Information within this
announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside
information under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014
and Article 7 of the UK version of EU Regulation 596/2014 which forms part
of UK law by virtue of
the European Union (Withdrawal)
Act 2018.
22 May
2024
Benchmark Holdings
plc
("Benchmark", the "Company"
or the "Group")
Second Quarter and Half Year
results for the six months ended 31 March 2024
Positive quarterly momentum
maintained and well on track to meet full year management's
expectations
Benchmark (LSE: BMK), the
aquaculture biotechnology company, announces its unaudited interim
results for the six months ended 31 March 2024 (the "Period" or "H1
FY24"). The Company also announces its
unaudited results for the three months ended 31 March 2024
("Q2 FY24") in compliance with the terms of its unsecured Green
bond.
Financial Highlights
· Q2 FY24 positive
momentum in Genetics and Advanced Nutrition partially offset by
Health and forex headwinds
o Q2 FY24 revenues of £39.8m
were 10% below Q2 FY23 (-3% CER) driven by a strong performance in
Genetics and Advanced Nutrition, offset by Health
§
Genetics revenues were £13.2m
(Q2 FY23: £12.9m) up 7% CER reflecting a solid performance in the
core business and good progress in our growth vectors, particularly
Chile
§
Advanced
Nutrition revenues were £21.1m (Q2
FY23: £22.6m) up 3% CER reflecting the success of our strategy to
adapt to difficult shrimp markets
§
Health revenues of £5.4m (Q2
FY23: £8.7m) were down 35% CER; focus remains on transition to new
business model for Ectosan®Vet and CleanTreat®
o 9% CER increase in Adjusted
EBITDA excluding fair value movement in biological assets to £9.9m
(Q2 FY23: £9.9m)
o Adjusted EBITDA margin
excluding fair value movement in biological assets
of 25% (Q2 FY23: 22%) in line with the
Group's medium-term target
§
Genetics Adjusted
EBITDA excluding fair value movement of £3.1m was 42%
above Q2 FY23 (+50% CER) due to higher profit from the Genetics
joint venture and higher egg revenues. The Adjusted EBITDA
excluding fair value movement margin was 24% (Q2 FY23: 17%)
§
Advanced
Nutrition Adjusted EBITDA
of £5.3m was down 14% (-3% CER) with effective
cost control offsetting reduced revenue. The Adjusted EBITDA margin
was 25%; (Q2 FY23: 27%)
§
Health Adjusted EBITDA of
£1.6m (Q2 FY23: £2.6m) and Adjusted EBITDA margin of 30% reflecting
efforts to manage costs (Q2 FY23: 30%)
o Adjusted operating profit
excluding fair value movements was £5.9m, 24% above the prior
year
o Operating profit was
marginally below the prior year at £0.6m (Q2 FY23:
£0.7m)
o Increase in net operating
cash inflow to £3.6m (Q2 FY23:
£1.4m)
· H1 FY24 results
underpinned by strong Q2 performance, supporting positive outlook
for the full year
o H1 FY24 revenues of £80.2m
were 19% below a strong H1 FY23 (-12% CER) which benefited from
supply constraints in the salmon egg market
§
Genetics revenues were £28.4m
(H1 FY23: £34.3m) down 11% CER reflecting a normalised level
against H1 FY23 which benefitted from supply constraints in the
salmon egg market
§
Advanced
Nutrition revenues were £40.4m (H1
FY23: £45.3m), down 2% CER representing a strong performance in
challenging shrimp markets
§
Health revenues of £11.5m (H1
FY23: £19.1m) were down 37% CER; reduced Ectosan®Vet and
CleanTreat® capacity in the period as we transition to a new
business model
o Adjusted EBITDA
excluding fair value movement in biological assets was £17.3m, 23% below a strong
H1 FY23 (-15% CER)
o Group operating costs in H1
FY24 were £20.4m, 14% below H1 FY23 with a reduction across all
business areas despite a high inflation environment
o Adjusted EBITDA margin
excluding fair value movement in biological assets was 22% (H1 FY23: 23%) with
strong margins in Advanced Nutrition (24%) and Genetics (23%)
offset by Health (19%)
o Operating loss was £3.7m (H1
FY23: profit of £1.0m) primarily due to lower revenues in the
period offset by continued cost control
· Cash, liquidity
and net debt:
o Cash of £24.1m and liquidity
(cash and available facility) of £41.3m at 20 May 2024
o Net debt excluding lease
liabilities of £56.8m at 31 March 2024 (31 March 2023: £44.5m,
30 September 2023: £45.6m)
H1 FY24 Operational
Highlights
·
Genetics - wide ranging
progress
o Excellent progress in Chile
with new customer wins, establishing foundation for future
growth
o Launch of a new product
portfolio in salmon genetics aligned with our strategy to invest in
R&D to further enhance our customer value proposition and our
competitive position
o Successful launch of
genotyping product portfolio; contracted customer projects
commenced
o Successful integration of
shrimp activities with Advanced Nutrition generating commercial
opportunities while we continue the work to develop local adapted
strains
o Significant progress in key
innovation areas - complex gill disease project bolstered by a new
partnership funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences
Research Council in the UK
·
Advanced Nutrition -
well positioned for recovery
o The strategy and mitigating
actions taken by management in response to challenging shrimp
markets including the continuous development of our product
portfolio, the establishment of new routes to market and the
implementation of operational efficiencies are delivering positive results
o Green shoots of recovery in
the shrimp market translating into demand for the Group's hatchery
portfolio as the industry prepares to increase
production
o Well positioned for market
recovery
·
Health - progress with
development of new business model
o Further progress made
towards development of new business model for Ectosan® Vet and
CleanTreat® aimed at reducing infrastructure costs.
Design of the wellboat configuration completed in
partnership with wellboat equipment provider MMC and wellboat
designer SALT
o Existing infrastructure
being streamlined, rightsizing it for the new business model
o Strong sales of Salmosan®
Vet reflecting successful lifecycle management and strength of the
Group's sea lice solution portfolio
Current trading and
outlook
The Company is trading in line
with management's expectations for the full year. There is good
visibility of revenue in Genetics including excellent progress in
Chile, and there have been no operational or financial consequences
from the infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) incident reported in
February this year. In Advanced Nutrition, there is continuing
strong performance in soft markets albeit with some green shoots
and the business is well positioned for market recovery. In Health,
our focus remains on the transition to the new business model for
Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®. We will continue to manage costs and
reduce our capital exposure, taking the second
CleanTreat® unit
out ahead of the low season for sea lice treatments. Our
established sea lice treatment Salmosan® Vet is performing well into the
second half of the year.
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.
Financial Summary
£m
|
Q2 FY24
|
Q2 FY23
|
% CER
Q2 FY24
|
H1 FY24
|
H1 FY23
|
% CER
H1 FY24
|
Revenue
|
39.8
|
44.2
-10%
|
-3%
|
80.2
|
98.7
-19%
|
-12%
|
Adjusted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
EBITDA1
|
10.1
|
11.3
-10%
|
-1%
|
16.8
|
22.6
-26%
|
-18%
|
Adjusted
EBITDA excl. bio asset fair value
movements
|
9.9
|
9.9
0%
|
+9%
|
17.3
|
22.4
-23%
|
-15%
|
Adjusted
Operating profit2
|
6.2
|
6.2
0%
|
+15%
|
6.0
|
12.4
-51%
|
-40%
|
Adjusted
Operating profit excl. bio asset fair
value movements
|
5.9
|
4.8
+24%
|
+42%
|
6.5
|
12.1
-46%
|
-34%
|
Statutory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
profit/(loss)
|
0.6
|
0.7
-6%
|
|
(3.7)
|
1.0
-468%
|
|
Loss
before tax
|
(0.7)
|
(1.7)
+61%
|
|
(7.9)
|
(1.2)
-564%
|
|
Basic
loss per share (p)
|
(0.18)
|
(0.40)
|
|
(1.21)
|
(0.57)
|
|
Net
debt3
|
(72.7)
|
(66.3)
|
|
(72.7)
|
(66.3)
|
|
Net
debt3 excluding lease liabilities
|
(56.8)
|
(44.5)
|
|
(56.8)
|
(44.5)
|
|
*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
Business Area summary
£m
|
Q2 FY24
|
Q2 FY23
|
% CER*
Q2 FY24
|
H1 FY24
|
H1 FY23
|
%CER*
H1 FY24
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
21.1
|
22.6
-7%
|
+3%
|
40.4
|
45.3
-11%
|
-2%
|
Genetics
|
13.2
|
12.9
+2%
|
+7%
|
28.4
|
34.3
-17%
|
-11%
|
Health
|
5.4
|
8.7
-38%
|
-35%
|
11.5
|
19.1
-40%
|
-37%
|
Adjusted
EBITDA1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
5.3
|
6.2
-14%
|
-3%
|
9.9
|
11.5
-14%
|
-5%
|
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
(%)
|
25%
|
27%
|
|
24%
|
25%
|
|
Genetics
|
3.4
|
3.6
-5%
|
1%
|
5.9
|
6.5
-10%
|
-2%
|
- Net
of fair value movement in biological assets
|
3.1
|
2.2
+42%
|
+50%
|
6.4
|
6.3
+2%
|
+12%
|
Adjusted EBITDA Margin (%)
excl. fair value
movements in
biological assets
|
24%
|
17%
|
|
23%
|
18%
|
|
Health
|
1.6
|
2.6
-37%
|
-34%
|
2.2
|
6.6
-67%
|
-65%
|
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
(%)
|
30%
|
30%
|
|
19%
|
35%
|
|
*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
Trond Williksen, CEO,
commented:
"I am pleased with the Company's
performance in the second quarter, and the first half as a whole,
which demonstrated good momentum in the business supporting our
positive outlook. We have delivered strong trading in our
established business areas, have made excellent progress in Chile,
one of our key growth vectors, and made significant progress in our
innovation programme where our recent investment to strengthen our
innovation capabilities is bearing fruit. We remain focused on the
transition to a new business model for Ectosan® Vet and
CleanTreat® which
will strengthen our sea lice solutions portfolio and deliver a much
needed alternative to our customers.
