ART The Artisanal Spirits Company Plc

10 September 2024

The Artisanal Spirits Company plc

('Artisanal Spirits', 'ASC' or 'the Group')

Interim Results for the Six Months to 30 June 2024

H1 profit improvement and on track for full year delivery

The Artisanal Spirits Company (AIM: ART), the creator of outstanding, limited-edition whiskies and experiences around the world, and owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS"), Single Cask Nation & J.G. Thomson, is pleased to announce its half year results for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

H1 Performance Summary

·       £1m of EBITDA improvement on prior year, which on relatively flat revenue year on year, reflects SMWS membership growth of 4% to 40,300 (H1 2023; 38,700), recurring cost efficiencies of £0.75m and gross profit margin improvement of £0.25m (2 ppts). 

·       Increasing revenue diversification to manage the industry and economic headwinds, most notably China, is demonstrated through launches in the important new markets of Taiwan and Korea, alongside the acquisition of Single Cask Nation and growth in cask sales.

·       An independent cask spirit valuation in June of just over £100m following an independent assessment representing around 4x our current Net Book Value "NBV" of cask spirit and Net Debt.

·       Following significant investment in the cask inventory, we now hold all spirit required to meet demand through to the next decade. As a result, the cash profile of the Group is improving, and net debt has peaked, as we transition from material net cash investments in stock to a replenishment approach.

·       Further industry recognition celebrating the quality and uniqueness of our product offering, with awards for SMWS, JGT and SCN releases in 2024 including Independent Bottler of the Year for SMWS and SCN at the World of Whiskies and New York International Spirits Competition respectively.

Outlook

·       H2 initiatives include further international expansion, two completely new Scotch Malt Whisky distillery releases and the refresh of our range to ensure it continues to reflect current consumer trends, resulting in new releases such as the inaugural 'Creators' Collection' alongside the 2024 'Winter Series' collection.

·       Trading to date in H2 has seen us consolidate the improved profitability in H1, which alongside the expected H2 revenue delivery from core markets at similar levels to FY23, planned US shipments and continued cask sales, ensure we remain on track to meet FY consensus EBITDA. 

Operational highlights:

Andrew Dane, CEO of Artisanal Spirits Company, commented:

"We have delivered a creditable performance and made good progress on our journey towards profitability despite challenging trading conditions prevailing in some markets.  We continue to focus on attracting and retaining higher quality members, whilst maintaining a well-controlled cost base. 

"Our proven strategy of investing in whisky stock has built an impressive inventory to satisfy our requirements well into the next decade, as well as delivering a significant uplift in value creation, with the current cask value of just over £100m.  Correspondingly, the Group now only needs to acquire stock on a replenishment basis, thereby significantly improving the future cash profile of the business.

"Single Cask Nation has integrated well and is performing to expectation.  Our revenue streams and the geographies in which we operate are becoming increasingly diverse, further limiting our exposure to any given market.  This together with the actions we're taking now are building this unique business for the longer term to the benefit of all shareholders. 

"We enter H2 with a clear strategy, a focus on delivery of the key drivers of profitability in the year across cask sales and US shipments and remain confident of meeting FY24 EBITDA expectations."

Investor presentation

Andrew Dane (CEO) and Billy McCarter (CFO) will provide a live presentation relating to the Interim Results via Investor Meet Company on 10 September 2024 at 17:00 BST. Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add The Artisanal Spirits Company via: https://www.investormeetcompany.com/the-artisanal-spirits-company-plc/register-investor

The presentation is open to all existing and potential shareholders. Questions can be submitted prior to the event via the Investor Meet Company dashboard until 09:00 BST on 9 September 2024, or at any time during the live presentation.

For further enquiries:

About The Artisanal Spirits Company

ASC's purpose is to captivate a global community of whisky adventurers, creating and selling outstanding, limited-edition whiskies and experiences around the world with an ambition to create a high quality, highly profitable and cash generative, premium global business.

Based in Edinburgh, ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), Single Cask Nation (SCN) and J.G. Thomson (JGT). Owning over 18,000 casks primarily comprising Single Malt Scotch Whisky, ASC's stock includes outstanding whisky (and other spirits) from 150 different distilleries across 20 countries which is sold to members both as individual bottles and whole casks.

With an established global presence in some 30 countries, SMWS operates a direct-to-consumer model (90% of revenue) primarily through e-commerce, in addition to four member rooms in the UK. SMWS provides members with inspiring experiences, content and exclusive access to a vast and unique range of outstanding, expertly curated Scotch malt and other whiskies.

In January 2024, ASC acquired SCN which sources, curates and bottles single-cask whiskies and other spirits selling both online and via traditional retail channels to its following of over 10,000 whisky enthusiasts in the USA. SCN also retails to key international whisky markets around the world.

Launched in the UK in late 2021, JGT has a focus on outstanding small batch blended malt whiskies and other spirits, available both through direct-to-consumer online sales and through traditional retail channels. The award-winning brand has subsequently expanded into international markets.

