TIDMBMK
RNS Number : 2508J
Benchmark Holdings PLC
27 June 2017
27 June 2017
BENCHMARK HOLDINGS PLC
("Benchmark" or the "Company" or the "Group")
INTERIM RESULTS 2017
Benchmark, the aquaculture biotechnology and food chain
sustainability business announces its Interim Results for the six
months ended 31 March 2017 (the "period").
GBPm H1 2017 H1 2016 FY 2016
---------------------- -------- -------- --------
Revenue 69.2 48.0 109.4
---------------------- -------- -------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 3.3 3.0 9.2
---------------------- -------- -------- --------
Operating loss (6.7) (15.2) (20.5)
---------------------- -------- -------- --------
Basic loss per share
(pence) (1.58) (3.09) (4.39)
---------------------- -------- -------- --------
Net (debt) / cash (12.8) (14.6) 0.4
---------------------- -------- -------- --------
Financial Highlights:
-- Revenue increased by 44% to GBP69.2m (H1 2016: GBP48.0m).
Like-for-like sales, excluding businesses acquired in 2016,
increased 14% to GBP31.0m (H1 2016: GBP27.3m).
-- Adjusted EBITDA(1) grew by 10% to GBP3.3m (H1 2016: GBP3.0m)
-- Reduced operating loss reflects:
o full period impact from acquisition of INVE
o a net credit of GBP1.9m (H1 2016: GBP12.1m expense) in
exceptional and acquisition related expenditure resulting from a
release of a provision for deferred consideration for an earlier
acquisition,
o offset by an increased charge for depreciation and
amortisation of GBP11.8m (H1 2016: GBP6.1m) principally from the
inclusion of INVE for a full six months.
-- Expensed R&D remained in line with the previous year at
GBP6.4m (H1 2016: GBP6.0m) reflecting measured progress with, and
prioritisation of, focused investment in the new product
pipeline.
-- Construction continued on the combined land and sea based
biosecure salmon production facility in Norway with GBP7.4m
invested by Benchmark in the period. Completion expected 2019.
Operational highlights:
-- Progress made on key strategic investment objectives:
o Long-term collaboration agreement signed with Salmar, one of
the world's leading salmon producers, to provide breeding and
genetics services and products related to Atlantic salmon,
including R&D services and production of salmon eggs.
o Further opportunities for commercial collaboration in breeding
and nutrition were advanced. Contract signed with Thailand's
largest tilapia producer, Manit Farms, to distribute INVE probiotic
water quality management technology.
o Continued progress in the development pipeline through
targeted investment in scientific research and development, with a
clear focus on 2-3 headline products which are expected to launch
before the end of 2017.
o Good progress made towards the commercial field trials launch
of these headline products, including ground-breaking sea lice
treatment and delivery method. This moves us closer to significant
organic growth as the rate of pipeline product launches
increases.
-- Improved performance in Breeding and Genetics with recovery
in sales of salmon eggs to Chile and growth in sales volumes and
prices in other markets and species
-- Signs of growth returning in shrimp markets despite
challenges faced by the industry and Benchmark is well positioned
to leverage its distribution network and position in the market
-- Benchmark's new vaccine manufacturing facility at Braintree
is now in the commissioning phase, with first commercial batches
expected in H2 2017. This is a key step to securing the Group's
supply chain and protecting its know-how, as well as providing
manufacturing capacity
-- Continued progress made with the development of top line synergies across the Group
-- Rate of new headcount growth slowed reflecting the policy to
phase additions in parallel with top line growth. The majority of
the increase of 31 to 915 at end H1 (FY 2016: 884) relates to the
launch of new production facilities
Alex Hambro, Chairman of Benchmark, said: "I am pleased to
report that the Group is increasingly recognised by its customers,
some of the world's largest aquaculture producers, as a leading
technology partner. The platform Benchmark has built over the last
three years is delivering products with significant commercial
potential, and the management team has displayed clear focus in its
prioritisation of 2-3 key products which we expect to launch by the
end of 2017.
The Company's foresight and dynamic development of the new
product pipeline ensures that, as predicted disease pressures grow
in certain species (such as salmon), pipeline products which have
already been in development for a number of years are introduced to
address those pressures. Benchmark's diversification strategy has
also proved prudent, with adjusted EBITDA up 10% despite headwinds
in business segments which had traditionally contributed
significantly. There is a genuine feeling of excitement around
those products which are near launch, and I look forward to
updating shareholders on further progress at the Preliminary
Results."
Interim Report
The Company's Interim Report for the period ended 31 March 2017
will shortly be available to view on the Company's website
(www.benchmarkplc.com).
For further information, please
contact:
Benchmark Holdings plc Tel: 020 7920
3150
Malcolm Pye, CEO
Roland Bonney, COO
Rachel Aninakwah, Communications
Numis Tel: 020 7260
1000
Michael Meade / Freddie Barnfield
(NOMAD)
James Black (Corporate Broking)
Tavistock Tel: 020 7920
3150
Simon Hudson / Niall Walsh
/ Sophie Praill
For further information on Benchmark please visit
www.benchmarkplc.com
1. Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation, amortisation, exceptional items and acquisition
related expenditure. In the period to 31 March 2017, acquisition
related costs were a net credit of GBP2.1m (H1 2016: GBP11.8m
expense; FY 2016: GBP12.9m expense), and exceptional items were
GBP0.2m (H1 2016: GBP0.3m; FY 2016: GBP0.1m).
1.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to report the Group's Interim Results for the
period to 31 March 2017.
The first six months of the financial year has been a period of
consolidation and progress as we deliver our key strategic
objective of gaining market share and exploiting the long-term
growth being experienced in the aquaculture industry. This is being
achieved by providing a complete suite of technological solutions
to existing and new customers, and by exploiting the synergies
available between the different technologies and additional routes
to market in the recently expanded Benchmark Group. Progress has
been pleasing despite headwinds in some of our key markets.
In the shrimp sector, specific disease challenges coupled with
low market prices resulted in delayed customer investment and lower
growth rates in the first half year. The Group has proceeded
selectively with new capital investment plans, whilst continuing to
progress core infrastructure projects which support long-term
growth.
Development of the Group-wide customer account management
programme continues to demonstrate and promote the full benefit of
Benchmark's integrated technology solutions in aquaculture.