"With our unique platform of
mission critical specialised solutions in areas where we hold
market leading positions we are strongly positioned to continue to
deliver growth and to build sustainable shareholder
value."
Presentation for analysts and
institutional investors at 8.00 UK (9.00 CET)
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 (9.00 CET).
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/20240522_1/
Equity Development webcast for
retail investors at 12:30pm UK time
Trond Williksen, Chief Executive
Officer and Septima Maguire, Chief Financial Officer will host a
second webcast for retail investors and wealth managers at 12.30pm
UK time. 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-22may2024
Enquiries
For further information, please
contact:
|
|
Benchmark Holdings plc
|
benchmark@mphgroup.com
|
Trond Williksen, CEO
|
|
Septima Maguire, CFO
|
|
Ivonne Cantu, Investor
Relations
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numis (Broker and NOMAD)
|
Tel: +44 20 7260 1000
|
Freddie Barnfield, Duncan
Monteith, Sher Shah
|
|
|
|
MHP Group
|
Tel: +4420 3128 8100/ +44
7884 494112
|
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, animal health and welfare.
Through a global footprint in 26
countries and a broad portfolio of products and solutions,
Benchmark addresses the major aquaculture species in all the major
aquaculture regions around the world. Find out more at
www.benchmarkplc.com
Management Report
Q2 FY24
commentary
The Group delivered a strong
performance in Q2 FY24 with Genetics and Advanced Nutrition
performing strongly against a backdrop of difficult conditions in
the shrimp markets, and progress made in Health towards a new
business model for Ectosan®
Vet and CleanTreat®. Group revenue was £39.8m,
10% below a strong Q2 FY23
(-3% CER). Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movement in
biological assets was £9.9m, in line with Q2 FY23 despite strong
forex headwinds, and ahead +9% at constant exchange rate. The
Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding fair value
movement in biological assets of 25% was in line
with the Group's medium-term target (Q2 2023:
22%).
By business area, Genetics reported
Q2 FY24 revenues of £13.2m, 2% above Q2 FY23 (+7% CER) driven by
higher egg revenues (+2%) as well as higher harvest income (+70%)
and genetic services revenues (+17%), partially offset by lower
revenues in ancillary products. Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair
value movements in biological assets was £3.1m, up 42% on the prior
year (Q2 FY23: £2.2m) reflecting higher revenues as well as higher
profits from the Genetics joint venture in the period of £0.7m (Q2
FY23: nil). The Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding fair value
movements was 24% (Q2 FY23: 17%) reflecting higher profit from the
joint venture and higher harvest income. There was excellent
progress in Chile, a key growth vector for the Group with an
increasing number of customers, building our market position and
achieving operational profitability. In shrimp, the integration of
our shrimp genetics commercial activities with Advanced Nutrition
to leverage our commercial capabilities is creating new
opportunities as we continue the development of local adapted
strains. Shrimp sales were £0.5m in the period 31% above the prior
year. During the period we successfully launched a new genotyping
product portfolio and there are a number of contracted customer
projects already underway which underpin future revenue.
Innovation is a key component of our Genetics strategy and
significant progress was made in our key
R&D projects in the period. This included a new partnership for
our complex gill disease project, which was bolstered by a new
important partnership with funding from the Biotechnology and
Biological Sciences Research Council in the UK.
Advanced Nutrition delivered Q2 FY24
revenues of £21.1m, 7% below Q2 FY23 largely due to forex impact
(+3% CER) but 10% above Q1 FY24 showing good quarterly momentum. Q2
FY24 Adjusted EBITDA was £5.3m (Q2 FY23: £6.2m) with the impact of
the lower sales partially offset by efficient cost control. The
Adjusted EBITDA margin was 25% (Q2 FY23: 27%). While the
shrimp markets remain soft, there are green shoots of recovery
which translated into improving demand for our hatchery
portfolio in the period as the industry prepares to increase
production as further signs of recovery emerge.
In Health, Q2 FY24 revenues were
£5.4m, 38% below Q2 FY23 (-35% CER), and Adjusted EBITDA was £1.6m
(Q2 FY23: £2.6m). Sales of Salmosan® Vet were strong reflecting
successful lifecycle management and the strength of the Group's sea
lice solution portfolio. Our focus remains on the development of
alternative operating models for Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®
including barge and wellboat configurations. As part of this
transition we are streamlining the infrastructure and organisation
in Health, rightsizing for the new business model which will result
in cost savings. Early in the quarter we took one of the two platform supply vessels (PSV) carrying
the CleanTreat® systems out of service and we have streamlined the rest of
the organisation accordingly. The wellboat
configuration represents the long-term solution, with the
CleanTreat® systems integrated into future wellboats owned and operated
by customers or service providers. We have completed the design for
the wellboat configuration in partnership with leading wellboat
equipment provider, MMC, and leading wellboat designer SALT, and
together we are now promoting the solution as part of the offering
of new wellboats in the market.
Group operating costs were £9.9m,
19% below prior year (Q2 FY23: £12.2m) as focus continues on
cost control across the Group, including
streamlining the infrastructure of the Health business area, a
programme of operational efficiencies and the ongoing integration
of our activities around species. R&D expenses of £1.5m were marginally above the
prior year (Q2 FY23: £1.4m) and represented 4% of Group revenues
(Q2 FY23: 3%). Exceptional costs in the quarter, mainly related to
the ongoing strategic review, were £2.0m (Q2 FY23: £1.7m related to
costs in preparation for an Oslo listing). Depreciation and
amortisation was £7.5m (Q2 FY23: £8.9m) with the reduction mainly
relating to right of use assets in Health, leading to a Group
operating profit of £0.6m (Q2 FY23: £0.7m). Adjusted operating
profit excluding fair value movement in biological assets was
£5.9m, 24% (+42% CER) ahead of the prior year (Q2 FY23:
£4.8m).
Net finance costs of £1.3m for the
quarter were £1.1m lower than the same period last year (Q2 FY23:
£2.4m), mainly due to net forex gains in the period of £1.3m (Q2
FY23: loss of £0.7m) partially offset by higher interest
costs. Loss before tax for the quarter was £0.7m (Q2 FY23:
£1.7m).
The tax charge for the quarter was
£0.5m (Q2 FY23: £0.7m) resulting in loss after tax of £1.1m (Q2
FY23: £2.4m).
The Group reported a net operating
cash outflow of £3.6m after an increase in working capital of £1.9m
(Q2 FY23: £3.4m) and tax payments of £2.5m (Q2 FY23: £2.6m). Net
cash outflow from investing activities was £0.7m (Q2 FY23: £1.3m)
of which capex was £0.9m (Q2 FY23: £1.6m) offset by proceeds from
sale of fixed assets, the reduction comes as the significant
investment programme to support the Group's growth plans is now
complete.
Net cash outflow from financing
activities was £5.9m (Q2 FY23: £3.4m). Current period relates to
payments for interest and lease and borrowings payments, whereas
prior year included increase in bank borrowings of £9.2m offset by
£8.0m for acquisition of minority interest in Iceland.
Half year
commentary
Revenues in H1 FY24 were £80.2m, 19%
below a strong H1 FY23 (-12% CER) but 13% above the H2 FY23 period
showing positive sequential progress against a backdrop of
difficult conditions in the shrimp markets. Adjusted EBITDA
excluding fair value movements from biological assets was £17.3m
down 23% (-15% CER). The Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding fair
value movement was marginally below at 22% (H1 FY23: 23%) with a
higher contribution from joint venture profit offsetting a slightly
lower gross profit margin of 49% (H1 FY23: 50%).
By business area, Advanced Nutrition
delivered a strong performance against challenging markets, with
green shoots of recovery in Q2 FY24. First half revenues were
£40.4m, 11% below H1 FY23 impacted by forex headwinds (-2% CER) but
22% ahead of H2 FY23 showing sequential progression partially
reflecting signs of market improvement as mentioned above. H1 FY24
Adjusted EBITDA was £9.9m, 14% below H1 FY23 (-5% CER) resulting in
Adjusted EBTIDA margin of 24% (H1 FY23: 25%).
While conditions in the shrimp
market remained difficult, signs of recovery give us optimism and
we are confident that the business is very well positioned to
benefit from market recovery, with the strategy and mitigating
actions implemented over recent periods including development of
our product portfolio and technologies, new routes to market and
operational efficiencies delivering
results.
Genetics performed well against a
comparatively strong H1 FY23. Revenues of £28.4m were 17%
below H1 FY23 and were impacted by adverse forex (CER -11%). The
drop in revenues was driven by a 20% reduction in salmon egg
revenues against H1 FY23, which benefitted from supply constraints
in the salmon egg market and lower revenues from ancillary products
and other income, partially offset by a 12% increase in harvest
revenues and a 9% increase in revenues from Genetic Services.
Revenues from shrimp genetics were marginally down. Adjusted EBITDA
excluding fair value movement was £6.4m 2% above the prior year
(+12% CER) resulting in a lift in Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding
fair value movement to 23% (H1 FY23: 18%).
In Health, we continue our effort to
transition to a new infrastructure and business model for
Ectosan® Vet and
CleanTreat® including streamlining our infrastructure and reducing
capacity to manage costs during the transition period. Revenues in
H1 FY24 were £11.5m 40% below the prior year (-37% CER) driven by a
drop in Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®
while revenues from Salmosan® Vet were 8% down as a result of a
change in geographic mix with an increase in volume offset by lower
average price.
