-
making process. Halma has complied with the provisions of the 
Code, other than certain aspects relating to remuneration, which 
will be addressed as part of the remuneration policy update that 
will be put to shareholders at the AGM in 2021. Further details of 
our plan in these areas are set out in the Remuneration Report.

You will also notice that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted 
our Annual Report production this year. Due to remote working 
during the lockdown, reduced resources across our business and 
externally and in order to minimise costs, we took the decision 
early on to take a compliance-only approach this year. Therefore, 
while our narrative is comprehensive and complies with the latest 
reporting requirements this year’s Report has minimal design and 
photo elements and no case studies.

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is also impacted and will 
be held as a closed meeting, with shareholders prohibited from 
attending, due to the current restrictions on public gatherings 
and the need to observe social distancing measures. We 
recognise the importance of the shareholder voice and have 
made arrangements for shareholders to submit questions in 
advance of the AGM by email and we will publish responses 
to questions received on our website.

The year ahead
Our focus in the year ahead will be to ensure Halma’s long-term 
sustainability as we continue to adapt to the challenges and 
opportunities of the COVID-19 environment. Our priorities will be: 
the health and wellbeing of our employees; ensuring safe working 
practices; supporting our communities and the evolving needs 
of our customers and suppliers; and preserving our financial 
strength so that we are well-placed to benefit from new 
opportunities for products, services or market applications, 
as they arise.

Although we expect the year ahead to be challenging, we have 
an agile business model and disciplined focus on critical safety, 
health, and environmental market niches, combined with a 
robust financial position. These strategic attributes should enable 
us to deliver a resilient performance in the shorter term and to 
benefit from the opportunities that our markets offer over the 
medium and longer term.

Finally, may I wish all of our stakeholders and your families a safe 
and healthy future.

Paul Walker
Chairman

05

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Group Chief Executive’s review

“Halma’s flexible and agile 

organisation means we are able 
to rapidly evolve and adapt to the 
changing needs of our 
customers.”

Andrew Williams
Group Chief Executive

Halma’s purpose is to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future, 
for everyone, every day. We play a positive role in society by 
addressing some of the world’s most fundamental needs and 
challenges, from safer work and public spaces, to a cleaner, 
more  sustainable environment, and improved medical care.

We have a clear and sustainable growth strategy, with a 
disciplined approach to choosing the markets in which we invest. 
This is supported by a flexible and agile organisation which 
means we can rapidly evolve and adapt to the changing needs 
of our customers. We attract talented people, who are aligned 
with our purpose, share our values and fit well into our inclusive 
culture of collaboration, entrepreneurialism and integrity. 

These elements have supported our further progress in the year, 
and particularly in our response to COVID-19 which emerged 
in the final quarter. Importantly, I also believe that they have 
become increasingly vital in positioning Halma to meet the 
new challenges and opportunities which are emerging, as we 
continue to create value for all our stakeholders.

Halma has a long track record of successfully adapting to 
societal shifts and evolving markets. Increased awareness of 
the profound and global nature of the challenges we all face, 
whether specifically from the COVID-19 pandemic or longer-term 
trends such as climate change and growing, ageing and 
urbanising populations, has further reinforced the importance 
of our purpose, as well as our business model which can adapt 
swiftly to changing market needs. In recent years, we have 
also been increasing our organic and inorganic investment in 
digital technologies, which is likely to be accelerated further 
in the future. 

In recent months, our focus has been the safety and well-being 
of all our stakeholders, and I am proud of the way in which 
everyone at Halma has addressed the challenges they have 
faced, both personally and professionally. They have ensured 
the continued supply of life-critical products to our customers, 
contributed directly and indirectly to the global fight against 
COVID-19, while protecting the health and safety of their 
colleagues and communities. I would like to thank them all 
for their hard work, dedication and determination in such 
challenging circumstances.

In this review, I will first look back at Halma’s performance during 
the last financial year and then take a deeper dive into our 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our performance since 
the year end and our prospects for the future.

Review of the 2019/2020 financial year
Record revenue and profit with strong returns
We delivered another record year for revenue and profit driven 
by solid organic growth and a record year for acquisitions. 

Revenue increased by 11% to £1,338m (2019: £1,211m), including 
5% organic constant currency revenue growth and a contribution 
from acquisitions of 5% (4% net of disposals). There was a 
benefit to revenue growth of 2% from currency translation, which 
principally arose in the first half of the year. We estimate that the 
adverse impact of COVID-19 during the final quarter was a 
reduction of approximately 1% on full year revenue.

06

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Adjusted1 profit rose by 9% to £267.0m (2019: £245.7m). This 
comprised 2% organic constant currency growth, or 4% 
excluding £5.0m of bad debt provisions in the second half of the 
year given the possible impacts of COVID-19. There was a 5% 
contribution from acquisitions (also 5% net of disposals) and 
a 2% benefit from currency translation. 

Statutory profit before taxation increased by 8% to £224.1m 
(2019: £206.7m).

The final dividend for 2020 is subject to approval by shareholders 
at the AGM on 4 September 2020 and is expected to be paid on 
1 October 2020 to shareholders on the register as at 28 August 2020.

Revenue growth in all major regions 
We delivered revenue growth in all major regions, on a reported 
and organic constant currency basis, reflecting the global nature 
of the growth opportunities in our chosen markets of safety, 
health and the environment. 

Returns remained at a high level. Return on Sales1 was 19.9% 
(2019: 20.3%), within our target range of 18% – 22%. The post-tax 
Return on Total Invested Capital1 was 15.3% (2019: 16.1%), well 
above our estimated Weighted Average Cost of Capital of 7.7%. 
This slight reduction reflected a lower level of constant currency 
earnings growth than in the prior year, the increase in provisions, 
and also the weakening of Sterling against foreign currencies, 
which has a greater proportional effect on capital employed 
than on returns.

We completed a record 10 acquisitions during the year spread 
across all four sectors. Annualised profit growth acquired 
equated to around 6% of Halma’s earnings, ahead of our KPI of 
acquiring growth of 5% or more. This reflected our investment in 
increased M&A capability at the sector and company level in 
recent years.

Strong cash generation and robust balance sheet  
and liquidity
Cash generation was strong with cash conversion of 97% (2019: 
88%). This excellent performance was primarily driven by good 
working capital control, and by the positive effects on cash 
conversion of the implementation of IFRS 16, the leasing 
accounting standard (a 5% benefit), and the increase in 
provisions (a 2% benefit). 

The year ended with net debt of £375.3m, which included for the 
first time £61.5m of lease liabilities as a result of the 
implementation of IFRS 16. Excluding these lease liabilities, net 
debt increased to £313.8m (2019: £181.7m), after spending 
£242.6m on current year acquisitions (2019: £68.1m) and £32.3m 
on capital expenditure, as well as paying dividends to 
shareholders of £61.2m and tax of £52.4m.

Our balance sheet and liquidity position remain robust. Gearing 
(net debt to EBITDA) at the year-end was 1.13 times (2019: 0.63 
times), at the lower end of our targeted range of 1-2 times, and 
we have committed facilities totalling approximately £750m (at 
year-end exchange rates). The earliest maturity in these facilities 
is for £74m (at year-end exchange rates) in January 2021, with 
the remaining maturities from 2023 onward. We therefore do not 
intend to access funding from the UK Government’s Covid 
Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF).

Annual dividend to increase by 5%
The Board is recommending a 3.8% increase in the final dividend 
to 9.96p per share (2019: 9.60p per share). Together with the 
6.54p per share interim dividend, this would result in a total 
dividend for the year of 16.50p (2019: 15.71p), up 5%, making 
this the 41st consecutive year of dividend per share growth of 5% 
or more.

The USA, the UK and Asia Pacific performed strongly. The USA, 
our largest region, and the UK each delivered their second 
consecutive year of double-digit revenue growth, with increases 
of 15% and 10% respectively. Both regions achieved organic 
constant currency revenue growth of 8%. 

Asia Pacific delivered the strongest reported growth, of 16%, 
principally driven by a good contribution from the acquisition of 
Ampac, based in Australia, which we completed in July 2019. 
Organic growth in Asia Pacific was more modest at 4%, in part 
reflecting a decline of 4% in China mainly as a result of the 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for most of the final quarter 
of the year. There was good organic growth in most other major 
markets in the region.

Mainland Europe grew revenue by 4%, including 1% organic 
constant currency growth, against a strong performance last 
year which had benefited from some large contracts. In the 
Rest of the World, revenue was ahead overall, with a reduction 
in Africa, Near and Middle East more than offset by growth 
in Other countries, which included a strong performance 
in Canada.

Revenue growth in all sectors
All sectors delivered record revenue, and three out of four sectors 
delivered record Adjusted1 profit. This widespread growth 
represented a good performance given strong prior year 
comparatives and the effects, later in the year, of the COVID-19 
pandemic. The following is a brief summary of each sector’s 
performance with further details to be found in the sector 
reviews on pages 30 to 37.

The Environmental & Analysis sector delivered a strong 
performance for the third consecutive year, supported by some 
large Optical Analysis projects together with continued new 
product development and increasing regulatory requirements in 
the UK water market, with profit growth consistent with that of 
revenue. Return on Sales was similar to last year.

Infrastructure Safety also performed strongly, with reported 
revenue growth benefiting from recent acquisitions, notably 
Ampac in Australia. Although organic revenue growth slowed in 
the second half, the benefit of recent investments in automation 
and improved mix management towards higher margin products 
resulted in stronger organic profit growth. There was also an 
improvement in Return on Sales, despite a £2.1m increase in 
provisions for the risk of COVID-19 related customer bad debts.

The Medical sector reported good revenue growth, with solid 
contributions from both organic growth and recent acquisitions. 
The reported profit increase was more modest, resulting in a 
decline in Return on Sales. There was higher R&D investment to 
generate future growth and a net charge of £2.5m reported in 
the first half of the year principally related to the rationalisation 
of product development strategies in two ophthalmic companies 
to improve their growth and profitability over the medium term. 
The sector’s results also included a £1.1m increase in provisions for 
the risk of COVID-19 related customer bad debts, resulting in a 
decrease in organic profit growth. 

07

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Group Chief Executive’s review continued

Process Safety reported a small increase in revenue, including the 
benefit of the Sensit acquisition and further good progress in the 
USA from a large logistics contract. However, unfavourable 
conditions in the US onshore oil and gas market, together with 
some customer project delays and a temporary site closure in 
California in the fourth quarter due to COVID-19, resulted in a 
decline in organic revenue, profit and Return on Sales. 

Ten acquisitions completed across all four sectors
Halma’s decentralised organisational model gives us the ability 
to continue acquiring small- to medium-sized businesses to 
achieve our strategic objectives. We are also able to sell and 
merge businesses relatively easily, should specific market 
dynamics change, enabling us to maintain a growth-oriented 
portfolio without becoming significantly more complex to 
manage. For example, in 2010 Halma had revenue of £459m from 
36 operating companies, while today we have revenue of over 
£1.3bn from 44 operating companies.

Our core acquisition strategy is to find privately owned 
businesses operating in niches which are aligned with our 
purpose and which demonstrate long-term structural market 
growth. We focus most of our search efforts on our core, or 
closely adjacent, market niches although each sector board has 
the freedom to find new niches which might have the right 
product, market and financial characteristics. Every transaction 
is approved by the Group Chief Executive and Chief Financial 
Officer, with all deals over £10m requiring Board approval.

We have a healthy acquisition pipeline and, with increased 
capability added at the sector and company level in recent years, 
this translated into a record 10 acquisitions being completed in 
the year for a total initial cash consideration (including fees) 
of £231m. These were spread across all four sectors, with 
performance in line with expectations during the year and we 
expect good contributions from them in the future. Full details 
of the acquisitions made in the year are given in note 25 to the 
Financial Statements.

In 2019, we added new expertise to manage and support small, 
minority investments that can bring new technology and 
capabilities to Halma without us taking full ownership. During 
the year we made two small strategic investments, totalling 
£4.8m, in Valencell, which provides wearable biometric solutions 
and Owlytics, focused on wearable-based analytics technology. 
In the period, we also sold our interest in Optomed Oy, a 
manufacturer of handheld fundus cameras, at the time of its IPO 
in December 2019, for £6.8m (net of disposal costs) with a small 
net gain on our investment of £2.9m.

For reasons of financial prudence during the COVID-19 pandemic, 
we do not plan to complete any acquisitions in the first half of 
financial year 2020/21. However, our M&A search efforts are 
continuing, and we have a good pipeline of potential acquisitions 
should conditions become more favourable in the second half.

We continue to build long-term relationships with business 
owners so that they see Halma as the right home for their 
business when they decide to sell, or as a strong strategic partner 
to help them grow their businesses.

Investment in central and Growth Enabler teams to 
support our growth strategy
With the rapid growth and evolution of the Group, we made 
further investments in the year in our central and Growth Enabler 
resources, which provide high level expertise and resources to our 
companies to support their growth. We made further good 
progress on our Halma 4.0 strategy, through which our 
companies are addressing the diverse challenges and 
opportunities presented by the digital age.

We increased strategic investment in our IT capabilities, to ensure 
that we have a future-ready technology infrastructure and 
digital architecture to support both our decentralised operational 
needs and the development of our digital growth initiatives. This 
will be an area of increased focus in the coming year, given the 
opportunities arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, for 
example in enabling remote monitoring of safety and 
environmental systems, as well as in ensuring hygiene and 
facilitating remote diagnosis in healthcare.

We continued to strengthen our finance, internal audit, risk and 
legal teams to support continued strong governance, compliance 
and reporting as the Group grows. We also invested in our other 
Growth Enablers, for example in adding M&A capabilities in 
Asia-Pacific, and strengthening our Talent, Innovation and Digital 
Growth teams. These increased resources have already 
supported the purchase of several companies with digital 
business models, which this year included FireMate in Australia 
and Invenio in the UK.

Our companies increased their investment to support core 
growth, for example in new product development, with R&D 
spend up 14% to £72m (2019: £63m). Having achieved a major 
cultural mindset shift over the past three years, our innovation 
and digital accelerator programmes were re-focused from ideas 
generation onto the commercialisation of ideas and improving 
the speed and cost of innovation.

We launched a new Digital Execution Accelerator programme 
and an Agile NPD (New Product Development) Engine to help 
our companies shorten the time from investment to revenue, by 
addressing specific areas of challenge, such as the development 
of new routes to market and new technology. Approximately 7% 
of our revenues are currently derived from digital solutions and 
services or connected products (products which can transmit 
data wirelessly, for example through Wi-Fi or a cellular network, 
without the need for a further gateway device). In total, we 
currently have over 20 Digital and Agile NPD projects involving all 
four sectors. 

To leverage the existing capabilities within Halma companies, we 
created a Digital Champions Network, to share expertise and to 
further embed innovation and digital programmes and tools 
across the Group. We also continued to build our external 
partnerships, with our collaboration with Hitachi’s Centre of 
Excellence in Lisbon currently supporting the development of 
seven projects. Examples include: the remote monitoring of fire 
systems; remote diagnosis and telemedicine for vital signs 
monitoring and ophthalmology; and monitoring the shelf life of 
fresh produce to reduce food waste.

08

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Our Convergence Accelerator, which combines our existing 
capabilities and technologies to create new solutions and 
business models has had another productive year. An example is 
a new integrated warehouse safety solution, called SCOPE, which 
combines technologies and capabilities from companies in three 
sectors. It combines expertise from people and vehicle flow 
(Infrastructure Safety), safety interlocks (Process Safety), and 
real-time location monitoring technology (Medical). We expect 
field trials of prototype SCOPE systems to begin in the next year.

Talent and Executive Board changes
The quality and diversity of our leaders and teams is a critical 
component of Halma’s success. Their commitment and 
dedication have played a key role in our resilient response to the 
challenges presented by COVID-19.

We are committed to ensuring that Halma is an inclusive 
organisation, thereby maximising the pool of talent available to 
us and ensuring we recruit and retain the best people for each 
role. We are actively addressing the need for increasing diversity 
within our subsidiary companies’ leadership teams by embedding 
strong diversity and inclusion principles.

One measure of inclusion is gender diversity, which on the Board 
has improved from 18% female six years ago to 40% today. We 
are also making encouraging progress in executive leadership 
with both our Executive Board roles and the Divisional Chief 
Executives on our Sector Boards on track to achieve gender 
parity in the next year. Neither of these groups had any female 
representation six years ago.

We fully recognise the value of having a variety of voices, 
backgrounds and experiences within our leadership teams and 
realise that we have more work to do to increase ethnic diversity. 
Our recruitment patterns will be actively influenced by 
recognising the growing talent pool of ethnically diverse

candidates and by leveraging the role models we already have 
within our business. We acknowledge that many of our 
stakeholders, including investors, customers and employees, 
regard leadership diversity as an important factor in facing up to 
the challenges of the modern world. We have begun to measure 
national and ethnic diversity across our workforce, to provide a 
benchmark on which we can demonstrate our progress in the 
future.

Several changes to the Executive Board in the past year have 
added important new capabilities and increased diversity, 
aligned with the needs of our growth strategy.

 — In September 2019, Catherine Michel joined Halma’s Executive 

Board as our first Chief Technology Officer, with global 
responsibility for IT and digital architecture, working closely 
with Inken Braunschmidt in her role of driving the execution of 
Halma’s Digital and Innovation growth strategy. 

 — In October 2019, as planned, Laura Stoltenberg succeeded 
Adam Meyers as Sector Chief Executive for the Medical & 
Environmental sectors, which was followed by an extensive 
handover period up to March.

 — In July 2020, Adam Meyers succeeded Paul Simmons as Sector 

Chief Executive of our Safety sectors, following the 
announcement in April 2020 that Paul will leave Halma to join 
Hill & Smith plc as Chief Executive Designate. Adam has 
agreed to defer his retirement from Halma until 2021, to allow 
an orderly succession process to be completed.

Later in 2020, we look forward to welcoming Funmi Adegoke to 
Halma’s Executive Board as our General Counsel, replacing 
Ruwan De Soyza who resigned from Halma early in the year. 
Mark Jenkins has been re-appointed as Company Secretary.

Total Shareholder Return (ten years)
Graph as rebased to 100

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

% increase

807%

260%

95%

47%

31 March
2010

31 March
2011

31 March
2012

31 March
2013

31 March
2014

31 March
2015

31 March
2016

31 March
2017

31 March
2018

31 March
2019

31 March
2020

  Halma

FTSE 100

FTSE 250

NASDAQ composite

09

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
Group Chief Executive’s review continued

Further progress in sustainability and living our purpose
Our purpose of growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for 
everyone, every day is the foundation for our approach to 
sustainability. To meet the ambition which is embodied in our 
purpose, it is critical that our companies remain sustainable over 
the long term, since the issues that we help our customers 
address, in ensuring safety and protecting health and the 
environment, are likely to persist. Sustainable business is a core 
part of Halma’s DNA, and we seek to demonstrate it in not just 
our financial performance but also in terms of the positive role 
we can play in society, and by behaving responsibly in the 
markets and communities we serve. 

Our further progress in the year in advancing our ESG agenda 
was evident across a wide range of initiatives. These ranged from 
reducing our carbon footprint and improving our CDP rating 
from ‘Awareness C’ to ‘Management B’, to identifying Modern 
Slavery risks within our supply chain, and supporting and 
improving diversity and inclusion in the Group. I was also 
immensely pleased with the result of our first ever group-wide 
charitable campaign, Gift of Sight, and although the COVID-19 
pandemic has delayed our next campaign, we intend to launch it 
later this year. Further detail on our progress in 2020 is given in 
the Sustainability review on page 42.

Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Following the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China in January 2020, 
we acted quickly to support our companies, to ensure the safety of 
our people, and to mitigate the potential adverse impacts on our 
businesses. As this regional outbreak evolved rapidly into a global 
pandemic, with health and economic challenges beyond what any 
of us have experienced in our lifetimes, it has become clear that it 
has some unique characteristics compared with previous downturns 
which Halma is relatively well positioned to address.

Firstly, Halma’s agility and diversity has proved to be a major 
asset. Over many years, we have built an organisation and 
culture which has been created for fast, decentralised decision 
making by those closest to our stakeholders, accompanied with 
clear lines of accountability.

Secondly, from an early stage it was clear that our ability to 
respond rapidly needed to be tempered with the understanding 
that major decisions had to be taken with a holistic view, 
balancing the positive and negative impacts across all of 
Halma’s key stakeholders. These include our employees, suppliers, 
customers, debt holders, shareholders and a wide range of 
community stakeholders, including Government. I believe the 
actions we have taken so far have achieved that objective and, 
importantly, positioned Halma to create even greater value for 
all of them in the future.

To support our companies, we created both central and regional 
COVID-19 support groups, the first of which was established in 
January 2020. This enabled each of our 44 companies to 
implement an operating plan to suit its market and local 
circumstances across our 54 principal operating facilities in the 
UK, the USA, Mainland Europe and Asia Pacific. Over 30 of our 
companies deliver critical safety, healthcare and environmental 
protection solutions and received a mandate, or permission, from 
their regional or national authorities to continue to operate 
during shutdown restrictions. Only three facilities have had to 
implement extended shutdown periods since the end of March 
and, as at the date of this Report, all our facilities are operational.

Our priority throughout the pandemic has been to ensure a safe 
working environment for all Halma employees. In addition to 
working from home wherever possible, measures taken have 
included increased spacing between workstations, appropriate 
protective equipment, staggered shifts and breaks, enhanced 
cleaning processes and contingency planning, plus a ban on 
non-essential travel and visitors to facilities.

Given these challenges, it was impressive to see the efforts which 
many Halma employees across the world made to re-purpose 
their resources and capabilities in order to manufacture personal 
protective equipment for healthcare providers. Colleagues from 
at least 11 Halma companies worked around the clock, 
individually and collaboratively, to contribute to their national 
effort and demonstrated a key characteristic of Halma’s culture, 
which enables our companies to do the right thing without 
having to seek permission first.

As in previous downturns, we acted quickly to reduce costs, 
optimise cash flow, protect liquidity and, where necessary, 
change how we operate. These actions resulted in a cost 
reduction (net of the cost of implementation) of over £20m in 
the first quarter of the new financial year, compared to the 
previous fourth quarter’s run-rate. We implemented a significant 
reduction in all discretionary overheads. We also ensured that our 
companies continued to manage their working capital 
effectively, while maintaining productive relationships with 
customers and suppliers. We limited capital investment to 
essential projects and R&D only and did not complete any 
acquisitions during the first quarter of the current financial year.

We also implemented a freeze on hiring and promotions, while 
company, sector and Group employees agreed to temporary 
salary reductions from 1 April 2020 for a three-month period. 
This helped to absorb a significant proportion of the cost savings 
necessary to protect ongoing operations in the face of 
tremendous uncertainty, demonstrating their support for, and 
commitment to, their companies and their colleagues across 
Halma. The Board and Executive Board also agreed to a 20% 
reduction in salaries or fees for a 3 month period, from 
1 April 2020.

Whilst a small percentage of our workforce have been furloughed 
by their companies, Halma has funded this in the UK at our own 
expense, without any support from the UK Government’s 
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Unfortunately, given the 
significant declines in current and forecast demand in certain 
businesses, it is likely that there will be a small number of 
redundancies during the year though Halma has committed to 
providing additional financial support to those companies and 
employees which are affected. The estimated cost of these 
furlough and support programmes is approximately £5m, to be 
taken in the first half of 2020/21.

Current trading and outlook
Trading in the first quarter of the current financial year, from 
1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020, has reflected the resilience of our 
business model and the essential nature of many of our products 
and services. Our order book has remained strong, with order 
intake ahead of revenue and ahead of the same period last year. 
Cash generation remains good and we continue to have a strong 
balance sheet and liquidity position. This has enabled us to 
alleviate some of the more stringent cost saving measures 
implemented in the first quarter.

Group revenues in the first quarter were 4% lower than the prior 
year, and 13% lower on an organic constant currency basis. This 
resilient performance, achieved during a period of lockdown 
in most of our major regions, also highlighted the benefits of 
having a diverse portfolio and agile organisational model. 
There was a wide variation of performances in our companies, 
reflecting significant changes in demand in individual end 
markets, as well as additional production, sales and distribution 
challenges due to safe working requirements and limitations on 
physical access to customer sites. 

These revenue trends were partially offset by the savings in 
variable costs referred to above. We expect our companies to 
continue to actively manage their cost bases for the remainder 
of the year according to their individual market conditions. 

10

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020In the Safety sectors, Infrastructure Safety saw the largest 
decline in revenue, particularly in the UK, which accounts for 
around a quarter of its revenue. The challenges of gaining 
physical access to installation sites and the actions of customers 
in furloughing a large proportion of installers of our products 
during the period had a significant adverse impact. We expect 
this trend to improve as lockdown restrictions ease and installers 
return to work. Revenue in Process Safety also reduced, primarily 
driven by a fall in demand for safety products in its oil and gas 
related businesses as a result of the lower oil price.

In the Medical sector, a number of our companies, notably those 
supporting the monitoring of vital signs and the oxygenation of 
patients, saw strong increases in demand, while companies 
supporting elective surgery and discretionary ophthalmic 
diagnosis procedures experienced significant reductions, leading 
to an overall decline in revenue. We expect the high demand in 
vital signs and oxygenation products to moderate over the 
coming months, and the demand in markets supporting elective 
procedures and discretionary diagnosis to recover as healthcare 
systems attempt to normalise.

The Environmental & Analysis sector achieved continued revenue 
growth, with solid performances in Environmental Monitoring 
and Water Analysis & Treatment and strong growth in Optical 
Analysis.

Summary
Halma’s performance reflects our clear purpose, focused 
strategy, agile organisational model and the resilient, long-term 
growth drivers in our chosen markets. Our continued and 
accelerated investment in great talent, innovation and digital 
technologies will enable us to create value for all our key 
stakeholders in the future. 

We have previously announced that the COVID-19 pandemic was 
expected to have a net adverse impact on our markets and our 
full year financial results to 31 March 2021, and for those results to 
have a significant second half weighting. This remains our view, 
with the increased second half weighting in part due to the costs 
of our employee support programmes in the second quarter.

We have delivered a resilient financial performance in the first 
quarter of the new financial year, despite the initial effects of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Although the timing and profile of recovery 
remains uncertain, based on recent trading and internal 
forecasts, we currently expect Adjusted1 profit before tax for the 
year to 31 March 2021 to be 5%-10% below that achieved in the 
2020 financial year. We will provide further updates as we 
progress through the current year.

Andrew Williams
Group Chief Executive

1  See highlights.

11

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Halma’s 
Sustainable 
Growth Model

We believe that the combination of our purpose, 
culture, strategy and business model differentiates 
us from our peers, and we expect it to deliver 
superior and sustainable value for our shareholders. 
We set ourselves challenging targets, and aspire 
to double our earnings every five years, while 
maintaining high returns.

Our Purpose
Our purpose is to grow a safer, cleaner,  
healthier future for everyone, every day.

Our purpose drives every business decision 
we make. It ensures everyone who works 
with us is focused on doing those things 
that make it happen.

Safety
Protecting life as populations grow 
and urbanise, and protecting  
worker safety.

Our companies develop technologies which 
save lives and protect critical infrastructure 
and services. Our technologies solve some 
of the world’s most pressing issues, from air 
quality and clean water, to road safety and 
preventable blindness.

Our purpose defines the three broad 
market areas where we choose to operate:

Environment 
Improving food and water quality,  
and monitoring air pollution.

Health
Meeting rising healthcare demand 
as growing populations age and 
lifestyles change.

We believe these issues are global and  
long term in nature. We expect them  
to support Halma’s success sustainably  
for the foreseeable future.

12

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Our DNA
Halma’s DNA runs through our business at all levels. 
It embodies the core elements of our organisation 
and culture that are inextricably linked to enable 
our success. Even though we have to continuously 
change, these core elements remain constant.

Halma Organisational Genes

These are the core elements of our business 
structure and have proved themselves to 
be fundamental drivers in delivering 
consistent, long-term growth. They 
describe what we will protect while we 
continuously transform ourselves.

We are global niche specialists
We are disciplined in targeting high-return, 
global niches in markets with long-term 
growth drivers. We innovate with cutting-
edge technology in these niches using our 
deep application knowledge.

Purpose drives us
Our purpose powers every business decision  
we make, from choosing our markets to  
finding the right talent.

Agility is everything
We are built to be responsive. Individual 
businesses make decisions close to our 
customers. We manage our portfolio 
to respond rapidly when market 
dynamics change.

We bet on talent
We insist on exceptional leaders who  
are empowered and accountable  
to set strategy and grow their own 
businesses. Diverse viewpoints on every 
team help to ensure we don’t miss a thing.

We invest for the future
Our diverse portfolio allows us to take  
a long-term view and means we can  
continue to innovate for the future 
regardless of individual short-term market 
conditions.

We are structured for growth
Individual businesses within the Group have 
access to our internal and external 
networks, enabling us to go faster by 
learning from the experiences of others. 
Central expertise and capital are available 
to accelerate organic growth, which in turn 
allows us to continue to acquire additional 
growth and capabilities.

Halma Cultural Genes

These are the unique cultural and 
behavioural principles that we require, 
protect and leverage to effectively optimise 
our organisational genes and deliver our 
purpose. 

Live the purpose
Be passionate about making the world 
safer, cleaner and healthier. See real 
problems and create innovative solutions. 

Embrace the adventure
Continually grow and change, as 
individuals and collectively. Challenge 
assumptions and see opportunities. Seek 
insight from all directions and leverage 
diverse points of view.

Be an entrepreneur
Be an owner, risk-taker, visionary.  
Transform bold ambitions into reality.  
Be agile and responsive in the face of  
constant change. Be successful through  
and with others.

Say yes, and…
Choose Yes, and... to seemingly conflicting 
priorities. Build for tomorrow and deliver 
today. Have stability and constantly 
evolve. Enjoy autonomy and eagerly 
collaborate to accomplish our goals.

Just be a good person
Play to win, but not at the expense  
of others. Operate with impeccable  
ethics, transparency and integrity  
in all that you do.

13

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Halma’s Sustainable Growth Model continued

Our Strategy 
Our strategy is powered by our purpose. 
It is focused on acquiring and growing 
businesses in global niche markets, in 
our chosen areas of safety, health and 
the environment.

Our Growth Engines

We divide our growth strategy into three areas. Our Core strategy 
is to grow our companies both organically and through M&A, and 
will continue to be our major focus. 

Our Convergence and Edge strategies recognise that the increasing 
rate of technological change, including data and connectivity, is 
opening up new ways of growing our business and leveraging our 
collaborative culture.

 Developing new products and 
services, and growing 
organically and by acquisitions 
in niche markets with 
global reach  
which have resilient long-term 
growth drivers.

Core

Growing a
safer, cleaner,
healthier future
for everyone,
every day.

Edge

Convergence

 Developing and investing in 
digital business models that 
have the potential to 
completely disrupt existing 
models, and which can scale 
exponentially.

14

Developing new products, 
services and business models 
by combining existing Halma 
technologies and capabilities 
in new ways, and potentially by 
adding capabilities and 
partnerships.

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Our markets

We choose our markets because they have resilient, long-term 
growth drivers. Their growth is driven by demographic changes, 
as populations grow and age, and as more people move to cities, 
and by ever increasing regulation, as standards for safety, 
cleanliness and care become ever higher.

We expect to drive consistently superior growth and returns over 
the long term from our disciplined focus on acquiring and growing 
businesses in these niche markets.

We continuously reinvest in our companies to ensure that we 
maintain strong positions in our chosen markets. This includes 
investment in developing our people, our products and services, 
our intellectual property and our knowledge of the markets  
we serve.

Investment proposition

We seek to deliver superior and sustainable value for our investors. 
We set ourselves challenging targets, and aspire to double our 
earnings every five years, while maintaining a conservative capital 
structure and delivering high returns.

Our purpose is to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, 
every day, and this gives us a strong motivation to make a positive 
difference to people’s lives worldwide, and provides us with exciting 
opportunities for growth in a diverse range of markets.

High growth and returns
We deliver high growth and returns. Over the past five years, 
organic revenue growth has averaged 10.7% and growth in 
adjusted earnings per share has averaged 13%. Return on Sales 
has averaged 20.2% and Return on Total Invested Capital has 
averaged 15.5% over the same time period.

Strong cash generation and modest leverage
Our business is strongly cash generative. Cash generation 
(adjusted operating cash flow as a percentage of adjusted 
operating profit) has averaged 88% over the past five years. 
We maintain modest levels of leverage, to allow us flexibility 
for organic investment and to make acquisitions, with gearing 
(net debt to EBITDA) having averaged 0.95 times over the 
past five years.

Our companies are small- to medium-sized businesses,  
which provide technology solutions in the safety, health  
and environmental markets.

We have a variety of routes to market, from direct sales to third 
party distribution, and a wide range of customers, from individuals 
to large OEMs. 

Our customers operate in diverse sectors, including commercial 
and public buildings, utilities, healthcare, science and the 
environment, process industries, and energy and resources.

We operate in more than 20 countries, with major operations in 
the UK, Mainland Europe, the USA and Asia.

Agile portfolio management
We manage the mix of businesses in our Group to ensure we can 
sustain strong growth and returns over the long term. We acquire 
businesses to accelerate penetration of more attractive market 
niches, we merge businesses when market characteristics change, 
and we exit markets which offer less attractive long-term growth 
and returns through carefully planned disposals.

A strong and consistent track record
We have delivered record levels of revenue and profit for 
17 consecutive years, Return on Sales of 16% or more for 
35 consecutive years, and have a 41 year track record of 
growing dividend per share by 5% or more every year.

15

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Halma’s Sustainable Growth Model continued

Our business model
Our business model is simple. It is driven by our strategy 
and supported by Halma’s DNA. It is focused on sustaining 
our companies’ growth and returns over the longer term, 
while delivering strong performance in the shorter term.

We are structured for growth 

Our structure is simple and lean, with only  
three layers – companies, sectors and 
Group executive and teams – all three of 
which are focused and rewarded on driving 
growth. This allows for fast decision-
making, and minimises bureaucracy. 

Our companies
Each company is a separate legal entity 
with a board of directors. This drives 
accountability for performance and 
supports good governance. It also allows 
companies to drive innovation in their 
chosen niche markets, and be agile and 
responsive to changes in their 
customers’ needs to drive sustainable 
growth.

Our sectors
Our sector teams are the vital connection 
between our companies and support 
functions. They promote internal networks 
and collaboration between companies, 
enabling companies to capitalise on 
broader sector trends, and support M&A 
through small sector teams.

Group executive and teams
Group executive and teams provide 
expertise in capital management and 
control frameworks. They support our 
companies through our Growth Enablers, 
manage our portfolio of companies and 
the allocation of capital, set our risk 
appetite, and ensure compliance and 
good governance.

We have a sustainable financial model 

Our purpose and strategy define the 
markets we operate in, and our focus on 
growing and acquiring businesses in global 
niches in the safety, health and 
environmental markets. 

Our choice of markets results in a highly 
sustainable financial model: strong organic 
growth and cash generation allow us to 
continuously reinvest in future growth 
and acquisitions.

Strong organic growth
The foundation of our financial model is 
strong and consistent organic revenue and 
profit growth. This is driven by our 
disciplined focus on markets which have 
resilient, long-term growth drivers, and 
market niches that offer consistently 
superior organic growth and high returns.

High returns and cash generation
We also choose markets that have 
relatively low capital intensity and high 

returns on sales. In turn, this drives strong 
returns on capital and high levels of cash 
generation.

Continuous reinvestment
We use this cash generation to continuously 
reinvest in R&D and product innovation to 
maintain our strong market and product 
positions, and to drive growth and 
maintain a high return on sales.

Value-enhancing acquisitions 
Strong cash generation also allows us to  
make value-enhancing acquisitions in core  
and adjacent markets to expand our 
growth opportunities and geographical 
reach.

Flexibility to invest and grow dividends 
We maintain modest levels of financial 
leverage, to allow us flexibility to invest and 
sustain a progressive dividend policy for our 
shareholders.

1616

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020We support our companies  
through our Growth Enablers 

Our Growth Enablers support our companies in delivering our 
growth strategy. These seven Growth Enablers leverage a unique set 
of skills and expertise from across the Group, powered and co-
ordinated by small central teams.

M&A
We acquire and grow businesses 
sustainably over the long term in 
line with our strategy, and sell or 
merge businesses which are no 
longer aligned.

International Expansion
We assist our companies in 
growing their business in key 
export markets, including through 
our hubs in the USA, UK, India 
and China.

Talent and Culture
We ensure Halma has world-class 
teams and high performance, 
inclusive cultures across our 
operating model.

Finance, Legal and Risk
We give our leaders the insight to 
make good decisions, through 
accurate, timely, and actionable 
financial data, legal advice and 
risk analysis.

Digital Growth Engines
We provide accelerator 
programmes to challenge our 
companies to discover new 
opportunities, and support them 
with the digital capabilities and 
technology to grow.

Innovation Network
We connect our companies with 
each other and experts globally to 
help them learn faster, see new 
market trends and establish 
strategic partnerships.

Strategic Marketing & 
Communications
We enable our companies to reach 
all stakeholders by helping them 
build their brand, understand their 
market needs and develop leading 
positions.

We measure our achievements  
and reward performance

We measure our achievements 
through financial and non-financial 
key performance indicators (KPIs), 
and through customer satisfaction 
and the delivery of shareholder value. 

Setting challenging targets
We aspire to double our earnings every five 
years while maintaining high returns, and 
set targets for our growth, returns, cash 
generation and investment KPIs. We work 
hard to ensure that we have the right 
culture, talent and diversity and set 
challenging targets for employee 
engagement, health and safety and 
training.

Closely monitoring performance
We closely monitor our companies’ 
performance, their strategic plans and 
forecasts. Each company certifies twice a 
year its compliance with minimum controls 
for finance, legal and IT; this is 

complemented by independent peer 
reviews of financial performance, and 
internal and external audits.

We are developing new ways of measuring 
the delivery of our strategy, for example in 
the effect of Convergence and Edge 
strategies, and how we are achieving our 
purpose, by more effectively measuring our 
impact on the world.

Rewarding our people
Our people are rewarded on performance. 
We reward them for delivering superior and 
sustainable growth and returns and hold 
them accountable for delivering our 
strategy and complying with our control 
frameworks. Short-term incentives based 
on Economic Value Added (profit growth, 
adjusted for a charge for the use of any 
capital) are balanced by longer-term 
incentives in the form of Halma shares. 

1717

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Financial review

“ We delivered record revenue and 
profits, maintained our robust 
financial position and executed 
well against our key performance 
indicators, underpinned by the 
strength of our financial model.”

Marc Ronchetti
Chief Financial Officer

Record results
Halma made good progress in the period, delivering record 
revenue and profit for the 17th consecutive year, despite the 
effects from the COVID-19 pandemic in the fourth quarter of the 
financial year. We continued to execute well against our growth 
strategy and our key performance indicators, benefiting from the 
clarity of our purpose, our strong culture, our agile and responsive 
business model, and our robust financial position.

Cash conversion was excellent at 97%, reflecting a strong 
underlying cash performance, primarily driven by good working 
capital control, and also benefiting from the effects of the 
implementation of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ and the increase in provisions. 
Our financial position remained robust, with net debt excluding 
lease commitments at 31 March 2020 of £313.8m, or £375.3m on 
an IFRS 16 basis which includes lease commitments (31 March 
2019: £181.7m) and committed facilities of £750m.

Revenue and profit growth
Revenue grew by 11.7% in the first half and 9.5% in the second 
half. There was a 3.2% effect from currency translation in the 
first half which, with no material effect in the second half, gave 
a benefit of 1.6% for the year as a whole. Organic revenue growth 
at constant currency in the first half was 5.4% slowing to 4.3% in 
the second half of the year, partly reflecting the effects of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, giving a solid 4.8% growth rate for the year 
as a whole.

Adjusted1 profit growth was 14.1% in the first half. Growth in the 
second half was 4.1% (7.8% excluding the customer bad debt 
provision). As with revenue, there was a benefit from currency 
translation in the first half, and no material effect in the second 
half. As a result, the first half/second half split of adjusted profit 
was 48%/52%, compared to our typical 45%/55% pattern. 
Organic profit growth at constant currency was 6.5% in the first 
half, but declined 1.5% in the second half (growth of 2.3% 
excluding the customer bad debt provision), reflecting the mix of 
performances across the sectors as detailed below, and resulting 
in modest growth of 2.2% for the year as a whole.

Revenue for the year to 31 March 2020 increased by 10.5% to 
£1,338.4m (2019: £1,210.9m) which reflected a solid contribution 
from organic growth and the benefit of recent acquisitions. 
Adjusted1 profit grew 8.7% to £267.0m (2019: £245.7m) and 
statutory profit before taxation increased by 8.4% to £224.1m 
(2019: £206.7m). 

Revenue growth in all sectors
All sectors delivered revenue growth and three out of four sectors 
reported adjusted profit growth against strong prior year 
comparatives in those sectors. On an organic constant currency 
basis, three out of four sectors grew revenue in both the first and 
the second half.

The Board is recommending a 3.8% increase in the final dividend 
(2019: 7%), which would result in a 5.0% (2019: 7%) increase in 
the total dividend for the year. This reflects our performance in 
the year, our resilience in the first quarter of the current financial 
year, our continued confidence in the future growth prospects of 
the Group, and an equitable approach in relation to the Group’s 
stakeholders given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 
proposed final dividend, if approved, would result in Halma 
delivering the 41st consecutive year of dividend per share growth 
of 5% or more. 

The revenue growth of 10.5% included a 4.8% increase in organic 
constant currency revenue, with acquisitions also contributing a 
4.8% increase (4.1% net of disposals), and a positive currency 
impact of 1.6%. The Adjusted1 profit increase of 8.7% included 
charges totalling £5.0m for provisions in the second half of the 
year, reflecting the increased risk of customer bad debt in all 
sectors given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organic 
constant currency profit growth was 2.2%, with acquisitions 
contributing 4.9% to adjusted profit growth (4.7% net of 
disposals), and currency 1.8%.

Statutory profit before taxation of £224.1m is calculated after 
charging the amortisation of acquired intangible assets of 
£38.3m (2019: £35.6m), and other items of a net £4.6m (2019: 
£3.4m). Further detail on these items is given in note 1 to 
these Accounts. 

The Environmental & Analysis sector delivered a strong 
performance, with revenue growth of 16.1% and profit growth of 
15.4%, driven by organic growth. All three subsectors delivered 
revenue and profit growth, with strong performances in the 
Environmental Monitoring subsector, supported by new product 
development and by regulatory requirements in the UK water 
market, and in Optical Analysis, which benefited from the 
delivery of some larger projects. Return on Sales was broadly 
stable at 21.4% (2019: 21.5%), with a lower gross margin driven 
by business mix and a £0.9m increase in additional provisions for 
the increased risk of customer bad debt given the effects of the 
COVID-19 pandemic being balanced by good control of overhead 
and research and development expenditure.

Revenue and profit growth

Percentage growth

2020
£m

2019
£m

Increase
£m

Total

Organic
growth2

Organic
growth2 

at
constant
currency

Revenue

1,338.4 1,210.9

127.5

10.5% 6.4%

4.8%

Adjusted1 profit 
before taxation

Statutory profit 
before taxation

267.0

245.7

21.3

8.7% 4.0%

2.2%

224.1

206.7

17.4

8.4%

–

–

1  In addition to those figures reported under IFRS Halma uses alternative performance 

measures as key performance indicators, as management believe these measures enable 
them to better assess the underlying trading performance of the business by removing 
non-trading items that are not closely related to the Group’s trading or operating cash 
flows. Adjusted profit excludes the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible 
assets; acquisition items; restructuring costs; profit or loss on disposal of operations; and, in 
the prior year only, the effect of equalisation of benefits for men and women in the defined 
benefit pension plans. All of these are included in the statutory figures. Notes 1 and 3 to the 
Accounts give further details with the calculation and reconciliation of adjusted figures.

2  See highlights.

18

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Revenue bridge (£m)

Adjusted1 profit bridge (£m)

Geographic revenue bridge (£m)

£1,338.4m

+10.5%

£267.0m

+8.7%

£1,338.4m

+10.5%

1,210.9

4.8% 4.8% (0.7)% 1.6%

1,338.4

245.7

2.2% 4.9%

(0.2)%

1.8%

267.0

1,210.9

15.2% 3.8% 10.1% 15.8% 0.6%

1,338.4

1,400

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

280

260

240

220

200

1,400

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

0 1 9

2

a

O r g

n i c
c

A

q

s

n

u isiti o

p

D is

a ls

s

o

y

c

n

u rr e

C

0

2

0

2

0 1 9

2

a

O r g

n i c
c

A

q

s

n

u isiti o

p

D is

a ls

s

o

y

c

n

u rr e

C

0

2

0

2

e

p

u r o

d   E

0 1 9

2

A

n

S
U
a i n l a

M

*

s

n

g i o

0

2

0

2

K
si a   P

U

A

c
e r r e

c i fi
h

a

t

O

*  Comprises Africa, Near and Middle East & other countries.

Sector revenue growth

Process Safety

Infrastructure Safety

Environmental & Analysis

Medical

Inter-segment sales

Sector profit growth

2020

% of
total

15%

35%

24%

26%

£m

197.5

408.6

280.0

325.2

(0.4)

2019

% of
total

16%

34%

23%

27%

£m

200.0

466.5

325.0

347.2

(0.3)

1,338.4

100%

1,210.9

100%

Change
£m

2.5

57.9

45.0

22.0

0.1

127.5

% organic
growth2 at
constant
currency

(1.7)%

3.1%

13.6%

3.3%

% 
growth

1.2%

14.2%

16.1%

6.8%

10.5%

4.8%

2020

2019

Process Safety

Infrastructure Safety

Environmental & Analysis

Medical

Sector profit3

Central administration costs

Net finance expense

Adjusted4 profit before tax

% of
total

14%

35%

23%

28%

100%

£m

43.9

107.7

69.4

84.4

305.4

(26.3)

(12.1)

267.0

£m

45.5

88.9

60.1

83.2

277.7

(22.0)

(10.0)

245.7

% of
total

16%

32%

22%

30%

100%

Change
£m

% 
growth

% organic
growth2 at
constant
currency
excluding bad
debt provisions5

% organic
growth2 at
constant
currency

(1.6)

18.8

9.3

1.2

27.7

(4.3)

(2.1)

21.3

(3.5)%

(6.1)%

(4.2)%

21.0%

15.4%

1.5%

9.9%

6.6%

13.0%

(2.6)%

3.1%

8.9%

14.5%

(1.3)%

5.0%

8.7%

2.2%

4.2%

3  Sector profit before allocation of adjustments. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements.
4  Adjusted profit excludes the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets; acquisition items; restructuring costs; profit or loss on disposal of operations; and, in the prior year, 
the effect of equalisation of benefits for men and women in the defined benefit pension plans. All of these are included in the statutory figures. Note 3 to the Accounts gives further details 
with the calculation and reconciliation of adjusted figures.

5  Provisions totalling £5.0m for the increased risk of customer bad debt given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

19

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Financial review continued

Infrastructure Safety performed strongly, with recent acquisitions 
being the principal driver behind revenue growth of 14.2%. 
Organic constant currency revenue growth was modest, at 3.1%, 
largely reflecting planned reductions in lower margin business in 
the second half of the year. Return on Sales was higher at 23.1% 
(2019: 21.8%), despite additional provisions of £2.1m for the 
increased risk of customer bad debt given the effects of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. This reflected a higher gross margin as a 
result of the reduction in lower margin business, good underlying 
overhead control and benefits from recent investments in 
automation. Together with the increases in revenue, this resulted 
in reported profit growth of 21.0%, and 6.6% on an organic 
constant currency basis.

The Medical sector delivered good revenue growth of 6.8%, which 
included an organic contribution of 3.3% against a strong 
comparative of 10% organic constant currency growth in the 
2019 financial year. There were mixed trends across its subsectors. 
Profit growth was more modest at 1.5%, principally reflecting 
increased investment in research and development and a 
charge of £2.5m in the first half of the year due to portfolio 
rationalisation, both of which we expect to support future 
growth, partly offset by good control of overheads. There were 
also additional provisions of £1.1m for the increased risk of 
customer bad debt given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
As a result, Return on Sales decreased by 1.3% to 24.3%.

Process Safety delivered a small increase in reported revenue of 
1.2%. There was good progress in the Industrial Access Control 
and Gas Detection subsectors, and the sector also benefited 
from the recent acquisition of Sensit. However, Pressure 
Management revenue and profit declined, reflecting a 
challenging US onshore oil and gas market, and Safe Storage 
and Transfer suffered from customer project delays in the second 
half of the year and a temporary site closure in California in the 
fourth quarter of the year due to COVID-19. As a result, on an 
organic constant currency basis, revenue declined by 1.7% for the 
year as a whole. Profit decreased by 3.5% (6.1% on an organic 
constant currency basis), mainly as a result of a decline in the 
higher margin US onshore oil and gas business and additional 
provisions of £0.9m for the increased risk of customer bad debt 
given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Return on Sales 
was lower, at 21.9% (2019: 23.0%).

central costs to decrease in 2021 to approximately £20m, mainly 
reflecting the cost reduction measures implemented in the first 
quarter of the year.

Revenue growth in all major regions
All major regions delivered revenue growth, on a reported and 
an organic constant currency basis. Of our four major regions, 
three (the UK, USA and Asia Pacific) achieved double digit 
percentage increases. The UK and the USA also delivered good 
revenue growth on an organic constant currency basis, while 
organic constant currency revenue growth in Asia Pacific was 
modest. Mainland Europe’s revenue growth was principally 
driven by recent acquisitions. In the smaller regions, Africa, 
Near and Middle East revenue growth slowed, and Other 
countries delivered a strong performance.

The USA delivered strong growth of 15.2%, and remains our 
largest revenue destination, accounting for 38% of Group 
revenue, an increase of one percentage point compared to the 
prior year. All sectors performed well, with Environmental & 
Analysis and Infrastructure Safety growing very strongly, the 
latter principally driven by recent acquisitions. Process Safety and 
Medical delivered good growth, which also included the benefit 
of recent acquisitions.

UK revenue increased by 10.1%, with all sectors except Process 
Safety, which accounts for less than 15% of UK revenue, 
delivering growth on a reported and organic constant currency 
basis. Environmental & Analysis grew very strongly, benefiting 
from new product development and increasing regulatory 
requirements in the UK water market. Process Safety revenue 
declined, reflecting a strong prior year comparative which had 
benefited from some larger contracts. Other sectors made good 
progress, which included the benefit of recent acquisitions.

Mainland Europe revenue increased by 3.8%, principally as a 
result of recent acquisitions. Organic constant currency revenue 
growth of 0.8% included a solid performance in Infrastructure 
Safety, which accounts for more than half of Mainland Europe 
revenue, but weaker trends in Process Safety, given the non-
recurrence of some larger contracts which had benefited the 
prior year. The Medical and Environmental & Analysis sectors 
delivered a mixed performance, with small revenue declines on 
an organic constant currency basis.

Central administration costs, which include Growth Enabler 
costs, increased to £26.3m (2019: £22.0m). This principally 
reflected increased investment, both in governance and 
compliance as the Group grows (including in our Finance, IT and 
Legal teams), and in support for our companies’ growth over the 
medium-term, in the talent, strategic communications, digital 
transformation and innovation Growth Enablers. We expect 

Asia Pacific grew 15.8%, with very strong growth in Infrastructure 
Safety, driven by the recent Ampac acquisition, and good growth 
in the Process Safety and Medical sectors. On an organic 
constant currency basis, revenue growth was 3.6%, which 
included a 4% decrease in China, reflecting the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic in the final quarter of the year. In the 
region’s other major markets, there was strong reported growth 

Geographic revenue growth

United States of America

Mainland Europe

United Kingdom

Asia Pacific

Africa, Near and Middle East

Other countries

20

2020

% of
total

38%

21%

16%

16%

5%

4%

£m

443.2

266.3

200.9

184.0

70.8

45.7

2019

% of
total

37%

22%

16%

15%

6%

4%

£m

510.3

276.4

221.2

213.3

63.2

54.0

1,338.4

100%

1,210.9

100%

Change
£m

67.1

10.1

20.3

29.3

% 
growth

15.2%

3.8%

10.1%

15.8%

% organic
growth at
constant
currency

7.8%

0.8%

8.3%

3.6%

(7.6)

(10.7)%

(11.9)%

8.3

127.5

18.3%

10.5%

15.0%

4.8%

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020in Australasia, driven by the Ampac acquisition, but modest 
organic growth, and India, Japan and Singapore delivered good 
performances.

In the rest of the world, revenue grew in aggregate, with a 
decline in Africa, Near and Middle East revenue, principally 
reflecting a planned reduction in lower margin business in 
Infrastructure Safety, more than offset by strong growth in 
Other countries, which was broadly spread across all four sectors.

Revenue from territories outside the UK/Mainland Europe/the 
USA grew by 10.0%, in line with our 10% KPI growth target.

Continued high returns
Halma’s Return on Sales2 has exceeded 16% for 35 consecutive 
years. Our KPI target is to deliver Return on Sales in the range of 
18–22%. This year Return on Sales remained strong at 19.9% 
(2019: 20.3%), with the change principally reflecting the increase 
in provisions for the increased risk of customer bad debt.

We successfully achieved our objective of continuing to invest in 
our businesses while delivering growth. This enables us to 
maintain a high level of Return on Total Invested Capital (ROTIC), 
the post-tax return on the Group’s total assets including all 
historical goodwill. ROTIC was 15.3% (2019: 16.1%), with the 
change reflecting a lower level of constant currency earnings 
growth than in the prior year, and the weakening of Sterling 
against foreign currencies which has a negative effect on ROTIC 
as it has a greater proportional effect on capital employed than 
on returns. Our ROTIC remains well ahead of our KPI target of 
12% and substantially in excess of Halma’s Weighted Average 
Cost of Capital (WACC), estimated to be 7.7% (2019: 7.9%).

Based on the current mix of currency denominated revenue 
and profit, a 1% movement in the US Dollar relative to Sterling 
changes revenue by £6.3m and profit by £1.3m. Similarly, 
a 1% movement in the Euro changes revenue by £1.6m and 
profit by £0.3m.

If currency rates for the financial year 2021 were US Dollar 1.25/
Euro 1.13 relative to Sterling, and assuming a constant mix of 
currency results, we would expect approximately a £13m positive 
revenue and a £3m positive profit impact compared to financial 
year 2020, the majority of which would be in the second half of 
the year.

Increased financing cost
The net financing cost in the Income Statement of £12.1m was 
above the prior year (2019: £10.0m). This was as a result of higher 
average net borrowings in the year, given expenditure on 
acquisitions, and the inclusion of lease financing costs as a result 
of IFRS 16. These effects were partly offset by the average cost of 
financing which was lower given reductions in interest rates (see 
the ‘Average debt and interest rates’ table on page 24 for more 
information).

Interest cover (EBITDA as a multiple of net interest expense as 
defined by our Revolving Credit Facility) was 40 times (2019: 38 
times) which was well in excess of the four times minimum 
required in our banking covenants.

The net pension financing charge under IAS 19 is included within 
the net financing cost. This year the cost decreased to £0.8m 
(2019: £1.2m), reflecting the reduction in the deficit on our 
defined benefit plans.

Currency effects well managed 
Halma reports its results in Sterling. Our other key trading 
currencies are the US Dollar, Euro and to a lesser extent the 
Swiss Franc, the Chinese Renminbi and the Australian Dollar. 
Over 45% of Group revenue is denominated in US Dollars and 
approximately 12% in Euros.

Group tax rate
The Group has major operating subsidiaries in 10 countries and 
the Group’s effective tax rate is a blend of these national tax 
rates applied to locally generated profits. A significant proportion 
(approximately one fifth) of Group profit is generated and taxed 
in the UK.

The Group has both translational and transactional currency 
exposure. Translational exposures are not hedged, while, for 
transactional exposures, after matching currency of revenue with 
currency costs wherever practical, forward exchange contracts 
are used to hedge a proportion (up to 75%) of the remaining 
forecast net transaction flows where there is a reasonable 
certainty of an exposure.

The Group’s effective tax rate on adjusted profit was similar to 
the prior year at 18.5% (2019: 18.6%). This was lower than 
expected, principally as a result of US Federal tax changes. For 
the year to 31 March 2021 we currently anticipate (based on the 
forecast mix of adjusted profits) the Group effective tax rate on 
adjusted profits to be broadly stable at approximately 19% of 
adjusted profits.

We hedge up to 12 months forward. At 31 March 2020 
approximately 68% of our next 12 months’ currency trading 
transactions were hedged. 

Sterling weakened on average in the year, principally in the first 
half. This gave rise to a positive currency translation impact of 
1.6% on revenue and 1.8% on profit for the year as a whole.

On 2 April 2019, the European Commission published its final 
decision that the UK controlled Finance Company Partial 
Exemption (FCPE) constituted State Aid. In common with a 
number of other UK companies, Halma has benefited from the 
FCPE, and the total benefit in 2020 and prior periods is 
approximately £15.4m in respect of tax and approximately £1.2m 
in respect of interest. Halma has appealed against the European 
Commission’s decision, as has the UK Government and a number 
of other UK companies. In the meantime, the UK Government is 

US$

Euro

Weighted average rates used  
in the Income Statement

Exchange rates used to  
translate the Balance Sheet

2020
Full year

2019
Full year

2020
Year end

2019
Year end

1.27

1.14

1.31

1.14

1.25

1.13

1.30

1.16

First half

1.26

1.13

21

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Financial review continued

required to commence collection proceedings and it is currently 
expected that the Group will have to make a payment in the 
second half of the year ending 31 March 2021 of up to £16.9m. 
Based on its current assessment, the Group believes that no 
provision is required in respect of this issue.

deferral will result in a cash tax liability of approximately US$6m 
(£5m) relating to the period 27 March 2020 to 31 December 2020 
being deferred, with half of this amount due by 31 December 
2021 and the remainder by 31 December 2022, resulting in a 
modest benefit to our cash flow in the 2021 financial year.

Strong cash generation
Cash generation is an important component of the Halma 
model, underpinning further investment in our businesses, 
supporting value-enhancing acquisitions and funding an 
increasing dividend. Our cash conversion in 2020 was strong. 

Capital allocation and funding 
Halma aims to deliver high returns, measured by ROTIC2, well 
in excess of our cost of capital. We invest to deliver the future 
earnings growth and strong cash returns which underpin this 
aim, and our capital allocation priorities are as follows:

Cash generated from operations was £307.9m (2019: £259.6m) 
and adjusted operating cash flow was £272.2m (2019: £225.2m) 
which represented 97% (2019: 88%) of adjusted operating profit. 
This was significantly ahead of our cash conversion KPI target of 
85%, reflecting a strong underlying performance primarily driven 
by good working capital control, as well as benefits from the 
effects of the implementation of IFRS 16, which replaces a lease 
rental charge with charges for depreciation and financing costs 
(a 5% benefit), and from the additional provisions made in the 
year, which reduce operating profit but have no effect on cash 
generation (a 2% benefit).

A summary of the year’s cash flow is shown in the table below 
and on page 24. The largest outflows in the year were in relation 
to acquisitions, dividends and taxation paid. Working capital 
outflow, comprising changes in inventory, receivables and 
creditors, reduced to £9.3m (2019: £16.3m), principally reflecting 
an improvement in debtor collection prior to the impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, and good control of stock and creditors.

Dividends totalling £61.2m (2019: £57.2m) were paid to 
shareholders in the year.

Taxation paid increased to £52.4m (2019: £40.6m), as a result of 
increased profitability and the acceleration of the payment 
timetable for UK Corporation Tax payments for larger companies 
which resulted in a one-off increase in cash taxation payable of 
approximately £5m. 

In the financial year to 31 March 2021, we expect to defer the 
payment of tax liabilities, principally Value-Added Tax (VAT) in 
the UK and the employers’ share of quarterly social security tax 
deposits in the USA, as permitted by governments as a result of 
the COVID-19 pandemic. The deferral of VAT payments will result 
in the payment of a cash tax liability of approximately £4m being 
deferred from the first half of the financial year to March 2021 to 
the second half. There will therefore be no cash tax benefit from 
VAT deferral in the year as a whole. The Employer Payroll Tax 

 — Investment for organic growth: Organic growth is our first 

priority and is driven by investment in our existing businesses, 
including through capital expenditure, innovation for digital 
growth and in new products, international expansion and the 
development of our people.

 — Value-enhancing acquisitions: We supplement organic growth 
with acquisitions in current and adjacent market niches. This 
brings new technology, intellectual property and talent into 
the Group and expands our market reach, keeping Halma 
well-positioned in growing markets over the long-term.

 — Regular and increasing returns to shareholders: We have 

maintained a progressive dividend policy for over 40 years and 
this is our preferred route for delivering regular cash returns to 
shareholders.

Increased investment for organic growth
All sectors continue to innovate and invest in new products, with 
R&D spend determined by each individual Halma company. This 
year R&D expenditure grew by 14.5%, ahead of revenue growth, 
reflecting our companies’ investment in their future growth. R&D 
expenditure as a percentage of revenue was 5.4% (2019: 5.2%), 
well in excess of our KPI target of 4% or more. In the medium 
term we expect R&D expenditure to continue to increase broadly 
in line with revenue growth.

Under IFRS accounting rules we are required to capitalise certain 
development projects and amortise the cost over an appropriate 
period, which we determine as three years. In the 2020 financial 
year we capitalised and acquired £15.6m (2019: £11.6m), impaired 
£5.2m (2019: £0.7m) and amortised £7.9m (2019: £8.5m). This 
results in an asset carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, 
after a £0.5m gain (2019: £0.5m gain) relating to foreign 
exchange, of £36.1m (2019: £33.1m). All R&D projects, and 
particularly those requiring capitalisation, are subject to rigorous 
review and approval processes.

Operating cash flow summary

Operating profit

Net acquisition costs and contingent consideration fair value adjustments

Defined benefit pension charge

Amortisation and impairment of acquisition-related acquired intangible assets

Adjusted operating profit

Depreciation and other amortisation

Working capital movements

Capital expenditure net of disposal proceeds

Additional payments to pension plans

Other adjustments

Adjusted operating cash flow

Cash conversion %

22

2020
£m

233.4

7.5

–

38.3

279.2

51.5

(9.3)

(32.2)

(12.5)

(4.5)

272.2

97%

2019
£m

217.8

0.3

2.1

35.6

255.8

31.3

(16.3)

(29.7)

(11.4)

(4.5)

225.2

88%

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Capital expenditure on property, plant, equipment and vehicles, 
computer software and other intangible assets was £34.1m (2019: 
£31.3m). The expenditure on fixed assets was spread across all 
four sectors and the Group functions, supporting our operating 
capability, capacity and growth including investment in IT and 
systems upgrades. We anticipate capital expenditure of 
approximately £30m in the coming year, reflecting further 
investment across our sectors to support our future growth, 
including in facility expansions and automation, balanced by 
good control of discretionary expenditure given the effects of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

Lease right-of-use asset additions, a new asset category as 
a result the adoption of IFRS 16, were £21.9m. These included 
additions of £5.8m as a result of acquisitions made in the year, 
and extensions or renewals of existing leases.

Value-enhancing acquisitions and investments
Acquisitions and disposals are an important part of our growth 
strategy, as they keep our portfolio of companies focused on 
markets which have strong growth opportunities over the 
medium and long-term.

In the year we spent £227.5m on ten acquisitions (net of cash 
acquired of £8.0m including acquisition costs). In addition, we 
paid £10.5m in contingent consideration for acquisitions made in 
prior years, giving a total spend of £238.0m. We also made two 
small strategic minority investments in the healthcare sector, 
totalling £4.8m, and sold our interest in Optomed Oy at the time 
of its IPO in December 2019, for £6.8m, net of disposal costs.

Details of the acquisitions and investments made in the year are 
given in the sector reviews on pages 30 to 37 of the Report and in 
note 25 to these accounts.

The acquisitions completed in the current and prior year 
contributed to revenue in 2020 in line with expectations and we 
expect a good performance from these acquisitions in the future.

Regular and increasing returns for shareholders
Adjusted earnings per share increased by 8.8% to 57.39p (2019: 
52.74p) and statutory earnings per share increased by 8.7% to 
48.66p (2019: 44.78p).

The Board is recommending a 3.8% increase in the final dividend 
to 9.96p per share (2019: 9.60p per share), which together with 
the 6.54p per share interim dividend gives a total dividend per 
share of 16.50p (2019: 15.71p), up 5.0% in total. Dividend cover 
(the ratio of adjusted profit after tax to dividends paid and 
proposed) is 3.48 times (2019: 3.36 times).

The final dividend for 2020 is subject to approval by shareholders 
at the AGM on 4 September 2020 and will be paid on 1 October 
to shareholders on the register at 28 August.

We aim to increase the per share dividend amount each year, 
while maintaining a prudent level of dividend cover, with 
approximately 35-40% of the anticipated total dividend being 
declared as an interim dividend. The Board’s determination of the 
proposed final dividend increase has taken into account the 
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our stakeholders, while 
considering the Group’s medium-term rate of organic constant 
currency growth and the financial resources required in executing 
our strategy, including organic investment needs and acquisition 
opportunities, with the aim of maintaining moderate debt levels.

Funding capacity and liquidity
Halma operations are cash generative and the Group has access 
to competitively priced committed debt finance providing good 
liquidity for the Group. Group treasury policy remains 
conservative and no speculative transactions are undertaken. 

We have a robust financial position, strong cash generation, and 
substantial available liquidity. In the final quarter of the financial 
year, we consulted with our lending groups following the 
outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to assess the availability of 
further funding should this be required and as part of our 
scenario planning. Our lending groups were supportive, and 
under the potential scenarios considered as part of our going 
concern review, we remain within our debt facilities and the 
attached financial covenants for the foreseeable future. We 
therefore do not currently intend to utilise the UK government’s 
Covid Corporate Financing Facility.

23

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Financial review continued

Non-operating cash flow and reconciliation to net debt

Adjusted operating cash flow

Tax paid

Acquisition of businesses including cash/debt acquired and fees

Purchase of equity investments

Disposal of businesses

Net movement in loan notes

Net finance costs and arrangement fees (excluding lease interest)

Lease liabilities additions

Dividends paid

Own shares purchased

Adjustment for cash outflow on share awards not settled by own shares

Effects of foreign exchange

Movement in net debt

Lease liabilities on adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’

Opening net debt

Closing net debt

Net debt to EBITDA

Adjusted operating profit

Depreciation and amortisation (excluding acquired intangible assets)

EBITDA

Net debt to EBITDA

Lease liabilities

Net debt pre IFRS 16

Lease payments (as an approximation of operating lease rentals)

Estimated EBITDA pre IFRS 16

Estimated Adjusted net debt to EBITDA pre IFRS 16

Average debt and interest rates

Excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities

Average gross debt (£m)

Weighted average interest rate on gross debt

Average cash balances (£m)

Weighted average interest rate on cash

Average net debt (£m)

Weighted average interest rate on net debt

Including IFRS 16 lease liabilities

Average gross debt (£m)

Weighted average interest rate on gross debt

Average cash balances (£m)

Weighted average interest rate on cash

Average net debt (£m)

Weighted average interest rate on net debt

24

2019
£m

225.2

(40.6)

(68.1)

–

3.1

0.1

(8.3)

–

(57.2)

(3.8)

(4.9)

(6.9)

38.6

–

(220.3)

(181.7)

2019
£m

225.8

31.4

287.2

0.63

2019

282.6

2.97%

80.4

0.50%

202.2

3.95%

2020
£m

272.2

(52.4)

(238.0)

(4.8)

7.6

0.1

(8.5)

(26.3)

(61.2)

(16.7)

(6.0)

(9.3)

(143.3)

(50.3)

(181.7)

(375.3)

2020
£m

279.2

51.5

330.7

1.13

(61.5)

(313.8)

(15.8)

314.9

1.00

2020

332.7

2.72%

88.3

0.63%

244.4

3.48%

2020

388.4

2.86%

88.3

0.63%

300.1

3.52%

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020At the year end, our committed facilities totalled approximately 
£750m, based on exchange rates at that time. The earliest 
maturity in these facilities is for £74m (at year end exchange 
rates) in January 2021, with the remaining maturities from 
2023 onwards. The financial covenants on these facilities are 
for leverage (net debt/adjusted EBITDA on a pre-IFRS 16 basis) to 
not be more than three times and for adjusted interest cover to 
be not less than four times.

At the year end, net debt was £375.3m, a combination of 
£420.1m of debt, £61.5m of IFRS 16 lease liabilities and £106.3m of 
cash held around the world to finance local operations. Net debt 
at 31 March 2019, which excluded IFRS 16 lease liabilities of 
£50.3m, was £181.7m.

The gearing ratio at the year end (net debt to EBITDA) was 1.13 
times (2019: 0.63 times, or 0.85 times had IFRS 16 been applied). 
Excluding the impact of IFRS 16, the gearing ratio at the year end 
would have been 1.00 times. Net debt represented 5% (2019: 3%) 
of the Group’s year-end market capitalisation. The Group 
continues to operate well within its banking covenants with 
significant headroom under each financial ratio.

Pensions update
We closed the two UK defined benefit (DB) plans to new 
members in 2002. In December 2014 we ceased future accrual 
within these plans with future pension benefits earned within the 
Group’s Defined Contribution (DC) pension arrangements.

The Group accounts for post-retirement benefits in accordance 
with IAS 19 Employee Benefits. The Consolidated Balance Sheet 
reflects the net deficit on our pension plans at 31 March 2020 
based on the market value of assets at that date and the 
valuation of liabilities using year end AA corporate bond yields.

On an IAS 19 basis the deficit on the Group’s DB plans at the 
2020 year end had decreased to £5.2m (2019: £39.2m) before the 
related deferred tax asset. The value of plan assets increased to 
£298.8m (2019: £292.2m). Plan liabilities decreased to £304.0m 
(2019: £331.4m) due to movements in the discount rate and 
inflation rate. The discount rate increased from 2.4% to 2.55%, 
largely as result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 
bond yields at the year end. The inflation rate reduced from 
3.2% to 2.5% reflecting economic conditions at the balance 
sheet date.

The plans’ actuarial valuation reviews, rather than the 
accounting basis, determine any cash deficit payments by 
Halma. In 2020 these contributions amounted to £12.8m, 
consistent with our expectations, following a triennial actuarial 
valuation of the two UK pension plans in 2017/18, after which 
cash contributions increasing at 7% per annum aimed at 
eliminating the deficit were agreed with the trustees. In the 
unlikely event that these payments result in a surplus on winding 
up, the Group has an unconditional right to a refund under the 
Plan rules.

New accounting standards
The Group adopted required new accounting standards and 
interpretations with effect from 1 April 2019. There has been no 
material impact on the Group’s financial statements, with the 
exception of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’, which brings leases, principally for 
land and buildings, on to the balance sheet. IFRS 16 resulted in 
a small reduction in net assets at the start of the year of £4.0m, 
comprising an increase in assets of £45.4m, recognising a 
right-of-use asset, and an increase in liabilities (principally from 
the lease liability) of £49.4m. The net effect on the Group’s profit 
and loss account has been immaterial, with operating lease costs 
of approximately £15.6m being replaced by a depreciation charge 
of £13.2m and a financing expense of £2.1m, resulting in a benefit 
to operating profit of £2.4m and to Profit before tax of £0.3m. 
There has been no impact on the Group’s cash flows. Further 
details of all new accounting standards adopted, and their 
application to the Group’s accounts, can be found in the 
Accounting Policies section of the Financial Statements. 

Finance and Risk: supporting our companies’ 
performance
Our finance and risk teams play a crucial role in supporting our 
companies and enabling agile commercial decisions by providing 
actionable and insightful data, maintaining strong financial 
controls and assessing and managing risk appropriately. I would 
like to thank all of my colleagues in these teams for their hard 
work in the year, and particularly for the commitment they have 
shown in helping our companies to adapt to the challenges and 
opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, in ensuring 
continued high standards of insight and control, and in preparing 
these year end accounts in difficult circumstances.

Conclusion
We delivered a good financial performance, despite the effects 
of the COVID-19 pandemic in the fourth quarter of the year. 
Our focus in the year ahead will be to ensure Halma’s long-term 
sustainability as we continue to adapt to challenges and 
opportunities, including those arising from the COVID-19 
pandemic and potential changes to international trade as a 
result of Brexit and revisions to cross-border tariffs. The clarity 
of our purpose and strategy, our agile business model and 
disciplined focus on critical safety, health and environmental 
niches, combined with a robust financial and liquidity position 
and continued strong cash generation, should enable us to 
deliver a resilient financial performance in the shorter-term and 
to benefit from the opportunities that our markets offer over the 
medium and longer term.

Marc Ronchetti
Chief Financial Officer

25

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Key performance indicators

Organic profit growth (%)
(constant currency)

Acquisition profit growth (%)

EPS growth (%)
(adjusted earnings per share)

Organic revenue growth (%)

Return on Sales (%)

ROTIC (%)

(constant currency)

(Return on Total Invested Capital)

3

4

9

11

2

8

1

4

3

6

10

17

13

17

9

6

4

10

10

5

20.6 20.2 19.9 20.3

19.9

15.6 15.3 15.2 16.1

15.3

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

2%

performance

≥5%

target

10

8

6

4

2

0

6%

performance

≥5%

target

20

16

12

8

4

0

9%

performance

≥10%

target

10

8

6

4

2

0

5%

performance

≥5%

target

24

20

16

12

8

4

0

19.9%

performance

≥18%

target

20

16

12

8

4

0

15.3%

performance

≥12%

target

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

Through careful selection of our market 
niches and strategic investment in people 
development, international expansion 
and innovation we aim to achieve organic 
growth in excess of our blended market 
growth rate, broadly matching revenue 
and profit growth in the medium term.

We buy companies with business and 
market characteristics similar to those 
of existing Halma operations. Acquired 
businesses have to be a good fit with 
our operating culture and strategy 
in addition to being value enhancing 
financially.

The measure of how successful we are in 
growing our business organically and by 
acquisition coupled with strong financial 
disciplines, including those related to tax 
and capital allocation, is captured in the 
Group’s adjusted earnings per share.

Through careful selection of our market 

We choose to operate in market niches 

We choose to invest in high return on 

niches and targeted strategic investment, 

which are capable of delivering growth and 

capital businesses operating in markets 

we aim to achieve organic growth in excess 

high returns. The ability to sustain these 

which are capable of delivering growth and 

of our blended market growth rate, broadly 

returns is a result of maintaining strong 

high returns. The ability to sustain growth 

matching revenue and profit growth in the 

market and product positions sustained by 

and high returns is a result of maintaining 

medium term.

continuing product and process innovation.

strong market and product positions 

sustained by continuing product and 

process innovation.

Acquisition profit growth exceeded our 
target of 5% following spend of £228m on 
ten acquisitions, which were spread across all 
four sectors. 2020 was a good year for 
acquisitions, reflecting a healthy pipeline of 
opportunities and benefiting from the recent 
investments made in our M&A capabilities.

Growth in adjusted earnings per share was 
slightly below our KPI, against a strong prior 
year comparative. This reflected a good 
acquisition profit growth, but a lower level of 
organic profit growth, and a higher financing 
charge given expenditure on leases and 
acquisitions.

Organic growth at constant currency was in line 

Return on Sales remained well above our 

ROTIC remained well ahead of our target and 

with our target, with growth in three sectors, 

minimum target, and within our longer-term 

substantially above our Weighted Average Cost 

including a double-digit increase in the 

target range of 18-22%. Return on Sales also 

of Capital, which is estimated to be 7.7% (2019: 

Environmental & Analysis sector, and in all major 

remained well above our target in each of our 

7.9%). This KPI was affected by a lower level of 

geographic regions.

four sectors.

Organic profit growth at constant currency 
was below our target. This principally 
reflected the increase in bad debt provisions 
reflecting the increased risk of customer 
default in all sectors given current economic 
conditions. Excluding these provisions, 
organic profit growth would have been 4%. 
Organic growth over the last 5 years has 
averaged 6%, above our target.

