ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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Summary Results and Trends
Chairman's Statement
Strategic Report
Financial Report
Directors and Advisors
Report on Directors’ Remuneration
Directors’ Report
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
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Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Income Statements
and Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income
Consolidated and Company Balance Sheets
Consolidated and Company
Cash Flow Statements
Consolidated and Company Statements
of Changes in Equity
Notes to the Financial Statements
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Sopheon and Accolade are registered trademarks of Sopheon plc.
Accolade Roadmapping, Idea Lab, Process Manager, Portfolio Center and Vision Strategist are trademarks of Sopheon plc.
Microsoft, Excel and PowerPoint are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or in other countries.
Stage-Gate is a registered trademark of the Product Development Institute, Inc.
Sopheon’s mission is to help our customers
achieve exceptional long-term growth and
profitability through sustainable innovation.
We do this by providing software, services and best practices that help complex, global enterprises to
increase the return on their R&D and broader innovation investments. We provide transparency and insight
to improve decision making through an integrated innovation platform which drives performance across four
distinct business capabilities required to achieve sustainable innovation.
The Sopheon solution was designed from the start to keep business strategy front of mind and continuously
aligned with execution throughout the innovation life cycle, ensuring market success.
Strategic
Innovation Planning
& Roadmapping
Idea & Concept
Development
Innovation
Process & Project
Management
Portfolio Optimization
& Resource Planning
VESUVIUS: black 85%VESUVIUS: whiteA selection of products and brands powered by Accolade. First to introduce smart
technologies and PPT
on a single click
First to embed
graphical “product
life cycle” stages
PPT
XLS
DOC
MPP
First to implement
enterprise-wide,
fully-integrated
Innovation Planning
and Roadmapping
First to embed
30 years of
best-practice
know-how
First to introduce
integrated roadmapping,
planning, execution,
ideation and portfolio
in one solution
First to
automate
Stage-Gate®
First and only to provide a
genetic (learning) algorithm to
assist with portfolio alignment
(smart optimization)
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2015
Since inception Sopheon has built a
roster of approaching 250 licensees,
including some of the world’s best
known companies and brands.
Market recognition from industry
voices such as Gartner, CIMdata
and CGT magazine is underpinned
by 100% customer satisfaction with
recent deployments.
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CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
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C H A I R M A N ' S S T A T E M E N T
My last annual statement to shareholders highlighted the ongoing transition in Sopheon’s
business model, and its impact on our performance. It is very gratifying, one year later, to
be able to report solid strategic progress and results for 2015. Revenues grew from just
over $18m to almost $21m. This double-digit growth was achieved in spite of headwind in
the form of a strengthening dollar. The improvement in profitability was even more marked,
with EBITDA more than tripling to $4.1m, and profit before tax at $1.2m.
Two years ago we embarked on a strategic growth transition to migrate from delivering
process automation tools to delivering enterprise class innovation management solutions. We made substantial
progress in 2014, but not without some disruption to business momentum, which continued into the first half of
2015. In spite of these short-term financial consequences, we remained confident in our path during the transition
and continued to lead the market in vision, experience and capability that today in our opinion remain unmatched
by competitors. Our dual market segmentation focus on both the complex global enterprise and the simpler,
“out-of-the-box” Express model for quick time to value, is gaining traction. This view is validated by the naming
of Sopheon in Gartner’s 2015 Market Guide for Enterprise PPM Software, and recent Enterprise Innovation
Management research conducted by CIMdata.
Our 2015 performance was broad based. We signed 14 new customers and closed another 28 transactions with
existing customers. New wins included expansion of our Asian presence with a major Chinese chemical business
sold through our important partner relationship in that territory, and several Express offerings that are now fully
deployed. In addition, we signed a number of major enterprise contracts, including a software-as-a-service
(SaaS) deal with a Fortune 100 consumer products corporation with substantial recurring revenue potential.
Our largest customer accounted for 11 percent of revenue, and no other customer was above 6 percent. The
strengthening recurring base, along with a sizeable proportion of the work resulting from our 2015 successes,
have carried over into 2016, giving revenue visibility* above $12m as compared to just over $10m a year ago.
As in previous years, we maintained the pace of new product releases consistent with our Agile methodology,
releasing Accolade® 9.3 in February 2015, Accolade 10.0 in June and Accolade 10.1 in September. Since the end
of the year we released Accolade 10.2 in January. We have been taking action to enable world-class adoption of
our solutions for some time and we are now seeing the benefits in our performance metrics in both of the market
segments mentioned above. All of our product releases include new and enhanced functionality driven by both
customer and market needs and our sales and services organizations have been restructured to be customer
value centric. We saw third-party validation of this effort in the recent Sopheon recognition as Customer Service
Leader in the new product development and introduction solutions category as voted by the executive readership
of Consumer Goods Technology (CGT) magazine, selection by the same readership for the sixth consecutive year
as a best-in-class new product development solution, and the Gartner and CIMdata reports mentioned above.
I was deeply saddened to announce in January that Dr. Bernard Al, a non-executive director, passed away during
the holiday period. A true professional with vast experience and integrity, Bernard served on the Sopheon board
from 2001, making a vital contribution. He will be greatly missed.
On a more positive note, I am delighted to share such positive financial validation of our progress. The board
remains confident that Sopheon is on the right path, with strong momentum and pipeline for further advancement
in 2016. We continue to expand resources in line with the growth areas of the business to support this strong
momentum, and maintain our leading market position. Our success is in no small part due to the commitment
and diligence of our people, and I take this opportunity to thank all in Sopheon who made it possible.
Barry Mence
Executive Chairman
16 March 2016
* Revenue visibility comprises revenue expected from (i) closed license orders, including those which are contracted but
conditional on acceptance decisions scheduled later in the year; (ii) contracted services business delivered or expected
to be delivered in the year; and (iii) recurring maintenance, hosting and rental streams. The visibility calculation does not
include revenues from new sales opportunities expected to close during the remainder of the year.
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STRATEGIC REPORT
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S T R A T E G I C R E P O R T
In this report, our CEO Andy Michuda provides more details on Sopheon’s mission and
differentiation, our principal growth strategies and an update on our people, processes
and platform. A summary of the principal risk areas facing the business is set out in
the Directors’ Report. Further analysis of Sopheon’s financial results during the year,
including a review of the business, the financial position at the end of the year, key
indicators and an overview of key corporate developments are set out in the Financial
Report that follows this report.
What We Do
Sopheon’s mission is to help our customers achieve exceptional long-term growth and profitability through
sustainable innovation. We do this by providing software and services that help complex, global enterprises to
increase the market success rate of their innovation efforts, to improve R&D throughput and time to market, and
to increase the value per product or service in their innovation portfolio. We provide transparency and insight to
improve decision making across four distinct business capabilities required to achieve sustainable innovation.
• Strategic alignment of long-term Innovation Plans with market requirements, industry regulations, and
supply chain capabilities; to create stronger strategic initiatives and priorities.
• Generation and development of higher value Ideas and Concepts to fill key gaps relevant to achieving
strategic initiatives.
• Improved Process and Project Management that tracks and enables key decision making, focused on
evaluating projects associated with innovation initiatives, and accelerating productivity and velocity of
development efforts through better execution and collaboration.
• Data management, analytics and integrity tools improve Portfolio Optimization to ensure the best return
on innovation investments.
How do we get more
from our portfolio?
Is our portfolio achieving
our performance goals?
Should this initiative move
forward for launch?
Should this initiative move
into development?
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What plans do we create to
achieve business objectives?
Which strategies
will we pursue?
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Which ideas/concepts support
our strategic objectives?
Which ideas/concepts
are viable initiatives?
Research indicates that on average, only 50 percent of new products achieve their desired business
objectives. We have helped customers implement effective innovation management processes to dramatically
increase this success rate, with some as high as 85 percent.
A common innovation and new product development challenge companies face is coordinating resources to bring
products to market. We help improve throughput efficiency, enabling 15-30 percent more products to be
brought to market for the same investment.
We have helped companies increase the value of their portfolios by 75-100 percent or more through a
combination of:
• connecting innovation strategy with operational execution;
• funding and resourcing only the highest quality initiatives;
• managing processes more effectively;
• optimizing and balancing the product portfolio.
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STRATEGIC REPORT
What Makes Sopheon Different
The Sopheon solution was designed from the start as a decision support system focusing on business
value that is critical to enterprise growth. Over recent years Sopheon has expanded its value to our client
user community by improving the usability of our software, reducing the number of “clicks” required for the
same work result, and introducing more intelligence into the Accolade platform. Recent market recognition of
Sopheon’s progress includes:
• Sopheon was voted Customer Satisfaction Leader by CGT Magazine’s executive readership in 2015
and named as a Top 10 solution provider for new product development and introduction for the sixth
consecutive year in the public announcement in January of 2016.
• In a recent survey conducted by my office, 100 percent of the new clients who deployed Accolade in
2014 or 2015 reported that Sopheon met or exceeded the expectations they had at the time of contract
signature.
• Gartner recognized favorable market movement and named Sopheon as a market leading vendor in its
2015 Market Guide for Enterprise PPM Software. This research defines the Enterprise PPM Software
market as an evolving and maturing market. Gartner reports it experienced an increase in client inquiries
about Sopheon in 2015.
• CIMdata delivered its first market research on the Enterprise Innovation Management (EIM) market as a
growing market segment and named Sopheon as a thought-leader in the space.
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We are very proud of the recent industry recognition which is the result
of hard work, focus and investment in both our people and our
product. Our clients expect Sopheon to provide domain expertise
to assist them in improving their innovation performance, a
competency that has been uniquely learned and created in
the deployment of our solution to market leaders for some
15 years. We have doubled our consultancy depth and
competency to support our continued growth, and we continue
to invest further in this domain knowledge to support further
separation from the competition during 2016.
Our product investment made in 2014 to expand the seamless
integration between long-range planning and operational
execution capabilities paid dividends in 2015 with more clients
investing in the full Enterprise Innovation suite of capabilities.
“While we have
had significant success in
new product development due
to pockets of innovation that were
very successful, the pain point has
always been not having a ‘single source
of truth.’ With low adoption of these
fragmented systems, there was no way
to manage our portfolio and projects
effectively. This resulted in longer cycle
times and very poor visibility to how
financial commitments are met (or not met)
at a high level of confidence. Not having a
harmonized process was a key challenge
initially which we tackled first. Now we
are harmonizing our systems by
implementing an enterprise
innovation management
software platform.”
The combination of deep domain knowledge of Sopheon’s
people with the increased operational value that Accolade
delivers is resonating with global industry leaders as they
turn to Sopheon for partnership.
Lux Chakrapani
Director of Manufacturing & Technology Applications,
Honeywell Performance Materials & Technologies
Sopheon’s solutions have been implemented by over 200 customers with over 60,000 users in over 50 countries.
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STRATEGIC REPORT
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Industry Trends
We see a continuing convergence of the business, economic and market
trends that play directly into Sopheon’s market position, solutions and
investments.
• Business Transformation – Companies are turning their
attention to operationalizing innovation. This is often part of a
transformational initiative out of the CEO’s office and requires a
tool for what some clients refer to as “complexity management”
to connect and link all the essential components of their
enterprise together. The market driver for this transformation
comes from the combination of two primary market disruptors—
digitization and consumerization—which are resulting in market shifts
and change occurring at an unprecedented pace.
• Cadence of the Modern Operating Plan – The traditional annual
“Vesuvius had
introduced a Stage-Gate
process previously using an
R&D centric effort with limited
success. Last year, we took a
more cross-functional approach,
resulting in momentum that
exceeded our project timeline
goals. Accolade’s out-of-the-box
best practices and cross-functional
ease of use played an important
role in speed of implementation
and high adoption
of our process.”
operating plan (AOP) process is being reengineered in most
companies to deal with the rate of change mentioned above.
The new AOP process must be iterative, dynamic and responsive to market changes as they occur. The
traditional means of managing the AOP process—Microsoft® Excel® and PowerPoint®, in conjunction with
a multitude of meetings—no longer meet the needs of the business. To operate with agility and respond
to market changes with speed, the modern enterprise must be wired and connected in a way that the
traditional tools do not support.
George Coulston, PhD
VP and CTO, Vesuvius
• Sustainable Innovation – Moving with speed remains a struggle for large global companies, due to rising
complexity inherent in the DNA of corporate infrastructure and traditional business models.
We believe that Sopheon’s Enterprise Innovation Management platform remains uniquely positioned to leverage
these three major trends. Accolade was designed to provide connectivity, manage complexity, and enable even
the largest global corporations to operate rapidly and nimbly as market disrupters occur at warp speed.
Accolade connects the enterprise so that board-level strategy is driven, propagated, managed, tracked and
realized through all areas and levels of the organization with speed. It enables visibility across the entire
innovation life cycle, which supports the nimble decision-making capabilities companies need.
None of this can be achieved without an Enterprise Innovation Management system in place.
Growth Strategy
Sopheon’s growth strategy is to enable corporations to operationalize corporate initiative and innovation
management. Our focus requires Sopheon to:
• Increase industry-specific domain knowledge and solutions: We have always believed that different
vertical markets, while sharing core functionality needs, have differing pain-points and best practice
traditions. In 2015 we continued our objective to dominate in our chosen core verticals of chemical,
aerospace, consumer products and high technology. Sopheon’s long history and experience in these
verticals enables us to operate as an industry connector for our clients, introducing them to one another to
jointly learn and advance their competency and success.