Group operating costs in H1 FY24
were £20.4m, 14% below H1 FY23 with a reduction across all business
areas despite a high inflation environment. This is the result of
well embedded cost control across the Group, a programme of
operational efficiencies and the ongoing integration of our
activities around species. R&D expenses were £3.1m (H1 FY23:
£3.0m) and total R&D investment including capitalised
development costs was £3.2m, in line with the prior year (H1 FY23:
£3.2m). Depreciation and amortisation were
£18.1m (H1 FY23: £18.9m) with the reduction mainly related to
right of use assets in the Health business area.
The Group reported an operating loss
of £3.7m (H1 FY23: £1.0m profit) as a result of lower revenues
partially offset by a reduction in operating costs and increased
profit from joint ventures. Adjusted
operating profit excluding fair value movements from biological
assets was £6.5m, 46% below H1 FY23 (-34% CER) but significantly
ahead (+151%) of the most recent six month period.
Net finance costs for H1 FY24 were
£4.1m (H1 FY23: £2.2m). Interest costs were higher due to
higher borrowings during the current year, and the remainder of the
increase is the result of income from ineffectiveness in hedge
accounting in the prior year offset by differences in foreign
exchange gains and losses year on year.
Loss before tax in H1 FY24 was £7.9m
(H1 FY23: £1.2m). This included the impact of significant
exceptional costs in the period of £2.5m (H1 FY23: £2.7m), largely
related to the ongoing strategic review and restructuring costs
associated with the integration of our shrimp genetics activities
and other operational efficiency initiatives, while those in the
prior period were primarily concerned with preparation for a
listing of the Group in Oslo.
Total tax charge in H1 FY24 was
£0.9m (H1 FY23: £1.5m) with a small reduction (+£0.2m) in current
tax charges in the territories for which no loss relief is
available, together with a higher deferred tax credit (+£0.4m) from
the reversal of temporary differences. Loss after tax was £8.8m (H1
FY23: £2.7m loss).
The Group reported a net operating
cash outflow of £2.0m after an increase in working capital of
£12.8m (H1 FY23: £4.2m) and tax payments of £3.7m (H1 FY23: £4.1m).
The increase in working capital is somewhat seasonal, but the
larger increase this year is due to higher receivables resulting
from increased harvest income and timing of egg sales in Genetics,
a reduction in payables in Advanced Nutrition due to different
timing, and the utilisation of the demobilisation provision in
Health following decommissioning of one of the vessels. Net cash
outflow from investing activities was £1.5m (H1 FY23: £3.4m) as the
significant investment programme to support the Group's growth
plans is now complete. The majority of the outflow in the
period relates to maintenance capex in Genetics.
Net cash outflow from financing
activities was £11.4m (H1 FY23: £1.2m). Interest payments in
the period were £4.5m (H1 FY23: £4.1m) and lease payments were
£5.4m (H1 FY23: £4.7m). Additionally, H1 FY23 included an
equity raise of (net) £11.4m, net proceeds from debt refinancing of
£4.2m, and payments to acquire the minority interests in Benchmark
Genetics Iceland of £8.0m. The cash
position at 31 March 2024 was £20.8m (H1 FY23: £38.6m; FY23:
£36.5m), and net debt including lease liabilities was £72.7m (H1
FY23: £66.3m; FY23: £65.5m).
Outlook
The Company is trading in line with
management's expectations for the full year. There is good
visibility of revenue in Genetics including excellent progress in
Chile and no operational or financial consequences from the ISA
incident reported in February this year. In Advanced Nutrition
there is continuing strong performance in soft markets albeit with
some green shoots, and the business is well positioned for market
recovery. In Health our focus remains on the transition to the new
business model for Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat®. We will continue
to manage costs and reduce our capital exposure, taking the second
CleanTreat® unit
out of service ahead of the low season for sea lice
treatments. Our established sea lice treatment
Salmosan® Vet is
performing well into the second half of the year.
Benchmark Holdings plc
Consolidated Income Statement for the period ended 31 March
2024
|
| |
All figures in £000's
|
Notes
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
Restated*
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
Restated*
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Revenue
|
4
|
39,751
|
44,237
|
80,224
|
98,659
|
169,476
|
Cost of
sales
|
|
(18,866)
|
(19,313)
|
(40,976)
|
(49,337)
|
(82,726)
|
Gross
profit
|
|
20,885
|
24,924
|
39,248
|
49,322
|
86,750
|
Research
and development costs
|
|
(1,542)
|
(1,434)
|
(3,059)
|
(2,985)
|
(6,069)
|
Other
operating costs
|
|
(9,862)
|
(12,203)
|
(20,352)
|
(23,771)
|
(45,157)
|
Share of
profit/(loss) of equity-accounted investees, net of tax
|
|
667
|
-
|
985
|
56
|
(32)
|
Adjusted
EBITDA²
|
|
10,148
|
11,287
|
16,822
|
22,622
|
35,492
|
Exceptional - restructuring, acquisition and disposal related
items
|
6
|
(1,962)
|
(1,716)
|
(2,479)
|
(2,688)
|
(3,904)
|
EBITDA¹
|
|
8,186
|
9,571
|
14,343
|
19,934
|
31,588
|
Depreciation and impairment
|
|
(3,318)
|
(4,475)
|
(9,567)
|
(9,014)
|
(18,409)
|
Amortisation and impairment
|
|
(4,221)
|
(4,410)
|
(8,489)
|
(9,912)
|
(18,495)
|
Operating
(loss)/profit
|
|
647
|
686
|
(3,713)
|
1,008
|
(5,316)
|
Finance
cost
|
7
|
(3,201)
|
(3,214)
|
(6,497)
|
(10,335)
|
(15,048)
|
Finance
income
|
7
|
1,884
|
791
|
2,349
|
8,143
|
7,670
|
Loss before
taxation
|
|
(670)
|
(1,737)
|
(7,861)
|
(1,184)
|
(12,694)
|
Tax on
loss
|
8
|
(477)
|
(704)
|
(910)
|
(1,483)
|
(3,365)
|
Loss from continuing
operations
|
|
(1,147)
|
(2,441)
|
(8,771)
|
(2,667)
|
(16,059)
|
Discontinued
operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from
discontinued operations, net of tax
|
5
|
-
|
(279)
|
-
|
(732)
|
(5,505)
|
|
|
(1,147)
|
(2,720)
|
(8,771)
|
(3,399)
|
(21,564)
|
Loss for the year
attributable to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
Owners of the parent
|
|
(1,321)
|
(2,858)
|
(8,948)
|
(4,141)
|
(23,146)
|
-
Non-controlling interest
|
|
174
|
138
|
177
|
742
|
1,582
|
|
|
(1,147)
|
(2,720)
|
(8,771)
|
(3,399)
|
(21,564)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per
share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
loss per share (pence)
|
9
|
(0.18)
|
(0.40)
|
(1.21)
|
(0.57)
|
(3.16)
|
Diluted
loss per share (pence)
|
9
|
(0.18)
|
(0.40)
|
(1.21)
|
(0.57)
|
(3.16)
|
Earnings per share -
continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
loss per share (pence)
|
9
|
(0.18)
|
(0.36)
|
(1.21)
|
(0.47)
|
(2.41)
|
Diluted
loss per share (pence)
|
9
|
(0.18)
|
(0.36)
|
(1.21)
|
(0.47)
|
(2.41)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
EBITDA from continuing operations
|
|
10,148
|
11,287
|
16,822
|
22,622
|
35,492
|
Adjusted
EBITDA from discontinued operations
|
5
|
-
|
(194)
|
-
|
(562)
|
(1,254)
|
Total Adjusted
EBITDA
|
|
10,148
|
11,093
|
16,822
|
22,060
|
34,238
|
1 EBITDA - Earnings before interest,
tax, depreciation, amortisation, and impairment
2 Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA before
exceptional items including acquisition related items
* Q2 2023 numbers have been restated
to reflect certain operations of the Group that have been
classified as discontinued operations during the
period in line with IFRS 5. (See Note 5).
Benchmark Holdings plc
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period
ended 31 March 2024
All
figures in £000's
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the
period
|
|
(1,147)
|
(2,720)
|
(8,771)
|
(3,399)
|
(21,564)
|
Other comprehensive
income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Items that are or may be
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign
exchange translation differences
|
|
(3,579)
|
(5,973)
|
(10,992)
|
(24,013)
|
(23,475)
|
Cash flow
hedges - changes in fair value
|
|
(1,455)
|
217
|
(2,345)
|
(299)
|
(2,123)
|
Cash flow
hedges - reclassified to profit or loss
|
|
1,494
|
(179)
|
1,614
|
(292)
|
2,623
|
Total comprehensive income
for the period
|
|
(4,687)
|
(8,655)
|
(20,494)
|
(28,003)
|
(44,539)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
for the period attributable to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Owners
of the parent
|
|
(4,596)
|
(8,295)
|
(20,337)
|
(28,046)
|
(45,404)
|
-
Non-controlling interest
|
|
(92)
|
(360)
|
(158)
|
43
|
865
|
|
|
(4,688)
|
(8,655)
|
(20,495)
|
(28,003)
|
(44,539)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
for the period attributable to owners of the
parent:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
Continuing operations
|
|
(4,596)
|
(7,954)
|
(20,337)
|
(27,048)
|
(39,777)
|
-
Discontinued operations*
|
|
-
|
(341)
|
-
|
(998)
|
(5,627)
|
|
|
(4,596)
|
(8,295)
|
(20,337)
|
(28,046)
|
(45,404)
|
* Total comprehensive income for the
period relating to discontinued operations for Q2 2024 includes the
loss of £nil (Q2 2023: £279,000) and foreign exchange loss of £nil
(Q2 2023: £62,000). 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.
