Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
Annual Report 2019

Plain-text annual report

Pebble Beach Systems Group plc A leading global software business specialising in playout automation and content management solutions for the broadcast and streaming service markets. ANNUAL REPORT 2019 P e b b l e B e a c h S y s t e m s G r o u p p l c A n n u a l R e p o r t & F i n a n c i a l S t a t e m e n t s f o r t h e y e a r e n d e d 3 1 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 3 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:04 CONTENTS STRATEGIC REPORT 1 2-3 4 5 6 Business Overview Non-Executive Chairman’s Statement Group at a Glance Our Strategy Our Business Model 7-10 Business Review – Financial Review 11-12 Principal Risks and Uncertainties GOVERNANCE 15 Our Board 16-19 Directors’ Report 20-26 Corporate Governance Statement 27-30 Remuneration Report 31 Statement Of Directors’ Responsibilities FINANCIALS 32-39 Independent Auditor’s Report To The Members Of Pebble Beach Systems Group plc 40 41 42 43 44 Consolidated Income Statement Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statement Of Financial Position Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Shareholders’ Equity Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows 45-79 Notes To The Consolidated Financial Statements 80 81 82 83 Company Income Statement Company Statement Of Financial Position Company Statement Of Changes In Shareholders’ Equity Company Statement Of Cash Flows 84-95 Notes To The Company Financial Statements COMPANY INFORMATION 96 97 Analysis Of Shareholders Shareholder Information 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 3 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:04 BUSINESS OVERVIEW PEBBLE BEACH SYSTEMS GROUP PLC Pebble Beach Systems Group plc is a leading global software business specialising in playout automation and content management solutions for the broadcast and streaming service markets, comprising Pebble Beach Systems. PEBBLE BEACH SYSTEMS Pebble Beach Systems is a world leader in automation, Channel in a Box, integrated and virtualised playout technology, with scalable products designed for highly efficient multichannel transmission as well as complex news and sports television. Installed in more than 70 countries and with proven systems ranging from single up to over 150 channels in operation, Pebble Beach Systems offers open, flexible systems, which encompass ingest and playout automation, and complex file-based workflows. It trades in the US as Pebble Broadcast Systems Inc and the rest of the world as Pebble Beach Systems Limited. Pebble Beach Systems Limited website is: http://www.pebble.tv OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS • Delivered against the turn-around plan put in place in 2018 • Simplified the Group by dissolving legacy companies, thereby reducing risk to the Group from any issues arising from the discontinued business • Reduced net debt further • Extension to bank loan agreement securing the facility until 30 November 2021 • Good progress executing strategy to drive growth and efficiencies • Continued investment in technology initiatives to support future growth 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 1 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 2 20/05/2020 13:40:04 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 01 NON–EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT INTRODUCTION 2019 was another strong year of growth and cash generation. As we have done since I became Chairman, our strategy in the year was to walk the fine line between paying down our debt position whilst also reinvesting in the business to ensure that we are positioned at the forefront of the broadcasting industry. As the industry morphs ever more into one that is led by increasingly flexible, IP led products we have to anticipate these changes and ensure that we continue to be able to benefit from our industry relationships and know-how. Our mission is simple; by maintaining our disciplines on costs and by being focussed on growth we will provide value to our shareholders. FINANCIAL RESULTS Revenue for 2019 of £11.2 million vs 2018: £9.2 million. Overall gross margin in 2019 was £8.3 million (74%) vs 2018: £6.7 million (73%). Adjusted operating profit of £3.8 million in 2019 vs 2018: £2.5 million before non-recurring items, depreciation and amortisation of £2.0 million (2018: £2.7 million) are deducted. The Company continues to view investment in the development of new products and services as key to future growth and we will continue to invest in innovation and new technologies. In 2019, Pebble Beach Systems capitalised £1.0 million of development costs (amortised £0.8 million), (2018: £0.7 million) (amortised £0.8 million). We believe this is what puts Pebble Beach Systems at the forefront of the industry, and it is why we are able to win the contracts that we have seen in 2019. Net finance costs were higher in 2019 reflecting the Group’s pay-down of some of its revolving credit facility (“RCF”) and overdraft being more than offset by the full year impact of a rate of 3.30% (2018: 3.30%) and the adoption of IFRS 16. The available RCF as at 31 December 2019 was brought down to £9.5 million, all of which had been drawn fully down (2018: £10.7 million, of which £10.7 million had been fully drawn down). Interest paid on the RCF was £0.4 million (2018: £0.3 million). Liquidity risk continued to be reduced, with combined secured bank loans and trade and other payables being further reduced by £1.3 million from £15.3 million in 2018 to £14.0 million at the end of 2019. Order intake for the full year was £10.3 million vs 2018: £10.8 million. GOING CONCERN The directors are required to make an assessment of the Company’s and the Group’s ability to continue to trade as a going concern. At 31 December 2019 the Group’s net debt was £8.4 million (2018: £9.4 million) comprising net cash of £1.1 million (2018: £1.3 million) and the drawn down RCF of £9.5 million (2018: £10.7 million). We maintain a good relationship with our bank and on 10 February 2020 a 12-month extension to the current £9.5 million loan agreement was signed. The revision secures the facility until 30 November 2021 with banking covenants and a repayment schedule in place. As noted below, we have taken advantage of the Government’s repayment holiday initiatives and have agreed to defer the first payment that was due on 30 June 2020 under our current Facility Agreement signed on 10 February 2020. In order to assess the appropriateness of preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis, management prepared detailed projections of expected cash flows for a period of 3 years for review by the Board. These projections include the impact of margin improvement strategies and sales growth. As part of the review, the Board considered sensitivities with regards to the timing of revenue growth coming from the transition in the broadcast industry from SDI to IP platforms. It looked at sensitivities regarding the improvement of gross margin. Additionally, it considered sensitivities regarding the ongoing revenue and cost assumptions, including the impact of Brexit and extreme and unlikely consequences resulting from the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. All the Group’s employees and contractors are currently working from home, unless it is essential that they do otherwise. There has been minimal disruption, as remote working practices have been extended and adopted. “Virtual” trade shows have been held to replace those cancelled and significant new orders have been won since the restrictions were announced. Interest in our products that permit remote working is high. The Board have concluded that the Group will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities for the foreseeable future and therefore the Group and hence the Company remains a going concern. 02 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 2 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:04 STRATEGIC REPORT At this time management continue to believe that the virus does not necessitate any change to our strategy for growth but given the impact Coronavirus (Covid-19) is having across the world, we continue to monitor the situation very closely. John Varney Non-Executive Chairman 29 April 2020 BOARD CHANGES As previously announced, the Board are delighted that Richard Logan will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director, effective 1 May 2020. Richard has had a highly successful career both in private companies and public companies, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer at Iomart Group PLC, a cloud computing company quoted on AIM, from 2006 until his retirement in 2018. Richard helped grow Iomart from a breakeven, £20 million revenue company to a quoted business with over £100 million in revenue and adjusted EBITDA of £40 million. Whilst at Iomart, Richard oversaw 19 acquisitions, the full finance function along with the PLC corporate governance functions. Richard’s experience and knowledge of the sector and public markets will be invaluable to the Group’s future. Richard’s roles within the industry will bring a valuable level of experience to the Board. Robin Howe, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director will stand down at the close of the next AGM. Robin has been with the Group for 14 years and has provided invaluable support and consistency throughout his tenure, helping shape the role of the Board in recent times and has been an engaged mentor for senior members of the Company over many years. The Board wish Robin every success in his future endeavors. TRADING OUTLOOK 2020 has started well with initial growth in our pipeline and order intake in line with management expectation of building on the success of the past two years. In the past several weeks, it has become increasingly clear that the events surrounding the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has the potential to impact our strategic growth plans. As previously reported on 24 March 2020, management undertook a risk assessment of the potential impact of the virus to identify and implement any actions to mitigate said risk. As part of that review we assessed that it is unlikely that our customers will see a material downturn in demand; it is possible that they may experience an increase in demand as populations turn towards media for information and entertainment during a time of isolation and uncertainty, balancing out any potential downturn in advertising spend. At the same time, our ongoing focus on automation and remote support has allowed us to adapt to the global need to complete project implementations remotely. In order to mitigate potential cash flow risks caused by uncertainties relating to Coronavirus (Covid-19), management undertook a further precaution by making a formal application for a Government capital repayment holiday. On 22 April 2020, our bank approved the deferment of the next loan repayment of £380,000 due on 30 June 2020 under our current Facility Agreement signed on 10 February 2020. Furthermore, the bank has indicated their support should a deferment of the September repayment be considered necessary, as global uncertainties around Coronavirus (Covid-19) become clear. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 3 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:04 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 03 GROUP AT A GLANCE Pebble Beach Systems Group plc comprises Pebble Beach Systems Limited. PEBBLE BEACH SYSTEMS Pebble Beach Systems is a leading global software business specialising in playout automation and content management solutions for the broadcast and streaming service markets. We are a leading developer and supplier of world class broadcast automation, Channel in a Box, and content management solutions for TV broadcasters, service providers, and cable and satellite operators. Pebble Beach Systems has developed a portfolio of products which have the flexibility to support a wide range of broadcast applications, with scalable products designed for highly efficient multichannel transmission as well as complex news and sports television. OUR KEY SOLUTIONS INCLUDE • Marina – next generation enterprise- level playout automation platform for multi-channel applications • Orca – state-of-the-art IP-enabled cloud-based integrated channel delivery solution running in a virtualised environment • Dolphin – multi-format integrated channel delivery solutions based on standard IT hardware • Stingray – cost-effective self- contained Channel in a Box WHAT WE DO Our innovative solutions manage acquisition, file-based workflows, archiving and multi-channel playout at large and small installations worldwide. An example of some of the fantastic new business we won in 2019 was that of the work we secured from IMG Studios. IMG had been contracted by Amazon Prime Video to provide playout services for the high-profile live coverage of 20 premiership matches during December. The solution included Pebble Beach Systems’ UHD- capable playout servers and control software for automated ad-insertion and was delivered and commissioned during the autumn of 2019 ready for testing prior to the 3rd December 2019 deadline. We are delighted with this validation of our product suite and the commercial position that we, as a business, have developed. OUR LOCATIONS The business is run through the main operational site at Weybridge in the UK. Our business addresses global markets, selling through direct sales and partnerships with resellers and systems integrators. Our partnerships are able to provide customer support local to our customers and through remote login. Our Group head office is located in Weybridge, UK. 04 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 4 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:04 OUR STRATEGY STRATEGIC REPORT OUR STRATEGY To grow the business through the reinvestment of funds generated by improved operational effectiveness. MISSION OBJECTIVES Our Mission To Grow the Business • To support broadcasters as they adapt to compete with new entrants in the video media space by providing solutions to support their transition from traditional broadcast infrastructure to more flexible IP based technologies • To position Pebble Beach Systems as the go-to organisation for traditional to IP technology transition • To remove organisation dependency on proprietary broadcast technology • Build on the strong market position we have established and continue to invest in our product suite and solutions • Grow market position in Europe through investment into regional focussed sales and marketing • Acquire new technology through partnerships 2020 STRATEGY • Focus on end users • Target customers looking to transition without the need to jump to full IP immediately • Provide tailored technology and services • Position our business away from SDI legacy networks • Continue to build on the trading performance improvements delivered in 2019 and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the changes in the broadcast market • Focus on Europe Reduce Net Debt • To maintain continued support from our bank • On 10 February 2020 an extension of • Continue to reduce net debt in 2020 Shareholder confidence • Return shareholder value • To continue to build shareholder confidence the current loan agreement was signed. The revision secures the facility until 30 November 2021 with banking covenants and a repayment schedule in place • Zero net debt by end of 2023 • To improve our current fair market valuation of the business, and continue to improve equity and higher recurring revenues 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 5 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:04 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 05 OUR BUSINESS MODEL OUR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS Our solutions enable our customers to: • Deploy on premises, or in a private or public cloud • Evolve to integrated channel technology and virtualised playout • Benefit from specialist third party software technology • Control best of breed devices • Integrate with legacy systems and devices OUR KEY STRENGHTS • Proven technology • Specialist technical expertise • Ability to overcome complex challenges • Open, pragmatic approach • Strong partnerships • Focussed on embracing and nurturing talent WHO WE SELL TO Our customers are international, national, regional and specialised broadcasters who deliver the full range of TV programming from news and current affairs to live sports broadcasting; customers such as tpc Switzerland, SABC in South Africa, TV Globo in Brazil, MBC Dubai, Fox Sports in Holland, IMG London, ZDF Germany, AMC Networks (USA) and TV2 Denmark. Customers are reached through direct sales, and partnerships with value added resellers and systems integrators. Whilst both are often focused on market sectors, they share knowledge of customer requirements and market trends, and offer local support where needed. WHAT WE DO Pebble Beach Systems Limited, the operational division of the Group, develops and supplies highly reliable software solutions for mission-critical on-air broadcast applications, with its major strength in the area of play to air channel delivery systems, and the management of media assets. OUR STRATEGY To grow the business through the reinvestment of funds generated by improved operational effectiveness. OUR MISSION We have a clear mission to support broadcasters as they adapt to compete with new entrants in the video media space by providing solutions to enable their transition from traditional broadcast infrastructures to more flexible IP-based technologies. WHAT WE WILL DO NEXT Going into 2020 the Group is continuing to deliver against the turn- around plan put in place in 2018. We are focussed on building on the strong market position we have established, and we will continue to invest in our product suite and solutions. 06 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 6 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:04 BUSINESS REVIEW – FINANCIAL REVIEW Revenue Adjusted operating profit1 Net liabilities Cash and cash equivalents Reported earnings/(loss) per share Revenue Gross profit Gross margin % Research and development expenses excluding amortisation Other expenses Adjusted operating profit1 Non–recurring items Foreign exchange losses Earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation (EBITDA) Depreciation Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles Amortisation of capitalised development costs Reported operating profit/(loss) Net finance costs Profit/(loss) before tax Taxation Profit/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders Basic earnings/(loss) per share Adjusted earnings per share2 STRATEGIC REPORT Change % 22.1% -10.8% Change % 22.1% 24.2% 1.2pts 2019 £m 11.2 3.8 (4.8) 1.1 1.1p 2019 £m 11.2 8.3 73.8% (0.5) (4.0) 3.8 – (0.1) 3.7 (0.2) (0.9) (0.8) 1.7 (0.4) 1.3 (0.1) 1.4 1.1p 2.5p 2018 £m 9.2 2.5 (6.1) 1.3 (0.2)p 2018 £m 9.2 6.7 72.6% (0.4) (3.8) 2.5 (0.3) – 2.2 (0.1) (1.4) (0.8) (0.2) (0.3) (0.5) (0.3) (0.2) (0.2)p 1.6p 1. Adjusted operating profit is a non-GAAP measure. It is operating profit before depreciation, the amortisation and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles, the amortisation of capitalised development costs, non-recurring items and foreign exchange gains. The directors believe that adjusted operating profit provides additional useful information on underlying trends to shareholders. This measure is used by management for internal performance analysis. 2. Adjusted EPS is calculated on operating profit before the amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, and non-recurring items after taking account of related tax effects and foreign exchange. Amortisation of capitalised development costs is included in Research and Development expenses in the income statement. NON-RECURRING ITEMS The Group credited £0.0 million (2018: £0.3 million) of non-recurring costs to the consolidated Group income statement. • £0.0 million credit in respect of final settlement with xG Technology, Inc. (2018: £0.4 million charge in respect of rationalisation and redundancy costs net of £0.1 million provision release). 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 7 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:04 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 07 BUSINESS REVIEW – FINANCIAL REVIEW KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Financial indicators for the continuing business are shown below: KPI MEASURE CUSTOMERS Order intake 2019 £m 2018 £m % Change DEFINITION/CALCULATION 10.3 10.8 (5.0%) • Order intake is a measure of new business secured during the year and represents firm orders Revenue 11.2 9.2 22.1% • Monitoring of revenues provides a measure of business growth for the Group • The Group measures foreign currency revenue at the actual exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction PROFITABLE GROWTH Adjusted operating profit 3.8 2.5 52% • Adjusted operating profit is defined as operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles, amortisation of capitalised development costs, non–recurring items and exchange gains or losses charged to the income statement Adjusted earnings per share (pence) 2.5p 1.6p 56% • Adjusted earnings per share is calculated in the same manner as basic earnings per share except for the adding back of the after–tax effect of the adjustments for adjusted profit Total operating costs 5.7 5.4 4.4% • Operating costs comprise sales and marketing expenses, administrative expenses, foreign exchange movements and the overhead costs associated with Logistics and Research and Development Return on sales 33.6% 26.9% 6.7pts • Adjusted operating profit in the financial year, divided by revenue for the financial year INNOVATION R&D Expenditure as a proportion of revenue 12.8% 12.2% 0.6pts • Calculated as capitalised development costs less amortisation in the period plus R&D expenses charged in the period divided by revenue 08 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 8 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 STRATEGIC REPORT TAXATION There was a net tax credit for the year for continuing operations of £0.1 million (2018: £0.3 million). The current tax charge in the year was £Nil (2018: £Nil). There was a deferred tax credit of £0.1 million (2018: £0.3 million). At 31 December 2019 tax receivable was £Nil (2018: tax receivable of £Nil). INTANGIBLE ASSETS IMPAIRMENT In accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 ‘Impairment of assets’, intangible assets are required to be tested for impairment on an annual basis, or where there is an indication of impairment, with reference to the value of the cash- generating units (“CGU”) in question. The carrying value of goodwill at 31 December 2019 is £3.2 million (2018: £3.2 million) which relates solely to Pebble Beach Systems Limited. The carrying value at 31 December 2019 of acquired customer relationships is £0.2 million (2018: £0.9 million); acquired intellectual property is £Nil (2018: £0.1 million); and capitalised development costs is £1.3 million (2018: £1.2 million). The carrying value of Pebble Beach Systems Limited (including goodwill) has been assessed with reference to value in use over a projected period with a terminal value. No impairment is considered necessary. NET LIABILITIES The Statement of Financial Position at 31 December 2019 is summarised as follows: Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Other non-current liabilities Net current liabilities Cash and cash equivalents Net liabilities 2019 £m 4.7 1.2 (9.3) (2.5) (5.9) 1.1 (4.8) CASH FLOWS The Group held cash and cash equivalents of £1.1 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £1.3 million). The table below summarises the cash flows for the year. Cash generated from operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in financing activities Effects of foreign exchange Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2019 £m 2.0 (1.1) (1.1) – (0.2) 1.3 1.1 2018 £m 5.4 0.2 (9.9) (3.1) (7.4) 1.3 (6.1) 2018 £m 1.7 (0.8) (0.8) – 0.1 1.2 1.3 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 9 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 09 BUSINESS REVIEW – FINANCIAL REVIEW CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES There was a net cash inflow from operating activities in the year of £1.9 million (2018: £1.7 million). The cash outflow from investing activities amounted to £1.0 million (2018: £0.8 million) which comprised £1.0 million in respect of capital expenditure and the capitalisation of development costs (2018: £0.8 million). The cash outflow from financing activities amounted to £1.1 million (2018: £0.8 million) which comprised repayment of bank loans of £1.1 million (2018: £0.8 million). RETURNS TO SHAREHOLDERS The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2019 (2018: Nil pence). FOREIGN EXCHANGE The principal exchange rates used by the Group in translating overseas profits and net assets into sterling are set out in the table below: Rate compared to £ sterling US dollar Average rate 2019 1.277 Average rate 2018 1.335 Year end rate 2019 1.321 Year end rate 2018 1.277 If the results for the year to 31 December 2018 had been translated at the 2019 average rate then the translation impact would be to increase prior year revenue by £15,000 and reduce the loss before tax by £1,000. 10 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 10 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 STRATEGIC REPORT PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES Pebble Beach Systems Group plc is exposed to a number of risks in its everyday business, and in order to minimise those risks the Group has in place policies and procedures adopted by those who work within the business. Risk is ultimately managed by the Board which is supported by operational and compliance reporting structures. The Board sets out below what it considers to be its main risks: RISK DESCRIPTION MITIGATION GOING CONCERN AND LIQUIDITY Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facilities. The bank continues to show support with an extension to the current loan agreement signed 10 February 2020. The revision secures the facility until 30 November 2021 with banking covenants and a repayment schedule in place. We continue to maintain a good relationship with the bank and continue on track with the terms of our agreement. RISK PROFILE High DEMAND FOR PRODUCTS May be adversely affected by a number of factors to include changing customer requirements, ability to deliver and/or support changes in technology, and competitor activity. We value our customers and maintain solid relationships with those who are key to our business. We have made and continue to make investment in new products and technology to ensure we remain competitive in the markets. High RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Failure to keep abreast of technological developments leading to product obsolescence, loss of customers and damage to the Group’s reputation. The Group invests significantly in new product and technology development which enables the business to deliver ahead of market developments and provide complete customer solutions. Best practice is shared throughout the Group. REPUTATION OF THE GROUP The Group’s reputation can be affected by poor performance of its products and unsatisfactory customer service. We are aware of how important it is for our products to perform to high standards and for our customers to receive first class support. Our sales offices and partnerships with resellers and systems integrators provide a network of customer support. Medium Medium LAW AND REGULATIONS Operating on a worldwide basis exposes the business to a host of different laws and regulations, for example different contract rules, anti-bribery provisions and competition. A failure to adhere to these laws and regulations may lead to fines and penalties, as well as damage to the Group’s reputation. PEOPLE We employ staff worldwide and there is a risk that we are unable to recruit and retain experienced staff. We have resources in place for external legal advice where necessary. We also have good governance policies and procedures in place which all employees are required to adhere to. Medium Our people are the Group’s biggest asset and consistent with this the Group invests in attracting, developing and retaining experienced staff through increased investment in training and organisational development. Medium 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 11 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 11 PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES BREXIT The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020 and has entered a transition period which is due to end on 31 December 2020. During the transition period uncertainties remain on the potential implications on employment law, tariffs, currency, technology and standards. CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) During the transition period, as the Government negotiates trade deals, develops regulatory regimes and implements new policies, the Board will monitor and identify the opportunities and how we should drive change in our business. Medium Medium Management undertook a risk assessment of the potential impact of the virus to identify and implement any actions to mitigate said risk. As part of that review we assessed that it is unlikely that our customers will see a material downturn in demand; it is possible that they may experience an increase in demand as populations turn towards media for information and entertainment during a time of isolation and uncertainty, balancing out any potential downturn in advertising spend. LONG TERM DECISION MAKING It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure the Company’s medium to long-term success and the directors have always recognised the consequences of any decision in the long term. The Board is ultimately responsible for long term decisions and is responsible for the overall strategy and leadership of the Group. The Board provides leadership and a control framework which includes a continual risk assessment and management of the principal risks and uncertainties which are disclosed on pages 11 to 12. The Board is supplied with monthly financial and non-financial information in a timely manner to enable it to discharge its duties. The Board has a formal schedule of matters, which are published on the Company website, specifically reserved for decisions by the Board. The Board meets for scheduled Board meetings 12 times per year, plus ad hoc meetings as required. We have a robust and inclusive strategy development process, during which the business purpose, strategy and culture are challenged and refined. This takes place on a formal basis during a 2-day strategy meeting and is supported by monthly reports at each Board meeting. Our Board Performance Evaluation on page 23 provides further detail. The Board considers stakeholder engagement to be an important activity for the Company. It is used to inform the decisions that the Company takes, whether about the products or services it provides, or about its strategic direction, its long-term health, and its relationship with its workforce and the society in which it operates. The Board believe that stakeholder engagement will strengthen the business and promote its long-term success to the benefit of stakeholders and shareholders alike. 