• Introduce new offerings to leverage growth from our customer base: Sopheon’s roster of customer
names is a hugely impressive list of the world’s leading companies. In 2015 Sopheon continued to expand
the range of our innovation solutions providing the opportunity for us to extend our footprint within our
customers across their enterprise, to deliver considerably higher value for their investment in Accolade.
Client expansion in 2015 was markedly strong, with a material increase in revenue from existing clients
over previous years as a result.
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• Transform the Sopheon client experience: Sopheon has, in recent years, invested in extensive
customer value based programs. These programs extend across the organization from sales, to service
deployment to product development engineering. The focus of these collective programs has been to
delight the client with value and their experience with Sopheon across the board. These programs are
showing favorable results in client satisfaction ratings, industry ratings and improved client retention rates
in each of the past three years with improvement year over year. The market recognition highlighted
above points to the positive results of these efforts. With our increased focus on enterprise deployments,
we also continued to further strengthen our relationship with top tier consulting firms, an area we believe
will be key to the acceleration of our growth.
• Expand the Partner Ecosystem: Sopheon continues to invest in and
develop additional distribution channels. Our reseller partners in Asia
signed Shanghai Huyai, a large chemical company in China. This
deployment represents another advancement in our three year
Chinese reseller partnership. Furthermore, last year’s introduction
of Accolade Express and our initial commercial success has
provided learnings from which we will continue to evolve the
Accolade Express product into our partner platform to make it
more suitable for reseller partners. We will further test and develop
our reseller partnership network during the course of this year.
“The Accolade
deployment exceeded
expectations. It was the first
software implementation Certis
has undertaken that was completed
ahead of schedule, and it has been
more successful than we could
have hoped. Adoption is high;
everyone involved understands
the value of the Accolade system
and is now asking how they
can use it more broadly
beyond the initial
application.”
People, Process & Platform
People & Process
Jennifer Lewis
Head of Portfolio, Certis
As stated, Sopheon is differentiated in the market by its industry-leading
reputation for deep domain expertise in the product development and innovation management arena. That
know-how is instituted in our methodologies, our best practices and our substantial experience developed
through many years of helping top businesses achieve innovation success.
Last year at this time, we reported we brought in new sales leadership in the US and Europe, along with
several new team members and heightened focus between new customer acquisition and existing customer
account management. Our services organization has also been restructured to align with delivering client
value. We are very proud of the commitment that our people have shown to the company, to our clients and
to these changes. We place great emphasis on the development of our people to institutionalize this deep
experience and knowledge of Enterprise Innovation in our customer-facing teams.
We are proud of our 100 percent “Met” or “Exceeded” client rating in 2015 and
“We support our
hardware development
processes with Accolade as
well as the Agile processes for
our Software Development.
Accolade is so flexible, it lets
you do what you need to do.
You can really support any
process necessary,
and Accolade will
facilitate it.”
we continue to prioritize growth and development in this area.
Platform
Consistent with our “Best Client Experience” strategy we continue to
invest in revolutionizing the Accolade user experience. Over the years
Sopheon has made significant investments in product development as a
commitment to maintaining our leadership of a market we helped to create,
through our own innovation. These investments have been consistently
held above 20 percent of revenue. Our Product Development organization
operates using an Agile methodology, which drives greater customer
Bruno Marchand
Vice President R&D,
IBA Dosimetry GmbH
interaction and feedback directly into the development process. It allows
maximum flexibility to respond to market needs, while at the same time
supporting strategic needs.
It is Sopheon’s commitment to deliver three major releases a year. We
have now been delivering on this cadence for long enough that the majority of our clients expect and plan
for our releases. In 2015 we released Accolade 9.3 in February, Accolade 10.0 in June and Accolade 10.1 in
September. Since the end of the year we released Accolade 10.2 in January 2016. Our releases continue
to be aligned to market needs and reflect extensive input from our customer panels. The development focus
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in the last twelve months has been on enhancing personal productivity and a user experience that reduces
the level of manual intervention in work processes, both of which increase the speed and agility with which
organizations operate. In parallel with these developments, we have continued to advance the out-of-the-box
best practices that underpin our Accolade Express solution for rapid adoption and time to value, resulting in
several wins as noted elsewhere in this report.
Sopheon’s Accolade solution provides integrated support for innovation planning, roadmapping, idea and concept
development, process, project, portfolio, resource and in-market management.
Beyond the market and customer inputs, at the strategic level we continue to track four key product roadmap
drivers—social, mobile, software-as-a-service (SaaS) and information. These drivers mesh with global trends
that are facing the majority of software companies today and we are focused on ensuring that new releases
keep pace with market expectations in these areas.
A summary of the principal risks areas facing the business is set out in the Directors' Report.
Approved by the board on 16 March 2016 and signed on its behalf by:
Andy Michuda
CEO
Accolade® Solution• Innovation & NPD Process• Project & Portfolio Management (PPM)• Collaborative Workflow• Stage-Gate® & Other Process Automation• Time TrackingInnovationPlanningRoadmappingIdea ManagementProcess ManagementPortfolioOptimization• Define Targets & Strategies• Multi-Layer Planning• Planning Board• Taxonomy Visualization• Real-Time Collaboration• Market, Product & Technology Planning• Roadmapping Automation• Dependencies• Milestones• Conflict Resolution• Gantt & Composite Views• Idea & Concept Development • Campaigns• Communities• Collaboration• Ideation Accelerator• Reputation• Portfolio Optimizer• Portfolio Classes• Portfolio Accelerator• Scenarios• Resource Planning• Ranking & Prioritization
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FINANCIAL REPORT
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F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T
In this report, our CFO Arif Karimjee provides further analysis of Sopheon’s financial results during
2015, our financial position at the end of the year, and an overview of key corporate developments.
Trading Performance
Sopheon’s consolidated turnover in 2015 was $20.9m, compared to $18.3m in 2014. The
overall shape of the business continues to be approximately one-third Europe and two-thirds North
America, with a contribution from other territories including Asia, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East.
Total license transactions including extension orders were 42 in 2015, the same volume as 2014. However, the year also
featured rising average revenue per license transaction, resulting in substantially higher license revenues overall. Both
services and maintenance were higher as well; but the increase was most marked in the license area. Overall, revenues
grew 14 percent, however this was in the face of a substantial rise in the US Dollar exchange rate against the Euro and
Sterling, depressing the relative contribution from sales denominated in those currencies; on a constant currency basis,
we estimate that reported 2015 revenues would have been approximately $0.8m higher, representing growth of
18 percent. Coming into 2016, revenue visibility for the year stood above $12m compared to just over $10m a year ago.
After a relatively slow start in the first half of 2015, the second half of the year recorded substantial increase in volume,
sales and revenue. Over the years we have frequently referred to the sensitivity of our license results to individual
sales events. Historically, the second and fourth quarters tend to be strong and the final quarter of 2015 was a
particularly marked example, being the strongest revenue quarter in our history. This was less true of the second
quarter performance. As we announced towards the end of 2014, a number of large transactions that we had originally
expected to close that year were deferred to 2015. Such delays are often reflective of an opportunity growing in size
and scale; this has potential for a good long-term outcome but of course the impact on the year under review can be
unwelcome. A good number of these transactions closed in 2015. However, we continue to work a number of sizeable
opportunities that we are confident to close in the current year.
The overall base of recurring business rose to approximately $8.2m compared to $7.8m coming into last year – but as
noted above, this rise would be greater had exchange rates in 2015 not moved so sharply in favor of the US Dollar.
Furthermore, the figures above do not include the impact of signed SaaS business expected to contribute at least $0.3m
annually following completion of implementation. Attrition remained at excellent levels, with 94% retention by value.
Although this metric has shown steady improvement over recent years, we believe that building recurring revenue is a
key goal for Sopheon, and are deepening retention programs alongside our focus on account management to ensure
that the base remains engaged and enjoys increasing value from its investment. The majority of recurring income is
represented by maintenance services, but also includes hosting and cloud services. Overall, in 2015 our business
delivered a 29:38:33 ratio of licenses, maintenance, and services respectively compared to 21:42:37 in the previous
year. This marks a strong return of license revenue as a cornerstone of our business model, driven by the closure of
several larger opportunities as noted in the previous paragraph. As the highest margin component of our revenue,
the increase in license has in turn driven a positive impact on overall gross margins, which have risen to 72 percent,
compared to 66 percent in 2014.
Research and Development Expenditure
Overall expenditure in product development resources decreased by approximately $0.4m to $4.0m in 2015, following
a steady annual rise since 2010; this compares to the headline R&D reported in the income statement showing
broadly flat at $4.3m. The difference between these two figures is due to the effects of capitalization and amortization
of development costs. The amount of 2015 research and development expenditure that met the criteria of IAS38 for
capitalization was $2.1m (2014: $2.4m) offset by amortization charges of $2.4m (2014: $2.1m). These capitalized costs
are largely attributable to the group’s investment in the Accolade 9.3, 10.0, 10.1 and 10.2 releases. Sopheon remains
committed to product leadership, with excellence in research and software development as a critical core competency of
the group. Since 2001 Sopheon’s reported research and development charges each year have been least 20 percent
of revenues reported in that year. For 2015, this metric was 20 percent (2014: 23 percent).
Operating Costs
Over the last four years, Sopheon has held staffing between 100-115 depending on current requirements and natural
movement in people in and out of the business. Our focus is on securing the right mix of people rather than targeting
a headcount number. Overall, Sopheon has a relatively mature and highly qualified blend of staff, reflecting the
professional and intellectual demands of our chosen market. We ended the year with 100 staff; this has already risen
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FINANCIAL REPORT
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as we have added new resources in a number of key areas as we implement our 2016 plans. The average headcount
during 2015 was 105, compared to 114 the year before.
Although staffing numbers were broadly lower year on year, all cost areas were impacted by a higher bonus attributable
to the strong 2015 performance. The corporate bonus scheme covers the majority of the group’s executives and
employees, with the principal exception of the sales teams for whom incentives are tied to individual or territory results.
This has also contributed to the higher payables balance at the year end, since the bonuses are not paid until the
following year. Bonus costs in a given year are allocated to the relevant categories of the income statement.
Costs of the professional services organization are included in costs of sales. Staffing in this area was lower than in
the previous year, which did lead to some stretch in this area particularly towards the back end of the year. We are
delighted to have recruited a number of highly qualified new consultants since the end of the year who are already being
deployed on projects. Detailed comments regarding research and development costs are noted above. Continued
focus on quality as opposed to quantity in the marketing area resulted in lower marketing costs overall, however
this was more than offset by the effect of a full year of the expanded sales team recruited in 2014, alongside higher
commission and bonus costs linked to the stronger performance. Accordingly, sales and marketing costs rose to $6.5m
in 2015 compared to $6.2m in 2014. Headline administration costs have risen by approximately $0.1m, mainly due to
the impact of the bonus and a number of other small movements. Exchange movements played a relatively small role
in the year’s profit performance in spite of the impact on revenues noted above. This is due to a natural hedge between
local currency revenues and costs within each entity. Although the group does not hedge currency balances as a matter
of policy, we do try to keep currencies local and time currency purchases so as to minimize exposures.
Results
In common with other technology businesses, Sopheon reports EBITDA as a key indicator of the underlying performance
of our business. EBITDA is further defined and reconciled to profit before tax in Note 4. The combined effect of the
revenue and cost performance discussed above has resulted in Sopheon’s EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Tax,
Depreciation and Amortization) performance for 2015 rising very strongly to $4.1m, from $1.2m in 2014. Including the
effect of interest, depreciation and amortization, the group reported a profit before tax for the year of $1.2m (2014: loss
of $1.5m). Although Sopheon benefits from accumulated tax losses in a number of jurisdictions this is not universal and
accordingly a small tax charge has been provided. The profit per ordinary share was 15.5 cents (2014: loss per share
of 20.9 cents).
Facilities and Assets
In February 2014 the group established new bank facilities with the London branch of Silicon Valley Bank. These
facilities comprise a term loan of $0.5m repayable in 36 equal monthly instalments, and a $3m revolving line of credit.
These facilities have just been renewed and refinanced by Silicon Valley Bank for a three year period through January
2019, reflecting the growing maturity of the Sopheon business. Both facilities bear interest at rates of 2.75 percent over
Wall Street Prime, resulting in a current effective rate of 6.25 percent. The facilities are subject to covenants based on
working capital ratios. The drawdown mechanics and interest rates are also subject to working capital ratios.
To underpin the group’s growth strategies, in two tranches in 2009 and 2011, the company issued a total of £2m of
convertible unsecured loan stock (the “Loan Stock”) to a group of investors including key members of the board and
senior management team. In June 2014, the Loan Stock investors agreed to extend the maturity date by two years to
31 January 2017. The conversion price is 76.5 pence per share. The board has entered discussions with holders of the
Loan Stock with a view to extending maturity for a further two years.
During its development phase, Sopheon had contracted an equity line of credit facility with GEM Global Yield Fund
Limited ("GEM") which was renewed on several occasions. In view of the rising maturity of Sopheon’s business, the
board allowed the facility to lapse on 23 December 2015.
Consolidated net assets at the end of the year stood at $5.5m (2014: $4.2m). Gross cash resources at 31 December 2015
amounted to $7.0m (2014: $4.7m). Approximately $4.5m was held in US Dollars, $2.4m in Euros and $0.1m in Sterling.
Intangible assets stood at $5.6m (2014: $5.9m) at the end of the year. This includes (i) $4.6m being the net book value
of capitalized research and development (2014: $4.9m) and (ii) an additional $1.0m (2014: $1.0m) being goodwill arising
on the acquisitions of Alignent Software Inc., and Sopheon GmbH.
