TIDMBMK
RNS Number : 6957G
Benchmark Holdings PLC
27 November 2020
27 November 2020
Information within this announcement is deemed by the Company to
constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulations
(EU) No. 596/2014.
Benchmark Holdings plc
("Benchmark", the "Company" or the "Group")
Q4 Results
(3 months ended 30 September 2020)
In compliance with the terms of the Company's senior secured
bond which requires it to publish quarterly financial information,
Benchmark, the aquaculture biotechnology business, announces its
unaudited results for the 3 months ended 30 September 2020 (the
"period") . All Q4FY20 and Q4FY19 figures quoted in this
announcement are based on unaudited accounts.
This morning the Company published its full year audited results
for the 12 months ended 30 September 2020
which can be found on https://www.benchmarkplc.com/investors
Q4 FY19 FY2019
GBPm Q4 FY20 Restated* FY 2020 Restated*
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Statutory
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Revenue from continuing operations 25.2 35.6 105.6 124.0
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Exceptional items (1.4) (0.5) (2.1) (0.6)
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Loss before tax from continuing
operations (2.9) (46.9) (22.6) (58.5)
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Loss from continuing operations (3.4) (47.1) (22.8) (59.1)
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Loss - total incl. discontinued
operations (8.8) (61.5) (31.9) (83.1)
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Basic loss per share (p) (1.43) (11.07) (5.26) (15.03)
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Net debt(4) (37.6) (87.1) (37.6) (87.1)
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Adjusted
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Adjusted EBITDA(2) from continuing
operations 4.6 9.7 14.5 21.3
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
Adjusted operating profit(3) 2.7 8.3 7.9 16.3
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
EBITDA(1) from continuing operations 3.3 9.2 12.4 20.8
-------------------------------------- -------- ----------- -------- -----------
(1) EBITDA is earnings/(loss) before interest, tax, depreciation
and amortisation and impairment.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA(1) , before exceptional items and
acquisition related expenditure.
(3) Adjusted Operating Profit is operating loss before
exceptional items including acquisition related items and
amortisation of intangible assets excluding amortisation of
development costs
(4) Net debt is cash and cash equivalents less loans, borrowings
and lease obligations excluding balances held for sale. Net debt
includes GBP9.6m (Q4 2019: GBPnil; FY2019: GBPnil) relating to
lease obligations (formerly treated as operating leases within
operating expenses) which are now held on balance sheet following
the adoption of IFRS 16
* FY2019 and Q4 2019 numbers have been restated to reflect
changes to the ongoing continuing business during the year (note
5).
Divisional summary (Continuing operations)
GBPm Full Full year
Q4 FY19 year 2019
Q4 FY20 Restated* 2020 Restated*
-------------------- ---------- ----------- ------ -----------
Revenue
-------------------- ---------- ----------- ------ -----------
Advanced Nutrition 12.1 22.0 59.4 76.4
-------------------- ---------- ----------- ------ -----------
Genetics 11.8 10.0 41.5 39.7
-------------------- ---------- ----------- ------ -----------
Health 1.4 3.8 5.2 8.7
-------------------- ---------- ----------- ------ -----------
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
-------------------- ---------- ----------- ------ -----------
Advanced Nutrition 0.2 4.7 6.4 16.0
-------------------- ---------- ----------- ------ -----------
Genetics 4.6 4.3 14.4 10.1
-------------------- ---------- ----------- ------ -----------
Animal Health 0.2 1.4 (3.7) (2.1)
-------------------- ---------- ----------- ------ -----------
(1) EBITDA is earnings/(loss) before interest, tax, depreciation
and amortisation and impairment.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA(1) , before exceptional items and
acquisition related expenditure.
* FY2019 and Q4 2019 numbers have been restated to reflect
changes to the ongoing continuing business during the year (note
5).
Q4 Overview
-- Restructuring complete with programme of disposals of
non-core assets raising up to GBP44m in the year; five divestments
in the period
-- Significantly stronger financial position at period end -
Liquidity (cash and available facility) of GBP83.2m (Q32020:
GBP67m). Net debt at year end of GBP37.6m (Q32020: GBP54.7m)
-- Performance in the period reflects continuing good
performance in Genetics supported by relatively stable salmon
markets offset by the impact of ongoing weak shrimp markets in
Advanced Nutrition.
Financial Performance
-- Revenues from continuing operations for the quarter were below the prior year resulting from:
o Continued good performance in Genetics with revenues 18% ahead
of the prior year
o Advanced Nutrition impacted by weak shrimp markets as a result
of Covid-19 and price competition in Artemia due to a supply
imbalance, which compare unfavourably against a strong result in
Q42019 due to timing of sales
o Lower revenues in Health due to lower Salmosan sales, whilst
comparing unfavourably against a stronger result in Q42019 which
had benefitted from trial income from BMK08 and CleanTreat(R)
-- Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was down
reflecting lower Group revenues and margins in Advanced Nutrition
which offset higher revenues and margins in Genetics and a
reduction in operating costs and R&D expenses from measures
taken during the Covid-19 pandemic
-- Full year Group revenues and Adjusted EBITDA from continuing
operations were below the prior year reflecting lower Group
revenues and margins as a result of the impact of weak shrimp
markets which offset a strong performance in Genetics and a
reduction in operating costs across the Group
Market environment
-- The salmon industry continues to be resilient and the sea
bass / bream market is relatively stable
-- The shrimp market continues to be challenging as a result of
Covid-19 with low demand and prices, and major producing countries
significantly affected
-- BMK08/CleanTreat(R) on track for commercial launch in Q2 of calendar year 2021
Operational Highlights
-- Adoption of MRL opinion by the Committee for Medicinal
Products for Veterinary Use ("CVMP") regarding BMK08's active
pharmaceutical ingredient. The MRL opinion is an important step
towards the launch of BMK08 and CleanTreat(R) on schedule for Q2 CY
2021
-- Disposal programme complete raising up to GBP44m in the year;
five divestments in the period:
o FishVet to Zoetis in July 2020 for c. GBP14.5m
o Vaccine manufacturing facility to Catapult Gene and Cell
Therapy in July 2020 for net proceeds of GBP12m
o Agreement to exit equine vaccine joint development programme
in August 2020 for a GBP1m upfront consideration and up to GBP1m
deferred
o MBO of FAI Farms in August 2020 for a nominal sum
o Exited remaining companion animal portfolio in September
through the transfer of rights to a third party in exchange for
potential milestone payments leading to a successful market
authorisation
Enquiries
For further information, please contact:
Benchmark Holdings plc Tel: 020 3696 0630
Trond Williksen, CEO
Septima Maguire, CFO
Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations
Numis (Broker and NOMAD) Tel: 020 7260 1000
James Black, Freddie Barnfield, Duncan Monteith
MHP Communications Tel: 020 3128 8742
Katie Hunt, Reg Hoare, Alistair de Kare-Silver
benchmark@mphc.com
About Benchmark
Benchmark's mission is to enable aquaculture producers to
improve their sustainability and profitability.
We bring together biology and technology to develop innovative
products which improve yield, quality and animal health and welfare
for our customers. We do this by improving the genetic make-up,
health and nutrition of their stock - from broodstock and hatchery
through to nursery and grow out.
