TIDMBMK

RNS Number : 2203R

Benchmark Holdings PLC

28 February 2023

28 February 2023

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")

Q1 Results

(Three months ended 31 December 2022)

Excellent start to the year with growth in all business areas and significant uplift in Health

In compliance with the terms of the Company's unsecured Green bond, which requires it to publish quarterly financial information, Benchmark, the aquaculture biotechnology business, announces its unaudited results for the three months ended 31 December 2022 (the "Period"), which constitute the first quarter for the fiscal year ("FY") 2023 . All Q1 FY22 and Q1 FY23 figures quoted in this announcement are based on unaudited accounts.

Financial highlights

Continuation of consistent year-on-year growth in Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA on a rolling twelve month basis

   --    Q1 FY23 revenues were GBP54.5m, 36% ahead of the prior year (+29% CER) 

o Genetics delivered strong revenue growth 41% above Q1 FY22, driven primarily by higher sales of salmon eggs and harvest revenues

o Advanced Nutrition also reported strong growth with revenues 19% above Q1 FY22, benefitting from continued positive trading and forex movements

o Health reported excellent growth with revenues 80% above Q1 FY22, driven by increased adoption of Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) and significantly higher sales of Salmosan(R) Vet

-- Q1 FY23 Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movements from biological assets increased 61% (+56% CER) to GBP12.1m as a result of higher revenues, higher asset utilisation and continued cost discipline

o Notably, Adjusted EBITDA in Health increased substantially to GBP4.1m in the quarter (Q1 FY22: GBP0.5m) demonstrating the potential of this business area to deliver good profitability

o Group Adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% excluding fair value movements from biological assets (Q1 FY22:19%)

   --    Net operating loss of GBP0.1m (Q1 FY22: GBP1.5m loss) 
   --    Net loss of -GBP0.7m significantly reduced from prior year (Q1 FY22: -GBP5.1m) 
   --    Cash inflow from operating activities of GBP8.1m (Q1 FY22: inflow GBP1.1m) 
   --    Cash, liquidity and net debt all improved compared to the year end position : 

o Cash of GBP42.8m and liquidity of GBP62.8m (cash and available facility)

o Reduced net debt excluding lease liabilities of GBP37.9m (30 September 2022: GBP47.5m)

o Includes benefit of net proceeds from the fundraise in December 2022 of GBP11.6m

Operational highlights

-- Advanced Nutrition - continued good performance despite relative softness in the shrimp market

o Growth in all product areas

o Adjusted EBITDA margin in line with prior year at 23% (Q1 FY22: 23%) benefitting from success of new commercial focus, cost discipline and ongoing actions to improve efficiency and asset utilisation offsetting cost inflation

o Continued innovation with pre-launch of new artemia tool which counts hatched Artemia

   --    Genetics - Continued growth in salmon egg sales with record number of eggs sold 

o 118m eggs sold in Q1 FY23 (Q1 FY22: 76m eggs) demonstrating continued success in meeting increased customer demand supported by recent investment in incubation unit in Iceland

o Temporary slowdown in commercialisation of shrimp genetics (SPR shrimp) in order to refine product offering based on customer feedback from first commercial cycle. Expect to relaunch commercial effort in H2

o Post period end, acquisition of remaining 10.52% minority interest in its subsidiary Benchmark Genetics Iceland, ensuring Benchmark receives the full benefit from its successful salmon genetics business in Iceland which represents 50% of the Group's salmon egg capacity

o Exploring strategic alternatives for tilapia breeding activities

   --    Health - Significant increase in customer adoption of  Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) 

o Significant growth in customer adoption of Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) with repeat orders and new client wins which resulted in improved capacity utilisation and strong profitability

o Progress made towards development of new business model for Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) aimed at reducing infrastructure costs and capex

-- Timing of commercial launch of integrated wellboat projects subject to availability and adoption of new large wellboats by customers

-- Progress being made around Customer owned PSV's which represent a viable alternative in the medium to long term

Oslo Børs listing

-- Progress towards listing on the Oslo Børs, the leading seafood and aquaculture listing venue globally; ongoing shareholder consultation on whether to maintain an AIM listing

Current trading and outlook

-- Strong Q1 FY23 performance and continued positive trading post period end. Encouraging outlook for the full year

o Genetics - good visibility of revenues

o Advanced Nutrition - continuing positive performance despite some softness in the shrimp market

o Health - increasing evidence of customer growing adoption of Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R)

Financial Summary

 
  GBPm                            Q1 FY23     Q1 FY22    % AER    % CER(**)     FY22 
                                                                                (full 
                                                                                year) 
 Revenue                           54.5       40.0       +36%       +29%       158.3 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Adjusted 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA(1)                11.0        7.4       +48%       +44%       31.2 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Adj. EBITDA excluding 
  fair value movement 
  in biological asset              12.1        7.5       +61%       +56%       29.6 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Adjusted Operating Profit(2)      5.7         2.5      +131%      +127%        9.1 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Statutory 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Operating loss                   (0.1)       (1.5)      +92%       +86%       (7.9) 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) before 
  tax                              0.1        (3.7)     +103%      +114%      (23.2) 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Loss for the period              (0.7)       (5.1)      +87%       +96%      (30.5) 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Basic loss per share 
  (p)                             (0.18)     (0.79)                           (4.60) 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Net debt(3)                      (61.4)     (64.3)                           (73.7) 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Net debt excluding lease 
  liabilities                     (37.9)     (43.1)                           (47.5) 
                                ---------  ----------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 

Business Area summary

 
  GBPm                                                         Q1 FY23    Q1 FY22    % AER    % CER(**)     FY22 
                                                                                                            (full 
                                                                                                            year) 
 Revenue 
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Advanced Nutrition                                             22.7       19.1      +19%       +4%        80.3 
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Genetics                                                       21.4       15.2      +41%       +42%       58.0 
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Health                                                         10.4       5.8       +80%       +80%       20.1 
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA(1) 
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Advanced Nutrition                                             5.3        4.3       +23%       +9%        19.0 
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Genetics                                                       2.6        3.3       -21%       -10%       16.0 
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 
   *    Genetics net of fair value movements in biological 
        assets                                                  3.7        3.4       +11%       +19%       14.4 
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 Health                                                         4.1        0.5      +643%      +635%        0.1 
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------  -----------  -------- 
 