Approved by the board on 16 March 2016 and signed on its behalf by:
Arif Karimjee
CFO
1 4
DIRECTORS AND ADVISORS
1 5
D I R E C T O R S A N D A D V I S O R S
Directors
Barry K. Mence
Andrew L. Michuda
Arif Karimjee ACA
Stuart A. Silcock FCA
Daniel Metzger
Executive Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Secretary
Arif Karimjee
Registered Office
Registered Name and Number
Dorna House One
Guildford Road
West End, Surrey GU24 9PW
Sopheon plc.
Registered in England and Wales
No. 3217859
Silicon Valley Bank
Alphabeta
14-18 Finsbury Square
London EC2A 1BR
Commerzbank
Rheinstrasse 14
64283 Darmstadt
Germany
Briggs and Morgan
2200 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
United States
Auditors
Principal Bankers and Financiers
Solicitors and Attorneys
AIM Nominated Adviser and Broker
Registrars
BDO LLP
55 Baker Street
London W1U 7EU
Silicon Valley Bank
3003 Tasman Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95054
United States
Rabobank Amsterdam
Van Baerlestraat 102-106
1071 BC Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Squire Patton Boggs
7 Devonshire Square
Cutlers Gardens
London EC2M 4YH
Loyens & Loeff
Fred Roeskestraat 100
1076 ED Amsterdam
The Netherlands
finnCap Limited
60 New Broad Street
London EC2M 1JJ
Capita Registrars
Northern House
Woodsome Park
Fenay Bridge
Huddersfield HD8 0LA
1 4
REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
1 5
R E P O R T O N D I R E C T O R S ’ R E M U N E R A T I O N
The remuneration committee of Sopheon plc is responsible for oversight of the contract terms, remuneration and
other benefits for executive directors, including performance-related bonus schemes. The committee comprises
two non-executive directors, D. Metzger and S.A. Silcock, together with B.K. Mence, other than in respect of his
own remuneration. The committee makes recommendations to the board, within agreed parameters, on an overall
remuneration package for executive directors and other senior executives in order to attract, retain and motivate high
quality individuals capable of achieving the group’s objectives. The package for each director consists of a basic salary,
benefits and pension contributions, together with performance-related bonuses and share options on a case-by-case
basis. Consideration is given to pay and employment policies elsewhere in the group, especially when considering
annual salary increases. From time to time, the remuneration committee may take advice from appropriate remuneration
consultants or to consult benchmarking data.
As noted in the Chairman’s statement above, Dr. Bernard Al, a non-executive director and formerly chairman of the
remuneration committee, sadly passed away at the end of the year. In the interests of completeness, his details are
included in the disclosures given below.
Contracts
The service contract between the company and Mr. Michuda is terminable on up to three months’ notice, with an
additional twelve months’ salary in lieu of notice due by the company in the event of termination without cause. Service
contracts between the company and the other executive directors are terminable on six to nine months’ notice.
Fees for Non-executive Directors
The fees for non-executive directors are determined by the board. The non-executive directors are not involved in any
discussions or decisions about their own remuneration.
Directors’ Remuneration
Set out below is a summary of the fees and emoluments received by all directors during the year, translated where
applicable into US Dollars at the average rate for the period. Mr. Mence’s remuneration is largely fee-based and
therefore subject to fluctuations from period to period. Benefits primarily comprise healthcare insurance and similar
expenses. Details of directors’ interests in shares and options are set out in the Directors’ Report.
Executive Directors
B.K. Mence
A.L. Michuda
A. Karimjee
Non-executive Directors
S.A. Silcock
B.P.F. Al
D. Metzger
Pay and Fees
2015
$
Bonus
2015
$
Benefits
2015
$
Total
2015
$
Total
2014
$
207,956
290,100
183,189
102,443
139,050
67,404
7,383
12,596
3,848
317,782
441,746
254,441
240,716
296,346
200,172
30,580
30,580
30,580
_______
772,985
_______
_______
-
-
-
_______
308,897
_______
_______
-
-
-
_______
23,827
_______
_______
30,580
30,580
30,580
_______
1,105,709
_______
_______
32,942
32,942
32,942
_______
836,060
_______
_______
The remuneration committee establishes the objectives that must be met for each financial year if a cash bonus is to be
paid. With the principal exception of members of Sopheon’s sales teams, for whom incentives are tied to individual or
territory results, the committee concluded that the cash incentive should be tied to the financial performance of the group
as a whole, and in 2014 and 2015 these objectives were set with regard to EBITDA performance. These measures were
applied to all members of the executive board and management committee of the group, as well as the majority of the
group’s employees.
1 6
REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
1 7
In addition to the amounts disclosed above, pension contributions are made to individual directors’ personal pension
schemes. During 2015 contributions of $10,172, $4,120 and $8,385 (2014: $8,030, $3,943 and $9,033) were paid
respectively to the pension schemes of B.K. Mence, A.L. Michuda and A. Karimjee.
Performance Graph
The following graph shows the company’s share price performance on AIM since January 2012, in UK pence, compared
with the performance of the FTSE AIM All Share index, which has been selected for this comparison as it is a broad-
based index which the directors believe most closely reflects the performance of companies with similar characteristics
as the group’s. Historical share prices have been adjusted to reflect the net 20:1 share consolidation performed by the
group during 2013.
1.80
1.60
1.40
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
Jan 12
Jul 12
Jan 13
Jul 13
Jan 14
Jul 14
Jan 15
Jul 15
Jan 16
Sopheon
AIM All-Share (rebased to Sopheon)
Directors’ Interests
The interests of the directors, who held office at the end of the year, in the share capital of the company (all beneficially
held except those marked with an asterisk (*), which are held as trustee), were as follows:
Share Options
Ordinary Shares
8%
Convertible
Loan Stock
At 31 December
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
B.K. Mence
A.L. Michuda
A. Karimjee
S.A. Silcock
S.A. Silcock*
B.P.F. Al
D. Metzger
24,250
199,880
57,500
-
-
1,250
-
24,250
199,880
57,500
-
-
1,250
-
1,371,576 1,033,000
30,000
17,500
145,500
4,000
61,500
5,000
30,000
30,000
250,727
4,000
100,000
5,000
£640,000 £640,000
£45,000 £45,000
£27,000 £27,000
£200,000 £200,000
-
-
£60,000 £60,000
-
-
Of the 1,371,576 ordinary shares mentioned above, B.K. Mence beneficially owns 935,000 ordinary shares. His wife,
Mrs. M.T. Mence, beneficially owns 500 ordinary shares. A further 436,076 ordinary shares are held by Inkberrow
Limited, a company which is owned by B.K. Mence.
1 6
REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
1 7
The following table provides information for each of the directors who held office during the year and held options to
subscribe for Sopheon ordinary shares. All options were granted without monetary consideration.
Date of
Grant
Exercise
Price
At 31
December
2014
Granted
During
Year
Expired
During
Year
At 31
December
2015
B.K. Mence
B.K. Mence
A.L. Michuda
A.L. Michuda
A.L. Michuda
A. Karimjee
A. Karimjee
A. Karimjee
B.P.F. Al
29 September 2012
5 December 2013
27 August 2010
29 September 2012
5 December 2013
27 August 2010
29 September 2012
5 December 2013
29 September 2012
105p
85p
6,125
18,125
12,500
150p
105p
85p
138,380
49,000
150p 7,500
23,125
105p
26,875
85p
1,250
105p
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,125
-
-
18,125
- 12,500
138,380
-
49,000
-
7,500
-
23,125
-
26,875
-
1,250
-
None of the directors exercised any share options during the year. Vesting of all of the above share options which were
outstanding at 31 December 2015 is in three equal tranches on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of
grant and all such options expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. The mid-market price of Sopheon ordinary
shares at 31 December 2015 was 61.5p. During the financial year the mid-market price of Sopheon ordinary shares
ranged from 39p to 90.5p. Save as disclosed above, no director (or member of his family) or connected persons has any
interest, beneficial or non-beneficial, in the share capital of the company.
Approved by the board on 16 March 2016 and signed on its behalf by:
Arif Karimjee
Director
1 8
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
1 9
D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T
The group’s principal activities during the year continued to focus on the provision of software and services that improve
the return on investment of product development, within the rapidly emerging product lifecycle management (PLM) market.
A review of the development of the business during the year is given in the Chairman’s Statement on page 6 and the
subsequent Strategic and Financial Reports. These also include reference to the group’s future prospects. In view of the
fact that two-thirds of the group’s revenues and staff are based in the USA, the group’s financial statements are presented
in US Dollars. The group’s result for the year ended 31 December 2015 is a profit after tax of $1,131,000 (2014: loss
$1,519,000). As for the prior year, the directors do not intend to declare a dividend.
Directors
The directors who served during the year are disclosed in the Report on Directors' Remuneration.
Corporate Governance
The Sopheon board is committed to high standards of corporate governance and aims to follow appropriate governance
practice, although as a company listed on AIM the company is not subject to the requirements of the UK Corporate
Governance Code. The board currently comprises three executive directors and two independent non-executive directors.
Their biographies appear at the back of this annual report, and demonstrate a range of experience and caliber to bring the
right level of independent judgment to the board. As noted above, Bernard Al our third independent non-executive director
sadly passed away during the year. The directors will consider our strategy for Bernard’s replacement during the current
year.
The board is responsible for the group’s system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. Such a system can
only provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The board believes that the
group has internal control systems in place appropriate to the size and nature of its business. The board is satisfied that the
scale of the group’s activities do not warrant the establishment of an internal audit function. The board is also responsible for
identifying the major business risks faced by the group and for determining the appropriate course of action to manage those
risks. Formal meetings are held quarterly to review strategy, management and performance of the group, with additional
meetings between those dates convened as necessary. During 2015, all directors attended all quarterly meetings either in
person or by conference call. The audit committee, which comprises all of the non-executive directors and is chaired by
Stuart Silcock, considers and determines actions in respect of any control or financial reporting issues they have identified or
that are raised by the auditors. The board has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved to it for decision. Details of
the constitution of the remuneration committee are provided in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on page 15.
Post Balance Sheet Events
There are no post balance sheet events that warrant disclosure in the financial statements.
Principal Risk Areas
As with any business at its stage of development, Sopheon faces a number of risks and uncertainties. The board monitors
these risks on a regular basis. The key areas of risk identified by the board are summarized below.
Sopheon’s markets are emerging and this means that Sopheon's growth may be erratic. The broad market for Sopheon’s
software products continues to emerge and evolve, and the timing and size of individual sales can have a substantial impact
on performance in a given period. Sopheon has formalized processes for soliciting input to product strategy from analysts
and customers, while also capitalizing on the group’s leadership in key market areas. Sopheon also seeks to improve
revenue predictability by introducing specific initiatives to balance efforts between new customer acquisition, and meeting the
needs of existing customers.
Sopheon’s prospects of achieving sustained and growing profitability are dependent on correctly aligning investments with
sales. Sopheon’s ability to continue to finance its investments at the optimal pace is dependent on the group maintaining
profitability and sales growth alongside its investment strategy, or having appropriate financial resources in place to invest
with confidence. Sopheon has sought to focus its resources on the sub-segments that it believes offer the best opportunities
for growth. Sopheon management carefully monitors short- and medium-term financing requirements and has regularly
raised additional funding resources to meet requirements.
1 8
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
1 9
Some of Sopheon’s competitors and potential competitors have greater resources than Sopheon. Sopheon remains a
relatively small organization by global standards. Its resources are small compared to those of many larger companies
that are capable of developing competitive solutions and it can be difficult to overcome the marketing engine of a
large global firm. Sopheon seeks to compete effectively with such companies by keeping its market communications
focused, clear and consistent with its product and market strategy, and working to deliver first class quality of execution
so that referenceability of the customer base is maximized. Sopheon’s use of an agile development methodology with
deep customer involvement is a key plank in this approach.
Sopheon is dependent upon skilled personnel, the loss of whom could have a material impact. While service
agreements have been entered into with key executives, retention of key members of staff cannot be guaranteed and
departure of such employees could be damaging in the short term. In addition the competition for qualified employees
continues to be difficult and retaining key employees has remained challenging. As a relatively small business,
Sopheon is more exposed to this risk than some of its larger competitors. Sopheon management checks staff
remuneration against recognized benchmarks and other industry sources, and seeks to maintain pay at competitive
levels appropriate to its business.
Sopheon will require relationships with partners who are able to market and implement its products. Historically,
Sopheon has devoted substantial resources to the direct marketing of its products, and its strategy to enter into
strategic alliances and other collaborative relationships to widen the customer base and create a broad sales and
implementation channel for its products is not yet mature. The successful implementation of this strategy is crucial to
Sopheon’s prospects and its ability to scale effectively. However, Sopheon cannot be sure that it will select the right
partners, or that the partners it does select will devote adequate resources to promoting, selling and becoming familiar
with Sopheon's products. Over the years Sopheon has built up a network of both resellers and consulting partners,
however this has yet to mature and the revenues delivered through these relationships remain a relatively modest part
of the total.
Sopheon could be subject to claims for damages for errors in its products and services. Sopheon may be exposed to
claims for damages from customers in the event that there are errors in its software products or should support and
maintenance service level agreements fail to meet agreed criteria. Sopheon has sought to protect itself from such risks
through excellent development methodologies, its contract terms and insurance policies. Sopheon has never had any
such claims.