With proven e-commerce reach and a growing family of brands, ASC is building a portfolio of limited-edition and small-batch whisky and other spirits brands for a global movement of discerning consumers - delivering revenue of £23.5 million in FY23, predominantly from outside the UK, with an expanding presence in the other key global whisky markets including USA, China, Europe, Japan, Australia and Taiwan.

ASC has a pioneering business model, a substantial and growing addressable market presenting a long-term global opportunity and a strong and resilient business primed to deliver growth.

Interim Statement

Group Progress

We are pleased to have delivered a resilient performance in the period under review.  The trading conditions and consumer purchasing behaviour experienced in FY23 have continued in FY24, an impact felt by most businesses within the spirits industry over the last 12-18 months, reported across some of the key leaders, with the US normalisation of the post-Covid era and China economic conditions resulting in decline in both these markets.

Whilst ASC has not been immune to these factors, we are pleased to have maintained relatively flat revenue, and importantly achieved profit improvement against this backdrop, illustrating the Group's broadening revenue streams.  Diversification is evidenced through continued international development and expansion, such as Korea and Taiwan and the strengthening of ASC's operations in the US through the acquisition of Single Cask Nation, collectively delivering £0.7m of aggregated revenue (2023; nil), alongside new product offerings such as Cask Sales which delivered £1m in the period (H1-23; £0.5m), ensuring the Group is not overly exposed to temporary challenges in any given market.

At a membership level, there has been 4% growth year-on-year, to around 40,300 members at the end of June 2024 (H1 2023:  38,700). Whilst this is a slight reduction from December 2023, this reflects our more recent focus on retaining a more engaged membership base that is more sustainable for the longer term, as evidenced in the UK where membership has decreased 7% but average revenue per member has increased 8%.   Retention within the Group remains strong at over 70%, representing the opportunity that exists when we onboard new members successfully.

The Group's priorities remain driving quality, long term membership growth through international development and initiatives such as 'Membership and a Bottle', product range review, our members cask sales programme and continued SCN growth, as well as continued efficient cost management.

As we continue to focus our attention on these areas and reflect on last 12-month profit delivery of £1m of adjusted EBITDA, we remain confident in achieving FY24 profit in line with market consensus requirements.

International Trading

Americas

The US remains the world's largest market for Scotch Malt Whisky, with over $1.5 billion of 2023 sales at Ultra-Premium price points and above (bottle prices over $45) and is one of the three core markets, alongside China and India, identified by IWSR as the drivers of $30bn growth in Total Beverage Alcohol by 2028.

The acquisition of SCN completed in January 2024 and since then we have seen positive initial period of trading with its inaugural releases across both e-commerce and retail in the USA delivering £0.1m of EBITDA in H1.   Both complementary and incremental to ASC's existing business, SCN is also strategically well aligned with the Group's stated ambition to further grow our presence in the USA and leverage the sizable and growing American Whiskey market.

SMWS America has seen membership growth of 17% to well over 7,000 and a depletions performance that is flat year on year, a resilient performance in a wider market that has witnessed volume decline over the same period. Retention remaining strong at the 70% level also gives confidence in continued growth in the market.

In line with our American growth strategy, we continue to develop our approach to SMWS operations in the US to give us greater direct operational control and the optimal cost structure with our partners in the market.

Asia

In Asia, the most recent international market additions of Taiwan and the franchise in Korea, delivered growth to partially offset a 30% decline in China. Taiwan membership up 40% vs Dec 23 and Korea achieving 56% membership growth over the same period, enabling the franchise markets to achieve their best ever 12-month delivery of £1.3m of revenue. We also continue to develop plans for further expansion in the region.  

Europe

In Europe, performance at a revenue level was relatively flat, with the EU market achieving 14% membership growth and, in the UK, an improvement in the average revenue per member, up 8% on the twelve-month period to Jun 2023, helping mitigate a 7% decline in membership as we drive a more engaged membership base. Revenue performance in the UK venues was down slightly (5%) on the prior year but remained ahead of pre-Covid levels (up 11% since H1-19), with over 22,000 visit to the Vaults since completion of the refurbishment last year.

Balance Sheet Strategy Evolution and Whisky Stock Valuation

Since IPO, we have invested significantly in our cask spirit stock, notably continuing to optimise our whisky cask purchasing by evolving to a greater acquisition of new make spirit - ensuring we purchase at lower price points and proactively manage the maturation journey of our whiskies.

As a result, we have curated an exceptional collection of over 18,000 casks of whisky, from approximately 150 leading distilleries and representing over 200 different makes.  As such, ASC now having sufficient stocks in place to meet forecast demand into the next decade. Correspondingly, the cash profile of the Group will adjust going forward as a result as the Group transitions from material net cash investments in stock to a replenishment approach.

