TIDMAMS

RNS Number : 9881M

Advanced Medical Solutions Grp PLC

20 September 2023

 
   20 September 2023 
 

Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc

("AMS" or the "Group")

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2023

Winsford, UK, 20 September 2023: Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc (AIM: AMS), the world-leading specialist in tissue-healing technologies, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023 (the "Period").

Financial Highlights:

 
                                          H1      H1   Reported         Change 
                                                         change    at constant 
                                                                   currency(1) 
                                        2023    2022 
                                     -------  ------  --------- 
   Revenue (GBP million)                63.1    58.3        +8%            +5% 
-----------------------------------  -------  ------  ---------  ------------- 
   Adjusted Measures 
   Adjusted(2) profit before 
    tax (GBP million)                   13.8    13.6        +1% 
   Adjusted(2) profit before 
    tax margin %                       21.8%   23.4%     -1.6pp 
   Adjusted(2) diluted earnings 
    per share (p)                       4.97    5.01        -1% 
 
   Reported Measures 
   Profit before tax (GBP million)      11.8    12.3        -5% 
   Profit before tax margin 
    %                                  18.7%   21.2%     -2.5pp 
   Diluted earnings per share 
    (p)                                 4.06    4.42        -8% 
   Net operating cash flow (GBP 
    million)                             4.1    12.5       -67% 
   Net cash (3) (GBP million)           69.1    75.3        -8% 
 
   Interim dividend per share 
    (p)                                0.70p   0.64p       +10% 
-----------------------------------  -------  ------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Business Highlights (including post period end):

The Group made significant progress in a number of key projects during the period which are expected to establish substantial, new commercial opportunities in the short to medium term. As previously highlighted, the results were impacted by the temporary de-stocking impact of the US LiquiBand(R) strategic growth initiative but included strong growth in other parts of the business.

Financial

-- Revenue increased by 8% to GBP63.1 million (2022 H1: GBP58.3 million) driven by growth in non-US markets, which averaged 20% against the first half of last year

   --      Gross margins reduced to 56.5% (2022 H1: 58.9%) due to temporary adverse product mix 

-- Total investment in R&D increased to GBP6.0 million (2022 H1: GBP5.4 million), representing 9.5% (2022 H1: 9.3%) of revenue, as progress was made on key projects including new product development and Medical Device Regulation ("MDR")

-- The Group reports a 1% increase in adjusted profit before tax to GBP13.8 million (2022 H1: GBP13.6 million) with adjusted profit before tax margin of 21.8% (2022 H1: 23.4%)

-- Net cash decreased to GBP69.1 million from a 2022 year-end position of GBP82.3 million (2022 H1: GBP75.3 million) following the acquisition of Connexicon Medical Ltd ("Connexicon") in February

-- Surgical Business Unit revenues increased to GBP39.4 million (2022 H1: GBP35.9 million), an increase of 5% at constant currency

-- Woundcare Business Unit revenues increased to GBP23.7 million (2022 H1: GBP22.4 million), an increase of 4% at constant currency

-- Given the Group's strong net cash position and reflecting the Board's continued confidence in the future, the proposed interim dividend is increased to 0.70p per share (2022 H1: 0.64p)

Operational

-- Good progress towards establishing new US LiquiBand (R) distribution agreements with hospital partners and executing new route-to-market strategy. As previously reported, associated destocking was greater than expected but end-user sales were unaffected and the Board remains confident that this initiative will achieve its objective of creating the foundation for accelerated growth for LiquiBand (R) in the US

-- Acquisition of Connexicon completed, adding to the Group's ability to develop and commercialise innovative adhesive and sealant technologies and to offer the increased differentiation and exclusivity sought by our US partners. Integration is going well, financial performance is in line with initial expectations and its pipeline approvals are progressing well

-- Recruitment of the Seal-G (R) and Seal-G (R) MIST human clinical trials completed in July 2023 with data to be made available for a European soft launch in H2 2023. Initial data shows significant reduction in leakage rates in cases using Seal-G (R)

Post Period End

-- Announced 18 September, the Group has signed a US LiquiBandFix8(R) commercialisation agreement with TELA Bio Inc ("TELA Bio") ahead of a September launch under the brand name LIQUIFIX(TM) , entering a new $200 million addressable market with a unique, differentiated product

-- The Group can confirm very good progress has been made with all the new US LiquiBand(R) distribution agreements and is highly confident that the new route-to-market strategy will be fully operational and driving accelerated growth by the end of 2023

Commenting on the interim results, Chris Meredith, Chief Executive Officer of AMS, said: "I'm pleased to report first half growth at Group level driven by our diverse portfolio of products, despite the short-term disruption to US LiquiBand (R) sales and the changes to the Organogenesis royalty stream. This demonstrates the increasing strength of our existing portfolio which will play a big part in generating and sustaining stronger growth in the future. I am particularly excited at the breadth of opportunities now open to us as a number of new initiatives and product launches, such as LIQUIFIX(TM) in the US and Seal-G(R) in Europe, come into effect this year. With so many potential growth drivers in place, I remain confident that we will see accelerated growth from 2024."

- End -

Notes

1 Constant currency adjusts for the effect of currency movements by re-translating the current period's performance at the previous period's exchange rates

2 Adjusted profit before tax is shown before amortisation of acquired intangible assets which, in 2023 H1, were GBP2.4 million (2022 H1: GBP1.6 million) and a GBP0.4 million credit for movement in long-term acquisition liabilities (2022 H1: credit of GBP0.3 million) as defined in the financial review. Adjusted operating margin is shown before amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

   3     Net cash consists of cash and cash equivalents with nil debt (2022 H1 and YE: GBPnil debt) 

For further information, please contact:

 
 Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc           Tel: +44 (0) 1606 
                                                           545508 
 Chris Meredith, Chief Executive Officer 
  Eddie Johnson, Chief Financial Officer 
  Michael King, Investor Relations Manager 
 
 ICR Consilium                               Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 
                                                             5700 
 Matthew Neal / Lucy Featherstone 
 Investec Bank plc (NOMAD) & Broker          Tel: +44 (0) 20 7597 
                                                             5970 
 Gary Clarence / David Anderson 
 HSBC Bank PLC (Broker)                      Tel: +44 (0) 20 7991 
                                                             8888 
 Sam McLennan / Joe Weaving / Stephanie 
  Cornish 
 

About Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc

AMS is a world-leading independent developer and manufacturer of innovative tissue-healing technology, focused on quality outcomes for patients and value for payers. AMS has a wide range of surgical products including tissue adhesives, sutures, haemostats, internal fixation devices and internal sealants, which it markets under its brands LiquiBand(R) , RESORBA(R) , LiquiBandFix8(R) and Seal-G(R) . AMS also supplies wound care dressings such as silver alginates, alginates and foams through its ActivHeal(R) brand as well as under white label. Since 2019, the Group has made five acquisitions: Sealantis, an Israeli developer of innovative internal sealants; Biomatlante, a French developer and manufacturer of surgical biomaterials, Raleigh, a leading UK coater and converter of woundcare and bio-diagnostics materials, AFS Medical, an Austrian specialist surgical business and Connexicon, an Irish tissue adhesives specialist.