12 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 12 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 STRATEGIC REPORT THE INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY’S EMPLOYEES The Board has a keen interest in the development and morale of the employees through the oversight of some of our key recruitment, training and retention policies and the performance of the share-based incentive schemes. The Board reviews the Company’s arrangements for its employees to raise concerns in confidence about possible wrongdoing. Our Code of Conduct sets out how the Group’s employees are able to raise concerns over financial or other irregularities in confidence. The Board believe that business culture and the attitude and performance of employees as team members and individuals, has improved significantly in the last three years. The management team and staff have created a sound platform for growth. OUR EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY The Group adopts a formal equal opportunities policy. We recognise that discrimination is unacceptable, and equality of opportunity has been a long-standing feature of our employment practices and procedure. Breaches of the policy will lead to disciplinary proceedings and, if appropriate, disciplinary action. The aim of our policy is to ensure no job applicant, employee or worker is discriminated against either directly or indirectly on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We ensure that the policy is circulated to any agencies responsible for our recruitment and a copy of the policy is made available for all employees and made known to all applicants for employment. The policy is communicated to all private contractors reminding them of their responsibilities towards the equality of opportunity. Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment with the Group continues and the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the Group that the training, career development and promotion of a disabled person, so far as possible, be identical to that of other employees. The Company maintains a neutral working environment in which no employee or worker feels under threat or intimidated. It is the policy of the Group not to discriminate between employees. Please see pages 16 to 19 in our Directors’ Report for further details on how the Group recognises the role that its employees play in its success. THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS We believe that good relationships are driven by having good governance structure which is essential to maintain the integrity of the Group in all its actions, to enhance performance and to impact positively on our shareholders, staff, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. CUSTOMERS The sales and product management teams obtain feedback from customers regarding existing and new solutions, new opportunities and ideas and customer service through regular interactions with customers comprising face to face meetings, trade shows and industry networking events. The customer support ticket system includes a satisfaction indicator and optional comments on closure of each ticket. These results are monitored throughout the year and reviewed in more detail as part of the half yearly team meetings. SUPPLIERS The Group sources its products from manufacturers in Europe and North America. By establishing long-term relationships with suppliers, the Group seeks to provide the supply of high quality products and maintain good forecasting to ensure cost and lead time controls. PARTNERS The Group has a long history of partnering with other vendors and system integrators to deliver solutions to the end user. Through our in-house development team, we have the ability to partner with most suppliers of the different elements of the value chain to provide bespoke solutions to the end users. THE IMPACT OF THE COMPANY’S OPERATIONS ON THE COMMUNITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT Due to the nature of our business, the Group has a minimum impact on the community and environment. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 13 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 13 THE NEED TO ACT FAIRLY BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY The Board welcomes enquiries from both institutional and private investors throughout the year and responds either verbally or in writing to enquiries received from both. The Non-Executive Directors are available to attend meetings with shareholders if they are requested to do so. During 2019 John Varney and Peter Mayhead were responsible for liaison with institutional shareholders and held individual meetings with institutional shareholders and analysts following the full year and half year results announcements to the City. These meetings allowed the non- executive chairman and CEO to update shareholders on the Group’s performance and strategy. When appropriate, additional meetings with institutional investors and/or analysts are arranged. All Board members receive feedback from our CEO and non-executive chairman from the City presentations and meetings, thus keeping them in touch with shareholder opinion. The Board are all willing to engage with shareholders should they have a concern that is not resolved through the normal channels. To read more about the Group’s relations with its members please see our ‘relations with shareholders’ section on page 26. However, the Group is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment by reducing our waste and carbon footprint through energy management and recycling schemes. We are conscious of our responsibility and impact of the Company’s operations on the community and the environment and our aim is always to minimise environmental impact. The Group actively encourages all shareholders to contribute towards a greener countryside by registering for our registrar’s eTree service under which a donation will be made to The Woodland Trust. All funds donated go to their many tree-planting programmes. This can be accessed through the investors’ page on the Group website at www.pebbleplc.com. The majority of our shareholders have requested to receive their shareholder communications in electronic form thus helping to reduce environmental impact. They receive notification of when and how to electronically access the documents by simply clicking on the links we provide. For further information, such as how we have reduced our use of plastic during 2019, please see our section on Environmental Management on page 18 in our Directors’ Report. MAINTAINING OUR REPUTATION The Group is passionate about maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct. We are aware that the Group’s reputation can be affected by poor performance of its products and unsatisfactory customer service. We are conscious of how important it is for our products to perform to high standards and for our customers to receive first class support. Our sales offices and partnerships with resellers and systems integrators provide a network of customer support. The Group takes account of the need to protect the environment and promote public health and safety and to conduct our activities in order to promote sustainable development. This includes: • Establish and maintain a system of environmental management, which collects and evaluates information on environmental, health and safety impacts of activities and then set and monitor targets for continuous improvement; • Maintain contingency plans for preventing, mitigating and controlling serious environmental and health damage including accidents and emergencies; • Recycle or re-use wherever possible waste from operations. If this is not possible then waste must be disposed of safely; • Ensure that the consumption of energy and other resources are minimised; • Develop products that have no undue environmental impact, are safe to use, are efficient in their consumption of energy and natural resources and can be reused, recycled or disposed of safely; • Provide training to employees in environmental health and safety matters including the handling of hazardous materials and the prevention of environmental accidents. 14 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 14 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 OUR BOARD GOVERNANCE John Varney BA, FRSA Non-Executive Chairman  Robin Howe BSC, FCIM Senior Independent Non-Executive Director Peter Mayhead FCCA, MBA Group Chief Executive Officer Graham Pitman DipM, MBA Non-Executive Director APPOINTED TO THE BOARD: October 2011 APPOINTED TO THE BOARD: June 2006 APPOINTED TO THE BOARD: January 2018 APPOINTED TO THE BOARD: April 2018 INDEPENDENT: Yes INDEPENDENT: Yes INDEPENDENT: No INDEPENDENT: Yes SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: With over 40 years’ experience in the broadcast industry, John provides extensive and relevant knowledge of the sector. John has substantial understanding of business transformation and change management, combined with experience across a broad range of organisations inside and outside the broadcast sector.  Previous roles include Director of Technology and Chief Technology Officer for Granada Group and Global Chief Technology Officer at the BBC and over the past 13 years John has been an investor, adviser and Non–Executive Director for emerging technology companies. An experienced Chair, John is passionate about transparency and his impartial and objective style encourages open and constructive Board level debate. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: With considerable experience of multinational technology businesses, including over 25 years’ experience in Chief Executive or Managing Director positions, Robin provides gravitas to the role of Senior Independent Non-Executive Director. Robin’s previous roles, including Divisional CEO of Vitec Group plc and CEO of UDEX Holdings Ltd, have extensive domain knowledge in the environment in which the business operates. Robin is experienced in a broad range of Non-Executive Directorships. He brings independence of character and financial astuteness to his chairmanship of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee. Robin has indicated his intention to stand down this year; his other Board positions having ended in 2019. OTHER RELEVANT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS: — Director of Maximum Clarity OTHER RELEVANT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS: — Director of Blackfyne Ltd BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS: — Remuneration Committee – Chairman — Audit Committee – Chairman — Nomination Committee – Member Limited — Chair of Silk Heritage Trust — Director, Enterprising Macclesfield CIC — Governor, Manchester Metropolitan University (to 31 July 2019) BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS: — Audit Committee – Member — Remuneration Committee – Member — Nomination Committee – Chairman SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Peter joined the company in 2013, bringing more than 20 years of broadcast industry, financial leadership and executive management experience. Peter was appointed as CEO in January 2018. He graduated from Henley Management College in 2011, earning his Masters’ degree in Business Administration. As a fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants Peter attends training and development courses on an ongoing basis to ensure Continuous Professional Development. Previously, Peter served as CFO of Pro-Bel Ltd where his strong financial skills and management ability played a key role in the management turning the business around and ultimately merging with Snell & Wilcox. He has enhanced his passion for empowered leadership through formal education, consultancy work, and interim change management roles. Peter has an approach of building on the strengths of each individual to enhance the overall competitiveness, flexibility, and capability of the organisation. OTHER RELEVANT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS: — None BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS: — Executive Board – member SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Graham has extensive international experience from his roles as CEO and Chairman within the broadcast and media technology industry and has considerable knowledge of strategic planning and execution including business transformation and turn-round. Graham brings exceptional experience to the Board, gained from executive and non-executive roles in traditional and new technology segments, including positions with Yospace, Pro–Bel Group Limited, Telestream UK Limited, Snell Corporation Limited, ATG Danmon Limited, Marquis Broadcast Ltd and NTP Technology A/S. Graham is well-respected within the industry and his extensive range of connections means his presence on the Board contributes both in and outside of meetings. Graham keeps up to date with industry trends by attending relevant industry conferences and reading the industry reports issued by IABM. He manages his commercial and governance development by attending seminars and webinars. OTHER RELEVANT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS: — Vice Chair of IABM — Director of Marquis Broadcast Ltd — Director of Pitman Executive Solutions Limited — Advises and invests in broadcast sector early stage companies BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS: — Audit Committee – Member — Remuneration Committee – Member — Nomination Committee – Member 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 15 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 15 MATERIAL INTEREST IN CONTRACTS No director, either during or at the end of the financial year, was materially interested in any significant contract with the Group or any subsidiary undertaking. SHARE CAPITAL Details of the Group’s share capital are shown in note 25 to the consolidated financial statements. The Group’s share capital comprises one class of ordinary shares and as at 29 April 2020 there were in issue 124,603,134 fully paid ordinary shares of 2.5 pence each. All shares, except for those held by the employees’ share trust, are freely transferable and rank pari passu for voting and dividend rights. DIRECTORS’ REPORT The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2019 (2018: Nil pence per ordinary share). DIRECTORS The directors of the Company who served during the year and up to the date of approval of the financial statements are as follows: • John Varney (Non-Executive Chairman/Director) • Robin Howe (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director) • Peter Mayhead (Chief Executive Officer) • Graham Pitman (Non-Executive Director) Short biographies of each current director are provided on page 15. Details of the directors’ service contracts and letters of appointment are given in the Remuneration Report on pages 27 to 30. Disclosure of the directors’ interests in shares, including share options, is also given in the Remuneration Report. During the year the Group maintained insurance providing liability cover to its directors and officers. The directors present the annual report of Pebble Beach Systems Group plc together with the audited Group and Company financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019, which were approved by the directors on 29 April 2020. The Group and Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (IFRS). A review of the Group’s trading and an indication of future developments are contained in the Non-Executive Chairman’s Statement and Our Strategy on pages 2, 3 and 5. Pebble Beach Systems Group plc is incorporated in England (company registration number 04082188) and has its registered office at 12 Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0TJ. RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS The results for the year ended 31 December 2019 are set out in the consolidated income statement on page 40. The Group has reported an operating profit of £1.7 million (2018: loss of £0.2 million). After accounting for net finance costs, the consolidated Group income statement shows a profit before taxation of £1.3 million (2018: loss of £0.5 million). The net result for the year after profit from discontinued operations of £Nil (2018: £0.2 million) was a profit of £1.5 million (2018: loss of £Nil). 16 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 16 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 GOVERNANCE The Group has been notified of the following interests in more than 3 per cent of the Company’s issued share capital at 29 April 2020. The Bank of New York (Nominees) Limited Lynchwood Nominees Limited JIM Nominees Limited Barclays Direct Investing Nominees Limited Hargreaves Lansdown (Nominees) Limited Goldman Sachs Securities (Nominee) Limited Transact Nominees Limited FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT The Group’s policies on financial risk management are set out in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The Board takes regular account of the significance of social, environmental and ethical matters. The following specific matters fall under the broad definition of Social Responsibility: EMPLOYEES The Group recognises the role that its employees play in its success. The business within the Group has lines of communication in place to ensure that employees are consulted with and kept informed of issues relevant to them. Staff notices, emails and staff meetings are used to communicate immediate issues to them. The Group provides employees with access to training carried out both within the organisation and on external accredited courses that are relevant to an employee’s role and development. To help staff collaborate and share knowledge efficiently the company uses a software programme, tailored to our own needs, as a live storage and communication tool. This programme also gives access to the company’s guidance on staff benefits, including Childcare Vouchers; Computer Discount Scheme; Flexible Working and Working From Home. Clear statements of behaviour and work ethics of employees are explained in detail within our staff handbook, which includes our Policies on Anti- Bribery; Whistle-blowing; Gifts and Entertainment; Share Dealing; Systems, Internet and Email; Social Networking; Capability Procedures; Disciplinary Procedure; Capability/Disciplinary Appeal Procedure; Grievance Procedure; Personal Harassment Policy and Procedures; and our Equal Opportunities Policy. It is the policy of the Group not to discriminate between employees or potential employees with disabilities or on the grounds of age, race, religion, sex or political beliefs and to offer the same employment opportunities, training, career development and promotion prospects to all. Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment with the Group continues and the Number of shares 33,345,473 9,532,878 6,851,058 6,849,391 4,260,403 4,000,000 3,885,994 per cent 26.76 7.65 5.50 5.50 3.42 3.21 3.12 appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the Group that the training, career development and promotion of a disabled person, so far as possible, be identical to that of other employees. EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEME INCENTIVES Pebble Beach Systems Group plc operates a number of share-based incentive schemes on a discretionary basis for the benefit of the Group’s employees and its senior management. The aim of the share-based incentive schemes is to align the interests of the employees with those of the Company’s shareholders. To encourage employee interest and participation in the financial performance of the Group, a Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Share Incentive Plan is available for employees. At 31 December 2019 the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) held 126,496 shares (2018: 126,496) in the Company, representing 0.1 per cent of the issued share capital (2018: 0.1 per cent). The ESOP has waived its rights to receive dividends. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 17 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:05 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 17 DIRECTORS’ REPORT HEALTH AND SAFETY It is the policy of the Group to ensure the health and welfare of employees by maintaining a safe place of work. This policy is based on the requirements of national employment legislation in the countries where the Group operates, including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT The Group is committed to minimising our impact on the environment by reducing our waste and carbon footprint through energy management and recycling schemes. During 2019 we replaced our water coolers and plastic bottles with mains- fed machines which filter and cool tap water. These machines have a low energy consumption and do not require plastic bottles and were another step in our journey to becoming more environmentally friendly. Another change we made in 2019 was to cease purchasing plastic cups, and instead we provided all our staff with a BPA and toxin free water bottle to use in our offices and anywhere else they wish. In doing so we are also supporting charities and projects which are focusing on providing clean drinking water to communities which currently have unsafe water sources and also to cleaning up our oceans. The Group actively encourages all shareholders to contribute towards a greener countryside by registering for our registrar’s e-Tree service under which a donation will be made to The Woodland Trust. All funds donated go to their many tree-planting programmes. This can be accessed through the investors’ page on the Group website at www.pebbleplc.com. Copies of our annual report (which includes the notice of AGM) are posted to shareholders, and those shareholders who have requested to receive their shareholder communications in electronic form thus helping to reduce environmental impact, receive notification of when and how to electronically access the documents by simply clicking on the links we provide. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting will be held at 12 Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0TJ, or another suitable location that complies with Government guidelines, on Thursday 25 June 2020 at 12.00 noon. At the time of publication, as a result of restrictions under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, prohibiting, among other things, public gatherings of more than two people, our AGM will be run as a closed meeting and shareholders will not be able to attend in person. It is the Company’s intention to proceed with holding the AGM with a quorum of only two directors present, and shareholders are encouraged to vote by proxy on the resolutions contained in the enclosed AGM Notice. Given the restrictions on attendance, shareholders are encouraged to appoint the “Chairman of the Meeting” as their proxy rather than another person, who will not be permitted to attend the meeting. Share capital resolutions will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting to renew for a further year the directors’ authority to allot equity securities for cash other than to existing shareholders on a pro rata basis and to authorise purchases by the Company of its own shares. STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITOR In the case of the individuals who are directors of the Company at the date when this report was approved: • so far as each of the directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Group’s auditor is unaware, and • each of the directors has taken all the steps they ought to have taken individually as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Group’s auditor is aware of that information. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The Group’s statement on corporate governance can be found in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 20 to 26 of these financial statements. The Corporate Governance Statement forms part of this Directors’ Report and is incorporated into it by its cross-reference. 18 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 18 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 GOVERNANCE All the Group’s employees and contractors are currently working from home, unless it is essential that they do otherwise. There has been minimal disruption, as remote working practices have been extended and adopted. “Virtual” trade shows have been held to replace those cancelled and significant new orders have been won since the restrictions were announced. Interest in our products that permit remote working is high. The Board have concluded that the Group will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities for the foreseeable future and therefore the Group and hence the Company remains a going concern. INDEPENDENT AUDITOR The independent auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP, has indicated its willingness to continue in office and a resolution that they be reappointed will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting. The Strategic Report and Directors’ Report were approved and signed by order of the Board. John Varney Non-Executive Chairman 29 April 2020 GOING CONCERN BASIS The directors are required to make an assessment of the Company’s and the Group’s ability to continue to trade as a going concern. At 31 December 2019 the Group’s net debt was £8.4 million (2018: £9.4 million) comprising net cash of £1.1 million (2018: £1.3 million) and the drawn down RCF of £9.5 million (2018: £10.7 million). We maintain a good relationship with our bank and on 10 February 2020 a 12-month extension to the current £9.5 million loan agreement was signed. The revision secures the facility until 30 November 2021 with banking covenants and a repayment schedule in place. We have taken advantage of the Government’s repayment holiday initiatives and have agreed to defer the first payment that was due on 30 June 2020 under our current Facility Agreement signed on 10 February 2020. In order to assess the appropriateness of preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis, management prepared detailed projections of expected cash flows for a period of 3 years for review by the Board. These projections include the impact of margin improvement strategies and sales growth. As part of the review, the Board considered sensitivities with regards to the timing of revenue growth coming from the transition in the broadcast industry from SDI to IP platforms. It looked at sensitivities regarding the improvement of gross margin. Additionally, it considered sensitivities regarding the ongoing revenue and cost assumptions, including the impact of Brexit and extreme and unlikely consequences resulting from the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 19 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 19 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT Further details of the requirements for AIM companies can be found on our website at www.pebbleplc.com. KEY MATTERS INCLUDE • Strategy and values; • Corporate governance; The Board reviews the Group’s corporate governance procedures from time to time, having regard to the size, nature and resources of the Group to ensure such procedures are appropriate. THE ROLE OF THE BOARD BOARD COMPOSITION AND OPERATION During 2019 and up to the date of publication of this report, the Board consists of the following Board members: John Varney – Non-Executive Chairman; Robin Howe – Senior Non-Executive Director; Peter Mayhead – Group Chief Executive Officer; and Graham Pitman – Non-Executive Director. The size of the Board is considered to be appropriate to the Group’s size and scope of activities and provides for effective continuing operation. The Board considers that the current governance arrangements are suitable for the size of the Group. Each Board meeting has the Non-Executive Chairman, a Senior Independent Non- Executive Director, a Non-Executive Director, and a CEO present together with the Group Financial Controller and Company Secretary. The Board has approved a formal schedule of matters reserved for its decision which it reviews annually. • Annual operating and expenditure budgets; • Treasury policies; • Significant capital and revenue projects; • Risk management strategies including approach to/appetite for risk; • Systems for internal control; • Board and key management appointments; • Remuneration policies; • Acquisitions and disposals; and • Any other matter which has a material consequence for the Group The Board has delegated all authorities to senior management other than those contained in the schedule of matters reserved to the Board, on the understanding that they will at all times act in accordance with the best interests of the Group, its shareholders and staff. Their actions will be consistent with the Group’s financial and strategic plans and objectives and in conformity with relevant legislation and best practice, and they will report regularly to the Board on the execution of these responsibilities. In addition, the Board has established three permanent committees: the Audit Committee, the Nomination Committee, and the Remuneration Committee. These operate within defined terms of reference, which are reviewed by the Board annually. Full details of the terms of reference are provided on the Group website at www.pebbleplc.com. As Non-Executive Chairman, it is my responsibility, together with my Board, to ensure the Company’s medium to long-term success and that the Group remains committed to high standards of corporate governance, which it considers are critical to business integrity and to maintaining investors’ and other stakeholders’ trust in the Group. The Group seeks to embed honesty, integrity and fairness in its culture, and the behaviour of its people. With an international presence, the Group acts in accordance with the laws and customs of the countries in which it operates; adopts proper standards of business practice and procedure; operates with integrity; and observes and respects the culture of every country in which it does business. The Group is committed to high standards of corporate governance across all our people, enabling us to conduct business sustainably and responsibly. The Group recognises the role that its employees play in its success. The business has lines of communication in place to ensure that employees are consulted with and kept informed of issues relevant to them. Staff notices, emails and staff meetings are used to communicate immediate issues to them. The Group provides employees with access to training carried out both within the organisation and on external accredited courses that are relevant to an employee’s role and development. In accordance with the AIM Regulation, the Board comply with The QCA Corporate Governance Code (2018 edition) (the QCA Code). The directors comply with the relevant requirements of the QCA Code Guidelines to the extent that they consider it appropriate having regard to the Company’s size and the nature of its operations. 