*Constant exchange rate (CER) figures derived by retranslating current year figures using previous year's foreign exchange rates

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and impairment), before exceptional items

(2) Adjusted Operating Profit is operating gain or loss before exceptional items and amortisation of intangible assets excluding development costs

(3) Net debt is cash and cash equivalents less loans and borrowings

Trond Williksen, CEO, commented:

"Benchmark has had an excellent start to the year, again showing a continuation of the consistent growth we have seen in revenues and net operating profit on a twelve month rolling basis. This is the result of a good performance in all our business areas. In particular, it is pleasing to see traction in our Health business driven by significantly higher adoption of our sea lice solutions, contributing to a positive financial performance for the quarter."

"We are making progress towards our goal of up-listing to the Oslo Børs , the preeminent listing venue for aquaculture and seafood companies globally. This will enable us to increase our visibility with a dedicated group of analysts and investors."

"We are grateful to our existing shareholders for their support through the years and we are committed to continuing to deliver improved financial performance and strategic progress for the benefit of all our stakeholders."

Analyst / investor presentation and webcast being held today

Trond Williksen, Chief Executive Officer and Septima Maguire, Chief Financial Officer will host an in-person presentation for analysts and institutional investors today at 9.00 am CET/8.00 am UK time. The presentation will take place at Hotel Continental, Stortingsgata 24/26, 0117 Oslo.

A live webcast of the presentation is available for analysts and investors to join remotely at the following link: https://channel.royalcast.com/hegnarmedia/#!/hegnarmedia/20230228_7

Enquiries

 
 For further information, please contact: 
 Benchmark Holdings plc                            benchmark@mhpgroup.com 
 Trond Williksen, CEO 
 Septima Maguire, CFO 
 Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations 
 
 Numis (Broker and NOMAD)                          Tel: +44(0) 20 7260 1000 
 James Black, Freddie Barnfield, Duncan Monteith 
 
 MHP                                               Tel: +44(0) 20 3128 8004 
 Katie Hunt, Reg Hoare, Veronica Farah             benchmark@mhpgroup.com 
 

About Benchmark

Benchmark is a market leading aquaculture biotechnology company. Benchmark's mission is to drive sustainability in aquaculture by delivering products and solutions in genetics, advanced nutrition and health which improve yield, growth and animal health and welfare.

Through a global footprint in 26 countries and a broad portfolio of products and solutions, Benchmark addresses many of the major aquaculture species - salmon, shrimp, sea bass and sea bream, and tilapia - in all the major aquaculture regions around the world. Find out more at www.benchmarkplc.com

Management Report

The Group delivered excellent performance in the first three months of the year translating into a 36% growth in revenue and 61% growth in Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movements from biological assets. Performance was good across all business areas, with each business area reporting improved revenues and Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movements from biological assets when compared to the same period last year. On a constant exchange rate basis, Group revenue and Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movements were up 29% and 56% respectively.

Other operating costs were GBP11.8m, a 18% increase from the prior year (Q1 FY22: GBP9.9m) due to cost inflation and the impact of forex movements. By business area, operating costs increased more significantly in Genetics reflecting the investment in growth vectors including SPR shrimp, tilapia and salmon in Chile. R&D expenses for the Group of GBP1.6m were in line with the prior year. Total R&D investment including capitalised development costs was GBP1.6m (Q1 FY22: GBP2.3m), reflecting commercialisation of SPR shrimp during the previous year for which costs are no longer capitalised.

Adjusted EBITDA (excluding fair value movement from biological assets) was GBP12.1m (Q1 FY22: GBP7.5m) driven by higher revenues, increased asset utilisation and ongoing cost control. As a result, the Group achieved an Adjusted EBITDA margin (excluding fair value movement from biological assets) of 22% (Q1 FY22: 19%). Depreciation and amortisation increased 13% from the comparative period last year to GBP10.1m (Q1 FY22: GBP8.9m) as a result of investment in the businesses and GBP0.5m impairment of intangible assets in the Health business area which are no longer being utilised. Exceptional costs incurred in the period of GBP1.0m (Q1 FY22: GBPnil) related to costs associated with the listing on Euronext Growth Oslo and preparation for up-listing on the Oslo stock exchange. However, despite these increased costs, the Group reported only a small operating loss of GBP0.1m, a significant improvement from the GBP1.5m loss in Q1 FY22.

Net finance income in the period was GBP0.2m (Q1 FY22: GBP2.2m expense), with a GBP2.5m credit relating to the ineffectively hedged portion of the movement in the fair value of derivate instruments and a lower amortisation charge on capitalised borrowing fees of GBP0.1m (Q1 FY22: GBP0.3m charge) offsetting the increased interest charges (-GBP0.3m) following the refinancing exercise.

The Group reported a small profit before tax of GBP0.1m (Q1 FY22: loss before tax GBP3.7m); the loss after tax for the period was GBP0.7m (Q1 FY22: loss after tax GBP5.1m).

The Group's improved result translated in a significantly higher net operating cash inflow from operating activities for the period at GBP8.1m (Q1 FY22: inflow GBP1.1m). This was after an increase in working capital of GBP0.8m and tax payments of GBP1.5m in the period. Net cash used in investing activities was GBP2.2m (Q1 FY22: GBP2.6m) of which capex was GBP1.9m (Q1 FY22: GBP2.5m). Capex in the period related to investment in Genetics (GBP1.3m), Nutrition (GBP0.4m) and in Health (GBP0.2m). Net cash inflow from financing activities was GBP2.2m, with net proceeds from the fundraise in December 2022 of GBP11.6m being offset by GBP4.4m repayment of debt, GBP0.6m of capitalised borrowing fees, GBP2.2m of interest paid and GBP2.2m of lease payments. Net increase in cash in the quarter was GBP8.1m to leave the period end cash position at GBP42.8m and l iquidity of GBP62.8m .

