22 August 2024
Information within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014
Benchmark Holdings plc
("Benchmark", the "Company" or the "Group")
Q3 Results
(Three months and nine months ended 30 June 2024)
Solid performance in Genetics and Advanced Nutrition amidst continuing soft shrimp markets
Completed steps to streamline Health and transition Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat® business model
In compliance with the terms of the Company's unsecured Green bond, which requires it to publish quarterly financial information, Benchmark, the aquaculture biotechnology business, announces its unaudited results for the three months ended 30 June 2024 (the "Period" or "Q3 FY24"), which constitutes the third quarter for the fiscal year ("FY") 2024, and its year to date unaudited results for the nine months ended 30 June 2024 ("Q3 YTD FY24"). All Q3 FY24, Q3 FY23, Q3 YTD FY24 and Q3 YTD FY23 figures quoted in this announcement are based on unaudited accounts.
Financial highlights
Q3 FY24
· Group revenues of £30.7m were 10% below prior year (-7% at constant exchange rate "CER") driven by:
o Advanced Nutrition: good trading with 4% increase against the prior year (+11% CER) despite continuing softness in the shrimp market
o Genetics: solid trading albeit revenues were 18% (17% CER) below Q3 FY23 reflecting a shift from direct egg sales to indirect sales through Salmar Genetics, the Group's JV in Norway, as well as a timing difference in harvest income compared to last year
o Health: revenues were 43% below last year (-41% CER) reflecting the decommissioning of the two CleanTreat® units as part of the planned transition to a new business model for Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®
· 15% increase in Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value ("FV") movement of biological assets (+19% CER) driven by:
o Progress across all Genetics growth vectors including Chile, shrimp and genetic services
o Higher contribution from the Group's JV in Norway, and
o Positive impact of streamlined organisation and infrastructure in Health
· Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding FV movement of biological assets was 15% (Q3 FY23: 12%) resulting from 28% margin in Genetics (Q3 FY23: 16%), 11% margin in Advanced Nutrition (Q3 FY23: 21%) and breakeven in Health (Q3 FY23: -27%)
· Operating Loss was £6.5m (Q3 FY23: £4.0m loss)
· Ample liquidity and headroom
o Cash of £17.0m and liquidity of £34.2m (cash and available facility) as of 30 June 2024
o Net debt (excluding lease liabilities) £63.9m as at 30 June 2024 (31 March 2024: £56.8m; 30 September 2023: £45.6m)
Q3 YTD FY24
· Group revenues were £110.9m, 17% below the prior year (-11% CER) due to:
o Soft conditions in the shrimp markets throughout the year
o Normalised egg volumes in Genetics against last year coupled with shift from direct egg sales to indirect sales through the Group's JV in Norway
o Lower Health revenues following the decommissioning of the two CleanTreat® units
· Adjusted EBITDA excluding FV movement of biological assets was 17% below the prior year (-10% CER) with an increase in Genetics offset by a decrease in Advanced Nutrition and Health
· Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding FV movement from biological assets was in line with last year at 20% (Q3 YTD FY23: 20%) resulting from 24% margin in Genetics (Q3 YTD FY23: 18%), 20% margin in Advanced Nutrition (Q3 YTD FY23: 24%) and 17% margin in Health (Q3 YTD FY23: 25%)
· Operating loss was £10.2m (Q3 YTD FY24: £3.0m)
Business Area Highlights
· Advanced Nutrition - good trading in Q3 FY24 against backdrop of continuing softness in the shrimp market
o Q3 revenues were 4% ahead of the prior year with good trading partially offset by forex headwinds (+11% CER)
o YTD revenues were 1% above the prior year on a constant exchange rate; 7% below including forex impact
o Q3 Adjusted EBITDA was lower at £1.8m (Q3 FY23: £3.4m) reflecting lower margins due to product mix and higher logistics costs as a result of temporary disruption to trading routes with freight vessels avoiding the regional insecurity of the Suez Canal by travelling around Cape of Good Hope. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 11% (Q3 FY23: 21%)
o YTD Q3 FY24 Adjusted EBITDA margin was 20% (YTD Q3 FY23: 24%)
o The shrimp market remained soft with green shoots not yet translating into market recovery. Despite this the fundamentals remain strong.
§ We maintain commercial focus and take action to optimise our performance and competitive position including by expanding our product portfolio and strengthening our presence in key markets
§ Regulators and market participants taking steps to support the aquaculture sector e.g. reduction of import duty on aquaculture supplies in India and development of value-added shrimp products in Ecuador to stimulate exports
· Genetics - increase in underlying profitability driven by progress across all growth vectors - Chile, shrimp and genetic services
o Q3 revenues 18% below Q3 FY23 (-17% CER) driven by shift against last year from direct egg sales to indirect sales through the Group's JV in Norway, the benefit of which is reflected in EBITDA and timing difference in harvest income compared to last year
o YTD Q3 revenues -17% (-13% CER) compared to last year which benefitted from supply constraints in the market in the first part of the year
o 46% increase in Q3 Adjusted EBITDA excluding FV movement of biological assets driven by:
§ Chile - Adjusted EBITDA excluding FV movement of £0.5m (Q3 FY23: £0.9m loss)
§ Shrimp - Adjusted EBITDA loss reduced from £0.8m to £0.5m
§ Higher contribution from the JV in Norway
o Q3 Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding FV movement 28% (Q3 FY23: 16%)
o YTD Q3 Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding FV movement was 24% (Q3 YTD FY23: 18%)
· Health - significant restructuring and streamlining as part of transition to new business model for Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®
o Q3 revenues 43% below last year (-41% CER) reflecting the decommissioning of the CleanTreat® units as part of the planned transition to a new business model for Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®
§ Salmosan® Vet revenue increased 17%
o Q3 Adjusted EBITDA loss reduced to nil (Q3 FY23 loss: £1.0m) showing the positive impact of restructuring actions in the seasonally quiet third quarter
o YTD Q3 Adjusted EBITDA of £2.3m (YTD Q3 FY23: £5.6m); YTD Q3 Adjusted EBITDA margin of 17% (YTD Q3 FY23: 25%)
o Business rightsized to deliver Salmosan® Vet solution which will drive profitability and cash generation post restructuring
o Maintained capability to deploy Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®, a proven effective solution to address sea lice, subject to customer investment in CleanTreat® infrastructure
Current trading and outlook
· Trading well against backdrop of market headwinds in Advanced Nutrition and the restructuring in Health which have an impact on short term performance but support near and long term prospects
o Good visibility of salmon egg deliveries in Genetics for the remainder of the year and continued progress in growth vectors
o Resilience in Advanced Nutrition underpinned by commercial focus and streamlined efficient organisation
o Profitable and cash positive Health business following restructuring and underpinned by good performance of Salmosan® Vet
· Actions taken during the year bring all business areas to profitability and set them on the path to deliver shareholder value
Financial Summary (continuing operations)
| £m |
Q3 FY24 | Q3 FY23 | % CER Q3 FY24 | YTD Q3 FY24 | YTD Q3 FY23 Restated* | % CER** Q3 YTD FY24 |
| Revenue | 30.7 -10% | 34.2 | -7% | 110.9 -17% | 132.9 | -11% |
| Adjusted | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA1 | 4.5 -17% | 5.4 | -14% | 21.3 -24% | 28.1 | -17% |
| Adj. EBITDA excluding biological asset fair value movements | 4.6 +15% | 4.0 | +19% | 21.9 -17% | 26.4 | -10% |
| Adjusted Operating Profit/(Loss)2 | (0.4) -278% | 0.2 | -216 | 5.7 -55% | 12.6 | -43% |
| Adj. Operating profit excluding biological asset fair value movements | (0.3) +76% | (1.2) | +84% | 6.3 -43% | 10.9 | -28% |
| Statutory | | | | | | |
| Operating loss | (6.5) -61% | (4.0) | -57% | (10.2) -238% | (3.0) | -189% |
| Loss before tax | (9.4) -121% | (4.3) | -118% | (17.3) -217% | (5.4) | -191% |
| Basic loss per share (p) | (1.34) | (0.64) | | (2.55) | (1.04) | |
| Net debt3 | | (66.9) | | | (66.9) | |
| Net debt3 excluding lease liabilities | | (45.7) | | | (45.7) | |
Business Area summary
| £m |
Q3 FY24 | Q3 FY23 | % CER Q3 FY24 | YTD Q3 FY24 | YTD Q3 FY23 | % CER** YTD Q3 FY24 |
| Revenue | | | | | | |
| Advanced Nutrition | 16.8 +4% | 16.1 | +11% | 57.2 -7% | 61.4 | +1% |
| Genetics | 11.8 -18% | 14.4 | -17% | 40.2 -17% | 48.7 | -13% |
| Health | 2.2 -43% | 3.8 | -41% | 13.6 -40% | 22.9 | -38% |
| Adjusted EBITDA1 |
|
|
|
|
| |
| Advanced Nutrition | 1.8 -47% | 3.4 | -43% | 11.7 -22% | 14.9 | -14% |
| Genetics | 3.2 -14% | 3.7 | -13% | 9.1 -11% | 10.3 | -6% |
| - Net of fair value movements in biological assets | 3.3 +46% | 2.3 | +45% | 9.7 +13% | 8.6 | +20% |
| Health | 0.0 +105% | (1.0) | +104 | 2.3 -60% | 5.6 | -58% |
*Q3 2023 numbers were restated to reflect certain operations of the Group that were classified as discontinued operations and divested during that period in line with IFRS 5 (See Note 5)
** Constant exchange rate (CER) figures derived by retranslating current year figures using previous year's foreign exchange rates
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and impairment), before exceptional items including acquisition related expenditure
(2) Adjusted Operating Profit is operating loss before exceptional items including acquisition related items and amortisation of intangible assets excluding development costs
(3) Net debt is cash and cash equivalents less loans and borrowings
Strategic review
In January 2024, the Company announced that the Board had unanimously decided to undertake a formal review of the Company's strategic options including a potential formal sale process. This process remains ongoing and further updates will be provided as appropriate.