20 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 20 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 GOVERNANCE The Board met twelve times during the year, excluding ad hoc meetings convened solely to deal with procedural matters. Attendance at Board and Committee meetings during 2019, expressed as the number of meetings attended compared to the number entitled to attend, was as follows: Board No. attended Audit No. attended Remuneration No. attended Nomination No. attended John Varney Robin Howe Graham Pitman Peter Mayhead 12/12 12/12 12/12 12/12 2/2 3/3 1/1 2/2 3/3 1/1 2/2 3/3 1/1 2/2 2/3* N/A * Did not attend due to own remuneration being discussed. TIME COMMITMENT The Executive Director is expected to devote substantially the whole of his time, attention and ability to his duties, whereas, as one would expect, the non-executives have a lesser time commitment. The Non- Executive Chairman has committed to spend as much time as is required to meet the needs of the business. It is agreed that each of the Non-Executive Directors will dedicate 2 days per month. The Non-Executive Directors have all confirmed that they are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of their role, and they are required to obtain the Non-Executive Chairman’s agreement (or, in the case of the Non-Executive Chairman, the Chief Executive’s agreement) before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time they are able to devote. BALANCE AND SIZE The directors consider that the Board is well-balanced and has the right number of members for the size of the Group. At the invitation of the relevant committees, the Non-Executive Chairman usually attends Audit Committee meetings and the Remuneration Committee meetings other than when his own remuneration is discussed. Where directors are unable to attend Board meetings they are advised of the matters to be discussed in advance of the meeting and given the opportunity to provide their views to the Non-Executive Chairman or Senior Independent Director. In addition to the formal scheduled meetings the Board holds informal discussions with Executive Directors and senior operational managers on strategy, business development and other topics important to the Group’s progress throughout the year. APPOINTMENT AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The rules governing the appointment and replacement of directors are set out in the Company’s Articles of Association. The Articles provide that all directors offer themselves for re- election at the first AGM subsequent to their appointment and at least once every three years thereafter. Graham Pitman retires from office by rotation and offers himself for re- election by shareholders. Richard Logan will be appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director, effective 1 May 2020. Robin Howe will stand down at the AGM on 25 June 2020. As previously announced on 15 April 2020 the Board would like to thank Robin for his considerable and invaluable contribution to the Group over the last 14 years. All other directors have been re- elected within the last three years. The Board confirms that, having taken into consideration the results of the performance evaluation undertaken in the year, the director being proposed for re-election has demonstrated commitment to his responsibilities and continues to perform effectively, and subject to shareholder approval will be reappointed for a further three years. Being newly appointed to the Board since the last AGM, Richard offers himself for election at the next AGM in accordance with the Company’s articles of association. The Board supports the election of Richard Logan and as previously announced on 15 April 2020, are delighted that Richard Logan will join the Board. His previous roles within the industry will bring a valuable level of experience to the Board. Biographical information for each of the directors are set out on page 15. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 21 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 21 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN John Varney is the Non-Executive Chairman, supported by the other two current Non-Executive Directors for the remainder of the financial year. SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR Shareholders can seek to raise any concerns they may have with the Senior Independent Director, where they have not been addressed through the normal channels of Non-Executive Chairman and Group Company Secretary, or where these channels are not deemed appropriate. The Senior Independent Director is responsible for leading the other Non-Executive Directors in the annual evaluation review of the performance of the Non- Executive Chairman. THE NON–EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS The Non-Executive Directors bring external view and insight to the Board, providing a range of experience and knowledge from other industry sectors. The terms of appointment for the Non-Executive Directors are usually available for inspection at the Group’s registered office during normal business hours and for 15 minutes prior to, and during, the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Please see page 18 for details of the restrictions on our AGM under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020. THE COMPANY SECRETARY The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring all appropriate information is with the Board and its Committees in order for them to make appropriate decisions. They are also responsible for reporting on all corporate governance issues to the Board. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RISK AND INTERNAL CONTROL The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of internal control although it should be recognised that it can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. The effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal control has been reviewed by the Board during the year, having special regard to the structural and cultural changes implemented during the year. The directors confirm that the internal control framework is consistent with the revised Turnbull Guidance, that there is an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing significant risks faced by the Group, which is regularly reviewed by the Board, and that this process was in place throughout the year ended 31 December 2019 and up to the date of this report. The Group has an internal control system in place which is designed to protect shareholders’ investments by safeguarding the assets of the Group and facilitating its efficient operation. The Board considers that strong internal controls are integral to the sound management of the Group, and it is committed to maintaining strict financial, operational and risk management control over all its activities. The Board aims to take business risks in an informed and proactive manner, such that the level of risk is aligned with the potential business rewards. Management regularly reviews risk exposures against current business risk level tolerances. The aim of risk management is to provide reasonable assurance that the risks associated with achieving business objectives are understood and that these risks are being responded to appropriately at all levels within the organisation. The key elements of internal control within the Group to monitor the key risks are described below: CONTROL ENVIRONMENT There is a clear organisation structure in place, levels of authority are well defined and responsibility for operational control of the business units is delegated to managing directors. Whilst management guidelines and a comprehensive management reporting package are in place for all subsidiaries, the Group also monitors these controls by a number of means including regular internal review. IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF RISKS AND CONTROL OBJECTIVES The Board has the primary responsibility for identifying and evaluating the major risks facing the Group and developing appropriate policies and procedures to manage them. It identifies the key risks faced by the Group, and delegates responsibility for managing those risks to executive and senior management. The effectiveness of the risk control procedures in place is reported to the Board on at least an annual basis. FINANCIAL REPORTING The Group operates a comprehensive budgeting, financial reporting and forecasting system. The operating segment is required to complete management accounts on a monthly basis which compare actual results with budget, forecast and prior year; these are reviewed at both executive and Board level meetings to ensure that variances and discrepancies are identified and acted upon on a timely basis. Towards the end of each financial year the operating departments prepare budgets for the following year. The Board reviews budgets before they are 22 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 22 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 GOVERNANCE formally adopted. The Group reports to its shareholders at the half year and full year ends. LEGAL MATTERS Significant litigation and legal matters are reported to the Board. MAIN CONTROL PROCEDURES AND MONITORING SYSTEMS USED BY THE BOARD There are a number of key control procedures in place that are reviewed on an annual basis by the Board. These cover the key risks faced by the Group and are predominantly of an operational and financial nature. The Group finance function consolidates the Group results monthly, and a full financial review is presented at each Board meeting, accompanied by appropriate Key Performance Indicators for the Group. Each Group entity compiles forecasts of profits and cash flows reflecting their current expectations, which are also monitored by the Board. Reviews of the performance and financial position of the Group are included in the Non- Executive Chairman’s Statement and the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 3, and 5. The Board uses these, together with the Directors’ Report on pages 16 to 19, to present a balanced and understandable assessment of the Group’s position and prospects. In addition, the Board considers the following matters: COMMERCIAL RISK All significant commercial contracts are reported to the Board and are controlled by the use of appropriate vetting processes and authorisation levels. INVESTMENT APPRAISAL The Group has a clearly defined framework for controlling and reporting acquisitions, disposals and capital expenditure including the use of appropriate authorisation levels. OPERATING BUSINESS FINANCIAL CONTROLS The executive management has defined the financial controls and procedures that each operating department is required to comply with. Key controls over major business risks include reviews against Key Performance Indicators and exception reporting. The operating departments make periodic assessments of its exposure to major business risks and the extent to which these risks are controlled. These are reviewed by the executive management and reported to the Board. STRATEGIC PLANNING The executive management are responsible for keeping the Board appraised of the Group strategy. The Board reviews strategic plans as part of the ongoing business planning process and has been closely involved in the review of the strategy undertaken during 2019. COMPUTER SYSTEMS Much of the Group’s financial management information is processed by and stored on computer systems. Accordingly, the Group has established controls and procedures over the security of data held on computer systems. INSURANCE The Group’s programme of insurance covers the major risks to the Group’s assets and business and is reviewed annually by the Board. INTERNAL AUDIT The Group does not have an internal audit function although the head office team fulfils some functions of an internal audit department. The directors believe the Group falls into the category of small for this purpose. The Audit Committee reviews the need for an internal audit department at least annually. BOARD PERFORMANCE EVALUATION During Q1 2020 the Senior Independent Director, on behalf of the Board, conducted a Board Effectiveness Report for 2019 in accordance with the AIM QCA Code for Board evaluation. The evaluation is based upon a best practice guide developed by Grant Thornton (GT), which helps measure the effectiveness of the Board in generating: • Value creation; how well are the purpose, strategy and culture being developed and communicated? • Value transformation; how effective is the business model, the relationship with stakeholders the management and the mitigation of principle risks and uncertainties? • Value protection; how effective is the monitoring and measurement of business performance and the quality of policies governance and compliance? A Board discussion took place which outlined the purpose and methodology of the evaluation process with the request to re-read the GT guidelines; then to compare the recommended best practice guidelines with their view of delivery and compliance within Pebble Beach Systems’ regime. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 23 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 23 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT A series of face to face interviews were conducted, of one to three hours in duration, to allow individual Board members to express their personal views on the degree to which the Board fulfilled their responsibilities and complied with the recommended best practices. All Directors agreed that there is a robust and inclusive strategy development process, during which the business purpose, strategy and culture are challenged and refined. This takes place on a formal basis during a 2-day strategy meeting and is supported by monthly reports at each Board meeting. Associated tasks and work plans are reported to the Board on a regular basis. It was agreed that Board members would benefit from more clarity on the timetables and variances for these tasks and management have agreed to prepare a 6-monthly midterm review to track performance, variances and the financial outlook. The Board addresses the quality and progress of strategic development through regular interactions with the senior management responsible for finance, including debt management; the development of new technologies and service; the marketing strategies for sectors and geographies; the development of the sales pipeline and the conversion levels achieved. Finally, the Board has a keen interest in the development and morale of the employees through oversight of recruitment, training and retention policies and the performance of the share-based incentive schemes. Business culture and the attitude and performance of employees as team members and individuals, has improved significantly in the last three years. The management team and staff have created a sound platform for growth. Board meetings and associated committees are considered to be well prepared and conducted and the business pack provided each month is considered to be relevant and informative. The detailed KPIs relating to the strategic plans are currently undergoing some revision for 2020 to align them even more closely to the strategic goals. The composition and performance of the Board has also been debated and it has been agreed that the existing membership was correctly configured to deliver the turn round achieved in the last two years. Different skills will be needed for the next phase of the company’s development and changes will be made accordingly. The Board feel the company is now in a substantially stronger position than it was three years ago and morale throughout the organisation is high. The comprehensive rebuilding process has created a strong, well-managed company which it is felt can now deliver substantial growth and shareholder value in the coming years. THE AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND DUTIES Robin Howe chaired the Audit Committee throughout 2019. John Varney and Graham Pitman served on the Committee throughout the year. The Committee also meets with the external auditor without the presence of the Executive Director, for independent discussions. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include: making recommendations to the Board regarding the appointment of the external auditor based on its review of the scope of work, cost- effectiveness and independence of the external auditor; keeping under review the effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal controls and risk management and reporting to the Board its findings; reviewing the internal control review programme; monitoring the financial reporting process; reviewing and challenging the actions and judgements of management in relation to the interim and annual financial statements before submission to the Board; reviewing the Company’s arrangements for its employees to raise concerns in confidence about possible wrongdoing; and reviewing the Company’s procedures for detecting fraud. In order to ensure the independence and objectivity of our auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLP, the Committee regularly reviewed the remuneration received by them for audit services, audit-related services and non-audit work. These reviews ensured a balance of objectivity, value for money and compliance with our requirement for independence. The outcome of these reviews was that the performance of non-audit work by our auditor was the most cost-effective way of conducting our business and that no conflicts of interest existed between such audit and non-audit work. There are certain areas in which the Committee considers that the external auditor can add value to the Group, without compromising their independence. In accordance with the Group’s policy on non-audit services, the Group received non- audit services during the year relating to tax compliance, tax advice and restructuring. Any significant non- audit work undertaken by the external auditor was approved by the Audit Committee to ensure that the auditor’s independence was not compromised. These reviews enabled the Audit Committee to confirm that it continues to receive an efficient, effective and independent audit service. 24 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 24 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 GOVERNANCE The Audit Committee confirms that it conducted an assessment of the external auditor and determined that adequate policies and safeguards were in place to ensure that their independence and objectivity had not been impaired during 2019. ACTIVITIES OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE The Audit Committee met two times during 2019 and once up to the date of publication of this report in 2020 and reported its conclusions to the Board. In these meetings the Audit Committee: • reviewed the accounting policies; • reviewed the announcement of the financial results of the Group for the years ended 31 December 2018, 31 December 2019 and the 2019 interim results prior to approval by the Board; • considered and reviewed the 2018 and 2019 annual reports and financial statements and the 2019 interim report, paying particular attention to critical areas of management judgement, together with the external auditor’s findings reports on the annual reports; • approved the statutory audit fee for 2019, and reviewed non-audit fees paid to the external auditor to ensure they were in accordance with the Group’s policy; • monitored the independence and undertook an evaluation of the effectiveness of the external auditor; • considered, discussed and approved the audit plan with the external auditor for the 2019 audit; • reviewed the policies introduced to comply with the UK Bribery Act 2010; and • considered and recommended to the Board the reappointment of the auditor which will be put to shareholders for approval at the AGM; • reviewed and considered reports from internal control visits and the external auditor on the effectiveness of the system of internal control, and reported to the Board on the results of the review; • reviewed the reports from management on the Group’s main risks and the assessment and mitigation of those risks; • reviewed the Code of Conduct which sets out how the Group’s employees are able to raise concerns over financial or other irregularities in confidence. This policy was in place throughout the year. In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed the need for an internal audit department and concluded that there was not a requirement given the present size of the Group and internal control reviews undertaken by the head office function. FINANCIAL REPORTING During the year, the Audit Committee reviewed the appropriateness of the Group’s interim and full year financial statements, including the consideration of significant financial reporting judgements made by management taking into account reports from management and the external auditor. The main area of focus considered by the Committee during the year were as follows: Area of focus How addressed Valuation of goodwill and intangible assets The audit committee reviewed the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets to ensure assets are valued correctly and not overstated in the context of the trading performance of the relevant cash generating units. Investments impairment assessment The audit committee reviewed the valuation of investments held in subsidiary companies, including judgement and any impairment below carrying value which could have a material impact on the parent company’s financial statements. Going Concern The audit committee has reviewed the forecast which shows steady costs and an improvement in profitability. They have also considered sensitivities within the forecast. The audit committee concluded that the conclusion that no impairment was required for either goodwill or intangible assets was reasonable. The audit committee concluded that the conclusion that no additional impairment was required for investments and that the reversal of the previous impairment of the investment in Pebble Beach Systems Ltd was reasonable. The audit committee is satisfied that there is sufficient headroom within the forecast. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 25 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 25 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT Documents relating to the Company’s governance and the full terms of reference of its standing Committees are also available on the Company’s website: www.pebbleplc.com. By order of the Board John Varney Non-Executive Chairman 29 April 2020 The Group uses its AGM as an opportunity to communicate with its shareholders and encourages their participation. As in previous years, shareholders will have the opportunity for a question and answer session with members of the Board for the next AGM on 25 June 2020. However, please see page 18 for details of the restrictions on our AGM under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020. Further details are included in the notice of the meeting which separately accompanies the annual report and be viewed on the Company’s website: www.pebbleplc.com. The notice of the AGM is sent to shareholders, and is available on the Company website, at least 21 clear days in advance of the date of the meeting and contains details of the separate resolutions that are proposed for shareholder approval. Separate resolutions are proposed on each substantially different issue and the number of proxy votes cast for each resolution is disclosed by the Chairman at the meeting. Shareholders have the option of submitting their voting instructions electronically or by returning the personalised proxy form which separately accompanies the annual report. THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE John Varney chairs the Nomination Committee. Robin Howe and Graham Pitman served on the Committee throughout 2019. The Group Company Secretary also attends the meetings. The Nomination Committee reviews the structure, size and composition of the Board. It also ensures that there is adequate succession planning in regard to Board and senior management appointments. There was one formal meeting of the Committee during the year. THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE Details of the Remuneration Committee and the Group’s compliance with the requirements of the NVQ Code are provided in the Remuneration Report as set out on pages 27 to 30. RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS The Board welcomes enquiries from both institutional and private investors throughout the year and responds either verbally or in writing to enquiries received from both. The Non-Executive Directors are available to attend meetings with shareholders if they are requested to do so. The Group, via its website, provides up-to-date information on the Group and its operating subsidiaries, including all stock exchange announcements and downloadable copies of the most recent report and financial statements and interim statements. The website also provides a communication channel to the Group via email. Shareholders may elect to receive all shareholder documents electronically by registering with the Group’s registrars. 26 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 26 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 REMUNERATION REPORT GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION POLICY The information provided in this part of the Annual Report on Remuneration is not subject to audit. The date from which it is intended by the Company that the remuneration policy is to take effect is 1 January 2020. The following table sets out the main elements of the remuneration policy for the year ended 31 December 2020. Each year, the Remuneration Committee reviews the remuneration policy, taking into account both the external market (including environmental, social and corporate governance issues) and the Company’s strategic objectives over the short and the medium term. The framework has been designed as an integral part of the Company’s overall business strategy. On behalf of the Remuneration Committee I am pleased to present our remuneration report for the financial year ended 31 December 2019, which has been approved by the Board. This report is on the activities of the Remuneration Committee and sets out the Remuneration Committee’s approach to directors’ remuneration. The Remuneration Committee’s main responsibility is to ensure that payments to executives are appropriate and aligned with shareholder interests, producing sustainable value creation through the delivery of our business strategy. COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES The responsibilities of the Committee are to advise upon and make recommendations to the Board on the Group’s remuneration policies and, within the framework established by the Board, to recommend the remuneration of the Executive Directors. I chaired the Committee during 2019 and was assisted by John Varney and Graham Pitman. No member of the Committee has any personal financial interest (other than as a shareholder), conflicts of interest arising from cross-directorships or day-to-day involvement in running the business. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board. The Remuneration Committee measures the performance of the Executive Directors and key members of senior management as a prelude to recommending their annual remuneration, bonus awards and share plan awards to the Board for final determination. The remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors is recommended by the Executive Directors and takes account of the time spent on Board and Committee matters. The Board as a whole will make the final determination, but no director plays a part in any discussion about his own remuneration. The focus is on ensuring that a competitive and appropriate base salary is paid to directors and senior managers, together with incentive arrangements that are aligned with shareholders’ interests and with long- term business strategies, being transparent, and measured against challenging benchmarks. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 27 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:06 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 27 REMUNERATION REPORT Component SALARY AND FEES Purpose and Link To Strategy How Operated To attract and retain high-calibre individuals by providing an appropriate level of basic fixed income whilst avoiding excessive risk arising from over- reliance on variable income. The basic salary reflects the market rate for the individual, their role, skills and experience. Generally reviewed annually (with any change effective 1 January) but exceptionally at other times of the year. Set with reference to individual performance, experience and responsibilities. Benchmarked against appropriate companies by the Remuneration Committee. The Remuneration Committee periodically benchmarks salaries based on market assessments, the intention being that basic salaries should not normally be increased by more than the rate of inflation each year whilst progressively increasing the performance-related element of pay. However, for senior managers the amount of performance-related pay, being a combination of cash bonus and long-term incentives, is expected to increase over time. Maximum Potential Value Performance Measures N/A N/A ALL TAXABLE BENEFITS To aid retention and be competitive in the marketplace. Car allowance Fuel N/A N/A ANNUAL BONUSES Healthcare benefits in order to minimise business disruption. To incentivise the achievement of key financial and strategic targets for the forthcoming year without encouraging excessive risk taking. Medical insurance Permanent health insurance Life assurance The Remuneration Committee considers and approves the measures and targets at the start of each year and ensures they are aligned with business strategy and are sufficiently stretching. Up to 150% of base salary. In setting financial parameters, the Remuneration Committee takes into account the Company’s internal budgets and, where applicable, investors’ expectations. No bonus is to be earned unless broker’s forecasts for adjusted operating profit is achieved. In the absence of a broker’s forecast, bonus entitlement will be determined by the Board according to a pre- agreed formula. The targets applying to financial measures are based on a sliding scale. Paid in cash. Not pensionable. Adjusted operating profit (defined for this purpose as profit from continuing operations before net finance costs, amortisation of acquired intangibles, non- recurring items and taxation) (50%). Orders received (25%) Revenue (25%). PENSIONS To aid retention and remain competitive in the marketplace. For the Executive Director, an annual pension allowance of up to 10 per cent of base salary. N/A N/A There is no pension entitlement for Non-Executive Directors. 