Benchmark has a broad portfolio of products and solutions,
including salmon eggs, live feed (artemia), diets and probiotics
and sea lice treatments. Find out more at www.benchmarkplc.com
Management Report
During Q4 2020 the Group completed five disposals and exits,
substantially concluding its disposal programme which may raise up
to GBP44m in total. In July 2020 the Group announced the sale of
FishVet to Zoetis for c. GBP14.5m and the sale of its vaccine
manufacturing facilities to Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult for net
proceeds of GBP12m. In August 2020 the Group exited its consulting
business FAI Farms through an MBO and its joint development equine
vaccine programme which generated a GBP1m upfront payment and up to
GBP1m potential deferred payment. On 30(th) September 2020 the
Group exited its remaining companion animal vaccine portfolio
through the transfer of rights to all future development benefits
to a third party in exchange for up to GBP4.9m in potential
payments subject to development and performance milestones. The
Group made a GBP0.7m payment to its joint development partner which
entitled it to transfer the rights.
In September 2020 we announced that the Committee for Medicinal
Products for Veterinary Use ("CVMP"), a committee of the European
Medicine Agency, adopted an opinion recommending the inclusion of
BMK08's active pharmaceutical ingredient in fin fish as an allowed
substance regarding maximum residue limits in foodstuffs of animal
origin (the "MRL opinion"). The MRL opinion is an important step
towards the launch of BMK08 together with the Group's water
purification system CleanTreat(R) in Q2 CY 2021. The MRL opinion is
without prejudice to the European Commission's decision and
ratification into EU law, which represents the next milestone for
BMK08 together with CleanTreat(R),and is a condition for obtaining
Marketing Authorisation (MA) in Norway. Also, in Q4, we continued
to prepare for the launch of BMK08 and CleanTreat(R) in Q2 calendar
year 2021, developing our commercial plan and advancing the
construction of a second CleanTreat(R) system.
Trading in Q4 saw a 29% reduction in revenues and an Adjusted
EBITDA profit of GBP4.7m, against GBP9.7m in Q4 last year.
Operating costs of GBP6.9m in Q4 were 29% below the prior period
(Q4 2019: GBP9.7m) and R&D expenses of GBP1.3m were 50% down
(Q3 2019: GBP2.6m). This reflects the positive impact of a
Group-wide effort to reduce operating costs and R&D, and a
natural reduction in marketing and travel expenses in the period as
a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Full year revenues were GBP105.6m, 15% below the prior year
(2019: GBP124.0m). Adjusted EBITDA for the year was GBP14.5m (2019:
GBP21.3m) reflecting challenging markets in Advanced Nutrition,
partially offset by a continued strong performance and improved
margins in Genetics.
Overall, our main end markets saw a continuation of the trends
reported in our Q3 announcement with weak shrimp markets,
resilience in Genetics to fluctuations in the salmon industry and
the sea bass/bream markets experiencing only modest impact from
Covid-19.
Advanced Nutrition
Advanced Nutrition reported revenues of GBP12.1m in Q4, 45%
below the prior year (Q4 2019: GBP22.0m) which had been a strong
period for the business as a result of timing of sales exacerbated
by ongoing weak markets in shrimp during what is traditionally a
period of pond stocking. Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 was GBP0.2m (Q4
2019: GBP4.7m). Full year Adjusted EBITDA was GBP6.4m (2019:
GBP16.0m).
The performance in the year reflects weak shrimp markets through
the year coupled with increased competition in Artemia as a result
of a supply imbalance in the market leading to significantly lower
Artemia volumes and prices. Revenues in Q4 were below prior year on
a product-by-product basis, with Artemia down by 48%, Diets down by
33% and Health down by 33%.
Genetics
Genetics revenues in Q4 2020 at GBP11.8m were 18% above the
prior year (Q4 2019: GBP10.0m) reflecting higher egg volumes and
higher revenues from genetic services partially offset by lower
harvest income. Full year revenues at GBP41.5m were also up on
prior year (2019: GBP39.7m).
Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2020 of GBP4.6m was slightly higher than
the prior year (Q4 2019: GBP4.3m). Adjusted EBITDA for the year of
GBP14.4m was 42% higher than prior year (2019: GBP10.1m). The
increase in margin and Adjusted EBITDA is due to the benefit of
in-house egg production at the Group's new Salten facility
replacing more expensive outsourced production and higher egg
prices combined with a reduction in operating costs as part of the
Group wide cost containment plan.
Animal Health
Revenues for the continuing operations in Q4 2020 were GBP1.4m
(Q4 2019: GBP3.8m). The reduction in revenues reflects the fact
that Q4 2019 benefitted from income associated with
BMK08/CleanTreat(R) trials, as well as lower Salmosan revenues in
Q4 2020. Revenues for the full year were GBP5.2m (2019:
GBP8.7m).
Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 2020 was a profit of GBP0.2m (Q4 2020:
GBP1.4m) following from the trend and revenue mix in the period
along with higher opex costs for the ramp up of BMK08/Cleantreat.
Full year Adjusted EBITDA on the continuing operations was a loss
of GBP3.7m (2019: loss GBP2.1m).
Finance costs, cashflow and net debt
Net finance cost for the quarter was GBP(0.2)m (Q4
2019:GBP5.4m).The forex gain in the quarter was GBP1.8m (Q4 2019:
charge GBP2.4m), and amortisation of capitalised borrowing fees was
GBP0.2m (Q4 2019: GBP0.2m).
Net finance cost for the year at GBP11.7m is GBP0.3m lower than
the prior year (2019: GBP12.1m).
Net debt at the quarter end was GBP37.6m (Q4 2019: GBP87.1m)
after an increase in cash of GBP56.5m in the year to date. This is
a result of tight control over cash during the Covid-19 pandemic
together with the share raise concluded in February 2020 (GBP42m
net), receipts from the dissolution of the joint venture in Chile
(GBP6.9m) and net receipts from the disposals programme of
GBP38.5m. The reduction in net debt is after cash outflow from
operations of GBP7.2m (YTD 2019: inflow of GBP14.2m) and capex of
GBP11.8m (2019: GBP15.8m). Liquidity at the end of the period was
GBP83.2m providing GBP73.2m of headroom against our minimum
liquidity covenant.