Trond Williksen, CEO, commented:
"Our two largest business areas, Advanced Nutrition and Genetics, performed well in Q3. In Genetics, it is particularly pleasing to see continued progress in our Chilean business as well as the positive results of the recent reorganisation of our shrimp genetics activities. Our Advanced Nutrition business remains resilient to the continuing soft conditions in the shrimp markets and is well positioned for market recovery.
Having streamlined our Health business, rightsizing it to focus on Salmosan® Vet during the transition period to a new business model for Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®, we now have a profitable business which maintains its capability to deliver Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®."
Presentation for analysts and institutional investors at 08.00 UK time (09.00 CEST)
Trond Williksen, Chief Executive Officer and Septima Maguire, Chief Financial Officer will host a presentation for analysts and institutional investors on the day at 08.00 UK time (09.00 CEST).
The presentation will be held in person at Haakon Vlls Gate 2, Oslo, Norway. To register your interest, please contact benchmark@mhpgroup.com
A live webcast of the presentation will be available for analysts and investors to join remotely at the following link: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20240822_11/
A live webcast of the presentation will be available for analysts and investors to join remotely at the following link: link: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20240822_11/
A copy of the presentation can be found on the Company's website https://www.benchmarkplc.com/investors/reports-presentations/
Equity Development webcast at 12.00 UK time (13:00 CEST)
Trond Williksen, Chief Executive Officer and Septima Maguire, Chief Financial Officer will host a second webcast for retail investors and wealth managers on the day at 12.00 UK time (13:00 CEST). The webcast is open to all existing and potential shareholders.
To register please visit: https://www.equitydevelopment.co.uk/news-and-events/benchmark-investor-presentation-22aug2024
A recording of the presentation will be available after the event on the Equity Development website.
Enquiries:
| For further information, please contact: | |
| Benchmark Holdings plc | benchmark@mphc.com |
| Trond Williksen, CEO | |
| Septima Maguire, CFO | |
| Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations | |
| | |
| Deutsche Numis (Nominated Adviser and Broker) | Tel: 020 7260 1000 |
| Freddie Barnfield, Duncan Monteith, Sher Shah
| |
| MHP | Tel: +44 7831 406117 |
Katie Hunt, Reg Hoare benchmark@mhpgroup.com
About Benchmark
Benchmark is a market leading aquaculture biotechnology company. Benchmark's mission is to drive sustainability in aquaculture by delivering products and solutions in genetics, advanced nutrition and health which improve yield, growth and animal health and welfare.
Through a global footprint in 26 countries and a broad portfolio of products and solutions, Benchmark addresses many of the major aquaculture species - salmon, shrimp, sea bass and sea bream, and tilapia - in all the major aquaculture regions around the world. Find out more at www.benchmarkplc.com
Management Report
Q3 FY24 commentary
The Group performed well in Q3 FY24 with solid trading in its two largest business areas of Advanced Nutrition and Genetics, noting that Q3 is a low season quarter for the Group in totality. In Health we continued to streamline the business, rightsizing our resources to support our Salmosan® Vet activities during the planned transition to a new business model for Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®. The restructuring of Health was completed post period end and will result in significant immediate cost savings and a cash positive business. We have retained the capabilities to deploy Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat® onto customer infrastructure be it a barge or integrated wellboat solution, both of which we are able to support, but now with very low financial exposure. Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat® remains a compelling solution to the sea lice pressure experienced in the industry.
The Group reported revenues of £30.7m in the quarter, 10% below the prior year (-7% CER). This resulted from revenue growth in Advanced Nutrition of 4% (+11% CER) offset by 18% lower revenues in Genetics (-17% CER) and a 43% drop in Health revenues (-41% CER) following the decommissioning of the CleanTreat® units. The drop in Genetics revenue is due to a shift from direct egg sales to indirect sales through the Company's JV in Norway, the benefit of which is reflected in EBITDA, as well as a difference in the timing of harvest income against the prior year and lower ancillary revenues.
Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movement of biological assets was £4.6m, 15% ahead of the prior year (+19% CER) driven by a higher Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value uplift in Genetics (+46%) reflecting progress across all growth vectors - Chile, shrimp and genetic services - and higher JV profits, together with the positive impact of the restructuring in Health. This was partially offset by Advanced Nutrition which reported lower Adjusted EBITDA reflecting a change in product mix and higher costs associated with the temporary disruption of freight routes due to geopolitical conflicts in the Suez Canal.
Operating costs for the Group of £9.9m were 6% below last year (Q3 FY23: £10.5m) with a decrease in Genetics, Health and Corporate overheads and a small increase in Advanced Nutrition. R&D expenses of £1.4m were broadly in line with the prior year (Q3 FY23: £1.5m). The Group incurred £2.6m of exceptional costs in Q3 FY24, including exceptional restructuring costs of £1.2m relating to the formal review of the Company's strategic options and other restructuring actions taken.
Depreciation and amortisation decreased to £8.4m (Q3 FY23: £8.9m), taking Group operating loss for the quarter to £6.5m (Q3 FY23: £4.0m). The Adjusted Operating loss excluding fair value movements in biological assets was £0.3m (Q3 FY23: £1.2m loss).
Net finance costs were £2.9m, significantly above the comparative period (Q3 FY23: £0.2m) which benefitted from credits from the ineffective portion of the movement in the fair value of the derivative instrument and forex movements. Absent those movements, interest expense including lease interest was at a similar level to the prior year. As a result of these year-on-year movements, the loss before tax in the quarter was £9.4m (Q3 FY23: £4.3m).
The tax charge in the period was a £0.5m (Q3 FY23: £0.1m credit). The resulting loss after tax for the quarter was £10.0m (Q3 FY23: loss £4.2m).
The Group reported a net cash inflow from operating activities of £1.2m (Q3 FY23: £3.9m), Working capital was an outflow of £1.3m (Q3 F2Y23: £1.1m). Net cash used in investing activities was £0.6m (Q3 FY23: £0.2m inflow) of which capex was £0.8m (Q3 FY23: £1.1m) offset by proceeds from sale of fixed assets. During the period, net interest paid was £2.4m and tax paid was £2.1m. Cash used in financing activities was £2.1m (Q3 FY23: £6.8m). The Group maintains ample liquidity and headroom with cash of £17m and liquidity of £34.2m (cash and available liquidity) as of 30 June 2024.
Q3 YTD FY24 Commentary
Q3 YTD FY24 the Group delivered revenue of £110.9m (Q3 YTD FY23: £132.9m) with the drop resulting from lower revenues in Genetics against a strong FY23 which benefitted from supply constraints in the market, lower revenues in Advanced Nutrition as a result of soft shrimp markets and a reduction in Health following the decommissioning of the CleanTreat® units.
Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movements from biological assets was £21.9m (Q3 YTD FY23: £26.4m) with Genetics reporting a 13% increase while Advanced Nutrition and Health were down 22% and 60% respectively as a result of lower revenues.
Operating costs were £30.2m, a 12% reduction from the prior year (Q3 YTD FY23: £34.3m). Operating costs were down across all business areas as were corporate overheads reflecting good cost control, initiatives to improve efficiency and a resizing of the Health business. R&D expenses of £4.5m were in line with the prior year. Total R&D investment including capitalised development costs was £4.6m (Q3 YTD FY23: £4.9m).
The Adjusted EBITDA margin (excluding fair value movement from biological assets) was 20% (Q3 YTD FY23: 20%). Depreciation and amortisation decreased 5% from the comparative period last year to £26.5m (Q3 YTD FY23: £27.9m), leaving the operating loss in the period at £10.2m (Q3 YTD FY22: £3.0m).
There was a significant increase in net finance costs for Q3 YTD FY24 to £7.1m (Q3 YTD FY23: £2.4m), primarily as a result of income from movements in hedge accounting in the prior year, coupled with increased interest costs due to higher borrowings during the current year. This is slightly offset by differences in foreign exchange gains and losses year on year. This led to a loss before tax of £17.3m (Q3 YTD FY23: £5.4m). The tax charge in the period of £1.4m was in line with the prior year, leaving loss from continuing operations at £18.7m (Q3 YTD FY23: £6.9m).
Year to date, the Group reported a net operating cash outflow of £2.8m after a decrease in working capital of £14.1m mainly due to a reduction in trade payables. Net cash outflow from investing activities was £2.1m, including capex of £2.7m including intangibles and capitalised development costs. Our cash position at the end of the period was £17.0m and liquidity of £34.2m.
Business Area Commentary
Advanced Nutrition
Advanced Nutrition revenues were £16.8m, 4% above Q3 FY23 and 11% above last year on a constant exchange rate basis. This is particularly positive against a backdrop of continuing softness in the global shrimp market and demonstrates the success of our commercial focus and the resilience of our business. By product area, sales of Artemia were +4%, Diets +7% and Health -6% against Q3 FY23.
