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Zytronic plc

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FY2017 Annual Report · Zytronic plc
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At the forefront  
of touch technology…

Zytronic plc
Annual Report and Financial Statements 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Enhancing our touchscreen 
opportunities and expertise

The Zytronic range of interactive touch sensing overlay products is 
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.

Ideum P05

Adial P08

Amtek P13

Citybeacon P21

Read more about our technology P02-03

READ OUR CASE STUDIESZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

01

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

Strategic report
Overview  
At a glance  
Chairman’s statement  
Operational review  
Our markets 
Our business model  
Our strategy  
Our key performance indicators  
Risk management  
Sustainability  
Financial review  

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

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

Parent Company accounts
Parent Company balance sheet  
Parent Company statement 
of changes in equity  
Notes to the Parent Company 
financial statements  
Notice of Annual General Meeting 
 Corporate information  

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

•  Significant improvement in Group trading 

profits to £5.4m (2016: £4.3m)

•  Strong cash generation from operating 

activities of £4.7m (2016: £5.6m) 

•  Final dividend increased by 39% to 15.2p 

(2016: 10.96p), bringing total dividends for the 
year to 19.0p (2016: 14.41p), up 32% year-on-year 
and the fourth successive year of double-digit 
dividend growth

•  Touch sensor units sold increased to 138,000 
units (2016: 130,000 units) with large sensors 
> 30” increasing to 18,000 units (2016: 14,000)

•  Basic earnings per share increased to 29.0p 

(2016: 26.6p)

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Group revenue (£m)

£22.9m +9%

Gross profit margin (%)

41.1% -4%

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Profit before tax (£m)

£5.4m +27%

Earnings per share (p)

29.0p +9%

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Dividends (p)

19.0p +32%

Cash generated from 
operating activities (£m)

£4.7m -16%

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STRATEGIC REPORT02

STRATEGIC REPORT

At a glance

WHY WE ARE AT THE 
FOREFRONT OF TOUCH 
TECHNOLOGY

EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING...

Diverse product range

Since the turn of the century, Zytronic has concentrated 
on the development and marketing of its range of 
interactive touch sensor products based upon its 
unique projected capacitive technologies (PCT™ and 
MPCT™), to industrial, public access and self-service 
equipment designers and end-users, in market areas 
such as Financial, Retail, Leisure, Digital Signage, 
Industrial, Medical, etc.

Design options

Zytronic’s PCT™ and MPCT™ products offer equipment 
designers and end-users a unique blend of high 
durability and environmental stability, in customer 
and application specific designs in a limitless variety 
of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, strengths, colours, etc., 
and capable of use in any location.

Location

The Group is headquartered and operates from 
three modern factories totalling 80,000ft², 
which are all located on a single site in the  
United Kingdom.

DESIGN

Any shape and size

Precisely tailored to meet our customers’ specific 
application, we help create a unique touchscreen 
interface design, with a near limitless range 
of shapes and sizes to fit any display from 5” 
to over 85”, and incorporating features such 
as curved glass, cut and drilled holes or 
slots, custom printed borders and logos 
in almost any colour imaginable – all 
manufactured in our state-of-the-art, 
semi-conductor grade clean rooms 
so our customers can be assured 
of clarity and quality.

Variety of materials

Our projected capacitive touch sensors can 
be supplied in a wide variety of glass types. 
Our patented touch technology is also available 
in rollable films for self-application. Furthermore, 
with its incredibly sensitive touch detection, 
our products can also be specified in a 
wide range of glass thicknesses and 
strengthening treatments, from 
1mm to well over 20mm, to 
meet requirements for high 
impact resistance.

Flexible quantities

We understand that our customers’ 
projects may require one touchscreen 
or thousands, and that demand can fall 
and rise. For that reason, we do not 
have a “minimum order quantity” as 
our unique manufacturing process 
is flexible enough to support new 
self-service or commercial touchscreen 
projects from prototyping to mass 
production, and through the ups 
and downs of its life cycle.

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

03

Read more about our markets P09

Read our business model P10–11

... PROVIDING QUALITY DESIGN, SERVICE AND PERFORMANCE

SERVICE

Leaders in touch control electronics

We are unique in the industry – designing 
our own touch controllers, writing 
our own proprietary touch detection 
firmware and developing our own ASICs. 
This means we have created electronics 
and software specifically to meet the 
requirements of our customers’ self-service 
applications and our customers can rest 
safe in the knowledge that we “own” 
the full solution.

An experienced team

With well over half a century of glass 
processing and laminating experience, 
over 15 years of developing our own touch 
controllers and comprehensive in-house 
manufacturing facilities that we are 
constantly investing in and improving, 
we are one of the only touchscreen 
companies in the world who can 
be trusted to help take our 
customers’ vision to reality 
and keep our customers 
ahead of their competition.

Pushing touch to the limit

We love projected capacitive touch 
sensing! In fact, we coined the phrase. 
From “force sensing” to “object 
recognition” touch control firmware, 
or from curved to “explosion resistant” 
touchscreens, we constantly strive 
to be ahead of the trends and bring 
our customers the most up-to-date 
advancements in touch technology.

PERFORMANCE

Durable and reliable

Our products are unaffected by the presence of dirt, 
water, dust and scratches on the surface, which when 
coupled with the ability of our touch technologies 
to operate through very thick glass, plus 
in-house toughening facilities, enable us 
to create sensors capable of withstanding 
incredible levels of abuse. This means 
our customers can rest assured that their 
touchscreen systems are going to have 
the highest levels of reliability.

Accurate and responsive

Thanks to our state-of-the-art custom-
designed touch control electronics, 
Zytronic touch sensors can detect 
40 or more simultaneous touches 
a few millimetres apart, tracking in 
millisecond-level lightning-quick time, 
through thick laminated glasses, 
gloved hands and even other 
non-conductive materials such 
as wood, plastic and ceramics.

In any location

For nearly two decades our projected 
capacitive touch technologies have 
proven unparalleled ability to 
work reliably in the most demanding 
environments and applications – 
from supervised indoor to unattended 
outdoor positions, and from climates 
ranging from the heat of the Saudi 
Arabian summer to the cold of 
a Siberian winter.

STRATEGIC REPORT04

STRATEGIC REPORT

Chairman’s statement

INCREASE IN ANNUAL 
DIVIDEND OF 32%

We are pleased to announce 
the results for the year ended 
30 September 2017, which show 
continuing growth in revenues, 
profits and cash generation and 
a 39% increase (2016: 24%) in the 
final dividend, resulting in an overall 
dividend increase of 32% (2016: 20%) 
for the year.

Results
Revenues for the year ended 
30 September 2017 increased 9% 
to £22.9m (2016: £21.1m), profit 
before tax increased 27% to £5.4m 
(2016: £4.3m), with profit after tax 
increasing to £4.6m (2016: £4.1m) 
and basic earnings per share 
increasing to 29.0p (2016: 26.6p).

The growth in revenues during 
the year has primarily arisen from 
an increase in further projects for the 
gaming market, with the growth driven 
by large format touch sensors. A fuller 
explanation of the strategic sales and 
marketing initiatives and opportunities 
are covered in the CEO’s Operational 
review later in this report. 

Cash generation from operating activities 
for the year ended 30 September 2017 
is £4.7m (2016: £5.6m), from which we 
invested £1.1m (2016: £0.8m) in research 
and development and capital expenditure. 
The Group also received £1.2m (2016: 
£0.2m) from the proceeds of share 
options and made a final payment of 
£1.1m (2016: £0.2m) on its property 
loan before the dividend payments of 
£2.4m (2016: £1.9m), resulting in a net 
increase in year-end cash balances of 
£1.3m to £14.1m (2016: £2.9m to £12.8m).

Dividend
The Directors are pleased to propose 
a final dividend of 15.2p (2016: 10.96p), 
payable on 9 March 2018 to shareholders 
on the register on 23 February 2018, 
which increases the total dividend for 
the year by 32% to 19.0p (2016: 14.41p) 
and brings the dividend increase over 
the last five years to 124%. 

The current year has started with orders, 
revenues and trading along similar levels to that 
of the prior year, which, together with our strong 
balance sheet and cash generation, provides 
a sound base for further growth in dividends 
and shareholder value.”

Outlook
The current year has started with 
orders, revenues and trading along 
similar levels to that of the prior year, 
which, together with our strong 
balance sheet and cash generation, 
provides a sound base for further 
growth in dividends and shareholder 
value. The focus on growth this year 
will be from expansion in local sales 
representation in the USA and the Far 
East, and we shall keep shareholders 
updated on the progress, and any 
material developments, over the 
course of the year.

Tudor Davies
Chairman
11 December 2017

Our strategy P12-13

Sustainability P18-19

Operational review

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

05

ENHANCING EVERY 
ASPECT OF DAILY LIFE

Location:  
USA

Market:  
Signage

Application:  
Table

IDEUM – SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTIONZytronic powers new exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.Zytronic has supplied an 84” diagonal touch sensor to the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution (“NASM”) for inclusion in a recently unveiled exhibit. The museum – which displays the world’s largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft – welcomes 6.7m visitors annually, making it the fifth most visited museum in the world.New Mexico-based Ideum was tasked with updating one of the museum’s most heavily used exhibits – a touch-interactive table that enables visitors to design, customise and launch space station modules of their own creation. Ideum engineered an 84” touch table and chose to use Zytronic’s touch sensor because it could be built to Ideum’s exacting specifications, and was able to deliver the multi-touch capabilities required to support simultaneous use by up to six visitors.The ZyBrid® touch sensor was designed using 6mm-thick thermally toughened anti-glare etched glass, providing a combination of smooth “finger glide” interactivity and impact resistance, and the Ideum table was manufactured in powder coated aluminium for additional durability.STRATEGIC REPORT06

STRATEGIC REPORT

Operational review continued

STRONG SALES OF TOUCH 
SENSOR PRODUCTS

The following provides insights into 
the sales and marketing initiatives and 
the strategic programmes undertaken 
by Zytronic’s research and development 
department during the year and the 
consequential sales output profile.

manager, to include countries in 
Southeast Asia.

•  In the EMEA region, we appointed 
a new distributor for Switzerland 
and Austria.

Strategic sales and 
marketing initiatives
We continued to sell our products to 
customers around the world in two ways: 
directly, sometimes with the assistance 
of commissioned manufacturers’ 
representatives and agents; and 
indirectly, via franchised distributors 
and value-added resellers (“VARs”). 
Collectively, we refer to these agents, 
distributors and VARs as our sales 
channel partners.

In 2017, we made several changes to 
our global network of sales channel 
partners whilst increasing regionally 
our direct sales function. At the end 
of the fiscal period we had 13 regional 
agreements covering North, Central 
and South America (“AMERICAS”), 
twelve across Asia Pacific (“APAC”) 
and 13 spanning various European, 
Middle Eastern and African countries 
(“EMEA”). Additionally, we had two 
global distribution agreements, with 
Future Electronics and the Quixant 
group respectively.

•  In the AMERICAS, we terminated 

three underperforming agents and 
appointed a new representative in the 
Southeastern USA. In addition, to 
strengthen the direct sales presence 
of Zytronic Inc., we completed the 
recruitment of an industry and 
market experienced US national, 
based in Austin, TX, to the position 
of director of sales for the region.

•  In the APAC region, we appointed 

two further distributors in Japan and 
increased our direct presence in the 
country, retaining a Tokyo-based 
full-time business development 
manager under contract. We also 
expanded the responsibility of our 
Taipei-based business development 

Entering the new fiscal year, we have 
commenced a review on the recruitment 
of a sales support engineer for the APAC 
region, most likely to be based in Japan. 
We are also working to increase our sales 
channel partner network in Western 
Europe and the USA, with new agent 
and VAR appointments expected. 
Additionally, we are presently planning 
to increase our direct sales team in the 
USA in the second half of the year.

Our 2017 marketing strategy in support 
of sales activities focused on increasing 
our profile in European, American and 
Asian trade publications and key vertical 
markets. In addition, we have expanded 
our digital and social media presence, 
releasing online a new “factory tour” 
video to highlight our unique capabilities 
in the touch ecosystem and the 
competitive benefits we bring to 
customers. We also participated in 
several application specific global 
trade events, including Electronica 
(the large German electronics fair in 
November 2016), C-Touch in Shenzhen, 
China, in the same month, the Integrated 
Systems Europe (“ISE”) expo in February 
2017 in Amsterdam and the USA-focused 
Digital Signage Expo (“DSE”) in March 
2017. Indirectly, products were also well 
represented at a number of tradeshows 
by distributors and customers, such as 
the ICE Totally Gaming Expo in London 
during January 2017, the Society of 
Information Displays (“SID”) Display 
Week and the Infocomm Expo during 
June 2017 in the USA.