Advanced Nutrition

Advanced Nutrition revenues were GBP22.7m, up 19% with sales higher in all product areas, also aided by favourable forex rates in the period (revenues increased at CER by 4%). By product area, sales of Artemia were +23%, Diets +10% and Health +27% higher than Q1 FY22. Q1 FY23 Adjusted EBITDA was GBP5.3m, up by 23% reflecting improved asset utilisation and ongoing cost discipline. Adjusted EBITDA margin was consistent at 23% (Q1 FY22: 23%). Notably, the Company's good performance in Advanced Nutrition was delivered against a backdrop of soft market conditions entering into FY23 affected by weather conditions in Thailand, the presence of SHIV virus in Indonesia and in Latin America by high fuel costs combined with low farm gate prices.

Our continued growth in Advanced Nutrition revenues is a reflection of our focused commercial effort which brings together our market leading, high performing product portfolio, experienced technical support and a quality oriented, reliable supply chain. We continue to innovate both in our existing range and development of new products and during the period we carried out a pre-launch of our Artemia counter, adding to our suite of Artemia technologies to improve customer experience. Examples of our customer-centric commercial effort in the period include trials of our specialist diets conducted by our global and regional technical experts working together to optimise customer performance in Indonesia, and artemia workshops conducted by our regional technical support and local sales teams aimed at tailoring the use of artemia tools and hatching protocols to individual customer needs.

Genetics

Genetics delivered revenues of GBP21.4m in Q1 FY23 (Q1 FY22: GBP15.2m), reflecting a strong growth of 41% (+42% CER). This was driven primarily by sales of salmon eggs and harvest income which increased by 57% and 31%, respectively. Revenues from genetic services, our consulting business were 14% ahead of Q1 FY22. There was a slowdown in the commercial roll-out of the SPR shrimp as we refine our product offering based on customer feedback in our first year of trading. As a result, sales from SPR shrimp were 20% below the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 FY23 (excluding fair value movements of biological assets) was GBP3.7m, 11% ahead of the prior year (Q1 FY22: GBP3.4m), and at constant exchange rates, was 19% higher than the prior year. The fair value movements on biological assets in the quarter was a GBP1.1m reduction in value (Q1 FY22: GBP0.1m reduction), so Adjusted EBITDA including fair value movements for Q1 FY23 was GBP2.6m (Q1 FY22: GBP3.3m).

Post period end the Company announced the retirement of Jan-Emil Johannessen, Head of Benchmark Genetics who will be succeeded by Geir Olav Melingen, currently Commercial Director Salmon at Benchmark, with effect from 1 June 2023. During his tenure Jan-Emil has built a talented and experienced team capable of taking Benchmark Genetics through the next phase of growth. Geir Olav Melingen has extensive experience from leading roles in the aquaculture industry including at MSD, as CEO of Fishguard and CEO of the Bergen Aquarium. He has deep experience in fish health and the salmon industry with a PhD in fish health from the University of Bergen.

Health

Revenues in Q1 FY23 were GBP10.4m (Q1 FY22: GBP5.8m) as a result of significantly increased customer uptake and sales of Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) and significant growth in Salmosan Vet - our well established sea lice treatment. Revenues from Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) were GBP7.5m of which GBP1.7m was derived from recharging vessel and fuel costs associated with the Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) operations.

Revenues from Salmosan(R) Vet, our long-established sea lice treatment were GBP2.9m (Q1 FY22: GBP1.3m) with significant growth achieved in Canada, Norway and the Faroe Islands. Growth was driven by a variation to the marketing label which supports a longer product exposure, as well as enhanced engagement with customers through our portfolio of sea lice solutions which can be used in combination to address our customers' sea lice challenge.

The significant increase in revenues resulted in Adjusted EBITDA of GBP4.1m in the quarter (Q1 FY22: GBP0.5m) demonstrating the potential of this business area to deliver good profitability.

Operationally we continue to make improvements in the efficiency of the delivery of our Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) solution achieving a new record in the speed of water transfer between the treatment wellboat and the CleanTreat(R) units, a key parameter for our customers. Speed of water transfer is now approximately double what it was at launch.

In the period we made progress towards a new business model for Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) aimed at lowering the Company's exposure to infrastructure costs by lowering capital intensity and capital investment. The Company has established a partnership with leading specialist wellboat equipment provider MMC and ship designer SALT to capture opportunities to integrate its CleanTreat(R) systems into new wellboats coming to the market. The speed of adoption of a fully integrated solution on wellboats is reliant on the availability and customer adoption of new large wellboats. Customer owned PSV's/platforms are a viable alternative to large wellboats in the medium to long term.

Oslo B ø rs uplisting and delisting from AIM

As previously announced at the end of FY22, the Company intends to up-list from Euronext Growth Oslo to the Oslo Børs and we are making progress towards this goal. Oslo is the leading listing venue for aquaculture and seafood companies. There are 27 listed companies in the seafood sector in Oslo while Benchmark is the only pure play aquaculture company listed on the London Stock Exchange. A listing on the Oslo Børs provides natural access to an important pool of specialist investors best equipped to recognise the Company's added value and growth potential. The Company is conducting a consultation with shareholders on whether to maintain a listing on AIM. The potential up-listing to the Oslo Børs and delisting from AIM are subject to shareholder approval and market conditions.

Current Trading and Outlook

Post period end the Company continues to perform well across all business areas and the outlook for the full year is encouraging. This reflects good visibility of revenues in Genetics, a positive performance in Advanced Nutrition despite soft shrimp markets, and increasing evidence of customer adoption for Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) in Health.