Our gross profit margin in Advanced Nutrition of 48% (Q3 FY23: 59%) reflects a change in product mix and increased freight costs owing to global geopolitical conflicts. Operating costs were also slightly above the prior year (+3%) and as a result Q3 FY24 Adjusted EBITDA was £1.8m (Q3 FY23: £3.4m).
YTD Q3 FY24 revenue was £57.2m, 7% behind the prior year (+1% CER) and Adjusted EBITDA was 22% below (CER -14%) prior year at £11.7m.
Strategically we continue to take steps to optimise our operations, to expand our product portfolio to address specific market opportunities and have plans to strengthen our presence in certain key markets both directly and through collaborations.
The shrimp market remained soft in the period with green shoots in certain markets not yet translating into market recovery. Nevertheless, we remain confident that we continue to be resilient and well positioned as the market recovers. At a macro sector level certain countries are taking steps to support the industry including a reduction in custom duty on aquaculture supplies in India and a focus on processed high value shrimp products in Ecuador. These are structural measures which will support the development and profitability of the industry in the longer term from which we expect to benefit.
Genetics
Genetics delivered solid trading in Q3 FY24 despite revenues of £11.8m being 18% below the prior year (-17% CER). This was driven mainly by lower harvest income due to the timing of the harvest, and a shift from direct egg sales to indirect sales through our JV in Norway in the period. Direct sales volume of salmon eggs was 60m, 8m below Q3 FY23. Total volume of egg sales including direct sales and indirect sales made through the Group's JV in Norway was 69m, marginally below the prior year (Q3 FY23: 70m eggs). YTD Q3 FY24 total volume of eggs was 258m (YTD Q3 FY23: 275m).
Notably all growth vectors performed well in the period. Revenues from Chile increased 12% taking the Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movement from a loss of £0.9m in Q3 FY23 to a profit of £0.5m. This result also reflects higher capitalisation of production costs associated with our biological assets in Chile as we gain commercial traction and there is increased visibility of future sales. In shrimp our ongoing work to develop local lines is making good progress and we are starting to benefit from the commercial integration of our shrimp portfolio led by our Advanced Nutrition business. While this is not yet evident in material sales volumes, the reorganisation and integration resulted in significant cost savings reducing the Adjusted EBITDA loss for our shrimp genetics business from a loss of £0.8m in Q3 FY23 to a loss of £0.5m in the period.
Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 FY24 excluding fair value movements of biological assets was up 46% (+45% CER) to £3.3m (Q3 FY23: £2.3m) due to a higher contribution from Salmar Genetics, the Group's JV in Norway, improved performance across all growth vectors and higher capitalisation of production costs associated with biological assets resulting in a favourable movement against last year.
YTD Q3 FY24 revenues were £40.2m 13% CER below the prior year which benefitted from supply constraints in the market. Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movement of biological assets was £9.7m (YTD Q3 FY23: £10.6m). The Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding fair value movement of biological assets was 24% (YTD Q3 FY23: 19%).
Health
Revenues in Q3 FY23 were £2.2m, 43% below the prior year (Q3 FY23: £3.8m). Sales from Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat® were £0.9m (Q3 FY23: £2.7m). Salmosan® sales were 17% above the prior year at £1.2m.
During the quarter we took the second of the two platform supply vessels (PSV) carrying the CleanTreat® systems out of service and we have streamlined the rest of the organisation accordingly. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA was nil (Q3 FY23: loss of £1.0m) reflecting cost savings achieved through the restructuring. We have maintained the capabilities and expertise to deploy Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat® subject to customer investment in the CleanTreat® infrastructure be it a barge or an integrated wellboat. Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat® remains a proven, highly efficacious sea lice solution capable of addressing the growing sea lice pressure. In addition to its high efficacy, it offers salmon producers an environmentally friendly way of treating sea lice with high fish health and welfare credentials.
The cost savings associated with the restructuring offset the reduction in revenues and the business area delivered Adjusted EBITDA of nil (Q3 FY23: 1.0m loss).
YTD revenue was £13.6m (Q3 YTD FY23: £22.9m) reflecting changes in the business area. YTD Adjusted EBITDA was £2.3m (YTD Q3 FY23 £5.6m).
Outlook
The Group is trading well against a backdrop of market headwinds in Advanced Nutrition and the restructuring in Health which have an impact on short term performance but support near and long term prospects. For the remainder of the year there is good visibility of salmon egg deliveries in Genetics albeit below last year when we benefitted from supply constraints in the market, and expect continued progress in the Genetics growth vectors with the clear aim of making them increasingly profitable over time.
In Advanced Nutrition we expect market conditions to remain soft for the remainder of the year, but we are confident that we have a resilient, efficient organisation capable of operating well in this environment and which is well positioned to benefit from future market recovery.
In Health, following the streamlining implemented this year we expect to have a profitable and cash positive business underpinned by good performance of Salmosan® Vet.
Overall, the actions and progress achieved this year will bring all business areas to profitability and on a path to deliver shareholder value in the near and long term.
| All figures in £000's | Notes | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| Revenue | 4 | 30,689 | 34,224 | 110,913 | 132,883 | 169,476 |
| Cost of sales | | (15,071) | (16,715) | (56,047) | (66,052) | (82,726) |
| Gross profit |
| 15,618 | 17,509 | 54,866 | 66,831 | 86,750 |
| Research and development costs | | (1,409) | (1,493) | (4,468) | (4,478) | (6,069) |
| Other operating costs | | (9,879) | (10,521) | (30,231) | (34,292) | (45,157) |
| Share of profit/(loss) of equity-accounted investees, net of tax | | 185 | (55) | 1,170 | 1 | (32) |
| Adjusted EBITDA² |
| 4,515 | 5,440 | 21,337 | 28,062 | 35,492 |
| Exceptional - restructuring, acquisition and disposal related items | 6 | (2,586) | (530) | (5,065) | (3,218) | (3,904) |
| EBITDA¹ |
| 1,929 | 4,910 | 16,272 | 24,844 | 31,588 |
| Depreciation and impairment | | (4,284) | (4,626) | (13,851) | (13,640) | (18,409) |
| Amortisation and impairment | | (4,140) | (4,318) | (12,629) | (14,230) | (18,495) |
| Operating loss |
| (6,495) | (4,034) | (10,208) | (3,026) | (5,316) |
| Finance cost | 7 | (3,536) | (2,972) | (8,977) | (13,180) | (15,048) |
| Finance income | 7 | 612 | 2,746 | 1,905 | 10,762 | 7,670 |
| Loss before taxation |
| (9,419) | (4,260) | (17,280) | (5,444) | (12,694) |
| Tax on loss | 8 | (529) | 76 | (1,439) | (1,407) | (3,365) |
| Loss from continuing operations | | (9,948) | (4,184) | (18,719) | (6,851) | (16,059) |
| Discontinued operations |
| | | | | |
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | 5 | - | (438) | - | (1,170) | (5,505) |
|
|
| (9,948) | (4,622) | (18,719) | (8,021) | (21,564) |
| Loss for the year attributable to: |
| | | | | |
| - Owners of the parent | | (9,913) | (4,760) | (18,861) | (8,763) | (23,146) |
| - Non-controlling interest | | (35) | 138 | 142 | 742 | 1,582 |
|
| | (9,948) | (4,622) | (18,719) | (8,021) | (21,564) |
| | | | | | | |
| Earnings per share | | | | | | |
| Basic loss per share (pence) | 9 | (1.34) | (0.64) | (2.55) | (1.20) | (3.16) |
| Diluted loss per share (pence) | 9 | (1.34) | (0.64) | (2.55) | (1.20) | (3.16) |
| Earnings per share - continuing operations |
| | | | | |
| Basic loss per share (pence) | 9 | (1.34) | (0.58) | (2.55) | (1.04) | (2.41) |
| Diluted loss per share (pence) | 9 | (1.34) | (0.58) | (2.55) | (1.04) | (2.41) |
| | | | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations | | 4,515 | 5,440 | 21,337 | 28,062 | 35,492 |
| Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations | 5 | - | (353) | - | (915) | (1,254) |
| Total Adjusted EBITDA | | 4,515 | 5,087 | 21,337 | 27,147 | 34,238 |
1 EBITDA - Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, and impairment
2 Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA before exceptional items including acquisition related items
* Q3 2023 numbers were restated to reflect certain operations of the Group that were classified as discontinued operations during FY23 in line with IFRS 5. (See Note 5).