Consolidated Income Statement for the period ended 30 September
2020
FY 2019
Q4 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* FY 2020 Restated*
All figures in GBP000's Notes (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Revenue 4 25,239 35,586 105,565 124,006
Cost of sales (12,317) (13,591) (50,603) (55,064)
----------------------------------------- ------
Gross profit 12,922 21,995 54,962 68,942
Research and development costs (1,307) (2,612) (7,282) (9,481)
Other operating costs (6,909) (9,691) (33,337) (37,706)
Share of (loss)/profit of
equity-accounted investees,
net of tax (55) 18 150 (414)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Adjusted EBITDA(2) 4,651 9,710 14,493 21,341
Exceptional - restructuring/acquisition
related items 6 (1,356) (516) (2,114) (581)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
EBITDA(1) 3,295 9,194 12,379 20,760
Depreciation and impairment (1,984) (1,388) (6,640) (5,054)
Amortisation and impairment (4,108) (49,299) (16,613) (62,133)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Operating loss (2,797) (41,493) (10,874) (46,427)
Finance cost (1,934) (6,326) (12,779) (12,422)
Finance income 1,782 927 1,082 368
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Loss before taxation (2,949) (46,892) (22,571) (58,481)
Tax on loss 7 (426) (197) (204) (640)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------
Loss from continuing operations (3,375) (47,089) (22,775) (59,121)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Discontinued operations
Loss from discontinued operations,
net of tax 5 (5,379) (14,410) (9,174) (23,959)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
(8,754) (61,499) (31,949) (83,080)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Loss for the year attributable
to:
- Owners of the parent (9,541) (61,809) (32,923) (83,857)
- Non-controlling interest 787 310 974 777
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- ------------
(8,754) (61,499) (31,949) (83,080)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Earnings per share
Basic loss per share (pence) 8 (1.43) (11.07) (5.26) (15.03)
Diluted loss per share (pence) 8 (1.43) (11.07) (5.26) (15.03)
Earnings per share - continuing
operations
Basic loss per share (pence) 8 (0.62) (8.49) (3.80) (10.74)
Diluted loss per share (pence) 8 (0.62) (8.49) (3.80) (10.74)
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing
operations 4,651 9,710 14,493 21,341
Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued
operations 5 (2,452) (2,336) (8,726) (7,616)
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Total Adjusted EBITDA 2,199 7,374 5,767 13,725
----------------------------------------- ------ -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
(1) EBITDA - Earnings/loss before interest, tax, depreciation,
amortisation and impairment
(2) Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA before exceptional and acquisition
related items
*FY 2019 and Q4 2019 numbers have been restated to reflect
changes to the ongoing continuing business since the year end (note
5)
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period
ended 30 September 2020
FY 2019
Q4 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* FY 2020 Restated*
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
--------------------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Loss for the period (8,754) (61,499) (31,949) (83,080)
Other comprehensive income
Items that are or may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss
Foreign exchange translation
differences (11,858) 9,437 (20,327) 13,919
Cash flow hedges - changes in
fair value (1,029) (2,620) (5,932) (3,549)
Cash flow hedges - reclassified
to profit or loss 10 (10) (153) (17)
Total comprehensive income for
the period (21,631) (54,692) (58,361) (72,727)
-------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Total comprehensive income for
the period attributable to:
- Owners of the parent (22,250) (54,928) (58,532) (73,174)
- Non-controlling interest 619 236 171 447
-------------------------------------------- ------------
(21,631) (54,692) (58,361) (72,727)
------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Total comprehensive income for
the period attributable to owners
of the parent:
- Continuing operations (17,099) (40,526) (50,604) (49,017)
- Discontinued operations (5,151) (14,402) (7,928) (24,157)
--------------------------------------------
(22,250) (54,928) (58,532) (73,174)
------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
*FY 2019 and Q4 2019 numbers have been restated to reflect
changes to the ongoing continuing business since the year end (note
5)
Consolidated Balance Sheet for the period ended 30 September
2020
30 September 30 September
2020 2019
All figures in GBP000's Notes (audited) (audited)
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
Assets
Property, plant and equipment 65,601 88,900
Right-of-use assets 10,347 -
Intangible assets 247,003 275,744
Equity-accounted investees 3,690 3,453
Other investments 23 25
Biological and agricultural assets 16,621 12,469
Non-current assets 343,285 380,591
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
Inventories 18,926 22,609
Biological and agricultural assets 15,848 16,024
Trade and other receivables 39,371 52,136
Cash and cash equivalents 71,605 16,051
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
145,750 106,820
Assets held for sale - 15,970
Current assets 145,750 122,790
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
Total assets 489,035 503,381
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
Liabilities
Trade and other payables (45,692) (35,235)
Loans and borrowings 9 (5,339) (3,231)
Corporation tax liability (4,344) (2,703)
Provisions - (404)
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
(55,375) (41,573)
Liabilities directly associated
with the assets held for sale - (10,634)
--------------
Current liabilities (55,375) (52,207)
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
Loans and borrowings 9 (103,819) (99,961)
Other payables (1,754) (2,004)
Deferred tax (32,647) (38,743)
Non-current liabilities (138,220) (140,708)
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
Total liabilities (193,595) (192,915)
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
Net assets 295,440 310,466
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
Issued capital and reserves attributable
to owners of the parent
Share capital 10 668 559
Additional paid-in share capital 399,601 358,044
Capital redemption reserve 5 5
Retained earnings (142,170) (110,916)
Hedging reserve (9,651) (3,566)
Foreign exchange reserve 40,678 60,202
Equity attributable to owners of
the parent 289,131 304,328
Non-controlling interest 6,309 6,138
------------------------------------------ ------
Total equity and reserves 295,440 310,466
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------- --------------
The notes to these financial statements are an integral part of
this consolidated financial information
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period ended
30 September 2020
Total
attributable
Additional to equity
paid-in holders Non-
Share share Other Hedging Retained of controlling Total
capital capital* reserves reserve earnings parent interest equity
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
--------------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
As at 1
October 2018 557 357,894 45,958 - (28,240) 376,169 5,678 381,847
--------------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Comprehensive
income
for the period
(Loss)/profit
for the
period - - - - (83,857) (83,857) 777 (83,080)
Other
comprehensive
income - - 14,249 (3,566) - 10,683 (330) 10,353
Total
comprehensive
income for
the period - - 14,249 (3,566) (83,857) (73,174) 447 (72,727)
--------------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Contributions
by and
distributions
to owners
Share issue 2 150 - - - 152 - 152
Share based
payment - - - - 1,181 1,181 - 1,181
Total
contributions
by and
distributions
to owners 2 150 - - 1,181 1,333 - 1,333
--------------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Changes in
ownership
Disposal of
subsidiary
with NCI - - - - - - 13 13
Total changes
in ownership
interests - - - - - - 13 13
Total
transactions
with
owners of the
Company 2 150 - - 1,181 1,333 13 1,346
As at 30
September
2019 559 358,044 60,207 (3,566) (110,916) 304,328 6,138 310,466
--------------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Comprehensive
income
for the period
(Loss)/profit
for the
period - - - - (32,923) (32,923) 974 (31,949)
Other
comprehensive
income - - (19,524) (6,085) - (25,609) (803) (26,412)
Total
comprehensive
income for
the period - - (19,524) (6,085) (32,923) (58,532) 171 (58,361)
--------------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Contributions
by and
distributions
to owners
Share issue 109 42,869 - - - 42,978 - 42,978
Share issue
costs
recognised
through
equity - (1,312) - - - (1,312) - (1,312)
Share based
payment - - - - 1,669 1,669 - 1,669
Total
contributions
by and
distributions
to owners 109 41,557 - - 1,669 43,335 - 43,335
--------------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
Total
transactions
with
owners of the
Company 109 41,557 - - 1,669 43,335 - 43,335
As at 30
September
2020 668 399,601 40,683 (9,651) (142,170) 289,131 6,309 295,440
--------------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------- ------------- ---------
*Other reserves in this statement is an aggregation of Capital
redemption reserve and Foreign exchange reserve.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period ended 30
September 2020
2020 2019
Notes GBP000 GBP000