AMS's products, manufactured in the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Israel, are sold globally via a network of multinational or regional partners and distributors, as well as via AMS's own direct sales forces in the UK, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Russia. The Group has R&D innovation hubs in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France and Israel. Established in 1991, the Group has more than 800 employees. For more information, please see www.admedsol.com .

Chief Executive's Review

Surgical Business Unit

The Surgical Business Unit includes tissue adhesives, sutures, biosurgical devices and internal fixation devices marketed under the AMS brands LiquiBand(R) , RESORBA(R) , LiquiBandFix8(R) and LIQUIFIX(TM) . Revenue increased by 10% on a reported basis and 5% on a constant currency basis in the Period to GBP39.4 million (2022 H1: GBP35.9 million).

 
 Surgical Business          2023           2022   Reported         Growth 
  Unit                        H1             H1     Growth    at constant 
                             GBP    GBP million                  currency 
                         million 
 Advanced Closure           17.0           17.9        -5%            -8% 
                       ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Internal Fixation 
  and Sealants               2.2            1.6        31%            27% 
                       ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Traditional Closure         9.4            8.0        18%            12% 
                       ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Biosurgical Devices         8.3            7.7         7%             3% 
                       ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Other Distributed 
  Products                   2.5            0.7       267%           252% 
                       ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 TOTAL                      39.4           35.9        10%             5% 
                       ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Advanced Closure

LiquiBand(R) is a range of topical skin adhesives, incorporating medical grade cyanoacrylate in combination with purpose-built applicators. These products are used to close and protect a broad variety of surgical and traumatic wounds.

 
 Advanced Closure        2023       2022   Reported         Growth 
                           H1     H1 GBP     Growth    at constant 
                          GBP    million                  currency 
                      million 
 Americas                 9.2       12.0       -23%           -27% 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 UK/Germany               4.0        3.4        16%            15% 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 ROW                      3.8        2.5        53%            52% 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 TOTAL                   17.0       17.9        -5%            -8% 
                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 

LiquiBand(R) revenues reduced by 5% to GBP17.0 million (2022 H1: GBP17.9 million) due to the previously announced disrupted ordering patterns and de-stocking during the Period that has occurred during the transition to our new, previously reported, strategic initiative to accelerate US LiquiBand(R) growth. However, this was offset by strong growth in non-US markets.

As part of its enhanced partner strategy in the US, the Group continues to have positive discussions with its partners and has made good progress with new agreements aimed at delivering stronger growth from early 2024 onwards. This process has taken longer and associated destocking has been greater than initially anticipated, as indicated in the 4 September trading update. Expectations for FY 2024 remain unchanged.

The Group confirms that since the end of the Period, very good progress has been made with all US LiquiBand(R) distribution agreements and that it is highly confident that the new route-to-market strategy will be fully operational and driving accelerated growth by the end of 2023.

The destocking has not affected LiquiBand(R) end sales demand and the pipeline of evaluations and conversions for LiquiBand (R) XL continues to grow strongly. As such the Board's expectations for LiquiBand(R) growth remain high, both short and long term and LiquiBand (R) sales forecasts for 2024 and future years remain unchanged.

The acquisition of Connexicon was completed in February and integration of the business is progressing well with its existing portfolio continuing to grow in European and ROW territories. It is also being positioned to obtain approval in China, which would be AMS' first tissue adhesive approval in this very large market. In addition, the development and approval of its new US portfolio, to support the enhanced partner strategy, is progressing well with 510(k) approvals on track for H2 2024.

Internal Fixation and Sealants

LiquiBandFix8(R) is used to fix hernia meshes placed inside the body with accurately delivered individual drops of cyanoacrylate adhesive, instead of traditional tacks and staples. Revenues increased by 31% on a reported basis to GBP2.2 million (2022 H1: GBP1.6 million) and 27% on a constant currency basis due to good commercial progress, increasing volumes of hernia surgery and the annualised impact of the acquisition of AFS Medical ("AFS").

Following the PMA approval for LiquiBandFix8(R) in June 2023, and the earlier completion of a 284-patient US clinical study, AMS announced on 18 September an agreement for TELA Bio to market and distribute LiquiBandFix8(R) across the United States under the brand name LIQUIFIX(TM) . The signing of this agreement successfully concludes a comprehensive selection process involving a number of potential partners with a broad range of strengths and marketing strategies. During this process, it became clear that TELA Bio brings the right combination of strengths and attributes, with a vision and ambition that is closely aligned with and complements AMS' strategy and aspirations. TELA Bio is a specialist medical technology company that designs, develops and markets innovative tissue reinforcement materials to address unmet needs in soft tissue reconstruction. It has an established and fast-growing footprint in the US market with products that focus on addressing the shortcomings of existing reinforcement materials in hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction and plastic reconstructive surgery.

TELA Bio's specialist representative sales force are now undergoing training ahead of launch in September 2023 at the American Hernia Society Annual Meeting. As the first product of its kind in the US, its less invasive application is expected to reduce pain and other post-operative complications and to provide tangible benefits to patients and payors. This represents a significant commercial opportunity for AMS as it enters a new addressable market estimated at $200 million.

Seal-G(R) MIST ( laparoscopic surgery) and Seal-G(R) (open surgery ) are novel, internal, biological sealants used to seal tissue during gastrointestinal surgery to reduce leakage of fluid. Enrolment for the first Seal-G (R) clinical study, comprising 160 patients, was successfully completed in July 2023 and a small number of end-user commercial orders have been received for devices ahead of the European soft launch in Q4 2023 that will utilise data from the study. An initial analysis of the data indicates a significant reduction in the number of serious clinical leaks that required re-operation. Although not a randomised controlled trial, the Seal-G(R) study reported serious leakages of only 1.25% which is significantly lower than the 4.2% - 4.7% leakage rate reported in DICA (Diverticular Inflammation and Complication) data and in published studies.

Planning and study design for follow-on clinical trials is progressing well as AMS assesses the optimum pathway to build evidence for both colon and other surgical procedures whilst giving consideration to our medium-term goal of Pre-Market Approval in the large and lucrative US market.

Traditional Closure

RESORBA(R) branded Absorbable and Non-absorbable Suture ranges are used in general surgery and a wide range of surgical specialties including dental and ophthalmic surgery. Revenue increased by 18% to GBP9.4 million and by 12% at constant currency (2022 H1: GBP8.0 million) with a steady performance from its more established European markets. The Group's ongoing strategy to increase its penetration of other geographies also drove growth, such as in the US, where increasing dental suture sales made a significant contribution to Traditional Closure growth.

Biosurgical Devices

The Biosurgical Devices category comprises antibiotic-loaded collagen sponges, collagen membranes and cones, oxidised cellulose, synthetic bone substitutes and bio-absorbable screws. R evenue increased by 7% to GBP8.3 million (2022 H1: GBP7.7 million) and by 3% at constant currency.

End user demand for AMS' collagens remains strong but timing of orders and despatches resulted in uneven phasing with stronger revenues and growth anticipated in the second half of 2023. AMS remains confident in the growth potential of its innovative Biosurgical portfolio via its specialist partner network as it continues to expand its distribution network into new territories.

The Group's strategy to market Biomatlante's bone substitutes under the RESORBA (R) brand continues to progress well with growth in an increasing number of European countries in the Period and the initial pilot US launch via an independent rep model in the second half of 2023.