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial information.
| All figures in £000's | | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 | ||||
|
| | | | | | | ||||
| Loss for the period |
| (9,948) | (4,622) | (18,719) | (8,021) | (21,564) | ||||
| Other comprehensive income |
| | | | | | ||||
| Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss |
| | | | | | ||||
| Foreign exchange translation differences | | (497) | (11,153) | (11,489) | (35,166) | (23,475) | ||||
| Cash flow hedges - changes in fair value | | 701 | 2,093 | (1,644) | 1,794 | (2,123) | ||||
| Cash flow hedges - reclassified to profit or loss | | (475) | (273) | 1,139 | (565) | 2,623 | ||||
| Total comprehensive income for the period | | (10,219) | (13,955) | (30,713) | (41,958) | (44,539) | ||||
| | | | | | | | ||||
| Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to: |
| | | | | |
| |||
| - Owners of the parent | | (10,270) | (14,204) | (30,607) | (42,250) | (45,404) | ||||
| - Non-controlling interest | | 51 | 249 | (106) | 292 | 865 | ||||
|
| | (10,219) | (13,955) | (30,713) | (41,958) | (44,539) | ||||
| | | | | | | | ||||
| Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to owners of the parent: |
| | | | | | ||||
| - Continuing operations | | (10,270) | (13,705) | (30,607) | (40,753) | (39,777) | ||||
| - Discontinued operations* | | - | (499) | - | (1,497) | (5,627) | ||||
|
|
| (10,270) | (14,204) | (30,607) | (42,250) | (45,404) | ||||
\* Total comprehensive income for the period relating to discontinued operations for Q3 2024 includes the loss of £nil (Q3 2023: £438,000) and foreign exchange loss of £nil (Q3 2023: £61,000). FY23 includes the loss of £5,505,000 and foreign exchange loss of £122,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial information.
| | |
|
|
|
| All figures in £000's | Notes | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) |
| Assets |
| | | |
| Property, plant and equipment | | 66,505 | 71,880 | 73,411 |
| Right-of-use assets | | 12,284 | 21,755 | 19,804 |
| Intangible assets | | 186,841 | 205,312 | 206,077 |
| Equity-accounted investees | | 4,833 | 3,028 | 3,558 |
| Other investments | | 1 | 13 | 14 |
| Biological and agricultural assets | | 2,748 | 21,688 | 18,406 |
| Non-current assets | | 273,212 | 323,676 | 321,270 |
| Inventories | | 24,096 | 26,244 | 25,269 |
| Biological and agricultural assets | | 42,507 | 21,301 | 27,586 |
| Trade and other receivables | | 50,590 | 47,858 | 59,795 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | 16,984 | 32,858 | 36,525 |
| | | 134,177 | 128,261 | 149,175 |
| Assets held for sale | 10 | - | 850 | 850 |
| Current assets | | 134,177 | 129,111 | 150,025 |
| Total assets | | 407,389 | 452,787 | 471,295 |
| Liabilities |
| | | |
| Trade and other payables | | (27,847) | (32,034) | (47,329) |
| Loans and borrowings | 11 | (15,571) | (21,757) | (20,045) |
| Corporation tax liability | | (4,101) | (6,791) | (6,422) |
| Provisions | | (2,007) | (1,557) | (1,280) |
| Current liabilities | | (49,526) | (62,139) | (75,076) |
| Loans and borrowings | 11 | (76,482) | (77,960) | (81,954) |
| Other payables | | (7,713) | (4,908) | (6,842) |
| Deferred tax | | (20,242) | (22,755) | (24,106) |
| Provisions | | - | - | (700) |
| Non-current liabilities | | (104,437) | (105,623) | (113,602) |
| Total liabilities | | (153,963) | (167,762) | (188,678) |
| Net assets | | 253,426 | 285,025 | 282,617 |
| Issued capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent |
| | | |
| Share capital | 12 | 740 | 739 | 739 |
| Additional paid-in share capital | 12 | 37,490 | 37,428 | 37,428 |
| Capital redemption reserve | | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Retained earnings | | 166,087 | 197,168 | 183,489 |
| Hedging reserve | | (708) | 526 | (203) |
| Foreign exchange reserve | | 43,706 | 43,520 | 54,947 |
| Equity attributable to owners of the parent | | 247,320 | 279,386 | 276,405 |
| Non-controlling interest | | 6,106 | 5,639 | 6,212 |
| Total equity and reserves | | 253,426 | 285,025 | 282,617 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial information.
| | Share | Additional paid-in share capital | Other | Hedging | Retained | Total attributable | Non- | Total |
| | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| As at 1 October 2023 (audited) | 739 | 37,428 | 54,952 | (203) | 183,489 | 276,405 | 6,212 | 282,617 |
| Comprehensive income/(loss) for the period |
| | | | | | | |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | - | - | - | - | (18,861) | (18,861) | 142 | (18,719) |
| Other comprehensive loss | - | - | (11,241) | (505) | - | (11,746) | (248) | (11,994) |
| Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period | - | - | (11,241) | (505) | (18,861) | (30,607) | (106) | (30,713) |
| Contributions by and distributions to owners |
| | | | | | | |
| Share issue | 1 | 62 | - | - | - | 63 | - | 63 |
| Share-based payment | - | - | - | - | 1,459 | 1,459 | - | 1,459 |
| Total contributions by and distributions to owners | 1 | 62 | - | - | 1,459 | 1,522 | - | 1,522 |
| Total transactions with owners of the Company | 1 | 62 | - | - | 1,459 | 1,522 | - | 1,522 |
| As at 30 June 2024 (unaudited) | 740 | 37,490 | 43,711 | (708) | 166,087 | 247,320 | 6,106 | 253,426 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| As at 1 October 2022 (audited) | 704 | 420,824 | 77,710 | (703) | (185,136) | 313,399 | 9,886 | 323,285 |
| Comprehensive income/(loss)for the period |
| | | | | | | |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | - | - | - | - | (9,294) | (9,294) | 1,273 | (8,021) |
| Other comprehensive income/(loss) | - | - | (34,185) | 1,229 | - | (32,956) | (981) | (33,937) |
| Total comprehensive income/(loss)for the period | - | - | (35,185) | 1,229 | (9,294) | (42,250) | 292 | (41,958) |
| Contributions by and distributions to owners |
| | | | | | | |
| Share issue | 35 | 12,985 | - | - | - | 13,020 | - | 13,020 |
| Share issue costs recognised through equity | - | (2,146) | - | - | - | (2,146) | - | (2,146) |
| Cancellation of part of share premium account | - | (394,235) | - | - | 394,235 | - | - | - |
| Share-based payment | - | - | - | - | 833 | 833 | - | 833 |
| Total contributions by and distributions to owners | 35 | (383,396) | - | - | 395,068 | 11,707 | - | 11,707 |
| Changes in ownership |
| | | | | | | |
| Acquisition of NCI | | | - | | (3,470) | (3,470) | (4,539) | (8,009) |
| Total changes in ownership interests | - | - | - | - | (3,470) | (3,470) | (4,539) | (8,009) |
| Total transactions with owners of the Company | 35 | (383,396) | - | - | 391,598 | 8,237 | (4,539) | 3,698 |
| As at 30 June 2023 (unaudited) | 739 | 37,428 | 43,525 | 526 | 197,168 | 279,386 | 5,639 | 285,025 |
| | | | | | | | | |
| As at 1 October 2022 (audited) | 704 | 420,824 | 77,710 | (703) | (185,136) | 313,399 | 9,886 | 323,285 |
| Comprehensive income/(loss) for the period | | | | | | | | |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | - | - | - | - | (23,146) | (23,146) | 1,582 | (21,564) |
| Other comprehensive income/loss) | - | - | (22,758) | 500 | - | (22,258) | (717) | (22,975) |
| Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period | - | - | (22,758) | 500 | (23,146) | (45,404) | 865 | (44,539) |
| Contributions by and distributions to owners |
| | | | | | | |
| Share issue | 35 | 12,985 | - | - | - | 13,020 | - | 13,020 |
| Share issue costs recognised through equity | - | (2,146) | - | - | - | (2,146) | - | (2,146) |
| Cancellation of part of share premium account | - | (394,235) | - | - | 394,235 | - | - | - |
| Share-based payment | - | - | - | - | 1,006 | 1,006 | - | 1,006 |
| Total contributions by and distributions to owners | 35 | (383,396) | - | - | 395,241 | 11,880 | - | 11,880 |
| Changes in ownership |
| | | | | | | |
| Acquisition of NCI | - | - | - | - | (3,470) | (3,470) | (4,539) | (8,009) |
| Total changes in ownership interests | - | - | - | - | (3,470) | (3,470) | (4,539) | (8,009) |
| Total transactions with owners of the Company | 35 | (383,396) | - | - | 391,771 | 8,410 | (4,539) | 3,871 |
| As at 30 September 2023 (audited) | 739 | 37,428 | 54,952 | (203) | 183,489 | 276,405 | 6,212 | 282,617 |
*Other reserves in this statement is an aggregation of capital redemption reserve and foreign exchange reserve
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial information.