Organic profit growth is calculated at 
constant currency and measures the change 
in adjusted profit achieved in the current 
year compared with the prior year from 
continuing Group operations. The effect 
of acquisitions and disposals made 
during the current or prior financial 
year has been eliminated.

Acquisition profit growth measures the 
annualised profit (net of financing costs) 
from acquisitions made in the year, 
measured at the date of acquisition, 
expressed as a percentage of prior 
year profit.

The Board has established a long-term 
organic growth target of at least 5% pa, 
slightly above the blended long-term 
average growth rate of our markets.

Acquisitions must meet our demanding 
criteria and we continue to have a strong 
pipeline of opportunities to meet our 
minimum 5% growth target.

Adjusted earnings are calculated as earnings 
from continuing operations excluding the 
amortisation and impairment of acquired 
intangible assets; acquisition items; 
restructuring costs; profit or loss on disposal 
of operations; in the 2019 financial year, the 
effect of equalisation of benefits for men 
and women in the defined benefit pension 
plans; and associated taxation thereon.

We aim for the combination of organic 
and acquisition growth to exceed an 
average of 10% pa over the long-term. 
The Directors consider that adjusted 
earnings represent a more consistent 
measure of underlying performance.

Organic revenue growth is calculated at constant 

Return on Sales is defined as adjusted profit 

ROTIC is defined as the post-tax return from 

currency and measures the change in revenue 

before taxation from continuing operations 

continuing operations before amortisation 

achieved in the current year compared with the 

expressed as a percentage of revenue from 

and impairment of acquired intangible assets; 

prior year from continuing Group operations. The 

continuing operations.

effect of acquisitions and disposals made during 

the current or prior financial year has been 

eliminated.

constant currency earnings growth (which 

included an increase in provisions), and the 

weakening of Sterling which has a greater 

proportional effect on capital employed than 

on returns.

acquisition items; profit or loss on disposal 

of operations; the effect of equalisation of 

benefits from men and women in the defined 

benefit pension plans (2019 only); the 

associated taxation thereon and the effect 

of the US tax reform measures (2018 only), 

as a percentage of Total Invested Capital.

The Board has established a long-term 

We aim to achieve a Return on Sales within 

A range of 12% to 17% is considered 

minimum organic revenue growth target 

the 18% to 22% range while continuing 

representative of the Board’s expectations 

to invest to sustain growth.

over the long term to ensure a good balance 

between growth, investment, and returns.

of 5% pa, slightly above the blended 

long-term average growth rate of our 

markets.

Growth in organic profit is a key element 
of the Economic Value Added (EVA) 
performance which forms the basis of the 
annual bonus plan for Group, sector and 
company boards, requiring consistent annual 
and longer-term growth, with disciplined 
financial management.

Growth in acquired profit is the second key 
element of the EVA performance which 
forms the basis of the annual bonus plan 
for Group, sector and company boards, 
requiring consistent annual and longer-term 
growth, with disciplined financial 
management.

EPS provides a clear link to the aims of the 
business growth strategy. It is a key financial 
driver for our business and provides a clear 
line of sight for our executives. EPS growth is 
50% of the performance condition attaching 
to the Executive Share Plan.

Organic revenue drives earnings growth which 

Return on Sales is a measure of the value 

ROTIC performance, averaged over three 

contributes to the EVA performance. This forms 

our customers place on our solutions and 

financial years, is 50% of the performance 

the basis of the annual bonus plan for Group, 

of our operational efficiency. High profitability 

condition attaching to the Executive 

sector and company boards, requiring consistent 

supports the generation of high economic 

Share Plan.

annual and longer-term growth with disciplined 

value and cash generation. We choose a range 

financial management.

in order to maintain a balance between 

short-term performance and investment 

for longer-term growth.

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26

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Link to Growth Enablers

   M&A 

   Talent & 
Culture

   Digital Growth 

Engines

   Strategic Marketing & 

Communications

   International  

Expansion

   Finance, Legal  

& Risk

   Innovation 
Network

Organic profit growth (%)

Acquisition profit growth (%)

EPS growth (%)

(constant currency)

(adjusted earnings per share)

Organic revenue growth (%)
(constant currency)

Return on Sales (%)

ROTIC (%)
(Return on Total Invested Capital)

3

4

9

11

2

8

1

4

3

6

10

17

13

17

9

6

4

10

10

5

20.6 20.2 19.9 20.3

19.9

15.6 15.3 15.2 16.1

15.3

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

2%

performance

≥5%

target

10

8

6

4

2

0

6%

performance

≥5%

target

20

16

12

8

4

0

9%

performance

≥10%

target

10

8

6

4

2

0

5%

performance

≥5%

target

24

20

16

12

8

4

0

19.9%

performance

≥18%

target

20

16

12

8

4

0

15.3%

performance

≥12%

target

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

Through careful selection of our market 

We buy companies with business and 

The measure of how successful we are in 

niches and strategic investment in people 

market characteristics similar to those 

growing our business organically and by 

development, international expansion 

of existing Halma operations. Acquired 

acquisition coupled with strong financial 

and innovation we aim to achieve organic 

businesses have to be a good fit with 

disciplines, including those related to tax 

growth in excess of our blended market 

our operating culture and strategy 

and capital allocation, is captured in the 

growth rate, broadly matching revenue 

in addition to being value enhancing 

Group’s adjusted earnings per share.

and profit growth in the medium term.

financially.

Through careful selection of our market 
niches and targeted strategic investment, 
we aim to achieve organic growth in excess 
of our blended market growth rate, broadly 
matching revenue and profit growth in the 
medium term.

We choose to operate in market niches 
which are capable of delivering growth and 
high returns. The ability to sustain these 
returns is a result of maintaining strong 
market and product positions sustained by 
continuing product and process innovation.

Organic growth at constant currency was in line 
with our target, with growth in three sectors, 
including a double-digit increase in the 
Environmental & Analysis sector, and in all major 
geographic regions.

Return on Sales remained well above our 
minimum target, and within our longer-term 
target range of 18-22%. Return on Sales also 
remained well above our target in each of our 
four sectors.

Organic revenue growth is calculated at constant 
currency and measures the change in revenue 
achieved in the current year compared with the 
prior year from continuing Group operations. The 
effect of acquisitions and disposals made during 
the current or prior financial year has been 
eliminated.

Return on Sales is defined as adjusted profit 
before taxation from continuing operations 
expressed as a percentage of revenue from 
continuing operations.

We choose to invest in high return on 
capital businesses operating in markets 
which are capable of delivering growth and 
high returns. The ability to sustain growth 
and high returns is a result of maintaining 
strong market and product positions 
sustained by continuing product and 
process innovation.

ROTIC remained well ahead of our target and 
substantially above our Weighted Average Cost 
of Capital, which is estimated to be 7.7% (2019: 
7.9%). This KPI was affected by a lower level of 
constant currency earnings growth (which 
included an increase in provisions), and the 
weakening of Sterling which has a greater 
proportional effect on capital employed than 
on returns.

ROTIC is defined as the post-tax return from 
continuing operations before amortisation 
and impairment of acquired intangible assets; 
acquisition items; profit or loss on disposal 
of operations; the effect of equalisation of 
benefits from men and women in the defined 
benefit pension plans (2019 only); the 
associated taxation thereon and the effect 
of the US tax reform measures (2018 only), 
as a percentage of Total Invested Capital.

The Board has established a long-term 
minimum organic revenue growth target 
of 5% pa, slightly above the blended 
long-term average growth rate of our 
markets.

We aim to achieve a Return on Sales within 
the 18% to 22% range while continuing 
to invest to sustain growth.

A range of 12% to 17% is considered 
representative of the Board’s expectations 
over the long term to ensure a good balance 
between growth, investment, and returns.

Organic revenue drives earnings growth which 
contributes to the EVA performance. This forms 
the basis of the annual bonus plan for Group, 
sector and company boards, requiring consistent 
annual and longer-term growth with disciplined 
financial management.

Return on Sales is a measure of the value 
our customers place on our solutions and 
of our operational efficiency. High profitability 
supports the generation of high economic 
value and cash generation. We choose a range 
in order to maintain a balance between 
short-term performance and investment 
for longer-term growth.

ROTIC performance, averaged over three 
financial years, is 50% of the performance 
condition attaching to the Executive 
Share Plan.

27

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Organic profit growth at constant currency 

Acquisition profit growth exceeded our 

Growth in adjusted earnings per share was 

was below our target. This principally 

target of 5% following spend of £228m on 

slightly below our KPI, against a strong prior 

reflected the increase in bad debt provisions 

ten acquisitions, which were spread across all 

year comparative. This reflected a good 

reflecting the increased risk of customer 

four sectors. 2020 was a good year for 

acquisition profit growth, but a lower level of 

default in all sectors given current economic 

acquisitions, reflecting a healthy pipeline of 

organic profit growth, and a higher financing 

conditions. Excluding these provisions, 

opportunities and benefiting from the recent 

charge given expenditure on leases and 

organic profit growth would have been 4%. 

investments made in our M&A capabilities.

acquisitions.

Organic growth over the last 5 years has 

averaged 6%, above our target.

Organic profit growth is calculated at 

Acquisition profit growth measures the 

Adjusted earnings are calculated as earnings 

constant currency and measures the change 

annualised profit (net of financing costs) 

from continuing operations excluding the 

in adjusted profit achieved in the current 

from acquisitions made in the year, 

amortisation and impairment of acquired 

year compared with the prior year from 

measured at the date of acquisition, 

intangible assets; acquisition items; 

continuing Group operations. The effect 

expressed as a percentage of prior 

of acquisitions and disposals made 

during the current or prior financial 

year has been eliminated.

year profit.

restructuring costs; profit or loss on disposal 

of operations; in the 2019 financial year, the 

effect of equalisation of benefits for men 

and women in the defined benefit pension 

plans; and associated taxation thereon.

The Board has established a long-term 

Acquisitions must meet our demanding 

We aim for the combination of organic 

organic growth target of at least 5% pa, 

criteria and we continue to have a strong 

and acquisition growth to exceed an 

slightly above the blended long-term 

pipeline of opportunities to meet our 

average of 10% pa over the long-term. 

average growth rate of our markets.

minimum 5% growth target.

The Directors consider that adjusted 

earnings represent a more consistent 

measure of underlying performance.

Growth in organic profit is a key element 

Growth in acquired profit is the second key 

EPS provides a clear link to the aims of the 

of the Economic Value Added (EVA) 

element of the EVA performance which 

business growth strategy. It is a key financial 

performance which forms the basis of the 

forms the basis of the annual bonus plan 

driver for our business and provides a clear 

annual bonus plan for Group, sector and 

for Group, sector and company boards, 

line of sight for our executives. EPS growth is 

company boards, requiring consistent annual 

requiring consistent annual and longer-term 

50% of the performance condition attaching 

and longer-term growth, with disciplined 

growth, with disciplined financial 

to the Executive Share Plan.

financial management.

management.

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key performance indicators continued

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Cash generation (%)

International revenue growth (%)

Research and development  
(% of revenue)

Employee Engagement (%)

Health & Safety

(accident frequency rate)

Development programmes (%)

(management development)

86

86

85

88

97

7

19

16

3

10

5.1

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.4

74

75

75

75

0.11 0.12 0.04 0.09

0.06

58

60

89

72

87

100

80

60

40

20

0

97%

performance

≥85%

target

20

16

12

8

4

0

10%

performance

≥10%

target

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

5.4%

performance

≥4%

target

80

60

40

20

0

75%

performance

74%

target

0.16

0.14

0.12

0.10

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0

0.06

performance

0.04

target

100

80

60

40

20

0

87%

performance

>50%

target

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

Strong cash generation provides the 
Group with freedom to pursue its 
strategic goals of investment in organic 
growth, acquisitions and progressive 
dividends without becoming highly 
leveraged. Our decentralised structure 
ensures that cash management is 
controlled at the individual company 
level and then transferred to the 
central treasury function.

The safety, health and environmental 
markets in developing regions are 
evolving quickly. We continue to invest 
in establishing local selling, technical 
and manufacturing resources to meet 
this current and future need.

We have maintained high levels of R&D 
investment and spending on innovation. 
The successful introduction of new 
products is a key contributor to the 
Group’s ability to build competitive 
advantage and grow organically and 
internationally.

Halma conducts an annual survey of its 

employees to assess engagement across 

the Group. This provides visibility of 

engagement at the Group, sector and 

company levels.

Safety is critical and a major priority 

for the Group. Halma collects details 

of its worldwide reported health and 

safety incidents and encourages all 

Group companies to seek continuous 

improvement in their health and 

safety records and culture.

Our range of leadership development 

programmes are targeted towards 

developing our talent and equipping 

them with the right skills to manage, 

lead and deliver on our growth strategy.

Our cash conversion was strong and increased 
to 97%, well ahead of our target. We delivered 
a strong underlying cash performance, 
reflecting our continuing focus on cash 
management including good control of 
working capital, with the KPI also benefiting 
from the effects of the implementation of 
IFRS 16 (a 5% benefit) and the increase in 
provisions in the year (a 2% benefit).

Revenue outside the UK, the USA and 
Mainland Europe increased by 10%, in line 
with our target. This reflected strong growth 
in Asia Pacific, driven by recent acquisitions, 
and in Other countries, partly offset by a 
decline as a result of a planned reduction in 
lower margin business in Africa, Near and 
Middle East.

Total R&D spend in the year increased by 14% 
to £71.8m (2019: £62.7m), and R&D spend as 
a percentage of revenue increased to 5.4% 
(2019: 5.2%). All sectors increased R&D 
expenditure, with three out of four sectors 
spending above 4% of revenue.

2017 was our inaugural engagement survey 

The Health & Safety AFR performance this year 

During the year, we put 219 of our senior 

which established the baseline for our target. 

was 0.06 (2019: 0.09) representing an 

leaders through a range of management 

Overall, employee engagement remained strong 

improvement against last year. We continue to 

and leadership courses. We also introduced 

this year and was in the line with the external 

review all reported incidents and there are no 

our Innovating the Organisation 2 (ITO 2) 

normative data.

specific underlying patterns which cause 

programme that helps leadership teams 

concern.

to develop and scale growth strategies. The 

programme includes a strong emphasis on 

personal leadership, self-awareness, mindset 

and behaviours to lead growth. 

Cash generation is calculated using adjusted 
operating cash flow as a percentage of 
adjusted operating profit.

Total sales to markets outside the UK, the 
USA and Mainland Europe compared with 
the prior year.

Total research and development expenditure 
in the financial year (both that expensed and 
capitalised) as a percentage of revenue from 
continuing operations.

The engagement of employees as measured 

The year-to-date Accident Frequency Rate 

The percentage of senior leaders who have 

through an externally facilitated survey over nine 

(AFR) is the total number of reportable* 

attended a development programme 

dimensions: engagement, empowerment, 

incidents in the period divided by the number 

compared with the estimated pool of 

accountability, collaboration and teamwork, 

of hours worked in that period by employees 

qualifying participants.

communication, development, ethics and fair 

(including temporary staff and any overtime) 

treatment, innovation and leadership. 

multiplied by 100,000 hours (representing 

the estimated number of working hours in 

an employee’s work lifetime). The AFR figure 

represents an indication of how many incidents 

employees will have in their working lives.

* Specified major injury incidents are reportable incidents 

which result in more than three working days lost

The goal of Group cash inflow exceeding 
85% of profit has relevance at all levels of 
the organisation and aligns management 
action with Group needs. We ensure that 
strong internal cash flow and availability 
of external funding underpin our 
strategic goals of organic growth, 
acquisitions and progressive dividends. 
We plan to review the level at which this 
target is set in the coming year having 
adopted IFRS 16 which represents a 
permanent change to cash conversion.

The emphasis on international revenue 
growth at twice the rate of overall 
organic growth reinforces the 
importance of emerging markets and 
our strategy of establishing operations 
close to our end markets.

New products contribute strongly to 
organic growth, maintaining high returns 
and building strong market positions. 
The 4% minimum investment target is 
appropriate to the mix of product life 
cycles and technologies within Halma.

Our target remains to match or beat 

the baseline achieved in 2017 of 74% 

engagement.

The target is set at the lowest rate we have 

We exceeded our target, with 87% of our 

achieved as a Group.

qualifying participants having attended a 

development programme during the year. 

Our range of new programmes, and the 

refreshment of existing programmes, 

indicate our continued commitment 

to meeting our target.

Strong cash generation is closely correlated 
with high return on capital which is a key 
component of our EVA bonus plan and our 
ROTIC Executive Share Plan vesting measure.

International markets are an important 
component of organic growth which, in turn, 
drives the year-on-year improvement in EVA 
demanded by our Annual Bonus plan.

Successful research and development 
investment is a key component of sustaining 
strong growth and returns which, in turn, 
help to drive EVA, EPS and ROTIC – all key 
elements of our annual bonus and LTIP plans.

n
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28

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Link to Growth Enablers

   M&A 

   Talent & 
Culture

   Digital Growth 

Engines

   Strategic Marketing & 

Communications

   International  

Expansion

   Finance, Legal  

& Risk

   Innovation 
Network

Cash generation (%)

International revenue growth (%)

Research and development  

Employee Engagement (%)

(% of revenue)

Health & Safety
(accident frequency rate)

Development programmes (%)
(management development)

86

86

85

88

97

7

19

16

3

10

5.1

5.3

5.2

5.2

5.4

74

75

75

75

0.11 0.12 0.04 0.09

0.06

58

60

89

72

87

100

80

60

40

20

0

97%

performance

≥85%

target

20

16

12

8

4

0

10%

performance

≥10%

target

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

5.4%

performance

≥4%

target

80

60

40

20

0

75%

performance

74%

target

0.16

0.14

0.12

0.10

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0

0.06

performance

0.04

target

100

80

60

40

20

0

87%

performance

>50%

target

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

Strong cash generation provides the 

The safety, health and environmental 

We have maintained high levels of R&D 

Group with freedom to pursue its 

markets in developing regions are 

investment and spending on innovation. 

strategic goals of investment in organic 

evolving quickly. We continue to invest 

The successful introduction of new 

growth, acquisitions and progressive 

in establishing local selling, technical 

products is a key contributor to the 

dividends without becoming highly 

and manufacturing resources to meet 

Group’s ability to build competitive 

leveraged. Our decentralised structure 

this current and future need.

advantage and grow organically and 

internationally.

Halma conducts an annual survey of its 
employees to assess engagement across 
the Group. This provides visibility of 
engagement at the Group, sector and 
company levels.

Safety is critical and a major priority 
for the Group. Halma collects details 
of its worldwide reported health and 
safety incidents and encourages all 
Group companies to seek continuous 
improvement in their health and 
safety records and culture.

Our range of leadership development 
programmes are targeted towards 
developing our talent and equipping 
them with the right skills to manage, 
lead and deliver on our growth strategy.

ensures that cash management is 

controlled at the individual company 

level and then transferred to the 

central treasury function.

Our cash conversion was strong and increased 

Revenue outside the UK, the USA and 

Total R&D spend in the year increased by 14% 

to 97%, well ahead of our target. We delivered 

Mainland Europe increased by 10%, in line 

to £71.8m (2019: £62.7m), and R&D spend as 

a strong underlying cash performance, 

reflecting our continuing focus on cash 

management including good control of 

with our target. This reflected strong growth 

a percentage of revenue increased to 5.4% 

in Asia Pacific, driven by recent acquisitions, 

(2019: 5.2%). All sectors increased R&D 

and in Other countries, partly offset by a 

expenditure, with three out of four sectors 

working capital, with the KPI also benefiting 

decline as a result of a planned reduction in 

spending above 4% of revenue.

from the effects of the implementation of 

lower margin business in Africa, Near and 

IFRS 16 (a 5% benefit) and the increase in 

Middle East.

provisions in the year (a 2% benefit).

Cash generation is calculated using adjusted 

Total sales to markets outside the UK, the 

Total research and development expenditure 

operating cash flow as a percentage of 

USA and Mainland Europe compared with 

in the financial year (both that expensed and 

adjusted operating profit.

the prior year.

capitalised) as a percentage of revenue from 

continuing operations.

The goal of Group cash inflow exceeding 

The emphasis on international revenue 

New products contribute strongly to 

85% of profit has relevance at all levels of 

growth at twice the rate of overall 

organic growth, maintaining high returns 

the organisation and aligns management 

organic growth reinforces the 

and building strong market positions. 

action with Group needs. We ensure that 

importance of emerging markets and 

The 4% minimum investment target is 

strong internal cash flow and availability 

our strategy of establishing operations 

appropriate to the mix of product life 

close to our end markets.

cycles and technologies within Halma.

of external funding underpin our 

strategic goals of organic growth, 

acquisitions and progressive dividends. 

We plan to review the level at which this 

target is set in the coming year having 

adopted IFRS 16 which represents a 

permanent change to cash conversion.

Strong cash generation is closely correlated 

International markets are an important 

Successful research and development 

with high return on capital which is a key 

component of organic growth which, in turn, 

investment is a key component of sustaining 

component of our EVA bonus plan and our 

drives the year-on-year improvement in EVA 

strong growth and returns which, in turn, 

ROTIC Executive Share Plan vesting measure.

demanded by our Annual Bonus plan.

help to drive EVA, EPS and ROTIC – all key 

elements of our annual bonus and LTIP plans.

2017 was our inaugural engagement survey 
which established the baseline for our target. 
Overall, employee engagement remained strong 
this year and was in the line with the external 
normative data.

The Health & Safety AFR performance this year 
was 0.06 (2019: 0.09) representing an 
improvement against last year. We continue to 
review all reported incidents and there are no 
specific underlying patterns which cause 
concern.

The engagement of employees as measured 
through an externally facilitated survey over nine 
dimensions: engagement, empowerment, 
accountability, collaboration and teamwork, 
communication, development, ethics and fair 
treatment, innovation and leadership. 

The year-to-date Accident Frequency Rate 
(AFR) is the total number of reportable* 
incidents in the period divided by the number 
of hours worked in that period by employees 
(including temporary staff and any overtime) 
multiplied by 100,000 hours (representing 
the estimated number of working hours in 
an employee’s work lifetime). The AFR figure 
represents an indication of how many incidents 
employees will have in their working lives.
* Specified major injury incidents are reportable incidents 

which result in more than three working days lost

Our target remains to match or beat 
the baseline achieved in 2017 of 74% 
engagement.

The target is set at the lowest rate we have 
achieved as a Group.

During the year, we put 219 of our senior 
leaders through a range of management 
and leadership courses. We also introduced 
our Innovating the Organisation 2 (ITO 2) 
programme that helps leadership teams 
to develop and scale growth strategies. The 
programme includes a strong emphasis on 
personal leadership, self-awareness, mindset 
and behaviours to lead growth. 

The percentage of senior leaders who have 
attended a development programme 
compared with the estimated pool of 
qualifying participants.

We exceeded our target, with 87% of our 
qualifying participants having attended a 
development programme during the year. 
Our range of new programmes, and the 
refreshment of existing programmes, 
indicate our continued commitment 
to meeting our target.

29

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business review

Process Safety

Process Safety’s technologies protect people and assets at work,  
across a range of critical industrial and logistics operations.

Our markets

Highlights

 — Sensit Technologies acquired, enhancing our Gas Detection 

capabilities in the US

 — Continued success in US logistics market 

 — Good progress in developing solutions using our digital 

growth enabler programme

Revenue

£200m

+1%

Performance

KPIs

Revenue growth1

Organic revenue growth1 (constant currency)

Profit growth1

Organic profit growth1 (constant currency)

Return on Sales2

R&D % of Revenue3

Contribution to Group

Adjusted operating profit5

£44m

(3%)

2020 Group target

1%

(2)%

(3)%

(6)%

21.9%

3.7%

–

≥5%

–

≥5%

≥18%

≥4%

£m

Revenue

Profit5

2020

200

44

2019

198

46

2018

185

43

2017

167

40

2016

155

40

1  Revenue and adjusted4 operating profit5 are compared to the equivalent prior year figures.
2  Return on Sales is defined as adjusted4 operating profit5 expressed as a percentage of 

revenue. 

3  R&D expenditure expressed as a percentage of revenue.
4  Adjusted to remove the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets, 
acquisition items and restructuring costs (see note 1 to the Financial Statements).

5  Adjusted4 operating profit before central administration costs after share of associate.
6  Adjusted4 operating profit5 and organic growth rates are alternative performance measures 

used by management. See notes 1 and 3 to the Financial Statements.

Gas Detection
Instruments and systems that 
detect hazardous gases and 
analyse air quality.

Industrial Access Control
Systems to manage the movement 
of people in high risk areas, 
preventing accidents and ensuring 
that critical processes operate safely.

Pressure Management
Explosion protection devices and 
systems to protect pressurised 
vessels and pipework in critical 
industrial processes.

Safe Storage and Transfer
Real-time corrosion monitoring and 
valve interlocking systems that 
safeguard people and processes.

Group Revenue (%)

15%

30

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Several of our businesses, notably in Pressure Management, 
operate in markets driven by the increasing need for energy 
and other critical resources. While the COVID-19 pandemic has 
resulted in a recent reduction in energy consumption, longer-
term forecasts are that global energy demand is expected to 
grow by nearly 50% between 2018 and 2050, with most of this 
growth coming from non-OECD countries, particularly in Asia. 
The diversification of energy resources means we are repurposing 
our solutions to segments of the energy market where we expect 
good growth, for example in renewables.

Performance
Revenue grew by 1% to £200.0m (2019: £197.5m), while profit 
declined by 3% to £43.9m (2019: £45.5m). On an organic constant 
currency basis, revenue and profit declined by 2% and 6% 
respectively. Return on Sales was 21.9% (2019: 23.0%), reflecting 
a small reduction in gross margin, an increase of £0.9m in the 
second half of the year in COVID-19 related bad debt provisions, 
and a 7% increase in R&D investment to £7.5m (2019: £7.0m).

Industrial Access Control performed well, with further progress in 
a large US logistics contract, while Gas Detection benefited from 
the Sensit acquisition, which is performing in line with 
expectations. The unfavourable conditions in the USA market 
resulted in lower Pressure Management revenue, with a decline 
in profitability partially mitigated by proactive control of costs. 
As mentioned above, Safe Storage and Transfer profits were also 
lower because of customer project delays and a site closure in 
California during the fourth quarter due to COVID-19.

There was strong growth in Asia Pacific driven by Gas Detection’s 
investment in stronger sales resources. Despite the challenges in 
energy markets, there was good growth in the USA, which 
benefited from the Sensit acquisition and good progress in a 
large US logistics contract. The UK and Mainland Europe were 
weaker mainly due to the non-repeat of large customer 
contracts in the prior year. Africa, Near & Middle East declined, 
with weaker Pressure Management revenue partially offset by 
a good performance in Gas Detection, while other countries 
delivered a strong performance which was broadly based across 
all subsectors.

Overview
The sector delivered a small increase in revenue, and a slight 
reduction in profitability. The lower profit was principally driven 
by product mix, and particularly a decline in the high-margin 
USA onshore oil and gas market, although there was also 
increased investment in R&D and strengthening leadership 
talent. 

Industrial Access Control and Gas Detection both performed 
well. However, lower global oil prices and the deterioration in the 
USA onshore oil and gas market resulted in lower profits in 
Pressure Management and in Safe Storage and Transfer, with the 
latter also impacted by customer project delays and a site 
closure in the USA during the fourth quarter due to COVID-19.

There was one acquisition in the year, of Sensit Technologies, 
a US-based gas leak detection company. Its products protect 
workers in the natural gas distribution industry, ensure 
compliance with regulatory standards, and reduce climate 
change impacts by monitoring emissions of methane. 
Further details are given in note 25 to the Financial Statements.

Strategy
Process Safety has a key part to play in making critical industrial 
processes safer and cleaner. 

Our strategy of investing both organically and by acquisition is 
ensuring that our businesses are providing innovative and 
increasingly digitally connected products to address our 
customers’ needs around the world. For example, we have made 
good progress in developing new odour monitoring solutions 
which are gaining traction in China, and in creating new 
products and services that combine several Halma companies’ 
capabilities. These include developing solutions to increase safety 
and efficiency in warehouses, which utilises technologies from 
companies in three Halma sectors. Both of these examples of 
early stage businesses have been developed through our digital 
growth enabler programmes.

We also continuously look for opportunities for acquisitions in 
new subsectors and of new applications. Our criteria are that 
they should have a strong fit to our purpose, be underpinned 
by strong long-term growth drivers, provide high value to our 
customers, and have high barriers to entry. These activities are 
led by our Divisional Chief Executives, supported by a small sector 
M&A team and also by our operating company leaders for 
bolt-ons to existing businesses. The increased organic and 
inorganic investment in this sector in recent years has resulted 
in greater end market diversity and less dependency on the 
energy markets which now represent approximately one third 
of sector revenue, down from around 50% five years ago.

Market trends and growth drivers 
The longer-term growth prospects for our Process Safety 
businesses are supported by increasing health and safety 
regulation and associated legal risks, and growing 
industrialisation and automation. With an estimated 340 million 
injuries and 2.3 million workplace-related fatalities each year, it is 
likely that workplace health and safety regulations will continue 
to tighten. Our ability to find new applications in adjacent 
industrial markets is broadening our growth opportunities, both 
organically and through acquisition.

In Gas Detection, market growth over the longer-term is being 
driven by ongoing industrialisation, increased regulation, greater 
demand for continuous monitoring of harmful substances to 
protect worker safety, and the accelerated use of wireless sensors 
and connected devices.

Increasing automation and need for remote safety monitoring 
is becoming a stronger growth driver for our Industrial Access 
Control, Pressure Management and Safe Storage and Transfer 
businesses which serve a diverse range of industrial end markets.

31

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Business review continued

Infrastructure Safety

Infrastructure Safety’s technologies save lives,  
protect infrastructure and enable safe movement.

Our markets

Highlights

 — Acquired Ampac and FireMate, enhancing geographical reach 

and digital capability in Fire

 — Product innovation driving continued strong organic growth 

in People and Vehicle Flow

 — Continued to enhance the sector’s portfolio through 

innovation and acquisition, underpinning future growth

Adjusted operating profit5

£108m

+21%

Revenue

£467m

+14%

Performance

KPIs

Revenue growth1

Organic revenue growth1 (constant currency)

Profit growth1

Organic profit growth1 (constant currency)

Return on Sales2

R&D % of Revenue3

Contribution to Group

2020 Group target

14%

3%

21%

7%

23.1%

6.1%

–

≥5%

–

≥5%

≥18%

≥4%

£m

Revenue

Profit5

2020

467

108

2019

409

89

2018

349

73

2017

315

65

2016

265

56

1  Revenue and adjusted4 operating profit5 are compared to the equivalent prior year figures.
2  Return on Sales is defined as adjusted4 operating profit5 expressed as a percentage of 

revenue. 

3  R&D expenditure expressed as a percentage of revenue.
4  Adjusted to remove the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets, 
acquisition items and restructuring costs (see note 1 to the Financial Statements).

5  Adjusted4 operating profit before central administration costs after share of associate.
6  Adjusted4 operating profit5 and organic growth rates are alternative performance measures 

used by management. See notes 1 and 3 to the Financial Statements.

Fire Detection
Networked fire detection systems, 
cloud-based fire compliance and 
software support services, wired 
and wireless fire detection 
components.

Fire Suppression
Systems to automatically extinguish 
fires, protecting people, property 
and assets.

People and Vehicle Flow
Sensors for automatic doors and in 
public, commercial and industrial 
buildings and transportation.

Advanced radar systems that make 
roads safer and more efficient and 
protect critical infrastructure.

Elevator Safety
Safety and communications 
components and systems that make 
elevators smarter, simpler and safer. 
Emergency communications systems 
that protect people in buildings in 
critical circumstances.

Security Sensors
Security sensors, control panels 
and apps to protect commercial, 
residential and public buildings.

Group Revenue (%)

35%

32

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020The medium-term forecasts for the global elevator market also 
reflect the trends of rising urbanisation, increasing spending on 
maintenance and modernisation of existing equipment, with 
emerging opportunities to enhance efficiency through remote 
monitoring and preventative maintenance. Similarly, we expect 
a greater need to manage health and safety concerns as a result 
of the COVID-19 pandemic to present new opportunities for our 
People and Vehicle Flow businesses in addressing congestion, 
increasing the capacity of existing infrastructure and enhancing 
safety through automated access solutions as people move 
around.

Performance
Revenue increased by 14% to £466.5m (2019: £408.6m), including 
3% organic constant currency growth and a 10% contribution 
from acquisitions. Profit grew by 21% to £107.7m (2019: £88.9m), 
which included 7% organic constant currency growth and a 14% 
contribution from acquisitions, and additional provisions for 
COVID-19 related bad debt of £2.1m. Return on Sales increased 
to 23.1% (2019: 21.8%), even after 14% growth in R&D investment 
to £28.3m (2019: £24.9m), principally reflecting the benefit to 
gross margins from automation and the planned elimination 
of selected lower margin business.

The three largest subsectors, Fire Detection, People and Vehicle 
Flow and Elevator Safety, delivered double digit revenue and 
profit growth, principally driven by acquisitions. However, there 
was also strong organic growth in People and Vehicle Flow, driven 
by new product innovation and good progress in Fire Detection. 
In the smaller subsectors, Security Sensors’ profit grew strongly 
from a stable revenue base, reflecting efficiency gains from 
automation, while Fire Suppression revenue declined as a result 
of the above-mentioned reduction in lower margin business.

The sector’s four largest geographic regions performed well. 
There was strong revenue growth in the USA and Asia Pacific, 
principally as a result of the benefit from recent acquisitions. 
There were good rates of growth in the UK and Mainland Europe, 
with the Fire Detection and People and Vehicle Flow businesses 
being key contributors to this improvement. The Africa, Near and 
Middle East region, which accounts for only 5% of sector revenue, 
declined, while the small Other countries segment grew strongly, 
driven by a strong performance in the Fire businesses.

Overview
The sector delivered a strong performance, with revenue and 
profit growth including a significant contribution from recent 
acquisitions, and an increase in gross margins partly reflecting 
investments in automation.

The three largest subsectors, Fire Detection, People and Vehicle 
Flow and Elevator Safety, delivered the highest rates of growth. 
There was lower organic growth from the sector in the second 
half, reflecting a planned elimination of lower margin business 
in the Elevator Safety and Fire Suppression subsectors. There 
was increased investment in both R&D and leadership talent, 
including adding more sector management resources in 
Asia Pacific.

There were two acquisitions in the year, both in the Fire Detection 
subsector, extending geographical reach and adding new highly 
complementary technologies. We acquired the Ampac Group, 
a leading fire and evacuation systems supplier in the Australasian 
market, and 70% of Australia-based FireMate, which provides 
cloud-based maintenance and approval software to fire 
contractors. Further detail on these acquisitions is given in note 
25 to the Financial Statements.

Strategy 
The Infrastructure Safety sector makes the world a safer place 
by protecting commercial, industrial and public buildings and 
spaces and enabling safe movement. Our products and services 
address increasing life safety concerns, more stringent regulatory 
requirements and accelerating demand for connected 
infrastructure systems globally.

Our strategy is to focus on less cyclical, niche markets, with high 
barriers to entry. We acquire companies with technological 
expertise, strength in new geographies and presences in adjacent 
markets. We grow them through leveraging Halma’s growth 
enablers, with a particular focus in recent years on leadership 
talent and increasing product and digital innovation. We seek 
to expand our geographic footprint both organically, leveraging 
Halma’s international hubs, and through acquisitions, such as 
the recent Ampac and FireMate acquisitions.

Market trends and growth drivers
Growth in our Infrastructure Safety markets is supported by 
expanding and ageing populations, increasing urbanisation, 
tighter safety regulation, and an increasing demand for remote 
monitoring and efficiency through digital innovation and 
connected products. A recent UN report projects that 68% of 
the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050, increasing 
from 55% in 2018, adding around 2.5 billion people to urban 
populations. We expect this to drive demand for better, safer and 
more connected infrastructure and for transportation safety and 
security products and systems, as more people live in more 
densely populated areas.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a reduction of 
demand in some markets in the short-term, we expect these 
long-term trends to continue to drive growth across our 
Infrastructure Safety markets. For example, in global fire 
detection and suppression equipment, growth is expected to be 
sustained by even more stringent regulation and greater demand 
for connected, intelligent building systems.

33

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Business review continued

Environmental & Analysis

Environmental & Analysis’ technologies are used to preserve,  
monitor and protect the environment, ensure the availability,  
quality and sustainability of natural resources, and to analyse  
materials in a wide range of applications.

Our markets

Highlights

 — Completed two technology-focused acquisitions for our 

water companies

 — Strong organic growth in Optical Analysis and Environmental 

Monitoring

 — Further progress in developing new market-led technological 

Optical Analysis
World-class optical, opto-
electronic and spectral imaging 
systems that use light to analyse 
materials in applications 
including life sciences, 
bioprocessing, food safety, 
research, and industrial 
process control.

Water Analysis and 
Treatment
Systems that assist communities 
around the world by sustainably 
improving water quality and 
availability.

and digital solutions

Revenue

£325m

+16%

Performance

KPIs

Revenue growth1

Environmental Monitoring
Technologies used to analyse 
water, air and gases to monitor 
the quality of our environment 
and ensure that our resource 
infrastructure operates efficiently. 

Organic revenue growth1 (constant currency)

Profit growth1

Organic profit growth1 (constant currency)

Return on Sales2

R&D % of Revenue3

Group Revenue (%)

Contribution to Group

£m

Revenue

Profit5

2020

325

69

2019

280

60

2018

259

55

2017

219

42

2016

189

34

1  Revenue and adjusted4 operating profit5 are compared to the equivalent prior year figures. 

Historic revenue and profit have been restated for the transfer of Perma Pure to the Medical 
sector in the second half of 2020.

2  Return on Sales is defined as adjusted4 operating profit5 expressed as a percentage of 

revenue. 

3  R&D expenditure expressed as a percentage of revenue.
4  Adjusted to remove the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets, 
acquisition items and restructuring costs (see note 1 to the Financial Statements).

5  Adjusted4 operating profit before central administration costs after share of associate.
6  Adjusted4 operating profit5 and organic growth rates are alternative performance measures 

used by management. See notes 1 and 3 to the Financial Statements.

24%

34

Adjusted operating profit5

£69m

+15%

2020 Group target

16%

14%

15%

13%

21.4%

6.0%

–

≥5%

–

≥5%

≥18%

≥4%

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Air pollution is a growing health risk in both developing and 
developed countries and is a top cause of premature deaths in 
the EU, contributing to an estimated 400,000 deaths in 2016. 
Our spectroscopy systems assist in the precise detection of 
contaminates, while our environmental companies support 
emissions and air quality monitoring and calibrate pollution 
monitoring equipment.

According to the World Health Organization, one in ten people 
fall ill each year from eating contaminated food and 420,000 
people die each year as a result. Some of our more recent 
development activities are focused on ensuring the quality of 
the food supply chain.

Performance
Revenue increased by 16% to £325.0m (2019: £280.0m) and profit 
grew by 15% to £69.4m (2019: £60.1m), with revenue growth of 
14% and profit growth of 13% on an organic constant currency 
basis. Acquisitions had a marginal positive effect on both 
revenue growth and profit growth. Currency exchange 
movements had a positive effect of 2.1% on revenue and 2.3% 
on profit. Profit included £0.9m in additional provisions for the 
increased risk of customer bad debt given the effects of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

Return on Sales was stable at 21.4% (2019: 21.5%). There was 
a slightly lower gross margin, mainly due to the changing mix 
of business in Optical Analysis, balanced by good control of 
costs. R&D expenditure remained above the Group average as 
a percentage of sales at 6.0% (2019: 6.3%), increasing by 9% 
to £19.3m (2019: £17.8m), driven by rises in both Environmental 
Monitoring and Water Analysis and Treatment.

There was strong growth in the USA and the UK, led by, 
respectively, Optical Analysis and Environmental Monitoring. 
Revenue in the Mainland Europe, which only accounts for 
approximately 10% of sector revenue, was stable. Asia Pacific 
revenue saw a small decline, principally as a result of slower 
than expected Environmental Monitoring market penetration 
in China. There was strong growth in the Africa, Near & 
Middle East and Other countries, led by the Water Analysis 
and Treatment subsector.

Overview
The sector delivered an excellent performance. All three 
subsectors grew revenue and profit, including exceptionally 
strong growth in Optical Analysis, which included the delivery of 
some larger projects in the second-half of the year. Good growth 
in Environmental Monitoring was driven by new product 
development and by the continuing regulatory requirements in 
the UK water market. 

Two smaller bolt-on acquisitions were completed in the year. 
HWM in the UK acquired Invenio, a market leader in customer-
side water leak detection, and Hydreka, a water resource 
management business in France, acquired Enoveo, which added 
expertise in biotechnologies and real-time pollution monitoring. 

Perma Pure, one of the Group’s gas conditioning businesses, was 
transferred from the Environmental & Analysis sector into the 
Medical sector, given that the majority of its revenues now come 
from medical uses following Halma’s acquisition of Maxtec; 
historic comparatives have been restated to reflect this change. 

Further detail on the acquisitions made in the year is given in 
note 25 to the Financial Statements.

There was increased investment in R&D as well as in leadership at 
both the sector and company board levels. The planned Sector 
Chief Executive succession process was completed successfully. 

Strategy
The Environmental & Analysis sector is focused on growing a 
safer, cleaner and healthier future by improving the quality and 
availability of life-critical natural resources such as air, water and 
food, and by protecting the environment and wellbeing. Our 
valuable solutions are technically differentiated through strong 
application knowledge, supported by high quality and customer 
responsiveness. 

We grow by developing new market-led solutions (current 
examples under development include deploying novel sensing 
techniques to help reduce food waste by accurately predicting 
the shelf life of perishable fruits, and pairing core knowledge with 
new techniques and a digital service model to enhance the 
capability of earth-imaging satellites and airborne platforms), 
and by increasing our geographical reach and expansion into 
new niches both organically and through acquisitions or 
partnerships.

Our increasing R&D investment includes developing new sensors 
that capture accurate and effective environmental and scientific 
information. We are enhancing this technology by investing in 
digital systems that provide real-time and remote management 
information since increasingly our offerings are, or are 
components of, digital solutions.

We continually seek to attract, develop and promote high 
quality, talented people. We ensure that our teams represent our 
diverse end markets and are constantly enhanced to match 
existing and emerging strategic capability needs.

Market trends and growth drivers
The Environmental & Analysis sector’s long-term growth is 
sustained by rising demand for life-critical resources, increasing 
environmental regulations and worldwide population growth 
with rising standards of living.

Population growth continues to outpace the availability of key 
resources. According to the United Nations, nearly half the global 
population are already living in potential areas of water scarcity 
for at least one month per year and this could increase to some 
4.8–5.7 billion people in 2050. This drives demand for our water 
testing and disinfection technologies, and our water network 
monitoring solutions which help to ensure integrity of networks.

35

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Business review continued

Medical

Medical’s technologies enhance the quality of life for 
patients and improve the quality of care delivered by 
healthcare providers.

Our markets

Highlights

During the year, as a result of recent acquisitions, we reorganised 
our companies into three groups, each with similar marketing 
and operating characteristics.

 — Strong year for M&A: five acquisitions completed for total 

initial consideration of £103m

 — Good performances in Life Sciences subsector and in real-time 

location services

 — Attractive market niches added and capabilities enhanced 

Life Sciences
Focusing on technologies and 
solutions to enable in-vitro 
diagnostic systems and life-
science discoveries and 
development.

Healthcare Assessment
Providing components, devices 
and systems that provide valuable 
information to understand patient 
health and enable providers to make 
decisions across the continuum 
of care.

through M&A

Revenue

£347m

+7%

Performance

KPIs

Revenue growth1

Adjusted operating profit5

£84m

+1%

Organic revenue growth1 (constant currency)

Profit growth1

Organic profit growth1 (constant currency)

Return on Sales2

R&D % of Revenue3

Contribution to Group

2020 Group target

7%

3%

1%

(3)%

24.3%

4.8%

–

≥5%

–

≥5%

≥18%

≥4%

£m

Revenue

Profit5

2020

347

84

2019

325

83

2018

284

67

2017

261

67

2016

199

52

1  Revenue and adjusted4 operating profit5 are compared to the equivalent prior year figures. 
Historic revenue and profit have been restated for the transfer of Perma Pure from the 
Environmental & Analysis sector in the second half of 2020.

2  Return on Sales is defined as adjusted4 operating profit5 expressed as a percentage of 

revenue. 

3  R&D expenditure expressed as a percentage of revenue.
4  Adjusted to remove the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets, 
acquisition items and restructuring costs (see note 1 to the Financial Statements).

5  Adjusted4 operating profit before central administration costs after share of associate.
6  Adjusted4 operating profit5 and organic growth rates are alternative performance measures 

used by management. See notes 1 and 3 to the Financial Statements.

Therapeutic Solutions
Supplying technologies, 
materials and therapies that 
enable treatment across key 
clinical specialties.

Group Revenue (%)

26%

36

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Overview
The sector delivered a solid performance, which included the 
benefit of recent acquisitions, against a strong organic 2019 
comparative. Profit growth was modest, principally reflecting 
increased strategic investment for growth, and a portfolio 
rationalisation charge of £2.5m reported in the first half of 
the year. There was increased investment in R&D as well as 
in leadership at both the sector and company board levels. 
The planned Sector Chief Executive succession process was 
completed successfully. 

The sector completed five acquisitions in the year. The 
acquisitions of NeoMedix, a bolt-on to MST, and NovaBone 
enhanced our Therapeutic Solutions offering, adding new market 
niches in minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery and synthetic 
bone graft products respectively. In Health Assessment, CenTrak 
acquired two small businesses, InfoWave and Spreo, to further 
expand its addressable market and enhance its technological 
and data capabilities. Two small strategic minority investments 
were made: in Valencell, which provides wearable biometric 
solutions; and in Owlytics, focused on wearable-based analytics 
technology. The Group’s interest in Optomed Oy was also sold 
at the time of its IPO in December 2019. 

Perma Pure, was transferred into the Medical sector from the 
Environmental & Analysis sector, given that the majority of its 
combined revenues now come from medical uses following the 
acquisition of Maxtec, a leader in oxygen analysis and delivery 
products. The integration of these acquisitions, on which further 
detail is given in note 25 to the Financial Statements, is 
progressing well, and we expect them to contribute to sector 
growth in the years ahead.

While a number of sector companies within the Health 
Assessment sub-sector saw higher demand for their products in 
the last weeks of the year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
we estimate that the overall effect on the sector was marginally 
negative due to order delays and deferrals of our products 
serving surgical procedures.

Strategy
The Medical sector is focused on growing a healthier future by 
enhancing the quality of life for patients and improving the 
quality of care delivered by providers. 

We serve niche applications in global markets providing critical 
components, devices, systems and therapies which are 
embedded in the standard of care. We look for niches where 
there is a ‘non-discretionary’ element to long-term demand, for 
example cataract surgery or cardiac monitoring, or where there 
is a connection between medical conditions and chronic illnesses, 
thereby driving potentially higher rates of demand on a 
sustainable basis.

We are known for our brands, differentiated technologies and 
customer centricity. We build upon these positions of strength 
to enter new geographies, expand our product portfolios and 
leverage our technology in new and innovative ways. We are 
well diversified across the continuum of care in diagnostics, 
monitoring and therapies. This enables us to withstand individual 
market fluctuations and take advantage of emerging needs such 
as digital care models, as an example.

Market trends and growth drivers 
The sector’s long-term growth is supported by increasing 
demand due to worldwide population growth and ageing, 
and the greater prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, 
respiratory diseases, obesity, and hypertension. 

According to a recent United Nations report, the world’s 
population is expected to increase by two billion in the next 
30 years, and by 2050 one in six people in the world is projected 
to be over age 65, up from one in 11 in 2019, increasing the 
prevalence of significant health risk factors. A growing elderly 
population is a key growth driver for our Therapeutic Solutions 
businesses, given their presence in the cataract and glaucoma 
surgery devices markets and the market for bone replacement 
products.

In Healthcare Assessment, we expect the rising prevalence 
of cardiac, circulatory, respiratory and ophthalmic disorders, 
increased health awareness and availability of healthcare to 
drive growth over the longer term. In addition, healthcare 
facilities are seeking to improve outcomes, reduce costs and 
ensure the safety of patients and staff, which is driving the 
global market for our real-time location services business. 

In Life Sciences, the market for our critical fluidic components 
is being driven by more directed and personalised diagnostic 
methods combined with increased testing efficiency. North 
America and Europe continue to be our largest markets, with 
Asia Pacific exhibiting the fastest growth rate.

Performance
Revenue increased by 7% to £347.2m (2019: £325.2m), including 
3% organic constant currency growth and an 1% contribution 
from acquisitions. Profit grew by 1% to £84.4m (2019: £83.2m), 
with organic constant currency profit declining 3%. Overhead 
spend out-paced revenue growth due to research and 
development investment growing by 28% to £16.5m (2019: 
£12.9m), and a net charge of £2.5m in the first half of the year 
principally related to the portfolio rationalisation of two 
ophthalmic companies. Profit also included additional provisions 
of £1.1m for the increased risk of customer bad debt given the 
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gross margin was stable 
and Return on Sales decreased to 24.3% (2019: 25.6%).

The Life Sciences subsector performed well, driven by a strong 
performance in fluidics sold to our major OEM customers. Health 
Assessment’s performance was mixed, with growth in location 
services for healthcare facilities and weaker trends in ophthalmic 
diagnostics and segments of diagnostic patient devices. 
Therapeutic Solutions benefited from the acquisitions of 
NovaBone and Maxtec.

The USA, the sector’s largest region, delivered good revenue 
growth, which also benefited from recent acquisitions. There was 
modest revenue growth in Mainland Europe, with good progress 
in diagnostics, gases and sensor technology offset by weaker 
trends in ophthalmology within Health Assessment. Other 
regions grew in aggregate, led by CenTrak, our real-time location 
services business within Health Assessment.

37

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Our people

Our people share a common 
purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, 
healthier future for everyone, every 
day. In these extraordinary times, 
we are proud of how they are 
bringing our purpose to life and 
showing how our DNA is such a 
fundamental part of what makes 
Halma a sustainable, successful 
business. 

Halma’s DNA gives us resilience
Halma’s DNA – the combination of our organisational structure 
and culture – has proved to be more valuable than ever in our 
response to COVID-19. It has underlined the strength of talent we 
have at every level of the business and has allowed our people to 
adapt quickly to changing market conditions and changing work 
environments. Our DNA has given us the agility to overcome the 
short-term challenges of the global pandemic and will continue 
to give us the resilience we need to thrive in the long term.

Equal opportunities
We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all 
employees and job applicants. We aim to create a working 
environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of 
their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which 
all decisions are based on merit.

It is a Group policy to not discriminate against staff or 
candidates on the basis of age, disability, gender, gender 
reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or 
maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, 
religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Diversity and Inclusion
At Halma we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive 
culture throughout our group of 44 businesses. We believe this 
will ensure our employees can be themselves at work and that 
their innate differences are leveraged to help us win.

Our Diversity
Figures as at 31 March 2020

Board of Directors1

Senior management2

Other employees

Ethnic diversity4

40%

29%

42%

31%

10

41

7,234

60%

71%

58%

Executive Board

Divisional Chief Executives

Senior leaders3

45%

50%

21%

9

8

252

55%

 Female 
 Male

50%

79%

In relation to your  
working environment/
colleagues do you  
consider yourself  
to be in an ethnic 
minority?

69%

National diversity4

18%

Is the country  
in which you work 
different from your 
Nationality?

82%

 Yes 
 No

1  Includes non-executive Directors.
2. Defined as Executive Board members who are not on the Board and direct reports into all Executive Board members.
3  Defined as the senior group of employees who are eligible to participate in the Executive Share Plan (includes Executive Board and Divisional Chief Executives).
4  Response to questions posed in the 2020 Engagement Survey.

38

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020In 2019 we completed our first ever group-wide charitable 
campaign – Gift of Sight – which saw over 33 companies and 
more than 2,500 employees get involved over the year. 

The campaign was designed to raise awareness of the issue of 
preventable blindness while also improving the eye health of 
employees.

We engaged our employees through a campaign of videos and 
blogs on our internal communications platform – HalmaHub. At 
the close of the campaign we had successfully screened the 
eyesight of over 2,500 employees and raised over US$200,000 to 
fund 8,000 sight-saving operations in Ghana. In October 2019, we 
rewarded the companies who had screened the most employees 
with the chance to visit Ghana to help assist with these 
operations first-hand. 

This small team visited Ghana to assist with eye surgeries being 
performed by our NGO partner, Himalayan Cataract Project. 
Our employees transported patients from their rural homes to 
community hospitals, looked after them in recovery, and were 
able to witness the joy of the moment when sight was restored. 

Developing our people
Betting on talent is core to our operating model. We are able to 
delegate key operational and strategic decisions by continuing to 
ensure we have the right talent and skills to do so. We use real 
and essential work to develop leaders at all levels and 
complement this with targeted learning and development 
programmes.

During the year, we have increased our development programs 
by introducing new solutions such as our Innovating the 
Organisation 2 (ITO 2) programme that helps leadership teams 
to develop and scale growth strategies in line with their purpose 
and improve their ability to operate as a high-performing team. 
The programme also included a strong emphasis on personal 
leadership, self-awareness, mindset and behaviours to lead 
growth. During the year, we put 219 of our senior leaders through 
a range of management and leadership courses.

We have responded to COVID-19 by providing enhanced online 
services for development and training, and putting in place extra 
support for our people’s wellbeing. We launched employee 
assistance programmes in the US and UK and set up a dedicated 
portal for employee wellbeing with resources and guidance for 
coping with stress, anxiety and uncertainty.

We have made good progress this year on increasing the gender 
diversity of our organisation, from the Group level to the 
company level, and have set ourselves a new ambition for all 
senior management teams across our 44 companies to be within 
a gender balance range of 40% – 60%.

Halma has achieved 40% gender balance on its plc Board, and 
45% gender balance on the Executive Board. From August 2020 
the Executive Board will have 57% women. We have also 
successfully increased gender balance among our Divisional 
Chief Executives to 44% at April 2020 from 37.5% in 2019.

We have made good progress in the 6 years since 2014 when the 
plc Board had 18% women, and the Executive Board and 
Divisional Chief Executives had no women at all.

Our Group Chief Executive, Andrew Williams, has been an active 
member of the 30% Club since 2017, a membership organisation 
which campaigns for at least 30% of board seats to be held by 
women.

We believe that gender diversity is only one key element of a 
diverse team. For the first time we have measured national and 
ethnic diversity across our people, to provide a benchmark which 
we can reference in the future. 18% of employees said that they 
were of a different nationality to the country in which they 
worked, and 31% of employees said that they consider 
themselves to be in an ethnic minority compared to their work 
environment and colleagues.

We have truly benefited from greater diversity and inclusiveness 
this year as our people have risen to the challenges posed by 
COVID-19. The ability to see diverse points of view and work 
together to meet the needs of all our stakeholders has enabled 
our companies to thrive in this challenging environment.

Recent events in the US have highlighted long-standing 
inequalities in our society. This moment has served to reaffirm 
our commitment to building inclusive businesses where everyone 
can feel safe and secure at work. We will not tolerate racism, 
inequality or discrimination of any kind. This is a core part of our 
DNA and is fundamental to the success of our business. Our 
Diversity and Inclusion policy describes this belief:

 “Everyone should have the right to feel welcome at work and 
supported to bring their full and authentic self with no fear or 
consequences. Inclusion at Halma is an enabler to connect the 
diverse perspectives and unleash the full power of our people, 
our partners and our businesses.”

We are aware that this is a journey and we continue to prioritise 
increasing our gender and ethnic diversity on all leadership teams 
across the Group.

Engaging our people
Deeply engaged and motivated teams are vital to our success. 
Each February we conduct an annual survey to all employees to 
learn valuable insights from our people about what the key 
drivers of engagement are across the Group. This year, 86% of 
our global employee population completed the survey, indicating 
strongly that our employees are confident we will take action 
from their feedback.

The overall engagement score remained constant year on year at 
75%. The survey showed that the main drivers of engagement 
were clear leadership, and an innovative and respectful work 
environment. This year we saw two new drivers that reflect our 
continued focus around purpose and inclusion. These were being 
part of an ethical business and one where people can be their 
authentic self when at work. We saw no significant differences in 
engagement across gender, ethnicity or nationality.

39

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Our stakeholders

Maintaining strong stakeholder relationships is 
essential to Halma’s long-term sustainable success.

Our people

Operating 
companies

Customers

Suppliers

Developing and attracting high- 
quality talent is a key driver of our 
success. We strive to build leadership 
teams which are diverse, effective 
and engaged.

Our decentralised model places our 
companies close to their end 
markets and under the 
management of their own board 
of directors, empowering 
entrepreneurial action. Our 
companies are key stakeholders 
which collectively deliver our 
organic growth and are vital to the 
success of our growth strategies.

Our customers play an essential role 
in ensuring the sustainability of the 
Group. By delivering our products 
and services to the end market 
where they serve to protect and 
improve the quality of life, they play 
a pivotal role in the fulfilment of our 
purpose.

Developing strong relationships with 
our suppliers is key to the 
operational success of our businesses 
and ensures that we have agility to 
develop new and market 
competitive solutions to meet our 
customers’ needs.

Key areas of interest
 — Development and progression.
 — Remuneration.
 — Diversity and inclusion.
 — Workplace policies.
 — Collaboration.

Key areas of interest
 — Operational and financial 

performance.
 — R&D investment.
 — Talent development.
 — Collaboration.
 — International expansion.

Key areas of interest
 — Innovative solutions.
 — Long-term relationships.
 — Value.
 — Service.
 — Research and development 

investment.

Key areas of interest
 — Social and ethical impact.
 — Payment practices.
 — Long-term partnerships.

How the Board engages
 — Our communications platform, 

How the Board engages
 — The Board is in regular 

communication with our companies 
through site visits, presentations 
and the annual Leadership 
conference. This ensures alignment 
relating to the development and 
performance of the companies and 
of Halma’s strategic priorities and 
culture.

HalmaHub, enables our employees 
to keep up to date with the latest 
news across the Group, collaborate 
with colleagues and share 
experiences and knowledge.

 — The group-wide employee 

engagement survey is conducted 
annually and provides valuable 
insight to the Board on issues that 
matter to our workforce. 

 — The Board seeks to engage with the 
workforce throughout the year and 
further details are set out on pages 
64 and 65.

How the Board engages
 — Our executive Board works closely 
with major customers to ensure 
that we offer and develop 
innovative solutions using our 
technology and deep application 
knowledge.

How the Board engages
 — Our executive Board and the 

Divisional Chief Executives work 
closely with key suppliers to ensure 
that we continue to deliver the 
best products and services for 
our customers and have the 
infrastructure in place to respond 
to market developments. The 
Divisional Chief Executives report 
back to the Board periodically on 
significant supplier contracts and 
arrangements. 

 — Our principal suppliers are subject 
to regular engagement, including 
audits, and are encouraged to 
operate with the high ethical 
standards that are set out in 
our Code of Conduct.

How we responded
 — Conducted and reviewed the results 

of the annual employee 
engagement survey.

How we responded
 — Supported product development via 
the Innovation Network growth 
enabler.

 — Significant progress made on 

gender diversity at Executive Board 
and senior management level.

 — Ensuring a safe working 

 — M&A activity has provided our 
companies with access to new 
markets.

 — Creation of COVID-19 support 

environment for all Halma company 
employees in response to the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

groups to provide shared resources 
and central support for our 
companies.

 — Increased the number of senior 
leaders attending development 
programmes during the year.

How we responded
 — Maintained high level of R&D 

investment.

 — Supported our operating companies 
to ensure that customer needs are 
met in the fight against COVID-19.

How we responded
 — We undertook a risk assessment 
of our supply chain to identify 
potential modern slavery risks 
covering 3,500 suppliers.

 — We supported our suppliers by 

ensuring prompt payment before, 
and during, the COVID-19 
pandemic. 

40

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Acquisition 
prospects and 
business partners

Society and 
Community

Investors

Our companies and sector M&A 
teams continue to build 
relationships with businesses 
that could become acquisition 
prospects or strategic business 
partners.

We have a duty to conduct business 
in a responsible and sustainable way 
that aligns with our purpose and 
values, and supports the 
communities in which we operate.

Shareholders and lenders provide 
the financial liquidity we require to 
operate, and are key beneficiaries in 
the value that we create. As 
investors in our business, we are 
committed to transparent and 
open engagement with them.

Key areas of interest
 — Financial performance.
 — R&D investment.
 — Collaboration.
 — Delivery of initiatives.
 — International expansion.

Key areas of interest
 — Environmental and social impact.
 — Improving quality of life.
 — Protecting people.

How the Board engages
 — The executive Directors are in 

dialogue with our business partners 
and will meet or engage with 
management at potential 
acquisition targets as part of 
the due diligence process.

How the Board engages
 — Halma’s Gift of Sight campaign was 
supported by the Board. Directors 
undertook sight tests to raise funds 
for the Himalayan Cataract Project 
and Adam Meyers travelled to 
Ghana to see sight-saving surgeries 
take place. 

 — The Board reviewed ESG related 
matters and supported the work 
to develop a science based carbon 
reduction target and risk map the 
supply chain risk for Modern Slavery. 

 — The Board reviews the portfolio to 
consider how our businesses and 
their products align with our 
purpose. 

How we responded
 — Record year for acquisitions.
 — Formed Halma Ventures as a vehicle 

to hold corporate venture 
investments and establish strategic 
business partnerships.

 — Established a new partnership with 
EUVIC, an IT service provider, which 
has been utilised by our operating 
companies during the year. 

 — Strengthened existing partnerships 

with Hitachi and OurCrowd. 

How we responded
 — Supported our operating companies 
with the production and supply of 
personal protective equipment to 
health workers in the fight against 
COVID-19.

 — Completed the Gift of Sight 

campaign raising over US$200,000.

 — Met our CO₂e intensity target.
 — We have not accessed support from 
the Government’s Coronavirus Job 
Retention Scheme or Covid 
Corporate Financing Facility to fund 
the small percentage of our 
workforce furloughed in the UK.

Key areas of interest
 — Strategy and implementation.
 — Operational and financial 

performance.

 — Capital structure, liquidity, capital 
allocation and dividend policy.

 — Risk management.
 — M&A.
 — Talent and succession planning.
 — Environmental, Social and 

Governance matters.

How the Board engages
 — The Directors meet investors on a 
regular basis – principally through 
investor roadshows, investor events 
and the AGM. 

 — The Chairman invites the 
Company’s largest equity 
shareholders to meet to discuss the 
annual results announcement and 
any other significant matters.
 — The non-executive Directors are 

available to meet with shareholders 
at the AGM and will engage with 
investors on topic-specific matters, 
as required. 

 — The Chief Financial Officer meets 

lenders on a regular basis.

 — Investor Relations and Treasury 

maintain an ongoing dialogue with 
shareholders, financial analysts and 
our lenders regarding financial, 
operational, risk and environmental, 
social and governance issues and 
provide regular reports to the Board 
on these interactions.

How we responded
 — Progressive dividend policy 

maintained, while ensuring the 
Group continues to have a 
conservative capital structure, 
a robust balance sheet and 
substantial available liquidity.
 — Continued strategic investment, 
both organically and through 
acquisition, bringing new capabilities, 
new geographies and new market 
opportunities to the Group.

 — Further strengthened our finance, 
internal audit, risk and legal teams.
 — ESG initiatives recognised in the year 

by an improvement in our CDP 
Climate Change rating to B 
(Management) and our continued 
membership of the FTSE4Good 
index.

Section 172(1) 
Stakeholder  
Compliance  
statement
The Companies (Miscellaneous 
Reporting) Regulations 2018 
require that Directors explain 
how they have had regard to 
the matters set out in section 
172(1)(a) to (f) (S.172(1)) of the 
Companies Act 2006 when 
performing their duty to 
promote the success of the 
Company. Throughout the 
year, while discharging their 
S.172(1) duty, the Directors 
have acted in a way that they 
considered, in good faith, 
would be most likely to 
promote the success of the 
Company for the benefit of 
shareholders, and in doing so 
had regard, amongst other 
matters, to:

 — The likely consequences of 

any decision in the long term.

 — The interests of the 

Company’s employees.
 — The need to foster the 
Company’s business 
relationships with suppliers, 
customers and others.

 — The impact of the Company’s 
operations on the community 
and the environment.
 — The desirability of the 

Company maintaining a 
reputation for high standards 
of business conduct.
 — The need to act fairly as 

between members of the 
Company.

The Board also considered the 
interests of a wider set of 
stakeholders including its 
operating companies, acquisition 
prospects and business partners. 
The table opposite identifies 
Halma’s stakeholders, the key 
issues the Directors considered 
relevant, and the Board’s 
engagement methods and 
response during the year.

Examples of how the Directors 
discharged their S.172(1) duty 
when taking principal decisions 
during the year are set out on 
page 63.

41

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Sustainability

Our purpose of growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, 
every day is the foundation for our approach to sustainability. 

Our markets provide Halma’s companies with long-term growth 
opportunities and being a sustainable business is therefore a core 
part of Halma’s DNA. Our sustainability initiatives are focused on 
ensuring that we can continue to serve our markets in a 
sustainable way over the long term. Marc Ronchetti is the 
appointed Board member responsible for leading our approach 
to sustainability and health and safety, and he regularly updates 
the Board on our progress in these areas.

Our focus on markets in the safety, health and the environment 
sectors means that we are well placed to play a positive role in 
society, by addressing issues which are fundamental to human 
wellbeing, are long term in nature, and of global reach: ensuring 
safety in industrial processes and in public spaces; improving 
healthcare diagnosis and treatment; and addressing key 
environmental challenges through innovative monitoring, 
analysis and treatment solutions.

We evaluate our positive impact using the framework of the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have chosen four to 
be the focus of our sustainability initiatives. Further details on the 
chosen SDGs and examples of our contribution are set out on the 
next page.

We pride ourselves on behaving responsibly in our business 
dealings with stakeholders in the markets we serve and in the 
communities where we operate. Our focus areas in 2020 have 
included: the environment, in terms of both the opportunities we 
see to enhance our positive impact and to increase our 
efficiency; maintaining our strong health and safety track record; 
working to ensure that we have a diverse and inclusive 
organisation; and setting a methodology to enhance our analysis 
of potential social and environmental risks in our supply chain. 

Examples of our positive impact
Halma plays a positive role in society, by addressing global, 
long-term issues which are fundamental to human wellbeing, in 
the broad market areas of safety, health and the environment. 
Halma companies are world leaders in a number of technologies 
which help to minimise environmental damage, and we are 
committed to the development of equipment for measuring and 
monitoring environmental changes and controlling the impact of 
industrial activities over the long term.

Our principal environmental technologies are water leakage 
detection and wireless monitoring, gas emissions monitoring and 
detection of leakage from natural gas pipelines, water and 
effluent analysis, ultraviolet (UV) water treatment and optical 
sensing. We promote the use of UV water sterilisation, which 
eliminates the need to use dangerous chemicals, as well as 
making products that minimise the waste of clean water.

Over two-thirds of our revenue supports the aims set out in our 
four chosen UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 
acquisitions we made in the year are even more highly aligned to 
these goals, with over 90% of revenue acquired in the year 
contributing directly to our four chosen SDGs. We set out on the 
facing page some examples of our businesses’ positive impact in 
supporting these goals.

We also support a number of other Sustainable Development 
Goals, for example: SDG 5 Gender Equality; SDG 8 Decent Work 
and Economic Growth and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, through 
our work on equal opportunity and diversity and inclusion within 
Halma, and on identifying modern slavery risks within our supply 
chain; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, 
through our sustainability initiatives and reporting; and SDG 13: 
Climate Action, through our carbon intensity reduction target, 
and through the use of our technologies by our customers to 
reduce their carbon footprints.

Progress in 2020
We made further progress in the year in a number of key areas of 
our sustainability agenda:

 — Improved our CDP rating to ‘Management B’ from ‘Awareness C’.

 — Maintained our long standing status as a constituent of the 

FTSE4Good Index.

 — Met our CO2e intensity target and committed to setting a 

Science-Based Target in the next financial year.

 — Entered into renewable electricity and gas contracts to reduce our 
annualised carbon emissions by over 2,000 tonnes (equivalent to 
more than 10% of our current Scope 1 and 2 emissions) by the end 
of 2022.

 — Set an ambition to move all our UK sites to REGO certified 

electricity and ‘Green’ gas over the next two years.

 — Commenced a group-wide review of electronic waste, with the 
aim of reusing or recycling more than 99% of electronic waste.

 — Commenced preparations to disclose in line with the 

recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) by 2022.

 — Continued the drive for diversity and inclusion across all levels of 

our workforce.

 — Completed an analysis of modern slavery risks across our global 
supply chain, thereby creating a methodology for the analysis 
of other potential supply chain risks.

 — Completed our first-ever global community campaign, 

Gift of Sight.

42

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We have chosen four SDGs to be the focus of our sustainability initiatives. Each of these is closely aligned to our purpose and  
represents an area where we can have the most impact, given what we do and where we operate.

Good health  
and wellbeing

Clean water  
and sanitation

Industry, innovation  
and infrastructure

Sustainable cities  
and communities

The global challenge
Ensure healthy lives and promote 
wellbeing for all ages.

The global challenge
Ensure availability and 
sustainable management 
of water and sanitation  
for all.

The global challenge
Build resilient infrastructure, 
promote inclusive and 
sustainable industrialisation 
and foster innovation.

The global challenge
Make cities and human 
settlements inclusive, 
safe, resilient and sustainable.

Indicators relevant to Halma
 — Increase the proportion of the 

Indicators relevant to Halma
 — Promote inclusive and 

Indicators relevant to Halma
 — Reduce the adverse per capita 

Indicators relevant to Halma
 — Reduce premature mortality 
from non-communicable 
diseases through prevention 
and treatment.

 — Reduce the death and injury 

rate from road traffic 
accidents.

 — Reduce the number of deaths 
and illnesses from hazardous 
chemicals and air, water and 
soil pollution and 
contamination.

population using safely 
managed drinking water 
services.

 — Improve water quality by 
reducing pollution and 
minimising the release of 
hazardous chemicals and 
materials.

 — Increase the proportion of 
wastewater safely treated

 — Substantially increase 
water-use efficiency.

sustainable industrialisation 
and raise industry’s share of 
employment.

 — Upgrade infrastructure and 
retrofit industries to make 
them sustainable, with 
increased resource-use 
efficiency and greater 
adoption of clean and 
environmentally sound 
technologies and industrial 
processes.

 — Upgrade the technological 
capabilities of industrial 
sectors in all countries, 
encouraging innovation and 
substantially increasing R&D 
spending.

Our impact
Halma’s technology helps to 
diagnose and treat disease earlier 
and more accurately; to improve 
road safety; and to reduce water 
and air pollution.

Our impact
Halma’s products and services 
help to ensure access to clean 
drinking water; to ensure efficient 
and effective wastewater 
treatment; and to maintain 
robust water and wastewater 
networks, minimising leakage 
and maintaining pressure.

Our impact
Halma is continuously developing 
innovative technologies to 
increase industrial efficiency and 
safety and safety in public 
places. In addition, Halma’s 
growth strategy provides a major 
opportunity to help our 
customers with the challenges of 
automation and digitisation.

We support disease diagnosis by 
supplying over 1 million 
diagnostic products a year, and 
we enable treatment, with our 
products supporting over 7 
million surgeries per annum.

We make roads safer, with our 
road safety technology being 
used on over 2,800 kilometres of 
highways.

We make water safer, by 
enabling over 200 million water 
tests annually.

We help to conserve water, with 
our products being used to 
monitor over 110,000 kilometres 
of water pipelines. With UK water 
pipeline leakage estimated at 
over 9,000 litres per kilometre per 
day, our products help conserve 
billions of litres of water per year.

We invest in innovation, with our 
research and development 
expenditure having been over 5% 
of our revenue for the last five 
years.

We make our businesses 
sustainable, through maintaining 
a strong health and safety track 
record and reducing our carbon 
emission intensity, as detailed on 
pages 44 and 47.

environmental impact of 
cities, including by paying 
special attention to air quality, 
and municipal and other 
waste management.

 — Provide universal access to 

safe, inclusive and accessible 
green and public spaces.

Our impact
Halma’s technology makes cities 
safer, through fire and security 
protection, elevator safety 
products, and products and 
services addressing safety in 
public spaces, including 
enhancing road safety. Halma’s 
environmental and analysis 
technology helps to promote 
cleaner cities, ensure clean 
drinking water, and monitors 
gaseous emissions and the 
treatment of wastewater. 

Our fire detectors make urban 
environments and public spaces 
safer. We estimate that our fire 
detection products currently 
protect buildings with an 
aggregate area of more than 
5,000 square kilometres.

We protect lives, with our gas 
sensor products protecting the 
safety of over 250,000 people 
every day.

43

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Sustainability continued

Environment

Halma recognises that all of our activities have an environmental 
impact. Our approach is to limit this impact by having relatively 
low capital-intensity manufacturing processes and by operating 
geographically close to our end markets. We also encourage our 
companies and their suppliers to improve energy efficiency, 
reduce water consumption and waste and emissions and, in 
terms of materials, to reduce use, or make more efficient use, 
of them.

Operating in this way helps ensure that our environmental 
impact is relatively low when compared to other manufacturers.

Key environmental impacts have been identified as emissions 
to air and water, water and energy consumption, and waste 
production. We publish annual data in this Report and on 
our website on energy and water consumption, waste and 
transportation. All Group companies are encouraged to 
undertake ISO 14001 accreditation, where warranted, and for the 
year to 31 March 2020, approximately 23% of the Group’s revenue 
was derived from companies with an ISO 14001 accreditation.

Our carbon footprint
Halma ‘s Environmental Policy has been set by the Board 
and our Chief Financial Officer, Marc Ronchetti, has principal 
responsibility for coordinating and monitoring the Policy.

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. The Board 
recognises the challenges of reducing energy consumption and 
absolute CO2 emissions while growing an international business 
through acquisition and portfolio expansion. We have, since 2010, 
set a target of reducing our total carbon emissions relative to 
revenues by 10% over consecutive three-year periods. This 
intensity target has always been achieved, including for the three 
consecutive periods ending in 2019.

In 2020, we extended this carbon intensity reduction target for a 
further year, ahead of adopting a new approach to a long-term 
carbon reduction target, in-line with climate science and to 
support the transition to a low-carbon economy to protect 
people, the economy and, not least, our planet from the effects 
of global warming. We remain committed to adopting a Science 
Based Target but, given the impact and disruption to our 
businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic, have taken the 
decision to defer its implementation until our 2021 financial year. 

50

40

30

20

10

0

In the meantime, even though we substantially outperformed 
our carbon intensity target in the 2020 financial year, we will 
target a further reduction in carbon intensity for the year to 
March 2021.

We are also providing for the first time the percentage of our 
electricity and gas consumption that is derived from renewable 
sources, whether from external sources or self-generated, 
expressed as a percentage of kilowatt hours. Renewable 
electricity and gas accounted for 7% of our total consumption in 
this financial year, providing a baseline for improvement in future 
years.

Our Scope 3 emissions, which include business travel and 
employee commuting, is the group’s largest source of 
greenhouse gas emissions. We have developed a Travel Policy 
which encourages colleagues to utilise video conferencing 
facilities in preference to physical meetings to reduce travel costs 
and our Scope 3 emissions. Our Company Car Policy, which is 
subject to regular review, also supports the group’s commitment 
to sustainability by setting a general cap on permissible CO2 
emissions for all company-owned vehicles and vehicles used by 
employees who have taken a cash allowance in lieu of a 
company car.