Other Distributed Products

The Other Distributed category comprises products distributed by AFS, including minimally invasive access ports and laparoscopic instruments, following its acquisition in April 2022. This category excludes sales of LiquiBandFix8(R) which are recorded within the Internal Fixation and Sealants category. Predominantly driven by annualisation, revenue increased by 267% on a reported basis and 252% on a constant currency basis to GBP2.5 million (2022 H1 GBP0.7 million).

Plymouth facility expansion

The construction phase of the Plymouth facility expansion is now largely complete, significantly increasing the manufacturing capacity for Seal-G, Fix8(R) and LiquiBand(R) and providing additional R&D laboratory space.

Woundcare Business Unit

The Woundcare Business Unit is comprised of the Group's multi-product portfolio of advanced woundcare dressings sold under its partners' brands and the ActivHeal (R) label, plus a portfolio of specialist medical bulk materials and multi-layer woundcare products.

The Woundcare Business Unit delivered growth in the Period, due to higher ordering from OEM partners and increased sales of ActivHeal (R) overseas. Revenue increased by 6% in the Period to GBP23.7 million (2022 H1: GBP22.4 million) and by 4% on a constant currency basis.

 
 Woundcare Business          2023           2022   Reported         Growth 
  Unit                         H1             H1     Growth    at constant 
                              GBP    GBP million                  currency 
                          million 
 Infection Management         7.7            7.2         8%             5% 
                        ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Exudate Management          12.2           11.1        10%             8% 
                        ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 Other Woundcare              3.8            4.1        -8%           -11% 
                        ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 TOTAL                       23.7           22.4         6%             4% 
                        ---------  -------------  ---------  ------------- 
 

Infection and Exudate Management

Infection Management revenue increased by 8% on a reported basis and by 5% on a constant currency basis to GBP7.7 million (2022 H1: GBP7.2 million) and Exudate Management revenue increased by 10% on a reported and 8% on a constant currency basis to GBP12.2 million (2022 H1: GBP11.1 million).

Key initiatives driving growth in the Period and expected to drive future growth include:

-- Expanding the distribution network for our own ActivHeal(R) range of dressings as newly signed distributors and new market registrations make an impact. The Group expects ActivHeal(R) to continue to be a key contributor to Woundcare growth in future periods.

   --      Commercial success with Raleigh's pipeline of new products of special medical materials. 

Other Woundcare

Other Woundcare comprises royalties, fees and woundcare sealants. Revenue reduced by 8% at reported currency and by 11% at constant currency to GBP3.8 million (2022 H1: GBP4.1 million) as a result of lower royalty income from the Group's licensing arrangement with Organogenesis.

As announced on 4 September, Organogenesis has recently indicated that changes to US reimbursement coverage have created uncertainty regarding the revenue outlook for some of its key products, including those utilising AMS patents. Given that Organogenesis withdrew its own guidance and that AMS has no control of, and minimal insight into its sales, AMS removed this royalty in its entirety from Q4 2023 guidance onwards.

Regulatory

AMS continues to make good progress in meeting the requirements for the new Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) and is well placed to obtain certifications for all its products well before the extended 2027/2028 deadlines.

Supply chain and inflation

AMS continues to take proactive steps to address the ongoing global supply chain challenges and has continued to increase inventory levels during the Period while setting up alternative suppliers where feasible. As a result, shortages of material have not had a significant impact on the Group's ability to supply products to its customers.

Inflationary pressures continue in some areas but the Group continues to strive to recover a significant proportion of this impact from its customers through price review negotiations.

Board changes

As part of the ongoing plan to refresh the Non-Executive Directors, given that Peter Allen has completed 10 years service, he will retire from the Board once a successor has been appointed. The Group is progressing with a thorough, external selection process for a new Chair that is now close to completion. A further announcement will be made in due course.

Environmental, Social & Governance

AMS continues to make positive progress on its ESG activities, building on the foundations reported in its FY22 Annual Report. Since that report, we have further developed our Net Zero Strategy and Pathway and have agreed key targets that will drive this activity, for example: to be Net Zero by 2045.

AMS has also strengthened its preparations for the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and in conjunction with its ESG consultants will continue to progress this area in advance of its FY23 reporting in April 2024.

In addition, numerous and wide ranging ESG activities continue to take place across the Group driven by employee suggestions and actions, as well as Board and ESG Committee initiatives.

Stakeholders

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the Group's committed staff, partners and other stakeholders, without whose help and commitment the achievements during the Period would not have been possible.

Summary and Outlook

In the first half of 2023, many parts of the business delivered strong growth to offset the temporary shortfall in ordering of LiquiBand(R) in the US and drive overall growth for the Group.

As announced in its 4 September trading statement, reduced royalty expectations, following recent US reimbursement changes, and higher than anticipated de-stocking by US partners have impacted FY23 and consequently AMS expects revenues of approximately GBP124 - GBP127 million and adjusted pre-tax profit of approximately GBP25 - GBP27 million for the year. With the exception of the royalty adjustment (impacting Q4 2023 to Q3 2026), there were no changes to the expectations for future years.

The Board anticipates accelerated LiquiBand(R) growth from 2024 with the new US partner strategy taking effect and other key initiatives, such as the imminent US launch of LIQUIFIX(TM) and the soft launch of Seal-G(R) in Europe, now in place and setting the foundation for strong growth and improving margins for the Group in 2024 and beyond.

Financial Review

IFRS reporting

To provide the clearest possible insight into our performance, the Group uses alternative performance measures. These measures are not defined in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and, therefore, are considered to be non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures. Accordingly, the relevant IFRS measures are also presented where appropriate. AMS uses such measures consistently at the half-year and full-year and reconciles them as appropriate. The measures used in this statement include constant currency revenue growth, adjusted operating margin and profit, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings per share, allowing the impacts of exchange rate volatility, exceptional items, amortisation and the movement in long-term acquisition liabilities to be separately identified. Net cash is an additional non-GAAP measure used.

Overview

Revenue increased by 8% at reported currency to GBP63.1million (2022 H1: GBP58.3 million) and increased by 5% at constant currency as summarised in the Chief Executive's Review.

Gross profit increased to GBP35.7 million (2022 H1: GBP34.4 million) but gross margin decreased to 56.5% (2022 H1: 58.9%) due to adverse product mix relating to the temporary impact of the US LiquiBand (R) strategic initiative and to reduced royalty income from Organogenesis.

Administration expenses increased to GBP25.0 million (2022 H1: GBP21.6 million) inclusive of adverse foreign exchange movements which adversely affected the Group by GBP1.9 million in the first half of the year when compared to the first half of 2022. The acquisition of AFS in April 2022 has had an annualising effect in the first half of 2023, adding GBP1.0 million of administration expenses and the acquisition of Connexicon added GBP0.2 million of operating administration costs, GBP0.6 million of amortisation of acquired intangible assets and GBP0.2 million of one-off professional fees relating to the acquisition. The group also continued to invest in its sales and marketing teams as well as new product development and regulatory team to support the Group's continuing growth.