| All figures in £000's | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| Cash flows from operating activities |
| | | | |
| Loss for the period | (9,948) | (4,622) | (18,719) | (8,021) | (21,564) |
| Adjustments for: |
| | | | |
| Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment | 2,854 | 2,115 | 7,921 | 6,363 | 8,453 |
| Depreciation and impairment of right-of-use assets | 1,430 | 2,587 | 5,930 | 7,505 | 10,260 |
| Amortisation and impairment of intangible fixed assets | 4,140 | 4,318 | 12,629 | 14,230 | 18,495 |
| Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment | (106) | - | (332) | (36) | (121) |
| Loss on sale of discontinued operation | - | - | - | - | 3,774 |
| Finance income | (65) | (1,226) | (351) | (4,195) | (2,802) |
| Finance costs | 2,916 | 2,806 | 8,311 | 7,173 | 10,535 |
| Loss on disposal of investments in joint ventures | - | - | (42) | - | - |
| Share of (profit)/loss of equity-accounted investees, net of tax | (186) | 54 | (1,171) | (1) | 32 |
| Foreign exchange (gains)/losses | 345 | (1,336) | 10 | (2,443) | (1,814) |
| Share-based payment expense | 654 | 358 | 1,458 | 833 | 1,005 |
| Tax charge/(credit) | 530 | (75) | 1,440 | 1,407 | 3,365 |
| Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables | 3,762 | (2,299) | 6,104 | 3,772 | (6,570) |
| Decrease/(increase) in inventories | (1,510) | (268) | 237 | 2,249 | 2,877 |
| Increase in biological and agricultural assets | (1,322) | (1,296) | (1,204) | (403) | (1,659) |
| (Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables | (2,415) | 2,811 | (18,372) | (10,862) | 3,909 |
| Decrease /(increase) in provisions | 164 | (7) | (839) | (20) | 386 |
| | 1,243 | 3,920 | 3,010 | 17,551 | 28,561 |
| Income taxes paid | (2,101) | (2,194) | (5,818) | (6,335) | (8,556) |
| Net cash flows generated from operating activities | (858) | 1,726 | (2,808) | 11,216 | 20,005 |
| Investing activities |
| | | | |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries | - | (48) | - | (48) | (48) |
| Purchase of investments in associates | (81) | (52) | (224) | (359) | (558) |
| Receipts from disposal of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and other investments | - | 1,250 | 37 | 1,250 | 1,250 |
| Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (628) | (917) | (2,398) | (4,171) | (5,953) |
| Purchase of intangibles | (70) | (43) | (155) | (120) | (196) |
| Capitalised research and development costs | (56) | (183) | (150) | (380) | (632) |
| Proceeds from sale of fixed assets | 134 | 22 | 405 | 99 | 227 |
| Cash receipts from swap contracts | - | - | - | - | 11 |
| Interest received | 65 | 150 | 351 | 469 | 627 |
| Net cash flows used in investing activities | (636) | 179 | (2,134) | (3,260) | (5,272) |
| Financing activities |
| | | | |
| Proceeds of share issues | - | - | - | 13,000 | 13,000 |
| Proceeds from exercise of share options | 62 | - | 62 | 20 | 20 |
| Share-issue costs recognised through equity | - | (496) | - | (2,146) | (2,146) |
| Acquisition of minority interests in subsidiaries | - | - | - | (8,009) | (8,009) |
| Proceeds from bank or other borrowings, net of borrowing fees | 2,454 | 23 | 2,195 | 20,825 | 21,847 |
| Repayment of bank or other borrowings | (371) | (967) | (1,617) | (17,527) | (18,470) |
| Interest and finance charges paid | (2,418) | (2,654) | (6,925) | (6,736) | (9,131) |
| Repayments of lease liabilities | (1,817) | (2,660) | (7,185) | (7,349) | (9,438) |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (2,090) | (6,754) | (13,470) | (7,922) | (12,327) |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (3,584) | (4,849) | (18,412) | 34 | 2,406 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 20,759 | 38,647 | 36,525 | 36,399 | 36,399 |
| Effect of movements in exchange rate | (191) | (940) | (1,129) | (3,575) | (2,280) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 16,984 | 32,858 | 16,984 | 32,858 | 36,525 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial information.
1. Basis of preparation
Benchmark Holdings plc (the 'Company') is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. These consolidated quarterly financial statements as at and for the nine months ended 30 June 2024 comprises those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 'Group').
These consolidated quarterly financial statements do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and are unaudited. These financial statements do not include all the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the Group's financial position and performance since the last annual financial statements. The Group's last annual statutory financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 September 2023 were prepared in accordance with (i) UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and (ii) IFRS adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 as it applied in the European Union ("Adopted IFRS") and are available from the Company's website at www.benchmarkplc.com.
The prior year comparatives are derived from audited financial information for Benchmark Holdings PLC Group as set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2023 and the unaudited financial information in the Quarterly Financial Report for the nine months ended 30 June 2023. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 30 September 2023 are not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts were approved by the Directors on 29 November 2023 and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The audit report received on those accounts was (i) unqualified and (ii) did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
Statement of Compliance
These consolidated quarterly financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with UK and EU adopted IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'. These financial statements do not include all of the information required for the full annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 September 2023. These consolidated quarterly financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 22 August 2024.
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Management Report.
As at 30 June 2024 the Group had net assets of £253.4m (30 September 2023: £282.6m), including cash of £17.0m (30 September 2023: £36.5m) as set out in the consolidated balance sheet. The Group made a total loss for the period of £18.7m (year ended 30 September 2023: loss £21.6m).
The Directors have reviewed forecasts and cash flow projections for a period of at least 12 months including downside sensitivity assumptions in relation to trading performance across the Group to assess the impact on the Group's trading and cash flow forecasts and on the forecast compliance with the covenants included within the Group's financing arrangements.
In the downside analysis performed, the Directors considered severe but plausible scenarios on the Group's trading and cash flow forecasts. Key downside sensitivities modelled included assumptions on slower commercialisation of SPR shrimp, slower salmon egg sales growth in Chile and removal of an additional financing opportunity within Genetics, along with sensitivity of lower sales growth from a possible slower recovery in the shrimp market in Advanced Nutrition. The post balance sheet restructuring of the Health business area to focus on the Salmosan business has derisked the cash utilisation improving the likelihood of cash generation within that business area for the foreseeable future. Mitigating measures within the control of management have been identified should they be required in response to these sensitivities, including reductions in areas of discretionary spend, tight control over new hires, deferral of capital projects and temporary hold on R&D for non-imminent products.
On 26 March 2024 an additional facility of £7.5m was added to the existing RCF with an expiry date of 31 March 2025. The original £20m RCF term remains unaltered, ending on 27 June 2025.
The Board believes that the current share price materially undervalues the combined value of Benchmark's businesses and the long-term prospects of the Company. Consequently, the Board announced on 22 January 2024 the decision to undertake a formal review of the Company's strategic options, which include a potential sale of the Company as a whole or of one or more of the individual business units. The sales process is ongoing, but there are currently no deals identified or underway and all parts of the business are operating as usual, so there is no impact on the Directors' assessment of going concern.
Dependent on the outcome of the strategic review the board do not see any issues with refinancing the debt, given the strong relationships with banks and the previous success with past refinancing. Based on their assessment of all of the above, the directors believe it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. However, while the Directors remain confident that the current facilities will be renewed or replaced over the next 12 months, the requirement to do this represents a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and therefore to continue realising its assets and discharging its liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that would result from the going concern assumption being inappropriate
2. Accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those used in preparing the consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended 30 September 2023.
Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total earnings.
Alternative performance measures ('APMs')
The Directors measure the performance of the Group based on a range of financial measures, including measures not recognised by UK or EU-adopted IFRS. These APMs may not be directly comparable with other companies' APMs, and the Directors do not intend these as a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures.
Directors have presented the performance measures Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Profit, Adjusted Profit Before Tax and Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movement on biological assets because they monitor performance at a consolidated level using these and believe that these measures are relevant to an understanding of the Group's financial performance (see note 13). Furthermore, the Directors also refer to current period results using constant currency, which are derived by retranslating current period results using the prior year's foreign exchange rates.
Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of quarterly financial information requires management to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates.
In preparing these quarterly financial statements the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023.
3. Segment information
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the reports made to the chief operating decision maker. It is considered that the role of chief operating decision maker is performed by the Board of Directors.
The Group operates globally and for management purposes is organised into reportable segments based on the following business areas:
· Genetics - harnesses industry leading salmon breeding technologies combined with state-of-the-art production facilities to provide a range of year-round high genetic merit ova.
· Advanced Nutrition - manufactures and provides technically advanced nutrition and health products to the global aquaculture industry.
· Health - the segment provides health products and services to the global aquaculture market.
In order to reconcile the segmental analysis to the consolidated income statement, corporate and inter-segment sales are also shown. Corporate sales represent revenues earned from recharging certain central costs to the operating business areas, together with unallocated central costs.
Measurement of operating segment profit or loss
Inter-segment sales are priced along the same lines as sales to external customers, with an appropriate discount being applied to encourage use of Group resources at a rate acceptable to local tax authorities. This policy was applied consistently throughout the current and prior period.
3. Segment information (continued)
Reconciliations of segmental information to IFRS measures
| Segmental Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
| All figures in £000's | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| Genetics | 11,778 | 14,426 | 40,173 | 48,907 | 65,791 |
| Advanced Nutrition | 16,784 | 16,067 | 57,197 | 61,391 | 78,503 |
| Health | 2,168 | 3,795 | 13,628 | 22,872 | 25,514 |
| Corporate | 1,054 | 1,426 | 3,752 | 4,299 | 5,747 |
| Inter-segment sales | (1,095) | (1,447) | (3,837) | (4,340) | (5,811) |
| Total | 30,689 | 34,267 | 110,913 | 133,129 | 169,744 |
| Segmental Adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
| |
|
| All figures in £000's | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| Genetics | 3,204 | 3,356 | 9,127 | 9,339 | 14,409 |
| Advanced Nutrition | 1,795 | 3,420 | 11,671 | 14,886 | 18,374 |
| Health | 48 | (1,022) | 2,254 | 5,628 | 4,772 |
| Corporate | (532) | (667) | (1,715) | (2,706) | (3,317) |
| Total | 4,515 | 5,087 | 21,337 | 27,147 | 34,238 |
| Reconciliation of Reportable Segments Adjusted EBITDA to Loss before taxation | ||||||
| All figures in £000's | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
|
| Total reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA | 5,047 | 5,754 | 23,052 | 29,853 | 37,555 |
|
| Corporate Adjusted EBITDA | (532) | (667) | (1,715) | (2,706) | (3,317) |
|
| Adjusted EBITDA | 4,515 | 5,087 | 21,337 | 27,147 | 34,238 |
|
| Exceptional - restructuring, acquisition and disposal related items | (2,586) | (530) | (5,065) | (3,218) | (7,817) |
|
| Depreciation and impairment | (4,284) | (4,702) | (13,851) | (13,868) | (18,713) |
|
| Amortisation and impairment | (4,140) | (4,318) | (12,629) | (14,230) | (18,495) |
|
| Net finance costs | (2,924) | (235) | (7,072) | (2,445) | (7,412) |
|
| Loss before taxation | (9,419) | (4,698) | (17,280) | (6,614) | (18,199) |
|
| Reconciliation of segmental information to IFRS measures - Revenue and Loss before tax |
| |||||
| Revenue |
| | | | | |
| | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 | |
| Total revenue per segmental information | 30,689 | 34,267 | 110,913 | 133,129 | 169,744 | |
| Less: revenue from discontinued operations | - | (43) | - | (246) | (268) | |
| Consolidated revenue | 30,689 | 34,224 | 110,913 | 132,883 | 169,476 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Loss before tax |
| | | | | |
| | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 | |
| Profit/(loss) before tax per segmental information | (9,419) | (4,698) | (17,280) | (6,614) | (18,199) | |
| Less: loss before tax from discontinued operations | - | 438 | - | 1,170 | 5,505 | |
| Consolidated Profit/(loss) before tax | (9,419) | (4,260) | (17,280) | (5,444) | (12,694) | |
* Results include discontinued operations, see note 5 for further detail
4. Revenue
The Group's operations and main revenue streams are those described in its financial statements to 30 September 2023. The Group's revenue is derived from contracts with customers.