Auditors
All of the current directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any
information needed by the company’s auditors for the purposes of their audit and to ensure that the auditors are aware
of that information. The directors are not aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditors are unaware. A
resolution to reappoint BDO LLP as auditors will be put to the members at the Annual General Meeting.
Financial Instruments
Details of the group’s financial instruments and its policies with regard to financial risk management are given in Note
22 to the financial statements.
Substantial Shareholdings
The directors are aware of the following persons who as at 16 March 2016 were interested directly or indirectly in
3 percent or more of the company’s issued ordinary shares:
Name
B.K. Mence (director)
Rivomore Limited and Myrtledare Corp.
DevFactory FZ-LLC
No. of
% Issued
Ordinary Shares Ordinary Shares
1,371,576
1,408,500
380,000
18.8
19.4
5.2
B.K. Mence also holds £640,000 nominal of 8% convertible loan stock. Rivomore Limited and Myrtledare Corp. also
hold £640,000 nominal of 8% convertible loan stock. The convertible loan stock is convertible at the rate of 76.5p per
ordinary share.
B.K. Mence’s interest represents direct beneficial holdings as well as those of his family.
Approved by the board on 16 March 2016 and signed on its behalf by:
A. Karimjee
Director
2 0
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
2 1
S T A T E M E N T O F D I R E C T O R S ’ R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S I N
R E S P E C T O F T H E F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law
and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors
have elected to prepare the group and 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 company and of the profit or loss of the group for that period. The directors are also required to prepare financial
statements in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on the
Alternative Investment Market.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, subject to
any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company
will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the
company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Website Publication
The directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report is made available on a website. Annual reports are
published on the company's website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation
and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and
integrity of the company's website is the responsibility of the directors. The directors' responsibility also extends to the
ongoing integrity of the annual reports contained therein.
2 0
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SOPHEON PLC
2 1
I N D E P E N D E N T A U D I T O R S ’ R E P O R T T O T H E M E M B E R S O F
S O P H E O N P L C
We have audited the financial statements of Sopheon plc for the year ended 31 December 2015 which comprise the
consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated and company
balance sheets, the consolidated and company cash flow statements, the consolidated and company statements of
changes in equity, and the related notes. 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 and, as
regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act 2006.
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a
body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective Responsibilities of Directors and Auditors
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation
of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit the
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those
standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Scope of the Audit of the Financial Statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB’s website at
www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm
Opinion on Financial Statements
In our opinion:
• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and the parent company’s affairs as at
31 December 2015 and of the group’s profit for the year then ended;
• the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European
Union;
• the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union; and
• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
Opinion on Other Matters Prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.
2 2
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SOPHEON PLC
2 3
Matters on Which We are Required to Report by Exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to
you if, in our opinion:
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have
not been received from branches not visited by us; or
• the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Julian Frost (senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, statutory auditor
55 Baker Street
London W1U 7EU
United Kingdom
16 March 2016
BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).
2 2
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2 3
C O N S O L I D A T E D I N C O M E S T A T E M E N T
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 5
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Sales and marketing expense
Research and development expense
Administrative expense
Operating profit/(loss)
Finance income
Finance expense
Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax expense
Profit/(loss) for the year
Earnings/(loss) per share
Basic (US cents)
Fully diluted (US cents)
Notes
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
3
20,886
(5,748)
18,296
(6,209)
_______
_______
15,138
12,087
(6,481)
(4,261)
(2,850)
_______
(6,173)
(4,298)
(2,718)
_______
1,546
(1,102)
8
9
4
(354)
_______
12
(429)
_______
1,196
(1,519)
10
(65)
_______
-
_______
5
1,131
_______
(1,519)
_______
12
12
15.54c
_______
_______
(20.87c)
_______
_______
13.90c
_______
_______
(20.87c)
_______
_______
C O N S O L I D A T E D S T A T E M E N T O F C O M P R E H E N S I V E I N C O M E
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 5
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive expense
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
1,131
(1,519)
43
_______
(197)
_______
1,174
_______
_______
(1,716)
_______
_______
2 4
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2 5
C O N S O L I D A T E D A N D C O M P A N Y B A L A N C E S H E E T S A T
3 1 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5
Assets
Non-current Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Other receivable
Total non-current assets
Current Assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Deferred revenue
Total current liabilities
Non-current Liabilities
Borrowings
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Share capital
Capital reserves
Translation reserve
Retained losses
Total equity
Group
Company
Notes
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
13
14
15
16
181
5,579
-
19
––––––––
5,779
––––––––
265
5,889
-
19
––––––––
6,173
––––––––
-
-
9,069
-
––––––––
9,069
––––––––
17
18
7,609
7,046
––––––––
14,655
––––––––
20,434
6,755
4,735
––––––––
11,490
––––––––
17,663
23
1,627
––––––––
1,650
––––––––
10,719
19
20
4,142
3,147
4,628
––––––––
11,917
––––––––
2,842
2,124
5,166
––––––––
10,132
––––––––
536
-
-
––––––––
536
––––––––
20
2,986
––––––––
2,986
––––––––
14,903
––––––––
5,531
––––––––
––––––––
3,288
––––––––
3,288
––––––––
13,420
––––––––
4,243
––––––––
––––––––
2,963
––––––––
2,963
––––––––
3,499
––––––––
7,220
––––––––
––––––––
-
-
9,551
-
––––––––
9,551
––––––––
52
789
––––––––
841
––––––––
10,392
492
-
-
––––––––
492
––––––––
3,120
––––––––
3,120
––––––––
3,612
––––––––
6,780
––––––––
––––––––
23
24
2,354
5,751
(3)
(2,571)
2,354
5,654
(46)
(3,719)
2,354
5,751
-
(885)
––––––––
5,531
––––––––
––––––––
––––––––
4,243
––––––––
––––––––
––––––––
7,220
––––––––
––––––––
2,354
5,654
-
(1,228)
––––––––
6,780
––––––––
––––––––
Approved by the board and authorized for issue on 16 March 2016.
Barry K. Mence
Director
Arif Karimjee
Director
2 4
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2 5
C O N S O L I D A T E D A N D C O M P A N Y C A S H F L O W 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 5
Group
Company
Notes
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
Operating Activities
Profit/(loss) for the year
1,131
(1,519)
760
488
Adjustments for:
Finance income
Finance costs
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets
Share-based payment expense
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
Intra-group credits and charges
Provisions against intra-group loans
(Increase)/decrease in receivables
Increase/(decrease) in payables
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities
(4)
354
200
2,368
114
––––––––
4,163
-
-
(991)
1,028
––––––––
4,200
––––––––
(12)
429
227
2,076
158
––––––––
1,359
-
-
2,003
(314)
––––––––
3,048
––––––––
-
250
-
-
114
––––––––
1,124
(498)
(1,341)
29
44
––––––––
(642)
––––––––
-
330
-
-
158
––––––––
976
(448)
(1,043)
(50)
(137)
––––––––
(702)
––––––––
Investing Activities
Finance income
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Development costs capitalized
Advance of loans to group companies
Repayment of loans by group companies
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities
Financing Activities
(Repayment)/drawdown of loan notes
Increase in line of credit
Interest paid
Net cash from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
18
4
(124)
(2,058)
-
-
––––––––
12
(176)
(2,367)
-
-
––––––––
-
-
-
(1,194)
2,961
––––––––
-
-
-
(1,486)
2,974
––––––––
(2,178)
––––––––
(2,531)
––––––––
1,767
––––––––
1,488
––––––––
(167)
1,021
(354)
92
729
(395)
-
-
(248)
––––––––
500
––––––––
2,522
––––––––
426
––––––––
943
––––––––
(248)
––––––––
877
-
-
(295)
––––––––
(295)
––––––––
491
4,735
(211)
––––––––
7,046
––––––––
––––––––
4,027
(235)
––––––––
4,735
––––––––
––––––––
789
(39)
––––––––
1,627
––––––––
––––––––
479
(181)
––––––––
789
––––––––
––––––––
2 6
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2 7
C O N S O L I D A T E D A N D C O M P A N Y S T A T E M E N T S O F C H A N G E S
I N E Q U I T Y 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 5
Group
At 1 January 2014
Loss for the year
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations
Total comprehensive income for the year
Recognition of share-based payments
Lapsing or expiry of share options
At 1 January 2015
Profit for the year
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations
Total comprehensive income for the year
Recognition of share-based payments
Lapsing or expiry of share options
At 31 December 2015
Share
Capital
$’000
Capital Translation
Reserve
$’000
Reserves
$’000
Retained
Losses
$’000
Total
$’000
2,354
-
5,498
-
151
-
(2,202)
(1,519)
5,801
(1,519)
-
––––––––
-
––––––––
-
-
––––––––
2,354
-
-
––––––––
-
––––––––
-
-
––––––––
2,354
––––––––
––––––––
-
––––––––
-
––––––––
158
(2)
––––––––
5,654
-
-
––––––––
-
––––––––
114
(17)
––––––––
5,751
––––––––
––––––––
(197)
––––––––
(197)
––––––––
-
-
––––––––
(46)
-
43
––––––––
43
––––––––
-
-
––––––––
(3)
––––––––
––––––––
-
––––––––
(1,519)
––––––––
-
2
––––––––
(3,719)
1,131
-
––––––––
1,131
––––––––
-
17
––––––––
(2,571)
––––––––
––––––––
(197)
––––––––
(1,716)
––––––––
158
-
––––––––
4,243
1,131
43
––––––––
1,174
––––––––
114
-
––––––––
5,531
––––––––
––––––––
The translation reserve represents accumulated differences on the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign
operations. Full details of capital reserves are set out in Note 24.
Company
At 1 January 2014
Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year
Recognition of share-based payments
Lapsing or expiry of share options
At 1 January 2015
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
Recognition of share-based payments
Lapsing or expiry of share options
At 31 December 2015
Share
Capital
Capital Reserves
$’000
$’000
Retained
Losses
$’000
2,354
-
-
-
––––––––
2,354
-
-
-
––––––––
2,354
––––––––
––––––––
5,498
-
158
(2)
––––––––
5,654
-
114
(17)
––––––––
5,751
––––––––
––––––––
(1,156)
(74)
-
2
––––––––
(1,228)
326
-
17
––––––––
(885)
––––––––
––––––––
Total
$’000
6,696
(74)
158
-
––––––––
6,780
326
114
-
––––––––
7,220
––––––––
––––––––
2 6
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2 7
1 . G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
Sopheon plc ("the company") is a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales. The address of its registered
office and principal place of business is set out on page 14. The principal activities of the company and its subsidiaries are
described in Note 3. The financial statements have been prepared in US Dollars and rounded to the nearest thousand.
2 . S I G N I F I C A N T A C C O U N T I N G P O L I C I E S
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and
Interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board as adopted by the European Union and those
parts of the Companies Act 2006 which apply to companies preparing their financial statements under IFRS. The principal
accounting policies are set out below. The policies have been applied consistently to all the years presented.
A number of new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been adopted by the group, but
have not been listed, since they have no material impact on the financial statements. The impact of IFRS 15 Revenues
from Contracts with Customers, which will apply from reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017, is still being
assessed. None of the other new standards, amendments and interpretations in issue but not yet effective are expected to
have a material effect on the financial statements.
The group’s financial statements have been presented in US Dollars. The directors believe this better reflects the
underlying nature of the business. Approximately three-quarters of the group’s revenue and over two-thirds of the group’s
operating costs are denominated in US Dollars. The exchange rates used for translation of Sterling amounts are 1.4819
US Dollars to British Pounds Sterling as at 31 December 2015, and 1.5290 US Dollars to British Pounds Sterling as the
average rate prevailing during 2015.
Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In reaching their assessment, the directors have
considered a period extending at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. This assessment
has included consideration of the forecast performance of the business for the foreseeable future, the cash and financing
facilities available to the group, and the repayment terms in respect of the group’s borrowings, including the potential of
having to repay convertible loan stock in January 2017.
During 2015, the group achieved revenues of $20.9m and a profit before tax of $1.2m. This represents a dramatically
improved performance compared to the previous year, which itself was an interruption to 5 years of growth. The directors
believed the 2014 performance was a temporary pause in the development of the business and this view has been
vindicated by the 2015 results. Coming into 2016, the group’s sales pipeline remains active, and accordingly, the directors
remain positive about the prospects for the business.
In 2014 the group established new bank facilities with the London branch of Silicon Valley Bank. These facilities comprise
a term loan of $0.5m repayable in 36 equal monthly instalments, and a $3m revolving line of credit. These facilities have
just been renewed and refinanced by Silicon Valley Bank for a three year period through January 2019, reflecting the
growing maturity of the Sopheon business. Both facilities bear interest at rates of 2.75 percent over Wall Street Prime,
resulting in a current effective rate of 6.25 percent. The facilities are subject to covenants based on working capital ratios.
The drawdown mechanics and interest rates are also subject to working capital ratios.
In addition, the group has a £2,000,000 convertible loan outstanding to key investors including members of the board and
management. The current terms of the loan call for repayment or conversion by 31 January 2017. The board has entered
discussions with holders of the Loan Stock with a view to extending maturity for a further two years.
Notwithstanding the group’s funding position, the time-to-close and the order value of individual sales continues to vary
considerably as exemplified by 2014’s results. When combined with the relatively low-volume and high-value nature of the
group’s business, these are factors which constrain the ability to accurately predict revenue performance. If sales fall short
of expectations, there is a risk that the group may be obliged to seek additional funding.
The directors have concluded that the circumstances set forth above represent uncertainties. However they believe that
taken as a whole, the factors described above enable the group to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future.