Benchmark Holdings plc

Consolidated Income Statement for the period ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                             Q1 2023         Q1 2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                       Notes     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Revenue                                         4            54,495          40,014       158,277 
 Cost of sales                                              (30,268)        (20,515)      (75,149) 
--------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Gross profit                                                 24,227          19,499        83,128 
 Research and development costs                              (1,563)         (1,647)       (6,691) 
 Other operating costs                                      (11,753)         (9,923)      (44,661) 
 Share of profit/(loss) of equity-accounted 
  investees, net of tax                                           56           (504)         (595) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted EBITDA(2)                                           10,967           7,425        31,181 
 Exceptional items                               5             (972)               -            16 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 EBITDA(1)                                                     9,995           7,425        31,197 
 Depreciation and impairment                                 (4,615)         (4,495)      (19,897) 
 Amortisation and impairment                                 (5,502)         (4,388)      (19,161) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Operating loss                                                (122)         (1,458)       (7,861) 
 Finance cost                                                (7,286)         (2,343)      (20,057) 
 Finance income                                                7,508             119         4,741 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Profit/(loss) before taxation                                   100         (3,682)      (23,177) 
 Tax on loss                                     6             (779)         (1,427)       (7,274) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  -------------- 
 Loss for the period                                           (679)         (5,109)      (30,451) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Loss for the period attributable 
  to: 
 - Owners of the parent                                      (1,283)         (5,357)      (32,087) 
 - Non-controlling interest                                      604             248         1,636 
--------------------------------------------  ------                  -------------- 
                                                               (679)         (5,109)      (30,451) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic loss per share (pence)                    7            (0.18)          (0.79)        (4.60) 
 Diluted loss per share (pence)                  7            (0.18)          (0.79)        (4.60) 
--------------------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

1 EBITDA - Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, and impairment

2 Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA before exceptional items

Benchmark Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                                                           FY 
                                                        Q1 2023         Q1 2022          2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                            (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
------------------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Loss for the period                                      (679)         (5,109)      (30,451) 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Items that are or may be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or loss 
 Foreign exchange translation differences              (18,040)         (2,611)        47,606 
 Cash flow hedges - changes in fair 
  value                                                   (516)           (134)         2,627 
 Cash flow hedges - reclassified 
  to profit or loss                                       (113)             115         2,546 
 Total comprehensive income for 
  the period                                           (19,348)         (7,739)        22,328 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Total comprehensive income for 
  the period attributable to: 
 - Owners of the parent                                (19,751)         (7,948)        20,326 
 - Non-controlling interest                                 403             209         2,002 
----------------------------------------------- 
                                                       (19,348)         (7,739)        22,328 
 ----------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial information.

Benchmark Holdings plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022

 
 
                                                      31 December    31 December    30 September 
                                                             2022           2021            2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                     Notes    (unaudited)    (unaudited)       (audited) 
------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                             80,505         78,082          81,900 
 Right-of-use assets                                       23,883         23,062          27,034 
 Intangible assets                                        224,606        224,192         245,264 
 Equity-accounted investees                                 3,041          2,815           3,113 
 Other investments                                             15             15              15 
 Biological and agricultural assets                        24,930         21,206          20,878 
 Trade and other receivables                                  422              -               - 
 Non-current assets                                       357,402        349,372         378,204 
------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Inventories                                               28,222         21,343          29,813 
 Biological and agricultural assets                        17,154         17,137          25,780 
 Trade and other receivables                               51,159         43,267          56,377 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                 42,782         52,705          36,399 
------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Current assets                                           139,317        134,452         148,369 
------------------------------------------  ------                 -------------  -------------- 
 Total assets                                             496,719        483,824         526,573 
------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                (35,254)       (39,001)        (44,324) 
 Loans and borrowings                          8         (16,227)        (6,872)        (17,091) 
 Corporation tax liability                               (10,349)        (6,936)        (10,211) 
 Provisions                                               (1,587)          (557)         (1,631) 
------------------------------------------  ------                 -------------  -------------- 
 Current liabilities                                     (63,417)       (53,366)        (73,257) 
------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Loans and borrowings                          8         (87,958)      (110,119)        (93,045) 
 Other payables                                           (4,369)          (895)         (8,996) 
 Deferred tax                                            (25,105)       (27,159)        (27,990) 
 Non-current liabilities                                (117,432)      (138,173)       (130,031) 
------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Total liabilities                                      (180,849)      (191,539)       (203,288) 
------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Net assets                                               315,870        292,285         323,285 
------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Issued capital and reserves attributable 
  to owners of the parent 
 Share capital                                 9              739            704             704 
 Additional paid-in share capital              9          432,423        420,754         420,824 
 Capital redemption reserve                                     5              5               5 
 Retained earnings                                      (186,120)      (159,269)       (185,136) 
 Hedging reserve                                          (1,332)        (5,895)           (703) 
 Foreign exchange reserve                                  59,866         27,893          77,705 
 Equity attributable to owners 
  of the parent                                           305,581        284,192         313,399 
 Non-controlling interest                                  10,289          8,093           9,886 
------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Total equity and reserves                                315,870        292,285         323,285 
------------------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial information.