Disaggregation of revenue
In the following tables, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical market and by sales of goods and services. The table includes a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue with the Group's reportable segments (see note 3).
Sale of goods and provision of services
| | 3 months ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Sale of goods | 11,292 | 16,749 | 1,723 | - | - | 29,764 | - | 29,764 |
| Provision of services | 480 | - | 445 | - | - | 925 | - | 925 |
| Inter-segment sales | 6 | 35 | - | 1,054 | (1,095) | - | - | - |
|
| 11,778 | 16,784 | 2,168 | 1,054 | (1,095) | 30,689 | - | 30,689 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 3 months ended 30 June 2023 (unaudited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Sale of goods | 13,523 | 16,049 | 2,259 | - | - | 31,831 | 43 | 31,788 |
| Provision of services | 900 | - | 1,536 | - | - | 2,436 | - | 2,436 |
| Inter-segment sales | 3 | 18 | - | 1,426 | (1,447) | - | - | - |
| | 14,426 | 16,067 | 3,795 | 1,426 | (1,447) | 34,267 | 43 | 34,224 |
| | | | | | | | | |
|
| 9 months ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Sale of goods | 38,820 | 57,090 | 10,805 | - | - | 106,715 | - | 106,715 |
| Provision of services | 1,341 | 34 | 2,823 | - | - | 4,198 | - | 4,198 |
| Inter-segment sales | 12 | 73 | - | 3,752 | (3,837) | - | - | - |
|
| 40,173 | 57,197 | 13,628 | 3,752 | (3,837) | 110,913 | - | 110,913 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 9 months ended 30 June 2023 (unaudited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Sale of goods | 45,727 | 61,356 | 15,823 | - | - | 122,906 | 246 | 122,660 |
| Provision of services | 3,174 | - | 7,049 | - | - | 10,223 | - | 10,223 |
| Inter-segment sales | 6 | 35 | - | 4,299 | (4,340) | - | - | - |
| | 48,907 | 61,391 | 22,872 | 4,299 | (4,340) | 133,129 | 246 | 132,883 |
| | | | | | | | | |
|
| 12 months ended 30 September 2023 (audited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Sale of goods | 61,372 | 78,449 | 17,707 | - | - | 157,528 | 268 | 157,260 |
| Provision of services | 4,409 | - | 7,807 | - | - | 12,216 | - | 12,216 |
| Inter-segment sales | 10 | 54 | - | 5,747 | (5,811) | - | - | - |
| | 65,791 | 78,503 | 25,514 | 5,747 | (5,811) | 169,744 | 268 | 169,476 |
4. Revenue (continued)
Primary geographical markets
| | 3 months ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Norway | 5,992 | 436 | 999 | - | - | 7,427 | - | 7,427 |
| Vietnam | 12 | 2,040 | - | - | - | 2,052 | - | 2,052 |
| Iceland | 1,962 | - | 57 | - | - | 2,019 | - | 2,019 |
| Greece | - | 1,792 | - | - | - | 1,792 | - | 1,792 |
| Faroe Islands | 1,301 | - | 417 | - | - | 1,718 | - | 1,718 |
| Venezuela | - | 1,633 | - | - | - | 1,633 | - | 1,633 |
| Ecuador | - | 1,395 | - | - | - | 1,395 | - | 1,395 |
| India | - | 1,331 | - | - | - | 1,331 | - | 1,331 |
| Indonesia | 110 | 1,153 | - | - | - | 1,263 | - | 1,263 |
| Turkey | - | 1,086 | - | - | - | 1,086 | - | 1,086 |
| Chile | 364 | - | 327 | - | - | 691 | - | 691 |
| Rest of Europe | 948 | 651 | 157 | - | - | 1,756 | - | 1,756 |
| Rest of World | 1,083 | 5,232 | 211 | - | - | 6,526 | - | 6,526 |
| Inter-segment sales | 6 | 35 | - | 1,054 | (1,095) | - | - | - |
|
| 11,778 | 16,784 | 2,168 | 1,054 | (1,095) | 30,689 | - | 30,689 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 3 months ended 30 June 2023 (unaudited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Norway | 7,190 | 349 | 3,155 | - | - | 10,694 | - | 10,694 |
| Vietnam | - | 2,445 | - | - | - | 2,445 | - | 2,445 |
| Iceland | 1,166 | - | - | - | - | 1,166 | - | 1,166 |
| Greece | - | 1,698 | - | - | - | 1,698 | - | 1,698 |
| Faroe Islands | 1,668 | - | 116 | - | - | 1,784 | - | 1,784 |
| Venezuela | - | 680 | - | - | - | 680 | - | 680 |
| Ecuador | 9 | 1,936 | - | - | - | 1,945 | - | 1,945 |
| India | - | 671 | - | - | - | 671 | - | 671 |
| Indonesia | 98 | 705 | - | - | - | 803 | - | 803 |
| Turkey | 54 | 1,208 | - | - | - | 1,262 | - | 1,262 |
| Chile | 332 | 1 | 291 | - | - | 624 | - | 624 |
| Rest of Europe | 1,166 | 794 | 93 | - | - | 2,053 | - | 2,053 |
| Rest of World | 2,740 | 5,562 | 140 | - | - | 8,442 | 43 | 8,399 |
| Inter-segment sales | 3 | 18 | - | 1,426 | (1,447) | - | - | - |
| | 14,426 | 16,067 | 3,795 | 1,426 | (1,447) | 34,267 | 43 | 34,224 |
4. Revenue (continued)
Primary geographical markets (continued)
|
| 9 months ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Norway | 22,422 | 885 | 8,158 | - | - | 31,465 | - | 31,465 |
| Vietnam | 12 | 6,746 | - | - | - | 6,758 | - | 6,758 |
| Iceland | 4,673 | - | 57 | - | - | 4,730 | - | 4,730 |
| Greece | - | 5,451 | - | - | - | 5,451 | - | 5,451 |
| Faroe Islands | 4,011 | - | 919 | - | - | 4,930 | - | 4,930 |
| Venezuela | 157 | 2,567 | - | - | - | 2,724 | - | 2,724 |
| Ecuador | 40 | 4,617 | - | - | - | 4,657 | - | 4,657 |
| India | - | 8,065 | - | - | - | 8,065 | - | 8,065 |
| Indonesia | 268 | 3,289 | - | - | - | 3,557 | - | 3,557 |
| Turkey | 9 | 5,300 | - | - | - | 5,309 | - | 5,309 |
| Chile | 3,357 | - | 1,369 | - | - | 4,726 | - | 4,726 |
| Rest of Europe | 2,998 | 4,094 | 302 | - | - | 7,394 | - | 7,394 |
| Rest of World | 2,214 | 16,110 | 2,823 | - | - | 21,147 | - | 21,147 |
| Inter-segment sales | 12 | 73 | - | 3,752 | (3,837) | - | - | - |
|
| 40,173 | 57,197 | 13,628 | 3,752 | (3,837) | 110,913 | - | 110,913 |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 9 months ended 30 June 2023 (unaudited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Norway | 30,251 | 691 | 17,607 | - | - | 48,549 | - | 48,549 |
| Vietnam | - | 7,470 | - | - | - | 7,470 | - | 7,470 |
| Iceland | 4,138 | - | - | - | - | 4,138 | - | 4,138 |
| Greece | - | 5,969 | - | - | - | 5,969 | - | 5,969 |
| Faroe Islands | 4,988 | - | 464 | - | - | 5,452 | - | 5,452 |
| Venezuela | 43 | 1,584 | - | - | - | 1,627 | - | 1,627 |
| Ecuador | 38 | 5,508 | - | - | - | 5,546 | - | 5,546 |
| India | - | 7,696 | - | - | - | 7,696 | - | 7,696 |
| Indonesia | 436 | 2,815 | - | - | - | 3,251 | - | 3,251 |
| Turkey | 56 | 5,940 | - | - | - | 5,996 | - | 5,996 |
| Chile | 1,465 | 12 | 633 | - | - | 2,110 | - | 2,110 |
| Rest of Europe | 3,486 | 4,162 | 136 | - | - | 7,784 | - | 7,784 |
| Rest of World | 4,000 | 19,509 | 4,032 | - | - | 27,541 | 246 | 27,295 |
| Inter-segment sales | 6 | 35 | - | 4,299 | (4,340) | - | - | - |
| | 48,907 | 61,391 | 22,872 | 4,299 | (4,340) | 133,129 | 246 | 132,883 |
4. Revenue (continued)
Primary geographical markets (continued
| | 12 months ended 30 September 2023 (audited) |
| | |||||
| All figures in £000's | Genetics | Advanced Nutrition | Health | Corporate | Inter-segment sales | Total | Discontinued | Continuing |
| Norway | 39,007 | 897 | 19,596 | - | - | 59,500 | - | 59,500 |
| Vietnam | - | 11,229 | - | - | - | 11,229 | - | 11,229 |
| Iceland | 7,343 | - | - | - | - | 7,343 | - | 7,343 |
| Greece | - | 6,759 | - | - | - | 6,759 | - | 6,759 |
| Faroe Islands | 6,160 | - | 718 | - | - | 6,878 | - | 6,878 |
| Venezuela | 43 | 2,019 | - | - | - | 2,062 | - | 2,062 |
| Ecuador | 38 | 7,257 | - | - | - | 7,295 | - | 7,295 |
| India | - | 9,743 | - | - | - | 9,743 | - | 9,743 |
| Indonesia | 637 | 4,099 | - | - | - | 4,736 | - | 4,736 |
| Turkey | 93 | 7,009 | - | - | - | 7,102 | - | 7,102 |
| Chile | 1,824 | 12 | 991 | - | - | 2,827 | - | 2,827 |
| Rest of Europe | 5,427 | 4,941 | 177 | - | - | 10,545 | - | 10,545 |
| Rest of World | 5,209 | 24,484 | 4,032 | - | - | 33,725 | 268 | 33,457 |
| Inter-segment sales | 10 | 54 | - | 5,747 | (5,811) | - | - | - |
| | 65,791 | 78,503 | 25,514 | 5,747 | (5,811) | 169,744 | 268 | 169,476 |
5. Discontinued activities
During FY23, the group divested its tilapia business for consideration of USD 1 in a management buy out. Consequently, these operations were classified as discontinued in the prior year and a restatement of the consolidated income statement.