28 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 28 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:07 GOVERNANCE SERVICE CONTRACTS For the period under review, 2019, no changes within the Board took place: The directors’ service contracts are usually available for inspection during business hours on any weekday between the date of the notice and the Annual General Meeting at the Company’s registered office and at the venue of the Annual General Meeting from 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the Annual General Meeting until its conclusion. Please see page 18 for details of restrictions under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020. POLICY ON PAYMENT FOR LOSS OF OFFICE All payments due will normally be made in accordance with the Contract of Employment and Service Agreement of the executive concerned and will be sufficiently detailed to ensure transparency. REPORT ON EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS The remuneration of the Executive Directors for the years 2018 and 2019 is made up as follows: AGGREGATE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION (AUDITED) Directors’ emoluments and pension contributions for the year ended 31 December 2019 were as follows: Executive Directors Peter Mayhead Non–executive Directors John Varney Robin Howe Graham Pitman Basic salary and fees £ Bonus £ Benefits £ Emoluments before pension contributions £ Pension contributions £ 2019 Total £ 2018 Total £ 168,000 107,841 10,897 286,738 16,800 303,538 193,199 70,000 40,000 30,000 308,000 – – – 107,841 – – – 10,897 70,000 40,000 30,000 426,738 – – – 16,800 70,000 40,000 30,000 443,538 70,000 40,000 22,500 325,699 BENEFITS Benefits for the Executive Director include the provision of a company car, life assurance, private medical insurance and permanent health insurance. For the company car, the company will pay road tax, insurance and maintenance expenses. This will be subject to the appropriate benefit-in- kind tax. PERFORMANCE-RELATED BONUS The Remuneration Committee establishes the objectives that must be met each financial year for a cash bonus to be paid to Executive Directors. Bonus parameters address the financial performance of the Group. For the year ended 31 December 2019 the Remuneration Committee proposed an Executive Bonus Scheme based upon 150% of the CEO’s annual base salary for attainment of stretch targets for orders, revenue and EBIT. Up to 100% could be paid if the company exceeds the annual budget by more than 20% in all three categories. The bonus payment can be increased to 150% of salary for exceptional performance, more than 35% above annual budget. No payment would be made if EBIT was less than £3.0 million. Payment was prorated from the lower range and the bonus of £107,841 represented 64.2% of the CEO’s base salary. TOTAL PENSION ENTITLEMENTS The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme and it is the Group’s policy that only basic salaries are pensionable for Executive Directors. There are no pension arrangements for the Non-Executive Directors. There are no unfunded pension promises or similar arrangements for current or previous directors. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 29 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:07 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 29 REMUNERATION REPORT DIRECTORS’ INTEREST IN SHARE AWARD SCHEMES A) LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (LTIP) The plc Company LTIP was introduced in 2008, and an extension approved on 30 May 2012. It is designed to reward and retain executives over the long term whilst aligning their interests with those of shareholders. Options have been granted as nil cost options under this scheme. The options granted under this scheme are generally exercisable at the end of the performance period and for seven years thereafter. Awards under this scheme are subject to performance criteria, the scales relating to which are determined by the Remuneration Committee. Peter Mayhead is the holder of options over 100,000 shares under an award made on 3 June 2014. No LTIP awards were made to Executive Directors in the year ended 31 December 2019. B) SHARE OPTIONS For 2019 the Company adopted a HMRC-approved Enterprise Management Incentive Share Option Scheme for senior executives for a three-year term. This was proposed and approved as an Ordinary Resolution at the AGM held on 23 May 2019. On 21 June 2019 3,000,000 options were granted to Peter Mayhead under the Scheme at a price of 6.18 pence per share. Details of option grants can be found in note 25 to the consolidated financial statements. 4 senior executives participate in the same scheme. C) SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN (SIP) The Executive Directors were not offered participation in this scheme. DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES The table below shows the interests of the directors in office at the end of the year in the share capital of the Company. Executive Directors Peter Mayhead Non–Executive Directors John Varney Robin Howe Graham Pitman and his PCA The following changes took place in the interests of the directors between 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019: Robin Howe purchased 250,000 Ordinary Shares of 2.5 pence each in the share capital of the Company (“Ordinary Shares”) at 6.9 pence per share on 10 September 2019; Graham Pitman and his PCA purchased 70,254 Ordinary Shares at 7.1 pence per share and 327,614 Ordinary Shares at 7.0 pence per share on 10 September 2019. STATEMENT OF VOTING AT GENERAL MEETING At the last AGM held on 23 May 2019, resolutions of the following kind were moved by the Company in respect of: • A resolution to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 December 2018. The Group is committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue and takes an active interest in voting outcomes. Where there are substantial votes against resolutions in relation to directors’ remuneration, the reasons for any such vote will be sought, and any actions in response will be detailed here. At 31 December 2019 At 31 December 2018 2,177 2,177 1,062,229 1,482,578 702,068 1,062,229 1,232,578 300,400 POLICY REPORT APPROVAL This report was approved by the Board of directors on 29 April 2020 and signed on its behalf by: Robin Howe Senior Non-Executive Director, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, Chairman of the Audit Committee 30 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 30 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:07 STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES GOVERNANCE The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and t’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and parent 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 also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and parent Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the parent Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 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 parent Company’s performance, business model and strategy. Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed in the Annual Report, confirm that, to the best of their knowledge: • the Group and parent Company 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 loss of the Group and loss of the parent Company; and • the Directors’ Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and parent 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 parent Company’s auditor are unaware; and • 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 parent Company’s auditor are aware of that information. By order of the Board STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 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 and parent Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and parent 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, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; • make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and parent Company will continue in business. John Varney Non-Executive Chairman 29 April 2020 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 31 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:07 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 31 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEBBLE BEACH SYSTEMS GROUP PLC REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OPINION OUR OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IS UNMODIFIED We have audited the financial statements of Pebble Beach Systems Group Plc (the ‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 31 December 2019, which comprise the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, the consolidated statement of cash flows, company income statement, company statement of financial position, company statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, company statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. In our opinion: • the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of the Group’s and parent company’s profit for the year then ended; • the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; • the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. BASIS FOR OPINION We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the ‘Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’ section of our report. We are independent of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. THE IMPACT OF MACRO-ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES ON OUR AUDIT Our audit of the financial statements requires us to obtain an understanding of all relevant uncertainties, including those arising as a consequence of the effects of macro-economic uncertainties such as Covid-19 and Brexit. All audits assess and challenge the reasonableness of estimates made by the directors and the related disclosures and the appropriateness of the going concern basis of preparation of the financial statements. All of these depend on assessments of the future economic environment and the company’s future prospects and performance. Covid-19 and Brexit are amongst the most significant economic events currently faced by the UK, and at the date of this report their effects are subject to unprecedented levels of uncertainty, with the full range of possible outcomes and their impacts unknown. We applied a standardised firm-wide approach in response to these uncertainties when assessing the company’s future prospects and performance. However, no audit should be expected to predict the unknowable factors or all possible future implications for a company associated with these particular events. 32 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 32 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:07 FINANCIALS CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where: • the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or • the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Group’s or the Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. In our evaluation of the directors’ conclusions, we considered the risks associated with the Group’s business model, including effects arising from macro-economic uncertainties such as Covid-19 and Brexit, and analysed how those risks might affect the Group’s financial resources or ability to continue operations over the period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. In accordance with the above, we have nothing to report in these respects. However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of reference to a material uncertainty in this auditor’s report is not a guarantee that the Group will continue in operation. • Overview of our audit approach • Overall group materiality: £210,000, which represents approximately 2.0% of the Group’s revenue. • The key audit matters for the Group were identified as revenue recognition and the valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets. For the Parent Company only, valuation of investments in subsidiaries was identified. • We performed a full scope audit on the financial statements of Pebble Beach Systems Group Plc, Legacy Broadcast Group Holdings Ltd, Pebble Beach Systems Ltd and Pebble Broadcast Systems Inc. We performed targeted procedures on Legacy Broadcast International Ltd. Analytical procedures were performed on the rest of the Group. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 33 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:07 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 33 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEBBLE BEACH SYSTEMS GROUP PLC KEY AUDIT MATTERS Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our 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) that we identified. These matters included those that 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 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. Key Audit Matter – Group How the matter was addressed in the audit – Group Revenue recognition Revenue is recognised in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy and International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’. The revenue recorded by the Group is one of the key determinants of the Group’s underlying profitability and is one of the Group’s Key Performance Indicators. The application of IFRS 15 is an area requiring significant judgement by management. In particular, the nature of the contracts with customers involve delivery of a service over a period of time. As a result, there is an element of judgement in determining the amount of revenue to be recognised in each reporting period. We therefore identified revenue recognition as a significant risk which was one of the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement. Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: • Evaluating management’s assessment for compliance with IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ and determining whether revenue was recognised appropriately; • Understanding the processes and controls through which the business initiates, records and recognises revenue transactions; • Understanding the application of the revenue recognition accounting policies and checking that revenue recognition is in accordance with this policy; • Developing an understanding, for a sample of transactions in the year, the key performance obligations by obtaining copies of contracts, determining the expected revenue recognition for each contract based on those terms and the revenue recognition policy. For contracts that spanned the year end, we re-calculated the expected deferred and accrued income. We then compared our expectations against management’s and investigated any differences; and • Testing the operating effectiveness of relevant controls including the examination of authorised purchase orders, inspection of reviewed timesheets and signed despatch notes. The Group’s accounting policy on revenue recognition is shown in note 2 to the financial statements and related disclosures are included in note 5. Key observations Overall, based on our audit work, we found that the judgments made by management were consistently applied and that revenue was materially recognised in accordance with the policies adopted by the Group. 34 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 34 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:07 FINANCIALS Key Audit Matter – Group How the matter was addressed in the audit – Group Valuation of Goodwill and other intangible assets The assessment of impairment of goodwill is carried out annually. Where there are indicators of impairment of other intangible assets an impairment assessment is required. The assessment of the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets involves judgement and any impairment of the carrying value of such assets could have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements. We therefore identified valuation of goodwill and intangible assets as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement. Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: • Meeting with management and key operational personnel to update our understanding of discounted cash flow models with reference to current performance; • Assessing each of the key assumptions in turn against available evidence and sensitising management’s model. We also compared the key assumptions of discount rate and long-term growth with market data for reasonableness; • Examining management’s impairment assessment, inspecting in detail the key underlying assumptions in the discounted cash flow models; • Assessing management’s assessment of the risks and short term implications of Covid 19, together with mitigation actions that management would take; • Assessing the cash flow sensitivity against a change in the discount rate; and • Assessing the cash flow sensitivity against a change in the growth rate used The Group’s accounting policies on goodwill and intangible assets are shown in note 2 to the financial statements and related disclosures are included in note 12. The Audit Committee identified valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets as a significant issue in its report on page 25 where the Audit Committee also described the action that they have taken to address this issue. Key observations Based on our work, we concluded that the judgement made by management that no impairment was required for either goodwill or other intangible assets held remain sensitive to changes in key assumptions. In particular, failure to achieve forecast growth rates could give rise to an impairment in the future. We assessed the appropriateness of the accounting and related disclosures included in the financial statements. These are deemed reasonable. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 35 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:07 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 35 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEBBLE BEACH SYSTEMS GROUP PLC Key Audit Matter – parent Company How the matter was addressed in the audit – parent Company Valuation of Investments in subsidiaries The assessment of impairment of investments in subsidiaries is carried out annually. The assessment of the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries involves judgement and any impairment of the carrying value of such assets could have a material impact on the Parent Company’s financial statements. We therefore identified valuation of investments in subsidiaries as a significant risk, which was one of the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement. Our audit work included, but was not restricted to: • Meeting with management and key operational personnel to update our understanding of discounted cash flow models with reference to current performance. • Assessing each of the key assumptions in turn and sensitising management’s model. We also compared the key assumptions of discount rate and long-term growth with market data for reasonableness. Examining management’s impairment assessment, inspecting in detail the key underlying assumptions in the discounted cash flow models. • Assessing the cash flow sensitivity against a change in the discount rate. • Assessing the cash flow sensitivity against a change in the growth rate used and identified headroom; • Assessing management’s assessment of the risks and short term implications of Covid 19, together with mitigation actions that management would take. The Parent Company’s accounting policies on investments are shown in note B to the financial statements and related disclosures are included in note I. The Audit Committee identified valuation of investments in subsidiaries as a significant issue in its report on page 25 where the Audit Committee also described the action that they have taken to address this issue. Key observations Based on our work, we concluded that the judgement made that no impairment was required for investments held remain sensitive to changes in key assumptions. In particular, failure to achieve the forecast growth rates could give rise to an impairment in the future. We assessed the appropriateness of the accounting and related disclosures included in the financial statements. These are deemed reasonable. 36 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 36 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:07 FINANCIALS OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality in determining the nature, timing and extent of our audit work and in evaluating the results of that work. Materiality was determined as follows: Materiality measure Group Parent Financial statements as a whole £210,000, which is approximately 2.0% of the Group’s total revenue. This benchmark is considered the most appropriate because it is a prominent key performance indicator to the users of the financial statements. Materiality for the current year is higher than the level that was determined for the year ended 31 December 2018 (£200,000) due to a change in the underlying performance of the Group between the two years. As at 31 December 2018 the benchmark used was consistent with that of the current year. £209,000, which is 1.0% of the Parent Company’s gross assets, restricted to be lower than group materiality as it is a component of the Group. This benchmark is considered the most appropriate as it ensures that we would obtain sufficient and appropriate evidence to support our opinion. Materiality for the current year is higher than the level that was determined for the year ended 31 December 2018 (£110,000) due to a change in the way in which the component materiality restriction has been set in the current year. In 31 December 2018 the benchmark used was consistent with that of the current year. Performance materiality used to drive the extent of our testing Specific materiality 75% of financial statement materiality, being £158,000. 75% of financial statement materiality, being £157,000. We determined a lower level of specific materiality for certain areas such as Directors’ remuneration and related party transactions. We determined a lower level of specific materiality for certain areas such as Directors’ remuneration and related party transactions. Communication of misstatements to the audit committee £11,000 and misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds. £11,000 and misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds. The graph below illustrates how performance materiality interacts with our overall materiality and the tolerance for potential uncorrected misstatements. Overall materiality – Group Overall materiality – Parent 25% 25% 75% 75% Tolerance for potential uncorrected misstatements Performance materiality 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 37 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:08 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 37 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEBBLE BEACH SYSTEMS GROUP PLC AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT Our audit approach was a risk-based approach founded on a thorough understanding of the Group’s business, its environment and risk profile and in particular included: • Evaluating the Group’s internal control environment and documenting controls relevant to the audit. • Performing process walkthroughs and documenting, and assessing, the relevant controls covering the Key Audit Matters and certain other risks in the financial reporting system identified as part of our risk assessment. • Determining the scope of the Group audit based on the relative contribution of revenue, expenses and net assets of each component to the Group. We performed a full scope audit on the financial statements of Pebble Beach Systems Group Plc (the Parent Company), Legacy Broadcast Group Holdings Ltd, Pebble Beach Systems Ltd and Pebble Broadcast Systems Inc. We performed specific procedures in relation to expenses and provisions for Legacy Broadcast International Ltd. Analytical procedures were performed on the rest of the Group. • 100% of the Group’s revenue, gross assets and profit were included in the scope of our full scope and specified audit procedures based on the above strategy, which is consistent with the prior year. OTHER INFORMATION The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and accounts 2019, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion 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 such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in 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 in this regard. OUR OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 IS UNMODIFIED In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: • the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and • the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matter on which we are required to report under the Companies Act 2006 MATTER ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT UNDER THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report. 38 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 38 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:08 FINANCIALS MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: • adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or • the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or • certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or • we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities set out on page 31, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors 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 Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES 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 auditor’s 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 Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. USE OF OUR REPORT This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Mark Bishop FCA Senior Statutory Auditor for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants Oxford 29 April 2020 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 39 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:08 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 39 CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 Revenue Cost of sales Gross profit Sales and marketing expenses Research and development expenses Administrative expenses Foreign exchange (loss)/gain Other expenses Operating profit/(loss) Operating profit/(loss) is analysed as: Adjusted operating profit Non-recurring items Exchange (losses)/gains (charged)/credited to the income statement Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) Depreciation Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles Amortisation of capitalised development costs Finance costs Finance income Profit/(loss) before tax Tax Profit/(loss) for the year being profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the parent Net profit from discontinued operations Net profit/(loss) for the year Earnings/(loss) per share from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to the parent during the year Basic earnings/(loss) per share From continuing operations From discontinued operations From profit/(loss) for the year Diluted earnings/(loss) per share From continuing operations From discontinued operations From profit/(loss) for the year Note 5 6 6 6 6 8 8 9 17 11 11 2019 £000 11,200 (2,931) 8,269 (2,044) (1,298) (2,247) (71) (889) 1,720 3,765 – (71) 3,694 (238) (889) (847) (393) 2 1,329 82 1,411 39 1,450 1.1p 0.0p 1.1p 1.1p 0.0p 1.1p 2018 £000 9,174 (2,515) 6,659 (2,163) (1,222) (1,759) 28 (1,723) (180) 2,470 (304) 28 2,194 (127) (1,419) (828) (296) 4 (472) 253 (219) 195 (24) (0.2)p 0.2p 0.0p (0.2)p 0.2p 0.0p 40 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 40 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:08 FINANCIALS CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 Profit/(loss) for the financial year Other comprehensive (expenses)/income – items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Exchange difference on translation of overseas operations – continuing operations – discontinued operations Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the financial year 2019 £000 1,450 19 – 1,469 2018 £000 (24) (58) 2 (80) 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 41 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:08 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 41 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019 Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Deferred tax assets Total non-current assets Current assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Current tax assets Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets Liabilities Current liabilities Financial liabilities – borrowings Trade and other payables Provisions for other liabilities and charges Lease liabilities – current Total current liabilities Net current liabilities Non-current liabilities Financial liabilities – borrowings Lease liabilities – non-current Deferred tax liabilities Total non-current liabilities Net liabilities Equity attributable to owners of the parent Ordinary shares Share premium Capital redemption reserve Merger reserve Translation reserve Accumulated losses Total deficit Note 2019 £000 2018 £000 12 13 23 14 15 19 16 20 18 22 23 20 23 24 25 26 26 26 26 4,671 1,182 3 5,856 140 3,468 – 1,144 4,752 1,520 4,466 – 139 6,125 (1,373) 8,030 1,046 249 9,325 (4,842) 3,115 6,800 617 29,778 (176) (44,976) (4,842) 5,422 232 3 5,657 210 2,391 12 1,269 3,882 1,100 4,287 367 – 5,754 (1,872) 9,550 – 380 9,930 (6,145) 3,115 6,800 617 29,778 (195) (46,260) (6,145) The financial statements on pages 40 to 79 were approved by the Board of directors on 29 April 2020 and were signed on its behalf by: John Varney Non-Executive Chairman 42 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 42 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:08 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 FINANCIALS At 1 January 2018 Retained loss for the year Exchange differences on translation of overseas operations Total comprehensive expense for the period At 31 December 2018 At 1 January 2019 Share based payments: value of employee services Transactions with owners Retained profit for the year Adjustment to prior year losses on adoption of IFRS 16 Exchange differences on translation of overseas operations Total comprehensive income for the period At 31 December 2019 Ordinary shares £000 3,115 – Share premium £000 6,800 – Capital redemption reserve £000 617 – Merger reserve £000 29,778 – Translation reserve £000 (139) – Accumulated losses £000 (46,236) (24) Total £000 (6,065) (24) – – – 3,115 3,115 – 6,800 6,800 – – – – – – – – – – – – 617 617 – – – – – – (56) – (56) – 29,778 29,778 (56) (195) (195) (24) (46,260) (46,260) (80) (6,145) (6,145) 27 27 1,450 27 27 1,450 – – – – (193) (193) 19 – 19 – – – – – – 3,115 – 6,800 – 617 – 29,778 19 (176) 1,257 (44,976) 1,276 (4,842) 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 43 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:08 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 43 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations Interest paid Taxation paid Net cash generated from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest received Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Purchase of property, plant and equipment Expenditure on capitalised development costs Net cash used in investing activities Cash flow from financing activities Net cash used in repayment of financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts Effect of foreign exchange rate changes Cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts at 1 January Cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts at 31 December Net debt comprises: Cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts Borrowings Net debt at 31 December Note 25 13 12 16 2019 £000 2,423 (393) (38) 1,992 2 – (61) (985) (1,044) (1,100) (1,100) (152) 27 1,269 1,144 2018 £000 2,039 (295) (25) 1,719 4 3 (88) (728) (809) (850) (850) 60 (40) 1,249 1,269 1,144 (9,550) (8,406) 1,269 (10,650) (9,381) 44 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 44 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 FINANCIALS NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Pebble Beach Systems Group plc (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries (together “the Group”) is a leading global software business specialising in playout automation and content management solutions for the broadcast and streaming service markets. The Group employs over 70 people worldwide. The Company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: PEB). For further information, visit www.pebbleplc.com. The Company is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is 12 Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, KT13 0TJ. The registered number of the Company is 04082188. 