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Zytronic plc

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FY2016 Annual Report · Zytronic plc
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The world at 
your fingertips…

Zytronic plc
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WIDENING 
TOUCHSCREEN 
OPPORTUNITIES

The Zytronic range of interactive touch sensing overlay 
products are based upon our internationally award winning 
projected capacitive technologies. We develop and manufacture 
highly durable and adaptable sensors in a near limitless range 
of shapes and sizes, ideally suited for the most demanding 
self-service, industrial and public-facing interactive systems.

Unlike the majority of other touch technologies, the active component 
of Zytronic’s technology is embedded behind the glass front for protection, 
providing a true safety laminated, pure-glass fronted construction. Cutting 
edge, durable and reliable, Zytronic, its technologies and its products put 
the world at your fingertips.

Read more about our technology P2–3

OVERVIEW

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

•  Significant improvement in Group 

trading profits (excluding the £0.9m 
fall in fair value of forward exchange 
contracts) to £5.2m (2015: £4.6m)

•  Strong cash generation from operating 

activities of £5.6m (2015: £4.9m) 
provides the basis for a 20% increase 
in dividends, being the third successive 
year of double-digit dividend growth

•   Group revenue of £21.1m (2015: £21.3m) 
reflects the continuing growth in touch 
sensor revenue of 5% (2015: 16%)

•  Export revenue accounted for 95% 

(2015: 93%) of all revenue

•  Basic earnings per share increased 

to 26.6p (2015: 24.7p)

Group revenue (£m)

£21.1m -1%

Gross profit margin (%)

42.8% +2%

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Earnings per share (p)

Dividends (p)

26.6p +8%

14.4p +20%

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ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 01

Profit before tax (£m)

£4.3m -6%

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Cash generated from 
operating activities (£m)

£5.6m +15%

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CONTENTS

Strategic report
Overview  
At a glance  
Chairman’s statement  
Our business model  
Our strategy and  
key performance indicators (“KPIs”)  
Risk management  
Operational review  
Financial review  

IFC
02
04
06

08
10
12
16

Corporate governance
Board of Directors 
Corporate governance  
Directors’ report  
Remuneration report  

19
20
23
25

28

Financial statements
Group accounts
Independent auditors’ report  
Consolidated statement 
29
of comprehensive income  
Consolidated statement of changes in equity  30
31
Consolidated balance sheet  
32
Consolidated cashflow statement  
Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements  
Five-year summaries  

33
52

Parent Company accounts
Parent Company balance sheet  
Parent Company consolidated 
statement of changes in equity  
Notes to the Parent Company 
financial statements  
 Corporate information  

54

55

56
63

Find out more about us and  
watch our video at www.zytronic.co.uk

STRATEGIC REPORT 
02 • STRATEGIC REPORT

At a glance

Touch technology is second 
nature and enhances every 
aspect of our lives.

OUR TECHNOLOGY

THE BENEFITS

High impact resistance

Customisation

SINGLE TOUCH

Projected capacitive technology 
(“PCT™”) provides the same 
level of sensitivity experienced on 
smartphones and tablets, combined 
with the durability needed for the 
toughest industrial and 
self-service applications.

PCT™ touch sensors can be 
constructed from one, two or  
even three layers of laminated, 
toughened glass, up to a total 
thickness of 20mm or more. 
As a result PCT™ touchscreens 
can be designed to withstand 
whatever abuse the application 
and environment throws at it.

Designed and manufactured 
at our in-house glass processing 
facilities, our dedicated and 
experienced engineers create 
bespoke products tailored to 
the exact requirements of our 
clients and their customers.

MULTI-TOUCH

Multi-touch projected capacitive 
technology (“MPCT™”) offers most 
of the durability advantages of PCT™, 
but with added multi-touch capability.

The MPCT™ multi-touch sensors 
are typically constructed from 
a laminated toughened glass 
substrate of up to 10mm thick, 
meaning they are durable 
enough to withstand most 
impacts and extreme 
environments. The sensors 
are unaffected by rain or liquid 
spillages and, as they only react 
to finger, conductive stylus or 
gloved hand, “false” (accidental) 
touches are minimised.

Like PCT™ touch sensors, 
MPCT™ touch sensors are 
available in a near limitless 
choice of sizes, in glass of 
various thicknesses and types 
– for example, anti-reflective, 
mirrored and anti-microbial 
surfaces are available. 
Customers can also specify 
whether their touchscreen 
is flat or curved and request 
special edge profiles, 
cut outs, holes and slots.

MARKET UPDATES

APAC
Touch revenue from invoiced 
sales to the APAC region was £7.3m, 
which represented 41% of total touch 
export revenue (2015: £5.0m, 31%). The 
growth in the region was significantly 
influenced by demand for ultra-large 
format MPCT™ curved unit designs for 
casino cabinet gaming applications.

EMEA
Touch revenue from invoiced sales 
to the EMEA region was £6.7m, which 
represented 38% of total touch export 
revenue (2015: £6.8m, 42%). 

Americas
Touch revenue from invoiced 
sales to the Americas was £3.6m, 
which represented 21% of total touch 
export revenue (2015: £4.5m, 27%). 
The reduction is mainly attributable 
to the benefit to sales of Coca-Cola in 
2015 matching touch sensors to their 
last time buy requirements of the 
original LCD display unit.

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 03

THE BENEFITS

WHERE IT’S USED

Sensitivity

Reliability

PCT™ technology works by sensing 
minute frequency changes in an 
X-Y matrix of conductive traces. 
This method is so sensitive that 
a touch can be detected through 
very thick glass overlays approaching 
20mm. Yet, it ignores raindrops, 
leaves, dirt, ice, etc., making it 
ideal for self-service, industrial 
and public use.

With its unrivalled durability,  
PCT™ provides 24/7 functionality 
in the most difficult of environments, 
minimising downtime, reducing 
maintenance and maximising 
return on system investment.

Unlike conventional capacitive, 
acoustic and optical touch 
sensors, the active component 
of MPCT™ is embedded behind 
the front substrate, ensuring 
protection, long life and stability. 
MPCT™ technology can also 
detect activity through glass 
thicknesses of 10mm or more, 
making it ideal for use in a 
variety of environments. 

MPCT™ also provides 24/7 
functionality in the most difficult 
of environments. It is proven, 
dependable, vandal-resistant 
and is practically immune to most 
types of physical, mechanical  
and chemical abuse.

UK
Touch revenue from invoiced 
sales to UK customers was £0.6m 
(2015: £1.0m). The year-on-year 
variance was attributable to an 
InfoTable project concluding in 2015 
for a car showroom project.

  Leisure

Our highly durable and customisable touch 
sensors are used in a variety of entertainment 
applications, from video jukeboxes to the 
latest slot machines. They provide reliable 
performance and enable engaging designs.

  Surfaces

Our award-winning multi-touch, MPCTTM 
touch sensors are available in any size or 
shape up to 85”, perfect for multi-user 
touch tables in retail, leisure and 
commercial applications.

  Signage

Our large format PCTTM touchscreens are 
increasingly used in digital signage, helping 
advertisers to engage directly with individual 
customers outdoors and indoors, and are 
reliable in all conditions.

Industrial

Our rugged, reliable PCTTM touch sensors are 
used in a variety of workplace applications, 
from medical diagnostic equipment to oil field 
machinery controls, providing low maintenance, 
year-round performance in all environments.

  Retail

Our tough, customisable PCTTM touchscreens 
enable self-service equipment to be deployed 
at the point of sale irrespective of the location 
and to provide 24/7 customer access in the 
harshest environments and climates.

  Banking

Our vandal-resistant PCTTM touch sensors 
have been trusted by global ATM and 
financial kiosk manufacturers for over 
a decade to provide reliable self-service 
performance both indoors and outdoors.

Read our business model P6

MARKET UPDATES

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04 • STRATEGIC REPORT

Chairman’s statement

Touch product 
revenues continuing
to increase.

The year has started well with 
orders, revenue and current 
trading ahead of the same period 
last year, which provides an 
encouraging start to continue to 
deliver value for our shareholders.”

We are pleased to announce the results 
for the year ended 30 September 2016 
which, as explained in the recent 
pre-close statement, Group trading 
profit excluding fair value movements 
on foreign exchange forward contracts 
of £0.9m, shows a significant 
improvement to £5.2m.

Results
As Mark Cambridge, our CEO, describes 
in his Operational review, it is pleasing 
to report the success of the strategy 
of targeting the larger-format touch 
sensor markets where our proprietary 
multi-touch technology has generated 
significant demand, particularly in the 
gaming market. 

The key measure of growth is our touch 
sensor business where, for the year 
ended 30 September 2016, revenues 
grew by 5% to £18.2m, although as 
expected there was a 26% reduction 
in revenues to £2.9m of the original 
non-touch glass display products 
which we have been diversifying 
away from for several years.

EURO GAMES 
TECHNOLOGY

Zytronic speeds the  
pace of roulette with  
unique multiplayer table.

Location: 
Bulgaria

Industry: 
Entertainment 
and leisure

Application:  
Multiplayer luxury 
roulette table

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 05

Outlook
The year has started well with orders, 
revenue and current trading ahead of the 
same period last year, which provides 
an encouraging start to continue to 
deliver value for our shareholders.

Tudor Davies
Chairman
12 December 2016

Operational review P12

In total, revenues were slightly down 
at £21.1m (2015: £21.3m), but despite 
the fall in the fair value of the forward 
exchange contracts of £0.9m, reported 
profit before tax was £4.3m (2015: £4.5m) 
whilst profit after tax increased to £4.1m 
(2015: £3.8m) with basic earnings per 
share increasing to 26.6p (2015: 24.7p). 
The benefit in EPS has come from a 
reduced tax charge of 4% (2015: 17%) 
as a result of the Group’s election to 
take part in the Patent Box tax scheme.

The conversion of profits into 
cash demonstrates the underlying 
improvement in performance, with cash 
generation from operating activities 
for the year ended 30 September 2016 
increasing to £5.6m (2015: £4.9m).

Dividend
The Directors propose a final dividend 
of 10.96p (2015: 8.87p) payable on 
3 March 2017 to shareholders on the 
register on 17 February 2017, which 
increases the total dividend for the year 
by 20% to 14.41p (2015: 12.01p).

Introduction
Euro Games Technology (“EGT”), 
one of the fastest growing companies 
in the global gaming industry, used 
PCT™ to create a completely new 
multiplayer luxury roulette game on an 
84” table with up to eight independent 
touch areas. The EGT Luxury Touch 
Table won an award at G2E last year 
and has already been installed in 
50 casinos, including WINBET 
in Bulgaria, Casino Advanced 
Technology, France, and Casino 
VINMOE in Ireland.

Key information
The EGT Luxury Touch Table is a high-end 
product featuring an exquisite design, 
modern technologies and demanding 
performance standards. Critically, the 
new table concept required six or eight 
completely independent touch zones 
operating seamlessly over a single 84” 
LCD, allowing individuals to place bets 
within a shared game experience, 
without the risk of each player’s 
“virtual” gambling chips becoming 
mixed up.

Zytronic is supplying the 84” diagonal 
anti-glare treated glass panels, equipped 
with either six 21” or eight 19” separate 
touch zones around the perimeter of the 
screen. Each playing area is supported 
by its own ZXY100 touch controller. 
These touch areas are seamless, without 
bezel or border, blending into the overall 
display. Furthermore, the 6mm thick 
screen-printed glass is thermally 
toughened to resist deliberate 
or accidental damage.

Abuzz case study P14

STRATEGIC REPORT06 • STRATEGIC REPORT

Our business model

Our competitive 
advantages – adding value 
to our capabilities.

OUR TECHNOLOGY

OUR CAPABILITIES

We invented the term “projected capacitive” 
more than 15 years ago and we are global 
leaders in its development with our proprietary 
PCT™ and patented MPCT™ technology.

At Zytronic we are committed to the future 
of touch interactivity for self-service and public 
use, and we reinvest approximately 10% of 
our annual revenue into the development 
of new technology and products.

We know glass. Our in-house facilities 
include automated cutting, edge 
grinding, polishing and drilling machines, 
complemented by bending and thermal 
tempering ovens and screen-printing 
equipment. Our dedicated and talented 
manufacturing team has decades of 
experience in glass processing 
and lamination.

Our commitment to develop innovative 
touch technology is backed up by stringent 
(ISO-approved) quality systems and our 
multilingual/multinational sales, customer 
service and technical support team are 
always on hand to assist customers 
throughout a project.

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 07

FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT

HOW WE ADD VALUE

Over the last 16 years, we have built up 
a diverse team of mechanical, electronic, 
software and firmware engineering experts, 
to continually develop the processes, 
materials and functionality across the full 
gamut of all products that Zytronic designs 
and manufactures.

This ensures that the developed and, 
where appropriate, patented IP in our touch 
technologies and products remains at the 
forefront of the industry and allows us to 
take an important position within the 
touch ecosystem. 

We recognise the technical consultative 
nature of the interactions that we have with 
our customers, which, in the case of our touch 
technologies, allows us to provide them 
with a solution tailored to the needs of 
their developed systems and equipment.

We provide a fairly unique service into the 
touch ecosystem by providing a one-stop 
solution, by bringing the sensor manufacturing, 
controlling electronics, processing firmware 
and system software under the single supplied 
control, thus allowing our customers a fully 
managed and tuned solution.

STRATEGIC REPORT08 • STRATEGIC REPORT

Our strategy and key performance indicators (“KPIs”)

Our mission is to increase the profitability 
of our business by growing revenues from 
touch sensors through continual improvement 
and development of our PCT™ and MPCT™ 
touch technologies.

INNOVATE

GROW

We identify development projects that will 
enhance our technology and increase its ease 
of use and functionality for customers and 
end users, and we listen to existing and 
potential customers and our markets 
for future requirements.

We continue to seek opportunities to 
expand our sales channels across the world. 
We have new additions in the USA and 
China and aim to establish representation 
in additional countries, for example 
Indonesia and in the Middle East.

What we did in 2015/2016
•   We expanded our direct sales in North America 

with further recruits for Zytronic Inc.

•   We increased our channel partner network 

by three to 41 agreements worldwide.

What we did in 2015/2016
•   We released a new MPCT™ controller 

designed specifically to work with sensors 
<20” in size. Sampling of this controller 
then led to orders during the year.

•   We tested alternative sensor materials and 

determined an optimum solution for relative 
low resistance load to drive via our electronics.

•   We identified a new methodology to bond the 
flexi-tails to our sensors and will introduce 
this in the coming year.

•   Development work on the MPCT™ Application 
Specific Integrated Chip (“ASIC”) continued.

Our priorities for 2016/2017
•   We aim to complete the development 
of the ASIC to then introduce it into 
the product range.

•   We will continue to work within the 

H2020 Hi-Response consortium project.

Our priorities for 2016/2017
•   We will continue to develop our sales 
channel partnerships across the world.

•   We will seek to increase our channel partner 

network in Japan and Indonesia.

•   We will drive the global value added reseller 

•   We will introduce the new laser bonding 

agreement with Future Electronics.

methodology into our manufacturing process.

•   We will continue to develop our presence 

in the US through Zytronic Inc.

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 09

INVEST

We review our manufacturing methods 
regularly to bring through efficiencies in 
production. We add new plant and equipment 
each year, as necessary, to add capacity 
and replace old equipment. We invest in our 
marketing activities to promote our business 
on a global level. We invest in our employees 
to ensure we have the necessary calibre 
of people in the organisation.

What we did in 2015/2016
•   We purchased additional plotting 

machines to meet the increasing demand 
for large-format products.

•   We rebranded our corporate identity 

to align with the touch interactivity focus.

•   We launched new trading and corporate 

websites during the year.

•   We introduced a new customer relationship 
management (“CRM”) system to better 
control our opportunity log.

•   We developed a production engineering 
training apprenticeship scheme during 
the year.

Our priorities for 2016/2017
•   We will purchase further plotting machines 

as demand for large format products 
continues to increase.

•   We will invest in in-house edge profiling 
equipment to meet increasing demand 
for shaped products.

•   We will further invest in equipment used 

for bending glass.

•   We will review our ERP system to ensure 
it continues to meet our requirements.

Measuring our performance

Commentary on the actual performance of the Group 
against each of these KPIs is set out in the Chairman’s 
statement and the Operational and Financial reviews.

•   The current KPIs consist of: setting targets for and 

monitoring the level and growth of sales; improving the 
gross profit margin; controlling the level of overheads 
(administration expenses); managing cashflow from 
operating activities; recording the order intake 
over the year; and monitoring accident levels.

•   In addition, the Directors review a sales pipeline log 
which the sales team uses to record validated sales 
opportunities and the key dates in the development 
of each sales prospect with the customer, volumes 
and values of the opportunities and expected 
production commencement dates.