Summary of restatement of Q3 FY23 results as reported in Q3 FY24 financial statements
| | Continuing operations | Discontinued operations | ||
| All figures in £000's | Revenue | Adjusted EBITDA | Loss from continuing operations | Loss from discontinued operations |
| As stated in Q3 FY23 financial statements | 133,129 | 27,147 | (8,021) | - |
| Reclassified in Q1 | (73) | 368 | 453 | (453) |
| Reclassified in Q2 | (130) | 194 | 279 | (279) |
| Reclassified in Q3 | (43) | 353 | 438 | (438) |
| As stated in Q3 FY24 financial statements | 132,883 | 28,062 | (6,851) | (1,170) |
Results from discontinued operations
| | Q3 FY24 | Q3 FY23 | YTD Q3 FY24 | YTD Q3 FY23 | FY23 |
| | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 |
| Revenue | - | 43 | - | 246 | 268 |
| Cost of sales | - | (275) | - | (755) | (973) |
| Gross profit | - | (232) | - | (509) | (705) |
| Research and development costs | - | (3) | - | (16) | (59) |
| Other operating costs | - | (118) | - | (390) | (490) |
| Share of profit of equity-accounted investees, net of tax | - | - | - | - | - |
| Adjusted EBITDA | - | (353) | - | (915) | (1,254) |
| Exceptional loss on disposal | - | - | - | - | (3,913) |
| EBITDA | - | (353) | - | (915) | (5,167) |
| Depreciation and impairment | - | (76) | - | (228) | (304) |
| Amortisation and impairment | - | - | - | - | - |
| Operating loss / Loss before taxation | - | (429) | - | (1,143) | (5,471) |
| Net finance costs | - | (9) | - | (27) | (34) |
| Loss before taxation | - | (438) | - | (1,170) | (5,505) |
| Tax on loss | - | - | - | - | - |
| Loss from discontinued operations | - | (438) | - | (1,170) | (5,505) |
Exceptional items within discontinued operations
| | Q3 FY24 | Q3 FY23 | YTD Q3 FY24 | YTD Q3 FY23 | FY23 |
| | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 |
|
| | | | | |
| Profit/(loss) on disposal of subsidiaries | - | - | - | - | 3,774 |
| Profit/(loss) on other asset disposals | - | - | - | - | 139 |
| Total exceptional recognised | - | - | - | - | 3,913 |
Results from discontinued operations by segment
The results from discontinued operations relate solely to the Genetics operating segment.
6. Exceptional items from continuing operations - restructuring/acquisition and disposal related items
Items that are material because of their size or nature, are non-recurring and whose significance is sufficient to warrant separate disclosure and identification within the consolidated financial statements are referred to as exceptional items. The separate reporting of exceptional items helps to provide an understanding of the Group's underlying performance.
| All figures in £000's | | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| Acquisition related items | | - | 579 | - | 579 | 652 |
| Exceptional restructuring costs | | 1,957 | 152 | 4,612 | 2,825 | 3,470 |
| Disposal related items | | 629 | (201) | 452 | (186) | (218) |
| Total exceptional items | | 2,586 | 530 | 5,065 | 3,218 | 3,904 |
In Q3 2023, YTD Q3 2023 and FY 2023 acquisition related items comprise fees incurred in the year in connection with an aborted acquisition.
Exceptional restructuring costs include £1.2m in the quarter (Q3 2023 £nil) and £3.0m YTD (YTD 2023: £nil) relating to the formal review of the Company's strategic options and the potential sale. Other restructuring costs include £0.8m for the quarter (Q3 2023: £0.1m) and £1.6m YTD (YTD 2023 £0.2m, FY 2023 £0.9m). In addition to this in FY 23 there were £2.6m (Q3 2023: £0.1m, YTD 2023: £2.6m) of legal and professional costs in relation to preparing for listing the Group on the Oslo stock exchange.
Disposal related items in the quarter relate to uninsured culling of broodstock and clean-up costs of £0.6m. Additionally, there was a gain of £0.2m in the YTD for the sale of equipment in relation to a business disposed of in prior years. In FY 2023 there was a credit of £0.2m for additional contingent consideration received and receivable relating to the disposal of a business from 2020, which was slightly offset by other disposal related costs.
7. Net finance costs from continuing operations
| All figures in £000's | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| Interest received on bank deposits | 65 | 155 | 351 | 472 | 627 |
| Foreign exchange gains on financing activities | - | 158 | - | 158 | 158 |
| Foreign exchange gains on operating activities | 547 | 1,363 | 1,554 | 6,409 | 4,709 |
| Cash flow hedges - reclassified from OCI | - | 273 | - | 565 | - |
| Cash flow hedges - ineffective portion of changes in fair value | - | 798 | - | 3,158 | 2,176 |
| Finance income | 612 | 2,746 | 1,905 | 10,762 | 7,670 |
| Leases (interest portion) | (385) | (381) | (1,075) | (1,235) | (1,620) |
| Foreign exchange losses on operating activities | (620) | (175) | (666) | (6,034) | (4,547) |
| Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | (2,531) | (2,416) | (7,236) | (5,911) | (8,881) |
| Finance costs | (3,536) | (2,972) | (8,977) | (13,180) | (15,048) |
| Net finance costs recognised in profit or loss | (2,924) | (226) | (7,072) | (2,418) | (7,378) |
8. Taxation
| All figures in £000's | | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Analysis of charge in period | | | | | | |
| Current tax: |
| | | | | |
| Current income tax expense on profits for the period | | 1,617 | 823 | 4,243 | 3,658 | 6,178 |
| Adjustment in respect of prior periods | | - | - | - | - | (880) |
| Total current tax charge | | 1,617 | 823 | 4,243 | 3,658 | 5,298 |
| | | | | | | |
| Deferred tax: |
| | | | | |
| Origination and reversal of temporary differences | | (1,088) | (899) | (2,804) | (2,251) | (1,933) |
| Total deferred tax charge/(credit) | | (1,088) | (899) | (2,804) | (2,251) | (1,933) |
| | |
| |
| - | - |
| Total tax charge | | 529 | (76) | 1,439 | 1,407 | 3,365 |
9. Loss per share
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
| | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| |
| Loss attributable to equity holders of the parent (£000) |
| | | | | ||
| Continuing operations | (9,913) | (4,322) | (18,861) | (7,593) | (17,641) |
| |
| Discontinued operations | - | (438) | - | (1,170) | (5,505) |
| |
| Total | (9,913) | (4,760) | (18,861) | (8,763) | (23,146) |
| |
| | | | | | |
| |
| Weighted average number of shares in issue (thousands) | 739,708 | 739,300 | 739,507 | 729,437 | 731,935 |
| |
| | | | | | |
| |
| Basic loss per share (pence) |
| | | | |
| |
| Continuing operations | (1.34) | (0.58) | (2.55) | (1.04) | (2.41) |
| |
| Discontinued operations | - | (0.06) | - | (0.16) | (0.75) |
| |
| Total | (1.34) | (0.64) | (2.55) | (1.20) | (3.16) |
| |
Diluted loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. This is done by calculating the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average market price of the Company's shares for the period) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding share options and warrants. The number of shares calculated above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the exercise of the share options and warrants.