Strategic research 
and development 
The primary emphasis of the research 
and development team throughout 
2017 was the continued development 
of our MPCT™ capabilities and the 
requirements of the developing Zytronic 

Application Specific Integrated Chip 
(“ASIC”). Initial approval samples of 
the designed ASIC were received in 
late January 2017, followed by several 
months of in-house approval and 
compliance testing. In May 2017, we 
provided approval and the order to 
build and supply an initial 24,000 
ASICs. Supply of production chips 
is expected around December 2017. 
A new family of controllers incorporating 
the ASICs has been designed along 
with new bespoke firmware, which will 
be released under the controller family 
designation series ZXY500 early in the 
new calendar year.

Other significant development work 
undertaken during the year has been 
around new material considerations as 
an alternative to the micro-fine sensing 
wires generally employed in Zytronic 
PCT™ and MPCT™ sensors including, 
but not limited to, the collaboration 
work undertaken on the Hi-Response 
European-funded H2020 project.

Further GB patent applications were 
initiated in the period on Zytronic’s 
shape recognition technology and 
our ability to put physical holes in 
and through the active sensing area 
of our glass sensors without functional 
detriment to the sensing and interactivity 
around the physical hole, both being 
reliant on the unique capabilities of 
our patented MPCT™ sensing.

Sales
The business showed an improved 
trading performance over that of the 
previous year, with total revenues of 
£22.9m (2016: £21.1m). Total export 
revenues as measured by Zytronic, 
being the location of the companies 
where we invoice products, were 
£19.9m (2016: £20.0m), with the slight 
reduction a consequence of the as 
expected drop in legacy display 
product revenues.

The revenues of legacy display 
products were £2.3m (2016: £2.9m). 
Although a number of factors 

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

07

contributed to the decrease, by far 
the two most significant were the 
£0.2m of non-recurring revenues from 
the completion in 2016 of the curved 
gaming display unit project in Korea 
and a further £0.2m reduction in 
global ATM display revenues to 
£1.4m (2016: £1.6m). 

Revenues generated by sales of our 
touch products were £2.4m higher than 
the prior year at £20.6m (2016: £18.2m). 
The significant growth in revenues 
came from invoiced UK sales for the 
Gaming market, where product is 
almost immediately shipped by our 
customer to other international locations 
for integration with displays and gaming 
machines. Exported touch product 
revenues showed growth to £18.0m 
from £17.6m, with EMEA and the 
AMERICAS regions each growing by 
£0.3m to £7.0m and £0.2m to £3.8m 
respectively, whilst APAC reduced 
by £0.1m to £7.2m.

Touch revenues are inherently linked, 
not only to the number of touch sensors 
produced, but more substantially to 
the mix of the sensor sizes, as large 
format units carry an obvious higher 
price premium. The total number of 
sensor units supplied increased to 
138,000 (2016: 130,000) and the table 
below illustrates the split of sensor 
sizes and their relative movement 
from the prior year. 

In large format sensors, the contributory 
volume of curved units remained 
steady at 9,000 units year on year, 
with the growth coming from flat units 
for new gaming projects. With the 
release in the latter half of 2016 of 
the newer ZXY150 series of MPCT™ 
controllers in support of medium sizes, 
we saw growth in the total number of 
MPCT™ products supplied to 12,000 
units (2016: 11,000 units). 

Touch application markets
For the first time, Financial was not our 
top revenue-generating touch application 
market, with Gaming taking the top spot. 
Gaming continued to show considerable 
strength and growth in both units 
produced at 20,000 (2016: 13,000) 
and revenues generated, contributing 
£7.7m (2016: £5.9m), as new UK 

(predominantly) and Asian invoiced 
PCT™ and MPCT™ projects moved into 
production. Financial, with total unit 
volumes reducing by 4,000 to 50,000, 
as the continued effects of supplier 
consolidation and reported saturation 
of mature geographic markets were 
observed, moved into second place 
contributing £6.3m (2016: £6.4m). 

Vending, although our second highest 
market in terms of unit volumes produced 
at 35,000 units (2016: 24,000 units), 
remained our third market in terms of 
revenue at £3.3m (2016: £2.6m), with 
benefits coming from drinks, fuel and 
parking management systems in the 
USA, Korea and Germany respectively. 
However with the expected redesign 
of the next generation Freestyle® 
drinks dispenser in 2018, resulting in 
a less durable and functional touch 
solution requirement, we expect the 
requirements of the existing design to 
reduce as the project moves towards 
end-of-life (“EOL”).

The Industrial market, which saw a 
3,000-unit reduction in small sensors 
sold (2016: 12,000 units), but a 
1,000-unit increase in medium and 
larger sensors (2016: 7,000 units), 
showed an increase in the revenues 
generated to £1.8m (2016: £1.4m) 
predominantly through new 
opportunities generated by our Italian 
channel partner. This was countered 
by a decline in the Signage market to 
£0.8m (2016: £1.0m), in which we 
experienced a 1,000-unit reduction in 
large sensors sold (2016: 2,000 units), 
from our channel partners in Korea 
and Germany. However, this is still a 
market which although continues to 
be lower in project unit volumes offers 
the advantages of numerous bespoke 
and value-add opportunities.

The other markets, which predominantly 
are in the small and medium-sized ranges 
and are therefore open to much greater 
alternative supplier competitive pressures, 
particularly from spare capacity from 
consumer solution providers being 
Home Automation, Healthcare and 
Telematics, in total decreased 
to £0.7m (2016: £0.9m), as we saw 
1,000-unit declines in units supplied 
to both Home (2016: 10,000 units) 
and Health (2016: 4,000 units). Similar 

to that mentioned in Vending, we 
believe that the volumes of our touch 
solution for the high-end Bosch 
cooktop models will continue to 
reduce as the models move to EOL 
over 2018 and beyond.

Opportunities analysis
Our customer relationship management 
(“CRM”) software continues to be 
integral in managing and monitoring 
global sales opportunities. Incoming 
leads from all sources (websites, 
tradeshows, channel partners, sales 
management, etc.) are fed into the 
CRM system; once validated, those 
opportunities are then categorised 
according to vertical market (application), 
annual quantity, touch sensor type, 
project duration, estimated unit price 
and production start date. As the 
opportunity progresses, it is dynamically 
assigned with an estimated probability 
of success. Only those opportunities at 
the point in time when they are assigned 
with a high probability are classified as 
a “Project” and only those designated 
as a Project at the time of our quarterly 
sales review are added into our dynamic 
forecast model. 

As the CRM information is constantly 
being updated by the sales team to 
account for changes to opportunities, 
which may be because they are 
re-classified as dead, lost to a competitor, 
moved into production or have changed 
success probability, the number of 
opportunities, and the value of active 
“Projects”, varies significantly day 
to day. At 30 September 2017, there 
were a total of 551 live opportunities 
in the system, with 60 opportunities 
classified on that day as “Projects”, with 
those “Projects” having an unsensitised 
lifetime revenue contribution of £8.2m 
over a projected five years.

Finally, on behalf of the Board of 
Directors, I would like to thank all 
Zytronic employees for their valued 
contribution to the performance of the 
business over the reporting period.

Mark Cambridge
Chief Executive Officer
11 December 2017

Sensor size

Small – (0–14.9”)

Medium – (15.0–29.9”)

Large – (30.0”+)

Total

2017

Units
(’000)

33

87

18

138

% total

24

63

13

100

2016

Units
(’000)

39

77

14

130

% total

30

59

11

100

Variance

Units
 (’000)

(6)

10

4

8

%
change

(16)

13

26

6

STRATEGIC REPORT08

STRATEGIC REPORT

Operational review continued

ACCURATE AND 
RESPONSIVE IN 
ALL WEATHER

Location:  
France

Market:  
Vending

Application:  
Pizza vending 
machine

ADIAL PIZZADOORZytronic touch sensors transform user interface for out-of-hours pizza vending machines.Zytronic’s touch sensors are being used in the ADIAL PIZZADOOR, a self-service vending machine retailing high quality pizzas for the notoriously discerning French palate. ADIAL has manufactured pizza vending machines since 2002, and its original design used mechanical selection buttons alongside a colour LCD screen to present appealing images of the product inside. However, Vincent Le Gouic, President of ADIAL, noticed that users were increasingly trying to touch the screens when choosing a pizza.PIZZADOOR is designed for installation in rest areas, truck stops, limited service hotels, hospitals, offices and railway stations. It is also widely used by pizza restaurants in smaller municipalities in France, which cannot justify extended opening hours. Product is stored in a cooling unit, which maintains it in peak condition for the maximum time period, and carefully dispenses in order of age to minimise wastage. Customers can choose a hot pizza to eat straight away, or a cold one to cook and consume at home. Cooked pizzas are heated in a pulsed warm air oven delivering brown and crunchy pizzas in just three minutes, and are supplied in a hygienic, food grade cardboard box.As a consequence of the success of the touchscreen-enabled PIZZADOOR vending machine, ADIAL’s revenue has grown by over 30% per annum over the last four years.Our markets

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

09

OPERATING IN 
STRONG MARKETS

MARKET UPDATES

WHERE OUR TECHNOLOGY IS USED

APAC
Touch revenue from invoiced sales to the APAC region 
was £7.2m, which represented 35% of total touch export 
revenue (2016: £7.3m, 41%). The largest revenue generator 
was from sales into the Gaming market for ultra-large 
format MPCT™ products.

  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.

EMEA
Touch revenue from invoiced sales to the EMEA region 
was £7.0m, which represented 34% of total touch 
export revenue (2016: £6.7m, 38%).

  Surfaces

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

Americas
Touch revenue from invoiced sales to the Americas 
was £3.8m, which represented 19% of total touch 
export revenue (2016: £3.6m, 21%). 

UK
Touch revenue from invoiced sales to UK customers 
was £2.6m (2016: £0.6m). The year-on-year growth was 
attributable to a large gaming project commencing in 
the year.

Sales channel 
partnerships 
around  
the world 

40

Global 
distribution 
agreements 

2

Touch  
revenue  
growth 

13%

  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 P10-11

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10

STRATEGIC REPORT

Our business model

OUR COMPETITIVE 
ADVANTAGES – ADDING VALUE 
TO OUR CAPABILITIES

OUR KEY RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS

OUR MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES

Technology 

Our products

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

R&D 

We are pioneers in the field of projected 
capacitive touch technology – now the most 
widely used touchscreen technology in the 
world. We constantly strive to be ahead 
of trends and to further the advancement 
of new products and processes, including our 
patented, customisable, multi-touch technology.

Experienced team 

Over the last seven 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.

In-house facilities 

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

Operational review P05-08

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 benefits

At Zytronic we go the extra mile to make sure 
our products and services are extraordinary. 

In fact, we are unique in the industry – designing 
our own touch controllers and writing our 
own proprietary touch detection firmware. 
Coupling this with our customisable touch 
sensors, and adaptable manufacturing processes, 
means we can create touch electronics, 
software and hardware that specifically 
meet the requirements of our customers. 

We are one of the only touchscreen 
companies in the world that can be trusted 
to help take our customers’ visions to reality, 
and keep them ahead of the competition.

At a glance P02-03

Route to market

Direct presence

We have key account managers on the ground in the 
locations where we see the biggest growth opportunities. 
Our experienced personnel can react quicker to 
customers’ needs and ensure the Zytronic brand 
continues to be globally recognised.

Sales channel partnerships

We have 40 sales channel partnerships to sell our 
products around the world, two of which are global 
distribution agreements.

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

11

HOW WE ADD VALUE

RE-INVESTMENT

Customers

We have been honoured to work with 
dynamic and prestigious companies, which 
are global leaders in their respective fields. 
We do this by putting our customers’ needs 
at the forefront of our business. 

Using a consultative sales approach, 
we ensure our customers are educated, 
informed and engaged with all aspects of 
the design and sales process, which allows 
us to create a truly adaptable service, and 
touch sensor solutions that meet the needs 
of their interactive application.

Partners

We have an ever-expanding network of 
specialists, international representatives and 
resellers, all of which are dedicated to meeting 
the needs of our customers and offering 
local and practical support when necessary.

