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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defenx Plc | LSE:DFX | London | Ordinary Share | GB00BYNF4J61 | ORD GBP0.018 |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00% | 1.60 | 0.50 | 2.70 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMDFX
RNS Number : 6086C
Defenx plc
01 October 2018
1 October 2018
Defenx PLC
("Defenx", the "Company" or the "Group")
Full Year Results
Defenx Plc (AIM: DFX), the cyber-security software group, announces its full year results for the year ended 31 December 2017.
Enquiries
Defenx PLC Anthony Reeves -Executive Chairman Clive Eplett - Interim Chief Financial Officer 020 3769 0687 Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated and Financial Advisor) Stuart Faulkner / Richard Tulloch / James Bellman 020 7409 3494 WH Ireland (Joint-Broker) Adrian Hadden / Jessica Cave 020 7220 1666 IFC Advisory (Financial PR and IR) Graham Herring / Tim Metcalfe / Heather Armstrong 0203 934 6630
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014.
About Defenx
Founded in 2009, Defenx is a cyber-security software group that offers a range of Security, Backup and Protection solutions for smartphones, PCs and networks.
Website
www.defenx.com/company/investors
Chairman's statement
A year of significant challenge and change
2017 was a difficult year for Defenx. I am acutely aware that investors, who have placed their trust in the Board, want to understand the past and hope to look forward to the future with confidence.
We began the year expecting to build on the strong results of 2016, well-funded by the new equity secured in October 2016. However, as in prior years, slow collections from our B2B2C customers continued significantly to delay the conversion of profits into cash. This was a key reason behind the Board's decision to enter into the strategic partnership with BV Tech SpA ("BV Tech") in April 2017, which provided further equity funding and the opportunity to diversify our business model into the corporate sector, with a view to reducing seasonality and improving cash conversion.
The majority of our business, however, remained seasonal in the 2017 financial year, given the inevitable time required to take advantage of potential opportunities resulting from the BV Tech partnership, and results were therefore dependent again on billings in the second half of the year driven predominately by the existing B2B2C business.
Following the release of our interim results in September 2017, it became clear that previously anticipated sales orders from our B2B2C customers were not materialising as had been expected, with a consequent further adverse impact on the Group's financial performance from this part of the business.
As previously announced and as further detailed in the Financial Review, this has resulted in revenues for 2017 being materially below prior year with revenues for 2017 being EUR2.93 million (2016: EUR7.09 million).
As a result, the Group has made an impairment of its intangible fixed assets of EUR6.29 million and impairment of trade receivables of EUR3.02 million, resulting in an operating loss (before transaction costs) for 2017 of EUR11.75 million (2016: EUR1.84 million profit). Regarding the trade receivables, the Company has now agreed with certain customers to receive EUR1.40 million over a period of up to 48 months and the Company will keep the market appraised of delivery against these agreements.
The Company then raised GBP1.2 million, pursuant to a subscription and open offer in April 2018, to raise funds for general working capital purposes, following which BV Tech became the Company's majority shareholder as detailed below.
In addition, BV Tech has now agreed to provide an unsecured loan of EUR0.95 million for general corporate purposes. As BV Tech is a substantial shareholder of the Company as defined in the AIM Rules for Companies, the loan is classified as a related party transaction pursuant to AIM Rule 13.
Following publication of these accounts, the Company is pleased to announce that it is expected that trading in the Company's ordinary shares on AIM will be restored at 7.30 a.m. on 2 October 2018.
Re-building and re-focusing the product portfolio
On 25 October last year, we announced that the delivery of product updates to address certain recently-identified performance issues and back-end integration took longer than expected. Together with delays in broadening of the Group's product portfolio, notably to address the corporate sector, we advised that the conversion of opportunities into firm orders was taking longer and requiring more investment than was initially anticipated.
Since then, progress in addressing the performance issues has been slow due to the constrained financial and management resources of the Group and because we were not able to agree acceptable terms for continuing development and support from our existing external developer in Romania. Support work switched initially to our small internal development team, but following significant staff losses, was assumed by BV Tech's developers.
The first half of 2018 has, therefore, been focused on remediating the performance issues of the past and broadening the Group's product portfolio to address the corporate sector. While this has taken far longer than originally expected, we currently anticipate launching new products, focusing on the corporate sector, in Q1 2019.
Strategic partnership with BV Tech
BV Tech is a leading independent Italian corporate IT and cyber security solutions provider. Our relationship commenced in April 2017 with a cash subscription by BV Tech and a software acquisition by Defenx from BV Tech which was settled through the issue of new ordinary shares.
This resulted in BV Tech holding 26.7% of the Company's then issued share capital.
In August 2017, as part of wider equity fundraise, raising, in aggregate, GBP1.74 million, BV Tech subscribed for a further GBP250,000 to increase its then shareholding to 28.6%. In addition, the Company also secured GBP1.25 million via the issue of a 10% convertible bond during August 2017 through the UK Bond Network platform.
In June 2017, the Group's Italian subsidiary, Defenx Italia SRL, entered into a three-year software distribution contract with BV Tech to offer its product range for sale by BV Tech on a global, non-exclusive basis, in line with the terms offered to other major Defenx customers. In September 2017, Defenx entered into a master services agreement with BV Tech, creating the framework under which Defenx would allocate work to BV Tech on an arm's length basis as preferred supplier and a related party in accordance with the AIM Rules.
Following BV Tech's participation in the subscription and open offer in April 2018, pursuant to which BV Tech invested a further GBP0.94 million, BV Tech's aggregate investment in the Company's equity stands at EUR2.65 million and it now holds 54.7% of our issued shares. BV Tech remains committed to continuing to support Defenx, providing development activities, promoting sales activities, notably to corporate customers, and, in October 2018, providing further funding via an unsecured 6% loan of EUR0.95 million to provide the Group with working capital for general corporate purposes as it seeks to deliver on its strategy. It is anticipated that the loan will shortly be amended such that it becomes a convertible loan of the same quantum and on the same material terms.
Defenx 2020 strategy
Following the challenges of 2017, the Board is now looking to develop further its strategic plan, Defenx 2020, which aims to refocus sales from B2B2C distributors to selling our relaunched products, which are building on our existing cloud backup products, in a compound model of Software-as-a-Service to smaller customers and direct sales to large corporates and the public sector.
The revised product suite we are developing, with the technical support of BV Tech, has the following key features:
Hot Features
Premium
-- EU based, General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") compliant, data storage;
-- Integrated security (1st line of defence);
-- Automated backup (2nd line);
-- Flexible, scalable storage solutions;
-- Competitive pricing; and
-- White-labelling to reflect a customer's own branding.
Gartner Inc estimate that the Western European security & storage market will grow to EUR3.7 billion in 2019, largely driven by ongoing GDPR compliance. While the major players - Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft - dominate the market, the Board strongly believes there is space in the market for niche players such as Defenx.
The Board, management and staff
In November 2017, the Company announced the appointment of Alessandro Poerio, a finance and management executive in the technology sector, to replace Andrea Stecconi as CEO. Andrea remained on the Board in a customer relationship role until April 2018 following the EGM approving the subscription and open offer. Subsequently, Alessandro tendered his resignation in order to pursue other interests and left the Group at the end of May 2018.
Therefore, from 1 June 2018 I became interim Executive Chairman to oversee the appointment of a new Board and executive team to re-focus the business and, on an interim basis, to lead Defenx.
On 11 July 2018, the Company announced that, as was set out in the April 2018 circular to shareholders, Philipp Prince and Leonard Seelig had resigned from the Board. Philipp, who had been Chief Financial Officer since July 2015, was replaced by Clive Eplett as interim-Chief Financial Officer. Given the interim nature of his appointment, it is not expected that Clive will join the Board.
On 1 August 2018, Nic Hellyer and Giorgio Beretta, two high calibre individuals, were appointed as independent Non-executive Directors and chair of the Remuneration and Audit Committees respectively, filling the vacancies left by Leonard Seelig.
Under the relationship agreement entered into with BV Tech in April 2017, BV Tech has the right to nominate two Directors to the Board. Raffaele Boccardo, Founder and President of BV Tech, was appointed in August 2017 to fill one of these positions. In addition, on 11 July 2018, Raffaele assumed the role of interim Executive Deputy Chairman. Raffaele is working closely with me and the rest of the Board, as we seek to identify the right team to deliver our strategy and drive value for all stakeholders, particularly with regard to the appointment of a CEO and a permanent CFO.
Current trading, outlook and funding
The substantial loss for 2017 and the resultant cash outflow has clearly weakened the Group's financial position. The Board's focus, in 2018 to date, has been to evaluate strategies to return the business to profitability and secure long-term funding.
On 28 February 2018, we announced a new strategy, Defenx 2020, which we believe will see the Group build on its existing cloud backup product with a focus on corporate customers. This strategy reflects the changing competitive landscape, growing demand for cloud-based services, feedback from existing and potential customers and the support of BV Tech, now the Company's largest shareholder.
As a result of the issues raised above, the results for 2018 are expected to show significantly lower revenues and an operating loss. However, as a result of the initiatives put in place as part of Defenx 2020, the Board believes that the business will become cashflow positive during 2019.
As at 31 August 2018, the Group had EUR210,000 of cash and undrawn facilities of approximately EUR0.27 million (consisting of EUR250,000 invoice discounting facilities and an overdraft of EUR20,000). The Group has also secured further funding of EUR0.95 million via an unsecured loan from BV Tech. The loan, which accrue interest at rate of 6% per annum, will be used for general corporate purposes and the Board anticipates that the loan will shortly be replaced by a convertible loan from BV Tech of the same quantum and on the same material terms. Conversion of the convertible loan into ordinary shares will be subject to shareholders providing the Directors with the authority to allot such shares on a non pre-emptive basis at the upcoming AGM.
Finally, I would like to thank our investors and staff for their continued patience and look forward to reporting on progress later in 2018. I can confirm that the Company's AGM will be on 31 October 2018 and the Notice of AGM will be posted to shareholders shortly.
Anthony Reeves
Interim Executive Chairman
1 October 2018
Products and technology
Founded in 2009, Defenx is a cyber security company that offers a range of products for the mobile, PC and network security markets.
Defenx acquired Memopal SRL (now renamed Defenx SRL) in August 2016 and announced a strategic partnership with BV Tech in April 2017, with the aim of enhancing and diversifying its product offering, growing its customer base into the corporate sector and expanding its development resources.
Broad product portfolio
The Defenx proposition is to solve our end-users' data security needs on all their connected devices.
Our products fit into three complementary segments:
-- Security - anti-malware software; -- Backup - Cloud-based backup and file-synchronisation; and -- Protection - applications to monitor, manage and secure online activities.
By developing a range of products within these three segments we look to address the varied needs of consumer and corporate users. Following the strategic partnership with BV Tech, our focus is shifting towards targeting corporate and public-sector customers.
To make the product portfolio attractive for corporate and public-sector customers and to ensure lowest management and maintenance costs over the medium term, a significant amount of activity is being carried out with the support of BV Tech, which is experienced in serving this market, under the master services agreement, including:
1. Product portfolio industrialisation to allow best corporate market use and compliance;
2. Infrastructure and Services consolidation (optimisation of the hardware and reduction of maintenance and management costs);
3. Introduction of new services and strengthening of the existing functionality; 4. Product upgrades to ensure compatibility with the latest available operating systems; 5. Update and development of new apps (e.g. Cloud Mobile App); and
6. Strengthening of the server side of the products in order to support the introduction of new services and the integration of new software engines.
Our current portfolio comprises the following products:
Product Key features
Defenx Mobile Security Defenx Mobile Security Suite includes antivirus,
Suite anti-phishing, webcam protection, mic capture,
and anti-theft protection as well as SIM protection
and safe browsing.
Available in 12 languages for Android, iOS.
======================================================
Defenx Defenx
PC Security
Antivirus Suite
& includes
Security antivirus,
Suite anti-spam,
firewall,
identity
protection,
safe
browsing,
privacy
and
parental
controls.
Available
in
five
languages
for
Windows
10,
8,
7,
Vista
and
XP
desktop
and
laptop
PCs.
There
is
also
a
network
version.
======================================================
Defenx Defenx
Cloud Cloud
Backup Backup
(Memopal)
protects
files
by
securely
saving
a
copy
to
the
cloud.
Because
it
keeps
all
file
changes
forever,
users
always
have
a
clean
version
to
restore,
for
example,
following
a
ransomware
attack.
It
also
provides
a
sync
folder
allowing
the
latest
version
of
saved
files
to
be
accessed
from
any
computer,
device
and
online.
Available
in
16
languages
for
Windows,
Apple,
Linux,
Android,
iOS
and
one
NAS
platform.
======================================================
Defenx Defenx
Privacy Privacy
Advisor Advisor
is
a
free
app
that
allows
users
to
monitor
access
to
their
personal
data
by
installed
apps.
A
growing
number
of
seemingly
useful
apps
for
smartphones
can,
in
fact,
invade
your
privacy,
putting
your
personal
information
at
risk.
Available
for
free
on
Android.
======================================================
Defenx Defenx
SOS SOS
Help keeps
Me loved
ones
safe
by
alerting
a
designated
parent
or
guardian
by
email,
SMS
or
via
a
call
centre
in
an
emergency
such
as
an
unexpected
fall
or
attack.
The
panic
function,
triggered
by
a
Bluetooth-
connected
button
or
simply
by
dropping
the
smartphone,
triggers
the
alert.
Available
in
two
languages
for
Android.
======================================================
Defenx Defenx
Parental Parental
Control Control
protects
under-age
smartphone
and
tablet
users
from
inappropriate
content
and
enables
parents
to
manage
their
children's
online
activity.
Parents
can
view
call
and
messaging
history,
photos
and
be
alerted
when
their
child
arrives
or
leaves
specific
locations.
The
app
also
includes
some
Defenx
SOS
features.
Available
for
Android
and
iOS
(the
latter
in
beta
version).
======================================================
Defenx ECS/ECM Defenx ECS/ECM, built on the software acquired
from BV Tech, employs standard protocols, encryption
algorithms and open-source software components
to provide secure telephone conversations and
encrypted messages and attachments.
Available in three languages for Android, iOS
and Blackberry smartphones.
======================================================
Our market and opportunity
Global and regional drivers
Our target markets are huge, comprising consumer, corporate and public-sector users of digital devices. Opportunity lies in the increasing number of connected devices, the volume and sophistication of cyber-attacks, the growth in users' willingness to use online services and regulation.
More connected devices
-- According to the GSMA*, at the end of 2017, two-thirds of the world's population had a mobile subscription - a total of 5.0 billion unique subscribers. By 2025, GSMA forecast this to rise to nearly 6.0 billion. Smartphone penetration also continues to grow with an estimated 3.3 billion mobile internet users in 2017 increasing to 5.0 billion by 2025.
-- It is not just mobile devices, but the internet of things ("IoT") too. GSMA forecasts that the IoT market will grow from an installed base of 7.5 billion devices** in 2015 to 25.1 billion devices by 2025, the implications of which are only just beginning to be felt.
Industrialisation of cyber-crime
Computer fraud is becoming industrialised.
-- Some concentrate on developing new methods of attack and seeking to stay ahead of the legitimate software industry and cyber-security providers, who then franchise their methodologies to operators who can use them in a variety of ways.
-- Those franchisees then operate the bought-in technologies and exploit them for criminal gain.
More attacks and data breaches
-- Ransomware continues to plague businesses and consumers with Symantec*** reporting a 46% increase in infections during 2017, most notably the WannaCry and Petya/NotPetya attacks.
-- The number of mobile vulnerabilities reported by Symantec grew by 54% from 2016 to 2017. Android remains the key target for hackers because so many devices are not regularly updated to the latest software. Android's dominant market share makes it our key focus.
-- Adoption of IoT technology continues with many devices having poor security; once connected to home or corporate networks, they offer an easy way in for hackers. Symantec found a 600% increase in IoT attacks from 2016 to 2017.
-- Symantec has also identified a shift to 'coin mining' as an alternative revenue source for cyber criminals driven by the rise in cryptocurrency values. While the immediate impact is typically performance related, corporate networks are at risk of shutdown from coin miners spreading across their environment and being billed for cloud CPU usage by coin miners.
More data/online digital services
-- Migration to smartphones that operate on highspeed mobile networks, coupled with increasing consumer propensity to engage in the digital world, is driving mobile data traffic up in all regions. According to Ericsson****, global mobile data traffic for all devices will increase eight-fold between 2017 and 2023, reaching 110 exabytes per month. Smartphones will account for close to 95% of total mobile data traffic by 2023.
More regulation
-- Regulatory compliance has been stimulating spending on security, notably in Europe with the GDPR that came into effect 25 May 2018.
-- The Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal is just one example where data privacy concerns may well see further regulation likely to affect security costs on corporates and public sector organisations.
*GSMA The Mobile Economy 2018
**IoT connections include cellular and non-cellular connections. The term IoT connections refers to devices capable of two-way data transmission (excluding passive sensors and RFID tags). It includes connections using multiple communication methods such as cellular, short-range and others. Excludes PCs, desktops, tablets, laptops, e-readers and smartphones.
***Symantec Internet Security Threat Report, March 2018
****Ericsson Mobility Report, November 2017
Financial review
Key performance indicators
2017 2016
Revenue EURm 2.93 7.09
Revenue growth % (58.7%) 57.9%
Operating (loss)/profit (before impairment
and transaction costs) EURm (2.45) 1.91
Operating margin (before impairments and
transaction costs) % (83.5%) 27.0%
Operating (loss)/profit (before transaction
costs) EURm (11.75) 1.84
Operating margin (before transaction costs) % (401.4%) 26.0%
(Loss)/earnings per share c (103.0c) 18.5c
Operating cash flow EURm (2.33) 2.32
Free cash flow (after capitalised development
costs) EURm (4.16) (1.67)
Revenues
Group revenues fell 59% to EUR2.93 million (2016: EUR7.09 million) driven primarily by the previously announced performance and back-end integration issues. While Backup segment revenues were affected indirectly, the predominant impact was in Security segment revenues.