Therefore, the Company is required to adjust the earnings per share calculation in relation to the share options that are in issue under the Company's share-based incentive schemes, and outstanding warrants. However, as any potential ordinary shares would be anti-dilutive due to losses being made there is no difference between Basic loss per share and Diluted loss per share for any of the periods being reported.
A total of 13,716,299 potential ordinary shares have not been included within the calculation of statutory diluted loss per share for the year (30 September 2023: 8,948,132 and 30 June 2023: 5,988,043). These potential ordinary shares could dilute earnings/loss per share in the future.
10. Assets held for sale
During 2022, management committed to sell certain property, plant and equipment held within the Health business area. The property concerned was longer required by the business and the decision was made to sell. The market value of the property fell during the period and a further impairment charge of £200,000 was incurred to write the asset down to its current market value of £300,000 (30 September 2023: £850,000). The property was sold for £300,000 on 28 March 2024.
There were no liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale.
| Assets held for sale |
| YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| All figures in £000's | | |||
| Property, plant and equipment | | - | 850 | 850 |
| Total Assets held for sale |
| - | 850 | 850 |
11. Loans and borrowings
| | YTD Q2 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| All figures in £000's | |||
| Non-Current |
| | |
| 2025 750m NOK Loan notes | 55,706 | 53,382 | 57,604 |
| Bank borrowings | 14,642 | 15,746 | 16,799 |
| Unamortised debt issue costs | (111) | - | (742) |
| Lease liabilities | 6,245 | 8,832 | 8,293 |
| | 76,482 | 77,960 | 81,954 |
| Current |
| | |
| Bank borrowings | 11,779 | 9,439 | 9,320 |
| Unamortised debt issue costs | (1,093) | - | (842) |
| Lease liabilities | 4,885 | 12,318 | 11,567 |
| | 15,571 | 21,757 | 20,045 |
| Total loans and borrowings | 92,053 | 99,717 | 101,999 |
The Group has an unsecured floating rate listed green bond of NOK 750m in issue. The bond which matures in September 2025, has a coupon of three-month NIBOR + 6.50% p.a. with quarterly interest payments, and is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.
The Group has a secured GBP 20m RCF provided by DNB Bank ASA, maturing on 27 June 2025. This facility was extended on the same terms in March 2024 by GBP 7.5m, to a total facility of GBP 27.5m, with the GBP 7.5m extension maturing on 27 March 2025. The margin on this combined facility is a minimum of 2.75% and a maximum of 3.25%, dependent upon the leverage of the Group above the relevant risk-free reference or IBOR rates depending on which currency is drawn. As at 30 June 2024 there was £17.25m undrawn.
Additionally, Benchmark Genetics Salten AS had the following loans (which are ring-fenced debt without recourse to the remainder of the Group) at 30 June 2024:
• term loan with Nordea Bank with a balance of NOK 160.5m, which has a maturity date of five years ending 15 January 2028 and an interest rate of 2.5% above three-month NIBOR.
• twelve month working capital facility of NOK 20.0m provided by Nordea Bank Norge Abp. This was undrawn at 30 June 2024
• term loan with a balance of NOK 32.1m provided by Innovasjon Norge. The loan is a 12-and-a-half year term loan maturing in March 2031. The interest rate on this loan at 30 June 2024 was 6.7%
• an additional 15-year term loan with a balance of NOK 9.5m provided by Innovasjon Norge and maturing in July 2038. The interest rate on this loan at 30 June 2024 was 6.7%
• a loan of NOK 15.5m provided by the minority shareholder Salten Stamfisk AS. The loan attracts interest at 2.5% above three-month NIBOR and is repayable on maturity of the Nordea loan above.
12. Share capital and additional paid-in share capital
| | Number | Share Capital | Additional paid-in |
| Allotted, called up and fully paid |
| £000 | £000 |
| Ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each |
| | |
| Balance at 30 September 2023 | 739,352,390 | 739 | 37,428 |
| Exercise of share options | 426,253 | 1 | 62 |
| Balance at 31 March 2024 | 739,778,643 | 740 | 37,490 |
13. Alternative performance measures and other metrics
Management has presented the performance measures EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA before fair value movement in biological assets, Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Profit Before Tax because it monitors performance at a consolidated level using these and believes that these measures are relevant to an understanding of the Group's financial performance.
Adjusted EBITDA which reflects underlying profitability, is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, impairment, and exceptional items and is shown on the Income Statement.
Adjusted EBITDA before fair value movements in biological assets, which is Adjusted EBITDA before the non-cash fair value movements in biological assets arising from their revaluation in line with International Accounting Standards.
Adjusted Operating Profit is operating loss before exceptional items and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets excluding development costs as reconciled below.
Adjusted Profit Before Tax is earnings before tax, amortisation and impairment of intangibles assets excluding development costs, and exceptional items as reconciled below. These measures are not defined performance measures in IFRS. The Group's definition of these measures may not be comparable with similarly titled performance measures and disclosures by other entities.
Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Profit/(loss) to Operating Profit/(loss)
| All figures in £000's | | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| Revenue |
| 30,689 | 34,224 | 110,913 | 132,883 | 169,476 |
| Cost of sales | | (15,071) | (16,715) | (56,047) | (66,052) | (82,726) |
| Gross profit |
| 15,618 | 17,509 | 54,866 | 66,831 | 86,750 |
| Research and development costs | | (1,409) | (1,493) | (4,468) | (4,478) | (6,069) |
| Other operating costs | | (9,879) | (10,521) | (30,231) | (34,292) | (45,157) |
| Depreciation and impairment | | (4,284) | (4,626) | (13,851) | (13,640) | (18,409) |
| Amortisation of capitalised development costs | | (604) | (606) | (1,815) | (1,833) | (2,437) |
| Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investees net of tax | | 185 | (55) | 1,170 | 1 | (32) |
| Adjusted operating (loss)/profit |
| (373) | 208 | 5,671 | 12,589 | 14,646 |
| Exceptional - restructuring, acquisition and disposal related items | | (2,586) | (530) | (5,065) | (3,218) | (3,904) |
| Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets excluding development costs | | (3,536) | (3,712) | (10,814) | (12,397) | (16,058) |
| Operating loss | | (6,495) | (4,034) | (10,208) | (3,026) | (5,316) |
13. Alternative performance measures and other metrics (continued)
Reconciliation of Loss Before Taxation to Adjusted Profit Before Tax
| All figures in £000's | | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Loss before taxation |
| (9,419) | (4,260) | (17,280) | (5,444) | (12,694) |
| Exceptional - restructuring, acquisition and disposal related items | | 2,586 | 530 | 5,065 | 3,218 | 3,904 |
| Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets excluding development costs | | 3,536 | 3,712 | 10,814 | 12,397 | 16,058 |
| Adjusted (loss)profit before tax | | (3,297) | (18) | (1,401) | 10,171 | 7,268 |
Other Metrics
| All figures in £000's | | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| Total R&D Investment |
| | | | | |
| Research and development costs | | | | | | |
| - Continuing operations | | 1,409 | 1,493 | 4,468 | 4,478 | 6,069 |
| - Discontinued operations | | - | 3 | - | 16 | 59 |
| Internal capitalised development costs | | 56 | 183 | 150 | 380 | 632 |
| Total R&D investment | | 1,465 | 1,679 | 4,618 | 4,874 | 6,760 |
| All figures in £000's | | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | YTD Q3 2024 | YTD Q3 2023 | FY 2023 |
| Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movement in biological assets |
| | | | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | 4,515 | 5,440 | 21,337 | 28,062 | 35,492 |
| Exclude fair value movement | | 73 | (1,457) | 580 | (1,704) | 103 |
| Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movement in biological assets | | 4,588 | 3,983 | 21,917 | 26,358 | 35,595 |
Liquidity
A key financial covenant is a minimum liquidity of £10m, defined as cash plus undrawn facilities.
| All figures in £000's | | 30 June 2024 (unaudited) | 30 June 2023 (unaudited) | FY 2023 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | 16,984 | 32,858 | 36,525 |
| Undrawn bank facility | | 17,250 | 12,250 | 12,250 |
| Total liquidity | | 34,234 | 45,108 | 48,775 |
The undrawn bank facility relates to the RCF facility. At 30 June 2024, £10.25m of the RCF was drawn (30 June 2023: £7.75m, 30 September 2023: £7.75m), leaving £17.25m undrawn (30 June 2023: £12.25m, 30 September 2023: £12.25m).
14. Net debt
Net debt is cash and cash equivalents less loans and borrowings.
| | |
|
|
|
| All figures in £000's | | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (audited) |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | 16,984 | 32,858 | 36,525 |
| Loans and borrowings (excluding lease liabilities) - current | | (10,686) | (9,439) | (8,478) |
| Loans and borrowings (excluding lease liabilities) - non-current | | (70,237) | (69,128) | (73,661) |
| Net debt excluding lease liabilities | | (63,939) | (45,709) | (45,614) |
| Lease liabilities - current | | (4,885) | (12,318) | (11,567) |
| Lease liabilities - non-current | | (6,245) | (8,832) | (8,293) |
| Net debt | | (75,069) | (66,859) | (65,474) |
15. Post Balance sheet event
After the period end in July 2024, the decision was made to restructure the Health business area. The restructuring exercise will reduce operating expenditure in the business area by streamlining resource to focus on the Salmosan and Purisan business whilst discussions with customers about investing in the new operating models continue. The technical capability to roll out the CleanTreat® infrastructure onto customer owned platforms upon getting customer commitment is being retained.
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