The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would be required if the company or group were unable to
continue as a going concern.
2 8
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2 9
Basis of Consideration
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the parent company Sopheon plc and the
financial statements of the subsidiaries controlled by the group as defined by IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements,
as shown in Note 15. Where the company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The company
controls an investee if all three of the following elements are present: power over the investee, exposure to variable returns
from the investee, and the ability of the investor to use its power to affect those variable returns. The financial statements
of all the group companies are prepared using uniform accounting policies. All intra-group transactions, balances, income
and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
Business Combinations
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for within the consolidated financial statements using the purchase method.
The cost of the acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange, of assets given,
liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the group in exchange for control of the entity being
acquired, together with any costs directly attributable to the business combination. The results of the acquired entities are
included in the consolidated income statement from the date on which effective control is obtained. The identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities of the entity being acquired that meet the conditions for recognition are recognized at
their fair values of the date of acquisition.
Identifiable intangible assets are capitalized at fair value as at the date of acquisition. The useful lives of these intangible
assets are assessed and amortization is charged on a straight-line basis, with the expense taken to the income statement
within sales and marketing expense (in respect of customer relationships) and research and development expense (in
respect of IPR and technology). Intangible assets are tested for impairment when a trigger event occurs. Useful lives are
also examined on an annual basis and adjustments, where applicable, are made on a prospective basis.
Goodwill
Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a subsidiary represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the group’s interest
in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the subsidiary at the date of acquisition.
Goodwill is initially recognized at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units of the group expected to benefit
from the synergies of the business combination. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested
for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable
amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying value of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated firstly to
reduce the carrying cost of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to any other assets of the unit pro rata to the carrying
value of each asset of the unit. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for
goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts and sales-related taxes.
Sales of software licenses are recognized once no significant obligations remain owing to the customer in connection with
such license sale. Such significant obligations could include giving a customer a right to return the software product without
any preconditions, or if the group is unable to deliver a material element of the software product by the balance sheet date.
Revenues relating to software-as-a-service, maintenance, hosting and post-contract support agreements are deferred and
recognized over the period of the agreements.
Revenues from implementation and consultancy services are recognized as the services are performed, or in the case of
fixed price or milestone-based projects, on a percentage basis as the work is completed and any relevant milestones are
met, using latest estimates to determine the expected duration and cost of the project.
Leases
Assets held under finance leases are recognized as assets with the corresponding liability to the lessor recognized as a
finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation.
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the
relevant lease.
2 8
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2 9
Interest on Borrowings
All interest on borrowings is recognized in the income statement using the effective interest rate method.
Retirement Benefit Costs
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are charged as an expense as they fall due. The group does not
operate any defined benefit retirement plans.
Foreign Currencies
The individual financial statements of each group entity are prepared in the currency of the primary economic
environment in which the entity operates (its functional currency). In preparing the financial statements of the individual
entities, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency (foreign currencies) are recorded at rates
approximating to the transaction rates. At each balance sheet date, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are
retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary
items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are included in the income statement for the period.
For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the group’s foreign operations
are expressed in US Dollars using exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items
(including comparatives) are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. Exchange differences arising
(including exchange differences on intra-group loans where there is no intention that these should be settled) are classified
as equity and transferred to the group’s translation reserve. The same approach is used to translate the financial
statements of the company on a stand-alone basis from Sterling to US Dollars. The equity of the company and group is
retranslated into the presentational currency at its historic rate.
Deferred Tax
Deferred tax is recognized on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements
and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet
liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets
are recognized only to the extent that the level and timing of taxable profits can be measured and it is probable that these
will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized.
Deferred tax is calculated at tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and that
are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset realized. Deferred tax is charged or credited to
profit or loss, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also
dealt with in equity.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Computer equipment and fixtures and fittings are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated
impairment losses. Depreciation is charged so as to write off the costs of assets over their estimated useful lives, using the
straight-line method.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the
difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognized in the income statement.
The following rates are used for the depreciation of property, plant and equipment:
Computer equipment
Furniture and fittings
20-33 percent on a straight-line basis
20-25 percent on a straight-line basis
Investments
Investments in subsidiaries within the company balance sheet are stated at cost less impairment. Impairment tests are
undertaken whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Where the carrying value of an investment exceeds its recoverable amount, the investment is written down accordingly.
3 0
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 1
Internally Generated Intangible Assets (Research and Development Expenditure)
Development expenditure on internally developed software products is capitalized if it can be demonstrated that:
• it is technically feasible to develop the product;
• adequate resources are available to complete the development;
• there is an intention to complete and sell the product;
• the group is able to sell the product;
• sales of the product will generate future economic benefits; and
• expenditure on the product can be measured reliably.
Development costs not satisfying the above criteria and expenditure on the research phase of internal projects are
recognized in the income statement as incurred. Capitalization of a particular activity commences after proof of concept,
requirements and functional concept stages are complete.
Capitalized development costs are amortized over the period over which the group expects to benefit from selling the
product developed. This has been estimated to be four years from the date of code-finalization of the applicable software
release. The amortization expense in respect of internally generated intangible assets is included in research and
development costs.
Impairment of Tangible and Intangible Assets (excluding Goodwill)
At each balance sheet date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine
whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the
recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is
not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the group estimates the recoverable amount of
the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing the value in use, the
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their net present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the
carrying amount of the asset or cash-generating unit is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is
recognized immediately in the administrative expenses line item in the income statement.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying value of the asset or cash-generating unit is increased to
the revised recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount which
would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is
recognized immediately in profit or loss.
Share-based Payments
The group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based payments
are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair
value determined at the date of grant is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the group’s
estimate of the shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions.
Fair value is measured by the binomial option-pricing model. The expected life used in the model had been adjusted,
based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioral
considerations.
As set out in Note 23, the group has also issued warrants to certain financing institutions which are also treated as
equity-settled share-based payments.
Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgments
Management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on
historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Estimates and judgments adopted for property
plant and equipment, externally acquired intangible assets and internally generated intangible assets are dealt with in the
accounting policy notes set forth above that relate to these areas. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and
accordingly they are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in
3 0
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 1
which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the
revision affects both current and future periods. The impact of changes in estimates on carrying values of intangible assets
is discussed in more detail in Note 14.
Financial Instruments
1. Financial Assets
The group’s financial assets fall into the category of loans and receivables. The group does not have any financial assets
in the categories of fair value through profit and loss or available for sale. The group has not classified any of its financial
assets as held to maturity.
Unless otherwise indicated, the carrying values of the group’s financial assets are a reasonable approximation of their fair
values.
Loans and Receivables
These assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active
market. They arise principally through the provision of goods and services (e.g. trade receivables) but also include cash and
cash equivalents and other types of contractual monetary asset. They are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction
costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue and subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method, less provision for impairment. The effect of discounting on these financial instruments is not considered
material.
Impairment provisions are recognized when there is objective evidence (such as significant financial difficulties, default or
significant delay in payment on the part of the counter-party) that the group will be unable to collect all the amounts due
under the terms of the receivable, the amount of such provision being the difference between the net carrying amount and
the present value of the future expected cash flows associated with the receivable. For trade receivables, such provisions
are recorded in a separate allowance account with the loss being recognized within administrative expenses in the income
statement. On confirmation that the trade receivable will not be collectable, the gross carrying value of the asset is written off
against the associated provision.
2. Financial Liabilities
The group classifies its financial liabilities in the category of financial liabilities at amortized cost.
Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost include:
• Trade payables and other short-dated monetary liabilities, which are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently
carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
• Bank and other borrowings (including the host debt element of the convertible loan noted above), which are initially
recognized at fair value net of any transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the instrument. Such
interest-bearing liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, which
ensures that the interest expense over the period to repayment is at a constant rate on the balance of the liability
carried in the balance sheet. Interest expense in this context includes initial transaction costs and premiums payable on
redemption, as well as any interest payable while the liability is outstanding.
Unless otherwise indicated, the carrying values of the group’s financial liabilities measured at amortized cost represent a
reasonable approximation of their fair values.
3. Convertible Loan Stock
The host debt element of convertible loan stock is treated as a financial liability measured at amortized cost as further
described above. The equity component of convertible loan stock arising on issue is reclassified from debt to capital
reserves.
4. Share Capital
Financial instruments issued by the group are treated as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the definition of a
financial liability. The group’s ordinary shares are classified as equity. For the purpose of the disclosures given in Note 23
the group considers its capital to comprise its ordinary share capital, special reserve and equity reserve less its accumulated
retained loss.
3 2
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 3
3 . S E G M E N TA L A N A LY S I S
All of the group’s revenue in respect of the years ended 31 December 2015 and 2014 was derived from the design,
development and marketing of software products with associated implementation and consultancy services, as more
particularly described in the Strategic and Financial Reports. For management purposes, the group is organized
geographically across two principal operating segments. The first segment is North America, and the second Europe.
Information relating to these two segments is given below.
The information in the following table relating to external revenues includes analysis both by location of customer and
by location of operations. The information relating to other items provides analysis by location of operations only. Inter-
segment revenues are priced on an arm’s length basis.
Year ended 31 December 2015
Income Statement
External revenues – by location of operations
Operating profit/(loss) before interest and tax
Profit/(loss) before tax
Finance income
Finance expense
Depreciation and amortization
EBITDA
Balance Sheet
Fixed asset additions
Capitalization of internally generated development costs
Total assets
Total liabilities
Year ended 31 December 2014
Income Statement
External revenues – by location of operations
Operating profit/(loss) before interest and tax
Profile/(loss) before tax
Finance income
Finance expense
Depreciation and amortization
EBITDA
Balance Sheet
Fixed asset additions
Capitalization of internally generated development costs
Total assets
Total liabilities
North
America
$’000
Europe
$’000
Total
$’000
15,676
2,804
2,703
-
(101)
(2,524)
5,328
––––––––
5,210
(1,258)
(1,507)
4
(253)
(44)
(1,214)
––––––––
114
2,058
16,540
9,198
––––––––
––––––––
10
-
3,894
5,705
––––––––
––––––––
20,886
1,546
1,196
4
(354)
(2,568)
4,114
––––––––
124
2,058
20,434
14,903
––––––––
––––––––
North
America
$’000
Europe
$’000
Total
$’000
12,544
424
329
-
(95)
(2,239)
2,663
––––––––
5,752
1,526
(1,848)
12
(334)
(64)
(1,462)
––––––––
18,296
(1,102)
(1,519)
12
(429)
(2,303)
1,201
––––––––
132
2,367
13,766
(8,088)
––––––––
––––––––
44
-
3,897
(5,332)
––––––––
––––––––
176
2,367
17,663
(13,420)
––––––––
––––––––
One customer accounted for approximately 11 percent of the group’s revenues in 2015. A different customer accounted
for approximately 10 percent or more of the group’s revenues in 2014. In both years the customer was within the North
America segment based on location of operations.
External revenues in 2015 exclude inter-segmental revenues which amounted to $1,633,000 (2014: $1,696,000) for
North America and $627,000 (2014: $370,000) for Europe.
Revenues attributable to customers in North America in 2015 amounted to $14,407,000 (2014: $11,433,000). Revenue
attributable to customers in the rest of the world amounted to $6,478,000 (2014: $6,863,000) of which $5,219,000
(2014: $5,775,000) was attributable to customers in Europe.
3 2
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 3
4 . E B I T D A
The directors consider that EBITDA, which is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, is
an important measure, since it is widely used by the investment community. It is calculated as follows:
Profit/(loss) for the year before tax
Interest payable
Interest receivable
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
EBITDA
5 . P R O F I T F O R T H E Y E A R
The profit for the year has been arrived at after charging:
Net foreign exchange losses
Research and development costs (excluding amortization)
Amortization of intangible assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Operating lease rentals – land and buildings
Operating lease rentals – other
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
1,196
(1,519)
354
(4)
2,368
200
––––––––
4,114
––––––––
––––––––
429
(12)
2,076
227
––––––––
1,201
––––––––
––––––––
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
22
1,893
2,368
200
555
106
––––––––
––––––––
42
2,367
2,076
227
587
120
––––––––
––––––––
Net foreign exchange gains or losses arise on the translation of cash and trade balances held in currencies other than
the functional currency of the entity concerned and are accordingly included in administration expense.
6 . A U D I T O R S ’ R E M U N E R AT I O N
During the year the group obtained the following services from its auditors and associated firms. Fees for the audit of
the parent and of subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation, are not segregated from those for the group and are included in
the amounts disclosed.
Audit of the financial statements of the group
Audit of the financial statements of the UK subsidiary
Review of interim financial information
Tax compliance services
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
80
6
15
15
––––––––
––––––––
84
7
16
15
––––––––
––––––––
3 4
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 5
7 . S TA F F C O S T S
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension contributions
Other employee benefits
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
11,847
919
239
989
–––––––
13,994
––––––––
––––––––
11,390
1,019
234
951
–––––––
13,594
––––––––
––––––––
Included within the above are staff costs capitalized as development expenditure amounting to $2,058,000 (2014:
$2,367,000). Included within wages and salaries are bonus and sales commission costs amounting to $1,878,000
(2014: $945,000).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was made up as follows:
Development and operations
Sales and management
2015
Number
2014
Number
67
38
–––––––
105
––––––––
––––––––
79
35
–––––––
114
––––––––
––––––––
The above staff costs and the numbers of employees during the year include the executive directors.