Group revenue (£m)

Gross profit margin (%)

£21.1m -1%

42.8% +2%

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The total amount the 
Group earns from the sale 
of its products.

The gross amount of margin 
earned from the sale of the 
Group’s products.

Administration expenses (£m)

£4.4m +7%

Cash generated from 
operating activities (£m)

£5.6m +15%

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The indirect costs incurred 
in running the Group.

Cashflow from operating activities 
adjusted for non-cash items.

Order intake over the year (£m)

Recorded accidents

£21.5m 0%

10 -64%

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Orders received during 
the financial year.

Total number of accidents 
recorded in the business 
over the year.

STRATEGIC REPORT10 • STRATEGIC REPORT

Risk management

Successfully managing
risks through identification, 
evaluation and monitoring.

The Board has carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group, including those that threaten 
the business model, the strategy, future performance, solvency 
and liquidity. Risks have been identified as principal based on 
the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of the impact on 
the Group, and have been identified through the application 
of policies and processes outlined below.

MANAGING OUR RISKS

The nature of the risk is reviewed including the possible 
triggering events and the aggregated impacts before 
setting appropriate mitigation strategies directed 
at the causes and consequences of each risk. 

The risk is assessed in relation to the likelihood of occurrence 
and the potential impact of the risk upon the business and 
against a matrix scoring system which is then used to 
escalate risks within the Group.

Impact and change key:

Unchanged

Adverse

Improved

Moderate

Major

Minor

Risk management structure
The responsibility for risk identification, 
analysis, evaluation and mitigation 
rests with the operational management 
team of the businesses and is regularly 
communicated to the Board. The 
operational management team are 
also responsible for reporting and 
monitoring key risks in accordance 
with established processes under the 
Group operational policies. Reporting 
within the Group is structured so that 
key issues can be escalated rapidly 
through the management team 
to the Board where appropriate.

Board of Directors

Non-executive Directors

Audit  
committee

Remuneration 
committee

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 11

POTENTIAL 
FINANCIAL 
IMPACT

CHANGE

RISK DESCRIPTION

MITIGATING ACTIONS

Advances in competing technologies

The main risk to the Group’s business is that 
of advances in competing technology, 
whereby a new, better touch sensor 
technology is created.

 Management is very conscious of this and monitors 
competitors’ developments and changes within the 
whole industry. By continually developing and evolving 
its own technologies, the Group expects to build upon its 
competitive strengths and thereby keep its technology 
ahead of its competitors. In order to protect itself the Group 
has applied for and had patents successfully granted.

Downward price pressures from competing technologies

This is most prevalent in the lower valued 
touch sensor sector dominated by resistive, 
capacitive and surface acoustic wave 
touchscreens. However, price pressure in 
those markets does have a knock-on effect 
on prices throughout the industry.

Management has successfully met these challenges to 
date by re-designing and re-engineering the ZYTOUCH® 
touch sensor in developing the ZYPOS® touch sensor. This 
enabled the Group to reduce the cost of manufacture and 
therefore the sales price for subsequent touch sensor designs 
and has allowed the Group to enter markets that were 
previously closed to it on price grounds. The Group has 
subsequently taken the touch sensor manufacturing process 
changes and applied them to the re-design and manufacture 
of the optical display filters which it also produces.

Increasing costs of raw material supplies

There are continual upward pressures 
on the cost of raw material supplies, 
many arising from increases in oil prices 
and energy costs. Raw materials can also 
be purchased in US Dollars and Euros, 
whereby movements in exchange rates 
can affect the pricing.

Management continually reviews the sources and 
costs of raw material supplies, the design of the Group’s 
products and the operational processes that are used in 
their manufacture. Where possible, it uses increases in 
volume purchases to obtain price reductions, discounts 
and improved specifications. Foreign exchange contracts 
are in place to try to mitigate FX movements.

Managing increases in the overhead base

With the significant time that may occur 
between meeting potential customers and 
receiving first orders, management must 
ensure that the capacity of its factories is 
adequate for future growth in sales and 
the development of the business, while 
managing the profitability of the Group.

This is not straightforward when the business is developing 
new products and manufacturing processes and when the 
visibility and timing of orders from customers is unclear. 
Management uses a comprehensive sales pipeline model 
that has been strengthened by the introduction of a CRM 
system to monitor potential future sales levels. It has built 
in a degree of flexibility in its two main factories by ensuring 
that all products can be processed across its two 
buildings to continue to meet variable demand.

Reliance on key customers

At present the Group has 61% of its revenue 
from three key customers. The risk to the 
Group is the loss of one or more of these 
customers with revenues not being 
replaced by others.

The nature of the business often means that when a 
customer is brought into the Group they stay loyal for a 
long period due to the lengthy engagement process from 
initial discussion to the raising of the purchase order. It is 
also difficult for a customer to design-out the product 
once it has been chosen to be incorporated into their 
product offering. These factors help mitigate the risk of 
losing key customers. The Group constantly seeks new 
and increasing opportunities to replace and add to revenue 
when existing projects naturally come to their conclusion.

Risks associated with currency movements

A large proportion of the Group’s sales 
are denominated in US Dollars and Euros, so 
the Group is subject to risks associated with 
currency movements. It is the Group’s policy 
to manage these risks and provide a degree 
of certainty for cashflows into the UK without 
taking the risks of speculative positions.

Natural hedging is adopted to manage currency risk, 
whereby goods and services are sometimes sourced in 
Euros and US Dollars. Surplus currency is then protected 
through the use of forward foreign exchange contracts.

Risks associated with timing of customer projects

One of the main risks to the business is that 
of the timing of customer projects, where 
as a component supplier the Group is wholly 
reactive to its customer demands.

The demands of the Group’s customers is not something 
that can be controlled, so in order to mitigate this risk the 
Group constantly strives to have a diversified customer 
base with multiple projects over different time periods 
occurring at any one time. A project log is regularly 
reviewed to ensure that up-to-date information 
regarding pipeline projects is captured.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
12 • STRATEGIC REPORT

Operational review

Increasing demand 
for touch sensor 
products.

I would like to start this Operational 
review by thanking on behalf of the 
Board of Directors, all Zytronic 
employees who contributed to the 
overall performance of the business, 
over the 2016 fiscal period.

Strategic sales and 
marketing initiatives 
In the 2015 annual report, we indicated 
a number of key strategic initiatives for 
2016 particularly related to the growth 
in our direct presence in key global areas, 
being North America, the Greater China 
Region and Japan, as well as continuing 
to focus on our global routes to market 
through the development of the sales 
channel partnerships that we have 
around the world. 

The work in establishing an increased 
direct presence for Zytronic in the 
aforementioned key geographies 
continued through 2016, with the 
appointment of a USA based national 
sales engineer in Zytronic Inc. This was 
complemented over the course of 2016, 
by the increase to 41 in our channel 
partner network (2015: 38); with 
16 regional agreements across the 
Americas, up from 14 in 2015, eleven 
across APAC, 13 across EMEA and 
one new global value added reseller 
agreement with the display division 
of Future Electronics, an organisation 
which has numerous sales offices, 
product warehousing and assembly 
facilities around the world. 

SUSTAINABILITY

We have core values that serve as the guidelines for our conduct as an organisation 
and for the behaviour of our employees.

Integrity
Building relationships of mutual respect 
with colleagues, customers, suppliers, 
advisers and investors, ensuring that 
we conduct ourselves at all times in 
an open, honest and ethical manner.

Quality
Providing customer satisfaction 
through the continual improvement 
of our products, processes and the 
capabilities of our employees, through 
innovation, development and training.

Performance
Achieving profitable growth and 
increasing shareholder value through 
the balance of short term demands 
and long term strategies.

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 13

A key feature of the period has been 
the continued development of our 
multi-touch multi-user mutual projected 
capacitive technology (“MPCT™”) for 
ultra-large format sensor designs. This 
has continued our strategic focus on 
key growth application areas such as 
casino cabinet gaming (flat and curved), 
casino surface table gaming and vertical 
and horizontal digital signage, where our 
technology, manufacturing competence 
and product functionalities provided 
an advantage.

The main focus of our marketing efforts 
during 2016 was the complete corporate 
rebranding of the Group, with the release 
of a new branding logo focused on the 
substantial touch-interactive nature of 
the business, along with new websites 
with the added benefits of mobile device 
compliance. We also continued to 
participate either directly or in 
combination with channel partners and 
suppliers, at key signage, gaming and 
technical tradeshows in the UK, Europe, 
the Middle East and the USA. The global 
promotion of the Group through our 
regional PR representatives, was assisted 
by the release of several product case 
studies, process and sales structure press 
releases and technical opinion pieces.

Strategic research 
and development
The technical team continued the work 
outlined in the 2015 annual report to 
provide manufacturing process and 
product functional improvements to 
the ranges and IP associated with the 
touch sensing technologies developed 
and produced by Zytronic.

The team completed the design and 
production release of the ZXY150 series 
controller for MPCT™ functionality in 
the large volume area of sensor sizes 
less than 20”. In conjunction with this 
development, the silicon phase of 
the developed Zytronic MPCT™ 
Application-Specific Integrated Chip 
(“ASIC”) commenced, with delivery 
of first article approval samples of 
the ASIC expected in January 2017. 
The production release of MPCT™ 
controllers supporting the full range 
of sensor sizes incorporating the 
ASIC is scheduled for the final 
quarter of 2017. 

At the year end, a fifth GB patent was 
granted for our MPCT™ solution, being 
GB2502594, related to the design 
specifics of our MPCT™ electrode 
sensor pattern.

Over the period, the team also continued 
further developments of Zytronic 
software and firmware IP, in both our 
single-touch, single-user self-projected 
capacitive technology “PCT™” and 

MPCT™ solutions with the release of 
Android and Mac operating system-
specific hardware drivers as well as a 
single finger unique zoom functionality, 
instead of the normal and cumbersome 
multi-finger gesture.

A significant amount of development 
time over 2016 was expended on the 
design and procurement of a state-of-
the-art laser system for the bonding 
of our electrode pattern to our flexible 
PCB controller connector tails, with a 
production ready unit expected to be 
in service by January 2017. The team 
also continued over the year to work on 
alternative sensor electrode materials 
as well as providing significant technical 
support into our relationship with 
Cryptera A/S as we move towards 
an expectation of 2017 production 
projects of encrypted touch solutions.

Sales
The 2016 first half non-touch products 
revenue reduction, reported at the 
interims, persisted through the second 
half, resulting in revenues of non-touch 
products of £2.9m (2015: £4.0m); 
this decline has been expected and 
had been flagged over a number of 
reporting periods. Although a number 
of factors contributed to this, by far 
the most significant, was a further 
reduction in the ATM display revenues 
of £0.7m, from the £2.3m of 2015 to 
£1.6m this year. 

Apprenticeships 
We are committed to training and have 
embarked on an apprenticeship scheme 
to train our engineers of the future.

Environmental policy
At Zytronic we’re committed 
to working towards a cleaner 
and greener future for all.

We endeavour to comply with all 
relevant environmental legislation and 
regulation. It is our goal to attain higher 
standards of environmental performance 
where practical and appropriate.

We are fully compliant with BSI 
Environmental Management System 
ISO 14001:2004.

Recycling
We promote environmental awareness 
throughout the Group and have 
introduced a number of activities 
which include the recycling of paper, 
cardboard, plastics, cans, bottles, 
metals, etc. Since introducing these 
recycling activities, Zytronic has 
reduced pollution into the environment 
by diverting 95% of our waste away 
from landfill with the remaining 5% 
being used as RDF fuel.

STRATEGIC REPORT14 • STRATEGIC REPORT

Operational review continued

Sales continued
Total sales revenues for the year of 
£21.1m were generally in line with those 
generated in 2015 (£21.3m), albeit 
with the nature of the business being 
increasingly geared towards touch 
product revenues. With high global 
exports, bespoke designs and varying 
project-based low volume batch 
production, the mix of product revenues 
was, as expected, considerably different 
when comparing the two years. Touch 
revenues increased by £0.9m (5%) to 
£18.2m (2015: £17.3m). More specific 
details of this mix improvement are 
covered below.

Export revenues accounted for 95% 
of the £21.1m total revenues (2015: 93% 
of £21.3m), whilst touch export revenues 
grew by £1.3m (8%) to £17.6m, 
representing 96% of the £18.2m of 
total touch revenues (2015: £16.3m, 
94% of £17.3m). We experienced, for 
the second year, significant growth 
in our APAC touch sales to £7.3m 

(2015: £5.0m), coming from the 
strengthening of our bespoke curved 
MPCT™ solutions in the gaming market, 
relative stability in our EMEA touch 
sales at £6.7m (2015: £6.8m) and a 
reduction in Americas touch sales to 
£3.6m (2015: £4.5m), mainly associated 
with the vending market.

The total number of touch sensor units 
supplied across all size ranges was 
130,000 (2015: 149,000 units). The 
single most significant reduction in 
volume was attributable to a decrease in 
medium-sized 15” sensors, associated 
with vending applications. 

However, as the business has continued 
to focus on the increasing revenue 
benefits associated with the ultra-large 
format markets, with sensors greater 
than 30”, the effects of the reduction 
in sensor volumes in the smaller size 
ranges was significantly countered. 
The following table compares the 
relative volumes of sensors sold 
over a range of sensor sizes:

Sensor size

0–14.9”

15.0–29.9”

30.0”+

Totals

2016

2015

Variance

Units 
(thousands)

% total

Units 
(thousands)

% total

Units 
(thousands)

%
change

39

77

14

30

59

11

42

98

9

28

66

6

130

100

149

100

(3)

(21)

5

(19)

(7)

(21)

56

(13)

Additional benefits in both revenues and 
margins are realised as a consequence 
of the significant proportion of the 14,000 
ultra-large format units supplied that are 
greater than 30” in size incorporating 
the value added growth areas targeted 
by the Group. These being 11,000 units 
incorporating our MPCT™ solutions 
(2015: 6,000 units) and, of the 11,000 
units, 9,000 units were of bespoke 
large-radius curved designs 
(2015: 4,000 units). 

Touch application markets
The financial market remained our top 
touch revenue generating application 
contributing £6.4m (2015: £6.3m) of 
revenues. The market in the year was 
affected by Asian ATM manufacturers 
continuing to strengthen their local 
positions against our larger global ATM 
OEM customers as well as the merger 
of Diebold Inc. with Wincor Nixdorf, 
which was concluded in the year.

The gaming market continued to show 
considerable strength and growth and 
in 2016, became the second highest 
touch application revenue contributor 
at £5.9m (2015: £3.4m), as project 
deliverables, where we offered both 
PCT™ and MPCT™ solutions across a 
number of customers in ultra-large 
curved formats, increased.

ABUZZ 
MARINA BAY

Zytronic finds the way 
in Asia’s leading 
integrated resort.

Location:  
Singapore

Industry:  
Leisure

Application:  
Signage

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 15

The vending market, although our 
second highest touch application area 
in terms of unit volumes produced, 
became our third highest touch 
application area in terms of revenue 
generation at £2.6m (2015: £3.7m). As 
expected the decline in both volume 
and revenue was mostly attributable 
to another year of significantly reduced 
supply for the medium-sized 15” 
Coca-Cola Freestyle units, after their 
substantial purchasing of sensors to 
align with the original LCD display unit 
end-of-life programme in 2015, as 
detailed in the 2015 annual report.

Our industrial and signage application 
markets declined from the prior year 
to £1.4m (2015: £2.0m) and £1.0m 
(£1.2m) respectively. By far the biggest 
contributor to the drop in industrial 
revenues was the 52% reduction across 
numerous individual projects from our 
French channel partner, coupled with 
the effects in general of the oil and gas 
sector. Signage was affected by the 
conclusion in 2015 of the car showroom 
information table system project for a 
new model launch with a UK customer, 
as described in the 2015 annual report. 

In combination, our other application 
markets of healthcare, home automation 
and telematics in total increased £0.1m 
to £0.9m (2015: £0.8m), with the volume 
of the cooktop project, under home in 
particular, improving over the year.

Opportunities analysis
Zytronic maintains an active log to 
monitor all valid sales enquiries generated 
from the various input sources being 
the sales channel partners, regional 
sales managers, business development 
managers and exhibition participation. 

However, during the latter stages 
of 2016, to further improve our lead 
monitoring and global sales management 
processes, we ported and moved the 
static log into a new Microsoft Dynamics 
process-based CRM system from which 
they are now monitored. New leads 
were then added to the CRM system 
and all leads were segregated into the 
key market sectors, ranging in size and 
value depending upon their success 
probability, quantity, and, if applicable 
to touch, by sensor size and technology 
of the products required, with our high 
probability leads tagged as Projects.