CO2e emissions
(tonnes/£m of revenue)

25.1

41

37

33

30

25

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

GHG emissions and energy use data for the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020

Scope 1: Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities

Scope 2: Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased 
for own use

Total gross Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions / tCO2e 

Energy consumption in MWh used to calculate above 
emissions

Scope 3: Business air travel, WTT (Well to Tank)

Total gross emissions

Intensity measure of tonnes of CO2e gross emissions 
per £m of revenue

44

1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020

1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019

UK and 
offshore

1,708

2,034

3,742

16,200

3,716

7,459

28.2

Global 
(excluding UK
 and offshore)

3,110

10,282

13,392

38,905

12,807

26,199

24.4

TOTAL

4,818

12,316

17,134

55,106

16,523

33,657

25.1

UK and 
offshore

Global
 (excluding UK
 and offshore)

1,535

2,778

4,313

17,178

4,768

9,081

37.4

2,889

10,679

13,568

37,474

13,819

27,387

28.3

TOTAL

4,424

13,457

17,881

54,652

18,587

36,468

30.1

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Carbon reporting
Our transparent approach to environmental performance 
reporting is evidenced by our voluntary participation in the CDP 
Climate Change questionnaire; in the latest survey, we improved 
our rating to ‘Management B’ from ‘Awareness C’.

As a quoted company incorporated in the UK, we comply with 
all mandatory energy and carbon reporting regulations. We 
have reported on all the emission sources required under the 
Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships 
(Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018. We have 
employed the Operational Control definition to outline our 
carbon footprint boundary; included within that boundary are 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions from manufacturing sites and offices 
which we own and operate. Excluded from our footprint 
boundary are emissions from manufacturing sites and offices 
which we do not own and control and emissions considered 
non-material by the business.

We have reported on emissions from Scope 1 and 2 emissions 
sources and selected Scope 3 emissions sources (business air 
travel and Well to Tank emissions).

We have used the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting Standard (revised edition) and the Environmental 
Reporting Guidelines (March 2019) including streamlined energy 
and carbon reporting guidance published by the UK’s 
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). 
Emission factors were sourced from the UK Government’s GHG 
Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 2019 and the 
International Energy Agency’s Emissions Factors (2019 edition).

Energy efficiency
In the period covered by the Report, Halma has complied with 
Phase 2 of the UK’s mandatory Energy Savings Opportunity 
Scheme (ESOS) and is currently reviewing the recommendations 
from this process to identify further ways in which to improve 
energy efficiency across the group. The audits undertaken as 
part of this process have already resulted in the replacement of 
lightbulbs with LEDs, the adjustment of air conditioning timers 
to better match working hours, and site-level programmes of 
appliance switch-offs to save energy.

At our Crowcon business we have also installed lighting controls 
to enable lighting adjustments and timer settings and we have 
increased the temperature of our on-site comms room to align 
with best practice in data systems cooling management.

In the period covered by this Report, Halma has purchased 
138,307kWh of renewable energy in the form of Guarantee of 
Origin backed renewable supply from Total Gas and Power,  
and is set to increase this volume in future reporting periods.

Water use and waste production
We encourage our companies to reduce their water use and their 
solid and liquid waste production where possible and have seen 
a substantial reduction in our water usage and waste production 
relative to our sales over the last five years.

Water use and waste production (m3)

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Water usage

83,704

89,525

83,856

75,987

76,831

Water usage 
per £1000 sales

0.104

0.093

0.078

0.063

0.057

Solid waste

15,931

18,300

18,938

19,870

22,590

Solid waste 
per £1000 sales

0.020

0.019

0.018

0.016

0.017

Liquid waste

20,419

27,670

29,547

22,164

23,013

Liquid waste 
per £1000 sales

0.025

0.029

0.027

0.018

0.017

Society

Our role in society
Halma plays a positive role in society. This is underpinned by our 
products, which protect and improve the quality of life for people 
worldwide, and also by the opportunities we provide for our 
people worldwide, based on merit and free from discrimination, 
in an appropriate working environment and in safe working 
conditions. Information on equal opportunities, on our progress 
on diversity and inclusion, and on communication and 
consultation with our employees, is given in the ‘Our People’ 
section of this Report, on page 38.

Our positive role is underpinned by our ethos, and by specific 
policies, including our Code of Conduct and our Human Rights 
and Labour Conditions Policy, our work on building responsible, 
resilient and sustainable supply chains, and initiatives focusing on 
Health and Safety, whistleblowing and anti-bribery and anti-
corruption.

Our ethos and Code of Conduct 
Our culture is one of honesty, openness, integrity and 
accountability. Halma requires its employees to act fairly in their 
dealings with fellow employees, customers, suppliers and 
business partners. Halma has a Code of Conduct which applies 
to operations owned or controlled by Halma and their officers 
and employees, and each officer or employee who joins the 
group is required to acknowledge that they have read the Code 
and understood its importance.

We also expect our external business partners and suppliers to be 
aware of the Code and apply similar ethical standards in their 
operations. Each of our companies is responsible for monitoring 
the standards of their business partners and suppliers. The Code 
of Conduct aims to ensure that Halma maintains consistently 
high ethical standards globally, while recognising that our 
businesses operate in markets and countries with cultural 
differences and practices. It was updated in 2018, has been 
translated into nine languages, and is issued to all Halma 
employees and published on our website.

Health and safety
Health and safety is critical to the group and a top priority for 
company management. Marc Ronchetti, Chief Financial Officer, 
is the Director responsible for Halma’s health and safety 
compliance. The group has a strong health and safety record, 
driven by a deeply embedded culture of safety. Our Health & 
Safety Policy requires businesses to manage their activities in a 
way which avoids causing unnecessary or unacceptable risks to 
health and safety. The Policy was updated in 2019, to reinforce 
the Board’s ‘tone from the top’ and to provide clear guidelines for 
our businesses on managing health and safety risks to ensure a 
safe work environment, and has been reinforced with support 
and guidance given to our businesses to reflect the particular 
health and safety issues arising from the current COVID-19 
pandemic.

Halma collects details of its worldwide reported health and 
safety incidents through its central financial consolidation 
system and the Board monitors health and safety performance. 
The group’s Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) is one of our non-
financial KPIs (see page 29).

In line with Halma’s autonomous structure, operational 
responsibility for compliance with local health and safety 
regulations, including that of suppliers, resides with the board of 
each operating company. However, we routinely monitor health 
and safety performance across the group and companies are 
encouraged to seek continuous improvement and to promote a 
strong health and safety culture. Approximately 15% of the 
group’s revenue is derived from companies who have been 

45

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Sustainability continued

accredited with BS OHSAS 18001, a minimum standard for 
occupational health and safety management best practice. 
With ISO 45001 replacing BS OHSAS 18001, we will encourage 
our companies to certify to this standard in the future.

Our Policy requires businesses to carry out an independent health 
and safety review every three years to assess compliance and 
to ensure that there is a consistent and adequate level of 
reporting and investigation of health and safety incidents 
across the group.

The group’s health and safety performance remained strong with 
an Accident Frequency Rate of 0.06. We thoroughly review the 
root cause of any accidents to ensure that we take preventative 
measures, including further training and education of our 
employees. Since its introduction, more than 2,900 employees 
have been enrolled in our online training programmes.

There were no work-related fatalities in 2019 or in prior years and 
details of recorded injuries during the year and the prior four 
years are set out on the next page.

Human rights
Halma’s Human Rights and Labour Conditions Policy reflects the 
core requirements of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
and the group observes the ILO Declaration on Fundamental 
Principles and Rights at Work, including the conventions relating 
to forced labour, child labour, non-discrimination, freedom of 
association and right to collective bargaining.

Our Group Chief Executive, Andrew Williams, has overall 
responsibility for ensuring that human rights considerations 
are integral to the way in which existing operations and new 
opportunities are developed and managed. Compliance with, 
and respect for, these fundamental principles are integrated 
throughout our organisation.

Managers and supervisors must provide leadership that 
promotes human rights as an equal priority to other business 
issues. All employees are responsible for ensuring that their 
own actions do not impair the human rights of others, and are 
encouraged to bring forward, in confidence, any concerns they 
may have about human rights.

Modern Slavery Act
Halma is committed to conducting its business ethically and 
in line with all relevant legislation including human rights laws. 
Halma has published three Modern Slavery Act Statements 
since September 2016, which detail the progressive steps taken 
annually to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking. Since 
the introduction of the Act, we have worked to raise awareness 
of this important agenda.

A detailed guidance note has been provided to all businesses to 
raise awareness of the Act and the issue of modern slavery in 
business and supply chains. Each business has been required to 
consider the potential issue of modern slavery and human 
trafficking within their business and supply chain. In addition, 
online compliance training on the Modern Slavery Act has been 
rolled out to senior management, all subsidiary board members 
and other relevant employees across the group. Over 2,800 
employees have been enrolled on this training and this is an 
important tool to assist our business management in raising 
awareness of the issues and understanding their responsibilities 
in their operations. 

In 2020, we undertook a risk assessment of our businesses and 
supply chain, assisted by STOP THE TRAFFIK – a UK charity which 
specialises in human trafficking prevention through awareness 
campaigns and intelligence-led reporting, to further strengthen 
our efforts in this area. This comprehensive exercise mapped 
potential modern slavery risks in our business and supply chain, 
and covered over £500m of annual procurement expenditure 
(representing over 96% of expenditure excluding intercompany 
payments, employee expenses, tax and sales commissions) 
across over 3,500 suppliers. The analysis found that 14% of this 
procurement expenditure was potentially higher risk, and that 
12 Halma companies accounted for around two-thirds of this 
higher risk expenditure. We will commence work in 2021 to 
further analyse the higher risk suppliers and mitigate the risk 
by conducting targeted risk assessments of those suppliers, 
and take appropriate action which could include additional 
contractual terms, supplier audits and consolidating our 
supplier base to help reduce risks and ongoing monitoring.

Whistleblowing
Halma has a group-wide whistleblowing policy which applies 
to all employees and Halma operations as well as joint venture 
partners, suppliers, customers and distributors relating to 
our businesses.

While we encourage an open culture where any issues can be 
raised and handled locally at business level, we recognise that 
there will be times when it is not appropriate, or a person will 
not be comfortable raising a concern through line management. 
An independent third-party provider, NavexGlobal, has been 
appointed to operate a confidential reporting service to enable 
employees to raise any concerns they may have in confidence, 
via telephone or web-reporting. Where permitted by law, 
employees may report anonymously if they wish. Halma is 
committed to ensuring that anyone raising a concern in good 
faith is not subject to any victimisation or detrimental treatment.

All reports are treated confidentially and are provided to the 
Company Secretary. Where appropriate, the review and 
investigation is undertaken or led by the Director of Risk & 
Internal Audit or the Talent & Culture Executive for the relevant 
sector. All reports are appropriately investigated and concluded. 
The Audit Committee receive details of any reports relating 
to financial misconduct and the Board receive an overview 
of reports relating to people and culture.

Anti-bribery and anti-corruption
Halma has a zero-tolerance policy on bribery and corruption 
which extends to all business dealings and transactions in which 
the group is involved. This includes a prohibition on making 
political donations, offering or receiving inappropriate gifts or 
making undue payments to influence the outcome of business 
dealings. Every business records and reports on any gifts, 
hospitality or charitable donations which exceed the group policy 
limits. Our Policy and guidance in this area is well understood, 
routinely reviewed and compliance is checked as part of the half 
year and year-end control process. We also require customers 
and suppliers who contract on our standard business terms to 
comply with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws. Online 
anti-bribery and anti-corruption compliance training covers 
senior management, all subsidiary board directors and other 
relevant employees. Over 3,600 employees from across the group 
have been enrolled.

46

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Days lost to preventable 
work injuries*

111

464

236

85

226

111

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Total recorded injuries
to all employees

360

342

314

252

372

360

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

400

300

200

100

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

*  Specified major injury incidents are reportable incidents 

which result in more than three working days lost.

Suppliers
We encourage our companies to build responsible, resilient and 
sustainable supply chains, by identifying potential risks both with 
direct and indirect suppliers of goods and services. 

Our aim is to develop an overarching sustainable procurement 
policy in collaboration with current and new suppliers and to 
share best practice and knowhow across our companies, 
supported as appropriate by minimum standards such as 
ISO 14001 and ISO 15001. This will enable sustainable supply chain 
practices which embrace responsible business, human rights, 
equal opportunities, community benefits and positive social and 
environmental values. Our work in this area will be supported by 
the methodology for risk identification established as part of the 
modern slavery risk mapping exercise we undertook this year (see 
above). Given the challenges in our supply chain as a result of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, some of this work has been put on hold, but 
we remain committed to making further progress when possible.

Our manufacturing model is decentralised and allows us to 
operate close to our suppliers, which helps to mitigate risks within 
our supply chain. We encourage our suppliers to operate with the 
high ethical standards that are set out in our Code of Conduct, 
and set standards for our suppliers, which include requiring all 
suppliers who contract on our standard business terms to comply 
with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws. 

One particular area of concern for our customers and other 
stakeholders is whether certain metals that may originate in 
conflict zones are included in our products. US Securities and 
Exchange Commission (SEC) rules require US publicly traded 
companies to certify whether such conflict minerals are 
contained within their products. In order to assist our customers 
who are subject to this SEC rule, we have a Conflict Minerals 
policy which gives guidance to all companies on how to 
determine whether any of the four minerals or their derivatives 
classified by the US government as ‘conflict minerals’ are 
contained in any product. 

We recognise that we can go further in working with our supply 
chain in reducing our environmental impacts and to this end we 
will continue to work with our key suppliers in mitigating these 
impacts. At the operating company level, supplier due diligence 
is undertaken and there are many examples where additional 
requirements are imposed by our business for its key suppliers, 
such as ISO14001 accreditation to ensure the supplier operates 
responsibly in regard to the environment. 

We also intend to set a Science Based Target for carbon 
emissions in the next year, and, as we develop this in the future, 
our intention is to include Scope 3 emissions linked to our supply 
chain. This will involve surveying our key suppliers and working 
with them to help reduce their resource consumption and 
improve efficiencies, and our intention is also to engage with 
these suppliers and request them to submit supplier 
questionnaires alongside our annual voluntary CDP response.

47

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Risk management and internal controls

Strategic risk management –  
for resilience and growth

Our approach
We believe success is achieved by involving our employees at all 
levels in the organisation and empowering them to manage risks 
and take advantage of opportunities. Our risk awareness culture 
allows management to make better commercial decisions and 
helps to maximise the benefits of our decentralised business 
model. The agility that this business model gives us has been 
demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic by the speed of 
response and adaption of our companies to the local market 
situations they are facing. Good risk management is also 
critical to providing a solid foundation from which our business 
can grow.

Our risk governance framework
The Board is responsible for determining the nature and 
extent of the principal risks it is willing to take to achieve its 
strategic objectives.

Each company or function within Halma identifies risks and 
opportunities as part of their strategic reviews, assesses how 
these are currently controlled and whether any further actions 
are required. A similar exercise is performed at sector and Group 
level to develop an overall ‘bottom up’ picture of risk for the 
Group. The principal and emerging risks identified by the Board 
and Executive Board are compared with the bottom up risk 
picture to ensure appropriate alignment of risk and execution 
of risk appetite.

During the year, updates from management to the Board 
covered all of our principal and emerging risks. The Audit 
Committee, on behalf of the Board, obtained assurance that the 
risk management and internal control system was operating 
effectively throughout the organisation and that risks were being 
managed in line with the risk appetite set by the Board.

In addition to reports from management, the Board and Audit 
Committee received updates from Group Risk & Internal Audit 
about how the risk management process was operating across 
the organisation.

On behalf of the Board, the Nomination Committee ensured 
there was an optimum balance of skills, knowledge and 
experience within the executive management team to 
deliver the strategy and effectively manage risk, while the 
Remuneration Committee ensured that the right reward system 
existed to drive an appropriate culture of high performance with 
commensurate controls.

Our control framework
Halma’s decentralised business model provides significant 
autonomy to companies, within the structure of a clear 
control framework.

This framework ensures there is sufficient oversight and clear 
identification of matters reserved for the Board. The key 
elements of this framework include:

 — Clear accountabilities and delegation of authority throughout 

the organisation.

 — Documented policies and procedures.

 — Monthly reporting by companies on performance, including 

risks, with regular oversight by sector and Group 
management.

Risk governance framework

Board (Direction)

Nomination Committee

Remuneration Committee

Audit Committee

Executive Board

Sectors (Oversight)

1st line
Companies
(Execution)

48

2nd line
Group management
(Oversight)
— Finance
— IT
— Compliance & whistleblowing
— Risk management
—  Talent & communication
— Digital & innovation

3rd line
Internal Audit
(Independent Assurance)

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 — Six monthly self-certifications by companies on the most 

critical controls for finance, legal and IT.

 — Independent six-monthly peer reviews of companies’ reported 

financial results by other company CFOs.

 — Independent validation of controls and certifications by 

Internal Audit during audits.

 — Existence of a whistleblowing hotline which is available for all 

employees.

Our areas of focus during the year 
There were no changes to the composition of our principal risks 
during the year, but work has continued to ensure we are 
managing them effectively by anticipating and responding to 
change. Key developments during the year included:

 — Appointment of Catherine Michel as Halma’s first Chief 

Technology Officer, having global responsibility for Halma’s 
data and IT strategy.

 — Implementation of an approach for making strategic 

partnership investments at an early stage in high growth 
potential companies. 

 — Review and refresh of our data protection policy following 
lessons learned from implementation of the GDPR and to 
ensure controls in place are sustainable.

 — Streamlining of our finance, legal and IT controls to ensure 

they continue to be the most critical controls to safeguard our 
assets, data and reporting. These controls are self-certified by 
businesses every 6 months and Internal Audit provides 
independent assurance over these.

 — Introduction of Halma’s new branding and sharing of our 

DNA, aligned to our purpose.

 — Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic (see case study) and 

specific inclusion of a pandemic as part of our natural 
disasters principal risk.

 — Continued work on Brexit preparedness and monitoring of this 
risk, especially whilst there is insufficient clarity on the UK’s 
long-term trading relationship with the EU.

Emerging Risks
In addition to existing principal risks, the Executive Board and the 
Board also considered emerging risks formally during the year. 
Climate change continues to be an emerging risk that we are 
considering as part of our existing risk management process and 
are continuing to develop our approach. This work is also to 
achieve alignment with the Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations around 
governance, strategy, risk management and metrics and targets. 
Many of our products already are used to help monitor the 
impact of climate change and this is expected to continue.

COVID-19 Response
At the time of the outbreak of COVID-19 in 
January in China, the value of our 
decentralised business model became 
apparent once again. Halma’s companies 
in China immediately started to adapt, 
making decisions locally as the crisis was 
evolving. Information and learnings were 
also shared rapidly around the Group and 
central and regional COVID-19 support 
groups were created to provide support 
and guidance to Halma companies 
worldwide.

Our priority throughout the pandemic has 
been to ensure a safe working 
environment for all of our employees. The 
fact that over 30 of our companies were 
classified by authorities as delivering 
critical safety, healthcare and 
environmental protection solutions, 
together with effective business continuity 
planning, has been key to all but three of 
our companies being able to avoid 
extended shutdown periods. At the date 
of this Report, all of our manufacturing 
facilities are operational. 

Our agility has enabled us to act rapidly to 
reduce costs to protect operations during 
this time. The Finance teams have also 
been performing additional cash 
forecasting and stress testing to ensure 
Halma has sufficient liquidity, not just to 
survive the current COVID-19 crisis but also 
to ensure Halma can invest for growth 
going forward, whether organically or 
through acquisition.

Talent is a principal risk and rightly so, 
because it is only with our talented 
employees that we have been able to 
navigate our way through these 
unprecedented times. Halma’s culture has 
also shone through, demonstrated by the 
many ways that our employees have been 
able to help society more widely with the 
COVID-19 response. These have included 
the manufacture of personal protective 
equipment for health workers, 
components for ventilators and also parts 
for medical diagnostic equipment, just to 
name a few.

During a crisis like this, it is key to ensure 
everyone in the Group knows that they are 
empowered to make rapid decisions based 
on the information they are able to obtain 
at the time. As a result, there are always 
learnings from such an experience and we 
have been keen to implement them. That 
said, our agile business model, our focus 
on critical safety, health, and 
environmental market niches, and our 
relationships with all of our stakeholders 
has helped us to remain resilient, and 
contribute to the global effort to deal with 
COVID-19.

49

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Principal risks and uncertainties

1. Cyber

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
Increased

Risk appetite
Averse

Growth Enablers

2. Organic Growth

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
Increased

Risk appetite
Open

Growth Enablers

Risk and impact
Loss of digital intellectual 
property/data or ability to 
operate systems or connected 
devices due to internal failure or 
external attack. There is resulting 
loss of information or ability to 
continue operations, and 
therefore financial and 
reputational damage. The 
increase in this risk reflects the 
growing threat generally from 
cyber-crime around the world 
and also a specific increase as a 
result of cyber-criminals seeking 
to take advantage of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

Risk and impact
Failing to deliver desired organic 
growth, resulting in missed 
expected strategic growth 
targets and erosion of 
shareholder value. The increase in 
this risk is a result of the higher 
levels of economic uncertainty 
due to COVID-19 and includes the 
impact of local government 
restrictions around the world.

How do we manage the risk?
 — Clear ownership of cyber risk, with 
Board level expertise. IT function 
reports into Chief Technology 
Officer.

 — Development of digital framework, 
including digital growth, cyber and 
data.

 — Minimum required IT controls 
defined. All companies certify 
compliance every six months. Any 
gaps are tracked until addressed.
 — Monthly cyber KRI/KPI reporting in 

place across the Group.

 Risk Owner: Catherine Michel

 — Regular online IT awareness 

training for all employees using 
computers.

 — IT disaster recovery and back-up 
plans in place, required to be 
tested regularly.

 — Additional support provided by 
Group IT to companies to help 
them implement any changes due 
to COVID-19.

 — Regular reviews by Group IT and 

Internal Audit.

How do we manage the risk?
 — Clear Group strategy to achieve 

organic growth targets, supported 
by detailed company strategies and 
seven Halma Growth Enablers with 
Executive Board owners.

 — Sector management ensure that 
the Group strategy is fulfilled 
through ongoing review and 
chairing of companies.

 — Continued investment in R&D and 
innovation with KPIs monitored at 
Board level.

 — Regional hubs, for example in China 
and India, support local growth 
strategic initiatives for all 
companies.

Risk Owner: Andrew Williams

 — Agile business model and culture 

of innovation to take advantage of 
new growth opportunities as they 
arise.

 — Regular monitoring of financial 

performance at all levels, including 
by the Board.

 — Remuneration of company 

executives and above is based on 
profit growth.

 — Specific focus to protect 

operations during COVID-19 and 
manage costs to ensure Halma is 
able to invest for growth going 
forward.

3. Making and Integrating Acquisitions

Risk Owner: Andrew Williams

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
Increased

Risk appetite
Open

Growth Enablers

Risk and impact
Missing our strategic growth 
target for acquisitions due to 
insufficient acquisitions being 
identified or poor due diligence or 
poor integration, resulting in 
erosion of shareholder value. 
COVID-19 has increased this risk 
in terms of our ability make 
acquisitions and also to ensure 
they are fairly valued. On the 
flip-side, there may be an 
increase in the number of 
acquisition opportunities in the 
short to medium term.

How do we manage the risk?
 — Acquisition of companies in existing 
or adjacent markets that are well 
known.

 — Dedicated M&A Directors with 
Group Chief Executive, Chief 
Financial Officer and plc Board 
scrutiny and approval of all 
acquisitions.

 — Regular reporting of the acquisition 
pipeline to the Executive and plc 
Board.

 — Careful due diligence by 

experienced staff who bring in 
specialist expertise as required.

 — Valuation model used for all 

acquisitions to ensure the price 
paid is appropriate.

 — Strategic transformation plans in 
place for new acquisitions to seek 
to ensure they achieve their growth 
potential.

 — Integration checklist covering 

control and compliance areas used 
to ensure consistent high quality 
and efficient integration into 
Halma.

 — Clarity of strategy and agile 

business model to take advantage 
of new growth opportunities as 
they arise.

50

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Link to Growth Enablers

   M&A 

   Talent & 
Culture

   Digital Growth 

Engines

   Strategic Marketing & 

Communications

   International  

Expansion

   Finance, Legal  

& Risk

   Innovation 
Network

4. Talent and Diversity

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
Increased

Risk appetite
Open

Growth Enablers

Risk and impact
Not being able to recruit, develop 
and retain the calibre and diversity 
of talent at all levels of the 
organisation to deliver our 
strategy, resulting in reduced 
financial performance. The 
increased risk reflects retention 
risks emerging due to our rapid 
escalation through the FTSE100, 
increased profile and track record 
of success.

How do we manage the risk?
 — Comprehensive recruitment processes 

to recruit the best and brightest 
talent.

 — Development of talent and diversity 
across companies, including through 
development programmes, to create 
competitive advantage and 
motivated leaders to deliver the 
strategy.

 — Succession planning process to 

identify and develop future leaders.

5. Innovation

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
No change

Risk appetite
Seeking

Growth Enablers

6. Competition

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
No change

Risk appetite
Open

Growth Enablers

Risk and impact
Failing to innovate to create new 
high-quality products to meet 
customer needs or failure to 
adequately protect intellectual 
property, resulting in a loss of 
market share and poor financial 
performance. 

Risk and impact
Failing to adapt to market and 
technological changes, either 
through organic or M&A activity, 
resulting in reduced financial 
performance.

How do we manage the risk?
 — Product development is devolved 
to the companies who are closest 
to the customer, with support and 
guidance provided by sector 
management.

 — Chief Innovation & Digital Officer 

promotes and accelerates 
innovation by companies, with 
support from sector management.
 — Digital strategy is in place relating 
to innovation, with focus on four 
areas: 1. Digital execution, 2. 
Champions Network, 3. Agile new 
product development engines, 
4. External Partnerships.

How do we manage the risk?
 — Focus on niche markets with high 

barriers to entry and seek to 
achieve strong market positions.
 — Halma’s decentralised business 
model enables operational 
resources to be closer to 
customers, and companies are 
empowered to monitor, anticipate 
and respond to changing market 
needs.

 — Regular company and sector 
board meetings which review 
markets, competition and product 
innovation.

 Risk Owner: Jennifer Ward

 — Future leaders programme to 

develop graduates.

 — Ongoing focus to increase 

employee diversity at all levels 
worldwide. Diversity metrics are 
monitored by the Board.

 — We need to ensure that our reward 
packages are competitive, reflect 
our high long term growth and are 
benchmarked to market.

Risk Owner: Inken Braunschmidt

 — Active collaboration of ideas and 

best practices between 
companies.

 — Head Office approval of all large 
R&D projects to ensure alignment 
with strategy.

 — Halma Innovation Awards 

encourage and reward innovation.

 — Companies are encouraged to 

develop and protect intellectual 
property.

Risk Owner: Andrew Williams

 — Ongoing discussions with 

customers and monitoring of 
market and technological changes 
to identify new opportunities.
 — Halma Chief Innovation & Digital 
Officer provides leadership and 
oversight for digital innovation and 
arranges Innovation “Go & See’ 
visits for Halma leaders to see 
disruption examples in action.

7. Economic and Geopolitical Uncertainty

 Risk Owner: Andrew Williams

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
Increased

Risk appetite
Cautious

Growth Enablers

Risk and impact
Risk of decline in financial 
performance due to recession or 
geopolitical changes and its 
potential impact on the carrying 
value of goodwill.

The increase in risk reflects 
increased economic and political 
uncertainty around COVID-19 and 
also other areas such as Brexit and 
USA/China trade relations.

How do we manage the risk?
 — Diverse portfolio of companies 

across the four sectors, in multiple 
countries and in relatively 
non-cyclical global niche markets 
helps to minimise the impact of any 
single event operating in one 
market.

 — Regular monitoring and assessment 
of potential risks and opportunities 
relating to economic or geopolitical 
uncertainties. 

 — Identification of any wider trends 

by the Halma Executive Board that 
require action.

 — Local companies have the 

autonomy to rapidly adjust to 
changing circumstances.
 — Periodic assessment of the 
carrying value of goodwill.

51

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal risks and uncertainties continued

8. Natural Disasters

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
Increased

Risk appetite
Cautious

Growth Enablers

9. Communications

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
No change

Risk appetite
Open

Growth Enablers

Risk and impact
Being unable to respond to 
large-scale events or natural 
catastrophes such as hurricanes, 
floods, fire, or pandemics resulting 
in inability of one or more parts of 
our business to operate, therefore 
causing financial loss and 
reputational damage. This risk has 
been updated to specifically 
include pandemics and the risk 
has increased due to COVID-19.

How do we manage the risk?
 — All parts of the Group are required to 
have business continuity plans in 
place which are tailored to manage 
the specific risks they are most likely 
to face and these are required to be 
tested periodically.

 — Partnering with our central and 

regional COVID-19 support groups, 
our companies have implemented 
operational plans to suit their local 
markets and circumstances.

Risk and impact
Missed opportunities for growth 
and attainment of our strategy 
should we not clearly articulate 
our value propositions to potential 
partners, customers, employees 
or acquisition targets. The risk 
remains high, reflecting the need 
to ensure effective 
communication to all stakeholders 
during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How do we manage the risk?
 — Halma plc Board members with 

responsibility for Communications 
and Investor Relations.

 — Clear brand and communications 

strategy to enable clear 
understanding and alignment with 
Group strategy.

 — Proactive brand and 

communications approach to reach 
existing and potential audiences to 
attract and engage them to drive 
new growth opportunities. 
 — Development of pitch books, 
purpose and strategy impact 
stories, product-solution case 
studies, and investment collateral 
that are delivered to the 
appropriate targets via direct, 
indirect, social media and investor 
channels.

 Risk Owner: Andrew Williams

 — The geographic diversity of 

companies limits the impact of 
most single events and Halma has 
manufacturing capability in 
multiple locations which provides 
flexibility.

 — Business interruption insurance is 
in place to limit any financial loss 
that may occur.

Risk Owner: Jennifer Ward

 — Monitoring of external, social and 

investor media to gauge 
sentiment, brand health and 
protect reputation.

 — Periodic employee engagement 
survey to gain feedback on the 
effectiveness of internal 
communication. 

 — Communication platform to 
facilitate rapid collaboration 
and information sharing across the 
Group.

 — Company MD network enabling 

rapid collaboration during 
COVID-19, supported by group and 
sector teams where escalation is 
required.

10. Non-compliance with Laws and Regulations

Risk Owner: Marc Ronchetti

Risk and impact
Failing to comply with laws and 
regulations resulting in damage to 
reputation and/or fines/penalties.

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
No change

Risk appetite
Averse

Growth Enablers

How do we manage the risk?
 — High-quality management 

resources who implement controls 
to monitor and comply with legal 
requirements in all countries we 
operate.

 — Companies ensure high product 

quality and compliance with legal 
standards.

 — High ethical standards which are 
captured in Halma’s Code of 
Conduct. All employees are required 
to read and sign up to it.

 — Employees across the Group 

perform regular online compliance 
training.

 — All parts of the Group complete 

six-monthly control self- 
certifications which include 
legal compliance.

 — A whistleblowing hotline is in place 

and available for use by all 
employees.

52

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Link to Growth Enablers

   M&A 

   Talent & 
Culture

   Digital Growth 

Engines

   Strategic Marketing & 

Communications

   International  

Expansion

   Finance, Legal  

& Risk

   Innovation 
Network

11. Financial Controls

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
No change

Risk appetite
Averse

Growth Enablers

Risk and impact
Failure in financial controls either 
on its own or via a fraud which 
takes advantage of a weakness, 
resulting in financial loss and/or 
misstated reported financial 
results. 

How do we manage the risk?
 — Local directors have legal, as well 
as operational, responsibility as 
they are statutory directors of their 
companies. This fits with Halma’s 
decentralised model to ensure an 
effective financial control 
environment is in place.

 — To mirror the decentralised model, 
Halma Group Finance prescribes 
the minimum expected financial 
controls to be in place and requires 
companies to certify every six 
months that these controls are 
operating effectively. These include 
segregation of duties, delegation 
of authorities and financial 
accounts preparation checks.

12. Treasury Management

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
Increased

Risk appetite
Averse

Growth Enablers

Risk and impact
There is a risk that the Group’s 
cash resources are inadequate to 
support its activities or there is a 
breach of funding terms/
covenants. There is a risk of 
volatility on the Group’s Sterling 
reported result due to unhedged 
exposure to foreign currency 
movements. Geopolitical 
uncertainty, including the impact 
of COVID-19, has increased the risk 
of foreign exchange fluctuations 
and pressure on financial 
resources.

How do we manage the risk?
 — A long-term Revolving Credit 

Facility is in place.

 — Sources of funding, headroom and 
liquidity forecasts are regularly 
assessed and monitored.
 — Funding terms are built into 

company policies and 
requirements, including restrictions 
on trading with sanctioned 
countries.

 — A Group Treasury Policy includes 
hedging and there is regular 
monitoring of foreign currency 
exposure at local company and 
Group level.

Risk Owner: Marc Ronchetti

 — Six-monthly peer reviews of 

reported results for each company 
are performed to provide 
independent challenge. Internal 
Audit also performs periodic 
risk-based reviews.

 — A whistleblowing hotline is in place 

and available for use by all 
employees.

 — All companies have reviewed their 
financial controls to ensure they 
remain effective during COVID-19, 
for example when home working 
has been required.

Risk Owner: Marc Ronchetti

 — The Finance teams have been 
performing additional cash 
forecasting and stress testing to 
ensure Halma has sufficient 
liquidity, not just to survive the 
current COVID-19 crisis but also to 
ensure Halma can invest for 
growth going forward, whether 
organically or through acquisition.

13. Product Failure

Gross risk level

Low

Medium

High

Change
No change

Risk appetite
Averse

Growth Enablers

Risk and impact
A failure in one of our products 
results in serious injury, death or 
damage to property, including 
due to non-compliance with 
product regulations, resulting in 
financial loss and reputational 
damage.

How do we manage the risk?
 — Companies have strict product 

development and testing 
procedures in place to ensure 
quality of products and 
compliance with appropriate 
regulations.

 — Rigorous testing of products during 
development and also during the 
manufacturing process.

 Risk Owner: Andrew Williams

 — Terms and conditions of sale limit 
liability as much as practically 
possible and liability insurance is in 
place.

 — Product compliance with 

regulations is checked as part of 
due diligence for any acquisition.

53

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
forecasting and, therefore, increases reliability in the modelling 
and stress testing of the Group’s viability. In addition, a three-
year horizon is typically the period over which we review our 
external bank facilities and is also the performance based period 
over which awards granted under Halma’s share-based incentive 
plan are measured.

Viability statement

During the year, the Board carried out a robust assessment of 
the emerging and principal risks affecting the Group, including 
those that would threaten its business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity. The principal risks and 
uncertainties, including an analysis of the potential impact 
and mitigating actions are set out on pages 50 to 53 of the 
Strategic Report.

The Board has assessed the viability of the Group over a three-
year period, taking into account the Group’s current position and 
the potential impact of the principal risks and uncertainties. 
While the Board has no reason to believe that the Group will not 
be viable over a longer period, it has determined that three years 
is an appropriate period. In drawing its conclusion, the Board has 
aligned the period of viability assessment with the Group’s 
strategic planning process (a three-year period). The Board 
believes that this approach provides greater certainty over 

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

1

The Group operates in 
diverse and relatively 
non-cyclical markets.

2

3

4

5

There is considerable 
financial capacity under 
current facilities and the 
ability to raise further funds 
if required.

The decentralised nature of 
our Group ensures that risk 
is spread across our 
businesses and sectors, with 
limited exposure to any 
particular industry, market, 
geography, customer or 
supplier.

There is a strong culture of 
local responsibility and 
accountability within a 
robust governance 
and control framework.

An ethical approach to 
business is set from the top 
and flows throughout our 
business.

In making their assessment, the Board carried out a 
comprehensive exercise of financial modelling and stress-tested 
the model with various scenarios based on the principal risks 
identified in the Group’s annual risk assessment process. The 
scenarios modelled used the same assumptions as for the going 
concern statement, as set out on page 71, for the years ending 31 
March 2021 and 31 March 2022 with further assumptions applied 
for the year ending 31 March 2023. These scenarios included a 
delay in the recovery of the impacted businesses from the effects 
of COVID-19, a second wave of COVID-19 infection and 

corresponding government restrictions in the second half of 
year ended 31 March 2021 and a combination of these scenarios 
with the addition of impacts from other of the Group’s principal 
risks such as litigation or product failure. In each scenario, the 
effect on the Group’s KPls and borrowing covenants was 
considered, along with any mitigating factors. Based on this 
assessment, the Board confirms that they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three-year period 
to 31 March 2023.

54

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Non-financial information statement

We aim to comply with the Non-Financial Reporting requirements contained in sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 
2006. The table set out below, and the information it refers to, is intended to help stakeholders understand our position on key 
non-financial matters. This builds on existing reporting that we already undertake by participating in the following frameworks: CDP, 
the Financial Reporting Council’s Guidance on the Strategic Report and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Reporting requirement

Policies and standards which govern our approach

Additional information

Environmental matters

Environmental policy

Employees

Code of Conduct

Whistleblowing policy

Health and Safety policy

Diversity and Inclusion policy

Sustainability review, page 44

Sustainability review, page 45

Sustainability review, page 46

Sustainability review, page 45

Our People, page 38 and Sustainability review, 
page 42

Human rights

Modern Slavery Act statement

Sustainability review, page 46

Human Rights and Labour Conditions policy

Sustainability review, page 46

Social matters

Equal Opportunities statement

Our role in society statement

Gift of Sight campaign

Suppliers statement

Sustainability review, page 38

Sustainability review, page 45

Sustainability review, page 39

Sustainability review, page 47

Anti-corruption and  
anti-bribery

Description of principal 
risks and impact of 
business activity

Description of strategy  
and the business model

Non-financial performance 
indicators

Stakeholder engagement

Outcome of non-financial 
policies and standards

Due diligence processes 
implemented in pursuance 
of promoting non-financial 
policies and standards

Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption policy

Sustainability review, page 46

–

–

–

–

Carbon emissions reporting

Employee engagement survey results

Gender diversity reporting

Health and safety reporting

Pages 50-53

Pages 14-17

Page 29

Pages 40-41 and 62-63

Pages 44 and 45

Page 39

Pages 38 and 39

Pages 45 and 47

Carbon emissions reporting and monitoring 
Monitoring employee engagement surveys
All employees required to read and sign up to the Code of Conduct 
Whistleblowing reports reviewed by the Board
Health and safety reporting and monitoring 
Modern slavery training and risk assessments
Anti-corruption and anti-bribery training and monitoring

The Strategic Report was approved by the Board of Directors on 14 July 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Andrew Williams
Group Chief Executive

Marc Ronchetti
Chief Financial Officer

Cautionary note: this Strategic Report has been prepared solely to assist shareholders to assess the Board’s strategies and their 
potential to succeed. It should not be relied on by any other party, for other purposes. Forward looking statements have been made 
by the Directors in good faith using information available up until the date that they approved the Report. Forward looking 
statements should be regarded with caution because of the inherent uncertainties in economic trends and business risks.

55

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
Introduction to governance

“Our governance structure remains 

effective, appropriate for Halma and 
continues to underpin our culture of 
openness, transparency and 
collaboration.” 

This Report outlines the governance framework within 
which Halma operates and provides stakeholders with an 
understanding of the composition and diversity of the Board 
and Executive Board, how its performance – and that of its 
Committees – is evaluated, the Board’s mechanisms for 
engagement with the wider workforce and insight into the 
factors considered in the Board’s decision-making during 
the year.

Progress in 2020
Last year’s Report outlined five key Board priorities for 2020:

 — Leveraging Halma’s brand and launching a new global 

website.

 — Furthering the Group’s capabilities and pipeline of acquisition 

and partnering opportunities.

 — Promoting gender diversity across all organisational levels and 

driving improvement in ethnic and international diversity.

 — Monitoring the regulatory and commercial implications of 
the UK’s exit from the European Union and overseeing the 
planning and preparation of activities.

—  Advancing the Group’s international expansion initiatives.

Over the year, the Board delivered against all of these priorities, 
further details of which are set out in this section and in the 
Strategic Report. Our governance structure remains effective, 
appropriate for Halma and continues to underpin our culture 
of openness, transparency and collaboration throughout the 
organisation.

Board changes 
As announced in April 2020, Adam Meyers will replace Paul 
Simmons as Sector Chief Executive, Safety, on an interim basis 
until his successor is appointed. I am very grateful that Adam is 
able to fill this role as his in-depth knowledge and experience of 
Halma will be invaluable in leading our safety sectors through 
these more uncertain times. Accordingly, Adam’s retirement from 
the Board, which had been anticipated to occur in July 2020, has 
now been deferred.

Daniela Barone Soares is approaching her ninth year of service 
and will retire from the Board at the AGM in 2021. I strongly value 
Daniela’s contribution to the Board, particularly as we have been 
evolving our approach to ESG over recent years, and I have no 
doubt that she will remain committed, and that her contribution 
will continue to be appreciated during the remainder of her tenure. 
Details of how the Nomination Committee will search and appoint 
a new non-executive Director are outlined in the Nomination 
Committee Report on pages 69 and 70.

Board priorities for 2021
Looking forward to the year ahead, the Board will primarily focus 
on the operational and economic impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic and supporting our businesses and wider stakeholders 
through uncertain times. Given our resilient financial position, 
we will continue to monitor and build our pipeline of M&A targets 
and, when appropriate, continue to invest for growth as 
opportunities arise.

56

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Statement of Code Compliance
The Board recognises the importance of good governance 
and throughout the year ended 31 March 2020, the Company 
complied with the Principles and Provisions set out in the Code 
with the exceptions noted in the table below.

Code Provision

Explanation of non-compliance

36

37

38

39

41

The Remuneration Committee has not developed 
a formal policy for post-employment shareholding 
requirements, encompassing both unvested and 
vested shares.

Remuneration schemes and policies do not enable the 
use of discretion to override formulaic outcomes. 

The pension contribution rates for executive Directors, 
or payments in lieu, are not aligned with those available 
to the workforce.

The Executive Share Plan awards do not allow for 
a reduction in compensation to reflect departing 
directors’ obligations to mitigate loss.

The Annual Report does not include a description of 
what engagement with the workforce has taken place 
to explain how executive remuneration aligns with 
wider pay policy. 

The Board is committed to addressing each of these areas in 
the coming year and we will put a new Remuneration Policy to 
shareholders at the AGM in 2021. Further details of our plans 
can be found in the Remuneration Committee Report.

Paul Walker
Chairman 

14 July 2020

UK Corporate Governance Code
In July 2018, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) published 
the revised UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) which is 
available on the FRC’s website, www.frc.org.uk. The Company’s 
application of Code Principles is described in this Governance 
Report and Strategic Report. The table below locates the 
relevant sections of the Annual Report which explain the 
Company’s application of Code Principles.

Board leadership and Company purpose

Pages 60 to 65

Role of the Board and Principal Committees 

How the Board supported strategy 

Our purpose, values and culture

Corporate governance framework 

Page 60

Page 62

Page 62

Page 60

Shareholder and stakeholder engagement

Pages 40, 62 and 63

Workforce policies

Division of responsibilities 

Director time commitment

Composition, succession and evaluation

Board biographies

Appointments to the Board and succession 
planning 

Board effectiveness and evaluation

Audit, risk and internal control

Page 65

Page 66

Page 68

Page 68

Pages 58 and 59

Pages 69 and 70

Page 68

Page 71

External and internal audit functions

Pages 73 and 75

Integrity of financial and narrative statements 

Pages 72 and 75

Risk management and internal controls 

Principal risks

Remuneration

Remuneration Report

Policies and practices

Pages 71

Pages 50 to 53

Pages 77 to 99

Pages 82 to 95 

Pages 96 to 99

57

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Board of Directors

Committee Membership
A  Audit Committee
N  Nomination Committee
R  Remuneration Committee

  Chair of Committee
  Member of Committee

58

Paul Walker
Chairman 

Appointed: April 2013  
(July 2013 as Chairman)

Career and experience: Paul gained extensive 
management, operational, financial 
and technology sector experience in his 
executive career as Chief Executive Officer of The 
Sage Group plc from 1994 to 2010, having 
previously been its Finance Director and Chief 
Financial Controller. Paul has held several board 
positions including as non-executive Director at 
Diageo plc, Mytravel Group plc, Sophos Group 
plc and Experian plc. He provides strong 
leadership to the Board and is committed to 
robust corporate governance and stakeholder 
engagement. Paul qualified as a Chartered 
Accountant with Ernst & Young.

Current appointments:
Ashtead Group plc, non-executive Chairman 

Andrew Williams
Group Chief Executive 

Appointed: July 2004  
(February 2005 as Group Chief Executive)

Career and experience: Andrew joined 
Halma in 1994 as Manufacturing Director of 
an operating company, becoming its 
Managing Director in 1997. He joined Halma’s 
Executive Board in 2002 and was appointed 
as Group Chief Executive in 2005. Andrew has 
proven his ability to grow and acquire 
companies globally while evolving the Group 
portfolio for sustainable growth and high 
returns. He brings clear strategic leadership to 
the Board and has a deep understanding of 
the operating companies and the Group’s 
stakeholders. He is a Chartered Engineer.

Current appointments: 
Capita plc, non-executive Director 
Cardiff Blues Limited, non-executive Director

 N

 R

 N

Tony Rice
Senior Independent Director

Appointed: August 2014  
(July 2015 as Senior Independent Director)

Career and experience: Tony has held senior 
management positions at a number of UK listed 
companies, spanning a range of sectors, and has 
extensive board level experience in companies 
operating internationally and in regulated 
industries. He was Chief Executive Officer at 
Cable & Wireless Communications plc and 
Tunstall plc and held a number of senior roles at 
BAE Systems plc. Tony has served as a non-
executive Director of Spirit Pub Company plc, 
where he was Senior Independent Director and 
Remuneration Committee Chairman. Tony 
brings a wealth of UK listed company experience 
to his role as Senior Independent Director. 

Current appointments: 
Dechra Pharmaceuticals plc, Chair  
Ultra Electronics Holdings plc, Chair 
Whittington Hospital Trust, non-executive Director

 A

 N

 R

Carole Cran
Independent non-executive Director

Appointed: January 2016 

Career and experience: Carole was Chief 
Financial Officer of Aggreko plc until 
December 2017, prior to which she held a 
number of senior finance roles within that 
group. Previously, she worked at BAE Systems 
plc in a range of senior financial positions, 
which included four years in Australia. Carole 
commenced her career in the audit division 
of KPMG where she qualified as a Chartered 
Accountant. Carole has extensive financial 
experience and has a strong focus on 
governance and risk. 

Current appointments:
Forth Ports Limited, Chief Financial Officer

 A

 N

 R

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
Marc Ronchetti 
Chief Financial Officer 

Jennifer Ward
Group Talent, Culture and 
Communications Director

Adam Meyers
Sector Chief Executive, Safety 

Appointed: July 2018 

Appointed: September 2016 

Appointed: April 2008 

Career and experience: Marc joined Halma 
in 2016 as Group Financial Controller. He was 
previously Finance Director of the UK 
operations of Wolseley plc (now Ferguson plc) 
and prior to that held various group and 
divisional roles at Inchcape plc. Marc has 
gained commercial and financial experience 
across a range of senior finance roles focused 
on driving operational performance through 
financial insights. Marc qualified as a 
Chartered Accountant with 
PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Career and experience: Jennifer joined the 
Halma Executive Board in March 2014 and has 
global responsibility for talent and culture as 
well as internal and external communications 
and brand across Halma. Prior to joining 
Halma as Group Talent Director, Jennifer spent 
over 15 years leading Human Resources, Talent 
and Organisational Development for divisions 
of PayPal, Bank of America and Honeywell. 
Jennifer brings a wealth of experience to the 
Board to ensure we secure and develop talent 
ahead of our growth needs and build a 
sustainable culture of high performance.

Career and experience: Adam became a 
member of the Halma Executive Board in 
2003, as a Divisional Chief Executive and 
served as, Sector Chief Executive – Medical 
and Environmental until September 2019, 
having joined Halma in 1996 as President of 
Bio-Chem Valve. He was appointed Sector 
Chief Executive, Safety on an interim basis 
on 1 July 2020 pending the appointment of a 
permanent successor. Adam has 
considerable experience and deep 
knowledge of Halma and the regulated 
markets in which it operates. He has led the 
acquisition of several companies in the 
Medical and Environmental & Analysis 
sectors. Adam is a Systems Engineering 
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.

i

S
t
r
a
t
e
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e
p
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r
t

G
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e
r
n
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n
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i

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i

Jo Harlow 
Independent non-executive Director

Roy Twite
Independent non-executive Director

Daniela Barone Soares
Independent non-executive Director

Appointed: October 2016 

Appointed: July 2014 

Appointed: November 2011 

Career and experience: Jo has significant 
international experience, gained most recently 
as Corporate Vice President of the Phones 
Business Unit at Microsoft. She previously worked 
at Nokia as Executive Vice President of Smart 
Devices. Before her move into consumer 
electronics, Jo worked in strategic marketing at 
Reebok and Procter & Gamble. Jo brings a 
wealth of expertise to the Board in digital, 
technology, sales and marketing. She is Chair of 
Remuneration Committee at InterContinental 
Hotels Group plc and is a member of the 
Remuneration Committee at J Sainsbury plc. 

Current appointments: 
InterContinental Hotels Group plc,  
non-executive Director  
J Sainsbury plc, non-executive Director 
Ceconomy AG, Member of the Supervisory Board

 A

 N

 R

Career and experience: Roy is Chief Executive 
of IMI plc, having been appointed to the IMI 
Board in February 2007. During his career with 
IMI, Roy has held several senior management 
roles including Managing Director of IMI 
Norgren UK (2001), President of IMI Hydronic 
Engineering (2004), President of Retail Dispense 
(2007) and President of IMI Precision 
Engineering (2009) and Divisional Managing 
Director of IMI Critical Engineering (2011). Roy 
brings wide-ranging knowledge of the 
engineering sector along with extensive 
management and operational experience. 

Current appointments:
IMI plc, Chief Executive

 A

 N

 R

Career and experience: Daniela began her 
career in the private equity and investment 
banking sectors working at BancBoston 
Capital, Goldman Sachs and Citibank. 
Daniela was CEO of venture philanthropy 
organisation Impetus – The Private Equity 
Foundation and held senior roles at Save the 
Children UK. Daniela has considerable global 
knowledge of capital markets and 
sustainability, and has successfully led 
ventures with government institutions.

Current appointments: 
Snowball Investment Management, CEO  
Gove Digital, Chair  
Evora S.A, non-executive Director  
Trustee, The Haddad Foundation

 A

 N

 R

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S
t
a
t
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t
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59

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board leadership and Company purpose

Each SCE holds regular sector board meetings, attended by 
DCEs, relevant managing directors and sector employees, to 
review financial and business performance and areas such as 
talent and M&A. The sector board also provides a valuable forum 
for businesses to share and collaborate. Each DCE prepares a 
report for the Executive Board, covering business performance, 
talent and culture and other matters discussed at, or arising 
from, their company and sector board meetings.

The Group’s policies and procedures set out our requirements 
in the areas of financial reporting, health & safety, ethics, 
human resources, IT, data privacy & legal compliance and 
administration. These procedures are made available to all 
employees via the Group’s communications platform, 
HalmaHub.

Board meetings
The Board has six scheduled meetings per year but will meet 
separately, as required, to discuss urgent matters or to approve 
event-driven items such as M&A transactions, trading updates 
and in 2020, COVID-19 review meetings. All Directors are issued 
with an agenda and meeting papers in the week prior to the 
Board meeting; papers are delivered via an electronic board 
portal for security and efficiency. The Board and each Director 
has access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary 
and each can obtain independent professional advice at the 
Company’s expense.

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

Board attendance

Paul Walker

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

Daniela Barone Soares

Jo Harlow

Roy Twite

Tony Rice

Carole Cran

Eligible

Attended

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

6

Role of the Board and Principal Committees
The role of the Board is to provide entrepreneurial leadership, 
within a framework of prudent and effective controls, that 
promotes the interests of Halma over the long term for the 
benefit of stakeholders. The Board sets the Group’s strategic 
goals and has ultimate responsibility for its management, 
direction and performance. The Company’s Articles of 
Association set out the Board’s powers. The Board has adopted 
a formal schedule of matters reserved solely for its decision 
(a summary of which is set out on page 67) and certain decision-
making and monitoring activities have been delegated to Board 
Committees or management, through a clearly defined 
delegated authority matrix.

The Board has established three principal Committees – Audit 
Committee, Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee 
– which review and monitor key areas on behalf of the Board and 
make recommendations for its approval. Each Board Committee 
operates under written terms of reference which are approved by 
the Board and made available at www.halma.com. The Chair of 
each Committee reports to the Board on their activities after 
each meeting and minutes are circulated to all Board members 
once they have been approved by the Committee. Further 
information on the activities and composition of each 
Committee is detailed in each of the Committee reports.

Corporate Governance Framework
As a decentralised organisation, it is critical that Halma’s 
governance and control structure is robust, clearly 
communicated and operates effectively. A summary of the 
structure and responsibilities of each Board Committee and the 
Executive Board is set out on the page opposite.

In addition to the principal Board Committees, the Board has 
established three topic-specific Committees to which it has 
delegated certain powers to negotiate, review and administer 
matters: Share Plans Committee; Bank Guarantees and Facilities 
Committee; and Acquisitions and Disposals Committee.

The Executive Board is a management committee, chaired by 
the Group Chief Executive, which primarily develops strategy, 
monitors progress against the Group’s strategic objectives 
and reviews operational and business performance.

Our businesses benefit from an autonomous operational 
structure. In order to maintain oversight and control from 
a Group perspective, and to obtain assurance over the 
compliance and control environment, businesses must comply 
with Halma’s suite of financial and non-financial policies and 
control procedures.

A delegated authority matrix sets out the matters and financial 
limits which have been delegated from the Group Chief Executive 
and Sector Chief Executives (SCEs) to the Divisional Chief 
Executives (DCEs) and business managing directors. This 
approach ensures that businesses have a clear framework within 
which they can operate, balances autonomy with the need 
for oversight and controls, and provides clarity as to whether 
financial commitments are approved at sector, Group or 
Board level.

The link between the operating companies and the Board 
governance structure is described below and, for risk 
management, is illustrated in the risk governance framework 
on page 48. Each operating company in the Group has its own 
board of directors which meets regularly to fulfil its legal duties 
and to maintain operational and financial oversight of the 
company’s affairs. The DCE chairs each of their operating 
company boards and will meet with the Executive Board at least 
three times per year, in addition to providing written summaries 
to the Executive Board and Halma’s Chairman on a regular basis.

60

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
Board Governance Structure

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

Nomination Committee
 — Reviews the composition of the 

Audit Committee
 — Monitors the integrity of financial 

Board.

statements.

 — Oversees the Board’s succession 

 — Oversees risk management and 

planning.

control.

 — Keeps the succession planning and 
leadership needs of the Company 
under review.

 — Monitors the effectiveness of the 

Internal Audit function.
 — Reviews external Auditor 

independence and performance.

 — Leads the audit tender process.

Remuneration Committee
 — Keeps under review the framework 

and policy on executive Director and 
senior management remuneration 
(including pension arrangements).
 — Approves the design, targets and 
framework for share plan awards.

Read more page 69

Read more page 72

Read more page 77

Share Plans Committee
Responsible for the administration 
arrangements relating to employee 
share-based incentives (following 
approval of the award by the 
Remuneration Committee or the Board).

Bank Guarantees  
and Facilities Committee
Agrees and approves arrangements for 
issuing guarantees, indemnities or other 
support for bank loans and other 
financing facilities.

Acquisitions and  
Disposals Committee
Reviews and approves the terms and 
structure of acquisitions or disposals 
which have been agreed in principle by 
the Board.

Executive Board
 — A management committee, comprised of senior leaders with 

operational or functional responsibility, which develops 
strategy, reviews operational matters and business 
performance.

talent and culture, diversity & inclusion, operational, digital, 
IT and legal disciplines. Biographical information for each 
member is available on our website at www.halma.com
 — Reinforces the operational and governance structures in 

 — Chaired by the Group Chief Executive, the committee brings 

place across the Group.

a wealth of knowledge and experience across financial, 

 — Acts as a forum for management decisions.

61

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Board leadership and Company purpose continued

Our purpose, values and culture
The Board assesses and monitors the Group’s culture and ensures 
its alignment with our purpose, values and strategy. Our strategy 
is powered by our purpose of ‘growing a safer, cleaner, healthier 
future for everyone, every day.’ The Group’s culture is an essential 
component of our strategy, demonstrated by the Talent & 
Culture Growth Enabler and the organisational and culture genes 
within Halma’s DNA. Our culture promotes autonomous and 
agile decision-making, a collaborative approach which allows 
constructive challenge, innovative diversity of thought, and a 
sense of shared purpose and open collaboration. Halma’s values 
are the behavioural principles that we require, protect and 
leverage to effectively optimise our cultural genes as set out 
on page 13. It is essential that the Board and executive 
management act in a constructive and respectful manner, 
exhibiting the tone that we expect across our companies. We 
consider that this culture promotes good governance across the 
Group and empowers our people to make good decisions. The 
Board reviews at each meeting, the level of workforce concerns 
raised via the whistleblowing line or directly to the Company 
Secretary. The annual engagement survey results are shared 
with the Board and actions for areas of improvement discussed. 
At the annual Board strategy meeting, the Talent, Culture & 
Communications Director provides detailed insight and feedback 
on Halma’s talent pool, development opportunities and the 
corporate culture across the Group. 

Shareholder and stakeholder engagement 
The Board oversees the Company’s dialogue with shareholders. 
The Group Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer have 
regular contact with investors and analysts. Reports prepared 
for the Board by the Head of Investor Relations outline the 
Company’s dialogue with investors and analysts on financial, 
operational, environmental, social and governance matters. The 
Chairman is available to meet with shareholders throughout the 
year and the Senior Independent Director provides an alternative 
channel for shareholders to raise concerns, independent of the 
executive management and the Chairman. The Board attends 
the AGM which gives individual shareholders the opportunity to 
engage directly with the Directors and raise questions about the 
Company both formally and informally. While for 2020 we will 
be holding a closed AGM, we have made arrangements for 
shareholders to ask questions ahead of the meeting. 

The Company hosts investor engagement events annually, this 
year’s event, held in March 2020, focused on the Infrastructure 
Safety sector. Investors were invited to attend presentations by 
senior management describing the sector’s strong competitive 
positions in its markets, and how the sector is delivering 
sustainable growth, supported by long-term growth drivers 
and Halma’s Growth Enablers.

The Board’s engagement with other stakeholders is described 
on pages 40 and 41 of the Strategic Report. The table opposite 
identifies the principal decisions taken by the Directors during the 
year and how the Board considered stakeholder interests when 
discharging their duties under section 172 of the Companies Act.

How the Board supported strategy 
Halma’s clear and focused strategy has led to a strong financial 
performance and dividend growth. The Board has supported the 
evolution of Halma’s growth strategy and the development of 
the growth enablers helps to align the Board’s allocation of 
human and capital resources to the strategic priorities and 
enable our companies to invest and deliver sustainable growth.

Strategic Growth Enablers

  Mergers & Acquisitions

The Board’s governance role
The Board has set a clear strategy which includes a significant growth 
element being delivered through M&A. Key resources, both in terms of 
people and finances, are made available to ensure that we can deliver this 
strategic objective. The M&A pipeline is regularly reviewed and discussed 
by the Board and all material acquisitions are subject to its approval. 
Post-acquisition value creation strategies are under regular review.

  International Expansion

The Board’s governance role
The Board has formally adopted matters reserved for its decision and a 
schedule of matters that it delegates to executive management. This 
governance structure ensures that major changes, financial 
commitments or new business developments are reviewed by the Board, 
while permitting local and sector autonomy to operate and adapt their 
businesses for international growth.
  Talent &  C ulture
The Board’s governance role
The Board recognises the importance of talent and culture in driving not 
only Halma’s growth, but also the behaviour that we expect from our 
people across the Group. In September 2016, the Board recognised the 
importance of leading talent from the top and appointed Jennifer Ward 
to the Board. Talent discussions are a key feature at each Nomination 
Committee meeting and monitoring culture, diversity and inclusion is a 
role for the Board.

  Finance, Legal & Risk

The Board’s governance role
The Board has established a clear and robust framework to control 
financial investment, oversee financial performance and to manage 
risks and opportunities.

  Digital Growth Engines

The Board’s governance role
The Board are aware of the changing technological landscape and the risks 
and opportunities that continue to arise as the digital revolution, and 
data-related responsibilities, continue to proliferate.

  Innovation Network

The Board’s governance role
The Board members bring a wealth of experience and contacts across 
different sectors and technologies to the Group. The Directors share their 
knowledge and experience with senior management and company 
personnel throughout the year and leverage the power of their network for 
the benefit of our companies. The Board takes a close interest in the 
Convergence and Edge initiatives that are developed with the help of 
internal and external experts and partners and keep abreast of the risks 
and opportunities that continue to arise as the digital revolution continues 
to proliferate.

  Strategic Marketing & Communications

The Board’s governance role
The Board recognises the need for our companies to be more strategic in 
their communications with stakeholders. A key focus has been on 
adequately resourcing our central and sector teams to support our 
businesses in developing market-leading positions by connecting with 
customers through their brand, marketing, product positioning and the 
effective use of all media channels.

62

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Principal Decision and  
stakeholders considered

Dividend 
Shareholders, potential investors 
and lenders, employees, customers 
and suppliers. 

Capital allocation
Shareholders, potential investors and 
lenders, employees, customers, 
operating companies.

Acquisitions 
Shareholders, potential investors and 
lenders, operating companies, vendors 
of companies, future employees and 
partners, and professional advisers. 

COVID-19 response
Shareholders, potential investors and 
lenders, employees, operating 
companies, customers, suppliers, 
government, society. 

Carbon Targets
Shareholders, lenders, employees, 
operating companies, customers, 
suppliers, government, society.

Board’s decision-making process

Long-term considerations

The financial resources required to execute our strategy, 
including organic investment needs and acquisition 
opportunities; the Group’s medium-term rate of organic 
constant currency growth; maintaining a prudent level of 
dividend cover and moderate indebtedness; equitable 
treatment of our stakeholders given the effects of the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

The Group’s budget, approved by the Board, sets the 
allocation of capital to deliver our growth strategy through 
investment in R&D, capital expenditure, talent and 
acquisitions. The weighting of each is determined by our 
strategic priorities over the short to medium term. 

The Board received detailed acquisition proposals from the 
Group Chief Executive on the long-term implications of 
acquisitions and their effect on Halma’s stakeholders. The 
Board balance the financial commitment required against 
the risks and anticipated return, while considering the 
strategic fit with our purpose, the opportunities for 
geographic or market growth (either organic or through 
further M&A) and the talent and knowhow which will be 
acquired. 

In February 2020, the Executive Board formed COVID-19 
support groups to assist our operating companies in safety, 
operational, talent and legal matters arising from the 
COVID-19 situation. Our people and operations in China were 
the initial focus but once the pandemic was declared, this 
became a global operation. The Board were quick to meet 
to understand the implications of the health and economic 
crisis, with the health and wellbeing of our employees being 
central to the review. Weekly updates were provided to the 
Board on the welfare of our employees, site closures and 
financial and operational performance of our businesses. 
In addition, the great work that our people were delivering 
in difficult times to support the fight against COVID-19 
was recognised. 

The Board considered a wide range of operational and 
financial scenarios and the interests of multiple stakeholder 
groups to determine the overhead and salary reductions 
necessary to protect the financial position of the company.

The Board endorsed a proposal to work with our external 
consultants to develop a longer-term carbon reduction 
target based on climate science. It recognises the role that 
Halma has to play in society – not only to live its purpose but 
also to be a good corporate citizen in reducing the impact of 
its operations on the world. Halma has relatively low carbon 
emissions and intensity when compared to other industrial 
companies but it also recognises that the drive towards net 
zero emissions requires everyone to play their part. The 
Board are mindful that new talent, in particular the 
millennial generation, is passionate about climate change 
and committing to the right values and actions in this area, 
which puts Halma at an advantage in recruiting the talent 
of the future.

Dividends consistent with the 
Company’s financial performance 
without detriment to the strength of 
the balance sheet and future 
sustainability.

Balancing investment for future growth 
with the requirement to reduce 
discretionary spend in the shorter-term 
given the effects of the COVID-19 
pandemic; uncertainty around the 
effects of COVID-19.

Halma’s discipline in making 
acquisitions which are aligned to our 
purpose and which are in market 
niches with long-term growth drivers 
ensures that we can continue to grow 
sustainably for the benefit of all our 
stakeholders.

The Board’s approval of cost reduction 
measures was considered essential for 
Halma’s long-term success. It balanced 
the need for short-term overhead 
reduction and cash preservation 
against the longer term expectations 
of shareholders. While Halma was 
eligible for UK government support, it 
was agreed that it would not utilise the 
schemes on offer, including UK 
government funded furlough, unless it 
became absolutely necessary – thus 
ensuring the schemes could benefit 
small and medium sized companies 
that needed them. 

The Board acknowledges the effects of 
climate change and believes that 
acting now is in the interests of all 
humankind and will ensure that Halma 
is a sustainable and responsible 
business which operates for the benefit 
of all stakeholders. Ensuring our 
shorter-term financial performance is 
not expected to compromise the 
ambition to improve our environmental 
performance. Halma is acutely aware 
that strong ESG performance is no 
longer optional but is essential in order 
to remain investable by a broad range 
of investors. The Board will continue to 
support work in this area and report 
transparently to all stakeholders. 

63

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Board leadership and Company purpose continued

How the Board engages with our workforce
In accordance with the Code, the Board has reviewed the 
mechanisms that it uses to engage with its workforce. Last year, 
the Board considered the three mechanisms set out in the Code 
and determined that none of them would be most effective for 
engagement with Halma’s workforce due to the decentralised 
operating model and the geographic spread of our companies. 
Halma chose alternative arrangements for engagement which 
are considered to be more fitting with our operating model and 
culture, as described below.

There are two Executive Board members with operational 
responsibility for all of our operating companies. They regularly 
interact with the Halma Executive and the Board, which ensures 
that there continues to be close clear channels of 
communication with our businesses. There are also frequent 
opportunities for the employee voice to be relayed and reported 
to the Board via company management, operating company 
chair reports and presentations and through regular reporting 
of workforce concerns received via the whistleblowing service.

Each operating company has its own legally constituted board 
which meets on a regular basis. Around one third of these are UK 
companies which are also subject to the duty to promote the 
success of the company under section 172 of the Companies Act 
and requires them to have regard to employee interests and the 
impact of board decision making on their other stakeholders. 
The chair of each of our 40+ companies meets with the Executive 
Board at least three times per year and with Halma Board at 
least annually, facilitating regular dialogue on workforce-related 
matters.

We consider that engagement by the local company board with 
their own workforce, as well as the engagement by the Halma 
Board with the Group’s global workforce, provides an effective 
platform for compliance with the Code, provided that there are 
clear and open communication channels. To support this, we 
have put in place reporting mechanisms such that concerns and 
feedback raised at the operating company level is fed back into 
the Halma Board via each company chair.

HalmaHub
HalmaHub is a mobile-first, social and collaborative platform, 
which has helped accelerate the pace of innovation across the 
Group and enhanced our culture of collaboration.

Recognising the opportunity to amplify the ambition and impact 
of Halma’s diverse and geographically dispersed businesses, 
HalmaHub connects more than 4,500 employees across 20 
countries to share knowledge, skills and ideas every day. This has 
accelerated the pace of change across the Group and led to the 
creation of entirely new business models and product 
collaborations.

The Board-level position of Group Talent, Culture & 
Communications Director demonstrates the importance that we 
place on developing and communicating with, our people and 
improving engagement and the culture across the Group. The 
results of the annual employee engagement survey are included 
on page 39.

4,634  

Employees

wledge

o
n
K

I

d

e

a

s

HalmaHub

20  

Countries

Skill s

44  

Businesses

64

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020The Board strongly believes that our mechanisms for engaging with our workforce are appropriate for our organisational structure 
and, most importantly, are an effective means of bilateral engagement. The graphic below gives a summary of the mechanisms now 
in place to facilitate effective engagement with the various groups across our workforce.

Workforce groups included

Wider  
Workforce

Central 
Functions

Operating 
Company 
Boards

Sector  
Board

Executive  
Board

Board engagement mechanisms

HalmaHub

Workforce  engagement survey

Company & other site visits

Senior Independent  Director available

Accelerate CEO & Accelerate Halma

MD and Functional networks

COVID-19 regional forums

Operating Company Chair reports

Halma plc Board, Committee and strategy meetings

Sector Board meetings

Executive Board  meetings & reports

Development, Digital Accelerator and Graduate programmes

Workforce policies 
Halma’s workforce-related polices and practices are summarised in our Code of Conduct which stipulates expected behaviours and 
ethical commitment from each employee, in accordance with our values. The Code of Conduct is reviewed annually by the Board. 
The Code contains information on how employees can raise concerns with senior management or via a third party confidential 
reporting service.

The Audit Committee has been delegated responsibility for reviewing the adequacy and security of the Group’s arrangements for 
employees and contractors to raise concerns about possible improprieties in financial reporting or other matters but the Board review 
regular reports on any workforce concerns that have been raised. Halma has appointed NavexGlobal to operate a confidential, 
multilingual, telephone and web reporting service. All reports are reviewed by the Company Secretary and appropriately investigated.

65

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Division of responsibilities

The division of responsibilities between the Board members is set out below. A summary of the Board’s activities throughout the year 
is shown on page 67.

Role

Name

Chairman’s 
responsibilities

Group Chief Executive

Executive Directors

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

information.

 — Ensuring that there is effective communication with shareholders.

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

People
 — Chairing the Nomination Committee.
 — Identifying and meeting the induction and development needs of the Board and its committees.
 — Developing a strong working relationship with the Group Chief Executive.
 — Ensuring a strong working relationship between executive and non-executive Directors.
 — Setting clear expectations concerning the Company’s culture, values and behaviours.
 — Ensuring effective relationships are maintained with all major stakeholders in the business.

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

that its succession plan is reviewed annually with the Chairman and the non-executive Directors.

 — Monitoring, reviewing and managing key risks and strategies with the Board.
 — Ensuring that the assets of the Group are adequately safeguarded and maintained.
 — Building and maintaining the Company’s communications and standing with shareholders, financial 
institutions and the public and effectively communicating the Halma investment proposition to all 
stakeholders.

 — Ensuring the Board is aware of the view of employees on issues of relevance to Halma.

 — Implementing and delivering the strategy and operational decisions agreed by the Board.
 — Making operational and financial decisions required in the day-to-day management of the Company.
 — Providing executive leadership to senior management across the business.
 — Championing the Group’s culture and values, reinforcing the governance and control procedures.
 — Promoting talent management, encouraging diversity and inclusion.
 — Ensuring the Board is aware of the view of employees on issues of relevance to Halma.

Senior Independent 
Director

 — Acting as a sounding board for the Chairman.
 — Serving as a trusted intermediary for the other Directors.
 — Providing an alternative channel for shareholders and employees to raise concerns, independent of executive 

management and the Chairman.

Independent non-
executive Directors

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

Board agenda.

 — Scrutinising the performance of management in delivering the Company’s strategy and objectives.
 — Providing constructive challenge to the executive Directors.
 — Monitoring the reporting of performance and ensuring that the Company is operating within the governance 

and risk framework approved by the Board.

Company Secretary

 — Acting as a sounding board for the Chairman and other Directors.
 — Ensuring clear and timely information flow to the Board and its committees.
 — Providing advice and support to the Board and its committees on matters of corporate governance.

66

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020The Board’s year 

Activities

Strategy, 
Investor Relations
& Communications

Financial & Operational

Governance, 
Compliance & Ethics

Talent & Culture

Mergers & Acquisitions

Standing Board 
agenda items

Matters reserved for 
decision by the Board

 — Two-day strategy meeting.
 — Environmental, Social & Governance.
 — Safety sector Investor Day.
 — Talent and communications.
 — Presentations from operating companies.
 — Halma brand.
 — Portfolio review.

 — Budget for 2021.
 — Half Year results, Full Year results and Trading updates.
 — Final and interim dividend.
 — Sector updates and DCE presentation.
 — Financial scenario planning in light of COVID-19
 — Financial and operational response to COVID-19 pandemic 
 — EU State Aid appeal
 — Employee Benefit Trust share purchases.
 — Share Incentive Plan allocation.
 — Renewal of Global insurance programme.

 — Internal Board and Committee evaluations.
 — Chairman and non-executive Director fee reductions.
 — AGM business and voting analysis.
 — 2020 Annual Report.
 — Compliance updates.
 — Cyber security updates and IT framework review.
 — Pensions update.
 — Modern Slavery Act Statement and risk mapping by STOP THE TRAFFIK.
 — Annual review of Code of Conduct and key policies.
 — 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code compliance.
 — Meeting schedule review
 — Response to BEIS on the CMA’s recommendations on the UK audit market

 — Succession planning and talent development.
 — Engagement survey results.
 — Hampton-Alexander submission
 — Parker Review submission

 — Acquisition approvals.
 — M&A pipeline review.
 — Digital growth opportunities.
 — Market review for Medical prospects

In addition to the Board matters considered above over the past year, at each meeting there are standing items, which 
include:
 — Review and approval of the previous minutes and conflicts of interest.
 — Status update on any matters outstanding from previous meetings.
 — Updates from each Board Committee on the activities since the last Board meeting.
 — Report from the Group Chief Executive.
 — Report from the Chief Financial Officer.
 — Investor Relations report.
 — M&A update.
 — Health & Safety review.
 — Workforce concerns and culture
 — Risk review.
 — Legal and governance update.

 — Setting the Group’s long-term objectives and commercial strategy.
 — Approving annual operating and capital expenditure budgets.
 — Ceasing all or a material part of the Group’s business.
 — Significantly extending the Group’s activities into new business or geographic areas.
 — Changing the share capital or corporate structure of the Company.
 — Changing the Group’s management and control structure.
 — Approving half year and full year results and reports.
 — Approving dividend policy and the declaration of dividends.
 — Approving significant changes to accounting policies.
 — Approving key policies.
 — Approving risk management procedures and policies, including anti-bribery and corruption.
 — Approving major investments, disposals, capital projects or contracts (including bank borrowings and debt 

facilities).

 — Approving guarantees and material indemnities (not otherwise delegated to the Bank Guarantees and Facilities 

Committee).

 — Approving resolutions to be put to the AGM and documents or circulars to be sent to shareholders.
 — Approving changes to the Board structure, size or its composition (following the recommendation of the 

Nomination Committee).

 — Assessing and monitoring the Group’s culture and alignment with its purpose, values and strategy.

67

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Composition, succession and evaluation

Composition of the Board
The Board is composed of ten directors, who bring a wide variety 
of skills and experience to the boardroom. With four executive 
Directors and six non-executive Directors (including the 
Chairman), there is a strong independent element to Halma’s 
Board which encourages constructive challenge and ensures that 
the balance of power rests with the non-executive members of 
the Board.

The Chairman, with the endorsement of the Nomination 
Committee, considers that the current Board structure is 
appropriate for Halma – both in terms of size and the balance 
of skills around the table. This was echoed by the Directors in the 
recent internal Board evaluation questionnaire. Biographies of 
each Director, including an overview of their skills and experience, 
are set out on pages 58 and 59.

Independence
The Board has reviewed the independence of each non-executive 
Director and, following an assessment of any relationships or 
circumstances which are likely to affect a Director’s judgement, 
consider each to be independent of management. The Board 
believes that any shares in the Company held by the Chairman 
and non-executive Directors serve to align their interests with 
those of shareholders.

Tony Rice was appointed Senior Independent Director in July 2015 
and is available as an alternative channel of communication for 
shareholders, independent from executive management and 
the Chairman.