Recognition of this progress was received in the period when
Benchmark signed a long-term collaboration agreement with Salmar,
one of the world's largest salmon producers, to provide breeding
and genetics services and products related to Atlantic salmon,
including R&D services and production of salmon eggs. This is a
positive acknowledgment of the benefits customers are seeing in our
technology platform for their businesses. Focus is also being
placed on growing sales and market share in other developing
markets, including China, for the benefit of the Group's Breeding
and Genetics and Advanced Animal Nutrition divisions. During the
period a new distribution contract for probiotic water quality
management technology was signed with Manit Farms (Thailand's
largest breeder of tilapia). Similar combined business developments
in the tilapia market are in progress in Asia and Latin
America.
Integration and commercial development of the INVE business has
progressed well. The business has, however, continued to face
headwinds in the shrimp markets in Asia and trading has followed a
similar pattern to last year with a late start to the season. We
are now seeing early signs of a more general recovery in shrimp
prices and in the global shrimp markets and our long-term
expectations for the market remain strong.
As anticipated, the Animal Health division experienced low
demand for Salmosan in Norway compared to last year due to the
development of partial resistance to Salmosan and the renewed
industry focus on developing new mechanical treatments for the
significant sea lice challenge. In response, the division has
focused on the development of its ground-breaking new sea lice
treatment, which is scheduled to commence commercial field trials
and contribute substantially in the second half of the year.
This new sea lice treatment will enhance the suite of solutions
that we provide to tackle what is the largest problem for the
salmon production industry. This is a good example of the Group's
programme approach to new product development where we target a
range of complementary technologies that together aim to solve a
significant problem faced in aquaculture.
Development of the Group's product pipeline has continued to
move forward in the period. Six of the products in the Animal
Health division's portfolio moved forward one step in the
development process, while in the Advanced Animal Nutrition
division, good progress was made towards the target of 100%
substitution of live feed with replacement diet products for
juvenile shrimp. This is key to ensuring there is sufficient supply
of early stage feed for the shrimp production industry to unlock
its future growth potential. The total Group new product pipeline
includes 81 products with total peak projected annual sales of
GBP718m. We anticipate an increasing number of product launches
through FY18 and FY19.
Results
Revenue for the period increased by 44% to GBP69.2m (H1 2016:
GBP48.0m; FY 2016: GBP109.4m), with the inclusion of INVE
Aquaculture for the full six months rather than three months in the
first half of last year (GBP17.3m increase) and strong growth in
the Breeding and Genetics division (GBP8.1m). The latter has arisen
from recovery of salmon egg sales in Chile where the border to
imports was closed throughout H1 2016, from volume and unit price
growth in other markets and partially from favourable currency
exchange rates meaning revenue for that division increased 76% to
GBP18.8m (H1 2016: GBP10.7m; FY 2016: GBP20.7m). This improvement
was offset by lower revenue in the Animal Health division which
fell to GBP7.2m (H1 2016: GBP12.2m; FY 2016: GBP24.8m). As noted
above, demand for Salmosan in Norway was anticipated to be low as
the industry focused on new solutions to the significant sea lice
challenge.
Like-for-like sales excluding acquisitions in the prior period
increased by 14% as the improved performance in the Breeding and
Genetics division offset the lower activity in the Animal Health
division.
In previous years, the Group separated the statutory IFRS
results into Trading Activities and Investing Activities to present
better the underlying performance and development of the business.
However, following the rapid growth of the Group, both organic and
through acquisition, the proportion of operating results relating
to early stage business has fallen significantly. Consequently, the
Board now monitors "Adjusted EBITDA" to track performance of the
Group's operations, being earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA"), before exceptional and
acquisition related expenditure.
Operating costs in the first half increased 48% to GBP26.7m (H1
2016: GBP18.0m; FY 2016: GBP41.6m), reflecting a full period of
inclusion of the Advanced Animal Nutrition division compared to
three months in H1 2016 (an increase of GBP6.7m to GBP10.8m). As
well as arising from a modest increase in headcount in the Group
(Group headcount at the half year was 915 (FY 2016: 884)), the bulk
of the remaining increase arose in the Breeding and Genetics
division and in corporate overheads. The Breeding and Genetics
division saw increased activity in the period, including the
operating costs of Genetica Spring which acquired the Colombian
shrimp breeding business in H2 2016 and higher costs arising from
foreign exchange rate movements. The Group has implemented
successful measures to control many areas of operational
expenditure. Corporate overheads increased by GBP1.6m as the
organisational structure was developed to meet the requirements of
an enlarged business.
Investment in scientific research and development on the Group's
product pipeline has remained at a similar level year on year.
R&D expenditure in the first half was GBP6.4m (H1 2016:
GBP6.0m; FY 2016: GBP11.7m), as we manage our investments against
the balance of near and longer term opportunities.
Adjusted EBITDA in the first six months was GBP3.3m, an increase
of GBP0.3m compared to H1 2016 (H1 2016: GBP3.0m; FY 2016:
GBP9.2m). The increase includes a full period of trading of INVE
Aquaculture with adjusted EBITDA of GBP8.3m (H1 2016: GBP6.3m; FY
2016: GBP15.9m) and growth in the Breeding and Genetics division as
noted above and also the reduced revenue in the Animal Health
division which saw adjusted EBITDA for the division fall to a loss
of GBP5.8m (H1 2016: GBP2.4m loss; FY 2016: GBP4.2m loss). This
division is expected to see significant improvement in H2 following
the anticipated commercial field trials launch of a ground-breaking
sea lice treatment as noted above. Divisional results are shown in
Note 7 to the interim statement.
EBITDA after taking into account the exceptional and acquisition
costs rose significantly to GBP5.2m in the period (H1 2016: GBP9.1m
loss; FY 2016: GBP3.9m). Exceptional items and acquisition related
costs in the period were a credit of GBP1.9m, following an
exceptional credit of GBP2.8m from the release of a provision for
deferred consideration related to the acquisition of Salmobreed
which is no longer thought likely to be payable. Furthermore, the
result in H1 2016 included acquisition costs of GBP12.9m
principally on the acquisition of the INVE group and related
funding.
Operating loss for the period of GBP6.7m is an improvement of
GBP8.5m on the previous year (H1 2016: GBP15.2m loss; FY 2016:
GBP20.5m) as a full period of depreciation and amortisation on the
assets acquired in the purchase of the INVE group offset the
improved earnings outlined above. Amortisation in the period was
GBP9.5m, up GBP4.5m on the previous period.
Basic and diluted loss per share was 1.58p (H1 2016: 3.09p; FY
2016: 4.39p).