Benchmark Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                                                       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 2022 
  (audited)            704       420,824      77,710       (703)   (185,136)         313,399          9,886    323,285 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period 
 (Loss)/profit 
  for the 
  period                 -             -           -           -     (1,283)         (1,283)            604      (679) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -             -    (17,839)       (629)           -        (18,468)          (201)   (18,669) 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period             -             -    (17,839)       (629)     (1,283)        (19,751)            403   (19,348) 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners 
 Share issue            35        12,985           -           -           -          13,020              -     13,020 
 Share issue 
  costs 
  recognised 
  through 
  equity                 -       (1,386)           -           -           -         (1,386)              -    (1,386) 
 Share-based 
  payment                -             -           -           -         299             299              -        299 
 Total 
  contributions 
  by and 
  distributions 
  to owners             35        11,599           -           -         299          11,933              -     11,933 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners 
  of the 
  Company               35        11,599           -           -         299          11,933              -     11,933 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 As at 31 
  December 2022 
  (unaudited)          739       432,423      59,871     (1,332)   (186,120)         305,581         10,289    315,870 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 As at 1 
  October 2021 
  (audited)            670       400,682      30,470     (5,876)   (154,231)         271,715          7,884    279,599 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period 
 (Loss)/profit 
  for the 
  period                 -             -           -           -     (5,357)         (5,357)            248    (5,109) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -             -     (2,572)        (19)           -         (2,591)           (39)    (2,630) 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period             -             -     (2,572)        (19)     (5,357)         (7,948)            209    (7,739) 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners 
 Share issue            34        20,634           -           -           -          20,668              -     20,668 
 Share issue 
  costs 
  recognised 
  through 
  equity                 -         (562)           -           -           -           (562)              -      (562) 
 Share-based 
  payment                -             -           -           -         319             319              -        319 
 Total 
  contributions 
  by and 
  distributions 
  to owners             34        20,072           -           -         319          20,425              -     20,425 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners 
  of the 
  Company               34        20,072           -           -         319          20,425              -     20,425 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 As at 31 
  December 2021 
  (unaudited)          704       420,754      27,898     (5,895)   (159,269)         284,192          8,093    292,285 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 As at 1 
  October 2021 
  (audited)            670       400,682      30,470     (5,876)   (154,231)         271,715          7,884    279,599 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period 
 (Loss)/profit 
  for the 
  period                 -             -           -           -    (32,087)        (32,087)          1,636   (30,451) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -             -      47,240       5,173           -          52,413            366     52,779 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period             -             -      47,240       5,173    (32,087)          20,326          2,002     22,328 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners 
 Share issue            34        20,704           -           -           -          20,738              -     20,738 
 Share issue 
  costs 
  recognised 
  through 
  equity                 -         (562)           -           -           -           (562)              -      (562) 
 Share-based 
  payment                -             -           -           -       1,182           1,182              -      1,182 
 Total 
  contributions 
  by and 
  distributions 
  to owners             34        20,142           -           -       1,182          21,358              -     21,358 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners 
  of the 
  Company               34        20,142           -           -       1,182          21,358              -     21,358 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 As at 30 
  September 
  2022 
  (audited)            704       420,824      77,710       (703)   (185,136)         313,399          9,886    323,285 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 

*Other reserves in this statement is an aggregation of capital redemption reserve and foreign exchange reserve.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial information.

Benchmark Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period ended 31 December 2022

 
                                                            Q1 2023        Q1 2022      FY 2022 
                                                        (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                                             GBP000         GBP000       GBP000 
----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Loss for the period                                          (679)        (5,109)     (30,451) 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation and impairment of property, plant 
  and equipment                                               2,033          2,022        8,602 
 Depreciation and impairment of right-of-use 
  assets                                                      2,582          2,473       11,295 
 Amortisation and impairment of intangible 
  fixed assets                                                5,502          4,388       19,161 
 Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment                 (37)              -         (43) 
 Finance income                                             (7,508)          (119)        (319) 
 Finance costs                                                7,010          2,247       18,437 
 Increase in fair value of contingent consideration 
  receivable                                                      -              -      (1,203) 
 Share of (profit)/loss of equity-accounted 
  investees, net of tax                                        (56)            504          595 
 Foreign exchange losses/(gains)                                418            (9)      (3,985) 
 Share-based payment expense                                    299            319        1,182 
 Other adjustments for non-cash items                             -              -        (276) 
 Tax charge                                                     779          1,427        7,274 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables           4,011          2,683      (8,511) 
 Decrease/(increase) in inventories                           1,571          (880)      (5,406) 
 Decrease/(increase) in biological and agricultural 
  assets                                                      3,294          (138)      (6,099) 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables            (9,633)        (7,687)        6,946 
 (Decrease)/increase in provisions                              (9)            (6)        1,058 
----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
                                                              9,577          2,115       18,257 
 Income taxes paid                                          (1,509)          (981)      (7,447) 
----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Net cash flows generated from operating activities           8,068          1,134       10,810 
----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of investments                                       (63)              -        (378) 
 Receipts from disposal of investments                            -              -        1,544 
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment                 (1,829)        (1,914)     (10,808) 
 Purchase of intangibles                                       (30)           (53)        (205) 
 Capitalised research and development costs                    (54)          (627)      (1,708) 
 Cash advances and loans made to other parties                (415)              -            - 
 Proceeds from sale of fixed assets                              75              -          220 
 Interest received                                              160             19          119 
 Net cash flows used in investing activities                (2,156)        (2,575)     (11,216) 
----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds of share issues                                    13,020         20,712       20,737 
 Share-issue costs recognised through equity                (1,386)          (607)        (562) 
 Proceeds from bank or other borrowings                           -              -       67,939 
 Repayment of bank or other borrowings                      (4,397)          (638)     (74,874) 
 Interest and finance charges paid                          (2,211)        (1,882)      (9,629) 
 Capitalised borrowing costs                                  (600)              -            - 
 Repayments of lease liabilities                            (2,200)        (2,730)     (10,533) 
----------------------------------------------------                 -------------  ----------- 
 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing 
  activities                                                  2,226         14,855      (6,922) 
----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                                 8,138         13,414      (7,328) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 
  period                                                     36,399         39,460       39,460 
 Effect of movements in exchange rate                       (1,755)          (169)        4,267 
----------------------------------------------------                 -------------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                  42,782         52,705       36,399 
----------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial information.

Benchmark Holdings plc

Unaudited notes to the quarterly financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2022

1. Basis of preparation

Benchmark Holdings plc (the 'Company') is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. These consolidated quarterly financial statements as at and for the three months ended 31 December 2022 comprises those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 'Group').

These consolidated quarterly financial statements do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and are unaudited. These financial statements do not include all the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the Group's financial position and performance since the last annual financial statements. The Group's last annual statutory financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 September 2022 were prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as it applies to companies reporting under those standards ("Adopted IFRS") and are available from the Company's website at www.benchmarkplc.com .