Time commitment
The Board benefits from the variety of skills, experience and 
knowledge of each Director. Director availability and 
commitment of sufficient time to the Company is essential.
Accordingly, the number of external directorships that a 
non-executive Director holds is an important consideration when 
recruiting and when annually evaluating the contribution and 
effectiveness of each non-executive Director. Additional external 
appointments are not undertaken by Directors without the prior 
approval of the Board. An assessment of the time commitment 
required for the new role is a key factor in the approval process. 
Our policy is that executive Directors are permitted to accept 
one external appointment, provided that the appointment is 
beneficial to the development of the individual or the Company 
and does not present a conflict of interest with the Group’s 
activities or require a significant time commitment which would 
interfere with the performance of their executive duties.

In addition to the scheduled Board meetings, non-executive 
Directors are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting, 
the annual strategy meeting and other key events, including 
operating company visits throughout the year. A time 
commitment of around 20 days per annum is the anticipated 
requirement for each non-executive Director. Prior to their 
appointment, confirmation is obtained from each non-executive 
Director that they can allocate sufficient time to the role.

Details of Board attendance during the year is set out on 
page 60 and attendance for each Committee is in the relevant 
Committee reports on pages 69, 72 and 77.

Induction and development
Newly appointed non-executive Directors follow a tailored 
induction programme, which includes dedicated time with Group 
executives and visits to companies within each of the sectors.

Thereafter, non-executive Directors arrange site visits throughout 
the year, often around their other business travel commitments. 
The Chairman reviews the training and development needs of 
the Board, and each individual Director, at least annually.

While most Directors undertake their own programme of continuing 
professional development, briefings and presentations from subject 
experts are available to all Directors throughout the year. New or 
specialist topics may also be covered within the Board meeting 
agenda or as part of the annual leadership conference.

Board evaluation and effectiveness
The Chairman leads the annual evaluation of the Board’s 
effectiveness and the individual performance review of each 
Director. The formal evaluation includes an assessment of the 
appropriateness of the Board’s composition and diversity. The 
principal Committees of the Board undertake a separate annual 
evaluation of their effectiveness, in accordance with their terms 
of reference.

For 2020, the Board undertook an internal evaluation led by the 
Chairman. This process involved a questionnaire being completed 
by each Director in advance of individual meetings with the 
Chairman. The key themes arising from the evaluation were 
reviewed by the Board and are used by the Chairman to shape 
arrangements for the coming year. The outcome of the 
evaluation confirmed that the Board and its Committees 
continue to function effectively. The composition of the Board 
was considered to be appropriate, although ethnic and 
international diversity was recognised as an area for 
improvement and has influenced the brief for the new non-
executive Director search. It was also observed that there was 
more that can be done to leverage the experience and network 
of our non-executive Directors for the benefit of Halma’s 
operating companies. The Sector Chief Executives are now 
reviewing how our management can best utilise this valuable 
resource most effectively.

The Chairman and non-executive Directors regularly meet 
without the executive Directors present, to ensure that there is 
an opportunity to discuss potentially sensitive matters. At least 
annually, the Senior Independent Director meets with the 
non-executive Directors, excluding the Chairman, to evaluate 
the Chairman’s performance.

The executive Directors are also given the opportunity to meet 
with the Chairman and/or the Senior Independent Director 
separately. The outcome of these meetings is fed back to 
individuals by the Chairman, Senior Independent Director 
or Group Chief Executive, as appropriate.

Director re-election
All of the current Directors will stand for re-election at the 
forthcoming AGM. Following the annual evaluation of the Board 
and its Committees, and the individual performance reviews 
undertaken, all Directors that are standing for re-election are 
considered to be effective in their role, hold recent and relevant 
experience which is of value to Halma and they continue to 
demonstrate commitment.

Biographical details of each Director standing for re-election are 
set out on pages 58 and 59 and in the Notice of Meeting, along 
with the rationale for recommending their re-election.

Liability insurance and indemnities
Each Director is covered by appropriate directors’ and officers’ 
liability insurance, at the Company’s expense. In addition, there 
are Deeds of Indemnity in place, which provide an indemnity 
from the Company to each individual Director in respect of any 
proceedings brought against them personally by a third party, in 
their capacity as Director of the Company. The indemnity does 
not extend to certain areas, including: any liability to pay a fine 
imposed in criminal proceedings; defending criminal proceedings 
where the Director is convicted and such conviction is final; 
defending any civil proceedings brought by the Company or an 
associated company; or in any proceedings for disqualification of 
the Director.

68

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Nomination Committee Report

During the year, the Committee 
met formally on three occasions, 
primarily to focus on Board 
succession planning, reviewing 
progress on diversity and assessing 
the talent pool below the 
Executive Board. 

Board Composition and Diversity
The Board recognises the benefits of a diverse 
leadership team. The charts below illustrate the 
composition and diversity of the Board. 

Composition

Executive

Non-executive

Gender

Age

Female

Male

40-49

50-59

60-69

Nationality

British

American

Brazilian

Tenure

0-3 years

3-6 years

6-9 years

9+ years

4

6

4

6

3

5

2

6

3

1

1

5

2

2

Committee composition and attendance

Paul Walker (Chair)

Carole Cran

Daniela Barone Soares

Jo Harlow

Tony Rice

Roy Twite

Andrew Williams

Eligible

Attended

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

Committee composition
The Committee comprises, and has comprised of throughout the 
year, the Chairman, the Group Chief Executive and the five 
independent non-executive Directors. It is chaired by Paul Walker 
but he would not chair a meeting which was dealing with the 
appointment of his successor.

Only Committee members are entitled to attend meetings 
although the Group Talent, Culture and Communications 
Director is a regular attendee and external search consultants 
may be invited for specific items.

Principal role and responsibilities
The Committee is appointed by the Board and operates under 
written terms of reference (available at www.halma.com.) which 
are reviewed at least annually. 

The primary duties of the Committee are:

 — Reviewing the size, balance and composition (evaluating the 

skills, knowledge and experience) of the Board and its 
Committees, ensuring that they remain appropriate and link 
to the Company’s strategic objectives.

 — Making recommendations to the Board on any changes to the 
structure or composition of the Board and its Committees.

 — Leading the process for new Board appointments. 

 — Leading succession planning discussions for Board and senior 

executive positions, including the identification and 
assessment of potential candidates and making 
recommendations to the Board for its approval.

 — Keeping under review the leadership needs of the Group, for 

both executive Directors and other senior executives, including 
any recommendations made by the Group Chief Executive.

Activities during the year
The Committee’s main activities have been:

 — Agreeing a role specification for a new non-executive director 
to replace Daniela Barone Soares, who will retire from the 
Board at the AGM in 2021. 

 — Appointing Lygon Group, who are not connected to the 

Company, to undertake the non-executive director search with 
the brief to find a diverse candidate with operational 
experience, in a relevant sector in Asia (particularly China and 
South East Asian markets).

 — Following a robust assessment of her contribution to the Board 
and its Committees, recommending the re-appointment of Jo 
Harlow as non-executive Director for a further three year term.

 — Recommending to the Board the appointment of Jo Harlow as 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee from 14 February 2020, 
succeeding Tony Rice who remains a non-executive Director 
and Senior Independent Director.

69

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Nomination Committee Report continued

 — Reviewing the skills and experience of the Executive Board and 
talent one level below, as part of the ongoing monitoring for 
succession planning for senior leadership and Executive 
positions. 

 — With input from Lygon Group, discussed the future 

capabilities and requirements for the Group Chief Executive 
and Chairman roles, which will inform development plans 
for any internal candidates.

 — Reviewing the gender and ethnic diversity of the Board and 
Executive Board and noting the improvements in gender 
balance across the senior management tier.

 — Reviewing the results from the Board and Committee 
evaluations and recommending the re-appointment 
of all Directors at the 2020 Annual General Meeting.

Board appointment process
The Board has an established approach for seeking and 
evaluating candidates for Board positions, which was utilised 
for the appointment of the Chief Financial Officer in 2018 
and is being applied for the non-executive Director search 
outlined above. 

Prior to the Committee making a recommendation to the Board 
for an appointment, it undertakes the following process:

 — Identifying the skills, experience and knowledge required for, 

and complementary to, the role.

 — Agreeing the role specification and capabilities required.

 — Selecting a global executive search firm.

 — Reviewing candidate profiles and preparing a shortlist of 

diverse candidates for interview.

 — Making an in-depth assessment of each candidate’s suitability 
for the role, based on interviews, psychometric testing and 
references.

 — Recommending the preferred candidate to the Board.

Board and Committee evaluations
The Committee reviews the process and output from the annual 
Board and Committee evaluations. The formal evaluation 
process involves a review of the performance of each Director 
through individual meetings held with the Chairman and for the 
Chairman, the Senior Independent Director. The Board and each 
Committee undertakes an evaluation of its own effectiveness 
and reports the findings to the Board. In 2020, this evaluation 
took the form of a tailored questionnaire for each audience 
and the feedback was discussed with the respective Board 
or Committee Chair.

The outcome from the Committee’s own evaluation determined 
that the size and structure is appropriate, the frequency and 
duration of the meetings are suitable, the quality of the papers 
and oversight of the senior management talent pipeline is good, 
the meeting environment is conducive to open and effective 
debate and results in well-considered decision making.

Diversity
Halma has a group-wide diversity and inclusion policy which 
sets out our commitment that all candidates are considered 
fairly, regardless of their gender, race, age, sexual orientation, 
professional or academic background and it is our practice to 
ensure that there is a diverse selection of candidates before we 
commence the assessment process. While appointments are 
ultimately based on merit – taking account of an individual’s 
relevant skills and experience for the role – we recognise the 
benefits that a diverse workforce brings. Accordingly, we require 
recruiters to provide a diverse range of candidates before we 
consider the merits of each application, which ensures that we 
factor diversity and inclusion into our process at the outset.

The work that Halma is doing to improve diversity across the 
Group, along with our open and inclusive culture ensures that all 
candidates are fairly considered for each role. See the Our People 
section on pages 38 and 39 of the Strategic Report for more 
information on the gender diversity across the Group and our 
efforts to further embrace diversity and inclusion. While specific 
targets may be set in the future relating to other elements of 
diversity, we are mindful that maintaining a flexible approach is 
favourable, as it enables steps to be taken to achieve a genuinely 
diverse and talented workforce across all levels and avoids a sole 
focus on the Board and senior management tier.

Board Diversity Policy
The Committee recognises the benefits of a diverse board and 
embraces diversity and inclusion in the widest sense. The Board 
has adopted a Board Diversity Policy, to complement the 
group-wide diversity and inclusion policy. This Policy confirms our 
commitment to ensure that candidates are fairly treated 
regardless of their gender, race, age, sexual orientation, 
professional or academic background. We have achieved good 
progress on gender diversity at Board and Executive Board level, 
and our Group Chief Executive’s membership of the 30% Club 
demonstrates our long-term commitment to this agenda. We will 
continue to focus our efforts on driving gender and ethnic 
diversity at the senior levels throughout our business, where 
women and ethnic minorities are less well represented.

The Board supports the recommendation of the Hampton-
Alexander Review on gender diversity to have at least one third 
of the Board comprised of women. At the year end and at the 
date of this Report, the Board comprised 10 Directors, including 
four women (40% of the Board). The spread of nationalities is six 
British, three American and one Brazilian. On the Executive 
Board, there are currently four women (50%) and four men 
(50%), with a spread of nationalities comprising three British, 
four American and one German. In August 2020, the Executive 
Board shall be composed of 57% women.

Paul Walker
Chair

For and on behalf of the Committee 
14 July 2020

70

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Audit, risk and internal control

Risk management and internal controls 
The Board has overall responsibility to the shareholders for the 
Group’s system of internal control and risk management and 
the review of the system’s effectiveness is carried out with the 
assistance of the Audit Committee. While not providing absolute 
assurance against material misstatements or loss, this system is 
designed to identify and manage those risks that could adversely 
impact the achievement of the Group’s objectives. The Group’s 
risk management structure and process is detailed on pages 48 
and 49. The Group’s principal risks and uncertainties are detailed 
on pages 50 to 53.

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

The Board’s regular review of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk 
management and internal control systems (including financial, 
operational and compliance controls) is principally based on 
reports from management. These reports consider whether 
significant risks have been identified, evaluated, managed and 
controlled. The Group’s external Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers, 
has audited the financial statements and has reviewed the 
financial control framework to the extent considered necessary 
to support the audit report.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the main trends 
and factors likely to affect its future development, performance 
and position, and the financial position of the Group as at 
31 March 2020, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing 
facilities are set out in the Strategic Report. In addition, note 27 
contains further information concerning the security, currency, 
interest rates and maturity of the Group’s borrowings.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern 
basis. In adopting the going concern basis the Directors have 
considered all of the above factors, including potential scenarios 
arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and from its other principal 
risks set out on pages 50 to 53. Under the potential scenarios 
considered, which are severe but plausible, the Group remains 
within its debt facilities and the attached financial covenants for 
the foreseeable future and the Directors therefore believe, at the 
time of approving the financial statements, that the Company is 
well placed to manage its business risks successfully and remains 
a going concern. The key facts and assumptions in reaching this 
determination are summarised below. 

Our financial position remains robust with committed facilities 
totalling approximately £750m which includes a £550m Revolving 
Credit Facility, maturing in November 2023, of which £313.6m 
remains undrawn at the date of this report. The earliest maturity 
in these facilities is for £74m in January 2021, with the remaining 
maturities from January 2023 onwards. The financial covenants 
on these facilities are for leverage (net debt/adjusted EBITDA*) 
of not more than three times and for adjusted interest cover of 
not less than four times. 

* net debt and adjusted EBITDA are on a pre-IFRS 16 basis for 
covenant purposes

Our base scenario has been prepared using forecasts from each 
of our Operating Companies, with each considering both the 
challenges and opportunities they are facing as a consequence 
of COVID-19. Whilst these are varied, we have made assumptions 
in the following key areas:

 — The impact of government lockdown restrictions: physical 
lockdown of either our own or our suppliers, distributors or 
customers operations have a direct impact on our revenue. 
This has impacted the Safety Sectors in particular with the 
challenges of physical access and our customers’ ability to 
install products at end customer sites. We have assumed 
a gradual recovery of these sectors from Q2 with trading 
returning to more normal trading levels by the end of FY21.

 — The impact of the pandemic on elective surgery and 

discretionary ophthalmic diagnosis procedures: as health 
services have focussed on addressing the additional demand 
from the pandemic, certain businesses in the Medical sector 
have experienced reduced demand for their products in these 
end markets. We have assumed a gradual recovery from Q2 
as healthcare systems normalise, returning to more normal 
trading levels by Q3.

 — The effect on essential businesses: a number of our businesses 

are considered essential in nature either as they make 
products that are critical to life or protect critical 
infrastructure. A small number of these businesses have 
experienced an increase in demand as a result of global efforts 
to fight COVID-19. We have assumed that the current high 
demand in these businesses is short term and moderates over 
the coming months, returning to more normal levels by Q4.

Mitigating actions assumed in the base case: 

 — Cost reductions which have already been implemented in Q1 

of the 2021 financial year including temporary salary 
reductions, hiring freezes and a significant reduction in 
discretionary overhead spending. We have assumed 
appropriate and achievable further reductions in overheads 
where this is required for individual companies to ‘right size’ 
their cost base for the medium term. 

 — Reduction of capital expenditure: we have assumed a 

reduction of non-essential capital expenditure for the rest 
of the financial year.

 — Suspension of M&A activity: we have assumed that we will 

not make any acquisitions for the balance of FY21, resuming 
a normal level of activity during FY22. 

Further severe but plausible downside sensitivities modelled 
include: 

 — A delay in the recovery of the impacted businesses from the 

effects of COVID-19.

 — A second wave of COVID-19 infection and corresponding 

government restrictions in the second half of FY21. 

 — A reverse stress test scenario has been modelled which is 

considered remote in likelihood of occurring, which includes a 
combination of these scenarios with the addition of impacts 
from the Group’s other principal risks. 

None of these scenarios result in a breach of the Group’s 
available debt facilities or the attached covenants and 
accordingly the Directors believe there is no material 
uncertainty in the use of the going concern assumption. 

Longer term viability
In accordance with the Code, the Board has considered the 
Company’s longer term viability and sets out its Viability 
Statement on page 54 of the Strategic Report.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Audit Committee Report

Appointments to the Committee are made by the Board and the 
remuneration of the Chair reflects the additional responsibilities 
and time commitment required in the role, compared to the other 
Committee members. As part of the induction process for new 
members of the Committee, they will meet separately with key 
individuals – including the Chair, the Chief Financial Officer, the 
Director of Risk & Internal Audit and the external Auditor. While 
each non-executive Director will largely manage their own 
continuing development, the Committee receives relevant updates 
throughout the year and may request additional information 
as required.

Principal role and responsibilities
The Committee is appointed by the Board and operates under 
written terms of reference (available at www.halma.com.) which 
are reviewed at least annually. 

Committee composition and attendance

The primary duties of the Committee are:

Carole Cran (Chair) 

Daniela Barone Soares

Jo Harlow

Tony Rice

Roy Twite

Eligible

Attended

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

During the year, the Committee met formally on three occasions, 
with two of the three meetings focusing on the Half Year and Full 
Year Reports and Results Announcements and the third meeting 
primarily considering the external and internal audit plans for the 
coming year. As the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
on the Group’s reporting timetable became apparent, there were 
regular internal reviews with management, the Auditor and the 
Audit Chair to understand the challenges faced in delivering 
audited financial results – particularly in respect of stock counts 
and obtaining sufficient global coverage in the lockdown to enable 
an audit opinion to be issued without being modified or qualified. 
As a result of these discussions, with the support of the 
Committee, the Board delayed the annual results announcement 
from mid-June to mid-July 2020. 

Going forward there will be four meetings held each year to cover 
additional topics as outlined below.

Committee composition and induction
The Committee comprises, and has comprised of throughout the 
year, the five independent non-executive Directors. Carole Cran is 
Chair of the Committee and continues to have recent and relevant 
financial experience, and competence in accounting. Carole 
qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG has held senior 
financial positions at FTSE listed companies and is currently 
Chief Financial Officer at Forth Ports Limited and was a business 
representative on the review panel led by Sir Donald Brydon to 
look at the quality standards delivered by UK auditors. 

Only Committee members are entitled to attend meetings, 
although the Chair invites the Chairman, executive Directors, 
Group Financial Controller, Director of Risk & Internal Audit and 
representatives from the external Auditor to regularly attend 
meetings. Subject matter experts, such as the Chief Technology 
Officer, the Head of Tax, Head of Treasury and sector CFOs are 
invited to attend on a cyclical basis to update the Committee.

72

Financial reporting
 — Reviewing significant financial reporting judgements and 

estimates, and the application of accounting policies, including 
compliance with accounting standards; ensuring the integrity 
of the financial statements and standards compliance with UK 
company law and regulation.

 — Ensuring the Annual Report and Accounts are fair, balanced 

and understandable; monitoring the integrity of 
announcements containing financial information.

Internal control
 — Monitoring the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal 

controls and processes.

Risk management
 — Reviewing and providing oversight of the processes by which 

risks are managed; reviewing the process undertaken, and the 
stress-testing performed, to support the Group’s Viability 
Statement and Going Concern Statement.

Compliance, fraud and whistleblowing
 — Monitoring compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 

Code.

 — Reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s 

compliance functions; monitoring the processes in place to 
prevent and detect fraud and receiving reports on fraud 
attempts or incidents; reviewing the adequacy of arrangements 
in place to enable employees to raise concerns in confidence.

Internal audit
 — Reviewing and approving the audit work plan and charter.

 — Reviewing reports from audits and monitoring the status of 
remedial actions; monitoring the structure, composition and 
resourcing of the function.

 — Reviewing the role and effectiveness of the function.

 — Considering whether an independent third-party review of 
internal audit effectiveness and processes is appropriate.

External audit
 — Managing the relationship with the Auditor.

 — Monitoring and reviewing the independence and performance 
of the Auditor and formally evaluating their effectiveness.

 — Reviewing the policy on non-audit services carried out by the 

Auditor; negotiating and approving the Auditor’s fee, the scope 
of the audit and the terms of their engagement.

 — Leading the audit tender process at least every 10 years.

 — Making recommendations to the Board for the appointment or 

reappointment of the Auditor.

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Governance
The Committee has three scheduled meetings per year, to coincide 
with the key events in the corporate reporting calendar and audit 
cycle. From 2020, an additional meeting has been added in 
September, to provide an update between the meeting in June 
and November and to set aside more time for topic-specific and 
technical updates.

The Committee, and independently the Chair, regularly meets 
with the Director of Risk & Internal Audit and separately with the 
external Auditor, without any executive Directors present. The 
Chair maintains regular contact with management, particularly 
the Chief Financial Officer, Group Financial Controller and the 
Company Secretary.

All members of the Committee further their internal network and 
knowledge of the businesses through company visits, corporate 
events and Halma’s annual leadership conference.

The Committee receives updates from the external Auditor 
and other professional advisers, where appropriate, on matters 
relevant to financial reporting, internal control, audit and risk. 
The Committee as a whole has competence relevant to the 
Company’s sector, with each member bringing valuable 
experience, diversity of thought and independent judgement. 
Biographies for each member of the Committee are set out 
on pages 58 and 59.

The Chair sets the forward agenda for the year but allows for 
flexibility in the timing and the schedule to ensure that new or 
unforeseen areas can be appropriately reviewed. The agenda and 
meeting papers are circulated in a timely manner, in accordance 
with the terms of reference.

The Chair reports to the Board on the key matters discussed and 
Committee minutes are subsequently circulated to all Board 
members and the external Auditor. Internal Audit reports that 
identify any significant control weakness, a compliance weakness 
or other risk that requires immediate management attention, are 
circulated to the Committee via the Company Secretary as soon 
as a report is issued.

The Committee undertakes an evaluation of its own effectiveness 
each year and reports the findings to the Board. In 2020, this 
evaluation took the form of a tailored questionnaire and the 
feedback was provided to the Committee Chair and the output 
shared with Committee members. The Committee agreed that 
the size and structure is appropriate, the frequency and duration 
of the meetings are suitable (in light of an additional meeting 
being included each year in September), the quality of the 
papers was good, the meeting environment is conducive to open 
and effective debate and one in which management can be 
openly challenged.

Activities during the year
The Committee’s main activities have been:

 — Reviewing on behalf of the Board the Half Year Report and 

Annual Report and Accounts and considering the key 
accounting judgements and estimates that affect the 
application of the policies and reported values, particularly 
in light of COVID-19.

 — Reviewing the Half-Year and Year-End risk and assurance 

process.

 — Reviewing data insights obtained from 

PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) external audit cycle.

 — Reviewing the FRC’s Audit Quality Review Report on PwC.

 — Reviewing the Group’s whistleblowing and compliance 

procedures and reports.

 — Receiving an update on IT and cyber risk controls.

 — Approving the Tax Strategy and recommending its approval to 

the Board.

 — Approving the Treasury Policy.

 — Agreeing PwC’s audit fee.

 — Approving the Internal Audit Charter and work plan.

 — Reviewing the Group’s Principal Risks.

 — Committee evaluation.

Whistleblowing
The Committee had responsibility for reviewing the adequacy 
and security of the Group’s arrangements for employees and 
contractors to raise concerns about possible improprieties in 
financial reporting or other matters. Halma has appointed 
an external third-party provider, NavexGlobal, to operate a 
confidential, multilingual, telephone and web reporting service, 
24/7, through which concerns can be raised. Further details are set 
out in the Sustainability section on page 46.

All reports are provided to the Company Secretary for review 
and to ensure that they are appropriately investigated, with the 
support of Internal Audit and external resources, if required. In line 
with many listed companies, most matters reported through the 
NavexGlobal service relate to personnel/HR matters and, while 
these are not areas for review by the Committee, such matters are 
duly investigated in the same manner and reported to the Board 
in its role of monitoring culture and reviewing workforce concerns.

Following a review during the year, the Committee was satisfied 
with the adequacy and security of the arrangements in place for 
people to raise concerns on possible improprieties in financial 
reporting or financial misconduct.

External auditor
The external auditor is engaged to express an opinion on the 
Group and Company financial statements. The audit includes 
the review and testing of the data contained in the financial 
statements to the extent, and materiality level, necessary for 
expressing an audit opinion as to whether they present a true and 
fair view of the state of the Group and parent company affairs as 
at 31 March 2020. Following a tender process, PwC were appointed 
Auditor to the Company at the Annual General Meeting in 2017. 
Owen Mackney has been the Senior Statutory Auditor since 2017.

Audit tendering
The Committee has primary responsibility for recommending to 
the Board the appointment or re-appointment of the external 
auditor before it is put to shareholders at the AGM. The 
Committee will, at the appropriate time, lead the audit tender 
process. This process will be carried out at least every 10 years and, 
unless it is undertaken earlier, it is the Committee’s policy to 
consider whether a tender is appropriate every five years, to 
coincide with the change in Senior Statutory Auditor. Accordingly, 
it is anticipated that the Committee will review the position ahead 
of the financial year ending in 2022 and should a tender not be 
considered appropriate at that time, the rationale will be stated 
within the Committee’s Report.

Statement of compliance
The Company confirms that it complied throughout the year 
with the provisions of the Competition and Markets Authority’s 
Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation 
(Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Processes and Audit 
Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014.

Auditor objectivity and independence (including non-
audit fees)
The Group has adopted a policy on ‘Auditor Independence and 
Services provided by the External Auditor’ which sets out the 
limited services that the external Auditor can provide to Group 
companies, which do not conflict with the Auditor’s independence. 
This new Policy has been updated this year to align to the FRC’s 
revised Ethical Standard which applies from March 2020. A 
summary of the new Policy is set out below.

73

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Audit Committee Report continued

During the year, four pieces of permitted non-audit work (in 
addition to the Half Year Report review) were undertaken by PwC, 
with total fees being circa £30,000. This work was pre-approved by 
the Committee or, for items under £15,000, the Chair of the 
Committee. 

In addition to Halma’s Policy, the Auditor runs its own 
independence and compliance checks, prior to accepting any 
engagement, to ensure that all non-audit work is compliant with 
the Ethical Standard in force and that there is no conflict of 
interest.

The audit fees payable to PwC for the year ended 31 March 2020 
were £1.7m (2019: £1.3m) and non-audit service fees, were £0.1m 
(2019: £0.1m).

Financial statements and significant accounting matters
During the year and prior to the publication of the Group’s results 
for the half year ended 30 September 2019 and the full year ended 
31 March 2020, the Committee considered the significant risks and 
material issues, judgements and estimates made in relation to the 
Group’s financial statements, comprising:

 — Focusing on, monitoring regularly and constructively 

challenging, the reasonableness of the assumptions used in 
impairment calculations by management, particularly in light 
of the impact of COVID-19.

 — Challenging the appropriateness of judgements and forecasts 

used including discount rates, growth rates, the level of 
aggregation of individual cash generating units and 
methodology applied, and any other associated disclosures in 
note 11 to the Accounts.

 — Assessing capitalisation and the carrying value of development 

costs in line with the accounting policy and standards.

 — Assessing the assumptions in determining the pension 

obligations, particularly given market volatility and determining 
whether the key assumptions were reasonable.

 — Assessing the recoverability of trade receivables in light of the 

impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 — Considering the appropriateness and reasonableness of stated 
judgements and conclusions and that reporting was accurate.

 — Assessing the position taken with regards to tax judgements.

 — The impact of adopting IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ for the first time and 

the adequacy of the disclosures.

As part of the above process the Committee specifically 
considered the following:

 — The value of goodwill, due to the significance of the amounts 

recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the 
judgements and estimates involved in assessing goodwill for 
impairment.

 — The risk that acquisitions are not accounted for correctly in line 
with IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’ including the recording of 
fair value adjustments and the identification and valuation of 
acquired intangible assets.

 — The valuation of any contingent consideration arising on 

acquisitions in current and prior periods.

 — The judgements and estimates involved in valuing defined 

benefit pension plans including the discount rate, the mortality 
assumption and the inflation rate.

 — Compliance risks with existing and evolving tax legislation.

 — The carrying value of Capitalised Development Costs (CDCs).

 — The carrying value of trade receivables in light of the COVID-19 

pandemic.

 — The going concern status of the Group and any impact on 

future viability due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These issues were discussed with management at various stages 
during the year and during the preparation and finalisation of 
the financial statements. After reviewing the presentations and 
reports from management, the Committee is satisfied that the 
financial statements appropriately address the critical judgements 
and key estimates, both in respect of the amounts reported and 
the disclosures made. The Committee is also satisfied that the 
significant assumptions used for determining the value of assets 
and liabilities have been appropriately scrutinised, challenged 
and are sufficiently robust. The Committee has discussed these 
issues with the Auditor during the audit planning process and 
at the finalisation of the year-end audit and is satisfied that its 
conclusions are in line with those drawn by the Auditor in relation 
to these issues.

The Committee’s process for challenging the assumptions of 
management and addressing the risks identified includes the 
following activities:

 — Reviewing the conclusion of the transition process for the 

adoption of IFRS 16, to confirm that the outcome on the Group’s 
results and KPIs was in line with that expected.

 — Assessing treatments of contingent consideration payment 

arrangements against the requirements of IFRS 3 and IFRS 13.

 — The treatment and valuation of the contingent consideration 
payable, particularly in relation to Mini-Cam, Visiometrics, 
Navtech Radar, NeoMedix and NovaBone.

 — The fair value of acquired intangible assets and carrying values 

arising on the 10 acquisitions in the period, particularly in 
relation to the acquisitions of NovaBone, Ampac and Sensit. 

 — The appropriateness of, and process followed for changes made 
to the aggregation of individual cash generating units used in 
the Group’s impairment review during the year, as well as the 
associated disclosures of the changes. 

 — The assumptions around discount rate and inflation rate that 
resulted in the significant decrease in the net liability on the 
pension obligations.

 — The make up of the Group’s receivables and experiences of cash 
collection since the year end and the adequacy of the bad debt 
provision and prudence applied in relation to the risks in each 
sector. 

 — The evidence supporting the going concern basis of accounts 

preparation, the Viability Statement and the risk management 
(particularly in light of COVID-19) and internal control disclosure 
requirements.

 — The judgements around the carrying value of tax provisions and 
uncertainties, in particular, the potential impact on the Group 
of the European Commission’s decision against the UK 
Government relating to the UK Controlled Foreign Company 
partial exemption being illegal State Aid.

Risk management and internal controls
The Committee maintains oversight of the risk management and 
internal control framework and monitors its effectiveness. During 
2020, the risk management and internal control process was 
further improved. Completion of strategic risk assessments across 
the Group were, for the first time, input by businesses/risk owners 
directly into the RiskHub software. The Executive Board members 
are fully engaged in the risk management process and review all 
of  the Group’s Principal Risks in detail prior to their discussion and 
approval at the Board. In addition, further rationalisation of the 
internal control framework for finance, legal and IT has been 
completed which provides a clearer framework and baseline level 
of compliance for all the operating companies, whilst allowing for 
the Halma decentralised operating structure, where different 
systems and processes are used. 

74

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020The Committee reviewed, with the assistance of the Director of Risk 
& Internal Audit, both risk management and internal controls to 
ensure that they remain robust and effective while complementing 
Halma’s decentralised, autonomous, organisational structure which 
is integral to Halma’s growth strategy. No significant failings or 
weaknesses were identified in the review process. Full details of the 
internal control framework and approach to risk management are 
set out on pages 48 and 49.

Fair, balanced and understandable 
To ensure that the report and accounts are fair, balanced and 
understandable, the Committee considers the output from a 
series of focused exercises that take place during the Annual 
Report and Accounts production process. These focused exercises 
can be summarised as follows:

 — A qualitative review, performed by the Group’s finance and 
secretarial functions of disclosures and a review of internal 
consistency throughout the Annual Report and Accounts. 
This review assesses the Annual Report and Accounts against 
objective criteria drawn up for each component of the 
requirement (individual criteria that indicate ‘fairness’, ‘balance’ 
and ‘understandability’ as well as criteria that overlap two or 
more components). A risk comparison review which assesses 
the consistency of the presentation of risks and significant 
judgements throughout the main areas of risk disclosure in 
the Annual Report and Accounts.

 — A formal review of all Board and Committee meeting minutes 
by the Company Secretary to ensure that all significant issues 

are appropriately reflected and given due prominence in 
narrative reporting.

 — Preparation and issue to the Audit Committee of the key 

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

The Directors’ statement on a fair, balanced and understandable 
Annual Report and Accounts is set out on page 103.

Internal Audit
The Internal Audit function comprises the Director of Risk & 
Internal Audit and four audit managers – two based in the UK, 
one in the USA and one in China. The structure of the function 
ensures coverage across the Group’s global operations. A risk-
based audit work plan is agreed by the Committee annually and 
takes account of the rotational visits undertaken by the external 
Auditor under their audit programme. Progress against the work 
plan is reviewed at each Committee meeting, in order that any 
changes in priorities or resourcing can be discussed and agreed. 
The Committee has oversight of the internal audit budget and 
resources available and it has satisfied itself that the Internal Audit 
function has the appropriate level of resources and funds available 
to undertake its role.

All Internal Audit reports are issued to management and the 
external Auditor. Any reports which contain high priority findings 
which require immediate management action, are circulated 
to the Committee with commentary from the Chief Financial 
Officer on the underlying issues and remedial or mitigating 
actions being taken. 

Auditor effectiveness
The Committee reviews annually the effectiveness of both the Internal Audit function and the External Auditor. The process for each 
review is conducted primarily by way of a tailored questionnaire.

Internal audit process

Bespoke 
questionnaire 
prepared covering

Questionnaire 
completed by

Results of the 
questionnaire

Assessment

 — The function’s position and 

 — Board members

reporting lines 

 — Internal audit scope and its 
relevance to our business

 — Audit approach

 — Quality of the team

 — Reliability and quality of 

reporting 

 — Use of technology and 

communication

 — Executive Board members

 — Sector CFOs

 — Group Financial Controller

 — Divisional Chief Executives

 — Managing Director for  

Halma IT

 — Company Secretary

 — PwC Audit Partner

The responses from the 
questionnaire are collated 
centrally and a summary of 
the findings is provided to the 
Committee to consider the 
overall effectiveness of the 
function and any action 
required. 

Following a review by the 
Committee of the output 
from the 2020 questionnaires 
and direct feedback from the 
Chief Financial Officer and 
the Chair, the Committee 
concluded that the Internal 
Audit function is effective.

External audit process

Bespoke 
questionnaire 
prepared covering

Questionnaire 
completed by

Results of the 
questionnaire

Assessment

 — External audit partner time 

 — Committee members

commitment

 — Quality of the team

 — Accounting, technical and 

governance insight

 — Policies for compliance with the 

revised Ethical Standards

 — Quality and timeliness of 

reporting 

 — Clarity and authority of 

communications

 — Group Chief Executive

 — Chief Financial Officer

 — Director of Risk & Internal 

Audit

 — Company Secretary

 — Company CFOs

 — Sector CFOs

Results of the questionnaire 
are collated centrally by the 
Group Financial Controller and 
a summary of the findings and 
the FRC’s AQR Report on PwC 
as a firm, are provided to the 
Committee and PwC.

Following a review by the 
Committee of the output from 
the 2020 questionnaire and 
the AQR Report findings, the 
Committee confirmed that 
PwC is effective as External 
Auditor to the Company and 
recommended to the Board 
their re-appointment as 
Auditor be proposed to 
shareholders at the 2020 AGM. 

75

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Prohibited non-audit services prior to March 2020
Under this policy, the external auditor must not provide non-
audit services to Halma, or any of its global subsidiaries, which 
fall within the general categories of services listed under the 
policy (including taxation, bookkeeping, payroll, design or 
implementation of risk management procedures, valuation 
services, legal services, internal audit services, services relating to 
financing/capital structure/investment/promotion or dealing in 
shares, HR services, organisational design or cost control) or any 
of the specific services as set out in the revised Ethical Standard 
and Staff Guidance Note 05/2016.

Permitted non-audit services from March 2020
Under this policy, the external auditor must not provide non- 
audit services to Halma, or any of its global subsidiaries, unless 
they fall within the specific categories of services listed at Section 
5B of the new Ethical Standard.

Fee cap for audit-related services
The external auditor can be engaged to perform audit-related 
services without the requirement for a separate tender process 
unless the anticipated fees exceed £150,000. If the anticipated 
fees are above £150,000, the Committee must approve the 
decision to engage the external auditor in advance, and always 
subject to the overall fee cap. The total fees for audit-related 
and non-audit services paid to the external auditor in any year 
cannot exceed 70% of the average fees for audit services 
charged over a three-year period. 

The Committee will be notified of all projects with the external 
auditor with estimated fees between £75,000 and £150,000 and, 
at each meeting, the Committee will receive a summary of all 
fees, audit and non-audit, payable to the external auditor.

Carole Cran
Chair

For and on behalf of the Committee 
14 July 2020

Audit Committee Report continued

Policy on auditor independence and services
Permitted audit-related services
Audit-related services are non-audit services, as specified in 
the revised Ethical Standard, that are largely provided by the 
external auditor and where the work is closely related to the 
work performed in the audit and where threats to auditor 
independence are clearly insignificant and safeguards need 
not be applied.

These audit-related services include:

 — Reporting required by law or regulation to be provided by the 

auditor.

 — Reviews of interim financial information.

 — Reporting on regulatory returns.

 — Reporting to a regulator on client assets.

 — Reporting on government grants.

 — Reporting on internal financial controls when required by law 

or regulation.

 — Extended audit work that is performed on financial 

information and/or financial controls where this work is 
integrated with the audit work and is carried out on the same 
principal terms and conditions.

Non-audit services
(other than audit-related services)
The general policy is that the external auditor must not carry out 
any non-audit services (other than audit-related services) for the 
Company.

In exceptional circumstances, the Committee (or the Chair of the 
Committee for amounts up to £15,000) may approve the 
engagement but only where:

 — The services are not prohibited (for engagements up until 

March 2020) or are permitted (for engagements from March 
2020).

 — The auditor is considered to be the most suitable supplier of 

the services.

 — The external auditor’s independence would not be 

compromised.

76

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Remuneration Committee Report

Committee composition and attendance

Jo Harlow (Chair)

Tony Rice

Paul Walker

Daniela Barone Soares

Roy Twite

Carole Cran

Eligible

Attended

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to present my first report 
as Chair of the Remuneration Committee for the year ended 
31 March 2020, having taken over from Tony Rice in February 
2020. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony for the 
strategic work and direction he has provided to the Committee 
over the years.

This Report is split into the following sections:

1.  The Annual Statement with an ‘at a glance’ summary of 
the remuneration decisions made and key performance 
achievements during the year.

2.  The Annual Remuneration Report on the implementation 
of the Remuneration Policy (the Policy) in the year ended 
31 March 2020 and proposed implementation of the Policy 
for the next financial year.

3.  A summary of the current Policy which was approved 

by shareholders at the 2018 AGM to provide context to the 
decisions made by the Committee during the year.

Strategic alignment of pay
Halma’s strategy is to build a strong competitive advantage 
in specialised safety, health and environmental markets with 
resilient growth drivers, delivering on the aspiration to double 
earnings every five years, while maintaining high returns.

This strategy has long been underpinned by a strong pay-for-
performance culture, focusing on long-term results and 
alignment with shareholder experience. Halma’s remuneration 
framework balances growth with returns, utilising Economic 
Value Added (EVA) in the three preceding financial years as 
the measure for the short-term incentive and Return on Total 
Invested Capital (ROTIC) and Earnings per Share (EPS) as the 
measures for the long-term incentive plan.

The strength of the alignment of executive remuneration with 
shareholder experience has meant that the pay arrangements 
currently in place have supported the delivery of long-term 
sustainable growth, despite the impact of COVID-19. The 
Committee will continue to review the pay structures and 
incentive arrangements to ensure strong alignment between 
the delivery of business strategy, business performance and 
the associated remuneration arrangements, in particular as it 
reviews the Policy later this year.

Context of business performance
Halma has delivered another record year as the business has 
achieved growth in organic revenue of 6% and organic profit 
growth of 4% despite the impact of COVID-19 in the last quarter 
of the year to 31 March 2020. Halma also achieved a record year 
in acquisitions and exceeded its KPI for acquisition profit growth. 
Return in sales and ROTIC remain consistently high, delivering 
value for shareholders. Our total shareholder return has 
continued to materially outperform the FTSE 100 index, with an 
investment of £100 in Halma shares on 31 March 2017 worth £194 
as at 31 March 2020, compared to £88 for a similar investment in 
the FTSE 100 index. This level of outperformance illustrates the 
strength of Halma’s business model and is evident in Halma’s 
progression through the FTSE 100.

Corporate governance developments
The Committee undertook a significant review of the 
Remuneration Policy two years ago, which was put to shareholders 
at the 2018 AGM, resulting in strong shareholder support with a 
vote of over 97% in favour. The changes that were implemented 
to further manage risk and long-term sustainability as part of that 
policy review have seen our performance awards granted since 
then subject to a two-year holding period post vesting.

77

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Remuneration Committee Report continued

We did consider the possibility of bringing forward the triennial 
review of the Policy for a vote at the 2020 AGM in order to update 
the Policy in response to the revised Corporate Governance 
Code and to reflect Halma’s positioning in the FTSE 100. Given 
the increased focus on pensions and considering Halma’s 
decentralised structure, the Committee re-considered this 
decision and chose to operate the existing Policy through 
2020/21, with a new policy being brought forward at the usual 
time to the AGM in 2021. In addition to a full review of the existing 
policy relative to the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code 
(the Code) and market best practice, we will develop and bring 
forward proposals on the alignment of incumbent executive 
Director pensions with the wider workforce and consider 
potential Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets. 
We will engage with our shareholders and syndicate any revised 
proposed remuneration framework so it can effectively support 
our senior leaders and align with our growth strategy as it 
continues to evolve. We will also ensure that there is engagement 
with the wider workforce to explain how executive remuneration 
aligns with the wider company pay policy.

We are very conscious that pensions is an area where market 
sentiment has shifted significantly since our last Policy was 
approved. Therefore, until the pensions review is complete, 
we have made a decision that any new UK executive Director 
appointee – whether internal or external – will receive a company 
pension contribution (or cash equivalent) which is aligned with 
the rate offered to the majority of employees in the UK.

We recognise that the combination of the 20% pension 
contribution for Andrew Williams and his 6% compensatory 
payment – for ceasing future accrual of contractual benefits 
under the defined benefit arrangement, in line with the rates 
offered to other senior members when the defined benefit 
section of the Plan closed – exceeds the maximum level identified 
by investor bodies as being appropriate for existing executive 
directors. We will review this, along with the pension contribution 
rates of the other executive Directors, as part of the pensions 
harmonisation exercise during the forthcoming year and confirm 
our plan next year.

During FY21, we will also review the malus and clawback 
provisions that apply to both the annual incentive and the 
Executive Share Plan (ESP) to ensure best practice, broadening 
the existing recovery provisions as part of our 2021 Policy review. 

Other areas that will form part of the Committee’s review 
include the introduction of post-employment shareholding 
guidelines, as well as a more general review of overall quantum 
of pay in light of Halma’s rapid growth and positioning within the 
FTSE 100. We will look to ensure that the performance measures 
used in both the short- and long-term incentives continue to 
support Halma’s strategy. We are also looking to shadow a 
basket of ESG metrics to understand further how this could work 
for Halma, in terms of mechanics, data quality, management 
accountability and alignment with our strategy.

The Committee has considered and believes that the current Policy 
and practices are consistent with the six factors – clarity, simplicity, 
risk, predictability, proportionality, alignment to our culture – set 
out in Provision 40 of the Code. For instance, our current Policy 
is well understood by our senior leaders and has been clearly 
articulated to shareholders. In addition, it is straightforward to 
communicate and operate. The Committee will review and ensure 
that our new policy continues to adhere to these principles.

Halma has reported its first CEO pay ratio relative to its UK 
employee base. In future years, the trend in the ratio will be 
apparent as the comparator table will be built up over a 10-year 
period. Further details are set out on page 88.

Remuneration outcomes for 2020 including COVID-19 
considerations
In the context of a final quarter impacted by COVID-19, Halma 
has delivered a strong set of results and the Board has proposed 
a final dividend, which along with the interim dividend, would 
result in an increase in the total dividend for the year of 5%, 
in line with the historic dividend growth of 5% or more.

As the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent, as 
required by accounting standards, the business added additional 
bad debt provision reflecting the additional risk of impairment 
of its receivables. As it is not yet known when, or whether, the 
bad debt will ultimately occur, the Committee considered it was 
equitable to reward management for the strong performance in 
2019/20, excluding this item. The Committee also decided that 
any benefit from the release of the provision arising in future 
years would be excluded from the payout calculation of the 
relevant bonus plan and ESP cycles. For the avoidance of doubt, 
the realisation of any and all bad debt would negatively impact 
the formulaic calculation of the bonus and ESP out-turn.

The Group’s EVA performance metric generated total annual 
bonus payments for the executive directors of 81% of maximum 
potential outcome, with one third deferred into shares which will 
vest after two years. The Committee believes that this payout 
reflects the strong performance of the business through the year. 

The three-year performance for average ROTIC (15.6%) and 
Adjusted EPS growth over the three-year period (13.3%) have 
been robust and this is reflected in the 91.25% vesting percentage 
for the ESP awards. The Committee is satisfied that there is a 
strong and direct link between Company performance – on all 
metrics – and the rewards to senior management. 

In line with the Code, the Committee reviewed the outcomes 
of the individual incentive plans as well as the overall levels 
of remuneration to ensure that they remained consistent with 
the underlying performance of the business. The Committee 
is satisfied that the total remuneration received by executive 
Directors in respect of the year ended 31 March 2020 is a fair 
reflection of performance over the period as well as taking into 
account the current circumstances.

Remuneration for 2021 including COVID-19 considerations 
As we navigate these unprecedented times caused by the 
COVID-19 crisis, we continue to operate our executive 
remuneration framework in a culture of strong governance 
and in line with our clear purpose.

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a net adverse 
impact on our markets and a small percentage of the workforce 
in the UK have been furloughed. It is Halma’s intention to fund 
any UK furloughs without support from the Government’s 
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. In addition, as part of the 
cost mitigating actions announced on 21 April 2020, Company, 
sector and Group leaders agreed to temporary salary reductions 
from 1 April 2020 for a three-month period. This included the 
Halma plc Board and the Executive Board, both of which agreed 
to a 20% reduction in salaries or fees for the same period.

With effect from 1 July, salaries and fees have been reinstated 
to previous levels for all employees, including the Executive 
Board, and the Halma plc Board. 

78

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020In line with this approach, we have also agreed to defer any 
increase in the Chairman’s fee until next year even though we 
had signaled in last year’s Remuneration Report an above-
average increase in the Chairman’s fee for FY2021.

We will continue to use EVA as the performance metric for 
annual bonus but we have adjusted the targets in light of the 
uncertainty around COVID-19. We plan to proceed as normal with 
regards to the granting of share awards under the ESP, using EPS 
and ROTIC as our performance measures. We have amended the 
performance conditions (see page 87) to reflect current business 
forecasts allowing for COVID-19. We believe that these changes 
are still aligned to shareholder expectations and represent 
stretching targets in the current economic climate. We will 
continue to monitor performance through the vesting period 
and will engage with shareholders on the potential use of any 
discretion at vesting, to ensure that outcomes reflect the 
underlying performance of the Company and the experience 
of our stakeholders over the performance period.

Director updates
In July 2019, it was announced that Adam Meyers, Sector Chief 
Executive, Medical & Environmental, had indicated his intention 
to step down from the Board in July 2020. Adam’s retirement 
from the Halma Executive and plc Boards has now been 
deferred, due to Paul Simmons’ decision to leave Halma. Adam 
has replaced Paul on an interim basis as Safety Sector Chief 
Executive from 1 July 2020 which will ensure an orderly handover 
to Paul’s ultimate successor. Adam’s remuneration package will 
remain unchanged during this period.

Shareholder engagement and feedback
On taking up the role as Chair of the Committee, I engaged with 
some of our major shareholders to introduce myself and to have 
some initial discussions on any possible changes to our executive 
pay arrangements. The feedback received will be included 
in our policy review discussions to ensure that we develop 
a remuneration framework that will support the business and 
is aligned with investor expectations. The Committee believes 
that our Remuneration Policy continues to provide appropriate 
flexibility, ensuring that any payments made in the 
implementation of the Policy are in the best interests of both 
the Company and our shareholders. The overall framework will 
be reviewed this year to ensure its continuing appropriateness 
in light of our progression through the FTSE 100, market and 
governance changes and to ensure that the Policy continues 
to attract, develop and retain the talent we need.

Shareholder voting at the 2020 AGM
My colleagues on the Committee hope that all shareholders will 
find this Report useful in understanding the reward structure 
that we have in place to motivate, retain and recognise our 
talent and ensure that they can continue to deliver strong and 
sustainable results for our shareholders. We hope that we will 
have your support when voting on the Remuneration Report 
resolution at the AGM. If you require clarification or wish to 
discuss any of the issues contained in the Report, I will be happy 
to discuss them with you.

Jo Harlow
Chair

For and on behalf of the Committee 
14 July 2020

79

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Remuneration at a glance

Aligning awards to performance

How did we perform in the year?

Financial performance

Long-term incentive plan – outcome against targets: 91.25%

Organic revenue 
growth1

6%

Adjusted organic 
profit growth1

4%

Dividends to 
shareholders

£63m

1  See note 3 to the Accounts.

Adjusted earnings per share (p)

Return on total invested capital (%)

58.46p2

+10.8%

15.5%2

(4%)

34.26

40.21

45.26

52.74

58.46

p

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

15.6

15.3

15.2

16.1

15.5

%

20

15

10

5

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2  Excludes £5m of bad debt provision. 

2  Excludes £5m of bad debt provision. 

Up to 50% of PSP awards vest based 
on adjusted EPS growth over a 
three-year period, with a target range 
of 5% to 12% (actual: 13.3% average 
growth = 50% vesting

Up to 50% of PSP awards vest based 
on three-year average ROTIC, with 
a target range of 11% to 17% (actual: 
15.6% average = 41.25% vesting)

Total Shareholder Return (five years)
Graph as rebased to 100

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

% increase

194%

1%

31 March
2015

31 March
2016

31 March
2017

31 March
2018

31 March
2019

31 March
2020

  Halma

FTSE 100

80

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
How was performance  
reflected in remuneration?

Outcomes against 
metrics for the year:

£000s

Salary

Benefits

Pension

Annual bonus

Share-based incentives

 Share incentive plan

  Value on award (2017)

 Share price increase  
to 31 March 2020

Total

Andrew
 Williams

Marc
 Ronchetti

Adam
 Meyers

Jennifer
 Ward

 669 

 425 

 423 

 340 

33

174

808

17

 79 

 515 

3

3

1,137

 362 

20

 67 

 368 

–

513

24

 64 

 411 

3

416

 961 

 245 

 434 

 351 

3,786

1,646

1,825

1,609

Annual bonus plan 
Economic Value Added
See page 84 for details  
of this calculation

Group threshold:

£226m

Group actual:

£260m

+15%

Ensuring shareholder alignment

Proportion of  
short-term incentive award  
received in shares: 

Proportion of  
long-term incentive  
award received in shares: 

33.3%

annual bonus incentives

100%

(excluding dividend  
equivalents)

Proportion of long-term  
incentive awards subject  
to mandatory two-year  
holding period:

100%

of vesting shares (net of tax and 
social security) arising from 
performance share awards 
granted since the 2018 AGM

Shareholding 
guideline: 

200%

of salary for all  
executive Directors

Arrangements for the coming year

Policy element

2021 approach

Salaries absent a material change in responsibilities, executive directors 
receive inflationary adjustments in line with all employees.

No salary increases have been awarded for FY2021. Considering the 
COVID-19 pandemic, a short-term reduction of 20% to base pay was 
accepted by all executive Directors for a three-month period to 
30 June 2020. Salaries have been reinstated to previous levels with 
effect from 1 July 2020.

Pension supplements up to 26% of base salary for former active 
members of the defined benefit pension plan and up to 20% of base 
salary for other executive Directors.

All new executive Directors will receive pension contributions in line with 
the wider workforce in the relevant geography.

Review of pension provision across the Company to be undertaken. 

Annual bonus maximum 150% of salary satisfied 66.7% cash and 
33.3% deferred into Company shares for two years.

No change

Performance share awards granted at a maximum of 200% of salary; 
2-year post-vesting holding period for awards granted since July 2018.

No change

Clawback/malus applied to variable incentive awards.

No change

81

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
Annual Remuneration Report

Committee summary
All members of the Committee are considered independent within the definition set out in the Code. The membership comprises 
Jo Harlow, Chair, and all other non-executive Directors in office at the date of this Remuneration Report. Jo took over from Tony Rice 
in February 2020. No member of the Committee has any personal financial interest in Halma (other than as shareholders), conflicts 
of interests arising from cross directorships or day-to-day involvement in running the business.

During the year, the Committee met formally five times. Attendance by individual members of the Committee is disclosed on 
page 77.

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend Committee meetings. The Group Chief Executive, the Group Talent, 
Culture and Communications Director and Head of Total Rewards attend Committee meetings by invitation but are not present 
when their own remuneration is discussed. The Committee also takes independent professional advice as required.

Principal Role and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee are to:

 — Make recommendations to the Board on the framework for executive Director and senior executive remuneration based on 

proposals formulated by the Group Chief Executive.

 — Determine and agree with the Board the policy and framework for the remuneration of the Chairman, Group Chief Executive, 

other executive Directors, the Company Secretary and members of the Executive Board.

 — Have oversight of the remuneration arrangements of the management tier below Executive Board level.

 — Approve the design of, and determine targets for, any performance-related pay plans operated by the Company and agree 

the total annual payments made under such plans.

 — Review the design of all share incentive plans for approval by the Board and shareholders, and determine, each year, whether 
awards will be made, and if so, the overall amount of such awards, the individual awards to executive Directors and other 
senior executives and the performance targets to be set.

 — Determine the policy for, and scope of, pension arrangements for each executive Director and other senior executives.

The Committee is appointed by the Board and operates under written terms of reference, which are available at www.halma.com.

External advisers
Mercer Kepler (Mercer) continued to act as the independent remuneration adviser to the Committee, having done so since November 
2017. At the invitation of the Committee Chair, Mercer attended meetings to provide advice on remuneration for executives, analysis 
on elements of the remuneration policy and to provide regular market and best practice updates. The Committee is satisfied that the 
advice received is objective and independent.

Following the year end, after a thorough and competitive tender process, Willis Towers Watson was appointed as the new 
independent remuneration adviser to the Committee. Their appointment was approved at the June 2020 Remuneration Committee 
meeting and Mercer ceased to be the remuneration adviser to the Committee as at that date.

Willis Towers Watson and Mercer are both members of the Remuneration Consultants Group, and as such operate under the code 
of conduct in relation to executive remuneration consulting in the UK. Through the year, Mercer advised the Committee on 
remuneration related matters in respect of the executive and non-executive Directors and Mercer’s fees for the year were £37,200, 
based on an agreed fee for business as usual support (2019: £33,410). Mercer also provided services to the Company globally which 
comprised remuneration benchmarking and other consultancy advice.

Shareholder vote at 2018 and 2019 Annual General Meeting
The following table shows the results of the advisory vote on the Annual Remuneration Report at the 2019 AGM and the binding vote 
on the current Remuneration Policy at the 2018 AGM. 

Remuneration Policy (2018)

Number of votes cast

% of votes cast

Directors’ Remuneration Report (2019)

Total number of votes

% of votes cast

For

Against

Total

Withheld

274,561,279

6,136,623

280,697,902

2,510,606

97.81%

2.19%

100%

73.94%

273,472,672

9,917,602

283,390,274

96.5%

3.5%

100%

487,255

74.65%

82

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Compliance statement
This Report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Large and Medium-Sized 
Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (the 2013 Regulations).

The Report also meets the relevant requirements of the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and describes how the 
Board has applied the principles relating to directors’ remuneration in the UK Corporate Governance Code. No changes to the 
Remuneration Policy, which was approved by shareholders at the 2018 AGM, are proposed, but the Annual Report on Remuneration 
will be subject to an advisory vote by shareholders at the 2020 AGM. 

In line with the Regulations, the following parts of the Annual Report on Remuneration are audited: the single figure for total 
remuneration for each Director, including annual bonus and performance share plan outcomes for the financial year ending 31 March 
2020; plan interests awarded during the year; pension entitlements; payments to past Directors and payments for loss of office; and 
Directors’ shareholdings and share interests. All other parts of the Annual Report on Remuneration are unaudited.

The following section of this Report provides details of how Halma’s Remuneration Policy was implemented during the financial year 
ended 31 March 2020, and how it will be implemented over the year to 31 March 2021.

Single figure of total remuneration for Directors
The tables below set out the single figure of total remuneration received by Directors for the year to 31 March 2020 and the prior year.

Executive Directors

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers6

Jennifer Ward

Non-executive Directors7

Paul Walker

Daniela Barone Soares

Roy Twite

Tony Rice

Carole Cran

Jo Harlow

Total

Salary
£000

Benefits1
£000

669

425

423

340

280

59

59

77

74

59

33

17

20

24

–

–

–

–

–

–

Annual 
bonus2
£000

808

515

368

411

–

–

–

–

–

–

2020

ESP3
£000

Pension4
£000

SIP5
£000

Total
 remuneration
£000

2,099

607

947

767

–

–

–

–

–

–

174

79

67

64

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

3

–

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,786

1,646

1,825

1,609

280

59

59

77

74

59

9,474

1  Benefits: mainly comprises company car and private medical insurance.
2  Annual bonus: payment for performance during the year; two thirds is payable in cash and one third is deferred into shares which vest two years from award without any performance 

conditions. Table shows total bonus including amounts to be deferred.

3  ESP: Figures relate to awards vesting based on performance to the year ended 31 March 2020. As the share price on the date of vesting is currently unknown, the value shown is estimated 

using the average share price over the three-months to 31 March 2020 of 2063p.

4  Pension: value based on the Company’s pension contribution, or cash supplement in lieu of pension, during the year.
5  SIP is based on the face value of shares at grant.
6 Remunerated in US dollars and translated at the average exchange rate for the year (2020: US$1.271).
7  The fees for the non-executive Directors have been rounded to the nearest £1,000.

83

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Annual Remuneration Report continued

Executive Directors

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti6

Adam Meyers7

Jennifer Ward

Non-executive Directors

Paul Walker

Daniela Barone Soares

Roy Twite

Tony Rice

Carole Cran

Jo Harlow

Total

Salary
£000

Benefits1
£000

653

277

401

320

250

57

57

77

72

57

33

11

19

22

–

–

–

–

–

–

Annual 
bonus2
£000

980

530

600

480

–

–

–

–

–

–

2019

ESP3
£000

Pension4
£000

SIP5
£000

Total
 remuneration
£000

2,115

228

826

462

–

–

–

–

–

–

170

52

43

60

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

3

–

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,954

1,101

1,889

1,347

250

57

57

77

72

57

8,861

1  1 Benefits: mainly comprises company car and private medical insurance.
2  Annual bonus: payment for performance during the year; two thirds is payable in cash and one third is deferred into shares which vest two years from award without any performance 

conditions. Table shows total bonus including amounts to be deferred.

3  ESP: Figures relate to awards vesting based on performance to the year ended 31 March 2019. These amounts have been revised from last year’s Report to reflect the actual share price on  

the dates of vesting (1981.5p on 26 July 2019 for awards made to Andrew Williams, Adam Meyers and Jennifer Ward, and 2055p on 23 November 2019 for awards made to Jennifer Ward and  
Marc Ronchetti).

4  Pension: value based on the Company’s pension contribution, or cash supplement in lieu of pension, during the year.
5  SIP is based on the face value of shares at grant.
6 Marc Ronchetti was appointed as a Director on 1 July 2018. The amounts in the table for Marc show the pay and benefits received since 1 July 2018, including bonus and ESP for the full year to 

31 March 2019. 

7  Remunerated in US dollars and translated at the average exchange rate for the year (2019: US$1.313).

Exit payment and payments to past directors 
No exit payments were made in the year.

On his retirement from the Board in July 2018, Kevin Thompson retained the following interests under the ESP, which vested during 
the year:

 — 19,261 time pro-rated 2017 PSP shares vesting at 91.25% based on performance to 31 March 2020 will vest on 15 July 2020.

 — 12,691 DSA shares granted in 2018 will vest on 15 July 2020. 

Incentive outcomes for 2020
Annual bonus in respect of 2020
In 2020, the maximum bonus opportunity for executive Directors was 150% of salary, solely linked to performance as measured by an 
Economic Value Added (EVA) calculation.

Bonuses for the executive Directors (excluding Adam Meyers) are calculated based on Group profit exceeding a target calculated 
from the profits for the three preceding financial years after charging cost of capital, including the cost of acquisitions. As the EVA for 
each year is utilised for a further three years in the comparator calculations, Executives must consider the medium-term interests of 
the Group otherwise there is the potential for an adverse impact on their capacity to earn a bonus.

EVA calculation:

Profit 
for each 
year

Minus a 
charge on 
cost of 
acquisitions

Minus a 
charge on 
working
capital

Equals
the EVA
for each
year

In the case of Adam Meyers, as a Sector Chief Executive, a bonus is earned if the profit for his sectors exceeds a target calculated 
from the profits of the three preceding financial years. The profits calculated for this purpose regard each sector as a stand-alone 
group of companies charging it with the cost of capital it utilises including the cost of acquisitions.

Operating company directors and other sector and central senior management participate in bonus arrangements similar to those 
established for senior executives.

84

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Further details of the bonuses payable (cash and deferred share awards) and performance against targets are provided in the 
tables below.

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

EVA
threshold
000

EVA
maximum
000

EVA
actual
000

Overall
bonus
outcome
(% of salary)

£225,900

£268,400

£260,100

£225,900

£268,400

£260,100

US$180,615 US$219,649 US$207,628

£225,900

£268,400

£260,100

121%

121%

89%

121%

The Committee applied judgment in determining the annual bonus outcome for 2020 with the exclusion of the bad debt provision 
from the calculation. 

The deferred bonus awards are derived as one third of the bonus earned for FY2020. The number of shares over which awards will be 
made will be determined by the share price for the five trading days prior to the date of award. The value of each individual’s award, 
relative to their bonus has been fixed as follows:

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

Overall bonus
 outcome
(% of salary)

Bonus 
for 2020

Cash-settled

Value of 2020
 deferred bonus
 award

121%

121%

89%

121%

£808,377

£538,918

£269,459

£514,749

£343,166

£171,583

 $467,865 

 $311,910 

 $155,955 

£410,635

£273,757

£136,878

Deferred bonus awards will be granted under the ESP in July 2020. These awards will not be subject to any further performance 
conditions and will vest in full on the second anniversary of the date of grant. Full details will be provided in next year’s Annual 
Remuneration Report.

Executive Share Plan (ESP): 2017 Awards (vesting at the end of the year to 31 March 2020)
In July 2017, the executive Directors received awards of performance shares under the ESP. The performance targets for ESP awards 
granted are set out below. The vesting criteria are 50% EPS-related and 50% ROTIC-related.

Performance conditions for these awards are as follows:

Performance levels

< 5%

5%

12% or more

EPS1

% of award
vesting3

0.0%

12.5%

50%

Performance levels

< 11.0%

11.0%

17.0% or more

ROTIC2 (post-tax)

% of award
 vesting3

0.0%

12.5%

50%

1  Adjusted earnings per share growth over the three-year performance period.
2  Average ROTIC over the performance period.
3  There is straight line vesting in between threshold and maximum vesting.

Total

0.0%

25%

100%

The three-year period over which these two independent performance metrics are measured ended on 31 March 2020. Average ROTIC 
was 15.6% (the average ROTIC for financial years 2018, 2019 and 2020) and adjusted EPS growth was 13.3% per annum for the period 
from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2020, resulting in vesting of 91.25%* of the awards. The estimated vesting value included in the 2020 
single figure of Total Remuneration for Directors is detailed in the table below:

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

Interest
held

111,484

32,231

50,300

40,733

Face value 
at grant

1,246

397

562

455

Vesting
%

91.25%

Interest 
vesting

101,729

29,410

45,899

37,169

Three-month
average price
 at year end

2063p

Estimated
vesting
value

2,099

607

947

767

…of which value
 attributable to
 share price
 growth

and value 
attributable to 
corporate 
performance

961

245

434

351

1,137

362

513

416

Vested awards are net settled, with the appropriate reduction in shares made to cover the employee tax and social security liability 
at vesting. Awards normally lapse if they do not vest on the third anniversary of their award but due to the delay in Halma’s results 
announcement, the ESP awards will vest on 15 July 2020. For Marc Ronchetti, 10,503 shares will vest on 15 July 2020 and 18,907 shares 
will vest on their third anniversary on 23 November 2020.

*  Excludes £5m of bad debt provision.

85

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Annual Remuneration Report continued

In line with regulations, the values disclosed above and in the single total figure of remuneration table on page 83 capture the 
number of interests vesting for performance to 31 March 2020. As the market price on the date of vesting is unknown at the 
time of reporting, the values are estimated using the average market value over the 3-month period to 31 March 2020 of 2063p. 
The actual values at vesting will be trued-up in the next Annual Remuneration Report. 

Incentive Awards granted during 2020
Long-term incentive – Executive Share Plan: Performance Share Awards (granted during the year to 31 March 2020)
On 1 July 2019, the executive Directors were granted performance share awards under the ESP.

The three-year performance period over which ROTIC and EPS performance will be measured is 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2022.

The ROTIC element will be based on the average ROTIC for 2020, 2021 and 2022. The EPS element will be based on EPS growth from 
1 April 2019 to 31 March 2022. These two elements are equally weighted at 50% each. The performance targets applying to these 
awards are the same as those set out for the 2017 award on page 85.

The award is eligible to vest in full on the third anniversary of the date of grant (1 July 2022), subject to ROTIC and EPS performance.

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

% of salary

Awards 
made during
the year

Five-day 
average market
 price at 
award date

Face value at
 award date
£000

200%

175%

150%

150%

65,264

36,182

30,046

24,755

2046p

1,335

740

615

506

UK executive Directors had part of their full award entitlement delivered through the Share Incentive Plan.

Long-term incentive – Executive Share Plan: Deferred Share Awards (granted during the year to 31 March 2020)
On 1 July 2019, the executive Directors were granted deferred share awards under the ESP in respect of one third of the bonus earned 
for the financial year ended 31 March 2019. Awards are not subject to performance conditions as they are deferred awards relating to 
bonus earned for the year ended 31 March 2019. Awards vest in full on the second anniversary of the date of grant (1 July 2021).

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

Awards 
made during
the year

Five-day 
average market
 price at 
award date

Face value at
 award date
£000

Bonus to 
31 March 2019
£000

Amount
 awarded 
in shares

15,961

8,642

9,773

7,821

2046p

326

177

200

160

980

530

600

480

33.3%

33.3%

33.3%

33.3%

Implementation of remuneration policy for the year to 31 March 2021 
Salary
As part of the cost mitigating plans as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, no salary increases have been awarded with effect 
from 1 April 2020. This is in line with the approach that has been taken for all the UK businesses and sector personnel. 

Executive Directors also had their salaries reduced by 20% for a 3 month period from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020. With effect from 
1 July, salaries have been reinstated to previous levels.

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

Salary from 
1 April 2020

Salary from 
1 April 2019

%
change

£669,325

£669,325

£425,000

£425,000

US$538,000 US$538,000

£340,000

£340,000

–

–

–

–

Pension and benefits
Pension arrangements for any new executive Directors will be in line with those for the wider workforce in the relevant geography.

A full review is underway on pensions across our UK companies and we are committed to reviewing the current executive Directors’ 
pension and benefits arrangements once the review is complete so that alignment is achieved for 2021.

86

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Annual bonus
The maximum annual bonus opportunity for 2021 will remain at 150% of salary for the executive Directors with one third of the bonus 
earned being deferred into a share award which vests in full after two years.

Bonuses for 2021 will continue to be based on EVA performance against a weighted average target of EVA for the past three years 
as described above, but we have adjusted the targets to take COVID-19 into account. In light of the current outlook, the Committee 
considers the targets to be both demanding and appropriate for the circumstances. The Committee will use its discretion to ensure 
that the bonus outcome is appropriate. Bonus payments will be subject to recovery and withholding provisions during a period of 
three years from the date of payment. As targets are commercially sensitive, they are not disclosed at this time but will be in next 
year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

Long term incentive – Executive Share Plan: Performance Share Awards (to be granted)
Under the ESP, performance share awards and deferred bonus awards will be made in July 2020. The number of shares over which 
awards will be made is determined by the average share price for the five trading days prior to date of award.

The value of each performance share award, relative to salary has been fixed as follows:

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

Salary for
 2021

Performance
 share award

Value of 
award

£669,325

£425,000

200%

£1,338,650

175%

£743,750

US$538,000

150% US$807,000

£340,000

150%

£510,000

The performance share awards to be granted in July 2020 will be subject to an adjusted EPS performance target for 50% of the 
award and a ROTIC target for 50% of the award measured over the three financial years 2020, 2021 and 2022. The targets have been 
amended for this cycle and the details of this are set out below. This change has been made to align the targets with the changes to 
the business forecasts due to COVID-19.

Performance levels

< 2%

2%

10% or more

EPS1

% of award  
vesting3

0.0%

12.5%

50%

Performance levels

< 9.5%

9.5%

15.5% or more

ROTIC2 (post-tax)

% of award  
vesting3

0.0%

12.5%

50%

1  Adjusted earnings per share growth over the three-year performance period. 
2  Average ROTIC over the performance period.
3  There is straight line vesting in between threshold and maximum vesting.

Total

0.0%

25%

100%

Chairman and non-executive Director fees
Fees are subject to an annual review each April. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, a short term 20% reduction in fees was taken 
by the Chairman and non-executive directors from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020. With effect from 1 July 2020, the fees have been 
reinstated to previous levels.

A planned increase in the Chairman’s fee has been deferred until next year even though we had signalled last year an above average 
increase in the Chairman’s fee for FY2021.

Fees

Chairman

Base fee

Senior Independent Director

Audit Committee Chairman

Remuneration Committee Chairman

Committee Member

Fees from 
1 April 2020

Fees from 
1 April 2019

£280,000

£280,000

£58,500

£58,500

£10,000

£15,000

£10,000

£nil

£10,000

£15,000

£10,000

£nil

87

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Annual Remuneration Report continued

CEO Pay ratio
This is Halma’s first year reporting under the new regulations. 

Methodology
Option A was chosen as it is the most statistically accurate method, considered best practice by the Government and investors, 
and is directly comparable to the CEO’s remuneration. This method requires calculation of pay and benefits for all UK employees 
using the same methodology that is used to calculate the CEO’s single figure. For part-time employees and for leavers and joiners 
during the year, the full-time equivalent salary and benefits is used. All figures are calculated using pay and benefits data for the 
year to 31 March 2020.

Results
The results of the pay ratio calculations are as follows:

Year

2020

Method

Option A

25th percentile 

183:1

Median

139:1

75th percentile 

86:1

The salary component of total pay and total pay and benefits are as follows:

CEO

25th percentile

Median

75th percentile

Base salary

£669,325

£19,225

£25,250

£40,039

Ratio of base pay to CEO base pay

Total pay and benefits

n/a

35:1

27:1

17:1

£3,786,384

£20,738

£27,265

£43,903

Commentary
We are satisfied that the median pay ratio reported this year is consistent with our wider pay, reward and progression policies 
for employees. The CEO is remunerated predominantly on performance-related elements – bonus and share awards – which have 
delivered strong returns as a result of the consistent out-performance by the Company and share price appreciation over the period 
assessed under these variable elements. All of our shareholders and many of our employees have benefited from this growth. Our 
UK employees, in common with our global workforce, receive fair pay and benefits relative to their market and based on their role 
and experience. UK employees have their pay reviewed at least annually, are eligible for development, training and promotion 
opportunities within the Group and also benefit from Halma’s success through their participation in our annual all-employee 
share plan, which will allocate over £1.4m of free shares in 2020 to employees with six-months’ service at the award date. 

88

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Percentage change in CEO remuneration
The table below shows the percentage change in the CEO’s remuneration from the prior year compared to the average percentage 
change in remuneration for other employees. To provide a meaningful comparison, the analysis includes only salaried management 
employees and is based on a consistent set of employees.

Salary

Taxable benefits

Annual bonus

2020 
CEO
£000

669

33

808

2019 
CEO
£000

653

33

980

CEO
% change

2.5%

0.0%

Other
employees 
% change

4.7%

–

(18.0%)

(9.0%)

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows the percentage change in total employee pay expenditure and shareholder distributions (i.e. dividends and 
share buybacks) from the financial year ended 31 March 2019 to the financial year ended 31 March 2020.

Distribution to shareholders

Employee remuneration (gross)

Employee remuneration (pro-rated)

2020
£m

62.5

376

328

2019
£m

60

347

305

%
change

4.2%

9.0%

7.5%

The Directors are proposing a final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2020 of 9.96p per share (2019: 9.60p).

Pro-rated employee remuneration represents a restatement of the prior year gross employee remuneration for the current year 
number of employees.

89

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Annual Remuneration Report continued

Pay-for-performance
The ten-year graph below shows the Company’s TSR performance over the ten years to 31 March 2020 as compared to the FTSE 100 
index. Over the period indicated, the Company’s TSR was 807% compared to 47% for the FTSE 100. The table below the graph details 
the CEO’s single figure remuneration and actual variable pay outcomes over the same period.

The FTSE 100 has been selected as broad market comparators, because the Company believes that the constituent companies of this 
index are the most appropriate for this comparison as they are affected by similar commercial and economic factors to Halma.

Halma was a constituent of the FTSE 250 until December 2017 when it became a constituent of the FTSE 100.  

Total Shareholder Return (ten years)
Graph as rebased to 100

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

31 March
2011

% increase

807%

47%

31 March
2012

31 March
2013

31 March
2014

31 March
2015

31 March
2016

31 March
2017

31 March
2018

31 March
2019

31 March
2020

  Halma

FTSE 100

CEO single figure 
remuneration (£000)

Annual bonus outcome  
(% of maximum)

PSP vesting outcome 
(% of maximum)

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

£1,999

£1,715

£1,958

£1,543

£2,006

£2,423

£2,337

£3,429

£3,954

£3,786

100%

40%

48%

37%

53%

53%

34%

89%

100%

81%

100%

100%

98%

74%

78%

95%

92%

90%

90%

91%

Directors’ interests in Halma shares
The interests of the Directors in office at 31 March 2020 (and their connected family members) in the ordinary shares of the Company 
at the following dates were as follows:

Paul Walker

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

Daniela Barone Soares

Roy Twite

Tony Rice

Carole Cran

Jo Harlow

90

31 March 
2020

31 March 
2019

30,000

30,000

650,922

608,885

8,019

553

348,480

343,480

42,882

2,473

4,000

16,939

2,000

2,000

23,988

2,473

4,000

16,939

2,000

2,000

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
The executive Directors, excluding Marc Ronchetti, each meet the guideline of holding Company shares to the value of at least two 
times salary. Until such time as this threshold is achieved, Marc is required to retain no less than 50% of the net of tax value of any 
vested conditional share or deferred share awards. There are no other non-beneficial interests of Directors. There were no changes 
in Directors’ interests from 1 April 2020 to 14 July 2020.

Details of Directors’ interests in shares and options under Halma’s long-term incentives are set out in the sections below.