Strategy and markets
Benchmark's strategy is to:
- Take a leadership position in aquaculture technology
- Have first-mover advantage in high-growth markets
- Tackle deep-rooted aquaculture issues in more mature markets
We execute this by:
- Combining the fundamental biology disciplines in one
aquaculture technology powerhouse with access to the entire
market
- Developing and selling innovative products rich in
intellectual property that deliver high margins and visibility of
earnings
- Exploiting our scalable platform of production capacity and technology
- Utilising our insight into the challenges faced to partner
with major food producers to drive improvement in their
profitability
By executing this strategy we will continue to build a business
of significant value.
Despite the softness in global shrimp markets, the Group's
projections for growth in global aquaculture remain positive. The
long-term drivers of growth in the Group's sectors, which include
the growing global demand for innovative aquaculture products and
an ever-increasing pressure to limit the use of antibiotics in the
food chain, remain strong, with increasing momentum and interest in
the aquaculture market.
Benchmark's strategy of offering an integrated package of both
products and services to its customers is increasingly being
recognised across the industry, particularly in the animal health
and genetics sectors. We are excited about the potential shown by
the new technologies in our research programmes and product
pipeline. The application of this technology remains at the heart
of what we do.
Our focus on growing sales and market share in developing
markets, including China, is progressing towards establishing
strategic relationships with major participants in those regions.
In the first phase of synergy generation, we see value in the
opportunity to combine advanced nutrition and genetics in the
shrimp and tilapia industries.
Operations
Animal Health Division
As anticipated, the division has experienced low demand for
Salmosan in our largest market in Norway, where the salmon industry
has been focussed on trialling different new solutions to the sea
lice challenge. However, sales in other global markets have
partially offset this, particularly in Canada and the UK. With
revenue GBP5.0m lower than in the comparative period in 2016,
adjusted EBITDA for the division in the period was a loss of
GBP5.8m (H1 2016: loss of GBP2.4m; FY 2016: loss of GBP4.2m).
We are excited about the anticipated launch of our new sea lice
treatment system and medicine which we expect to enter field trials
in the next few weeks. Equipment and arrangements with customers
are nearly in place and the first phase of field trials licences
are in hand. Significant revenues are anticipated in the second
half of the year and beyond, with the market welcoming a new and
effective treatment for one of the greatest challenges it faces.
The launch of this new sea lice product is expected to be
complementary to Salmosan sales as it will enable more rotation of
sea lice treatments and hence promote efficacy.
Practical completion of the division's new vaccine manufacturing
capacity at Braintree was received in May, and validation is now
underway with the first production expected to be complete in the
second half of the year. The Group's pipeline of new products
includes 31 vaccines, the majority of which will be produced in
Braintree.
The division's product pipeline includes 46 products with
combined peak projected annual sales of GBP552m. During the period
four discovery stage development products were dropped as early
tests demonstrated insufficient evidence of technical or commercial
feasibility.
Breeding and Genetics Division
The expanding Breeding and Genetics division has continued to
demonstrate pleasing performance, assisted by partial recovery in
the Chilean markets after the closure of the border to imports in
the previous season. As well as this, we have seen growth in market
share in other markets, and preparations are advanced for the
launch of disease resistant shrimp breeding stock from the
programme which was acquired from Ceniacua in the second half of
last year. Commercial trials of the stock are being prepared in six
of the major shrimp producing countries in Latin America and Asia.
Following the increased activity in the period, adjusted EBITDA for
the division was GBP2.8m (H1 2016: GBP0.9m; FY 2016: GBP1.4m).
In March, we signed a long-term collaboration agreement with
Salmar ASA, to provide breeding and genetics services and products
related to Atlantic salmon, including R&D activities and
production of salmon eggs. As part of the collaboration, a newly
created 50/50 joint venture company, Salmar Genetics AS, has been
established, and Benchmark is now managing Salmar's genetic
programme. This is a strong sign of the recognition by our
customers of the unique complete suite of aquaculture services
which can be tailored to the individual needs of each of our
customers.
Work is well underway on the new land-based, biosecure
broodstock farm in northern Norway, with GBP7.4m invested in the
period. As well as increasing capacity, this will allow us to
produce Norwegian salmon eggs all year round, underpinning our
strong position in the market.
The recovery in salmon egg sales from Iceland to Chile continues
and we are reviewing our strategy in order to reduce risk of any
future border closures. We are making good progress in sales from
Iceland to other key salmon markets including Canada, Scotland and
the domestic Icelandic market.
Advanced Animal Nutrition Division
The division was formed upon the acquisition of INVE in December
2015, and therefore has been included for the whole of the half
year for the first time this year. The disease challenge in the
global shrimp markets which impacted the second half of 2016
continued into H1 2017, so there has been a late start to the
season this year. Despite this challenge, integration and
commercial development of the INVE business has shown pleasing
progress, and we are now starting to see early signs of a more
general recovery, so remain positive in our long-term outlook.
Adjusted EBITDA for the period was GBP8.3m (H1 2016: GBP6.3m; FY
2016: GBP15.9m).
Work on developing synergies in the tilapia markets and for the
cleaner fish market in the Salmon industry is making good
progress.
In addition to the good progress made towards a 100% replacement
diet both for shrimp and for marine fish, six products in the
division's pipeline moved to the next stage of the development
pathway with several nearing launch.
Knowledge Services - Sustainability Science and Technical
Publishing divisions
We continue to provide consultancy, R&D services, education
and knowledge transfer for people and businesses in the
agriculture, aquaculture, veterinary and global food supply chain
industries, through our expertise across all parts of the food
chain and our working research farms and sites. The new trials
facility in Ardtoe is now online and is providing the
infrastructure to support and deliver the Group's development
portfolio. During the period, vital testing of the new sea lice
treatment was conducted at the site speeding up the development
process.
We commenced the production of lumpfish in the year at our new
hatcheries in Northern Scotland. The first sales of lumpfish will
take place in the second half. The results for the division are
slightly behind the previous year with adjusted EBITDA showing a
loss of GBP0.5m (H1 2016: GBP0.3m loss; FY 2016: GBP1.4m loss),
reflecting the early stage of this production.
Improve International established a new Veterinary Education and
Training Facility in the period in Sheffield and this has seen good
uptake of bookings since opening in May.
Aquaculture UK has launched the new Aquaculture Conference 2017
which was held in Stirling in June. 200 delegates attended and the
event included the 2018 Scottish Marine Aquaculture Awards which
were formerly run by The Crown Estate.
Funding
The Group continues to use its revolving credit facility to fund
operations. The facility allows up to $70m to be drawn, with $50m
being drawn down throughout the first half. The balance of the
facility remains available to fund working capital and small scale
capital projects, with leverage and interest cover covenants tested
on a quarterly basis.