The Group incurred GBP6.0 million of gross R&D spend in the Period (2022 H1: GBP5.4 million), representing 9.5% of sales (2022 H1: 9.3% of sales). This reflects the Group's continued investment in innovation as demonstrated by the PMA approval of LiquiBandFix8(R) in the period as well as investment to meet increased regulatory standards. The acquisition of Connexicon has further added to the Group's R&D capabilities in the period, in particular the Group's ability to develop and launch innovative and sealant technologies. As shown in the table below, elements of this cost are capitalised and amortised over 5 to 10 years.

 
                                                   H1 2023   H1 2022 
                                                   GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Total investment in Research and Development, 
  Regulatory and Clinical                            5,972     5,403 
 Of which: 
 Charged to the profit and loss account              2,926     2,832 
 Capitalised, to be amortised over 5-10 
  years                                              3,046     2,571 
 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets increased to GBP2.4 million (2022 H1: GBP1.6 million) following the acquisition of Connexicon.

Adjusted operating profit, which excludes amortisation of acquired intangibles, decreased by 7% to GBP12.8 million (2022 H1: GBP13.8 million) whilst the adjusted operating margin decreased by 340 bps to 20.3% (2022 H1: 23.7%) due to the decrease in the gross margin in addition to the Group's continued investment in future growth opportunities.

Movement in long-term acquisition liabilities of Sealantis, AFS & Connexicon resulted in a net credit of GBP0.4 million (2022 H1: GBP0.3 million).

Despite adverse sales mix impacts, the Group delivered increased adjusted profit before tax of GBP13.8 million (2022 H1: GBP13.6 million). Reported profit before tax was GBP11.8 million (2022 H1: GBP12.3 million).

 
 Reconciliation of profit before tax to adjusted profit before 
  tax 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                 H1 2023    H1 2022 
                                                 GBP'000    GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Profit before tax                                11,768     12,336 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles              2,402      1,573 
 Movement in long-term acquisition 
  liabilities                                      (404)      (283) 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax                       13,766     13,626 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

The Group's effective corporation tax rate, reflecting the blended tax rates in the countries where we operate and including UK patent box relief, increased to 24.1% (2022 H1: 21.6%) as a result of the increase in the UK Corporation tax rate to 25%, effective 1(st) April 2023 (2022: 19%).

The large UK corporation tax increase has had a significant adverse impact on earnings per share resulting in adjusted diluted earnings per share reducing by 1% to 4.97p (2022 H1: 5.01p), diluted earnings per share reducing by 8% to 4.06p (2022 H1: 4.42p), adjusted basic earnings per share reducing by 1% to 5.04p (2022 H1: 5.07p) and basic earnings per share reducing by 8% to 4.12p (2022 H1: 4.47p).

The Board intends to pay an interim dividend of 0.70p per share on 27 October 2023 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 29 September 2023. This is a 10% increase on the interim dividend paid in respect of the first half of 2022 reflecting the Board's ongoing confidence in the future growth in the Group.

 
 Operating result by business segment 
 Six months ended 30 June      Surgical   Woundcare 
  2023 
                                GBP'000     GBP'000 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 Revenue                         39,411      23,677 
 Segment operating profit         8,164       2,860 
 Amortisation of acquired 
  intangibles                     1,931         471 
 Adjusted segment operating 
  profit (4)                     10,095       3,331 
 Adjusted operating margin 
  (4)                             25.6%       14.1% 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 Six months ended 30 June 
  2022 
 Revenue                         35,941      22,363 
 Segment operating profit         9,605       3,081 
 Amortisation of acquired 
  intangibles                     1,101         472 
 Adjusted segment operating 
  profit (4)                     10,706       3,553 
 Adjusted operating margin 
  (4)                             29.8%       15.9% 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 

(4) Adjusted for amortisation of acquired intangible assets

Table is reconciled to statutory information in note 5 of the financial information.

Surgical

Surgical revenues increased by 10% to GBP39.4 million (2022 H1: GBP35.9 million) at reported currency and increased by 5% to GBP38.3 million (2022 H1: GBP36.2 million) at constant currency. Adjusted operating margin decreased by 420 bps to 25.6% (2022 H1: 29.8%) due to temporarily adverse sales mix, the impact of inflation and increased investment in regulatory affairs, and research and development.

Woundcare

Woundcare revenues increased by 6% to GBP23.7 million (2022 H1: GBP22.4 million) at reported currency and increased by 4% to GBP23.1 million (2022 H1: GBP22.1 million) at constant currency. Adjusted operating margin decreased by 180 bps to 14.1% (2022 H1: 15.9%) predominately due to lower royalty income from Organogenesis.

Currency

The Group hedges significant currency transaction exposure by using forward contracts and aims to hedge approximately 80% of its estimated transactional exposure for the next 12 to 18 months. In the first half of the year, approximately one third of sales were invoiced in Euros and approximately one quarter were invoiced in US Dollars.

The Group estimates that a 10% movement in the GBP:US$ or GBP:EUR exchange rate will impact Sterling revenues by approximately 2.6% and 4.0% respectively and in the absence of any hedging this would have an impact on the Group operating margin of 2.0% and 0.7% percentage points respectively.

Cash Flow

Net cash inflow from operating activities decreased by 67% to GBP4.1 million (2022 H1: GBP12.5 million) due to increased working capital as explained below.

At the end of the Period, net cash had reduced to GBP69.1 million (31 December 2022: GBP82.3 million) due to working capital increases and acquisition related payments of EUR10m for the acquisition and initial earnout of Connexicon, and EUR0.5 million for the achievement of AFS' FY22 EBITDA milestone.

In the first half of 2023, receivables increased by GBP3.2 million (2022 H1: GBP0.9 million increase) due to increased sales volumes, the impact of favourable hedging contracts, and the addition of Connexicon. Debtor days reduced to 41 from the 44 days at year-end (2022 H1: 43 days) as a result of lower US sales, which are typically on longer payment terms. Creditor days were in line with December 2022 at 37 days (2022 H1: 35 days). Total payables were inflated by the addition of Connexicon and the associated contingent consideration and increased by GBP4.0 million (2022 H1: GBP5.5 million increase). Planned inventory increases to fulfil anticipated commercial demand and to continue to build resilience resulted in inventories growing by GBP3.9 million to 6.7 months of supply in comparison to 6.2 months at December 2022 (2022 H1: 5.5 months).

In the Period, GBP4.8 million was invested in capital equipment, R&D and regulatory costs (2022 H1: GBP4.3 million) including investment in additional Freezer dryer capacity in Germany to improve production efficiency and an extension at Plymouth which is now substantially complete.

Tax payments increased to GBP1.4 million (2021 H1: GBP0.8 million) which is GBP1.5 million lower than tax in the income statement. Payments in the prior period were particularly low due to a refund of taxes received.

In June 2023, the Group paid its final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2022 of GBP3.3 million (2022 H1: GBP3.0 million).

The Group retains strong support from its two banks, NatWest and HSBC, and is confident in its ability to raise necessary funds to complete further acquisitions as and when opportunities arise.