Revenues for the year comprised:
2017 2016
Billings (invoiced during the year) EURm 4.03 7.36
Penalties deducted from revenue in the first EURm (0.56) -
half
Released from prior periods - existing policy EURm 0.53 0.25
======= =======
Deferred to future periods - existing policy EURm (0.45) (0.52)
Deferred to future periods - exceptional EURm (0.62) -
deferral
Revenue EURm 2.93 7.09
======= =======
The revenue shortfall arose from delays in the delivery of product updates to address performance issues in the Group's security products, back-end integration with certain customers' systems and other commitments made by the sales team. This resulted in the cancellation of around EUR4.60 million in confirmed but un-invoiced orders, the return of EUR1.03 million in invoiced sales from the first half of 2017 and customer claims for further returns and compensation.
In addition, PC Security Suite sales were reduced by one-off incentives to distributors amounting to EUR560,000 ahead of the launch of our in-house product. The PC Security Suite Windows client and network versions, which were due to be launched together in early 2018, continue to be delayed due to the lack of development resources. The Board now expects that PC Security Suite will be launched by early 2019.
In finalising the 2017 results, the Directors have taken the view that sales invoiced following the announcement of the performance and integration issues in October 2017 did not satisfy the criteria to be recognised as revenue. In addition, the Group's revenue recognition accounting policy has been updated to state explicitly that deferred revenue is only released to the income statement once the underlying receivable has been collected. Together, this has resulted in an amount of EUR619,000 being carried forward instead of being recognised as revenue. This amount has been transferred from deferred revenue and presented as a deduction from trade receivables until the underlying receivable is collected (see note 18). Consequently, the net deferred revenue provision fell to EUR504,000 (2016: EUR590,000).
IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers, became effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. Having assessed the commercial arrangements with customers in the context of IFRS 15, the board have concluded that the existing accounting policy and methodology continues to be equally appropriate under the new accounting standard. Accordingly, no change in accounting treatment arises or has been applied as a consequence of IFRS 15 and no adjustment made to either sales or deferred revenue.
Gross margin
Cost of sales includes sales commissions, expensed customer integration and software maintenance costs and software amortisation (excluding impairment) charges. For the Backup segment, there are additional storage, connectivity and labour costs of sales. The Group expects to be able to analyse cost of sales by segment for 2019.
The Group's gross margin fell significantly to 12.8% (2016: 82.5%) primarily due to the increase to EUR1.30 million (2016: EUR1.01 million) in software amortisation charges, which are largely fixed once a product is launched, and EUR791,000 (2016: EURnil) in external development costs, without the anticipated increase in revenues.
The impairment charges in 2017, discussed further below, will result in reduced asset carrying values and lower amortisation charges in 2018. The Board believes that the strategic partnership with BV Tech will result in reduced development spending overall going forward and a better product offering.
Expenses
Sales & marketing expenses, primarily contributions towards developing the Defenx brand that are generally paid to B2B2C customers only upon the achievement of pre-agreed sales targets, decreased to EUR1.97 million (2016: EUR2.22 million). While a proportion of the marketing contributions accrued in the first half were released in the second half, the majority were contractually committed resulting in a full year charge amounting to 67.4% (2016: 31.4%) of revenues. It is expected that marketing costs will fall substantially below this level under the corporate focused, Defenx 2020, strategy.
Research and development expenses, increased to EUR712,000 (2016: EUR470,000), reflecting a full year of costs for Defenx Italia acquired in August 2016 net of cost saving measures implemented towards the end of 2017.
Administrative expenses include the costs of maintaining our AIM listing of EUR234,000 (2016: EUR168,000), which increased following the appointment of Beaufort Securities as joint-broker at the end of 2016 and the outsourcing of company secretarial services. Excluding these AIM costs, administrative expenses were reduced year on year despite the full year costs for Defenx Italia.
Overall staff costs increased to EUR1.28 million (2016: EUR943,000) due to the full year effect of the Defenx Italia staff costs. There were no performance-related bonuses for the year (2016: EUR191,000).
Impairments
Due to their magnitude, the impairments against trade receivables and intangible assets are shown on the face of the income statement.
Customers accounting for the majority of the year end gross trade receivables balance lodged claims against the Group relating to software performance issues. Since mid-November 2017, there have been only limited collections from these customers. On this basis, the Directors anticipate only modest recovery and have provided against substantially all of the balances due as summarised under 'current assets and liabilities' below. Subsequent to the year end, settlements have now been reached with certain of these customers as further described under 'Current assets and liabilities' below.
As a result of the performance and back-end integration issues and subsequent cancellation of orders, the valuation of the Group's intangible development costs, when assessed against future sales forecasts, shows significant impairment.
The impairment of intangible fixed assets of EUR6.29 million relates to Security (EUR4.64 million) and Protection (EUR0.32 million) segment software and the Backup segment customer relationships and goodwill (EUR1.33 million) arising upon the acquisition of Defenx Italia, which was partially supported by the development team, most of whom have now left the Group.
Operating loss
The operating loss before impairment charges and transaction costs was EUR2.45 million (2016: profit of EUR1.91 million) reflecting the significant reduction in revenue notwithstanding the cost savings achieved towards the end of the financial year.
The transaction costs of EUR101,000 relate to the strategic partnership with BV Tech. Transaction costs of EUR234,000, relating to the subscriptions by BV Tech in April and August 2017 and placing in July 2017, were charged to the share premium account and EUR167,000 were allocated to the liability and equity component of the convertible bonds, with the liability component fees charged to the income statement over the three-year term.
The net interest expenses increased to EUR184,000 (2016: EUR62,000) due to greater usage of the UK supply chain finance facility (now withdrawn), a full year's vendor loan expense and the convertible bond expense of EUR77,000 for the period from 31 August 2017.
The loss before tax, stated after impairment charges, transaction costs and net interest expense, was EUR12.04 million (2016: profit EUR1.59 million).
Taxation
There is no current tax charge for the year. The release of excess provisions for Swiss tax resulted in a current tax credit of EUR224,000 (2016: expense of EUR336,000). Deferred tax assets have not been recognised on temporary timing differences or accumulated tax losses as it is not sufficiently certain that the Group will be able to utilise them in the near future.
During the year, the Board approved a group re-organisation to locate all intangible assets, future development, maintenance and support with Defenx Italia. This has resulted in research and development credits of EUR771,000 that can be offset against social security, VAT and corporate taxes due in Italy.
Net loss and loss per share
The loss after tax attributable to ordinary shareholders of Defenx was EUR11.64 million (2016: profit EUR1.23 million). This equates to a loss per share of EUR1.030 (2016: EUR0.185 profit per share) undiluted and EUR0.976 (2016: EUR0.169 profit per share) diluted.
In light of the Group's substantial loss for the year and profit and loss reserves deficit, the Board cannot propose a dividend. Future dividend policy will be kept under review.
Cash flow
The net cash outflow from operating activities was EUR2.33 million (2016: EUR2.32 million inflow) reflecting falls in receivables of EUR1.01million (2016: EUR1.44 million increase) and a decrease in payables and provisions of EUR1.82 million (2016: EUR1.04 million increase).
During the year, capitalised software development costs were EUR1.83 million (2016: EUR4.89 million).
The net cash inflow from financing activities reflects the placing, subscription and issue of convertible bonds that raised, in aggregate, EUR4.1 million net of expenses, the drawdowns and repayments of debt facilities and the continued repayment of the vendor loans in respect of the acquisition of Defenx Italia.
The free cash outflow, defined as net cash flow from operating activities less internally capitalised development costs, was EUR4.16 million (2016: EUR1.67 million).
Intangible assets
The net book value of capitalised development costs reduced to EUR4.90 million (2016: EUR6.54 million) reflecting the impairments outlined above. At the year end, the post-impairment book values were as follow:
Segment and product 2017 2016
Mobile Security Suite EURm 0.79 0.94
PC Security Suite EURm 1.51 1.83
Network (NAS) Security EURm - 1.33
Encrypted Calling & Messaging (acquired EURm 1.67 -
from BV Tech)
Security segment EURm 3.97 4.10
Backup segment EURm 0.85 1.21
Other EURm 0.08 1.23
===== =====
EURm 4.90 6.54
===== =====
Since the year end, BV Tech has assisted our team to remediate technical issues and develop an enhanced product portfolio. BV Tech is formally contracted, in accordance with the master services agreement, to supply technical staff and an interim-CTO to the Group.
At the end of 2017, the Group's intellectual property, including all software source code was transferred to Defenx Italia. This enabled the Group to claim research and development tax credits in Italy that can be offset against corporate, VAT and payroll taxes there.
Current assets and liabilities
Current assets decreased to EUR2.37 million (2016: EUR6.68 million) including year end net trade receivables of EUR998,000 (2016: EUR5.33 million) and cash balances of EUR0.95 million (2016: EUR1.18 million).
At the year end, the trade receivables balance was as follows:
2017 2016
Not due at reporting date EURm 1.73 4.65
Overdue at reporting date EURm 3.10 0.88
======= =======
Gross trade receivables EURm 4.83 5.53
Offset deferred revenue EURm (0.62) -
Provision for impairment EURm (3.21) (0.20)
======= =======
Net trade receivables EURm 1.00 5.33
======= =======
Deferred revenues due to be recognised in the statement of comprehensive income, for which the related trade receivables had not been settled in cash at the year end, were transferred from the deferred revenue balance and offset against trade receivables.
Since the trading update in October 2017, in which we announced performance and back-end integration issues, the collection of trade receivables has been challenging, with limited collections since mid-November 2017. Management explored multiple options, including legal proceedings, to secure acceptable settlements that balance the collection of receivables, product returns and, where appropriate, compensation.
At the year end, no material progress had been made and the Directors determined that the significant impairment shown above against trade receivables was appropriate. As further explained in note 26, the Directors do not consider the claims received from customers require provision in the income statement during the year.
The Company has entered into settlement agreements with four B2B2C customers in regarding of EUR1.40 million of the trade receivables. As further described in notes 26 and 27, these agreements waived the parties' claims against each other and set out payment schedules for the collection over a period of up to 48 months of approximately EUR1.40 million of the EUR4.41 million in dispute at the year end.
Cash deposits are held in Euros, Sterling, Swiss Francs and US Dollars and placed on deposit in the UK and Switzerland. Minimal balances are held in Italy.
Current liabilities decreased to EUR2.52 million (2016: EUR4.07 million) including trade creditors and accruals of EUR851,000 (2016: EUR1.39 million), the current proportions of deferred revenue, loans and borrowings, and taxation of EUR385,000 (2016: EUR773,000).
Financing
The Group entered into new debt facilities of, in aggregate, EUR1.62 million during the year. On 31 August 2017, the Company issued 1,250,000 secured convertible bonds of 10% at a face value of GBP1 each on the UK Bond Network platform. Defenx Italia entered into a EUR500,000 five-year term loan with Banca Sella.
Gross debt, including the convertible bonds and vendor loans, was EUR2.20 million (2016: EUR1.95 million) at the year end (see note 19). Net debt was EUR1.24 million (2016: EUR774,000), equivalent to a debt-to-equity ratio of 30.9% (2016: 8.0%) compared to the Board limit of 25%. The weighted average interest rate payable for the year was 8.4% (2016: 9.8%).
Total equity attributable to ordinary shareholders of Defenx decreased to EUR4.16 million (2016: EUR9.63 million) representing a net asset value per share of EUR0.31 (2016: EUR1.12).
As at 31 August 2018, the Group held cash of EUR210,000, with term and vendor loans owing of EUR19,000 and bond debt of EUR1.41 million. The Group currently has undrawn facilities of approximately EUR0.27 million (consisting of EUR250,000 invoice discounting facilities and an overdraft of EUR20,000).
The Group has also secured further funding of EUR0.95 million via an unsecured loan from BV Tech. The loan, which accrue interest at rate of 6% per annum, will be used for general corporate purposes and the Board anticipates that the loan will shortly be replaced by a convertible loan from BV Tech of the same quantum and on the same material terms.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Board is responsible for developing a comprehensive risk framework and a system of internal controls.
Principal risk Mitigation Movement
Technology
The industry in which Defenx New products and features p
operates is in the process of are assessed against their
continual change reflecting technical target markets and in response
developments as industry and to customer feedback prior
government standards and practices to development.
change and emerge. Defenx works with expert development
The markets in which Defenx operates support from BV Tech, which
are competitive and rapidly evolving. has a track record of assessing
The Group's existing products and integrating software to
may become less competitive or meet customer demand.
even obsolete as competitors
introduce new products and customer
behaviour changes.
========================================= =========
Building
sales Under Defenx 2020, reliance p
on this channel is likely
The to be reduced significantly,
Group's with more stringent credit
historical control on the remainder.
B2B2C
sales BV Tech's sales and marketing
model resources and existing trading
has relationships enable access
been that would otherwise be difficult
shown for the Group to obtain.
to
involve
greater
sales
and
cash
collection
risk
than
was
anticipated
at
the
time.
Under
Defenx
2020
the
Group
will
seek
to
achieve
sales
a
mix
of
Software-as-a-Service
(SaaS)
and
direct
corporate
sales.
There
is
a
risk
this
alternative
route
to
market
proves
difficult
to
implement.
========================================= =========
Competition
The markets in which Defenx operates Defenx's products are being p
are competitive and rapidly evolving. optimised for mobile devices,
The Group's existing products the fastest growing product
have become less competitive and highest volume category.
and could become obsolete as
competitors introduce new products
and customer behaviour changes. The relationship with BV Tech
Many of the Group's competitors effectively provides scale
have greater scale with significant and those resources Defenx
financial, technical, sales and does not itself have.
marketing resource and may therefore
be better able to generate sales.
========================================= =========
Recruitment
and The Board, including the new p
retention Non-executive Directors, are
of highly experienced. The recruitment
staff process, particularly the
The recruitment of a CEO and a
success permanent CFO, is a key area
of of Board focus.
Defenx
depends
upon
high-quality
staff
with
the
relevant
expertise
and
experience
to
broaden
and
sell
the
Group's
products
and
solutions.
Failure
to
attract
and
retain
high
calibre
individuals
into
key
roles
will
adversely
affect
the
Group's
performance
and
profitability.
========================================= =========
Principal risk Mitigation Movement
Working
capital Costs and cash resources are p
and being managed closely.
funding
Even A SaaS sales model negates
with trade credit risk and accelerates
the customer payments so that
latest the Group is paid in advance.
funding
support
from
BV
Tech
in
the
form
of
the
unsecured
loan,
if
building
new
sales
channels
takes
significantly
longer
than
anticipated,
further
funding
may
be
needed.
============================================================== =========
Cyber security and data protection
As a growing provider of security The Group actively monitors -
solutions, Defenx may become its cyber exposure and its
a high-profile target and the products effectiveness against
Group's networks and products emerging threats.
may have vulnerabilities that The Group's IT team:
have from time to time been, * monitors suspicious activities
and may in future be, targeted
by attacks designed to disrupt
the Group's business and harm * investigates and reports on any actual or suspected
its reputation. incidents
As a custodian of increasing
volumes of end-user data, the
Group is exposed to data loss * regularly implements improvements in the Group's
and breaches of data protection security infrastructure.
regulations in the markets in
which it operates.
Such attacks and/or data loss Staff are trained to mitigate
could adversely affect the Group's cyber risks by adopting appropriate
reputation, performance and operations. best-practice.
============================================================== =========
Operations
overseas The Group has operating subsidiaries -
A in the UK, Italy and Switzerland,
proportion providing operating options
of within and outside the EU.
Defenx's
revenues Selling into different national
are markets mitigates the risk
generated of adverse changes in one.
outside
the The Group incurs the majority
UK, of its costs and generates
which most of its revenues in Euros.
is This natural hedging reduces
currently the impact of fluctuations
negotiating in foreign currencies.
Brexit.
The
Group
may
be
adversely
affected
by
changes
in
local
and
regional
economic,
political
and
social
conditions
such
as
changes
in
law
and
regulation,
taxation,
currency
restrictions.
In
addition,
fluctuating
exchange
rates
and
the
costs
of
conversion
and
exchange
controls
may
have
an
unfavourable
impact
on
profitability,
particularly
when
reported
in
Sterling.
============================================================== =========
Chairman's statement on governance
Dear shareholder
As an AIM company we are not required to comply with the UK Governance code (UK Code). We are, however, committed to following the principles set out in the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code ("QCA Code"), as updated in April 2018, widely accepted as being the industry standard for growing companies to which the UK Code does not apply to the extent considered appropriate having regard to the current size and stage of development of the Company.
The reports from the Committees' Chairmen explain how Defenx is seeking to develop its governance framework following the strategic partnership with BV Tech. We see the evolution of good governance going hand-in-hand with renewed growth of the Group. We believe that high standards of governance make an important contribution to shareholder value now and in the future.
Future plans
Following the announcement of the strategic partnership with BV Tech in April 2017, which entitles them to nominate two Directors to the Board, subject to approval by the Company's independent Non-executive Directors and the satisfactory completion of the requisite due diligence procedures, Franco Francione was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director on 22 May 2017 and Raffaele Boccardo was appointed to the Board as Deputy Chairman and Non-Executive Director on 4 August 2017. Franco Francione subsequently resigned from the Board on 20 November 2017 in order to focus on his responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer of BV Tech, which leaves BV Tech entitled to appoint one more Director to the Board, subject to the approvals outlined above.
On 24 May 2018, Alessandro Poerio tendered his resignation in order to pursue other interests and left the Company on 31 May 2018. As set out in the circular sent to shareholders on 6 April 2018, it was envisaged that Philipp Prince, Chief Financial Officer, and Leonard Seelig, independent Non-executive Director, would step down from the Board. As announced on 11 July 2018, Philipp Prince completed the handover of his responsibilities to our interim Chief Financial Officer, Clive Eplett, and resigned from the Board. Leonard Seelig, resigned from the Board at the same time.
On 1 August 2018, Giorgio Beretta and Nic Hellyer were appointed to the Board as Non-executive Directors.
As outlined below, the Company has chosen to follow the QCA Code, to the extent relevant for a company of Defenx's size and stage of development. A statement detailing both how the Company complies with the QCA Code, and areas where it does not comply, has been uploaded to the Company's website in compliance with the recently updated AIM Rule 26.
Anthony Reeves
Interim Executive Chairman
1 October 2018
The Board
The Board comprises a balanced mix of Executive and Non-executive Directors with a combination of relevant skills and experience, designed to ensure there is effective leadership of the Group.