Cashflow and Net Debt
Net cashflow from operating activities in the period was an
increase in cash of GBP0.5m (H1 2016: GBP8.9m outflow; FY 2016:
GBP10.5m outflow). This is a result of the improvement in EBITDA,
including the impact of the acquisition costs incurred in the prior
year as discussed above. After payments to purchase tangible and
intangible fixed assets of GBP11.8m, principally in the Breeding
and Genetics division (including the ongoing construction of the
new salmon egg production facility in Norway) net cash outflow in
the period was GBP11.8m (H1 2016: GBP9.5m inflow; FY 2016: GBP24.6m
inflow). The comparative periods produced net cash inflows due to
funds raised from the two share placings in the year (H1 2016:
GBP181.3m net of costs: FY 2016: GBP211.8m net of costs), the
proceeds of which were used to fund the INVE Aquaculture
acquisition, a South American shrimp breeding programme and other
strategically important projects including the Norwegian biosecure
facility construction project.
Net debt at the end of H1 was GBP12.8m (H1 2016: GBP14.6m; FY
2016: net cash GBP0.4m)
Taxation
There was a tax credit of GBP0.7m in the period (H1 2016:
GBP1.3m credit: FY 2016: GBP4.0m credit) with a deferred tax credit
of GBP2.9m offsetting current tax charges of GBP2.2m on overseas
profits. The deferred tax credit principally arose from the
reversal of timing differences from amortisation of the intangible
assets arising on consolidation on recent acquisitions. After the
credit for the period, the deferred tax liability remaining on
these timing differences was GBP61.0m of the total group deferred
tax liability of GBP62.4m.
Dividend
No dividends have been paid or proposed in the six months to 31
March 2017.
Outlook
The board anticipates that group results for the full year will
be broadly in line with its expectations, despite the late start to
the shrimp production season caused by the ongoing disease
challenge, and the field trials launch of our new sea lice
treatment occurring later in the year than anticipated.
There are continuing signs of growth returning to the shrimp
sector and we expect the shrimp market to show recovery as the
disease challenge is managed. The commercial field trials launch of
our ground-breaking new sea lice treatment is expected in the
coming weeks and significant revenues from this product are
anticipated in H2 2017 and beyond, which are projected to support
achievement of the Board's expectations for FY 2017 in light of
reducing sales of our existing sea lice treatment, Salmosan.
An increasingly important driver of our organic growth will be
the delivery of commercial sales from our robust pipeline of new
products and, although the exact timing of new product launches is
difficult to predict, a growing number of these are expected to
come to market during 2017 to 2019 covering each of the key
aquaculture species, with particular focus on 2-3 key products
which the Company expects to commercialise in 2018.
The long-term drivers of growth in the aquaculture sector remain
very positive and this will continue to benefit the Group in the
years to come. With new markets such as China providing potential
opportunity for significant growth, and customers becoming more
familiar with our integrated offering, we look forward to the
future of the Blue Revolution with great confidence.
The Hon. Alexander Hambro
Chairman
27 June 2017
Conclusion
We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set
of financial statements in the half-yearly report for the six
months ended 31 March 2017 which comprises the consolidated income
statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the
consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes
in equity, the consolidated cash flow statement and the related
explanatory notes.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements
in the half-yearly report for the six months ended 31 March 2017 is
not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the
recognition and measurement requirements of International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and the AIM
Rules
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the
UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making
enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and
accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review
procedures. We read the other information contained in the
half-yearly report and consider whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the condensed set of financial statements.
A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and
consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would
become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in
an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly report is the responsibility of, and has been
approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for
preparing the half-yearly report in accordance with the AIM
Rules.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the
group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU.
The directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set of
financial statements included in the half-yearly financial report
in accordance with the recognition and measurement requirements of
IFRSs as adopted by the EU.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on
the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report
based on our review
The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our
responsibilities
This report is made solely to the company in accordance with the
terms of our engagement. Our review has been undertaken so that we
might state to the company those matters we are required to state
to it in this 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 for our review work, for this
report, or for the conclusions we have reached.
Ian Beaumont
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
1 Sovereign Square, Sovereign Street, Leeds, LS1 4DA
27 June 2017
Consolidated Income Statement for the 6 months ended 31 March
2017
6 months 6 months 12 months
ended ended ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Notes (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Revenue 69,155 47,965 109,375
Cost of sales (39,113) (27,012) (58,562)
------------------------------ ------
Gross profit 30,042 20,953 50,813
Research and development
costs (6,433) (5,999) (11,720)
Other operating costs (20,302) (11,994) (29,865)
------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Adjusted EBITDA(2) 3,307 2,960 9,228
Exceptional including
acquisition related
items 8 1,872 (12,055) (13,091)
------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
EBITDA(1) 5,179 (9,095) (3,863)
Depreciation 11 (2,333) (1,064) (2,859)
Amortisation 12 (9,516) (4,993) (13,749)
------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Operating loss (6,670) (15,152) (20,471)
Finance cost (2,300) (1,255) (6,170)
Finance income 92 3,790 3,984
Share of profit of
equity-accounted investees,
net of tax 25 - 273
------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Loss on ordinary activities
before taxation (8,853) (12,617) (22,384)
Tax on loss on ordinary
activities 9 672 1,262 4,038
------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Loss for the period (8,181) (11,355) (18,346)
------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
(Loss)/profit for
the period attributable
to:
- Owners of the parent (8,255) (11,346) (18,337)
- Non-controlling
interest 74 (9) (9)
------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
(8,181) (11,355) (18,346)
------------------------------ ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Basic loss per share
(pence) 10 (1.58) (3.09) (4.39)
Diluted loss per share
(pence) 10 (1.58) (3.09) (4.39)
1 EBITDA - Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortisation
2 Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA before exceptional and acquisition
related items
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the 6 months
ended 31 March 2017
6 months 6 months 12 months
ended ended ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ---------------
Loss for the period (8,181) (11,355) (18,346)
Other comprehensive
income
Items that are or
may be reclassified
subsequently to profit
or loss
Movement on foreign
exchange reserve 9,234 13,146 48,386
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Total comprehensive
income for the period 1,053 1,791 30,040