The prior year comparatives are derived from audited financial information for Benchmark Holdings PLC Group as set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2022 and the unaudited financial information in the Quarterly Financial Report for the three months ended 31 December 2021. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 30 September 2022 are not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts were approved by the Directors on 30 November 2022 and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The audit report received on those accounts was (i) unqualified and (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the external auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Statement of Compliance

These consolidated quarterly financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK and EU adopted IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'. These financial statements do not include all of the information required for the full annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 September 2022. These consolidated quarterly financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2022.

Going concern

The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Management Report.

As at 31 December 2022 the Group had net assets of GBP315.9m (30 September 2022: GBP323.3m), including cash of GBP42.8m (30 September 2022: GBP36.4m) as set out in the consolidated balance sheet. The Group made a loss for the period of GBP0.7m (year ended 30 September 2022: loss GBP30.5m).

As noted in the Management Report, the business has continued to perform well on the back of a good year in FY22. All of the business areas have performed in line with or ahead of management expectations. The Directors have reviewed forecasts and cash flow projections for a period of at least 12 months including downside sensitivity assumptions in relation to trading performance across the Group to assess the impact on the Group's trading and cash flow forecasts and on the forecast compliance with the covenants included within the Group's financing arrangements.

In the downside analysis performed, the Directors considered severe but plausible scenarios on the Group's trading and cash flow forecasts, firstly in relation to continued roll out of the Ectosan(R)Vet and CleanTreat offering. Sensitivities considered included modelling slower ramp up of the commercialisation of Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) through delayed roll-out of the revised operating model for the service, together with reductions in expected biomass treated and reduced treatment prices. Key downside sensitivities modelled in other areas included assumptions on slower commercialisation of SPR shrimp, slower salmon egg sales growth both in Chile and to land-based farms in Genetics, along with sensitivities on sales price increases and potential supply constraints on CIS artemia in Advanced Nutrition. Mitigating measures within the control of management have been identified should they be required in response to these sensitivities, including reductions in areas of discretionary spend, deferral of capital projects and temporary hold on R&D for non-imminent products.

Following the refinancing of its NOK 850 million bond with the issue of a NOK 750 million unsecured green bond maturing in 2025 in FY22, which was due to mature in June 2023, the USD15m RCF was refinanced in the quarter with a new GBP20m RCF with a maturity of June 2025. Also in the quarter, our NOK 216m loan facility (which had NOK 165.6m outstanding at the year end) which was set to mature in October 2023, was combined with our NOK 17.5m overdraft facility into a new loan facility of NOK 179.5m, with a new maturity date in a further 5 years no later than 15 January 2028. Following all of these refinancing transactions, the Directors are satisfied there are sufficient facilities in place during the assessment period.

The global economic environment is experiencing turbulence largely as a result of the conflict in Eastern Europe with supply issues in a number of industries impacted and inflation at high levels. Against this backdrop, the Group continues to show resilience against these pressures, with financial instruments in place to fix interest rates and with opportunities available to mitigate globally high inflation rates, such that even under all of the above sensitivity analysis, 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 has adequate resources to continue to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due within the period of 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Based on their assessment, the Directors believe it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

   2.     Accounting policies 

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those used in preparing the consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended 30 September 2022.

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, Adjusted Profit Before Tax and Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movement on biological assets because they monitor performance at a consolidated level using these and believe that these measures are relevant to an understanding of the Group's financial performance (see note 10). F urthermore, the Directors also refer to current period results using constant currency, which are derived by retranslating current period results using the prior year's foreign exchange rates.

Use of estimates and judgements

The preparation of quarterly financial information requires management to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates.

In preparing these quarterly financial statements the critical 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 2022.

   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 and technical services.

-- Advanced Nutrition - manufactures and provides technically advanced nutrition and health products to the global aquaculture industry.

   --      Health - provides health products and services to the global aquaculture market. 

In order to reconcile the segmental analysis to the consolidated income statement, corporate and inter-segment sales are also shown. Corporate sales represent revenues earned from recharging certain central costs to the operating business areas, together with unallocated central costs.

Measurement of operating segment profit or loss

Inter-segment sales are priced along the same lines as sales to external customers, with an appropriate discount being applied to encourage use of Group resources at a rate acceptable to local tax authorities. This policy was applied consistently throughout the current and prior period.

Reconciliations of segmental information to IFRS measures

 
  Segmental Revenue 
                                      Q1 2023          Q1 2022        FY 2022 
   All figures in GBP000's        (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Genetics                             21,439           15,195         58,008 
  Advanced Nutrition                   22,680           19,059         80,286 
  Health                               10,385            5,777         20,135 
  Corporate                             1,437            1,406          5,120 
  Inter-segment sales                 (1,446)          (1,423)        (5,272) 
  Total                                54,495           40,014        158,277 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
 
  Segmental Adjusted EBITDA 
                                      Q1 2023          Q1 2022        FY 2022 
   All figures in GBP000's        (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Genetics                              2,563            3,263         15,980 
  Advanced Nutrition                    5,297            4,320         19,017 
  Health                                4,067              547            108 
  Corporate                             (960)            (705)        (3,924) 
  Total                                10,967            7,425         31,181 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
 
  Reconciliation of Reportable Segments Adjusted 
   EBITDA to Loss before taxation 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------------  ------------------------------ 
                                                                Q1                              FY 
                                                              2023          Q1 2022           2022 
   All figures in GBP000's                             (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Total reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA                  11,927            8,130         35,105 
  Corporate Adjusted EBITDA                                  (960)            (705)        (3,924) 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA                                           10,967            7,425         31,181 
  Exceptional items                                          (972)                -             16 
  Depreciation and impairment                              (4,615)          (4,495)       (19,897) 
  Amortisation and impairment                              (5,502)          (4,388)       (19,161) 
  Net finance income/(costs)                                   222          (2,224)       (15,316) 
  Profit/(loss) before taxation                                100          (3,682)       (23,177) 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
   4.     Revenue 

The Group's operations and main revenue streams are those described in its financial statements to 30 September 2022. The Group's revenue is derived from contracts with customers.