Anthony Reeves (formerly a non-executive director), Giorgio Beretta and Nic Hellyer are considered by the Board to be independent, Anthony having fulfilled the test of independence on his appointment. In determining that they are independent the Board considered the individual's interests in the Company's shares and the share options granted to them. The Board determined that these interests aligned the Directors' interests with those of the Group and bearing in mind the small percentages held, that they remained independent. Raffaele Boccardo is not considered to be independent by virtue of his employment as CEO of BV Tech and his majority ownership stake in BV Tech, the company's majority shareholder.
The Board is responsible for setting strategy, performance and for the stewardship of the Group, within the framework of effective controls which enable risk to be assessed and managed. Importance is placed on maintaining a robust control environment.
Anthony Reeves as interim Executive Chairman is responsible for the leadership of the Board, ensuring its effective operation and setting the agenda. The Directors have access to the services of a company secretary through ONE Advisory Limited who provide advice on company secretarial and corporate governance matters. In addition, the Directors are able to take independent legal advice at the Company's expense if so required.
The Non-executive Directors are each contracted to spend a minimum of 12 days per annum on Defenx business.
Board meeting attendance
The Board normally meets on a monthly basis. During the year, the Board met on seven scheduled occasions.
Director Position Board meetings
attended in
2017
Non-Executive Chairman (until 31 May 2018)
Interim Executive Chairman (from 1 June
Anthony Reeves 2018) 7/7
============================================== ===============
Deputy Chairman & Non-Executive Director
Raffaele Boccardo (until 11 July 2018)
(appointed 4 August Interim Executive Deputy Chairman (from
2017) 11 July 2018) 3/3
============================================== ===============
Alessandro Poerio
(appointed 20 November
2017; resigned 24 May
2018) Chief Executive Officer 1/1
============================================== ===============
Andrea Stecconi Chief Executive Officer (until 20 November
(resigned on 24 April 2017)
2018) Executive Director (from 20 November 2017) 7/7
============================================== ===============
Philipp Prince
(resigned 11 July
2018) Chief Financial Officer 7/7
============================================== ===============
Franco Francione
(appointed 22 May
2017;
resigned 20 November
2017) Non-executive Director 3/4
============================================== ===============
Leonard Seelig
(resigned 11 July
2018) Non-executive Director 7/7
============================================== ===============
There were also two ad-hoc Board meetings convened in relation to the placing and subscription announced in August 2017 and in relation to the Board changes in November 2017, which were attended by all Directors, save for Franco Francione who was not present for the unscheduled August Board meeting.
Board performance evaluation
The Board is committed to undertaking reviews of Board and Committee performance and of individual Board members every year. The first review, which will include the identification of any training needs for the Board, was deferred and will be conducted in the 2019.
Risk management and internal control
The Board is responsible for determining the nature and extent of major risks facing the Group and for establishing and maintaining a risk management framework and system of internal financial controls.
The key elements of the Group's risk framework and internal control systems are:
-- A schedule of matters reserved for decision by the Board; -- Defined responsibilities and authority limits;
-- Close involvement of the Executive Directors and other members of senior management in day-to-day operations;
-- Monthly management reporting; and -- Comprehensive annual budgeting process and monitoring of performance against budget.
The Board discusses all business matters having regard to the risk for the Group and to the extent that risks inherent in a particular activity are considered significant, appropriate action is taken and steps taken to mitigate the issue.
Going concern
The Directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and, accordingly, continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group and Company financial statements.
In reaching this conclusion, the Directors have weighed the facts of BV Tech's commitment to a new loan facility of EUR0.95 million in October 2018, its aggregate investment of EUR2.65 million in the Company's equity since April 2017 and documented commitments to continue to support the Group's development activities (under the master services agreement) and to promote its sales activities, notably to corporate customers.
Relations with shareholders
The Directors are committed to regular engagement with existing shareholders and prospective investors and will make themselves available as appropriate.
In accordance with good governance, the Company entered into a relationship agreement with its major shareholder, BV Tech, to ensure that the Company is capable at all times of carrying on its business independently of BV Tech and its associates and for the benefit of the shareholders as a whole.
BV Tech is the Company majority shareholder and is currently interested in 15,413,526 ordinary shares representing approximately 54.74% of the Company's issued share capital. Of the shares held by BV Tech, 3,480,388 ordinary shares are subject to orderly market provision thought to 11 April 2019, when any transfer of such shares must be made through the Company's broker.
In October 2018 BV Tech agreed to provide the Company with an unsecured loan of EUR0.95 million with repayment due by 1 January 2020. It is anticipated that the loan will shortly be amended such that it becomes a convertible loan of the same quantum and on the same material terms.
Information received by the Board
The Board receives information on at least a monthly basis enabling it to review operational and financial performance (including sales activity, software development progress and working capital management); forecasts (including comparison with market expectations); potentially significant transactions; and strategy.
Website
Our corporate website at investors.defenx.com provides access to Company information, public announcements, published financial reports and contact details.
AGM
The forthcoming AGM on 31 October 2018 will again be an opportunity to meet shareholders. The Chairman, other Directors and senior management will be available to meet shareholders and to answer any questions.
Audit committee report
Dear shareholder
As the recently appointed Chairman of Defenx's Audit Committee, I present my first Audit Committee Report for the year ended 31 December 2017, which has been prepared by the Committee and approved by the Board.
The Committee is responsible for reviewing and reporting to the Board on financial reporting, internal control and risk management, and for reviewing the performance, independence and effectiveness of the external auditors in carrying out the statutory audit. The Committee advises the Board on the statement by the Directors that the Annual Report when read as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group's performance, business model and strategy.
During the year, the Committee's primary activity involved meeting with the external auditors, considering material issues and areas of judgement, and reviewing and approving the interim and year end results and accounts.
In addition, the Committee reviewed the audit and tax services provided by haysmacintyre, the Group's external auditors. The Committee concluded that haysmacintyre are delivering the necessary audit scrutiny and that the tax services provided did not pose a threat to their objectivity and independence. Accordingly, the Committee recommended to the Board that haysmacintyre be re-appointed for the next financial year.
In the coming year, in addition to the Committee's ongoing duties, the Committee will:
-- consider significant issues and areas of judgement with the potential to have a material impact on the financial statements, including impairments of the Company's investments and technologies;
-- continue to consider the impact on the Group of the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers; and
-- keep the need for an internal audit function under review, having regard to the Company's strategy and resources.
Giorgio Beretta
Chairman of the Audit Committee
1 October 2018
Audit committee and attendance
The Audit Committee currently comprises Giorgio Beretta (Chair) and Nic Hellyer. Anthony Reeves and Raffaele Boccardo have agreed to step down from the Audit Committee pending the appointment of full time Executive Directors.
Prior to his resignation on 11 July 2018, Leonard Seelig chaired the Committee. Giorgio Beretta was appointed as chairman on 1 August 2018. The Board considers that Giorgio Beretta has sufficient relevant financial experience to chair the Audit Committee given that he is a qualified accountant with over 30 years' experience and is a partner at BDO Italia.
Franco Francione was a member of the Committee from the period 22 May 2017, until his resignation on 20 November 2017.
The Committee is required by its terms of reference to meet at least twice a year. During 2017, the Committee met twice with Anthony Reeves, Leonard Seelig and Franco Francione present for one Committee meeting and Anthony Reeves and Leonard Seelig present for the other, post Franco Francione's departure from the Company. In addition, Philipp Prince, Chief Financial Officer, attended both Committee meetings by invitation and each of Andrea Stecconi, Alessandro Poerio and Raffaele Boccardo attended one Committee meeting by invitation.
Objectives and responsibilities
The Committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the Group's financial statements, including its Annual and Interim Reports, preliminary results announcements and any other formal announcements relating to its financial performance prior to release.
The Committee's main responsibilities can be summarised as follows:
-- to review the Company's internal financial controls and risk management systems;
-- to monitor the integrity of the financial statements and any formal announcements relating to the Group's financial performance, reviewing significant judgements contained in them;
-- to make recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment of the external auditors and to recommend to the Board the approval of the remuneration and terms of engagement of the external auditors;
-- to review and monitor the external auditors' independence and objectivity, taking into consideration relevant UK professional and regulatory requirements;
-- to develop and implement policy on the engagement of the external auditors to supply non-audit services, taking into account relevant ethical guidance regarding the provision of non-audit services by the external auditors; and
-- to report to the Board, identifying any matters in respect of which it considers that action or improvement is needed, and to make recommendations as to steps to be taken.
The terms of reference are reviewed annually and are available on the Company's website at investors.defenx.com.
Significant issues considered during the year ending 31 December 2017
During 2017, the Committee:
-- met with the external auditors to review and approve the annual audit plan and receive their findings and report on the annual audit;
-- considered significant issues and areas of judgement with the potential to have a material impact on the financial statements, including impairments of the Group's investments and technologies;
-- considered the integrity of the published financial information and whether the Annual Report and Accounts taken as a whole are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary to assess the Group's position and performance, business model and strategy; and
-- reviewed and approved the interim and year end results and accounts.
The significant accounting areas and judgements considered by the Committee were:
Revenue recognition
The Committee again discussed the limited information available on the activation of licences sold to B2B2C customers. The Committee also considered the change in policy wording to state explicitly that deferred revenues would not be released if the related trade receivable had not been collected. On this basis and under the Group's current revenue recognition policy, the Committee continued to be satisfied that the consequential judgement taken on licences sold and not activated and the timing of release of deferred revenue in the accounts was appropriate.
The Committee also considered the appraisal of the impact of adopting IFRS 15 prepared by management and related disclosures in the interim and these full year financial statements.
Recoverability of debtors
The Committee continued to review the track record of receipts from slow-paying debtors and deterioration following the announcement of performance and integration issues in October 2017. The Committee sought regular updates from management as to the status of trade receivables (and related customer claims) and negotiations with customers to reach commercially acceptable settlements. In light of this, the Committee reviewed and accepted management proposals for the exceptional impairment of trade receivables and was satisfied that net trade receivables were fairly stated.
Valuation of intangible assets
The Committee reviewed the basis of capitalisation and considered the intangible value attributed to its intangible software development costs. The Committee also considered the intra-group transfer of intangible assets to bring intellectual property together with the internal resources able to develop, maintain and support such assets.
In light of the performance and integration issues and the material resultant fall in revenues, the Committee considered the asset impairment calculations prepared by management. The Committee was satisfied that the full year impairments and resultant net book values were appropriately prepared on a reasonable basis.
Going concern
The Committee reviewed the cash flow forecasts for the Group and discussed the key assumptions and risks relevant to their achievement. The Committee was satisfied that the basis for adopting the going concern basis in preparing the Group and Company financial statements, was reasonable.
Risk review process
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the financial risks and the internal controls relating thereto but the Board as a whole has responsibility for reviewing the overall business risks and risk management framework. The Group's principal risks and uncertainties are set out in the Strategic Report together with mitigating actions and the internal controls and risk management procedures are summarised in the Corporate Governance Report.
External auditor
The Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the audit process in respect of the year ended 31 December 2016 and immediately prior to publishing this report in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017. In doing so, the Committee considered the reports produced by haysmacintyre, met the audit engagement partner and discussed the audit with the Chief Financial Officer. The Committee continues to be satisfied that the external auditors are delivering the necessary scrutiny and robust challenge in their work. Accordingly, the Committee recommended to the Board that it is appropriate to re-appoint haysmacintyre as the Group's external auditors for the next financial year.
External audit and non-audit services
During the year, haysmacintyre provided tax advisory services. An analysis of the audit and non-audit fees is provided in note 6 to the financial statements. The Committee considered the independence and objectivity of haysmacintyre in carrying out both tax and audit services. The Committee was satisfied with the written assurances received that the non-audit work undertaken by haysmacintyre did not pose a threat to their objectivity and independence.
Remuneration committee report
Dear shareholder
As the recently appointed Chairman of Defenx's Remuneration Committee, I present my first Remuneration Committee Report for the year ended 31 December 2017, which has been prepared by the Committee and approved by the Board.
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining the remuneration policy for the executive Directors and other members of senior management, and for overseeing the Company's long-term incentive plans. The Board as a whole is responsible for determining Non-executive Directors' remuneration.
As an AIM company, the Directors' Remuneration Report Regulations do not apply to Defenx and so the report that follows is disclosed voluntarily and has not been subject to audit. The Annual Report on remuneration will again be subject to an advisory vote by shareholders at our forthcoming AGM and we hope to receive your support.
The Committee will continue to monitor market trends and developments in order to assess those relevant for the Group's future remuneration policy.
Remuneration decisions for 2017
In light of the financial performance of the Group, no annual bonuses are payable for the year ended 31 December 2017.
The independent Non-executive Directors committed significant time to Defenx during the year and, in accordance with their letters of appointment, received fees for additional work performed.
There were no long-term incentive awards during the year.
Remuneration policy for 2018 and future years
Defenx has changed considerably since admission to AIM, with the acquisition of Defenx Italia SRL (formerly Memopal SRL) in August 2016 and the announcement of the strategic partnership with BV Tech in April 2017.
In recognition of his switch from Non-executive to interim Executive Chairman, and his additional time commitment in the management of Defenx, Anthony Reeves' remuneration was increased commensurately from GBP30,000 per year to GBP90,000 per year.
Future salary awards and increases will be set in line with relevant market levels and to retain and attract high quality executives. The future policy table provides an appropriate balance between fixed remuneration and variable incentives. The performance elements will have clearly defined and challenging targets that link rewards to business performance in the short and medium-term. All variable elements of remuneration are subject to clawback or repayment in the event of serious financial misstatement or misconduct.
There have been no long-term incentive awards since admission to AIM. It remains our intention to make performance-based awards once the Board has been rebuilt.
Nic Hellyer
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
1 October 2018
Future policy table
In the longer term, and once the business is restored to profitability and with more stable cash flows, the Committee would expect to base the remuneration policy on the principles set out below.
Purpose and link Operation Maximum opportunity Performance metrics
to strategy
Fixed pay
========================== ============================ ==========================
Base Salary Base salaries The Committee Individual and
To attract, retain are reviewed annually believes that Group performance
and motivate high with reference the Executive is taken into
calibre executives to individual Directors' salaries account in determining
by setting base and Group performance should reflect the rate of salary
salaries in line in line with the the market norm rises towards
with the relevant relevant market for Defenx's situation, the relevant market
market. reflecting the size and resources. norm.
individual's experience,
competence and
importance to
the business.
========================== ============================ ==========================
Benefits Benefits vary Benefits are set
To provide appropriate by country of against comparable None
benefits taking operation but market practice.
into account local typically include
state provision. private medical
and life insurance
cover.
========================== ============================ ==========================
Pension Pensions vary Defenx makes contributions
To provide post-retirement by country of to meet local None
benefits for individuals operation and requirements.
in a cost-effective include contribution In the UK contributions
manner taking to state, personal are up to 5% of
into account local and Group plans. salary plus up
state provision. There are no defined to a further 5%
benefit plans matching contribution.
in operation.
========================== ============================ ==========================
Variable pay
========================== ============================ ==========================
Annual bonus Targets are set The maximum bonus The annual bonus
To focus executives shortly after opportunity for is based on the
on achieving operational the start of the Executive Directors achievement of
and financial relevant financial is 100% of salary. financial targets
targets for the year in the context Up to 50% of the with personal
financial year. of the Group's maximum bonus performance contributing
budget and prior will vest for up to one half.
year financial target performance. Revenue growth,
performance. The Committee free cash flow
may award up to and EPS are considered
25% for threshold the best measures
performance of the Group's
performance. The
Committee will
review metrics
annually to ensure
they remain appropriate
and reflect the
Group's strategy.
========================== ============================ ==========================
Long-Term Incentive The Committee Awards may be Future LTIP awards
Plan (LTIP) determines the made up to a maximum will vest on performance
To align the extent to which of 200% of salary only with no further
interests of executives such targets have in normal circumstances, time-based awards.
with shareholders been met. Bonuses although the Committee The Committee's
in growing the are typically has discretion intention is to
long-term value paid in cash, to vary this in set LTIP targets
of Defenx. although the Committee exceptional circumstances. to encourage long-term
has discretion No awards will growth and shareholder
to defer awards vest below threshold. value. It is anticipated
in cash or in Up to 25% will that this will
shares. The Committee vest on achievement be based on an
has the discretion of threshold performance, appropriate shareholder
to reduce or clawback then increase return measure.
bonuses in the on a straight-line
event of serious basis to full
financial misstatement vesting for stretch
or misconduct. performance.
The plan provides
for annual awards
of share options
and performance
shares to eligible
individuals. Vesting
for future awards
will be based
solely on performance,
typically over
three years.
========================== ============================ ==========================
Other arrangements
========================== ============================ ==========================
Shareholding guidelines Executive Directors n/a n/a
To align Directors' are required to
interests with attain or accumulate
the long-term a minimum shareholding
interests of shareholders in the Company
of 200% of their
base salaries
and retain at
least 50% of shares
vesting (after
tax) under the
LTIP until the
guideline is met.
========================== ============================ ==========================
Non-executive Annual base fee The Board recognises None
Directors' fees with additional that the Non-executive
To reflect the fees for Committee Directors' fees
time commitment chairs. are currently
in preparing for Additional fees set below market
and attending if there is a norms. The Board
meetings, in supporting material increase intends to increase
the Executive in the time commitment fees towards such
Directors and required. norms as Defenx
the responsibilities grows.
of the role.
========================== ============================ ==========================
Committee members and attendance
During the year, the members of the Committee were Anthony Reeves (Chairman), Leonard Seelig and, with effect from 26 September 2017, Raffaele Boccardo. The Committee were aware that the Company Chairman should not chair the Remuneration Committee. Following Leonard Seelig's resignation on 11 July 2018 and the appointment of Nic Hellyer and Giorgio Beretta on 1 August 2018 both joined the Remuneration Committee and the former took over the role of Chairman. Anthony Reeves and Raffaele Boccardo have agreed to step down from the Committee pending the appointment of full time Executive Directors.