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Total comprehensive
income for the period
attributable to:
- Owners of the parent 1,013 1,693 29,752
- Non-controlling
interest 40 98 288
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
1,053 1,791 30,040
----------------------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2017
As at As at As at
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
Notes (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and
equipment 11 62,100 41,224 50,023
Intangible assets 12 354,344 323,662 352,538
Investments 578 520 827
Biological and agricultural
assets 5,866 3,411 5,028
Trade and other receivables 200 156 -
Total non-current assets 423,088 368,973 408,416
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Current assets
Inventories 26,584 21,772 23,231
Biological and agricultural
assets 6,149 6,389 6,831
Trade and other receivables 31,025 35,034 34,288
Cash and cash equivalents 26,312 23,048 38,140
Total current assets 90,070 86,243 102,490
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Total assets 513,158 455,216 510,906
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (28,948) (36,670) (31,232)
Loans and borrowings (57) (57) (289)
Corporation tax liability (2,214) (2,379) (1,107)
Provisions (871) (1,908) (1,086)
Total current liabilities (32,090) (41,014) (33,714)
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings 13 (39,015) (37,559) (37,407)
Other payables (6,825) (9,151) (8,825)
Deferred tax (62,429) (59,185) (63,261)
Total non-current liabilities (108,269) (105,895) (109,493)
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Total liabilities (140,359) (146,909) (143,207)
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Net assets 372,799 308,307 367,699
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Issued capital and reserves
attributable to owners
of the parent
Share capital 522 474 521
Share premium reserve 339,431 308,947 339,431
Capital redemption reserve 5 5 5
Retained earnings (26,643) (12,479) (18,904)
Foreign exchange reserve 54,633 10,315 45,365
Equity attributable
to owners of the parent 367,948 307,262 366,418
Non-controlling interest 4,851 1,045 1,281
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Total equity and reserves 372,799 308,307 367,699
------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ --------------
The notes on the following pages are an integral part of this
interim consolidated financial information
Consolidated Statement of changes in equity for the six months
ended 31 March 2017
Total
attributable
to
equity
Share holders Non-
Share premium Other Retained of controlling Total
capital reserve reserves earnings parent interest equity
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
As at 1 October
2015 219 94,672 (2,719) (1,021) 91,151 947 92,098
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Comprehensive income
for the period
Loss for the period - - - (11,346) (11,346) (9) (11,355)
Other comprehensive
income - - 13,039 - 13,039 107 13,146
Total comprehensive
income for the period - - 13,039 (11,346) 1,693 98 1,791
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Contributions by
and distributions
to owners
Share issue 255 218,665 - - 218,920 - 218,920
Share issue costs
recognised through
equity - (4,390) - - (4,390) - (4,390)
Share based payment - - - 304 304 - 304
Deferred tax on
share options - - - (416) (416) - (416)
Total contributions
by and distributions
to owners 255 214,275 - (112) 214,418 - 214,418
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
As at 31 March 2016
(unaudited) 474 308,947 10,320 (12,479) 307,262 1,045 308,307
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Comprehensive income
for the period
Loss for the period - - - (6,991) (6,991) - (6,991)
Other comprehensive
income - - 35,050 - 35,050 190 35,240
Total comprehensive
income for the period - - 35,050 (6,991) 28,059 190 28,249
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Contributions by
and distributions
to owners
Share issue 47 30,779 - - 30,826 - 30,826
Share issue costs
recognised through
equity - (295) - - (295) - (295)
Share based payment - - - 445 445 - 445
Deferred tax on
share options - - - 121 121 - 121
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Total contributions
by and distributions
to owners 47 30,484 - 566 31,097 - 31,097
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Changes in ownership
Acquisition of subsidiary
with NCI - - - - - 46 46
Total changes in
ownership interests - - - - - 46 46
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
As at 30 September
2016 (audited) 521 339,431 45,370 (18,904) 366,418 1,281 367,699
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Comprehensive income
for the period
Loss for the period - - - (8,255) (8,255) 74 (8,181)
Other comprehensive
income - - 9,268 - 9,268 (34) 9,234
Total comprehensive
income for the period - - 9,268 (8,255) 1,013 40 1,053
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Contributions by
and distributions
to owners
Share issue 1 - - - 1 - 1
Share based payment - - - 516 516 - 516
Total contributions
by and distributions
to owners 1 - - 516 517 - 517
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Changes in ownership
Investment in subsidiary
by NCI - - - - - 3,530 3,530
Total changes in
ownership interests - - - - - 3,530 3,530
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
As at 31 March 2017
(unaudited) 522 339,431 54,638 (26,643) 367,948 4,851 372,799
--------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
6 months 6 months 12 months
ended ended ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
Notes GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Loss for the period (8,181) (11,355) (18,346)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment 11 2,333 1,064 2,859
Amortisation of intangible
fixed assets 12 9,516 4,993 13,749
Loss on sale of property,
plant and equipment 50 114 30
Finance income (92) (3,790) (3,984)
Finance costs 2,300 1,255 6,170
Share of profit of equity-accounted
investees, net of tax (25) - (273)
Non-cash and other movements (472) - -
Foreign exchange gains (24) (536) 6,776
Share based payment
expense 516 304 749
Tax credit (672) (1,262) (4,038)
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
5,249 (9,213) 3,692
Decrease/(increase)
in trade and other receivables 2,985 (13,257) (3,729)
(Increase)/decrease
in inventories and biological
assets (2,728) 312 (4,704)
(Decrease)/increase
in trade and other payables (3,614) 13,016 (4,124)
(Decrease)/increase
in provisions (176) 583 (238)
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
1,716 (8,559) (9,103)
Income taxes paid (1,192) (309) (1,429)
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Net cash flows from/(used
in) operating activities 524 (8,868) (10,532)
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries,
net of cash acquired - (191,176) (191,502)
Purchase of investments (185) - -
Purchases of property,
plant and equipment 11 (10,930) (11,192) (18,660)
Purchase of intangibles 12 (840) (9) (1,523)
Proceeds from sale of
fixed assets 148 - 174
Interest received 92 60 254
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Net cash flows used
in investing activities (11,715) (202,317) (211,257)
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Financing activities
Proceeds of share issue 1 185,693 216,519
Proceeds from bank borrowings
(net of costs) - 35,929 42,254
Investment in subsidiary
by NCI 191 - -
Share-issue costs recognised
through equity - (4,390) (4,685)
Net cash flows from
derivative financial
instruments - 3,731 3,731
Repayment of bank borrowings - - (8,809)
Interest paid (683) (198) (2,481)
Payments to finance
lease creditors (146) (96) (164)
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- ---------------
Net cash (outflow)/inflow
from financing activities (637) 220,669 246,365
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Net (decrease)/increase
in cash and cash equivalents (11,828) 9,484 24,576
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 38,140 13,564 13,564
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 26,312 23,048 38,140
------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Unaudited notes to the interim statement for the 6 months ended
31 March 2017
1. Financial information
This announcement does not constitute statutory financial
statements within the meaning of the Companies Act 2006 and the
interim financial information included within has not been
audited.