--------------------------------------------- ------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the year (31,949) (83,080)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of property,
plant and equipment 9,138 17,227
Amortisation and impairment of intangible
fixed assets 19,402 66,087
Gain on sale of property, plant and
equipment (1,140) (838)
Gain on sale of subsidiaries (14,120) -
Finance income (111) (368)
Finance costs 9,695 7,773
Other adjustments for non-cash items 200 68
Share of (profit)/loss of equity-accounted
investees, net of tax (150) 414
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses (132) 5,620
Share based payment expense 1,669 1,181
Tax credit 314 111
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
(7,184) 14,195
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other
receivables 4,202 (12,516)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories 3,741 (2,273)
Increase in biological and agricultural
assets (7,474) (8,593)
Increase in trade and other payables 5,006 3,968
(Decrease)/increase in provisions (260) 261
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
(1,969) (4,958)
Income taxes paid (2,087) (4,253)
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Net cash flows used in operating activities (4,056) (9,211)
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries,
net of cash disposed of 17,487 -
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of
cash acquired - (7)
Purchase of investments (522) (7,020)
Receipts from disposal of investments 6,932 5,942
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (5,851) (7,850)
Proceeds from sales of intangible
assets 261 -
Purchase of intangibles (5,563) (7,964)
Purchase of held for sale assets (402) -
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 16,147 1,131
Proceeds from sales of other long-term
assets 1,776 -
Interest received 111 447
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Net cash flows used in investing activities 30,376 (15,321)
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Financing activities
Proceeds of share issues 42,978 2
Share-issue costs recognised through
equity (1,312) -
Proceeds from bank or other borrowings 8,387 92,578
Repayment of bank or other borrowings (10,141) (71,224)
Interest and finance charges paid (7,659) (5,366)
Repayments of lease liabilities (2,120) (5)
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Net cash inflow from financing activities 30,133 15,985
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents 56,453 (8,547)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 16,051 24,090
Effect of movements in exchange rate (899) 508
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year 71,605 16,051
------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows presents cash flows
from both Continuing and Discontinued operations.
Unaudited notes to the quarterly financial statements for period
ended 30 September 2020
1. Basis of preparation
Benchmark Holdings plc (the 'Company') is a company incorporated
domiciled in the United Kingdom. These consolidated quarterly
financial statements as at and for the twelve months ended 30
September 2020 represents that of the Company and its subsidiaries
(together referred to as the 'Group').
These quarterly financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, and should be
read in conjunction with the Group's consolidated financial
statements as at and for the year ended 30 September 2020. They do
not include all of the information required for a complete set of
IFRS financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are
included to explain events and transactions that are significant to
an understanding of the changes in the Group's financial position
and performance since the last annual financial statements.
Statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2020 were
approved by the Directors on 27 November 2020 and will be delivered
to the Registrar of Companies after the AGM on [XX February 2021].
The audit report received on those accounts was unqualified and did
not make a statement under section 498 of the Companies Act
2006.
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors
likely to affect its future development, performance and position
are set out in the Management Report.
As at 30 September 2020 the Group had net assets of GBP295.4m
(2019: GBP310.5m), including cash of GBP71.6m (2019: GBP16.1m) as
set out in the consolidated balance sheet. The Group made a loss
for the year to date of GBP31.9m (2019: GBP83.1m).
As noted in the Management Report, the impact of the Covid-19
pandemic has affected parts of the Group's businesses to varying
degrees. The ultimate impact of the pandemic on industry, the
economy, Benchmark's markets and its businesses remains to some
extent uncertain. Our main markets have experienced mixed fortunes,
with weak shrimp markets, resilient salmon markets and sea
bass/bream markets which have experienced modest impact from
Covid-19. The Directors monitor available market analysis and
believe this situation will continue into 2021. Whilst the outlook
for the shrimp market retains some uncertainty, the outlook for the
salmon sector (underpinning the Genetics and Health businesses)
remains positive and the Directors therefore believe that large
parts of the Group are well placed to deal with the uncertain
global economic future ahead.
The Directors have prepared cash flow projections covering the
period to September 2022 to assess the Group's trading and cash
flow forecasts and the forecast compliance with the covenants
included within the Group's financing arrangements. Cash resources
have been boosted by a number of non-core business disposals during
the year, including the successful disposal of the Improve
International group, the FVG group, the vaccines manufacturing
business and FAI Farms Limited during the period, and the ongoing
cost base following these transactions has been significantly
reduced.
The uncertainty relating to the future impact on the Group of
the virus outbreak has been considered as part of the Directors'
assessment of the going concern assumption. The positive
preventative measures implemented by the Directors at an early
stage in response to the pandemic continue to be in force where
necessary. In the downside scenario analysis performed, the
Directors have considered the severe but plausible impacts of
Covid-19 on the Group's trading and cash flow forecasts, modelling
reductions in the revenues and cash flows in Advanced Nutrition,
being the segment most impacted by Covid-19 because of its exposure
to global shrimp markets, alongside modelling delays to new product
launches in the Health business area. Key downside sensitivities
modelled include assumptions that there is no recovery in global
shrimp markets until quarter three of FY21, affecting demand for
Advanced Nutrition products and a three-month potential delay in
the launch of BMK08, pushing commercial launch back to September
2021. Mitigating measures within the control of management were
implemented early in the pandemic and remain in place and have been
factored into the downside analysis performed. These measures
include reductions in areas of discretionary spend, temporary
furlough of certain staff or reduced working hours, deferral of
capital projects and temporary hold on R&D for non-imminent
products.
It is difficult to predict the overall outcome and impact of the
pandemic, but under the severe but plausible downside scenarios
modelled, the Group has sufficient liquidity and resources
throughout the period under review whilst still maintaining
adequate headroom against the borrowing covenants. The Directors
therefore remain confident that the Group and the Company have
adequate resources to continue to meet its liabilities as and when
they fall due within the period of 12 months from the date of
approval of these financial statements. Accordingly, the financial
statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
2. Accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those used
in preparing the consolidated financial statements for the
financial year ended 30 September 2020.
Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax
rate that would be applicable to expected total earnings.
Alternative performance measures ('APMs')
The Directors measure the performance of the Group based on a
range of financial measures, including measures not recognised by
EU-adopted IFRS. These APMs may not be directly comparable with
other companies' APMs and the Directors do not intend these as a
substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures.
Directors have presented the performance measures Adjusted
EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Profit Before Tax
because it monitors performance at a consolidated level using these
and believes that these measures are relevant to an understanding
of the Group's financial performance (see note 11).
Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of quarterly financial information requires
management to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions
that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual
amounts may differ from these estimates.
In preparing these quarterly financial statements the
significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's
accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty
were the same as those applied to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 30 September 2020.
3. Segment information
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the
reports made to the chief operating decision maker. It is
considered that the role of chief operating decision maker is
performed by the Board of Directors.