Directors’ interests in Halma share plans
Details of Directors’ outstanding deferred share awards (DSA), conditional share awards (ESP) and free shares under the SIP are 
outlined in the tables below:

Executive Share Plans

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

Date of 
grant

26-Jul-16

03-Jul-17

03-Jul-17

02-Jul-18

02-Jul-18

01-Jul-19

01-Jul-19

23-Nov-16

03-Jul-17

03-Jul-17

23-Nov-17

02-Jul-18

02-Jul-18

01-Jul-19

01-Jul-19

26-Jul-16

03-Jul-17

03-Jul-17

02-Jul-18

02-Jul-18

01-Jul-19

01-Jul-19

26-Jul-16

23-Nov-16

03-Jul-17

03-Jul-17

02-Jul-18

02-Jul-18

01-Jul-19

01-Jul-19

ESP

ESP

DSA

ESP

DSA

ESP

DSA

ESP

ESP

DSA

ESP

ESP

DSA

ESP

DSA

ESP

ESP

DSA

ESP

DSA

ESP

DSA

ESP

ESP

ESP

DSA

ESP

DSA

ESP

DSA

As at 
1 April 
2019

117,527

111,484

9,159

95,121

20,339

12,668

11,511

2,236

20,720

52,786

4,796

45,918

50,300

7,135

43,342

3,997

25,665

18,097

40,733

3,280

34,797

8,295

Granted/
(vested) 
in the year

(106,749)

(9,159)

65,264

15,961

(11,506)

(2,236)

36,182

8,642

(41,707)

(7,135)

30,046

9,773

(23,311)

(16,437)

(3,280)

24,755

7,821

Five-day
average share
 price on grant
(p)

1038.4

1118.0

1118.0

1369.2

1369.2

2045.6

2045.6

994.6

1118.0

1118.0

1293.4

1369.2

1369.2

2045.6

2045.6

1038.4

1118.0

1118.0

1369.2

1369.2

2045.6

2045.6

1038.4

994.6

1118.0

1118.0

1369.2

1369.2

2045.6

2045.6

As at 
31 March
2020

–

111,484

–

95,121

20,339

65,264

15,961

–

11,511

2,236

20,720

52,786

4,796

36,182

8,642

–

50,300

–

43,342

3,997

30,046

9,773

–

–

40,733

–

34,797

8,295

24,755

7,821

The balance of ESP awards that did not vest during the year have lapsed. The performance conditions attached to these awards are 
described earlier in this Report.

91

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Annual Remuneration Report continued

Share Incentive Plan

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Jennifer Ward

Date of 
grant

As at 
1 April 
2019

Granted, 
>3 years or
 (withdrawn) 
in the year

Share price 
on award
(p)

As at 
31 March
2020

>3 years

4,098

343

–

4,441

01-Oct-17

01-Oct-18

01-Oct-19

>3 years

01-Oct-17

01-Oct-18

01-Oct-19

>3 years

01-Oct-17

01-Oct-18

01-Oct-19

322

239

314

239

1,041

318

239

1115.81

1504.00

1961.00

1115.81

1504.00

1961.00

322

239

183

–

314

239

183

–

1,358

183

183

317 

1115.81

1504.00

183

1961.00 

318

239

183 

The SIP shares are held in trust and become the employee’s, subject to the rules of the plan, after three years. There are tax benefits 
for retaining the shares in the trust for at least five years from award date. Adam Meyers does not participate in the SIP as he is not 
UK-based.

There have been no variations to the terms and conditions for share awards during the financial year.

Directors’ pensions
A review is being undertaken of pension arrangements across the UK companies and current executive Directors’ pension 
arrangements will be reviewed once the wider review is complete. Meanwhile, pension arrangements for all new executive Directors 
will be in line with those for the wider workforce in the relevant geography.

Andrew Williams is the only UK executive Director who is an in-service deferred member of the defined benefit section of the 
Halma Group Pension Plan (Plan). This benefit is a funded final salary occupational pension plan registered with HMRC, providing 
a maximum pension of two thirds of final pensionable salary after 25 or more years’ service at normal pension age (60). Up to 
5 April 2006, final pensionable salary was the greatest salary of the last three complete tax years immediately before retirement 
or leaving service. From 6 April 2011, final pensionable salary was capped at £139,185 and is increased annually thereafter by CPI 
(£165,678 for 2020).

Bonuses and other fluctuating emoluments and benefits-in-kind are not pensionable nor subject to any pension supplement. 
The Plan also provides a pension in the event of early retirement through ill-health and a dependant’s pension of one-half of the 
member’s prospective pension. Where an executive has a form of pension protection, life cover is provided under a separate policy.

Early retirement pensions, currently possible from age 55 with the consent of the Company and the trustees of the Plan, are subject 
to actuarial reduction. Pensions in payment increase by 3% per annum for service up to 5 April 1997, by price inflation (subject to 
a maximum of 5%) through to 31 March 2007 and 3% thereafter.

The Company closed the Defined Benefit section to future accrual with effect from 1 December 2014 and, following a period of 
consultation, members were offered compensating benefits above those available to Defined Contribution members who had not 
been in the Defined Benefit section. In April 2014, Andrew Williams chose to cease future service accrual in the Plan in return for 
a pension supplement on his base salary. This supplement is equivalent to a 20% employer contribution plus an additional 6% 
compensatory payment, in line with the enhanced contribution rate offered to other members who were in the Defined Benefit 
section when future accrual was ceased. Marc Ronchetti and Jennifer Ward were not members of the Defined Benefit section but 
are entitled to join the Defined Contribution section of the plan. Due to annual allowance and lifetime allowance restrictions, both 
Jennifer and Marc have opted to receive a pension supplement of 18.7% of salary, in lieu of the 20% employer contribution that the 
Company would otherwise pay into their pension.

One Director accrued benefits under the Company’s defined benefit pension plan during the year as follows.

Years of
 pensionable
 service at 
31 March
2020

Increase 
in accrued
 benefits
£000

Increase
in accrued
 benefits net 
of inflation
£000

Accrued 
benefits at 
31 March
2020
£000

Age at 
31 March
2020

52

20

1

–

67

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

92

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Director service contracts and exit payment policies
It is the Company’s policy that executive Directors should have contracts with an indefinite term providing for a maximum of one 
year’s notice. The details of the Directors’ contracts are summarised in the table below. Contracts will be available for inspection at 
the AGM and throughout the year at the Company’s registered office.

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

Date of service contract

April 2003

July 2018

July 2008

January 2014

Notice period

One year

One year

One year

One year

The Company’s policy is to limit payments on cessation to pre-established contractual arrangements. In the event that the 
employment of an executive Director is terminated, any amount payable will be determined in accordance with the terms of the 
service contract between the Company and the employee, as well as the rules of any incentive plans. No predetermined amount is 
provided for in the Directors’ contracts. The UK executive Director contracts enable the Company to pay up to one year’s salary in lieu 
of notice, with no contractual entitlement to any other benefits, and, under the rules, the Remuneration Committee may determine 
the individual’s leaving status for share plan vesting purposes.

If the financial year end has passed, any bonus earned is payable to the individual. Adam Meyers’ service contract permits him to 
remain an employee for the entire period of notice enjoying any benefits related to employment. The share plan and bonus provisions 
are identical to the UK. Both contracts contain appropriate non-compete restrictions for a suitable period post-employment.

When considering termination payments under incentive schemes, the Committee reviews all potential incentive outcomes to ensure 
they are fair to both shareholders and participants. The table below summarises how the awards under the annual bonus and share 
plans are treated in specific circumstances under the rules of the relevant plan and the extent to which the Committee has discretion:

Annual bonus

Deferred bonus

Share Plans

Injury or disability, redundancy, or 
any other reason the Committee 
may, at its discretion, determine

Reason for leaving

Timing of payment/vesting

Calculation of payment/vesting

Death, injury or disability, 
redundancy, retirement, or any 
other reasons the Committee may 
determine

After the end of the financial year, 
although the Committee has 
discretion to accelerate (e.g. in 
relation to death)

Performance against targets will be 
assessed at the end of the year in 
the normal way and any resulting 
bonus normally will be pro-rated for 
time served during the year

All other reasons

No bonus is payable

–

On the second anniversary of the
Award

Awards vest in full

Death, injury or disability, 
redundancy, retirement, or any 
other reasons the Committee may 
determine

All other reasons

On the second anniversary of the
award (unless the Remuneration
Committee determines otherwise)

On the third anniversary of the 
award

Awards vest in full

Awards will normally be pro-rated 
for time to the date of cessation of 
employment and performance 
metrics assessed as at the third 
anniversary

Any outstanding awards normally 
will be pro-rated for time and 
performance up to the point of 
death

Death

Immediately (unless otherwise 
determined by the Committee  
at its discretion)

All other reasons

Awards lapse

–

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Annual Remuneration Report continued

Pay-for-performance
The following charts provide an estimate of the potential future rewards for executive Directors, and the potential split between 
different elements of pay, under three different performance scenarios: ‘Fixed’, ‘On-target’ and ‘Maximum’.

Potential reward opportunities are based on Halma’s remuneration policy, applied to salaries as at 1 April 2020, excluding the 
temporary 20% reduction. The projected values exclude the impact of any share price movements and dividend equivalents.

The ‘Fixed’ scenario shows base salary, pension and benefits only.

The ‘On-target’ scenario shows fixed remuneration as above, plus a target level of 60% of the maximum under the annual bonus 
and vesting of 50% of a single year’s award under the ESP.

The ‘Maximum’ scenario reflects fixed remuneration, plus maximum level of annual bonus and ESP awards.

Andrew Williams, 
Group Chief Executive
Percentages/amounts £000

Marc Ronchetti, 
Chief Financial Officer
Percentages/amounts £000

876

2,148

100%

31%

28%

41%

3,219

42%

31%

27%

521

1,275

29%

30%

41%

100%

1,902

39%

34%

27%

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

Fixed

On-target

Maximum

Fixed

On-target

Maximum

Adam Meyers, 
Sector Chief Executive – 
Medical & Environmental
Percentages/amounts US$000

655

1,543

100%

26%

32%

42%

2,269

36%

36%

28%

Jennifer Ward, 
Group Talent, Culture and 
Communications Director 
Percentages/amounts £000

426

987

100%

26%

31%

43%

1,446

35%

35%

30%

1,500

1,000

500

0

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

Fixed

On-target

Maximum

Fixed

On-target

Maximum

 Salary, pension and benefits 

 Bonus 

 Long term incentive

Impact of share price
Long term incentive awards in the ESP are granted in shares and as such the value can vary significantly depending on share price 
movement over the vesting and holding period. The table below shows how the maximum values above would change as a result 
of a 50% change in the share price over the vesting and holding period:

Executive Director

Andrew Williams

Marc Ronchetti

Adam Meyers

Jennifer Ward

94

50% increase
 in share price

3,888

2,275

2,667

1,703

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-executive Directors
Unless otherwise indicated, all non-executive Directors have a specific three-year term of engagement, subject to annual  
re-election at the AGM, which may be renewed for up to two further three-year terms if both the Director and the Board agree. 
The remuneration of the Chairman and the non-executive Directors is determined by the Committee and the Board respectively, 
in accordance with the remuneration policy approved by shareholders.

The contract in respect of the Chairman’s services provides for termination, by either party, by giving not less than six months’ notice.

The non-executive Directors have contracts in respect of their services, which can be terminated without compensation, by either 
party, by giving not less than three months’ notice. Contracts are available for inspection at the AGM and throughout the year at 
the Company’s registered office. Summary details of terms and notice periods for non-executive Directors are included below.

Non-executive Director

Date of appointment

Paul Walker

April 2013

Daniela Barone Soares

November 2011

Roy Twite

Tony Rice

Carole Cran

Jo Harlow

July 2014

August 2014

January 2016

October 2016

End of next term

No fixed term

November 2020

July 2020

August 2020

January 2022

October 2022

Notice period

6 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

Non-executive Directors do not receive benefits from the Company and they are not eligible to join the Company’s pension plan 
or participate in any incentive schemes. Any reasonable expenses that they incur in performing their duties are reimbursed by 
the Company.

Paul Walker’s personal assistant is an employee of the Company.

Details of the policy on non-executive Director fees are set out in the table on pages 98 and 99.

NED recruitment
In recruiting a new Chairman or NED, the Committee will use the policy as set out in the table on pages 98 and 99.

Consideration of conditions elsewhere in the Group
The Committee considers the remuneration and employment conditions elsewhere in the Group when determining remuneration for 
executive Directors. When the Committee reviews the Executive Remuneration Policy later this year, it will ensure that this alignment 
is retained. However, the Committee does not currently consult specifically with employees on the executive remuneration policy.

Consideration of shareholder views
When determining remuneration, the Committee takes into account the views of our shareholders and ‘best practice’ guidelines 
set by shareholder representative bodies. As part of their consideration of the revised remuneration policy in 2018, the Committee 
consulted widely with the Company’s major institutional shareholders and their representative bodies. The Committee always 
welcomes feedback from any shareholders on the Company’s remuneration policy and will be consulting widely during the upcoming 
policy review. Detail on the votes received on the Remuneration Policy and Remuneration Reports at the 2018 and 2019 annual 
general meetings provided on page 82.

External directorships
The Committee acknowledges that executive Directors may be invited to become independent non-executive Directors of other listed 
companies which have no business relationship with the Company and that these roles can broaden their experience and knowledge 
to Halma’s benefit.

Executive Directors are permitted to accept one such appointment with the prior approval of the Chairman. Approval will only be 
given where the appointment does not present a conflict of interest with the Group’s activities and the wider exposure gained will be 
beneficial to the development of the individual. Where fees are payable in respect of such appointments, these are retained by the 
executive Director.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Remuneration Policy

This section of the Report provides an overview of the Remuneration Policy for Executive and non-executive Directors which shareholders 
approved at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. The Policy came into effect on 19 July 2018 and is unchanged. A full copy of the Policy 
is available in the 2018 Annual Report and Accounts, available on our website, www.halma.com.

The Policy is designed to promote the long-term interests of the Company by securing the high calibre executives needed to manage 
the Group successfully, and to align their interests with those of our shareholders by rewarding them for enhancing shareholder value. 
The Policy also seeks to reward achievement of stretching performance targets without driving unacceptable behaviours or 
encouraging excessive risk-taking.

There are six elements of the Policy for executive Directors, which are summarised in the table below.

Element and objective

Executive Directors

Salary
A fair, fixed remuneration reflecting the size 
and scope of the executive’s responsibilities 
which attracts and retains high calibre 
talent necessary for the delivery of the 
Group’s strategy.

Operation and process

Reviewed annually or following a material change in responsibilities. Salary is benchmarked to 
market median levels periodically against appropriate comparators of a similar size and operating 
in a similar sector and is linked to individual performance and contribution.

Salary is the only element of remuneration that is pensionable.

Benefits
To provide benefits that are competitive 
within the relevant market.

Benefits are appropriate to the location of the executive and typically comprise (but are not 
limited to) a company car, life insurance, permanent disability insurance, private medical 
insurance, relocation and tax advice for international assignments.

Pension
To provide competitive post-retirement 
benefits, or the cash allowance equivalent, 
to provide the opportunity for executives 
to save for their retirement.

Annual Incentive
To incentivise and focus management
on the achievement of an objective annual 
target which is set to support the short-
to medium-term strategy of the Group.

Executive Directors participate in either a Group Defined Contribution pension plan or the US 401k 
money purchase arrangement.

Cash supplements in lieu of Company pension contributions may be made to some individuals at 
a level dependent upon seniority and length of service. Cash supplements may be reduced to 
reflect the additional employer social costs thereon.

To the extent the pension contributions exceed the local tax allowance, the contributions may be 
paid to the executive, subject to taxes and social charges.

Some executives are deferred members of the Group defined benefit pension plan which closed 
to future accrual in December 2014.

The structure of the Annual Incentive is reviewed at the start of the year to ensure that the 
performance measures and their weightings remain appropriately aligned with the Group’s 
strategy and are sufficiently challenging.

Performance targets are calibrated and set at the start of the year, with reference to a range of 
relevant reference points including the annual budget agreed by the Board. At the end of the year, 
the Committee determines the extent to which these targets have been achieved.

Payment of one third of any bonus is in the form of an award of shares that is deferred for two 
years, with vesting normally subject to continued service.

Dividend equivalents accrue over the vesting period. Dividend equivalents are paid in cash or 
shares at the end of the vesting period.

Deferral into shares provides a link to the long-term strategy of the Group and enhances the 
retentiveness of the policy.

A recovery and withholding provision enables the Company to recoup overpayments in the event 
of misstatement, error or misconduct, either through withholding future remuneration or requiring 
the executive to repay the requisite amount.

96

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Performance measures

Not applicable

Not applicable

Opportunity

Base salary increases will be applied in line with the outcome of 
annual reviews (normally with effect from 1 April). Salaries for the 
financial year under review (and the following year) are disclosed in 
the Annual Report on Remuneration.

Salary increases for executive Directors will not normally exceed the 
average of the wider employee population other than in exceptional 
circumstances. Where increases are awarded in excess of the wider 
employee population, for example where there is a material change in 
the responsibility, size or complexity of the role, the Committee will 
provide the rationale in the relevant year’s Annual Report on 
Remuneration.

Benefits may vary by role, and the level is determined to be 
appropriate for the role and circumstances of each individual 
executive Director. The maximum value will equate to the reasonable 
market cost of such benefits.

It is not anticipated that the current cost of benefits (as set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration) would increase materially over the 
period for which this policy applies.

The Committee retains the discretion to approve a higher cost in 
exceptional circumstances (e.g. relocation expenses or an expatriation 
allowance on recruitment, etc.) or in circumstances where factors 
outside the Company’s control have changed materially (e.g. market 
increases in insurance costs).

The rationale behind the exercise of such discretion will be provided in 
the relevant year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

Defined Contribution: maximum contribution of 20% of pensionable 
salary.

Not applicable

While no formal changes are being proposed to the policy this year, 
the Committee commits that any future appointments to the Board 
will receive a pension contribution in line with the majority of the 
workforce. This commitment will be formalised as part of the next 
Policy review in 2021.

Cash supplement: Halma contributes up to 26% of full salary if the 
executive Director is a former active member of the defined benefit 
pension plan. Defined Contribution/Money Purchase members whose 
contributions exceed the local tax allowance are paid the excess 
contributions, on pensionable salary, as a cash supplement, net of 
employer social costs.

Defined benefit: now closed to future accrual but provides a 
maximum pension equivalent to two thirds of final pensionable salary, 
up to a CPI-indexed cap; £161,795 for 2019 and £165,678 for 2020.

Maximum opportunity: 150% of base salary for all executive 
Directors. 

Bonus payable at threshold: 0% of salary.

In exceptional circumstances, the Committee can exercise discretion 
to override the formulaic bonus outcome within the limits of the 
scheme where it believes the outcome is not truly reflective of 
performance and to ensure fairness to both shareholders and 
participants.

The bonus is based on the achievement of financial performance 
targets, principally EVA. Other financial measures may supplement 
EVA at the discretion of the Committee.

Such financial measures must comprise at least 80% of the overall 
bonus opportunity.

The balance of 20% may be utilised, at the Committee’s discretion, 
to support non-financial, but measurable, strategic growth priorities.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Remuneration Policy continued

Element and objective

Executive Directors

Operation and process

Long-term Incentive: Executive Share Plan (ESP)
To incentivise executives to achieve superior returns to shareholders 
over a three-year period rewarding them for sustained performance 
against challenging long-term targets; to retain key individuals 
and align interests with shareholders, reflecting the sustainability 
of the business model over the long term and the creation of 
shareholder value.

Executive Directors are granted annual awards over Halma plc shares or 
a cash equivalent where required by regulations as determined by the 
Committee; awards vest after a period of at least three years based on 
Group performance.

Dividend equivalents accrue over the vesting period. Dividend 
equivalents are paid in cash or shares at the end of the vesting period, 
and only on those shares which vest.

A recovery and withholding provision enables the Company to recoup 
overpayments in the event of misstatement, error or misconduct, either 
through withholding future remuneration or requiring the executive to 
repay the requisite amount.

A mandatory two-year holding period for vested awards relating to 
awards granted after the 2018 AGM also aids recovery of overpayments 
as referenced above.

Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
To encourage share ownership across all UK-based employees using 
HMRC-approved schemes.

The SIP is an HMRC-approved arrangement. It entitles all eligible 
UK-based employees to receive Halma shares in a potentially tax-
advantageous manner.

Chairman and non-executive Director fees
To attract individuals with the requisite skills, experience and 
knowledge to contribute to the Board.

Non-executive Director (NED) fees are determined by the Board and 
may comprise a base fee, committee chairmanship fee and Senior 
Independent Director fee.

The Chairman’s fee is determined by the Committee.

Notes to the Policy Table 
Payments from Existing Awards
The Committee will honour any commitment entered into, and executive Directors will be eligible to receive payment from any award 
made, prior to the approval and implementation of the Remuneration Policy on 19 July 2018. Details of these awards are disclosed in 
the Annual Report on Remuneration.

Selection of Performance Measures
The performance measures used in Halma’s executive incentives have been selected to ensure incentives are challenging and 
reinforce the Group’s strategy and align executive interests closely with those of our shareholders.

In the annual bonus, the use of EVA, in summary, profit less a charge for capital employed (definition is provided on page 84) 
reinforces the Group’s business objective to double every five years through a mix of acquisitions and organic growth. Profit is a 
function of the extent to which the Company has achieved both its organic growth target and its success in identifying appropriate 
acquisition targets in current and past years. Ensuring that the cost of funding acquisitions is reflected in the bonus model means 
that executives share the benefit of an acquisition that outperforms expectations, but equally bear the cost of overpaying for an 
acquisition. Good or poor management of working capital is also reflected in the calculation of EVA.

In the ESP, EPS provides a disciplined focus on increasing profitability and thereby provides close shareholder alignment through 
incentivising shareholder value creation, and ROTIC reinforces the focus on capital efficiency and delivery of strong returns, thereby 
further strengthening the alignment of remuneration with the Group strategy. Performance targets are set to be stretching yet 
achievable, considering the Company’s strategic priorities and the economic environment in which it operates. Targets are calibrated 
considering a range of reference points but are based primarily on the Group’s strategic plan.

Opportunity

Performance measures

Maximum opportunity: Up to 200% of salary.

In exceptional circumstances, such as to facilitate the recruitment of 
an external candidate, the Committee may, in its absolute discretion, 
exceed this maximum annual opportunity, subject to a limit of 250% 
of salary. Any use of this limit would be appropriately explained.

Threshold performance will result in the vesting of 25% of the 
maximum award.

Vesting of performance share awards is subject to continued 
employment and the Company’s performance over a three-year 
performance period. To the extent performance conditions are not met, 
awards will lapse.

Participation limits are in line with those set by HMRC from time 
to time.

Not applicable

Fees are normally reviewed annually in April, but typically only reset 
triennially. Increases are effective from 1 April.

Not applicable

The fee paid to the Chairman is determined by the Committee, and 
fees to NEDs are determined by the Board. The fees are calculated by 
reference to market levels and take account of the time commitment 
and the responsibilities of the NEDs.

98

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020External appointments
In the case of appointing a new executive Director, the Committee may make use of any of the existing elements of remuneration, 
as follows:

Component

Salary

Benefits

Pension

Approach

The base salaries of new appointees will be determined by reference to relevant market data, experience and skills 
of the individual, internal relativities and the current salary of any incumbent in the same role.

Where a new appointee has an initial base salary set below market, the Committee may make phased increases 
over a period of several years to achieve the desired position, subject to the individual’s development and 
performance in the role.

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

New appointees will be eligible to participate in the Company’s defined contribution/money purchase 
arrangements, receive a cash supplement or local equivalent1. 

Annual bonus

The scheme as described in the Policy Table will apply to new appointees with the relevant maximum being 
pro-rated to reflect the proportion of the year employed.

ESP

SIP

New appointees will be granted performance awards under the ESP on the same terms as other executives, as 
described in the Policy Table.

New appointees in the UK will be eligible to participate on identical terms to other employees.

1  While no formal changes are being proposed to the policy this year, the Committee has agreed that any future appointments to the Board will receive a pension contribution in line with the 

majority of the workforce in the relevant geography. This will be formalised as part of the next Policy review in 2021.

In addition to the elements of remuneration set out in the Policy Table, in exceptional circumstances the Committee may consider it 
appropriate to grant an incentive award under a different structure in order to facilitate the recruitment of an individual or to replace 
incentive arrangements forfeited on leaving a previous employer. In making such awards, the Committee will look to replicate the 
arrangements being forfeited as closely as possible and in doing so consider relevant factors including any performance conditions 
attached to these awards, the payment mechanism, expected value and the remaining vesting period of these awards.

Internal Appointments
Remuneration for new executive Directors appointed by way of internal promotion will similarly be determined in line with the policy 
for external appointees, as detailed above. Where an individual has contractual commitments made prior to their promotion to the 
Board, the Company will continue to honour those commitments. Incentive opportunities for employees below Board level are 
generally no higher than for executive Directors, and incentive measures vary to ensure they are appropriate.

Share Ownership Guidelines
To ensure alignment between the interests of executive Directors and those of shareholders, the Company requires executive 
Directors to progressively build up and maintain a beneficial holding of Halma plc shares equivalent to a minimum of 200% of salary. 
Until such time as this threshold is achieved, executive Directors are required to retain no less than 50% of the net of tax value of any 
vested performance share award or deferred bonus share award.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Directors’ Report

The Directors present their report on the affairs of the Company, 
together with the audited financial statements and Independent 
Auditors’ Report, for the year ended 31 March 2020.

Activities
The Company’s principal activity is to act as a holding company. 
The Company is incorporated and domiciled in England and 
Wales. A list of its subsidiary companies is set out on pages 185 
to 190. Subsidiaries of the Company have established branches 
in a number of different countries in which they operate. The 
information set out below, which forms part of this Directors’ 
Report and is incorporated by reference, can be located in the 
Strategic Report on pages 2 to 55:

 — Future developments in the Group’s business.

 — Activities of the Group in the field of research and 

development.

 — Environmental matters, including greenhouse gas emissions 
(included in the Sustainability review on pages 42 to 47).

Dividends
The Directors recommend a final dividend of 9.96p per share and, 
if approved, this dividend will be paid on 1 October 2020 to 
ordinary shareholders on the register at the close of business 
on 28 August 2020. Together with the interim dividend of 6.54p 
per share already paid, this will make a total dividend of 16.50p 
(2019: 15.71p) per share for the financial year.

Political donations
The Group did not make any political donations or incur any 
political expenditure during the year.

Directors and directors’ interests 
The directors of the Company as at the date of this Report, 
together with their biographical details, are shown on pages 58 
and 59. 

The Remuneration Report on pages 77 to 99 provides details of 
the interests of each director in the shares of the Company.

Indemnities
The Company has agreed to indemnify, to the extent permitted 
by law, each of the Company’s Directors against any liability 
incurred in respect of acts or omissions arising in the course 
of their office.

Financial risk management objectives and policies
Disclosures relating to financial risk management objectives 
and policies are set out in note 27 to the financial statements 
and along with exposures relating to price risk, credit risk, 
liquidity risk and cash flow risk.

Share capital and capital structure
Details of the share capital, together with details of the 
movements in the share capital during the year, are shown in 
note 23 to the accounts. The Company has one class of ordinary 
shares which carry no right to fixed income. Each share carries 
the right to one vote at general meetings of the Company.

There are no other classes of share capital. There are no specific 
restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, 
with both governed by the general provisions of the Company’s 
Articles of Association and prevailing legislation. No person has 
any special rights of control over the Company’s share capital 
and all issued shares are fully paid.

Rights and obligations of ordinary shares
Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to attend and speak at 
general meetings of the Company and to appoint one or more 
proxies or, if the holder of shares is a corporation, one or more 
corporate representatives. On a show of hands, each holder of 
ordinary shares who (being an individual) is present in person or 
(being a corporation) is present by a duly appointed corporate 
representative, not themselves being a member, shall have one 

100

vote, as shall proxies (unless they are appointed by more than 
one holder, in which case they may vote both for and against the 
resolution in accordance with the holders’ instructions). On a poll, 
every holder of ordinary shares present in person or by proxy shall 
have one vote for every share of which they are the holder.

Electronic and paper proxy appointments and voting instructions 
must be received not later than 48 hours before the meeting. 
A holder of ordinary shares can lose the entitlement to vote 
at general meetings where that holder has been served with 
a disclosure notice and has failed to provide the Company with 
information concerning interests held in those shares. Except 
as set out above and as permitted under applicable statutes, 
there are no limitations on voting rights of holders of a 
given percentage, number of votes or deadlines for exercising 
voting rights.

The Company has established an Employee Benefit Trust and the 
trustee has waived its right to vote and its right to all dividends.

Restrictions on transfer of shares 
The Directors may refuse to register a transfer of a certificated 
share that is not fully paid, provided that the refusal does not 
prevent dealings in shares in the Company from taking place on 
an open and proper basis or, where the Company has a lien over 
that share. The Directors may also refuse to register a transfer 
of a certificated share unless the instrument of transfer is: (i) 
lodged, duly stamped (if necessary), at the registered office 
of the Company or any other place as the Board may decide 
accompanied by the certificate for the share(s) to be transferred 
and/or such other evidence as the Directors may reasonably 
require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer; 
(ii) in respect of only one class of shares; (iii) in favour of a person 
who is not a minor, infant, bankrupt or a person of unsound 
mind; or (iv) in favour of not more than four persons jointly.

Transfers of uncertificated shares must be carried out using 
CREST and the Directors can refuse to register a transfer of an 
uncertificated share in accordance with the regulations 
governing the operation of CREST.

There are no other restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares 
in the Company except certain restrictions which may from time 
to time be imposed by laws and regulations (for example insider 
trading laws); or where a shareholder with at least a 0.25% 
interest in the Company’s certificated shares has been served 
with a disclosure notice and has failed to provide the Company 
with information concerning interests in those shares. The 
Directors are not aware of any agreements between holders 
of the Company’s shares that may result in restrictions on the 
transfer of securities or on voting rights.

Employees
An overview of the Board’s engagement with employees along 
with the mechanisms for sharing information are included on 
pages 64 and 65. Aligning the interests of employees in the 
Company’s performance is achieved through a variety of share 
and bonus schemes.

The Company gives full and fair consideration to applications of 
employment from disabled people. Training, career development 
and promotion opportunities are equally applied for all our 
employees, regardless of disability. In the event of an existing 
employee becoming disabled, every effort will be made to ensure 
that their employment with the Group continues and that 
appropriate support is provided.

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Stakeholder engagement
A description of how the Directors have had regard to the need 
to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, 
customers and others, and the effect of Director engagement 
with our stakeholders, is set out on pages 40 and 41. Examples 
of how the Directors had regard to stakeholder interests when 
making principal decisions during the year are set out on 
page 63.

Appointment and removal of directors
With regard to the appointment and replacement of Directors, 
the Company is governed by its Articles of Association, the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, the Companies Act and related 
legislation. Directors can be appointed by the Company by 
ordinary resolution at a general meeting or by the Board. If 
a Director is appointed by the Board, such a Director will hold 
office until the next Annual General Meeting (AGM) and shall 
then be eligible for election at that meeting. In accordance with 
the UK Corporate Governance Code each of the Directors, being 
eligible, will offer themselves for election or re-election at this 
year’s AGM. The Company can remove a Director from office, 
including by passing a special resolution or by notice being given 
by all the other Directors. The Articles themselves may be 
amended by special resolution of the shareholders.

Powers of Directors
The powers of Directors are set out in the Articles of Association 
and a description of the matters reserved for decision by the 
Board is summarised in the Corporate Governance Report on 
page 67.

Contracts of significance and change of control
There are a number of agreements that take effect, alter or 
terminate upon a change of control of the Company, principally 
bank loan agreements, private placement debt and employee 
share plans.

There are two significant agreements, in terms of the likely 
impact on the business of the Group as a whole, containing 
such provisions:

Allotment authority
Under the Companies Act 2006 the Directors may only allot 
shares if authorised by shareholders to do so. At the AGM an 
ordinary resolution will be proposed which, if passed, will 
authorise the Directors to allot and issue shares up to an 
aggregate nominal value of £9,400,000 (up to 94,000,000 
ordinary shares of 10p each), being just less than one quarter 
of the issued share capital of the Company (excluding treasury 
shares) as at 14 July 2020 (the latest practicable date prior to 
the publication of the Notice of Meeting).

In accordance with the Directors’ stated intention to seek annual 
renewal, the authority will expire at the earlier of the conclusion 
of the AGM of the Company in 2021 and 31 August 2021. Passing 
this resolution will give the Directors flexibility to act in the best 
interests of shareholders, when opportunities arise, by issuing 
new shares. As at 14 July 2020, the Company had 379,645,332 
ordinary shares of 10p each in issue.

The Companies Act 2006 also requires that, if the Company 
issues new shares for cash or sells any treasury shares, it must 
first offer them to existing shareholders in proportion to their 
current holdings. At the AGM a special resolution will be proposed 
which, if passed, will authorise the Directors to issue a limited 
number of shares for cash and/or sell treasury shares without 
offering them to shareholders first.

The authority is for an aggregate nominal amount of up to 10% 
of the aggregate nominal value of the issued share capital of 
the Company as at 14 July 2020 of £3,780,000. The resolution 
will also modify statutory pre-emption rights to deal with legal, 
regulatory or practical problems that may arise on a rights issue 
or other pre-emptive offer or issue. The authority will expire at 
the same time as the resolution conferring authority on the 
Directors to allot shares. The Directors consider this authority 
necessary in order to give them flexibility to deal with 
opportunities as they arise, subject to the restrictions contained 
in the resolution. There are no present plans to issue shares, other 
than the release of treasury shares under share plans previously 
approved at general meeting.

 — The £550m syndicated Revolving Credit Facility which, if within 
10 days of a change of control notice to the loan agent, can 
result in 30 days’ notice being given to the Company by any 
Lender, for all amounts outstanding to that Lender, to be 
immediately due and payable, at which time the commitment 
of that Lender will be cancelled. If all of the Lenders give this 
notice the whole facility would be cancelled.

 — The US$250m US Private Placement Note Purchase Agreement 
under which, in the event of a change of control, the Company 
is required to make an offer to the holders of the US Private 
Placement notes to prepay the principal amount of the notes 
together with interest accrued.

Purchase of the Company’s own shares
The Company was authorised at the 2019 AGM to purchase 
up to 37,900,000 of its own 10p ordinary shares in the market. 
This authority expires on 31 August 2020. The Company did not 
purchase any of its own shares under this authority during the 
year. In accordance with the Directors’ stated intention to seek 
annual renewal a special resolution will be proposed at the 
AGM to renew this authority until the earlier of the end of the 
Company’s 2021 AGM and 31 August 2021, in respect of up to 
37,900,000 ordinary shares, which is approximately 10% of the 
Company’s issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) as 
at 14 July 2020.

The Group has contractual arrangements with a wide range of 
suppliers. The Group is not unduly dependent upon contractual 
arrangements with any particular customer. Whilst the loss or 
disruption to certain of these arrangements could temporarily 
affect the Group’s business, none is considered to be essential.

The Company’s share plans contain provisions as a result of 
which awards may vest and become exercisable on a change 
of control of the Company in accordance with the rules of 
the plans.

The Directors are not aware of any agreements between 
the Company, its Directors or employees that provide for 
compensation for loss of office or employment that occurs 
because of a takeover bid.

Annual General Meeting
The Company’s AGM will be held on 4 September 2020 as a 
closed meeting, with shareholders prohibited from attending, 
due to the current restrictions on public gatherings and the need 
to observe social distancing measures. The Notice of Meeting, 
together with an explanation of the proposed resolutions, is 
enclosed with this Annual Report and Accounts and is also 
available on the Company’s website at www.halma.com.

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Directors’ Report continued

Substantial shareholdings
As at 31 March 2020, the Company had been notified, in accordance with DTR 5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, 
of the following interests in voting rights in its shares.

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

BlackRock, Inc.

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

31 March 2020

Percentage of
 voting rights
 and issued
share capital

9.97

6.30

4.99

No. of 
ordinary 
shares

37,851,729

23,932,882

18,959,209

Nature of
 holdings

Indirect

Indirect

Indirect

During the period between 31 March 2020 and 14 July 2020 (the latest practicable date prior to the publication of the Notice of 
Meeting) no changes to major shareholdings were disclosed to the Company. 

Independent auditors
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of approval of 
this Annual Report and Accounts confirms that:

 — So far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s Auditor is unaware.

 — The Director has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have 
taken as a director in order to make himself/herself aware of 
any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s Auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in 
accordance with the provisions of Section 418 of the Companies 
Act 2006.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) has expressed its willingness 
to continue in office as Independent Auditor and a resolution 
to appoint PwC will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM.

Disclosure required under the Listing Rules and the 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
For the purposes of compliance with DTR 4.1.5 R(2), the required 
content of the management report can be found in this 
Directors’ Report and the Strategic Report, including the sections 
of the Annual Report and Accounts incorporated by reference.

Disclosures required by LR 9.8.4 R can be located as follows:

Details of long-term incentives

Contracts of significance

Shareholder waiver of dividends

Shareholder waiver of future dividends

Corporate Governance Statement
The Company’s statement on corporate governance can be 
found in the Corporate Governance Report on page 56. The 
Corporate Governance Report forms part of this Directors’ 
Report and is incorporated into it by cross-reference.

Page

155

101

100

100

Mark Jenkins
Company Secretary

By order of the Board 
14 July 2020

102

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Directors’ responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulation.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors 
have prepared the Group financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 
adopted by the European Union and company financial 
statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, comprising FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ 
and applicable law). 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 Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and 
Company for that period. In preparing the financial statements, 
the Directors are required to:

 — Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently.

 — State whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European 

Union have been followed for the Group financial statements 
and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 
101 have been followed for the Company financial statements, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in 
the financial statements.

 — Make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent.

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

The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of 
the Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps 
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at any time the financial position of the Group and Company 
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 
2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of 
the IAS Regulation.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Directors’ confirmations
The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Group and Company’s position and performance, business 
model and strategy.

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed on 
pages 58 and 59 confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 — The Company financial statements, which have been prepared 

in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, 
comprising FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ and 
applicable law), give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company.

 — The Group financial statements, which have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, give 
a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit of the Group.

 — The Directors’ Report includes a fair review of the development 

and performance of the business and the position of the 
Group and Company, together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

In the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors’ 
Report is approved:

 — So far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Group and Company’s auditors are 
unaware.

 — They have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as 
a Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Group and 
Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

 — The financial statements on pages 112 to 195 were approved by 
the Board of Directors on 7 July 2020 and signed on its behalf 
by Andrew Williams and Marc Ronchetti.

On behalf of the Board

Andrew Williams
Group Chief Executive

Marc Ronchetti
Chief Financial Officer 

14 July 2020

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Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsOther InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
Independent Auditors’ Report to the members of Halma plc

Report on the audit of the  
financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion:

 — Halma plc’s group financial statements and company 

financial statements (the ‘financial statements’) give a true 
and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the company’s 
affairs as at 31 March 2020 and of the group’s profit and cash 
flows for the year then ended;

 — the group financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union;

 — the company financial statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, comprising FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’, and applicable law); and

 — the financial statements have been prepared in accordance 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as 
regards the group financial statements, Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation.

We have audited the financial statements, included within the 
Annual Report and Accounts (the ‘Annual Report’), which 
comprise: the consolidated and company balance sheets as 
at 31 March 2020; the consolidated income statement and 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income and 
expenditure, the consolidated cash flow statement, and the 
consolidated and company statements of changes in equity 
for the year then ended; the accounting policies; and the notes 
to the financial statements, which include a description of the 
significant accounting policies.

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit 
Committee.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further described in the 
Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the group in accordance with 
the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial statements in the UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical 
Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we 
have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
with these requirements.

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that 
non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard 
were not provided to the group or the company.

Other than those disclosed in note 6 to the financial statements, 
we have provided no non-audit services to the group or the 
company in the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and 
assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial 
statements. 

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud
Based on our understanding of the group and industry, we 
identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws 
and regulations related to The Listing Rules, UK and US tax 
legislation, Pensions legislation, Employment regulation, Health 
and safety regulation and equivalent local laws and regulations 
applicable to reporting component teams, and we considered 
the extent to which non-compliance might have a material 
effect on the financial statements. We also considered those 
laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the 
preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies 
Act 2006. We evaluated management’s incentives and 
opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial 
statements (including the risk of override of controls) and 
determined that the principal risks were related to posting 
inappropriate journal entries to increase revenue or reduce 
expenditure, and management bias in determining accounting 
estimates. The group engagement team shared this risk 
assessment with the component auditors so that they could 
include appropriate audit procedures in response to such risks 
in their work. Audit procedures performed by the group 
engagement team and/or component auditors included:

 — Discussions with management, internal audit and the Group’s 
legal advisors, including consideration of known or suspected 
instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and 
fraud;

 — Review of reporting component auditors’ work;

 — Challenging assumptions and judgements made by 

management in their significant accounting estimates that 
involved making assumptions and considering future events 
that are inherently uncertain. In particular, in relation to 
impairment of intangible fixed assets, the valuation of defined 
benefit pension scheme liabilities and the valuation of 
acquisition intangibles and contingent consideration 
(see related key audit matters below);

 — Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal 

entries posted with unusual account combinations and 
crediting the Income Statement or those posted by 
unexpected users; and

 — Testing all material consolidation adjustments to ensure these 

were appropriate in nature and magnitude.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described 
above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and 
regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the 
financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of 
it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due 
to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting 
from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, 
for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, 
or through collusion.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ 
professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit 
of the financial statements of the current period and include 
the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement 
(whether or not due to fraud) identified by the auditors, including 
those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit 
strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing 
the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any 
comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, 
were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial 
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 
This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

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Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Our audit approach
Overview

 — Overall Group materiality: £13.3 million (2019: £12.3 million), based on 5% of profit before tax before adjustments.

 — Overall Company materiality: £11.2 million (2019: £9.3 million), based on 1% of total assets.

Materiality

 — There were no significant components within the Group.

 — We performed audit procedures over 50 reporting components in the Group.

 — This provided coverage of 71% revenue, 68% profit before tax, and 87% net assets.

Audit scope

 — Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles (Group).

 — Acquisition accounting – valuation of acquired intangibles (Group).

Key audit
matters

 — Valuation of contingent consideration (Group).

 — Valuation of uncertain tax position provisions (Group).

 — Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (Group).

 — Impairment of investments (Company).

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles (Group)
The Group holds significant goodwill and other intangible assets 
balances of £838.4m (2019: £694.0m) and £328.4m (2019: £245.2m) 
respectively as at 31 March 2020. The valuation of these assets is 
judgemental and there is a risk they may be impaired. The increase 
in value during the year is primarily a result of ten new acquisitions.

Under IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’, goodwill must be tested for 
impairment at least annually.

Management have performed an annual impairment review for each 
of the 11 CGU groups, which is the lowest level at which goodwill is 
monitored by the Group. The CGU groups have been restructured 
during the year to better reflect the way CGU groups are expected 
to benefit from business combinations’ synergies.

The impairment reviews performed by management contain a 
number of significant judgements and estimates including the 
allocation of new acquisitions to CGU groups, revenue growth rates 
and discount rates. A change in these assumptions could result in a 
material change in the valuation of the assets, and as a result there is 
a risk that goodwill and other intangible assets balances are no longer 
deemed to be recoverable and hence should be impaired.

The assumptions used are more sensitive for the operations which 
make up the previously recognised Sensor Technologies CGU group 
which following review has this year been mapped to the Healthcare 
Assessments CGU group.

Management also assessed whether there are any indications that 
other intangible assets may be impaired. When such indications have 
been identified, management estimated the recoverable amount of 
these assets and compared it to the carrying amounts. No material 
impairment losses have been recognised as a result of this assessment 
and we have not identified any significant judgements or sensitive 
assumptions in management’s workings.

Refer to Accounting Policies note and note 11 for management’s 
disclosures of the relevant judgements and estimates involved in 
assessing these assets for impairment.

 — We have assessed the methodology and approach applied by 

management in performing their impairment reviews, including the 
identification of CGU groups. We have understood management’s 
rationale for the restructuring of the CGU groups and ensured their 
approach is in line with the requirements of IAS 36 ‘Impairment of 
Assets’ and that the operating companies have been allocated to a 
CGU group which is expected to benefit the most from the relevant 
synergies. We have ensured management also performed an 
impairment assessment prior to the reallocation of goodwill to identify 
any pre-existing impairments, including the Sensor Technologies CGU 
group which in the previous years had the most sensitive assumptions. 

 — We have obtained management’s annual impairment assessment for 
all 11 CGU groups, which has been performed under both new and old 
CGU groupings, and ensured the calculations were mathematically 
accurate and the methodology used was in line with the requirements 
of IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’.

 — We have evaluated the forecast year 1 and year 2 cash flows by 

comparing these to the latest available results for April and May 2020 
and by performing a sensitivity analysis to model a slower recovery from 
the COVID-19 pandemic than that assumed in management’s model. 
We have assessed the short-term growth rate applied to the year 2 
forecast, as well as long-term growth rates used to calculate the 
terminal value. In doing this, we compared prior year budget to actual 
data, in order to assess the quality of the forecasting process. We have 
also tested the growth rate assumptions by comparing them to 
management’s strategic plans and to previous sector growth rates.

 — We have tested the discount rates applied by management by 

reviewing management’s methodology and by performing sensitivity 
analysis. For the operations making up the previously configured Sensor 
Technologies CGU group, which is more sensitive to the discount rates 
used, we have also independently recalculated the WACC rate.

 — We have recalculated management’s own sensitivity analysis of key 

assumptions and also applied our own independent sensitivities. In the 
case of the Sensor Technologies CGU group, our sensitivity analysis 
focused mainly on revenue growth rates which are deemed to be the 
key estimates in the assessment. We have noted that a significant 
headroom exists in all CGU Groups and therefore no reasonable change 
in the key assumptions could lead to an impairment loss.

 — We have reviewed the adequacy of disclosures made in the financial 

statements and assessed compliance with IAS 36.

Based on our work summarised above, we have concluded that 
goodwill and other intangible assets balances are not impaired at 
31 March 2020 and that appropriate disclosures have been made in 
the financial statements.

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Other InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
Independent Auditors’ Report to the members of Halma plc continued

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Acquisition accounting – valuation of acquired  
intangibles (Group)
During the year ended 31 March 2020, the Group completed ten 
business acquisitions with a combined total consideration of £256.5m 
net of cash acquired (including contingent consideration of £25.8m). 
Acquired intangibles recognised in these transactions totalled £114.3m, 
with goodwill totalling £122.9m also being recognised. There is a risk 
of material misstatement to the financial statements from the 
application of IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’, and the related 
valuation of the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and the 
consideration paid, including contingent consideration which is 
considered further in a separate key audit matter below.

The risk of material misstatement is inherently higher for the acquired 
intangible assets as a result of the methodology and assumptions 
used in the valuation. 

Management engaged third party valuation experts to assist them 
in the valuation of acquired intangible assets for seven of the ten 
acquisitions during the year. The total consideration paid for the 
remaining three acquisitions was immaterial in aggregate and 
therefore does not present a material valuation risk. The key estimates 
and assumptions assessed were:

 — The completeness of the identified intangible assets which have been 

recognised in the business combination;

 — The methodology and assumptions used in the valuation; and 

 — Management’s estimate of the future forecast cash flows at the 

respective acquisition date. 

Refer to Accounting Policies note and note 25 for management’s 
disclosures of the relevant judgements and estimates.

 — We have focused our audit procedures on the seven largest acquisitions 
which in aggregate lead to the recognition of acquired intangible assets 
totalling £110.6m.

 — We have obtained and read key documentation and agreements 

relating to these acquisitions. We have also obtained the acquisition 
models, internal management due diligence reports and the final 
purchase price allocations performed by management’s experts. We 
agree with the identification of the trade names, customer relationships 
and technology as separately identified intangible assets recognised in 
each of these acquisitions.

 — We have performed detailed testing of the opening balance sheets 
and the related fair value adjustments for each acquisition based 
on individually assigned materiality levels, which ranged from £0.5m 
to £3.0m.

 — We have used our internal valuation experts to evaluate the 

methodology used by management’s experts and confirmed that 
appropriate income approach techniques had been utilised in valuing 
the identified intangible assets. 

 — Our internal valuations experts also evaluated the assumptions used by 
management’s experts, including assessing discount rates, royalty rates 
and attrition rates. We challenged the key assumptions used in these 
areas and performed sensitivity or follow up analysis where rates 
differed from those we might typically use. 

 — We also assessed the useful lives which have been assigned to the 

acquired intangible assets and consider these to be reasonable based 
on the nature of the assets and the period over which benefits are 
expected to flow to the Group.

 — We have reviewed the detailed acquisition cash flow forecasts. We 

have confirmed that the overall cash flow forecasts reflect the nature 
of the businesses acquired and management’s planned actions as at 
the acquisition date, and that these actions align with those which 
could foreseeably be achieved by another market participant. We 
have  confirmed that all acquisitions took place before COVID-19 was 
declared a pandemic and therefore the initial acquisition cash flows 
were not specifically adjusted for this event. 

 — We have reviewed the disclosures in the Annual Report, including in note 
25, and agree that these are consistent with our audit work performed 
and the disclosure requirements of IFRS 3. 

Based on the work done, as summarised above, we have concluded 
the Group’s acquisition accounting is materially appropriate and the 
recognised intangible assets have been appropriately valued.

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Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Independent Auditors’ Report to the members of Halma plc continued

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Valuation of contingent consideration (Group)
During the year ended 31 March 2020, the Group completed seven 
business acquisitions for which part of the consideration payable 
(£25.8m) was contingent on future performance targets and remains 
unsettled at the year end. There are an additional four acquisitions 
which were completed in previous years where the final contingent 
consideration remains unsettled at 31 March 2020. The total provision 
held in respect of all contingent consideration estimated at 31 March 
2020 is £40.1m.

The performance periods relevant for the calculation of the contingent 
considerations typically range between 1 and 3 years. Given the 
uncertainty regarding future levels of performance of these acquired 
businesses and the significant range of potential outcomes (maximum 
possible exposure of £105.4m) there is a risk of material misstatement 
in the calculation of the fair value of contingent consideration. 
Judgement has been applied by management in establishing their 
best estimate of the liability in respect of each of these new and 
historical acquisitions based on risk weighted assessments of the 
forecast performance of each business.

Of the 11 acquisitions with outstanding contingent consideration 
at 31 March 2020, seven have individually immaterial maximum 
consideration values and when considered in aggregate, we 
concluded these do not represent a risk of a material misstatement. 

Refer to Accounting Policies note and notes 20, 25 and 27 for 
management’s disclosures of the relevant judgements and 
estimates 

Valuation of uncertain tax position provisions (Group)
A contingent liability of up to £15.4m (plus £1.2m in respect of interest) 
is disclosed in the Annual Report in relation to the European 
Commission (‘EC’) decision that the United Kingdom controlled 
foreign company (‘CFC’) group financing partial exemption (‘FCPE’) 
constitutes State Aid. On 2 April 2019, the European Commission’s 
final decision concluded that the FCPE rules, as they applied up to 
31 December 2018, did constitute State Aid. Whilst the UK government 
applied to annul the EC decision, there is a risk that these amounts 
represent a non-contingent liability for the Group.

We note that other uncertain tax positions of the Group are 
immaterial and this is consistent with our assessment. 

Refer to note 31 for management’s disclosures in relation to 
the State Aid contingent liability

 — Our audit focused on the risk of an inaccurate estimate of contingent 
consideration for the acquisitions of Visiometrics, Navtech, NeoMedix 
and NovaBone, which have a larger range of potential outcomes both 
individually and in aggregate.

 — We have obtained the key contract terms used in the deferred 

contingent consideration calculation and agreed these to the signed 
sale and purchase agreements. 

 — We have assessed the methodology used by management to determine 
the estimate of future contingent consideration and considered the 
underlying data used in each of these calculations, assessing this 
against post-acquisition results. These estimates can be materially 
impacted by the profit or revenue out-turn for the entities and the 
sensitivity of these estimates increases where significant profit or 
revenue multiples are agreed as part of the contingent consideration 
agreement. Management uses a methodology with weightings applied 
to different scenarios to estimate the potential consideration payable. 
Consequently, we performed sensitivity analysis to run additional 
scenarios to conclude whether the contingent consideration recorded 
by management for each acquisition is materially appropriate, 
evaluating what we consider to be the most likely scenarios.

 — We have reviewed management’s forecasts and the weightings applied 

to each scenario. We have reviewed actual trading in the post-
acquisition period and considered other relevant facts such as disputes 
with vendors. We have also considered the impact on these estimates 
of COVID-19 which, has in some cases resulted in a release of provisions 
previously established. For those acquisitions occurring in the last 
12 months, on the basis that COVID-19 arose subsequent to the 
acquisitions, all adjustments to contingent consideration have been 
appropriately recognised in the income statement. 

 — We have reviewed the disclosures in the Annual Report, including in note 
25, and agree that these are consistent with our audit work performed 
and the disclosure requirements of IFRS 3. 

Based on the work done, as summarised above, we have concluded the 
contingent consideration is appropriately stated.

 — Our audit focused on the State Aid exposure as other uncertain tax 

positions have been assessed as not material.

 — We have used our tax experts to assess management’s view that the UK 
Government’s arguments are stronger than those of the EC, albeit the 
arguments are finely balanced. The UK Government is obliged to 
recover the alleged aid pending any appeals process and so it is likely 
the Group will have to make tax payments within the next few months. 
However, given the current assessment of the likely outcome is that it’s 
only possible rather than probable that the liability will crystallise, any 
payment on account would result in a tax receivable asset recognised 
on the basis of more likely than not recovery. We have concluded that 
management’s analysis of this exposure is supportable and no provision 
is required at 31 March 2020. 

 — We have reviewed disclosures included in note 31 of the Annual Report 
setting out the contingent liability and agree these disclosures are 
consistent with our audit work performed and the disclosure 
requirements of IAS 37.

Based on the work done, as summarised above, we have concluded that 
the Group’s treatment of the State Aid exposure as a contingent liability, 
and the associated disclosures, are appropriate.

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Other InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
Independent Auditors’ Report to the members of Halma plc continued

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Impairment of Investments (Company)
At 31 March 2020, the Company holds investments totalling £300.0m. 
This consists of the direct ownership of all UK subsidiaries in addition 
to investments in intermediary holding companies which hold the 
direct investments in the Group’s foreign subsidiaries.

There is a risk, particularly considering the impact of COVID-19, that 
the recoverable amount of investments recognised at 31 March 2020 
falls below their current carrying value. No impairment charge has 
been recognised in respect of investments in the current year.

Refer to Accounting Policies note and note C5 for management’s 
disclosures of the relevant judgements and estimates

The impact of COVID-19 (Group)
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 the Group has continued to operate 
and trade, albeit at reduced levels in the last quarter of the year 
ended 31 March 2020 and first quarter of the year ended 31 March 
2021. Management has considered the impact of COVID-19 on 
the Group and Company financial statements. Primarily these 
considerations related to the impairment of accounts receivable 
balances, inventory, goodwill and other intangible assets, and 
management’s going concern assessment. 

There is a risk that the financial impact arising from COVID-19 which 
has been recorded by management is inappropriate or that we were 
not able to obtain sufficient audit evidence in order to support our 
conclusions in respect of this assessment. Our audit focused on those 
areas where management had identified potential financial impacts 
as well as those which based on our independent assessment could 
have given rise to a risk of material misstatement. 

Refer to Accounting Policies note and note 16 as well as the 
Directors’ Report and Strategic Report for management’s 
disclosures of the relevant judgements, estimates and impacts. 

 — We have obtained management’s schedule of investment balances 
recognised at 31 March 2020 and reconciled this to the prior year 
financial statements.

 — We have tested all current year acquisitions and disposals back to 

supporting documentation and reconciled the closing position from 
management’s detailed schedules to the financial statements at 
31 March 2020. 

 — We have obtained management’s impairment assessment calculation 
at 31 March 2020 and ensured that it is mathematically accurate. 
Management initially compared the carrying value of each investment 
held to the net asset position of the related operations. The net asset 
values used have been agreed to the underlying Group consolidation 
schedule.

 — Where the net asset value described above was insufficient to support 

the carrying value of the investment, or where other impairment 
triggers have been identified the net present value of future cash flows 
has been considered. We have agreed the cash flows used by 
management are in line with the current approved forecasts and 
consistent with the forecasts assessed elsewhere within our work. We 
have also assessed that a suitable discount rate was used by reviewing 
management’s methodology and by performing sensitivity analysis.

 — We have further considered the intercompany receivables balances, 

so that the total investment recoverability is assessed. 

Based on the work done, as summarised above, we have concluded 
that investment balances held by the Company are not impaired at 
31 March 2020 and that appropriate disclosures have been made in 
the financial statements.

 — In advance of the year end and throughout the course of the audit we 

have continued to assess the risks arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
These considerations have included areas where significant additional 
audit effort may have been needed as well as those which could have 
resulted in a material financial impact on the performance and position 
of the Group or Company for the year ended 31 March 2020. Other than 
as described in the key audit matters above we have noted no 
significant impact on the audit, or material impact on the financial 
statements, arising from COVID-19. Specifically, this includes:

 — Where relevant, suitable downside scenarios have been modelled by 
management in the cash flow models used in assessing assets for 
impairment. We have evaluated management’s assumptions in light 
of both historical and post year end performance and concluded these 
to be reasonable and consistent with other evidence obtained during 
the course of our audit work;

 — We have reviewed management’s models supporting their going 
concern assessment, ensured appropriate stress test scenarios 
were considered and challenged the key cash flow assumptions 
by performing our own sensitivity analysis. We have concluded it is 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial 
statements for the year ended 31 March 2020;

 — We have not identified any other matters, which had not already 
been identified by management, which present a risk of material 
misstatement to the financial statements; 

 — Whilst more of our work has had to be performed remotely, we have 
not encountered any significant difficulties in performing our work or 
in obtaining the required evidence to support our audit conclusions; and

 — We have also reviewed the disclosures in the financial statements in 
respect of the impact of COVID-19 and concluded that these are 
appropriate. 

Based on the work performed, as summarised above, we have 
concluded that the Group’s conclusions in respect of the impact 
of COVID-19 are appropriate.

108

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, 
and the industry in which they operate.

The Group is split into four sectors being Process Safety, Infrastructure Safety, Environmental & Analysis and Medical. Each sector 
consists of a number of businesses spread globally across more than 20 countries. The businesses are further disaggregated into 230 
reporting components within the consolidation.

We did not identify any individually significant components within the Group, with no single component providing more than 10% of 
the Group’s external revenue or profit before taxation before adjustments. We determined the most effective approach to scoping 
was to perform full scope procedures over 33 reporting components where statutory audits are already required in UK, France, 
Germany, Belgium, Australia, Switzerland, Singapore and Italy. Full scope procedures were also performed in relation to the 
component holding all consolidation adjustments. In addition, specified audit procedures were performed over all material balances 
for a further 12 components in the United States. Additional audit procedures were performed on specific financial statement line 
items for a further 4 components in the United States, UAE and The Netherlands. This approach ensured that appropriate audit 
coverage has been obtained over all financial statement line items.

Where work was performed by component auditors, we determined the appropriate level of involvement we needed to have in 
that audit work to ensure we could conclude that sufficient appropriate audit evidence had been obtained for the Group financial 
statements as a whole. We issued written instructions to all component auditors and had regular communications with them 
throughout the audit cycle. We have held remote meetings with each component team and reviewed all significant matters 
reported. Working paper reviews have also been performed for all components which are individually material to the Group; that 
is exceeding 5% of the Group’s profit before taxation or 2% of the Group’s revenue. 

Based on the detailed audit work performed across the Group, we have gained coverage of 71% of total revenue, 68% of profit before 
tax, and 87% of net assets.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. 
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of 
our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, 
both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Overall materiality

How we determined it

Rationale for benchmark applied

Group financial statements

Company financial statements

£13.3 million (2019: £12.3 million).

£11.2 million (2019: £9.3 million).

5% of profit before tax before adjustments.

1% of total assets.

We believe that a total asset benchmark is 
appropriate given that the Company does not 
generate revenues of its own.

Based on the benchmarks used in the Annual 
Report, profit before tax before adjustments is 
the primary measure used by the shareholders 
in assessing the underlying performance of the 
Group. This benchmark will exclude the impact 
of adjustments in respect of amortisation and 
impairment of acquired intangible assets, 
acquisition items, significant restructuring 
costs and profit or loss on disposal 
of operations.

For each component in the scope of our group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall group materiality. The 
range of materiality allocated across components was between £0.1 million and £11.2 million. Certain components were audited to a 
local statutory audit materiality that was also less than our overall group materiality.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £665,000 
(Group audit) (2019: £610,000) and £665,000 (Company audit) (2019: £610,000) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, 
in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

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109

Other InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
Independent Auditors’ Report to the members of Halma plc continued

Going concern
In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows:

Reporting obligation

Outcome

We are required to report if we have anything material to add or draw 
attention to in respect of the directors’ statement in the financial 
statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate 
to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the 
financial statements and the directors’ identification of any material 
uncertainties to the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern over a period of at least twelve months from the date 
of approval of the financial statements.

We are required to report if the directors’ statement relating to Going 
Concern in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially 
inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit.

We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, 
this statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s and Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern. 

We have nothing to report.

Reporting on other information 
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ 
report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the 
other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this 
report, any form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are 
required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement 
of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies 
Act 2006 have been included. 

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 (CA06), 
ISAs (UK) and the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) require us also to report certain opinions and matters as 
described below (required by ISAs (UK) unless otherwise stated).

Strategic Report and Directors’ Report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report for 
the year ended 31 March 2020 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal 
requirements. (CA06)

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not 
identify any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report. (CA06)

The directors’ assessment of the prospects of the group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or  
liquidity of the group
We have nothing material to add or draw attention to regarding:

 — The directors’ confirmation on page 54 of the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, 

including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.

 — The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated.

 — The directors’ explanation on page 54 of the Annual Report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have 
done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing to report having performed a review of the directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group and statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review was substantially less in scope 
than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statements; checking that the 
statements are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’); and considering whether the 
statements are consistent with the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of 
the audit. (Listing Rules)

Other Code Provisions
 — We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when: 

 — The statement given by the directors, on page 103, that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable, 
and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and Company’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and Company obtained in the course of performing our audit.

 — The section of the Annual Report on page 74 describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated 

by us to the Audit Committee.

 — The directors’ statement relating to the company’s compliance with the Code does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of 

the Code specified, under the Listing Rules, for review by the auditors.

110

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020Directors’ Remuneration
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 
2006. (CA06)

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 103, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view. The directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

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

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

Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where 
expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 — we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

 — adequate accounting records have not been kept by the company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 

branches not visited by us; or

 — certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

 — the Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with 

the accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Appointment
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by the members on 20 July 2017 to audit the financial 
statements for the year ended 31 March 2018 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 
3 years, covering the years ended 31 March 2018 to 31 March 2020.

Owen Mackney (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London

14 July 2020

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111

Other InformationHalma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Consolidated Income Statement 

Year ended 31 March 2020 

Before 
adjustments* 
£m 

Adjustments* 
(note 1) 
£m 

Notes 

Total 
£m 

Before 
adjustments* 
Notes 
£m 

31 March 
2020 
Adjustments* 
 (note 1) 
£m 
£m 

Year ended 31 March 2019 
31 March 
2019 
Restated* 
Total 
£m 
£m 

1 

14 
30 
4 
5 
6 
9 

– 
(45.8) 
– 
2.9 
– 
– 
(42.9) 
9.7 

1,338.4 
279.2 
(0.1) 
– 
0.6 
(12.7) 
267.0 
(49.4) 

1,338.4 
233.4 
(0.1) 
2.9 
0.6 
(12.7) 
224.1 
(39.7) 

11 
1,210.9 
12 
255.8 
13 
(0.1) 
14 
– 
29 
0.5 
22 
(10.5) 
245.7 
(45.7) 
15 
16 
200.0 

Non-current assets 
Continuing operations 
Goodwill 
Revenue 
Other intangible assets 
Operating profit 
Property, plant and equipment 
Share of loss of associate 
Interest in associates and other investments 
Profit/(loss) on disposal of operations 
Retirement benefit asset 
Finance income 
Deferred tax asset* 
Finance expense 
Profit before taxation 
Current assets 
Taxation 
Inventories 
Profit for the year attributable to 
Trade and other receivables 
equity shareholders 
Tax receivable 
Earnings per share 
Cash and bank balances 
From continuing operations 
Derivative financial instruments 
Basic and diluted 

694.0 
1,210.9 
245.2 
217.8 
112.4 
(0.1) 
3.9 
(1.0) 
– 
0.5 
1.4 
(10.5) 
1,056.9 
206.7 
(36.9) 
144.3 
259.6 
169.8 
0.2 
81.2 
0.9 
44.78p 
486.2 
Total assets 
1,543.1 
Dividends in respect of the year 
Paid and proposed (£m) 
Current liabilities 
59.6 
Trade and other payables 
164.8 
Paid and proposed per share 
15.71p 
9.2 
Borrowings 
– 
Lease liabilities 
*  Adjustments include the amortisation of acquired intangible assets; acquisition items; significant restructuring costs, profit or loss on disposal of operations and in the prior year only 
the effect of equalisation of pension benefits for men and women in the defined benefit plans; and the associated taxation thereon. Note 3 provides more information on alternative 
25.4 
Provisions 
performance measures. 
13.4 
Tax liabilities 
0.3 
Derivative financial instruments 
213.1 
273.1 

838.4 
– 
328.4 
(38.0) 
184.3 
– 
4.8 
(1.0) 
5.4 
– 
1.3 
– 
1,362.6 
(39.0) 
8.8 
170.6 
286.6 
(30.2) 
10.7 
106.3 
1.0 
575.2 
1,937.8 

186.7 
75.1 
13.0 
28.0 
9.4 
1.0 
313.2 
262.0 

62.5 
16.50p 

57.39p 

48.66p 

52.74p 

(33.2) 

17 
19 

217.6 

184.4 

1 
2 

20 

27 

27 

10 

Net current assets 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Lease liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities* 

Total liabilities 
Net assets 
Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Own shares 
Capital redemption reserve 
Hedging reserve 
Translation reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 
Equity attributable to owners of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 
Total equity 

19 

29 
21 
20 
22 

23 

345.0 
48.5 
10.6 
13.3 
21.6 
48.7 
487.7 
800.9 
1,136.9 

38.0 
23.6 
(14.3) 
0.2 
(0.1) 
148.7 
(7.7) 
949.2 
1,137.6 
(0.7) 
1,136.9 

253.7 
– 
39.2 
11.6 
10.9 
33.2 
348.6 
561.7 
981.4 

38.0 
23.6 
(4.7) 
0.2 
0.3 
119.5 
(5.6) 
810.1 
981.4 
– 
981.4 

*  As part of a review of deferred tax balances some balances were identified that were previously presented gross but should have been netted off as they are in the same jurisdiction 

and there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities. See note 22 for further details. 

The financial statements of Halma plc, company number 00040932, were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 July 2020. 

Andrew Williams 
Director 

Marc Ronchetti  
Director 

112

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure

Profit for the year
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the Consolidated Income 
Statement:
Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension plans 
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the Consolidated Income Statement:
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
Deferred tax in respect of cash flow hedges accounted for in the hedging reserve
Exchange gains on translation of foreign operations and net investment hedge
Exchange loss/(gain) on translation of foreign operations recycled to income statement on
disposal
Other comprehensive income for the year

Notes

29
9

27
9

Year ended 
31 March 
2020
£m
184.4

Year ended 
31 March 
2019
£m
169.8

22.5
(4.0)

(0.5)
0.1
29.1

0.1
47.3

6.5
(1.6)

–
–
32.5

(0.3)
37.1

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity shareholders*

231.7

206.9

The exchange gain of £29.1m (2019: gain of £32.5m) includes losses of £11.9m (2019: losses of £7.9m) which relate to net 
investment hedges as described in note 27.

* The amount of income relating to non-controlling interests for non-wholly owned subsidiaries during the year was £nil (2019: £nil). 

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Halma plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2020

113

 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 

Non-current assets 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Interest in associates and other investments 
Retirement benefit asset 
Deferred tax asset* 

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Tax receivable 
Cash and bank balances 
Derivative financial instruments 

Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Lease liabilities 
Provisions 
Tax liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 

Net current assets 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Lease liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities* 

Total liabilities 
Net assets 
Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Own shares 
Capital redemption reserve 
Hedging reserve 
Translation reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 
Equity attributable to owners of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 
Total equity 

31 March 
2020 

Notes 

£m 

11 
12 
13 
14 
29 
22 

15 
16 

27 

17 
19 

20 

27 

19 

29 
21 
20 
22 

23 

838.4 
328.4 
184.3 
4.8 
5.4 
1.3 
1,362.6 

170.6 
286.6 
10.7 
106.3 
1.0 
575.2 
1,937.8 

186.7 
75.1 
13.0 
28.0 
9.4 
1.0 
313.2 
262.0 

345.0 
48.5 
10.6 
13.3 
21.6 
48.7 
487.7 
800.9 
1,136.9 

38.0 
23.6 
(14.3) 
0.2 
(0.1) 
148.7 
(7.7) 
949.2 
1,137.6 
(0.7) 
1,136.9 

31 March 
2019 
Restated* 
£m 

694.0 
245.2 
112.4 
3.9 
– 
1.4 
1,056.9 

144.3 
259.6 
0.2 
81.2 
0.9 
486.2 
1,543.1 

164.8 
9.2 
– 
25.4 
13.4 
0.3 
213.1 
273.1 

253.7 
– 
39.2 
11.6 
10.9 
33.2 
348.6 
561.7 
981.4 

38.0 
23.6 
(4.7) 
0.2 
0.3 
119.5 
(5.6) 
810.1 
981.4 
– 
981.4 

*  As part of a review of deferred tax balances some balances were identified that were previously presented gross but should have been netted off as they are in the same jurisdiction 

and there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities. See note 22 for further details. 

The financial statements of Halma plc, company number 00040932, were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 July 2020. 

Andrew Williams 
Director 

Marc Ronchetti  
Director 

114

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Share 
capital
£m
38.0

Share 
premium 
account
£m
23.6

Own
shares
£m
(4.7)

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m
0.2

Hedging
reserve
£m
0.3

Translation
reserve
£m
119.5

Other 
reserves
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m
Notes
(5.6) 810.1

Year ended 
Non-
31 March 
controlling 
interest
2020
£m
£m
184.4
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

29.1

0.3
–

0.2
–

23.6
–

0.1
47.3

(4.7)
–

22.5
(4.0)

119.5
–

29
(4.0)
9

(0.5)
0.1
29.1

(5.6) 806.1
27
184.4
9

Profit for the year
At 1 April 2019
Impact of changes in 
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the Consolidated Income 
Statement:
Accounting policies:
Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension plans 
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified
Restated balance at
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the Consolidated Income Statement:
1 April 2019
38.0
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
Profit for the year
–
Other comprehensive income 
Deferred tax in respect of cash flow hedges accounted for in the hedging reserve
and expense:
Exchange gains on translation of foreign operations and net investment hedge
Exchange gain on translation of 
Exchange loss/(gain) on translation of foreign operations recycled to income statement on
foreign operations and net 
disposal
investment hedge
Other comprehensive income for the year
Exchange loss on translation 
of foreign operations recycled to 
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity shareholders*
income statement on disposal
Actuarial gains on defined 
The exchange gain of £29.1m (2019: gain of £32.5m) includes losses of £11.9m (2019: losses of £7.9m) which relate to net 
investment hedges as described in note 27.
benefit pension plans
Effective portion of changes in 
* The amount of income relating to non-controlling interests for non-wholly owned subsidiaries during the year was £nil (2019: £nil). 
fair value of cash flow hedges
Tax relating to components of 
other comprehensive income
and expense
Total other comprehensive 
income and expense
Dividends paid
Share-based payment charge
Deferred tax on share-based 
payment transactions
Excess tax deductions related to 
share-based payments on 
exercised awards
Purchase of Own shares
Performance share plan 
awards vested
Non-controlling interest arising 
on acquisition
At 31 March 2020

–
(7.7) 949.2

–
23.6 (14.3)

18.5
(61.2)
–

–
–
– (16.7)

(0.4)
–
–

29.2
–
–

–
–
10.5

–
148.7

–
(0.1)

–
38.0

–
0.2

1.4
–

(13.1)

231.7

(4.0)

(0.5)

22.5

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

0.5

7.1

0.1

0.1

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Year ended 
31 March 
Total
2019
£m
£m
169.8
981.4

6.5
(4.0)
(1.6)
977.4
–
184.4
–
32.5

(0.3)
29.1
37.1

206.9
0.1

22.5

(0.5)

(3.9)

47.3
(61.2)
10.5

0.5

1.4
(16.7)

(6.0)

(0.7)
(0.7) 1,136.9

(0.7)

Own shares are ordinary shares in Halma plc purchased by the Company and held to fulfil the Company’s obligations under the 
Group’s share plans. At 31 March 2020 the number of shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust was 760,894 (2019: 370,354). 
The market value of Own shares was £14.6m (2019: £6.2m). 

The Translation reserve is used to record the difference arising from the retranslation of the financial statements of foreign 
operations. The Hedging reserve is used to record the portion of the cumulative net change in fair value of cash flow hedging 
instruments that are deemed to be an effective hedge.

The Capital redemption reserve was created on repurchase and cancellation of the Company’s own shares. The Other reserves 
represent the provision for the value of the Group’s equity-settled share plans.

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Halma plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2020

115

 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity continued  

Share  
capital 
£m 
38.0 

Share  
premium  
account 
£m 
23.6 

Own  
shares 
£m 
(6.3) 

Capital  
redemption  
reserve 
£m 
0.2 

Hedging 
reserve 
£m 
0.3 

Translation 
 reserve 
£m 
87.3 

Notes 

Other  
reserves 
£m 
(5.9) 

31 March 
2020 
Retained  
earnings 
£m 
£m 
691.2 

23.6 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

38.0 
– 

Non-current assets 
At 1 April 2018 
Impact of changes in  
Goodwill 
Accounting policies: 
Other intangible assets 
IFRS 9 
Property, plant and equipment 
IFRS 15 
Interest in associates and other investments 
Restated balance at 
Retirement benefit asset 
1 April 2018 
Deferred tax asset* 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income 
Current assets 
and expense: 
Inventories 
Exchange differences on 
Trade and other receivables 
translation of foreign 
Tax receivable 
operations 
Cash and bank balances 
Exchange gains on translation 
Derivative financial instruments 
of foreign operations recycled 
on disposal 
Total assets 
Actuarial gains on defined 
Current liabilities 
benefit pension plans 
Trade and other payables 
Effective portion of changes in 
Borrowings 
fair value of cash flow hedges 
Lease liabilities 
Tax relating to components of 
Provisions 
other comprehensive income 
Tax liabilities 
Total other comprehensive 
Derivative financial instruments 
income and expense 
Dividends paid 
Share-based payment charge 
Net current assets 
Deferred tax on share-based 
Non-current liabilities 
payment transactions 
Borrowings 
Excess tax deductions related 
Lease liabilities 
to share-based payments on 
Retirement benefit obligations 
exercised awards 
Trade and other payables 
Purchase of Own shares 
Provisions 
Performance share plan 
Deferred tax liabilities* 
awards vested 
At 31 March 2019 
Total liabilities 
Net assets 
Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Own shares 
Capital redemption reserve 
Hedging reserve 
Translation reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 
Equity attributable to owners of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 
Total equity 

– 
38.0 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

–  

– 
23.6 

– 
– 

(6.3) 
–  

– 
– 

0.2 
– 

– 
– 

0.3 
– 

– 
– 

87.3 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  
– 
– 

– 

– 
(3.8) 

5.4 
(4.7) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

–  

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

32.5 

(0.3) 

– 

– 

– 

32.2 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
0.2 

– 
0.3 

– 
119.5 

11 
12 
13 
14 
29 
22 

– 
– 

0.1 
(0.2) 

838.4 
328.4 
184.3 
4.8 
5.4 
691.1 
1.3 
169.8 
1,362.6 

(5.9) 
– 

170.6 
286.6 
10.7 
106.3 
1.0 
575.2 
1,937.8 

– 

– 

6.5 

– 

(1.6) 

186.7 
75.1 
13.0 
28.0 
9.4 
4.9 
1.0 
(57.2) 
313.2 
262.0 

– 

15 
16 

27 

17 
19 

20 

27 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
9.7 

19 

0.9 

29 
21 
20 
22 

– 
– 

– 

1.5 
– 

345.0 
48.5 
10.6 
13.3 
21.6 
48.7 
487.7 
800.9 
1,136.9 

(10.3) 
(5.6) 

– 
810.1 

23 

38.0 
23.6 
(14.3) 
0.2 
(0.1) 
148.7 
(7.7) 
949.2 
1,137.6 
(0.7) 
1,136.9 

31 March 
2019 
Restated* 
Total 
£m 
£m 
828.4 
694.0 
245.2 
0.1 
112.4 
(0.2) 
3.9 
– 
828.3 
1.4 
169.8 
1,056.9 

144.3 
259.6 
0.2 
32.5 
81.2 
0.9 
486.2 
(0.3) 
1,543.1 

6.5 
164.8 
9.2 
– 
– 
25.4 
(1.6) 
13.4 
37.1 
0.3 
(57.2) 
213.1 
9.7 
273.1 

0.9 
253.7 
– 
39.2 
1.5 
11.6 
(3.8) 
10.9 
33.2 
(4.9) 
348.6 
981.4 
561.7 
981.4 

38.0 
23.6 
(4.7) 
0.2 
0.3 
119.5 
(5.6) 
810.1 
981.4 
– 
981.4 

*  As part of a review of deferred tax balances some balances were identified that were previously presented gross but should have been netted off as they are in the same jurisdiction 

and there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities. See note 22 for further details. 