Employees

With well over half a century of glass 
processing and laminating experience, and 
over 15 years of experience developing our 
own touch controllers, our employees are 
experts in their fields. 

From initial idea, to prototype, to manufacture 
and installation, our employees offer 
professional advice and guidance to make 
sure customers’ needs are met throughout 
the lifespans of their projects.

Shareholders

From “force sensing” to “object recognition” 
touch control firmware, or from curved to 
“explosion resistant” glass touchscreens, we 
constantly strive to be ahead of the trends, 
and bring our customers the most up-to-date 
advancements in touch technology. We do 
this by continually re-investing into the 
development of new technology, products 
and processes.

R&D spend (2017)

£0.4m

Patents granted

5

Our culture and values

We utilise the following three core values to 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 and processes and the 
capabilities of our employees, through innovation, 
development and training.

We continue to deliver value for our 
shareholders and have returned double-digit 
growth in our dividends over the past 
four years.

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

Our strategy P12-13

Sustainability P18-19

STRATEGIC REPORT12

STRATEGIC REPORT

Our strategy

IT IS OUR AIM TO 
DELIVER VALUE TO 
OUR SHAREHOLDERS

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 and direct 
presence across the world and aim to 
establish representation in additional 
countries, for example Indonesia 
and in the Middle East.

What we did in 2016/2017
•   Samples of the ASIC were received during the 
year and following approval and testing will 
be ready to launch early fiscal year 2018.

•   We have initiated further GB patent 

applications for shape recognition technology 
and our ability to put physical holes in and 
through the active sensing areas of our glass 
touch sensors without affecting performance.

What we did in 2016/2017
•   We grew our revenues to £22.9m, of which 90% 

relates to touch products.

•   We signed a further global distribution 
agreement with the Quixant group.

•   We expanded our digital and social media 

presence to highlight our unique capabilities.

Our priorities for 2017/2018
•   We will continue to work within the H2020 

Hi-Response consortium project.

•   We will release a new family of controllers 

to incorporate the ASIC.

Our priorities for 2017/2018
•   We will seek to increase our channel partner 
network in Western Europe and the USA.

•   We will continue to develop our presence 
in the US through further recruitment into 
Zytronic Inc.

•   We have initiated recruitment of a sales 
support engineer for the APAC region.

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

13

Location:  
Italy

Market:  
Vending

Application:  
Vending 
machine

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 2016/2017
•   We purchased another glass profiling 

machine to meet the increasing demand 
for shaped products.

•   We added further sensor manufacturing 
equipment into our facilities as demand 
for touch sensing products increased.

•   We further invested into our exhibition 

equipment to showcase our most current 
products at global trade shows.

•   We recruited another 16 employees during 

the year, one of which was another engineering 
apprentice, into our Quality department.

Our priorities for 2017/2018
•   We will continue to develop our apprentices 

to add value into the business.

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

•   We will review our facilities to ensure we have 
sufficient space for our production demands.

AMTEKZytronic touch sensors double vending machine capacity.Amtek, a leading Italian manufacturer of self‑service vending machines, has been able to double the capacity and increase the internal space in its range of condom vending machines by switching to a user interface based on a Zytronic projected capacitive touch sensor.The new electronic vending machines can also hold a much wider range of product, and deliver detailed sales reports in real time allowing stock to be tuned to local demand.STRATEGIC REPORT14

STRATEGIC REPORT

Our key performance indicators

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 CRM opportunities 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)

£22.9m +9%

Gross profit margin (%)

41.1% -4%

Administration expenses (£m)

£3.6m -18%

3

.
1
2

1
.
1
2

9

.

2
2

9

.

8
1

.

3
7
1

9

.
1
4

8

.

2
4

1
.
1
4

6

.

6
3

4

.

8
2

4

.

4

1
.
4

6

.

3

5

.

3

9

.

2

13

14

15

16

17

13

14

15

16

17

13

14

15

16

17

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

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

Definition
The indirect costs incurred 
in running the Group.

Our performance
Additional revenue of £2.0m from 
UK-based customers has driven 
increase over prior year.

Our performance
Price pressures from suppliers and 
additional headcount have impacted 
margin over the year.

Our performance
Foreign currency contracts unwinding 
have benefited admin costs by £0.9m.

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Cash generated from 
operating activities (£m)

£4.7m -16%

6

.

5

.

7
4

9

.

4

2

.

4

3

.

3

Order intake over the year (£m)

Recorded accidents

£23.6m +10%

19 +90%

6

.
1
2

5

.
1
2

6

.

3
2

8

.

9
1

1
.

8
1

8
2

1
2

0
2

9
1

0
1

13

14

15

16

17

13

14

15

16

17

13

14

15

16

17

Definition
Cashflow from operating activities 
adjusted for non-cash items.

Our performance
The fair value movement on the FX 
provisions of £1.0m has impacted 
cash generated from operations.

Definition
Orders received during the financial year.

Our performance
Year-on-year growth driven by orders 
of touch products.

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

Our performance
Increase in accidents occurring over 
the year, none of which were 
reportable to RIDDOR. 

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Link to strategy

Risk management

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

15

CONTINUALLY 
ASSESSING RISKS

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. Principal risks have been identified 
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.

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 is 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

Impact and change key:

Unchanged

Adverse

Improved

Major

Moderate

Minor

Link to strategy key:

Innovate

Grow

Invest

STRATEGIC REPORT16

STRATEGIC REPORT

Risk management continued

Risk heat map
1.    Downward price pressures 

from competing technologies

2.  Reliance on key customers

3.   Advances in competing 

technologies

4.   Increasing costs of raw 

material supplies

5.   Managing increases 
in the overhead base

6.   Risks associated with 
currency movements

7. 

 Risks associated with timing 
of customer projects

H
G
H

I

T
C
A
P
M

I

W
O
L

 1

 2

 4

 3

 6

 5

 7

LOW

LIKELIHOOD

HIGH

POTENTIAL 
FINANCIAL 
IMPACT

CHANGE

LINK TO 
STRATEGY

RISK DESCRIPTION

MITIGATING ACTIONS

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 pressures in those markets 
do 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 and in developing the ZYPOS® touch sensor. 
This has 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. The Group continually assesses alternative 
materials in order to try to drive down costs.

Reliance on key customers

At present the Group has 60% 
of its revenue from four 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. 
The Group constantly strives to have a diversified customer 
base with multiple projects over different time periods 
occurring at any one time.

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. 
Further patent applications have been initiated during the year.

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.

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

17

Link to strategy key:

Innovate

Grow

Invest

POTENTIAL 
FINANCIAL 
IMPACT

CHANGE

LINK TO 
STRATEGY

RISK DESCRIPTION

MITIGATING ACTIONS

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. Management is 
considering the space requirements in its buildings should 
increased raw materials need to be held to mitigate against 
any possible changes to customs clearance procedures when 
Brexit occurs, or new manufacturing processes are added.

Risks associated with currency movements

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 
to try to mitigate against foreign exchange movement.

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.

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 are 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, via the CRM 
system, is regularly reviewed to ensure that up-to-date 
information regarding pipeline projects is captured.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
18

STRATEGIC REPORT

Sustainability

PEOPLE ARE AT THE HEART 
OF OUR BUSINESS

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

1. INTEGRITY

2. QUALITY

3. PERFORMANCE

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.

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

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

Training 

Diversity

Employee engagement

Employee training and development is 
one of the key factors to our success. 
Comprehensive training programmes 
allow us to advance workplace safety, 
productivity and satisfaction, as well 
as creating an informed and inspired 
workforce who can contribute to the 
advancement of our touch technology.

We pride ourselves on our diversity. 
Varying characteristics of our employees 
include, but are not limited to: 
religious and political beliefs, gender, 
ethnicity, education, socio-economic 
background, sexual orientation and 
geographic location.

We strive to create the right conditions 
for all members of our organisation 
to give their best, are committed 
to our goals and values, and are 
motivated to contribute to the 
organisational success, with an 
enhanced sense of wellbeing.

Apprenticeships 

Environmental policy

Recycling

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

At Zytronic we are committed 
to working towards a cleaner 
and greener future for all.

During the year we employed 
a further apprentice into our 
Quality department.

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 14001:2015.

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 its waste away 
from landfill with the remaining 5% 
being used as RDF fuel.

WE ARE 
COMMITTED 
TO TRAINING 
OUR 
ENGINEERS 
OF THE 
FUTURE

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

19

ZYTRONIC APPRENTICESHIP 
SCHEME
At Zytronic we are not only dedicated to the advancement 
of our touch sensor technology, but also the talent and 
knowledge of our staff.

Therefore, we are proud to be engaged with a local 
apprenticeship training scheme, ETC (Engineering Training 
Centre) North East, formerly Rolls Royce Engineering 
Training Centre, an approved training provider based 
in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, offering apprenticeships and 
pre-apprenticeship training in mechanical, fabrication, 
electrical and general engineering, at NVQ levels 2 and 3.

Zytronic currently employs three apprentices: Kyle Gair, 
who was hired in June 2015, to serve an apprenticeship 
as a multi-skilled Maintenance Craftsperson, assigned to 
the Maintenance department; Liam Jackson, who joined 
Zytronic in March 2016, to serve an apprenticeship as 
a Production Technician, assigned to the Production 
Technician department; and Alexander McEwen, 
who joined Zytronic in 2017 and is assigned to the 
Quality department.

Mark Cambridge, Zytronic CEO, comments: “Despite 
not having any previous work experience, apprentices 
can be highly effective in bringing new ideas and a fresh 

perspective into the workplace; it is our intention to 
continue to hire and train apprentices to ensure 
that we have the correct skills and resources 

available to meet the needs of the 

business going forward.”

STRATEGIC REPORT20

STRATEGIC REPORT

Financial review

INCREASING 
REVENUE

Group revenue
Group revenue for the year increased 
by £1.8m to £22.9m (2016: £21.1m) as 
a result of increased orders of touch 
products totalling £20.6m (2016: £18.2m), 
particularly through the Gaming market 
from one of the UK-based customers. 
Touch product revenue now accounts 
for 90% of total revenue (2016: 86%). 

Gross margin
Gross margin declined slightly in the 
year to 41.1% (2016: 42.8%), despite 
the increase in volume of larger format 
sensors sold, mainly as a result of the 
following factors:

•   increased costs of raw materials due 
to supplier price rises and purchasing 
more pre-prepared glass;

•   additional costs of wage rises and 
increased numbers of personnel 
in production (146 employees 
compared to 129 in 2016); and

•   increases in commissions payable 

as more revenue arose from channel 
partners over the year. 

Group trading profit
Group trading profit increased to £5.4m 
(2016: £4.3m). On a year-on-year basis, 
excluding the impact of FX movements 
of £1.0m, administration costs have 
increased only slightly in 2017 through 
higher costs of professional fees, 
marketing and travel.

Taxation
The Group’s taxation charge for the year 
ended 30 September 2017 of £0.8m 
represents an effective tax rate of 15%. 
In the year, the Group continued to 
claim relief under the Patent Box regime 
and the utilisation of R&D tax credits 
(£0.2m). The differences in tax rates 
enacted and the fair value movement 
on the Group’s FX contracts have also 
impacted the tax charge in the year.

Earnings per share
The issued share capital is 16,044,041 
ordinary shares of 1.0p each and the 
resultant weighted EPS for the year 
is 29.0p, which represents growth 
of 9% from that reported last year 
(2016: 26.6p).

Dividend
During the year the Group paid a 
final dividend for 2016 of 10.96p per 
share and a 2017 interim dividend 
of 3.80p per share totalling £2.4m 
of cash (2016: £1.9m). The Directors 
recommend the payment of a final 
dividend of 15.20p per share for the 
year ended 30 September 2017 giving 
a total dividend for the year of 19.0p 
per share (2016: 14.41p) and an increase 
of 32% over last year. Subject to approval 
by shareholders, the dividend will 
be paid on Friday 9 March 2018 to 
shareholders on the register as at the 
close of business on Friday 23 February 
2018. The dividend is covered 1.5 times 
by underlying earnings.

Capital expenditure
The Group additions to capital 
expenditure totalled £1.1m and were 
weighted more to intangible assets 
with £0.5m of spend occurring on the 
continuing development of the MPCT™ 
ASIC project. This project is on target 
for completion during early 2018. A 
further £0.1m was spent on the Fibre 
Laser Table and investment of £0.1m 
was made into a new CNC Edge 
Profiling machine. Additional sensor 
manufacturing equipment has also 
been added over the year to meet 
production requirements. Depreciation 
and amortisation for the year increased 
slightly to £1.2m (2016: £1.1m).