Disaggregation of revenue

In the following tables, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical market and by sales of goods and services. The table includes a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue with the Group's reportable segments (see note 3).

Sale of goods and provision of services

 
                                  3 months ended 31 December 2022 (unaudited) 
----------------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 All figures                      Advanced                           Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's       Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales     Total 
----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
  Sale of goods       21,121        22,672     7,449            -                -    51,242 
  Provision of 
   services              317             -     2,936            -                -     3,253 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                   1             8         -        1,437          (1,446)         - 
----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
                      21,439        22,680    10,385        1,437          (1,446)    54,495 
----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
 
                                  3 months ended 31 December 2021 (unaudited) 
----------------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 All figures                      Advanced                           Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's       Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales     Total 
----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
  Sale of goods       14,509        19,048     3,251            -                -    36,808 
  Provision of 
   services              680             -     2,526            -                -     3,206 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                   6            11         -        1,406          (1,423)         - 
----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
                      15,195        19,059     5,777        1,406          (1,423)    40,014 
----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
 
                                  12 months ended 30 September 2022 (audited) 
----------------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 All figures                      Advanced                           Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's       Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales     Total 
----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
  Sale of goods       53,978        80,191    13,528            -                -   147,697 
  Provision of 
   services            3,973             -     6,607            -                -    10,580 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                  57            95         -        5,120          (5,272)         - 
----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
                      58,008        80,286    20,135        5,120          (5,272)   158,277 
----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
 

Sale of goods and provision of services (continued)

Primary geographical markets

 
                                  3 months ended 31 December 2022 (unaudited) 
-----------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 All figures                       Advanced                           Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's        Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales    Total 
-----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
  Norway               16,884            90     8,295            -                -   25,269 
  India                     -         4,203         -            -                -    4,203 
  Singapore                 -            39         -            -                -       39 
  Turkey                    6         2,204         -            -                -    2,210 
  Ecuador                  20         1,740         -            -                -    1,760 
  Greece                    -         2,269         -            -                -    2,269 
  Faroe Islands         1,095             -       229            -                -    1,324 
  UK                      737            19        42            -                -      798 
  Chile                    12             2       254            -                -      268 
  Rest of Europe        2,062         1,622         -            -                -    3,684 
  Rest of World           622        10,484     1,565            -                -   12,671 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                    1             8         -        1,437          (1,446)        - 
                       21,439        22,680    10,385        1,437          (1,446)   54,495 
-----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
 
                                  3 months ended 31 December 2021 (unaudited) 
-----------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 All figures                       Advanced                           Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's        Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales    Total 
-----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
  Norway                9,679           112     4,668            -                -   14,459 
  India                   140         4,008         -            -                -    4,148 
  Singapore                 -         1,138         -            -                -    1,138 
  Turkey                    -         1,694         -            -                -    1,694 
  Ecuador                   -         1,064         -            -                -    1,064 
  Greece                    -         1,639         -            -                -    1,639 
  Faroe Islands           892             1       130            -                -    1,023 
  UK                    1,957            14        88            -                -    2,059 
  Chile                   116             -       403            -                -      519 
  Rest of Europe        1,771         1,303         -            -                -    3,074 
  Rest of World           634         8,075       488            -                -    9,197 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                    6            11         -        1,406          (1,423)        - 
                       15,195        19,059     5,777        1,406          (1,423)   40,014 
-----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
 

Primary geographical markets (continued)

 
                                   12 months ended 30 September 2022 (audited) 
-----------------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 All figures in                    Advanced                           Inter-segment 
  GBP000's           Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales     Total 
-----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
  Norway               34,666           965    15,571            -                -    51,202 
  India                   619        12,001         -            -                -    12,620 
  Singapore                 -         7,044         -            -                -     7,044 
  Turkey                    -         6,419         -            -                -     6,419 
  Ecuador                  18         6,472         -            -                -     6,490 
  Greece                    2         6,197         -            -                -     6,199 
  Faroe Islands         5,465             9       587            -                -     6,061 
  UK                    4,318            93       199            -                -     4,610 
  Chile                 1,006            15       871            -                -     1,892 
  Rest of Europe        7,110         4,056         -            -                -    11,166 
  Rest of World         4,747        36,920     2,907            -                -    44,574 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                   57            95         -        5,120          (5,272)         - 
                       58,008        80,286    20,135        5,120          (5,272)   158,277 
-----------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
 
   5.     Exceptional 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.

 
                                           Q1 2023         Q1 2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's               (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
-----------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
  Exceptional restructuring 
   costs                                       948               -         1,229 
  Costs/(credit) in relation 
   to disposals                                 24               -       (1,245) 
 Total exceptional items                       972               -          (16) 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

Exceptional restructuring costs include GBP863,000 of legal and professional costs in relation to preparing for listing the Group on the Oslo stock exchange, and GBP85,000 relating to other restructuring costs. The comparative figure for FY 2022 figure includes GBP843,000 of legal and professional costs in relation to preparing for listing the Group on the Oslo stock exchange, and GBP276,000 relating to other restructuring costs.

Costs in relation to disposals totaling GBP24,000 are additional costs relating to disposals that occurred in 2020. The comparative figure for FY 2022 figure includes a credit of GBP1,203,000 in relation to additional contingent consideration received and receivable from disposals in previous years (GBP294,000 relating to the disposal of Aquaculture UK on 7 February 2020, and GBP909,000 relating to the disposal of Improve International Limited and its subsidiaries on 23 June 2020) together with legal fees, lease costs and disposal items (net of proceeds received) totalling GBP42,000 relating to additional costs and disposals proceeds relating to disposals that occurred in 2020.