As the system is dynamic, it ensures that 
the data is always up-to-date, ensuring 
that strict defined process stages must 
be met and complied with, as the leads 
progress through to Projects. As of 
30 September 2016, there were 325 
active leads in the system, of which 48 
are currently accorded high probability 
Project status.

Mark Cambridge
Chief Executive Officer
12 December 2016

Introduction
Zytronic was commissioned by 
global digital way-finding specialist 
Abuzz to deliver its PCT™ touch sensor 
assemblies for a prestigious project in 
one of the world’s most spectacular 
integrated resorts – Marina Bay Sands 
in Singapore.

The way-finder solution includes 
Abuzz’s popular landmark touchscreen 
directory which they customised to meet 
the brief. The landscape unit features 
a low form factor that maximises the 
customer’s line of sight, allowing them 
to easily orient themselves. Abuzz 
specified Zytronic touchscreens 
both to provide the best possible 
user experience and because of the 
value added manufacturing service 
that Zytronic could provide.

Key information
The Abuzz directories feature 40” 
landscape format Zytronic touchscreens 
driven by the new ZXY110 touch controller. 
This controller provides enhanced 
performance in a number of areas. 
It offers better immunity against 
electrical noise in the environment, 
and dynamically retunes itself to avoid 
performance degradation from emissions 
from mobile phones and other nearby 
electronic devices. Although the 
directories are large units externally, 
there is in fact only very limited space 
inside and the ZXY110 board is pleasingly 
compact. The fact that the controller 
is offered with native Windows device 
drivers was an added advantage, 
simplifying integration.

Paul Pettersen, Operations Manager 
of Abuzz, commented: “This project 
was all about creating the best possible 
experience for the customer. The Shoppes 
at Marina Bay Sands is equipped to the 
very highest standards throughout, 
and the brief for the new way-finding 
points was to fully match that. Visitors’ 
expectations are based on the tablets 
and smartphones they have in their 
hands. Delivering that accurate and 
completely reliable touch experience 
on a 40” toughened screen isn’t easy 
– but it is a challenge that Zytronic 
fully meets with its latest PCTTM 
touch technology.”

Nilfisk case study P16

STRATEGIC REPORT16 • STRATEGIC REPORT

Financial review

Continuing 
to be cash 
generative.

Overview
The Group’s performance over the year 
can be characterised by the following 
key factors:

•  Group revenue of £21.1m (2015: £21.3m);

•  continued growth in touch sensor 

revenue of 5% (2015: 16%);

•  gross profit margin of 42.8%, 
compared to 41.9% in 2015;

•  reported Group trading profit of 
£4.3m (2015: £4.6m) is impacted 
by the fall in fair value of forward 
foreign exchange contracts of £0.9m; 

•  profit after tax at £4.1m is ahead of 

last year by £0.3m (2015: £3.8m); and

•  continued strong cash generation 
from operating activities of £5.6m 
(2015: £4.9m).

Gross margin
Gross margin improved to 42.8% 
in the year (2015: 41.9%) through 
increased revenues from larger‑format 
touch sensors and a bigger split of 
revenues from touch products compared 
to traditional products. The Group 
maintained production efficiencies 
from previous years’ capital investment 
and continued to control other costs.

Group trading profit
Group trading profit of £4.3m 
(2015: £4.6m) was impacted by the 
£0.9m fall in fair value of forward 
foreign exchange contracts following 
the severe weakening of Sterling when 
the EU referendum resulted in the UK 
voting to leave the EU. Group trading 
profit excluding fair value movement 
on forward foreign exchange contracts 
is therefore £5.2m. All other costs of 
administration have been well controlled 
throughout the year.

Tax
The Group’s total tax charge in the 
income statement for the year ended 
30 September 2016 is £0.2m, which 
represents an effective tax rate of 
4.3%. The effective tax rate has been 
impacted by the Group obtaining tax 
benefits from electing into the Patent 
Box regime, which allows companies 
to apply a rate of corporation tax of 
10% to profits earned after 1 April 2013 
from patented inventions and similar 
intellectual property. During the year 
ended 30 September 2016, work was 
completed by qualified specialists to 
confirm that the relevant criteria had 
been met and tax savings of £127k for 
2016 plus £289k for the two previous 
years has been recognised, which has 
reduced the effective tax rate from the 
statutory rate of 20.0% by 9.7% in total. 
The tax rate has been further reduced 
by 4.4% as a result of the Group 
claiming R&D tax credits.

NILFISK 
CAR WASH 
BUSINESS UNIT

The Zytronic touch improves car wash 
user experience.

Location:  
Germany

Industry:  
Industrial

Application:  
Self-service car  
wash systems

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 17

Earnings per share
The issued share capital is 15,429,528 
ordinary shares of 1.0p each and EPS 
for the year is 26.6p, which represents 
growth of 8% from that reported last 
year (2015: 24.7p). 

Dividend
During the year the Group paid a 
final dividend for 2015 of 8.87p per 
share and a 2016 interim dividend 
of 3.45p per share totalling £1.9m 
of cash (2015: £1.6m). The Directors 
recommend the payment of a final 
dividend of 10.96p per share for the 
year ended 30 September 2016 giving 
a total dividend for the year of 14.41p 
per share (2015: 12.01p) and an increase 
of 20% over last year. Subject to approval 
by shareholders, the dividend will be paid 
on Friday 3 March 2017 to shareholders 
on the register as at the close of 
business on Friday 17 February 2017. 
The dividend is covered 1.9 times 
by underlying earnings.

Capital expenditure
The Group additions to capital 
expenditure totalled £0.8m split 
equally between property, plant 
and equipment and intangible assets. 
Following the major capacity planning 
expansion work undertaken last year, 
this year’s spend in plant and equipment 
has been incurred in adding several 
new 2D direct-write electrode printing 
machines to increase the throughput 

and capacity of the production of 
ultra-large (up to 65”) touch sensors. 
A large portion of the spend in intangible 
assets related to continuing work 
on the MPCT™ ASIC project and a new 
Fibre Laser PCB Bonding Table and 
Vision system. Depreciation and 
amortisation for the year was just 
over £1.1m (2015: £1.0m).

Cash and debt
The Group continues to be cash 
generative and recorded an increase 
in cash and cash equivalents of £2.9m 
(2015: £2.0m) at the year end. This 
growth in cash enables the Group to 
continue its policy to invest in internal 
R&D and capital refurbishments and to 
maintain its progressive dividend policy.

Net cash (cash less debt) balances 
at 30 September 2016 were £11.6m 
(2015: £8.5m), of which £2.6m was 
held between instant access and 95 days’ 
notice interest-bearing deposit accounts, 
with the remainder being managed 
through a set-off arrangement.

The Group maintains an overdraft 
facility which is available for use in 
any of its currencies. The Group also 
had an FX policy in place at the year 
end whereby it is hedged in both 
US Dollars and Euros for a period of 
twelve months ahead to try to better 
manage its net GBP inflows from 
its surplus currency requirements. 
Following the year end the Group 
considered its position on FX and 

agreed to continue to hedge against 
FX movement but only up to a period 
of a maximum four months ahead. The 
current contracts in place will therefore 
unwind over the coming year and will 
be replaced as necessary as per the 
new policy.

The Group retains a property 
mortgage with Barclays Bank plc, 
entered into in 2012, which is repayable 
at £0.2m per annum for five years, at 
which time it will either be re-financed 
or repaid. As of 30 September 2016, 
the outstanding property mortgage 
is £1.1m.

Proposed capital reduction
A special resolution to apply to the 
Courts for a capital reduction process 
will be placed before the shareholders 
at the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting (“AGM”). This resolution, 
should it be approved by the Court, 
will enable the conversion of the 
£8.9m of historical non-distributable 
reserves to distributable reserves. The 
Directors’ unanimous recommendation 
is that you vote in favour of this proposal.

Claire Smith
Group Finance Director
12 December 2016 

Introduction
A leading international manufacturer 
of retail car wash units, Nilfisk Car 
Wash Business Unit, has chosen 
Zytronic’s proven and durable PCT™ 
touch sensors to provide the user 
interface and interactive digital 
signage features for its popular Wap 
WaschBär self-service car wash 
systems. Nilfisk selected the 12” 
ZyBrid® touch sensors because of 
their consistent, reliable performance 
in a wet environment. Nilfisk has over 
1,000 systems deployed in locations 
throughout Europe.

Key information
Self-service car washes represent a 
very demanding environment as they 
are outdoor, in operation 24/7, used 
year round in all weather conditions 
and are almost constantly wet. 
Sometimes, for example, the user may 
direct the wash hose at the control unit. 
The challenge for Nilfisk was identifying 
a touch technology that is completely 
sealable, works reliably when wet 
and delivers a great user experience 
in all conditions. It found that many 
touchscreens performed erratically 
or failed altogether when water was 
present on the screen, causing great 
frustration to customers, particularly 
if the problems led to car wash 
selection errors.

In addition to providing intuitive and 
easy-to-follow operating instructions, 
the ZyBrid® touchscreens offer a flexible 
interactive digital signage platform. 
Nilfisk provides a web interface, 
enabling images and videos to be 
uploaded and changed from a remote, 
networked location. Operators typically 
use the screens to promote car 
accessories and other products 
available within the forecourt store 
which allow customers to make 
purchases direct from the terminal.

Read more case studies 
at www.zytronic.co.uk

STRATEGIC REPORT18 • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Read more
about our progress 
during the year.

Corporate governance
Board of Directors 
Corporate governance  
Directors’ report  
Remuneration report  

19
20
23
25

28

Financial statements
Group accounts
Independent auditors’ report  
Consolidated statement 
29
of comprehensive income  
Consolidated statement of changes in equity  30
31
Consolidated balance sheet  
32
Consolidated cashflow statement  
Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements  
Five-year summaries  

33
52

Parent Company accounts
Parent Company balance sheet  
Parent Company consolidated 
statement of changes in equity  
Notes to the Parent Company 
financial statements  
Corporate information  

54

55

56
63

Page header continuedSubheadBoard of Directors

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 19

A

Tudor Griffith Davies
Non-executive Chairman
Tudor has wide industry experience at boardroom level as Chairman, Chief Executive and Executive and 
Non-executive Director of several public companies. He is currently Chairman of Assetco plc and was formerly 
Chairman and/or Chief Executive of Hicking Pentecost plc, Stratagem plc, Dowding & Mills Ltd and plc and 
Castle Support Services plc. He was formerly a partner in Arthur Young (a predecessor firm of Ernst & Young 
LLP) specialising in corporate finance and recovery. Tudor is Chairman of the audit committee.

Mark Cambridge
Chief Executive
Mark graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Materials Science in 1986 and has a Securities Institute Certificate in 
Corporate Finance (2003). Joining the Romag Group of companies in 1991, he held the positions of Technical Manager, 
Quality Manager and Technical and Quality Director up to the demerger and flotation of Zytronic plc. Since 2000 
he has overseen the development, market introduction and sales of the ZYTOUCH® touch sensor product and the 
market launch of ZYPOS® touch sensors. Mark was Sales and Marketing Director of Zytronic Displays Limited from 
2002 until his appointment as its Managing Director in February 2006. On 1 June 2007 Mark was appointed 
to the Board and promoted to Chief Executive on 21 January 2008.

Claire Smith
Group Finance Director
Claire graduated in 2000 in Business and Finance and attained CIMA accreditation in 2006 and a certificate in 
International Cash Management in 2011. She held various positions within Procter & Gamble and the NAAFI before 
joining Zytronic Displays Limited in April 2007 as Group Financial Controller. In 2012, Claire was appointed Finance 
Director of the operating subsidiary Zytronic Displays Limited and Finance Director of Zytronic plc in January 2014.

A R

David John Buffham
Independent Non-executive Director
David is a Non-executive Director of Newcastle Building Society. He is the Society’s Senior Independent Director, 
chairs the Society’s Board risk committee, sits on the nominations and remuneration committees and is a Director 
of the Newcastle Systems Management Ltd subsidiary. He is a Director of William Leech (Investments) Ltd, where he 
additionally sits on the investment committee and serves as a trustee of the William Leech Foundation. Until 2010 
David worked for the Bank of England, most recently as the Bank’s regional agent for the North East for nine years.

Sir David Robert Macgowan Chapman, Bt.
Senior Independent Non-executive Director
Sir David, a former Chairman of the CBI North East, has held a variety of Non-executive roles, including 
at Northern Rock Plc and at the London Stock Exchange. He is currently Chairman of Virgin Money’s pension 
scheme and its independent governance committee and is an advisory board member of North East Finance. 
A former First Vice President of Merrill Lynch International Bank and a consultant to UBS Wealth Management, 
Sir David was a member of the Greenbury Committee on Directors’ remuneration. He is currently Chairman 
of the remuneration committee.

A R

  Member of audit committee
A

  Member of remuneration committee
R

All of the Directors served throughout the financial year.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE20 • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate governance

Achieving high
standards of 
corporate 
governance.

As an AIM-listed company, Zytronic plc is 
not obliged to comply with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code published in September 2014 
(the “Code”) but instead uses the provisions of 
the Code as a guide, applying them as the Board 
considers appropriate to the circumstances 
of the Company.

Tudor Davies
Chairman

The workings of the Board 
and its committees
The Board
Throughout the year, Tudor Davies, 
the Non-executive Chairman, 
Mark Cambridge, the Chief Executive, 
Claire Smith, the Group Finance Director, 
and Sir David Chapman, Bt. and 
David Buffham, the two Independent 
Non-executive Directors, were members 
of the Board.

The Non-executive Directors 
demonstrate a range of experience 
and sufficient calibre to bring 
independent judgement on issues 
of strategy, performance, resources 
and standards of conduct, which is 
vital to the success of the Group.

The Board normally meets at 
least five times per year. Its direct 
responsibilities include setting annual 
budgets, reviewing trading performance, 
approving significant capital expenditure, 
ensuring adequate funding, setting and 
monitoring strategy, examining major 
acquisition possibilities and reporting to 
shareholders. Between meetings there 
is regular informal discussion between 
the Chairman, the Chief Executive, 
the Group Finance Director and the 
individual Non-executive Directors. 
The Non-executive Directors have a 
particular responsibility to ensure 
that the strategies proposed by the 
Executive Directors are fully considered.

THE BOARD

Number of meetings and the attendance of Directors

Board composition

Board meetings
2016 total: five meetings

Remuneration committee
2016 total: two meetings

2

3

100%

100%

Non-executive Directors: 3

Executive Directors: 2

100% attendance 
by all Directors

100% attendance 
by all members

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 21

To enable the Board to discharge its 
duties, all Directors receive appropriate 
and timely information. Briefing papers 
are distributed by the Company Secretary 
to all Directors in advance of Board 
meetings. The Chairman ensures that the 
Directors are able to take independent 
professional advice as required, at the 
Company’s expense.

The standing committees established 
by the Board are the remuneration 
committee and the audit committee, 
each of which operates within defined 
terms of reference.

A nominations committee has not 
been established as the Board is small. 
The nominations process prior to Board 
appointments takes into account the 
views of all existing Board members and 
some advisers. Any Director appointed 
to the Board since the last Annual 
General Meeting is required to seek 
re-election at the subsequent Annual 
General Meeting. All Directors are 
subject to re-election at least once 
every three years.

The number of meetings of the Board, 
and the attendance of Directors, 
is shown on the left below.

Remuneration committee
The remuneration committee is chaired 
by Sir David Chapman, Bt., the Senior 
Independent Non-executive Director.

The other member is David Buffham, 
an Independent Non-executive Director. 
The committee is responsible for making 
recommendations to the Board, within 
agreed terms of reference, on the 
Company’s framework of executive 
remuneration and its cost, including the 
remuneration of the subsidiary Directors. 
The committee determines the contract 
terms, remuneration and other benefits 
for each of the Executive Directors, 
including performance related 
bonus schemes, pension rights 
and compensation payments. Further 
details of the Company’s policies on 
remuneration, service contracts and 
compensation payments are given in 
the Remuneration report. The Chairman’s 
remuneration is determined by a 
sub-committee comprising only the 
Independent Non-executive Directors.

The number of meetings of the 
committee, and the attendance of 
members, is shown on the left below.

Audit committee
The audit committee is chaired 
by Tudor Davies. The other members 
are Sir David Chapman, Bt., the Senior 
Independent Non-executive Director, 
and David Buffham, an Independent 
Non-executive Director. The Independent 
Non-executive Directors’ meetings 
are also attended, by invitation, by 
the other Directors. The committee 
normally meets once a year.

The committee provides a forum 
for reporting by the Group’s 
external auditors.