Cash and debt
The Group continues to be cash 
generative and has recorded an 
increase in cash and cash equivalents 
of £1.3m (2016: £2.9m) at the year end. 
Cash generated from operating activities 
was £4.7m offsetting the cash outflow 
from investing and financing activities. 
This growth in cash enables the Group 
to continue its policy to invest in internal 
R&D and capital refurbishments and 
maintain its progressive dividend policy.

The Group maintains an overdraft 
facility of £1.0m, which is available for 
use in any of its currencies and falls for 
review in November 2018. The Group 
also has an FX policy in place at the 
year end whereby it is hedged in both 
US Dollars and Euros for a period of 
four months ahead in line with its working 
capital policies to try to better manage 
its net GBP inflows from its surplus 
currency requirements. 

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

21

The Group repaid its property 
mortgage with Barclays Bank plc 
during the year utilising £1.1m of its 
cash. Following this, the Group is now 
debt free and had cash balances 
of £14.1m at 30 September 2017. 

Revenue reserve
On 22 March 2017, the Group carried out 
a capital reduction exercise whereby 
£8.9m of the Group’s undistributable 
profits (within the retained earnings 
reserve) were capitalised by way of a 
bonus issue of newly created capital 
reduction shares. These shares were 
subsequently cancelled and the £8.9m 
credited to the retained earnings 
reserve as distributable profits.

Claire Smith
Group Finance Director
11 December 2017

Location:  
Netherlands

Market:  
Signage

Application:  
Outdoor 
digital 
signage

CITYBEACONCitybeacon selects Zytronic to create “Smart City” hubs in the Netherlands.Working closely with OCP Solutions, developers of public outdoor communication products, Citybeacon was designed to help make cities smarter. “Blending state-of-the-art connectivity with intuitive touchscreens enables visitors and residents to access relevant information about the city and local businesses, and experience their surroundings,” said Marius van Lith, CEO of OCP Solutions B.V. “We’re enabling cities to become smarter by combining a range of technologies that are scalable for the future in one unit, and the key to interacting with users is through a rugged 32” touchscreen. The user experience is very important, and it was vital that the interface would provide a reliable all-weather, responsive and durable solution that reflected the qualities of Citybeacon. Zytronic’s local partner, Telerex, recommended their ZYFILM® interactive foil for the touch solution.”ZYFILM® from Zytronic is a flexible, polyester touch film and is designed to be laminated to the rear surface of a rigid transparent substrate. Once applied, it is capable of detecting up to 40 simultaneous touch points through an overlay of 10mm thick or more.The Citybeacon features a 32” ZYFILM®-based touch display, enabling easy access to local information and directions. The system also incorporates NFC, RFID and Bluetooth-based payment and mobile hand-off technologies so users can take advantage of local services such as parking and carry information to and from the kiosk. Two double-sided integrated large advertising screens at the top of the unit also share information such as public service announcements and local business promotions. STRATEGIC REPORT22

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

Tudor Griffith Davies  A
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 trading subsidiary, Zytronic Displays Limited, and Finance Director of Zytronic plc 
in January 2014.

David John Buffham  A R
Independent Non-executive Director
David is a Non‑executive Director of Newcastle Building Society. He is the Society’s Senior Independent Director 
and the Deputy Chairman and chairs the Society’s board risk committee, and 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.  A R
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 the Virgin Money Retirement 
Savings Scheme and of 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. Sir David’s current charitable representations include being a Trustee of the Hospitality 
and Hope charity and of the Gisela Graham Foundation.

A   Member of audit committee

R   Member of remuneration committee

All of the Directors served throughout the financial year and up until the date of signing these financial statements.

Corporate governance

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

23

ACHIEVING HIGH 
STANDARDS OF 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

As an AIM‑listed company, Zytronic plc is 
not obliged to comply with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code revised in April 2016 (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.

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 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 overleaf.

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 overleaf.

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 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE24

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate governance continued

The workings of the Board 
and its committees continued
Audit committee continued
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.

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 22 February 2018 can be 
found in the Notice of Annual General 
Meeting on pages 72 to 74.

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 C.2.3 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 and overleaf some of the key 
aspects of the Group’s internal 
control procedures.

THE BOARD

Number of meetings and the attendance of Directors

Board composition

60+

Non‑executive Directors: 3

Executive Directors: 2

Board meetings
2017 total: five meetings

Remuneration committee
2017 total: two meetings

100% 100+
100+

100%

100% attendance 
by all members

100% attendance 
by all Directors

K
K
40
+
K
ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

25

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 concern 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 
21 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.

Audit committee
2017 total: one meeting

100%

100+

100% attendance 
by all members

The Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company and 
the Group have adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future.”

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEK
Directors’ emoluments (audited)
Emoluments of the Directors for the 
year ended 30 September 2017 are 
shown in the table overleaf.

Pension contributions (audited)
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*

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

11

9

20

10

41

51

* 

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

26

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Remuneration report

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 UK Corporate Governance 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 health 
insurance and contributions to a group 
personal pension scheme. Details of 
emoluments for the Directors of 
Zytronic plc are set out on page 27.

Annual bonus
In 2017, the remuneration committee 
implemented an annual bonus plan 
linked to corporate performance targets, 
being the achievement of certain profit 
before tax (“PBT”) measures.

A maximum bonus of 20% of base 
salary for both the Chief Executive 
and the Group Finance Director will 
be payable if these targets are met.

For the financial year 2017 actual bonus 
payments of 10% 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.

Share options and 
incentive schemes (audited)
The Company had executive share 
option and incentive schemes, which 
were 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 previous 
share options and incentive schemes 
of the Directors of Zytronic plc are set 
out on page 28. There are currently 
no share options or incentive schemes 
in place as at 30 September 2017.

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.

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

27

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

Mark Cambridge

Tudor Davies

Claire Smith

Sir David Chapman, Bt.

David Buffham

30 September 2017

30 September 2016

Number

92,458

90,909

42,381

40,000

18,500

%

0.58

0.57

0.26

0.25

0.12

Number

50,791

90,909

714

40,000

18,500

%

0.33

0.59

—

0.26

0.12

There has been no change in Directors’ shareholdings since 30 September 2017.

Directors’ emoluments for the year ended 30 September 2017 (audited)

Non-executive Chairman

Tudor Davies

Executive

Mark Cambridge

Claire Smith

Non-executive

Sir David Chapman, Bt.

David Buffham

*  Excluding pension contributions.

Salary
£’000

Fees
£’000

Benefits
£’000

Bonuses
£’000

Total
emoluments*
2017
£’000

Total
emoluments*
2016
£’000

—

145

103

—

—

248

76

—

—

30

30

136

—

3

1

—

—

4

—

14

10

—

—

24

76

162

114

30

30

412

74

231

143

29

29

506

Share price during the year
During the year to 30 September 2017, the highest share price was 622.5p and the lowest share price was 342.5p. 
The market price of the shares at 30 September 2017 was 605.0p.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE28

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Remuneration report continued

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 (audited)

Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme

Mark Cambridge1

Claire Smith2

Claire Smith3

Claire Smith4

Unapproved Scheme

Mark Cambridge5

Claire Smith6

30 September
2016
Number

71,787

10,000

10,000

67,800

30 September
2016
Number

53,213

57,200

Granted
during
year
Number

Lapsed
during
year
Number

Exercised
during
year
Number

30 September
2017
Number

Exercise dates

—

—

—

—

— (71,787)

— (10,000)

— (10,000)

— (67,800)

— December 2016 to
December 2018

— 25 January 2016 to
24 January 2022

— 25 January 2017 to
24 January 2022

Option
price

200.0p

195.0p

195.0p

— December 2016 to
December 2018

200.0p

Granted
during
year
Number

Lapsed
during
year
Number

Exercised
during
year
Number

30 September
2017
Number

Exercise dates

—

—

— (53,213)

— (57,200)

— December 2016 to
December 2018

— December 2016 to
December 2018

Option
price

200.0p

200.0p

1.  71,787 shares were exercised at 400.0p, realising a gain of £143,574.

2. 

10,000 shares were exercised at 380.0p, realising a gain of £18,500.

3. 

10,000 shares were exercised at 474.1p, realising a gain of £27,914.

4.  67,800 shares were exercised at 380.0p, realising a gain of £122,040.

5.  53,213 shares were exercised at 400.0p, realising a gain of £106,426.

6.  57,200 shares were exercised at 474.1p, realising a gain of £156,809. 

KEY STATISTICS

Total revenue

Touch sales revenue

Highest share price

48+

2016: £21.1m

K 47+

2016: £18.2m

K 41+

2016: 436.5p

2017: £22.9m

2017: £20.6m

2017: 622.5p

52
+
53
+
59
+
K
Directors’ report

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

29

The Directors present their annual 
report and financial statements for 
the year ended 30 September 2017.

The Group has chosen to, in 
accordance with Section 414c(ii) 
of the Companies Act 2006, set out 
in the Strategic report the following, 
which the Directors believe to be 
of strategic importance:

•  review of the business; and

•  financial risk management policy/
principal risks and uncertainties.

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 2017/18 are disclosed in 
the Strategic report on pages 12 and 13.

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 
87% 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. The Group is seeking 
to expand its presence in both of these 
areas. 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 2017 
and the overall net funds position.

During the year the bank loan was 
repaid in full.

No changes were made to these 
objectives, policies or processes during 
the years ended 30 September 2016 
and 2017.

Research and development
During the year the Group continued 
its development on the MPCT™ ASIC 
which will reduce the footprint and 
cost of the Group’s multi‑touch 
controllers. Further details on the 
Group’s R&D activities are included 
in the Operational review section 
of the Strategic report.

Research and 
development spend

Total number of employees

Dividend

48+

2016: £395,000

K 48+

2016: 174

K 43+

2016: 14.41p

2017: £432,000

2017: 190

2017: 19.0p

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE52
+
52
+
57
+
K
30

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors’ report continued

Results and dividends
The consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income is set out on 
page 39. The Group profit after tax 
amounted to £4.6m (2016: £4.1m). The 
Directors propose the payment of a final 
dividend of 15.2p per share (2016: 10.96p). 
Following the dividend of 3.80p per share 
paid in July 2017, this will bring the total 
dividend for the year to 19.0p per share 
(2016: 14.41p), an increase of 32%.

Directors
The Directors of the Company are 
shown on page 22. 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 and Parent 
Company financial statements 
and annual report
The Directors are responsible for 
preparing the annual report and the 
Group and Parent Company 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 and 
Parent Company financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give 
a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Group and Parent Company and 
of the profit or loss of the Group and 
Parent Company for that period. In 
preparing those financial statements 
the Directors are required to:

•  present fairly the financial position, 

financial performance and cashflows 
of the Group and Parent Company;

•  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; 

•  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 22 February 
2018 at 9.30 am. The Notice of Meeting 
accompanies this annual report and 
is also available on the Group’s 
website at www.zytronicplc.com. 
Four resolutions will be proposed 
as special business. 

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
11 December 2017

Registration number
03881244

•  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 and Parent Company’s 
financial position and financial 
performance; and

•  state whether the Group and Parent 
Company 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 and Parent Company’s 
transactions and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and 
Parent Company and enable them to 
ensure that the Group and Parent 
Company financial statements comply 
with the Companies Act 2006. They are 
also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Group and Parent Company 
and hence for taking reasonable steps 
for the prevention and detection of fraud 
and other irregularities. The Directors 
are responsible for the maintenance 
and integrity of the 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 22. 
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

Independent auditors’ report
To the members of Zytronic plc

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

31

Opinion
In our opinion:

•  Zytronic plc’s Group financial statements and Parent Company financial statements (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 2017 and of the 
Group’s profit for the year then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

(“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European Union;

•  the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 

Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

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

We have audited the financial statements of Zytronic plc which comprise:

Group

Parent Company

Consolidated balance sheet as at 30 September 2017

Balance sheet as at 30 September 2017

Consolidated income statement for the year then ended 

Statement of changes in equity for the year 
then ended 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year 
then ended 

Related notes 1 to 10 to the financial statements, 
including a summary of significant accounting policies

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year 
then ended

Consolidated cash flow statement for the year then ended

Related notes 1 to 27 to the financial statements, including 
a summary of significant accounting policies

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable 
law and IFRSs 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.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements section of our report below. We are independent of the Group and Parent Company in accordance 
with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS32

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditors’ report continued
To the members of Zytronic plc

Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report 
to you where:

•  the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not 

appropriate; or

•  the Directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant 
doubt about the Group’s or the Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for 
a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Overview of our audit approach

Key audit matters

We have identified the following key audit matters, which were of most significance to our audit.