The Group operates globally and for management purposes is
organised into reportable segments based on the following Business
Areas:
-- Genetics - harnesses industry leading salmon breeding
technologies combined with state-of-the-art production facilities
to provide a range of year-round high genetic merit ova;
-- Advanced Nutrition - manufactures and provides technically
advanced nutrition and health products to the global aquaculture
industry.
-- Health - provided veterinary services, environmental services
diagnostics and health products to the global aquaculture market,
and manufactures licenced veterinary vaccines and vaccine
components; following the divestment programme the segment now
focusses on providing health products to the global aquaculture
market.
In addition to the above, reported as "all other segments" is
the Knowledge Services Business Area, the operations of which were
disposed of or discontinued in the current and previous years. The
Business Area provided sustainable food production consultancy,
technical consultancy and assurance services and promotes
sustainable food production and ethics through online news and
technical publications for the international agriculture and food
processing sectors and through delivery of training courses to the
industries.
In order to reconcile the segmental analysis to the Consolidated
Income Statement, Corporate and Inter-segment sales are also shown.
C orporate represents revenues earned from recharging certain
central costs to the operating divisions, together with unallocated
central costs.
Measurement of operating segment profit or loss
Inter-segment sales are priced along the same lines as sales to
external customers, with an appropriate discount being applied to
encourage use of Group resources at a rate acceptable to local tax
authorities. This policy was applied consistently throughout the
current and prior period.
Segmental Revenue
Q4 2020 Q4 2019 FY 2020 FY 2019
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Genetics 11,833 9,978 41,504 39,696
Advanced Nutrition 12,094 22,288 59,362 76,776
Health 1,371 6,618 10,799 17,742
All other segments 382 3,262 9,257 15,881
Corporate 947 1,505 4,939 6,534
Inter-segment sales (989) (1,822) (5,469) (7,890)
Total 25,638 41,829 120,392 148,739
--------------------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Segmental Adjusted EBITDA
Q4 2020 Q4 2019 FY 2020 FY 2019
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
---------------------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Genetics 4,648 4,335 14,442 10,075
Advanced Nutrition 181 4,479 6,266 15,406
Health (2,353) (848) (12,886) (10,197)
All other segments 103 301 244 1,264
Corporate (380) (893) (2,299) (2,823)
Total 2,199 7,374 5,767 13,725
---------------------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Reconciliations of segmental information to IFRS measures
Revenue
Q4 2019 FY 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* FY 2020 Restated*
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
--------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenue per segmental
information 25,638 41,829 120,392 148,739
Less: revenue from discontinued
operations (399) (6,243) (14,827) (24,733)
---------------------------------
Consolidated revenue 25,239 35,586 105,565 124,006
--------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Reconciliation of Reportable Segments Adjusted EBITDA to Loss
before taxation from continuing operations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q4 2019 FY 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* FY 2020 Restated*
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Total reportable segment Adjusted
EBITDA 2,476 7,966 7,822 15,284
Other Segment and Corporate
Adjusted EBITDA (277) (592) (2,055) (1,559)
------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
2,199 7,374 5,767 13,725
Less: Adjusted EBITDA from
discontinued operations 2,452 2,336 8,726 7,616
------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing
operations 4,651 9,710 14,493 21,341
Exceptional including acquisition
related items (1,356) (516) (2,114) (581)
Depreciation and impairment (1,984) (1,388) (6,640) (5,054)
Amortisation and impairment (4,108) (49,299) (16,613) (62,133)
Net finance costs (152) (5,399) (11,697) (12,054)
Loss before taxation from
continuing operations (2,949) (46,892) (22,571) (58,481)
------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
*See note 5.
4. Revenue
The Group's operations and main revenue streams are those
described in its financial statements to 30 September 2020. The
Group's revenue is derived from contracts with customers.
Disaggregation of revenue
In the following tables, revenue is disaggregated by primary
geographical market and by sales of goods and services. The table
includes a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue with the
Group's reportable segments (see note 3).
Sale of goods and provision of services
3 months ended 30 September 2020 (unaudited)
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
All figures Advanced other Inter-segment
in GBP000's Genetics Nutrition Health segments Corporate sales Total Discontinued Continued
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
Sale of
goods 11,150 12,084 1,319 116 - - 24,669 123 24,546
Provision
of services 645 - 48 276 - - 969 276 693
Inter-segment
sales 40 13 1 (11) 946 (989) - - -
-------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
11,835 12,097 1,368 381 946 (989) 25,638 399 25,239
------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
3 months ended 30 September 2019 (unaudited)
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
All figures Advanced other Inter-segment Discontinued Continued
in GBP000's Genetics Nutrition Health segments Corporate sales Total Restated* Restated*
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
Sale of
goods 9,230 22,256 4,341 204 - - 36,031 1,271 34,760
Provision
of services 729 1 2,112 2,911 45 - 5,798 4,972 826
Inter-segment
sales 19 31 166 147 1,459 (1,822) - - -
-------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
9,978 22,288 6,619 3,262 1,504 (1,822) 41,829 6,243 35,586
------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
12 months ended 30 September 2020 (audited)
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
All figures Advanced other Inter-segment
in GBP000's Genetics Nutrition Health segments Corporate sales Total Discontinued Continued
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
Sale of
goods 37,555 59,301 6,529 547 - - 103,932 2,551 101,381
Provision
of services 3,909 - 3,846 8,683 22 - 16,460 12,276 4,184
Inter-segment
sales 40 61 424 27 4,917 (5,469) - - -
-------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
41,504 59,362 10,799 9,257 4,939 (5,469) 120,392 14,827 105,565
------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
12 months ended 30 September 2019 (audited)
---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
All figures Advanced other Inter-segment Discontinued Continued
in GBP000's Genetics Nutrition Health segments Corporate sales Total Restated* Restated*
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
Sale of
goods 36,270 76,707 10,582 1,168 - - 124,727 4,154 120,573
Provision
of services 3,285 0 6,582 13,978 167 - 24,012 20,579 3,433
Inter-segment
sales 141 69 578 735 6,367 (7,890) - - -
-------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
39,696 76,776 17,742 15,881 6,534 (7,890) 148,739 24,733 124,006
------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- --------------
Primary geographical markets
3 months ended 30 September 2020 (unaudited)
---------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
All figures Advanced other Inter-segment
in GBP000's Genetics Nutrition Health segments Corporate sales Total Discontinued Continued
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- ------- -------------- -------------
Norway 5,735 186 180 - - - 6,101 - 6,101
UK 820 49 41 354 - - 1,264 354 910
Faroe Islands 1,797 - 79 - - - 1,876 - 1,876
Ecuador - 1,410 - - - - 1,410 - 1,410
India - 1,811 - - - - 1,811 - 1,811
Greece - 642 1 - - - 643 - 643
Singapore - 1,099 - - - - 1,099 - 1,099
Chile 95 4 827 - - - 926 - 926