The audit committee is responsible 
for reviewing a wide range of matters, 
including the half-year and annual 
financial statements before their 
submission to the Board, and monitoring 
the controls which are in force to ensure 
the integrity of the information reported 
to the shareholders. The audit committee 
advises the Board on the appointment 
of external auditors and on their 
remuneration both for audit and 
non-audit work and discusses the 
nature, scope and results of the 
audit with the auditors.

The audit committee keeps under 
review the cost effectiveness of the 
auditors. It also reviews the extent 
of the non-audit services provided 
by the auditors and reviews with them 
their independence and objectivity. 
The Chairman of the audit committee 
reports the outcome of audit committee 
meetings to the Board and the Board 
receives minutes of the meetings.

The number of meetings of the 
committee, and the attendance 
of members, is shown below.

Audit committee
2016 total: one meeting

100%

100% attendance 
by all members

The Non-executive Directors 
demonstrate a range of experience 
and sufficient calibre to bring 
independent judgement on issues 
of strategy, performance, resources 
and standards of conduct, which is 
vital to the success of the Group.”

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE22 • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate governance continued

Relations with shareholders
Communication with shareholders 
is given high priority. There is regular 
dialogue with major and/or institutional 
shareholders, including presentations 
after the Company’s announcements 
of the half-year and full-year results 
in May and December, respectively. 
Presentations are also made to analysts 
and journalists at those times to present 
the Group’s results and report on 
developments. This assists with the 
promotion of knowledge of the Group 
in the investment marketplace and with 
shareholders. The financial statements 
include a review of the business and 
future developments. These financial 
statements, the presentations and other 
financial information relating to the 
Group are also available on the Group’s 
website, www.zytronicplc.com.

Following the half-year and year-end 
presentations of results, the Executive 
Directors report to the Board on the 
feedback received from journalists, 
analysts and shareholders. In addition, 
the Company’s Nomad produces a 
feedback report from those meetings 
which is made available to all Directors. 
The Executive Directors also report 
to the Board on any meetings with 
shareholders or institutional investors 
that may take place at other times 
of the year.

The Board uses both the annual 
report and financial statements 
and the Annual General Meeting to 
communicate directly with private 
and institutional investors and welcomes 
their participation. The Chairman aims 
to ensure that the Chairmen of the 
audit and remuneration committees 
are available at the Annual General 
Meeting to answer questions. Details 
of resolutions to be proposed at the 
Annual General Meeting on Thursday 
16 February 2017 have been issued as 
a separate notice to all shareholders.

In addition, the Senior Independent 
Director is available to shareholders 
if they have any concerns which 
contact through the normal channels 
of the Chairman, the Chief Executive 
or the Group Finance Director has 
failed to resolve or for which such 
contact is inappropriate.

Internal control
The Board is responsible for establishing 
and maintaining the Group’s system 
of internal control and for reviewing its 
effectiveness. The system is designed 
to manage rather than eliminate the 
risk of failure to achieve the Group’s 
strategic objectives and can only 
provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement 
or loss. As an AIM-listed company, 
the Company does not need to comply 
with Code provision C2.1 regarding 
the Directors giving a summary of the 
process applied by the Board in reviewing 
the effectiveness of the system of internal 
control. Instead, the Directors set out 
below some of the key aspects of the 
Group’s internal control procedures.

An ongoing process, in accordance with 
the guidance of the Turnbull Committee 
on internal control, has been established 
for identifying, evaluating and managing 
the significant risks faced by the Group.

The process has been in place for the 
full year under review and up to the date 
of approval of the annual report and 
financial statements. The Board regularly 
reviews this process as part of its review 
of such risks within Board meetings. 
Where any weaknesses are identified, 
an action plan is prepared to address 
the issues and is then implemented.

The Board has overall responsibility for 
the Group and there is a formal schedule 
of matters specifically reserved for 
decision by the Board.

Authority to operate the trading 
subsidiary, Zytronic Displays Limited, 
is delegated to its Board of Directors and 
through it, it is run by its management, 
within limits set by the Board. The 
appointment of Executives to the 
most senior positions within the Group 
requires the approval of the Board.

Each year the Board approves the 
annual budget. Key risk areas are 
identified, reviewed and monitored. 
Performance is monitored against 
budget, relevant action is taken 
throughout the year and quarterly 
rolling forecasts are prepared to 
capture more accurate and up-to-date 
information. The reports reviewed by 
the Board include reports on operational 
as well as financial matters.

Capital and development expenditure 
is regulated by a budgetary process and 
authorisation levels. For expenditure 
beyond specified levels, detailed written 
proposals have to be submitted to the 
Board for approval. Reviews are carried 
out after the purchase is complete.

The Board requires management to 
explain any major deviations from 
authorised capital proposals and to 
seek further sanction from the Board.

Due diligence work is carried out 
if a business is to be acquired.

The Board has reviewed the need for 
an internal audit function and concluded 
that this is not currently necessary in view 
of the small size of the Group and the 
close supervision by senior management 
of its day-to-day operations. The Board 
will continue to keep this under review.

The Group has a whistle-blowing 
policy and procedures to encourage 
staff to contact the Chairman if they 
need to raise matters of concerns 
other than via the Executive Directors 
and senior management.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, 
together with the factors likely 
to affect its future development, 
performance and position are set out 
in the Strategic report. The financial 
position of the Group, its cashflows, 
liquidity position and borrowing facilities 
are also described within the Financial 
review section of the Strategic report. 
In addition, note 20 to the financial 
statements includes the Group’s 
objectives and policies of its financial 
risk management and details of its 
financial instruments and hedging 
activities and its exposure to credit 
risk and liquidity risk.

The Group’s business is well 
diversified, with relationships with 
customers and suppliers across 
different geographic areas and 
industries. It also has considerable 
financial resources. As a consequence, 
the Directors believe that the Group 
is well placed to manage its business 
risks successfully.

After making enquiries, the Directors 
have a reasonable expectation that the 
Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. 
Accordingly, they continue to adopt the 
going concern basis in preparing the 
annual report and financial statements.

Directors’ report

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 23

The Directors present their annual 
report and financial statements for 
the year ended 30 September 2016.

Principal activities
Zytronic is the developer and 
manufacturer of a unique range 
of internationally award-winning touch 
sensor products. Zytronic’s products 
incorporate an embedded array 
of metallic micro-sensing electrodes 
which offer significant durability, 
environmental stability and optical 
enhancement benefits to designers 
of system-integrated interactive 
displays for public access and 
industrial-type applications.

Likely future development
Our priorities for 2016/17 are disclosed 
in the Strategic report on pages 8 and 9.

The Group will continue to 
identify further opportunities for the 
development of new product groups 
and expends a considerable amount 
on R&D. By continually developing 
and adapting its technologies the 
Group has been able to expand the 
applications of the touch sensors into 
a widening range of applications and 
new sectors of business and to promote 
the Group’s products on a global basis. 
At present 95% of all products are 
directly exported from the UK, with a 
large proportion of UK sales eventually 
being exported as well.

The Group draws strength from the 
diverse spread of its worldwide selling 
operations, particularly given the current 
uncertain economic conditions affecting 
different countries. The incorporation 
of Zytronic Inc. has further strengthened 
the Group’s presence in the USA and the 
employment of a Taiwanese national 
in the APAC region has increased its 
presence there. Management continues 
to look for and engage with suitable 
appointees to expand the Group’s 
presence of value added resellers 
(“VARs”) worldwide.

Capital management
Capital management is intended 
to ensure and maintain strong credit 
ratings and healthy capital ratios in 
order to support the Group’s business 
and maximise shareholder value. 
It includes the monitoring of cash 
balances, available bank facilities, 
cashflows, dividend policy and 
retained reserves and gearing levels 
(borrowings net of cash balances 
divided by shareholders’ equity).

Management ensures that the Group 
has sufficient facilities to provide the 
Directors with comfort on the Group’s 
foreseeable needs and its liquidity 
position. The Financial review includes 
a paragraph referring to the continuing 
strength of cashflows which occurred 
in the year ended 30 September 2016 
and the overall net funds position.

No changes were made to these 
objectives, policies or processes during 
the years ended 30 September 2015 
and 2016.

Research and development
During the year the Group released 
a new MPCTTM controller designed 
specifically to work with sensors less 
than 20” in size. Further development 
occurred on the MPCTTM ASIC which 
will reduce the footprint and cost of 
the Group’s multi-touch controllers 
and it is expected that this will be 
released into production during fiscal 
year 2017. The Group also identified 
a new methodology to bond the 
flexi-tails to its sensors which will also 
be introduced into the business in 
2017. Further details on the Group’s 
R&D activities are included in the 
Operational review section of the 
Strategic report.

Results and dividends
The consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income is set out on 
page 29. The Group profit after tax 
amounted to £4.1m (2015: £3.8m). 
The Directors propose the payment 
of a final dividend of 10.96p per share 
(2015: 8.87p). Following the dividend 
of 3.45p per share paid in July 2016, 
this will bring the total dividend for the 
year to 14.41p per share (2015: 12.01p), 
an increase of 20%.

KEY STATISTICS

Research and 
development spend

Total number of employees

Dividend

2015 total: £418,000

2016 total: £395,000

2015 total: 174

2016 total: 174

2015 total: 12.01p

2016 total: 14.41p

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEprocess designed to convert £8.9m 
of non-distributable reserves into 
distributable reserves.

The Directors consider that all the 
resolutions to be proposed at the AGM 
are in the best interests of the Group 
and it is their recommendation that 
shareholders support these proposals 
as they intend to do so in respect of 
their own holdings.

Auditors
A resolution to re-appoint 
Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s 
auditors will be put to the shareholders at 
the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of the Board

Claire Smith
Company Secretary
12 December 2016

Registration number
3881244

24 • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors’ report continued

Directors
The Directors of the Company are 
shown on page 19. All of the Directors 
were Directors for the whole of the year. 
The emoluments and interests of the 
Directors in the shares of the Company 
are set out in the Remuneration report.

Statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities in relation to 
the Group financial statements 
and annual report
The Directors are responsible 
for preparing the annual report 
and the Group financial statements 
in accordance with UK law and those 
International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted 
by the European Union.

Under company law the Directors 
must not approve the Group financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that 
they give a true and fair view of the state 
of affairs of the Group and of the profit 
or loss of the Group for that period. 
In preparing those financial statements 
the Directors are required to:

•  present fairly the financial position, 

financial performance and cashflows 
of the Group;

•  select suitable accounting policies 

in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting 
Policies, Changes in Accounting 
Estimates and Errors and then apply 
them consistently;

•  present information, including 

accounting policies, in a manner that 
provides relevant, reliable, comparable 
and understandable information;

•  make judgements that 

are reasonable; 

•  provide additional disclosures 

when compliance with the specific 
requirements of IFRS, as adopted 
in the European Union, is insufficient 
to enable users to understand the 
impact of particular transactions, 
other events and conditions on the 
Group’s financial position and 
financial performance; and

•  state whether the Group financial 
statements have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRS, as adopted 
by the European Union, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements.

The Directors are responsible for 
keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain 
the Group’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the Group and 
enable them to ensure that the Group 
financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets 
of the Group and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other 
irregularities. The Directors are 
responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the corporate and financial 
information included on the Company’s 
website. Legislation in the UK governing 
the preparation and dissemination of 
financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

Disclosure of information 
to auditors
The Directors who were members 
of the Board at the time of approving the 
Directors’ report are listed on page 19. 
Having made enquiries of fellow Directors 
and of the Company’s auditors, each 
of these Directors confirms that:

•  to the best of each Director’s 

knowledge and belief, there is no 
information (that is, information 
needed by the Company’s auditors 
in connection with preparing their 
report) of which the Company’s 
auditors are unaware; and

•  each Director has taken all the 

steps a Director might reasonably be 
expected to have taken to be aware 
of relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Company’s auditors 
are aware of that information.

Annual General Meeting 
(“AGM”)
The AGM will be held at the office of 
Zytronic plc, on Thursday 16 February 
2017 at 2.00pm. The Notice of Meeting 
accompanies this Annual Report and is 
also available on the Group’s website 
at www.zytronicplc.com. Six resolutions 
will be proposed as special business. 
Explanatory notes on these resolutions 
are set out in the accompanying circular. 
Special business resolution number five 
proposes that the Company undertakes 
a court approved capital reduction 

Remuneration report

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 25

As the Company is AIM listed, 
the Directors are not required, 
under Section 420(1) of the 
Companies Act 2006, to prepare a 
Directors’ Remuneration report for 
each financial year of the Company 
and so Zytronic plc makes the following 
disclosures voluntarily, which are not 
intended to, and indeed do not, comply 
with the requirements of Section 420(1) 
of the Companies Act 2006.

The remuneration committee is 
responsible for determining the 
remuneration and other terms of 
employment for the Executive Directors 
of Zytronic plc and the Directors in its 
trading subsidiary, Zytronic Displays 
Limited. The committee is composed 
of the Senior Independent Non-executive 
Director, as its Chairman, and the 
Independent Non-executive Director. 
In determining remuneration for the 
year, the committee has given full 
consideration to the requirements 
of the Combined Code.

Remuneration policy
The remuneration of Executive Directors 
is determined by the committee and the 
remuneration of Non-executive Directors 
is approved by the full Board of Directors. 
The remuneration of the Chairman is 
determined by the Independent 
Non-executive Directors.

The key objectives of the committee in 
determining the remuneration packages 
of Executive Directors are:

•  the recruitment, retention 

and incentivisation of executive 
management of the right calibre; and

•  the alignment of 

executive management 
and shareholder interests.

The remuneration packages 
of Executive Directors comprise 
the following elements:

Basic salary and benefits
Basic salaries for Executive Directors 
are reviewed annually having regard 
to individual performance and market 
practice. In most cases benefits 
provided to Executive Directors 
comprise the provision of a company 
car, or appropriate allowance, health 
insurance and contributions to a Group 
personal pension scheme. During the 
year the Board agreed to remove the 
provision of the company car or 

appropriate allowance and to instead 
add the cash benefit onto salaries 
with effect from 1 October 2016. Details 
of emoluments for the Directors of 
Zytronic plc are set out on page 26.

Annual bonus
In 2014, the remuneration committee 
implemented a three-year annual bonus 
plan linked to corporate performance 
targets, being the achievement of certain 
profit before tax (“PBT”) measures.

A maximum bonus of 50% of base salary 
for both the Chief Executive and the 
Group Finance Director will be payable 
if these targets are met.

In the financial year 2016 actual bonus 
payments of 20% of base salary are 
payable. The remuneration committee 
believes that this is a reasonable 
situation given the financial performance 
of the Group.

The remuneration committee also retains 
its right to provide special discretionary 
bonuses where deemed appropriate.

Long term incentive plan
The remuneration committee also 
agreed, in 2014, a long term cumulative 
cash bonus incentive scheme, payable 
in addition to the annual bonus scheme 
following the finalisation of the fiscal 
year 2016 annual report and financial 
statements, providing certain 
performance measures have 
been achieved.

These performance measures have 
subsequently been achieved and a 
bonus of 60% of base salary will be 
payable to the Chief Executive and a 
bonus of 45% of base salary will be 
payable to the Group Finance Director.

Share options and 
incentive schemes
The Company believes that share 
ownership by Executive Directors and 
employees strengthens the link between 
their personal interests and those of the 
Company and the shareholders.

The Company has executive share 
option and incentive schemes, which 
are designed to promote long term 
improvement in the performance 
of the Group, sustained increase in 
shareholder value and clear linkage 
between executive reward and the 
Group’s performance. The share 
options and incentive schemes 
of the Directors of Zytronic plc 
are set out on pages 26 and 27.

It will normally be the case that, on 
the option holder ceasing employment 
with the Group, the options will be 
terminated. In some circumstances, the 
Board may have discretion to waive this 
where the past contribution to the 
business by the option holder justifies it.

Service contracts
Mark Cambridge and Claire Smith 
each have a service contract with 
a notice entitlement of six months.

The committee considers the 
Directors’ notice entitlements to 
be appropriate as they are in line with 
the market and take account of the 
Directors’ knowledge and experience. 
There are no special provisions for 
predetermined compensation in 
the event of loss of office.

Non-executive Directors
The fees of the Non-executive 
Directors are determined by the 
full Board within the limits set out 
in the Memorandum and Articles 
of Association. The Non-executive 
Directors are not eligible for bonuses, 
pension benefits or share options.

Directors’ emoluments
Emoluments of the Directors for 
the year ended 30 September 2016 
are shown in the table overleaf.

Pension contributions
During the year, the Group made 
annual pension contributions for 
Mark Cambridge and Claire Smith, 
Executive Directors, to a Group 
personal pension scheme (i.e. a defined 
contribution scheme). Neither benefits 
in kind nor bonuses are pensionable.