The Committee is required by its terms of reference to meet at least twice a year. During the year, the Committee met twice and both Anthony Reeves (Chairman) and Leonard Seelig attending on the first meeting and all three Committee members at that time attended the second meeting, with the first meeting taking place prior to Raffaele Boccardo's appointment to the Committee.
The terms of reference are reviewed annually and are available on the Company's website at investors.defenx.com.
Single total figure of remuneration for the Directors
The table below sets out the total single figure remuneration received by each Director who served during the year ended 31 December 2017.
EUR Salary Benefits Pension Annual Cash Long-term Total
or fees bonus total incentive
Executive
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Alessandro Poerio
(appointed
20 November
2017, resigned
24 May 2018) 20,465 - - - 20,465 - 20,465
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Andrea Stecconi
(resigned 24
April 2018) 122,264 - 5,240 - 127,504 - 124,504
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Philipp Prince
(resigned 11
July 2018) 120,405 2,062 9,354 - 131,821 33,309 165,130
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Sub-total 263,134 2,062 14,594 - 279,790 33,309 313,099
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Non-executive
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Anthony Reeves 62,029 - - - 62,029 3,517 65,546
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Leonard Seelig
(resigned 11
July 2018) 59,707 - - - 59,707 2,824 62,531
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Sub-total 121,736 - - - 121,736 6,341 128,077
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Total 384,870 2,062 14,594 - 401,526 39,650 441,176
=================== ========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Alessandro Poerio was appointed to the Board as Chief Executive Officer on 20 November 2017 replacing Andrea Stecconi, who remained on the Board as an Executive Director during the year but resigned from the Board on 24 April 2018. There were no termination payments during the year. Subsequent to the year end, Alessandro Poerio and Philipp Prince received termination payments of EUR40,000 and EUR29,000 respectively.
The table below sets out the total single figure remuneration received by each Director who served during the year ended 31 December 2016.
EUR Salary Benefits Pension Annual Cash Long-term Total
or fees bonus total incentive
Executive
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Andrea Stecconi 113,892 - - 46,667 160,559 - 160,559
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Guido Branca
(resigned 15
June 2016) 85,425 1,989 - - 87,414 (12,467) 74,947
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Philipp Prince 99,687 1,989 - 46,667 148,343 30,536 178,879
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Sub-total 299,004 3,978 - 93,334 396,316 18,069 414,385
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Non-Executive
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Anthony Reeves 29,883 - - - 29,883 3,224 33,107
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Leonard Seelig 29,883 - - - 29,883 2,588 32,471
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Sub-total 59,766 - - - 59,766 5,812 65,578
========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Total 358,770 3,978 - 93,334 456,082 23,881 479,963
================= ========= ========= ======== ======= ======== =========== ========
Base salary
The Executive Directors' service agreements are as follows:
with Defenx PLC with Defenx SA with Defenx Italia
SRL
2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018
============ ============ ============ ============ =========== ===========
Alessandro Poerio GBP25,000 GBP25,000 - - EUR100,000 EUR100,000
============ ============ ============ ============ =========== ===========
Andrea Stecconi GBP15,000 GBP15,000 CHF130,000 CHF130,000 - -
============ ============ ============ ============ =========== ===========
Philipp Prince GBP105,000 GBP105,000 - - - -
============ ============ ============ ============ =========== ===========
Andrea Stecconi resigned from the Board on 24 April 2018. Alessandro Poerio resigned from the Board on 24 May 2018. Philipp Prince resigned from the Board on 11 July 2018.
Benefits and pension
Alessandro Poerio and Andrea Stecconi received customary benefits by way of social contributions to relevant authorities in Italy and Switzerland respectively. Philipp Prince received medical and life insurance cover and was entitled to pension contributions of 5% of salary plus up to a further 5% of salary on a matched basis consistent with other UK staff.
Annual bonus
For the year ended 31 December 2017
The financial performance targets, primarily based on revenue growth and free cash flow, have not been met. Accordingly, no annual bonuses are payable for the year ended 31 December 2017.
For the year ended 31 December 2018
The Group's annual bonus scheme applies to senior employees including the Executive Directors. The maximum potential bonus is 100% of salary with up to 25% vesting for threshold performance. No bonus is awarded for performance below threshold.
Financial performance targets have been set primarily based on revenue growth and free cash flow consistent with the Group's 2018 budget and market expectations. The Committee believes that the financial performance targets for 2018 are commercially sensitive and accordingly will only be disclosed in the 2018 Annual Report.
Remuneration policy for Non-executive Directors
The current annual fees together with the dates of the letters of appointment are:
Date of letter 2017 2018
Anthony Reeves 7 October 2015 GBP30,000 GBP30,000
=============== ========== ==========
Raffaele Boccardo 4 August 2017 - -
=============== ========== ==========
Franco Francione 22 May 2017 - -
=============== ========== ==========
Leonard Seelig 7 October 2015 GBP28,000 GBP28,000
=============== ========== ==========
Following the resignation of Alessandro Poerio, from 1 June 2018, Anthony Reeves became Interim Executive Chairman, involving a greater time commitment. In recompense, his base remuneration was increased from GBP2,500 per month to GBP7,500 per month with effect from that date. With effect from 11 July 2018, when Raffaele Boccardo become Interim Executive Chairman, it was agreed that the company would pay BV Tech SpA GBP7,500 per month for his services, subject to a maximum of GBP70,000 in any 12 month period.
Long-term incentives for Executive and Non-executive Directors
Option Schemes
The Company established an EMI Option Scheme to provide incentives to employees, including Directors, to achieve the longer-term objectives of the Group, to give suitable recognition to the ability and industry of the individuals concerned and to attract and retain suitably experienced and able people, by providing them with the opportunity to acquire ownership interests in the Company.
The vesting of the existing options is not conditional on performance conditions; the only condition being that the individual remains an employee of the Group. Future awards will vest solely on performance.
The following share option awards have been granted to Executive Directors under the EMI Option Scheme:
Date of grant Number Price Vesting period Expiry date
Philipp Prince 22 July 2015 42,000 GBP0.80 Over 36 months 22 July 2025
============== ======== ======== ==================== =============
Philipp Prince 3 December 125,000 GBP1.48 One third on 2 December
2015 first anniversary; 2025
balance over
following 24
months from grant
============== ======== ======== ==================== =============
The EMI status of the EMI Option Scheme ceased upon the approval of the subscription and open offer at an EGM on 23 April 2018 as a result of BV Tech's resultant shareholding exceeding 50%.
The Company established an Unapproved Share Option Scheme and the following options have been granted under this scheme:
Date of grant Number Price Vesting period Expiry date
Anthony Reeves 3 December 15,625 GBP1.48 One third on 2 December
2015 first anniversary; 2025
balance over
following 24
months from grant
============== ======= ======== ==================== ============
Leonard Seelig 3 December 12,500 GBP1.48 One third on 2 December
2015 first anniversary; 2025
balance over
following 24
months from grant
============== ======= ======== ==================== ============
As a result of their resignation, any unexercised options (in either scheme) held by Philipp Prince and Leonard Seelig will lapse no later than 31 December 2018.
Directors' interests in shares and share scheme interests
The Directors' beneficial interests in shares, together with their respective families, as at 31 December 2017 are shown below together with their interests in share schemes.
Long-term incentives
Subject to Vested
but
continued not Required Current
yet Beneficially holding holding
employment exercised owned Total interest (% salary) (% salary)
============
Andrea Stecconi - - 1,826,836 1,826,836 200% 12.75%
=========== =========== ============= =============== ============ ============
Philipp Prince 49,833 117,167 71,255 238,255 200% 0.55%
=========== =========== ============= =============== ============ ============
Anthony Reeves 5,208 10,417 31,250 46,875 - 0.24%
=========== =========== ============= =============== ============ ============
Raffaele Boccardo* - - 3,636,638 3,636,638 - 28.08%
=========== =========== ============= =============== ============ ============
Leonard Seelig 4,167 8,333 25,000 37,500 - 0.19%
=========== =========== ============= =============== ============ ============
*Raffaele Boccardo is President and CEO of BV Tech and is deemed to be beneficially interested in the shares in the company held by BV Tech on account of his 86% interest in BV Tech.
BV Tech have acquired a total of 15,413,526 ordinary shares, representing 54.74% of the Company's issued share capital, between 31 December 2016 and 23 April 2018. Save for this, there have been no changes to the Directors' shareholdings between 31 December 2016 and 31 August 2018.
None of the Directors had an interest in the shares of any subsidiary undertaking of the Company or in any significant contracts of the Group save as set out in note 25 to the financial statements.
Terms of office for Executive and Non-executive Directors
Alessandro Poerio's and Andrea Stecconi's service agreements were subject to termination by either party on six-months' notice. Philipp Prince's service agreement was subject to termination by either party on three-months' notice. Anthony Reeves and Leonard Seelig, whilst acting as Non-executive Directors provided their services under letters of appointment, which were terminable on three-months' notice by either party. On becoming Interim Executive Directors, Anthony Reeves' and Raffaele Boccardo's revised service contracts provide for an initial notice period of three months followed by a rolling one-month thereafter (and their Non-executive Director terms of appointment, should their roles revert as such, are terminable on three months' and one months' notice respectively). Giorgio Beretta and Nic Hellyer's contracts are terminable on three months' notice.
Directors' report
The Directors present their report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.
Principal activity
Defenx PLC is a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales, registered number 08993398, with its registered office at 201 Temple Chambers, 3-7 Temple Avenue, London, EC4Y 0DT. Defenx PLC is quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
Its principal activity is to provide security solutions with a range of products for mobile devices and PCs, protecting them against hackers and data loss. Management and control is exercised from the UK and Defenx's main countries of operation are Italy and Switzerland.
Review of business
The Strategic Report provides a review of the business, the Group's trading for the year ended 31 December 2017, key performance indicators and an indication of research and future developments, as well as the principal risks and uncertainties facing the business.
Results and dividend
As the Company has no distributable reserves, the Directors are not able to recommend the payment of a dividend. Further, the Board believes it is in the Company's interests to retain future earnings to fund working capital needs and achieve capital growth.
Directors
The Directors who served during the year ended 31 December 2017 and up to the date of signing the financial statements were as follows:
A Poerio (appointed 20 November 2017; resigned 24 May 2018) A Stecconi (resigned 24 April 2018) P Prince (resigned 11 July 2018) A Reeves R Boccardo (appointed 4 August 2017) L Seelig (resigned 11 July 2018) F Francione (appointed 22 May 2017; resigned 20 November 2017)
In accordance with the Articles of Association, each Director must retire from office at the third AGM after the AGM or general meeting, as the case may be, at which he was appointed or last re-appointed.
Raffaele Boccardo, Giorgio Beretta and Nic Hellyer, each having been appointed since the last general meeting, will retire at the forthcoming AGM and, being eligible, will offer himself for re-election.
Directors' interests
Details of the Directors' interests in the shares of the Company and details of options granted under the Group's share scheme are set out in the Remuneration Report. No Director has any beneficial interest in the share capital of the subsidiary undertaking.
Qualifying indemnity provision
The officers of the Company are indemnified in respect of proceedings which might be brought by a third party. No cover is provided in respect of fraudulent or dishonest transactions.
Financial risk management policies and objectives
The Group's risk management policies and objectives including exposure to price risk, credit risk, liquidity and cash flow risk are contained in note 20 to the financial statements.
Share capital
Full details of changes in the Company's share capital during the year and after the year end are set out in notes 21and 27 to the financial statements respectively. Details of employee share options and warrants are set out in note 22.
Substantial shareholdings
At 31 August 2018, the Company's significant shareholders were:
Number of shares Holding
BV Tech SpA 15,413,526 54.74%
================= ========
Andrea Stecconi 1,826,836 6.49%
================= ========
Political donations
During the year ended 31 December 2017 the Group made no political donations.
Events after the reporting date
Details of significant events since the balance sheet date are contained in note 27 to the financial statements.
Provision of information to the auditors
Each of the Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors' Report confirms that:
-- so far as he is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's and Group's auditor is unaware; and
-- he has taken all the steps he ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself aware of any information needed by the Company and the Group's auditors in connection with their report and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
Auditor
haysmacintyre has expressed its willingness to continue in office as auditor to the Company. A resolution to reappoint haysmacintyre will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM.
AGM
The AGM will be held on 31 October 2018. The notice of AGM and the ordinary and special resolutions to be put to the meeting will be notified to shareholders separately from these accounts.
Approval
The Directors' report was approved on behalf of the Board on 1 October 2018.
Anthony Reeves
Interim Executive Chairman
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and Company financial statements in accordance with applicable UK law and those IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.
Under Company law the Directors must not approve the Group and Company financial statements unless they are satisfied that they present fairly the financial position, financial performance, and cash flows of the Group and Company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Directors are required to:
-- Select suitable accounting policies;
-- Present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information;
-- Provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IRFSs is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Group's financial position and financial performance;
-- State that the Group and the Company have complied with IFRSs subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Company's website. Legislation in the UK may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Each of the Directors, whose names are listed in the Strategic Report above, confirms that, to the best of his knowledge:
-- The Group financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group.
-- The Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
-- The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable.
This responsibility statement was approved by the Board on 1 October 2018.
Anthony Reeves Raffaele Boccardo
Interim Executive Chairman Interim Deputy Executive Chairman
Independent auditors' report to the members of Defenx PLC
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Defenx Plc (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (together the 'Group') for the year ended 31 December 2017 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position, Consolidated and Company Statements of Cash Flows, Company and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.
In our opinion, the financial statements:
-- give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and Parent Company's affairs as at 31 December 2017 and of the Group's loss for the year then ended;
-- have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and -- have been prepare in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group 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.
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.
Material uncertainty related to going concern
We draw attention to note 1 in the financial statements, which indicates that the Group and Company has prepared forecasts of its performance for the next two years and that these forecasts show a shortfall in funding under certain sales scenario sensitivities. These events or conditions, along with the other matters as set forth in note 1, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, 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) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Revenue recognition
The Group records significant revenues from business to business sales to third party distributers on a non-contingency basis which with a commitment to ongoing maintenance. Our response to this presumed risk of material misstatement arising from improper revenue recognition was to consider the nature of classes of sales transactions and review methodologies for recognition and where appropriate, the deferral of income.
Recovery of trade receivables
The Group has continued to record slow recovery of trade receivable balances and has consequently made significant provision for those balances due at the reporting date.
Our audit work included but was not restricted to an assessment of the assumptions used in calculating bad debt provisions as well as referring to correspondence from third parties in respect to the likelihood of recoverability.
Going concern
The Group has recorded significantly reduced revenues, an operating loss and net cash outflow during the year which results in a risk to its ability to continue as a going concern by being unable to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due from twelve months of the approval of these financial statements.
Our audit work included but was not restricted to a review forecasts over the forthcoming twelve months and compare to the overall business plan, analyse detailed budgets and working capital forecasts and consider the Group's capacity to continue trading over the forthcoming twelve months and review and confirm upcoming funding plans to ensure sufficient capital is available. We have noted a material uncertainty related to going concern which is highlighted in this audit report.
Valuation of intangible assets
The Group has significant intangible assets arising both from internal development and acquisitions of third party entities (namely Defenx Srl, formerly Memopal Srl), including both goodwill and separately identifiable intangible assets. There is a risk that on consolidation the value of these assets is overstated.
Our audit work included but was not restricted to a review of impairment reviews prepared by management and giving scrutiny of associated calculations and forecasts used in determining expected future results. Our review was performed in conjunction with recent results and our understanding of the Group's business model.
Our application of materiality
The scope and focus of our audit was influenced by our assessment and application of materiality. We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement that could reasonably be expected to influence the readers and the economic decisions of the users of the financial statements. We use materiality to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole.
Materiality for the Group Financial Statements as a whole was set at EUR70,000, determined with reference to the turnover of the Group on a consolidated basis and the loss for the year. We report to the Audit Committee any corrected or uncorrected misstatements arising exceeding EUR3,500.
Performance materiality was set at EUR53,000, being 75% of materiality.
An overview of the scope of our audit
Our audit scope included all components and was performed to component materiality. Our audit work therefore covered 100% of group revenue, group profit and total group assets and liabilities. It was performed to the materiality levels set out above.
The audit of Defenx Srl, one of the Group's subsidiaries, was performed by a component auditor in accordance with our group audit instructions.
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
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 the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-- adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
-- the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-- certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or -- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's and the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Ian Cliffe (Senior Statutory Auditor) 10 Queen Street Place
For and on behalf of haysmacintyre, Statutory Auditors London
1 October 2018 EC4R 1AG
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
Note EUR000 EUR000
================================================== ============ ============
Revenue 5 2,928 7,088
Cost of sales 6 (2,553) (1,241)
============================================== === ============ ============
Gross profit 375 5,847
Other operating income 6 772 -
Sales & marketing expenses 6 (1,975) (2,588)
Research, development & operations expenses 6 (712) (470)
Administrative expenses 6 (906) (875)
Impairment of trade receivables 6 (3,020) (74)
Impairment of intangible fixed assets 6 (6,286) -
Operating expenses before transaction
costs (12,899) (4,007)
============================================== === ============ ============
Operating (loss)/profit before transaction
costs (11,752) 1,840
Transaction costs 6 (101) (188)
============================================== === ============ ============
Operating (loss)/profit (11,853) 1,652
Finance income 8 1 -
Finance expense 8 (184) (62)
============================================== === ============ ============
(Loss)/profit before tax (12,036) 1,590
Income tax credit/(expense) 9 235 (369)
============================================== === ============ ============
(Loss)/profit and total comprehensive
(loss)/profit for the year (11,801) 1,221
============================================== === ============ ============
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent (11,641) 1,233
Non-controlling interests (160) (12)
============================================== === ============ ============
(Loss)/profit and total comprehensive
(loss)/profit for the year (11,801) 1,221
============================================== === ============ ============
(Loss)/earnings per share - (loss)/profit
for the year attributable
to equity holders of the parent
Basic 10 (EUR1.030) EUR0.185
Diluted 10 (EUR0.976) EUR0.169
============================================== === ============ ============
The (loss)/profit for the year arises from the Group's continuing operations.
There were no other items of comprehensive income.