This information has been approved for issue by the Board of
Directors of Benchmark Holdings plc, a company domiciled and
incorporated in the United Kingdom.
Statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2016 were
approved by the Directors on 24 January 2017 and delivered to the
Registrar of Companies. The audit report received on those accounts
was unqualified and did not contain any emphasis of matter
paragraph nor any statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act
2006.
2. General information and basis of preparation
The financial information set out in these interim financial
statements for the six months ended 31 March 2017 and the
comparative figures for the six months ended 31 March 2016 are
unaudited. They have been prepared in accordance with the
recognition and measurement requirements of International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRIC interpretations issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) adopted by the
European Union and the AIM Rules. They do not contain all the
information required for statutory financial statements and should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2016, which have been
prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European
Union.
The interim financial statements comprise the financial
statements of the Group and its subsidiaries at 31 March 2017.
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of acquisition, being
the date on which the Group obtained control, and continue to be
consolidated until the date when such control ceases.
The interim financial statements incorporate the results of
business combinations using the acquisition method. In the
consolidated balance sheet, the acquiree's identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at
their fair values at the acquisition date.
Non-controlling interests, presented as part of equity,
represent the proportion of a subsidiary's profit or loss and net
assets that is not held by the Group. The total comprehensive
income or loss of non-wholly owned subsidiaries is attributed to
owners of the parent and to the non-controlling interests in
proportion to their respective ownership interests.
On consolidation, the results of overseas operations are
translated into sterling at rates approximating to those ruling
when the transactions took place. All assets and liabilities of
overseas operations, including goodwill arising on the acquisition
of those operations, are translated at the rate ruling at the
reporting date. Exchange differences arising are recognised in
other comprehensive income and accumulated in the foreign exchange
reserve.
Exchange differences recognised in the income statement in the
Group entities' separate financial statements on the translation of
long-term monetary items forming part of the Group's net investment
in the overseas operation concerned are reclassified to other
comprehensive income and accumulated in the foreign exchange
reserve on consolidation.
The following adopted IFRSs have been issued but have not been
applied by the Group in these financial statements. The Group has
not yet fully quantified the potential impact of these
standards.
-- IFRS 9: Financial Instruments (effective date 1 January 2018)
-- IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective date 1 January 2017)
-- IFRS 16: Leases (effective date 1 January 2019)
-- Annual Improvements to IFRSs - 2012-2014 Cycle (effective date 1 January 2016)
The adoption of other standards is not expected to have a
material effect on the financial statements.
A financial review of the business is included in the Chairman's
Statement.
3. Share capital
On 1 December 2016, the Company issued a total of 670,173 shares
of 0.1p each to certain employees of the Group relating to share
options granted in August 2013 and March 2015.
On 6 March 2017, the Company issued a total of 203,105 shares of
0.1p each to certain employees of the Group relating to share
options granted in August 2013 and March 2015.
On 13 March 2017, the Company issued a total of 25,811 shares of
0.1p each in respect of the Benchmark Share Incentive Plan ("SIP").
The shares are free matching shares issued upon certain conditions
being met following purchase by eligible employees of partnership
shares in 2014.
4. 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 Chairman's Statement.
The Directors have considered these factors, the likely
performance of the business and possible alternative outcomes and
the financing activities available to the Group. Having taken all
of these factors into consideration, including the impact on
covenants relating to the external borrowing facility, the
Directors confirm that forecasts and projections indicate that the
Group and its Parent Company have adequate resources for the
foreseeable future and at least for the period of 12 months from
the date of signing the half year report. Accordingly, the
financial information has been prepared on the going concern
basis.
5. Accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the
financial year ended 30 September 2016.
Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax
rate that would be applicable to expected total earnings.
6. Estimates
The preparation of interim 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 interim 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 2016.
7. 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 as follows:
-- Animal Health Division - provides veterinary services,
environmental services diagnostics and animal health products to
global aquaculture, and manufactures licenced veterinary vaccines
and vaccine components;
-- Breeding and Genetics Division - 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 Animal Nutrition Division - manufactures and
provides technically advanced nutrition and health products to the
global aquaculture industry;
-- Corporate - the corporate segment represents revenues earned
from recharging certain central costs to the operating divisions,
together with unallocated central costs.
In addition to the above, reported together as "all other
segments" are the following divisions, collectively known as
"Knowledge Services", the results of which are not significant on
an individual basis:
-- Sustainability Science Division - provides sustainable food
production consultancy, technical consultancy and assurance
services;
-- Technical Publishing Division - promotes sustainable food
production and ethics through online news and technical
publications for the international agriculture and food processing
sectors and through delivery of training courses to the
industries.
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.