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. BASIS OF ACCOUNTING The Group financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost basis of accounting, except where fair value measurement is required under IFRS as described below and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) as adopted by the European Union and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumption and estimates are significant to the Group financial statements, are disclosed in note 4. During the current reporting year there were no new standards or amendments which had a material impact on the net assets of the Group. IFRS 16 Leases became effective for the Group from 1 January 2019. The Group has adopted the modified retrospective approach to implementation. Accordingly, comparative periods have not been restated. Its adoption had no material effect on the income or net assets of the Group on initial recognition. The cumulative impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 has been accounted for as an adjustment to equity. For leases classified as operating leases in 2018 the Group did not recognise related assets or liabilities, and instead charged the cost to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease and disclosed its total commitment in the notes to the financial statements. Instead of recognising an operating expense for its operating lease payments, the Group has recognised £42,000 interest on its lease liabilities and £133,000 amortisation on its right of use assets. Adjusted EBITDA has increased by £167,000 resulting from the reclassification of operating lease cost. It has not had a material effect on the Group’s income or net assets. The following is a reconciliation of total operating lease commitments at 31 December 2018 (as disclosed in the financial statements to 31 December 2018) to the lease liabilities recognised at 1 January 2019. Total operating lease commitments disclosed at 31 December 2018 Leases with remaining term of less than 12 months exempt from recognition Increase in lease liability Operating lease liabilities before discounting Discounted using incremental borrowing rate Total lease liabilities recognised under IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019 1,508 (248) 266 1,526 (232) 1,294 In addition, standards or amendments issued but not yet effective are not expected to have a material impact on the net assets of the Group. www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 45 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 45 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED GOING CONCERN The directors are required to make an assessment of the Company’s and the Group’s ability to continue to trade as a going concern. At 31 December 2019 the Group’s net debt was £8.4 million (2018: £9.4 million) comprising net cash of £1.1 million (2018: £1.3 million) and the drawn down RCF of £9.5 million (2018: £10.7 million). We maintain a good relationship with our bank and on 10 February 2020 a 12-month extension to the current £9.5 million loan agreement was signed. The revision secures the facility until 30 November 2021 with banking covenants and a repayment schedule in place. We have taken advantage of the Government’s repayment holiday initiatives and have agreed to defer the first payment that was due on 30 June 2020 under our current Facility Agreement signed on 10 February 2020. In order to assess the appropriateness of preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis, management prepared detailed projections of expected cash flows for a period of 3 years for review by the Board. These projections include the impact of margin improvement strategies and sales growth. As part of the review, the Board considered sensitivities with regards to the timing of revenue growth coming from the transition in the broadcast industry from SDI to IP platforms. It looked at sensitivities regarding the improvement of gross margin. Additionally, it considered sensitivities regarding the ongoing revenue and cost assumptions, including the impact of Brexit and extreme and unlikely consequences resulting from the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. All the Group’s employees and contractors are currently working from home, unless it is essential that they do otherwise. There has been minimal disruption, as remote working practices have been extended and adopted. “Virtual” trade shows have been held to replace those cancelled and significant new orders have been won since the restrictions were announced. Interest in our products that permit remote working is high. The Board have concluded that the Group will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities for the foreseeable future and therefore the Group and hence the Company remains a going concern. BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December 2019. Control is achieved when the Company: • has the power over the investee; • is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and • has the ability to use its power to affect its returns The Company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases. Intercompany transactions, balances, income and expenses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Profits and losses resulting from the intercompany transactions that are recognised in assets are also eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group. 46 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 46 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 FINANCIALS BUSINESS COMBINATIONS The Group applies the acquisition method of accounting to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of assets transferred, the liabilities assumed and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognised at the fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is deemed to be an asset or liability is recognised in accordance with IAS 39 either in profit or loss or as a change to other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured, and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Costs directly attributable to an acquisition are charged directly to the income statement as incurred. Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of the non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised in the income statement. SEGMENTAL REPORTING The Group’s internal organisational and management structure and its system of internal financial reporting to the Board of directors comprise of Pebble Beach Systems and central costs. The chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the Board. The Board reviews the Group’s internal financial reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources. Management have therefore determined that the operating segments for the Group will be based on these reports. The Pebble Beach Systems business is responsible for the sales and marketing of all Group software products and services. GEOGRAPHIC REGION REPORTING Group management are focused on developing global revenue growth from the Broadcast market. Geographic reporting of revenue is therefore provided by reference to geographic region. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business that represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations that has been disposed of, has been abandoned or meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale. Discontinued operations are presented on the income statement as a separate line and are shown net of tax. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION (A) FUNCTIONAL AND PRESENTATION CURRENCY Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The Group financial statements are presented in pounds sterling (GBP), which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency. (B) TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 47 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 47 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED (C) GROUP COMPANIES Trading results and financial position of all Group entities (none of which has the currency of a hyper-inflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows: • assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date; • income and expenditure for each income statement are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year; and • all resulting exchange differences arising from restatement of the opening statements of financial position and trading results of overseas subsidiaries are recognised as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate. INTANGIBLE ASSETS (A) GOODWILL Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the purchase consideration for the interest in subsidiary undertakings over the fair value to the Group of the net assets acquired, including acquired intangible assets and any contingent liabilities. The assumptions have been determined and they are consistent with past experience and external information. Management is not currently aware of any reasonable possible changes to key assumptions that would cause a unit’s carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount. Goodwill is tested annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate potential impairment. Impairment losses are recognised for the amount by which an asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount; that recoverable amount is the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Impairments of goodwill are not reversed. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity will be net of the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. For impairment assessment purposes, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash inflows (cash-generating units). As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at cash-generating unit level. Goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of a related business combination and represent the lowest level within the Group at which management monitors goodwill. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated (determined by the Group’s management as equivalent to its operating segments) are tested for impairment at least annually. All other individual assets or cash-generating units are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s (or cash-generating unit’s) carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use. To determine the value-in-use, management estimates expected future cash flows from each cash-generating unit and determines a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The data used for impairment testing procedures are directly linked to the Group’s latest approved budget, adjusted as necessary to exclude the effects of future reorganisations and asset enhancements. Discount factors are determined individually for each cash-generating unit and reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and asset-specific risk factors. 48 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 48 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 FINANCIALS Impairment losses for cash-generating units reduce first the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to that cash- generating unit. Any remaining impairment loss is charged pro rata to the other assets in the cash-generating unit. With the exception of goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist. An impairment loss is reversed if the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount. (B) ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES Intangible assets acquired as part of business combinations are capitalised at fair value at the date of acquisition. Following the initial recognition, the carrying amount of an intangible asset is its cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is charged on the basis of the estimated useful life on a straight-line basis and the expense is taken to the income statement (note 12). The Group has recognised customer relationships, intellectual property and brands as separately identifiable acquired intangible assets. The useful economic life attributed to each intangible asset is determined at the time of acquisition and ranges from five to ten years. Impairment reviews are undertaken when the directors consider that there has been a potential indication of impairment. (C) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS Research expenditure is written off as incurred. Where development expenditure meets the criteria for capitalisation as set out in IAS 38 “Intangible Assets” the costs are capitalised. The capitalised development costs met the following criteria: • the development costs can be measured reliably • the project is technically and commercially feasible • the Group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete the project • the Group has the ability to use or sell the software • the software will generate probable future economic benefits. Any development costs not meeting these criteria for capitalisation were expensed as incurred. • the identification of development costs. In general, the Group’s research and development activities are closely interrelated and it is not until the technical feasibility of a product can be determined with reasonable certainty that development costs are separately identifiable; and • the generation of future economic benefit. Intangible assets are not recognised unless the resultant product is expected to generate future economic benefit in excess of the amount capitalised. Development costs are amortised over the estimated useful life of the products with which they are associated. Amortisation commences when a new product is in commercial production. The amortisation period ranges from one to five years. If a product becomes unviable the deferred development costs are written off. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 49 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 49 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use. Depreciation is calculated in order to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment, other than land, over their estimated useful lives by equal annual instalments using the following rates: Freehold land and buildings 2 per cent for buildings No depreciation on land Leasehold improvements Fixtures and fittings The remaining term of the lease 10 per cent Plant, tools, test and computer equipment 10 per cent – 33 per cent LEASES From 1 January 2019, at inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether it is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a time in exchange for consideration. A contract conveys the right to control the use of an asset, if the Group receives substantially all of the economic benefits from its use over time and controls how it is used. At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component based on their relative stand-alone prices. For contracts entered into before 1 January 2019, the Group determined whether the arrangement was or contained a lease using the same assessment. 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. Cost comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. The right of use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of its useful life or the end of the lease term. Useful life is determined on the same basis as other property and equipment. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, or if that cannot be determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The Group has elected not to recognise right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases that have a term of 12 months or less. The Group recognises the payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Under the previous policy none of the Group’s leases were classified as finance leases. Payments made under operating leases were recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received were recognised as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease. 50 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 50 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 FINANCIALS INVENTORIES Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost represents direct costs incurred and, where applicable, production or conversion costs and other costs to bring the inventory to its existing condition and location. Inventory is accounted for on a standard cost basis. Net realisable value comprises the actual or estimated selling price less all further costs to completion, and less all costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. Provisions for inventories are recognised when the book value exceeds its net realisable value. The Group makes provision for slow- moving, obsolete and defective inventory as appropriate. SHARE CAPITAL Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Proceeds in excess of the nominal value of shares issued are allocated to the share premium account and are also classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares or options are deducted from the share premium account. Where shares are issued in part or full consideration for the acquisition of more than 90 per cent of the issued share capital of another company, the excess of value attributed to the shares over the nominal value of shares issued is allocated to the merger reserve. The merger reserve is also classified as equity. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS RECOGNITION AND DERECOGNITION Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards are transferred. A financial liability is derecognised when it is extinguished, discharged, cancelled or expires. CLASSIFICATION AND INITIAL MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Group’s financial liabilities include borrowings, trade and other payables. Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, and, where applicable, adjusted for transaction costs unless the Group designated a financial liability at fair value through profit or loss. Subsequently, financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method except for derivatives and financial liabilities designated at FVTPL, which are carried subsequently at fair value with gains or losses recognised in profit or loss. All interest-related charges and, if applicable, changes in an instrument’s fair value that are reported in profit or loss are included within finance costs or finance income. Except for those trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component and are measured at the transaction price in accordance with IFRS 15, all financial assets are initially measured at fair value adjusted for transaction costs (where applicable). Financial assets, other than those designated and effective as hedging instruments, are classified into the following categories: • amortised cost • fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) • fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI). In the periods presented the corporation does not have any financial assets categorised as FVTPL or FVOCI. All income and expenses relating to financial assets that are recognised in profit or loss are presented within finance costs, finance income or other financial items, except for impairment of trade receivables which is presented within expenses. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 51 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 51 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED SUBSEQUENT MEASUREMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS Financial assets are measured at amortised cost if the assets meet the following conditions (and are not designated as FVTPL): • they are held within a business model whose objective is to hold the financial assets and collect its contractual cash flows • the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. After initial recognition, these are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Group’s cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables fall into this category of financial instruments. IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS IFRS 9’s impairment requirements use forward-looking information to recognise expected credit losses – the ‘expected credit loss (ECL) model’. Instruments within the scope of the requirements included loans and other debt-type financial assets measured at amortised cost and FVOCI, trade receivables, contract assets recognised and measured under IFRS 15 and loan commitments and some financial guarantee contracts (for the issuer) that are not measured at fair value through profit or loss. Recognition of credit losses is not dependent on the Group first identifying a credit loss event. Instead the Group considers a broader range of information when assessing credit risk and measuring expected credit losses, including past events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the expected collectability of the future cash flows of the instrument. Measurement of the expected credit losses is determined by a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses over the expected life of the financial instrument. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES AND CONTRACT ASSETS The Group makes use of a simplified approach in accounting for trade and other receivables as well as contract assets and records the loss allowance as lifetime expected credit losses. These are the expected shortfalls in contractual cash flows, considering the potential for default at any point during the life of the financial instrument. In calculating, the Group uses its historical experience, external indicators and forward-looking information to calculate the expected credit losses using a provision matrix. The Group assess impairment of trade receivables on a collective basis as they possess shared credit risk characteristics, they have been grouped based on the days past due. FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS (FVTPL) Financial assets that are held within a different business model other than ‘hold to collect’ or ‘hold to collect and sell’ are categorised at fair value through profit and loss. Further, irrespective of business model financial assets whose contractual cash flows are not solely payments of principal and interest are accounted for at FVTPL. Trade receivables and amounts owed by equity accounted investments, are classified in the amortised cost category under IFRS 9 as they are held within a business model to collect contracted cash flows and these cash flows consist solely of payments of principal and interest. 52 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 52 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 FINANCIALS (A) TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value, being the original invoice amount, and subsequently measured at amortised cost less provision for impairment. A provision for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivable. Trade receivables that are less than three months past due are not considered impaired unless there are specific financial or commercial reasons that lead management to conclude that the customer will default. Older debts are considered to be impaired unless there is sufficient evidence to the contrary that they will be settled. The amount of the provision is the difference between the assets’ carrying value and the present value of the estimated future cash flows. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised in the income statement. When a trade receivable is uncollectable it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the income statement. (B) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and short-term deposits in the statement of financial position comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits with an original maturity of less than three months. For the purposes of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term deposits as defined above, together with bank overdrafts where applicable. (C) TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. (D) BORROWINGS Bank borrowings are recognised at effective interest rate method. CURRENT AND DEFERRED TAXATION The current tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Company’s subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management evaluate positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation and establish provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised in respect of all temporary differences except where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill in business combinations. Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and tax losses, to the extent that they are regarded as recoverable. They are regarded as recoverable where, on the basis of available evidence, there will be suitable taxable profits against which the future reversal of the underlying temporary differences can be deducted. The carrying value of the amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all, or part, of the tax asset to be utilised. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on the tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted at the reporting date. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 53 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 53 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the contract liabilities tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (A) PENSION OBLIGATIONS The Group employees are members of defined contribution money purchase schemes where the obligations of Group companies are charged to the income statement as they are incurred. The Group has no further obligations once the contributions have been paid. (B) SHARE BASED COMPENSATION The Group operates a number of cash-settled, share based compensation plans, under which the Group receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (options) in the Company. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted: • including any market performance conditions (for example, the Group’s share price); • excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions (for example, profitability, sales growth targets and remaining an employee of the entity over a specified time period); and • including the impact of any non-vesting conditions (for example, the requirement for employees to save). Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each reporting period, the entity revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting conditions. It recognises the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity. When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the options are exercised. There were no transactions during the year. (C) EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP PLAN The Group’s Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a separately administered trust. There were no ESOP transactions during the year. The Company guarantees liabilities of the ESOP, and the assets of the ESOP mainly comprise shares in the Company. The assets, liabilities, income and costs of the ESOP have been included in the Group financial statements. When the options are exercised the company assesses whether it is in shareholders’ best interest to issue new shares, or to offer a cash alternative. PROVISIONS Provisions are made in respect of residual onerous long leasehold properties where expected future rental costs are in excess of expected income from subletting. Provision is made for product warranty claims to the extent that the Group has a current obligation under warranties given. Warranty accruals are based on historic warranty claims experience. Provisions are discounted to their present value where the impact is significant. 