Benchmark Holdings plc
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 March
2024
|
|
31 March 2024
|
31 March 2023
|
30 September 2023
|
All
figures in £000's
|
Notes
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
Property,
plant and equipment
|
|
68,525
|
76,414
|
73,411
|
Right-of-use assets
|
|
16,717
|
22,365
|
19,804
|
Intangible assets
|
|
190,861
|
215,077
|
206,077
|
Equity-accounted investees
|
|
4,538
|
3,136
|
3,558
|
Other
investments
|
|
1
|
14
|
14
|
Biological and agricultural assets
|
|
18,547
|
20,605
|
18,406
|
Non-current
assets
|
|
299,189
|
337,611
|
321,270
|
Inventories
|
|
22,790
|
27,129
|
25,269
|
Biological and agricultural assets
|
|
25,132
|
22,550
|
27,586
|
Trade and
other receivables
|
|
54,589
|
48,433
|
59,795
|
Cash and
cash equivalents
|
|
20,759
|
38,647
|
36,525
|
|
|
123,270
|
136,759
|
149,175
|
Assets
held for sale
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
850
|
Current
assets
|
|
123,270
|
136,759
|
150,025
|
Total
assets
|
|
422,459
|
474,370
|
471,295
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and
other payables
|
|
(30,326)
|
(29,723)
|
(47,329)
|
Loans and
borrowings
|
11
|
(17,292)
|
(22,115)
|
(20,045)
|
Corporation tax liability
|
|
(4,583)
|
8,413
|
(6,422)
|
Provisions
|
|
(1,843)
|
(1,574)
|
(1,280)
|
Current
liabilities
|
|
(54,044)
|
(61,825)
|
(75,076)
|
Loans and
borrowings
|
11
|
(76,212)
|
(82,878)
|
(81,954)
|
Other
payables
|
|
(7,986)
|
(6,257)
|
(6,842)
|
Deferred
tax
|
|
(21,291)
|
(24,293)
|
(24,106)
|
Provisions
|
|
-
|
-
|
(700)
|
Non-current
liabilities
|
|
(105,489)
|
(113,428)
|
(113,602)
|
Total
liabilities
|
|
(159,533)
|
(175,253)
|
(188,678)
|
Net assets
|
|
262,926
|
299,117
|
282,617
|
Issued capital and reserves
attributable to owners of the parent
|
|
|
|
|
Share
capital
|
12
|
739
|
739
|
739
|
Additional paid-in share capital
|
12
|
37,428
|
37,924
|
37,428
|
Capital
redemption reserve
|
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
175,344
|
201,962
|
183,489
|
Hedging
reserve
|
|
(934)
|
(1,294)
|
(203)
|
Foreign
exchange reserve
|
|
44,290
|
54,391
|
54,947
|
Equity attributable to
owners of the parent
|
|
256,872
|
293,727
|
276,405
|
Non-controlling interest
|
|
6,054
|
5,390
|
6,212
|
Total equity and
reserves
|
|
262,926
|
299,117
|
282,617
|
The accompanying notes are an
integral part of this consolidated financial
information.
Benchmark Holdings plc
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period
ended 31 March 2024
|
Share
capital
|
Additional paid-in
share capital
|
Other
reserves*
|
Hedging
reserve
|
Retained
earnings
|
Total attributable
to equity holders of
parent
|
Non-
controlling
interest
|
Total
equity
|
|
£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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(8,949)
|
(8,949)
|
177
|
(8,772)
|
Other
comprehensive income/(loss)
|
-
|
-
|
(10,657)
|
(731)
|
-
|
(11,388)
|
(335)
|
(11,723)
|
Total comprehensive
income/(loss) for the period
|
-
|
-
|
(10,657)
|
(731)
|
(8,949)
|
(20,337)
|
(158)
|
(20,495)
|
Contributions by and
distributions to owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based payment
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
804
|
804
|
-
|
804
|
Total contributions by and
distributions to owners
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
804
|
804
|
-
|
804
|
Total changes in ownership
interests
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total transactions with
owners of the Company
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
804
|
804
|
-
|
804
|
As at 31 March 2024
(unaudited)
|
739
|
37,428
|
44,295
|
(934)
|
175,344
|
256,872
|
6,054
|
262,926
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(4,141)
|
(4,141)
|
742
|
(3,399)
|
Other
comprehensive income/(loss)
|
-
|
-
|
(23,314)
|
(591)
|
-
|
(23,905)
|
(699)
|
(24,604)
|
Total comprehensive
income/(loss) for the period
|
-
|
-
|
(23,314)
|
(591)
|
(4,141)
|
(28,046)
|
43
|
(28,003)
|
Contributions by and
distributions to owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share
issue
|
35
|
12,985
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13,020
|
-
|
13,020
|
Share
issue costs recognised through equity
|
-
|
(1,386)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,386)
|
-
|
(1,386)
|
Cancellation of part of share premium account
|
-
|
(394,235)
|
-
|
-
|
394,235
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Share-based payment
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
475
|
475
|
-
|
475
|
Total contributions by and
distributions to owners
|
35
|
(382,900)
|
-
|
-
|
394,710
|
11,845
|
-
|
11,845
|
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
|
(382,900)
|
-
|
-
|
391,240
|
8,375
|
(4,539)
|
3,836
|
As at 31 March 2023
(unaudited)
|
739
|
37,924
|
54,396
|
(1,294)
|
201,963
|
293,728
|
5,390
|
299,118
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Benchmark Holdings plc
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period ended 31
March 2024
All
figures in £000's
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Cash flows from operating
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the
period
|
(1,148)
|
(2,720)
|
(8,772)
|
(3,399)
|
(21,564)
|
Adjustments
for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and
equipment
|
2,098
|
2,215
|
5,067
|
4,248
|
8,453
|
Depreciation and impairment of right-of-use assets
|
1,220
|
2,336
|
4,500
|
4,918
|
10,260
|
Amortisation and impairment of intangible fixed
assets
|
4,221
|
4,410
|
8,489
|
9,912
|
18,495
|
(Profit)/loss on sale of property, plant and
equipment
|
(231)
|
1
|
(226)
|
(36)
|
(121)
|
Loss on
sale of discontinued operation
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,774
|
Finance
income
|
(76)
|
(292)
|
(286)
|
(320)
|
(2,802)
|
Finance
costs
|
2,710
|
2,028
|
5,395
|
1,715
|
10,535
|
Loss on
disposal of investments in joint ventures
|
-
|
-
|
(42)
|
-
|
-
|
Share of
(profit)/loss of equity-accounted investees, net of tax
|
(667)
|
1
|
(985)
|
(55)
|
32
|
Foreign
exchange gains
|
(1,079)
|
(1,365)
|
(334)
|
(1,104)
|
(1,814)
|
Share-based payment expense
|
552
|
176
|
804
|
475
|
1,005
|
Tax
expense
|
477
|
703
|
910
|
1,482
|
3,365
|
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
|
1,151
|
2,060
|
2,342
|
6,071
|
(6,570)
|
Decrease
in inventories
|
1,177
|
946
|
1,747
|
2,517
|
2,877
|
Decrease/(increase) in biological and agricultural
assets
|
(695)
|
(2,401)
|
118
|
893
|
(1,659)
|
(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables
|
(2,564)
|
(4,040)
|
(15,957)
|
(13,673)
|
3,909
|
Decrease
/(increase) in provisions
|
(1,010)
|
(4)
|
(1,003)
|
(13)
|
386
|
|
6,136
|
4,054
|
1,767
|
13,631
|
28,561
|
Income
taxes paid
|
(2,513)
|
(2,632)
|
(3,717)
|
(4,141)
|
(8,556)
|
Net cash flows generated
from operating activities
|
3,623
|
1,422
|
(1,950)
|
9,490
|
20,005
|
Investing
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of subsidiaries
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(48)
|
Purchase
of investments in associates
|
(143)
|
(244)
|
(143)
|
(307)
|
(558)
|
Receipts
from disposal of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and other
investments
|
-
|
-
|
37
|
-
|
1,250
|
Purchases
of property, plant and equipment
|
(849)
|
(1,425)
|
(1,770)
|
(3,254)
|
(5,953)
|
Purchase
of intangibles
|
(35)
|
(47)
|
(85)
|
(77)
|
(196)
|
Capitalised research and development costs
|
(32)
|
(143)
|
(94)
|
(197)
|
(632)
|
Cash
advances and loans made to other parties
|
-
|
415
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Proceeds
from sale of fixed assets
|
253
|
2
|
271
|
77
|
227
|
Cash
receipts from swap contracts
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
Interest
received
|
82
|
159
|
286
|
319
|
627
|
Net cash flows used in
investing activities
|
(724)
|
(1,283)
|
(1,498)
|
(3,439)
|
(5,272)
|
Financing
activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
of share issues
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13,020
|
13,020
|
Share-issue costs recognised through equity
|
-
|
(264)
|
-
|
(1,650)
|
(2,146)
|
Acquisition of minority interests in subsidiaries
|
-
|
(8,009)
|
-
|
(8,009)
|
(8,009)
|
Proceeds
from bank or other borrowings, net of borrowing fees
|
(259)
|
21,402
|
(259)
|
20,802
|
21,847
|
Repayment
of bank or other borrowings
|
(860)
|
(12,163)
|
(1,246)
|
(16,560)
|
(18,470)
|
Interest
and finance charges paid
|
(2,257)
|
(1,871)
|
(4,507)
|
(4,082)
|
(9,131)
|
Repayments of lease liabilities
|
(2,514)
|
(2,489)
|
(5,368)
|
(4,689)
|
(9,438)
|
Net cash used in financing
activities
|
(5,890)
|
(3,394)
|
(11,380)
|
(1,168)
|
(12,327)
|
Net increase/(decrease) in
cash and cash equivalents
|
(2,991)
|
(3,255)
|
(14,828)
|
4,883
|
2,406
|
Cash and
cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
24,164
|
42,782
|
36,525
|
36,399
|
36,399
|
Effect of
movements in exchange rate
|
(414)
|
(880)
|
(938)
|
(2,635)
|
(2,280)
|
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period
|
20,759
|
38,647
|
20,759
|
38,647
|
36,525
|
Benchmark Holdings plc
Unaudited notes to the quarterly financial statements for the
period ended 31 March 2024
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 six months ended 31 March 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 six months ended 31 March
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 May
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 31 March 2024 the Group had
net assets of £262.9m (30 September 2023: £282.6m), including cash
of £20.8m (30 September 2023: £36.5m) as set out in the
consolidated balance sheet. The Group made a total loss for the
period of £8.8m (year ended 30 September 2023: loss
£21.6m).