The financial statements of Halma plc, company number 00040932, were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 July 2020. 

Andrew Williams 
Director 

Marc Ronchetti  
Director 

116

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment – owned assets
Purchase of computer software
Purchase of other intangibles
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and capitalised development costs
Development costs capitalised
Interest received
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Disposal of business
Purchase of equity investments
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid
Purchase of Own shares
Interest paid
Loan arrangement fee paid
Proceeds from bank borrowings
Repayment of bank borrowings
Repayment of lease liabilities
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
Exchange adjustments
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Net cash (inflow)/outflow from (drawdown)/repayment of bank borrowings
Loan notes repaid in respect of acquisitions
Lease liabilities - additions
Lease liabilities – arising on acquisition
Repayment of lease liabilities including interest
Exchange adjustments
(Increase)/decrease in net debt
Net debt brought forward
Impact of changes in accounting policies – IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
Restated net debt brought forward
Net debt carried forward

Year ended 
31 March 
2020
£m
255.5

Year ended 
31 March
2019
£m
219.0

Notes
26

13
12
12

12

25
30
14

26
26

26

26

Notes

26
26

(31.2)
(2.6)
(0.3)
1.9
(14.7)
0.5
(232.8)
7.6
(4.8)
(276.4)

(61.2)
(16.7)
(11.1)
–
308.1
(151.7)
(13.7)
53.7

32.8
72.1
0.5
105.4

(26.4)
(2.4)
(2.5)
1.6
(10.8)
0.4
(67.0)
3.1
–
(104.0)

(57.2)
(3.8)
(8.2)
(0.5)
66.4
(110.3)
–
(113.6)

1.4
69.7
1.0
72.1

Year ended 
31 March 
2020
£m

Year ended 
31 March
2019
£m

32.8
(156.4)
0.1
(18.1)
(8.2)
15.8
(9.3)
(143.3)
(181.7)
(50.3)
(232.0)
(375.3)

1.4
43.9
0.1
–
–
–
(6.8)
38.6
(220.3)
–
(220.3)
(181.7)

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117

 
 
 
Accounting Policies 

Basis of accounting 
As the UK is still in the transition stage of its departure from the European Union, the financial statements continue to be prepared 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted for use in the European Union (EU). They therefore 
comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS legislation and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 that are applicable to companies 
reporting under IFRS. The financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with IFRS and IFRS Interpretations 
Committee (IFRS IC) interpretations issued and effective at the time of preparing these financial statements. 

The principal Group accounting policies are explained below and have been applied consistently throughout the years ended 
31 March 2020 and 31 March 2019, other than those noted below. 

The Group accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except as described below under the heading 
‘Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting’ and under the heading ‘Business combinations and goodwill’. 

New Standards and Interpretations applied for the first time in the year ended 31 March 2020 
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ 
With effect from 1 April 2019 the Group has adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ and applied the modified retrospective approach. IFRS 16 
provides a single on-balance sheet accounting model for lessees which recognises a right-of-use asset, representing its right to use 
the underlying asset, and a lease liability, representing its obligations to make payment in respect of the use of the underlying 
asset. The distinction between finance and operating leases for lessees is removed. Comparatives for the prior year have not been 
restated and the reclassifications and adjustments arising from the new leasing standard are therefore recognised in the opening 
balance sheet on 1 April 2019 as follows: 

Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment (right of use assets) 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Lease liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Lease liabilities 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liability 
Total liabilities 
Total movement in retained earnings as at 1 April 2019 

1 April 2019  
£m 

45.4 
45.4 

0.3 
(10.7) 

(39.6) 
(0.3) 
0.9 
(49.4) 
(4.0) 

On adoption of IFRS 16, the Group recognised liabilities for leases which had been classified as operating leases under previous 
accounting standards. The lease liability has been measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted 
using the incremental borrowing rate as at 1 April 2019. The weighted average lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to the 
lease liabilities on 1 April 2019 was 3.7%. 

Operating lease commitments as disclosed at 31 March 2019 
Reconciling items 
– Effect of discounting (at incremental borrowing rate as a 1 April 2019) 
– Short-term leases recognised on a straight-line basis as expense 
– Low-value leases recognised on a straight-line basis as expense 
– Recognition differences on new leases and extension assumptions  
Lease liability recognised as at 1 April 2019 

1 April 2019  
£m 
52.5 

(4.8) 
(0.4) 
(0.3) 
3.3 
50.3 

Practical expedients applied 
In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the Group has used the following practical expedients permitted by the standard: 

—  Relied on previous assessments of whether leases are onerous. 
—  Excluded initial direct costs for the measurement of right-of-use assets at the date of the initial application. 
—  Used hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease. 
—  Where practicable arrangements containing both lease components and non-lease components are accounted for as though 

they comprise a single lease component. 

Additionally, on transition the Group elected not to reassess whether a contract is, or contains, a lease, instead relying on the 
assessment already made applying IAS 17 ‘Leases’ and IFRIC 4 ‘Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease’. 

118

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Standards and Interpretations applied for the first time in the year ended 31 March 2020 continued
Impact on the income statement
The impact on the income statement for the year ended 31 March 2020 is to increase operating profit by approximately £2.4m
where the operating lease payments are replaced by a depreciation charge and increase finance costs by £2.1m, resulting in an 
increase in profit before tax of £0.3m. 

Impact on the cash flow statement
There has been a change to the classification of cash flows in the cash flow statement, with operating lease payments previously 
categorised as net cash used in operations now being split between the principal element, included as repayment of lease liabilities 
within financing activities and the interest element, included as interest paid within financing activities. In the year ended 31 March 
2020 there are £15.8m of lease payments within financing activities, comprising £13.7m of repayment of lease liabilities and £2.1m
of interest paid.

Other new accounting standards and interpretations applied for the first time
The following Standards with an effective date of 1 January 2019 have been adopted without any significant impact on the 
amounts reported in these financial statements:

— Amendments to IAS 19: Plan amendment, Curtailment of Settlement.

— Annual improvements 2015-2017 cycle.

— IFRIC Interpretation 23: Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments.

— Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures.

New Standards and Interpretations not yet applied
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations that are potentially relevant 
to the Group, and which have not been applied in these financial statements, were in issue but not yet effective (and in some cases 
had not yet been adopted by the EU):

— Amendments to IFRS 3: Definition of a Business.

— Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture.

— Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material.

— Conceptual Framework: Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards.

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these Standards and Interpretations in future periods will have no material impact on 
the financial statements of the Group.

Use of Alternative performance measures (APMs)
In the reporting of the financial information, the Group uses certain measures that are not required under IFRS, the Generally 
Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) under which the Group reports. The Directors believe that Return on Total Invested Capital
(ROTIC), Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), Organic growth at constant currency, adjusted profit and earnings per share
measures and adjusted operating cash flow provide additional and more consistent measures of underlying performance to 
shareholders by removing non-trading items that are not closely related to the Group’s trading or operating cash flows. These and 
other alternative performance measures are used by the Directors for internal performance analysis and incentive compensation 
arrangements for employees. The terms ROTIC, ROCE, organic growth at constant currency and ‘adjusted’ are not defined terms 
under IFRS and may therefore not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies. They are not 
intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP measures. 

The principal items which are included in adjusting items are set out below in the Group’s accounting policy and in note 1. The term 
‘adjusted’ refers to the relevant measure being reported for continuing operations excluding adjusting items. 

Definitions of the Group’s material alternative performance measures along with reconciliation to their IFRS equivalent measure are 
included in note 3. 

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119

 
 
 
Accounting Policies continued 

Key accounting policies 
Below we set out our key accounting policies, with a list of all other accounting policies thereafter. 

Going concern 
The Group’s business activities, together with the main trends and factors likely to affect its future development, performance and 
position, and the financial position of the Group as at 31 March 2020, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are 
set out in the Strategic Report. In addition, note 27 contains further information concerning the security, currency, interest rates 
and maturity of the Group’s borrowings. 

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In adopting the going concern basis the Directors have 
considered all of the above factors, including potential scenarios arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and from its other principal 
risks set out on pages 50 to 53. Under the potential scenarios considered, which are severe but plausible, the Group remains within 
its debt facilities and the attached financial covenants for the foreseeable future and the Directors therefore believe, at the time of 
approving the financial statements, that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully and remains a going 
concern. The key facts and assumptions in reaching this determination are summarised below.  

Our financial position remains robust with committed facilities totalling approximately £750m which includes a £550m Revolving 
Credit Facility maturing in November 2023 of which £313.6m remains undrawn at the date of this report. The earliest maturity in 
these facilities is for £74m in January 2021, with the remaining maturities from January 2023 onwards. The financial covenants on 
these facilities are for leverage (net debt/adjusted EBITDA*) of not more than three times and for adjusted interest cover of not 
less than four times.  

*  net debt and adjusted EBITDA are on a pre-IFRS 16 basis for covenant purposes. 

Our base scenario has been prepared using forecasts from each of our Operating Companies, with each considering both the 
challenges and opportunities they are facing as a consequence of COVID-19. Whilst these are varied, we have made assumptions in 
the following key areas: 

—  The impact of government lockdown restrictions: physical lockdown of either our own or our suppliers, distributors or customers 

operations have a direct impact on our revenue. This has impacted the Safety Sectors in particular with the challenges of 
physical access and our customers’ ability to install products at end customer sites. We have assumed a gradual recovery of 
these sectors from Q2 with trading returning to more normal trading levels by the end of FY21. 

—  The impact of the pandemic on elective surgery and discretionary ophthalmic diagnosis procedures: as health services have 

focussed on addressing the additional demand from the pandemic, certain businesses in the Medical sector have experienced 
reduced demand for their products in these end markets. We have assumed a gradual recovery from Q2 as healthcare systems 
normalise, returning to more normal trading levels by Q3. 

—  The effect on essential businesses: a number of our businesses are considered essential in nature either as they make products 
that are critical to life or protect critical infrastructure. A small number of these businesses have experienced an increase in 
demand as a result of global efforts to fight COVID-19. We have assumed that the current high demand in these businesses is 
short term and moderates over the coming months, returning to more normal levels by Q4. 

—  Mitigating actions assumed in the base case:  

—  Cost reductions which have already been implemented in Q1 of the 2021 financial year including temporary salary reductions, 
hiring freezes and a significant reduction in discretionary overhead spending. We have assumed appropriate and achievable 
further reductions in overheads where this is required for individual companies to ‘right size’ their cost base for the medium 
term.  

—  Reduction of capital expenditure: we have assumed a reduction of non-essential capital expenditure for the rest of the 

financial year. 

—  Suspension of M&A activity: we have assumed that we will not make any acquisitions for the balance of FY21, resuming a 

normal level of activity during FY22.  

Further severe but plausible downside sensitivities modelled include:  

—  A delay in the recovery of the impacted businesses from the effects of COVID-19.  
—  A second wave of COVID-19 infection and corresponding government restrictions in the second half of FY21.  
A reverse stress test scenario has been modelled which is considered remote in likelihood of occurring, which includes a combination 
of these scenarios, with the addition of impacts from the Group’s other principal risks.  

None of these scenarios result in a breach of the Group’s available debt facilities or the attached covenants and accordingly the 
Directors believe there is no material uncertainty in the use of the going concern assumption.  

120

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
Key accounting policies continued
Pensions
The Group makes contributions to various pension plans.

For defined benefit plans, the asset or liability recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is the difference between the fair value 
of the plan’s assets and the present value of the defined obligation at that date. The defined benefit obligation is calculated 
separately for each plan on an annual basis by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method.

Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which they occur and are taken to other comprehensive income.

Current and past service costs, along with the impact of any settlements or curtailments, are charged to the Consolidated Income 
Statement. The net interest expense on pension plans’ liabilities and the expected return on the plans’ assets is recognised within 
finance expense in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to the Consolidated Income Statement when they fall due.

Business combinations and goodwill
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.

— The recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree measured at the proportionate share of the value of net

identifiable assets acquired.

— The fair value of the existing equity interest in the acquiree.

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

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 may be accounted for as either:

a) Consideration transferred, which is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent purchase 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 purchase consideration are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement; or

b) Remuneration, which is expensed in the Consolidated Income Statement over the associated period of service. An indicator of 

such treatment includes when payments to employees of the acquired company are contingent on a post-acquisition event, but 
may be automatically forfeited on termination of employment. 

For acquisitions between 4 April 2004 (the date from which the financial statements were reported under IFRS) and 2 April 2010, 
goodwill represents the difference between the cost of the acquisition, including acquisition costs and the fair value of the net 
identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill has an indefinite expected useful life and is not amortised, but is tested annually for 
impairment.

Goodwill is recognised as an intangible asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Goodwill therefore includes non-identified 
intangible assets including business processes, buyer-specific synergies, know-how and workforce-related industry-specific 
knowledge and technical skills. Negative goodwill arising on acquisitions would be recognised directly in the Consolidated Income 
Statement. On closure or disposal of an acquired business, goodwill would be taken into account in determining the profit or loss 
on closure or disposal.

As permitted by IFRS 1, the Group elected not to apply IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ to acquisitions prior to 4 April 2004 in its 
consolidated accounts. As a result, the net book value of goodwill recognised as an intangible asset under UK GAAP at 3 April 2004 
was brought forward unadjusted as the cost of goodwill recognised under IFRS at 4 April 2004 subject to impairment testing on 
that date; and goodwill that was written off to reserves prior to 28 March 1998 under UK GAAP will not be taken into account in 
determining the profit or loss on disposal or closure of previously acquired businesses from 4 April 2004 onwards.

Intangible assets 
(a) Acquired intangible assets
An intangible resource acquired with a subsidiary undertaking is recognised as an intangible asset if it is separable from the
acquired business or arises from contractual or legal rights, is expected to generate future economic benefits and its fair value can 
be measured reliably. Acquired intangible assets, comprising trademarks, technology and know-how and customer relationships, 
are amortised through the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives of between 
four and twenty years.

(b) Product development costs
Research expenditure is written off in the financial year in which it is incurred.

Development expenditure is written off in the financial year in which it is incurred, unless it relates to the development of a new 
or substantially improved product, is incurred after the technical feasibility and economic viability of the product has been proven 
and the decision to complete the development has been taken, and can be measured reliably. Such expenditure is capitalised as 
an intangible asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at cost and is amortised through the Consolidated Income Statement on 
a straight-line basis over its estimated economic life of three years.

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Halma plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2020

121

 
 
 
Accounting Policies continued 

Key accounting policies continued 
Impairment of trade and other receivables 
The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its trade and other receivables carried at 
amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.  

The Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial 
recognition of the receivables. In order to estimate the expected lifetime losses, the Group categorises its customers into groups 
with similar risk profiles and determines the historic rates of impairment for each of those categories of customer. The Group then 
adjusts the risk profile for each group of customers by using forward looking information, such as the government risk of default for 
the country in which those customers are located, and determines an overall probability of impairment for the total trade and 
other receivables at the balance sheet date. 

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 
The preparation of Group accounts in conformity with IFRS requires the Directors to make judgements, estimates and assumptions 
that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and 
associated assumptions are based on historical experiences and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the 
circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not 
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.  

The following areas of critical accounting judgement and key estimation uncertainty have been identified as having significant risk 
of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities: 

Critical accounting judgements 
Goodwill impairment CGU groups 
Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires management’s judgement in assessing cash generating unit (CGU) groups to 
which goodwill should be allocated. Management allocates a new acquisition to a CGU group based on which one is expected to 
benefit most from that business combination. The allocation of goodwill to existing CGUs is generally straightforward and factual, 
however over time as new businesses are acquired and management reporting structures change management reviews the CGU 
groups to ensure they are still appropriate. During the current year, management has reviewed its CGU groups and made changes 
to the groups within the Medical and Environmental & Analysis sectors. Further details are provided in note 11.  

Changes to contingent consideration within 12 months of acquiring a business 
Where the Group’s expectations of future profit levels on which contingent consideration provisions are based change within 12 
months of acquiring a business, judgement is required to assess whether those changes reflect post-acquisition events or 
measurement period events. Changes in contingent consideration that are determined to be as a result of post-acquisition events 
in the first 12 months following the acquisition are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement whereas changes related to 
events that were known at the acquisition date are measurement period events and should be adjusted against goodwill. For all 
acquisitions in the year made prior to 11 March 2020, the date on which COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the Group has 
determined changes in expectations arising from COVID-19 to be post-acquisition events. Further details are provided in notes 20 
and 25. 

Provisions for taxation 
In the current year, determining the provision for taxation requires management’s judgement in assessing the provision required in 
relation to group financing partial exemption applicable to UK controlled foreign companies as a result of the decision by the 
European Commission that this constitutes state aid. Management’s assessment is that this represents a contingent liability and 
no provision is required at this time. Further details are provided in note 31.  

Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Estimation of future cash flows 
The Group uses estimates of future cash flows in a number of areas described below as required by IFRS. Estimates are made based 
on the latest available information by management closest to the related assets and end markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has 
increased the level of estimation uncertainty as the impact on countries and markets continues to be uncertain, however, the 
Group has modelled a range of scenarios to consider the impact on the carrying value of its assets as described in the going 
concern statement above and within each relevant note indicated below. 

Contingent consideration changes in estimates 
Determining the value of contingent consideration recognised as part of the acquisition of a business requires management to 
estimate the expected performance of the acquired business and the amount of contingent consideration that will therefore 
become payable. Initial estimates of expected performance are made by the management responsible for completing the 
acquisition and form a key component of the financial due diligence that takes place prior to completion. Subsequent 
measurement of contingent consideration is based on the Directors’ appraisal of the acquired business’s performance in the post-
acquisition period and the agreement of final payments. See notes 20 and 27 for details of the changes in estimates made in the 
year and the sensitivity of contingent consideration payables to further changes.  

122

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty continued
Intangible assets
IFRS 3 (revised) ‘Business Combinations’ requires that goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is capitalised and included 
in intangible assets. IFRS 3 (revised) also requires the identification and valuation of other separable intangible assets at 
acquisition. The assumptions involved in valuing these intangible assets require the use of management estimates. 

IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’ requires that development costs, arising from the application of research findings or other technical 
knowledge to a plan or design of a new or substantially improved product, are capitalised, subject to certain criteria being met. 
Determining the technical feasibility and estimating the future cash flows generated by the products in development requires the 
use of management estimates.

The estimates made in relation to both acquired intangible assets and capitalised development costs include identification of 
relevant assets, future growth rates, expected inflation rates and the discount rate used. Management also make estimates of the 
useful economic lives of the intangible assets.

Goodwill impairment future cash flows
The value in use calculation used to test for impairment of goodwill involves an estimation of the present value of future cash flows 
of CGUs. The future cash flows are based on annual budgets and forecasts, as approved by the Board, to which management’s 
expectation of market-share and long-term growth rates are applied. The present value is then calculated based on management’s 
estimate of future discount and growth rates. The Board reviews these key assumptions (market-share, long-term growth rates, 
and discount rates) and the sensitivity analysis around these assumptions. Further details are provided in note 11. 

Defined benefit pension plan liabilities
Determining the value of the future defined benefit obligation requires estimation in respect of the assumptions used to calculate 
present values. These include future mortality, discount rate and inflation. Management determines these assumptions in 
consultation with an independent actuary. Details of the estimates made in calculating the defined benefit obligation are disclosed 
in note 29.

Trade and other receivables impairment
Determining the provision for impairment of trade and other receivables requires estimation of the expected lifetime losses. 
Management makes these estimates using forward looking information to determine the overall probability of impairment. Details 
of the estimates made in calculating the provision for impairment of trade and other receivables are disclosed in note 16.

Other accounting policies
Basis of consolidation
The Group accounts include the accounts of Halma plc and all of its subsidiary companies made up to 31 March 2020, adjusted to 
eliminate intra-Group transactions, balances, income and expenses. The results of subsidiary companies acquired or discontinued 
are included from the month of their acquisition or to the month of their discontinuation.

Investments in associates
An associate is an entity over which the Group is in a position to exercise significant influence, but not control or joint control, 
through participation in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee. Significant influence is the power to participate 
in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but without control or joint control over those policies.

The results and assets and liabilities of associates are incorporated in these financial statements using the equity method of 
accounting. Investments in associates are carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at cost as adjusted by post-acquisition
changes in the Group’s share of the net assets of the associate, less any impairment in the value of individual investments. 
Losses of an associate in excess of the Group’s interest in that associate (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, 
form part of the Group’s net investment in the associate) are recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or 
constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s share of the fair values of the identifiable net assets of the associate at the 
date of acquisition is recognised as goodwill. The goodwill is included within the carrying amount of the investment and is assessed
for impairment as part of that investment. Any deficiency of the cost of acquisition below the Group’s share of the fair values of 
the identifiable net assets of the associate at the date of acquisition (i.e. discount on acquisition) is credited in profit or loss in the 
year of acquisition. 

Where a Group company transacts with an associate of the Group, profits and losses are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s 
interest in the relevant associate. Losses may provide evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred in which case appropriate 
provision is made for impairment.

Where the group disposes of its entire interest in an associate a gain or loss is recognised in the income statement on the difference 
between the amount received on the sale of the associate less the carrying value and costs of disposal.

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Accounting Policies continued 

Other accounting policies continued 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) comprise equity securities which are not held for 
trading, and which the Group has irrevocably elected at initial recognition to recognise as FVOCI. The Group considers this 
classification relevant as these are strategic investments. 

Financial assets at FVOCI are adjusted to the fair value of the asset at the balance sheet date with any gain or loss being 
recognised in other comprehensive income and held as part of other reserves. On disposal any gain or loss is recognised in other 
comprehensive income and the cumulative gains or losses are transferred from other reserves to retained earnings.  

Other intangible assets 
(a) Computer software 
Computer software that is not integral to an item of property, plant or equipment is recognised separately as an intangible asset, 
and is amortised through the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight-line basis over its estimated economic life of between 
three and five years. 

(b) Other intangibles 
Other intangibles are amortised through the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight-line basis over their estimated 
economic lives of between three and five years. 

Impairment of non-current assets 
All non-current assets are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be 
impaired. Additionally, goodwill and capitalised development expenditure relating to a product that is not yet in full production 
are subject to an annual impairment test. 

An impairment loss is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement to the extent that an asset’s carrying value exceeds its 
recoverable amount, which represents the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to dispose and its value in use. An asset’s value 
in use represents the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset or from the cash generating unit 
to which it relates. The present value is calculated using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessment of the 
time value of money and the risks specific to the asset concerned. 

Impairment losses recognised in previous periods for an asset other than goodwill are reversed if there has been a change in the 
estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount, but only to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset does not 
exceed its carrying amount had no impairment loss been recognised in previous periods. Impairment losses in respect of goodwill 
are not reversed. 

Segmental reporting 
An operating segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged in business activities from which it may earn 
revenues and incur expenses, and whose operating results are reviewed regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (the Group 
Chief Executive) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which 
discrete financial information is available. 

Reportable segments are operating segments that either meet the thresholds and conditions set out in IFRS 8 or are considered 
by the Board to be appropriately designated as reportable segments. Segment result represents operating profits and includes 
an allocation of Head Office expenses. Segment result excludes tax and financing items. Segment assets comprise goodwill, 
other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment & Right of Use assets (excluding land and buildings), inventories, trade and 
other receivables. Segment liabilities comprise trade and other payables, provisions and other payables. Unallocated items 
represent land and buildings (including Right of Use assets), corporate and deferred taxation balances, defined benefit plan 
liabilities, contingent purchase consideration, all components of net cash/borrowings, lease liabilities and derivative financial 
instruments. 

Inventories 
Inventories and work in progress are included at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is calculated either on a ‘first in, 
first out’ or an average cost basis and includes direct materials and the appropriate proportion of production and other overheads 
considered by the Directors to be attributable to bringing the inventories to their location and condition at the year end. Net 
realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs to complete and costs to be incurred in marketing, 
selling and distribution. 

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Other accounting policies continued
Revenue
The Group’s revenue streams are the sale of goods and services in the specialist safety, environmental technologies and health 
markets. The revenue streams are disaggregated into four sectors, that serve like markets. Those sectors are Process Safety, 
Infrastructure Safety, Environmental & Analysis and Medical.

Revenue is recognised to depict the transfer of control over promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the 
amount of consideration specified in a contract with a customer, to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those 
goods or services. 

It is the Group’s judgement that in the majority of sales there is no contract until such time as the Company performs, at which 
point the contract becomes the supplier’s purchase order governed by the Company’s terms and conditions. Where there are 
Master Supply Arrangements, these are typically framework agreements and do not contain clauses that would result in a contract 
forming under IFRS 15 until a Purchase Order is issued by the customer. 

Revenue represents sales, net of estimates for variable consideration, including rights to returns, and discounts, and excluding value 
added tax and other sales related taxes. The amount of variable consideration is not considered to be material to the Group as a 
whole.

Performance obligations are unbundled in each contractual arrangement if they are distinct from one another. There is judgement 
in identifying distinct performance obligations where the product could be determined to be a system, or where a combination of 
products and services are provided together. For the majority of the Group’s activities the performance obligation is judged to be 
the component product or service rather than the system or combined products and services. The contract price is allocated to the 
distinct performance obligations based on the relative standalone selling prices of the goods or services.

The way in which the Group satisfies its performance obligations varies by business and may be on shipment, delivery, as services 
are rendered or on completion of services depending on the nature of product and service and terms of the contract which govern 
how control passes to the customer. Revenue is recognised at a point in time or over time as appropriate. 

Where the Group offers warranties that are of a service nature, revenue is recognised in relation to these performance obligations 
over time as the services are rendered. In our judgement we believe the associated performance obligations accrue evenly across 
the contractual term and therefore revenue is recognised on a pro-rated basis over the length of the service period.

In a small number of instances across the Group, products have been determined to be bespoke in nature, with no alternative use. 
Where there is also an enforceable right to payment for work completed, the criteria for recognising revenue over time have been 
deemed to have been met. Revenue is recognised on an input basis. This is not a material part of the Group’s business as for the 
most part, where goods are bespoke in nature, it is the Group’s judgement that the product can be broken down to standard 
component parts with little additional cost and therefore has an alternate use, or there is no enforceable right to payment for 
work performed. In these cases, the judgement is made that the requirements for recognising revenue over time are not met 
and revenue is recognised when control of the finished product passes to the customer.

Contract assets and liabilities
A contract asset is recognised when the Group’s right to consideration is conditional on something other than the passage of time, 
for example the completion of future performance obligations under the terms of the contract with the customer. 

In some instances, the Group receives payments from customers based on a billing schedule, as established in the contract, 
which may not match with the pattern of performance under the contract. Where payment is received ahead of performance a 
contract liability will be created and where performance obligations are satisfied ahead of billing then a contract asset will be 
recognised.

Contract assets are recognised within Trade and other receivables and are assessed for impairment on a forward-looking basis 
using the expected lifetime losses approach, as required by IFRS 9 (‘Financial Instruments’).

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Accounting Policies continued 

Other accounting policies continued 
Adjusting items 
When items of income or expense are material and they are relevant to an understanding of the entity’s financial performance, 
they are disclosed separately within the financial statements. Such adjusting items include material costs or reversals arising from 
acquisitions or disposals of businesses, including acquisition costs, creation or reversals of provisions related to changes in estimates 
for contingent consideration on acquisition, amortisation of acquired intangible assets, and other significant one-off items that 
may arise. 

Taxation 
Taxation comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement except to the extent that it 
relates to items recognised directly in Total equity, in which case it too is recognised in Total equity. Current tax is the expected tax 
payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, along with 
any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Consolidated 
Income Statement because it excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. 

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting 
purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method, apart from 
the following differences which are not provided for: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes; the initial recognition of assets or 
liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent 
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 amounts of assets and liabilities, using tax rates and laws, which are expected to apply 
in the year when the liability is settled, or the asset is realised. Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that recovery 
is probable. 

Foreign currencies 
The Group presents its accounts in Sterling. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of 
the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are reported at the 
rates prevailing at that date. Any gain or loss arising from subsequent exchange rate movements is included as an exchange gain 
or loss in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

Net assets of overseas subsidiary companies are expressed in Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the end of the financial 
year, and trading results and cash flows at the average rates of exchange for the financial year. Goodwill arising on the acquisition 
of a foreign business is treated as an asset of the foreign entity and is translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the end of the 
financial year. Exchange gains or losses arising on these translations are taken to the Translation reserve within Total equity. 

In the event that an overseas subsidiary is disposed of or closed, the profit or loss on disposal or closure will be determined after 
taking into account the cumulative translation difference held within the Translation reserve attributable to that subsidiary. 
As permitted by IFRS 1, the Group has elected to deem the translation to be £nil at 4 April 2004. Accordingly, the profit or loss 
on disposal or closure of foreign subsidiaries will not include any currency translation differences which arose before 4 April 2004. 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings are initially recognised in the balance sheet at fair value less directly attributable transaction 
costs and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 

Trade payables 
Trade payables are non interest-bearing and are stated at amortised cost.  

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Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
Other accounting policies continued
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Group enters into derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign exchange rate risk using forward exchange 
contracts. Further details of derivative financial instruments are disclosed in note 27. The group continues to apply the 
requirements of IAS 39 for hedge accounting.

Derivative financial instruments are classified as fair value through profit and loss (held for trading) unless they are in a designated 
hedge relationship.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured 
to their fair value at each balance sheet date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement, unless 
the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in the Consolidated 
Income Statement depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. The Group designates certain derivatives as hedges of highly 
probable forecast transactions or hedges of foreign currency risk of firm commitments (cash flow hedges), or hedges of net 
investments in foreign operations. 

A derivative with a positive fair value is recognised as a financial asset whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognised 
as a financial liability. A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the 
instrument is more than 12 months and it is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented 
as current assets or current liabilities.

Cash flow hedge accounting
The Group designates certain hedging instruments as cash flow hedges. 

At the inception of the hedge relationship, the entity documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged 
item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Furthermore, at the 
inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the hedging instrument has been or is expected 
to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. 

Note 27 sets out details of the fair values of the derivative instruments used for hedging purposes and the movements in the 
Hedging reserve in equity.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised 
in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion as a result of being over hedged is recognised 
immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to the Consolidated 
Income Statement in the periods when the hedged item is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. However, when 
the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the gains 
and losses previously accumulated in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of 
the non-financial asset or non-financial liability. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold, 
terminated or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any gain or loss recognised in other comprehensive income at
that time is accumulated in equity and is recognised, when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised, in the Consolidated 
Income Statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is 
recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

Net investment hedge accounting
The Group uses foreign currency denominated borrowings as a hedge against the translation exposure on the Group’s net 
investment in overseas companies. Where the hedge is fully effective at hedging, the variability in the net assets of such companies 
caused by changes in exchange rates and the changes in value of the borrowings are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income and accumulated in the Translation reserve. The ineffective part of any change in value caused by changes 
in exchange rates is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

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Accounting Policies continued 

Other accounting policies continued  
Employee share plans 
Share-based incentives are provided to employees under the Group’s share incentive plan, the performance share plan and the 
executive share plan. 

(a) Share incentive plan 
Awards of shares under the share incentive plan are made to qualifying employees depending on salary and service criteria. The 
shares awarded under this plan are purchased in the market by the plan’s trustees at the time of the award, and are then held in 
trust for a minimum of three years. The costs of this plan are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement over the three-year 
vesting period of the awards. 

(b) Executive share plan 
During the year ended 2 April 2016, Halma plc introduced the Executive Share Plan, in which executive Directors and certain senior 
employees participate. Grants under this Plan are in the form of Performance Awards or Deferred Share Awards. 

Performance Awards are subject to non-market-based vesting criteria, and Deferred Share Awards are subject only to continuing 
service of the employee. Share awards are equity-settled. The fair value of the awards at the date of grant, which is estimated to 
be equal to the market value, is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, 
with appropriate adjustments being made during this period to reflect expected and actual forfeitures. The corresponding credit 
is to other reserves within Total equity. 

(c) Cash settled 
For cash-settled awards, a liability equal to the portion of the services received is recognised at the current fair value determined 
at each balance sheet date. 

Provisions and contingent liabilities 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable 
that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.  

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the 
balance sheet date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured 
using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of the cash flows.  

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, 
a receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received, and the amount of the receivable 
can be measured reliably. 

Contingent liabilities are disclosed where a possible obligation dependent on uncertain future events exists as at the end of the 
reporting period or a present obligation for which payment either cannot be measured or is not considered to be probable is noted. 
Contingent liabilities are not accrued for and no contingent liability is disclosed where the possibility of payment is considered to be 
remote. 

Deferred government grant income 
Government grant income that is linked to capital expenditure is deferred to the Consolidated Balance Sheet and credited to 
the Consolidated Income Statement over the life of the related asset. In addition, the Group claims research and development 
expenditure credits arising on qualifying expenditure in its UK-based subsidiaries and shows these ‘above the line’ in Operating 
profit. Where the credits arise on expenditure that is capitalised as part of internally generated capitalised development costs, 
the income is deferred to the Consolidated Balance Sheet and credited to the Consolidated Income Statement over the life of the 
related asset in line with the policy stated above. 

Operating profit 
Operating profit is presented net of direct production costs, production overheads, selling costs, distribution costs and 
administrative expenditure (see note 6). Operating profit is stated after charging restructuring costs but before the share of results 
of associates, profit or loss on disposal of operations, finance income and finance costs.  

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, deposits with an initial maturity of less than three months, and bank 
overdrafts that are repayable on demand.  

Dividends 
Dividends payable to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the period in which the distribution is approved 
by the Company’s shareholders. 

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Other accounting policies continued
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less provisions for impairment and depreciation which, with the 
exception of freehold land which is not depreciated, is provided on a straight-line basis over each asset’s estimated economic life. 
The principal annual rates used for this purpose are:

Freehold property
Leasehold properties and improvements:
Long leases (more than 50 years unexpired)
Short leases (less than 50 years unexpired)
Plant, equipment and vehicles

2%

2%
Period of lease
8% to 33.3%

Leases
The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. 

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, comprising the initial amount of the lease liability plus any initial direct costs 
incurred and an estimate of costs to restore the underlying asset, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is 
subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life 
of the asset or the end of the lease term. 

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, 
discounted using the incremental borrowing rate. The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect 
the lease payments made. The lease liability is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change 
in an index or a rate or a change in the Group’s assessment of whether it will exercise an extension or termination option. When the 
lease liability is remeasured, a corresponding adjustment is made to the right-of-use asset.

Payments associated with short-term leases or low-value assets are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less. Low-value assets mostly 
comprise of IT equipment and small items of office furniture.

The Group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach and therefore the comparative information has not been
restated and continues to be under IAS 17 ‘leases’. The accounting policy under IAS 17 is as disclosed in the Annual Report and 
Accounts 2019. A description of the changes impacting the Group has been disclosed above under New standards and 
interpretations applied for the first time.

Finance income and expenses
The Group recognises Interest income or expense using the effective interest rate method. Finance income and finance costs 
include:

— Interest payable on loans and borrowings.

— Net interest charge on pension plan liabilities.

— Amortisation of finance costs.

— Interest receivable in respect of cash and cash equivalents.

— Unwinding of the discount on provisions.

— Fair value movements on derivative financial instruments.

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Notes to the Accounts 

1 Segmental analysis and revenue from contracts with customers 
Sector analysis and disaggregation of revenue 
The Group has four reportable segments (Process Safety, Infrastructure Safety, Environmental & Analysis and Medical) which 
are defined by markets rather than product type. Each segment includes businesses with similar operating and marketing 
characteristics. These segments are consistent with the internal reporting reviewed each month by the Group Chief Executive. 

During the current year, following an acquisition that has materially changed its customer focus, one of the operating companies 
has been moved from the Environmental & Analysis sector to the Medical sector. The prior year segmental disclosures have been 
restated to reflect this change which moved £19.1m of revenue, £6.3m of profit, £6.5m of assets and £1.2m of liabilities from 
Environmental & Analysis to Medical. There was no change in the total group revenue, profit or net assets from this change.  

Nature of goods and services 
The following is a description of the principal activities – separated by reportable segments, which are defined by markets rather 
than product type – from which the Group generates its revenue.  

Further disaggregation of sector revenue by geography and by the pattern of revenue recognition depicts how economic factors 
affect the timing and uncertainty of the Group’s revenues.  

Process Safety sector generates revenue from providing products that protect assets and people at work across a range of critical 
industrial and logistics operations. Products include: specialised interlocks that control critical processes safely; instruments that 
detect flammable and hazardous gases; and explosion protection and corrosion monitoring systems. Products are generally sold 
separately, with contracts less than one year. Warranties are typically of an assurance nature. Revenue is typically recognised as 
control passes on delivery or despatch. 

Payment is typically due within 60 days of invoice, except where a retention is held for documentation. 

Infrastructure Safety sector generates revenue from providing products that protect people, property and assets and enable safe 
movement in public spaces. Products include: fire detection systems, specialist fire suppression systems, elevator safety systems 
and people and vehicle flow technologies. Products are generally sold separately, with contracts less than one year. Warranties are 
typically of an assurance nature. Revenue is recognised as control passes on delivery or despatch.  

Payment is typically due within 60 days of invoice. 

Environmental & Analysis generates revenue providing products and technologies that monitor and protect the environment, 
ensuring the quality and availability of life-critical resources, and use optical and imaging technologies in materials analysis.. 
Products include: market-leading opto-electronic technology and sensors, flow gap measurement instruments and gas 
conditioning products, and solutions for environmental data recording, water quality testing, water distribution network 
monitoring, and UV water treatment. Products and services are generally sold separately. Warranties are typically of an assurance 
nature, but some companies offer extended warranties. Depending on the nature of the performance obligation, revenue may be 
recognised as control passes on delivery, despatch or as the service is delivered. Contracts are typically less than one year in length, 
but some companies have contracts where certain service related performance obligations are delivered over a number of years, 
this can result in contract liabilities where those performance obligations are invoiced ahead of performance. 

Payment is typically due within 60 days of invoice. 

Medical sector generates revenue from providing products and services that enhance the quality of life for patients and improve 
quality of care delivered by healthcare providers. Products include: critical fluidic components used by medical diagnostics and 
Original Equipment Manufacturers (‘OEMs’), laboratory devices and systems that provide valuable information to understand 
patient health and enable providers to make decisions across the continuum of care, and technologies that enable positive 
outcomes across clinical specialties. Products are generally sold separately, and warranties are typically of an assurance nature. 
Depending on the nature of the performance obligation, revenue is recognised as control passes on delivery or despatch or as the 
service is delivered. Contracts are typically less than one year in length, but a limited number of companies have contracts where 
certain service related performance obligations are delivered over a number of years, this can result in contract liabilities where 
those performance obligations are invoiced ahead of performance.  

Payment is typically due within 60 days of invoice. 

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Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
1 Segmental analysis and revenue from contracts with customers continued
Segment revenue disaggregation (by location of external customer)

Year ended 31 March 2020
Revenue by sector and destination (all continuing operations)

Process Safety

Infrastructure Safety

Environmental & Analysis

Medical

Inter-segmental sales

Revenue for the year

Process Safety

Infrastructure Safety

Environmental & Analysis

Medical

Inter-segmental sales

Revenue for the year

United States 
of America
£m

67.0

105.5

157.3

180.7

(0.2)

510.3

United States 
of America
£m

61.3

87.8

117.6

176.8

(0.3)

443.2

Asia Pacific 
£m

Africa, 
Near and 
Middle East
£m

Mainland 
Europe
£m

39.7

142.9

34.3

59.6

(0.1)

United 
Kingdom 
£m

28.7

109.9

67.2

15.4

–

276.4

221.2

213.3

Other 
countries
£m

9.6

14.7

7.2

22.5

–

Total
£m

200.0

466.5

325.0

347.2

(0.3)

54.0

1,338.4

Mainland 
Europe
£m

42.1

131.2

38.0

55.0

–

United 
Kingdom 
£m

32.6

101.4

53.6

13.4

(0.1)

266.3

200.9

184.0

Year ended 31 March 2019
Revenue by sector and destination (all continuing operations)
Restated

Asia Pacific 
£m

Africa, 
Near and
Middle East
£m

Other 
countries
£m

8.7

11.2

6.6

19.2

–

Total
£m

197.5

408.6

280.0

325.2

(0.4)

45.7

1,210.9

21.8

22.6

7.1

11.7

–

63.2

23.2

28.4

6.0

13.2

–

70.8

33.2

70.9

51.9

57.3

–

29.6

48.6

58.2

47.6

–

Inter-segmental sales are charged at prevailing market prices and have not been disclosed separately by segment as they are not 
considered material. Revenue derived from the rendering of services was £53.1m (2019: £39.2m). All revenue was otherwise derived
from the sale of products.

Process Safety
Infrastructure Safety
Environmental & Analysis
Medical
Inter-segmental sales
Revenue for the year

Process Safety
Infrastructure Safety
Environmental & Analysis
Medical
Inter-segmental sales
Revenue for the year

Revenue
recognised 
over time
£m
0.7
1.6
67.3
13.0
–
82.6

Revenue
recognised 
over time
£m
–
0.9
38.5
6.3
–
45.7

Year ended 31 March 2020
Revenue
recognised 
at a point 
in time 
£m
199.3
464.9
257.7
334.2
(0.3)
1,255.8

Total 
Revenue
£m
200.0
466.5
325.0
347.2
(0.3)
1,338.4

Year ended 31 March 2019
Restated

Revenue
recognised 
at a point 
in time
£m
197.5
407.7
241.5
318.9
(0.4)
1,165.2

Total 
Revenue
£m
197.5
408.6
280.0
325.2
(0.4)
1,210.9

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131

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

1 Segmental analysis and revenue from contracts with customers continued 
Segment revenue disaggregation continued 

Process Safety 
Infrastructure Safety 
Environmental & Analysis 
Medical 
Inter-segmental sales 
Revenue for the year 

Process Safety 
Infrastructure Safety 
Environmental & Analysis 
Medical 
Inter-segmental sales 
Revenue for the year 

Revenue from 
 performance 
 obligations  
entered  
into and  
satisfied 
 in the year 
£m 
199.3 
465.3 
320.8 
336.2 
(0.3) 
1,321.3 

Revenue from 
 performance 
 obligations  
entered  
into and  
satisfied 
 in the year 
£m 
196.7 
406.2 
273.0 
315.1 
(0.4) 
1,190.6 

Year ended 31 March 2020 

Revenue  
previously  
included as 
 contract  
liabilities 
£m 
0.7 
1.2 
4.1 
11.0 
– 
17.0 

Revenue from  
performance  
obligations  
satisfied in  
previous  
periods  
£m 
– 
– 
0.1 
– 
– 
0.1 

Total  
Revenue 
£m 
200.0 
466.5 
325.0 
347.2 
(0.3) 
1,338.4 

Year ended 31 March 2019 
Restated 

Revenue  
previously  
included as 
 contract  
liabilities 
£m 
0.8 
2.4 
6.8 
9.8 
– 
19.8 

Revenue from  
performance  
obligations  
satisfied in  
previous  
periods  
£m 
– 
– 
0.2 
0.3 
– 
0.5 

Total  
Revenue 
£m 
197.5 
408.6 
280.0 
325.2 
(0.4) 
1,210.9 

The Group has unsatisfied (or partially satisfied) performance obligations at the balance sheet date with an aggregate amount of 
transaction price as follows. The time bands represented present the expected timing of when the remaining transaction price will 
be recognised as revenue. 

Aggregate transaction price allocated to  
unsatisfied performance obligations  
2023 and  
beyond 
£m 
– 
– 
6.7 
0.2 
– 
6.9 

2021  
£m 
1.8 
3.8 
6.1 
4.9 
– 
16.6 

2022 
£m 
0.1 
0.2 
2.4 
0.7 
– 
3.4 

Aggregate transaction price allocated to  
unsatisfied performance obligations  
2022 and  
beyond 
£m 
– 
0.1 
5.2 
1.1 
– 
6.4 

2021 
£m 
– 
0.3 
1.6 
0.9 
– 
2.8 

2020  
£m 
0.1 
4.3 
10.1 
3.5 
– 
18.0 

31 March  
2020 
£m 
1.9 
4.0 
15.2 
5.8 
– 
26.9 

31 March  
2019 
£m 
0.1 
4.7 
16.9 
5.5 
– 
27.2 

Process Safety 
Infrastructure Safety 
Environmental & Analysis 
Medical 
Inter-segmental sales 
Total 

Process Safety 
Infrastructure Safety 
Environmental & Analysis 
Medical 
Inter-segmental sales 
Total 

132

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Segmental analysis and revenue from contracts with customers continued
Segment results

Segment profit before allocation of adjustments*
Process Safety
Infrastructure Safety
Environmental & Analysis
Medical

Segment profit after allocation of adjustments*
Process Safety
Infrastructure Safety
Environmental & Analysis
Medical
Segment profit
Central administration costs 
Net finance expense
Group profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year

Profit (all continuing operations)

Year ended
31 March
2020

£m

43.9
107.7
69.4
84.4
305.4

38.6
83.4
62.6
77.9
262.5
(26.3)
(12.1)
224.1
(39.7)
184.4

Year ended 
31 March 
2019
Restated
£m

45.5
88.9
60.1
83.2
277.7

41.5
79.1
53.8
66.4
240.8
(24.1)
(10.0)
206.7
(36.9)
169.8

* Adjustments include in the current and prior year the amortisation of acquired intangible assets; acquisition items; significant restructuring costs and profit or loss on disposal of 

operations and in the prior year the effect of equalisation of pension benefits for men and women in the defined benefit plans, see overleaf for more details. Note 3 provides more 
information on alternative performance measures.

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133

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

1 Segmental analysis and revenue from contracts with customers continued 
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the Group’s accounting policies. Acquisition transaction costs, 
adjustments to contingent consideration and release of fair value adjustments to inventory (collectively ‘acquisition items’) are 
recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. Segment profit, before these acquisition items and the other adjustments, is 
disclosed separately on the previous page as this is the measure reported to the Group Chief Executive for the purpose of allocation 
of resources and assessment of segment performance. These adjustments are analysed as follows:  

Year ended 31 March 2020 

Acquisition items 

Amortisation 
of acquired 
intangible 
assets 
£m 
(4.2) 
(11.0) 
(9.2) 
(13.9) 
(38.3) 

Transaction 
costs 
£m 
(0.7) 
(2.3) 
(0.2) 
(2.7) 
(5.9) 

Adjustments 
to contingent 
consideration 
£m 
– 
(8.2) 
2.6 
8.1 
2.5 

Release of 
fair value 
adjustments 
to inventory 
£m 
(0.4) 
(2.8) 
– 
(0.9) 
(4.1) 

Total 
amortisation 
charge and 
acquisition 
items 
£m 
(5.3) 
(24.3) 
(6.8) 
(9.4) 
(45.8) 

 Disposal of  
operations and 
restructuring 
 (note 30) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
 2.9 
2.9 

Total 
£m 
(5.3) 
(24.3) 
(6.8) 
(6.5) 
(42.9) 

Process Safety 
Infrastructure Safety 
Environmental & Analysis 
Medical 
Total Group 

The transaction costs arose mainly on the acquisitions during the year. In Process Safety they related to the acquisition of Sensit 
(£0.7m). In Infrastructure Safety, they related to the acquisition of Ampac (£2.1m) and FireMate (£0.2m). In Environmental & 
Analysis, they related to the acquisition of Invenio (£0.1m) and Enoveo (£0.1m). In Medical, they mainly related to the acquisition of 
Infowave (£0.1m), NeoMedix (£0.1m), NovaBone (£1.7m), Spreo (£0.1m) and Maxtec (£0.3m). 

The £2.5m adjustment to contingent consideration comprised: a debit in Infrastructure Safety of £8.2m arising from an increase in 
the estimate of the payable for Navtech; a credit of £2.6m in Environmental & Analysis arising from decreases in estimates of the 
payables for Mini-Cam (£2.6m) and Invenio (£0.1m), offset by an increase in estimates of the payable for Enoveo (£0.1m); and a 
credit of £8.1m in Medical arising from a decrease in estimates of the payables for NovaBone (£8.0m) and Infowave (£1.1m) offset 
by an increase in the estimate of the payable for NeoMedix (£1.0m). 

The £4.1m release of fair value adjustments to inventory relates to Sensit (£0.4m) in Process Safety, Navtech (£0.4m) and Ampac 
(£2.4m) in Infrastructure Safety; and NeoMedix (£0.3m), NovaBone (£0.5m), and Maxtec (£0.1m) in Medical. All amounts have 
now been released in relation to Navtech, Ampac and NeoMedix. 

Amortisation 
of acquired 
intangible 
assets 
£m 
(4.0) 
(6.8) 
(9.1) 
(15.7) 
(35.6) 
– 
(35.6) 

Transaction 
costs 
£m 
– 
(0.4) 
(0.1) 
(0.6) 
(1.1) 
– 
(1.1) 

Adjustments 
to contingent 
consideration 
£m 
– 
– 
3.0 
0.5 
3.5 
– 
3.5 

Acquisition items 

Release of 
fair value 
adjustments 
to inventory 
£m 
– 
(2.6) 
(0.1) 
– 
(2.7) 
– 
(2.7) 

Total 
amortisation 
charge and 
acquisition 
items 
£m 
(4.0) 
(9.8) 
(6.3) 
(15.8) 
(35.9) 
– 
(35.9) 

Year ended 31 March 2019 

 Defined 
benefit 
pension 
charge 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(2.1) 
(2.1) 

 Disposal of  
operations and  
restructuring 
 (note 30) 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
(1.0) 
(1.0) 
– 
(1.0) 

Total 
£m 
(4.0) 
(9.8) 
(6.3) 
(16.8) 
(36.9) 
(2.1) 
(39.0) 

Process Safety 
Infrastructure Safety 
Environmental & Analysis 
Medical 
Total Segment  
Unallocated 
Total Group 

In the prior year, the transaction costs arose mainly on the acquisitions during that year. In Infrastructure Safety, they mainly 
related to LAN Control Systems Limited (£0.1m), Limotec (£0.1m), Navtech (£0.4m) and Business Marketers Group (trading as 
Rath Communications) (£0.1m) and a credit from a previous acquisition. In Environmental & Analysis, they related to the 
acquisition of FluxData in a previous year (£0.1m). In Medical, they mainly related to the acquisition of Visiometrics in a previous 
year (£0.5m). 

The £3.5m adjustment to contingent consideration comprised: a credit of £3.0m in Environmental & Analysis arising from decreases 
in estimates of the payable for FluxData (£2.7m) and Mini-Cam (£0.3m); and a credit of £0.5m in Medical arising from an increase 
in estimate of the payable for CasMed NIBP (£0.1m) offset by a credit of £0.6m arising from exchange differences on the payable 
for Visiometrics which is denominated in Euros. 

The £2.7m release of fair value adjustments to inventory related to Firetrace (£1.4m), Limotec (£0.3m), Navtech (£0.6m) and Rath 
(£0.3m) in Infrastructure and Safety; and Mini-Cam (£0.1m) within Environmental & Analysis. All amounts have been released in 
relation to Firetrace, Limotec, Rath and Mini-Cam. 

The £2.1m defined benefit pension charge related to the estimate of Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation for men and 
women.  

134

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Segmental analysis and revenue from contracts with customers continued
Segment assets and liabilities

Before goodwill, interest in associates and other investments and acquired intangible assets are allocated to 
specific segment assets/liabilities
Process Safety
Infrastructure Safety
Environmental & Analysis
Medical
Total segment assets/liabilities excluding goodwill, interest in associate and 
acquired intangible assets
Goodwill
Interest in associate and other investments
Acquired intangible assets
Total segment assets/liabilities including goodwill, interest in associate 
and acquired intangible assets

After goodwill, interest in associates and other investments and acquired intangible assets are allocated to 
specific segment assets/liabilities
Process Safety
Infrastructure Safety
Environmental & Analysis
Medical
Total segment assets/liabilities including goodwill, interest in associate and 
acquired intangible assets
Cash and bank balances/borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Other unallocated assets/liabilities
Total Group

31 March
2020

£m
96.4
189.0
138.6
161.1

585.1
838.4
4.8
283.3

Assets

31 March
2019
Restated
£m
79.4
172.2
115.6
130.7

497.9
694.0
3.9
203.5

31 March
2020

£m
27.3
67.8
54.5
46.2

195.8
–
–
–

Liabilities

31 March
2019
Restated
£m
21.0
65.0
35.5
40.2

161.7
–
–
–

1,711.6

1,399.3

195.8

161.7

31 March
2020

£m
216.4
515.0
339.3
640.9

1,711.6
106.3
1.0
118.9
1,937.8

Assets
31 March 
2019
Restated
£m
165.0
429.4
314.2
490.7

1,399.3
81.2
0.9
61.7
1,543.1

31 March 
2020

£m
27.3
67.8
54.5
46.2

195.8
420.1
1.0
184.0
800.9

Liabilities
31 March 
2019
Restated
£m
21.0
65.0
35.5
40.2

161.7
262.9
0.3
136.8
561.7

Segment assets and liabilities, excluding the allocation of goodwill, interest in associate and other investments and acquired 
intangible assets, have been disclosed separately above as this is the measure reported to the Group Chief Executive for the 
purpose of monitoring segment performance and allocating resources between segments. Other unallocated assets include land 
and buildings, right-of-use assets, retirement benefit assets, deferred tax assets and other central administration assets. 
Unallocated liabilities include contingent purchase consideration, retirement benefit obligations, deferred tax liabilities, lease 
liabilities and other central administration liabilities.

Other segment information

Process Safety
Infrastructure Safety
Environmental & Analysis
Medical
Total segment additions/depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Unallocated
Total Group

Additions to non-current assets

Depreciation, amortisation 
and impairment

Year ended 
31 March 
2020

£m
41.7
100.7
14.2
126.3
282.9
31.6
314.5

Year ended 
31 March 
2019
Restated
£m
6.0
83.9
8.4
11.3
109.6
3.1
112.7

Year ended
31 March
2020

£m
9.7
22.5
17.4
22.8
72.4
17.5
89.9

Year ended 
31 March 
2019
Restated
£m
9.3
17.4
15.8
23.7
66.2
0.7
66.9

Non-current asset additions comprise acquired and purchased goodwill, other intangible assets, right-of-use assets and property, 
plant and equipment.

During the year an impairment loss on intangible assets of £5.2m was recognised of which £2.0m was recognised in Infrastructure 
Safety, £1.6m was recognised in Environmental & Analysis and £1.6m was recognised in Medical. (2019: £0.7m in Infrastructure
Safety).

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135

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

1 Segmental analysis and revenue from contracts with customers continued 
Geographic information 
The Group’s non-current assets by geographic location are detailed below: 

United States of America 
Mainland Europe 
United Kingdom 
Asia Pacific 
Other countries 

31 March 
2020 
£m 
755.0 
254.0 
224.4 
114.5 
8.0 
1,355.9 

Non-current assets 
31 March  
2019  
£m 
610.5 
253.5 
147.8 
32.4 
11.3 
1,055.5 

Non-current assets comprise goodwill, intangible assets, interest in associate and other investments, right-of-use assets and 
property, plant and equipment.  

Information about major customers 
No single customer accounts for more than 5% (2019: 3%) of the Group’s revenue.  

2 Earnings per ordinary share 
Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share are calculated using the weighted average of 379,086,833 shares in issue during the 
year (net of shares purchased by the Company and held as Own shares) (2019: 379,159,755). There are no dilutive or potentially 
dilutive ordinary shares. 

Adjusted earnings are calculated as earnings from continuing operations excluding the amortisation of acquired intangible assets; 
acquisition items; restructuring costs; profit or loss on disposal of operations; in the prior year, the effect of equalisation of defined 
pension benefits for men and women; and the associated taxation thereon. The Directors consider that adjusted earnings, which 
constitute an alternative performance measure, represent a more consistent measure of underlying performance as it excludes 
amounts not directly linked with trading. A reconciliation of earnings and the effect on basic and diluted earnings per share figures is 
as follows:  

Earnings from continuing operations 
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (after tax) 
Acquisition transaction costs (after tax) 
Adjustments to contingent consideration (after tax) 
Release of fair value adjustments to inventory (after tax) 
Defined benefit pension charge (after tax) 
Disposal of operations and restructuring (after tax) 
Adjusted earnings 

Per ordinary share 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 
184.4 
30.3 
5.3 
(2.5) 
3.0 
– 
(2.9) 
217.6 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019 
£m 
169.8 
27.5 
1.0 
(2.9) 
2.1 
1.7 
0.8 
200.0 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
pence 
48.66 
7.98 
1.41 
(0.66) 
0.78 
– 
(0.78) 
57.39 

Year ended 
31 March  
2019 
pence 
44.78 
7.25 
0.27 
(0.75) 
0.55 
0.44 
0.20 
52.74 

136

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 Alternative performance measures
The Board uses certain alternative performance measures to help it effectively monitor the performance of the Group. 
The Directors consider that these represent a more consistent measure of underlying performance by removing non-trading 
items that are not closely related to the Group’s trading or operating cash flows. These measures include Return on Total Invested 
Capital (ROTIC), Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), organic growth at constant currency, Adjusted operating profit and 
Adjusted operating cash flow. 

Note 1 provides further analysis of the adjusting items in reaching adjusted profit measures.

Return on Total Invested Capital

Profit after tax
Adjustments1
Adjusted profit after tax1
Total equity
Add back net retirement benefit obligations
Less associated deferred tax assets
Cumulative amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Historical adjustments to goodwill2
Total Invested Capital
Average Total Invested Capital3
Return on Total Invested Capital (ROTIC)4, 5

Return on Capital Employed

Profit before tax
Adjustments1
Net finance costs
Lease interest
Adjusted operating profit1 after share of results of associates and lease interest
Computer software costs within intangible assets
Capitalised development costs within intangible assets
Other intangibles within intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Provisions
Net current tax receivable/(liabilities)
Non-current trade and other payables
Non-current provisions
Non-current lease liabilities
Add back contingent purchase consideration
Capital Employed
Average Capital Employed3
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)4, 5

31 March 
2020
£m
184.4
33.2
217.6
1,136.9
5.2
(0.5)
283.5
89.5
1,514.6
1,426.5
15.3%

31 March
2020
£m
224.1
42.9
12.1
(2.1)
277.0
5.9
36.1
3.1
184.3
170.6
286.6
(186.7)
(13.0)
(28.0)
1.3
(13.3)
(21.6)
(48.5)
40.1
416.9
387.9
71.4%

31 March 
2019
£m
169.8
30.2
200.0
981.4
39.2
(7.0)
235.2
89.5
1,338.3
1,245.7
16.1%

31 March 
2019
£m
206.7
39.0
10.0
–
255.7
5.5
33.1
3.1
112.4
144.3
259.6
(164.8)
–
(25.4)
(13.2)
(11.6)
(10.9)
–
26.8
358.9
340.4
75.1%

1 Adjustments include in the current and prior year the amortisation of acquired intangible assets; acquisition items; significant restructuring costs and profit or loss on disposal of 

operations and, in the prior year only, the effect of equalisation of pension benefits for men and women in the defined benefit plans. Where after-tax measures, these also include the 
associated taxation on adjusting items. Note 1 provides more information on these items.

2 Includes goodwill amortised prior to 3 April 2004 and goodwill taken to reserves.

3 The ROTIC and ROCE measures are expressed as a percentage of the average of the current and prior year’s Total Invested Capital and Capital Employed respectively. Using an

average as the denominator is considered to be more representative. The 1 April 2018 Total Invested Capital and Capital Employed balances were £1,153.0m and £321.9m respectively.

4 The ROTIC and ROCE measures are calculated as Adjusted profit after tax divided by Average Total Invested Capital and Adjusted operating profit after share of results of associates 

divided by Average Capital Employed respectively.

5 The ROTIC and ROCE measures as at 31 March 2020 are after the adoption of IFRS 16 whereas the measures at 31 March 2019 are on a pre-IFRS 16 basis. The impact on the Group 
balance sheet on adoption of IFRS 16 is insignificant (reduction in net assets of £4.0m), and as such there has been no significant impact in the measurement of ROTIC or ROCE.

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Halma plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2020

137

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

3 Alternative performance measures continued 
Organic growth at constant currency 
Organic growth measures the change in revenue and profit from continuing Group operations. This measure equalises the effect 
of acquisitions by: 

a. removing from the year of acquisition their entire revenue and profit before taxation; 

b. in the following year, removing the revenue and profit for the number of months equivalent to the pre-acquisition period in the 

prior year; and 

c. removing from the year prior to acquisition any revenue generated by sales to the acquired company which would have been 

eliminated on consolidation had the acquired company been owned for that period. 

The results of disposals are removed from the prior period reported revenue and profit before taxation. 

Constant currency measures the change in revenue and profit excluding the effects of currency movements. The measure restates 
the current year’s revenue and profit at last year’s exchange rates.  

Organic growth at constant currency has been calculated for the Group as follows: 

Group 

Continuing operations 
Acquired and disposed revenue/profit 
Organic growth  
Constant currency adjustment 
Organic growth at constant currency 

Year ended  
31 March 
 2020 
£m 
1,338.4 
(58.0) 
1,280.4 
(18.8) 
1,261.6 

Year ended  
31 March 
2019  
£m 
1,210.9 
(7.3) 
1,203.6 
– 
1,203.6 

Revenue 

% growth 
10.5% 

6.4% 

4.8% 

Year ended  
31 March 
2020 
£m 
267.0 
(12.1) 
254.9 
(4.4) 
250.5 

Year ended  
31 March 
2019 
£m 
245.7 
(0.6) 
245.1 
– 
245.1 

Adjusted* 
profit before 
taxation 

% growth 
8.7% 

4.0% 

2.2% 

Sector Organic growth at constant currency 
Organic growth at constant currency is calculated for each segment using the same method as described above. 

Process Safety 

Continuing operations 
Acquisition and currency adjustments  
Organic growth at constant currency 

Infrastructure Safety 

Continuing operations 
Acquisition and currency adjustments  
Organic growth at constant currency 

Year ended  
31 March 
 2020 
£m 
200.0 
(5.8) 
194.2 

Year ended  
31 March 
2019 
£m 
197.5 
– 
197.5 

Year ended  
31 March 
 2020 
£m 
466.5 
(49.1) 
417.4 

Year ended  
31 March 
2019  
£m 
408.6 
(3.7) 
404.9 

Revenue 

% growth 
1.2% 

(1.7)% 

Revenue 

% growth 
14.2% 

3.1% 

Year ended  
31 March 
2020 
£m 
43.9 
(1.2) 
42.7 

Year ended  
31 March 
2019 
£m 
45.5 
– 
45.5 

Year ended  
31 March 
2020 
£m 
107.7 
(12.8) 
94.9 

Year ended  
31 March 
2019 
£m 
88.9 
– 
88.9 

Adjusted* 
segment profit 

% growth 
(3.5)% 

(6.1)% 

Adjusted* 
segment profit 

% growth 
21.0% 

6.6% 

138

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 Alternative performance measures continued
Sector Organic growth at constant currency continued
Environmental & Analysis

Continuing operations
Acquisition and currency adjustments 
Organic growth at constant currency

Medical

Continuing operations
Acquisition and disposal and currency adjustments 
Organic growth at constant currency

Year ended 
31 March
2020
£m
325.0
(7.0)
318.0

Year ended 
31 March
2019**
£m
280.0
–
280.0

Year ended 
31 March
2020
£m
347.2
(14.9)
332.3

Year ended 
31 March
2019**
£m
325.2
(3.6)
321.6

Revenue

% growth
16.1%

13.6%

Revenue

% growth
6.8%

3.3%

Year ended 
31 March
2020
£m
69.4
(1.5)
67.9

Year ended 
31 March
2019**
£m
60.1
–
60.1

Adjusted*
segment profit

% growth
15.4%

13.0%

Adjusted*
segment profit

Year ended 
31 March
2020
£m
84.4
(3.9)
80.5

Year ended 
31 March
2019**
£m
83.2
(0.6)
82.6

% growth
1.5%

(2.6)%

* Adjustments include in the current and prior year the amortisation of acquired intangible assets; acquisition items; significant restructuring costs and profit or loss on disposal of 

operations and in the prior year the effect of equalisation of pension benefits for men and women in the defined benefit plans.

** Sector growth rates are calculated using revenue and profit figures restated for the effect of moving an operating company from Environmental & Analysis to Medical. See note 1.

Adjusted operating profit

Operating profit
Add back:
Acquisition items (note 1)
Defined benefit pension charge
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Adjusted operating profit

Adjusted operating cash flow

Net cash from operating activities (note 26)
Add back:
Net acquisition costs paid
Taxes paid
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Share awards vested not settled by Own shares*
Less:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of computer software and other intangibles
Development costs capitalised
Adjusted operating cash flow
Cash conversion % (adjusted operating cash flow/adjusted operating profit)

* See Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

Year ended
31 March
2020
£m
233.4

7.5
–
38.3
279.2

Year ended
31 March
2020
£m
255.5

5.2
52.4
1.9
6.0

(31.2)
(2.9)
(14.7)
272.2
97%

Year ended
31 March
2019
£m
217.8

0.3
2.1
35.6
255.8

Year ended
31 March
2019
£m
219.0

1.2
40.6
1.6
4.9

(26.4)
(4.9)
(10.8)
225.2
88%

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139

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

4 Finance income 

Interest receivable 
Fair value movement on derivative financial instruments 

5 Finance expense 

Interest payable on borrowings 
Interest payable on lease obligations 
Amortisation of finance costs 
Net interest charge on pension plan liabilities 
Other interest payable 

Fair value movement on derivative financial instruments 
Unwinding of discount on provisions 

6 Profit before taxation  
Profit before taxation comprises: 

Revenue 
Direct materials/direct labour 
Production overhead 
Selling costs 
Distribution costs 
Administrative expenses 
Operating profit 
Share of loss of associate 
Profit/(loss) on disposal of operations 
Net finance expense 
Profit before taxation 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 
0.6 
– 
0.6 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 
8.7 
2.1 
0.7 
0.8 
0.2 
12.5 
0.2 
– 
12.7 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 
1,338.4 
(559.6) 
(113.3) 
(136.6) 
(25.4) 
(270.1) 
233.4 
(0.1) 
2.9 
(12.1) 
224.1 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019  
£m 
0.4 
0.1 
0.5 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019  
£m 
7.6 
– 
0.9 
1.2 
0.5 
10.2 
0.2 
0.1 
10.5 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019  
£m 
1,210.9 
(504.8) 
(107.1) 
(124.2) 
(25.5) 
(231.5) 
217.8 
(0.1) 
(1.0) 
(10.0) 
206.7 

Included within administrative expenses are the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, transaction costs, adjustments to 
contingent consideration and, in the prior year, the charge for equalisation of the pension benefits for men and women in the 
Group’s defined benefit pension schemes. Included within direct materials/direct labour is the release of fair value adjustments 
to inventory. 

140

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6 Profit before taxation continued

Profit before taxation is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation
Amortisation
Impairment of intangible assets
Impairment loss on trade receivables (note 16)
Restructuring costs 
Research and development*
Foreign exchange gain
(Profit)/loss on disposal of operations (note 30)
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment and computer software
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense
Staff costs (note 7)
Auditors’ remuneration

Audit services to the Company
Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries
Total audit fees

Interim review
Other services
Total non-audit fees
Total fees

Expenses for short-term leases and leases of
low-value assets**:

Property
Other

* A further £14.7m (2019: £10.8m) of development costs has been capitalised in the year. See note 12.

** In the prior year, prior to the adoption of IFRS 16 this charge represented rentals for leases classified as operating leases under IAS 17. 

Year ended
31 March
2020
£m

Year ended
31 March
2019
£m

35.8
48.9
5.2
8.3
–
57.3
(0.4)
(2.9)
(0.1)
672.9
376.4
0.5
1.1
1.6

0.1
–
0.1
1.7

–
0.3

20.0
46.2
0.7
1.4
1.5
51.9
(1.4)
1.0
(0.6)
611.9
347.0
0.3
1.0
1.3

0.1
–
0.1
1.4

13.9
0.8

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141

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

7 Employee information 
The average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) by entity location was: 

United States of America 
Mainland Europe 
United Kingdom 
Asia Pacific 
Other countries 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
Number 
2,282 
1,126 
2,303 
1,187 
94 
6,992 

The monthly average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) by employee location was: 

United States of America 
Mainland Europe 
United Kingdom 
Asia Pacific 
Other countries 

Group employee costs comprise: 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pension costs (note 29) 
Share-based payment charge (note 24) 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
Number 
2,302 
1,098 
2,229 
1,225 
138 
6,992 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 
309.6 
42.9 
11.6 
12.3 
376.4 

Year ended 
31 March  
2019  
Number 
2,088 
1,043 
2,210 
1,074 
93 
6,508 

Year ended 
31 March  
2019  
Number 
2,115 
1,035 
2,111 
1,082 
165 
6,508 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019  
£m 
283.4 
39.5 
13.3 
10.8 
347.0 

8 Directors’ remuneration 
The remuneration of the Directors is set out on pages 82 to 95 within the Annual Remuneration Report described as being audited 
and forms part of these financial statements. 

Directors’ remuneration comprises: 

Wages, salaries and fees 
Pension costs  
Share-based payment charge  

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 
4.9 
0.1 
2.9 
7.9 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019  
£m 
5.2 
0.1 
2.8 
8.1 

142

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9 Taxation

Current tax
UK corporation tax at 19% (2019: 19%)
Overseas taxation
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Total current tax charge
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Total deferred tax credit
Total tax charge recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement
Reconciliation of the effective tax rate:
Profit before tax 
Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2019: 19%)
Overseas tax rate differences
Effect of intra-group financing
Tax incentives, exemptions and credits (including patent box, R&D and High-Tech status)
Permanent differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Effective tax rate

Adjusted* profit before tax 
Total tax charge on adjusted* profit
Effective tax rate

Year ended
31 March
2020
£m

Year ended
31 March
2019
£m

12.3
30.5
(2.9)
39.9

(0.4)
0.2
(0.2)
39.7

224.1
42.6
6.1
(6.2)
(3.8)
3.7
(2.7)
39.7
17.7%

10.9
33.6
0.2
44.7

(7.4)
(0.4)
(7.8)
36.9

206.7
39.3
9.4
(8.7)
(3.9)
1.0
(0.2)
36.9
17.9%

Year ended
31 March
2020
£m
267.0
49.4
18.5%

Year ended
31 March
2019
£m
245.7
45.7
18.6%

* Adjustments include, in the current and prior year, the amortisation of acquired intangible assets; acquisition items; significant restructuring costs and profit or loss on disposal of 

operations and, in the prior year only, the effect of equalisation of pension benefits for men and women in the defined benefit plans. Note 3 provides more information on alternative 
performance measures.

The Group’s future Effective Tax Rate (ETR) will mainly depend on the geographic mix of profits and whether there are any changes 
to tax legislation in the Group’s most significant countries of operations. 

In addition to the amount charged to the Consolidated Income Statement, the following amounts relating to tax have been 
recognised directly in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure:

Deferred tax (note 22)
Retirement benefit obligations
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Year ended
31 March
2020
£m

Year ended
31 March
2019
£m

4.0
(0.1)
3.9

1.6
–
1.6

In addition to the amounts charged to the Consolidated Income Statement and the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income and Expenditure, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in equity:

Current tax
Excess tax deductions related to share-based payments on exercised awards
Deferred tax (note 22)
Change in estimated excess tax deductions related to share-based payments
Impact of changes in accounting policies: IFRS 16 ‘Leases’

Year ended
31 March
2020
£m

Year ended
31 March
2019
£m

(1.4)

(0.5)
(0.9)
(2.8)

(1.5)

(0.9)
–
(2.4)

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143

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

10 Dividends 

Amounts recognised as distributions to shareholders in the year 
Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2019 (31 March 2018) 
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2020 (31 March 2019)  

Dividends declared in respect of the year 
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2020 (31 March 2019) 
Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2020 (31 March 2019) 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
pence 

Per ordinary share 
Year ended 
31 March 
2019  
pence 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019  
£m 

9.60 
6.54 
16.14 

6.54 
9.96 
16.50 

8.97 
6.11 
15.08 

6.11 
9.60 
15.71 

36.4 
24.8 
61.2 

24.8 
37.7 
62.5 

34.0 
23.2 
57.2 

23.2 
36.4 
59.6 

The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 4 September 2020 and has not 
been included as a liability in these financial statements. 

11 Goodwill  

Cost 
At beginning of year 
Additions (note 25) 
Adjustments to prior years (note 25) 
Disposals (note 30) 
Exchange adjustments 
At end of year 
Provision for impairment 
At beginning and end of year 
Carrying amounts 

31 March 
2020 
£m 

31 March 
2019  
£m 

694.0 
122.5 
0.4 
– 
21.5 
838.4 

– 
838.4 

632.1 
37.7 
(0.4) 
(0.8) 
25.4 
694.0 

– 
694.0 

The Group identifies cash generating units (CGUs) at the operating company level as this represents the lowest level at which cash 
inflows are largely independent of other cash inflows. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to 
the groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from that business combination.  

Before recognition of any impairment losses, the carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to CGU groups as follows: 

Process Safety 
Gas Detection 
Bursting Discs 
Safety Interlocks and Corrosion Monitoring 

Infrastructure Safety 
Fire 
Doors, Security and Elevators 

Environmental & Analysis 
Water 
Optical Analysis (formerly Photonics) 
Environmental Monitoring 

Medical 
Life Sciences (formerly Fluid Technologies) 
Healthcare Assessment 
Therapeutic Solutions 
Health Optics 
Sensor Technologies 

Total Group 

144

31 March 
2020 
£m 

31 March 
2019  
£m 

15.9 
9.3 
61.4 
86.6 

112.4 
116.0 
228.4 

75.7 
74.9 
9.3 
159.9 

40.3 
176.8 
146.4 
– 
– 
363.5 
838.4 

– 
8.9 
58.8 
67.7 

69.3 
113.8 
183.1 

72.1 
71.6 
14.3 
158.0 

39.1 
– 
– 
175.2 
70.9 
285.2 
694.0 

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11 Goodwill continued
During the year, the Group has carried out a review of the CGU groups following changes in sector management and recent 
acquisitions. This has resulted in changes in the Medical and Environmental & Analysis sectors to more accurately reflect the way 
CGU groups are expected to benefit from business combinations in the year and in future under our acquisition strategy. In 
addition, these now better align with how the CGUs will be managed and reported internally. Two new CGU groups have been 
established in the Medical sector; Healthcare Assessment and Therapeutic Solutions. These groups replace Health Optics, and 
Sensor Technologies. In addition, as described in Note 1, one operating company has moved from the Environmental Monitoring 
CGU Group to the Therapeutics Solutions CGU Group. Goodwill has been reallocated to the new CGU groups based on the relative 
value of the value in use for each CGU within the existing CGU group at the time of the change. 