Consolidated statement of financial position
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
Note EUR000 EUR000
======================================= ======= ============ ============
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 11 135 132
Intangible assets 12 4,904 7,980
Research and development tax credit
income 17 1,596 -
======================================= ======= ============ ============
6,635 8,112
======================================= ======= ============ ============
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 14 1,243 5,504
Research and development tax credit
income 17 179 -
Cash and short-term deposits 15 951 1,177
======================================= ======= ============ ============
2,373 6,681
======================================= ======= ============ ============
Total assets 9,008 14,793
======================================= ======= ============ ============
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 16 (851) (1,393)
Deferred revenue 18 (621) (462)
Loans and borrowing 19 (663) (1,437)
Income taxes payable (385) (773)
======================================= ======= ============ ============
(2,520) (4,065)
======================================= ======= ============ ============
Non-current liabilities
Deferred revenue 18 (887) (129)
Loans and borrowing 19 (1,533) (515)
Deferred consideration - (381)
Deferred tax liabilities 9 (42) (53)
======================================= ======= ============ ============
(2,462) (1,078)
======================================= ======= ============ ============ Total liabilities (4,982) (5,143) ======================================= ======= ============ ============ Net assets 4,026 9,650 ======================================= ======= ============ ============ Capital and reserves Called up share capital 21 287 197 Share premium 21 11,370 5,542 Merger reserve 23 1,641 1,641 Shares to be issued reserve 23 37 - Convertible bond option reserve 19, 23 164 - Share based payment reserve 22, 23 210 156 (Deficit in) retained earnings (9,548) 2,093 ======================================= ======= ============ ============ Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 4,161 9,629 Non-controlling interests (135) 21 ======================================= ======= ============ ============ Total equity 4,026 9,650 ======================================= ======= ============ ============
Anthony Reeves Raffaele Boccardo
Executive Chairman Deputy Executive Chairman
Company statement of financial position
Company registration number: 08993398
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
Note EUR000 EUR000
======================================== ======= ============ ============
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 12 - 1,830
Investments in subsidiary undertakings 13 1,779 1,844
======================================== ======= ============ ============
1,779 3,674
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 14 79 71
Loans to subsidiary undertakings 3,135 2,735
Cash and short-term deposits 15, 24 860 1,043
======================================== ======= ============ ============
4,074 3,849
======================================== ======= ============ ============
Total assets 5,853 7,523
======================================== ======= ============ ============
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 16 (296) (673)
Deferred revenue 18 (221) -
Loans and borrowing 19 (154) (717)
======================================== ======= ============ ============
(671) (1,390)
======================================== ======= ============ ============
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowing 19 (1,062) (153)
Deferred consideration - (381)
Deferred tax liabilities 9 (42) -
======================================== ======= ============ ============
(1,104) (534)
======================================== ======= ============ ============
Total liabilities (1,775) (1,924)
======================================== ======= ============ ============
Net assets 4,078 5,599
======================================== ======= ============ ============
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 21 287 197
Share premium 21 11,370 5,542
Merger reserve 23 946 946
Shares to be issued reserve 23 37 -
Convertible bond option reserve 19, 23 164 -
Share based payment reserve 22, 23 210 156
Deficit in retained earnings (8,936) (1,242)
======================================== ======= ============ ============
Equity attributable to equity holders 4,078 5,599
======================================== ======= ============ ============
The Company's loss for the year ended 31 December 2017 was EUR7,694,000 (2016: EUR97,000).
Anthony Reeves Raffaele Boccardo
Executive Chairman Deputy Executive Chairman
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
Note EUR000 EUR000
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss)/profit for the year (11,801) 1,221
Income tax (credit)/expense (235) 369
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
(Loss)/Profit before tax (12,036) 1,590
Adjustments to reconcile (loss)/profit
before tax to net cash flows:
Net interest expense 8 184 62
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment 11 48 22
Amortisation of intangible assets 12 1,292 1,009
Impairment of intangible assets 12 6,286 -
Impairment of trade receivables 14 3,021 -
Share based payments expense 22 52 96
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Operating cash flows before movements
in working capital (1,153) 2,779
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other
receivables 1,011 (1,440)
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other
payables (1,738) 847
(Decrease)/increase in provisions (86) 191
============= =============
(813) (402)
============= =============
Interest received - -
Interest paid (146) (55)
Tax paid (215) (1)
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Net cash flow from operating activities (2,327) 2,321
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 11 (51) (19)
Development costs - internally and contractor
developed 12 (1,828) (3,989)
Acquisition of intangible software assets 12 - (900)
Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of
cash acquired - 354
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Net cash used in investing activities (1,879) (4,554)
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Financing activities
Net proceeds from issue of share capital 21 3,440 1,529
19,
Proceeds from borrowings 0 1,750 648
19,
Repayment of borrowings 0 (1,070) (261)
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Net cash from financing activities 4,120 1,916
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (86) (317)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 1,015 1,332
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Cash and net cash equivalents at 31
December 15 929 1,015 =============================================== ===== ============= =============
Company statement of cash flows
Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
Note EUR000 EUR000
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the year (7,695) (97)
Income tax credit (5) -
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Loss before tax (7,700) (97)
Adjustments to reconcile loss before
tax to net cash flows:
Net interest income (92) (233)
Amortisation of intangible assets 12 101 -
Impairment of investments 13 65 -
Impairment of loans to subsidiary 6,404 -
Share based payments expense 22 54 96
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Operating cash flows before movements
in working capital (1,168) (234)
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other
receivables 262 218
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other
payables (867) 352
Increase/(decrease) in provisions 17 (1)
============= =============
(588) 569
============= =============
Interest received - -
Interest paid (108) (34)
Tax paid - -
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Net cash flow from operating activities (1,864) 301
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Investing activities
Development costs - internally and contractor
developed 12 (1,869) (1,830)
Investment in subsidiary - (438)
Loans to subsidiary (533) (605)
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Net cash used in investing activities (2,402) (2,873)
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Financing activities
Net proceeds from issue of share capital 21 3,440 1,529
19,
Proceeds from borrowings 0 1,358 868
19,
Repayment of borrowings 0 (716) -
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Net cash from financing activities 4,082 2,397
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (184) (175)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 1,043 1,218
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Cash and net cash equivalents at 31
December 15 859 1,043
=============================================== ===== ============= =============
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Shares Convertible Share
Share to be bond based Non
Share premium Merger issued option payment Retained controlling Total
capital account reserve reserve reserve reserve earnings Total interests equity
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
============= ======== ======== ======== ======== ============ ======== ========= ========= ============ =========
As at 1
January
2016 146 4,051 695 - - 60 860 5,812 - 5,812
Profit for
the
year - - - - - - 1,233 1,233 (12) 1,221
Acquisition
of
Memopal SRL 13 - 946 - - - - 959 33 992
Shares
issued 38 1,491 - - - - - 1,529 - 1,529
Share based
payments - - - - - 96 - 96 - 96
============= ======== ======== ======== ======== ============ ======== ========= ========= ============ =========
As at 31
December
2016 197 5,542 1,641 - - 156 2,093 9,629 21 9,650
Loss for the
year - - - - - - (11,641) (11,641) (160) (11,801)
Shares
issued 90 5,828 - - - - 5,918 4 5,922
Shares to be
issued - - - 37 - - - 37 - 37
Convertible
bond
issue - - - - 164 - - 164 - 164
Share based
payments - - - - - 54 - 54 - 54
============= ======== ======== ======== ======== ============ ======== ========= ========= ============ =========
As at 31
December
2017 287 11,370 1,641 37 164 210 (9,548) 4,161 (135) 4,026
============= ======== ======== ======== ======== ============ ======== ========= ========= ============ =========
Company statement of changes in equity
Shares Convertible Share
Share to be bond based
Share premium Merger issued option payment Retained
capital account reserve reserve reserve reserve earnings Total
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
============================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ============ ======== ========= ========
As at 1 January 2016 145 4,051 - - - 60 (1,146) 3,110
Loss for the year - - - - - - (96) (96)
Acquisition of Memopal SRL 14 - 946 - - - - 960
Shares issued 38 1,491 - - - - - 1,529
Share based payments - - - - - 96 - 96
============================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ============ ======== ========= ========
As at 31 December 2016 197 5,542 946 - - 156 (1,242) 5,599
Loss for the year - - - - - - (7,694) (7,694)
Shares issued 90 5,828 - - - - - 5,918
Shares to be issued - - - 37 - - - 37
Convertible bond issue - - - - 164 - - 164
Share based payments - - - - 54 - 54
============================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ============ ======== ========= ========
As at 31 December 2017 287 11,370 946 37 164 210 (8,936) 4,078
============================ ======== ======== ======== ======== ============ ======== ========= ========
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Defenx PLC is a public limited company incorporated in the UK on 11 April 2014. The Company's ordinary shares are traded on AIM. The consolidated financial statements comprise Defenx PLC and its subsidiaries, Defenx SA, a company incorporated in Switzerland, and Defenx Italia SRL (formerly Memopal SRL), a company incorporated in Italy (together referred to as the "Group"), for the year ended 31 December 2017.
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption available under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented the parent's own income statement. The parent's loss for the period ended 31 December 2017 amounted to EUR7,694,498 (2016: EUR96,655).
1. Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and Interpretations (collectively IFRSs) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by the European Union (adopted IFRSs).
The preparation of the financial statements in compliance with adopted IFRSs requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the accounting policies. The areas where significant judgements and estimates have been made in preparing the financial statements and their effect are disclosed in note 3.
Basis of measurement
These financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following items (refer to individual accounting policies for details):
-- Financial instruments - fair value through profit or loss -- Financial instruments - available for sale -- Contingent consideration -- Net defined benefit liability -- Cash-settled share-based payment liabilities.
Basis of consolidation: business combinations and merger accounting
The financial statements have been prepared on a consolidated basis in line with the principles laid out in IFRS 3: Business Combinations. The Group's accounting policy on business combinations is set out in note 2a) below.
The standard states that in instances where group reconstructions have taken place, such as in the case of a share for share exchange, guidance should be taken from the appropriate national GAAP in preparing the financial statements. The Directors have therefore considered the implications of UK FRS 6: Acquisitions and Mergers and considered it appropriate to adopt merger accounting in respect of the acquisition of Defenx SA by the parent company in 2014. This resulted in a merger reserve in the consolidated statement of financial position, being the difference between the nominal value of new shares issued by the parent company for the acquisition of the shares and the subsidiary's own issued share capital.
The merger reserve is also used where more than 90% of the shares in a subsidiary are acquired and the consideration includes the issue of new shares by the parent company, thereby attracting merger relief under the Companies Act 2006.
Going concern
The strategic report outlines the activities of the Group along with factors which may affect its future development and performance. The Group's financial position is discussed in the Financial Review along with details of its cash flow and liquidity.
As at 31 December 2017 the Group had net assets of EUR4.03 million (31 December 2016: EUR9.65 million) as set out in the consolidated statement of financial position. The Directors have prepared detailed forecasts of the Group's performance for the two years commencing 1 January 2019. The forecasts contain certain assumptions about the level of future sales, margins and the level of cash recovery from trading, taking a more conservative view than the forecasts considered in determining the impairment of intangible fixed assets.
During 2017, BV Tech subscribed for an aggregate EUR1.43 million in ordinary shares in the Company. In April 2018, by way of a subscription and underwritten open offer, BV Tech invested a further EUR1.08 million in the Company. On 1 October 2018 a loan agreement was entered into with BV Tech, whereby BV Tech will provide an unsecured loan of EUR0.95 million with repayment due by 1 January 2020. It is anticipated that the loan will shortly be amended such that it becomes a convertible loan of the same quantum and on the same material terms.
After considering the forecasts and the risks, the Directors recognise the uncertainty over future performance, consider it attainable and are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and, accordingly, continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group and Company financial statements.
2. Principal accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies are consistent with those applied in the prior financial year and are applied by all Group entities unless otherwise stated.
a) Business combinations and goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, which is measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred and included in administrative expenses.
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability that is a financial instrument and within the scope of IAS39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, is measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognised in the statement of income.
Goodwill is initially measured at cost (being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interests and any previous interest held over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed). If the fair value of the net assets acquired is in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, the Group re-assesses whether it has correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed and reviews the procedures used to measure the amounts to be recognised at the acquisition date. If the reassessment still results in an excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over the aggregate consideration transferred, then the gain is recognised in profit or loss.
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 (CGU) that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units.
Where goodwill has been allocated to a CGU and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the disposed operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed in these circumstances is measured based on the relative values of the disposed operation and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.
b) Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured in accordance with IAS18 Revenue. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods or services provided in the normal course of business, net of all related discounts and sales taxes.
The Group's revenues to date comprise sales of software licences, the majority of which are for 12 months with a limited number for two, three and five years. These term-based agreements include free upgrades and enhancements on a when-and-if-available basis. The Group recognises the software licence portion of revenue at the time of delivery while the portion attributable to upgrades and enhancements is deferred and recognised in the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the period of the relevant agreement.
To the extent that the related trade receivable has not been settled in cash, deferred revenue is not recognised in the statement of comprehensive income but transferred and offset against the trade receivables balance in the statement of financial position.
Customers have no right of return; once sold, licences are neither refundable nor returnable. However, where it is in the commercial interests of the Group, management may negotiate the return or exchange of unsold licences. A credit note provision is maintained to reflect the expected impact on revenue in line with IAS 18.
The anticipated impact of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers is set out in note 4 below.
c) Foreign currency
The Group's and the Company's functional and presentation currency is the Euro.
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the respective functional currency rates ruling when the transactions occurred. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rates ruling on the reporting date. Differences arising on settlement or translation are recognised in profit or loss. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the dates of the initial transactions.
d) Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are stated at fair value, being the lower of their original invoiced value and recoverable amount. A provision for impairment is made where there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to recover balances in full. Indications of impairment include customers in financial difficulty or seriously in default against agreed payment terms. There is no material variance between carrying and fair values.
e) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost. After initial recognition, these assets are carried at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost comprises the aggregate amount paid, and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, and is applied separately to each identifiable component, as follows:
-- Data centre servers and storage 3 to 7 years -- Office equipment 5 to 10 years
An item of property, plant and equipment and any significant part initially recognised is de-recognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising on de-recognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in the statement of profit or loss when the asset is de-recognised.
The residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation of property, plant and equipment are reviewed at each financial year end and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.
f) Intangible assets
Identifiable intangible assets are recognised when the Group controls the asset, it is probable that future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to the Group and the cost of the asset can be reliably measured. Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is their fair value at the date of acquisition.
Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Internally generated intangibles, excluding capitalised development costs, are not capitalised and the related expenditure is reflected in profit or loss in the period in which the expenditure is incurred.
Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development expenditures on an individual project are recognised as an intangible asset when the Group can demonstrate:
-- The technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that the asset will be available for use or sale
-- Its intention to complete and its ability and intention to use or sell the asset -- How the asset will generate future economic benefits -- The availability of resources to complete the asset -- The ability to measure reliably the expenditure during development
Following initial recognition of the development expenditure as an asset, the asset is 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 benefit. Amortisation is recorded in cost of sales. During the period of development, the asset is tested for impairment annually.
Amortisation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, and is applied separately to each identifiable component, as follows:
-- Development costs 3 to 5 years -- Customer relationships 3 years g) Impairment of assets
At each balance sheet date, the Directors review the carrying amounts of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, which is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use, is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent of other assets, the Directors estimate the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Recoverable amounts are based on a calculation of expected future cash flows discounted to their present value using pre-tax discount rates that reflect market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset for which the expected future cash flows have not been adjusted.
Any impairment charge is recognised in the statement of income in the period in which it occurs for assets carried at cost if the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses due to a change in the original estimate, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the lower of the initial costs and the revised estimate of its recoverable amount.
h) Research and development tax credits
Defenx SRL received R&D tax credits in Italy in the year. On the basis that these are not calculated as a function of profits and the benefit can also be offset against tax liabilities other than taxes on profits, the most appropriate basis for accounting is under IAS20 relating to government grants.
Accordingly, the recoverable amount is disclosed as a current or non-current asset as appropriate.
The tax credit also forms a subsidy against the cost of the underlying intangible asset. This element is shown separately within Deferred Revenue (rather than netted off against the carrying value of the asset) and is released to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income to offset the part of the amortisation charge relating to the subsidised element of the asset cost.
i) Pension costs
The Group makes defined contributions to its employees' pension plans according to the laws of the country of employment. The pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contributions payable by the Group and Company during the year.
j) Share-based payments
In accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based payments reflects the economic cost of awarding shares and share options to employees and Directors by recording an expense in the statement of income equal to the fair value of the benefit awarded. The expense is recognised in the statement of income over the vesting period of the award with a corresponding increase in equity via the share-based payment reserve.
Fair value is measured by the use of a Black-Scholes model, which takes into account conditions attached to the vesting and exercise of the options. The expected life used in the model is adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.
Where awards are granted to employees of the subsidiary, the fair value of the award at grant is recorded in the parent company's financial statements as an increase in the value of the investment with a corresponding increase in equity via the share-based payment reserve.
The dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as additional share dilution in the computation of diluted earnings per share.
k) Leased assets and obligations
Leases are classified as finance leases when the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the Group. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
l) Operating leases
Assets leased under operating leases are not recorded on the statement of financial position. Rental payments are charged directly to the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
m) Current and deferred taxation
Current tax is the expected tax payable on taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustments to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profits ('temporary differences') and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences.
Deferred tax assets are generally recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Where there are deductible temporary differences arising in subsidiaries, deferred tax assets are recognised only where it is probable that they will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited to the statement of income.
n) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the statement of financial position.
o) Trade and other payables
Trade payables are recognised at fair value. There is no material variance between book and fair values.
p) Borrowings
Bank loans and overdrafts are recorded initially at their fair value, net of direct transaction costs and finance charges and are recognised in the statement of income over the term of the instrument. There is no material variance between book and fair values.
q) Convertible debt
The proceeds received on issue of the Group's convertible debt are allocated into their liability and equity components. The amount initially attributed to the debt component equals the discounted cash flows using a market rate of interest that would be payable on a similar debt instrument that does not include an option to convert. Subsequently, the debt component is accounted for as a financial liability measured at amortised cost until extinguished on conversion or maturity of the bond. The balance of the proceeds is allocated to the equity conversion option and is recognised in the 'Convertible debt option reserve' within shareholders' equity, net of income tax effects. Issue costs incurred are allocated between liability and equity in proportion to the value of each component.