Details of contributions payable 
by the Company are:

Director

Mark Cambridge

Claire Smith

Total*

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

10

41

51

31

36

67

* 

 The Directors opted to pay some of their 
2015 bonus award into their pension 
scheme as a Company contribution.  
 Claire Smith opted to pay some of her 
2016 bonus award into her pension 
scheme as a Company contribution.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE26 • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Remuneration report continued

Directors’ shareholdings
Beneficial interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company, including those of their immediate families, are shown below:

Tudor Davies

Mark Cambridge 

Sir David Chapman, Bt.

David Buffham

Claire Smith

30 September 2016

30 September 2015

Number

90,909

50,791

40,000

18,500

714

%

Number

0.59

0.33

0.26

0.12

—

90,909

50,791

40,000

18,500

714

%

0.59

0.33

0.26

0.12

—

There has been no change in Directors’ shareholdings since 30 September 2016.

Directors’ emoluments for the year ended 30 September 2016

Non-executive Chairman

Tudor Davies

Executive

Mark Cambridge

Claire Smith**

Non-executive

Sir David Chapman, Bt.

David Buffham

Salary
£’000

Fees
£’000

Benefits
£’000

Bonuses
£’000

Total
emoluments*
2016
£’000

Total
emoluments*
2015
£’000

—

124

76

—

—

200

74

—

—

29

29

132

—

8

10

—

—

18

—

99

57

—

—

156

74

231

143

29

29

506

71

194

137

28

28

458

*  Excluding pension contributions.

**  Claire Smith’s salary reflects maternity pay for part of the year.

Claire Smith has opted to pay some of her bonus into her pension scheme.

Directors’ share incentive scheme 
The remuneration committee agreed, in March 2014, an incentive award scheme for Mark Cambridge, Chief Executive, 
and Claire Smith, Group Finance Director, to offer them each up to 125,000 shares at a price of 200.0p per share to vest 
based on specified performance criteria:

•  the consolidated PBT, before bonuses payable to certain individuals, of the Group for the accounting period ending 

30 September 2016 being in excess of £4.5m; and

•  the consolidated PBT, before bonuses payable to certain individuals, of the Group for the three accounting periods ending 
30 September 2014, 2015 and 2016 being together at least £10.0m (where a loss in any such period shall be treated 
as a minus for those three years).

The performance target set out above was satisfied and therefore option shares will vest on the date on which the consolidated 
accounts for the Group for the accounting period ending 30 September 2016 are finalised.

The exercise of this option shall be conditional on the option holder entering into an agreement with the Company pursuant 
to which the option holder shall agree to retain one-third in aggregate of the shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of this 
option for a period of two years from the date of exercise of the option and to deposit the share certificate in respect of such 
shares with the Company Secretary for the retention period.

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 27

Share price during the year
During the year to 30 September 2016, the highest share price was 436.5p and the lowest share price was 302.5p. 
The market price of the shares at 30 September 2016 was 375.0p.

Directors’ interests in material contracts
No Director was materially interested either at the year end or during the year in any contract of significance to the Group 
other than their employment or service contract.

Directors’ share options

Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme

30 September
2015
Number

Granted
during
year
Number

Lapsed
during
year
Number

Mark Cambridge*

Mark Cambridge

Claire Smith**

Claire Smith***

Claire Smith

Claire Smith

Claire Smith

Unapproved Scheme

Mark Cambridge

Claire Smith

21,750

71,787

5,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

67,800

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Exercised
during
year
Number

21,750

—

5,000

—

—

—

— 10,000

—

—

—

—

—

—

30 September
2016
Number

Exercise dates

—

29 March 2014 to
28 March 2021

Option
price

172.8p

71,787 December 2016 to
December 2018

200.0p

— 28 February 2011 to
27 February 2018

— 25 January 2015 to
24 January 2022

10,000 25 January 2016 to
24 January 2022

10,000 25 January 2017 to
24 January 2022

216.5p

195.0p

195.0p

195.0p

67,800 December 2016 to
December 2018

200.0p

30 September
2015
Number

53,213

57,200

Granted
during
year
Number

Lapsed
during
year
Number

Exercised
during
year
Number

30 September
2016
Number

Exercise dates

—

—

—

—

—

—

53,213 December 2016 to
 December 2018

57,200 December 2016 to
 December 2018

Option
price

200.0p

200.0p

* 

21,750 shares were exercised at 382.0p, realising a gain of £45,501.

**  5,000 shares were exercised at 382.0p, realising a gain of £8,275.

***  10,000 shares were exercised at 382.0p, realising a gain of £18,700.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE28 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditors’ report
To the members of Zytronic plc

We have audited the financial 
statements of Zytronic plc for the 
year ended 30 September 2016 which 
comprise the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income, the 
consolidated statement of changes in 
equity and Parent Company statement 
of changes in equity, the consolidated 
balance sheet and Parent Company 
balance sheet, the consolidated cashflow 
statement and the related notes 1 to 25 
for the Group and the related notes 
1 to 12 for the Parent Company. The 
financial reporting framework that has 
been applied in the preparation of the 
Group financial statements is applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the 
European Union. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the Parent Company 
financial statements is applicable 
law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice), including 
FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework.

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 auditors’ 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 
Directors’ responsibilities statement 
set out on page 24, the Directors are 
responsible for the preparation of 
the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view. Our responsibility is to audit 
and express an opinion on the financial 
statements in accordance with 
applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s 
Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the 
financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence 
about the amounts and disclosures in 
the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud 
or error. This includes an assessment of: 
whether the accounting policies are 
appropriate to the Group’s and the 
Parent Company’s circumstances and 
have been consistently applied and 
adequately disclosed; the reasonableness 
of significant accounting estimates 
made by the Directors; and the overall 
presentation of the financial statements. 
In addition, we read all the financial 
and non-financial information in the 
annual report and financial statements 
to identify material inconsistencies 
with the audited financial statements 
and to identify any information that is 
apparently materially incorrect based 
on, or materially inconsistent with the 
knowledge acquired by us in the course 
of performing the audit. If we become 
aware of any apparent material 
misstatements or inconsistencies we 
consider the implications for our report.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:

•  the financial statements give a true 

and fair view of the state of the Group’s 
and of the Parent Company’s affairs 
as at 30 September 2016 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;

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

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

•  adequate accounting records 

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

•  the Parent Company financial 

statements are not in agreement 
with the accounting records 
and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ 
remuneration specified by law 
are not made; or

•  we have not received all the 

information and explanations 
we require for our audit.

Stuart Watson 
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP 
Statutory Auditors
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
12 December 2016

Notes

•  the Parent Company financial 

1. 

statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with 
United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice, including FRS 101 
Reduced Disclosure Framework; and

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

 The maintenance and integrity 
of the Zytronic plc website is the 
responsibility of the Directors; the 
work carried out by the auditors does 
not involve consideration of these 
matters and, accordingly, the auditors 
accept no responsibility for any changes 
that may have occurred to the financial 
statements since they were initially 
presented on the website.

2. 

 Legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements 
may differ from legislation in 
other jurisdictions.

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 September 2016

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 29

Group revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Distribution costs

Administration expenses

Group trading profit

Finance costs

Finance revenue

Profit before tax

Tax expense

Profit for the year

Earnings per share

Basic

Diluted

All profits are from continuing operations.

Notes

2

3

5(a)

5(b)

6

8

8

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

21,087

21,267

(12,071)

(12,366)

9,016

(378)

8,901

(278)

(4,365)

(4,073)

4,273

4,550

(23)

20

4,270

(183)

4,087

26.6p

26.1p

(29)

23

4,544

(775)

3,769

24.7p

24.3p

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS30 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 September 2016

At 1 October 2014

Profit for the year

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Dividends

At 1 October 2015

Profit for the year

Tax recognised directly in equity

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Dividends

At 30 September 2016

Called
up share
capital
 £’000

152

—

1

—

—

Share
premium
£’000

7,290

—

262

—

—

153

7,552

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

214

—

—

Retained
earnings
£’000

10,611

3,769

—

180

Total
£’000

18,053

3,769

263

180

(1,574)

(1,574)

12,986

4,087

20,691

4,087

72

—

71

72

215

71

(1,900)

(1,900)

154

7,766

15,316

23,236

Consolidated balance sheet
At 30 September 2016

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 31

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and short term deposits

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

Derivative financial liabilities

Provisions

Accruals

Tax liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Financial liabilities

Provisions

Government grants

Deferred tax liabilities (net)

Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Equity share capital

Share premium

Revenue reserve

Total equity

Notes

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

15

16

14

15

16

17

19

21

21

1,457

7,389

8,846

2,760

3,745

12,763

19,268

28,114

1,302

1,148

959

205

834

122

4,570

—

—

48

260

308

4,878

1,427

7,807

9,234

3,214

3,055

9,833

16,102

25,336

971

200

89

—

1,201

255

2,716

1,144

136

59

590

1,929

4,645

23,236

20,691

154

7,766

15,316

23,236

153

7,552

12,986

20,691

These financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Mark Cambridge 
Chief Executive 
12 December 2016

Claire Smith
Group Finance Director

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS32 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated cashflow statement
For the year ended 30 September 2016

Operating activities

Profit before tax

Net finance costs

Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets

Loss on sale of fixed assets

Amortisation of government grant

Share-based payments

Fair value movement on foreign exchange forward contracts

Working capital adjustments

Decrease/(increase) in inventories

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables and provisions

Cash generated from operations

Tax paid

Net cashflow from operating activities

Investing activities

Interest received

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

Receipt of government grant

Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment

Payments to acquire intangible assets

Net cashflow from investing activities

Financing activities

Interest paid

Dividends paid to equity shareholders of the Parent

Proceeds from share issues relating to options

Repayment of borrowings

Net cashflow from financing activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the year end

Notes

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

4,270

4,544

3

766

355

—

(11)

71

870

454

(690)

76

6,164

(576)

5,588

20

—

—

(387)

(385)

(752)

6

708

336

54

(4)

180

(87)

(88)

13

(249)

5,413

(556)

4,857

23

3

63

(994)

(388)

(1,293)

(21)

(26)

(1,900)

(1,574)

215

(200)

263

(200)

(1,906)

(1,537)

2,930

9,833

12,763

13

13

2,027

7,806

9,833

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 September 2016

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 33

1. Accounting policies
(a) Authorisation of financial statements and statement of compliance
The financial statements of Zytronic plc and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) for the year ended 30 September 2016 were 
authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 12 December 2016 and the balance sheet was signed on behalf of the 
Board by Mark Cambridge and Claire Smith. Zytronic plc is a public limited company incorporated, domiciled and registered 
in England and Wales. The Company’s ordinary shares are traded on AIM. The address of its registered office and principal 
place of operation are disclosed in the Corporate information section of this report.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted for use in the European Union 
and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. The Directors consider the following accounting 
policies to be relevant in relation to the Group’s financial statements.

(b) New standards and interpretations not applied
The International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 
(“IFRIC”) have issued the following standards, interpretations and amendments with an effective date after the date of these 
financial statements:

Amendments to IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative

Amendments to IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative

Amendments to IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions

IFRS 9

IFRS 15

IFRS 16

Financial Instruments

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Leases

Effective date

1 January 2016

1 January 2017

1 January 2018

1 January 2018

1 January 2018

1 January 2019

We have not yet done sufficient work to identify the impact of these new standards on the financial statements in future years.

(d) Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements requires the Directors to make judgements, estimates 
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures at the date of the financial statements 
and the reported income and expense during the year. Although these judgements and assumptions are based on the Directors’ 
best knowledge of the amounts, events or actions, actual results may differ from those estimates.

In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, the Directors have made the following judgements concerning 
the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the statement of financial position date which have the most 
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Development costs
Development costs are capitalised in accordance with the accounting policy given overleaf. Initial capitalisation of costs 
is based on management’s judgement that technological and economical feasibility is confirmed, usually when a product 
development project has reached a defined milestone.

(e) Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, 
that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within 
the next financial year are described below.

Fair value measurement of financial instruments
The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded in the statement of financial position and measured 
by the financial institutions using valuation techniques based on market practice. Judgements include considerations around 
foreign exchange spot and forward rates and interest rate curves. Note 20 refers to these judgements.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS34 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Accounting policies continued
(f) Basis of consolidation and goodwill
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of Zytronic plc and its subsidiaries as at 
30 September each year. They are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds 
(£’000) except where otherwise indicated.

All intra-group balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from them, are eliminated.

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate 
of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interest in 
the acquiree. For each business combination, the acquirer measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at 
fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed 
and included in administrative expenses.

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount 
recognised for non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is 
lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised in the income statement.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose 
of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each 
of the Group’s cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other 
assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units.

(g) Exceptional items
The Group presents as exceptional items on the face of the income statement those material items of income and expense 
which, because of the nature and expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, merit separate presentation to 
allow shareholders to better understand the elements of financial performance in the year, so as to facilitate comparison 
with prior periods and to better assess trends in financial performance.

(h) Foreign currencies
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is the Company’s functional and presentation 
currency. Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency at the rate ruling at the date 
of transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency 
rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All differences are taken to the income statement. Non-monetary items 
that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates 
of the initial transactions.

(i) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. Such costs include 
those directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended and the cost of replacing significant parts 
of such plant and equipment when that cost is incurred, if the recognition criteria are met. Depreciation is provided on all 
property, plant and equipment, other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual 
value, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life, as follows:

Freehold land 

Freehold property 

Long leasehold property 

Plant and machinery 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Nil

50 years

50 years

varying rates between 5% and 25% per annum

Any gain or loss arising on disposal of an asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds 
and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in the income statement in the year the asset is derecognised.

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and adjusted, 
if appropriate. The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any 
such indication exists the Group makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the 
higher of the asset’s fair value, or the cash-generating unit’s fair value of which it forms part, less costs to sell and its value 
in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent 
of those from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the 
asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses of continuing operations are 
recognised in the income statement in those expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 35

1. Accounting policies continued
(j) Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in 
a business combination is deemed to be their fair value as at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible 
assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Other than capitalised 
development costs, internally generated intangible assets are not capitalised.

Intangible assets are amortised on a straight line basis over their useful economic lives and reviewed for impairment at each 
financial year end. The amortisation expense on intangible assets is recognised in the income statement in the expense category 
consistent with the function of the intangible asset. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Patents    

Licences  

Capitalised development expenditure 

Software 

– 

– 

– 

– 

20 years

period of licensing agreements (between ten and 17 years)

four or ten years

four years

Capitalised development expenditure in relation to electronics and software is usually amortised over a period of up to five 
years as the shelf-life of such technology is shorter. Hardware development is usually amortised over a period of up to ten years.

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, such as goodwill, are tested for impairment annually and are not amortised. 
The useful life of an intangible asset with an indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine whether indefinite life assessment 
continues to be supportable.

Patent applications
The costs associated with the drafting and filing of patent applications are capitalised as incurred.

Those costs are not amortised until the patent has been granted, after which they will be amortised over its useful economic 
life of 20 years. If the application fails, the capitalised costs will then be impaired and written off.

(k) Research and development costs
Research expenditure is written off as incurred. An intangible asset arising from development expenditure on an individual 
project is recognised only when the Group can demonstrate the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that 
it will be available for use or sale, its intention to complete and its ability to use or sell the asset, how the asset will generate 
future economic benefits, the availability of resources to complete the asset and the ability to measure reliably the expenditure 
during the development. 

During the period of development, the asset is tested annually for impairment. Following the initial recognition of the 
development expenditure, the cost model (as defined in IFRS) is applied, requiring the asset to be carried at cost less 
any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation of the asset begins when development 
is complete and the asset is available for use. It is amortised over the period of expected future sales.

(l) Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs incurred in bringing each product to its present 
location and condition are accounted for as follows:

Raw materials and consumables 

Finished goods and work in progress 

– 

– 

purchase cost on a first-in, first-out basis

 cost of direct materials and labour and a proportion 
of manufacturing overheads based on normal operating 
capacity but excluding borrowing costs

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion 
and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

(m) Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are recognised and carried at their original amount less an allowance for any uncollectable amounts. 
An estimate for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written 
off when identified. Trade and other receivables do not carry interest.

(n) Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and short term deposits in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits with an 
initial maturity of three months or less or for a longer period but with the ability to break the deposit with a similar notice 
period. Bank overdrafts are shown within financial assets on the balance sheet as the Group has a set-off arrangement in 
place. For the purpose of the cashflow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise these balances, net of outstanding 
bank overdrafts.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Accounting policies continued
(o) Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable 
transaction costs. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method. 

Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when the liabilities are derecognised, as well as through 
the amortisation process.

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes 
a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use are capitalised as part of the costs of the respective assets. 
All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that 
an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.