The reallocation of goodwill during the current year is due to a change in circumstances and does not represent a change in 
accounting policy under IAS 8. As a result, the impairment test in the prior year does not need to be reperformed retrospectively 
and the Group has not restated the CGU groups in the prior year. The Group performed an impairment review prior to the 
reallocation of goodwill as required by IAS 36 to identify any pre-existing impairments. There was no impairment of goodwill 
identified. 

Impairment testing
Goodwill values have been tested for impairment by comparing them against the ‘value in use’ in perpetuity of the relevant CGU
group. The value in use calculations were based on projected cash flows, derived from the latest forecasts prepared by
management and budgets approved by the Board, discounted at CGU specific, risk adjusted, discount rates to calculate their net 
present value. 

Key assumptions used in ‘value in use’ calculations
The calculation of ‘value in use’ is most sensitive to the following assumptions:

— CGU specific operating assumptions, including for the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, that are reflected in the forecasts for the 

financial years to March 2021 and March 2022.

— Discount rates.

— Growth rates used to extrapolate risk adjusted cash flows beyond the forecast period.

CGU specific operating assumptions are applicable to the forecasted cash flows for the years to March 2021 and March 2022 and 
relate to revenue forecasts, expected project outcomes and forecast operating margins in each of the operating companies. These 
assumptions include the expected impact and recovery from COVID-19. The value ascribed to each assumption will vary between 
CGUs as the forecasts are built up from the underlying operating companies within each CGU group. A short-term growth rate is
applied to the March 2022 forecast to derive the cash flows arising in the year to March 2023. A long-term rate is applied to these
values for the year to March 2024 and onwards.

Short-term growth rates for the year to March 2023 for all CGU groups, are based on sector strategic plans revised for any changes 
in outlook for each sector considering the current uncertain economic environment. Long-term growth rates are capped at the 
weighted average GDP growth rates of the markets into which that CGU group sells.

Discount rates are based on estimations of the assumptions that market participants operating in similar sectors to Halma would 
make, using the Group’s economic profile as a starting point and adjusting appropriately. The Directors do not currently expect any 
significant change in the present base discount rate of 9.36% (2019: 9.43%). The base discount rate, which is pre-tax and is based 
on short-term variables, may differ from the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC). Discount rates are adjusted for economic 
risks that are not already captured in the specific operating assumptions for each CGU group. This results in the impairment testing 
using discount rates ranging from 8.39% to 13.19% (2019: 8.33% to 13.38%) across the CGU groups.

Significant CGU groups
CGU groups to which 10% or more of the total goodwill balance is allocated are deemed to be significant. The assumptions used to 
determine ‘value in use’ for these CGU groups are:

Fire
Doors, Security and Elevators
Healthcare Assessment
Therapeutic Solutions
Health Optics
Sensor Technologies

Risk adjusted discount rate
31 March 
31 March 
2019
2020
12.02%
12.23%
11.10%
11.83%
n/a
13.19%
n/a
11.45%
13.38%
n/a
12.61%
n/a

Short-term growth rates*
31 March 
2019
11.60%
11.60%
n/a
n/a
10.20%
20.00%

31 March 
2020
12.90%
12.90%
11.22%
11.22%
n/a
n/a

Long-term growth rates
31 March 
2019
1.93%
1.93%
n/a
n/a
2.05%
2.05%

31 March 
2020
1.99%
1.99%
2.04%
2.04%
n/a
n/a

* Applied to calculate year three cashflows in the current year and year two and three cashflows in the prior year.

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
When reviewing for sensitivity to changes in assumptions management considered reductions in the cashflows used in the 
impairment model for the three financial years to March 2023, including a second wave of COVID-19 in the second half of the 
financial year to March 2021, as well as increases in the discount rate for each CGU group. Based on this review management 
believes that no reasonably possible change in any of the above key assumptions would cause the carrying value of any unit to 
exceed its recoverable amount.

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145

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

12 Other intangible assets 

Acquired intangible assets 

Customer and  
supplier  
relationship1 
£m 

Technical  
know- 
how2 
£m 

Trademarks,  
brands and 
 patents3 
£m 

Total 
£m 

Internally 
generated 
capitalised 
development 
 costs4 
£m 

Computer  
software 
£m 

Other  
intangibles5 
£m 

Total 
£m 

257.3 

74.8 

57.9 

390.0 

78.5 

18.7 

2.0 

489.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.1 

0.1 

14.6 
– 
– 
12.3 
284.2 

41.5 
– 
– 
9.7 
335.4 

132.1 
23.5 
– 
– 
5.9 
161.5 
24.6 
– 
– 
7.2 
193.3 

142.1 
122.7 

10.1 
– 
– 
3.7 
88.6 

56.7 
– 
– 
3.3 
148.6 

25.5 
7.6 
– 
– 
1.5 
34.6 
9.2 
– 
– 
1.3 
45.1 

103.5 
54.0 

5.7 
– 
– 
2.3 
65.9 

15.2 
– 
– 
1.7 
82.8 

33.4 
4.5 
– 
– 
1.2 
39.1 
4.5 
– 
– 
1.5 
45.1 

37.7 
26.8 

30.4 
– 
– 
18.3 
438.7 

113.4 

– 
– 
14.7 
566.8 

191.0 
35.6 
– 
– 
8.6 
235.2 
38.3 
– 
– 
10.0 
283.5 

283.3 
203.5 

0.8 
10.8 
(0.5) 
1.4 
91.1 

0.9 
14.7 
(0.6) 
1.6 
107.7 

48.5 
8.5 
0.7 
(0.5) 
0.8 
58.0 
7.9 
5.2 
(0.6) 
1.1 
71.6 

36.1 
33.1 

– 
2.4 
(1.0) 
0.5 
20.7 

– 
2.6 
(0.8) 
0.4 
22.9 

14.0 
1.8 
– 
(1.0) 
0.4 
15.2 
2.2 
– 
(0.8) 
0.4 
17.0 

5.9 
5.5 

– 

– 
2.5 
– 
0.1 
4.6 

– 
0.3 
(0.1) 
0.2 
5.0 

1.1 
0.3 
– 
– 
0.1 
1.5 
0.5 
– 
– 
(0.1) 
1.9 

3.1 
3.1 

0.2 

31.2 
15.7 
(1.5) 
20.3 
555.1 

114.3 
17.6 
(1.5) 
16.9 
702.4 

254.6 
46.2 
0.7 
(1.5) 
9.9 
309.9 
48.9 
5.2 
(1.4) 
11.4 
374.0 

328.4 
245.2 

Cost 
At 1 April 2018 
Transfers between 
category 
Assets of businesses 
acquired  
Additions at cost 
Disposals and retirements 
Exchange adjustments 
At 31 March 2019 
Assets of businesses 
acquired (note 25) 
Additions at cost 
Disposals and retirements 
Exchange adjustments 
At 31 March 2020 
Accumulated 
amortisation & 
impairment 
At 1 April 2018 
Charge for the year 
Impairment 
Disposals and retirements 
Exchange adjustments 
At 31 March 2019 
Charge for the year 
Impairment 
Disposals and retirements 
Exchange adjustments 
At 31 March 2020 
Carrying amounts 
At 31 March 2020 
At 31 March 2019 

1  Customer and supplier relationship assets are amortised over their useful economic lives estimated to be between three and twenty years. Within this balance individually material 

balances relate to: 

– Firetrace: £10.9m (2019: £11.6m) and £9.3m (2019: £10.9m). 

– CenTrak: £16.4m (2019: £17.1m).  

– Mini-Cam: £12.7m (2019: £14.3m). 

– Ampac: £15.9m (2019: £nil). 

The remaining amortisation periods for these assets are nine years, five years, eleven years, eight years, and thirteen years respectively. 

2  Technical know-how assets are amortised over their useful economic lives, estimated to be between three and fifteen years. Within this balance individually material balances  

relate to: 

   – CenTrak £11.8m (2019: £13.2m).  

– NeoMedix £10.1m (2019: £nil). 

– NovaBone £24.7m (2019: £nil). 

3  Trademarks, brands and patents (which include protected intellectual property) are amortised over their useful economic lives estimated to be between eight and twenty years. 

There are no individually material items within this balance. 

4 

Internally generated capitalised development costs are amortised over their useful economic lives estimated to be three years from the date of product launch. There are no 
individually material items within this balance, which comprises capitalised costs arising from the development phase of the R&D projects undertaken by the Group. 

5  Other intangibles comprise licence and product registration costs, and customer lists, amortised over their useful economic lives, estimated to be between three and five years. 

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Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 April 2018
Transfer between category
Assets of businesses acquired
Assets of business disposed
Additions at cost
Disposals and retirements
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March 2019
Impact of changes in accounting policies – IFRS 16
Transfer between category
Assets of businesses acquired (note 25)
Additions at cost
Disposals and retirements
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March 2020
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2018
Transfer between category
Charge for the year
Assets of business disposed 
Disposals and retirements
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March 2019
Impact of changes in accounting policies – IFRS 16
Transfer between category
Charge for the year
Disposals and retirements
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March 2020
Carrying amounts
At 31 March 2020
At 31 March 2019

Right of Use assets

Land and buildings
Plant, equipment and vehicles

Right of Use 
assets
£m

Freehold land 
and buildings
£m

Leasehold 
buildings and 
improvements
£m

Owned assets
Plant, 
equipment 
and vehicles 
£m

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
95.0
–
5.8
16.1
(9.8)
2.2
109.3

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
49.6
–
13.2
(9.8)
0.9
53.9

55.4
–

49.2
–
1.2
–
2.6
–
0.9
53.9
–
–
1.4
2.0
–
1.9
59.2

13.0
–
1.0
–
–
0.3
14.3
–
–
1.1
–
0.4
15.8

43.4
39.6

19.4
–
–
–
2.1
(0.3)
0.8
22.0
–
0.1
1.6
3.0
(1.4)
0.3
25.6

11.3
–
1.9
–
(0.3)
0.4
13.3
–
–
2.3
(1.1)
0.3
14.8

10.8
8.7

174.3
(0.4)
0.5
(4.6)
21.7
(8.1)
5.3
188.7
–
(0.5)
3.6
26.2
(7.9)
4.2
214.3

114.9
(0.2)
17.1
(3.4)
(7.3)
3.5
124.6
–
(0.4)
19.2
(6.4)
2.6
139.6

74.7
64.1

Total
£m

242.9
(0.4)
1.7
(4.6)
26.4
(8.4)
7.0
264.6
95.0
(0.4)
12.4
47.3
(19.1)
8.6
408.4

139.2
(0.2)
20.0
(3.4)
(7.6)
4.2
152.2
49.6
(0.4)
35.8
(17.3)
4.2
224.1

184.3
112.4

Carrying amounts

31 March 
2020
£m
53.9
1.5
55.4

1 April
2019
£m
44.2
1.2
45.4

Year ended
31 March 
2020
£m
12.6
0.6
13.2

Depreciation charge
Year ended
31 March 
2019
£m
–
–
–

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Notes to the Accounts continued 

14 Interest in associate and other investments  

Interest in associate 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 
– Equity instruments 

Interest in associate 
At beginning of the year 
Group’s share of loss of associate after Group eliminations 
Disposal (note 30) 
At end of year 

Aggregated amounts relating to associate  
Non-current assets 
Current assets 
Total assets 
Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Net assets 
Group’s share of net assets of associate 

Total revenue 
Loss 
Loss after Group eliminations* 
Group’s share of loss of associate 
Group’s share of loss of associate after Group eliminations* 

*  Group eliminations relate to profit on inventory held by the Group sold by Optomed. 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) 
Equity investments at FVOCI comprise the following individual investments: 

Unlisted securities 
Owlytics Healthcare Limited 
Valencell Inc. 

31 March 
2020  
£m 
– 

4.8 
4.8 

31 March 
2019  
£m 
3.9 

– 
3.9 

31 March 
2020  
£m 

31 March 
2019  
£m 

3.9 
(0.1) 
(3.8) 
– 

4.0 
(0.1) 
– 
3.9 

31 March 
2020  
£m 

31 March 
2019  
£m 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

10.3 
(0.5) 
(0.5) 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 

11.4 
5.6 
17.0 
(8.3) 
(2.9) 
(11.2) 
5.8 
1.3 

11.2 
(0.6) 
(0.5) 
(0.2) 
(0.1) 

31 March 
2020  
£m 

31 March 
2019  
£m 

1.7 
3.1 
4.8 

– 
– 
– 

During the year no gains or losses were recognised in other comprehensive income relating to these equity investments (2019: £nil). 

Further information on methods and assumptions used in determining fair value is provided in note 27. 

148

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15 Inventories

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished goods and goods for resale

31 March
2020
£m
90.1
16.9
63.6
170.6

The above is stated net of provision for slow-moving and obsolete stock, movements of which are shown below: 

At beginning of the year
Write downs of inventories recognised as an expense 
Recognition of provisions for businesses acquired
De-recognition of provisions for businesses disposed
Amounts reversed against inventories previously impaired and utilisation
Exchange adjustments
At end of the year

31 March
2020
£m
21.5
3.9
1.8
–
(0.8)
0.7
27.1

31 March
2019
£m
82.3
14.2
47.8
144.3

31 March
2019
£m
19.8
1.4
0.6
(0.1)
(0.9)
0.7
21.5

Previous write-downs against inventory have been reversed as a result of increased sales in certain markets or where previously 
written down inventories have been disposed.

There is no material difference between the balance sheet value of inventories and their cost of replacement. None of the inventory 
has been pledged as security.

16 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Allowance for doubtful debts

Other receivables
Prepayments
Contract assets (note 18)

31 March
2020
£m
249.8
(12.7)
237.1
11.0
18.3
20.2
286.6

31 March
2019
£m
226.7
(5.0)
221.7
10.2
18.6
9.1
259.6

Other receivables comprise various financial assets across the Group, including sales tax receivables and other non-trade balances.
In the prior year it also included acquisition consideration receivables and disposal consideration still to be received (note 30).

Receivables greater than 1 year comprise of £0.3m (2019: £0.4m) in trade receivables and £2.2m in other receivables (2019: £nil).

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Notes to the Accounts continued 

16 Trade and other receivables continued 
The movement in the allowance for doubtful debts in respect of trade receivables during the year was as follows: 

At beginning of the year 
Restatement for adoption of IFRS 9  
Transfer to trade and other payables following adoption of IFRS 15 
Net impairment loss recognised  
Amounts recovered against trade receivables previously written down/amounts utilised 
Recognition of provisions for businesses acquired 
Exchange adjustments 
At end of the year 

31 March 
2020  
£m 
5.0 
– 
– 
8.3 
(0.9) 
0.2 
0.1 
12.7 

31 March 
2019  
£m 
4.6 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 
1.4 
(0.9) 
– 
0.1 
5.0 

The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its trade and other receivables carried at 
amortised cost. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group has assessed that there has been an increase in credit risk and 
this is the main reason for the increase in the allowance for doubtful debts in respect of trade receivables as at 31 March 2020. 

The Group assessed that no provisions or impairments were required in relation to contract assets (2019: £nil). 

The fair value of trade and other receivables approximates to book value due to the short-term maturities associated with these 
items. There is no impairment risk identified with regards to prepayments or other receivables where no amounts are past due.  

The ageing of trade receivables was as follows: 

Gross trade receivables 

Trade receivables  
net of doubtful debts 

Not yet due 
Up to one month overdue 
Between one and two months overdue 
Between two and three months overdue 
Over three months overdue 

17 Trade and other payables: falling due within one year 

Trade payables 
Other taxation and social security 
Other payables 
Accruals 
Contract liabilities (note 18) 
Deferred government grant income 

31 March 
2020  
£m 
181.4 
34.6 
10.5 
5.0 
18.3 
249.8 

31 March 
2019  
£m 
172.2 
28.5 
8.8 
5.0 
12.2 
226.7 

31 March 
2020  
£m 
181.1 
34.3 
10.5 
4.5 
6.7 
237.1 

31 March 
2020  
£m 
89.5 
8.7 
7.0 
64.0 
16.2 
1.3 
186.7 

31 March 
2019  
£m 
171.7 
28.5 
8.8 
5.0 
7.7 
221.7 

31 March 
2019  
£m 
82.1 
7.0 
5.8 
58.5 
10.4 
1.0 
164.8 

Other payables comprise various balances across the Group including share-based payments related amounts of £2.4m (2019: 
£1.6m), deferred R&D expenditure tax credits and other non-trade payables. These comprise £6.2m of financial liabilities and £0.8m 
of non-financial liabilities.  

150

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18 Contract balances

Contract assets (note 16)
Contract liabilities current (note 17)
Contract liabilities non-current (note 21)
Total contract liabilities

Amounts included in contract balances at the beginning of the year
Impact of adoption of IFRS 15
Reclassification of balances on adoption of IFRS 15
Transfers to receivables during the year
Performance obligations arising in the current reporting year
Increases as a result of billing ahead of performance
Decreases as a result of revenue recognised in the year
Increases as a result of performance in advance of billing
Amounts arising through business combinations
Foreign exchange movements
Amounts included in contract balances at the end of the year

31 March
2020
£m
20.2
16.2
10.0
26.2

31 March
2019
£m
9.1
10.4
8.2
18.6

31 March 
2020
£m
9.1
–
–
(9.5)

20.2
–
0.4
20.2

Contract assets

Contract liabilities

31 March
2019
£m
–
2.6
0.5
(2.6)

7.8
0.7
0.1
9.1

31 March 
2020
£m
(18.6)
–
–

(29.5)
23.5

(1.0)
(0.6)
(26.2)

31 March
2019
£m
–
(0.2)
(17.2)

(19.3)
19.8

(1.1)
(0.6)
(18.6)

In some cases, the Group receives payments from customers based on a billing schedule, as established in our contracts. The 
contract assets relate to revenue recognised for performance in advance of scheduled billing and has increased as the Group has 
provided more services ahead of the agreed payment schedules for certain contracts. The contract liability relates to payments 
received in advance of performance under contract and varies based on performance under these contracts. 

19 Borrowings

Loan notes falling due within one year
Overdrafts
Total borrowings falling due within one year
Unsecured loan notes falling due after more than one year
Unsecured bank loans falling due after more than one year
Total borrowings falling due after more than one year

31 March
2020
£m
74.2
0.9
75.1
108.6
236.4
345.0
420.1

31 March
2019
£m
0.1
9.1
9.2
179.3
74.4
253.7
262.9

In the current year, the loan notes falling due within one year relate to the first repayment due under the United States Private 
Placement completed in November 2015.

The loan notes falling due within one year at 31 March 2019, related to the final amounts due for the previous acquisition of 
Advanced Electronics Limited, which were converted at par to cash in May 2019.

In the current and prior year the loan notes falling due after more than one year relate to the remainder of the United States 
Private Placement.

Information concerning the security, currency, interest rates and maturity of the Group’s borrowings is given in note 27.

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151

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

20 Provisions 
Provisions are presented as: 

Current 
Non-current 

At 1 April 2019 
Impact of changes in accounting policies – IFRS 16 
Additional provision in the year 
Arising on acquisition (note 25) 
Utilised during the year 
Released during the year 
Exchange adjustments 
At 31 March 2020 

31 March 
2020  
£m 
28.0 
21.6 
49.6 

Contingent  
purchase  
consideration 
£m 
26.8 
– 
9.3 
25.8 
(10.4) 
(11.7) 
0.3 
40.1 

Dilapidations  
£m  
2.2 
0.3 
– 
0.1 
(0.2) 
(0.1) 
– 
2.3 

Product  
warranty 
£m 
5.5 
– 
2.7 
0.3 
(0.7) 
(1.7) 
0.1 
6.2 

Legal,  
contractual  
and other  
£m 
1.8 
– 
0.4 
– 
(0.1) 
(1.0) 
(0.1) 
1.0 

31 March 
2019  
£m 
25.4 
10.9 
36.3 

Total 
£m 
36.3 
0.3 
12.4 
26.2 
(11.4) 
(14.5) 
0.3 
49.6 

Contingent purchase consideration 
The provision at the beginning of the year comprised £18.8m payable within one year relating to the previous acquisitions of 
CasMed NIBP, FluxData, Mini-Cam and Visiometrics and £8.0m payable after one year, relating to the acquisitions of Mini-Cam 
and Navtech.  

The £9.3m additional provision in the year related to revisions to the estimates for Navtech (£8.2m due to success in winning new 
contracts), Infowave (£1.0m increase) and Enoveo (£0.1m increase).  

The £25.8m addition arising on acquisition relates to the acquisitions during the year of Invenio, Enoveo, Infowave, NeoMedix, 
FireMate, NovaBone and Spreo. See note 25.  

The £10.4m utilised during the year related to the final earnout period for FluxData (£0.5m), the final earnout period for CasMed 
NIBP (£1.6m), the first earnout period for Mini-Cam (£5.3m) and the first earnout period for Navtech (£3.0m).  

The £11.7m released during the year related to revisions to the estimate of Mini-Cam (£2.6m remaining provision released as the 
minimum target for payment was not met), NovaBone (£8.0m reduction due to the short term impact of COVID-19 on the 
business), NeoMedix (£1.0m reduction due to the short term impact of COVID-19 on the business) and Invenio (£0.1m reduction).  

The closing total provision is £40.1m, of which £19.1m is payable within one year and includes amounts based on actual results for 
the second earnout period for Navtech for the year ended 31 March 2020. The balance also includes estimates for the final earnout 
period for Visiometrics, for the year ended 31 December 2018, which is subject to final agreement, and the earnouts for LAN, 
Enoveo, NeoMedix, NovaBone and Spreo. 

The balance due after more than one year of £21.0m comprises the estimate for the final earnout period for Navtech and earnouts 
for Invenio, Enoveo, Infowave, NeoMedix, FireMate, NovaBone and Spreo.  

The range of total possible contingent purchase consideration payable in future for the existing acquisitions is between £7.2m and a 
maximum of £105.4m. 

The basis for the calculation of each contingent consideration arrangement is set out on page 171 in note 27, including sensitivity 
of the estimation of the liabilities to changes in the assumptions. 

Dilapidations 
Dilapidations provisions exist where the Group has lease contracts under which the unavoidable costs of meeting its obligations 
under the contracts exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under them. The provisions comprise the Directors’ best 
estimates of future payments to restore the fabric of buildings to their original condition where it is a condition of the leases prior 
to return of the properties. 

These commitments cover the period from 2020 to 2029 though they predominantly fall due within five years. 

Product warranty 
Product warranty provisions reflect commitments made to customers on the sale of goods in the ordinary course of business and 
included within the Group companies’ standard terms and conditions. The warranties represent assurance type warranties within 
the definition of IFRS 15. Warranty commitments cover a period of between one and five years and typically apply for a 12-month 
period. The provision represents the Directors’ best estimate of the Group’s liability based on past experience.  

152

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
20 Provisions continued
Legal, contractual and other
Legal, contractual and other provisions comprise mainly amounts reserved against open legal and contractual disputes. The 
Company has on occasion been required to take legal or other actions to defend itself against proceedings brought by other 
parties. Provisions are made for the expected costs associated with such matters, based on past experience of similar items and 
other known factors, taking into account professional advice received, and represent Directors’ best estimate of the likely outcome. 
The timing of utilisation of these provisions is frequently uncertain reflecting the complexity of issues and the outcome of various 
court proceedings and negotiations. Contractual and other provisions represent the Directors’ best estimate of the cost of settling 
future obligations. Unless specific evidence exists to the contrary, these reserves are shown as current.

However, no provision is made for proceedings which have been or might be brought by other parties against Group companies 
unless the Directors, taking into account professional advice received, assess that it is more likely than not that such proceedings 
may be successful. 

21 Trade and other payables: falling due after one year

Other payables
Accruals
Contract liabilities (note 18)
Deferred government grant income

22 Deferred tax

At 1 April 2019
Impact of changes in accounting 
policies: IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
(Charge)/credit to Consolidated 
Income Statement
(Charge)/credit to 
Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
Credit to equity
Arising on acquisition (note 25)
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March 2020

At 1 April 2018
(Charge)/credit to Consolidated
Income Statement
Charge to 
Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
Credit to equity
Arising on acquisition
Exchange adjustments
At 31 March 2019

31 March
2020
£m
2.5
0.1
10.0
0.7
13.3

Retirement 
benefit 
obligations
£m
7.0

Acquired 
intangible 
assets
£m
(46.6)

Accelerated 
tax 
depreciation
£m
(5.4)

Short-term 
timing 
differences
£m
4.6

Share-based 
payment
£m
4.3

Goodwill 
timing 
differences
£m
4.3

–

(2.5)

(4.0)
–
–
–
0.5

–

8.0

–
–
(30.0)
(0.8)
(69.4)

–

0.9

(0.6)

(1.7)

–
–
(0.1)
(0.2)
(6.3)

0.1
–
(0.2)
0.4
4.1

–

0.8

–
0.5
–
–
5.6

–

(3.8)

–
–
16.9
0.7
18.1

Retirement 
benefit 
obligations
£m
9.8

Acquired 
intangible 
assets
£m
(45.7)

Accelerated 
tax 
depreciation
£m
(4.3)

Short-term 
timing 
differences
£m
0.1

Share-based 
payment
£m
3.1

Goodwill 
timing 
differences
£m
7.0

31 March
2019
£m
2.0
0.8
8.2
0.6
11.6

Total
£m
(31.8)

0.9

0.2

(3.9)
0.5
(13.4)
0.1
(47.4)

Total
£m
(30.0)

(1.5)

8.1

(0.8)

4.7

(1.3)
–
–
–
7.0

–
–
(6.7)
(2.3)
(46.6)

–
–
–
(0.3)
(5.4)

(0.3)
–
(0.2)
0.3
4.6

0.3

–
0.9
–
–
4.3

(3.0)

7.8

–
–
3.7
(3.4)
4.3

(1.6)
0.9
(3.2)
(5.7)
(31.8)

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153

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

22 Deferred tax continued 
Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) 
for financial reporting purposes: 

Deferred tax liability 
Deferred tax asset 
Net deferred tax liability 

1 March 
2020 

£m 
(48.7) 
1.3 
(47.4) 

31 March 
2019 
Restated  
£m 
(33.2) 
1.4 
(31.8) 

As part of a review of deferred tax balances as at 30 September 2019, some balances were identified (mainly relating to intangible 
assets on US acquisitions) that were previously presented gross but should have been netted off as they are in the same jurisdiction 
and there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities. These balances have now been 
netted off. Restatements have been made to the prior year as at 31 March 2019, resulting in a netting down of assets and liabilities 
of £40.7m. There is no impact on net assets, cash or other KPIs. There was no impact on opening net assets as at 1 April 2018. 

Deferred tax balances expected to unwind in less than one year are insignificant.  

Movement in net deferred tax liability: 

At beginning of year 
Impact of changes in accounting policies: IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ 
(Charge)/credit to Consolidated Income Statement: 
   UK 
   Overseas 
Charge to Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Credit to equity 
Arising on acquisition (note 25) 
Exchange adjustments 
At end of year 

31 March 
2020  
£m 
(31.8) 
0.9 

(2.1) 
2.3 
(3.9) 
0.5 
(13.4) 
0.1 
(47.4) 

31 March 
2019  
£m 
(30.0) 
– 

(1.6) 
9.4 
(1.6) 
0.9 
(3.2) 
(5.7) 
(31.8) 

It is likely that the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries would qualify for the UK dividend exemption such that no UK tax 
would be due upon remitting those earnings to the UK. However, £75.1m (2019: £39.6m) of those earnings may still result in a tax 
liability, principally as a result of the dividend withholding taxes levied by the overseas jurisdictions in which those subsidiaries 
operate. These tax liabilities are not expected to exceed £5.7m (2019: £3.9m) of which only £0.7m has been provided as the Group 
is able to control the timing of the dividends. It is not expected that further amounts will crystallise in the foreseeable future.  

At 31 March 2020 the Group had unused capital tax losses of £0.3m (2019: £0.3m) for which no deferred tax asset has been 
recognised. 

23 Share capital 

Ordinary shares of 10p each 

Issued and fully paid 
31 March 
2019  
£m 
38.0 

31 March 
2020  
£m 
38.0 

The number of ordinary shares in issue at 31 March 2020 was 379,645,332 (2019: 379,645,332), including shares held by the 
Employee Benefit Trust of 760,894 (2019: 370,354). 

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24 Share-based payments
The total cost recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in respect of share-based payment plans (the ‘employee share 
plans’) was as follows:

Share incentive plan
Executive share plan

Year ended 31 March 2020

Year ended 31 March 2019

Equity-
settled
£m
0.9
10.5
11.4

Cash-
settled
£m
–
0.9
0.9

Total
£m
0.9
11.4
12.3

Equity-
settled
£m
0.6
9.7
10.3

Cash-
settled
£m
–
0.5
0.5

Total
£m
0.6
10.2
10.8

Share incentive plan
Shares awarded under this Plan are purchased in the market by the Plan’s trustees at the time of the award and are held in trust 
until their transfer to qualifying employees; vesting is conditional upon completion of three years’ service. The costs of providing this 
Plan are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement over the three-year vesting period.

Executive share plan (ESP)
During the year ended 2 April 2016 the Group introduced the ESP, in which executive Directors and certain senior employees 
participate.

Deferred share awards are made under this Plan as either performance awards or deferred awards. Performance awards vest after
three years based on Earnings Per Share and Return on Total Invested Capital (ROTIC) targets, and after two or three years for 
deferred share awards based on continuing service of the employee only. Awards which do not vest, lapse on the second or third 
anniversary of their grant.

Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted during the year
Vested during the year (pro-rated for ‘good leavers’)
Lapsed during the year
Outstanding at end of year
Exercisable at end of year

2020
Number of 
shares 
awarded

2,289,919
757,280
(761,652)
(109,683)
2,175,864
–

2019
Number of 
shares 
awarded
2,597,268
872,838
(931,820)
(248,367)
2,289,919
–

The performance shares outstanding at 31 March 2020 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 12 months 
(2019: 14 months).

The fair value of the awards was calculated using an appropriate simulation method.

Expected life (years)
Share price on date of grant (p)
Option price (p)
Fair value per option (%)
Fair value per option (p)

2020
2/3
2,046.0
Nil
100%
2,046.0

2019
3
1,370.0
Nil
100%
1,369.2

2018
3
1,114.0
Nil
100%
1,130.0

Cash settled
Awards under the above plans are normally settled in shares but may be settled in cash at the Board’s discretion or where required 
by local regulations. Cash settled awards follow the same vesting conditions as the plans under which they are awarded.

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Notes to the Accounts continued 

25 Acquisitions  
In accounting for acquisitions, adjustments are made to the book values of the net assets of the companies acquired to reflect 
their fair values to the Group. Acquired inventories are valued at fair value adopting Group bases and any liabilities for warranties 
relating to past trading are recognised. Other previously unrecognised assets and liabilities at acquisition are included and 
accounting policies are aligned with those of the Group where appropriate. 

During the year ended 31 March 2020, the Group made ten acquisitions namely:  

—  Invenio Systems Limited. 
—  Enoveo SARL.  
—  Ampac Group. 
—  Infowave Solutions Inc. 
—  Certain trade and assets of NeoMedix Corporation. 
—  FireMate Software Pty. Ltd. 
—  NovaBone Products, LLC. 
—  Sensit Technologies, LLC. 
—  Certain trade and assets of Spreo LLC. 
—  Maxtec, LLC. 

Below are summaries of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the purchase consideration of: 

a) the total of acquisitions;  

b) Invenio Systems Limited and Enoveo SARL; 

c) Ampac Group;  

d) Infowave Solutions Inc. and certain trade and assets of Spreo LLC; 

e) Certain trade and assets of NeoMedix Corporation; 

f) FireMate Software Pty. Ltd; 

g) NovaBone Products, LLC; 

h) Sensit Technologies, LLC; 

i) Maxtec, LLC; and 

j) The aggregate adjustments arising on prior year acquisitions. 

Due to their contractual dates, the fair value of receivables acquired (shown below) approximate to the gross contractual amounts 
receivable. The amount of gross contractual receivables not expected to be recovered is immaterial.  

There are no material contingent liabilities recognised in accordance with paragraph 23 of IFRS 3 (revised). 

The combined fair value adjustments made for the acquisitions above under IFRS 3, excluding acquired intangible assets recognised 
and deferred taxation thereon, increased the goodwill recognised by £2.7m (2019: £2.0m increase). 

The acquisitions contributed £36.8m of revenue and £6.9m of profit after tax for the year ended 31 March 2020.  

If these acquisitions had been held since the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group’s reported revenue and profit 
after tax would have been £53.7m higher and £6.9m higher respectively. 

As at the date of approval of the financial statements, the acquisition accounting for all prior year acquisitions is complete. 
The accounting for all current year acquisitions is provisional; relating to finalisation of the initial consideration, which is subject to 
agreement of certain contractual adjustments, and certain other provisional balances.  

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25 Acquisitions continued
a) Total of acquisitions

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments
Deferred tax
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Provisions
Corporation tax
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Provisions
Deferred tax
Total liabilities
Net assets of businesses acquired
Non-controlling interest

Initial cash consideration paid
Additional amounts paid in respect of cash acquired
Amounts owed to vendors*
Contingent purchase consideration estimated to be paid in respect of current year acquisitions
Total consideration

Goodwill arising on acquisitions (current year)
Goodwill arising on acquisitions (prior year)
Total goodwill

* In respect of net tangible asset adjustments and various contractual adjustments relating to current year acquisitions of which £1.0m was paid in the current year.

Analysis of cash outflow in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

Total
£m

114.3
12.4
0.4
0.4

18.1
13.2
8.0
166.8

(11.4)
(1.3)
(0.3)
(0.1)

(6.9)
(0.1)
(13.8)
(33.9)
132.9
(0.7)

226.2
3.1
1.4
25.8
256.5

122.5
0.4
122.9

Initial cash consideration paid
Cash acquired on acquisitions
Initial cash consideration adjustment and other amounts paid to vendors on current year acquisitions
Initial cash consideration adjustment on prior year acquisitions
Contingent consideration paid and loan notes repaid in cash in relation to prior year acquisitions*
Net cash outflow relating to acquisitions (per Consolidated Cash Flow Statement)

Year ended
31 March 
2020
£m
226.2
(8.0)
4.1
–
10.5
232.8

Year ended
31 March 
2019
£m
63.0
(5.3)
5.7
(0.1)
3.7
67.0

* The £10.5m comprises £0.1m loan notes and £10.4m contingent consideration paid in respect of prior period acquisitions all of which had been provided in the prior period’s 

financial statements.

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Notes to the Accounts continued 

25 Acquisitions continued  
b) Invenio Systems Limited (‘Invenio’) and Enoveo SARL (‘Enoveo’)  

Non-current assets 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax 
Total liabilities 
Net assets of businesses acquired 

Initial cash consideration paid 
Additional amounts paid in respect of cash acquired 
Additional amounts owed to vendors* 
Contingent purchase consideration estimated to be paid 
Total consideration 

Goodwill arising on acquisitions 

Total  
£m 

2.1 
0.3 

1.1 
0.2 
3.7 

(0.6) 

(0.4) 
(1.0) 
2.7 

2.9 
0.1 
0.5 
2.1 
5.6 

2.9 

*  Relates mainly to other receivables from third parties acquired which are due to the vendors under the terms of the sale and purchase agreement when these balances are received.  

Invenio 
The Group acquired the entire share capital of Invenio Systems Limited (‘Invenio’) on 2 July 2019 for an initial cash consideration of 
£2.8m adjustable for cash acquired. The adjustment was determined to be £0.1m. The maximum contingent consideration payable 
is £3.0m.  

The contingent purchase consideration recognised represents the estimated amount payable, based on profit-based targets, for 
each of the three annual earnout periods, commencing 1 April 2019. Further detail of the earnout is given on page 171 in note 27. 

Invenio, located in Durham, UK, is a market leader in customer-side leak detection, offering innovative, non-intrusive detection 
solutions for household leaks. Invenio has joined the Group as part of HWM, creating a global leader in leakage reduction within the 
Group’s Environmental & Analysis sector. 

The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented by technology related 
intangibles of £1.3m and customer relationship intangibles of £0.4m; with residual goodwill arising of £2.5m. The goodwill 
represents:  

a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce; 

b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma’s businesses through future technologies; and  

c) the ability to exploit the Group’s existing customer base. 

Invenio contributed £1.0m of revenue for the year ended 31 March 2020. 

Acquisition costs totalling £0.1m were recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement.  

The goodwill arising on the acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

Enoveo 
The Group also acquired the entire share capital of Enoveo on 1 July 2019 for an initial cash consideration of €0.2m (£0.1m). The 
maximum contingent consideration payable is €1.0m (£0.9m).  

Enoveo, based in Lyon, France, provides services and monitoring tools for natural, urban or industrial aquatic environments. Enoveo 
has joined the Group as a bolt-on to Hydreka within the Environmental & Analysis sector. 

The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented by acquired 
intangibles of £0.4m, with residual goodwill arising of £0.4m. 

There is no material impact on the Group’s income statement for the year ended 31 March 2020 arising from the acquisition. 

Acquisition costs totalling £0.1m were recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement.  

The goodwill arising on the acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

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25 Acquisitions continued
c) Ampac Group

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
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
Lease liabilities
Provisions
Corporation tax payable
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Provisions
Deferred tax
Total liabilities
Net assets of business acquired

Initial cash consideration paid
Additional amounts paid in respect of cash acquired
Total consideration

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Total
£m

33.7
5.8
0.4

7.4
5.3
6.6
59.2

(4.6)
(0.8)
(0.1)
(0.1)

(5.2)
(0.1)
(10.4)
(21.3)
37.9

75.2
3.0
78.2

40.3

On 15 July 2019, the Group acquired the Ampac group (‘Ampac’) for an initial cash consideration of A$135.0m (£75.2m), adjustable 
for cash acquired. The adjustment was determined to be A$5.4m (£3.0m). The acquisition comprised of the trade and assets of 
Ampac Technologies Pty Ltd, Ampac Distributors Pty Ltd and Ampac Pacific Ltd and the entire share capital of Ampac Europe Ltd 
and Cranford Controls Ltd.

Ampac, headquartered in Perth, Australia with offices in Australia, New Zealand and the UK is a leading fire and evacuation 
systems supplier in the Australian and New Zealand markets. The company continues to run under its own management team and 
has become part of the Group’s Infrastructure Safety sector.

The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented by customer related 
intangibles of £19.0m; trade name of £6.9m and technology related intangibles of £7.3m; with residual goodwill arising of £40.3m. 
The goodwill represents: 

a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce;

b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma’s businesses through future technologies; and 

c) the ability to exploit the Group’s existing customer base.

Ampac contributed £24.3m of revenue and £4.6m of profit after tax for the year ended 31 March 2020. 

If this acquisition had been held since the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group’s reported revenue and profit 
after tax would have been £8.8m higher and £1.2m higher respectively.

Acquisition costs totalling £2.1m were recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

The goodwill arising on the Ampac acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

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Notes to the Accounts continued 

25 Acquisitions continued  
d) Infowave Solutions Inc. and certain trade and assets of Spreo LLC 

Non-current assets 
Intangible assets 
Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax 
Total liabilities 
Net assets of businesses acquired 

Initial cash consideration paid 
Contingent purchase consideration estimated to be paid 
Total consideration 

Goodwill arising on acquisitions 

Total  
£m 

3.4 

0.5 
0.1 
4.0 

(1.1) 

(0.4) 
(1.5) 
2.5 

7.2 
1.3 
8.5 

6.0 

On 2 October 2019, the Group acquired the entire share capital of Infowave Solutions Inc. (‘Infowave’) for an initial cash 
consideration of US$8.3m (£6.8m). Maximum contingent purchase consideration payable is US$4.0m (£3.3m). 

On 12 February 2020, the Group acquired certain trade and assets of Spreo LLC (‘Spreo’) for an initial cash consideration of 
US$0.5m (£0.4m). Maximum contingent consideration payable is US$5.0m (£3.8m). Further detail of the earnouts is given on  
page 171 in note 27. 

Infowave, located in Indiana, USA, and certain trade and assets of Spreo have joined the Group as part of CenTrak within the 
Medical sector, complementing CenTrak’s hardware capabilities with software, data and navigation capabilities. 

The current contingent consideration payable represents, for Infowave the fair value of the estimated amounts payable for each of 
two annual consecutive earnout periods, commencing 1 April 2020, and for Spreo the fair value of the estimated amounts payable 
for each of three annual consecutive earnout periods, commencing 1 April 2020. The earnout in each period is calculated by 
reference to the relevant earnings for the period compared to the target for the period. Further detail of the earnout is given on 
page 171 in note 27. 

The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented by customer related 
intangibles of £1.2m; trade name of £0.4m and technology related intangibles of £1.8m; with residual goodwill arising of £6.0m.  
The goodwill represents:  

a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce; 

b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma’s businesses through future technologies; and  

c) the ability to exploit the Group’s existing customer base. 

Infowave and Spreo contributed £1.4m of revenue and £0.6m of profit after tax for the year ended 31 March 2020.  

If these acquisitions had been held since the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group’s reported revenue and profit 
after tax would have been £2.2m higher and £0.5m higher respectively. 

Acquisition costs totalling £0.2m were recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement.  

The goodwill arising on these acquisitions is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

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25 Acquisitions continued
e) Certain trade and assets of NeoMedix Corporation

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Current assets
Inventories
Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax
Total liabilities
Net assets of business acquired

Initial cash consideration paid
Amounts owed to vendor*
Contingent purchase consideration estimated to be paid
Total consideration

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Total
£m

10.6

0.8
11.4

(0.2)
(0.2)
11.2

6.5
0.5
9.4
16.4

5.2

* Relates to additional payments to the vendor under the contractual arrangements in the sale and purchase agreement.

On 4 October 2019, the Group acquired certain trade and assets of NeoMedix Corporation (‘NeoMedix’) for an initial cash 
consideration of US$8.0m (£6.5m). Maximum contingent consideration payable is US$17.0m (£14.0m).

The current contingent consideration payable represents the fair value of the estimated amounts payable for each of three annual 
consecutive earnout periods, commencing on the acquisition date. The earnout in each period is calculated by reference to the 
relevant revenue for the period compared to the target for the period, with the third earnout period only effective if the earnout for 
periods one and two exceed US$12.0m. Further detail of the earnout is given on page 171 in note 27.

The glaucoma-related business and assets of NeoMedix were acquired by MicroSurgical Technology within the Medical sector to 
enhance the Group’s offering in this area of expertise.

The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented by technology related 
intangibles of £10.6m; with residual goodwill arising of £5.2m. The goodwill represents the ability to exploit the Group’s existing 
customer base.

NeoMedix contributed £1.2m of revenue for the year ended 31 March 2020. 

If this acquisition had been held since the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group’s reported revenue would have
been £1.4m higher.

Acquisition costs totalling £0.1m were recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

The goodwill arising on this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

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Notes to the Accounts continued 

25 Acquisitions continued  
f) FireMate Software Pty. Ltd. 

Non-current assets 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax 
Total liabilities 
Net assets of business acquired 
Non-controlling interest 

Initial cash consideration paid 
Contingent purchase consideration estimated to be paid 
Total consideration 

Goodwill arising on acquisition 

Total  
£m 

2.8 
0.1 

0.6 
3.5 

(0.4) 

(0.8) 
(1.2) 
2.3 
0.7 

6.3 
2.6 
8.9 

5.9 

On 13 January 2020, the Group acquired 70% of the share capital of FireMate Software Pty. Ltd. (‘FireMate’) for an initial cash 
consideration of A$11.8m (£6.3m). Maximum contingent consideration payable is A$6.4m (£3.3m). There is also an option for the 
Group to purchase the remaining 30% of FireMate, exercisable in the six months from 31 March 2025 based on a multiple of EBIT for 
the financial year ending 31 March 2025. 

The current contingent consideration payable represents the fair value of the estimated amounts payable based on performance to 
30 June 2022. The earnout is calculated by reference to the relevant monthly subscription revenue for the period compared to the 
target. Further detail of the earnout is given on page 171 in note 27. 

FireMate, located in Brisbane, Australia, provides cloud-based fire protection management software to fire contractors and will 
further strengthen the Group’s capabilities in connected and integrated fire systems internationally. The company will continue to 
run under its own management team and will become part of the Group’s Infrastructure Safety sector. 

The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented by customer related 
intangibles of £1.7m; trade name of £0.4m and technology related intangibles of £0.7m; with residual goodwill arising of £5.9m.  

The goodwill represents:  

a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce; 

b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma’s businesses through future technologies; and  

c) the ability to exploit the Group’s existing customer base. 

There is no material impact on the Group’s income statement for the year ended 31 March 2020 arising from this acquisition. 

If this acquisition had been held since the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group’s reported revenue would have 
been £1.3m higher. 

Acquisition costs totalling £0.2m were recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement.  

The goodwill arising on this acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

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25 Acquisitions continued
g) NovaBone Products, LLC

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Investments
Property, plant and equipment
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Deferred tax
Total liabilities
Net assets of business acquired

Initial cash consideration paid
Amounts owed to vendor*
Contingent purchase consideration estimated to be paid
Total consideration

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Total 
£m

35.6
0.4
1.9

3.2
2.4
0.1
43.6

(1.2)
(0.1)

(0.1)
(0.6)
(2.0)
41.6

73.6
0.4
10.4
84.4

42.8

* In respect of an investment held on acquisition of £0.4m, sold in March 2020 and repaid to vendors in April 2020.

On 24 January 2020, the Group acquired the entire members’ interests of NovaBone Products, LLC (‘NovaBone’) for an initial cash 
consideration of US$96.5m (£73.6m). The initial cash consideration comprised the purchase price of US$97.0m (£74.0m) plus the 
purchase of freehold property of US$1.7m (£1.3m) less working capital adjustments of US$0.5m (£0.4m) and US$1.7m (£1.3m) held 
as holdback amounts in place of escrow balances. Maximum contingent consideration payable is US$40.0m (£30.5m) plus the 
holdback amounts.

The current contingent consideration payable (excluding holdback amounts) represents the fair value of the estimated amounts 
payable for each of two annual consecutive earnout periods, commencing 1 April 2020. The earnout in each period is calculated by 
reference to the relevant earnings for the period compared to the target for the period. Further detail of the earnout is given on 
page 171 in note 27.

NovaBone, located in Florida, USA, produces products that are used to accelerate bone regeneration, primarily for orthopaedic and 
dental surgical procedures in the USA. It has strong technology and knowhow within the fast-growing biologics segment, 
developing biomaterials that harness the body’s natural healing process to accelerate bone growth. The company continues to run 
under its own management team and has become part of the Group’s Medical sector.

The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented by customer related 
intangibles of £8.9m; trade name of £3.0m and technology related intangibles of £23.7m; with residual goodwill arising of £42.8m. 

The goodwill represents: 

a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce;

b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma’s businesses through future technologies; and 

c) the ability to exploit the Group’s existing customer base.

NovaBone contributed £2.3m of revenue and £0.5m of profit after tax for the year ended 31 March 2020. 

If this acquisition had been held since the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group’s reported revenue and profit 
after tax would have been £12.3m higher and £3.1m higher respectively.

Acquisition costs totalling £1.7m were recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

The goodwill arising on this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

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163

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

25 Acquisitions continued  
h) Sensit Technologies, LLC 

Non-current assets 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Lease liabilities 
Provisions 
Non-current liabilities 
Lease liabilities 
Deferred tax 
Total liabilities 
Net assets of business acquired 

Initial cash consideration paid 
Total consideration 

Goodwill arising on acquisition 

Total  
£m 

18.3 
2.2 

4.4 
2.0 
0.4 
27.3 

(1.6) 
(0.2) 
(0.1) 

(0.8) 
(0.5) 
(3.2) 
24.1 

39.2 
39.2 

15.1 

On 4 February 2020, the Group acquired the entire members’ interests of Sensit Technologies, LLC (‘Sensit’) for an initial cash 
consideration of US$51.5m (£39.2m). There is no contingent consideration. 

Sensit, located in Indiana, USA, manufactures products that enable natural gas utilities to detect leaks in their pipes, reducing 
climate change effects by minimising emissions of methane, protecting workers in the natural gas distribution industry, and 
ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Its technologies are also used in emergency response situations by firefighters 
entering burning buildings to ensure that they do not face explosion risk due to leaking natural gas. The company continues to run 
under its own management team and has become part of the Group’s Process Safety sector. 

The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented by customer related 
intangibles of £6.6m; trade name of £2.9m and technology related intangibles of £8.5m; with residual goodwill arising of £15.1m.  

The goodwill represents:  

a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce; 

b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma’s businesses through future technologies; and  

c) the ability to exploit the Group’s existing customer base. 

Sensit contributed £3.9m of revenue and £0.5m of profit after tax for the year ended 31 March 2020.  

If this acquisition had been held since the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group’s reported revenue and profit 
after tax would have been £14.5m higher and £1.6m higher respectively. 

Acquisition costs totalling £0.7m were recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement.  

The goodwill arising on this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

164

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25 Acquisitions continued
i) Maxtec, LLC

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Lease liabilities
Provisions
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Deferred tax
Total liabilities
Net assets of business acquired

Initial cash consideration paid
Total consideration

Goodwill arising on acquisition

Total 
£m

7.8
2.1

2.3
1.9
14.1

(1.9)
(0.2)
(0.1)

(0.8)
(0.1)
(3.1)
11.0

15.3
15.3

4.3

On 20 February 2020, the Group acquired the entire members’ interests of Maxtec, LLC (‘Maxtec’) for an initial cash consideration 
of US$20.0m (£15.3m). There is no contingent consideration payable.

Maxtec, located in Utah, USA, is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of oxygen analysis and delivery products for 
use in medical and non-medical applications. Maxtec specialises in innovative products for respiratory care, including oxygen 
sensors and analysers for use in hospital acute care units. Maxtec has joined Perma Pure within the Medical sector, whose medical 
dehydration products are also used in acute care units. Key members of Maxtec’s leadership team remain with the business and it 
continues to operate in its current facility.

The excess of the fair value of the consideration paid over the fair value of the assets acquired is represented by customer related 
intangibles of £3.7m; trade name of £1.5m and technology related intangibles of £2.5m; with residual goodwill arising of £4.3m. 

The goodwill represents: 

a) the technical expertise of the acquired workforce;

b) the opportunity to leverage this expertise across some of Halma’s businesses through future technologies; and 

c) the ability to exploit the Group’s existing customer base.

Maxtec contributed £2.1m of revenue and £0.3m of profit after tax for the year ended 31 March 2020. 

If this acquisition had been held since the start of the financial year, it is estimated that the Group’s reported revenue and profit 
after tax would have been £12.7m higher and £0.7m higher respectively.

Acquisition costs totalling £0.3m were recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

The goodwill arising on this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

j) Adjustments in respect of prior year acquisitions

Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax
Total liabilities
Net adjustments to assets of businesses acquired in prior years

Adjustment to goodwill 

Total
£m

(0.4)
(0.4)
(0.4)

0.4

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In finalising the acquisition accounting for the prior year acquisition of Navtech, adjustments of £0.4m were made to increase the 
deferred tax liability resulting in a corresponding increase in goodwill of £0.4m.

The adjustment was not material and as such the comparative balance sheet was not restated; instead the adjustments have been 
made through the current year.

Halma plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2020

165

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

26 Notes to the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 

Reconciliation of profit from operations to net cash inflow from operating activities: 
Profit on continuing operations before finance income and expense, share of results of associate  
and loss on disposal of operations 
Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss  
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Amortisation of computer software 
Amortisation of capitalised development costs and other intangibles 
Impairment of capitalised development costs 
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 
Share-based payment expense in excess of amounts paid 
Payments to defined benefit pension plans net of charge  
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment and computer software 
Operating cash flows before movement in working capital 
Increase in inventories 
Increase in receivables 
Increase in payables and provisions 
Revision to estimate of, and exchange differences arising on, contingent consideration payable 
Cash generated from operations 
Taxation paid 
Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and bank balances 
Overdrafts (included in current borrowings) 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Year ended 
31 March  
2020 
£m 

Year ended 
31 March  
2019 
£m 

233.4 
0.1 
35.8 
2.2 
8.4 
5.2 
38.3 
4.8 
(12.5) 
(0.1) 
315.6 
(5.1) 
(9.0) 
8.9 
(2.5) 
307.9 
(52.4) 
255.5 

217.8 
(0.1) 
20.0 
1.8 
8.8 
0.7 
35.6 
4.7 
(9.3) 
(0.6) 
279.4 
(9.2) 
(15.3) 
8.2 
(3.5) 
259.6 
(40.6) 
219.0 

Year ended 
31 March  
2020 
£m 

Year ended 
31 March  
2019 
£m 

106.3 
(0.9) 
105.4 

81.2 
(9.1) 
72.1 

166

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26 Notes to the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement continued

Restatement 
for changes in 
accounting 
standards 
IFRS 16
£m

1 April
2019
£m

Restated as at 
1 April 2019
£m

Cash flow 
£m

Net cash/
(debt) 
acquired
£m

Loan notes
repaid
£m

Reclassification 
and additions
£m

Exchange
adjustments 
£m

31 March
2020
£m

Analysis of net 
debt
Cash and bank 
balances 
Overdrafts
Cash and cash 
equivalents
Loan notes falling 
due within one year
Loan notes falling 
due after more than 
one year
Bank loans falling 
due after more than 
one year
Lease liabilities
Total net debt

81.2
(9.1)

72.1

(0.1)

(179.3)

(74.4)
–
(181.7)

–
–

–

–

–

81.2
(9.1)

16.6
8.2

72.1

24.8

(0.1)

(179.3)

–

–

8.0
–

8.0

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

0.5
–

106.3
(0.9)

0.5

105.4

0.1

(74.2)

–

(74.2)

–

74.2

(3.5)

(108.6)

–
(50.3)
(50.3)

(74.4)
(50.3)
(232.0)

(156.4)
15.8
(115.8)

–
(8.2)
(0.2)

–
–
0.1

–
(18.1)
(18.1)

(5.6)
(0.7)
(9.3)

(236.4)
(61.5)
(375.3)

The net increase in cash and cash equivalents of £32.8m comprised cash inflow of £24.8m and cash acquired of £8.0m.

The net cash inflow from bank loans of £156.4m comprised drawdowns of £308.1m offset by repayments of £151.7m.

The net cash outflow from loan notes relates to £0.1m repayment of existing loan notes issued in relation to the previous acquisition
of Advanced Electronics Limited.

Reconciliation of movements of the Group’s liabilities from financing activities
Liabilities from financing activities are those for which cash flows were, or will be, classified as cash flows from financing activities 
in the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement.

Loan notes falling due within one 
year
Overdraft
Lease liabilities
Borrowings and lease liabilities
(current)
Loan notes falling due after more 
than one year
Bank loans falling due after more 
than one year
Lease liabilities
Borrowings and lease liabilities
(non-current)
Total liabilities from financing 
activities
Trade and other payables: falling due 
within one year

Restatement 
for changes in 
accounting 
standards 
IFRS 16
£m

Changes from
financing 
cash flows
£m

Acquisition of 
subsidiaries
£m

Other
changes*
£m

Effects of 
foreign 
exchange
£m

–
–
10.7

10.7

–

–
39.6

39.6

50.3

(0.1)
–
(15.8)

(15.9)

–
–
1.3

1.3

74.2
(8.2)
16.8

82.8

–

–

(74.2)

156.4
–

156.4

140.5

–
6.9

6.9

8.2

–
1.3

(72.9)

9.9

–

(9.0)

11.4

19.0

–
–
–

–

3.5

5.6
0.7

9.8

9.8

0.5

1 April
2019
£m

0.1
9.1
–

9.2

179.3

74.4
–

253.7

262.9

164.8

31 March
2020
£m

74.2
0.9
13.0

88.1

108.6

236.4
48.5

393.5

481.6

186.7

* Other changes include movements in overdraft which is treated as cash, interest accruals, reclassifications from non-current to current liabilities and other movements in working 

capital balances.

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167

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

27 Financial instruments 
Policy 
The Group’s treasury policies seek to minimise financial risks and to ensure sufficient liquidity for the Group’s operations and 
strategic plans. No complex derivative financial instruments are used, and no trading or speculative transactions in financial 
instruments are undertaken. Where the Group does use financial instruments, these are mainly to manage the currency risks 
arising from normal operations and its financing. Operations are financed mainly through retained profits and, in certain 
geographic locations, bank borrowings. Foreign currency risk is the most significant aspect for the Group in the area of financial 
instruments. It is exposed to a lesser extent to other risks such as interest rate risk and liquidity risk. The Board reviews and agrees 
policies for managing each of these risks and these policies are summarised below. The Group’s policies have remained unchanged 
since the beginning of the financial year. 

Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted (including the criteria for recognition, the basis of 
measurement and the bases of recognition of income and expenses) for each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity 
instrument are disclosed in the Accounting Policies note.  

Capital risk management 
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as going concerns while maximising 
the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the Group consists 
of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 19 to the Financial statements, cash and cash equivalents and equity 
attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in the 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. 

The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements. 

Foreign currency risk 
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk as a consequence of both trading with foreign companies and owning subsidiaries 
located in foreign countries. 

The Group earns a significant proportion of its profit in currencies other than Sterling. This gives rise to translational currency risk, 
where the Sterling value of profits earned by the Group’s foreign subsidiaries fluctuates with the strength of Sterling relative to their 
operating (or ‘functional’) currencies. The Group does not hedge this risk, so its reported profit is sensitive to the strength of 
Sterling, particularly against the US Dollar and Euro. The Group also has transactional currency exposures. These arise on sales or 
purchases by operating companies in currencies other than the companies’ operating (or ‘functional’) currency. Significant sales 
and purchases are matched where possible and a proportion of the net exposure is hedged by means of forward foreign currency 
contracts. 

The Group has significant investments in overseas operations in the USA and EU, with further investments in Australia, New 
Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Brazil, China and India. As a result, the Group’s balance sheet can be affected by movements 
in these countries’ exchange rates. Where significant and appropriate, currency denominated net assets are hedged by currency 
borrowings. These currency exposures are reviewed regularly.  

Interest rate risk 
The Group is exposed to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings and cash deposits. Where bank borrowings are used to finance 
operations they tend to be short term with floating interest rates. Longer-term funding is provided by the Group’s bank loan 
facilities which are at floating rates, or by the Group’s fixed rate United States Private Placement completed in November 2015. 

Surplus funds are placed on short-term fixed rate deposit or in floating rate deposit accounts. 

Credit risk 
Credit risk is defined as the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the 
Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties, as a means of mitigating the risk of 
financial loss from defaults. Credit ratings are supplied by independent agencies where available, and if not available, the Group 
uses other publicly available financial information and its own trading records to rate its major customers. Credit exposure is 
controlled by counterparty limits that are reviewed regularly. 

Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across diverse industries and geographic areas. Ongoing credit 
evaluation is performed on the financial condition of accounts receivable and, where appropriate, credit guarantee insurance cover 
is purchased.  

The carrying amount of trade, tax and other receivables, contract assets, derivative financial instruments and cash of £386.3m 
(2019: £323.3m) represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk as no collateral or other credit enhancements are held. 

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

168

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
27 Financial instruments continued
Liquidity risk
The Group has a syndicated multi-currency revolving credit facility of £550m. The facility, in Sterling, US Dollar, Euro, Australian 
Dollar and Swiss Franc, currently runs to November 2023.

In addition, in November 2015 the Group completed a United States Private Placement and issued US$250m of loan notes in January
2016, repayable at five, seven and ten-year intervals. These facilities are the main sources of long-term funding for the Group.

The Group has a strong cash flow and the funds generated by operating companies are managed regionally based on geographic 
location. 

Funds are placed on deposit with secure, highly-rated banks. For short-term working capital purposes, some operating companies
utilise local bank overdrafts. These practices allow a balance to be maintained between continuity of funding, security and 
flexibility. 

Currency exposures
Translational exposures
It is estimated, by reference to the Group’s US Dollar and Euro denominated profits, that a one per cent change in the value of the 
US Dollar relative to Sterling would have had a £1.3m (2019: £1.1m) impact on the Group’s reported profit before tax; and a one per 
cent change in the value of the Euro relative to Sterling would have had a £0.3m (2019: £0.3m) impact on the Group’s profit before 
tax for the year ended 31 March 2020.

Transactional exposures 
The Group has net foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities that are assets and liabilities not denominated in the functional 
currency of the underlying company. These comprise cash and overdrafts as well as certain trade receivable and payable balances. 
These foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities give rise to the net currency gains and losses recognised in the Consolidated 
Income Statement as a result of movement in exchange rates. The exposures are predominantly US Dollar and Euro. Group policy 
is for a significant portion of foreign currency exposures, including sales and purchases, to be hedged by forward foreign exchange 
contracts in the company in which the transaction is recorded. 

Interest rate risk profile
The Group’s financial assets which are subject to interest rate fluctuations comprise interest-bearing cash equivalents which
totalled £1.6m at 31 March 2020 (2019: £4.7m). These comprised Sterling denominated bank deposits of £0.1m (2019: £0.3m), and 
Euro, US Dollar and Renminbi bank deposits of £1.5m (2019: £4.4m) which earn interest at local market rates. Cash balances 
of £104.7m (2019: £76.5m) earn interest at local market rates.

The financial liabilities which are subject to interest rate fluctuations comprise bank loans and overdrafts which totalled £237.3m at 
31 March 2020 (2019: £83.5m). All bank loans bear interest at floating rates where the fixed period can be up to six months. 
Interest rates are based on the LIBOR of the currency in which the liabilities arise plus a small margin. Bank overdrafts bear interest 
at local market rates.

The loan notes related to the United States Private Placement attract interest at a weighted average fixed rate of 2.53%.

The Group’s weighted average interest cost on net debt for the year was 3.48% (2019: 3.95%). Including IFRS16 lease liabilities, the 
weighted average interest cost on net debt for the year was 3.52%.

Analysis of interest-bearing financial liabilities
Sterling denominated bank loans
US Dollar denominated bank loans
Euro denominated bank loans
Australian Dollar denominated bank loans
Swiss Franc denominated bank loans
Total bank loans
Overdrafts (principally Sterling and US Dollar denominated)
Sterling denominated loan notes
US Dollar denominated loan notes
Euro denominated loan notes
Total interest-bearing financial liabilities 

31 March
2020
£m

31 March
2019
£m

50.0
146.7
–
30.5
9.2
236.4
0.9
82.0
51.4
49.4
420.1

–
59.4
6.4
–
8.6
74.4
9.1
82.2
49.0
48.2
262.9

For the year ended 31 March 2020 it is estimated that a general increase of one percentage point in interest rates would have
reduced the Group’s profit before tax by £1.8m (2019: £1.0m). 

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Halma plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2020

169

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

27 Financial instruments continued 
Maturity of financial liabilities 
The gross contractual maturities of the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities that are neither current nor on demand are as 
follows. 

At 31 March 2020 
Accruals 
Other payables 
Contingent purchase consideration 
Other provisions 
Bank loans 
Loan notes 
Lease liabilities 

At 31 March 2019 
Accruals 
Other payables 
Contingent purchase consideration 
Other provisions 
Bank loans 
Loan notes 

One to  
two years 
£m 

Between  
two and  
five years 
£m 

After more 
than  
five years 
£m 

Gross  
maturities 
£m 

Effect of 
 discounting/ 
financing rates 
£m 

0.1 
1.2 
14.4 
1.0 
– 
2.0 
15.1 
33.8 

– 
0.3 
4.4 
1.2 
236.4 
75.7 
35.1 
353.1 

– 
1.0 
– 
0.6 
– 
35.0 
15.0 
51.6 

0.1 
2.5 
18.8 
2.8 
236.4 
112.7 
65.2 
438.5 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(4.1) 
(16.7) 
(20.8) 

One to  
two years 
£m 

Between  
two and  
five years 
£m 

After more  
than  
five years 
£m 

Gross  
maturities 
£m 

Effect of  
discounting/ 
financing rates 
£m 

0.1 
0.9 
5.9 
1.1 
– 
76.8 
84.8 

0.2 
0.3 
2.1 
1.2 
74.4 
83.1 
161.3 

0.5 
0.8 
– 
0.6 
– 
37.1 
39.0 

0.8 
2.0 
8.0 
2.9 
74.4 
197.0 
285.1 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(17.7) 
(17.7) 

Total 
£m 

0.1 
2.5 
18.8 
2.8 
236.4 
108.6 
48.5 
417.7 

Total 
£m 

0.8 
2.0 
8.0 
2.9 
74.4 
179.3 
267.4 

The Group’s bank loans are revolving credit facilities and the amount and timing of future payments and drawdowns is unknown. 
It is therefore not possible to calculate the interest arising on these loans and we have therefore not disclosed the maturity of the 
gross cash flows (including interest) in relation to these liabilities. 

Borrowing facilities 
The Group’s principal sources of long-term funding are its unsecured five-year £550m Revolving Credit Facility and its US$250m 
United States Private Placement. The Revolving Credit Facility was refinanced in November 2016 and initially ran to November 2021. 
Effective November 2017, the Group extended this facility for a further year to November 2022, and effective November 2018 for a 
further year to November 2023. 

The United States Private Placement of US$250m was completed in November 2015. The unsecured loan notes were drawn on 
6 January 2016 as £82m, €56m and US$64m at a weighted average fixed interest rate of 2.53%. The loan notes mature at five, 
seven and ten-year intervals, with first maturity date in January 2021. Interest is payable half yearly. 

The Group’s undrawn committed facilities available at 31 March 2020 were £313.6m (2019: £475.6m) of which £nil (2019: £nil) 
matures within one year and £313.6m (2019: £475.6m) between two and five years. 

The Group has an additional short-term unsecured and committed US bank facility, £12m maturing in November 2023. The facility 
was undrawn at 31 March 2020. 

Other short-term operational funding is provided by cash generated from operations and by local bank overdrafts. These overdraft 
facilities are uncommitted and are generally renewed on an annual or ongoing basis and hence the facilities expire within one year 
or less. 

UK companies have cross-guaranteed £15.3m (2019: £15.3m) of overdraft facilities of which £0.9m (2019: £9.1m) was drawn. 

170

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27 Financial instruments continued
Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities
With the exception of the Group’s fixed rate loan notes, there were no significant differences between the book value and fair value 
(as determined by market value) of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities.

The fair value of floating borrowings approximates to the carrying value because interest rates are reset to market rates at intervals 
of less than one year. 

The fair value of the Group’s fixed rate loan notes arising from the United States Private Placement completed in January 2016 is 
estimated to be £187.4m (2019: £180.7m). The fair value is estimated by discounting the future contracted cash flow using readily 
available market data and represents a level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy under IFRS 7.

The fair value of derivative financial instruments is estimated by discounting the future contracted cash flow, using readily available 
market data, and represents a level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy under IFRS 7.

The fair value of equity investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income are based on the latest observable price
where available. Where there are no recent observable prices, adjustments are made based on qualitative indicators, such as the 
financial performance of the entity, performance against operational milestones and future outlook. This represents a level 3 
measurement in the fair value hierarchy under IFRS 7. In the current year, due to the proximity of their purchase to the year-end 
date, and in the absence of any other indicator, the acquisition value is considered to equal fair value.

The fair value of deferred contingent consideration arising on acquisitions is calculated by estimating the possible future cash flows
for the acquired company identified as best, base and worst-case scenarios, using probability weightings of 25%, 50% and 25% 
respectively. These scenarios are based on management’s knowledge of the business and how the current economic environment is 
likely to impact it. The relevant future cash flows are dependent on the specific terms of the sale and purchase agreement. Those 
terms are as follows:

— Navtech – Based on 7.5 times multiple of EBIT excluding R&D capitalisation and amortisation above a target threshold of £3.6m 

for the year ended 31 March 2021, subject to a maximum earn out of £9.4m.

— Invenio – For the years ended 31 March 2021 and 31 March 2022, where EBIT exceeds the prior year EBIT, the earn out is 60% of 
the prior year EBIT plus 95% of the growth in EBIT over the prior year. Where EBIT is equal to or lower than prior year EBIT, the 
earn-out is 60% of EBIT. Subject to a maximum earn out of £1m in each year.

— Enoveo – Based on 2 times multiple of EBIT above a target threshold of €0.6m (£0.5m) and €0.9m (£0.8m) for the years ended 

31 March 2021 and 31 March 2022 respectively, subject to a maximum earn out of €0.4m (£0.3m) in each year.

— Infowave – Based on 6 times multiple of EBIT above the greater of the prior year EBIT or target thresholds US$1.2m (£1.0m) and 
US$1.4m (£1.1m) for the years ended 31 March 2021 and 31 March 2022 respectively, subject to a maximum of US$2.0m (£1.6m)
in each year.

— NeoMedix – Based on the two years following the acquisition date respectively; 4 times multiple of revenue exceeding US$3.0m
(£2.4m), subject to a maximum earn out of US$7.0m (£5.6m), 4 times multiple of revenue exceeding the greater of US$3.0m
(£2.4m) and the revenue in the first earn out period for second year, subject to a maximum earn out of US$7.0m (£5.6m) or a 
total earn out of US$12.0m (£9.6m) for the two earn out periods. Where revenue for the first two earn out periods exceeds 
US$12.0m (£9.6m), a third earn out period will apply based on 2 times multiple of revenue exceeding the greater of the revenue 
in the first earn out period and the revenue in the second earn out period, subject to a maximum earn out of US$5.0m (£4.0m).

— FireMate – A one-off earn out payment of A$6.4m (£3.2m) payable on FireMate achieving domestic subscription revenue of 

A$0.3m (£0.1m) in any one month up to 30 June 2022.

— NovaBone – Based on 5 times multiple of prorated EBIT above a target of US$7.3m (£5.9m) up to US$7.5m (£6.0m) and 10 times 
multiple of prorated EBIT above US$7.5m (£6.0m) for the period from acquisition to 31 March 2021, subject to a maximum of 
US$25.0m (£20.1m). Based on 5 times multiple of EBIT of the greater of 108% of the prior year annual EBIT or a target of the 
US$8.1m (£6.5m) up to the greater of 110% of actual prior year EBIT or US$8.2m (£6.6m) and 10 times multiple of EBIT above the 
greater of 110% of actual prior year EBIT or US$8.2m (£6.6m) for the year to 31 March 2022, subject to a maximum earn out of 
US$25.0m (£20.1m). Subject to an overall maximum earn out of US$40.0m (£32.1m).

— Spreo – Based on 30% of qualifying healthcare revenue for the period from acquisition to 31 March 2021, up to a maximum earn 

out of US$1.0m (£0.8m) and for the years ended 31 March 2022 and 31 March 2023 up to a maximum earn out of US$2.0m
(£1.6m) in each year.

This calculation represents a level 3 measurement in the fair value hierarchy under IFRS 7. The fair value is sensitive to the weighting 
assigned to the expected future cash flows. For those earnouts where the payable is based on expectations of future cash flows, a
change in weighting of 10 percentage points towards the best-case scenario would result in an increase in the estimate of future 
cash flows as follows:

Navtech
Invenio
Enoveo
Infowave
NeoMedix
FireMate
NovaBone
Spreo

Current 
expected 
future
cash flow
£m
7.8
1.4
0.5
1.9
8.3
2.4
1.4
0.4

10 pp shift in 
weighting 
towards upside 
expectation
£m
0.6
0.1
–
0.3
0.9
0.3
0.5
–

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171

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

27 Financial instruments continued 
Classification of financial assets and liabilities 
All financial assets and liabilities, with the exception of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income, 
derivatives and contingent purchase consideration, are classified as amortised cost for accounting purposes. 

Derivatives in a hedging relationship are classified as cash flow hedging instruments. Derivatives not in a hedging relationship are 
classified as fair value through profit or loss. 

Contingent purchase consideration is classified as fair value through profit or loss. 

Hedging 
The Group’s policy is to hedge significant sales and purchases denominated in foreign currency using forward currency contracts. 
These instruments are initially recognised at fair value, which is typically £nil, and subsequent changes in fair value are taken to the 
Consolidated Income Statement, unless hedge accounted. 

The following table details the foreign currency contracts outstanding as at the year end, which mostly mature within one year and 
therefore the cash flows and resulting effect on profit and loss are expected to occur within the next 12 months: 

Average exchange rate/£ 

31 March  
2020 

31 March  
2019 

31 March  
2020  
m 

Foreign currency 
31 March  
2019 
m 

31 March  
2020 
£m 

Contract value 
31 March  
2019 
£m 

31 March  
2020 
£m 

Fair value 
31 March  
2019 
£m 

Forward contracts not 
in a designated cash 
flow hedge 
US Dollars 
Euros 
Other currencies 

Forward contracts in a 
designated cash flow 
hedge 
US Dollars 
Euros 
Other currencies 

Total forward 
contracts 
US Dollars 
Euros 
Other currencies 

1.27 
– 

1.32 
1.16 

1.4 
– 

0.9 
2.8 

1.28 
1.13 
– 

1.26 
1.13 

5.4 
24.0 

2.4 
25.8 

1.28 
1.13 

1.28 
1.13 

6.7 
24.0 

3.3 
28.6 

1.1 
– 
1.4 
2.5 

4.2 
21.2 
10.3 
35.7 

5.3 
21.2 
11.7 
38.2 

0.7 
2.4 
18.5 
21.6 

1.9 
23.0 
8.8 
33.7 

2.6 
25.4 
27.3 
55.3 

Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement 
Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure 

– 
– 
(0.1) 
(0.1) 

(0.1) 
– 
0.2 
0.1 

(0.1) 
– 
0.1 
– 
(0.1) 
0.1 
– 

– 
– 
0.1 
0.1 

(0.1) 
0.5 
0.1 
0.5 

(0.1) 
0.5 
0.2 
0.6 
0.2 
0.4 
0.6 

The fair values of the forward contracts are disclosed as a £1.0m (2019: £0.9m) asset and £1.0m (2019: £0.3m) liability in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet. Of the £1.4m (2019: £18.5m) of open contracts for other currencies not in a designated cash flow 
hedge £nil (2019: £16.9m) relates to a Swiss Franc contract for expected cash flows between two subsidiaries within the Group. 

Any movements in the fair values of the contracts in a designated cash flow hedge are recognised in equity until the hedged 
transaction occurs, when gains/losses are recycled to finance income or finance expense.  

Analysis of movement in the Hedging reserve 
Amounts removed from Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and included in Consolidated 
Income Statement during the year 
Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure 
Net movement in the Hedging reserve in the year in relation to the effective portion of changes in fair 
value of cash flow hedges 

31 March  
2020 
£m 

31 March  
2019 
£m 

(0.4) 
(0.1) 

(0.5) 

(0.4) 
0.4 

– 

Hedge effectiveness is determined at the inception of the hedge relationship, and through periodic prospective effectiveness 
assessments to ensure that an economic relationship exists between the hedged item and hedging instrument.  

There was no ineffectiveness arising with regards to forward contracts in a designated cash flow hedge.  

The foreign currency forwards are denominated in the same currency as the highly probable future transactions. 

With the exception of currency exposures, the disclosures in this note exclude short-term receivables and payables. 

172

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27 Financial instruments continued
Market risk
The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Group enters into 
derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currency risk, including:

— Forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge the exchange rate risk arising on the export of goods to and from the USA, 

Mainland Europe and the UK.

— Foreign exchange loans to hedge the exchange rate risk arising on translation of the Group’s investment in foreign operations 

which have the Euro, US Dollar, Australian Dollar and Swiss Franc as their functional currencies.

Bank loans and loan notes with a carrying value set out in the table on page 169 are used as net investment hedges for foreign 
currency net assets with carrying value of €56.0m (2019: €63.5m), US$246.5m (US$141.4m), A$61.8m (2019 A$nil) and CHF11.1m
(2019: CHF11.1m). The hedging ratio was 1:1. The change in the carrying value of the borrowings that was recognised in other 
comprehensive income was a loss of £11.9m (2019: loss of £7.9m).