3. Judgements and estimates
The Board makes judgements and assumptions concerning the future that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The resulting accounting estimates calculated using these judgements and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results but are based on historical experience and expectations of future events. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty that may have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are discussed below:
Revenue recognition (note 2b)
Judgement is required in the assessment of licence activation timing and the resultant period over which deferred revenue is released to the statement of income. Licences can be activated immediately upon sale (e.g. for online sales), sometime after sale (e.g. through our B2B2C customers) or not at all (e.g. typically where our licences are sold as a bundle). Management has estimated the average period from which deferred revenues start to be released. The share of revenue attributable to upgrades and enhancements that is deferred represents a small proportion of total revenue. Therefore, although the period over which deferred revenue is released is uncertain, the impact on the financial statements is not materially dependent on this judgement.
Recovery of trade receivables
In July 2018 compromise agreements were reached with four major customers, including a write down of the amount payable to Defenx by those customers. An impairment provision has been made to reduce the carrying value of these trade debtors to reflect the amount collectable under the agreements.
Impairment of assets (note 12)
Judgement is required in the impairment assessment of assets, notably intangible software development costs. Recoverable amounts are based on a calculation of expected future cash flows, which require assumptions and estimates of future performance to be made. Cash flows are discounted to their present value using pre-tax discount rates based on the Directors market assessment of risks specific to the asset.
4. Changes in accounting policies and disclosures
New standards adopted during the year
There were no new standards or interpretations effective for the first time for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017 that had a significant effect on the Group's financial statements, although an amendment to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows has resulted in a reconciliation of liabilities disclosed for the first time in note 19.
New standards, interpretations and amendments not yet effective
There are a number of standards and interpretations which have been issued by the International Accounting Standards Board that are effective in future accounting periods that the Group has decided not to adopt early. The most significant of these are:
-- IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (both mandatorily effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018); and
-- IFRS 16 Leases (mandatorily effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019).
The Group has made progress in implementing these three key new accounting standards since reporting its interim annual results for the 6 months ended 30 June 2017 and is able to provide the following information regarding their likely impact:
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 9 replaces IAS 39 for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018. It will impact the classification and measurement of financial instruments and requires certain additional disclosures. Whilst an assessment of the new standard is ongoing, the changes to recognition and measurement of financial instruments and changes to hedge accounting rules are not currently considered likely to have any major impact on the Group's current accounting treatment or hedging activities due to the simple nature of our financial instruments. The standard also requires entities to use an expected credit loss model for impairment of financial assets instead of an incurred credit loss model.
The Directors anticipate that IFRS 9 will not have a material impact on the financial statements due to the significant impairment against trade receivables in 2017. Future provisioning policy will reflect improved customer credit assessment and acceptance procedures as the Group shifts towards a corporate customer base.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
IFRS 15 replaces IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and related interpretations. The standard introduces a single, five-step revenue recognition model that is based upon the principle that revenue is recognised at the point that control of goods or services is transferred to the customer. The standard also updates revenue disclosure requirements.
Defenx currently sells products as conventional term licences or on a renewing subscription basis. The software licence portion of term licence sales is recognised at the time of delivery to third party distributors who assume the risks and rewards associated with the onward sale of these licenses to end users, with the portion attributable to upgrades and enhancements deferred and recognised on a straight-line basis over the activated licence term. Subscription sales and related direct costs are wholly recognised over the subscription term once all recognition criteria are met.
The Directors have specifically considered the adoption of IFRS 15 on the revenue recognition of the Group's term licence contracts. Having assessed the commercial arrangements with customers in the context of IFRS 15, the board concluded that the existing accounting policy and methodology continues to be equally appropriate under the new accounting standard. Accordingly, no change in accounting treatment arises or has been applied as a consequence of IFRS 15 and no adjustment made to either sales or deferred revenue.
IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16 will replace IAS 17 for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019 and will require all leases to be recognised on the balance sheet. The new standard brings most leases on-balance sheet for lessees under a single model, eliminating the distinction between operating and finance leases. Instead of recognising an operating expense for its operating lease payments, the Group will instead recognise interest on its lease liabilities and amortisation on its right-of-use assets.
During the year, the Group had only one operating lease within the scope of IFRS 16 with two vehicle leases entered into subsequent to the year end. For the year ended 31 December 2017, reported EBITDA would have increased by the amount of its current operating lease cost, which was approximately EUR135,000. Therefore, the Directors anticipate that IFRS 16 will not have a material impact on the financial statements.
Other
The Directors do not currently expect any of the following other standards issued by the IASB, but not yet effective, to have a material impact on the Group:
-- IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Translations and Advance Consideration (effective 1 January 2018)
-- Amendments to IFRS 2 classification and Measurement of Share-based payment Transactions (effective 1 January 2018)
-- Amendments to IFRS 4: Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (effective 1 January 2018)
-- Amendments to IAS 40: Transfers of Investment Property (effective 1 January 2018)
-- Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2014-2016 cycle dealing with matters in IFRS 1 First-time Adoption and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (effective1 January 2018)
-- IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Positions (effective 1 January 2019) -- Amendments to IFRS 9 Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation (effective 1 January 2019)
-- Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures (effective 1 January 2019)
-- IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts (effective 1 January 2021) 5. Segmental analysis
The Group operates as a single division selling three main categories of product:
-- Security - anti-malware software protection for mobile, PC and network devices
-- Protection - client, server and web-based applications to monitor, manage and secure the online activities of individuals, families and corporate employees
-- Backup - Cloud-based backup and synchronisation solutions to protect data and securely share it
Accordingly, the Group has a single reportable segment. This is consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker, identified Executive Board Directors.
Revenue by product category for the Group is as follows:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
============================= ============ ============
Revenue by product category
Security 2,293 6,835
Backup 614 198
Other 21 55
============================= ============ ============
2,928 7,088
============================= ============ ============
Revenue for the full year was impacted by the return of EUR1.03 million in invoiced sales from the first half of 2017, as a consequence of delays in the delivery of product updates to address performance issues in the Group's security products.
Non-current assets (capitalised development costs) by product segment for the Group are as follows:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
======================================== ============ ============
Non-current assets by product category
Security 4,002 4,103
Protection 44 1,130
Backup 993 2,655
Other - 224
======================================== ============ ============
5,039 8,112
======================================== ============ ============
Impairment losses by segment are disclosed in note 12. The Group does not analyse costs or assets other than intangible assets by product platform.
Geographical segments
The Group is managed centrally and accordingly the Group does not analyse costs or assets by geographical region. Revenue by customer location is as follows:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
================================================== ============ ============
Revenue by geographic market (customer location)
Europe (EU including the UK) 2,203 4,698
Europe (Non-EU) 725 2,342
Other - 48
================================================== ============ ============
2,928 7,088
================================================== ============ ============
6. Operating profit
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
The operating profit is stated after charging: EUR000 EUR000
======================================================== ============ ============
Cost of sales
External Development costs 791 -
Amortisation of intangible assets (note 12) 1,292 1,009
======================================================== ============ ============
Other operating income
Research & development tax credit income (772) -
Operating expenses before transaction costs
Marketing contributions 1,550 2,224
Impairment of trade receivables (note 14) 3,020 (74)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
(note 11) 48 22
Impairment of intangible assets (note 12) 6,286 -
Staff costs (note 7) 1,278 943
Lease payments - land and buildings 116 62
Lease payments - plant and machinery 139 56
AIM listing and related costs 234 168
Net foreign exchange (gains) (61) (21)
Share based payment expense (note 22) 54 96
Transaction costs
Costs in respect of the strategic partnership 101 -
with BV Tech
Costs in respect of the acquisition of Defenx
Italia SRL - 188
======================================================== ============ ============
Auditors' remuneration (included within administrative
expenses)
Audit services
Parent company and group audit 26 17
Audit of the parent company's subsidiary 23 27
Non-audit services
Tax compliance and other fees 9 13
======================================================== ============ ============
Total auditors' remuneration 58 57
======================================================== ============ ============
In 2017, share issuance costs of EUR234,000 in respect of the subscriptions by BV Tech and placing in April and August 2017 were charged to the share premium account. In 2016, EUR169,000 in respect of the October 2016 placing and subscription were charged to the share premium account.
7. Staff Costs
Staff costs (including Directors' emoluments) incurred in the year were as follows:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
============================== ============ ============
Wages and salaries 1,057 802
Social security costs 142 96
Pension costs 25 9
Share based payments expense 54 36
============================== ============ ============
1,278 943
============================== ============ ============
The average monthly number of permanent employees during the period was as follows:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
Number Number
==================================== ============ ============
Executive Directors* 2 3
Sales & marketing* 4 3
Research, development & operations 7 8
Administration* 2 1
==================================== ============ ============
15 15
==================================== ============ ============
* of which employed by the Company 4 4
EUR000 EUR000
================================================ ======= =======
Directors' emoluments
Emoluments (including non-executive Directors'
fees) 402 456
================================================ ======= =======
EUR EUR
================================================ ======= =======
Highest paid Director
Emoluments 132 161
================================================ ======= =======
8. Finance income and expenses
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
============================================= ============ ============
Finance income
Interest income 1 -
============================================= ============ ============
Finance expense
Bank overdrafts, loans, invoice discounting
and other 18 12
Supply chain finance 49 24
Vendor loans 39 26
Convertible bond 78 -
============================================= ============ ============
184 62
============================================= ============ ============
9. Taxation
No liability to UK, Swiss or Italian income tax arose on ordinary activities for the year ended 31 December 2017. The tax (credit)/charge for 2017 and 2016 was as follows:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
=================================================== ============ ============
Current tax
Current tax on (loss)/profit for the year - 506
Adjustment for over provision in prior periods (224) (170)
=================================================== ============ ============
(224) 336
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (11) 33
=================================================== ============ ============
Total income tax expense (235) 369
=================================================== ============ ============
The reasons for the difference between the actual income tax charge for the year and the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK applied to the profit for the year are as follows:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
(Loss)/profit for the year (11,801) 1,221
Tax (credit)/expense (235) 369
===================================================== ============ ============
(Loss)/profit before tax (12,036) 1,590
===================================================== ============ ============
Tax using Defenx PLC's domestic tax rate
of 19.25% (2016: 20%) (2,317) 318
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 217 90
Research & development tax credits (185) -
Adjustment for over provision in prior periods (200) (170)
Temporary timing differences 1,509 (46)
Effect of higher tax rates in Italy and Switzerland (85) -
Other overseas taxation - 10
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax
losses - 90
Losses carried forward for future offset 837 44
===================================================== ============ ============
At the effective income tax rate (224) 336
===================================================== ============ ============
The aggregate tax rate in Switzerland was 20.0% during the year (2016: 20.4%). The corporation tax rate in the UK was reduced from 20% to 19% effective 1 April 2017 and 18% effective 1 April 2020.
The accumulated tax losses available to the Group at 31 December 2017 were EUR4.2 million (2016: EUR720,000). These losses relate to activities, and are available indefinitely for offsetting against future taxable profits, of Defenx PLC in the UK, Defenx SA in Switzerland and Defenx Italia SRL in Italy. Losses have, where permitted, been carried back for offset against prior year tax payable. Loss carry back is not permitted in Switzerland.
Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method using tax rates of 19% (2016: 20%), 24.0% (2016: 27.5%) and 20.0% (2016: 20.4%) being the respective effective rates of tax applicable in UK, Italy and Switzerland where the deferred tax arises. There were no deferred tax liabilities arising from these calculations at the year end.
No deferred tax asset is recognised in respect of either temporary timing differences or accumulated tax losses as it is not sufficiently certain that the Group will be able to utilise them in the near future. Accordingly, the deferred tax credit for the financial year relates to the release of the brought forward deferred tax liability as follows:
Consolidated statement Consolidated statement
of of
financial position income
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
=============================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Accelerated amortisation
for accounts purposes - (80) (80) (5)
Deferred revenue - - - 64
Disallowed bad debt
provision - (59) (59) 59
Other timing differences (42) 7 49 (7)
Arising on acquisition of
Defenx Italia Srl - 79 79 (79)
Deferred tax (income)/expense (11) 32
Net deferred tax (liability) (42) (53)
=============================== ============ ============ ============ ============
If the Group were able to recognise all unrecognised deferred tax assets, the deficit in retained earnings would decrease by EUR0.76 million (2016: EUR153,070).
10. Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic EPS amounts are calculated by dividing the (loss)/profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent company, Defenx PLC, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted EPS amounts are calculated by dividing the (loss)/profit attributable to ordinary equity holders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the number of shares that the convertible bond would convert into plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the exercise of dilutive options (note 22).
The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
============================================== ============ ============
(Loss)/profit attributable to equity holders
of the parent for basic EPS (11,641) 1,233
Effect of:
- interest on convertible bond 77 -
- tax effect of above items (15) -
============================================== ============ ============
(11,579) 1,233
============================================== ============ ============
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
for basic EPS 11,237 6,674
Effect of:
- dilution from convertible bond 625 -
- dilution from deferred shares - 300
- dilution from share options and warrants - 62
- contingent shares on acquisition of Defenx
Italia SRL - 238
============================================== ============ ============
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
for diluted EPS 11,862 7,274
============================================== ============ ============
The impact of the convertible bond has not been included in the calculation of diluted EPS because it is anti-dilutive. The convertible bond converts into 625,000 ordinary shares at a rate of one share per GBP2 of loan as further set out in note 19.
Relevant transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares since 31 December 2017 are set out in note 27.
11. Property, plant and equipment
Cloud equipment Office equipment Total
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
======================================== ================ ================= =======
Cost
At 1 January 2016 - - -
Acquired through business combinations 178 271 449
Additions 15 4 19
========================================= ================ ================= =======
At 31 December 2016 193 275 468
Additions 41 10 51
At 31 December 2017 234 285 519
========================================= ================ ================= =======
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2016 - - -
Acquired through business combinations 105 209 314
Depreciation charge 10 12 22
========================================= ================ ================= ======= At 31 December 2016 115 221 336 Depreciation charge 23 25 48 At 31 December 2017 138 246 384 ========================================= ================ ================= ======= Net book value At 31 December 2016 78 54 132 ========================================= ================ ================= ======= At 31 December 2017 96 39 135 ========================================= ================ ================= =======
There was no property, plant and equipment held under finance leases. There was no property, plant and equipment in the statement of financial position of the Company.
12. Intangible assets
Group
Goodwill Development Customer relationships Total
costs
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
================================== ========= ============ ======================= =======
Cost
At 1 January 2016 - 3,244 - 3,244
Additions - internally and
contractor developed - 3,989 - 3,989
Additions - purchased for
cash - 900 - 900
Arising on business combinations 1,139 - 354 1,493
================================== ========= ============ ======================= =======
At 31 December 2016 1,139 8,133 354 9,626
Additions - internally and
contractor developed - 1,828 - 1,828
Additions - purchased for
shares - 2,674 - 2,674
At 31 December 2017 1,139 12,635 354 14,128
================================== ========= ============ ======================= =======
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January 2016 - 637 - 637
Amortisation charge - 960 49 1,009
========================== ====== ====== ==== ======
At 31 December 2016 - 1,597 49 1,646
Amortisation charge - 1,174 118 1,292
Impairment charge 1,139 4,960 187 6,286
At 31 December 2017 1,139 7,731 354 9,224
========================== ====== ====== ==== ======
Net book value
At 31 December 2016 1,139 6,536 305 7,980
========================== ====== ====== ==== ======
At 31 December 2017 - 4,904 - 4,904
========================== ====== ====== ==== ======
Development costs represent qualifying expenditure on the development of software products for resale less accumulated amortisation and impairment costs.
On 11 April 2017, the Company acquired a bespoke version of BV Tech's encrypted voice and messaging software with full control and rights over the source code and standard support undertakings for a consideration of EUR2.67 million (GBP2.26 million). The consideration was settled through the issue of new ordinary shares to BV Tech upon delivery on 3 May 2017 (see note 21 below).
Development costs of EUR6.9 million (2016: EUR1.13 million) for products under development at the year end have not yet been launched or amortised. The Group has no contractual commitments for development costs (2016: EURnil).
Impairment
The Group is required to test, on an annual basis, whether goodwill and intangibles have suffered any impairment or when there are indications that the value of the assets might be impaired. The recoverable amount is determined based on value in use calculations. The use of this method requires the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of a discount rate in order to calculate the present value of the cash flows.
If the recoverable amount is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately in the statement of income. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of the cash-generating unit to which it relates is greater than the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and the value in use. Goodwill is allocated to the Group's Backup segment cash-generating unit.
The Group has assessed the net present value of individual products held as development costs against forecasts of future sales of the related products, unit sales prices and costs over a five-year period. No sales beyond five years have been included in the calculations.
In October 2017, the Group announced that the delivery of product updates to address certain recently-identified performance issues and back-end integration was taking longer than expected and that previously anticipated sales orders were unlikely to be recognised in 2017, with a corresponding adverse impact on the Group's financial performance for the year to 31 December 2017. This had an adverse impact on the value in use of certain products resulting in the following impairments:
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
=================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Development costs
Security 3,292 - - -
Protection 1,668 - - -
Backup 1,326 - - -
=================== ============ ============ ============ ============
6,286 - - -
=================== ============ ============ ============ ============
The key assumptions in the value in use calculations are:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
================================ ============ ============
Gross margin 60-85% 70-90%
Future marketing contributions 0% 0-35%
Discount rate 25% 20%
================================ ============ ============
Gross margins have been based on past experience and future expectations in the light of anticipated economic and market conditions. Discount rates are based on the Group's WACC adjusted to reflect the Directors' assessment of specific risks related to the cash generating unit. Growth rates beyond the first two years are based on economic data pertaining to the region concerned.
Future events may cause these assumptions to change, which could have an adverse effect on the future results of the Group. The discount rate would need to increase to around 33% (2016: 30%) or the gross margin and marketing contribution assumptions would need to fall by an average 9 percentage points (2016: 15 percentage points) before affecting the carrying value of intangible assets.
Company
The Company's intangible assets all relate to capitalised software development costs.