As noted in the Management Report,
the business experienced tough market conditions in the shrimp
markets in FY23 which continued into the first quarter of FY24, but
robust results in the second quarter are evidence of early signs of
market recovery. Additionally, the Health and Genetics business
areas both had good quarters and the group as a whole is trading in
line with expectations for the full year.
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, firstly in relation
to continued roll out of the Ectosan®Vet and CleanTreat offering.
Sensitivities considered included modelling slower ramp up of the
commercialisation of Ectosan® Vet and CleanTreat® through delayed
roll-out of the revised operating model for the service, together
with reduction in medicine sales. Key downside sensitivities
modelled in other areas 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. 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.
During the period 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 Directors consider that
adequate finance facilities are in place, and with financial
instruments in place to fix interest rates and opportunities
available to mitigate globally high inflation rates, the Group
continues to show resilience against current global economic
pressures.
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.
The Directors are therefore
confident that even under all of the above sensitivity analysis and
ongoing strategic review, the Group has sufficient liquidity and
resources throughout the period under review whilst still
maintaining adequate headroom against the borrowing covenants. They
therefore remain confident that the Group has adequate resources to
continue to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due within
the period of 12 months from the date of approval of these
financial statements. Based on their assessment, the Directors
believe it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements
on a going concern basis.
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
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
FY 2023
(audited)*
|
Genetics
|
13,231
|
13,042
|
28,395
|
34,481
|
65,791
|
Advanced Nutrition
|
21,130
|
22,644
|
40,413
|
45,324
|
78,503
|
Health
|
5,401
|
8,692
|
11,460
|
19,077
|
25,514
|
Corporate
|
1,349
|
1,436
|
2,698
|
2,873
|
5,747
|
Inter-segment sales
|
(1,360)
|
(1,447)
|
(2,742)
|
(2,893)
|
(5,811)
|
Total
|
39,751
|
44,367
|
80,224
|
98,862
|
169,744
|
Segmental Adjusted
EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
figures in £000's
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
FY 2023
(audited)*
|
Genetics
|
3,425
|
3,420
|
5,923
|
5,983
|
14,409
|
Advanced Nutrition
|
5,276
|
6,169
|
9,876
|
11,466
|
18,374
|
Health
|
1,636
|
2,583
|
2,206
|
6,650
|
4,772
|
Corporate
|
(189)
|
(1,079)
|
(1,183)
|
(2,039)
|
(3,317)
|
Total
|
10,148
|
11,093
|
16,822
|
22,060
|
34,238
|
Reconciliation of
Reportable Segments Adjusted EBITDA to Loss before
taxation
|
All
figures in £000's
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
FY 2023
(audited)*
|
|
Total reportable segment Adjusted
EBITDA
|
10,337
|
12,172
|
18,005
|
24,099
|
37,555
|
|
Corporate Adjusted EBITDA
|
(189)
|
(1,079)
|
(1,183)
|
(2,039)
|
(3,317)
|
|
Adjusted
EBITDA
|
10,148
|
11,093
|
16,822
|
22,060
|
34,238
|
|
Exceptional - restructuring, acquisition and disposal
related items
|
(1,962)
|
(1,716)
|
(2,479)
|
(2,688)
|
(7,817)
|
|
Depreciation and impairment
|
(3,318)
|
(4,551)
|
(9,567)
|
(9,166)
|
(18,713)
|
|
Amortisation and impairment
|
(4,221)
|
(4,410)
|
(8,489)
|
(9,912)
|
(18,495)
|
|
Net
finance costs
|
(1,317)
|
(2,432)
|
(4,148)
|
(2,210)
|
(7,412)
|
|
Loss before
taxation
|
(670)
|
(2,016)
|
(7,861)
|
(1,916)
|
(18,199)
|
|
Reconciliation of
segmental information to IFRS measures - Revenue and Loss before
tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Total revenue per segmental
information
|
39,751
|
44,367
|
80,224
|
98,862
|
169,744
|
Less: revenue from discontinued
operations
|
-
|
(130)
|
-
|
(203)
|
(268)
|
Consolidated
revenue
|
39,751
|
44,237
|
80,224
|
98,659
|
169,476
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before
tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)*
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Profit/(loss) before tax per segmental
information
|
(670)
|
(2,016)
|
(7,861)
|
(1,916)
|
(18,199)
|
Less: loss before tax from discontinued
operations
|
-
|
279
|
-
|
732
|
5,505
|
Consolidated
Profit/(loss) before tax
|
(670)
|
(1,737)
|
(7,861)
|
(1,184)
|
(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 31 March
2024
|
|
|
All figures in
£000's
|
Genetics
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
Health
|
Corporate
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
Total
|
Discontinued
|
Continuing
|
Sale of
goods
|
12,687
|
21,087
|
4,624
|
-
|
-
|
38,398
|
-
|
38,398
|
Provision of
services
|
542
|
34
|
777
|
-
|
-
|
1,353
|
-
|
1,353
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
2
|
9
|
-
|
1,349
|
(1,360)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13,231
|
21,130
|
5,401
|
1,349
|
(1,360)
|
39,751
|
-
|
39,751
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 months ended 31 March
2023
|
|
|
All
figures in £000's
|
Genetics
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
Health
|
Corporate
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
Total
|
Discontinued
|
Continuing
|
Sale of goods
|
11,083
|
22,635
|
6,115
|
-
|
-
|
39,833
|
130
|
39,703
|
Provision of services
|
1,957
|
-
|
2,577
|
-
|
-
|
4,534
|
-
|
4,534
|
Inter-segment sales
|
2
|
9
|
-
|
1,436
|
(1,447)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13,042
|
22,644
|
8,692
|
1,436
|
(1,447)
|
44,367
|
130
|
44,237
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 months ended 31 March
2024
|
|
|
All figures in
£000's
|
Genetics
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
Health
|
Corporate
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
Total
|
Discontinued
|
Continuing
|
Sale of
goods
|
27,529
|
40,341
|
9,083
|
-
|
-
|
76,953
|
-
|
76,953
|
Provision of
services
|
860
|
34
|
2,377
|
-
|
-
|
3,271
|
-
|
3,271
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
6
|
38
|
-
|
2,698
|
(2,742)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
28,395
|
40,413
|
11,460
|
2,698
|
(2,742)
|
80,224
|
-
|
80,224
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 months ended 31 March
2023
|
|
|
All
figures in £000's
|
Genetics
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
Health
|
Corporate
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
Total
|
Discontinued
|
Continuing
|
Sale of goods
|
32,204
|
45,307
|
13,564
|
-
|
-
|
91,075
|
203
|
90,872
|
Provision of services
|
2,274
|
-
|
5,513
|
-
|
-
|
7,787
|
-
|
7,787
|
Inter-segment sales
|
3
|
17
|
-
|
2,873
|
(2,893)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
34,481
|
45,324
|
19,077
|
2,873
|
(2,893)
|
98,862
|
203
|
98,659
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 months ended 30 September
2023
|
|
|
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 31 March
2024
|
|
|
All figures in
£000's
|
Genetics
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
Health
|
Corporate
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
Total
|
Discontinued
|
Continuing
|
Norway
|
6,873
|
138
|
2,348
|
-
|
-
|
9,359
|
-
|
9,359
|
Vietnam
|
-
|
3,071
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,071
|
-
|
3,071
|
India
|
-
|
2,572
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,572
|
-
|
2,572
|
Iceland
|
1,478
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,478
|
-
|
1,478
|
Ecuador
|
8
|
1,733
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,741
|
-
|
1,741
|
Canada
|
35
|
40
|
2,470
|
-
|
-
|
2,545
|
-
|
2,545
|
Turkey
|
-
|
2,317
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,317
|
-
|
2,317
|
Indonesia
|
66
|
853
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
919
|
-
|
919
|
Faroe
Islands
|
1,238
|
-
|
70
|
-
|
-
|
1,308
|
-
|
1,308
|
Greece
|
-
|
1,711
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,711
|
-
|
1,711
|
China
|
92
|
743
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
835
|
-
|
835
|
United
Kingdom
|
576
|
19
|
93
|
-
|
-
|
688
|
-
|
688
|
Chile
|
2,009
|
-
|
420
|
-
|
-
|
2,429
|
-
|
2,429
|
Rest of
Europe
|
317
|
1,759
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,076
|
-
|
2,076
|
Rest of
World
|
537
|
6,165
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6,702
|
-
|
6,702
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
2
|
9
|
-
|
1,349
|
(1,360)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13,231
|
21,130
|
5,401
|
1,349
|
(1,360)
|
39,751
|
-
|
39,751
|
|
3 months ended 31 March
2023
|
|
|
All
figures in £000's
|
Genetics
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
Health
|
Corporate
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
Total
|
Discontinued
|
Continuing
|
Norway
|
6,177
|
252
|
6,157
|
-
|
-
|
12,587
|
-
|
12,587
|
Vietnam
|
-
|
2,330
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,330
|
-
|
2,330
|
India
|
-
|
2,822
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,822
|
-
|
2,822
|
Iceland
|
1,184
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,184