Significant risks:

•  Improper revenue recognition.

•  Risk of management override of controls – manual adjustments to revenue, expense accruals 

and provisions.

Other key audit matters:

•  Appropriateness of amounts included within inventory relating to labour and overhead costs.

•  Capitalisation of development expenditure.

Audit scope

•  We performed an audit of the complete financial information of Zytronic plc, Zytronic 

Displays Limited and Zytronic Inc.

•  Zytronic plc, Zytronic Displays Limited and Zytronic Inc. contributed 99% (2016: 100%) of the 
Group’s profit before tax, 100% (2016: 100%) of the Group’s revenue and 99% (2016: 99%) 
of the Group’s total assets.

Materiality

•  Overall Group materiality of £250,000 (2016: £217,000), which represents 5% of profit 

before tax.

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

33

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not 
due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; 
the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed 
in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters.

Key observations communicated 
to the audit committee 

Based on the procedures performed, 
we did not identify any evidence of material 
misstatement in the revenue recognised in 
the year ending 30 September 2017.

We conclude that revenue has been 
recognised in accordance with the 
requirements of IAS 18 Revenue and 
there are no cut-off errors or indicators 
of fraudulent reporting.

Risk

Our response to the risk

Improper revenue recognition
Refer to the Audit committee report 
(pages 23 and 24); accounting policies 
(pages 43 to 48); and note 2 of the 
consolidated financial statements 
(page 48)
IAS 18 Revenue states that revenue 
from the sale of goods shall be recognised 
when there has been a transfer to the 
buyer of the significant risks and rewards 
of ownership of the goods.

The timing of when revenue is 
recognised is relevant to the Group 
performance. There are a variety 
of customer arrangements in place 
at 30 September 2017, which have 
different points when the risks and 
rewards of ownership are transferred 
to the customer.

There is opportunity through management 
override or error to recognise revenue 
ahead of transfer of risks and rewards 
of the goods to the customer and/or 
misstate allocation of revenue between 
periods. The timing of revenue recognition, 
including around the year end, is a 
significant focus for the audit. 

We performed a walkthrough of the 
revenue transactions and assessed 
the design effectiveness of key controls.

We have gained an understanding 
of trading terms and conditions with 
key customers. We have tested the 
application of these terms through 
our sample testing. 

We have performed analytical 
procedures on significant income 
accounts, by comparing revenue 
balances for the year against 
expectation, and corroborated 
significant variances. In addition 
we compared revenue by customer 
to activity in the prior year to 
understand revenue trends 
and movements.

We tested material revenue 
streams using data analytic 
techniques, focusing our detailed 
testing on unexpected trends and 
outliers. Our testing identified a 
correlation between revenue, trade 
receivables and cash. We substantively 
tested this correlation through a 
sample of transactions, which were 
agreed to invoice and cash recovery. 

We tested the completeness of revenue 
by performing sample testing from 
sales orders to sales invoice to ensure 
revenue recognition is appropriate.

To address the risk of management 
override in revenue, we examined 
a sample of manual journal entries 
that were posted to revenue 
accounts. These manual adjustments 
which impact revenue, including the 
credit note provisions, were 
substantively tested.

We tested a sample of significant 
debtors’ balances to cash receipts to 
confirm recoverability post year end. 

We performed tests on sales 
transactions posted near to the 
year end to ensure that cut-off 
is correctly applied. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS34

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditors’ report continued
To the members of Zytronic plc

Key audit matters continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

Risk of management override 
of controls – manual adjustments 
to revenue, expense accruals 
and provisions
Refer to the Audit committee report 
(pages 23 and 24)
Management is in a unique position 
to perpetrate fraud because of its ability 
to manipulate accounting records directly 
or indirectly and prepare fraudulent 
financial statements by overriding controls 
that otherwise appear to be operating 
effectively. The risk of management 
override is greater in areas where there 
are manual adjustments and judgement 
and we identified manual adjustments 
to revenue, postings to expense accruals 
and provisions as the areas most 
susceptible to this risk.

Management has the primary 
responsibility to prevent and detect 
fraud. It is important that management, 
with the oversight of those charged with 
governance, has put in place a culture 
of ethical behaviour and a strong 
control environment that both deters 
and prevents fraud.

We performed a fully substantive 
audit. We do not place reliance 
on internal controls and processes. 
However, we perform walkthrough 
procedures for significant classes 
of transactions to understand the 
controls in place to address the 
significant risks identified above. 
We evidence that controls are 
operating as designed.

We have identified areas of the 
accounts which are most susceptible 
to fraud, either in error or through 
management override. We have 
tailored our audit strategy to address 
these risks, by lowering the testing 
threshold applied in these areas.

We have discussed our audit 
approach around the testing 
of revenue recognition above, 
which also responds to this risk.

We have substantively tested material 
expense accruals and provisions to 
supporting calculations and source 
documentation. To address the risk 
of management override, we examined 
a sample of journal entries recorded 
in the general ledger and other 
adjustments made in the preparation 
of the financial statements, and 
obtained source documentation to 
ensure that these were appropriately 
recorded in the general ledger.

Key observations communicated 
to the audit committee 

We have assessed the control environment 
through our walkthroughs and concluded 
that the controls are operating as designed.

Accruals and provisions are routine 
in nature and we have corroborated 
balances at the year end to underlying 
support, with no material variances.

Our review of journal entries 
has not identified any indicators 
of management override.

We did not identify any evidence 
of material misstatement in the revenue 
recognised in the year or in expense 
accruals and provisions recognised 
as at 30 September 2017.

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

35

Key observations communicated 
to the audit committee 

The calculations are consistent 
with the methodology applied 
in the previous year. 

Based on the procedures performed, we 
did not identify any evidence of material 
misstatement in relation to absorption of 
labour and overhead costs within inventory 
as at 30 September 2017.

We conclude that inventory has been 
appropriately valued in accordance with 
the requirements of IAS 2 Inventories.

Key audit matters continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

We obtained client calculations 
supporting the overhead rate used 
within the year-end inventory, based 
on the August 2017 financials. We 
tested the calculations by tracing 
all information to the trial balance.

We assessed the nature of the 
overheads included in the calculation 
to ensure compliance with the 
requirements of IAS 2 Inventories.

We recalculated the labour and 
overhead rates using September 2017 
actuals and did not identify a material 
difference in inventory valuation 
using these revised rates.

We substantively tested the 
overhead costs through our testing 
of transactions on expenditure. 

We substantively tested salary 
costs included in the calculation 
to underlying payroll records.

Appropriateness of amounts included 
within inventory relating to labour 
and overhead costs
Refer to the Audit committee report 
(pages 23 and 24); accounting policies 
(pages 43 to 48); and note 11 of the 
consolidated financial statements 
(page 53)
IAS 2 Inventories states that the cost 
of inventories shall comprise all costs 
of purchase, costs of conversion and 
other costs incurred in bringing the 
inventories to their present location 
and condition. The costs of conversion 
of inventories include costs directly 
related to the units of production, 
such as direct labour. They also include 
a systematic allocation of fixed and 
variable production overheads that are 
incurred in converting materials into 
finished goods.

The inventory valuation is impacted 
by the absorption of direct labour and 
allocation of overheads at the year end.

The labour and overhead absorption 
calculation should be based on “standard” 
levels of production and only include 
costs that are directly attributable to 
inventory production. If inappropriate 
costs are absorbed, this would result 
in a risk of material misstatement 
within inventory.

The risk is that non-production costs are 
incorrectly capitalised and consequently 
the income statement and balance sheet 
are impacted. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKey observations communicated 
to the audit committee 

Based on our procedures, the accounting 
for research and development costs is in 
accordance with the requirements of IAS 
38 Intangible Assets.

36

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditors’ report continued
To the members of Zytronic plc

Key audit matters continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

Capitalisation of development costs
Refer to the Audit committee report 
(pages 23 and 24); accounting policies 
(pages 43 to 48); and note 9 of the 
consolidated financial Statements 
(pages 52 and 53)
Zytronic capitalises development 
expenditure on certain ongoing and 
new projects in the year. These costs 
predominantly relate to internal labour 
incurred on projects which either are 
currently income generating or will 
become so in the future.

Under IAS 38 Intangible Assets, 
labour costs can only be capitalised 
when the product is viable and the 
associated costs are developmental 
in nature, rather than research. There is 
a risk that costs are capitalised during 
the research phase, rather than expensed 
to the income statement, resulting in 
overstatement of profit and the 
amounts capitalised within the 
balance sheet.

We have assessed the appropriateness 
of development cost capitalisation 
during our audit to ensure that costs 
are being capitalised in accordance 
with IAS 38 Intangible Assets. 

Development costs capitalised 
in the year amount to £600,000. 
We substantively tested significant 
projects, agreeing external costs to 
supporting invoices, and agreed 
amounts recorded in respect of 
internal time to supporting payroll 
records to ensure that capitalised 
costs meet the requirements of IAS 
38 Intangible Assets.

We have corroborated management’s 
assessment of the appropriateness 
of development costs capitalised 
on significant projects to determine 
whether there are any indicators of 
impairment which could warrant the 
write-down of these capitalised costs.

We tested the appropriateness 
of costs capitalised and reviewed the 
status of key projects to understand 
where the technology is being used 
within the product process and to 
confirm that there is customer demand 
and sales for the product, which we 
have corroborated in our substantive 
testing of revenue and stock.

We obtained a management paper 
on impairment and corroborated this 
with the Research and Development 
Director and Finance Director and, 
through our substantive testing 
on revenue and stock, the status 
of significant projects which are 
assessed for impairment. We did not 
identify any indicators of impairment.

We have reviewed development 
expenditure capitalised from previous 
years to confirm that costs previously 
capitalised related to products which 
remain in production and are 
economically viable based on sales 
orders and forecasts.

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

37

An overview of the scope 
of our audit 
Tailoring the scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our 
evaluation of materiality and our 
allocation of performance materiality 
determine our audit scope for each 
entity within the Group. Taken together, 
this enables us to form an opinion on 
the consolidated financial statements. 
We take into account size, risk profile, 
the organisation of the Group and 
effectiveness of Group-wide controls, 
changes in the business environment 
and other factors when assessing the 
level of work to be performed at 
each entity.

We performed an audit of the complete 
financial information of Zytronic plc 
and the two companies Zytronic 
Displays Limited and Zytronic Inc. 

For the current year, Zytronic plc, 
Zytronic Displays Limited and Zytronic 
Inc. contributed 99% (2016: 100%) 
of the Group’s profit before tax, 100% 
(2016: 100%) of the Group’s revenue 
and 99% (2016: 99%) of the Group’s 
total assets. We have performed a 
full scope audit on Zytronic Displays 
Limited, testing significant balances to 
an assigned performance materiality 
of £190,000, which is lower than the 
statutory materiality. We have 
performed review procedures on 
Zytronic Inc. in accordance with an 
assigned performance materiality 
of £20,000.

All audit work performed for the 
purposes of the audit of Zytronic plc, 
Zytronic Displays Limited and Zytronic 
Inc. was undertaken by the Group 
audit team.

Our application of materiality 
We apply the concept of materiality 
in planning and performing the audit, 
in evaluating the effect of identified 
misstatements on the audit and in 
forming our audit opinion.

Materiality
The magnitude of an omission 
or misstatement that, individually 
or in the aggregate, could reasonably 
be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of the users of the financial 
statements. Materiality provides a 
basis for determining the nature 
and extent of our audit procedures.

We determined materiality 
for the Group to be £250,000 
(2016: £217,000), which is 5% 
(2016: 5%) of profit before tax. 
We believe that profit before 
tax provides us with a consistent 
year-on-year basis for determining 
materiality and is the most relevant 
performance measure to the 
stakeholders of the Group.

During the course of our audit, 
we reassessed initial materiality. 
No change has been identified in 
final materiality from the original 
assessment at planning.

Performance materiality
The application of materiality at 
the individual account or balance 
level. It is set at an amount to reduce 
to an appropriately low level the 
probability that the aggregate 
of uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, 
together with our assessment of the 
Group’s overall control environment, 
our judgement was that performance 
materiality was 75% (2016: 75%) 
of our planning materiality, namely 
£190,000 (2016: £163,000). We have 
set performance materiality at this 
percentage which reflects our 
expectation of the level of audit 
differences based on the prior year.