Development Total
costs
EUR000 EUR000
================================== ============ ========
Cost
At 1 January 2016 - -
Additions - internally developed 1,830 1,830
==================================== ============ ========
At 31 December 2016 1,830 1,830
Additions - internally developed 1,869 1,869
Additions - purchased 2,674 2,674
Transferred to Defenx Italia
SRL (6,373) (6,373)
==================================== ============ ========
At 31 December 2017 - -
==================================== ============ ========
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January 2016 - -
============================== ====== ======
At 31 December 2016 - -
Amortisation charge 101 101
Impairment charge - -
Transferred to Defenx Italia
SRL (101) (101)
================================ ====== ======
At 31 December 2017 - -
============================== ====== ======
Net book value
At 31 December 2016 1,830 1,830
================================ ====== ======
At 31 December 2017 - -
================================ ====== ======
13. Investment in subsidiaries
The following subsidiary undertakings have been included in the financial statements:
Country of incorporation and Non-controlling
Name principal place of business Ownership interests
==================== ========================================= ===================== ===========================
Defenx SA Via Obino 14, Castel San Pietro 100.0% -
6874, Switzerland
Defenx Italia SRL
(formerly Memopal
SRL) Via Larga 7, 20122 Milan, Italy 95.2% 4.8%
==================== ========================================= ===================== ===========================
Both subsidiaries' principal activity is that of the parent, namely the development, provision and distribution of software solutions.
The movement in investments in the parent company's statement of financial position is:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
================================ ============ ============
Opening balance 1 January 1,844 65
Additions - 1,779
Impairment charge (65) -
================================ ============ ============
Closing balance at 31 December 1,779 1,844
================================ ============ ============
On 12 December 2017, the ordinary share capital of Defenx Italia SRL was increased to EUR100,000 with the Company's contribution settled in cash after the year end. There was no change in the Group's ownership interest.
14. Trade and other receivables
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
=================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Gross trade receivables 4,833 5,528 - 1
Offset deferred revenue (619) - - -
Provision for impairment (3,217) (196) - -
=================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Net trade receivables 997 5,332 - 1
Other receivables 246 172 79 70
Total trade and other receivables 1,243 5,504 79 71
=================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Provisions for impairment
Opening balance at 1 January 196 270 - -
Utilised during the year - (25) - -
Net increase/(decrease) during
the year 3,021 (49) - -
=================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Closing balance at 31 December 3,217 196 - -
=================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Gross trade receivables of EUR4.41 million (2016: EURnil) relate to customers with whom the Group is in dispute. Deferred revenues of EUR619,000 (2016: EURnil) due to be recognised in the statement of comprehensive income relating to these customers have been transferred from the deferred revenue balance (note 18) and offset against gross trade receivables. The provision for impairment relating to these customers has been thereby reduced correspondingly.
The movement in the impairment provision for trade receivables has been included in operating expenses in the statement of income. Other classes of financial assets included within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets.
At 31 December 2017, EUR76,000 (2016: EUR149,000) of trade receivables had been sold to providers of invoice discounting services. The Group is committed to underwrite any of the debts transferred and therefore continues to recognise the debts sold within trade receivables until the debtors repay or default. The proceeds from transferring the debts are included in loans and borrowing until the debts are collected or the Group makes good any losses incurred by the lender.
At the year end, all amounts shown under receivables, except offset deferred revenue, are due within one year. Subsequent to the year end, as detailed in notes 26 and 27, the Company has now agreed with certain B2B2C customers to receive EUR1.40 million over a period of up to 48 months.
The carrying value of trade and other receivables classified as financial assets approximates to fair value.
15. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise balances on bank accounts, cash in transit and cash floats held in the business. Finance charges are accounted for on an accruals basis and charged to the statement of income when the liability is recognised.
Cash and cash equivalents are held in Euro, Sterling, Swiss Francs and US Dollars and placed on deposit in the UK, Italy and Switzerland. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents classified as financial assets equals fair value.
16. Trade and other payables
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
================================ ============ ============ ============ ============
Trade payables 424 1,056 149 666
Other payables and accruals 427 337 147 7
================================ ============ ============ ============ ============
Total trade and other payables 851 1,393 296 673
================================ ============ ============ ============ ============
Trade and other payables shown above are payable within one year. The carrying value of trade and other payables classified as financial liabilities measured at amortised cost approximates to fair value.
17. Research and development tax credits
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
============================== ============ ============ ============ ============
At 1 January - - - -
Received during the year 1,775 - - -
Offset against taxes payable - - - -
============================== ============ ============ ============ ============
At 31 December 1,775 - - -
============================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Current 179 - - -
Non-current 1,596 - - -
============================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Research and development tax credits have been received in Defenx Italia SRL for amounts invested in developing the Defenx software product portfolio. The tax credit can be used to offset various Italian tax liabilities such as VAT, social security and income tax.
18. Deferred revenue
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
At 1 January 590 315 - 2
Billings deferred during
the year 918 525 221 15
Billings released to the
statement of income (384) (249) - (16)
Offset against trade receivables (619) - - -
Research and development 1,775 - - -
tax credit deferred during
the year
Research and development (772) - - -
tax credit released to the
statement of income
================================== ============ ============ ============ ============ At 31 December 1,508 591 221 1 ================================== ============ ============ ============ ============ Current 621 462 221 1 Non-current 887 129 - - ================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Deferred revenue of EUR619,000 (2016: EURnil) relating to certain customers has been transferred and offset against gross trade receivables (see note 14).
19. Loans and borrowing
The book and fair value of interest bearing loans and borrowings was:
Group Company
========================== ==========================
Ultimate 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
maturity 2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
===================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Current
Overdrafts On demand 22 163 - -
Invoice discounting Up to 120
facility days 77 149 - -
Up to 90
Supply chain facility days - 498 - 498
Bank loans - unsecured 30/06/2019 200 98 - -
Bank loans - unsecured 22/11/2021 122 - - -
Vendor loans from
business combinations 31/07/2018 242 529 154 219
======================== ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
663 1,437 154 717
====================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Group Company
========================== ==========================
Ultimate 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
maturity 2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
===================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Non-current
Bank loans - unsecured 30/06/2019 103 302 - -
Bank loans - unsecured 22/11/2021 368 - - -
Vendor loans from
business combinations 31/07/2018 - 213 - 153
Convertible bonds 31/08/2020 1,062 - 1,062 -
======================== ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
1,533 515 1,062 153
===================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Total loans and
borrowing 2,196 1,952 1,216 870
====================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Overdrafts and other short facilities attract variable interest at between 3% and 6% per annum. The bank and vendor loans, both denominated in Euros, attract interest at 3% over 3-month EURIBOR and at 8% fixed per annum respectively. The convertible bonds (see below) carry a 10% per annum coupon. The average effective interest rate for the year ended 31 December 2017 was 8.4% (2016: 9.8%).
The currency profile of the Group's loans and borrowings was:
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
============= ============ ============ ============ ============
Euro 1,134 1,434 154 372
Sterling 1,062 498 1,062 498
Swiss franc - 20 - -
============= ============ ============ ============ ============
2,196 1,952 1,216 870
============= ============ ============ ============ ============
At 31 December 2017, the Group had available EUR720,000 (2016: EUR111,000) of undrawn committed borrowing facilities, of which a supply chain facility of GBP450,000 related to the Company. After the year end, the supply chain facility was withdrawn.
UK Bond Network secured convertible bonds
On 31 August 2017, the parent company issued 1,250,000 secured convertible bonds of 10% at a face value of GBP1 each. Interest is paid quarterly.
The bonds are repayable three years from their issue date at a total face value of GBP1.25 million, can be converted at any time into shares at the rate of one share per GBP2 of loan ("Conversion Price") at the holder's option and can be repaid by the Company at any time on or after 31 August 2019, subject to the share price being at least 130% of the Conversion Price for 20 consecutive dealing days. Subsequent to the year end, the Conversion Price was adjusted to GBP1.808 following the issue of new ordinary shares on 23 April 2018 as further set out in note 21 below.
The parent company, Defenx SA and Defenx Italia SRL each entered into an all assets debenture and guarantee and a security trust deed (each in customary form) to provide security in respect of the convertible bonds.
Under IAS 32, the convertible bonds are accounted for as a compound financial instrument. The value of the liability component and the equity conversion component were determined at the date the instrument was issued. The fair value of the liability component, included in non-current borrowings, was calculated using a market interest rate for an equivalent instrument without conversion option with the balance recorded as a convertible debt reserve.
The issue fees of EUR167,000 have been allocated between liability and equity in proportion to the value of each component. The value of the liability and its associated fees is held on the balance sheet at amortised cost. This value will increase to its principal value of GBP1.25 million over the life of the instrument, with interest costs being taken to the Income Statement on a monthly basis.
The fair value movement on the convertible bonds was as follows:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
==================================================== ============ ============
Opening balance - -
Fair value of convertible bonds at inception 981 -
(31 August 2017)
Accrued interest not yet due for payment 38 -
Change in fair value of convertible bonds relating 43 -
to foreign exchange
Closing balance at 31 December 1,062 -
==================================================== ============ ============
Current element of convertible bond liability - -
==================================================== ============ ============
Non-current element of convertible bond liability 1,062 -
==================================================== ============ ============
20. Financial instruments and risk management
The Group is exposed through its operations to the following financial risks:
-- credit risk -- fair value or cash flow interest rate risk -- foreign exchange risk -- liquidity risk
In common with all other businesses, the Group is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. This note describes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks and the methods used to measure them. Further quantitative information in respect of these risks is presented throughout these financial statements.
Other than the new finance facilities entered into during the year, there have been no substantive changes in the Group's exposure to financial instrument risks, its objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks or the methods used to measure them from previous periods unless otherwise stated in this note.
General objectives, policies and processes
The overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk as far as possible without unduly affecting the Group's competitiveness and flexibility.
The Board receives quarterly reports from the Chief Financial Officer through which it reviews the effectiveness of the processes put in place and the appropriateness of the objectives and policies it sets.
The Group does not use derivative financial instruments such as forward currency contracts, interest rate swaps or similar instruments. The Group does not issue or use financial instruments of a speculative nature.
Principal financial instruments
The principal financial instruments used by the Group, from which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:
-- trade receivables -- cash and cash equivalents -- trade and other payables -- bank overdrafts -- floating rate bank loans
A summary of the financial instruments held by category is provided below:
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
Financial assets EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
=========================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Net trade receivables 998 5,332 1 1
Other receivables 246 172 78 70
=========================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Net receivables 1,244 5,504 79 71
=========================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Cash and cash equivalents 951 1,177 859 1,043
=========================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Trade receivables principally comprise amounts outstanding for sales to customers and are typically payable between 90 and 120 days. The year end average age of trade debtors was 183 days (2016: 58 days). An impairment review of outstanding trade receivables is carried out at each period end and, if appropriate, a specific amount provided for. A general provision is also maintained reflecting the fact that some customers are small and do not have strong credit histories.
Group Company
========================== ==========================
Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
Financial liabilities EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR
============================= ============ ============ ============ ============
Trade payables 424 1,056 149 666
Other payables and accruals 427 337 147 7
Loans and borrowing 2,196 1,952 1,216 870
============================= ============ ============ ============ ============
Total payables 3,047 3,345 1,512 1,543
============================= ============ ============ ============ ============
Trade and other payables and accruals comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs and are typically payable within 90 days. The year end average age of trade creditors was 66 days (2016: 29 days). Where there is a contractual right of set-off with a customer that is also a supplier, notably in relation to marketing contributions payable to customers, relevant receivable and payable balances are set against one another.
Financial instruments not measured at fair value
Financial instruments not measured at fair value include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, and loans and borrowings.
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other payables approximates their fair value. Book values and expected cash flows are reviewed by the Board and any impairment charged to the statement of income in the relevant period.
There were no changes to the valuation techniques during the period.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise balances on bank accounts, cash in transit and cash floats held in the business. Finance charges are accounted for on an accruals basis and charged to the statement of income when payable. Cash and cash equivalents are held in Euro, Swiss Francs, Sterling and US Dollars and placed on deposit in UK banks.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Group is mainly exposed to credit risk from credit sales.
The Group is exposed to credit risk in respect of these balances such that, if one or more customers encounter financial difficulties, this could materially and adversely affect the Group's financial results. The Group attempts to mitigate credit risk by assessing the credit rating of new customers prior to entering into contracts and by entering contracts with customers with agreed credit terms. The analysis below shows the ageing of trade and other receivables and the movement in bad debt provision in the year:
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
Ageing of trade & other receivables EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
===================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Not due at reporting date 1,728 4,652 - -
Up to 3 months 931 463 - 1
3 to 6 months 71 342 - -
Above 6 months 2,103 71 1 -
===================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Gross receivables 4,833 5,528 1 1
Offset deferred revenue (619) - - -
Less: provision against receivables (3,217) (196) - -
===================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Net receivables 997 5,332 1 1
===================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Sales to three customers based in Italy amounted to approximately 42% (2016: two for 52%) of Group billings. Sales to two customers based in Switzerland amounted to 17% (2016: two for 30%). Sales to one customer based in Malta amounted to 20% (2016: 15%) of Group billings and one customer based in Turkey amounted to 11% (2016: 2%) of Group billings. No other individual customer accounted for more than 5% of Group billings.
Customer credit risk is managed in accordance with the Group's established policy and procedures. Customer credit quality is assessed and periodically reviewed based on available information and individual credit limits defined based on this assessment. Outstanding customer receivables are actively monitored and reviewed at least quarterly. At 31 December 2017, the Group had five customers (2016: four) that owed more than EUR500,000, accounting for 92% (2016: 92%) of trade receivables outstanding.
As at 31 December 2017, trade receivables of EUR733,738 (2016: EUR463,478) were past due but not impaired.
Fair value and cash flow interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Group's exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Group's debt obligations with floating interest rates.
The Group manages its interest rate risk while balancing the fixed and variable rates available as its loans and borrowings are renewed. The Group does not enter into interest rate swaps. At 31 December 2017, approximately 59% of the Group's borrowings are at a fixed rate of interest (2016: 64%).
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates on that portion of loans and borrowings affected. With all other variables held constant, the Group's profit before tax is affected by the impact on floating rate borrowings, as follows:
Increase/decrease Effect on loss before
in basis points tax
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR EUR
======================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Increase in Euro rates +100 +100 8,909 7,120
Decrease in Euro rates -50 -50 (4,454) (3,560)
The assumed movement in basis points for the interest rate sensitivity analysis is based on the currently observable market environment.
Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk arises when Group entities enter into transactions denominated in a currency other than their functional currency. The Group's policy is, where possible, to allow customers to settle liabilities denominated in the customer's functional currency, primarily the Euro and Swiss franc.
The Group is predominantly exposed to currency risk on sales and purchases made from customers and suppliers based in the Eurozone. Sales and purchases from customers and suppliers are made on a central basis and the risk is monitored centrally, but not hedged utilising any forward exchange contracts. Apart from these particular cash flows the Group aims to fund expenses in the respective currency and to manage foreign exchange risk at a local level by matching the currency in which revenue is generated and expenses are incurred. As at 31 December 2017, the Group's net exposure to foreign exchange risk was as follows for those entities with Euro presentational currencies.
Euro Sterling Swiss Franc US Dollar Total
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
================================== ======== ========= ============ ========== ========
As at 31 December
2017
Trade and other receivables 1,172 71 - - 1,243
Cash and cash equivalents 187 754 10 - 951
Trade and other payables (683) (140) (28) - (851)
Loans and borrowings (1,134) (1,062) - - (2,196)
Net current assets/(liabilities) (458) (377) (19) - (853)
================================== ======== ========= ============ ========== ========
As at 31 December
2016
Trade and other receivables 5,384 95 1 24 5,504
Cash and cash equivalents 590 587 - - 1,177
Trade and other payables (1,244) (130) (16) (3) (1,393)
Loans and borrowings (1,434) (498) (20) - (1,952)
Deferred consideration (381) - - - (381)
================================== ======== ========= ============ ========== ========
Net current assets/(liabilities) 2,915 54 (35) 21 2,955
================================== ======== ========= ============ ========== ========
The following tables demonstrate the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in Euro exchange rates, with all other variables held constant. The Group's exposure to foreign currency changes for all other currencies is not material.
Increase/decrease Effect on profit
in basis points before tax
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
============= ============ ============ ============ ============
Sterling +20 +20 75 (11)
-10 -10 (38) 5
Swiss franc +10 +10 2 4
-10 -10 (2) (4)
US Dollar +20 +10 - (2)
-20 -10 - 2
============= ============ ============ ============ ============
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group's management of working capital. The risk is that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group's policy is to ensure that it will always have sufficient cash to allow it to meet its liabilities when they become due. To achieve this aim, it seeks to maintain cash balances to meet expected requirements for a period of at least 90 days.
The Board receives rolling 12-month cash flow projections on a quarterly basis as well as information regarding cash balances. At the end of the financial year, these projections indicated that the Group expected to have sufficient liquid resources to meet its obligations under all reasonably expected circumstances.
The liquidity risk of each group entity is managed centrally. Budgets are set locally and agreed by the Board in advance, enabling the Group's cash requirements to be anticipated. Where facilities of group entities need to be increased, approval must be sought from the Chief Finance Officer. Where the amount of the facility is above a certain level, agreement of the Board is needed.
The table below analyses financial liabilities by contractual maturities. Amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Ageing of trade & other payables
Up to three months 851 1,393 296 673
Three to six months - - - -
Above six months - - - -
================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
851 1,393 296 673
================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Ageing of loans and borrowing
Up to three months 306 646 57 553
Between three to 12 months 357 791 97 164
Between one and two years 226 413 - 153
Between two and five years 1,307 102 1,062 -
Over five years - - - -
2,196 1,952 1,216 870
================================== ============ ============ ============ ============
Capital management
The Group's capital is made up of share capital, share premium, merger reserve, non-controlling interests and retained profits totalling EUR3,295,954 at 31 December 2017 (2016: EUR9,650,940) as set out in the statement of changes in equity.
The Group's objectives when maintaining capital are:
-- to safeguard the ability to continue as a going concern, so that the Group can continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; and
-- to provide an adequate return to shareholders by pricing products and services commensurately with the level of risk.