(p) Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
A financial asset or financial liability is derecognised when the contract that gives rise to it is discharged, sold, 
cancelled or expires.

Where an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the 
terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition 
of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts 
is recognised in the income statement.

(q) Financial instruments
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
The Group remeasures its derivatives at fair value at each balance sheet date and for disclosure purposes estimates the fair 
value of its remaining financial instruments. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer 
a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available 
to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.

All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the 
fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement 
as a whole:

Level 1:  quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2:   valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly 

or indirectly observable; and

Level 3:   valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement 

is unobservable.

(r) Pension scheme
The Group operates a group personal pension scheme, which is a defined contribution scheme, for its employees. 
Contributions are recognised in the income statement as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

(s) Share-based payment transactions
Equity-settled transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which 
they are granted and is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant 
employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined using an appropriate pricing model. In valuing 
equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any service performance conditions (vesting conditions), other than 
performance conditions linked to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions). Any other conditions which 
are required to be met in order for an employee to become fully entitled to an award are considered to be non-vesting 
conditions. Like market performance conditions, non-vesting conditions are taken into account in determining the grant 
date fair value.

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon 
a market vesting condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market vesting condition 
or non-vesting condition is satisfied, provided that all other non-market vesting conditions are satisfied.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 37

1. Accounting policies continued
(s) Share-based payment transactions continued
Equity-settled transactions continued
At each balance sheet date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting 
period has expired and management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market vesting conditions and 
the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest or, in the case of an instrument subject to a market vesting condition 
or a non-vesting condition, be treated as vesting. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous balance sheet 
date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity.

Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled 
award, the cost based on the original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, 
an expense is recognised over the remainder of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, 
based on the difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified award, both as 
measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognised if this difference is negative.

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled (including when a non-vesting condition within the control of the entity 
or employee is not met), it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation and any cost not yet recognised in 
the income statement for the award is expensed immediately. Any compensation paid up to the fair value of the award 
at the cancellation or settlement date is deducted from equity, with any excess over fair value being treated as an expense 
in the income statement.

(t) Employee benefits
Certain employees of the Group participate in a long term incentive scheme, whereby they will achieve additional remuneration 
in the form of a cash bonus and share options on achievement of predetermined performance measures. The bonus payable 
and options exercisable are considered in conjunction with assumptions over potential leavers and also the likelihood 
of performance targets being met. Bonuses expected to become payable are attributed to each of the years in which 
the award is earned.

(u) Revenue recognition
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed 
to the buyer. This is when the goods have been dispatched or made available to the customer, an invoice has been raised 
for them and the Group’s obligations to the customer have been met. There is not usually any significant delay between 
the occurrence of these three events.

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts, rebates and other sales taxes. 
Appropriate provisions for known returns are deducted from revenue.

(v) Government grants and subsidies
Government grants are recognised where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attaching 
conditions will be complied with, normally when a grant claim has been approved by the government authority and the 
grant monies have been received. The fair value of grants is credited to a deferred income account and released to the 
income statement over the life of the projects to which they relate.

The interest rate subsidy received, as a discounted upfront cash sum, by the Group under the National Loan Guarantee 
Subsidy Scheme has been credited to a deferred interest subsidy account and will be released to the income statement 
over the life of the loan upon which it is based.

(w) Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the financial statements, with the following exceptions:

•  where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction 

that is not a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

•  in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, 
where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary 
differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and

•  deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the Directors consider that it is more likely than not that there 

will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the 
related asset or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS38 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Group revenue and segmental analysis
Revenue represents the invoiced amount of goods sold and services provided, stated net of value added tax, rebates and discounts.

For management purposes, the Group considers that it has a single business unit comprising the development and manufacture 
of customised optical filters to enhance electronic display performance. All revenue, profits or losses before tax and net assets 
are attributable to this single reportable business segment.

The Board monitors the operating results of its entire business for the purposes of making decisions about resource allocation 
and performance assessment. Business performance is evaluated based on operating profits.

All manufacturing takes place in the UK and accordingly all segment assets are located in the UK. The analysis of segment 
revenue by geographical area based on the location of customers is given below:

30 September 2016

30 September 2015

Sale of goods – Americas (excluding USA)

– USA

– EMEA (excluding UK and Hungary)

– Hungary

– UK

– APAC (excluding South Korea)

– South Korea

Revenue

Finance revenue

Total revenue

£’000

342

3,575

4,758

3,230

970

2,896

5,316

21,087

20

21,107

%

2

17

22

15

5

14

25

£’000

1,467

3,247

5,405

3,487

1,582

3,297

2,782

%

7

15

25

16

7

17

13

100

21,267

100

23

21,290

Individual revenues from three major customers exceeded 10% of total revenue for the year. The total amount of revenue 
was £12.1m (2015: £9.3m).

The individual revenues from each of these three customers were: £5.0m (2015: £2.3m); £4.2m (2015: £4.4m); 
and £2.9m (2015: £2.6m).

3. Group trading profit
This is stated after charging/(crediting):

R&D costs

Amortisation and impairment of development expenditure

Auditors’ remuneration – in respect of audit services*

– in respect of taxation compliance services

– in respect of taxation advisory services**

– in respect of other assurance services

Depreciation of owned assets

Amortisation of software 

Amortisation and impairment of licences

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense including:

– write-down of inventories to net realisable value

– the net movement in the stock provision

Loss on disposal of plant and machinery

Operating lease rentals – minimum lease payments

Amortisation of capital grants

Net foreign currency differences

* 

£16,000 of this relates to the Company (2015: £15,000).

**  Credit arose due to release of over-provision in the prior year.

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

395

201

596

60

9

15

—

766

35

119

418

178

596

55

11

(16)

1

708

45

113

6,660

6,864

40

(4)

—

38

(11)

1,004

50

(45)

54

54

(4)

319

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 39

4. Staff costs and Directors’ emoluments

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

4,922

4,997

437

148

411

143

5,507

5,551

Included in wages and salaries is a total charge for share-based payments of £71,000 (2015: £180,000), all of which arises 
from transactions accounted for as equity-settled share-based payment transactions.

The total of Directors’ emoluments is £506,000 (2015: £458,000). The aggregate value of contributions paid to money 
purchase pension schemes includes £68,000 (2015: £64,000) in respect of two Directors (2015: two).

Amounts paid to the highest paid Director are £276,000 (2015: £194,000) plus a contribution paid to the money purchase 
pension scheme of £31,000 (2015: £30,000).

The average number of employees during the year was made up as follows:

Production

Administration and sales

30 September
2016
Number

30 September
2015
Number

129

45

174

131

43

174

The information required by AIM rule Schedule 5 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008 is contained in the Remuneration report under Directors’ emoluments, pension contributions, Directors’ 
shareholdings and Directors’ share options.

5. Finance costs payable and revenue receivable
(a) Finance costs

Interest payable

Bank loans and overdrafts

(b) Finance revenue

Interest receivable

Bank interest receivable

6. Tax

Current tax

UK corporation tax

Corporation tax over-provided in prior years

Total current tax charge

Deferred tax

Effect of change in tax rates

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Total deferred tax credit

Tax charge in the income statement

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

23

29

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

20

23

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

732

(289)

443

(103)

(157)

(260)

183

750

31

781

—

(6)

(6)

775

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS40 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Tax continued
Tax relating to items debited to equity

Deferred tax

Tax on share-based payments

Total deferred tax debit

Tax charge in the statement of changes in equity

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

(72)

(72)

(72)

—

—

—

Reconciliation of the total tax charge
The effective tax rate of the tax expense in the income statement for the year is 4% (2015: 17%) compared with the rate 
of corporation tax in the UK of 20% (2015: 20.5%). The differences are reconciled below:

Accounting profit before tax

Accounting profit multiplied by the UK rate of corporation tax of 20% (2015: 20.5%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible/(income not chargeable) for tax purposes

“Gain” on exercise of share options allowable for tax purposes
but not reflected in the income statement

Depreciation in respect of non-qualifying items

Enhanced tax reliefs – R&D

Enhanced tax reliefs – Patent Box

Effect of deferred tax rate reduction and difference in tax rates 

Tax (over-provided)/under-provided in prior years

Total tax expense reported in the income statement

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

4,270

854

4,544

932

16

(42)

38

(187)

(127)

(80)

(289)

183

(19)

(25)

38

(179)

—

(3)

31

775

Factors that may affect future tax charges
Under current tax legislation, some of the amortisation of licences will continue to be non-deductible for tax purposes.

The Group has obtained benefits from electing into the Patent Box regime. This has resulted in a reduction in the 
corporation tax liabilities for both the 2014 and 2015 accounting periods, which is reflected within tax over-provided 
in prior years of £289k.

The “gain” on the exercise of share options, being the difference between the grant/exercise price and the market value 
at the time of exercise, is allowable as a tax deduction from profits, although it is not reflected within the income statement. 
These gains will arise in future years but their timing and amount is uncertain.

There are no tax losses to carry forward at 30 September 2016 (2015: £Nil).

The main rate of corporation tax in the UK reduced to 20% with effect from 1 April 2015. The rate will be reduced to 19% 
from 1 April 2017 and 17% from 1 April 2020. Both of these lower rates have been substantively enacted by the balance 
sheet date. As the majority of the temporary differences will reverse when the rate is 17%, this rate has been applied 
to the deferred tax assets and liabilities arising at the balance sheet date.

The Patent Box regime allows companies to apply a rate of corporation tax of 10% to profits earned from patented 
inventions and similar intellectual property. Zytronic generates such profits from the sale of products incorporating 
patented components. The Group has determined that all relevant criteria has been satisfied for bringing income within 
the regime. Consequently, Patent Box claims have now been made in relation to the 2014 and 2015 accounting periods, 
and the 2016 benefit estimated.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016 
ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 41

7. Dividends
The Directors propose the payment of a final dividend of 10.96p per share (2015: 8.87p), payable on 3 March 2017 to shareholders 
on the Register of Members on 17 February 2017. This dividend has not been accrued in these financial statements. The dividend 
payment will amount to some £1.7m.

Ordinary dividends on equity shares

Final dividend of 7.16p per ordinary share paid on 13 March 2015

Interim dividend of 3.14p per ordinary share paid on 24 July 2015

Final dividend of 8.87p per ordinary share paid on 11 March 2016

Interim dividend of 3.45p per ordinary share paid on 22 July 2016

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

—

—

1,368

532

1,900

1,093

481

—

—

1,574

8. Earnings per share
Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. All activities are continuing operations and therefore there is no difference 
between EPS arising from total operations and EPS arising from continuing operations. 

Weighted
 average
number
of shares
30 September
2016
Thousands

Earnings
30 September
2016
£’000

EPS
30 September
2016
Pence

Earnings
30 September
2015
£’000

Weighted
 average
number
of shares
30 September
2015
Thousands

EPS
30 September
2015
Pence

Profit on ordinary activities after tax

Basic EPS

4,087

4,087

15,346

15,346

26.6

26.6

3,769

3,769

15,259

15,259

24.7

24.7

The weighted average number of shares for diluted EPS is calculated by including the weighted average number of potentially 
dilutive shares under option.

Weighted
 average
number
of shares
30 September
2016
Thousands

Earnings
30 September
2016
£’000

EPS
30 September
2016
Pence

Earnings
30 September
2015
£’000

Weighted
 average
number
of shares
30 September
2015
Thousands

EPS
30 September
2015
Pence

Profit on ordinary activities after tax

4,087

15,346

26.6

3,769

15,259

24.7

Weighted average number of shares 
under option

Diluted EPS

—

299

4,087

15,645

(0.5)

26.1

—

239

3,769

15,498

(0.4)

24.3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS42 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. Intangible assets

Cost

At 1 October 2014

Additions

Disposals

At 1 October 2015

Additions

At 30 September 2016

Amortisation and impairment

At 1 October 2014

Provided during the year

Impaired during the year

Disposals

At 1 October 2015

Provided during the year

Impaired during the year

At 30 September 2016

Net book value at 30 September 2016

Net book value at 1 October 2015

Net book value at 1 October 2014

Software
£’000

Goodwill
£’000

Patents and
licences
 £’000

Development
 expenditure
£’000

Total
 £’000

554

24

—

578

20

598

462

45

—

—

507

35

—

542

56

71

92

235

1,924

2,245

4,958

—

—

235

—

235

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

235

235

235

69

(18)

1,975

42

2,017

1,495

102

11

(9)

295

(73)

2,467

323

388

(91)

5,255

385

2,790

5,640

1,588

3,545

178

—

(44)

325

11

(53)

1,599

1,722

3,828

105

14

201

—

1,718

1,923

299

376

429

867

745

657

341

14

4,183

1,457

1,427

1,413

Impairment of goodwill
The goodwill of £235,000 relates to the operations of Intasolve Limited, which were merged into the business of Zytronic 
Displays Limited on 1 September 2002.

Zytronic Displays Limited operates in one continuing area of activity, which is the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored 
for internal purposes. That activity has demonstrated growth in sales revenues, gross profit margins, profitability before tax 
and cash generation over recent years.

The recoverable amount of goodwill has been determined based on a value-in-use calculation for the cash-generating unit, 
using cashflow projections based on financial budgets and forecasts approved by senior management covering a three-year 
period. Growth has been extrapolated forward from the end of the forecasts using a growth rate of 3%, which reflects the 
Directors’ view of the long term growth rate in the business.

The cashflows for the cash-generating unit have been discounted using a discount rate of 10%, derived from the Group’s 
weighted average cost of capital.

The calculation of value in use is most sensitive to the forecast operating cashflows, the discount rate and the growth rate 
used to extrapolate cashflows beyond the budget period. The operating cashflows are based on assumptions of revenue, 
cost of sales and general overheads. These assumptions are influenced by several factors both internally and externally.

The Directors consider the assumptions used around revenue and costs to be consistent with the historical performance 
and to be realistically achievable in light of economic and industry measures and forecasts. It is believed that any 
reasonably possible movement on assumptions will not lead to an impairment and we have therefore not presented 
any sensitivity analysis.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 43

10. Property, plant and equipment
The amounts carried in the balance sheet comprise:

Land
£’000

Freehold
 property
 £’000

Long
leasehold
property
 £’000

Plant and
machinery
£’000

Total
£’000

Cost

At 1 October 2014

Additions

Disposals

At 1 October 2015

Additions

At 30 September 2016

Depreciation and impairment

At 1 October 2014

Provided during the year

Disposals

At 1 October 2015

Provided during the year

At 30 September 2016

Net book value at 30 September 2016

Net book value at 1 October 2015

Net book value at 1 October 2014

11. Inventories

Raw materials and consumables

Work in progress

Finished goods

207

3,070

2,424

—

—

207

—

207

—

—

—

—

—

—

207

207

207

—

—

3,070

—

1

—

2,425

26

8,755

1,090

14,456

1,091

(91)

(91)

9,754

322

15,456

348

3,070

2,451

10,076

15,804

400

62

—

462

61

523

2,547

2,608

2,670

372

80

—

452

79

531

1,920

1,973

2,052

6,241

566

(72)

6,735

626

7,361

2,715

3,019

2,514

7,013

708

(72)

7,649

766

8,415

7,389

7,807

7,443

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

1,721

467

572

2,760

1,984

377

853

3,214

The difference between purchase price or production cost of stocks and their replacement cost is not material.

12. Trade and other receivables
Current assets

Trade receivables

VAT recoverable

Prepayments

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

3,469

2,773

90

186

92

190

3,745

3,055

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
44 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. Trade and other receivables continued
Current assets continued
Trade receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling

US Dollar

Euro

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

576

1,846

1,047

3,469

807

1,164

802

2,773

Out of the carrying amount of trade receivables of £3.5m (2015: £2.8m), £2.5m (2015: £1.8m) is the amount of debts owed by 
three major customers. Regular reviews are undertaken on these major customers so as to ascertain that there are no going 
concern issues with them.

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30 to 60-day terms. They are shown net of a provision 
for impairment.

As at 30 September 2016, trade receivables at a nominal value of £37,000 (2015: £26,000) were impaired due to poor 
payment history. Movements in the provision for impairment of trade receivables were as follows:

At 1 October 2014

Charge for the year

Utilised

At 1 October 2015

Charge for the year

Utilised

At 30 September 2016

At 30 September, the ageing analysis of trade receivables overdue but not impaired was as follows:

2016

2015

Neither past
due nor
impaired

2,933

2,147

Past due but not impaired

<3 months
£’000

>3 months
£’000

530

625

6

1

£’000

23

3

—

26

33

(22)

37

Total
£’000

3,469

2,773

Credit limits are set for each customer, using Dun & Bradstreet credit reports as appropriate, or pro-forma invoices are raised, 
or cash upfront is received for a new customer where a credit limit is not easily established. Slow payers are chased vigorously, 
including making use of solicitors in the collection process. The credit quality of trade receivables that are neither past due 
nor impaired is assessed by reference to external credit ratings where available; otherwise, historical information relating 
to counterparty default rates is used.