Market risk exposures are measured using sensitivity analysis as described below. 

There has been no change to the Group’s exposure to market risks or in the manner in which these risks are managed and 
measured. 

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Group is mainly exposed to the currency of the USA (US Dollar) and the currency of Mainland Europe (Euro). 

The carrying amount of the Group’s US Dollar and Euro denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the reporting 
date are as follows:

US Dollar
Euro

31 March 
2020
£m
1,007.6
254.5

Assets

31 March 
2019
£m
764.8
242.2

31 March 
2020
£m
327.9
97.4

Liabilities

31 March 
2019
£m
190.0
81.6

If Sterling increased by 10% against the US Dollar and the Euro, profits before taxation and other equity would decrease as follows:

Profit
Other equity

31 March 
2020
£m
12.3
61.8

US Dollar

31 March 
2019
£m
10.5
61.8

31 March 
2020
£m
3.0
14.3

Euro

31 March 
2019
£m
2.9
19.3

The profit sensitivity arises mainly from the translation of overseas profits earned during the year. 10% is the sensitivity rate which 
management assesses to be a reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates. The Group’s profit sensitivity has increased 
against the US Dollar because more of the Group’s profits is earned in this currency.

28 Commitments
Capital commitments
Capital expenditure relating to the purchase of equipment authorised and contracted at 31 March 2020 but not recognised in these 
accounts amounts to £1.6m (2019: £2.5m).

Commitments under leases
The Group has entered into commercial leases on properties and other equipment. From 1 April 2019, the Group has recognised
Right of Use assets for these leases with the exception of short-term and low value leases; the value of which are disclosed in 
Note 6.

As at 31 March 2020, potential future cash outflows of £12.5m (undiscounted) have not been included in the lease liability because 
it is not reasonably certain that the leases will be extended. During the current year the financial effect of revising lease terms to 
reflect the exercising of extension and termination options was an increase in recognised lease liabilities and right of use assets 
of £0.1m.

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173

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

29 Retirement benefits 
Group companies operate both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. The Halma Group Pension Plan and the 
Apollo Pension and Life Assurance Plan (both UK) have defined benefit sections with assets held in separate trustee administered 
funds. Both of these sections had already closed to new entrants in 2002/03 and closed to future benefit accruals for 2014/15. From 
that date, the former defined benefit members joined the existing defined contribution section within the Halma Group Pension 
Plan.  

Overseas subsidiaries have adopted mainly defined contribution plans, with the exception of small defined benefit plans in the 
Swiss entities of Medicel AG and Robutec AG. 

Total pension costs of £11.6m (2019: £13.3m) recognised in employee costs (note 7), comprise £10.8m (2019: £10.4m) related to 
defined contribution plans and £0.8m (2019: £2.9m) related to defined benefit plans, including administration expenses of £0.5m 
(2019: £0.5m) and in the prior year the past service charge for the effect of equalisation of pension benefits for men and women in 
the defined benefit plans (‘Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation’). 

Defined contribution plans 
The amount charged to the Consolidated Income Statement in respect of defined contribution plans was £10.8m (2019: £10.4m) 
and represents contributions payable to these plans by the Group at rates specified in the rules of the plans. The assets of the plans 
are held separately from those of the Group in funds under the control of trustees. Where there are employees who leave the plans 
prior to vesting fully in the contributions, the ancillary contributions payable by the Group may be reduced by the amount of 
forfeited contributions. 

Defined benefit plans 
The Group’s significant defined benefit plans are for qualifying employees of its UK subsidiaries. Under the plans, the employees are 
entitled to retirement benefits of up to two thirds of final pensionable salary on attainment of a retirement age of 60, for members 
of the Executive Board, and 65, for all other qualifying employees. No other post-retirement benefits are provided. The plans are 
funded plans. 

The most recent actuarial valuation of the Halma Group Pension Plan was carried out for the Trustees of the Plan as at 
30 November 2017 by Mr A Gibbons, Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, of Mercer Limited. The present value of the 
liabilities was measured using the Projected Unit method. This method is an accrued benefits valuation method in which the plan 
liabilities include an allowance for projected earnings. 

The most recent actuarial valuation of the Apollo Pension and Life Assurance Plan was carried out for the Trustees of the Plan as at 
1 April 2018 by Mr M Whitcombe, Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, also of Mercer Limited. The same Projected Unit 
method was used.  

An alternative to the projected unit credit method is a valuation on a solvency basis, which is an estimate of the cost of buying out 
benefits with a suitable insurance company. This amount represents the amount that would be required to settle the plan liabilities 
rather than the Group continuing to fund the ongoing liabilities of the Plans. The most recent estimate of the solvency liability was 
£375.4m as at 30 November 2017 for the Halma Group Pension Plan and £104.2m as at 1 April 2018 for the Apollo Pension and Life 
Assurance Plan. 

Key assumptions used (UK plans): 
Discount rate 
Expected return on plan assets 
Expected rate of salary increases (while still applicable) 
Pension increases LPI 2.5% 
Pension increases LPI 3.0% 
Inflation – RPI 
Inflation – CPI 

31 March  
2020 

31 March  
2019 

1 April  
2018 

2.55% 
2.55% 
n/a 
1.85% 
2.05% 
2.50% 
1.70% 

2.40% 
2.40% 
n/a 
2.10% 
2.40% 
3.20% 
2.20% 

2.50% 
2.50% 
3.10% 
2.10% 
2.30% 
3.10% 
2.10% 

During the year, the Group reduced the margin between RPI and CPI inflation from 1.0% to 0.8% to reflect the changes announced 
in September 2019 by the UK Government to adjust the RPI index formula so that it is equal to CPI inflation no later than 2030. 

In line with market practices, commencing in the prior year, the Group adopted a ‘single agency’ approach to bond ratings and has 
excluded non-corporate bonds. The changes increased the discount rate as at 31 March 2019 by 0.2%, offset by a 0.3% reduction 
from changes in market conditions. 

174

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
29 Retirement benefits continued
Mortality assumptions
CMI tables have been used, consistent with those used in the recently completed triennial valuations. The assumed life expectations 
on retirement at age 65 are:

Retiring today:

Males
Females

Retiring in 20 years:

Males
Females

31 March 
2020
Years

31 March 
2019
Years

31 March
2018
Years

22.1
24.0

23.5
25.5

22.1
24.0

23.5
25.5

22.1
24.0

23.5
25.5

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the UK plan liabilities are set out below:

Assumption
Discount rate
Rate of inflation
Rate of mortality

Change in assumption
Increase/decrease by 0.5%
Increase/decrease by 0.5%
Decrease by one year

Impact on plan liabilities
Decrease by 8.2%/increase by 9.2%
Increase by 5.5%/decrease by 5.1%
Decrease by 3.6%

Amounts recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in respect of the UK and Swiss defined benefit plans are as follows:

Current service cost
Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation
Net interest charge on pension plan liabilities

31 March 2020

31 March 2019

UK defined
benefit plans
£m
–
–
0.8
0.8

Other defined 
benefit plans
£m
0.3
–
–
0.3

Total
£m
0.3
–
0.8
1.1

UK defined 
benefit plans
£m
–
2.1
1.2
3.3

Other defined 
benefit plans
£m
0.3
–
–
0.3

Total
£m
0.3
2.1
1.2
3.6

The Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation amount of £2.1m, recognised in the prior year, is an estimate calculated by the 
Group’s actuary, Mercer, to value the effect of equalising benefits between men and women in the UK schemes, following the 
judgement on 26 October 2018 in relation to the Lloyds Banking Group’s case. The exercise to finalise the adjustment is ongoing 
with any further changes treated as a change in actuarial assumption through other comprehensive income.

Actuarial gains and losses have been reported in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure.

The actual return on plan assets was a gain of £4.5m (2019: gain of £17.4m).

The cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure 
since the date of transition to IFRS is £59.2m (2019: £81.7m).

The amount included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet arising from the Group’s obligations in respect of its defined benefit 
retirement plans is as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Net Retirement benefit obligation
Plans with net retirement benefit assets
Plans with net retirement benefit obligations

31 March 2020

31 March 2019

UK defined 
benefit plans
£m
(296.1)
293.3
(2.8)
5.4
(8.2)

Other defined 
benefit plans
£m
(7.9)
5.5
(2.4)
–
(2.4)

Total
£m
(304.0)
298.8
(5.2)
5.4
(10.6)

UK defined 
benefit plans
£m
(325.4)
287.6
(37.8)
–
(37.8)

Other defined
benefit plans
£m
(6.0)
4.6
(1.4)
–
(1.4)

Total
£m
(331.4)
292.2
(39.2)
–
(39.2)

Under the current arrangements, cash contributions in the region of £13-14m per year will be made for the immediate future with 
the objective of eliminating the pension deficit. 

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175

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

29 Retirement benefits continued 
Movements in the present value of the UK and Swiss defined benefit obligations were as follows: 

At beginning of year  
Service cost 
Past service charge 
Interest cost 
Remeasurement gains/(losses): 
  Actuarial losses and gains arising from changes in demographic assumptions 
  Actuarial losses and gains arising from changes in financial assumptions 
  Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments 
Contributions from plan members 
Benefits paid 
Foreign exchange 
At end of year 

Movements in the fair value of the UK and Swiss plan assets were as follows: 

At beginning of year  
Interest income 
Actuarial (losses)/gains excluding interest income 
Contributions from the sponsoring companies 
Contributions from plan members 
Benefits paid 
Foreign exchange 
At end of year 

The net movement on actuarial gains and losses of the UK and Swiss plans was as follows: 

Defined benefit obligations 
Fair value of plan assets 
Net actuarial gains 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019 
£m 

(331.4) 
(0.3) 
– 
(7.8) 

– 
25.1 
(0.1) 
(0.5) 
11.5 
(0.5) 
(304.0) 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 
292.2 
7.0 
(2.5) 
12.8 
0.5 
(11.5) 
0.3 
298.8 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 
25.0 
(2.5) 
22.5 

(325.6) 
(0.3) 
(2.1) 
(8.0) 

(0.2) 
(9.4) 
5.5 
(0.5) 
9.2 
– 
(331.4) 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019 
£m 
271.7 
6.8 
10.6 
11.7 
0.5 
(9.2) 
0.1 
292.2 

Year ended 
31 March 
2019 
£m 
(4.1) 
10.6 
6.5 

The analysis of the UK plan assets and the expected rate of return at the balance sheet date were as follows: 

Fair value of assets  

Equity instruments 
Debt instruments 
Property/infrastructure/cash 

All the UK plan assets are market quoted. 

Equity instruments 
Debt instruments 
Property/infrastructure/cash 

Assets in the non-UK plans are primarily insurance assets. 

176

31 March 2020 

31 March 2019 

Total  
£m 
77.1 
194.4 
21.8 
293.3 

Total  
£m 
95.4 
172.3 
19.9 
287.6 

Expected rate of return 

31 March  
2020  
% 
2.55 
2.55 
2.55 
2.55 

31 March  
2019  
% 
2.40 
2.40 
2.40 
2.40 

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29 Retirement benefits continued

In conjunction with the trustees, the Group conducts asset-liability reviews for its defined benefit pension plan. The results of 
these reviews are used to assist the trustees and the Group to determine the optimal long-term asset allocation with regard to
the structure of the liabilities of the plan. They are also used to assist the trustees in managing the volatility in the underlying 
investment performance and risk of a significant increase in the defined benefit deficit by providing information used to determine 
the plan’s investment strategy. 

As a consequence, the Group is progressively giving more emphasis to a closer return matching of plan assets and liabilities, 
both to ensure the long-term security of its defined benefit commitment and to reduce earnings and balance sheet volatility.

Based on the most recent actuarial valuation, the estimated amount of contributions expected to be paid to the UK and Swiss
plans during the year ended 31 March 2021 is £13.7m.

The levels of contributions are based on the current service cost and the expected future cash flows of the defined benefit pension 
plans. The Group estimates the plan liabilities on average to fall due over 20 and 25 years, respectively, for the Halma and 
Apollo plans.

The Group has considered the requirements of IFRIC 14 with respect to the UK plans and has determined that it has an 
unconditional right to a refund under the plans and therefore IFRIC 14 does not have any practical impact on the plans and so no 
allowance for it (and, in particular, no allowance for the asset ceiling) has been made in the calculated figures.

The expected maturity analysis of the undiscounted pension obligation for the next ten years is as follows:

At 31 March 2020
Halma
Apollo

Less than 
one year
£m

Between 
one and 
two years
£m

Between 
two and 
five years
£m

10.1
1.2

10.4
1.3

33.0
4.0

Between 
five and
ten years
£m

61.2
7.4

Total
£m

114.7
13.9

30 Disposal of operations
In January 2020, following its IPO, the Group disposed of its entire interest in Optomed Oy to third parties for proceeds of €8.6m 
(£7.2m). This transaction resulted in the recognition of a gain in the Consolidated Income Statement as follows:

Proceeds of disposal
Less: carrying amount of investment on disposal
Less: costs of disposal
Less: foreign exchange loss recycled to income statement on disposal
Profit on disposal

£m
7.2
(3.8)
(0.4)
(0.1)
2.9

Cash received on disposal of operations in the year of £7.6m comprised of proceeds from the sale of Optomed Oy of £7.2m, less 
£0.4m of disposal costs, plus £0.8m received from escrow relating to the sale of Accudynamics in the prior year.

In the prior year, on 30 June 2018, the Group sold the trade and assets of Accudynamics Inc, part of the Fluid Technology CGU 
group, for sale proceeds of £4.2m less disposal costs of £0.3m, of which £3.1m was received during the prior year, and £0.8m in the 
current year. The net assets on disposal were £4.4m comprising plant and equipment, inventory and trade receivables and 
payables, which together with the disposal of related goodwill of £0.8m and disposal costs of £0.3m, offset by the recycling of 
foreign exchange gains of £0.3m, resulted in a net loss on disposal (before taxation) of £1.0m.

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177

 
 
 
Notes to the Accounts continued 

31 Contingent liabilities 
Group financing exemptions applicable to UK controlled foreign companies 
As previously reported, on 24 November 2017 the European Commission published an opening decision that the United Kingdom 
controlled foreign company (‘CFC’) group financing partial exemption (‘FCPE’) constitutes State Aid. On 2 April 2019, the European 
Commission’s final decision concluded that the FCPE rules, as they applied up to 31 December 2018, constitute State Aid. On 12 
June 2019, the UK government applied to annul the EC decision. The Group's application to annul the EC decision on the CFC FCPE 
was registered in the General Court on 9 September 2019 and has been stayed pending the outcome of the UK government’s 
appeal. The Group has benefitted from the FCPE and the total benefit to date at 31 March 2020 was approximately £15.4m (2019: 
£15.4m) in respect of tax and approximately £1.2m (31 March 2019: £0.6m) in respect of interest. Based on its current assessment, 
the Group believes no provision is required at this time. 

Other contingent liabilities 
The Group has widespread global operations and is consequently a defendant in many legal, tax and customs proceedings 
incidental to those operations. In addition, there are contingent liabilities arising in the normal course of business in respect 
of indemnities, warranties and guarantees. These contingent liabilities are not considered to be unusual in the context of the 
normal operating activities of the Group. Provisions have been recognised in accordance with the Group accounting policies 
where required. None of these claims are expected to result in a material gain or loss to the Group.  

32 Events subsequent to end of reporting period 
There were no known material non-adjusting events which occurred between the end of the reporting period and prior to the 
authorisation of these financial statements on 14 July 2020.  

33 Related party transactions 
Trading transactions 

Associated companies 
Transactions with associated companies 
Purchases from associated companies  
Balances with associated companies 
Amounts due to associated companies 

Other related parties 
Balances with other related parties 
Amounts due to other related parties 

Year ended 
31 March 
2020 
£m 

Year ended 
31 March  
2019 
£m 

1.0 

– 

1.3 

0.2 

– 

– 

All the transactions above are on an arm’s length basis and on standard business terms. 

Remuneration of key management personnel 
The remuneration of the Directors and Executive Board members, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set 
out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’. Further information about the 
remuneration of individual Directors is provided in the audited part of the Annual Remuneration Report on pages 82 to 95. 

Wages and salaries 
Pension costs 
Share-based payment charge 

Year ended 
31 March 
 2020 
£m 
7.8 
0.2 
4.3 
12.3 

Year ended 
31 March 
 2019 
£m 
6.8 
0.2 
3.3 
10.3 

178

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Balance Sheet

Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Investments
Retirement benefit asset
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Debtors 
Short-term deposits
Current tax
Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Borrowings
Creditors

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Borrowings
Retirement benefit obligations
Creditors
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium account
Own shares
Capital redemption reserve
Other reserves
Profit and loss account
Total equity

Notes

C3
C4
C5
C13
C10

C6

C7
C8

C7
C13
C9

C11

31 March
2020
£m

31 March 
2019
£m

0.7
6.4
300.0
5.4
0.7
313.2

806.9
0.1
0.6
1.6
809.2

99.0
80.5
179.5
629.7
942.9

345.0
–
21.2
576.7

38.0
23.6
(14.3)
0.2
(29.5)
558.7
576.7

0.4
5.3
284.3
–
5.3
295.3

628.5
0.1
4.5
1.8
634.9

29.6
74.4
104.0
530.9
826.2

253.7
22.3
20.5
529.7

38.0
23.6
(4.7)
0.2
(22.2)
494.8
529.7

The Company reported a profit for the financial year ended 31 March 2020 of £108.5m (2019: £75.0m).

The financial statements of Halma plc, company number 00040932, were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 July 2020.

Andrew Williams
Director

Marc Ronchetti 
Director

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Halma plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2020

179

 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity 

Share premium 
 account  
£m 
23.6 
– 

Own 
 shares  
£m 
(4.7) 
– 

Capital  
redemption  
reserve  
£m 
0.2 
– 

Share  
capital  
£m 
38.0 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
38.0 
38.0 
– 

Non-current assets 
At 1 April 2019  
Profit for the year 
Goodwill 
Other comprehensive income and 
Other intangible assets 
expense: 
Property, plant and equipment 
Actuarial gains on defined  
Interest in associates and other investments 
benefit pension plan 
Retirement benefit asset 
Tax relating to components of other 
Deferred tax asset* 
comprehensive income and expense 
Total other comprehensive income 
Current assets 
for the year 
Inventories 
Dividends paid 
Trade and other receivables 
Share-based payment charge 
Tax receivable 
Deferred tax on share-based payment 
Cash and bank balances 
transactions 
Derivative financial instruments 
Excess tax deductions related to 
exercised share awards 
Total assets 
Purchase of Own shares 
Current liabilities 
Performance share plan awards 
Trade and other payables 
vested 
Borrowings 
At 31 March 2020 
Lease liabilities 
At 1 April 2018  
Provisions 
Profit for the year 
Tax liabilities 
Other comprehensive income and 
Derivative financial instruments 
expense: 
Actuarial gains on defined  
Net current assets 
benefit pension plan 
Non-current liabilities 
Tax relating to components of other 
Borrowings 
comprehensive income and expense 
Lease liabilities 
Total other comprehensive income 
Retirement benefit obligations 
for the year 
Trade and other payables 
Dividends paid 
Provisions 
Share-based payment charge 
Deferred tax liabilities* 
Deferred tax on share-based payment 
transactions 
Total liabilities 
Excess tax deductions related to 
exercised share awards 
Net assets 
Purchase of Own shares 
Equity 
Performance share plan awards 
Share capital 
vested 
Share premium account 
At 31 March 2019 
Own shares 
Capital redemption reserve 
Hedging reserve 
Translation reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 
Equity attributable to owners of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 
Total equity 

– 
38.0 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
23.6 
23.6 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
23.6 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
(16.7) 

7.1 
(14.3) 
(6.3) 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
(3.8) 

5.4 
(4.7) 

Other reserves  
Notes 
£m 
(22.2) 
– 
11 
12 
13 
14 
– 
29 
22 
– 

– 
15 
– 
16 
5.7 

0.1 
27 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
0.2 
0.2 
– 

17 
(13.1) 
19 
(29.5) 
(17.5) 
20 
– 

27 

– 

19 
– 

29 
– 
21 
– 
20 
5.3 
22 
0.3 

– 
– 
23 
(10.3) 
(22.2) 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
0.2 

31 March 
2020 
Profit and loss 
 account 
£m 
£m  
494.8 
108.5 
838.4 
328.4 
184.3 
4.8 
19.5 
5.4 
1.3 
(3.5) 
1,362.6 

16.0 
170.6 
(61.2) 
286.6 
– 
10.7 
106.3 
– 
1.0 
575.2 
0.6 
1,937.8 
– 

186.7 
– 
75.1 
558.7 
13.0 
469.5 
28.0 
75.0 
9.4 
1.0 
313.2 
262.0 
8.3 

345.0 
(1.6) 
48.5 
10.6 
6.7 
13.3 
(57.2) 
21.6 
– 
48.7 
487.7 
– 
800.9 
0.8 
1,136.9 
– 
38.0 
– 
23.6 
494.8 
(14.3) 
0.2 
(0.1) 
148.7 
(7.7) 
949.2 
1,137.6 
(0.7) 
1,136.9 

31 March 
2019 
Restated* 
Total 
£m 
£m 
529.7 
108.5 
694.0 
245.2 
112.4 
3.9 
19.5 
– 
1.4 
(3.5) 
1,056.9 

16.0 
144.3 
(61.2) 
259.6 
5.7 
0.2 
81.2 
0.1 
0.9 
486.2 
0.6 
1,543.1 
(16.7) 

164.8 
(6.0) 
9.2 
576.7 
– 
507.5 
25.4 
75.0 
13.4 
0.3 
213.1 
273.1 
8.3 

253.7 
(1.6) 
– 
39.2 
6.7 
11.6 
(57.2) 
10.9 
5.3 
33.2 
348.6 
0.3 
561.7 
0.8 
981.4 
(3.8) 
38.0 
(4.9) 
23.6 
529.7 
(4.7) 
0.2 
0.3 
119.5 
(5.6) 
810.1 
981.4 
– 
981.4 

*  As part of a review of deferred tax balances some balances were identified that were previously presented gross but should have been netted off as they are in the same jurisdiction 

and there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities. See note 22 for further details. 

The financial statements of Halma plc, company number 00040932, were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 July 2020. 

Andrew Williams 
Director 

Marc Ronchetti  
Director 

180

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Accounts

C1 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The separate Company financial statements are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006 and have been prepared on the
historical cost and going concern basis, and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ 
except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments and contingent purchase consideration at fair value as permitted by the 
Companies Act 2006.

The principal accounting policies have been applied consistently in both the current and prior year. 

Financial reporting standard 101 – reduced disclosure exemptions 
The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101:

— The requirements of paragraphs 45(b) and 46–52 of IFRS 2 Share-based payment.

— The requirements of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

— Paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1.

— Paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment.

— Paragraph 118(e) of IAS 38 Intangible Assets.

— The requirements of paragraphs 10(d), 10(f), 16, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D,111 and 134–136 of IAS 1 Presentation 

of Financial Statements.

— The requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows.

— The requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors.

— The requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered into between two or more 
members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member.

— Paragraph 17 of IAS 24, ‘Related party disclosures’ (key management compensation).

New Standards and Interpretations applied for the first time in the year ended 31 March 2020
The following Standards and Interpretations applied for the first time, with effect from 1 April 2019, and have been adopted in the 
preparation of these Company Accounts.

— IFRS 16 ‘Leases’.

— Amendments to IAS 19: Plan amendment, Curtailment of Settlement.

— Annual improvements 2015-2017 cycle.

— IFRIC Interpretation 23: Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments.

— Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures.

None of the above mentioned new Standards and Interpretations have affected the Company’s results. 

Significant accounting judgements and estimates
In preparing the financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application 
of the Company’s accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may 
differ from these estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience 
and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Significant accounting estimates are used is in determining the value of the future defined benefit obligation which requires 
estimation in respect of the assumptions used to calculate present values. These include future mortality, discount rate and 
inflation. Management determines these assumptions in consultation with an independent actuary. Details of the estimates made 
in calculating the defined benefit obligation are disclosed in note 29 to the Group accounts.

In addition, significant estimates are required in determining whether there is impairment of the Company’s investments which 
requires estimation of the investments’ value in use. The value in use calculation requires the Company to estimate the future cash 
flows expected to arise from the investments and apply suitable discount rates in order to calculate present values. 

There are no significant judgements used by management in preparing the Company’s financial statements.

Summary of significant accounting policies
Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currency are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are reported at the rates prevailing at that date. Any gain or loss 
arising from subsequent exchange rate movements is included as an exchange gain or loss in the Profit and Loss Account.

Financial Instruments
The Company recognises financial instruments when it becomes a party to the contractual arrangements of the instrument. 
Financial instruments are de-recognised when they are discharged or when the contractual terms expire. The Company's 
accounting policies in respect of financial instruments transactions are explained below:

Financial assets
The Company recognises its financial assets into one of the categories discussed below, depending on the purpose for which the 
asset was acquired.

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181

 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Notes to the Company Accounts continued 

£m 

27 

Notes 

15 
16 

31 March 
2020 

11 
12 
13 
14 
29 
22 

31 March 
2019 
Restated* 
£m 

694.0 
245.2 
112.4 
3.9 
– 
1.4 
1,056.9 

838.4 
328.4 
184.3 
4.8 
5.4 
1.3 
1,362.6 

170.6 
286.6 
10.7 
106.3 
1.0 
575.2 
1,937.8 

C1 Accounting policies continued 
Financial assets continued 
Other than the financial assets in a qualifying hedging relationship, the Company's accounting policy for each category is as 
follows: 
Non-current assets 
Goodwill 
Fair value through profit or loss – These are carried in the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in the 
Other intangible assets 
Profit and Loss Account. 
Property, plant and equipment 
Amortised costs – Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not 
Interest in associates and other investments 
quoted in an active market. They arise principally through the provision of goods and services to customers (other group 
Retirement benefit asset 
companies), but also incorporate other types of contractual monetary asset. They are initially recognised at fair value plus 
Deferred tax asset* 
transaction costs that are directly attributable to their acquisition or issue and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using 
the effective interest rate method, less provision for impairment. 
Current assets 
The Company’s receivables relate entirely to balances due from other group companies. Where the intercompany receivable is 
144.3 
Inventories 
payable on demand the Company determines whether any impairment provision is required by assessing the company’s ability to 
259.6 
Trade and other receivables 
repay the loan. Where it is considered that the Company does not have the capacity to repay the loan or the loan is not repayable 
0.2 
Tax receivable 
on demand, an expected credit loss model is used to calculate the impairment provision required.  
81.2 
Cash and bank balances 
Financial liabilities 
0.9 
Derivative financial instruments 
The Company classifies its financial liabilities into one of the categories discussed below, depending on the purpose for which the 
486.2 
liability was acquired. 
1,543.1 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Fair value through profit or loss – These comprise only out-of-the-money derivatives. They are carried in the balance sheet at fair 
value with changes in fair value recognised in the Profit and Loss Account. 
164.8 
Trade and other payables 
186.7 
9.2 
75.1 
Borrowings 
At amortised cost – Financial liabilities at amortised cost including bank borrowings are initially recognised at fair value. 
– 
13.0 
Lease liabilities 
Such interest-bearing liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 
28.0 
25.4 
Provisions 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
9.4 
13.4 
Tax liabilities 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings are initially recognised in the balance sheet at fair value less directly attributable transaction 
0.3 
1.0 
Derivative financial instruments 
costs and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 
213.1 
313.2 
273.1 
262.0 

345.0 
48.5 
10.6 
13.3 
21.6 
48.7 
487.7 
800.9 
1,136.9 

Net current assets 
Share-based payments 
Non-current liabilities 
The Company has adopted IFRS 2 and the accounting policies followed are in all material respects the same as the Group’s policy. 
253.7 
Borrowings 
This policy is shown on page 128. 
– 
Lease liabilities 
Investments 
39.2 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Investments are stated at cost less provision for impairment. 
11.6 
Trade and other payables 
Fixed assets and depreciation 
10.9 
Provisions 
Fixed assets are stated at cost less provisions for impairment and depreciation which, with the exception of freehold land which 
33.2 
Deferred tax liabilities* 
is not depreciated, is provided on all fixed assets on the straight-line method, each item being written off over its estimated life. 
348.6 
The principal annual rates used for this purpose are: 
561.7 
Total liabilities 
981.4 
Net assets 
Freehold property 
2% 
Equity 
8% to 33.3% 
Plant, equipment and vehicles 
38.0 
Share capital 
Pensions 
23.6 
Share premium account 
The Company makes contributions to defined contribution pension plans, which are charged against profits when they become 
(4.7) 
Own shares 
payable. The Company also operates a UK defined benefit pension plan. For defined benefit plans, the asset or liability recorded 
0.2 
Capital redemption reserve 
in the Company Balance Sheet is the difference between the fair value of the plan’s assets and the present value of the defined 
0.3 
Hedging reserve 
obligation at that date. The defined benefit obligation is calculated separately for the plan on an annual basis by an independent 
119.5 
Translation reserve 
actuary using the projected unit credit method. 
(5.6) 
Other reserves 
810.1 
Retained earnings 
Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the year in which they occur, and are taken to other comprehensive income. 
981.4 
Equity attributable to owners of the Company 
Current and past service costs, along with the impact of settlements or curtailments, are charged to profit and loss. The unwinding 
– 
Non-controlling interests 
of the discounting on the net liability is recognised within finance income or expense as appropriate.  
981.4 
Total equity 
Taxation 
Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises both current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Profit and Loss Account 
*  As part of a review of deferred tax balances some balances were identified that were previously presented gross but should have been netted off as they are in the same jurisdiction 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. 

38.0 
23.6 
(14.3) 
0.2 
(0.1) 
148.7 
(7.7) 
949.2 
1,137.6 
(0.7) 
1,136.9 

and there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities. See note 22 for further details. 

29 
21 
20 
22 

17 
19 

23 

20 

19 

27 

Current tax is the expected tax payable, on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted, or substantively enacted, 
The financial statements of Halma plc, company number 00040932, were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 July 2020. 
at the balance sheet date, and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred taxation is provided on taxable temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the 
financial statements and their corresponding tax bases. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in 
the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or 
Andrew Williams 
substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are only recognised if recovery is considered more likely 
Director 
than not on the basis of all available evidence. 

Marc Ronchetti  
Director 

The recognition of deferred tax assets is dependent on assessments of future taxable income. 

182

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C2 Result for the year
As permitted by Section 408(3) of the Companies Act 2006, the Profit and Loss Account of Halma plc is not presented as part 
of these accounts. The Company has reported a profit after taxation for the financial year of £108.5m (2019: £75.0m).

Auditors’ remuneration for audit services to the Company was £0.5m (2019: £0.3m).

Total employee costs (including Directors) were:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs

Included within wages and salaries are share-based payment charges under IFRS 2 of £5.5m (2019: £4.3m).

Monthly average number of employees (all in the UK)

Year ended
31 March 
2020
£m
20.3
2.6
1.1
24.0

Year ended 
31 March 
2020
Number
79

Year ended
31 March 
2019
£m
16.3
2.0
0.9
19.2

Year ended 
31 March 
2019
Number
67

Details of Directors’ remuneration are set out on pages 82 to 95 within the Annual Remuneration Report and form part of these 
financial statements.

C3 Fixed assets – intangible assets

Cost
At 1 April 2019
Additions at cost
At 31 March 2020
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 April 2019
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2020
Carrying amounts at 31 March 2020
At 31 March 2019

Computer 
Software
£m

1.3
0.5
1.8

0.9
0.2
1.1
0.7
0.4

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183

 
 
 
Notes to the Company Accounts continued 

C4 Fixed assets – tangible assets 

Cost 
At 1 April 2019 
Additions at cost 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2020 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 April 2019 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
At 31 March 2020 
Carrying amounts at 31 March 2020 
At 31 March 2019 

C5 Investments 
Shares in Group companies 

At cost less amounts written off at beginning of year 
Increase in investments 
Decrease in investments 
At cost less amounts written off at end of year 

Freehold 
 properties  
£m 

Plant  
equipment  
and vehicles  
£m 

5.3 
1.0 
– 
6.3 

0.8 
0.1 
– 
0.9 
5.4 
4.5 

1.5 
0.5 
(0.3) 
1.7 

0.7 
0.3 
(0.3) 
0.7 
1.0 
0.8 

Total  
£m 

6.8 
1.5 
(0.3) 
8.0 

1.5 
0.4 
(0.3) 
1.6 
6.4 
5.3 

31 March  
2020 
£m 
284.3 
20.5 
(4.8) 

300.0 

31 March  
2019 
£m 
249.5 
34.8 
– 
284.3 

The increase of £20.5m in the year comprises additions from acquisitions in the period: £4.9m for the acquisition of Invenio Systems 
Limited including estimated deferred contingent consideration of £1.5m and £5.4m for the acquisition of Ampac Europe Limited. 
There was also an additional investment of £0.6m in the year in an existing subsidiary, Halma Euro Trading Limited and an 
investment of £9.6m in a new subsidiary incorporated in the year, Halma Ventures Limited. The decrease in investment of £4.8m 
relates to the return of capital from Halma Ventures Limited on the sale of its investment in Optomed Oy. See note 30 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of the disposal of Optomed Oy.  

In the prior year the increase of £34.8m in the year comprises additions from acquisitions in the period: £1.1m for the 100% 
acquisition of LAN Control Systems Limited including estimated deferred contingent consideration of £0.1m, and £33.1m for the 
acquisition of Navtech Radar Limited including estimated deferred contingent consideration of £8.2m. There was also an additional 
investment of £0.6m in the year in an existing subsidiary, Halma Euro Trading Limited.  

184

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiaries
Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 March 2020 are below. 

Name
A & G Security Electronics Limited
Accutome, Inc.

ADI Holdings LLC

Adler Diamant BV

Advanced Electronics Limited

Advanced Fire Systems Inc.
Alicat Scientific, Inc.

Alicat BV
Ampac Europe Limited

Ampac NZ Limited

Ampac Pty Limited

Analytical Development Company 
Limited
Apollo (Beijing) Fire Products Co. Ltd

Apollo America, Inc.

Apollo Fire Detectors Limited

Apollo GmbH
Aquionics, Inc.

Argus Security S.R.L.

ASL Holdings Limited

Country
United Kingdom
United States

Netherlands

United States

Registered Address
(1)
3222 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern 
PA 19355
240 Kenneth Welch Drive, Lakeville, 
02347 MA
Simon Homburgstraat 21, 5431 NN 
Cuijk
34 Moorland Way, Nelson Park, 
Cramlington, Northumberland 
NE23 1WE
100 South Street, Hopkinton MA 01748 United States
United States
7641 N Business Park Drive, Tucson 
AZ 85743
Geograaf 24, 6921 EW Duiven
Unit 2, Waterbrook Estate, Waterbrrok 
Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2UD
125 The Terrace, Wellington Central, 
Wellington, 6011
7 Ledgar Road, Balcatta, Western 
Australia, 6021
(1)

New Zealand

Australia

Netherlands
United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Class
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Group %
100*
100

100

100

Ordinary Shares

100*

Common Stock
Common Stock

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

100
100

100
100*

100

100

Ordinary Shares

100*

Block A5, Jinghai Industrial Park, No. 
156 Jinghai Fourth Road, BDA Beijing
25 Corporate Drive, Auburn Hills 
MI 48326
36 Brookside Road, Havant, Hampshire 
PO9 1JR
Am Anger 31, D-33332 Gütersloh
1455 Jamike Avenue, Suite 100, 
Erlanger Kentucky 41018
Via Maurizio Gonzaga no. 7, Milan, 
20123
Ty Coch House, Llantarnam Park Way, 
Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 3AW

China

Ordinary Shares

United States

Common Stock

United Kingdom

Germany
United States

Ordinary & Deferred 
Shares
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

Italy

Quotas

100

100

100*

100
100

100

United Kingdom

Ordinary Shares

100*

Avire Elevator Technology India Pte. Ltd Plot A/147, Road No. 24, Wagle 

India

Industrial Estate, Thane West, 400604

Avire Elevator Technology Shanghai Ltd 4 Floor, Buling 75, No.1066, Qinzhou 

China

Avire Global Pte. Ltd

Avire Inc.

Avire Limited

Avire Trading Limited

Avire s.r.o.
Avo Photonics (Canada) Inc.

Avo Photonics, Inc.

B.E.A. Holdings, Inc.

B.E.A. Inc.

B.E.A. Investments, Inc.

Baoding Longer Precision Pump Co., 
Ltd

BEA Electronics (Beijing) Co Ltd

BEA Electronics Singapore Pte. Ltd

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Canada

Singapore

United States

Road, Shanghai, 200233
80 Raffles Place, #32-01 UOB Plaza, 
048624
415 Oser Avenue, Suite Q, Hauppauge 
NY 11788
Unit 1 The Switchback Gardner Road, 
Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7RJ
Unit 1 The Switchback Gardner Road, 
Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7RJ
Okružní 2615, České Budějovice, 370 01 Czech Republic
20 Mural Street, Unit 7, Richmond Hill, 
Ontario L4B 1K3
700 Business Center Drive, Suite 125, 
Horsham PA 19044
100 Enterprise Drive, RIDC West, 
Pittsburgh PA 15275
100 Enterprise Drive, RIDC West, 
Pittsburgh PA 15275
100 Enterprise Drive, RIDC West, 
Pittsburgh PA 15275
Building A, Chuangye Center, Baoding 
National High-Tech Development 
Zone, Baoding, Hebei, 071051
Room 5959, Shenchang Building, 
No.51, Zhichun Road, Haidian District, 
Beijing
16 Raffles Quay, #38-03 Hong Leong 
Building, Singapore 048581

United States

United States

United States

United States

Singapore

China

China

Ordinary & Preference 
Shares
Ordinary Shares

100

100

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

100

100

100

Ordinary Shares

100*

Ordinary Shares
A & B Shares

A & B Preferred 
Stock & Common Stock
Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

100
100

100

100

100

100

100

Ordinary Shares

100

Ordinary Shares

100

i

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185

 
 
 
Notes to the Company Accounts continued 

Name 
BEA Japan KK 

Beijing Ker'Kang Instrument Limited 
Company 

Berson Milieutechniek BV 
Bio-Chem Fluidics, Inc. 

Bureau d'Electronique appliquée S.A. 

Business Marketers Group, Inc (trading 
as Rath Communications) 
Cardios Sistemas Comercial e Industrial 
Ltda 

Cardio Dinâmica Ltda 

Castell Interlocks, Inc. 

Castell Locks Limited 
Castell Safety International Limited 

Castell Safety Technology Limited 
CEF Safety Systems BV 
CenTrak, Inc. 
Clinical Patents, LLC 
Cosasco Middle East (FZE) 
Cosasco Middle East (FZE) 
Cranford Controls Limited 

Crowcon Detection Instruments 
Limited 
Diba Industries Limited 

Diba Industries, Inc. 
Diba Japan K.K. 

Eco Rupture Disc Limited 
Eiffel APAC PTE. Ltd 
Eiffel Holdings Limited 
Eiffel Investments UK Limited 
Eiffel Investments Ltd 

Eiffel Investment Services Limited 

Eiffel Management Services Ltd 

Elfab Hughes Limited 
Elfab Limited 

F.I.R.E. Panel, LLC 

Fabrication de Produits de Sécurité 
SaRL 
FFE Holdings Limited 

FFE Limited 

Fiberguide Industries, Inc. 
Fire Fighting Enterprises Limited 
FireMate Software Pty Limited 

Firetrace Aerospace, LLC 

Firetrace International Asia Pte. Ltd 

Registered Address 
154-0012 Komazawa, Setagaya-ku  
3-28-11, Tokyo 
Unit 316, Area 1 Tower B, Chuangxin 
Building, 12 Hongda North Rd, Beijing, 
100176 
PO Box 90, 5670 AB Nuenen 
85 Fulton Street, Boonton New Jersey 
07005 
Allée des Noisetiers 5, Liège Science 
Park B-4031 LIEGE-Angleur 
24720 N Corporate Cir, Sussex  
WI 53089. 
Avenida Paulista, 509, 1º e 2º andares, 
conjuntos 201, 212, 213 e 214, Bela 
Vista, São Paulo, Estado de São Paulo, 
CEP 01311-910 
Avenida Paulista nº 509, 16º andar, 
conjuntos 1601 e 1602, São Paulo, 
Estado de São Paulo, CEP 01311-910-0  
Suite 865, 150 N Michigan Avenue, 
Chicago Illinois 60601 
(1) 
The Castell Building, 217 Kingsbury 
Road, London NW9 9PQ 
(1) 
Delftweg 69, 2289 BA Rijswijk 
125 Pheasant Run, Newton PA 18940 
125 Pheasant Run, Newton PA 18940 
P.O Box 442042, Dubai 
PO Box 8186, SAIF Zone, Sharjah 
Unit 2, Waterbrook Estate, Waterbrrok 
Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2UD 
172 Brook Drive, Milton Park, Milton, 
Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SD 
2 College Park, Coldhams Lane, 
Cambridge CB1 3HD 
4 Precision Road, Danbury CT 06810 
Urban Komazawa, 3-28-11 Komazawa, 
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 
(1) 
4 Shenton Way, #15-01, SGX Centre II 
(1) 
(1) 
Friel Stafford, 44 Fitzwilliam Place, 
Dublin 2 
2nd Floor, Block 5, Irish Life Centre, 
Abbey Street Lower, Dublin 1 
Ormond Building, 31-36 Ormond Quay 
Upper, Dublin 7 
(1) 
Alder Road, West Chirton Industrial 
Estate, North Shields, Tyne & Wear 
NE29 8SD 
8435 N. 90th St., Suite 2, Scottsdale  
AZ 85258 
21 Rue du Cuir, ZI Sidi Rezig, Mégrine, 
2033 
(1) 

9 Hunting Gate, Hitchin, Hertfordshire 
SG4 0TJ 
1 Bay Street, Stirling NJ 07980 
(1) 
Unit 1, 83 Alfred Street, Fortitude 
Valley, QLD, 4006 
8435 N. 90th St., Suite 7 Scottsdale,  
AZ 85258 
16 Collyer Quay, #11-01, Hitachi Tower, 
Singapore, 049318 

Country 
Japan 

China 

Class 
Ordinary Shares 

Group % 
100 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

Netherlands 
United States 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Belgium 

Ordinary Shares 

United States 

Ordinary shares 

Brazil 

Quotas 

Brazil 

Quotas 

100 
100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

United States 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

United Kingdom 
Netherlands 
United States 
United States 
UAE 
UAE 
United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Common Stock 
Common Stock 
Common Stock 
Common Stock 
Ordinary Shares 

100* 
100* 

100* 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

United Kingdom 

A & Ordinary Shares 

100* 

United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 

100* 

United States 
Japan 

Common Stock 
Ordinary Shares 

United Kingdom 
Singapore 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
Ireland 

Ireland 

Ireland 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 

United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

United States 

Common Stock 

Tunisia 

Ordinary Shares 

100 
100 

100* 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100 

100 

100* 
100* 

100 

100 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

Deferred, A & Ordinary 
Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

100* 

100* 

United States 
United Kingdom 
Australia 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

United States 

Ordinary Shares 

Singapore 

Ordinary Shares 

100 
100* 
70 

100 

100 

186

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
Name
Firetrace USA, LLC

Fluid Conservation Systems, Inc.

FluxData Inc.

Fortress Interlocks Limited

Fortress Interlocks Pty Ltd

Halma Australasia Pty Ltd

Halma (China) Group

Halma Do Brasil – Equipamentos De 
Segurança Ltda

Halma Euro Trading Limited
Halma Europe DS BV

Halma Financing Limited
Halma Holding GmbH

Halma Holdings, Inc.

Halma India Private Ltd

Halma International BV
Halma International Limited
Halma Investment Holdings Limited
Halma IT Services Limited
Halma Overseas Funding Limited
Halma PR Services Limited
Halma Resistors Unlimited
Halma Safety Limited
Halma Saúde e Otica do Brasil –
Importação, Exportação e Distribuição 
Ltda 

Halma Services Limited
Halma Ventures Limited
Hanovia Limited

HFT Shanghai Co., Ltd

HWM-Water Limited

Hydreka Enoveo SAS
Hydreka SAS

Infowave Solutions Inc.

Invenio Systems Limited

InPipe GmbH

Iso-Lok Limited
Keeler Instruments, Inc.

Keeler Limited

Kerry Ultrasonics Sdn Bhd

Registered Address
8435 N. 90th St., Suite 2 Scottsdale, 
AZ, 85258
502 Technecenter Drive, Suite B, 
Milford OH 45150
176 Anderson Ave, STE F304, Rochester, 
NY 14607
2 Inverclyde Drive, Wolverhampton, 
West Midlands WV4 6FB
Ross Wadeson Accountants, Unit 13, 
20–30 Malcolm Road, Braeside VIC 
3195
7 Ledgar Road, Balcatta, Western 
Australia, 6021
Block 1, 3rd Floor, No. 123, Lane 1165, 
Jindu Road, Minghang District, 
Shanghai, 201108
Av. Tancredo Neves 620, Salas 
1003/1004, Caminho das Árvores, 
Salvador, Bahia, 41.820-020
(1)
J. Keplerweg 14, 2408 AC Alphen aan 
den Rijn
(1)
PO Box 35, Bruckstrasse 31, D-72417 
Jungingen
8060 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo, FL, 
33777
'Prestige Shantiniketan', Gate 2, Tower 
C, 7th Floor, Whitefield Main Road, 
Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, Bangalore, 
Karnataka, 560048
De Huufkes 23, 5674TL Nuenen
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
Avenida Marcos Penteado de Ulhoa 
Rodrigues, n. 1119, 11th Floor, Suite 1102, 
Tambore, Barueri/São Paulo, 06.460-
040
(1)
(1)
780/781 Buckingham Avenue, Slough, 
Berkshire SL1 4LA
Floor 2, No. 1 Factory Building, No. 123, 
Lane 1165, Jindu Road, Minghang 
District, Shanghai, 201108
Ty Coch House, Llantarnam Park Way, 
Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 3AW
51 Rosa Parks Avenue, Lyon, 69009
1 Chemin des Vergers, Batiment 2A, 
69760, Limonest
11495 N. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 
240, Carmel, IN, 46032
Ty Coch House, Llantarnam Park Way, 
Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 3AW
Walserstraße 92a, 6991 Riezlern im 
Kleinwalsertal
(1)
456 Parkway, Lawrence Park Ind. 
Estate, Broomall PA 19008
Clewer Hill Road, Windsor, Berkshire 
SL4 4AA
10th Floor, Wisma Havela Thakardas, 
No. 1, Jalan Tiong Nam, Off Jalan Raja 
Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah 
Persekutuan

Country
United States

Class
Ordinary Shares

Group %
100

United States

Ordinary Shares

United States

Ordinary Shares

100

100

United Kingdom

Australia

Ordinary & Preferred 
Shares
Ordinary Shares

100*

100

Australia

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

100

100

China

Brazil

Ordinary Shares

100

United Kingdom
Netherlands

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

United Kingdom
Germany

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

United States

Ordinary Shares

India

Ordinary Shares

Netherlands
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Brazil

Ordinary Shares
A & Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

China

Ordinary Shares

100*
100

100
100

100

100

100
100*
100
100*
100
100*
100
100*
100

100*
100*
100*

100

United Kingdom

Ordinary Shares

100*

France
France

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

United States

Common Stock

100
100

100

United Kingdom

Ordinary Shares

100*

Austria

Ordinary Shares

90

United Kingdom
United States

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

United Kingdom

Ordinary Shares

Malaysia

Ordinary Shares

100*
100

100*

100

i

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G
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Halma plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2020

187

 
 
 
Notes to the Company Accounts continued 

Name 
Kirk Key Interlock Company, LLC 

Klaxon Signals Limited 
Labsphere, Inc. 

LAN Control Systems Limited 

Langer Instruments Corporation 

Limotec bvba 
Maxtec LLC 

Meadowbridge Holdings Limited 
Medicel AG 

MicroSurgical Technology, Inc. 

Mini-Cam Limited 

Mini-Cam Enterprises Limited 

Mini-Cam Holdings Limited 

Mistura Systems Limited 
Morley Electronics Limited 

Navtech Radar Limited 

NovaBone Products Export Sales Co., 
Inc 
NovaBone Products, LLC 

NB Products, Inc 

Ocean Optics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd 

Ocean Optics Asia LLC 

Ocean Optics BV 
Ocean Optics, Inc. 

Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co, Inc. 

Palintest Limited 

Palmer Environmental Limited 
Palmer Environmental Services Limited 
Perma Pure India Pte Ltd 

Perma Pure, LLC 

Pixelteq, Inc. 

Power Equipment Limited 

Radcom (Technologies) Limited 

Radio-Tech Limited 
RCS Corrosion Services Sdn. Bhd 

RCS International Limited 

188

United Kingdom 
United States 

Country 
United States 

Registered Address 
9048 Meridian Circle NW, North 
Canton OH 44720 
(1) 
231 Shaker Street, North Sutton  
NH 03260 
H1 Ash Tree Court, Mellors Way, 
Nottingham Business Park, 
Nottingham. NG8 6PY 
7641 N Business Park Drive, Tucson  
AZ 85743 
Bosstraat 21, 8570 Anzegem (Vichte)  
2305 South, 1070 West, Salt Lake City, 
UT, 84119 
(1) 
Dornierstrasse 11, CH – 9423 Altenrhein  Switzerland 

Belgium 
United States 

United States 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

Class 
Ordinary Shares 

Group % 
100 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

100* 
100 

Ordinary Shares 

100* 

Ordinary Shares 

Ordinary Shares 
Common Stock 

100 

100 
100 

Ordinary Shares 
A & B Preference & C 
Ordinary Shares 
Common Stock 

100* 
100 

100 

8415 154th Avenue NE, Redmond  
WA 98052 
Unit 4 Yew Tree Way, Golborne, 
Warrington, WA3 3FN 
Unit 4 Yew Tree Way, Golborne, 
Warrington WA3 3FN 
Unit 4 Yew Tree Way, Golborne, 
Warrington, WA3 3FN 
(1) 
Unit 34 Moorland Way, Nelson Park, 
Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 
1WE 
Home Farm, Ardington, Wantage, 
Oxfordshire. OX12 8PD 
1551 Atlantic Blvd, Suite 105, 
Jacksonville, FL, 32207 
13510 NW US Highway, 441 Alachua, 
FL, 32207 
1551 Atlantic Blvd, Suite 105, 
Jacksonville, FL, 32207 
Block B, 3rd Floor, No. 123, Lane 1165, 
Jindu Road, Minghang District, 
Shanghai 
Suite 601, Kirin Tower, 666 Gubei Road, 
Shanghai, 200336 
Geograaf 24, 6921EW Duiven 
8060 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo, FL, 
33777 
PO Box 1327, 1701 West Tacoma, 
Broken Arrow OK 74013 
Palintest House, Kingsway, Team Valley 
Trading Estate, Gateshead Tyne & 
Wear NE11 0NS 
(1) 
(1) 
Plot No. A/147, Road No. 24, Wagle 
Industrial Estate, Thane West, 
Maharashtra, THANE 400064 
1001 New Hampshire Ave., Lakewood 
NJ 08701 
8060A Bryan Dairy Road, Largo Florida 
33777 
(1) 

Ty Coch House, Llantarnam Park Way, 
Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 3AW 
(1) 
Level 21, Suite 21.01, The Garden South 
Tower, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed 
Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah 
Persekutuan 
(1) 

United States 

United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 

100* 

United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 

100* 

United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 

100* 

United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

100* 
100 

United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 

100* 

United States 

Common Stock 

United States 

Common Stock 

United States 

Common Stock 

China 

Ordinary Shares 

United States 

Common Stock 

Netherlands 
United States 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

United States 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 
100 

100 

United Kingdom 

Ordinary & Deferred 
Shares 

100* 

United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
India 

Ordinary Shares 
A & Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

100* 
100* 
100 

United States 

Ordinary Shares 

United States 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

100 

United Kingdom 

United Kingdom 

Preference & Ordinary 
Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

100* 

100* 

United Kingdom 
Malaysia 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

100* 
100 

United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 

100 

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
British Virgin Islands

Country
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United States

Rohrback Cosasco System China 
Corporation

Robutec AG
Rohrback Cosasco International 
Limited

Name
Research Engineers Limited
Reten Acoustics Limited
Riester USA, LLC

Registered Address
(1)
(1)
507 Airport Blvd Ste 113, Morrisville 
NC 27560-8200
Dornierstrasse 11, CH – 9423 Altenrhein Switzerland
OIL (Offshore Inc Limited) PO Box 957, 
Offshore Incorporations Centre, Road 
Town, Tortola
No. A, Apartment 15F, Building 1, 
Tianchen Plaza, Yi-12 Chaoyangmen 
North Street, Chaoyang District, 
Beijing, 100020
Gulf Consulting House
Al-Shablan Tower – 5th Floor
King Fahd Rd, Al Hizam Al Thahabi
P.O.Box 3140 AL Khobar, 31952 
Ardent Business Advisory, 146, 
Robinson Road, #12-01, Singapore, 
068909
Unit 5, 17 Caloundra Road, Clarkson, 
WA
Rohrback Cosasco Systems UK Limited (1)
Rohrback Cosasco Systems, Inc

Rohrback Cosasco Systems Pte Ltd

Rohrback Cosasco Systems Pty Ltd

Rohrback Cosasco Systems LLC

Singapore

Australia

China

Saudi Arabia

United Kingdom
United States

United States

Germany
France

11841 Smith Ave, Santa Fe Springs 
CA 90670
Bruckstrasse 31, D-72417 Jungingen
1 Ter, Rue du Marais Bat B, 93106 
Montreuil, Cedex
851 Trasnport Drive, Valparaiso, IN. 
46383
Via Tortona, n.33 Milan, 20144
Okružní 2615,  České Budějovice, 370 01 Czech Republic
11751 Markon Drive, Garden Grove 
CA 92841
c/Miquel Romeu 56, L’Hospitalet de 
Llobregat, Barcelona, 08907
Block 1, No. 123, Lane 1165, Jindu Road, 
Minhang District, Shanghai, 201108
Section A, Floor 2, Block 23, No. 1 
Factory Building, No. 123, Lane 1165, 
Jindu Road, Minhang District, 
Shanghai, 201108
(1)

United States

China

China

Spain

Italy

United Kingdom

Class
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

Group %
100*
100*
100

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

100
100

Common Stock

100

Common Stock

100

Ordinary Shares

100

Ordinary Shares

100

Ordinary Shares
Common Stock

100*
100

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares

Common Stock

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares
Common Stock

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

Ordinary Shares

100
100

100

100
100
100

100

100

100

Ordinary Shares

100*

Rudolf Riester GmbH
S.E.R.V. Trayvou Interverrouillage SA

Sensit Technologies LLC

Sensit Technologies EMEA S.r.l
Sensorex s.r.o
Sensorex Corporation

Setco S.A.

Shanghai Labsphere Optical 
Equipments Co., Ltd
Smart Process Safety China Ltd
(previously Castell China Ltd)

Smith Flow Control Limited
(previously Swift 943 Ltd)
Smith Flow Control, Inc.

Sofis BV
(previously Netherlocks Safety Systems 
BV)
Sofis GmbH

Sofis Limited
(previously Smith Flow Control Ltd)

Sonar Research & Development Limited (1)
Sterling Safety Systems Limited

SunTech Group EB Trustee Limited
SunTech Medical (USA), LLC

SunTech Medical Devices (Shenzhen) 
Co. Ltd

SunTech Medical Group Limited

SunTech Medical Limited

SunTech Medical Ltd (Hong Kong)

SunTech Medical, Inc.

1390 Donaldson Rd, Suite B, Erlanger 
Kentucky 41018
J Keplerweg 14, 2408 AC Alphen 
aan den Rijn

Hahnenkammstrasse 12, 63811 
Stockstadt
6 Waterside Business Park, Eastways
Industrial Estate, Witham, Essex 
CM8 3YQ

B12a Holly Farm Business Park, Honiley, 
Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1NP
(1)
507 Airport Boulevard, Suite 117, 
Morrisville NC 27560-8200
2-3/F, Block A, Jinxiongda Technology 
Park, Guanlan, Bao’an District, 
Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518110
Oakfield Industrial Estate, Eynsham, 
Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 4TS
Oakfield Industrial Estate, Eynsham, 
Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 4TS
8th Floor, Gloucester Tower, The 
Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central
507 Airport Boulevard, Suite 117, 
Morrisville NC 27560-8200

United States

Ordinary Shares

Netherlands

Ordinary Shares

100

100

Germany

Ordinary Shares

100

United Kingdom

Ordinary Shares

100*

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares

100*
100*

United Kingdom
United States

Ordinary Shares
Common Stock

China

Ordinary Shares

United Kingdom

Ordinary Shares

United Kingdom

Ordinary Shares

Hong Kong

Ordinary Shares

United States

Common Stock

100
100

100

100

100

100

100

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Notes to the Company Accounts continued 

Name 
T.L. Jones Ltd 

Talentum Developments Limited 

Telegan Gas Monitoring Limited 
Texecom Limited 

Thinketron Precision Equipment 
Company Ltd 
Value Added Solutions LLC 
Visiometrics S.L. 

Visual Performance Diagnostics, Inc. 

Volk Optical Inc. 

Wilkinson & Simpson Limited 

Registered Address 
50 Hazeldean Road, Addington, 
Christchurch, 8024 
9 Hunting Gate, Hitchin, Hertfordshire 
SG4 0TJ 
(1) 
Bradwood Court, St. Crispin Way, 
Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire  
BB4 4PW 
Room 813 8/F Tai Yau Building, 181 
Johnston Road, Wan Chai 
26 Duane Lane, Burlington CT 06013 
Argenters, 8. Edifici 3, Parc Tecnològic 
del Vallès, 08290 Cerdanyola 
26895 Aliso Creek Rd, Suite B223,  
Aliso Viejo CA 92656 
7893 Enterprise Drive, Mentor Ohio 
44060 
(1) 

Country 
New Zealand 

Class 
Ordinary Shares 

Group % 
100 

United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 

100* 

United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 

Ordinary Shares 
Ordinary Shares 

100* 
100* 

Hong Kong 

Ordinary Shares 

United States 
Spain 

Common Stock 
Ordinary Shares 

United States 

Common Stock 

United States 

Common Stock 

100 

100 
100 

100 

100 

United Kingdom 

Deferred & Ordinary 
Shares 

100* 

*  Directly held by the Company. 

(1) Misbourne Court, Rectory Way, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP7 0DE.  

190

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
C6 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts due from Group companies
Other debtors
Prepayments 

C7 Borrowings

Falling due within one year:
Overdrafts
Unsecured loan notes

Falling due after more than one year:
Unsecured loan notes
Unsecured bank loans

Total borrowings

31 March 
2020
£m

31 March 
2019
£m

795.8
0.3
10.8
806.9

616.8
0.1
11.6
628.5

31 March 
2020
£m

31 March 
2019
£m

24.8
74.2
99.0

108.6
236.4
345.0
444.0

29.5
0.1
29.6

179.3
74.4
253.7
283.3

The Company has two sources of long-term funding, which comprise:

— An unsecured five-year £550m Revolving Credit Facility, which expires in November 2023 and is therefore classified as expiring 
within two to five years (2019: within two to five years). At 31 March 2020 £313.6m (2019: £475.6m) remained committed and 
undrawn.

— Unsecured loan notes agreed on 2 November 2015 in a mix of Sterling, US Dollars and Euro with borrowing periods of five, seven 
and ten years. At 31 March 2020 the outstanding loan notes totalled £182.8m (2019: £179.3m). The first tranche of loan notes, 
totaling £74.2m, is due for repayment in January 2021 and is therefore classified as falling due within one year. The remaining 
loan are classified as falling due after more than one year. 

Further details are included in note 27 to the Group accounts.

The bank overdrafts, which are unsecured, at 31 March 2020 and 1 April 2019 were drawn on uncommitted facilities which all expire 
within one year and were held pursuant to a Group pooling arrangement which offsets them against credit balances in subsidiary 
undertakings.

The Company is part of an arrangement between UK subsidiaries whereby overdraft facilities of £15.3m (2019: £15.3m) are cross-
guaranteed. Of these facilities £0.9m (2019: £9.1m) was drawn.

C8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Amounts owing to Group companies
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Provision for contingent consideration
Accruals 

Other creditors comprise of financial liabilities only.

31 March 
2020
£m
2.4
60.1
1.3
0.9
5.7
10.1
80.5

31 March 
2019
£m
2.6
52.3
1.2
0.6
8.2
9.5
74.4

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191

 
 
 
Notes to the Company Accounts continued 

C9 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Amounts owing to Group companies 
Other creditors 
Provision for contingent consideration 

These liabilities fall due as follows: 
Within one to two years 
Within two to five years 
After more than five years 

31 March  
2020 
£m 
11.7 
0.3 
9.2 
21.2 

9.0 
0.5 
11.7 

31 March  
2019 
£m 
12.1 
0.4 
8.0 
20.5 

6.3 
2.1 
12.1 

The contingent consideration payable relates to the prior year acquisitions of LAN Control Systems Limited and Navtech and the 
acquisition during the year of Invenio Systems Limited (see note 20 to the Group accounts). All amounts relating to a previous 
acquisition, Mini-Cam, have been released following the end of the final earnout period. 

C10 Deferred tax 

At 1 April 2019 
(Charge)/credit to Profit and Loss account  
Charge to comprehensive income 
Credit to equity 
At 31 March 2020 
At 1 April 2018 
Charge to Profit and Loss account  
Charge to comprehensive income 
Credit to equity 
At 31 March 2019 

C11 Share capital 

Ordinary shares of 10p each 

Retirement  
benefit  
obligations 
£m 
4.1 
(1.6) 
(3.5) 
– 
(1.0) 
6.7 
(1.0) 
(1.6) 
– 
4.1 

Short-term  
timing 
 differences 
£m 
1.2 
0.4 
– 
0.1 
1.7 
0.8 
0.1 
– 
0.3 
1.2 

Total 
£m 
5.3 
(1.2) 
(3.5) 
0.1 
0.7 
7.5 
(0.9) 
(1.6) 
0.3 
5.3 

Issued and fully paid 

31 March  
2020 
£m 
38.0 

31 March  
2019 
£m 
38.0 

The number of ordinary shares in issue at 31 March 2020 was 379,645,332 (2019: 379,645,332), including 760,894 shares held by 
the Employee Benefit Trust (2019: 370,354). 

C12 Reserves 
The Capital redemption reserve was created on the repurchase and cancellation of the Company’s own shares. The Other reserves 
represent the provision being established in respect of the value of equity-settled share awards made by the Company. Own shares 
are ordinary shares in Halma plc purchased by the Company and held to fulfil its obligations under the Group’s share plans. 

C13 Retirement benefits 
The Company participates in, and is the sponsoring employer of, the Halma Group Pension Plan. The plan closed to new entrants 
in 2002/03 and to future benefit accrual in 2014/15. From that date, the former defined benefit members joined the Company’s 
existing defined contribution plan. 

There is no contractual agreement or stated policy for charging the net defined benefit cost within the Group. In accordance with 
IAS 19 (Revised 2011), the Company contribution made to the defined benefit plan during the year ended 31 March 2020 was £3.5m 
(2019: £3.3m). 

The results for the Company include a past service cost of £nil (2019: £1.8m) in respect of a Guaranteed Minimum Pension 
equalisation charge, estimated by the Group’s actuary, Mercer, to value the effect of equalising benefits between men and women 
in the pension scheme following the High Court’s judgement on 26 October 2018 in relation to the Lloyd’s Banking Group’s case. 

Net interest charges on pension plan liabilities of £0.4m (2019: £0.8m) were recognised in the Profit and Loss Account in respect 
of the Company defined benefit plan. 

192

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C13 Retirement benefits continued
The net movement on actuarial gains and losses of the plan reported in the Company Statement of Comprehensive Income and 
Expenditure was as follows:

Defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Net actuarial gains

Year ended
31 March 
2020
£m
19.8
(0.3)
19.5

Year ended
31 March 
2019
£m
(1.3)
9.6
8.3

The actual return on plan assets was a gain of £5.3m (2019: gain of £15.1m).

The amount included in the Company Balance Sheet arising from the Company’s obligations in respect of its defined benefit 
retirement plans is as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Asset/(liability) recognised in the Company Balance Sheet

31 March 
2020
£m
(231.5)
236.9
5.4

31 March 
2019
£m
(255.2)
232.9
(22.3)

31 March
2018
£m
(253.8)
217.6
(36.2)

Under the current arrangements, cash contributions in the region of £9m per year will be made for the immediate future with the 
objective of eliminating the pension deficit that arises on a technical provisions basis which is the basis on which the deficit 
reduction payments are determined.

Movements in the present value of the defined benefit obligation were as follows:

At beginning of year 
Past service cost
Interest cost
Remeasurement gains/(losses):

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments

Benefits paid
At end of year

Movements in the fair value of the plan assets were as follows:

At beginning of year 
Interest income
Actuarial gains, excluding interest income
Contributions from the sponsoring companies
Benefits paid
At end of year

Year ended
31 March 
2020
£m
(255.2)
–
(6.0)

19.8
–
9.9
(231.5)

Year ended
31 March 
2020
£m
232.9
5.6
(0.3)
8.6
(9.9)
236.9

Year ended
31 March 
2019
£m
(253.8)
(1.8)
(6.3)

(7.1)
5.8
8.0
(255.2)

Year ended
31 March 
2019
£m
217.6
5.5
9.6
8.2
(8.0)
232.9

Further details of Halma Group Pension Plan, including all disclosures required under FRS 101, are contained in note 29 to the 
Group accounts.

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193

 
 
 
Summary 2010/11 to 2019/20 

Revenue (note 1) 
Overseas sales (note 1) 
Profit before taxation, and adjustments (note 2) 
Net tangible assets/capital employed 
Borrowings (excluding overdrafts) 
Cash and cash equivalents (net of overdrafts) 
Number of employees (note 1) 
Earnings per ordinary share (note 1) 
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share (note 2)  
Year-on-year increase in adjusted earnings per ordinary share 
Return on Sales (notes 1 and 3) 
Return on Capital Employed (restated – note 4) 
Return on Total Invested Capital (restated – note 4) 
Year-on-year increase in dividends per ordinary share (paid and proposed) 
Ordinary share price at financial year end  
Market capitalisation at financial year end 

All years are presented under IFRS. 

Notes: 

1  Continuing and discontinued operations. 

2010/11 
£m 
518.4 
412.3 
104.6 
147.0 
79.7 
42.6 
3,875 
19.23p 
20.49p 
21.3% 
20.2% 
72.2% 
16.0% 
7% 
355p 
1,342.7 

2011/12 
£m 
579.9 
454.3 
120.5 
163.3 
64.0 
45.3 
4,347 
23.01p 
24.46p 
19.4% 
20.8% 
78.6% 
17.6% 
7% 
381p 
1,440.8 

2012/13 
£m 
619.2 
503.6 
130.7 
188.7 
160.0 
49.7 
4,716 
25.22p 
26.22p 
7.2% 
21.1% 
76.4% 
16.9% 
7% 
518p 
1,962.6 

(Restated) 
(note 5) 
2012/13 
£m 
619.2 
503.6 
128.5 
188.7 
160.0 
49.7 
4,716 
24.79p 
25.79p 
5.4% 
20.8% 
75.8% 
16.6% 
7% 
518p 
1,962.6 

2013/14

£m

676.5

548.6

140.2

189.7

107.6

33.1

4,999

28.14p

28.47p

10.4%

20.7%

76.6%

16.7%

7%

579p

2014/15

£m

726.1

587.8

153.6

219.1

140.4

39.5

5,328

27.49p

31.17p

9.5%

21.2%

77.6%

16.3%

7%

701p

(Restated)

(note 6)

2015/16

£m

807.8

663.0

166.0

258.6

296.2

49.5

5,604

28.76p

34.26p

9.9%

20.6%

72.4%

15.6%

7%

912p

2,192.6

2,661.3

3,462.4

2016/17

£m

961.7

806.7

194.0

302.2

262.1

65.6

5,771

34.25p

40.21p

17.4%

20.2%

72.5%

15.3%

7%

1024p

3,887.6

2017/18

£m

1,076.2

902.9

213.7

322.0

290.0

69.7

6,113

40.69p

45.26p

12.6%

19.9%

71.6%

15.2%

7%

1179p

4,476.0

2018/19

£m

1,210.9

1,010.0

245.7

358.9

253.8

72.1

6,508

44.78p

52.74p

16.5%

20.3%

75.1%

16.1%

7%

1672p

6,347.7

2019/20

£m

1,338.4

1,117.2

267.0

416.9

419.2

105.4

6,992

48.66p

57.39p

8.8%

19.9%

71.4%

15.3%

5%

1921p

7,293.0

2  Adjusted to remove the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets and acquisition transaction costs, release of fair value adjustments to inventory, adjustments to 

contingent consideration (collectively ‘acquisition items’) and restructuring costs. IFRS figures include results of operations up to the date of their sales or closure but exclude material 
discontinued and continuing profits on sales or closures of operations. In 2013/14 only, the effects of closure to future benefit accrual of the defined benefit pension plans have also 
been removed. In 2018/19, the adjustments also include the effect of equalising pension benefits for men and women in the Group’s defined benefit pension plans. 

3  Return on Sales is defined as profit before taxation, the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets; acquisition items; restructuring costs, profit or loss on disposal of 

operations; the effect of equalising pension benefits for men and women in the defined benefit pension plans (2018/19 only); and the effects of closure to future benefit accrual of the 
defined benefit pension plans net of associated costs (2013/14 only) expressed as a percentage of revenue. 

4  See note 3 to the Report and Accounts for the definitions of ROCE and ROTIC. The ROCE and ROTIC measures were restated in 2014/15 and for all prior years to use an average Capital 
Employed and Total Invested Capital respectively. This measure is considered to be more representative. For the current year, the measures include the impact of adopting IFRS 16 
‘Leases’. There is no material impact on either measure from its inclusion. 

5 

IAS 19 (as revised in June 2011) ‘Employee Benefits’ was adopted by the Group in 2013/14. To aid comparison, and as required by IAS 19 (revised), the Consolidated Financial Statements 
and affected notes for 2012/13 were restated as if IAS 19 (revised) had always applied during that year. Results prior to 2012/13 were not restated. 

6  The 2015/16 figures were restated in 2016/17, as required by IFRS 3 (revised) ‘Business Combinations’, for material changes arising on the provisional accounting for acquisitions in 

2014/15.  

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Halma plc  Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013/14
£m
676.5
548.6
140.2
189.7
107.6
33.1
4,999
28.14p
28.47p
10.4%
20.7%
76.6%
16.7%
7%
579p
2,192.6

2014/15
£m
726.1
587.8
153.6
219.1
140.4
39.5
5,328
27.49p
31.17p
9.5%
21.2%
77.6%
16.3%
7%
701p
2,661.3

(Restated)
(note 6)
2015/16
£m
807.8
663.0
166.0
258.6
296.2
49.5
5,604
28.76p
34.26p
9.9%
20.6%
72.4%
15.6%
7%
912p
3,462.4

2016/17
£m
961.7
806.7
194.0
302.2
262.1
65.6
5,771
34.25p
40.21p
17.4%
20.2%
72.5%
15.3%
7%
1024p
3,887.6

2017/18
£m
1,076.2
902.9
213.7
322.0
290.0
69.7
6,113
40.69p
45.26p
12.6%
19.9%
71.6%
15.2%
7%
1179p
4,476.0

2018/19
£m
1,210.9
1,010.0
245.7
358.9
253.8
72.1
6,508
44.78p
52.74p
16.5%
20.3%
75.1%
16.1%
7%
1672p
6,347.7

2019/20
£m
1,338.4
1,117.2
267.0
416.9
419.2
105.4
6,992
48.66p
57.39p
8.8%
19.9%
71.4%
15.3%
5%
1921p
7,293.0

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195

 
 
 
Shareholder Information

Financial calendar

Annual General Meeting

2019/20 Final dividend payable

2020/21 Half year end

2020/21 Half year results

2020/21 Interim dividend payable

2020/21 Year end

2020/21 Final results

Dividend history

Interim

Final

Total

*  Proposed.

4 September 2020

1 October 2020

30 September 2020

November 2020

February 2021

31 March 2021

June 2021

2020

6.54p

9.96p*

 16.50p

2019

6.11p

9.60p

15.71

2018

5.71p

8.97p

14.68p

2017

5.33p

8.38p

13.71p

2016

4.98p

7.83p

12.81p

Investor information
Visit our website, www.halma.com, for investor information and 
Company news. In addition to accessing financial data, you can 
view and download Annual and Half Year Reports, analyst 
presentations, find contact details for Halma senior executives 
and subsidiary companies and access links to Halma subsidiary 
websites. You can also subscribe to an email news alert service to 
automatically receive an email when significant announcements 
are made.

Shareholding information
Please contact our Registrar, Computershare, directly for all 
enquiries about your shareholding. Visit their Investor Centre website 
www.investorcentre.co.uk for online information about your 
shareholding (you will need your shareholder reference number 
which can be found on your share certificate or dividend 
confirmation), or telephone the Registrar direct using the dedicated 
telephone number for Halma shareholders: +44 (0)370 707 1046.

Dividend mandate
Shareholders can arrange to have their dividends paid directly 
into their bank or building society account by completing a bank 
mandate form. The advantages to using this service are: the 
payment is more secure than sending a cheque through the post; 
it avoids the inconvenience of paying in a cheque and reduces 
the risk of lost, stolen or out-of-date cheques. A mandate form 

can be obtained from Computershare or you will find one on the 
reverse of your last dividend confirmation.

Dividend reinvestment plan
The Company operates a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) 
which offers shareholders the option to elect to have their 
cash dividends reinvested in Halma ordinary shares purchased 
in the market. You can register for the DRIP online by visiting 
Computershare’s Investor Centre website (as above) or by 
requesting an application form direct from Computershare.

Shareholders who wish to elect for the DRIP for the forthcoming 
final dividend, but have not already done so, should return a DRIP 
application form to Computershare no later than 10 September 2020.

Electronic communications
All shareholder communications, including the Company’s 
Annual Report and Accounts, are made available to shareholders 
on the Halma website and you may opt to receive email 
notification that documents and information are available to 
view and download rather than to receive paper copies through 
the post. Using electronic communications helps us to limit the 
amount of paper we use and assists us in reducing our costs.

If you would like to sign up for this service, visit Computershare’s 
Investor Centre website. You may change the way you receive 
communications at any time by contacting Computershare.

Registrar
Computershare Investor 
Services PLC 
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 6ZZ
Tel: +44 (0)370 707 1046
www.investorcentre.co.uk

Advisers
Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1 Embankment Place
London WC2N 6RH

Brokers
Credit Suisse International  
One Cabot Square  
London E14 4QJ

Financial advisers
Lazard & Co., Limited
50 Stratton Street
London W1J 8LL

Investec Investment Banking 
30 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7QP

Credit Suisse International
One Cabot Square
London E14 4QJ

Financial PR
Rachel Hirst/Andrew Jaques 
Engine | MHP Communications
4th Floor
60 Great Portland Street
London W1W 7RT
Tel: +44 (0)20 3128 8100
halma@mhpc.com 

Solicitors
Slaughter and May
One Bunhill Row
London EC1Y 8YY

Registered office
Misbourne Court 
Rectory Way
Amersham  
Bucks HP7 0DE
Tel: +44 (0)1494 721111
halma@halma.com
Web: www.halma.com

Registered in England and 
Wales, No 040932

Investor relations
Charles King
Head of Investor Relations 
Halma plc
Misbourne Court 
Rectory Way 
Amersham  
Bucks HP7 0DE
Tel: +44 (0)1494 721111
investor.relations@halma.com

196

Halma plc Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
The paper used in this report is produced using 
virgin wood fibre from well-managed forests 
with FSC© certification. All pulps used are 
elemental chlorine free and manufactured 
at a mill that has been awarded the ISO 14001 
and EMAS certificates for environmental 
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Printed by CPI Colour, an FSC© and ISO 14001 
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