|
-
|
1,184
|
Ecuador
|
9
|
1,832
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,841
|
-
|
1,841
|
Canada
|
30
|
37
|
2,328
|
-
|
-
|
2,395
|
-
|
2,395
|
Turkey
|
-
|
2,528
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,528
|
-
|
2,528
|
Indonesia
|
130
|
418
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
548
|
-
|
548
|
Faroe Islands
|
2,224
|
-
|
119
|
-
|
-
|
2,343
|
-
|
2,343
|
Greece
|
-
|
2,002
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,002
|
-
|
2,002
|
China
|
152
|
1,155
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,307
|
-
|
1,307
|
United Kingdom
|
814
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
822
|
-
|
822
|
Chile
|
1,121
|
9
|
88
|
-
|
-
|
1,218
|
-
|
1,218
|
Rest of Europe
|
474
|
1,716
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,190
|
-
|
2,190
|
Rest of World
|
725
|
7,526
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8,250
|
130
|
8,120
|
Inter-segment sales
|
2
|
9
|
-
|
1,436
|
(1,447)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13,042
|
22,644
|
8,692
|
1,436
|
(1,447)
|
44,367
|
130
|
44,237
|
4. Revenue
(continued)
Primary geographical
markets (continued)
|
6 months ended 31 March
2024
|
|
|
All figures in
£000's
|
Genetics
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
Health
|
Corporate
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
Total
|
Discontinued
|
Continuing
|
Norway
|
16,430
|
449
|
7,157
|
-
|
-
|
24,036
|
-
|
24,036
|
Vietnam
|
-
|
4,706
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,706
|
-
|
4,706
|
India
|
-
|
6,735
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6,735
|
-
|
6,735
|
Iceland
|
2,711
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,711
|
-
|
2,711
|
Ecuador
|
40
|
3,222
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,262
|
-
|
3,262
|
Canada
|
95
|
62
|
2,612
|
-
|
-
|
2,769
|
-
|
2,769
|
Turkey
|
9
|
4,215
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,224
|
-
|
4,224
|
Indonesia
|
158
|
2,135
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,293
|
-
|
2,293
|
Faroe
Islands
|
2,710
|
-
|
502
|
-
|
-
|
3,212
|
-
|
3,212
|
Greece
|
-
|
3,659
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,659
|
-
|
3,659
|
China
|
190
|
1,245
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,435
|
-
|
1,435
|
United
Kingdom
|
1,350
|
26
|
146
|
-
|
-
|
1,522
|
-
|
1,522
|
Chile
|
2,993
|
-
|
1,043
|
-
|
-
|
4,036
|
-
|
4,036
|
Rest of
Europe
|
699
|
3,415
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,114
|
-
|
4,114
|
Rest of
World
|
1,004
|
10,506
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11,510
|
-
|
11,510
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
6
|
38
|
-
|
2,698
|
(2,742)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
28,395
|
40,413
|
11,460
|
2,698
|
(2,742)
|
80,224
|
-
|
80,224
|
|
6 months ended 31 March
2023
|
|
|
All figures in
£000's
|
Genetics
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
Health
|
Corporate
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
Total
|
Discontinued
|
Continuing
|
Norway
|
23,061
|
342
|
14,452
|
-
|
-
|
37,855
|
-
|
37,855
|
Vietnam
|
-
|
5,025
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5,025
|
-
|
5,025
|
India
|
-
|
7,025
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7,025
|
-
|
7,025
|
Iceland
|
2,972
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,972
|
-
|
2,972
|
Ecuador
|
29
|
3,572
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,601
|
-
|
3,601
|
Canada
|
55
|
58
|
3,893
|
-
|
-
|
4,006
|
-
|
4,006
|
Turkey
|
2
|
4,732
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,734
|
-
|
4,734
|
Indonesia
|
338
|
2,109
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2,447
|
-
|
2,447
|
Faroe Islands
|
3,319
|
-
|
348
|
-
|
-
|
3,667
|
-
|
3,667
|
Greece
|
-
|
4,271
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,271
|
-
|
4,271
|
China
|
152
|
2,991
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3,143
|
-
|
3,143
|
United Kingdom
|
1,551
|
27
|
42
|
-
|
-
|
1,620
|
-
|
1,620
|
Chile
|
1,133
|
11
|
342
|
-
|
-
|
1,486
|
-
|
1,486
|
Rest of Europe
|
770
|
3,338
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,108
|
-
|
4,108
|
Rest of World
|
1,096
|
11,806
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12,902
|
203
|
12,699
|
Inter-segment sales
|
3
|
17
|
-
|
2,873
|
(2,893)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
34,481
|
45,324
|
19,077
|
2,873
|
(2,893)
|
98,862
|
203
|
98,659
|
4. Revenue
(continued)
Primary geographical
markets (continued)
|
12 months ended 30 September
2023
|
|
|
All
figures in £000's
|
Genetics
|
Advanced
Nutrition
|
Health
|
Corporate
|
Inter-segment
sales
|
Total
|
Discontinued
|
Continuing
|
Norway
|
39,008
|
899
|
19,596
|
-
|
-
|
59,503
|
-
|
59,503
|
Vietnam
|
-
|
11,087
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11,087
|
-
|
11,087
|
India
|
-
|
9,743
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9,743
|
-
|
9,743
|
Iceland
|
7,343
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7,343
|
-
|
7,343
|
Ecuador
|
38
|
7,257
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7,295
|
-
|
7,295
|
Canada
|
3,071
|
96
|
4,032
|
-
|
-
|
7,199
|
-
|
7,199
|
Turkey
|
93
|
7,009
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7,102
|
-
|
7,102
|
Indonesia
|
637
|
4,099
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,736
|
-
|
4,736
|
Faroe Islands
|
6,160
|
-
|
718
|
-
|
-
|
6,878
|
-
|
6,878
|
Greece
|
-
|
6,759
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6,759
|
-
|
6,759
|
China
|
327
|
4,502
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4,829
|
-
|
4,829
|
United Kingdom
|
3,957
|
85
|
177
|
-
|
-
|
4,219
|
-
|
4,219
|
Chile
|
1,824
|
12
|
991
|
-
|
-
|
2,827
|
-
|
2,827
|
Rest of Europe
|
1,470
|
4,879
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6,349
|
-
|
6,349
|
Rest of World
|
1,853
|
22,022
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
23,875
|
268
|
23,607
|
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 for the period ended 31 March
2024 has been made to reflect these changes.
Summary of restatement of Q2
FY23 results as reported in Q2 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 Q2 FY23 financial statements
|
98,862
|
22,060
|
(3,399)
|
-
|
Reclassified in Q1
|
(73)
|
368
|
453
|
(453)
|
Reclassified in Q2
|
(130)
|
194
|
279
|
(279)
|
As stated
in Q2 FY24 financial statements
|
98,659
|
22,622
|
(2,667)
|
(732)
|
Results from discontinued
operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q2 FY24
|
Q2 FY23
|
YTD Q2
FY24
|
YTD Q2
FY23
|
FY23
|
|
£000
|
£000
|
£000
|
£000
|
£000
|
Revenue
|
-
|
130
|
-
|
203
|
268
|
Cost of
sales
|
-
|
(236)
|
-
|
(480)
|
(973)
|
Gross
profit
|
-
|
(106)
|
-
|
(277)
|
(705)
|
Research
and development costs
|
-
|
(1)
|
-
|
(13)
|
(59)
|
Other
operating costs
|
-
|
(87)
|
-
|
(272)
|
(490)
|
Share of
profit of equity-accounted investees, net of tax
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Adjusted
EBITDA
|
-
|
(194)
|
-
|
(562)
|
(1,254)
|
Exceptional loss on disposal
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(3,913)
|
EBITDA
|
-
|
(194)
|
-
|
(562)
|
(5,167)
|
Depreciation and impairment
|
-
|
(76)
|
-
|
(152)
|
(304)
|
Amortisation and impairment
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Operating loss / Loss before
taxation
|
-
|
(270)
|
-
|
(714)
|
(5,471)
|
Net
finance costs
|
-
|
(9)
|
-
|
(18)
|
(34)
|
Loss before
taxation
|
-
|
(279)
|
-
|
(732)
|
(5,505)
|
Tax on
loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Loss from discontinued
operations
|
-
|
(279)
|
-
|
(732)
|
(5,505)
|
Exceptional items within
discontinued operations
|
Q2 FY24
|
Q2 FY23
|
YTD Q2
FY24
|
YTD Q2
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
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Acquisition related items
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
-
|
652
|
Exceptional restructuring costs
|
|
2,139
|
1,716
|
2,656
|
2,688
|
3,470
|
Disposal related items
|
|
(177)
|
-
|
(177)
|
-
|
(218)
|
Total exceptional
items
|
|
1,962
|
1,716
|
2,479
|
2,688
|
3,904
|
Exceptional restructuring costs in the quarter include
£1,782,000 (Q2 2023: £nil) relating to the formal review of the
Company's strategic options and potential sale of all or parts of
the group, and other restructuring costs of £357,000 (Q2 2023:
£50,000). In the year to date, the costs of the strategic
review were £1,782,000 (YTD Q2 2023: £nil; FY 2023: £nil) and other
restructuring costs were £357,000 (YTD Q2 2023: £135,000; FY 2023:
£872,000). Additionally in the prior year, exceptional
restructuring costs were incurred on legal and professional
expenses in relation to preparing for listing the Group on the Oslo
stock exchange, and these were £1,666,000 in Q2 2023 (YTD Q2 2023:
£2,553,000; FY 2023: £2,598,000).
Disposal
related items is a gain of £177,000 from sale of equipment left
over from an old business disposed of in a prior year. In
FY23 there was a credit of £235,000 for additional contingent
consideration received relating to the disposal of a subsidiary in
a prior year, which was offset by £17,000 of other disposal related
costs.
In FY23
acquisition related items comprise fees incurred in the year in
connection with an aborted acquisition.