13. Cash and short term deposits

Cash at bank and in hand

Short term deposits

Bank overdrafts

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

9,097

3,666

—

12,763

8,583

2,578

(1,328)

9,833

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short term deposits are made for variable 
lengths, being overnight, three months or one year (with break conditions), depending on the immediate cash requirements 
of the Group, and earn interest at variable rates.

At 30 September 2016, the Group had available a net £1.0m (total cash less overdrawn accounts) overdraft facility 
from Barclays Bank plc which will fall for review in November 2017.

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is £12.8m (2015: £9.8m).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 45

14. Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Other taxes and social security costs

Accruals

Terms and conditions of the above financial liabilities are as follows:

•  trade payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on 30-day terms.

15. Financial liabilities

Loans

Bank loan – current (a)

Bank loan – non-current (a)

Foreign exchange forward contracts (b)

Total

Total current

Total non-current

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

1,188

114

1,302

834

2,136

870

101

971

1,201

2,172

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

1,148

—

959

2,107

2,107

—

200

1,144

89

1,433

289

1,144

The foreign exchange forward contract liabilities above are measured at fair value through the income statement as they 
are not in designated hedge relationships. They are, nevertheless, intended to reduce the level of foreign currency risk 
for expected sales and purchases.

(a) Property mortgage
On 29 June 2012, Zytronic plc borrowed £2.0m under a ten-year mortgage (to be re-financed or repaid after five years) 
with Barclays Bank plc to re-mortgage the borrowings on its three properties. The funds are repayable in quarterly 
instalments of £50,000. Interest is payable at 2.35% above three-month LIBOR, offset by a National Loan Guarantee 
Scheme subsidy. The balance is shown net of issue costs which are being amortised over five years.

(b) Fair values
The fair value of the financial liabilities is included at the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current 
transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.

Management asserts that the fair value of cash, trade receivables and trade payables approximate to their carrying 
amounts largely due to the short term maturities of these instruments.

At 30 September 2016, the Group has used a Level 2 valuation technique to determine the fair value of all forward 
exchange contracts and loans.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group enters into derivative financial instruments with financial institutions. Derivatives valued using valuation techniques 
with market observable inputs are foreign exchange forward contracts. The most frequently applied valuation techniques 
include forward pricing and swap models, using present value calculations prepared by the financial institutions. The models 
incorporate foreign exchange spot and forward rates, and interest rate curves. These derivatives are valued externally 
by the financial institutions using both intrinsic value and time value, which is standard market practice.

Loans
The fair value of the Group’s interest-bearing loans are determined by discounting future cashflows using rates 
currently available for debt on similar terms, credit risk and remaining maturities. The fair value of the loan outstanding 
at 30 September 2015 is not significantly different to its book value.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS46 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16. Provisions

At 1 October 2015

Arising during the year

At 30 September 2016

Total
£’000

136

69

205

Long term incentive plan
The provision for the long term incentive scheme relating to the Chief Executive, the Group Finance Director and other 
management personnel was calculated based on future expectations that the bonus would be payable. 

The provision included in the table above will be utilised after the announcement of the financial year 2016 results, 
as performance targets have been achieved.

17. Government grants

At 1 October

Received during the year

Released to the income statement

At 30 September

Non-current

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

59

—

(11)

48

48

—

63

(4)

59

59

The government grant was received as part of R&D work on a European Commission (“EC”) consortium project.

There are no unfulfilled obligations or contingencies attached to this grant.

18. Obligations under leases
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Group as lessee

Operating leases which expire:

– not later than one year

– later than one year and not later than five years

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

7

1

8

26

12

38

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 47

19. Deferred tax liability/(asset)
The deferred tax included in the balance sheet is as follows:

Deferred tax liability

Accelerated capital allowances

R&D tax credit

Other

Deferred tax asset

Fair value movement on currency contracts

Share-based payments

Pension asset

Disclosed on the balance sheet

The deferred tax included in the Group income statement is as follows:

Deferred tax in the income statement

Fair value movement on currency contracts

Accelerated capital allowances

R&D tax credits

Share-based payments

Other

Effect of change in tax rates

Deferred income tax expense

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

431

147

10

588

(163)

(163)

(2)

(328)

260

532

148

12

692

—

(100)

(2)

(102)

590

30 September
2016
£’000

30 September
2015
£’000

(163)

(22)

20

7

1

(157)

(103)

(260)

—

36

20

(60)

10

6

—

6

20. Financial risk management policy and financial instruments
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise one secured bank loan, an overdraft facility, cash and forward foreign 
exchange contract derivatives. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations. 
The Group has various other financial instruments, such as trade receivables and trade payables, that arise directly from 
its operations.

The main risks associated with the Group’s financial assets and liabilities are set out below:

Credit risk
The risk of financial loss due to a counterparty’s failure to honour its obligations arises principally in relation to transactions 
where the Group provides goods on deferred terms. 

Group policies are aimed at minimising such losses and require that deferred terms are granted only to customers who 
demonstrate an appropriate payment history and/or satisfy creditworthiness procedures. Individual exposures are monitored 
with customers subject to credit limits to ensure that the Group’s exposure to bad debts is not significant. Goods may be 
sold on a cash-with-order basis to mitigate credit risk.

Management’s assessment of the maximum credit risk exposure relating to financial assets is represented by the carrying 
value as at the balance sheet date.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
48 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20. Financial risk management policy and financial instruments continued
Liquidity risk
The Group aims to mitigate liquidity risk by managing cash generated by its operations. Capital expenditure is approved 
at Group level. 

Flexibility is maintained by retaining surplus cash in readily accessible bank accounts.

The Group has an unsecured net overdraft facility of £1.0m arranged with its principal banker, Barclays Bank plc. 
This facility extends until November 2017 and is to provide funding for working capital.

The Company entered into a secured property loan of £2.0m in June 2012, repayable in 20 quarterly instalments of £50,000, 
with the balance of £1.0m to be re-financed or repaid in 2017.

Maturity profile of financial liabilities
Year ended 30 September 2016

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Foreign exchange forward contracts – outflows

On
demand
£’000

—

1,374

—

Total

1,374

2,428

<3 months
£’000

3–12 months
£’000

59

648

1,721

175

—

5,546

5,721

1–5 years
£’000

1,027

—

—

Total
£’000

1,261

2,022

7,267

1,027

10,550

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings comprise principal repayments due of £1.2m and contractual interest payments of £0.1m. 
Interest is calculated based on interest rates prevailing at the balance sheet date.

Year ended 30 September 2015

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Foreign exchange forward contracts – outflows

Total

On
demand
£’000

—

1,632

—

1,632

<3 months
£’000

3–12 months
£’000

1–5 years
£’000

60

439

1,300

1,799

180

—

2,155

2,335

1,262

—

1,788

3,050

Total
£’000

1,502

2,071

5,243

8,816

Derivatives comprise both cashflows from derivative financial instruments with negative fair values and cashflows from 
derivatives with positive fair values for which gross settlement has been agreed. The cash outflows from derivatives for 
which gross settlement has been agreed are matched in part by cash inflows. These cash inflows are not reported in the 
maturity analysis above. If these cash inflows were recognised, the cashflows presented would be substantially lower.

Foreign exchange risk
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value of future cashflows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes 
in foreign exchange rates. The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates relates primarily to the Group’s 
operating activities (when revenue or expense are denominated in a different currency from the Group’s functional currency).

The Group has a policy in that forward contracts are used to sell surplus US Dollars and Euros, generated from sales less 
purchases in those currencies. Contracts are in place at 30 September 2016 for a period of twelve months ahead so that the 
budgeted US Dollar and Euro rates are known. Any additional surplus currency at the end of each month is dealt with at spot rates.

The Group entered into forward vanilla contracts during the year in both US Dollars and Euros. The US Dollar forward vanilla 
contracts are fixed over a series of twelve one-monthly contracts at rates between $1.40 and $1.56 and are in place until 
September 2017. The Euro forward vanilla contracts are fixed over a series of twelve one-monthly contracts at rates 
between €1.16 and €1.41, and are in place until September 2017.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 49

20. Financial risk management policy and financial instruments continued
Foreign exchange risk continued
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in the US Dollar and Euro exchange rates, 
with all other variables held constant, of the Group’s profit before tax (due to changes in the fair value of monetary assets 
and liabilities).

2016

Sterling

2015

Sterling

 Change in
US Dollar rate

Effect on profit
before tax
£’000

Change in
Euro rate

Effect on profit
before tax
£’000

+10%

-10%

+5%

-5%

(183)

224

(11)

12

+10%

-10%

+5%

-5%

(75)

91

(2)

2

Interest rate risk
The Group has not sought to tie itself into fixed rate debt but has instead accepted a degree of interest rate risk from having 
only floating rate debt. This is because the Group has positive net cash balances, a relatively low level of borrowings and estimates 
that an increase of 1% in interest rates would not have a material effect on the Group’s pre-tax profits.

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates, with all other variables 
held constant, of the Group’s profit before tax (through the impact on floating rate borrowings). There is no impact on the 
Group’s equity.

2016

Sterling

2015

Sterling

Increase/
decrease in
basis points

Effect
on profit
before tax
£’000

+100

-100

+100

–100

(7)

7

(10)

10

The floating rate financial assets comprise cash. The benchmarks for floating rates on both liabilities and assets are LIBOR 
and the Bank of England base rate.

Capital management
The Group’s policies on capital management are included in the Directors’ report on page 23.

21. Share capital and share-based payments
(a) Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid

Ordinary shares of 1p each

(b) Share premium

At 1 October 2015

Increase in cash on exercise of share options

At 30 September 2016

2016
Number
Thousands

2015
Number
Thousands

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

15,430

15,322

154

153

£’000

7,552

214

7,766

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS50 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21. Share capital and share-based payments continued
(c) Share-based payments
Senior Executive Plans and EMI Scheme – pre-2014 awards
Share options are granted to senior Executives at the discretion of the remuneration committee. The exercise price of the 
options is based on the market price of the shares at the date of grant. In most instances the options vest three years from 
the date of grant, and the contractual life of each option granted is ten years. There are no cash settlement alternatives.

Senior Executive Plans and EMI Scheme – 2014 awards
The remuneration committee agreed, in March 2014, an incentive award scheme for Mark Cambridge, Chief Executive, and 
Claire Smith, Group Finance Director, to offer them each up to 125,000 shares, and to other Executives, a combined volume 
of 275,000 shares, at a price of 200.0p per share, to vest based on specified performance criteria:

•  the consolidated PBT, before bonuses payable to certain individuals, of the Group for the accounting period ending 

30 September 2016 being in excess of £4.5m; and 

•  the consolidated PBT, before bonuses payable to certain individuals, of the Group for the three accounting periods 
ending 30 September 2014, 2015 and 2016, being together at least £10.0m (where a loss in any such period shall be 
treated as a minus for those three years).

The performance target set out above was satisfied and therefore option shares will vest on the date on which the consolidated 
accounts for the Group for the accounting period ending 30 September 2016 are finalised.

The exercise of this option shall be conditional on the option holder entering into an agreement with the Company pursuant 
to which the option holder shall agree to retain one-third in aggregate of the shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of this 
option for a period of two years from the date of exercise of the option and to deposit the share certificate in respect of such 
shares with the Company Secretary for the retention period.

During the year the Group had two share option schemes in place: an Unapproved Executive Option Scheme and an 
Enterprise Management Incentive (“EMI”) Scheme. Under these schemes, options to subscribe for the Company’s shares 
have been granted as follows:

Granted
during 
year
 Number

Exercised
during
year
 Number

Lapsed
during
year
Number

Unapproved Executive 
Option Scheme

EMI Scheme

30 September
2015
Number

20,000

141,861*

5,000

31,750

12,000

50,445

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

5,000

31,750

10,146

22,786

10,000

— 10,000

20,000

— 20,000

20,000

7,500

20,000

383,139*

—

—

—

—

—

7,500

—

—

30 September
2016
Number

20,000

Exercise dates

29 March 2016 to
28 March 2021

Option
 price

172.8p

141,861 December 2016 to
December 2018

200.0p

— 28 February 2011 to
27 February 2018 

—

1,854

29 March 2014 to
28 March 2021

29 March 2014 to
28 March 2021

27,659 25 January 2015 to
24 January 2022

— 25 January 2015 to
24 January 2022

—

29 March 2015 to
28 March 2021

20,000 25 January 2016 to
24 January 2022

— 25 January 2016 to
24 January 2022

20,000 25 January 2017 to
24 January 2022

216.5p

172.8p

216.0p

243.5p

195.0p

172.8p

195.0p

243.5p

195.0p

383,139 December 2016 to
December 2018

200.0p

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

* 

 These options are subject to the performance criteria described above. No performance conditions are attached to any of the other 
outstanding share options.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 51

21. Share capital and share-based payments continued
(c) Share-based payments continued
Income statement expense for year ended 30 September 2016
The expense recognised for share-based payments in respect of employee services received during the year 
to 30 September 2016 is £71,000 (2015: £180,000).

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (“WAEP”) of, and movements in, 
share options during the year:

Outstanding at 1 October

Lapsed during the year

Exercised during the year

Outstanding at 30 September

Exercisable at 30 September 

2016
Number

2016
WAEP
Pence

2015
Number

721,695

200.8

874,573

—

—

(24,000)

(107,182)

201.0

(128,878)

614,513

69,513

200.8

208.5

721,695

129,195

2015
WAEP
Pence

203.3

274.5

204.2

200.8

207.8

For the share options outstanding as at 30 September 2016, the weighted average remaining contractual life is 2.7 years 
(2015: 4.0 years).

There was no grant of options during the year. The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year 
was 172.8p to 243.5p (2015: 172.8p to 243.5p).

The fair value of equity-settled share options granted is estimated as at the date of grant using a model designed by the 
Quoted Company Alliance (based on a Black-Scholes-Merton model), taking into account the terms and conditions upon 
which the options were granted.

The expected life of the options is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may 
occur. The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may 
also not necessarily be the actual outcome.

No other features of options grant were incorporated into the measurement of fair value.

22. Capital commitments
Amounts contracted for at 30 September 2016 but not provided in the financial statements amounted to £438,000 
(2015: £959,000) for the Group.

23. Pension scheme commitments
Contributions for the year ended 30 September 2016 amounted to £148,000 (2015: £143,000) and the outstanding contributions 
at the balance sheet date were £13,000 (2015: £12,000). The Group is a member of a group personal pension scheme which 
is a defined contribution scheme. Contributions are charged to the income statement as they become payable in accordance 
with the rules of the scheme. Some of the employees of the Group opt to pay part of their bonus into their pension.

24. Related party transactions
There are no related party transactions required to be disclosed in the financial statements.

The key management personnel are considered to be the Directors of the Group. The following table highlights 
the remuneration which is recorded in the income statement to the Directors:

Salaries/fees

Bonuses

Pension contributions

Share-based payments

2016
£’000

397

177

58

34

666

2015
£’000

405

116

77

70

668

25. Guarantees
Zytronic plc has given a guarantee to Barclays Bank plc in connection with the overdraft facility detailed in note 13.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS52 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Five-year summaries

Consolidated income statement
For the five years ended 30 September 2012 to 2016

Group revenue

Cost of sales

Exceptional costs

Gross profit

Distribution costs

Administration expenses

Group trading profit

Other operating income

Group operating profit

Finance costs 

Finance revenue

Profit before tax

Tax expense

Profit for the period

Earnings per share

Basic

Diluted

Adjusted basic

Adjusted diluted

Dividends per share

2016
£’000

21,087

(12,071)

—

9,016

(378)

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2013
£’000

2012
£’000

21,267

18,886

17,282

20,424

(12,366)

(11,979)

(11,961)

(13,008)

—

8,901

(278)

—

(413)

6,907

4,908

(156)

(210)

—

7,416

(243)

(4,365)

(4,073)

(3,488)

(2,858)

(3,089)

4,273

—

4,273

(23)

20

4,270

(183)

4,087

26.6p

26.1p

26.6p

26.1p

12.3p

4,550

3,263

1,840

4,084

—

—

4,550

3,263

(29)

23

4,544

(775)

(35)

33

3,261

(301)

3,769

2,960

24.7p

24.3p

24.7p

24.3p

10.3p

19.6p

19.5p

19.6p

19.5p

9.1p

94

1,934

(39)

44

1,939

(277)

1,662

11.1p

11.0p

13.9p

13.8p

8.7p

187

4,271

(91)

15

4,195

(898)

3,297

22.2p

21.9p

22.2p

21.9p

8.2p

All profits are from continuing operations.