54 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 54 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 FINANCIALS REVENUE RECOGNITION CONTRACTS WITH MULTIPLE PERFORMANCE OBLIGATIONS Many of the Group’s contracts comprise a variety of performance obligations including, but not limited to, hardware, software, elements of design and customisation, after-sales services, and installation. Under IFRS 15, the Group must evaluate the separability of the promised goods or services based on whether they are ‘distinct’. A promised good or service is ‘distinct’ if both: • the customer benefits from the item either on its own or together with other readily available resources, and • it is ‘separately identifiable’ (ie the Group does not provide a significant service integrating, modifying or customising it). The revenue is divided into the following streams: (A) SALES OF SERVICES (SOFTWARE) The Group sells software for new installations. Revenue represents amounts receivable from external customers for goods sold by Group companies in the ordinary course of business and excluding value added tax. The sales price and payment terms are agreed at the time of order. The performance obligation for sales of software is met and revenue is recognised at the ‘point in time’ when the software is despatched as this is when the customer takes undisputed control. This is appropriate as software is not significantly customised nor subject to significant integration services that could not be performed by a third party. (B) SALE OF GOODS (HARDWARE) The Group sells hardware for new installations. Revenue represents amounts receivable from external customers for goods sold by Group companies in the ordinary course of business and excluding value added tax. The sales price and payment terms are agreed at the time of order. The performance obligation is met and revenue recognised at the ‘point in time’ when the goods are transferred to the customer, and the receipt of payment can be assured. Ownership of the goods transfers to the customer when the goods are shipped from the Group’s premises. For stand-alone sales of hardware that are neither customised by the Group nor subject to significant integration services, control transfers at the point in time the customer takes undisputed delivery of the goods. (C) CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS (INSTALLATION) From time to time the Group enters into contracts that involve complex development that will take a number of months to complete and may involve the delivery of multiple components. These are treated as construction contracts. Judgement will be required here to determine whether these should be bundled together or treated as distinct performance obligations. It is not expected that this will materially change the period over which revenue is recognised. Revenue represents the man-days required to complete the installation. Where the outcome of a contract can be estimated reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the reporting date. This is measured by the proportion of contract costs incurred for work performed to date relative to the estimated total contract costs, except where this would not be representative of the stage of completion. Variations in contract work, claims and incentive payments are included to the extent that they have been agreed with the customer. Where the outcome of a contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised to the extent of contract costs incurred where it is probable such costs will be recoverable. All contract liabilities are calculated based on the value of the initial deposit paid by the customer, deducting any work completed to date. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 55 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 55 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED (D) SUPPORT CONTRACTS The main services the Group provides are ongoing support for its software in use. These are transaction processing to customers in exchange for a fixed monthly fee. Revenue is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of each contract. As the amount of work required to perform under these contracts does not vary significantly from month to month, the straight-line method provides a faithful depiction on the transfer of goods or services. For other sales of services, unless the contract qualifies as a construction contract, revenue is recognised in the accounting period in which the performance obligations are satisfied and assessed on the basis of the actual service provided as a proportion of the total services to be provided. Only the costs that reflect work performed to date are included in the costs of sale. Any amounts paid by customers to the Group are generally non-refundable according to standard terms and conditions. Standard payment terms are specified on our quotation sent to the customer. The company provides warranties for goods that are in line with those provided by its suppliers. Costs to obtain contracts prior to receipt of order are expensed immediately, unless material. Sales commissions and costs incurred after receipt of order are recognised in line with the transfer of goods or services to the customer, in accordance with IFRS 15. Consideration does not need to be adjusted because it is expected that the customer will settle within agreed terms. When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately. The Group identified, under IFRS 15, that the only capitalised contract cost where required, is commission. Commission cost is capitalised and released in line with revenue recognition. At the point of sale, price is agreed within the contract. The transaction price is individually allocated across software, hardware, installation and support. Any variations in the contracts do not result in variable consideration. Most such arrangements include detailed customer payment schedules. When payments received from customers exceed revenue recognised to date on a particular contract, any excess (a contract liability) is reported in the statement of financial position under other liabilities. The Group recognises contract liabilities for consideration received in respect of unsatisfied performance obligations and reports these amounts as other liabilities in the statement of financial position. Similarly, if the Group satisfies a performance obligation before it receives the consideration, the Group recognises either a contract asset or a receivable in its statement of financial position, depending on whether something other than the passage of time is required before the consideration is due. INTEREST INCOME Interest income is recognised based on the effective rate as received. DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2019. NON-RECURRING ITEMS These are material items excluded from management’s assessment of profit because by their nature they could distort the Group’s underlying quality of earnings. These are excluded to reflect performance in a consistent manner and are in line with how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis. 56 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 56 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 FINANCIALS IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS Assets that have an indefinite useful life, for example goodwill or intangible assets not ready for use, are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation or depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date. 3. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (foreign exchange risk and cash flow interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of the financial markets and seeks to minimise the potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. Risk management policy is carried out through a central treasury function within the executive management team at the Group’s head office. The treasury function identifies, evaluates and manages financial risks in close co-operation with the Group’s operating units. The Board provides written principles for overall risk management while the central treasury function provides specific policy guidance for the operating units in terms of managing market risk, credit risk and cash and liquidity management. (A) MARKET RISK (I) FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily between the US dollar and GBP. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities and net investments in foreign operations. At a transactional level the UK business has a broadly neutral exposure to foreign currency transactions, in that their revenues in euros and US dollars match their purchases. Foreign currency bank accounts are maintained to minimise exchange risk by trading currencies into sterling only when forecast surpluses or deficits are expected to arise. The flow of cash from the USA to the UK businesses is managed by central treasury in order to minimise the risk to the Group. The exchange risk to the Group in terms of its reported results lies in the translation of the results and net assets and liabilities of the US business from US dollars to GBP. The Group’s accounting policy is to translate the profits and losses of overseas operations using the average exchange rate for the financial year and the net assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiaries at the year end exchange rate. It continues to be the Group’s policy not to hedge the foreign currency exposures on the translation of overseas profits or losses and net assets or liabilities to sterling as they are considered to be accounting rather than cash exposures. The principal exchange rates used by the Group in translating overseas profits and net assets into GBP are set out in the table below: Rate compared to £ sterling US dollar Average rate 2019 1.277 Average rate 2018 1.335 Year end rate 2019 1.321 Year end rate 2018 1.277 Where overseas acquisitions are made, it is the Group’s policy to arrange any borrowings required in local currency. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 57 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:09 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 57 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 3. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED It is the Group’s policy not to trade in financial instruments. The Group does not use interest rate swaps. The Group does not speculate in foreign currencies and no operating company is permitted to take unmatched positions in any foreign currency. The Group will use borrowings in currencies other than GBP where appropriate to specific transactions, such as overseas acquisitions. This policy has been in force throughout the financial year and remains so. If the results for the year to 31 December 2018 had been translated at the 2019 average rate then the translation impact would be to reduce prior year revenue by £15,000 and reduce the loss before tax by £1,000. (II) CASH FLOW INTEREST RATE RISK Cash flow interest rate risk comprises the interest rate price risk that results from borrowing at both fixed and variable rates of interest. The interest on the Group’s RCF facility is charged at 2.5 per cent plus LIBOR. (B) CREDIT RISK Credit risk is managed on a Group basis, except for credit risk relating to accounts receivable balances. Credit risk arises with cash balances and accounts receivables. The Group’s cash deposits are held at banks that have been carefully selected, taking into consideration their individual external credit ratings (note 16). Each local subsidiary is responsible for managing and analysing the credit risk for each of their new clients before standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered. It is the Group’s policy to obtain deposits from customers where possible, particularly overseas customers. In addition, the Group will seek confirmed letters of credit for the balances due. The nature of the customer base (for example, national TV stations, government procurement agencies) makes the use of credit insurance inappropriate. Credit risk is managed at the operating business unit level and monitored at the Group level to ensure adherence to Group policies. If there is no independent rating, the finance function assesses the credit quality of the customer, taking into account its financial position, past experience and other factors. Individual risk limits are set based on internal or external ratings in accordance with limits set by the Board. The utilisation of credit limits is regularly monitored. (C) LIQUIDITY RISK Any material loss through ineffective investment of cash would undermine our ability to generate growth in shareholder value. Similarly, an inability to access these funds would undermine the Group’s ability to meet its financial obligations. We have assessed the likelihood of loss to be low but with a high potential impact. The main exposure to risk is from borrowings and other liabilities. The risk is monitored using rolling cash flow forecasts and is managed through the availability of committed credit lines and borrowing facilities. On 10 February 2020 an extension of the current loan agreement was signed with our bank. The revision secures the facility until 30 November 2021 with banking covenants and a repayment schedule in place. As per the amended facilities agreement, the Group has an obligation to comply with the simplified banking covenants as well as complying with an agreed amortisation profile. In order to ensure full compliance, the Group’s executive management prepare thirteen-week forecasts on a monthly basis to ensure ongoing obligations will be met. 58 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 58 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:10 FINANCIALS The table below analyses the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the reporting date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. At 31 December 2019: Bank loans (secured) Trade and other payables* At 31 December 2018: Bank loans (secured) Trade and other payables* Less than one year £000 1,520 4,466 1,100 4,678 Between one and two years £000 Between two and five years £000 8,030 – 9,550 – – – – – Total £000 9,550 4,466 10,650 4,678 * Included within trade and other payables is accrued interest on the RCF facility of £Nil (2018: £Nil). A share-based payment scheme, the Pebble Beach Systems Value Creation Plan, matured in 2018. A provision of £243,000 was held in respect of this scheme. As a consequence of the Board’s decision that no payments are due under the scheme this provision was released in 2018. CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. Consistent with other businesses, the Group monitors capital on the basis of the gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings (including “current and non-current borrowings” as shown in the statement of financial position) less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is the sum of equity plus net debt (or less net cash) being £3.6 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: £3.2 million). FAIR VALUE ESTIMATION The carrying value of trade receivables (less impairment provision) and financial liabilities are assumed to approximate to their fair value. The carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets is reviewed on an annual basis utilising a discounted cash flow approach. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 59 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:10 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 59 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management have made accounting judgements in the determination of the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making assumptions and estimates, actual outcomes will differ from those assumptions and estimates. JUDGEMENTS The Group has the following significant judgements recognised in the financial statements: RECOGNITION OF SERVICE AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT REVENUES As revenue from support agreements and construction contracts is recognised over time, the amount of revenue recognised in a reporting period depends on the extent to which the performance obligation has been satisfied. For support agreements and construction contracts (installation) this requires an estimate of the quantity of the services to be provided, based on historical experience with similar contracts. In a similar way, recognising revenue for construction contracts also requires significant judgment in determining the estimated number of hours required to complete the promised work. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS A number of accounting judgements are incorporated within the calculation of the charge to the income statement in respect of share-based payments. These are described in more detail in note 25. The performance targets of the Pebble Beach Systems Ltd VCP were not met and in 2018 the Board concluded that no payments to participants would be made pursuant to it. The remaining provision of £243,000 was credited to the income statement. BAD DEBT PROVISION A number of judgements are incorporated within the calculation of the charge to the income statement in respect of a specific bad debt provision. ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES Intangible assets (intellectual property, brands and customer relationships) have been acquired as part of the net assets of certain subsidiaries. These intangible assets were capitalised at their fair value at the date of acquisition. Determining the value of acquired intangibles required the calculation of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the intangible assets at a suitable discount rate in order to calculate their present value. In addition, an estimate of the useful life of the intangible asset has to be made, over which period the cash flows were expected to be generated. The carrying amount of acquired intangibles at the reporting date was £0.2 million (note 12) (2018: £1.0 million). ESTIMATES The Group has the following significant judgements recognised in the financial statements: IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL In assessing impairment, management estimates the recoverable amount of each cash generating unit based on expected future cash flows and uses a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value. Estimation uncertainty relates to assumptions about future operating results and the determination of a suitable discount rate. Details of the impairment review are provided in note 12. 60 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 60 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:10 FINANCIALS 5. SEGMENTAL REPORTING The directors believe that adjusted operating profit provides additional useful information on underlying trends to shareholders. This measure is used by management for internal performance analysis and incentive compensation arrangements. The term “adjusted” is not a defined term under IFRS and may not therefore be comparable with similarly titled profit measurements reported by other companies. The principal adjustments are made in respect of depreciation, the amortisation of acquired intangibles and capitalised development costs, non-recurring items and exchange gains or losses charged to the income statement. The segment information provided to the Board for the reportable continuing segments for the year ended 31 December 2019 is as follows: Segmental reporting by division Year ended 31 December 2019 Income statement: Broadcast Total revenue Adjusted operating profit/(loss) Depreciation Amortisation of acquired intangibles Amortisation of capitalised development costs Exchange (losses)/gains Finance costs Finance income Intercompany finance income/(costs) Profit/(loss) before taxation Taxation Profit/(loss) for the year being attributable to owners of the parent Segment assets Non-current assets Current assets Total assets Total liabilities Total net assets/(liabilities) Other segment items Capital expenditure Capitalised development expenditure Depreciation Amortisation of intangibles Central costs represent corporate expenses. Pebble Beach Systems £000 Central £000 Total £000 11,200 11,200 4,418 (238) (889) (847) (78) (42) 2 128 2,454 84 2,538 5,856 4,606 10,462 (5,485) 4,977 61 985 238 1,736 – – (653) – – – 7 (351) – (128) (1,125) (2) (1,127) – 146 146 (9,965) (9,819) – – – – 11,200 11,200 3,765 (238) (889) (847) (71) (393) 2 – 1,329 82 1,411 5,856 4,752 10,608 (15,450) (4,842) 61 985 238 1,736 Segment assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill, other intangibles, inventories, trade receivables and operating cash. Segment assets exclude inter-segment investments. Segment liabilities comprise operating liabilities, taxation and segmental provisions for liabilities and charges. Segmental assets and liabilities exclude amounts owed to/ from other segments. Segmental capital expenditure comprises additions to property, plant and equipment. The results of discontinued operations are presented in note 17. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 61 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:10 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 61 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 5. SEGMENTAL REPORTING CONTINUED Pebble Beach Systems £000 Central £000 Total £000 Segmental reporting by division Year ended 31 December 2018 Income statement: Broadcast Total revenue Adjusted operating profit/(loss) Depreciation Amortisation of acquired intangibles Amortisation of capitalised development costs Non-recurring items Exchange gains/(losses) Finance costs Finance income Intercompany finance income/(costs) (Loss)/profit before taxation Taxation (Loss)/profit for the year being attributable to owners of the parent Segment assets Non-current assets Current assets Total assets Total liabilities Total net assets/(liabilities) Other segment items Capital expenditure Capitalised development expenditure Depreciation Amortisation of intangibles 9,174 9,174 2,867 (127) (1,419) (828) (3,858) 46 – 3 118 (3,198) 254 (2,944) 5,657 3,451 9,108 (3,800) 5,308 88 728 127 2,247 – – (397) – – – 3,554 (18) (296) 1 (118) 2,726 (1) 2,725 – 431 431 (11,884) (11,453) – – – – GEOGRAPHIC EXTERNAL REVENUE ANALYSIS AND REVENUE BY STREAM The revenue analysis in the table below is based on the geographic location of the customer for each business. By market: UK and Europe North America Latin America Middle East and Africa Asia/Pacific Total revenue by market By segment stream: Hardware transferred at a point in time Software transferred at a point in time Installation transferred over time Support transferred over time Total revenue by stream 2019 £000 5,272 982 1,602 3,114 230 11,200 1,650 4,274 1,658 3,618 11,200 9,174 9,174 2,470 (127) (1,419) (828) (304) 28 (296) 4 – (472) 253 (219) 5,657 3,882 9,539 (15,684) (6,145) 88 728 127 2,247 2018 £000 4,820 585 513 2,931 325 9,174 1,836 3,045 1,198 3,095 9,174 No customer in the UK or Europe accounted for more than 10% of revenue in 2019 (one customer in 2018: £1.0 million). Non-current assets, other than financial instruments and deferred tax, located in the UK are £5.9 million (2018: £5.7 million) and rest of world £Nil (2018: £Nil). 62 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 62 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:10 FINANCIALS 6. OPERATING PROFIT The following items have been included in arriving at the operating profit for the continuing business: Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Amortisation of acquired intangibles Operating lease rentals Exchange losses/(gains) charged/(credited) to the income statement Research and development expenditure expensed in the year which includes: – Amortisation of capitalised development costs OTHER EXPENSES Other expenses comprise: Amortisation of acquired intangibles Non-recurring items NON-RECURRING ITEMS 2019 £000 238 889 – 71 1,298 2018 £000 127 1,419 167 (28) 1,222 847 828 2019 £000 889 – 889 2018 £000 1,419 304 1,723 The following items are excluded from management’s assessment of profit because by their nature they could distort the Group’s underlying quality of earnings. They are excluded to reflect performance in a consistent manner and are in line with how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis: Rationalisation and redundancy costs Provision for former Executive debt 2019 £000 – – – 2018 £000 358 (54) 304 SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GROUP’S AUDITOR AND NETWORK FIRMS During the year the Group (including its overseas subsidiaries) obtained the following services from the Group’s auditor at costs detailed below: Analysis of fees payable to Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit of the parent company and consolidated financial statements Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries Taxation compliance services Taxation advisory services Other non-assurance services 2019 £000 2018 £000 14 38 52 16 3 12 83 25 20 45 10 – – 55 A description of the work of the Audit Committee is set out in the corporate governance statement on pages 20 to 26 and includes an explanation of how the auditor’s objectivity and independence is safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by the auditor. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 63 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:10 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 63 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 7. DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES Staff costs during the year for the continuing business were as follows: Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs – defined contribution plans (note 28) Share based payments (note 25) 2019 £000 4,216 404 119 27 4,766 2018 £000 3,973 299 79 (243) 4,108 Share based payments includes provision for the Pebble Beach Systems VCP. The performance targets of the Pebble Beach Systems Ltd VCP were not met and in 2018 the Board concluded that no payments to participants would be made pursuant to it. In 2018 a credit of £243,000 was taken to the income statement. The monthly average number of employees employed by the continuing Group during the year was as follows: 2019 Number 2018 Number Average monthly number of employees Broadcast sales and marketing Technology Logistics General and Admin 14 20 22 11 67 The average number of employees includes directors with service contracts. The total number of employees at 31 December 2019 was 72 (2018: 65). Key management compensation for the continuing business: Short term employee benefits – including salaries, social security costs and non-monetary benefits Post-employment benefits – defined contribution pension plans Share based payments (note 25) 2019 £000 903 25 27 955 12 19 22 10 63 2018 £000 582 17 (243) 356 Share based payments includes provision for the Pebble Beach Systems VCP. The performance targets of the Pebble Beach Systems Ltd VCP were not met and in 2018 the Board concluded that no payments to participants would be made pursuant to it. In 2018 a credit of £243,000 was taken to the income statement. The analysis of key management compensation above includes Executive Directors. Key management is defined as the senior management teams in each of the business units of the Group. Details of directors’ emoluments are included in the remuneration report on pages 27 to 30. 64 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 64 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:10 FINANCIALS 8. FINANCE COSTS – NET Interest expense for bank borrowing Interest expense for leasing arrangements Total finance costs Finance income Finance costs – net Finance income is derived from cash held on deposit. 9. INCOME TAX EXPENSE A) ANALYSIS OF THE TAX CHARGE IN YEAR Current tax UK corporation tax Foreign tax – current year Adjustments in respect of prior years Total current tax Deferred tax UK deferred tax Total deferred tax Total taxation B) FACTORS AFFECTING TAX CHARGE FOR YEAR The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit/(loss) in the income statement as follows: Profit/(loss) before tax on continuing operations Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19.00% (2018: 19.00%) Adjustments in respect of prior years Permanent differences Enhanced R&D tax relief Overseas taxation Losses utilised Depreciation of NQAs Current year losses not recognised Effect of changes in UK tax rate Total taxation 2019 £000 351 42 393 (2) 391 2019 £000 – 50 – 50 (132) (132) (82) 2019 £000 1,329 252 – 6 (243) 50 (95) 1 (68) 15 (82) 2018 £000 296 – 296 (4) 292 2018 £000 27 – (11) 16 (269) (269) (253) 2018 £000 (472) (90) (11) 24 (180) 27 (225) 1 172 29 (253) Changes to the UK corporation tax rates were substantively enacted on 7 September 2016. These include reductions to the main rate to reduce the rate to 17 per cent from 1 April 2020. Deferred taxes at the balance sheet date have been measured using these enacted tax rates and reflected in these financial statements. There is no income tax arising from any component of other comprehensive income. 10. DIVIDENDS AND RETURNS TO SHAREHOLDERS Final dividend paid of nil pence per share (2018: nil pence per share) 2019 £000 Nil 2018 £000 Nil The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2019. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 65 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:11 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 65 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 11. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. For diluted earnings per share the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The dilutive shares are those share options granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company’s ordinary shares during the year. Reconciliation of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out below. Basic earnings per share Profit/(loss) attributable to continuing operations Profit attributable to discontinued operations Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share Diluted earnings per share Profit/(loss) attributable to continuing operations Profit attributable to discontinued operations Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share 2019 Weighted average number of shares 000s Earnings £000 Earnings per share pence Earnings £000 2018 Weighted average number of shares 000s Earnings per share pence 1,411 39 1,450 1,411 39 1,450 124,477 124,577 1.1p 0.0p 1.1p 1.1p 0.0p 1.1p (219) 195 (24) (219) 195 (24) 124,477 124,477 (0.2)p 0.2p 0.0p (0.2)p 0.2p 0.0p Potential ordinary shares were non-dilutive in prior years because they would decrease the loss per share from continuing operations. ADJUSTED EARNINGS The directors believe that adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit before tax, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share provide additional useful information on underlying trends to shareholders. These measures are used by management for internal performance analysis and incentive compensation arrangements. The term “adjusted” is not a defined term under IFRS and may not therefore be comparable with similarly titled profit measurements reported by other companies. The principal adjustments are made in respect of depreciation, the amortisation of acquired intangibles and capitalised development costs, non-recurring items and exchange gains or losses charged to the income statement and their related tax effects. The reconciliation between reported and underlying earnings and basic earnings per share is shown below: Reported profit/(loss) per share – continuing operations Depreciation Amortisation of acquired intangibles Amortisation of capitalised development costs Non-recurring items Exchange losses/(gains) Adjusted profit/(loss) per share – continuing operations £000 1,411 198 738 703 – 58 3,108 2019 Pence 1.1p 0.2p 0.6p 0.6p 0.0p 0.0p 2.5p £000 (219) 105 1,178 687 245 (23) 1,973 2018 Pence (0.2)p 0.1p 0.9p 0.6p 0.2p 0.0p 1.6p 66 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 66 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:11 FINANCIALS 12. INTANGIBLE ASSETS Cost At 1 January 2018 Additions At 1 January 2019 Additions At 31 December 2019 Accumulated amortisation At 1 January 2018 Charge for the year At 1 January 2019 Charge for the year At 31 December 2019 Net book value At 31 December 2019 At 31 December 2018 At 1 January 2018 Acquired customer relationships £000 Acquired intellectual property £000 Capitalised development costs £000 Goodwill £000 3,218 – 3,218 – 3,218 – – – – – 3,218 3,218 3,218 4,493 – 4,493 – 4,493 2,839 749 3,588 749 4,337 156 905 1,654 3,350 – 3,350 – 3,350 2,540 670 3,210 140 3,350 – 140 810 2,409 728 3,137 985 4,122 1,150 828 1,978 847 2,825 1,297 1,159 1,259 Total £000 13,470 728 14,198 985 15,183 6,529 2,247 8,776 1,736 10,512 4,671 5,422 6,941 The estimated useful life for the intellectual property and customer relationships acquired with the business of Pebble Beach Systems has been determined to be five years and six years respectively based on the expected future cash flows that they would generate. The amortisation of development costs is included in research and development expenses in the Consolidated Group Income Statement. Within development costs there are £1.6 million (2018: £0.5 million) of fully written down assets that are still in use. The amortisation of customer relationships, brands and intellectual property are all charged to other expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement and are referred to as the amortisation of acquired intangibles. IMPAIRMENT TEST FOR CASH-GENERATING UNITS CONTAINING GOODWILL Historical goodwill acquired in business combinations was allocated, at acquisition, to the cash-generating units (CGUs) that were expected to benefit from those business combinations, being the markets that the Group served. In accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 “Impairment of assets”, goodwill is required to be tested for impairment on an annual basis, with reference to the value of the cash-generating units in question. The carrying value of goodwill at 31 December 2019 is £3.2 million (2018: £3.2 million) which relates solely to Pebble Beach Systems. The carrying value of Pebble Beach Systems (including goodwill) has been assessed with reference to value in use over a projected period of five years with a terminal value. This reflects projected cash flows based on actual operating results and approved budget, strategic plans and management projections. The key assumptions on which the value in use calculations are based relate to business performance over the next four years, long term growth rates beyond 2019 and the discount rate applied. The forecast business performance assumes an average growth rate of 15 per cent each year over the next five years, with growth peaking in years three and four. The cash flow projections have been discounted to present value using a pre-tax discount rate of 2.7 per cent (2018: 11.1 per cent), which has been used for the purpose of the impairment test. The value in use was found to be higher than the carrying value, hence no impairment is necessary, any reasonable movement in the assumptions used in the impairment tests would not result in any impairment. The cash flow projections have been prepared by local management on the basis of the expected growth of the business over the next five years and approved by the Board. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 67 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:11 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 67 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 13. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Right of Use Assets £000 Freehold land and buildings £000 Leasehold improvements, fixtures and fittings £000 Plant, tools, test and computer equipment £000 Cost At 1 January 2018 Additions Disposals Exchange adjustment At 1 January 2019 Adjustment on adoption of IFRS 16 Additions Disposals Exchange adjustment At 31 December 2019 Accumulated depreciation At 1 January 2018 Charge for the year Disposals Exchange adjustment At 1 January 2019 Charge for the year Disposals Exchange adjustment At 31 December 2019 Net book value At 31 December 2019 At 31 December 2018 At 1 January 2018 – – – – – 1,101 26 – – 1,127 – – – – – 133 – – 133 994 – – 116 – – – 116 – – – – 116 35 5 – – 40 6 – – 46 70 76 81 211 26 (78) 1 160 – 1 (8) – 153 178 15 (68) – 125 16 (8) – 133 20 35 33 Included in the net carrying amount of right of use assets are: Buildings Motor Vehicles Total right of use assets 14. INVENTORIES Raw materials and consumables Work in progress 1,145 62 (635) 2 574 – 60 (40) (1) 593 974 107 (631) 3 453 83 (39) (2) 495 98 121 171 2019 £000 976 18 994 2019 £000 98 42 140 Total £000 1,472 88 (713) 3 850 1,101 87 (48) (1) 1,989 1,187 127 (699) 3 618 238 (47) (2) 807 1,182 232 285 2018 £000 – – – 2018 £000 166 44 210 During the year the Group consumed £1.4 million (2018: £1.3 million) of inventories, of which £1.4 million (2018: £1.3 million) related to continuing operations. 68 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 68 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:11 15. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Current: Trade receivables Less: allowance for credit losses Trade receivables – net Other receivables Prepayments and accrued income FINANCIALS 2019 £000 2,175 (187) 1,988 17 1,463 3,468 2018 £000 1,944 (480) 1,464 122 805 2,391 In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date. The concentration of credit risk is limited due to the customer base being large and unrelated to each other. Trade receivables that are less than three months past due are not considered impaired unless there are specific financial or commercial reasons that lead management to conclude that the customer will default. At 31 December 2019 trade receivables of £1.0 million (2018: £0.7 million) were past due but not impaired. The credit quality of the Group’s customers is good, being a combination of large broadcast stations (public and private) and government agencies and departments. Controls within Group companies are in place to ensure that appropriate credit limits are in place. The overdue amounts relate to customers with no history of default. The ageing of these receivables is as follows: Up to three months Three to six months Over six months 2019 £000 916 21 91 1,028 2018 £000 526 28 107 661 At 31 December 2019 trade receivables of £0.2 million (2018: £0.5 million) were impaired and provided for in whole or in part. The provision of £0.2 million (2018: £0.5 million) is set against specific customer debts. The ageing of these receivables is as follows: Up to three months Three to six months Over six months The gross amounts of the Group’s trade receivables are denominated in the following currencies: Pounds Sterling US dollars Euros 2019 £000 77 – 110 187 2019 £000 1,329 518 328 2,175 2018 £000 127 203 150 480 2018 £000 1,321 403 220 1,944 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 69 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:11 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 69 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 15. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES CONTINUED Movements on the Group provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows: At 1 January Provision for receivable impairment Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable Exchange adjustment At 31 December 2019 £000 480 (131) (162) – 187 2018 £000 87 444 (51) – 480 Amounts charged to the allowance account are generally written off, when there is no expectation of recovering additional cash. The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivable mentioned above. The Group does not hold any collateral as security. 16. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND OVERDRAFTS Cash and bank balances Cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts at 31 December 2019 £000 1,144 1,144 2018 £000 1,269 1,269 The credit quality of the cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts that are not impaired can be assessed by reference to the external credit ratings of the banks where the deposits are held. A-1 Total 2019 £000 1,144 1,144 2018 £000 1,269 1,269 Reconciliation of decrease in cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts to movement in net cash: 2019 2018 Net cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts £000 1,269 Other borrowings £000 (10,650) Total net cash £000 (9,381) Net cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts £000 1,249 Other borrowings £000 (11,500) 948 (1,100) 27 – 1,100 – 948 – 27 910 (850) (40) – 850 – Total net cash £000 (10,251) 910 – (40) 1,144 (9,550) (8,406) 1,269 (10,650) (9,381) At 1 January Cash flow for the year before financing Movement in borrowings in the year Exchange rate adjustments Cash and cash equivalents and overdrafts at 31 December 70 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 70 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:12 FINANCIALS 17. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Discontinued operations relate to the former Vislink businesses disposed of in 2017. During the year the lease of the former Vislink premises expired and final settlement was received in accordance with the agreement made in 2018 with xG Technology Inc. (I) ANALYSIS OF THE RESULT OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS IS AS FOLLOWS: Expenses Profit before tax of discontinued operations Tax Profit after tax of discontinued operations (II) CASH FLOW Operating cash flows Total cash flows 18. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Current: Contract liabilities Trade payables Accruals Other taxes and social security costs 19. CURRENT TAX ASSETS UK corporation tax Current tax assets 2019 £000 39 39 – 39 2019 £000 (456) (456) 2019 £000 2,320 424 1,627 95 4,466 2019 £000 – – 2018 £000 184 184 11 195 2018 £000 (485) (485) 2018 £000 2,323 683 1,182 99 4,287 2018 £000 12 12 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 71 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:12 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 71 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 20. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES – BORROWINGS Current: Bank loans (secured) Non-current: Bank loans (secured) BANK BORROWING FACILITIES 2019 £000 2018 £000 1,520 1,100 8,030 9,550 Borrowing at 31 December 2019 comprised the fully drawn down Revolving Credit Facility of £9.5 million (2018: £10.7 million). On 10 February 2020 the bank agreed an extension of the current loan agreement. The revision secures the facility until 30 November 2021 with banking covenants and a repayment schedule in place. All bank facilities are secured by fixed and floating charges over the Group’s assets and by cross-guarantees between the Company and certain subsidiaries. The Group does not have a net overdraft facility. The Group does not use interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate movements on its bank borrowings. The effective interest rates at the balance sheet dates were as follows: Bank overdraft Bank borrowings 2019 N/A 3.30% 2018 N/A 3.30% The Group had net debt at 31 December 2019 of £8.4 million (2018: £9.4 million). 21. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Numerical financial instrument disclosures are set out below. Additional disclosures are set out in the accounting policies (note 2). FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY – CONTINUING OPERATIONS Assets as per statement of financial position at 31 December Trade and other receivables excluding prepayments and contract assets Cash and cash equivalents Total 2019 Other financial assets at amortised cost £000 2018 Other financial assets at amortised cost £000 2,002 1,144 3,146 1,539 1,269 2,808 There are no financial assets that are pledged as collateral for liabilities or contingent liabilities. Liabilities as per statement of financial position at 31 December Trade and other payables excluding contract liabilities and social security liabilities Borrowings Total 2019 Other financial liabilities at amortised cost £000 2018 Other financial liabilities at amortised cost £000 2,185 9,550 11,735 1,659 10,650 12,309 72 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 72 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:12 FINANCIALS FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Assets as per statement of financial position at 31 December Trade and other receivables excluding prepayments and contract assets Total 2019 Other financial assets at amortised cost £000 2018 Other financial assets at amortised cost £000 3 3 47 47 There are no financial assets that are pledged as collateral for liabilities or contingent liabilities. Liabilities as per statement of financial position at 31 December Trade and other payables excluding contract liabilities and social security liabilities Total 22. PROVISIONS FOR OTHER LIABILITIES AND CHARGES At 1 January 2019 Utilised during the year At 31 December 2019 Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows: Current Non-current At 31 December 2019 Other financial liabilities at amortised cost £000 2018 Other financial liabilities at amortised cost £000 5 5 Property provisions £000 367 (367) – 2019 £000 – – – 206 206 Total £000 367 (367) – 2018 £000 367 – 367 The onerous property provision movement in the year relates to the vacant property provision at the Legacy Broadcast International Hemel Hempstead site, arising following the sale of Vislink Communication Systems. The lease expired in the current year. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 73 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:12 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 73 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 23. LEASE LIABILITIES Lease liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position as follows: Current Non-current Total 2019 £000 139 1,046 1,185 2018 £000 – – – The Group has leases for two office buildings and a motor vehicle. With the exception of short term leases and leases of low value underlying assets, each lease is reflected on the balance sheet as a right of use asset and a lease liability. The Group identifies its right of use assets as a separate category within its property, plant and equipment (see note13). Each lease generally imposes a restriction that the right of use asset may only be used by the Group. Leases are either non-cancellable or may only be cancelled by incurring a substantive cancellation fee. For the leases over office buildings the Group must keep those properties in a good state of repair. The Group must insure items of property, plant and equipment and incur maintenance fees on them in accordance with the lease contracts. The leases for the office buildings end in 2029 (with a break clause in 2024) and 2030. The motor vehicle lease ends in 2022. Future minimum lease payments at 31 December 2019 were as follows: Minimum lease payments due at 31 December 2019 Lease payments Finance charges Net present values Minimum lease payments due at 31 December 2018 Lease payments 24. DEFERRED TAXATION Within 1 year £000 176 (37) 139 1-2 years £000 175 (33) 142 2-3 years £000 167 (28) 139 3-4 years £000 167 (23) 144 4-5 years £000 After 5 years £000 Total £000 105 (19) 86 586 (51) 535 1,376 (191) 1,185 415 167 167 167 167 426 1,508 Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method using a tax rate appropriate to the country in which the deferred tax liability or asset has arisen. Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of all tax losses and other temporary differences to the extent that they are regarded as more likely than not to be recoverable against future profits. No deferred tax is recognised on unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries. As the earnings are continually reinvested by the Group, no tax is expected to be payable on them in the foreseeable future. From 1 April 2020 the corporation tax rate will be 17 per cent; the 17 per cent rate was substantively enacted on 7 September 2016 and hence deferred tax assets are calculated at 17 per cent, in so far as they relate to the UK. 74 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 74 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:12 FINANCIALS Accelerated tax depreciation £000 Intangible assets £000 Losses £000 Other £000 59 19 1 79 321 (151) – 170 – – – – – – – – Total £000 380 (132) 1 249 Accelerated tax depreciation £000 Intangible assets £000 Losses £000 Other £000 Total £000 3 – – 3 – – – – – – – – – – – – Accelerated tax depreciation £000 Intangible assets £000 Losses £000 Other £000 66 (9) 2 59 578 (257) – 321 – – – – – – – – 3 – – 3 Total £000 644 (266) 2 380 Accelerated tax depreciation £000 Intangible assets £000 Losses £000 Other £000 Total £000 – 3 – 3 – – – – – – – – – – – – 2019 £000 (377) 132 (1) (246) – 3 – 3 2018 £000 (644) 269 (2) (377) Deferred tax liabilities At 1 January 2019 Credit to profit or loss Exchange adjustment At 31 December 2019 Deferred tax assets At 1 January 2019 Charge to profit or loss Exchange adjustment At 31 December 2019 Deferred tax liabilities At 1 January 2018 Credit to profit or loss Exchange adjustment At 31 December 2018 Deferred tax assets At 1 January 2018 Charge to profit or loss Exchange adjustment At 31 December 2018 The movement on net deferred tax liability in the year was: Net deferred tax liability at 1 January Charged in the year Exchange Adjustment Net deferred tax liability at 31 December Certain deferred tax assets have not been recognised where it is not considered probable that they will be recovered. Deferred tax asset on losses 2019 £000 3,346 3,346 2018 £000 12,725 12,725 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 75 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 75 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:12 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 25. ORDINARY SHARES Ordinary shares of 2.5 pence each at 31 December Authorised Allotted and fully paid At 1 January At 31 December POTENTIAL ISSUE OF SHARES The Group has the following share-based payment schemes: A) EXECUTIVE SHARE OPTION SCHEMES Number ’000s 2019 £000 Number ’000s 2018 £000 200,000 5,000 200,000 5,000 124,603 124,603 3,115 3,115 124,603 124,603 3,115 3,115 Executive share options are granted at a fixed exercise price equal to the market price of the shares under option at the date of grant. The contractual life of an option is ten years. Awards are at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. Options will become exercisable on the third anniversary of the date of grant. Exercise of an option is subject to continued employment. During 2019, 6,000,000 (2018: Nil) executive options were granted at an exercise price of 6.18 pence. Certain senior executives hold options to subscribe for shares in the Company at 6.18 pence under the share option schemes approved by shareholders. The number of shares subject to options and the exercise prices are: Date of grant 21 June 2019 Exercise price 6.18p Exercise period 21/06/24 – 20/06/29 A reconciliation of executive option movements over the year is shown below: 2019 Number ’000s 6,000 6,000 2018 Number ’000s – – Outstanding at beginning of year Lapsed during the year Issued during the year Outstanding at the end of the year Exercisable at the end of the year 2019 Weighted average exercise price – – 6.18p 6.18p – Number ’000s – – 6,000 6,000 – 2018 Weighted average exercise price 54.0p 54.0p – – – Number ’000s 1,184 1,184 – – – No options were exercised in 2019 (2018: Nil). The options outstanding at 31 December 2019 had a weighted average exercise price of 6.18 pence and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 9.5 years. No options were outstanding at 31 December 2018. The fair value of the options granted was determined using the Black-Scholes model. It was assumed that all the performance criteria would be met and that all the options granted would vest. Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous three years. The risk-free rate of return is the yield on zero coupon UK government bonds of a term consistent with the assumed option life. 76 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 76 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 FINANCIALS B) LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (LTIP) Options have been granted as nil cost options under this scheme. The options granted under this scheme are generally exercisable at the end of the performance period and for seven years thereafter. Awards under this scheme are reserved for employees at senior management level and above. If an employee leaves the employment of the Group, a proportion of his award may be deemed to have vested, subject to satisfying any performance conditions and at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. Awards under the LTIP scheme are subject to performance criteria, the scales relating to which will be determined annually by the Remuneration Committee. Details of the performance criteria are disclosed in the Remuneration Report. No new LTIP options were granted during the year (2018: Nil). The number of shares subject to LTIP options and the exercise prices are: Date of grant 12 November 2013 03 June 2014 Share price at award date 48.5p 45.1p Vesting date 12 November 2016 03 June 2017 2019 Number ’000s – 100 100 2018 Number ’000s – 100 100 A reconciliation of LTIP option movements over the year is shown below: Outstanding at beginning of year Forfeited during the year Outstanding at the end of the year 2019 Weighted average share price at the date of grant 45.1p – 45.1p Number ’000s 2,150 2,050 100 2018 Weighted average share price at the date of grant 48.2p 48.4p 45.1p Number ’000s 100 – 100 There were 100,000 LTIP options that were exercisable at the end of the year (2018: 100,000). The weighted average contractual life remaining on the LTIP options outstanding at 31 December 2019 is 4.4 years (2018: 5.4 years). At 31 December 2019 the trustee of the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) held 126,496 shares (2018: 126,496) with a market value of £8,000 (2018: £7,000). The net book value of these shares was £40,000 (2018: £40,000) and was deducted from equity. C) SHARE OPTIONS – VALUE OF EMPLOYEE SERVICES The Group recognised a total credit of £Nil (2018: £243,000) related to cash-settled share-based payment transactions in the income statement in the year. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 77 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 77 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 26. RESERVES The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity: Share Premium Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. Capital Redemption Reserve Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares. Merger Reserve Translation Reserve Accumulated Losses The excess of value attributed to shares over the nominal value of those shares which were issued in part or full consideration for the acquisition of more than 90 per cent of the issued share capital of another company. Gains or losses arising on retranslating the net assets of overseas operations into Sterling. All other net gains and losses and transactions with owners (e.g. dividends) not recognised elsewhere. 27. CASH FLOW GENERATED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Reconciliation of loss before taxation to net cash flows from operating activities: Profit/(loss) before tax – continuing operation Profit before tax – discontinued operations Profit/(loss) before tax Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment Amortisation and impairment of development costs Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangibles Share based payment expense Finance income Finance costs Decrease in inventories (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables Decrease in provisions Net cash generated from operating activities 28. PENSIONS DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS 2019 £000 1,329 39 1,368 238 1 847 889 27 (2) 393 70 (1,077) 36 (367) 2,423 2018 £000 (472) 184 (288) 127 10 828 1,419 – (4) 295 15 848 (811) (400) 2,039 The Group operates a stakeholder pension scheme in the UK with Scottish Widows Plc. The total Group pension charge for the year was £0.1 million (2018: £0.1 million). At 31 December 2019 there was £Nil (2018: £Nil) due to the scheme. The Group has no unfunded pension liabilities. 78 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 78 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 FINANCIALS 29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Key management includes directors (executive and non-executive), members of the senior management team and the Company Secretary. The compensation paid or payable to key management for employee services is disclosed in note 7. In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 a full list of subsidiaries, partnerships, associates, and joint ventures of the Group, along with the principal activity, the country of incorporation and the effective percentage of equity owned by Pebble Beach Systems Group plc, as of 31 December 2019, are provided in the entity financial statements of Pebble Beach Systems Group plc. There are no material related parties other than Group companies. 30. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS On 10 February 2020 an extension of the current loan agreement was signed with our bank. The revision secures the facility until 30 November 2021 with banking covenants and a repayment schedule in place. In order to mitigate potential cash flow risks caused by uncertainties relating to Coronavirus (Covid-19), management made a formal application for a Government capital repayment holiday. On 22 April 2020, our bank approved the deferment of the next loan repayment of £380,000 due on 30 June 2020. Furthermore, the bank has indicated their support should a deferment of the September repayment be considered necessary, as global uncertainties around Coronavirus (Covid-19) become clearer. On 23 March 2020 the UK Government announced its “Stay at Home” policy to help fight the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in the UK. Similar measures have been announced in countries around the world at different times. All the Group’s employees and contractors are currently working from home, unless it is essential that they do otherwise. There has been minimal disruption as remote working practices have been extended and adopted. “Virtual” trade shows have been held to replace those cancelled and significant new orders have been won since the restrictions were announced. Interest in our products that permit remote working is high. Management has considered the impact of the global Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak on the Group’s financial statements. They have reviewed the forecasts and projections, including extremely unlikely scenarios, used in concluding that the Group remains a going concern; they have reviewed the assumptions relating to the valuation of intangible assets and investments; they have reviewed the Group’s expected credit losses. Management has concluded that there is no material impact on the Group’s financial statements for 2019. In the Spring Budget 2020, the Government announced that from 1 April 2020 the corporation tax rate would remain at 19 per cent (rather than reducing to 17 per cent, as previously enacted). This new law was substantively enacted on 17 March 2020. As the proposal to keep the rate at 19 per cent had not been substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, its effects are not included in these financial statements. However, it is likely that the overall effect of the change, had it been substantively enacted by the balance sheet date, would be to reduce the tax credit for the period by £30,000 and to increase the deferred tax liability by £30,000. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 79 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 79 COMPANY INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 Administrative expenses Other expenses Operating profit Operating profit is analysed as: Adjusted operating loss Non-recurring items Exchange gains/(losses) credited/(charged) to the income statement Finance costs Finance income Profit before tax Tax Profit for the year being loss attributable to shareholders Note E G Q 2019 £000 (641) 2,373 1,732 (648) 2,373 7 (479) 149 1,402 (2) 1,400 2018 £000 (414) 3,285 2,871 (396) 3,285 (18) (414) 139 2,596 (21) 2,575 The Company has no recognised gains and losses other than the losses for the years stated above and therefore no separate statement of comprehensive income has been presented. 80 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 80 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019 Assets Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Investments in subsidiaries Deferred tax assets Total non-current assets Current assets Trade and other receivables Current tax assets Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets Liabilities Current liabilities Financial liabilities – borrowings Trade and other payables Total current liabilities Net current (liabilities)/assets Non-current liabilities Financial liabilities – borrowings Total non-current liabilities Net assets Equity attributable to shareholders Ordinary shares Share premium Capital redemption reserve Merger reserve Accumulated losses Total equity The company’s registered number: 04082188 FINANCIALS Note 2019 £000 2018 £000 H I N J M K O L O P Q Q Q Q – 14,869 – 14,869 5,155 – 99 5,254 1,520 5,612 7,132 (1,878) 8,030 8,030 4,961 3,115 6,800 617 1,882 (7,453) 4,961 – 12,880 – 12,880 5,025 – 271 5,296 1,100 3,992 5,092 204 9,550 9,550 3,534 3,115 6,800 617 1,882 (8,880) 3,534 The Group will not be able to pay dividends without a court approved capital reduction. The financial statements on pages 80 to 95 were approved by the Board of directors on 29 April 2020 and were signed on its behalf by: John Varney Non-Executive Chairman 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 81 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 81 COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 At 1 January 2018 Profit for the financial year At 31 December 2018 At 1 January 2019 Profit for the financial year Share based payments: value of employee services At 31 December 2019 Ordinary shares £000 3,115 – 3,115 3,115 – – 3,115 Share premium £000 6,800 – 6,800 6,800 – – 6,800 Capital redemption reserve £000 617 – 617 617 – – 617 Merger reserve £000 1,882 – 1,882 Accumulated losses £000 (11,455) 2,575 (8,880) 1,882 – – 1,882 (8,880) 1,400 27 (7,453) Total equity £000 959 2,575 3,534 3,534 1,400 27 4,961 82 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 82 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 FINANCIALS Cash flow from operating activities Cash used in operations Interest paid Taxation paid Net cash used in operating activities Cash flow from investing activities Interest received New intercompany loans Net cash generated from investing activities Cash flow from financing activities Net cash used in repayment of financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December Notes R K 2019 £000 (831) (479) (2) (1,312) 149 2,091 2,240 (1,100) (1,100) (172) 271 99 2018 £000 (538) (414) – (952) 139 2,550 2,689 (850) (850) 887 (616) 271 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 83 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 83 NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A GENERAL INFORMATION The Company is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ. The registered number of the Company is 04082188. B ACCOUNTING POLICIES The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. The separate financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) as adopted by the European Union and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The financial statements comply with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost basis of accounting, except where fair value measurement is required under IFRS. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumption and estimates are significant to the Company financial statements, are disclosed in note 4 of the Group financial statements. GOING CONCERN The directors are required to make an assessment of the Company’s and the Group’s ability to continue to trade as a going concern. At 31 December 2019 the Group’s net debt was £8.4 million (2018: £9.4 million) comprising net cash of £1.1 million (2018: £1.3 million) and the drawn down RCF of £9.5 million (2018: £10.7 million). We maintain a good relationship with our bank and on 10 February 2020 a 12-month extension to the current £9.5 million loan agreement was signed. The revision secures the facility until 30 November 2021 with banking covenants and a repayment schedule in place. We have taken advantage of the Government’s repayment holiday initiatives and have agreed to defer the first payment that was due on 30 June 2020 under our current Facility Agreement signed on 10 February 2020. In order to assess the appropriateness of preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis, management prepared detailed projections of expected cash flows for a period of 3 years for review by the Board. These projections include the impact of margin improvement strategies and sales growth. As part of the review, the Board considered sensitivities with regards to the timing of revenue growth coming from the transition in the broadcast industry from SDI to IP platforms. It looked at sensitivities regarding the improvement of gross margin. Additionally, it considered sensitivities regarding the ongoing revenue and cost assumptions, including the impact of Brexit and extreme and unlikely consequences resulting from the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. All the Group’s employees and contractors are currently working from home, unless it is essential that they do otherwise. There has been minimal disruption, as remote working practices have been extended and adopted. “Virtual” trade shows have been held to replace those cancelled and significant new orders have been won since the restrictions were announced. Interest in our products that permit remote working is high. The Board have concluded that the Group will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities for the foreseeable future and therefore the Group and hence the Company remains a going concern. INVESTMENTS All investments are initially recorded at cost, being the fair value of consideration given including the acquisition costs associated with the investment. Subsequently, they are reviewed for impairment on an individual basis if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. 84 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 84 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 FINANCIALS The Company conducted an impairment review during the year. In addition, there is a judgement for the Company over whether the carrying value of the investments held are fully recoverable. For impairment assessment purposes, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash inflows (cash-generating units). As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at cash-generating unit level. Goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of a related business combination and represent the lowest level within the Group at which management monitors goodwill. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated (determined by the Group’s management as equivalent to its operating segments) are tested for impairment at least annually. All other individual assets or cash-generating units are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s (or cash-generating unit’s) carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. To determine the value in use, management estimates expected future cash flows from each cash-generating unit and determines a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The data used for impairment testing procedures are directly linked to the Group’s latest approved budget, adjusted as necessary to exclude the effects of future reorganisations and asset enhancements. Discount factors are determined individually for each cash-generating unit and reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and asset-specific risk factors. Impairment losses for cash-generating units reduce first the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to that cash- generating unit. Any remaining impairment loss is charged pro rata to the other assets in the cash-generating unit. With the exception of goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist. An impairment loss is reversed if the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment. Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset and the costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use. Depreciation is calculated in order to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful lives by equal annual instalments using the following rates: Plant and computer equipment: 10 per cent – 33 per cent. DEFERRED TAXATION Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible timing differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and tax losses, to the extent that they are regarded as recoverable. They are regarded as recoverable where, on the basis of available evidence, there will be suitable taxable profits against which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted. The carrying value of the amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all, or part, of the tax asset to be utilised. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 85 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:13 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 85 NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS B ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on the tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis. FOREIGN CURRENCIES Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date and non-monetary transactions at the exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. All differences on exchange are taken to the income statement. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS The fair value of employee share plans is calculated using an option-pricing model. In accordance with IFRS 2 “Share- based Payment”, the resulting cost is charged to the income statement over the vesting period of the plans. The value of the charge is adjusted to reflect the expected and actual levels of options vesting. DIVIDENDS Under IAS 10, dividends are not to be recognised as a liability until the dividend is approved by the Company’s shareholders. PENSIONS Company employees are members of money purchase schemes where the obligations of the Company are charged to the income statement as they are incurred. NON-RECURRING ITEMS These are material items excluded from management’s assessment of profit because by their nature they could distort the Group’s underlying quality of earnings. These are excluded to reflect performance in a consistent manner and are in line with how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS Please refer to note 4 of the Group financial statements. C SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY’S AUDITOR During the year, the Company obtained the following services from the Company’s auditor at the costs detailed below: Analysis of fees payable to Grant Thornton UK LLP Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s financial statements Taxation compliance services Taxation advisory services Other non-assurance services 2019 £000 2018 £000 14 14 16 3 12 45 25 25 – – – 25 A description of the work of the Audit Committee is set out in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 20 to 26 and includes an explanation of how auditor objectivity and independence is safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by the auditor. 86 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 86 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:14 D DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES Staff costs (gross of recharges to subsidiary undertakings) during the year were as follows: Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs – defined contribution plans (note 28) Share-based payments (note P) FINANCIALS 2019 £000 166 19 1 27 213 2018 £000 156 – – – 156 The monthly average number of employees employed by the Company during the year was as follows: Average monthly number of employees General and administrative 2019 Number 2018 Number 4 4 3 3 The average number of employees has been calculated on a pro rata basis. The average number of employees includes directors with service contracts. The total number of employees at 31 December 2019 was 4 (2018: 4). Key management compensation for the continuing business: Short-term employee benefits – including salaries, social security costs and non-monetary benefits Post-employment benefits – defined contribution pension plans 2019 £000 – – – 2018 £000 – – – The analysis of key management compensation above includes Executive Directors. Key management is defined as the senior management team. The emoluments of Peter Mayhead were paid and borne by Pebble Beach Systems Ltd. Details of directors’ emoluments are included in the remuneration report on pages 27 to 30. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 87 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:14 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 87 NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E OPERATING PROFIT The following items have been included in arriving at the operating profit for the continuing business: Exchange (gains)/losses (credited)/charged to the income statement Other expenses Other expenses comprise: – Non-recurring items NON-RECURRING ITEMS 2019 £000 (7) 2019 £000 2018 £000 18 2018 £000 (2,373) (3,285) The following items are excluded from management’s assessment of profit because by their nature they could distort the Company’s underlying quality of earnings. They are excluded to reflect performance in a consistent manner and are in line with how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis: Redundancy and restructuring costs Write back impairment of investment Waiver of intercompany loan Write-off of intercompany loans not recoverable 2019 £000 (15) (1,989) (829) 460 (2,373) In 2018 £54,000 provided for the non-recoverability of a loan to a former employee was released to income. It is included in central costs in the Group accounts. F FINANCE INCOME – NET Finance costs – third party Finance costs – intercompany Finance income – third party Finance income – intercompany Finance expense – net 2019 £000 351 128 – (149) 330 Finance costs represent interest payable on bank borrowing and interest charged on intercompany loans. Finance income is derived from cash held on deposit and interest received on intercompany loans. G INCOME TAX CHARGE A) ANALYSIS OF THE TAX CHARGE IN THE YEAR 2018 £000 (54) – (3,500) 269 (3,285) 2018 £000 296 118 (1) (138) 275 Current tax Foreign tax – current year Total current tax Deferred tax UK corporation tax Total deferred tax Total taxation 2019 £000 2018 £000 2 2 – – 2 – – 21 21 21 88 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 88 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:14 B) FACTORS AFFECTING TAX CHARGE FOR THE YEAR The charge for the year can be reconciled to the loss in the income statement as follows: Profit before tax on continuing operations Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19.00% (2018: 19.00%) Permanent differences Current year losses not recognised Overseas taxation Effect of changes in UK tax rate Total taxation H PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Cost At 1 January 2018 Disposals At 1 January and 31 December 2019 Accumulated depreciation At 1 January 2018 Disposals At 1 January and 31 December 2019 Net book value At 31 December 2019 At 31 December 2018 At 1 January 2018 FINANCIALS 2019 £000 1,402 266 (446) 180 2 – 2 2018 £000 2,596 493 (614) 144 – (2) 21 Plant and computer equipment £000 388 (388) – 388 (388) – – – – The directors are of the opinion that there is no material difference between the fair value and carrying value of the property, plant and equipment. I INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES Cost At 1 January and 31 December 2019 Provision for impairment At 1 January 2019 Reversal of previous charge At 31 December 2019 Net book value At 31 December 2019 At 31 December 2018 Investments in subsidiaries’ unlisted shares £000 26,507 13,627 (1,989) 11,638 14,869 12,880 As at 31 December 2019, the carrying value of the company’s investments were tested for impairment resulting in a credit of £2.0 million (2018: £Nil) in respect of its investment in Legacy Broadcast Group Holdings Limited. The valuation was based on the enterprise value of the business. For the purposes of the impairment review the CGUs were determined as each trading entity within the Group and the reversal of the impairment in the current year has resulted in the carrying value of this CGU now being included at cost. The net book value represents an estimate of the recoverable amount of the underlying net assets of the investment in the Group’s subsidiary undertakings. www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 89 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 89 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:14 NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS J TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Amounts owed by Group undertakings Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 2019 £000 5,123 – 32 5,155 2018 £000 4,974 30 21 5,025 Amounts owed by Group undertakings includes loans of £5.2 million (2018: £5.0 million) that bear interest at 2.75 per cent which are repayable on demand. The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified model of recognising lifetime expected credit losses for all trade receivables as these items do not have a significant financing component. In measuring the expected credit losses, the trade receivables have been assessed on a collective basis as they possess shared credit risk characteristics. They have been grouped based on the days past due and also according to the geographical location of customers. K CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and bank balances Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2019 £000 99 99 2018 £000 271 271 Cash and cash equivalents include the following for the purpose of cash flows: The credit quality of the cash and cash equivalents that are not impaired can be assessed by reference to the external credit ratings of the banks where the deposits are held. Credit rating (S&P) A-1 Total 2019 £000 99 99 2018 £000 271 271 Reconciliation of increase in cash and cash equivalents to movement in net cash: Net cash and cash equivalents £000 271 928 (1,100) 2019 Other borrowings £000 (10,650) – 1,100 Total net cash £000 (10,379) 928 – Net cash and cash equivalents £000 (616) 1,737 (850) 2018 Other borrowings £000 (11,500) – 850 Total net cash £000 (12,116) 1,737 – 99 (9,550) (9,451) 271 (10,650) (10,379) At 1 January Cash flow for the year Movement in borrowings in the year Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 90 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 90 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:14 FINANCIALS 2019 £000 18 5,202 392 5,612 2019 £000 – – 2018 £000 248 3,331 413 3,992 2018 £000 – – L TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Trade creditors Amounts owed to Group undertakings Accruals and deferred income M CURRENT TAX LIABILITIES UK corporation tax N DEFERRED TAXATION Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method using a tax rate appropriate to the country in which the deferred tax liability or asset has arisen. Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of all tax losses and other temporary differences to the extent that they are regarded as more likely than not to be recoverable against future profits. From 1 April 2020, the corporation tax rate will be 17 per cent. The 17 per cent rate was substantively enacted on 7 September 2016 and hence deferred tax assets are calculated at 17 per cent. At 1 January and 31 December 2019 Accelerated tax depreciation £000 – Losses £000 – Other £000 – Total £000 – Certain deferred tax assets have not been recognised where it is not considered probable that they will be recovered. Deferred tax asset on losses 2019 £000 1,306 1,306 2018 £000 1,806 1,806 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 91 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:14 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 91 NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS O BANK LOANS Current: Bank loans and overdrafts (secured) Non-current: Bank loans (secured) 2019 £000 2018 £000 1,520 1,100 8,030 9,550 Further information about these facilities is given in note 20 of the Group financial statements. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Numerical financial instrument disclosures are set out below. Additional disclosures are set out in the accounting policies (note 2). FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY Assets as per statement of financial position at 31 December Trade and other receivables excluding prepayments and contract assets Cash and cash equivalents Total 2019 Other financial assets at amortised cost £000 2018 Other financial assets at amortised cost £000 5,123 99 5,222 4,974 271 5,245 There are no financial assets that are pledged as collateral for liabilities or contingent liabilities. 2019 Other financial liabilities at amortised cost £000 2018 Other financial liabilities at amortised cost £000 Liabilities as per statement of financial position at 31 December Trade and other payables excluding contract liabilities and social security liabilities Borrowings Total 5,612 9,550 15,162 3,992 10,650 14,642 P CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL Ordinary shares of 2.5 pence each at 31 December Authorised Allotted and fully paid At 1 January At 31 December POTENTIAL ISSUE OF SHARES The Group has the following share-based payment schemes: A) EXECUTIVE SHARE OPTION SCHEMES Number ’000s 2019 £000 Number ’000s 2018 £000 200,000 5,000 200,000 5,000 124,603 124,603 3,115 3,115 124,603 124,603 3,115 3,115 Executive share options are granted at a fixed exercise price equal to the market price of the shares under option at the date of grant. The contractual life of an option is ten years. Awards are at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. Options will become exercisable on the third anniversary of the date of grant. Exercise of an option is subject to continued employment. 92 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 92 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:14 FINANCIALS During 2019, 6,000,000 (2018: Nil) executive options were granted at an exercise price of 6.18 pence. Certain senior executives hold options to subscribe for shares in the Company at 6.18 pence under the share option schemes approved by shareholders. The number of shares subject to options and the exercise prices are: Date of grant 21 June 2019 Exercise price 6.18p Exercise period 21/06/24 – 20/06/29 A reconciliation of executive option movements over the year is shown below: 2019 Number ’000s 6,000 6,000 2018 Number ’000s – – Outstanding at beginning of year Lapsed during the year Issued during the year Outstanding at the end of the year Exercisable at the end of the year 2019 Weighted average exercise price – – 6.18p 6.18p – Number ’000s – – 6,000 6,000 – 2018 Weighted average exercise price 54.0p 54.0p – – – Number ’000s 1,184 1,184 – – – No options were exercised in 2019 (2018: Nil). The options outstanding at 31 December 2019 had a weighted average exercise price of 6.18 pence and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 9.5 years. No options were outstanding at 31 December 2018. The fair value of the options granted was determined using the Black-Scholes model. It was assumed that all the performance criteria would be met and that all the options granted would vest. Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group’s share price over the previous three years. The risk-free rate of return is the yield on zero coupon UK government bonds of a term consistent with the assumed option life. B) LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (LTIP) Options have been granted as nil cost options under this scheme. The options granted under this scheme are generally exercisable at the end of the performance period and for seven years thereafter. Awards under this scheme are reserved for employees at senior management level and above. If an employee leaves the employment of the Group, a proportion of his award may be deemed to have vested, subject to satisfying any performance conditions and at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. Awards under the LTIP scheme are subject to performance criteria, the scales relating to which will be determined annually by the Remuneration Committee. Details of the performance criteria are disclosed in the Remuneration Report. No new LTIP options were granted during the year (2018: nil). The number of shares subject to LTIP options and the exercise prices are: Date of grant 12 November 2013 03 June 2014 Share price at award date 48.5p 45.1p Vesting date 12 November 2016 03 June 2017 2019 Number ’000s – 100 100 2018 Number ’000s – 100 100 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 93 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:14 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 93 NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS P CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED A reconciliation of LTIP option movements over the year is shown below: Outstanding at beginning of year Forfeited during the year Outstanding at the end of the year 2019 Weighted average share price at the date of grant 45.1p – 45.1p Number ’000s 100 – 100 2018 Weighted average share price at the date of grant 48.2p 48.4p 45.1p Number ’000s 2,150 2,050 100 There were 100,000 LTIP options that were exercisable at the end of the year (2018: 100,000). The weighted average contractual life remaining on the LTIP options outstanding at 31 December 2019 is 4.4 years (2018: 5.4 years). At 31 December 2019 the trustee of the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) held 126,496 shares (2018: 126,496) with a market value of £Nil (2018: £Nil). The net book value of these shares was £40,000 (2018: £40,000) and was deducted from equity. C) SHARE OPTIONS – VALUE OF EMPLOYEE SERVICES The Group recognised a total credit of £nil (2018: £242,621) related to cash-settled share-based payment transactions in the income statement in the year. Q RESERVES At 1 January 2019 Profit for the financial year At 31 December 2019 Ordinary shares £000 3,115 – 3,115 Share premium £000 6,800 – 6,800 Capital redemption reserve £000 617 – 617 Merger reserve £000 1,882 – 1,882 Accumulated losses £000 (8,880) 1,427 (7,453) R CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Reconciliation of loss before taxation to net cash flows from operating activities. Profit before tax Reversal of impairment of investment Impairment of intercompany loans Share-based payment expense Finance income Finance costs Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables Decrease in trade and other payables Net cash used in operating activities 2019 £000 1,402 (1,989) (369) 27 (149) 479 19 (251) (831) 2018 £000 2,596 – (3,231) – (139) 414 (17) (161) (538) S CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS The Company is party to a cross-guarantee to secure bank borrowings and facilities for credit cards, bonds and guarantees to certain members of the Group. At 31 December 2019, there was £9.5 million of bank borrowings outstanding (2018: £10.7 million). The Company has no capital expenditure contracted for but not provided at 31 December 2019 (2018: £Nil). 94 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 94 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:15 FINANCIALS T RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The subsidiaries of the Group which are unlisted unless otherwise indicated, are shown below. The following subsidiaries are included in the Group’s consolidated results. Proportion of ordinary shares held by the Group 100% Principal activity Management holding company Country of incorporation and operation UK 100% Non-trading company UK Legacy Broadcast Group Holdings Limited* Legacy Broadcast International Limited Pebble Beach Systems Limited 100% Pebble Beach Systems R&D Limited 100% Pebble Broadcast Systems, Inc. 100% Legacy Broadcast Communications Limited Legacy Broadcast Limited Amplifier Technology Limited (in liquidation) 100% 100% 100% Software service, video capture and playout provider for the broadcast industry Research and development of new software** Software service, video capture and playout provider for the broadcast industry** Dormant Company** UK UK USA UK Dormant Company** Ireland Dormant Company** UK Legacy Broadcast Holdings Limited (in liquidation) Continental Microwave Limited (in liquidation) Legacy Broadcast Technology Limited (in liquidation) Link Research Limited (in liquidation) Advent Communications Limited (in liquidation) Multipoint Communications Limited (in liquidation) Gigawave Limited (in liquidation) 100% Dormant Company** UK 100% Dormant Company** UK 100% Dormant Company** UK 100% Dormant Company** UK 100% Dormant Company** UK 100% Dormant Company** UK 100% Dormant Company** UK * Owned directly by the Company ** Unaudited Registered office Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware 19713, USA Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England Unit 12, Horizon Business Village, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TJ, England 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 95 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:15 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 95 ANALYSIS OF SHAREHOLDERS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019 Holding size range 0–1,000 1,001–5,000 5,001–10,000 10,001–100,000 Over 100,000 Number of shareholders 3,491 1,820 271 199 66 5,847 Percentage of total shareholders 60.0 31.0 5.0 3.0 1.0 100.0 Number of shares (000) 1,541 4,101 2,034 6,140 110,787 124,603 Percentage of issued share capital 1.24 3.29 1.63 4.93 88.91 100.0 WARNING TO SHAREHOLDERS: BOILER ROOM SCAMS Many companies are aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters. These are typically from overseas-based “brokers” who target UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high-risk shares in US or UK investments. These operations are commonly known as “boiler rooms”. These “brokers” can be very persistent and extremely persuasive. The directors have been made aware that approaches have been made to Pebble Beach Systems Group plc shareholders. Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company reports. More detailed information on this or similar activity can be found on the FCA website http://www.fca.org.uk/ or by calling the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768. 96 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 96 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:15 SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION COMPANY INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS JOHN VARNEY Independent Non-Executive Chairman ROBIN HOWE Senior Independent Non-Executive Director Remuneration Committee Chairman Audit Committee Chairman GRAHAM PITMAN Non-Executive Director PETER MAYHEAD Group Chief Executive Officer REGISTERED OFFICE 12 Horizon Business Village 1 Brooklands Road Weybridge Surrey KT13 0TJ COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 04082188 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR GRANT THORNTON UK LLP 3140 Rowan Place John Smith Drive Oxford OX4 2WB LEGAL ADVISERS PINSENT MASONS LLP 3 Colmore Circus Birmingham B4 6BH REGISTRARS COMPUTERSHARE INVESTOR SERVICES PLC The Pavilions Bridgwater Road Bristol BS13 8AE NOMINATED ADVISER AND BROKER FINNCAP LTD BANKERS SANTANDER CORPORATE BANKING 60 New Broad Street London  EC2M 1JJ 2 Triton Square Regent’s Place London NW1 3AN SHAREHOLDER QUERIES All queries regarding shareholdings, dividends, lost share certificates or changes of address should be communicated in writing to Pebble Beach Systems Group plc, c/o Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS13 8AE, stating the registered shareholder’s name and address. Telephone: 0370 703 6270. Shareholders may also check their shareholding, dividend payments or update their personal details via the Investor Services section of the Registrars’ website at www.computershare.com. This is a secure section of the Computershare website. To access your details you will require the unique Shareholder Reference Number, found on the corresponding share certificate. SHAREHOLDER ECOMS WEBSITE For further up-to-date shareholder information, please visit www.pebbleplc.com. NEWS ALERTS To receive the latest news announcements and press releases by email please visit www.pebbleplc.com and follow the link to the news and events/email alerts page to register your details. UNSOLICITED MAIL The Company is required by law to make its share register available on request to the public and organisations which may use it as a mailing list, resulting in shareholders receiving unsolicited mail. Shareholders wishing to limit the receipt of such mail should write to the Mailing Preference Service, DMA House, 70 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SS or register online at www.mpsonline.org.uk. 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 97 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:15 www.pebbleplc.com Stock code: PEB 97 Pebble Beach Systems Group plc A leading global software business specialising in playout automation and content management solutions for the broadcast and streaming service markets. ANNUAL REPORT 2019 P e b b l e B e a c h S y s t e m s G r o u p p l c A n n u a l R e p o r t & F i n a n c i a l S t a t e m e n t s f o r t h e y e a r e n d e d 3 1 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9 27371 Pebble Beach Systems AR 2019.indd 3 27371 20 May 2020 1:39 pm Proof 7 20/05/2020 13:40:04 

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