The remuneration of all directors was as follows:
Fees and emoluments
Pension contributions
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
1,106
22
––––––––
1,128
––––––––
––––––––
836
21
––––––––
857
––––––––
––––––––
No director exercised share options during the year (2014: None). Pension contributions are to personal defined
contribution schemes and have been made for three directors (2014: three) who served during the year.
Full details of directors’ remuneration are disclosed in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration on page 15.
8 . F I N A N C E I N C O M E
Income on financial assets measured at amortized cost
Interest income on bank deposits
9 . F I N A N C E E X P E N S E
Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortized cost
Interest on borrowings
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
4
––––––––
––––––––
12
––––––––
––––––––
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
(354)
––––––––
––––––––
(429)
––––––––
––––––––
3 4
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 5
1 0 . I N C O M E TA X E X P E N S E
Income tax expense for the year – current tax
The charge for the year can be reconciled to the accounting profit/(loss) as follows:
Profit/(loss) before tax
Tax (charge)/credit at the UK corporation tax rate of 20.25% (2014: 21.5%)
Adjustment for differing rates of corporate taxation in overseas jurisdictions
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable losses
Temporary differences arising from the capitalization
and transfer of development investments
Losses for the year not relievable against current tax
Utilization of prior year losses
Income tax expense for the year
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
(65)
––––––––
––––––––
-
––––––––
––––––––
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
1,196
––––––––
––––––––
(1,519)
––––––––
––––––––
(242)
(239)
(64)
327
143
(91)
142
-
338
––––––––
(65)
––––––––
––––––––
280
(659)
-
––––––––
-
––––––––
––––––––
The tax charge represents US Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”), which is payable by the group’s US subsidiaries
notwithstanding the availability of tax losses from prior years, and German corporation tax payable by Sopheon GmbH.
There is no tax arising on other comprehensive income.
The group has an unrecognized deferred tax asset arising from its unrelieved trading losses, which has not been
recognized owing to uncertainty as to the level and timing of taxable profits in the future. The unrecognized deferred tax
asset is made up as follows:
Shortfall of tax depreciation compared to book depreciation
Effect of timing differences arising from capitalization
of internally generated development costs
Unrelieved trading losses
Unrecognized deferred tax asset
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
176
194
(1,599)
20,734
––––––––
19,311
––––––––
––––––––
(1,704)
21,307
––––––––
19,797
––––––––
––––––––
At 31 December 2015, tax losses estimated at $70m (2014: $73m) were available to carry forward by the Sopheon
group, arising from historic losses incurred. These losses represent a potential deferred tax asset of $20.7m
(2014: $21.3m), based on the tax rates currently applicable in the relevant tax jurisdictions.
Of these tax losses, an aggregate amount of $11.7m, representing $4.1m of the potential deferred tax asset
(2014: $11.7m and $4.1m respectively) represents pre-acquisition tax losses of Sopheon Corporation (Minnesota) and
Alignent Software, Inc. The future utilization of these losses may be restricted under Section 382 of the US Internal
Revenue Code, whereby the ability to utilize net operating losses arising prior to a change of ownership is limited to a
percentage of the entity value of the corporation at the date of change of ownership.
3 6
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 7
11 . P R O F I T D E A LT W I T H I N T H E F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S O F T H E
PA R E N T C O M PA N Y
The profit dealt with in the financial statements of the parent company for the year ended 31 December 2015 was
$760,000 (2014: profit of $488,000). Advantage has been taken of Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to
present an income statement for the parent company.
1 2 . E A R N I N G S / ( L O S S ) P E R S H A R E
Basic earnings/(loss) per share
Profit/(loss) after tax
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share
Profit/(loss) after tax
Reduction in interest expense in respect of convertible loan stock
Diluted profit/(loss) after tax
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic earnings per share
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
1,131
––––––––
––––––––
(1,519)
––––––––
––––––––
’000s
’000s
7,279
––––––––
––––––––
7,279
––––––––
––––––––
$’000
$’000
1,131
245
––––––––
1,376
––––––––
––––––––
(1,519)
-
––––––––
(1,519)
––––––––
––––––––
’000s
’000s
9,897
––––––––
––––––––
7,279
––––––––
––––––––
For the purpose of calculating the diluted earnings per ordinary share, the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
is adjusted on the assumption that the group’s convertible loan stock (details of which are set out in Note 20) was
converted at 1st January 2015, and that options to subscribe for Sopheon shares at prices below the average share
price prevailing during the year were exercised at that date (or, if later, on the date of grant).
Diluted earnings per share are calculated in respect of the convertible loan stock, by adjusting earnings for the amount
of interest which would cease to be payable following conversion and by adjusting the number of shares in issue by the
number of shares which would fall to be issued on conversion.
In respect of outstanding 622,170 share options and 25,138 warrants to subscribe for Sopheon shares (details of
which are set out in Notes 23 and 27), the treasury stock method is used, assuming that the proceeds from exercise of
options at strike prices below the average market price for Sopheon shares during the year are reinvested in treasury
shares at the average price prevailing during the year.
In 2014 the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares for the
purpose of calculating the diluted earnings per ordinary share were the same as those used for calculating the basic
earnings per ordinary share. This was (i) because the exercise of conversion rights attaching to the convertible loan
stock would have had the effect of reducing the loss per share and were therefore not dilutive; and (ii) because the
warrants to subscribe for 25,138 ordinary shares and the 635,940 share options and 25,238 warrants to subscribe for
ordinary shares, had strike prices above the average market price for Sopheon shares during the year.
3 6
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 7
1 3 . P R O P E R T Y, P L A N T A N D E Q U I P M E N T
Group
Cost
At 1 January 2014
Additions
Exchange differences
At 1 January 2015
Additions
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2015
Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 January 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
Exchange differences
At 1 January 2015
Depreciation charge for the year
Exchange differences
At 31 December 2015
Carrying Amount
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014
Company
The company has no property, plant and equipment.
Computer
Equipment
$’000
Furniture
& Fittings
$’000
1,628
168
(20)
368
8
(10)
––––––––
1,776
121
(17)
––––––––
1,880
––––––––
––––––––
366
3
(9)
––––––––
360
––––––––
1,384
195
(15)
286
32
(5)
––––––––
1,564
171
(13)
––––––––
1,722
––––––––
––––––––
313
29
(5)
––––––––
337
––––––––
Total
$’000
1,996
176
(30)
––––––––
2,142
124
(26)
––––––––
2,240
––––––––
1,670
227
(20)
––––––––
1,877
200
(18)
––––––––
2,059
––––––––
158
––––––––
––––––––
212
––––––––
––––––––
23
––––––––
––––––––
53
––––––––
––––––––
181
––––––––
––––––––
265
––––––––
––––––––
3 8
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 9
1 4 . I N TA N G I B L E A S S E T S
Cost
At 1 January 2014
Additions (internally generated)
At 1 January 2015
Additions (internally generated)
At 31 December 2015
Amortization
At 1 January 2014
Charge for the year
At 1 January 2015
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2015
Carrying Amount
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014
Development
Costs
(Internally
Generated)
$’000
Goodwill
$’000
Total
$’000
15,288
2,367
––––––––
17,655
2,058
––––––––
19,713
––––––––
10,712
2,076
––––––––
12,788
2,368
––––––––
15,156
––––––––
1,022
-
––––––––
1,022
-
––––––––
1,022
––––––––
-
-
––––––––
-
-
––––––––
-
––––––––
16,310
2,367
––––––––
18,677
2,058
––––––––
20,735
––––––––
10,712
2,076
––––––––
12,788
2,368
––––––––
15,156
––––––––
4,557
––––––––
––––––––
4,867
––––––––
––––––––
1,022
––––––––
––––––––
1,022
––––––––
––––––––
5,579
––––––––
––––––––
5,889
––––––––
––––––––
The amortization period for the internally generated development costs relating to the group’s software products is
four years. Goodwill is not amortized. The residual goodwill arising on the acquisition of Alignent is attributable to the
enhanced market position of each of the group’s operating segments, due to the completeness of the solution that
Sopheon can offer the market. The recoverable amount of the goodwill can be underpinned on a value in use basis
by the expected performance of the group’s operating segments, each of which is treated as a cash generating unit.
Goodwill primarily relates to the North American operating segment.
The valuation used for this purpose is based on cash flow projections for the next five years, and thereafter for an
indefinite period at a growth assumption of 3 percent. The discount rate used was 14.6 percent. Sensitivity analysis
performed on these projections demonstrates significant valuation headroom above the carrying value of goodwill. The
same discount and growth rates were used for the valuation conducted in respect of 2014.
Company
The company has no intangible assets.
3 8
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3 9
1 5 . I N V E S T M E N T I N S U B S I D I A R I E S
At cost less amounts provided
At 31 December 2014
Exchange difference
At 31 December 2015
Company
$’000
9,551
(482)
––––––––
9,069
––––––––
––––––––
Details of the company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2015 are set out below. Companies marked with an asterisk (*)
are held via Sopheon UK Ltd and those with an obelus (†) are held via Orbital Software Holdings plc. The common
stock of Alignent Software, Inc. and Sopheon Corporation, Minnesota, USA are held by Sopheon Corporation, Delaware,
USA. The share capital of Sopheon Corporation, Delaware, USA and Sopheon GmbH are held by Sopheon NV.
Name of Company
Place of Incorporation
Sopheon Corporation
Minnesota, USA
Sopheon Corporation
Delaware, USA
Alignent Software, Inc.
California, USA
Sopheon NV
The Netherlands
Sopheon UK Ltd
United Kingdom
Sopheon GmbH
Germany
Orbital Software Holdings plc
United Kingdom
Orbital Software Inc.†
Delaware, USA
Sopheon Edinburgh Ltd†
United Kingdom
Orbital Software Europe Ltd†
United Kingdom
Network Managers (UK) Ltd*
United Kingdom
AppliedNet Ltd*
United Kingdom
Future Tense Ltd*
United Kingdom
Polydoc Ltd
United Kingdom
Nature of
Ownership
Proportion of
Voting Rights Held
Nature of Business
Common Stock
100%
Software sales and services
Common Stock
100%
Software development and sales
Common Stock
100%
Software sales and services
Ordinary Shares
100%
Software sales and services
Ordinary Shares
100%
Software sales and services
Ordinary Shares
100%
Software sales and services
Ordinary Shares
100%
Holding company
Common Stock
100%
Dormant
Ordinary Shares
100%
Dormant
Ordinary Shares
100%
Dormant
Ordinary Shares
100%
Dormant
Ordinary Shares
100%
Dormant
Ordinary Shares
100%
Dormant
Ordinary Shares
100%
Dormant
Applied Network Technology Ltd*
United Kingdom
Ordinary Shares
100%
Employee Share Ownership
Trust
4 0
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 1
1 6 . O T H E R R E C E I VA B L E
Other receivable
Group
Company
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
19
––––––––
––––––––
19
––––––––
––––––––
-
––––––––
––––––––
-
––––––––
––––––––
The other receivable represents a deposit paid in respect of a property leased by the group.
1 7 . T R A D E A N D O T H E R R E C E I VA B L E S
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Total receivables
Prepayments
Accrued income
Group
Company
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
6,656
26
––––––––
6,682
500
427
––––––––
7,609
––––––––
––––––––
6,072
9
––––––––
6,081
545
129
––––––––
6,755
––––––––
––––––––
-
15
––––––––
15
8
-
––––––––
23
––––––––
––––––––
-
-
––––––––
-
52
-
––––––––
52
––––––––
––––––––
Trade and other receivables are stated net of allowances totaling $Nil (2014: $Nil) for estimated irrecoverable amounts.
The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.
A full provision has been made against amounts totaling $58,285,000 (2014: $62,870,000) owed to the company by
subsidiary undertakings, which are due after more than one year and are subordinated to the claims of all other creditors.
1 8 . C A S H A N D C A S H E Q U I VA L E N T S
Cash at bank
Short-term bank deposits
Group
Company
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
6,660
386
––––––––
7,046
––––––––
––––––––
3,944
791
––––––––
4,735
––––––––
––––––––
1,627
-
––––––––
1,627
––––––––
––––––––
789
-
––––––––
789
––––––––
––––––––
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the group, bank current accounts and short-term bank deposit accounts
with maturities of three months or less and bearing interest at variable rates. The carrying amount of these assets
represents a reasonable approximation to their fair value.
Included in cash at bank of the group is an amount of $36,000 (2014: $38,000) held by the group’s employee share
ownership trust.
4 0
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 1
1 9 . T R A D E A N D O T H E R PAYA B L E S
Trade payables
Other payables
Tax and social security costs
Accruals
Group
Company
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
853
254
300
2,735
––––––––
4,142
––––––––
––––––––
833
246
336
1,427
––––––––
2,842
––––––––
––––––––
29
156
-
351
––––––––
536
––––––––
––––––––
74
160
-
258
––––––––
492
––––––––
––––––––
Trade payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs.
The directors consider that the carrying amounts of trade and other payables represent a reasonable approximation to
their fair values.