 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
                                                     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)      (Audited) 
                                                                      Six months     Year ended 
                                                Six months ended           ended    31 December 
                                                    30 June 2023    30 June 2022           2022 
 
                                                           Total           Total          Total 
                                       Note              GBP'000         GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  --------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Revenue                                 5                63,088          58,304        124,330 
 Cost of sales                                          (27,435)        (23,934)       (50,914) 
-----------------------------------  --------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Gross profit                                             35,653          34,370         73,416 
 Distribution 
  costs                                                    (713)           (781)        (1,626) 
 Administration 
  costs                                                 (25,007)        (21,579)       (47,378) 
 Other income                                                473             227            478 
 Operating 
  profit                                                  10,406          12,237         24,890 
 Finance income                                            2,229             436          1,691 
 Finance costs                                             (867)           (337)          (671) 
 Profit before 
  taxation                                                11,768          12,336         25,910 
 Income tax                              7               (2,836)         (2,668)        (5,504) 
-----------------------------------  --------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Profit for 
  the period 
  attributable 
  to equity holders 
  of the parent                                            8,932           9,668         20,406 
-----------------------------------  --------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Earnings per 
  share 
 Basic                                   4                 4.12p           4.47p          9.42p 
 Diluted                                 4                 4.06p           4.42p          9.30p 
 Adjusted diluted 
  (5)                                    4                 4.97p           5.01p         10.47p 
-----------------------------------  --------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 
                               The above results relate to continuing operations 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE 
  INCOME 
                                                     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)      (Audited) 
                                                                      Six months     Year ended 
                                                Six months ended           ended    31 December 
                                                    30 June 2023    30 June 2022           2022 
                                                         GBP'000         GBP'000        GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  --------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Profit for 
  the period                                               8,932           9,668         20,406 
-----------------------------------  --------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Exchange differences on translation of 
  foreign operations                                     (3,674)           3,896          6,940 
 Gain/(Loss) arising on cash flow hedges                   2,774         (3,704)        (1,297) 
 Deferred tax charge arising on cash flow 
  hedges                                                   (163)               -          (201) 
---------------------------------------------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Other comprehensive (Charge)/credit for 
  the period                                             (1,063)             192          5,442 
---------------------------------------------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the period 
  attributable to equity holders of the 
  parent                                                   7,869           9,860         25,848 
---------------------------------------------  -----------------  --------------  ------------- 
 

(5) Adjusted for amortisation of acquired intangible assets and movement in long-term acquisition liabilities.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 
                                         (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)     (Audited) 
                                             30 June                  31 December 
                                                2023   30 June 2022          2022 
                                  Note       GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                            55,451         46,639        48,373 
 Goodwill                                     79,770         69,409        70,859 
 Property, plant and equipment                29,344         27,783        29,015 
 Trade and other receivables                   1,260             79           937 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
                                             165,825        143,910       149,184 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                  31,812         22,732        27,911 
 Trade and other receivables                  24,392         21,985        21,553 
 Current tax assets                              403            177           184 
 Cash and cash equivalents                    69,142         75,341        82,262 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
                                             125,749        120,235       131,910 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Total assets                                291,574        264,145       281,094 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Liabilities 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                     21,097         18,422        20,671 
 Current tax liabilities                         594          1,746           948 
 Lease liabilities                             1,051          1,109         1,059 
                                              22,742         21,277        22,678 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                      7,034          5,724         3,510 
 Deferred tax liabilities                     10,919          8,229         9,593 
 Lease liabilities                             8,126          8,323         8,691 
                                              26,079         22,276        21,794 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Total liabilities                            48,821         43,553        44,472 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Net assets                                  242,753        220,592       236,622 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Equity 
 Share capital                      11        10,858         10,836        10,843 
 Share premium                                37,420         37,102        37,269 
 Share-based payments reserve                 17,199         14,434        15,711 
 Investment in own shares                      (167)          (167)         (167) 
 Share-based payments deferred 
  tax reserve                                    413            569           531 
 Other reserve                                 1,531          1,531         1,531 
 Hedging reserve                               1,092        (3,725)       (1,519) 
 Translation reserve                           1,330          1,960         5,004 
 Retained earnings                           173,077        158,052       167,419 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Equity attributable to equity 
  holders of the parent                      242,753        220,592       236,622 
-------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED Statement of Changes in Equity

Attributable to equity holders of the Group

 
                                           Share-   Investment   Share-based 
                       Share     Share      based       in own      payments     Other   Hedging   Translation   Retained 
                                                                    deferred 
                     capital   premium   payments       shares           tax   reserve   reserve       reserve   earnings              Total 
                     GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000            GBP'000 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 At 1 January 2023 
  (audited)           10,843    37,269     15,711        (167)           531     1,531   (1,519)         5,004    167,419            236,622 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 Consolidated 
  profit for the 
  period to 30 
  June 2023                -         -          -            -             -         -         -             -      8,932              8,932 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income/(expense)         -         -          -            -             -         -     2,611       (3,674)          -            (1,063) 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(expense)         -         -          -            -             -         -     2,611       (3,674)      8,932              7,869 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 Share-based 
  payments                 -         -      1,476            -             -         -         -             -          -              1,476 
 Share options 
  exercised               15       151         12            -         (118)         -         -             -          -                 60 
 Shares purchased 
  by EBT                   -         -          -        (687)             -         -         -             -          -              (687) 
 Shares sold by 
  EBT                      -         -          -          687             -         -         -             -          -                687 
 Dividends paid 
  (Note 8)                 -         -          -            -             -         -         -             -    (3,274)            (3,274) 
                                                   -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------ 
 At 30 June 2023 
  (unaudited)         10,858    37,420     17,199        (167)           413     1,531     1,092         1,330    173,077            242,753 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
                                           Share-   Investment   Share-based 
                       Share     Share      based       in own      payments     Other   Hedging   Translation   Retained 
                                                                    deferred 
                     capital   premium   payments       shares           tax   reserve   reserve       reserve   earnings              Total 
                     GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000            GBP'000 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 At 1 January 2022 
  (audited)           10,804    36,996     13,180        (164)           933     1,531      (21)       (1,936)    154,354            212,677 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 Consolidated 
  profit for the 
  period 
  to 30 June 2022          -         -          -            -             -         -         -             -      9,668              9,668 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/ 
  income                   -         -          -            -             -         -   (3,704)         3,896          -                192 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/ 
  income                   -         -          -            -             -         -   (3,704)         3,896      9,668              9,860 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 Share-based 
  payments                 -         -      1,141            -             -         -         -             -          -              1,141 
 Share options 
  exercised               32       106        113            -         (364)         -         -             -          -              (113) 
 Shares purchased 
  by EBT                   -         -          -        (337)             -         -         -             -          -              (337) 
 Shares sold by 
  EBT                      -         -          -          334             -         -         -             -          -                334 
 Dividends paid 
  (Note 8)                 -         -          -            -             -         -         -             -    (2,970)            (2,970) 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 At 30 June 2022 
  (unaudited)         10,836    37,102     14,434        (167)           569     1,531   (3,725)         1,960    158,052            220,592 
------------------  --------  --------  ---------  -----------  ------------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------- 
 