Dividends are shown in the accounts in the year in which they are paid.

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 53

Consolidated balance sheet
At 30 September 2012 to 2016

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2013
£’000

2012
£’000

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Other current financial assets

Cash and short term deposits

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

Derivative financial liabilities

Provisions

Accruals

Tax liabilities

Government grants

Non-current liabilities

Financial liabilities

Provisions

Government grants

Deferred tax liabilities (net)

Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Equity share capital

Share premium

Revenue reserve 

Total equity

1,457

7,389

—

8,846

2,760

3,745

—

12,763

19,268

28,114

1,302

1,148

959

205

834

122

—

4,570

—

—

48

260

308

4,878

23,236

154

7,766

15,316

23,236

1,427

7,807

—

1,413

7,443

—

1,453

7,888

—

1,613

8,231

413

9,234

8,856

9,341

10,257

3,214

3,055

—

9,833

16,102

3,126

3,068

48

7,806

14,048

3,509

2,430

—

5,474

11,413

3,441

3,090

—

4,217

10,748

25,336

22,904

20,754

21,005

971

200

89

—

1,201

255

—

2,716

1,144

136

59

590

1,929

4,645

1,057

200

224

—

1,264

30

—

1,410

200

—

—

688

192

—

1,299

200

—

—

1,016

476

97

2,775

2,490

3,088

1,341

139

—

596

2,076

4,851

20,691

18,053

153

7,552

12,986

20,691

152

7,290

10,611

18,053

1,538

1,735

—

—

625

2,163

4,653

16,101

150

7,003

8,948

16,101

—

—

602

2,337

5,425

15,580

149

6,862

8,569

15,580

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS54 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Parent Company balance sheet
At 30 September 2016

Fixed assets

Tangible assets

Investments

Current assets

Debtors:

– amounts falling due within one year

– amounts falling due after one year

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Deferred tax

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium

Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

Notes

2016
£’000

3

4

5

5

6

7

9

10

Restated
2015
£’000

4,626

10,035

14,661

8

320

7,570

7,898

416

7,482

22,143

1,144

4,513

10,106

14,619

8

135

9,632

9,775

1,971

7,804

22,423

—

184

224

22,239

20,775

154

7,766

14,319

22,239

153

7,552

13,070

20,775

These financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Mark Cambridge 
Chief Executive 
12 December 2016

Claire Smith
Group Finance Director

Parent Company consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 September 2016

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 55

At 1 October 2014 (restated)

Profit for the year

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Dividends

At 1 October 2015 (restated)

Profit for the year

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Dividends

At 30 September 2016

Called
up share
capital
 £’000

152

—

1

—

—

Share
premium
£’000

7,290

—

262

—

—

153

7,552

—

1

—

—

—

214

—

—

Retained
earnings
£’000

11,996

2,468

—

180

Total
£’000

19,438

2,468

263

180

(1,574)

(1,574)

13,070

3,078

—

71

20,775

3,078

215

71

(1,900)

(1,900)

154

7,766

14,319

22,239

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS56 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements
For the year ended 30 September 2016

1. Accounting policies
The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires the Directors to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures at the date of the financial statements and 
the reported income and expense during the year. Although these judgements and assumptions are based on the Directors’ best 
knowledge of the amounts, events or actions, actual results may differ from those estimates.

(a) Judgements and key sources of estimation
In the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies, the Directors have made the following judgements 
concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the statement of financial position date which 
have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Share-based payments
The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity 
instruments at the date at which they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires 
determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. 
This estimate also requires determination of the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model, including the expected 
life of the share option, volatility and dividend yield, and making assumptions about them. The assumptions and models 
used for estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions are disclosed in note 21 to the Group accounts.

(b) Basis of preparation
The financial statements of Zytronic plc were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 12 December 2016. 
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework.

A profit and loss account is not presented for the Company as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. 

These Company financial statements are the first presented using FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. Zytronic plc 
transitioned to FRS 101 from the previously applicable UK GAAP as at 1 October 2014. 

The financial statements are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (£’000) 
except where otherwise indicated.

The accounting policies which follow set out those policies which apply in preparing the financial statements for the year 
ended 30 September 2016.

In these financial statements, the Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions available under FRS 101:

•  the requirements of paragraphs 45(b) and 46–52 of IFRS 2. The disclosures required by these paragraphs can be found 

in note 21 to the Group financial statements;

•  the requirements of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments. The disclosures are available in the Group financial statements 

of Zytronic plc;

•  the requirements in paragraph 38 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to present comparative information 

in respect of:

•  paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment; and

•  paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1;

•  the requirements of paragraphs 10(d), 16, 111 and 134–136 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements;

•  the requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows;

•  the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors;

•  the requirement of paragraph 17 of IAS 24 Related Party Transactions;

•  the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered into between 
two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is party to the transaction is wholly owned 
by such a member;

•  the requirements of IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards paragraphs 6–21 

to present an opening statement of financial position at transition; and

•  the requirements of paragraphs 91–99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement.

ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 57

1. Accounting policies continued
(c) Share-based payments
Equity-settled transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which they 
are granted and is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees 
become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined using an appropriate pricing model. In valuing equity-settled 
transactions, no account is taken of any service performance conditions (vesting conditions), other than performance conditions 
linked to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions). Any other conditions which are required to be met 
in order for an employee to become fully entitled to an award are considered to be non-vesting conditions. Like market 
performance conditions, non-vesting conditions are taken into account in determining the grant date fair value.

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon 
a market vesting condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market vesting condition 
or non-vesting condition is satisfied, provided that all other non-market vesting conditions are satisfied.

At each balance sheet date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting 
period has expired and management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market vesting conditions 
and the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest or, in the case of an instrument subject to a market vesting 
condition or a non-vesting condition, be treated as vesting. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous 
balance sheet date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity.

Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled 
award, the cost based on the original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, 
an expense is recognised over the remainder of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, 
based on the difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified award, both as 
measured on the date of the modification. A reduction is not recognised if this difference is negative.

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled (including when a non-vesting condition within the control of the entity or 
employee is not met), it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any cost not yet recognised in the 
income statement for the award is expensed immediately. Any compensation paid up to the fair value of the award at 
the cancellation or settlement date is deducted from equity, with any excess over fair value being treated as an expense 
in the income statement.

(d) Tangible fixed assets
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. Such costs include 
those directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended and the cost of replacing significant parts 
of such plant and equipment when that cost is incurred, if the recognition criteria are met. Depreciation is provided on all 
property, plant and equipment, other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual 
value, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life, as follows:

Freehold land 

Freehold property 

Long leasehold property 

Plant and machinery 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Nil

50 years

50 years

varying rates between 5% and 25% per annum

Any gain or loss arising on disposal of an asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds 
and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in the income statement in the year the asset is derecognised.

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and adjusted, 
if appropriate. The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. 
If any such indication exists the Company makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable 
amount is the higher of the asset’s fair value, or the cash-generating unit’s fair value of which it forms part, less costs to 
sell and its value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are 
largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its 
recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses 
of continuing operations are recognised in the income statement in those expense categories consistent with the function 
of the impaired asset.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Accounting policies continued
(e) Investments
Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries are shown at cost less provision for impairment.

(f) Deferred taxation
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the financial statements, with the following exceptions:

•  where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction 

that is not a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

•  in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, 
where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary 
differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and

•  deferred taxation assets are recognised only to the extent that the Directors consider that it is more likely than not that 

there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the 
related asset or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

(g) Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable 
transaction costs. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method. 

Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when the liabilities are derecognised, as well as through 
the amortisation process.

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes 
a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use are capitalised as part of the costs of the respective assets. 
All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that 
an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.

2. Auditors’ remuneration
Auditors’ remuneration for the year ended 30 September 2016 was £16,000 (2015: £15,000).

3. Tangible fixed assets

Cost 

Land
£’000

Freehold
property
£’000

Long
leasehold
property
£’000

Total
 £’000

At 1 October 2015 and 30 September 2016

207

3,070

2,097

5,374

Depreciation

At 1 October 2015

Provided during the year

At 30 September 2016

Net book value at 30 September 2016

Net book value at 1 October 2015

—

—

—

207

207

462

61

523

2,547

2,608

286

52

338

1,759

1,811

748

113

861

4,513

4,626

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 59

4. Investments
Investments in subsidiary companies

Shares in subsidiary companies

At beginning of year

Share options granted to subsidiary employees

At end of year

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

10,035

71

9,855

180

10,106

10,035

Details of the investments in which the Company holds 20% or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital 
are as follows:

Name of company

Incorporated in

Holding

Proportion
of voting rights
 and shares held

Zytronic Displays Limited

UK

Ordinary shares

100%

Zytronic Inc. 

Intasolve Limited

Zytronic Glass Products Limited

USA

Ordinary shares

UK

UK

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

100%

100%

100%

Zytronic Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zytronic Displays Limited.

Nature of business

Manufacture of transparent composites,
including touch sensors

Technical sales support

Dormant

Dormant

5. Debtors

Prepayments and accrued income

Amounts falling due after more than one year are:

Amounts owed by Group undertakings

6. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Bank loan (note 8)

Trade creditors

Other creditors and accruals

Other amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

Corporation tax

2016
£’000

8

2016
£’000

135

2016
£’000

1,148

2

70

723

28

1,971

2015
£’000

8

2015
£’000

320

2015
£’000

200

2

106

81

27

416

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS60 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Bank loan (note 8)

2016
£’000

—

2015
£’000

1,144

8. Bank loan
On 29 June 2012, Zytronic plc borrowed £2.0m under a ten-year mortgage (to be re-financed or repaid after five years) with 
Barclays Bank plc to re-mortgage the borrowings on its three properties. The funds are repayable in quarterly instalments 
of £50,000. Interest is payable at 2.35% above three-month LIBOR, offset by a National Loan Guarantee Scheme subsidy. 
The balance is shown net of issue costs which are being amortised over five years.

9. Deferred tax liability
The deferred tax included in the balance sheet is as follows:

Accelerated capital allowances

At 1 October

Credit in the profit and loss account

At 30 September

10. Share capital and share-based payments
(a) Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid

Ordinary shares of 1p each

2016
£’000

184

224

(40)

184

2015
£’000

224

232

(8)

224

2016
Number
Thousands

2015
Number
Thousands

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

15,430

15,322

154

153

Note 21(c) in the Group financial statements sets out the details of the share option schemes of the Group and the numbers 
of shares in the Parent Company which are contingently exercisable under them.

(b) Share premium

At 1 October 2015

Increase in cash on exercise of share options

At 30 September 2016

£’000

7,552

214

7,766

(c) Share-based payments
Note 21(c) in the Group financial statements identifies the basis of the Senior Executive Plans and the EMI Scheme. It also 
contains a table that illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices of, and movements in, share options during 
the year.

(d) Directors’ share incentive scheme
Note 21(c) in the Group financial statements sets out the details of the Share Incentive Award Scheme for Mark Cambridge, 
Chief Executive, and Claire Smith, Group Finance Director, in shares of the Parent Company.

11. Guarantees
Zytronic plc has given guarantees regarding funding advanced to Zytronic Displays Limited by Barclays Bank plc in connection 
with an overdraft facility detailed in note (a) below.

(a) Borrowing facilities
The Group has an unsecured overdraft facility of £1.0m arranged with its principal banker, Barclays Bank plc. This facility extends 
until November 2017. This facility is to provide funding for working capital.

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 61

12. Transition to FRS 101
For all periods up to and including the year ended 30 September 2015, the Company prepared its financial statements in 
accordance with previously extant United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (“UK GAAP”). These financial 
statements, for the year ended 30 September 2016, are the first the Company has prepared in accordance with FRS 101.

Accordingly, the Company has prepared individual financial statements which comply with FRS 101 applicable for periods 
beginning on or after 1 October 2014 and the significant accounting policies meeting those requirements are described in the 
relevant notes.

In preparing these financial statements, the Company has started from an opening balance sheet as at 1 October 2014, the 
Company’s date of transition to FRS 101, and made those changes in accounting policies and other restatements required 
for the first-time adoption of FRS 101. As such, this note explains the principal adjustments made by the Company in restating 
its balance sheet as at 1 October 2014 prepared under previously extant UK GAAP and its previously published UK GAAP 
financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2015.

On transition to FRS 101, the Company has applied the requirements of paragraphs 6–33 of IFRS 1 First-time Adoption 
of International Financial Reporting Standards, except for the requirement of paragraphs 6 and 21 to present an opening 
statement of financial position at the date of transition.

Exemptions applied
IFRS 1 allows first-time adopters certain exemptions from the general requirements to apply IFRSs as effective for September 2016 
year ends retrospectively. The Company has taken advantage of the following exemption:

•  IFRS 2 Share-based Payment has not been applied to any equity instruments that were granted on or before 

7 November 2002, nor has it been applied to equity instruments granted after 7 November 2002 that vested before 
1 January 2005. This treatment is consistent with the transitional provisions taken when the Company adopted 
FRS 20, the UK equivalent standard.

Reconciliation of equity as at 1 October 2014

Fixed assets

Tangible assets

Investments

Current assets

Debtors:

– amounts falling due within one year

– amounts falling due after one year

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Deferred tax

1

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium

Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

Notes

UK GAAP
£’000

FRS 101
reclassification/
remeasurements
£’000

4,739

9,855

14,594

6

1,178

5,671

6,855

438

6,417

21,011

1,341

102

19,568

152

7,290

12,126

19,568

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

130

130

—

—

130

130

FRS 101
£’000

4,739

9,855

14,594

6

1,178

5,671

6,855

438

6,417

21,011

1,341

232

19,438

152

7,290

11,996

19,438

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS62 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. Transition to FRS 101 continued

Reconciliation of equity as at 30 September 2015

Notes

UK GAAP
£’000

FRS 101
reclassification/
remeasurements
£’000

Fixed assets

Tangible assets

Investments

Current assets

Debtors:

– amounts falling due within one year

– amounts falling due after one year

Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Deferred tax

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium

Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

4,626

10,035

14,661

8

320

7,570

7,898

416

7,482

22,143

1,144

1

96

20,903

153

7,552

13,198

20,903

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

128

128

—

—

128

128

FRS 101
£’000

4,626

10,035

14,661

8

320

7,570

7,898

416

7,482

22,143

1,144

224

20,775

153

7,552

13,070

20,775

(1) Deferred tax asset and provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax has been restated to take into account temporary differences between the tax base of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. In particular, on restatement, temporary differences have been 
recognised in respect of assets which qualified for industrial building allowances. A provision was not required for such 
items under UK GAAP.

Upon transition, an additional deferred tax liability of £128,000 (2014: £130,000) was recognised relating to accelerated 
capital allowances.

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2016ZYTRONIC PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2016 • 63

Websites
www.zytronicplc.com 
www.zytronic.co.uk 
www.zytronic-inc.com 
www.zytronic.cn 
www.zytronic.jp

Secretary
Claire Smith  
Email: claire.smith@zytronic.co.uk

Registered office
Whiteley Road 
Blaydon-on-Tyne 
Tyne and Wear 
NE21 5NJ

0191 414 5511 
Tel:  
Fax:   0191 414 0545

Registration number
3881244

Stockbrokers and  
nominated adviser
N+1 Singer
One Bartholomew Lane 
London 
EC2N 2AX

Registrars
Computershare Investor  
Services PLC
The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol 
BS13 8AE

Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
Citygate 
St James’ Boulevard 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
NE1 4JD

Bankers
Barclays Bank plc
71 Grey Street 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
NE99 1JP

Santander Corporate Banking
Baltic Place 
South Shore Road 
Gateshead 
NE8 3AE

Yorkshire Bank
131–135 Northumberland Street 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
NE1 7AG

Regions Bank
2653 Marietta Hwy  
Canton, GA  
30114  
USA

Solicitors
Ward Hadaway
Sandgate House 
102 Quayside 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
NE1 3DX

Muckle LLP
Time Central 
32 Gallowgate 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
NE1 4BF

Zytronic plc
Whiteley Road 
Blaydon-on-Tyne 
Tyne and Wear 
NE21 5NJ

0191 414 5511 

Tel:  
Fax:  0191 414 0545 
Web:  www.zytronicplc.com

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCorporate information64 • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Keep in touch

Find out more about our latest products,  
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Zytronic plc
Whiteley Road 
Blaydon-on-Tyne 
Tyne and Wear 
NE21 5NJ

0191 414 5511 

Tel: 
Fax:  0191 414 0545 
Web:  www.zytronicplc.com