2 0 . B O R R O W I N G S
Current Loans and Borrowings
Line of credit
Loan notes (current portion)
Total current loans and borrowings
Non-current Loans and Borrowings
Loan notes (non-current portion)
8% convertible loan stock 2017
Total non-current loans and borrowings
Total loans and borrowings
a) Line of Credit and Loan Notes
Group
Company
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
3,000
147
––––––––
3,147
1,979
145
––––––––
2,124
-
-
––––––––
-
-
-
––––––––
-
23
2,963
––––––––
2,986
––––––––
6,133
––––––––
––––––––
168
3,120
––––––––
3,288
––––––––
5,412
––––––––
––––––––
-
2,963
––––––––
2,963
––––––––
2,963
––––––––
––––––––
-
3,120
––––––––
3,120
––––––––
3,120
––––––––
––––––––
In February 2014 the group established new credit facilities with Silicon Valley Bank, which have just been renewed and
extended. The facilities comprise a $3m revolving line of credit and a term loan of $0.5m repayable in equal installments
until maturity at the end of January 2019. Both facilities bear interest at rates of 2.75 percent above the Bank’s Prime
Rate, resulting in a current effective rate of 6.25 percent. The facilities are subject to covenants based on operating
results, and in addition the drawdown mechanics and interest rates are subject to certain working capital ratios.
The directors consider that the carrying amounts for loan notes, and the line of credit, represent a reasonable
approximation of the financial instruments’ fair values.
b) 8 Percent Convertible Loan Stock 2017
The convertible loan stock is denominated in Sterling and bears interest at a fixed rate of 8 percent per annum. The loan
stock was issued at par in a nominal amount of £850,000 on 1 October 2009. On 23 August 2012 the company made
a further issue of loan stock in a nominal amount of £1,150,000. Following this issue, whereby the aggregate liability at
maturity of the loan stock increased from £850,000 to £2,000,000, the conversion price was 5p per ordinary share.
4 2
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 3
As a result of the capital reorganization approved by shareholders on 12 June 2013, and the reduction of capital
which was confirmed by the Court on 20 November 2013, the conversion terms were amended in accordance with the
provisions of the loan stock, such that the loan stock was convertible into ordinary shares of 20p each of the company
at a rate of 100p per ordinary share.
On 2 June 2014 the company announced that it had reached agreement with the holders of the loan stock to extend
the maturity date of the loan stock to 31 January 2017 coupled with an amendment of the conversion price to 76.5p per
share, representing the closing market price of Sopheon shares immediately prior to such agreement.
Holders may convert the loan stock into Sopheon ordinary shares at any time up to the extended maturity date of 31
January 2017, and any loan stock not converted is to be repaid at par on that date.
2 1 . O P E R AT I N G L E A S E A R R A N G E M E N T S
At the balance sheet date the group had outstanding commitments under operating leases in respect of which the total
future minimum lease payments were due as follows:
Due within one year
Due after one year and within five years
Land &
Buildings
2015
$’000
508
471
––––––––
979
––––––––
––––––––
Other
2015
$’000
90
133
––––––––
223
––––––––
––––––––
Land &
Buildings
2014
$’000
583
1,116
––––––––
1,699
––––––––
––––––––
Other
2014
$’000
113
159
––––––––
272
––––––––
––––––––
The group leases its office accommodation in the US, UK and the Netherlands and has operating leases for office
equipment and vehicles.
Company
The company has no operating leases.
2 2 . F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T S
Categories of Financial Assets and Liabilities
The following table sets out the categories of financial instruments held by the group. All of the group’s financial assets
are in the category of loans and receivables, and all of its financial liabilities are in the category of financial liabilities
measured at amortized cost.
1. Financial Assets
Current Financial Assets
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Accrued income
Cash and cash equivalents
Non-current Financial Assets
Other receivable
Group
Company
Notes
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
17
17
17
18
6,656
26
427
7,046
––––––––
14,155
––––––––
––––––––
6,072
9
129
4,735
––––––––
10,945
––––––––
––––––––
-
23
-
1,627
––––––––
1,650
––––––––
––––––––
-
52
-
789
––––––––
841
––––––––
––––––––
16
19
––––––––
––––––––
19
––––––––
––––––––
-
––––––––
––––––––
-
––––––––
––––––––
The group does not have any financial assets in any other categories.
4 2
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 3
2. Financial Liabilities
Current Financial Liabilities
Trade payables
Other payables
Accruals
Loans and borrowings
Non-current Financial Liabilities
Loans and borrowings
8% convertible loan stock 2015
Group
Company
Notes
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
19
19
19
20
20
20
853
254
2,735
3,147
––––––––
6,989
––––––––
23
2,963
––––––––
2,986
––––––––
9,975
––––––––
––––––––
833
246
1,427
2,124
––––––––
4,630
––––––––
168
3,120
––––––––
3,288
––––––––
7,918
––––––––
––––––––
29
156
351
-
––––––––
536
––––––––
-
2,963
––––––––
2,963
––––––––
3,499
––––––––
––––––––
74
160
258
-
––––––––
492
––––––––
-
3,120
––––––––
3,120
––––––––
3,612
––––––––
––––––––
Financial Instrument Risk Exposure and Management
The group is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. This note describes the group’s
objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks and the methods used to measure them.
There have been no changes in the group’s exposure to financial instrument risks, its objectives, policies and
processes for managing those risks or the methods used to measure them from previous periods, unless otherwise
disclosed in this note.
Principal Financial Instruments
The principal financial instruments used by the group, from which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:
• Trade and other receivables
• Cash and cash equivalents
• Trade and other payables
• Loan notes
• Bank line of credit
• Convertible loan stock
General Objectives, Policies and Processes
The board has overall responsibility for the determination of the group’s risk management objectives and policies and,
while retaining ultimate responsibility for them, it has delegated the authority for designing and operating processes that
ensure the effective implementation of the objectives and policies to the group’s finance function. The board receives
quarterly reports from the group finance director through which it reviews the effectiveness of the processes put in
place and the appropriateness of the objectives and policies it sets. The group’s risk management procedures are also
reviewed periodically by the audit committee.
The overall objective of the board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as possible without unduly affecting
the group’s competitiveness and flexibility. Further details regarding these policies are set out below:
4 4
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 5
a) Credit Risk
Credit risk arises principally from the group’s trade receivables, other receivables and accrued income. It is the risk that
the counterparty fails to discharge its obligations in respect of the instrument.
The group’s software is principally marketed at major international corporations of good credit standing, and the group’s
historical bad debt experience is very low. Due to the potentially large size of certain individual sales, in a particular
year one customer can account for a substantial proportion of revenues recorded. However, such concentrations rarely
persist for multiple years and therefore the directors do not believe that the group is systematically exposed to credit
risk concentration in respect of particular customers. In 2015, the largest single customer accounted for 11 percent of
group revenues (2014: 10 percent of group revenues in respect of a different customer).
Credit risk also arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions. At the year
end the group was holding a proportion of its deposits and bank balances with each of Lloyds Banking Group plc,
Rabobank Amsterdam, and Silicon Valley Bank.
The group's customers are major international corporations of high credit standing and therefore the group does not
typically obtain credit ratings for individual customers. Nevertheless, current economic conditions have resulted in
such major corporations slowing down payments and this is reflected in the ageing profile of the group’s receivables.
However, impairment of trade receivables is very rare, and in the two years ending 31 December 2015 provisions or
write offs against customer receivables amounted in total to less than 0.5 percent of revenues. Such impairments do
not arise from credit defaults, but principally from disagreements with a very small number of former customers over
their responsibility for renewal fees for maintenance or hosting contracts. Sopheon's policy is to pursue collection of
such fees where invoiced, and to make provision against the applicable receivable if collection is uncertain.
The following is an analysis of the group’s trade receivables identifying the totals of trade receivables which are current
and those which are past due but not impaired:
Total
$’000
Current
$’000
Past Due
+30 Days
$’000
Past Due
+60 Days
$’000
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014
6,656
1,765
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
3,871
6,072
642
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
5,030
1,020
–––––––––
–––––––––
400
–––––––––
–––––––––
The following is an analysis of the group’s provisions against trade receivables, analyzed between the geographical
segments in which the group’s operations are located:
2015
$’000
Provision
$’000
Gross
Value
$’000
Carrying
Value
$’000
Gross
Value
2014
$’000
Provision
Trade receivables
North America
Europe
5,551
1,105
–––––––––
6,656
–––––––––
–––––––––
-
-
–––––––––
-
–––––––––
–––––––––
4,792
1,280
5,551
1,105
-
-
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
-
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
6,072
6,656
$’000
Carrying
Value
4,792
1,280
–––––––––
6,072
–––––––––
–––––––––
The group records impairment losses on its trade receivables separately from the gross amounts receivable. No
impairment losses were recorded during 2015 or 2014. The main factors used in assessing the impairment of the
group’s trade receivables are the age of the balances and the circumstances of the individual customer.
The company provides in full for amounts due from subsidiaries. The company is exposed to credit risk in respect of
its cash and cash equivalents, which are held in the form of current and deposit accounts with leading UK, US and
European banking institutions.
4 4
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 5
b) Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk arises from the group’s management of working capital, and more particularly its ability to be consistently
cash generative after finance charges and principal repayments on its debt instruments. It is the risk that the group will
encounter difficulties in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due.
The group’s policy is to maintain significant cash balances, short-term bank deposits and facilities with a view to having
sufficient cash to meet its liabilities when they become due. The board annually approves budgets including cash flow
projections for each of the operating companies within the group and receives regular information as to cash balances
held and progress against budget. Attention is particularly drawn to the detailed discussion of the factors which enable
the group to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future in the section headed “Going Concern” in Note 2 to
the financial statements.
The following table sets out an analysis of the contractual maturity of the group’s and the company’s financial liabilities
that must be settled gross, based on exchange rates prevailing at the relevant balance sheet date.
Group
At 31 December 2015
Trade and other payables
Line of credit
Loan notes
Future interest – loan notes
Convertible loan stock
Future interest – convertible loan stock
Total financial liabilities
At 31 December 2014
Trade and other payables
Line of credit
Loan notes
Future interest – loan notes
Convertible loan stock
Future interest – convertible loan stock
Total financial liabilities
Company
At 31 December 2015
Trade and other payables
Convertible loan stock
Future interest – convertible loan stock
Total financial liabilities
On Demand
or Within
Six Months
$’000
4,142
3,000
83
5
-
119
–––––––––
7,349
–––––––––
–––––––––
On Demand
or Within
Six Months
$’000
2,842
1,979
83
10
-
125
–––––––––
5,039
–––––––––
–––––––––
On Demand
or Within
Six Months
$’000
536
-
119
–––––––––
655
–––––––––
–––––––––
Within
One Year
$’000
Within
Two Years
$’000
Within
Five Years
$’000
-
-
83
2
-
119
-
-
28
-
2,963
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
-
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
3,011
204
Within
One Year
$’000
Within
Two Years
$’000
Within
Five Years
$’000
-
-
83
7
-
125
-
-
167
7
3,120
250
-
-
28
-
-
21
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
49
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
3,544
215
Within
One Year
$’000
Within
Two Years
$’000
Within
Five Years
$’000
-
-
119
-
2,963
20
-
-
-
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
-
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
2,983
119
Total
$’000
4,142
3,000
194
7
2,963
258
–––––––––
10,564
–––––––––
–––––––––
Total
$’000
2,842
1,979
361
24
3,120
521
–––––––––
8,847
–––––––––
–––––––––
Total
$’000
536
2,963
258
–––––––––
3,757
–––––––––
–––––––––
4 6
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 7
At 31 December 2014
Trade and other payables
Convertible loan stock
Future interest – convertible loan stock
Total financial liabilities
c) Market Risk
On Demand
or Within
Six Months
$’000
492
-
125
–––––––––
617
–––––––––
–––––––––
Within
One Year
$’000
Within
Two Years
$’000
Within
Five Years
$’000
-
-
125
-
3,120
250
-
-
21
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
21
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
3,370
125
Total
$’000
492
3,120
521
–––––––––
4,133
–––––––––
–––––––––
Market risk arises from the group’s use of interest-bearing and foreign currency financial instruments. It is the risk that
the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in interest rates (interest rate risk) or
foreign exchange rates (currency risk). The group does not have any financial instruments that are publicly traded
securities and is not exposed to other price risk associated with changes in the market prices of such securities.
d) Interest Rate Risk
The group’s fixed rate interest bearing liabilities consisted of the convertible loan stock with a nominal value of
£2,000,000, which bears a fixed interest rate of 8 percent, and the US Dollar fixed interest term loan notes amounting
to $194,000 at 31 December 2015. These liabilities do not give rise to interest rate risk. The group also has a
revolving US Dollar line of credit, on which $3,000,000 in aggregate was outstanding at 31 December 2015, and which
bore interest at a margin of 2.75 percent above the Bank’s Prime Rate, currently representing an effective rate of 6.25
percent. Should this rate have increased by 1 percent the annualized effect would have been to increase finance costs
by $30,000.
The group invests its surplus cash in bank deposits denominated in US Dollars, Euros or Sterling, which bear interest
based on short-term money market rates, and in doing so exposes itself to fluctuations in money market interest rates.
The group’s surplus cash held in the form of bank deposits at 31 December 2015 was $386,000. During 2015 interest
rates on money market deposits averaged at or below to 0.5 percent in respect of US Dollar, Euro and Sterling deposits.
The annualized effect of an increase of 0.5 percent in the average interest rate received on the group’s bank deposits at
the balance sheet date would result in an increase in the group’s and the company’s interest income of $2,000.
The company had no interest bearing bank deposits at the balance sheet date.
e) Currency Risk
The group’s policy is, where possible, to allow group entities to settle liabilities denominated in the functional currency
with cash generated from their own operations in that currency. The group also maintains cash and bank deposits in the
currencies which are the functional currencies of its operating entities, which are the US Dollar, the Euro and Sterling.