Audit work at component 
locations for the purpose of 
obtaining audit coverage over 
significant financial statement accounts 
is undertaken based on a percentage 
of total performance materiality. 

The performance materiality set 
for each component is based on the 
relative scale and risk of the component 
to the Group as a whole and our 
assessment of the risk of misstatement 
at that component. In the current year, 
the range of performance materiality 
allocated to components was 
£20,000 to £190,000 (2016: £16,000 
to £163,000).

Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified 
misstatements are considered as 
being clearly trivial.

We agreed with the audit committee 
that we would report to them all 
uncorrected audit differences in excess 
of £12,000 (2016: £11,000), which is set 
at 5% of planning materiality, as well as 
differences below that threshold that, 
in our view, warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

We evaluate any uncorrected 
misstatements against both the 
quantitative measures of materiality 
discussed above and in light of other 
relevant qualitative considerations in 
forming our opinion.

Other information 
The other information comprises 
the information included in the 
annual report, other than the financial 
statements and our Auditors’ report 
thereon. The Directors are responsible 
for the other information. 

Our opinion on the financial 
statements does not cover the other 
information and, except to the extent 
otherwise explicitly stated in this 
report, we do not express any form 
of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the 
financial statements, our responsibility 
is to read the other information and, in 
doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent 
with the financial statements or our 
knowledge obtained in the audit or

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS38

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent auditors’ report continued
To the members of Zytronic plc

Other information continued
otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. If we identify such material 
inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to 
determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements 
or a material misstatement of the other 
information. If, based on the work we 
have performed, we conclude that 
there is a material misstatement of the 
other information, we are required to 
report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters 
prescribed by the Companies 
Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work 
undertaken in the course of the audit:

•  the information given in the Strategic 
report and the Directors’ report for 
the financial year for which the 
financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the financial 
statements; and 

•  the Strategic report and Directors’ 

report have been prepared in 
accordance with applicable 
legal requirements.

Matters on which we 
are required to report 
by exception
In light of the knowledge and 
understanding of the Group and the 
Parent Company and its environment 
obtained in the course of the audit, 
we have not identified material 
misstatements in the Strategic 
report or the Directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect 
of the following matters in relation to 
which the Companies Act 2006 requires 
us to report to you if, in our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records 

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

•  the Parent Company financial 
statements and the part of the 
Directors’ remuneration report to 
be audited are not in agreement with 
the accounting records and returns; or

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

•  we have not received all the 

information and explanations 
we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the 
Directors’ responsibilities statement 
set out on page 30, the Directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view, and for such internal control as 
the Directors determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the 
Directors are responsible for assessing 
the Group and Parent Company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters 
related to going concern and using 
the going concern basis of accounting 
unless the Directors either intend to 
liquidate the Group or the Parent 
Company or to cease operations, or have 
no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities 
for the audit of the 
financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial 
statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors’ 
report that includes our opinion. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level 
of assurance, but is not a guarantee 
that an audit conducted in accordance 
with ISAs (UK) will always detect a 
material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from fraud 
or error and are considered material 
if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they could reasonably be expected 
to influence the economic decisions 
of users taken on the basis of these 
financial statements.

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.

A further description of our 
responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements is located on 
the Financial Reporting Council’s 
website at https://www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities. This description 
forms part of our Auditors’ report.

Sandra Thompson 
(Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP 
Statutory Auditor
Newcastle upon Tyne
11 December 2017

Notes:

1. 

 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 2017

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

39

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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2

22,892

21,087

(13,481)

(12,071)

9,411

(393)

9,016

(378)

(3,591)

(4,365)

5,427

4,273

(24)

10

5,413

(825)

4,588

29.0p

28.8p

(23)

20

4,270

(183)

4,087

26.6p

26.1p

3

5(a)

5(b)

6

8

8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS40

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 September 2017

At 1 October 2015

Profit for the year

Tax recognised directly in equity

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Dividends

At 1 October 2016

Profit for the year

Tax recognised directly in equity

Exercise of share options

Issue of capital reduction shares*

Cancellation of capital reduction shares*

Share-based payments

Dividends

At 30 September 2017

*  Refer to note 23.

Called
up share
capital
 £’000

153

—

—

1

—

—

Share
premium
£’000

7,552

—

—

214

—

—

154

7,766

—

—

6

8,919

(8,919)

—

—

—

—

1,228

—

—

—

—

Retained
earnings
£’000

12,986

4,087

72

—

71

Total
£’000

20,691

4,087

72

215

71

(1,900)

(1,900)

15,316

4,588

72

—

(8,919)

8,919

—

23,236

4,588

72

1,234

—

—

—

(2,354)

(2,354)

160

8,994

17,622

26,776

Consolidated balance sheet
At 30 September 2017

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

41

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Derivative 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

Non-current liabilities

Government grants

Deferred tax liabilities (net)

Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves

Equity share capital

Share premium

Revenue reserve

Total equity

Notes

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

16

17

15

18

20

22

22

23

1,633

7,030

8,663

2,996

3,506

54

14,099

20,655

29,318

1,042

—

—

—

862

3

1,457

7,389

8,846

2,760

3,745

—

12,763

19,268

28,114

1,302

1,148

959

205

834

122

1,907

4,570

25

610

635

48

260

308

2,542

4,878

26,776

23,236

160

8,994

17,622

154

7,766

15,316

26,776

23,236

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

Mark Cambridge 
Chief Executive 
11 December 2017

Claire Smith
Group Finance Director

Zytronic Group plc: Registered number 03881244

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS42

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated cashflow statement
For the year ended 30 September 2017

Operating activities

Profit before tax

Net finance costs

Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets

Amortisation of government grant

Share-based payments

Fair value movement on foreign exchange forward contracts

Working capital adjustments

(Increase)/decrease in inventories

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables and provisions

Cash generated from operations

Tax paid

Net cashflow from operating activities

Investing activities

Interest received

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 used in 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

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

5,413

4,270

14

749

424

(42)

—

(1,013)

(236)

239

(356)

5,192

(521)

4,671

10

19

(472)

(600)

(1,043)

3

766

355

(11)

71

870

454

(690)

76

6,164

(576)

5,588

20

—

(387)

(385)

(752)

(24)

(21)

(2,354)

(1,900)

1,234

(1,148)

215

(200)

(2,292)

(1,906)

1,336

12,763

14,099

14

14

2,930

9,833

12,763

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 September 2017

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

43

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 2017 were 
authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 11 December 2017 and the balance sheet was signed on behalf of the Board 
by Mark Cambridge and Claire Smith. Zytronic plc is a public limited company, limited by shares, incorporated, domiciled 
and registered in England and Wales (company registration number 03881244). The Company’s ordinary shares are traded 
on AIM. The address of the registered office is Whiteley Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 5NJ.

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 yet effective
The Directors are currently considering the impact on the financial statements of the standards below that are issued but 
not yet effective.

IAS 7 Cash Flows (effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2017). The amendments in Disclosure 
Initiative (amendments to IAS 7) state that disclosures should enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in 
liabilities arising from financing activities. To achieve this objective, the IASB requires that the following changes in liabilities 
arising from financing activities are disclosed (to the extent necessary): (i) changes from financing cash flows; (ii) changes 
arising from obtaining or losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses; (iii) the effect of changes in foreign exchange 
rates; (iv) changes in fair values; and (v) other changes. The amendments state that one way to fulfil the new disclosure 
requirement is to provide a reconciliation between the opening and closing balances in the statement of financial position 
for liabilities arising from financing activities. Zytronic will include this enhanced disclosure in the financial statements 
when necessary.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018). This new standard 
introduces new requirements of classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, impairment and 
hedge accounting. It replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. Zytronic currently measures its 
financial instruments, of which there are only forward currency contracts, in its statement of financial position and concludes 
there will be minimal impact of this new standard. The implementation of IFRS 9 is not expected to have any impact on 
trade receivables, trade payables and cash.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018). 
The impact of this new standard on Zytronic’s revenue recognition policies and processes is currently being reviewed.

IFRS 16 Leases (effective for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019). For lessees, the standard 
eliminates the classification of leases as either operating or finance leases and introduces a single accounting model. 
Lessees will be required to recognise assets and liabilities in respect of the minimum lease payment for all leases with a 
term of more than twelve months, and show depreciation of leased assets and interest on leased liabilities separately in the 
income statement. Given the insignificance of the Group leasing arrangements, the Group does not expect adoption of this 
standard to have a material impact on the financial statements.

IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (effective for accounting periods commencing on 
or after 1 January 2018). This amendment clarifies the accounting for transactions that include the receipt or payment of 
advance consideration in a foreign currency. Zytronic has noted the requirements of this new amendment and confirms that 
all foreign currency transactions or parts of transactions which are received in advance will be recorded at the date of the 
transaction. For the purpose of determining the exchange rate, this will be the date of initial recognition of the non-monetary 
prepayment asset or deferred income liability. If there are a number of payments or receipts in advance, a date of transaction 
will be established for each payment or receipt.

(c) 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. Management apply judgement in the review of costs capitalised 
to determine whether any impairment should be recognised.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS44

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Accounting policies continued
(d) Key sources of estimation uncertainty
There are no key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date.

(e) 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.

(f) 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.

(g) Foreign currencies
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is the Group’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. 
The Group enters into forward exchange contracts for up to four months ahead to manage its foreign exchange risk. 
Refer to note 16.

(h) 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

30–50 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 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

45

1. Accounting policies continued
(i) 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)

three to 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.

(j) 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.

(k) 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  

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.

(l) 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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Accounting policies continued
(m) 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.

(n) 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.

(o) 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 or 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.

(p) 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 is 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.

(q) 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.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

47

1. Accounting policies continued
(r) 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.

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.

(s) 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.

(t) 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 was credited to a deferred interest subsidy account and was released to the income statement over 
the life of the loan upon which it was based.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS48

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Accounting policies continued
(u) 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.

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:

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

30 September 2017

30 September 2016

£’000

368

3,779

4,345

3,482

3,046

3,032

4,840

%

2

17

19

15

13

13

21

£’000

342

3,575

4,758

3,230

970

2,896

5,316

%

2

17

22

15

5

14

25

22,892

100

21,087

100

10

22,902

20

21,107

Individual revenues from four major customers exceeded 10% of total revenue for the year. The total amount of revenue 
was £13.8m (2016: £12.2m).

The individual revenues from each of these four customers were: £4.7m (2016: £4.2m); £4.5m (2016: £5.0m); £2.3m 
(2016: £2.9m) and £2.3m (2016: £0.1m).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

49

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

Depreciation of owned assets

Amortisation of software 

Amortisation, impairment and write-off 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

Operating lease rentals – minimum lease payments

Amortisation of capital grants

Net foreign currency contract differences

Net foreign currency revaluation differences

* 

£16,000 of this relates to the Company (2016: £16,000).

4. Staff costs and Directors’ emoluments

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

432

256

688

62

3

14

749

33

135

395

201

596

60

9

15

766

35

119

7,418

6,660

(12)

(37)

22

(42)

(1,013)

1,045

40

(4)

38

(11)

870

134

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

5,356

4,922

471

166

437

148

5,993

5,507

Included in wages and salaries is a total charge for share-based payments of £Nil (2016: £71,000), all of which arises from 
transactions accounted for as equity-settled share-based payment transactions.

The total of Directors’ emoluments is £986,000 (2016: £577,000). The aggregate value of contributions paid to money 
purchase pension schemes includes £59,000 (2016: £68,000) in respect of two Directors (2016: two).

Amounts paid to the highest paid Director are £440,000 (2016: £276,000) plus a contribution paid to the money purchase 
pension scheme of £48,000 (2016: £31,000).

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

Production

Administration and sales

30 September
2017
Number

30 September
2016
Number

146

45

191

129

45

174

The information required by AIM rule Schedule 5 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and 
Reports) Regulations 2009 is contained in the Remuneration report under Directors’ emoluments, pension contributions, 
Directors’ shareholdings and Directors’ share options.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
50

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 charge/(credit)

Tax charge in the income statement

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
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

24

23

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

10

20

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

576

—

576

—

249

249

825

732

(289)

443

(103)

(157)

(260)

183

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

(72)

(72)

(72)

(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 15% (2016: 4%) compared with the average 
rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19.5% (2016: 20%). The differences are reconciled below:

Accounting profit before tax

Accounting profit multiplied by the average UK rate of corporation tax of 19.5% (2016: 20%)

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible 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 in prior years

Total tax expense reported in the income statement

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

5,413

1,056

4,270

854

32

—

33

(229)

(31)

(36)

—

825

16

(42)

38

(187)

(127)

(80)

(289)

183

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017 
ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

51

6. Tax continued
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 “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.