6 months ended 31 March 2017 (unaudited)
------------------- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breeding Advanced All
Animal and Animal other Inter-segment
Health Genetics Nutrition segments Corporate sales Total
Notes GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Revenue 7,151 18,821 37,868 6,415 2,151 (3,251) 69,155
Cost of sales (5,856) (10,958) (18,726) (4,447) (29) 903 (39,113)
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Gross profit
/ (loss) 1,295 7,863 19,142 1,968 2,122 (2,348) 30,042
Research
and development
costs (3,385) (1,590) (1,458) - - - (6,433)
Other operating
costs (3,708) (3,443) (9,377) (2,515) (3,607) 2,348 (20,302)
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Adjusted
EBITDA (5,798) 2,830 8,307 (547) (1,485) - 3,307
Exceptional
including
acquisition
related items 8 (183) 2,517 (6) (47) (409) - 1,872
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
EBITDA (5,981) 5,347 8,301 (594) (1,894) - 5,179
Depreciation (435) (544) (789) (493) (72) - (2,333)
Amortisation (327) (1,061) (7,649) (479) - - (9,516)
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Operating
profit / (loss) (6,743) 3,742 (137) (1,566) (1,966) - (6,670)
Finance cost (2,300)
Finance income 92
Share of
profit of
equity-accounted
investees,
net of tax 25
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------------
Group loss
before tax (8,853)
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
7. Segment information (continued)
6 months ended 31 March 2016 (unaudited)
------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breeding Advanced All
Animal and Animal other Inter-segment
Health Genetics Nutrition segments Corporate sales Total
Notes GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Revenue 12,204 10,669 20,611 5,703 1,272 (2,494) 47,965
Cost of sales (7,778) (7,090) (10,149) (3,596) (482) 2,083 (27,012)
-------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Gross profit
/ (loss) 4,426 3,579 10,462 2,107 790 (411) 20,953
Research
and development
costs (4,272) (964) (776) - - 13 (5,999)
Other operating
costs (2,559) (1,746) (3,355) (2,432) (2,294) 392 (11,994)
-------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Adjusted
EBITDA (2,405) 869 6,331 (325) (1,504) (6) 2,960
Exceptional
including
acquisition
related items 8 (107) (1,108) - (308) (10,538) 6 (12,055)
-------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
EBITDA (2,512) (239) 6,331 (633) (12,042) - (9,095)
Depreciation (323) (304) (276) (133) (28) - (1,064)
Amortisation (395) (871) (3,361) (366) - - (4,993)
-------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Operating
profit / (loss) (3,230) (1,414) 2,694 (1,132) (12,070) - (15,152)
Finance cost (1,255)
Finance income 3,790
Share of
profit of
equity-accounted
investees,
net of tax -
-------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Group loss
before tax (12,617)
-------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
12 months ended 30 September
2016 (audited)
------------------- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breeding Advanced All
Animal and Animal other Inter-segment
Health Genetics Nutrition segments Corporate sales Total
Notes GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Revenue 24,837 20,717 55,024 11,195 3,002 (5,400) 109,375
Cost of sales (15,035) (13,523) (26,517) (6,985) (938) 4,436 (58,562)
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Gross profit
/ (loss) 9,802 7,194 28,507 4,210 2,064 (964) 50,813
Research
and development
costs (8,258) (2,195) (1,341) - - 74 (11,720)
Operating
costs (5,766) (3,614) (11,302) (5,599) (4,317) 733 (29,865)
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Adjusted
EBITDA (4,222) 1,385 15,864 (1,389) (2,253) (157) 9,228
Exceptional
including
acquisition
related items 8 (257) (2,387) 2 (146) (10,317) 14 (13,091)
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
EBITDA (4,479) (1,002) 15,866 (1,535) (12,570) (143) (3,863)
Depreciation (721) (796) (1,016) (271) (55) - (2,859)
Amortisation (792) (1,850) (10,369) (738) - - (13,749)
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Operating
profit / (loss) (5,992) (3,648) 4,481 (2,544) (12,625) (143) (20,471)
Finance cost (6,170)
Finance income 3,984
Share of
profit of
equity-accounted
investees,
net of tax 273
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
Group loss
before tax (22,384)
------------------- ------ --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------------- ---------
8. Exceptional including acquisition related items
Items that are material because of their size or nature,
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.
6 months 6 months 12 months
ended ended ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
---------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ---------------
Acquisition related
items (2,046) 11,761 12,945
Exceptional restructuring
costs 174 294 146
Total exceptional items (1,872) 12,055 13,091
--------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
Acquisition related items for the six months ended 31 March 2017
includes a credit of GBP2,791,000 relating to release of a
provision for deferred consideration no longer required.
9. Taxation
6 months 6 months 12 months
ended ended ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ---------------
Analysis of credit in
period
Current tax:
Current income tax expense
on profits for the period 2,165 872 1,389
Adjustment in respect
of prior periods 54 (336) (1,387)
------------------------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Total current tax 2,219 536 2
Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal
of temporary differences (2,972) (1,798) (4,025)
Deferred tax movements
in respect of prior periods 81 - (15)
------------------------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
Total deferred tax (2,891) (1,798) (4,040)
Total tax credit (672) (1,262) (4,038)
------------------------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------
The reasons for the difference between the actual tax charge for
the period and the standard rate of corporation tax in the United
Kingdom applied to the result for the period are as follows:
6 months 6 months 12 months
ended ended ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ---------------
Loss before income tax (8,853) (12,617) (22,384)
Expected tax credit based
on the standard rate of
UK corporation tax at the
domestic rate of 19.5%
(31 March 2016: 20%, 2016:
20%) (1,726) (2,523) (4,477)
Expenses not deductible
for tax purposes/(untaxed
income) (412) 2,139 2,982
Research and development
relief - (115) (54)
Deferred tax not recognised 1,401 1,091 2,592
Adjustment to tax charge
in respect of prior periods 135 (336) (1,242)
Profits of associate reported
net of tax (5) - (54)
Effects of changes in
tax rates - - (475)
Different tax rates in
overseas jurisdictions (65) (1,518) (3,310)
Total tax credit (672) (1,262) (4,038)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
10. Earnings/loss per share
Basic earnings/loss per share is calculated by dividing the
profit or loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the
Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
during the period.
6 months 6 months 12 months
ended ended ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
--------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
Loss attributable to equity
holders of the parent
(GBP000) (8,255) (11,346) (18,337)
Weighted average number
of shares in issue (thousands) 521,823 367,017 417,952
Basic loss per share from
continuing operations
(pence) (1.58) (3.09) (4.39)
Diluted earnings/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, as follows:
6 months 6 months 12 months
ended ended ended
31 March 31 March 30 September
2017 2016 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
--------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
Loss attributable to equity
holders of the parent
(GBP000) (8,255) (11,346) (18,337)
Weighted average number
of shares in issue (thousands) 521,823 367,017 417,952
Diluted loss per share
from continuing operations
(pence) (1.58) (3.09) (4.39)
A total of 5,520,478 (H1 2016: 1,362,157; FY 2016: 5,891,889)
potential ordinary shares have not been included within the
calculation of statutory diluted earnings per share for the six
months ended 31 March 2017 as they are antidilutive. However, these
potential ordinary shares could dilute earnings per share in the
future.