7. Net finance costs from
continuing operations
All
figures in £000's
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Interest
received on bank deposits
|
76
|
163
|
286
|
323
|
627
|
Foreign
exchange gains on financing activities
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
158
|
Foreign
exchange gains on operating activities
|
1,808
|
499
|
2,063
|
5,169
|
4,709
|
Cash flow
hedges - ineffective portion of changes in fair value
|
-
|
129
|
-
|
2,651
|
2,176
|
Finance
income
|
1,884
|
791
|
2,349
|
8,143
|
7,670
|
Leases
(interest portion)
|
(353)
|
(527)
|
(689)
|
(873)
|
(1,620)
|
Foreign
exchange losses on operating activities
|
(491)
|
(1,195)
|
(1,102)
|
(5,961)
|
(4,547)
|
Interest
expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised
cost
|
(2,357)
|
(1,491)
|
(4,706)
|
(3,501)
|
(8,881)
|
Finance
costs
|
(3,201)
|
(3,214)
|
(6,497)
|
(10,335)
|
(15,048)
|
Net finance costs recognised
in profit or loss
|
(1,317)
|
(2,423)
|
(4,148)
|
(2,192)
|
(7,378)
|
8. Taxation
All
figures in £000's
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Analysis
of charge in period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
tax:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
income tax expense on profits for the period
|
|
1,307
|
997
|
2,626
|
2,835
|
6,178
|
Adjustment in respect of prior periods
|
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(880)
|
Total current tax
charge
|
|
1,307
|
997
|
2,626
|
2,835
|
5,298
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
tax:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
|
|
(830)
|
(293)
|
(1,716)
|
(1,352)
|
(1,933)
|
Total deferred tax
charge/(credit)
|
|
(830)
|
(293)
|
(1,716)
|
(1,352)
|
(1,933)
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
Total tax
charge
|
|
477
|
704
|
910
|
1,483
|
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.
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Loss attributable to equity
holders of the parent (£000)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations
|
(1,321)
|
(2,579)
|
(8,948)
|
(3,409)
|
(17,641)
|
Discontinued operations
|
-
|
(279)
|
-
|
(732)
|
(5,505)
|
Total
|
(1,321)
|
(2,858)
|
(8,948)
|
(4,141)
|
(23,146)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of
shares in issue (thousands)
|
739,464
|
723,173
|
739,480
|
724,505
|
731,935
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic loss per share
(pence)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations
|
(0.18)
|
(0.36)
|
(1.21)
|
(0.47)
|
(2.41)
|
Discontinued operations
|
-
|
(0.04)
|
-
|
(0.10)
|
(0.75)
|
Total
|
(0.18)
|
(0.40)
|
(1.21)
|
(0.57)
|
(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
14,056,643 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 31 March 2023: 4,312,880). 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 is no 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 has been
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 Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
All
figures in £000's
|
|
Property,
plant and equipment
|
|
-
|
-
|
850
|
Total Assets held for
sale
|
|
-
|
-
|
850
|
11. Loans and
borrowings
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
All
figures in £000's
|
Non-Current
|
|
|
|
2025 750m NOK Loan notes
|
54,914
|
56,756
|
57,604
|
Bank borrowings
|
14,808
|
16,974
|
16,799
|
Unamortised debt issue
costs
|
(373)
|
-
|
(742)
|
Lease liabilities
|
6,863
|
9,148
|
8,293
|
|
76,212
|
82,878
|
81,954
|
Current
|
|
|
|
Bank
borrowings
|
9,257
|
9,421
|
9,320
|
Unamortised debt issue costs
|
(1,048)
|
-
|
(842)
|
Lease liabilities
|
9,083
|
12,694
|
11,567
|
|
17,292
|
22,115
|
20,045
|
Total loans and
borrowings
|
93,504
|
104,993
|
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 31 March 2024 there was £19.75m undrawn.
Additionally, Benchmark Genetics Salten AS had the following
loans (which are ring-fenced debt without recourse to the remainder
of the Group) at 31 March 2024:
• term loan with Nordea Bank
with a balance of NOK 164.3m, 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 31 March 2024
• term loan with a balance of
NOK 33.2m 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 31 March 2024 was 7.45%
• an additional 15-year term
loan with a balance of NOK 9.7m provided by Innovasjon Norge and
maturing in July 2038. The interest rate on this loan at 31 March
2024 was 6.6%
• 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
share capital
|
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
|
199,580
|
-
|
-
|
Shares
issued through placing and open offer
|
34,576
|
-
|
-
|
Balance at 31 March
2024
|
739,586,546
|
739
|
37,428
|
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.
13. Alternative performance measures and
other metrics (continued)
Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Profit/(loss) to
Operating Profit/(loss)
All figures in £000's
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Revenue
|
|
39,751
|
44,237
|
80,224
|
98,659
|
169,476
|
Cost of
sales
|
|
(18,866)
|
(19,313)
|
(40,976)
|
(49,337)
|
(82,726)
|
Gross
profit
|
|
20,885
|
24,924
|
39,248
|
49,322
|
86,750
|
Research
and development costs
|
|
(1,542)
|
(1,434)
|
(3,059)
|
(2,985)
|
(6,069)
|
Other
operating costs
|
|
(9,862)
|
(12,203)
|
(20,352)
|
(23,771)
|
(45,157)
|
Depreciation and impairment
|
|
(3,318)
|
(4,475)
|
(9,567)
|
(9,014)
|
(18,409)
|
Amortisation of capitalised development costs
|
|
(604)
|
(610)
|
(1,211)
|
(1,227)
|
(2,437)
|
Share of
profit/(loss) of equity accounted investees net of tax
|
|
667
|
-
|
985
|
56
|
(32)
|
Adjusted operating
profit
|
|
6,226
|
6,202
|
6,044
|
12,381
|
14,646
|
Exceptional - restructuring, acquisition and disposal related
items
|
|
(1,962)
|
(1,716)
|
(2,479)
|
(2,688)
|
(3,904)
|
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets excluding
development costs
|
|
(3,617)
|
(3,800)
|
(7,278)
|
(8,685)
|
(16,058)
|
Operating
profit/(loss)
|
|
647
|
686
|
(3,713)
|
1,008
|
(5,316)
|
Reconciliation of Loss
Before Taxation to Adjusted Profit Before Tax
All figures in £000's
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before
taxation
|
|
(670)
|
(1,737)
|
(7,861)
|
(1,184)
|
(12,694)
|
Exceptional - restructuring, acquisition and disposal related
items
|
|
1,962
|
1,716
|
2,479
|
2,688
|
3,904
|
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets excluding
development costs
|
|
3,617
|
3,800
|
7,278
|
8,685
|
16,058
|
Adjusted profit before
tax
|
|
4,909
|
3,779
|
1,896
|
10,189
|
7,268
|
Other
Metrics
All
figures in £000's
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Total R&D
Investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research
and development costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
Continuing operations
|
|
1,542
|
1,434
|
3,059
|
2,985
|
6,069
|
-
Discontinued operations
|
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
13
|
59
|
Internal
capitalised development costs
|
|
32
|
144
|
94
|
197
|
632
|
Total R&D
investment
|
|
1,574
|
1,579
|
3,153
|
3,195
|
6,760
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
figures in £000's
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
YTD Q2 2023
Restated
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Adjusted EBITDA excluding
fair value movement in biological assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
EBITDA
|
|
10,148
|
11,287
|
16,822
|
22,622
|
35,492
|
Exclude
fair value movement
|
|
(287)
|
(1,401)
|
506
|
(247)
|
103
|
Adjusted EBITDA excluding
fair value movement in biological assets
|
|
9,861
|
9,886
|
17,328
|
22,375
|
35,595
|
13. Alternative
performance measures and other metrics
(continued)
Liquidity
A key
financial covenant is a minimum liquidity of £10m, defined
as cash plus undrawn facilities.
All
figures in £000's
|
|
Q2 2024
(unaudited)
|
Q2 2023
(unaudited)
|
FY 2023
(audited)
|
Cash and
cash equivalents
|
|
20,759
|
38,647
|
36,525
|
Undrawn
bank facility
|
|
19,750
|
12,110
|
12,250
|
Total
liquidity
|
|
40,509
|
50,757
|
48,775
|
The
undrawn bank facility relates to the RCF facility. At 31
March 2024, £7.75m of the RCF was drawn (31 March 2023: £7.89m, 30
September 2023: £7.75m), leaving £19.75m undrawn (31 March 2023:
£12.11m, 30 September 2023: £12.25m).
14. Net debt
Net debt is cash and cash
equivalents less loans and borrowings.
|
|
31 March 2024
|
31 March 2023
|
30 September 2023
|
All
figures in £000's
|
|
(unaudited)
|
(unaudited)
|
(audited)
|
Cash and
cash equivalents
|
|
20,759
|
38,647
|
36,525
|
Loans and
borrowings (excluding lease liabilities) - current
|
|
(8,209)
|
(9,421)
|
(8,478)
|
Loans and
borrowings (excluding lease liabilities) - non-current
|
|
(69,349)
|
(73,730)
|
(73,661)
|
Net debt excluding lease
liabilities
|
|
(56,799)
|
(44,504)
|
(45,614)
|
Lease
liabilities - current
|
|
(9,083)
|
(12,694)
|
(11,567)
|
Lease
liabilities - non-current
|
|
(6,863)
|
(9,148)
|
(8,293)
|
Net debt
|
|
(72,745)
|
(66,346)
|
(65,474)
|
We hereby confirm that the
financial statements for the period from 1 October 2023 to 31 March
2024, to the best of our knowledge, have been prepared in
accordance with IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting - and that the
information in the accounts gives a true and fair view of the Group
and of the Group's assets, liabilities, financial position and
overall results.
We also confirm that, to the best
of our knowledge, the half-year report gives a true and fair view
of the main events during the accounting period and their effect on
the accounts for the second half year, as well as the principal
risks and uncertainties, described below (which have remained
unchanged from those disclosed in the Company Annual Report of
FY23), facing the Company and the Group in the next accounting
period.
This Statement was approved by the
board of directors and signed on its behalf by:
|
|
Trond Williksen
(Chief Executive
Officer)
|
|
Date: 22 May 2024
|
|
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Group's principal risks are
categorised as either strategic, operational, financial or emerging
risks and are developed through the Audit Committee and Board's
review of the Group's risk register, performance of our businesses
and analysis of emerging global trends.