There are no tax losses to carry forward at 30 September 2017 (2016: £Nil).

The main rate of corporation tax in the UK reduced to 19% with effect from 1 April 2017. The rate will be reduced to 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 been made for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 accounting periods, and 
the 2017 benefit has been estimated.

7. Dividends
The Directors propose the payment of a final dividend of 15.2p per share (2016: 10.96p), payable on 9 March 2018 to 
shareholders on the Register of Members on 23 February 2018. This dividend has not been accrued in these financial 
statements. The dividend payment will amount to some £2.4m.

Ordinary dividends on equity shares

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

Final dividend of 10.96p per ordinary share paid on 3 March 2017

Interim dividend of 3.80p per ordinary share paid on 21 July 2017

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

—

—

1,744

610

2,354

1,368

532

—

—

1,900

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
2017
Thousands

Earnings
30 September
2017
£’000

EPS
30 September
2017
Pence

Earnings
30 September
2016
£’000

Weighted
 average
number
of shares
30 September
2016
Thousands

EPS
30 September
2016
Pence

Profit on ordinary activities after tax

Basic EPS

4,588

4,588

15,819

15,819

29.0

29.0

4,087

4,087

15,346

15,346

26.6

26.6

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS52

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8. Earnings per share continued
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
2017
Thousands

Earnings
30 September
2017
£’000

EPS
30 September
2017
Pence

Earnings
30 September
2016
£’000

Weighted
 average
number
of shares
30 September
2016
Thousands

EPS
30 September
2016
Pence

Profit on ordinary activities after tax

4,588

15,819

29.0

4,087

15,346

26.6

Weighted average number of shares 
under option

Diluted EPS

9. Intangible assets

Cost

At 1 October 2015

Additions

At 1 October 2016

Additions

Disposals

At 30 September 2017

Amortisation and impairment

At 1 October 2015

Provided during the year

Impaired during the year

At 1 October 2016

Provided during the year

Impaired during the year

At 30 September 2017

Net book value at 30 September 2017

Net book value at 1 October 2016

Net book value at 1 October 2015

—

131

4,588

15,950

(0.2)

28.8

—

299

4,087

15,645

(0.5)

26.1

Software
£’000

Goodwill
£’000

Patents and
licences
 £’000

Development
 expenditure
£’000

Total
 £’000

5,255

385

5,640

600

(48)

235

—

235

—

—

1,975

42

2,017

63

(48)

2,467

323

2,790

537

—

235

2,032

3,327

6,192

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

235

235

235

1,599

1,722

3,828

105

14

1,718

106

(19)

1,805

227

299

376

201

—

1,923

256

—

2,179

1,148

867

745

341

14

4,183

395

(19)

4,559

1,633

1,457

1,427

578

20

598

—

—

598

507

35

—

542

33

—

575

23

56

71

Included within cost is £0.5m (2016: £0.5m) relating to capitalised development costs which have been fully amortised but 
continue to be utilised in the business.

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.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

53

9. Intangible assets continued
Impairment of goodwill continued
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.

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

Cost

At 1 October 2015

Additions

At 1 October 2016

Additions

Disposals

At 30 September 2017

Depreciation and impairment

At 1 October 2015

Provided during the year

At 1 October 2016

Provided during the year

Disposals

At 30 September 2017

Net book value at 30 September 2017

Net book value at 1 October 2016

Net book value at 1 October 2015

11. Inventories

Raw materials and consumables

Work in progress

Finished goods

Freehold
 property
 £’000

Long
leasehold
property
 £’000

Plant and
machinery
£’000

Total
£’000

3,070

—

2,425

26

9,754

322

15,456

348

3,070

2,451

10,076

15,804

—

—

12

—

378

(27)

390

(27)

Land
£’000

207

—

207

—

—

207

3,070

2,463

10,427

16,167

—

—

—

—

—

—

207

207

207

462

61

523

61

—

584

2,486

2,547

2,608

452

79

531

82

—

613

1,850

1,920

1,973

6,735

626

7,361

606

(27)

7,940

2,487

2,715

3,019

7,649

766

8,415

749

(27)

9,137

7,030

7,389

7,807

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

1,695

449

852

2,996

1,721

467

572

2,760

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

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
54

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. Trade and other receivables
Current assets

Trade receivables

VAT recoverable

Prepayments

Trade receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling

US Dollar

Euro

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

3,232

3,469

59

215

90

186

3,506

3,745

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

980

1,480

772

3,232

576

1,846

1,047

3,469

Out of the carrying amount of trade receivables of £3.2m (2016: £3.5m), £1.6m (2016: £2.5m) is the amount of debts owed 
by four 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 2017, trade receivables at a nominal value of £6,000 (2016: £37,000) were impaired due to poor 
payment history. Movements in the provision for impairment of trade receivables were as follows:

At 1 October 2015

Charge for the year

Utilised

At 1 October 2016

Charge for the year

Utilised

At 30 September 2017

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

2017

2016

Neither past
due nor
impaired

2,638

2,933

Past due but not impaired

<3 months
£’000

>3 months
£’000

577

530

17

6

£’000

26

33

(22)

37

4

(35)

6

Total
£’000

3,232

3,469

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.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

55

13. Financial assets

Foreign exchange forward contracts 

Total current

Total non-current

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

54

54

—

—

—

—

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. Refer to note 16 for determination of fair value.

14. Cash and short term deposits

Cash at bank and in hand

Short term deposits

Bank overdrafts

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

11,679

3,089

(669)

9,097

3,666

—

14,099

12,763

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 2017, 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 2018.

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is £14.1m (2016: £12.8m).

15. 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.

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

914

128

1,042

862

1,904

1,188

114

1,302

834

2,136

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS56

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16. Financial liabilities

Loans

Bank loan – current (a)

Foreign exchange forward contracts (b)

Total

Total current

Total non-current

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

—

—

—

—

—

1,148

959

2,107

2,107

—

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 were fully repaid on 29 June 2017.

(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 values 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 2017, 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.

17. Provisions

At 1 October 2016

Utilised during the year

At 30 September 2017

Total
£’000

205

(205)

—

Long term incentive plan
The provision for the 2016 long term incentive plan 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. This was utilised 
in the financial year.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

57

18. Government grants

At 1 October

Received during the year

Released to the income statement

At 30 September

Non-current

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

48

19

(42)

25

25

59

—

(11)

48

48

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.

19. 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

20. 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

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

7

16

23

7

1

8

30 September
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

403

200

(1)

602

9

—

(1)

8

610

431

147

10

588

(163)

(163)

(2)

(328)

260

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS58

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20. Deferred tax liability/(asset) continued
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
2017
£’000

30 September
2016
£’000

172

(28)

53

63

(11)

249

—

249

(163)

(22)

20

7

1

(157)

(103)

(260)

21. Financial risk management policy and financial instruments
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise 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.

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 2018 and is to provide funding for working capital.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

59

21. Financial risk management policy and financial instruments continued
Maturity profile of financial liabilities
Year ended 30 September 2017

Trade and other payables

Foreign exchange forward contracts – outflows

Total

Year ended 30 September 2016

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Trade and other payables

Foreign exchange forward contracts – outflows

Total

On
demand
£’000

1,319

—

1,319

On
demand
£’000

—

1,374

—

1,374

<3 months
£’000

3–12 months
£’000

1–5 years
£’000

457

1,929

2,386

—

620

620

<3 months
£’000

3–12 months
£’000

59

648

1,721

2,428

175

—

5,546

5,721

—

—

—

1–5 years
£’000

1,027

—

—

Total
£’000

1,776

2,549

4,325

Total
£’000

1,261

2,022

7,267

1,027

10,550

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 2017 for a period of four months ahead in line with 
working capital requirements. 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 four one-monthly contracts at rates between $1.2694 and $1.3509 and are in 
place until January 2018. The Euro forward vanilla contracts are fixed over a series of four one-monthly contracts at rates 
between €1.0983 and €1.1382, and are also in place until January 2018.

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).

2017

Sterling

2016

Sterling

 Change in
US Dollar rate

Effect on profit
before tax
£’000

Change in
Euro rate

Effect on profit
before tax
£’000

+10%

-10%

+10%

-10%

(90)

110

(183)

224

+10%

-10%

+10%

-10%

(50)

62

(75)

91

Capital management
The Group’s policies on capital management are included in the Directors’ report on page 29.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS60

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22. 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 2016

Increase in cash on exercise of share options

At 30 September 2017

2017
Number
Thousands

2016
Number
Thousands

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

16,044

15,430

160

154

£’000

7,766

1,228

8,994

(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 for 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 the option shares vested on 12 December 2016.

The exercise of this option was conditional on the option holder entering into an agreement with the Company pursuant 
to which the option holder agreed 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:

30 September
2016
Number

Granted
during 
year
 Number

Exercised
during
year
 Number

Lapsed
during
year
Number

30 September
2017
Number

Unapproved Executive 
Option Scheme

20,000

— (20,000)

141,861*

— (141,861)

EMI Scheme

1,854

—

(1,854)

27,659

— (27,659)

20,000

— (20,000)

20,000

— (20,000)

383,139*

— (383,139)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Exercise dates

29 March 2016 
to 28 March 2021

December 2016 
to December 2018

29 March 2014 
to 28 March 2021

25 January 2015 
to 24 January 2022

25 January 2016 
to 24 January 2022

25 January 2017 
to 24 January 2022

December 2016 
to December 2018

Option
 price

172.8p

200.0p

216.0p

243.5p

195.0p

195.0p

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 2017ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

61

22. Share capital and share-based payments continued
(c) Share-based payments continued
Income statement expense for year ended 30 September 2017
The expense recognised for share-based payments in respect of employee services received during the year 
to 30 September 2017 is £Nil (2016: £71,000).

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

Exercised during the year

Outstanding at 30 September

Exercisable at 30 September 

2017
Number

614,513

(614,513)

—

—

2017
WAEP
Pence

200.8

200.8

—

—

2016
Number

721,695

(107,182)

614,513

69,513

2016
WAEP
Pence

200.8

201.0

200.8

208.5

There are no share options outstanding as at 30 September 2017.

There was no grant of options during the year.

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.

23. Revenue reserve
On 22 March 2017, the Group carried out a capital reduction exercise whereby £8.9m of the Group’s undistributable profits 
(within the retained earnings reserve) were capitalised by way of a bonus issue of newly created capital reduction shares. 
These shares were subsequently cancelled and the £8.9m credited to the retained earnings reserve as distributable profits.

24. Capital commitments
Amounts contracted for at 30 September 2017 but not provided in the financial statements amounted to £113,000 
(2016: £438,000) for the Group.

25. Pension scheme commitments
Contributions for the year ended 30 September 2017 amounted to £166,000 (2016: £148,000) and the outstanding 
contributions at the balance sheet date were £14,000 (2016: £13,000). 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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS62

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

26. 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

2017
£’000

439

28

24

—

491

2016
£’000

397

177

58

34

666

Key management personnel have gains on exercise of share options. The detail is included in the Remuneration report.

27. Guarantees
Zytronic plc has given a guarantee to Barclays Bank plc in connection with the overdraft facility detailed in note 14.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017Five-year summaries

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

63

Consolidated income statement
For the five years ended 30 September 2013 to 2017

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 year

Earnings per share

Basic

Diluted

Adjusted basic

Adjusted diluted

Dividends per share

2017
£’000

22,892

(13,481)

—

9,411

(393)

(3,591)

5,427

—

5,427

(24)

10

5,413

(825)

4,588

29.0p

28.8p

29.0p

28.8p

14.7p

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2013
£’000

21,087

21,267

18,886

17,282

(12,071)

(12,366)

(11,979)

(11,961)

—

9,016

(378)

—

8,901

(278)

—

(413)

6,907

4,908

(156)

(210)

(4,365)

(4,073)

(3,488)

(2,858)

4,273

4,550

3,263

—

—

—

4,273

4,550

3,263

(23)

20

(29)

23

4,270

4,544

(183)

(775)

(35)

33

3,261

(301)

4,087

3,769

2,960

26.6p

26.1p

26.6p

26.1p

12.3p

24.7p

24.3p

24.7p

24.3p

10.3p

19.6p

19.5p

19.6p

19.5p

9.1p

1,840

94

1,934

(39)

44

1,939

(277)

1,662

11.1p

11.0p

13.9p

13.8p

8.7p

All profits are from continuing operations.