The group is exposed to currency risk in respect of foreign currency denominated bank deposits and bank loans. Taking
into account the fact that a large proportion of the group’s income and expenditure arise in US Dollars and, to a lesser
extent, in Euros, the group’s policy is not to seek to hedge such currency risk.
Foreign currency risk also arises where individual group entities enter into transactions denominated in currencies other
than their functional currency, with fluctuations in exchange rates giving rise to gains or losses in the income statement.
Where the foreign currency risk to the group is significant, consideration is given to hedging the risk through the forward
currency market and, while this would be an economic hedge of the cash-flow risk, the group does not employ hedge
accounting.
The following table shows the effects, all other things being equal, of changes to exchange rates on the group’s profit
after tax and on the exchange differences on retranslation of the assets and liabilities of foreign operations which is
recognized directly in equity. It illustrates the effects if the exchange rates for Sterling and the Euro against the US
Dollar had been higher or lower than those which actually applied during the year and at the year end.
4 6
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 7
2015
2014
2015
2014
Increase/
(Decrease)
in Profit
After Tax
$’000
Increase/
(Decrease)
in Profit
After Tax
$’000
Effect on
Exchange Differences
on Translation of
Assets and Liabilities
of Foreign Operations
$’000
$’000
Strengthening of Sterling in US Dollar terms by 10c
Weakening of Sterling in US Dollar terms by 10c
Strengthening of Euro in US Dollar terms by 10c
Weakening of Euro in US Dollar terms by 10c
17
(16)
(80)
81
–––––––––
–––––––––
(58)
55
31
(35)
(118)
117
43
(44)
––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– –––––––––
(115)
122
77
(63)
–––––––––
–––––––––
The company holds certain assets, mainly bank deposits, and liabilities denominated in the functional currencies of its
principal operating subsidiaries, which are the US Dollar, the Euro and Sterling. The following table shows the effects,
all other things being equal, of changes to exchange rates at the year end on the profit after tax of the company. It is
based on the company’s assets and liabilities at the relevant balance sheet date.
2014
2015
Increase/(Decrease)
in Profit After Tax
$’000
$’000
Strengthening of Sterling in US Dollar terms by 10c
Weakening of Sterling in US Dollar terms by 10c
Strengthening of Euro in US Dollar terms by 10c
Weakening of Euro in US Dollar terms by 10c
(198)
199
145
(144)
(187)
190
48
(48)
––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– –––––––––
f) Capital
The group considers its capital to comprise its share capital and its special reserve and equity reserve less the
accumulated retained losses. The group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. In managing its
capital, the group’s primary objective is to support the development of the group’s activities through to the point where
they are cash generative on a sustained basis.
The group’s share capital is all equity capital and is summarized in Note 23.
2 3 . S H A R E C A P I TA L
Issued and Fully Paid
Ordinary shares of 20 pence each
2015
Number
2015
$’000
2014
Number
2014
$’000
7,279,000
7,279,000
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
––––––––– ––––––––– –––––––––
2,354
2,354
–––––––––
–––––––––
Throughout the year the company has had in issue one class of ordinary shares, which have at no time carried any
right to fixed income.
At 31 December 2015 the company had outstanding 25,138 warrants to subscribe for ordinary shares of 20p each at
a price of 400p per share, which were issued in June 2007 to BlueCrest Capital Finance LLC in connection with the
financing of the acquisition of Alignent Software, Inc. The warrants have a 10 year life.
4 8
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 9
2 4 . C A P I TA L R E S E R V E S
Group
At 1 January 2014
Recognition of share-based payments
Lapsing or expiry of share options
At 1 January 2015
Recognition of share-based payments
Lapsing or expiry of share options
At 31 December 2015
Company
At 1 January 2014
Recognition of share-based payments
Lapsing or expiry of share options
At 1 January 2015
Recognition of share-based payments
Lapsing or expiry of share options
At 31 December 2015
Equity
Reserve
$’000
Special
Reserve
$’000
425
158
(2)
––––––––
581
114
(17)
––––––––
678
––––––––
––––––––
5,073
-
-
––––––––
5,073
-
-
––––––––
5,073
––––––––
––––––––
Equity
Reserve
$’000
Special
Reserve
$’000
425
158
(2)
––––––––
581
114
(17)
––––––––
678
––––––––
––––––––
5,073
-
-
––––––––
5,073
-
-
––––––––
5,073
––––––––
––––––––
Total
$’000
5,498
158
(2)
––––––––
5,654
114
(17)
––––––––
5,751
––––––––
––––––––
Total
$’000
5,498
158
(2)
––––––––
5,654
114
(17)
––––––––
5,751
––––––––
––––––––
The equity reserve comprises the fair value of share-based payments to employees pursuant to the group’s share
option schemes, the fair value of warrants to subscribe for Sopheon shares issued to BlueCrest Capital Finance LLC,
and the equity component of the group’s 8 percent convertible loan stock 2017.
In addition, investment by the group’s employee share ownership trust (the “Esot”) in the company’s shares is deducted
from equity in the consolidated balance sheet as if they were treasury shares, by way of deduction from the equity
reserve. At 31 December 2015 and at 31 December 2014, the Esot held 7,000 ordinary shares of 20p each in the
company, which represents 0.1 percent of the company’s ordinary share capital. The equity reserve includes a
deduction of $17,000 (2014: $17,000) which represents the cost of the shares held by the Esot at 31 December 2015.
The purpose of the Esot is to facilitate the company’s policy of offering participation in the ownership of its shares
to employees for reward and incentive purposes. At 31 December 2015 and at 31 December 2014, no shares held
by the Esot were under option or had been gifted to any employees. Arrangements for the distribution of benefits to
employees will be made at the Esot’s discretion in such manner as the Esot considers appropriate. Administration
costs of the Esot are accounted for in the profit and loss account of the company as they are incurred.
The special reserve is a non-distributable reserve arising from a capital reorganization in 2013, which may be used,
amongst other purposes as approved by the court, for the same purposes as if it were a share premium reserve.
2 5 . R E T I R E M E N T B E N E F I T P L A N S
The group operates defined contribution retirement benefit plans which employees are entitled to join. The total
expense recognized in the income statement of $239,000 (2013: $234,000) represents contributions paid to such plans
at rates specified in the rules of the plans.
4 8
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4 9
2 6 . R E L AT E D PA R T Y T R A N S A C T I O N S
Details of transactions between the group and related parties are disclosed below.
Compensation of Key Management Personnel
Details of directors’ remuneration are given in Note 7. The total remuneration of executive directors and members of the
group’s operating and executive management committees during the year was as follows:
Emoluments and benefits
Pension contributions
Share-based payments
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
2,616
52
87
–––––––
2,755
–––––––
–––––––
1,898
47
119
–––––––
2,064
–––––––
–––––––
Transactions with Related Parties who are Subsidiaries of the Company
The following is a summary of the transactions of the company with its subsidiaries during the year:
Net amounts borrowed/(repaid) by subsidiaries by way of interest-free loans
Net management charges to subsidiaries
2015
$’000
2014
$’000
(1,767)
498
–––––––
(1,025)
448
–––––––
The amounts owed by subsidiary companies to the parent company at 31 December 2015 totaled $58,285,000
(2014: $62,870,000). A full provision has been made against these amounts, which are unsecured and are subordinated
to the claims of all other creditors.
During 2015 and 2014 the company granted share options to employees of subsidiary companies. Details of grants of
share options are disclosed in Note 27.
Other Related Party Transactions
There were no other related party transactions during the year under review or the previous year.
2 7 . S H A R E - B A S E D PAY M E N T S
Equity-settled Share Option Schemes
The group has a number of share option schemes for all employees. Options are exercisable at a price equal to the market
price on the date of grant. The normal vesting periods are as set out below.
Vesting
Sopheon plc (USA) stock option plan
Sopheon UK approved share option scheme
Sopheon UK unapproved share option scheme
Sopheon NV share option scheme
In three equal tranches between the first and third anniversary of grant
On third anniversary of grant
Immediate or as per USA plan
Immediate or as per USA plan
5 0
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Details of the share options outstanding during 2014 and 2015 are as follows:
Outstanding at 1 January 2014
Options granted in 2014
Options lapsed in 2014
Outstanding at 31 December 2014
Options granted in 2015
Options lapsed in 2015
Outstanding at 31 December 2015
Exercisable at 31 December 2015
Exercisable at 31 December 2014
Number of
Share
Options
610,940
38,500
(13,500)
–––––––––
635,940
26,250
(40,020)
–––––––––
622,170
–––––––––
–––––––––
490,210
–––––––––
–––––––––
335,492
–––––––––
–––––––––
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
£
1.04
0.55
0.96
–––––––––
1.01
0.48
1.00
–––––––––
0.99
–––––––––
–––––––––
1.06
–––––––––
–––––––––
1.12
–––––––––
–––––––––
No share options were exercised during the year (2014: Nil). The options outstanding at the end of the year have a
weighted average contractual life of 7.1 years (2014: 8.1 years).
During the year share options were granted on 10 April 2015, when the exercise price of options granted was 47.5p
and the estimated fair value was 28.1p. During the preceding year share options were granted on 19 September 2014,
when the exercise price of options granted was 55p and the estimated fair value was 32.6p.
The fair values for options granted are calculated using the binomial option-pricing model. The principal assumptions
used were:
Date of Grant
Share price at time of grant
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Risk-free rate
Expected dividend yield
March September
2014
2015
47.5p
47.5p
40%
5%
Nil
55p
55p
40%
5%
Nil
The expected contractual life of the options used was ten years. Expected volatility was determined by reference to the
historic volatility of the company’s share price in the period before the date of grant.
5 0
Details of the share options outstanding during the 2013 and 2014 are as follows:
D I R E C T O R S
Number of
Share
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
£
Outstanding at 1 January 2013
Options granted in 2013 prior to capital reorganization
Options lapsed in 2013 prior to capital reorganization
Barry Mence, Chairman. Barry Mence has served as executive chairman and as a director and substantial
shareholder of Sopheon since its inception in 1993 when he was one of the founding members. From
1976 to 1990, Barry was the major shareholder and group managing director of the Rendeck Group of
Companies, a software and services group based in the Netherlands.
12,179,680
1,117,500
0.10
0.05
0.11
(1,128,300)
Share options outstanding immediately prior to capital
reorganization becoming effective
–––––––––
–––––––––
12,168,880
–––––––––
0.11
–––––––––
608,440
233,704
(231,204)
–––––––––
610,940
38,500
(13,500)
–––––––––
635,940
–––––––––
–––––––––
335,492
–––––––––
–––––––––
157,095
–––––––––
–––––––––
2.11
0.85
3.65
–––––––––
1.04
0.55
0.96
–––––––––
1.01
–––––––––
–––––––––
1.12
–––––––––
–––––––––
1.27
–––––––––
–––––––––
Share options outstanding immediately following the capital
reorganization becoming effective
Share options granted in 2013 subsequent to capital reorganization
Options lapsed or cancelled in 2013 subsequent to capital reorganization
Andrew Michuda, Chief Executive Officer. Andrew (Andy) Michuda was appointed chief executive officer
of Sopheon in 2000. From 1997 to 2000, he served as chief executive officer and an executive director of
Teltech Resource Network Corporation, which was acquired by Sopheon. Prior to joining Sopheon, Andy
held senior leadership positions at Control Data.
Outstanding at 31 December 2013
Options granted in 2014
Options lapsed in 2014
Outstanding at 31 December 2014
Exercisable at 31 December 2014
Arif Karimjee, ACA, Chief Financial Officer. Arif Karimjee joined Sopheon as chief financial officer in 2000.
Arif served as an auditor and consultant with Ernst & Young in the United Kingdom and Belgium from 1988
until joining Sopheon.
Exercisable at 31 December 2013
No share options were exercised during the year (2013: Nil). The options outstanding at the end of the year have a
weighted average contractual life of 8.1 years (2013: 9.0 years).
During the year share options were granted on 19 September 2014, when the exercise price of options granted was
55p and the estimated fair value was 32.6p.
Stuart Silcock, FCA, Non-Executive Director. Stuart Silcock has served as a director of Sopheon since
its inception in 1993 when he was one of the founding members of the company. Since 1982 Stuart has
been a principal Partner in Lawford & Co chartered accountants. Stuart was a non-executive director of
Brown and Jackson plc for four years from 2001 and has held a number of other directorships in the United
Kingdom.
During 2013 share options were granted on 18 April 2013 (prior to the capital reorganization referred to in Note 23),
when the exercise price of options granted was 5.25p and the estimated fair value was 3.11p and on 5 December 2013
(after the capital reorganization) when the exercise price of options granted was 85p and the estimated fair value was
50.33p.
The fair values for options granted are calculated using the binomial option-pricing model. The principal assumptions
used were:
Daniel Metzger, Non-Executive Director. Dan Metzger was until 1998 Lawson Software’s EVP Marketing,
where he helped the company grow its revenues from $13m to $400m. Since then he has held similar
roles at Parametric Technologies, and also at auxilium and nQuire, subsequently sold to Parametric and
Siebel respectively. As a strategy consultant, Dan has helped numerous technology companies reach and
exceed their growth objectives. Dan is currently CEO of Oppsource Inc.
September
2014
December
2013
April
2013
Date of Grant
Share price at time of grant
Exercise price
Expected volatility
Risk-free rate
Expected dividend yield
55p
55p
40%
5%
Nil
85p
85p
40%
5%
Nil
5.25p
5.25p
40%
5%
Nil
The expected contractual life of the options used was ten years. Expected volatility was determined by reference to the
historic volatility of the company’s share price in the period before the date of grant.