Alongside this, we recently carried out an independent valuation of the cask spirit stock holding, completed by sector experts Dr Alan Rutherford and Des McCagherty, who have valued the current holding at around 4x the NBV, at just over £100m, which also represents around 4x the current Net Debt level of around £27m.

The Group will continue to invest in the sustainable growth of the business and regard the current Net Debt level as appropriate within the wider Group capital structure, supported by the significant cask spirit valuation.

Celebrating Continued Industry Recognition

The Group has been recognised for the quality of its spirits through awards from the top competitions around the world in 2024.

The outstanding reputation for the quality of ASC's whisky continues to attract a growing number of industry accolades, with notable success for SMWS which was named Independent Bottler of the Year in the World of Whiskies awards and the newly acquired Single Cask Nation (SCN) winning the Independent Bottler of the Year award in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Other awards include a number of gold and silver awards achieved by SMWS, SCN and JGT across a number of worldwide competitions including Scotch Whisky Masters, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and International Wine and Spirits Competition, awards achieved since 2018 standing at over 300.   

Current Outlook and Trading

Trading in the early weeks of H2 have been positive, with consolidation in EBITDA improvement against the prior year, which is encouraging within the context of the last quarter of the year. The core business delivery expectation in the remaining quarter is based on current trends and market dynamics, with timing of US shipments and cask sales key to overall delivery in line with consensus expectations.

Building on a stronger H1, the second half will see the first releases resulting from our range review. This process to ensure our product range continues to reflect current consumer trends is now complete, and in H2-24 we will see the first releases, including the launch of the inaugural 'Creators Collection'. It will also see two new distillery .1 releases, sure to capture member interest, as well as the new 'Winter Series' collection.

It will also see the follow up release to the members cask programme, first launched in H2-23, the next iteration, containing new cask offerings in the spirit of the previous release, exciting distillery liquids with bourbon and sherry cask offerings.

Key strategic areas of delivery in the second half include the installation of a new state-of-the-art ePos system within our members' rooms, which is progressing to plan and budget.  The new system will deliver an improved member experience within the Venues and allow SMWS to further understand and connect with the many members who visit our venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.

The Board remains confident in the future opportunity for ASC and delivery of market consensus expectation - well placed to deliver significant future value for shareholders.

Financial Review

The Group has achieved year-on-year EBITDA improvement of £1m against relatively flat revenue delivery, resulting in an improvement in Loss Before Tax (LBT) to £3.1m (2023; £3.5m) - cost base savings supported by margin mix at an EBITDA level, offset to a degree by increased interest costs of £1.1m (2023; £0.6m) at an LBT level.

Despite the backdrop of market and economic headwinds, ASC has taken action to continue to increase the diversification of Group revenue, as we manage the Group's exposure to any given market or territory.  Where we have seen China decline around 30% year on year, following a similar decline in FY24, reducing to around 12% of Group revenue, our ability to deliver revenue around the same level as prior year, has been achieved through Single Cask Nation (SCN), Taiwan first full H1 delivery and Cask Sales, in total, delivering 3x the level achieved in PY, at £1.8m revenue in 2024 (2023; £0.6m).

A focus on cost management and efficiencies has significantly contributed to the EBITDA improvement of £1m, with 2ppt of gross margin improvement, £0.2m gross profit equivalent, supporting £0.7m of cost savings;

A&P, Overheads and Commission savings of £0.9m have been marginally offset by costs relating to payroll, reflecting the inflationary pay increase in year of £0.2m, and FX loss of £0.1m, predominantly relating to USD. For every +/-1c movement in USD, the EBITDA impact is +/- £15k.

Within A&P, spending is around 75% of prior year levels, a saving of £0.4m year on year, as we look to further enhance the return on investment in the area, evident through ability to achieve similar revenue to FY23 at a reduced A&P investment rate.

Recurring cost-efficiency savings within Overheads are driven by cost management in relation to professional fees, travel costs and wider overhead costs, supported by the less intense investment requirement compared to the prior year, where strategic delivery and spend was made in tech roadmap (delivering a new app in 2023), new product development spend (new 'Membership and a Bottle' product) and costs relating to the set-up of Taiwan and acquisition of Single Cask Nation within the American Whisky development opportunity.

From a cash flow perspective, the increased net debt of the business is predominantly driven by the £1.0m EBITDA loss for the period alongside increased interest cost of £0.8m, net stock and wood investment, £0.3m and £0.4m respectively, timing of US shipments on debtor holding of £1m and the initial £0.2m acquisition of SCN in January of this year.

From an investment perspective, net spend in stocks (cask spirit) and wood will continue reduce to as we slow down the intensity of investment in this area as a result of having stocks to meet demand for the foreseeable future, pivoting to investment on a replenishment basis.

The Group Balance Sheet remains strong, with net assets of £15.2m, a cask spirit stock with a book value of £26.5m and Net Debt of £27m - an independent valuation of that stock now around 4x NBV and Net Debt levels.