Strategic risks
Risks
|
Risk commentary
|
Risk mitigation and controls
|
Business Areas affected
|
Competition and loss of competitive
advantage
|
· Falling behind competitors with the development and
commercialisation of new, innovative products.
· Threat
to market share and revenues.
|
· Innovative development focus and strong pipeline of
products.
· Intellectual Property ("IP") protection including
patents.
· Strong
customer relationships with key account structure.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Health and
Genetics
|
Reliance on continued success of
existing products
|
· The
Group is currently exposed
to risk by limited diversity of revenue streams.
· Risks
associated with legal costs of protecting Group IP.
· Group
products require the holding of certain licences, accreditations or
regulatory approvals that could be withdrawn.
· Failure to gain additional claims on the labels for certain
Group products which could result in reduced revenue from such
products.
· Failure to achieve the projected
customers growth/uptake for
newly
launched products
|
· Increasing number of products/ services from development
pipeline is diversifying revenues.
· Strong
Group legal team with dedicated IP expertise.
· Vigorous defence of own IP.
· High
levels of employee competency and stringent processes related
to
regulatory affairs.
· Highly
proficient and experienced
commercial team equipped
with
extensive knowledge and with
robust
customer relationships.
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Advanced Nutrition, Health and
Genetics
|
Delivery of cross-Group
synergies
|
· Risks
associated with failure to fully realise operational synergies and
cost benefits.
· Lower
profitability and cash generation, and slower returns than
anticipated.
· Risks
on delivering the synergy within the timeline set.
|
· EMT
continues tracking progress of the Group strategy on a weekly
basis.
· Extended-EMT assists with planning and managing
key projects.
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Advanced Nutrition, Health and
Genetics
|
New product
and service commercialisation
|
· Risk
that pipeline products may
be delayed or fail technically
before launch.
· Risk
inherent in timing and market penetration of new products
and services.
|
· Close
dialogue with regulators.
· The
innovation board (which includes the head of Group Innovation)
monitors the R&D projects across the Group.
· Experienced Group regulatory affairs team, commercial team and
Marketing team.
· Close
dialogue with customers regarding their product and service
satisfaction to enable efficient and appropriate reaction to their
feedback and needs.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Health and
Genetics
|
Operational risks
Risks
|
Risk commentary
|
Risk mitigation and controls
|
Business Areas
affected
|
Environmental risk and crisis
management
|
· The
nature of certain of the Group's operating activities exposes us to
certain significant risks to the environment, such as incidents
associated with releases of chemicals or hazardous substances when
conducting our operations, which could result in liability, fines,
risk to our product permissions and reputational damage.
· There
is a risk that natural disasters could lead to damage to
infrastructure, loss of resources, products or containment of
hazardous substances.
· Our
business activities could be disrupted if we do not respond, or are
perceived not to respond, in an appropriate manner to any major
crisis or if we are not able to restore or replace critical
operational capacity.
|
· We
have implemented standards and requirements which govern key risk
management activities such as inspection, maintenance, testing,
business continuity and crisis response.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Health and
Genetics
|
Biological and climatic
risks
|
· The
Group is exposed to the risk of disease within the Group's own
operations and disease in the market resulting in possible border
closures.
· Sales
of the Group's sea lice medicines and other relevant solutions such
as CleanTreat® are affected by the degree of sea lice challenge in
the environment, which is driven by sea temperatures and other
biological factors.
|
· The
Group operates the highest levels of biosecurity.
· The
Group holds genetic stock at multiple sites; increasingly sources
from its own land-based salmon breeding facilities.
· The
Group operates containment zones which mitigates the risk of border
closures affecting its ability to import or export.
· The
Group has placed increased focus on insuring its biological
stock.
· The
Group's product diversity across business areas offers some
mitigation.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Health and
Genetics
|
Volatility of end markets (salmon,
sea bass and shrimp markets) and market and regulatory
trends
|
· Market
fluctuations in shrimp production volumes and pricing, often
influenced by disease, drive customer and food services demand for
shrimp.
· Market
and regulatory trends for tackling sea lice have an influence on
customer demand for the Group's sea lice products.
|
· The
geographic diversity of the business area's customer base offers
some mitigation.
· The
Group's product diversity across business areas offers some
mitigation.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Health and
Genetics
|
|
|
|
|
Threats to
the supply chain
|
· Benchmark is reliant on a small number of key raw materials
and manufacturers and suppliers for important products.
· The Group has R&D and production sites which are
important to its current revenues and future success and which are
leased.
· Commissioning of new facilities could be delayed leading to
late product deliveries.
· Benchmark relies on third parties for importation
authorisations required in certain jurisdictions for certain
products.
|
· Dual supplies of raw materials where possible.
· Supplies secured with contractual arrangements, and import
authorisations in the process of being applied for where deemed
material for the Group.
· Seek long-term tenure of sites.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Health and well-being of
employees
|
· Poor health or well-being impacts employees' lives and
reduces productivity.
· Some aquaculture activities have inherent operational
risks.
|
· Well-developed health and safety management regime in place
across the Group.
· Senior level commitment to ESG programme
Group-wide.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Recruitment and retention of
high-calibre people
|
· To maintain market leadership, it is essential that the Group
has and keeps people with key skills.
|
· Centralised people team delivering people
strategy.
· Succession planning process.
· Remuneration policy designed to encourage
retention.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Loss of key IT system
|
· The Group IT systems facilitate daily work, collaboration and
hold Group IP and trade secrets.
· Multiple risks of systems failure or cyber attack.
· Loss of access or key information would be disruptive to the
Group.
|
· Internal experienced IT team.
· Increasing integration of software platforms to improve
security and reliability.
· The Group increased the frequency of phishing simulation
exercises to ensure staff awareness of cyber security.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Geopolitical risk
|
· The diverse locations of our operations around the world
expose us to a wide range of political developments and consequent
changes to the economic and operating environment. Geopolitical
risk is inherent to many regions in which we operate, and
heightened political or social tensions or changes in key
relationships could adversely affect the Group.
|
· We seek to manage this risk through development and
maintenance of relationships with governments and stakeholders. We
closely monitor events and implement risk mitigation plans where
appropriate.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Application of appropriate
standards of governance
|
· As an international business, the Group is required to comply
with laws and regulations in several jurisdictions.
· There is risk of non-compliance leading to potential fines,
penalties, loss of revenues and damage to reputation.
|
· Experienced Group legal, finance, people, regulatory affairs,
investor relations, health and safety and IT teams work closely
with the business areas.
· Training programme, whistleblowing policy, and informal
routes by which concerns can be raised, are designed to identify
and address potential non-compliance.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Financial and legal risks
Risks
|
Risk
commentary
|
Risk mitigation
and controls
|
Business Areas affected
|
Maintain liquidity and manage
leverage
|
· Failure to identify and maintain sufficient liquidity
headroom.
· Risk
to funding of key growth strategies.
|
· Close
control of cash flows with regular update of short- and long-term
projections.
· The
refinanced facilities provide greater covenant flexibility and
headroom.
· Group
Treasury Manager oversees cash flow management.
· Group
treasury policy introduced to support how the Group manages
cash.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Growth in trading results in higher
investment in working capital
|
· Top-line growth through new products and markets can drive
changing patterns of working capital.
· Growth
in some markets presents increased risk of slow paying or bad
debts.
|
· Business area management of pricing and credit
terms.
· Close
monitoring of investment in working capital by the EMT and Plc
Board.
· Key
performance indicators include working capital measures.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Currency exchange
|
· The
Group as a whole is also exposed to fluctuations in currency
exchange rates. These impact sales volumes where products are
priced by reference to USD but sold in local currencies; and
impacts reported results when local results, assets and liabilities
are converted to GBP for reporting purposes.
|
· The
Group reduces its exposure to its principal foreign currency risks
through the use of hedging instruments.
· Group
treasury policy explains how the Group should manage FX
risk.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Criminal activity, fraud, bribery
and compliance risk
|
· Some
countries where the Group operates may be exposed to high levels of
risk relating to criminal activity, fraud, bribery and
corruption.
· There
are a number of regulatory requirements applicable to the Group and
its listing on the London and Oslo Stock exchanges.
|
· The
Group provides compliance training programmes to all its employees
through an online training platform and provide face-to-face and
virtual training to higher risk teams.
· The
Group has introduced a code of conduct for its
suppliers.
· The
CFO and Group Legal Counsel are involved in mitigating fraudulent
activities in the Group.
· The
Group has access to competent
and experienced external
counsel.
· Fraud
response policy introduced.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Emerging risks
Risks
|
Risk
commentary
|
Risk mitigation
and controls
|
Business Areas affected
|
Climate change
|
· Climate change and the evolving regulatory environment may
expose the Group to regulatory breaches, significant disruption,
reputational risk or a reduction in supply for biological raw
materials, and demand for products or services.
|
· The
Group's Sustainability Committee reports to the Board regularly and
its mandate is to ensure the Group's strategy and operations are
carried out within the framework of caring for the environment,
people, and animals. Its work aligns with major frameworks
including the London Stock Exchange Guidance for Environmental,
Social and Governance reporting and the UN Sustainable Development
Goals.
· New
ESG strategy approved and implemented by the Group.
· Plan
adopted for reduction in the Group's carbon emissions and
progressing according to timetable set.
· The
Group is exploring alternatives
solutions to decrease its
reliance
on raw materials that could
be
vulnerable to the impacts of
climate
changes.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|
Environmental, Social and
Governance responsibilities
|
· Increasingly our stakeholders are requiring reassurance that
we are overseeing and responding to ethical and environmental
issues across the Group's business.
|
· Code
of Conduct in place.
· New
ESG strategy approved and in place.
· Plan
adopted for reduction in the Group's carbon emissions.
· Code
of conduct and ABC policies in place.
· Green
bond successfully launched and subscribed.
|
Advanced Nutrition, Genetics,
Health
|