Rest of
Europe 2,098 684 17 - - - 2,799 - 2,799
Rest of
World 1,250 6,199 222 38 - - 7,709 45 7,664
Inter-segment
sales 40 13 1 (11) 946 (989) - - -
-------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- ------- -------------- -------------
11,835 12,097 1,368 381 946 (989) 25,638 399 25,239
------------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- ------- -------------- -------------
3 months ended 30 September 2019 (unaudited)
---------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
All figures Advanced other Inter-segment Discontinued Continued
in GBP000's Genetics Nutrition Health segments Corporate sales Total Restated Restated
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- ------- -------------- -----------
Norway 4,916 85 733 7 - - 5,741 379 5,362
UK 640 80 701 1,463 45 - 2,929 2,017 912
Faroe Islands 1,924 - - - - - 1,924 - 1,924
Ecuador - 3,098 - - - - 3,098 - 3,098
India - 1,540 - - - - 1,540 - 1,540
Greece 48 1,191 - 4 - - 1,243 3 1,240
Singapore - 2,339 - - - - 2,339 - 2,339
Chile 3 - 1,628 - - - 1,631 437 1,194
Rest of
Europe 1,667 488 1,168 969 - - 4,292 2,134 2,158
Rest of
World 761 13,436 2,223 672 - - 17,092 1,273 15,819
Inter-segment
sales 19 31 166 147 1,459 (1,822) - - -
----------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- ------- -------------- -----------
9,978 22,288 6,619 3,262 1,504 (1,822) 41,829 6,243 35,586
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- ------- -------------- -----------
Primary geographical markets (continued)
12 months ended 30 September 2020 (audited)
---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
All figures Advanced other Inter-segment
in GBP000's Genetics Nutrition Health segments Corporate sales Total Discontinued Continued
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- -----------
Norway 19,709 633 1,608 - - - 21,950 1,145 20,805
UK 6,402 124 1,951 6,149 22 - 14,648 7,506 7,142
Faroe Islands 6,961 3 114 - - - 7,078 - 7,078
Ecuador - 6,822 - - - - 6,822 - 6,822
India - 6,452 6 - - - 6,458 3 6,455
Greece 61 5,666 - - - - 5,727 - 5,727
Singapore - 5,356 7 - - - 5,363 7 5,356
Chile 119 21 4,083 - - - 4,223 1,159 3,064
Rest of
Europe 5,421 4,554 1,566 2,549 - - 14,090 4,071 10,019
Rest of
World 2,791 29,670 1,040 532 - - 34,033 936 33,097
Inter-segment
sales 40 61 424 27 4,917 (5,469) - - -
----------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- -----------
41,504 59,362 10,799 9,257 4,939 (5,469) 120,392 14,827 105,565
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- -----------
12 months ended 30 September 2019 (audited)
---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All
All figures Advanced other Inter-segment Discontinued Continued
in GBP000's Genetics Nutrition Health segments Corporate sales Total Restated Restated
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- -----------
Norway 19,074 466 2,656 8 - - 22,204 1,548 20,656
UK 3,397 255 2,831 8,544 167 - 15,194 10,735 4,459
Faroe Islands 8,248 2 126 - - - 8,376 - 8,376
Ecuador - 9,555 - - - - 9,555 - 9,555
India - 12,798 - - - - 12,798 - 12,798
Greece 114 7,214 20 4 - - 7,352 3 7,349
Singapore - 9,062 17 - - - 9,079 17 9,062
Chile 1,969 33 5,392 - - - 7,394 1,619 5,775
Rest of
Europe 4,943 3,946 3,024 4,733 - - 16,646 7,757 8,889
Rest of
World 1,810 33,376 3,098 1,857 - - 40,141 3,054 37,087
Inter-segment
sales 141 69 578 735 6,367 (7,890) - - -
----------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- -----------
39,696 76,776 17,742 15,881 6,534 (7,890) 148,739 24,733 124,006
---------------- ---------- ----------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------------- -------- -------------- -----------
5. Discontinued activities
In June 2019, the Group announced a programme of structural
efficiencies which focused on the disposal and discontinuation of
non-core activities. This programme primarily included the
businesses within Knowledge Services (reported within 'all other
segments') and the veterinary services business within Health.
These operations were presented as discontinued in the prior year
and the sales of the disposal group were completed during the
current year (see below) and therefore continue to be shown as
discontinued.
During the year, as a continuation of the above programme, a
small non-core business within Advanced Nutrition was put up for
sale and sold and a business within the Corporate category was
closed. A restructuring of the Health business area saw the closure
of the research and development operations at two sites, and the
sale of the Group's vaccine manufacturing facility and exit from
non-core vaccine development collaborations. Consequently, these
operations have been classified as discontinued in the current year
with a corresponding restatement of the consolidated income
statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income for
the year ended 30 September 2019 to reflect these changes.
Summary of restatement of FY 2019 results as reported in FY 2019
financial statements
Discontinued
Continuing operations operations
Loss from Loss from
All figures Adjusted continuing discontinued
in GBP000's Revenue EBITDA operations operations
As stated in
FY 2019
financial
statements 127,343 12,051 (73,291) (9,789)
Reclassified
in Q1 (567) 899 2,841 (2,841)
-------------- --------------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------
As stated in
Q1 2020
financial
statements 126,776 12,950 (70,450) (12,630)
Reclassified
in Q2 - 583 583 (583)
-------------- --------------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------
As stated in
Q2 2020
financial
statements 126,776 13,533 (69,867) (13,213)
Reclassified
in Q3 - - - -
-------------- --------------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------
As stated in
Q3 2020
financial
statements 126,776 13,533 (69,867) (13,213)
Reclassified
in Q4 (2,770) 7,808 10,746 (10,746)
-------------- --------------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------
As stated in
Q4 2020
financial
statements 124,006 21,341 (59,121) (23,959)
-------------- --------------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------
Disposals of subsidiaries
On 1 January 2020, the Group divested its TomAlgae BV subsidiary
for nominal proceeds. The business was in the R&D phase and
required significant further investment to bring a commercial
product to market.
On 23 June 2020, the Group divested its global provider of
continuing professional development training for veterinary
professionals, Improve International Limited and its subsidiaries
('Improve'). Total consideration for Improve could be up to
GBP12.8m of which GBP11.8m has been recognised at fair value (see
table below). This included contingent consideration with a fair
value of GBP1.8m relating to the successful renewal of a contract
(GBP0.8m) and the delivery of certain future revenues in financial
years ended 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2022 (GBP1.0m). The
renewal of the contract has since occurred and the GBP0.8m
contingent consideration was received on 31 July 2020.
On 1 July 2020, the Group completed the sale of Fish Vet Group
Limited and its subsidiaries ('FVG') to Pharmaq, part of the global
animal health company Zoetis, for a total cash consideration of
GBP14.5m. The sale comprises Benchmark's veterinary and diagnostic
services activities in the UK, Ireland, Norway and Chile.
On 10 August 2020, the Group completed the sale of its
subsidiary FAI Farms Limited ('FAI') whose activities include
consultancy in the food and farming sectors, research and
development in sustainable food production, and commercial farming.
The business was sold to members of its management team for cash
consideration of GBP0.1m.
Trade and asset disposals
During the year, the businesses of a Group's subsidiary 5M
Enterprises Limited were disposed of as follows:
-- On 7 February 2020, the Group disposed of Aquaculture UK, its
conferencing business, for initial consideration of GBP1.5m with up
to an additional GBP0.5m depending on the revenue outcome of the
next event (this contingent consideration has been valued at GBPnil
at 30 September 2020 based on the uncertainty of the conference
revenue particularly due to the potential impact of Covid-19).