The Group sets the amount of capital it requires in proportion to risk. The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. The Group's strategy is to finance working capital requirements from existing cash resources and debt facilities while investment activity is finance wherever possible with surplus cash resources or through the issue of new shares where an acceptable return can be generated.
The Group monitors capital on the basis of its debt-to-equity ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt to total equity as defined above. Net debt is calculated as total debt (as shown in the consolidated statement of financial position) less cash and cash equivalents. The Group's strategy is to limit the debt-to-equity ratio to 25% to balance leverage with the availability of low cost debt, notably working capital facilities in Italy. Any increase over this limit requires Board approval. The debt-to-equity ratio at 31 December 2017 was 30.9% (2016: 8.0%) as set out below:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
================================= ============ ============
Loans and borrowing 2,196 1,952
Less: cash and cash equivalents (951) (1,177)
================================= ============ ============
Net debt 1,245 775
================================= ============ ============
Total equity 4,026 9,650
================================= ============ ============
Debt-to-equity ratio 30.9% 8.0%
================================= ============ ============
The increase in the debt-to-equity ratio during 2017 resulted from the 58% reduction in total equity caused by the loss and the 61% increase in net debt for the financial year, notably the issue of convertible bonds by the UK.
The composition of the Group's loans and borrowings is analysed in note 19, as is the movement on its convertible bond issued during the year. Other loans and borrowings consist entirely of bank and short term financing which were subject only to negligible non-cash changes during the year. All cash movements arising from financing activities are analysed in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
21. Share capital
Number of Share capital Share premium
shares
000 EUR000 EUR
=========================================== ======= ============== ==============
As at 1 January 2016 6,099 145 4,051
Issue of new ordinary shares - Defenx
Italia SRL 621 14 -
Issue of new ordinary shares - placing 1,648 33 1,441
Equity issue costs - - (169)
Directors' subscription for new ordinary
shares 250 5 219
=========================================== ======= ============== ==============
As at 31 December 2016 8,618 197 5,542
Issue of new ordinary shares - BV Tech
SpA subscription 862 18 1,134
Issue of new ordinary shares - BV Tech
SpA asset consideration 1,982 42 2,632
Conversion of deferred shares 300 6 275
Conversion of adviser warrants 79 2 78
MBooster SRL fee shares 22 1 37
Issue of new ordinary shares - placing 933 18 1,633
Issue of new ordinary shares - BV Tech
SpA subscription 156 3 273
Equity issue costs - - (234)
=========================================== ======= ============== ==============
As at 31 December 2017 12,952 287 11,370
=========================================== ======= ============== ==============
Ordinary share capital
The ordinary shares of GBP0.018 carry the right to one vote per share at general meetings of the Company and the rights to share in any distribution of profits or returns of capital and to share in any residual assets available for distribution in the event of a winding up. The shares are denominated in Sterling.
On 3 January 2017, MBooster SRL (MBooster) was appointed as strategic adviser to the Company in return for a semi-annual fee of EUR37,500 to be settled by the issue of new Ordinary Shares at the average mid-market price for the last five business days of each half year. The engagement commenced on 1 January 2017. The agreement was cancelled by the Company effective 8 April 2018 inclusive of the three-months' notice. This resulted in 22,348 shares being issued on 3 July 2017.
On 11 April 2017, the Company announced a long-term strategic partnership with BV Tech and the allotment of 861,666 new ordinary shares at GBP1.14 per share pursuant to a subscription agreement. On the same date, 2,400,000 deferred shares were converted into 300,000 new ordinary shares on an eight for one basis for 79.92 pence per resultant ordinary share, following which, there are no deferred shares in issue.
On 3 May 2017, 1,982,222 new ordinary shares were allotted at GBP1.14 per share in respect of the software acquisition forming part of the strategic partnership with BV Tech (see note 12 above).
On 7 August 2017, 933,312 new ordinary shares at GBP1.60 per share were allotted pursuant to a placing approved at an EGM held that day. A further 156,250 new ordinary shares were allotted at GBP1.60 per share pursuant to a subscription by BV Tech also on the same day.
Share issue costs of EUR234,000 (2016: EUR169,000) have been charged against the share premium account.
Deferred share capital
The deferred shares of GBP0.0001 carry no right to vote, no right to share in any distribution of profits or returns of capital nor to share in any residual assets available for distribution in the event of a winding up. The shares are denominated in Pounds Sterling. Deferred shareholders have the right for five years from issue to convert their shares into ordinary shares for a consideration of GBP0.10 per share less the amount paid for each deferred share on an eight for one basis. The Company must give prior notice to deferred shareholders in the event of a sale of the business.
On 11 April 2017, the entire issued deferred share capital was converted into 300,000 new ordinary shares.
Number of Share capital Share premium
shares
EUR EUR
================================== ============ ============== ==============
As at 1 January 2016 2,400,000 307 -
================================== ============ ============== ==============
As at 31 December 2016 2,400,000 307 -
Conversion into ordinary shares (2,400,000) (307) -
================================== ============ ============== ==============
As at 31 December 2017 - - -
================================== ============ ============== ==============
The Company has not issued any partly paid shares nor any convertible securities or exchangeable securities. The Company does not hold any treasury shares.
22. Share based payments
Defenx has established EMI and Unapproved Option Schemes as part of the Group's incentive and retention strategy. Following the change of control in April 2018, the EMI status no longer applied.
Under the option schemes, the Group, at its discretion, may grant share options over the ordinary shares of Defenx PLC to employees and Directors. The share options generally vest over 36 months, either from inception or from the first anniversary of grant, provided the holder remains in employment. There are no performance conditions. The exercise price of the share options is equal to the market price of the underlying shares on the date of grant. The contractual term of the share options is 10 years and there are no cash settlement alternatives.
The fair value of the options and warrants is estimated at the grant date using a Black-Scholes pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted, and the estimated share price volatility of the Company relative to that of its competitors.
The fair value of options and warrants issued was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
================================= ============= ============
Weighted average share price GBP- GBP0.910
Weighted average exercise price GBP- GBP0.943
Expected volatility -% 40%
Risk free rate of return -% 1.50%
Expected life (years) - 5
Expected dividend yield -% 0%
================================= ============= ============
The expected life of the share options is based on current expectations and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. The full contractual life of options is ten years and warrants is five years. The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility over a period similar to the life of the options is indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome. Expected volatility was determined by referring to the share prices of a selection of comparable AIM quoted companies.
Year ended 31 December Year ended 31 December
2017 2016
========================= =========================
Number WAEP* Number WAEP*
Outstanding at 1 January 523,364 GBP1.215 526,614 GBP1.319
Granted during the year - - 204,750 GBP0.943
Forfeited during the year - - (208,000) GBP1.209
Exercised during the year (78,750) GBP0.886 - -
Expired during the year - - - -
============================ ============ =========== ============= ==========
Outstanding at 31 December 444,614 GBP1.274 523,364 GBP1.215
Vested at 31 December 364,572 GBP1.244 357,447 GBP1.135
============================ ============ =========== ============= ==========
Exercisable at 31 December 364,572 GBP1.244 357,447 GBP1.135
============================ ============ =========== ============= ==========
* Weighted average exercise price
The weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding as at 31 December 2017 was 6.1 years (2016: 6.7 years).
The range of exercise prices for options and warrants outstanding at the end of the year was GBP0.80 to GBP2.00 (2016: GBP0.80 to GBP2.00).
No options were granted during the year. The total equity-settled share-based payment expense recognised in the year was EUR53,751 (2016: EUR96,060). In the year ended 31 December 2016, 204,750 warrants were issued on 26 October at GBP0.80, GBP1.25 and GBP1.50 and GBP2.00 each with an aggregate estimated fair value of EUR59,253.
National Insurance is payable on gains made by employees on exercise of share options granted to them. The Company has entered into a reciprocal arrangement with employees such that the employees will reimburse any National Insurance liability.
23. Reserves
The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:
Share premium The amount of capital contributed in excess
of the nominal value of each Ordinary GBP0.018
Share.
Merger reserve The amount arising from the use of merger
accounting (as set out in note 1) being the
difference between the parent's cost of investment
in Defenx SA and the issued share capital
of Defenx SA.
The merger reserve is also used where more
than 90% of the shares in a subsidiary are
acquired and the consideration includes the
issue of new shares by the parent, thereby
attracting merger relief under the Companies
Act 2006.
Shares to be issued Shares for which consideration has been received
reserve but which are not issued yet.
Convertible debt option Amount of proceeds on issue of convertible
reserve debt relating to the equity component (ie
option to convert the debt into share capital).
Share based payment Aggregate fair value of vested share based
reserve payments awarded
Retained earnings All other net gains and losses and transactions
with owners (eg dividends) not recognised
elsewhere.
24. Notes supporting statements of cash flows
For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following at 31 December:
Group Company
========================== ==========================
31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December
2017 2016 2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
================= ============ ============ ============ ============
Cash at bank 953 1,340 859 1,043
Bank overdrafts (2) (163) - -
================= ============ ============ ============ ============
951 1,177 859 1,043
================= ============ ============ ============ ============
Non-cash transactions from financing activities are shown in the reconciliation of liabilities from financing transactions below:
Non-current Current
loans and loans Convertible
borrowings and borrowings bond Total
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
=============================== ============ ================ ============ =======
At 1 January 2017 515 1,437 - 1,952
Cash flows - (820) 1,357 537
Fair value changes - - 43 43
Equity portion - - (376) (376)
Loans and borrowings becoming
current (44) 44 - -
Interest accruing in period - 2 38 40
=============================== ============ ================ ============ =======
At 31 December 2017 471 663 1,062 2,196
=============================== ============ ================ ============ =======
25. Related party transactions
BV Tech strategic partnership
In 2017, the Company entered into a long-term strategic partnership with BV Tech, a leading independent Italian corporate IT and cyber security solutions provider, comprising, in part, a software acquisition by the Company and cash subscription by BV Tech, with the intention to enhance Defenx's product portfolio and enable the Group to penetrate the European corporate market to generate high-quality, recurring revenues in the medium term.
On 11 April 2017, BV Tech subscribed GBP982,299 for a 9.1% shareholding in the Company. At the same time, Defenx acquired a bespoke version of BV Tech's encrypted voice and messaging software for EUR2.65 million (GBP2.26 million) that was settled through the issue of 1,982,222 ordinary shares, which together with 300,000 ordinary shares acquired from holders of deferred shares upon their conversion, meant BV Tech's shareholding in the Company was increased to 26.7%.
On 22 June 2017, the Group's Italian subsidiary, Defenx Italia SRL, entered into a three-year software distribution contract with BV Tech to offer its product range for sale by BV Tech on a global, non-exclusive basis, in line with the terms offered to other major Defenx customers.
On 7 August 2017, BV Tech invested a further GBP250,000 in the Company by way of a subscription to increase its then shareholding to 28.6% as part of a wider equity placing and the issue of the Secured Convertible Bonds.
On 26 September 2017, the Company entered into a master services agreement with BV Tech, a framework agreement to govern the process by which the Group would allocate work to BV Tech on an arm's length basis as preferred supplier and a related party in accordance with the AIM Rules.
There was no balance outstanding at the year end (2016: EURnil). All transactions were on arm's length terms.
Key management personnel - Group
In the opinion of the Board, only the Executive Directors of the Company are regarded as key management personnel. Andrea Stecconi and Alessandro Poerio had service agreements that require six months' notice of termination from either party, while Philipp Prince's notice period was three months.
Key management personnel compensation, including social security, comprised the following:
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
================================ ============ ==============
Wages and salaries 263 382
Benefits 17 14
Share based payments expense 33 18
313 414
============================== ============ ============
The remuneration of key management personnel is determined by the remuneration committee having regard to the performance of individuals and market trends.
Other related party transactions - Group
Defenx SA entered into a rental agreement with Mr Stecconi (a Director for part of the financial year) in respect of its offices in Switzerland. Defenx SA paid Mr Stecconi EUR21,575 (2016: EUR21,769). There was no balance outstanding at the year end (2016: EURnil). All transactions were on arm's length terms.
Other related party transactions - Company
31 December 31 December
2017 2016
EUR000 EUR000
=================================================== ============ ============
Transactions between Defenx PLC and Defenx SA
Income - invoiced by Defenx PLC 160 366
Expenses - invoiced by Defenx SA (69) (4)
Interest receivable - invoiced by Defenx PLC 238 270
=================================================== ============ ============
Long term loans from Defenx PLC to Defenx SA 3,268 2,735
Impairment of loans to subsidiary (3,268) -
Net long term loans from Defenx PLC to Defenx - -
SA
=================================================== ============ ============
Transactions between Defenx PLC and Defenx Italia
SRL
Transfer of intangible fixed assets - contract 6,272 -
with Defenx PLC
Long term loans from Defenx PLC to Defenx Italia 6,272 -
SRL
Impairment of loans to subsidiary (3,136) -
Net long term loans from Defenx PLC to Defenx 3,136 -
Italia SRL
=================================================== ============ ============
Transactions between Defenx SA and Defenx Italia
SRL
Income - invoiced by Defenx SA 385 566
Expenses - invoiced by Defenx Italia SRL (583) (118)
=================================================== ============ ============
Net trade receivables in Defenx SA with Defenx
Italia SRL 580 448
Impairment of net trade receivables (580) -
Net trade receivables in Defenx SA with Defenx - - Italia SRL after impairment =================================================== ============ ============ 26. Commitments and contingencies
Operating lease commitments - Group as lessee
The Group has operating leases on office premises in London (UK), Balerna (Switzerland) and Rome (Italy) on three, six and three months' notice respectively, and for its primary data centre in Rome. Future minimum rentals receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as at 31 December 2017 are EUR35,463 (2016: EUR30,403) within one year.
Finance lease and hire purchase commitments
The Group has no finance lease or hire purchase commitments.
Commitments
At 31 December 2017, the Group had commitments of EURnil (2016: EUR1.42 million) relating to software development.
Contingent liabilities
Following the trading update in October 2017, in which the Company announced performance and back-end integration issues, the collection of trade receivables essentially ceased, and the Group received a variety of claims from customers.
Based on legal advice obtained by the Group, the Directors have concluded that the probability of such claims successfully resulting in material financial liabilities in excess of the impairment provisions against trade receivables is limited. Accordingly, no provision for potential claims has been made.
27. Events after the reporting date
On 10 January 2018, Defenx Italia SRL entered into a contract with BV Tech, in accordance with the master services agreement, for support services relating to technological and systems insourcing including the provision of an interim-CTO for the Defenx Group.
On 24 January 2018, the second semi-annual fee payable to MBooster SRL as strategic adviser to the Company of EUR37,500 for the period July to December 2017, was settled by the issue of 77,936 new ordinary shares at 42.7 pence each. A further 164,381 new ordinary shares were allotted at 10 pence each in settlement of the additional fee payable upon termination of MBooster SRL as strategic.
On 6 April 2018, the Company announced proposals to raise GBP1.2 million by way of the issue of, in aggregate, 14,962,899 new ordinary shares at a price of 8 pence each for general working capital purposes, further details of which were set out in the circular dispatched to shareholders on that day. At an EGM held on 23 April 2018, the requisite resolutions were passed, and 14,962,899 new ordinary shares were allotted and admitted to trading on AIM on 26 April 2018, following which BV Tech's holding in the Company increased to 54.74%.
It is expected that the ultimate parent company preparing consolidated accounts incorporating the results of the Defenx Group will now be BV Tech.
During October 2018, settlement agreements were reached with four B2B2C customers. These agreements waived the parties' claims against each other, set out payment schedules for the collection over a period of up to 48 months of approximately 20.4% of the EUR4.41 million in dispute at the year end and committed the Group to exchange specified unsold inventory held by the customers for new products, such new products being subject to normal commercial warranties.
On 1 October 2018, the Company entered into a EUR0.95 million unsecured loan agreement with BV Tech. The loan will incur an interest rate of 6% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, and is repayable in full on 1 January 2020, or earlier at the Company's election. Under the terms of the Loan, EUR150,000 can be drawn down immediately, with the remainder being available to be draw down in full, or in part, after 45 days. It is intended that the proceeds of the loan will be used for general corporate purposes. As BV Tech is a substantial shareholder of the Company as defined in the AIM Rules for Companies, the loan is classified as a related party transaction pursuant to AIM Rule 13. The Board expects that the loan, following publication of the Company's annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017 and the interims for the six months ended 30 June 2018, and the ending of the relevant close period, will shortly be replaced by a convertible loan from BV Tech of the same quantum and on the same material terms. Conversion of the convertible loan into ordinary shares will be subject to shareholders providing the Directors with the authority to allot such shares on a non pre-emptive basis at the upcoming AGM.
Five-year track record
2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
As at 31 December
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Revenue EUR000s 2,928 7,088 4,490 2,382 2,077
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Revenue growth % -59% +58% +88% +15% +33%
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Gross profit EUR000s 375 5,847 3,977 2,034 1,557
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Gross margin % 12.8% 82.5% 88.6% 85.4% 75.0%
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Operating (loss)/profit (before
transaction costs) EUR000s (11,752) 1,840 979 805 410
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Operating margin (before transaction
costs) % -401.4% 26.0% 21.8% 33.8% 19.7%
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
(Loss)/profit before tax EUR000s (12,036) 1,590 362 761 409
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Earnings per share
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Basic (EUR1.03) EUR0.19 EUR0.04 EUR0.17 EUR0.12
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted (EUR0.98) EUR0.17 EUR0.04 EUR0.16 EUR0.12
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net cash flow from operating
activities EUR000s (2,327) 2,322 (1,022) 388 661
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Free cash flow (after capitalised
development costs) EUR000s (4,155) (1,667) (2,372) (823) 3
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net cash used in investing activities EUR000s (1,879) (4,558) (1,351) (1,211) (658)
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net cash from financing activities EUR000s 4,120 1,916 3,512 1,026 -
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents EUR000s (86) (319) 1,139 203 3
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Cash and cash equivalents at
year end EUR000s 929 1,015 1,334 206 2
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net assets EUR000s 4,027 9,651 5,812 2,048 457
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net assets per share EUR0.31 EUR1.12 EUR0.95 EUR0.51 EUR0.16
====================================== ======= ========= ======= ======= ======= =======
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
FR UGGWGUUPRGMG
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