 
                                                             Share-   Investment       Share-based 
                          Share               Share           based       in own          payments            Other   Hedging   Translation        Retained 
                                                                                          deferred 
                        capital             premium        payments       shares               tax          reserve   reserve       reserve        earnings           Total 
                        GBP'000             GBP'000         GBP'000      GBP'000           GBP'000          GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000         GBP'000 
---------------  --------------  ------------------  --------------  -----------  ----------------  ---------------  --------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 At 1 January 
  2022 
  (audited)              10,804              36,996          13,180        (164)               933            1,531      (21)       (1,936)         151,354         212,677 
---------------  --------------  ------------------  --------------  -----------  ----------------  ---------------  --------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Consolidated 
  profit for 
  the year 
  to 31 
  December 2022               -                   -               -            -                 -                -         -             -          20,406          20,406 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/ 
  income                      -                   -               -            -                 -                -   (1,498)         6,940               -           5,442 
---------------  --------------  ------------------  --------------  -----------  ----------------  ---------------  --------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/ 
  income                      -                   -               -            -                 -                -   (1,498)         6,940          20,406          25,848 
---------------  --------------  ------------------  --------------  -----------  ----------------  ---------------  --------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Share-based 
  payments                    -                   -           2,439            -             (402)                -         -             -               -           2,037 
 Share options 
  exercised                  39                 273              92            -                 -                -         -             -               -             404 
 Shares 
  purchased by 
  EBT                         -                   -               -        (392)                 -                -         -             -               -           (392) 
 Shares sold by 
  EBT                         -                   -               -          389                 -                -         -             -               -             389 
 Dividends paid 
  (Note 8)                    -                   -               -            -                 -                -         -             -         (4,341)         (4,341) 
---------------  --------------  ------------------  --------------  -----------  ----------------  ---------------  --------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 At 31 December 
  2022 
  (audited)              10,843              37,269          15,711        (167)               531            1,531   (1,519)         5,004         167,419         236,622 
---------------  --------------  ------------------  --------------  -----------  ----------------  ---------------  --------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 
                                                (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)     (Audited) 
                                                 Six months     Six months          Year 
                                                      ended          ended         ended 
                                                    30 June                  31 December 
                                                       2023   30 June 2022          2022 
                                         Note       GBP'000        GBP'000       GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Operating profit                                    10,406         12,237        24,890 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation                                         2,045          1,917         4,049 
 Amortisation - acquired intangible 
  assets                                              2,402          1,573         3,414 
 - development costs                                    458            436           879 
 - software intangibles                                 258            245           502 
 Increase in inventories                            (4,011)        (2,355)       (7,087) 
 Increase in trade and other 
  receivables                                       (2,732)        (1,098)         (596) 
 (Decrease)/Increase in trade 
  and other payables                                (4,783)          (737)         1,711 
 Share-based payments expense                         1,476          1,141         2,439 
 Taxation paid                                      (1,370)          (827)       (3,324) 
 Net cash inflow from operating 
  activities                                          4,149         12,532        26,877 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Purchase of software                                   (4)           (22)          (73) 
 Capitalised development costs                      (3,046)        (2,571)       (6,152) 
 Purchases of property, plant 
  and equipment                                     (1,767)        (1,669)       (3,739) 
 Proceeds from disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                     -             27            46 
 Interest received                                    1,147            156           820 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries 
  (net of cash acquired)                    9       (5,529)        (2,781)       (2,781) 
 Payment of contingent consideration        9       (3,080)              -             - 
 Net cash used in investing 
  activities                                       (12,279)        (6,860)      (11,879) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Dividends paid                             8       (3,274)        (2,970)       (4,341) 
 Repayment of principal under 
  lease liabilities                                   (653)          (581)       (1,295) 
 Issue of equity shares                                 162            108         (331) 
 Shares purchased by EBT                              (687)          (337)           266 
 Shares sold by EBT                                     687            334         (392) 
 Interest paid                                        (198)          (304)           389 
 Repayment of borrowings                    9         (486)          (331)         (617) 
 Net cash used in financing 
  activities                                        (4,449)        (4,081)       (6,321) 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Net (decrease)/increase in 
  cash and cash equivalents                        (12,579)          1,591         8,677 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  the beginning of the period                        82,262         72,965        72,965 
 Effect of foreign exchange 
  rate changes                                        (541)            785           620 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  the end of the period                              69,142         75,341        82,262 
--------------------------------------  -----  ------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

Notes Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements

   1.      Reporting entity 

Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc ("the Company") is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales (registration number 2867684). The Company's registered address is Premier Park, 33 Road One, Winsford Industrial Estate, Cheshire, CW7 3RT.

The Company's ordinary shares are traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange plc. The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2023 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").

The Group is primarily involved in the design, development and manufacture of innovative tissue-healing technology for sale into the global medical device market.

   2.      Basis of preparation 

The information for the period ended 30 June 2023 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The individual financial statements for each Group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each Group company are expressed in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.

   3.      Accounting policies 

The same accounting policies, presentations and methods of computation are followed in the condensed set of financial statements as applied in the Group's latest annual audited financial apart from the adoption of the following new or amended IFRS and Interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB):

- Amendments to IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts including the Extension of the Temporary Exemption from Applying IFRS 9 (Amendments to IFRS 4)

   -       Initial Application of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 - Comparative Information (Amendment to IFRS 17) 

- Deferred Tax related to Assets and Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12)

   -       Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to IAS 8); and 
   -       Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 and Practice Statement 2) 

No revised standards adopted in the current period have had a material impact on the Group's financial statements.

The unaudited condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the United Kingdom. These condensed interim accounts should be read in conjunction with the annual accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2022. The annual financial statements of Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the United Kingdom.

   4.      Earnings per share 
 
                                        (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
                                         Six months    Six months     (Audited) 
                                              ended         ended    Year ended 
                                            30 June       30 June   31 December 
                                               2023          2022          2022 
 Number of shares                              '000          '000         ' 000 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Weighted average number of ordinary 
  shares for the purposes of basic 
  earnings per share                        216,947       216,272       216,512 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Effect of dilutive potential 
  ordinary shares: share options, 
  deferred annual bonus, Share 
  Incentive Plan, LTIPs                       3,084         2,527         2,969 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Weighted average number of 
  ordinary shares for the purposes 
  of diluted earnings per share             220,031       218,799       219,481 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted EPS is calculated on the same basis as basic EPS but with the further adjustment to the weighted average shares in issue to reflect the effect of all potentially dilutive share options. The number of potentially dilutive share options is derived from the number of share options and awards granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company's ordinary shares during the period.

Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted EPS is calculated after adding back amortisation of acquired intangible assets and movement in long-term acquisition liabilities and is based on earnings of:

 
                                                  (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
                                                   Six months    Six months     (Audited) 
                                                        ended         ended    Year ended 
                                                      30 June       30 June   31 December 
                                                         2023          2022          2022 
                                                      GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Earnings 
 Profit for the year being attributable 
  to equity holders of the parent                       8,932         9,668        20,406 
 Amortisation of acquired intangible 
  assets                                                2,402         1,573         3,414 
 Movement in long-term acquisition liabilities          (404)         (283)         (840) 
 Adjusted profit for the year being 
  attributable to equity holders of the 
  parent                                               10,930        10,958        22,980 
-----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
                                                        pence         pence         pence 
-----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Basic EPS                                               4.12          4.47          9.42 
 Diluted EPS                                             4.06          4.42          9.30 
 Adjusted basic EPS                                      5.04          5.07         10.61 
 Adjusted diluted EPS                                    4.97          5.01         10.47 
-----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The denominators used are the same as those detailed above for both basic and diluted earnings per share.

The adjusted diluted EPS information is considered to provide an alternative representation of the Group's trading performance, consistent with the view of management.