-- Sales of the Group's various online news publications, for a
combined total cash consideration of GBP0.6m have completed in the
period.
-- On 31 July 2020 its publishing business was sold for cash consideration of GBP0.1m.
-- On 23 June 2020 its veterinary practice magazine and
conferences business was sold for GBP0.1m.
On 31 July 2020, the Group completed the sale of its vaccine
manufacturing facility and certain other assets to Cell and Gene
Therapy Catapult for total cash consideration of GBP16.0m. This is
part of a GBP100m investment by the UK Government to develop the
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Manufacturing Innovation Centre to
manufacture millions of doses of Covid-19 vaccines per month.
Other asset disposals
On 24 July 2020, the Group exited one of its vaccine development
collaboration agreements with its partner through a mutual and
amicable agreement. A settlement payment of GBP1.0m was received on
21 August, with a potential further GBP1.0m to be received
contingent on certain future conditions being met. Reflecting the
level of the uncertainty in meeting these conditions, the
contingent consideration has been deemed to have a fair value of
GBPnil.
A similar arrangement was reached to exit some other vaccine
collaboration agreements on 30 September 2020, in which a
settlement of CHF 0.8m (GBP0.7m) was paid to the collaboration
partner in October 2020 and the rights to any future benefits of a
successful vaccine were transferred to a third party in return for
the receipt of potential future development and performance
milestone payments of up to USD 6.0m (GBP4.9m) contingent on
certain approvals and performance criteria, and subsequent royalty
payments contingent on sales of successfully launched products.
Reflecting the level of uncertainty in meeting of these conditions,
the contingent consideration has been deemed to have a fair value
of GBPnil.
Results from discontinued operations
FY 2019
Q4 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* FY 2020 Restated*
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
----------------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Revenue 399 6,243 14,827 24,733
Cost of sales (1,918) (4,641) (13,000) (17,864)
----------------------------------------
Gross profit (1,519) 1,602 1,827 6,869
Research and development costs (263) (995) (2,725) (3,369)
Other operating costs (670) (2,943) (7,828) (11,116)
---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Adjusted EBITDA (2,452) (2,336) (8,726) (7,616)
Exceptional items (34) (448) 5,086 (745)
---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
EBITDA (2,486) (2,784) (3,640) (8,361)
Depreciation and impairment (803) (8,898) (2,498) (12,173)
Amortisation and impairment (2,035) (3,272) (2,789) (3,954)
---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Operating loss (5,324) (14,954) (8,927) (24,488)
Finance costs (55) (9) (137) -
---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Loss before taxation (5,379) (14,963) (9,064) (24,488)
Tax on loss - 553 (110) 529
---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Loss from discontinued operations (5,379) (14,410) (9,174) (23,959)
---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
*See note 5.
Exceptional items - discontinued operations
Q4 2020 Q4 2019 FY 2020 FY 2019
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
------------------------------------ --- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Profit on disposal of subsidiaries 8,748 - 14,120 -
Loss on disposal of trade and
assets (3,703) - (1,874) -
Profit on other asset disposals 271 - 271 -
Other costs relating to disposals (370) - (484) -
Provision for onerous lease - (349) - (349)
Staff costs (958) - (1,603) (99)
Cost of sales (including inventory
write downs) (1,325) (99) (1,666) (297)
Legal & professional fees (2,462) - (3,513) -
Other (235) - (165) -
Total exceptional items recognised
on discontinued operations (34) (448) 5,086 (745)
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Results from discontinued operations by segment
Advanced All other
Nutrition Health segments Corporate Total Discontinued
Q4 2020 Q4 2020 Q4 2020 Q4 2020 Q4 2020
All figures in
GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------
Revenue - 8 391 - 399
Adjusted EBITDA (25) (2,516) 120 (31) (2,452)
Operating profit/(loss) (25) (4,379) (889) (31) (5,324)
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------
Advanced All other
Nutrition Health segments Corporate Total Discontinued
Q4 2019 Q4 2019 Q4 2019 Q4 2019 Q4 2019
All figures in Restated* Restated* Restated* Restated* Restated*
GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------
Revenue 271 2,815 3,110 47 6,243
Adjusted EBITDA (194) (2,247) 192 (87) (2,336)
Operating loss (2,714) (4,431) (7,722) (87) (14,954)
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------
Advanced All other
Nutrition Health segments Corporate Total Discontinued
All figures in FY 2020 FY 2020 FY 2020 FY 2020 FY 2020
GBP000's (audited) (audited) (audited) (audited) (audited)
------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------
Revenue 2 5,573 9,230 22 14,827
Adjusted EBITDA (143) (9,151) 749 (181) (8,726)
Operating profit/(loss) (394) (11,914) 3,818 (437) (8,927)
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------
Advanced All other
Nutrition Health segments Corporate Total Discontinued
FY 2019 FY 2019 FY 2019 FY 2019 FY 2019
All figures in Restated* Restated* Restated* Restated* Restated*
GBP000's (audited) (audited) (audited) (audited) (audited)
------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------
Revenue 400 9,025 15,141 167 24,733
Adjusted EBITDA (609) (8,102) 1,386 (291) (7,616)
Operating loss (3,201) (11,776) (9,218) (293) (24,488)
------------------------------ -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------------
*See note 5.
6. Exceptional - restructuring/acquisition related items
Items that are material because of their size or nature,
non-recurring and whose significance is sufficient to warrant
separate disclosure and identification within the consolidated
financial statements are referred to as exceptional items. The
separate reporting of exceptional items helps to provide an
understanding of the Group's underlying performance.
Q4 2020 Q4 2019 FY 2020 FY 2019
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
---------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Acquisition related
items (586) 75 (586) 82
Exceptional restructuring
costs (770) (591) (1,528) (663)
Total exceptional items (1,356) (516) (2,114) (581)
--------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Acquisition related items in Q4 2020 and FY 2020 include
GBP233,000 in relation to a loan provided to a company that was a
potential acquisition target and which has now been provided for,
GBP353,000 was in fees in relation to investigating a potential
partnership in the Health business area which was not pursued.
Exceptional restructuring expenses in Q4 2020 include GBP568,000
(FY 2020: GBP1,244,000) of staff costs relating to the Board's
decision to make significant changes to the Group's management team
and bring in new management, GBP202,000 of other costs (FY 2020:
GBP232,000) and GBPnil (FY 2020: GBP52,000) of legal and
professional costs relating to the ongoing restructuring of the
group.
7. Taxation
FY 2019
Q4 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* Restated*
FY 2020
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
-------------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Current tax expense
Analysis of charge in period
Current tax:
Current income tax expense
on profits for the period (506) (204) (3,141) (4,258)
Adjustment in respect of prior
periods (836) (76) (836) (76)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Total current tax charge (1,342) (280) (3,977) (4,334)
Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal of
temporary differences 634 888 3,490 4,499
Deferred tax movements in
respect of prior periods 282 (805) 283 (805)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Total deferred tax credit 916 83 3,773 3,694
Total tax charge on continuing
operations (426) (197) (204) (640)
------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
*See note 5.