11. Property, plant and equipment
Assets
Freehold in the Long-Term Office
Land Course Leasehold Plant Equipment
and of Property and E commerce and
Buildings Construction Improvements Machinery Infrastructure Fixtures Total
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
------------------ ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
Cost
Balance at
1 October
2015 5,630 11,092 2,721 7,557 204 990 28,194
Additions - 6,375 1,458 3,217 - 142 11,192
On acquisition - 555 1,986 2,164 - 312 5,017
Reclassification (4,902) (340) (688) 6,299 - (369) -
Reclassified
as intangible
assets - - - (7) - (18) (25)
Exchange
differences 6 25 402 1,173 - 96 1,702
Disposals - - (43) (132) - (127) (302)
Balance at
31 March 2016 734 17,707 5,836 20,271 204 1,026 45,778
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
Balance at
1 April 2016 734 17,707 5,836 20,271 204 1,026 45,778
Additions 1,268 5,410 (971) 1,586 - 175 7,468
On acquisition 3,017 - (1,986) 40 - 1 1,072
Reclassification 5,420 (1,378) 2,168 (6,265) 43 10 (2)
Reclassified
as intangible
assets - - - 7 - 18 25
Fair value
adjustment - - (75) - - - (75)
Exchange
differences 2,009 68 (135) 152 - 6 2,100
Disposals - - 10 (279) - (100) (369)
Balance at
30 September
2016 12,448 21,807 4,847 15,512 247 1,136 55,997
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
Balance at
1 October
2016 12,448 21,807 4,847 15,512 247 1,136 55,997
Additions 775 9,900 646 2,829 - 121 14,271
Reclassification 950 (4,579) 2,387 1,121 - 121 -
Exchange
differences 630 (232) 66 452 - 78 994
Disposals 4 - (198) (59) - (115) (368)
Balance at
31 March 2017 14,807 26,896 7,748 19,855 247 1,341 70,894
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
Accumulated
Depreciation
Balance at
1 October
2015 175 - 451 1,780 178 469 3,053
Depreciation
charge for
the period - - 231 740 13 80 1,064
Reclassification (175) - 5 480 1 (311) -
Exchange
differences - - 196 361 - 68 625
Disposals - - - (107) - (81) (188)
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
Balance at
31 March 2016 - - 883 3,254 192 225 4,554
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
Balance at
1 April 2016 - - 883 3,254 192 225 4,554
Depreciation
charge for
the period 638 - 127 898 8 124 1,795
Reclassification 175 - 74 (318) 41 28 -
Exchange
differences 143 - (168) (40) 1 (32) (96)
Disposals - - - (193) - (86) (279)
Balance at
30 September
2016 956 - 916 3,601 242 259 5,974
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
Balance at
1 October
2016 956 - 916 3,601 242 259 5,974
Depreciation
charge for
the period 475 - 409 1,304 1 144 2,333
Reclassification 104 - (61) (115) - 72 -
Exchange
differences 225 - 39 326 - 67 657
Disposals - - (113) 43 - (100) (170)
Balance at
31 March 2017 1,760 - 1,190 5,159 243 442 8,794
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
Net book value
At 31 March
2017 (unaudited) 13,047 26,896 6,558 14,696 4 899 62,100
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
At 30 September
2016 (audited) 11,492 21,807 3,931 11,911 5 877 50,023
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
At 31 March
2016 (unaudited) 734 17,707 4,953 17,017 12 801 41,224
-------------------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------- ----------- -------
12. Intangible assets
Patents Contracts
and Intellectual Customer / Development
Websites Goodwill Trademarks Property Lists Licences Genetics Costs Total
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
Cost or
valuation
Balance at
1 October
2015 517 29,702 709 4,737 1,327 14,348 20,256 - 71,596
Additions
- on
acquisition - 102,919 208 117,019 4,789 25,562 - - 250,497
Reclassified
from
property,
plant and
equipment - - 25 - - - - - 25
Additions
- externally
acquired - - 9 - - - - - 9
Exchange
differences - 5,243 7 3,770 148 1,425 1,740 - 12,333
Balance at
31 March
2016 517 137,864 958 125,526 6,264 41,335 21,996 - 334,460
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
Balance at
1 April 2016 517 137,864 958 125,526 6,264 41,335 21,996 - 334,460
Additions
- on
acquisition - 218 - - - - 601 - 819
Reclassified
from
property,
plant and
equipment - - (25) - - - - - (25)
Additions
- externally
acquired 44 - 21 9 - - - - 74
Additions
- internally
developed - - - - - - - 1,440 1,440
Disposals - (345) - - - - - - (345)
Exchange
differences - 15,447 121 12,855 519 3,891 3,592 - 36,425
Balance at
30 September
2016 561 153,184 1,075 138,390 6,783 45,226 26,189 1,440 372,848
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
Balance at
1 October
2016 561 153,184 1,075 138,390 6,783 45,226 26,189 1,440 372,848
Additions
- externally
acquired 12 - 26 3 156 - - - 197
Additions
- internally
developed - - - - - - - 643 643
Exchange
differences - 4,603 (54) 5,066 209 819 78 (24) 10,697
Balance at
31 March
2017 573 157,787 1,047 143,459 7,148 46,045 26,267 2,059 384,385
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
Accumulated
amortisation
and
impairment
Balance at
1 October
2015 515 618 449 261 133 3,368 380 - 5,724
Amortisation
charge for
the period 1 - 31 3,136 148 1,407 270 - 4,993
Exchange
differences - - 3 (45) - 75 48 - 81
Balance at
31 March
2016 516 618 483 3,352 281 4,850 698 - 10,798
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
Balance at
1 April 2016 516 618 483 3,352 281 4,850 698 - 10,798
Amortisation
charge for
the period 2 - 53 6,352 201 1,842 306 - 8,756
Disposal - (345) - - - - - - (345)
Exchange
differences - 6 71 586 9 289 140 - 1,101
Balance at
30 September
2016 518 279 607 10,290 491 6,981 1,144 - 20,310
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
Balance at
1 October
2016 518 279 607 10,290 491 6,981 1,144 - 20,310
Amortisation
charge for
the period 5 - 36 6,931 315 1,888 341 - 9,516
Exchange
differences - - (54) 319 5 (50) (5) - 215
Balance at
31 March
2017 523 279 589 17,540 811 8,819 1,480 - 30,041
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
Net book
value
At 31 March
2017
(unaudited) 50 157,508 458 125,919 6,337 37,226 24,787 2,059 354,344
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
At 30
September
2016
(audited) 43 152,905 468 128,100 6,292 38,245 25,045 1,440 352,538
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
At 31 March
2016
(unaudited) 1 137,246 475 122,174 5,983 36,485 21,298 - 323,662
--------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------
12. Intangible assets (continued)
Current estimates of useful economic lives of intangible assets
are as follows:
Goodwill Indefinite
Patents 2 - 5 years
Websites 5 years
Trademarks 2 - 5 years
Contracts and licences 3 - 20 years
Customer lists Up to 26
years
Intellectual property Up to 20
years
Genetics 10 - 40
years
Development costs Up to 10
years
13. Loans and borrowings
On 30 December 2015, the Group entered into a committed
revolving credit facility of up to USD70,000,000, with a term of
five years. Interest on drawn amounts is payable at a variable rate
based on LIBOR plus a margin, which is dictated by the performance
of the Group. As at 31 March 2017 the Group had drawn down
USD50,000,000 against the facility. The facility is secured on
certain of the Group's assets.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR LIFEEREIDFID
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 27, 2017 02:02 ET (06:02 GMT)
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