   5.      Segment information 

Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly investments and related revenue, corporate assets, head office expenses, exceptional items, income tax assets and the Group's external borrowings. These are the measures reported to the Group's Chief Executive for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance.

Business segments

The principal activities of the business units are as follows:

Surgical

Selling, marketing and innovation of the Group's surgical products either sold directly by our sales teams or by distributors.

Woundcare

Selling, marketing and innovation of the Group's advanced woundcare products supplied under partner brands, bulk materials and the ActivHeal (R) brand predominantly to the UK NHS as well as bio diagnostics products following the acquisition of Raleigh.

Segment information about these Business Units is presented below:

 
 Six months ended 
  30 June 2023                           Surgical   Woundcare   Consolidated 
 (Unaudited)                              GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Revenue                                   39,411      23,677         63,088 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 Result 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Adjusted segment operating profit         10,095       3,331         13,426 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles     (1,931)       (471)        (2,402) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Segment operating profit                   8,164       2,860         11,024 
 Unallocated expenses                                                  (618) 
                                                               ------------- 
 Operating profit                                                     10,406 
 Finance income                                                        2,229 
 Finance costs                                                         (867) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                                    11,768 
 Tax                                                                 (2,836) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Profit for the period                                                 8,932 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
  At 30 June 2023 
   (Unaudited)                     Surgical    Woundcare    Consolidated 
 Other information                  GBP'000      GBP'000         GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ----------  -----------  -------------- 
 Capital additions: 
 Software intangibles                     2            2               4 
 Development                          2,680          366           3,046 
 Property, plant and equipment        1,253          514           1,767 
 Depreciation and amortisation      (3,680)      (1,483)         (5,163) 
-------------------------------  ----------  -----------  -------------- 
 Balance sheet 
 Assets 
 Segment assets                     206,856       84,718         291,574 
 Unallocated assets                                                    - 
-------------------------------  ----------  ----------- 
 Consolidated total assets                                       291,574 
-------------------------------  ----------  -----------  -------------- 
 Liabilities 
 Segment liabilities                 37,800       11,021          48,821 
-------------------------------  ----------  -----------  -------------- 
 
 
 Six months ended 
 30 June 2022                             Surgical   Woundcare   Consolidated 
 (Unaudited)                               GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Revenue                                    35,941      22,363         58,304 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 Result 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Adjusted segment operating profit          10,706       3,553         14,259 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles      (1,101)       (472)        (1,573) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Segment operating profit                    9,605       3,081         12,686 
 Unallocated expenses                                                   (449) 
                                                                ------------- 
 Operating profit                                                      12,237 
 Finance income                                                           436 
 Finance costs                                                          (337) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                                     12,336 
 Tax                                                                  (2,668) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Profit for the period                                                  9,668 
---------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
 
 At 30 June 2022 
  (Unaudited)                            Surgical   Woundcare   Consolidated 
 Other information                        GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Capital additions: 
 Software intangibles                          13           9             22 
 Development                                1,976         595          2,571 
 Property, plant and equipment              1,095         574          1,669 
 Depreciation and amortisation            (2,695)     (1,476)        (4,171) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Balance sheet 
 Assets 
 Segment assets                           179,274      84,757        264,031 
 Unallocated assets                                                      114 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 Consolidated total assets                                           264,145 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Liabilities 
 Segment liabilities                       29,184      14,369         43,553 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
 Year ended 
 31 December 2022                        Surgical   Woundcare   Consolidated 
 (Audited)                                GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Revenue                                   74,861      49,469        124,330 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 Result 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Adjusted segment operating profit         21,802       7,632         29,434 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles     (2,469)       (945)        (3,414) 
 Segment operating profit                  19,333       6,687         26,020 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Unallocated expenses                                                (1,130) 
                                                               ------------- 
 Operating profit                                                     24,890 
 Finance income                                                        1,691 
 Finance costs                                                         (671) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                                    25,910 
 Tax                                                                 (5,504) 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Profit for the year                                                  20,406 
--------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 
 
 
 
 At 31 December 2022 
 (Audited)                        Surgical   Woundcare   Consolidated 
 Other information                 GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Capital additions: 
 Software intangibles                   34          39             73 
 Development                         4,617       1,535          6,152 
 Property, plant and equipment       2,258       1,481          3,739 
 Depreciation and amortisation     (5,759)     (3,085)        (8,844) 
-------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Balance sheet 
 Assets 
 Segment assets                    190,456      90,638        281,094 
 Unallocated assets                                                 - 
-------------------------------  ---------  ---------- 
 Consolidated total assets                                    281,094 
-------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 Liabilities 
 Segment liabilities                29,786      14,686         44,472 
-------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ------------- 
 

Geographical segments

The Group operates in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Ireland, France and Israel, with a sales office located in Russia, distributor in Austria, and a sales presence in the USA. In presenting information on the basis of geographical segments, segment revenue is based on the geographical location of customers. Segment assets are based on the geographical location of the assets. The Group's small legacy sales office in Moscow has historically contributed approximately 1% of the Group's operating profit.

The following table provides an analysis of the Group's sales by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of the goods or services, based upon location of the Group's customers:

 
                                  (Unaudited)        (Unaudited)          (Audited) 
                             Six months ended   Six months ended         Year ended 
                                 30 June 2023       30 June 2022   31 December 2022 
 Segmental Revenue                    GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000 
--------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 United Kingdom                         9,994              9,515             19,960 
 Germany                               11,666             10,250             20,780 
 Rest of Europe                        19,136             14,596             32,519 
 United States of America              16,678             19,519             40,807 
 Rest of World                          5,614              4,424             10,264 
--------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
                                       63,088             58,304            124,330 
--------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 

The following table provides an analysis of the Group's total assets by geographical location:

 
                              (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)          (Audited) 
                             30 June 2023   30 June 2022   31 December 2022 
 Segmental Assets                 GBP'000        GBP'000            GBP'000 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 United Kingdom                   154,705        145,112            151,817 
 Germany                           76,428         67,942             78,877 
 France                            11,414          9,611             11,934 
 Rest of Europe                    27,117         14,697             16,670 
 Israel                            19,698         22,277             21,345 
 United States of America           2,212          4,506                451 
                                  291,574        264,145            281,094 
--------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 
 
   6.      Financial Instruments' fair value disclosures 

It is the policy of the Group to enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to cover specific foreign currency payments and receipts.

The Group held the following financial instruments at fair value at 30 June 2023. The Group has no financial instruments with fair values that are determined by reference to significant unobservable inputs i.e. those that would be classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, nor have there been any transfers of assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy. There are no non-recurring fair value measurements.