8. Loss per share
Basic earnings/loss per share is calculated by dividing the
profit or loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the
Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
during the period.
FY 2019
Q4 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* Restated*
FY 2020
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
--------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Loss attributable to equity
holders of the parent (GBP000)
Continuing operations (4,162) (47,399) (23,749) (59,898)
Discontinued operations (5,379) (14,410) (9,174) (23,959)
Total (9,541) (61,809) (32,923) (83,857)
--------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Weighted average number of
shares in issue (thousands) 667,654 558,381 625,466 557,851
Basic loss per share (pence)
Continuing operations (0.62) (8.49) (3.80) (10.74)
Discontinued operations (0.82) (2.58) (1.46) (4.29)
Total (1.43) (11.07) (5.26) (15.03)
--------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
*See note 5.
Diluted earnings/loss per share is calculated by adjusting the
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume
conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. This is done
by calculating the number of shares that could have been acquired
at fair value (determined as the average market price of the
Company's shares for the period) based on the monetary value of the
subscription rights attached to outstanding share options and
warrants. The number of shares calculated above is compared with
the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the
exercise of the share options and warrants.
Therefore, the Company is required to adjust the earnings per
share calculation in relation to the share options that are in
issue under the Company's share-based incentive schemes, and
outstanding warrants. However, as any potential ordinary shares
would be anti-dilutive due to losses being made there is no
difference between Basic loss per share and Diluted loss per share
for any of the periods being reported.
At 30 September 2020, a total of 1,426,663 potential ordinary
shares have not been included within the calculation of statutory
diluted loss per share for the period (30 September 2019:
2,962,168) as they are anti-dilutive. These potential ordinary
shares could dilute earnings/loss per share in the future.
9. Loans and borrowings
The Group's borrowing facilities includes a USD 15m RCF provided
by DNB Bank ASA (50%) and HSBC UK Bank PLC (50%). At 30 September
2020 the whole facility (USD 15m) was undrawn.
10. Share capital and share premium
Additional
paid-in
Share share
Number Capital capital
Allotted, called up and fully paid GBP000 GBP000
------------------------------------ ------------ --------- -----------
Ordinary shares of 0.1p each
Balance at 30 September 2019 558,741,439 559 358,044
Exercise of share options 1,503,407 2 -
Shares issued through placing and
open offer 107,440,766 107 41,557
Balance at 30 September 2020 667,685,612 668 399,601
------------------------------------ ------------ --------- -----------
During the year ended 30 September 2020, the Company issued a
total of 1,503,407 shares of 0.1p each to certain employees of the
Group relating to share options.
On 19 February 2020, the Company issued 91,000,000 new Ordinary
Shares by way of a placing and 16,440,766 new Ordinary Shares by
way of an open offer to qualifying shareholders, both at an issue
price of 40p. Gross proceeds of GBP36.4m for the placing shares and
GBP6.6m for the open offer shares were received 19 and 20 February
2020 respectively. Non-recurring costs of GBP1.3m were incurred in
relation to the share issues and this has been charged to the share
premium account.
11. Alternative profit measures and other metrics
Management has presented the performance measures Adjusted
EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Profit Before Tax
because it monitors performance at a consolidated level using these
and believes that these measures are relevant to an understanding
of the Group's financial performance.
Adjusted EBITDA which reflects underlying profitability, is
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation,
impairment, exceptional items and acquisition related expenditure
and is shown on the Income Statement.
Adjusted Operating Profit/Loss is operating loss before
exceptional items including acquisition related items and
amortisation and impairment of intangible assets excluding
development costs as reconciled below.
Adjusted Profit/Loss Before Tax is earnings before tax,
amortisation and impairment of intangibles assets excluding
development costs, exceptional items and acquisition related
expenditure as reconciled below. These measures are not defined
performance measures in IFRS. The Group's definition of these
measures may not be comparable with similarly titled performance
measures and disclosures by other entities.
Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Profit/(Loss) to Operating
Loss
Continuing operations
FY 2019
Q4 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* Restated*
FY 2020
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
---------------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Revenue 25,239 35,586 105,565 124,006
Cost of sales (12,317) (13,591) (50,603) (55,064)
--------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Gross profit 12,922 21,995 54,962 68,942
Research and development
costs (1,307) (2,612) (7,282) (9,481)
Other operating costs (6,909) (9,691) (33,337) (37,706)
Depreciation and impairment (1,984) (1,388) (6,640) (5,054)
Amortisation of capitalised - - - -
development costs
Share of profit of equity
accounted investees net
of tax (55) 18 150 (414)
--------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Adjusted Operating (Loss)/Profit 2,667 8,322 7,853 16,287
Exceptional - restructuring
acquisition related items (1,356) (516) (2,114) (581)
Amortisation and impairment
of intangible assets excluding
development costs (4,108) (49,299) (16,613) (62,133)
--------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Operating loss (2,797) (41,493) (10,874) (46,427)
--------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
*See note 5.
Reconciliation of Loss Before Taxation to Adjusted Loss Before
Tax
Continuing operations
FY 2019
Q4 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* Restated*
FY 2020
All figures in GBP000's (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
----------------------------------------- --- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Loss before taxation (2,949) (46,892) (22,571) (58,481)
Exceptional - restructuring/acquisition
related items 1,356 516 2,114 581
Amortisation and impairment
of intangible assets excluding
development costs 4,108 49,299 16,613 62,133
---------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
Adjusted Loss Before Tax 2,515 2,923 (3,844) 4,233
---------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ------------
* See note 5.
Other metrics FY 2019
Q4 2019
Q4 2020 Restated* Restated*
FY 2020
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (audited)
Total R&D Investment GBP000 GBP001 GBP000 GBP000
-------------------------------- --- -------------------------- ------------------------ ----------- ------------
Research and development
costs
- Continuing operations 1,307 2,612 7,282 9,481
- Discontinued operations 263 995 2,725 3,369
------------------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------ ----------- ------------
1,570 3,607 10,007 12,850
Internal capitalised development
costs 1,624 2,158 4,583 7,673
----------- ------------
Total R&D investment 3,194 5,765 14,590 20,523
------------------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------ ----------- ------------
Liquidity
Following the refinancing in June 2019 a key financial covenant
is a minimum liquidity of GBP10m, defined as cash plus undrawn
facilities.
30 September
2020
All figures in GBP000's (audited)
--------------------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents 71,605
Undrawn bank facility 11,612
83,217
--------------------------- --------------
12. Net debt
Net debt is cash and cash equivalents less loans and borrowings
excluding balances held for sale.
30 September 30 September
2020 2019
All figures in GBP000's (audited) (audited)
------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents 71,605 16,051
Loans and borrowings - current (5,339) (3,231)
Loans and borrowings - non-current (103,819) (99,961)
(37,553) (87,141)
------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Following the adoption of IFRS 16 from 1 October 2019, an
additional amount of lease liabilities of GBP9.2m (30 September
2019: GBPnil) have been included in loans and borrowings above
relating to arrangements that would previously accounted for as
operating leases.
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