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

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS64

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Five-year summaries continued

Consolidated balance sheet
At 30 September 2013 to 2017

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2013
£’000

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Derivative 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

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

1,633

7,030

8,663

2,996

3,506

54

14,099

20,655

29,318

1,042

—

—

—

862

3

—

—

25

610

635

2,542

26,776

160

8,994

17,622

1,457

7,389

8,846

2,760

3,745

—

12,763

19,268

1,427

7,807

9,234

3,214

3,055

—

9,833

16,102

1,413

7,443

8,856

3,126

3,068

48

7,806

14,048

1,453

7,888

9,341

3,509

2,430

—

5,474

11,413

28,114

25,336

22,904

20,754

1,302

1,148

959

205

834

122

—

—

48

260

308

4,878

154

7,766

15,316

971

200

89

—

1,201

255

2,716

1,144

136

59

590

1,929

4,645

1,057

200

224

—

1,264

30

2,775

1,341

139

—

596

2,076

4,851

153

7,552

12,986

20,691

152

7,290

10,611

18,053

23,236

20,691

18,053

1,410

200

—

—

688

192

2,490

1,538

—

—

625

2,163

4,653

16,101

150

7,003

8,948

16,101

1,907

4,570

26,776

23,236

Parent Company balance sheet
At 30 September 2017

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

65

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

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Deferred tax

Capital and reserves

Called up share capital

Share premium

Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

Notes

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

3

4

5

5

6

8

9

4,400

10,106

14,506

9

135

10,311

10,455

675

9,780

4,513

10,106

14,619

8

135

9,632

9,775

1,971

7,804

24,286

22,423

177

184

24,109

22,239

160

8,994

14,955

24,109

154

7,766

14,319

22,239

The Company’s profit for the year was £636,000 (2016: £1,157,000).

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

Mark Cambridge 
Chief Executive 
11 December 2017

Claire Smith
Group Finance Director

Zytronic Group plc: Registered number 03881244

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS66

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Parent Company statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 September 2017

At 1 October 2015 (restated)

Profit for the year

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Dividends

At 1 October 2016 

Profit for the year

Exercise of share options

Share-based payments

Dividends

At 30 September 2017

Called
up share
capital
 £’000

153

—

1

—

—

154

—

6

—

—

Share
premium
£’000

7,552

—

214

—

—

7,766

—

1,228

—

—

Retained
earnings
£’000

13,070

3,078

—

71

Total
£’000

20,775

3,078

215

71

(1,900)

(1,900)

14,319

2,990

—

—

22,239

2,990

1,234

—

(2,354)

(2,354)

160

8,994

14,955

24,109

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements
For the year ended 30 September 2017

ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

67

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 considered that there are no judgements 
or other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the statement of financial position date which have a significant effect on 
the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

(b) Basis of preparation
The financial statements of Zytronic plc were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 11 December 2017. 
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. 

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 2017.

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 22 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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS68

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

30–50 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.

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017 
 
 
 
 
ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

69

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 2017 was £16,000 (2016: £16,000).

3. Tangible fixed assets

Cost 

Land
£’000

Freehold
property
£’000

Long
leasehold
property
£’000

Total
 £’000

At 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2017

207

3,070

2,097

5,374

Depreciation

At 1 October 2016

Provided during the year

At 30 September 2017

Net book value at 30 September 2017

Net book value at 1 October 2016

—

—

—

207

207

523

61

584

2,486

2,547

338

52

390

1,707

1,759

861

113

974

4,400

4,513

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS70

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Investments
Investments in subsidiary companies

Shares in subsidiary companies

At beginning of year

Share options granted to subsidiary employees

At end of year

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

10,106

10,035

—

71

10,106

10,106

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%

Nature of business

Manufacture of transparent composites,
including touch sensors

Technical sales support

Dormant

Dormant

Zytronic Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zytronic Displays Limited. The registered office address for all of the subsidiaries 
is Whiteley Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 5NJ.

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 7)

Trade creditors

Other creditors and accruals

Other amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

Corporation tax

2017
£’000

9

2017
£’000

135

2017
£’000

—

2

73

560

40

675

2016
£’000

8

2016
£’000

135

2016
£’000

1,148

2

70

723

28

1,971

Notes to the Parent Company financial statements continuedFor the year ended 30 September 2017ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

71

7. 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 were fully repaid on 29 June 2017.

8. 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

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

Allotted, called up and fully paid

Ordinary shares of 1p each

2017
£’000

177

184

(7)

177

2016
£’000

184

224

(40)

184

2017
Number
Thousands

2016
Number
Thousands

2017
£’000

2016
£’000

16,044

15,430

160

154

Note 22(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 2016

Increase in cash on exercise of share options

At 30 September 2017

£’000

7,766

1,228

8,994

(c) Share-based payments
Note 22(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 22(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.

10. 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 2018. This facility is to provide funding for working capital.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS72

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notice of Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual General Meeting of Zytronic plc (the “Company”) will be held at the Company’s 
registered office at Whiteley Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE21 5NJ, at 9.30 am on 22 February 2018 to consider 
and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions:

Ordinary business
To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions as ordinary resolutions of the Company:

1. 

 To receive the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2017 and the reports of the Directors 
and auditors thereon.

2.   To pay a final dividend of 15.2p per ordinary share of 1.0p for the year ended 30 September 2017 on Friday 9 March 2018 

to members on the Register at the close of business on Friday 23 February 2018.

3.  To re-elect Tudor Davies as a Director.

4.  To re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP as auditors and to authorise the Directors to fix their remuneration.

Special business
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution number 1 as an ordinary resolution of the Company and the 
following resolutions numbered 2, 3 and 4 as special resolutions of the Company:

1. 

 That, pursuant to Section 551 of the Act, the Directors be generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all 
powers of the Company to allot Relevant Securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £52,945.34, provided that 
(unless previously revoked, varied or renewed) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting held in 2019 (or, if earlier, at the close of business on the date which is 15 months after the date of this 
Annual General Meeting), but in each case prior to its expiry the Company may make offers, and enter into agreements, 
which would, or might, require Relevant Securities to be allotted after the authority expires and the Directors may allot 
Relevant Securities under any such offer or agreement as if the authority had not expired.

 In this resolution, “Relevant Securities” means shares in the Company or rights to subscribe for or to convert any 
security into shares in the Company; a reference to the allotment of Relevant Securities includes the grant of such a 
right; and a reference to the nominal amount of a Relevant Security which is a right to subscribe for or to convert any 
security into shares in the Company is to the nominal amount of the shares which may be allotted pursuant to that right. 

2.   That if special business resolution 1 above is passed, the Directors be authorised to allot equity securities (as defined 

in the Act) for cash under the authority given by that resolution and/or to sell ordinary shares held by the Company as 
treasury shares for cash as if Section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment or sale, such authority to be 
limited to:

(a) 

 the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of equity securities (whether by way of a rights issue, 
open offer or otherwise):

(i) 

 to holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary 
shares held by them; and

(ii)   to holders of other equity securities in the capital of the Company, as required by the rights of those securities 

or, subject to such rights, as the Directors otherwise consider necessary,

 but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient in 
relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates or any legal or practical problems under the laws 
of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and

(b) 

 the allotment of equity securities or sale of treasury shares (otherwise than under paragraph 2(a) above) up to 
a nominal amount of £8,022.02,

 such authority to expire at the conclusion of the Company’s Annual General Meeting held in 2019 (or, if earlier, at the 
close of business on the date which is 15 months after the date of this Annual General Meeting) but, in each case, prior 
to its expiry the Company may make offers, and enter into agreements, which would, or might, require equity securities 
to be allotted (and treasury shares to be sold) after the authority expires and the Directors may allot equity securities 
(and sell treasury shares) under any such offer or agreement as if the authority had not expired.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

73

Special business continued
3.   That if special business resolution 1 is passed, the Directors be authorised in addition to any authority granted under 

special business resolution 2 to allot equity securities (as defined in the Act) for cash under the authority given by that 
resolution and/or to sell ordinary shares held by the Company as treasury shares for cash as if Section 561 of the Act 
did not apply to any such allotment or sale, such authority to be:

(a) 

limited to the allotment of equity securities or sale of treasury shares up to a nominal amount of £8,022.02; and

(b) 

 used only for the purposes of financing (or refinancing, if the authority is to be used within six months after the 
original transaction) a transaction which the Directors of the Company determine to be an acquisition or other 
capital investment of a kind contemplated by the Statement of Principles on Disapplying Pre-Emption Rights 
most recently published by the Pre-Emption Group prior to the date of this notice,

 such authority to expire at the conclusion of the Company’s Annual General Meeting held in 2019 (or, if earlier, at the 
close of business on the date which is 15 months after the date of this Annual General Meeting) but, in each case, prior 
to its expiry the Company may make offers, and enter into agreements, which would, or might, require equity securities 
to be allotted (and treasury shares to be sold) after the authority expires and the Directors may allot equity securities 
(and sell treasury shares) under any such offer or agreement as if the authority had not expired.

4.   That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to Section 701 of the Act 
to make market purchases (within the meaning of Section 693(4) of the Act) of ordinary shares provided that:

(a) 

the maximum number of ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased shall be 1,604,404; 

(b)  the minimum price which may be paid for an ordinary share shall be 1p; 

(c) 

(d) 

 the maximum price which may be paid for an ordinary share shall be not more than 5% above the average of the 
middle market quotations for ordinary shares as derived from the London Stock Exchange daily official list for 
securities admitted to AIM of the London Stock Exchange for the five business days immediately preceding the 
date of the purchase of the ordinary share; and

 unless previously renewed, revoked or varied, the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of 
the Company’s Annual General Meeting held in 2019 (or, if earlier, at the close of business on the date which is 
15 months after the date of this Annual General Meeting) save that the Company may, prior to such expiry, enter 
into a contract to purchase ordinary shares which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of 
such authority and may purchase ordinary shares pursuant to such contract as if such authority has not expired, 
and that all ordinary shares so purchased in pursuance of this authority shall be held as treasury shares (as defined 
by Section 724 of the Act) for future resale for cash, transfer for the purposes of an employees’ share scheme or 
for cancellation.

By order of the Board

Claire Smith 
Company Secretary

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

11 December 2017 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
74

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes
1. 

 Every member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting may appoint a proxy or proxies to attend, speak and vote 
(whether on a show of hands or on a poll) at the meeting on their behalf. A proxy need not be a member of the 
Company. A prepaid Form of Proxy accompanies this document.

2.   Completed Forms of Proxy must be returned to the Company’s registrars at the address shown on the Form of Proxy 

not later than 9.30 am on Tuesday 20 February 2018 or two working days prior to any adjourned meeting or, in the case 
of a poll taken more than 48 hours after it is demanded, one working day before the time appointed for the taking of 
the poll. The sending of a completed Form of Proxy to the Company’s registrars will not preclude members from 
attending and voting at the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, in person, should they so wish.

3.   The Company, pursuant to Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended), specifies that 
only those holders of ordinary shares of 1p each of the Company registered in the Register of Members of the Company:

(a)  as at close of business or 6.00 pm on 20 February 2018; or 

(b) 

if this meeting is adjourned, at close of business two working days prior to the adjourned meeting,

 shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting in respect of the number of ordinary shares of 1.0p each in the capital 
of the Company registered in their name at that time. Changes to entries on the Register of Members after 4.00 pm on 
Tuesday 20 February 2018 shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the meeting.

4.   Copies of contracts of service between the Directors and the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings will be 
available for inspection during normal business hours by members at the registered office of the Company on each 
business day from the date of this notice until the date of the Annual General Meeting, and at the place of the Annual 
General Meeting for at least 15 minutes prior to, and during, that meeting.

Notice of Annual General Meeting continued 
 
 
ZYTRONIC PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017

75

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
03881244

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

Handelsbanken
8 Keel Row 
The Watermark 
Gateshead 
NE11 9SZ

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

Corporate informationFINANCIAL STATEMENTS76

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Corporate information continued

Keep in touch

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business news and touchscreen developments online.

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www.zytronicplc.com

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@ZytronicDisplays

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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