The following table details the forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as at the period end:

 
                    Ave. exchange rate              Foreign currency                 Fair value 
                 30                              30                  31        30 
                June     30 June     31 Dec      June    30 June     Dec       June    30 June   31 Dec 
                 23         22         22         23        22        22        23        22        22 
              USD:GBP1   USD:GBP1   USD:GBP1   USD'000   USD'000   USD'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Cash flow 
  hedges 
 Sell US 
  dollars 
 Less than 
  3 months      1.31       1.36       1.28      9,500     9,000    11,500     (192)     (791)      (540) 
 3 to 6 
  months        1.30       1.36       1.31      9,000    10,000     9,000     (142)     (868)      (550) 
 7 to 12 
  months        1.21       1.32       1.30     15,000    17,500    18,500      585     (1,012)    (1,040) 
 Over 12 
  months        1.14       1.30       1.15     15,000    25,000    22,500     1,188    (1,052)      890 
-----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------- 
                                               48,500    61,500    61,500     1,439    (3,723)    (1,240) 
-----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ---------- 
 
 
 
                     Ave. exchange rate              Foreign currency                 Fair value 
                  30                              30                            30 
                 June     30 June     31 Dec      June    30 June   31 Dec      June    30 June   31 Dec 
                  23         22         22         23        22        22        23        22        22 
               EUR:GBP1   EUR:GBP1   EUR:GBP1   EUR'000   EUR'000   EUR'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Cash flow 
  hedges 
 Sell Euros 
 Less than 
  3 months       1.15       1.15       1.14       600       900       600        5         6        (9) 
 3 to 6 
  months         1.15       1.15       1.15       600       900       600        4         2       (15) 
 7 to 12 
  months         1.14       1.15       1.15      1,200     1,600     1,200       8        (5)      (29) 
 Over 12 
  months          -         1.15       1.14        -        800      1,200       -        (5)      (26) 
------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                                 2,400     4,200     3,600      17        (2)      (79) 
------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
   7.      Taxation 

The weighted average tax rate for the Group for the six-month period ended 30 June 2023 was 26.3% (first half of 2022: 24.4%, year ended 31 December 2022: 22.8%). The Group's effective tax rate for the full year is expected to be 24.1%, which has been applied to the six months ended 30 June 2023 (first half of 2022: 21.6%, year ended 31 December 2022: 21.2%). This represents an increase on the previous period due to the increased tax rate in the UK, where the Group generates a significant amount of profit.

   8.      Dividends 
 
                                        (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)     (Audited) 
                                         Six months    Six months 
                                              ended         ended    Year ended 
                                            30 June       30 June   31 December 
                                               2023          2022          2022 
 Amounts recognised as distributions 
  to equity holders in the period:          GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 Final dividend for the year ended 
  31 December 2021 of 1.37p per 
  ordinary share                                  -         2,970         2,960 
 Interim dividend for the year 
  ended 31 December 2022 of 0.64p 
  per ordinary share                              -             -         1,381 
 Final dividend for the year ended 
  31 December 2022 of 1.51p per 
  ordinary share                              3,274             -             - 
------------------------------------- 
                                              3,274         2,970         4,341 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
   9.      Acquisition of Connexicon 

On 1 February 2023, the Group acquired 99% of the Share Capital of Connexicon Medical Limited ("Connexicon"), a tissue adhesive technology specialist based in Dublin, Republic of Ireland for an initial up-front payment of EUR 7 million, with options in place to acquire the remaining 1% of Share Capital. The remaining 1% of Share Capital not acquired by AMS have no-voting rights and the options are linked to future contingent considerations up to a potential EUR18 million, dependent on the delivery of certain research & development, regulatory and commercial milestones between 2023 and 2027.

In the five-month period from acquisition to 30 June 2023, Connexicon contributed GBP0.4 million of revenue to the Group and a negligible amount of operating profit. In addition, amortisation of intangible assets of GBP0.6 million was recorded within the Group as a result of the acquisition. The results, assets and liabilities of Connexicon has been included in the Surgical business unit segment.

 
                                            GBP'000 
------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Identifiable net assets acquired 
 Customer related intangible assets             587 
 Technology based intangible assets           7,951 
 Property, plant and equipment                  800 
 Trade and other receivables                    754 
 Inventory                                      466 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      846 
 Trade and other payables                   (1,204) 
 Lease liabilities                              (8) 
 Borrowings                                   (487) 
 Deferred tax on intangible asset             (674) 
 Arising on acquisition 
 Goodwill                                    11,040 
------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Total net assets                            20,071 
------------------------------------  ------------- 
 
 
 Satisfied by                      GBP'000 
--------------------------  -------------- 
 Cash consideration                  6,375 
 Contingent consideration           13,696 
--------------------------  -------------- 
                                    20,071 
--------------------------  -------------- 
 
 
 
 Net cash flow on acquisition          GBP'000 
------------------------------  -------------- 
 Cash consideration                      6,375 
 Cash acquired                           (846) 
------------------------------  -------------- 
                                         5,529 
------------------------------  -------------- 
 

Contingent consideration arose on the acquisition in respect of up to EUR18 million which is payable subject to delivery of certain research & development, regulatory and commercial milestones between 2023 and 2027. EUR16 million (GBP14 million) is the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration at the acquisition date.

None of the goodwill on the acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax.

During the period, GBP3.1 million of Contingent consideration was paid (30 June 2022: GBPnil, 31 December 2022: GBPnil) . Connexicon met milestones relating to product and process validation resulting in a contingent consideration payment of EUR3 million whilst AFS achieved its 2022 EBITDA milestone, resulting in a payment of EUR500,000.

   10.     Contingent liabilities 

The Directors are not aware of any contingent liabilities faced by the Group as at 30 June 2023 (30 June 2022: GBPnil, 31 December 2022: GBPnil).

   11.    Share capital 

Share capital as at 30 June 2023 amounted to GBP10,858,000 (30 June 2022: GBP10,836,000, 31 December 2022: GBP10,843,000). During the period the Group issued 296,989 shares in respect of share options, LTIPS, Deferred Annual Bonus Scheme and the Share Incentive Plan.

   12.    Going concern 

In carrying out their duties in respect of going concern, the Directors have carried out a review of the Group's financial position and cash flow forecasts for the next 12 months and considered whether there are any factors that indicate a deterioration in trading performance beyond 12 months. The forecasts used are based on a comprehensive review of revenue, expenditure and cash flows, taking into account specific business risks and the current economic environment.

The Group has used sensitivity analysis on the Group's forecasted performance, using a mid-case scenario, a 10% sales reduction, and a worst-case scenario, a 25% sales reduction. The results show that in all of these scenarios AMS is able to continue its operations for a period of at least 12 months.

With regards to the Group's financial position, it had cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 2023 of GBP69.1 million.

While the current economic environment is uncertain, AMS operates in markets whose demographics are favourable, underpinned by an increasing need for products to treat chronic and acute wounds. Consequently, long-term market growth is expected. The Group has a number of long-term contracts with customers across different geographic regions and also with substantial financial resources, ranging from government agencies through to global healthcare companies.

After taking the above into consideration, the Directors have reached the conclusion that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks in the current economic environment. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements.

   13.    Principal risks and uncertainties 

Further detail concerning the principal risks affecting the business activities of the Group is detailed on pages 43-47 of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022. There have been no significant changes since the last annual report.

   14.    Seasonality of sales 

There are no significant factors affecting the seasonality of sales between the first and second half of the year.

   15.    Events after the balance sheet date 

With the exception of its trading update on 4(th) September, there have been no material events subsequent to the end of the interim reporting period ended 30 June 2023.

   16.    Copies of the interim results 

Copies of the interim results can be obtained from the Group's registered office at Premier Park, 33 Road One, Winsford Industrial Estate, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 3RT and are available on our website "www.admedsol.com".

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END

IR DBGDCGGBDGXC

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September 20, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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