   6.     Taxation 
 
                                                     Q1 2023         Q1 2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                         (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
---------------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Analysis of charge in period 
 Current tax: 
 Current income tax expense on profits 
  for the period                                       1,838           2,359        11,727 
 Adjustment in respect of prior 
  periods                                                  -               5          (39) 
--------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total current tax charge                              1,838           2,364        11,688 
 
 Deferred tax: 
 Origination and reversal of temporary 
  differences                                        (1,059)           (937)       (4,414) 
 Deferred tax movements in respect 
  of prior periods                                         -               -             - 
---------------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total deferred tax credit                           (1,059)           (937)       (4,414) 
                                                                                         - 
---------------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total tax charge                                        779           1,427         7,274 
--------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
   7.     Loss per share 

Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

 
                                                 Q1 2023         Q1 2022       FY 2022 
                                             (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
----------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Loss attributable to equity holders of 
  the parent (GBP000)                            (1,283)         (5,357)      (32,087) 
 Weighted average number of shares in 
  issue (thousands)                              710,087         681,271       698,233 
 Basic loss per share (pence)                     (0.18)          (0.79)        (4.60) 
----------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

Diluted loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. This is done by calculating the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average market price of the Company's shares for the period) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding share options and warrants. The number of shares calculated above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the exercise of the share options and warrants.

Therefore, the Company is required to adjust the earnings per share calculation in relation to the share options that are in issue under the Company's share-based incentive schemes, and outstanding warrants. However, as any potential ordinary shares would be anti-dilutive due to losses being made there is no difference between Basic loss per share and Diluted loss per share for any of the periods being reported.

A total of 4,053,469 potential ordinary shares have not been included within the calculation of statutory diluted loss per share for the year (30 September 2022: 6,240,304 and 31 December 2021: 5,782,581). These potential ordinary shares could dilute earnings/loss per share in the future.

   8.     Loans and borrowings 
 
                                  Q1 2023         Q1 2022        FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's         (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
----------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Non-Current 
 2025 750m NOK Loan notes             61,866               -        61,054 
 2023 850m NOK Loan notes                  -          75,592             - 
 Bank borrowings                      17,201          18,578        17,226 
 Lease liabilities                     8,891          15,949        14,765 
----------------------------                                  ------------ 
                                      87,958         110,119        93,045 
----------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Current 
 Bank borrowings                       1,603           1,592         5,569 
 Lease liabilities                    14,624           5,280        11,522 
----------------------------                                  ------------ 
                                      16,227           6,872        17,091 
----------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total loans and borrowings          104,185         116,991       110,136 
----------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

On 27 September 2022, the Group successfully issued a new unsecured floating rate listed green bond of NOK 750m. The bond which matures in September 2025, has a coupon of three-month NIBOR + 6.50% p.a. with quarterly interest payments, and is to be listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The proceeds were used to repay its existing NOK 850m floating rate listed bond, originally raised in June 2019.

On 21 November 2022, the Group refinanced its USD15m RCF, which was provided by DNB Bank ASA (50%) and HSBC UK Bank PLC (50%), with a secured GBP20m RCF provided by DNB Bank ASA, maturing on 27 June 2025. The margin on this facility is a minimum of 2.75% and a maximum of 3.25%, dependent upon the leverage of the Group above the relevant risk free reference or IBOR rates depending on which currency is drawn. The facility was undrawn at 31 December 2022.

Additionally, during the period, on 1 November 2022, the Group's Nordea Bank term loan of NOK 165.6m, which had a term loan of five years ending in November 2023 and interest rate of 2.5% above three month NIBOR, was refinanced together with an existing undrawn overdraft facility into a new loan facility of NOK 179.5m with a new maturity date in a further five years no later than 15 January 2028. Other terms of this facility remain the same.

   9.     Share capital and additional paid-in share capital 
 
                                                                          Additional 
                                                                             paid-in 
                                                                  Share        share 
                                                      Number    Capital      capital 
 Allotted, called up and fully paid                              GBP000       GBP000 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------- 
 Ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each 
 Balance at 30 September 2022                    703,960,798        704      420,824 
 Shares issued through placing and open offer     35,189,350         35       11,599 
 Exercise of share options                            45,000          -            - 
 Balance at 31 December 2022                     739,195,148        739      432,423 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------- 
 

On 15 December 2022, the Company issued 35,189,350 new ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each by way of a placing and subscriptions at an issue price of 37.0 pence per share. Gross proceeds of GBP13.0m were received for the placing and subscription shares. Non-recurring costs of GBP1.4m were in relation to the share issues and this has been charged to the share premium account (presented within additional paid-in share capital).

   10.   Alternative performance measures and other metrics 

Management has presented the performance measures EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA before fair value movement in biological assets, Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Profit Before Tax because it monitors performance at a consolidated level using these and believes that these measures are relevant to an understanding of the Group's financial performance.

Adjusted EBITDA which reflects underlying profitability, is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, impairment, and exceptional items and is shown on the Income Statement.

Adjusted EBITDA before fair value movements in biological assets, which is Adjusted EBITDA before the non-cash fair value movements in biological assets arising from their revaluation in line with International Accounting Standards.

Adjusted Operating Profit is operating loss before exceptional items and amortisation and impairment of intangible assets excluding development costs as reconciled below.

Adjusted Profit Before Tax is earnings before tax, amortisation and impairment of intangibles assets excluding development costs, and exceptional items as reconciled below. These measures are not defined performance measures in IFRS. The Group's definition of these measures may not be comparable with similarly titled performance measures and disclosures by other entities.

Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Profit to Operating Loss

 
                                                         Q1 2023         Q1 2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                             (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
-------------------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Revenue                                                  54,495          40,014       158,277 
 Cost of sales                                          (30,268)        (20,515)      (75,149) 
------------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Gross profit                                             24,227          19,499        83,128 
 Research and development costs                          (1,563)         (1,647)       (6,691) 
 Other operating costs                                  (11,753)         (9,923)      (44,661) 
 Depreciation and impairment                             (4,615)         (4,495)      (19,897) 
 Amortisation of capitalised development 
  costs                                                    (617)           (448)       (2,165) 
 Share of loss of equity accounted 
  investees net of tax                                        56           (504)         (595) 
------------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted operating profit                                 5,735           2,482         9,119 
 Exceptional items                                         (972)               -            16 
 Amortisation and impairment of intangible 
  assets excluding development costs                     (4,885)         (3,940)      (16,996) 
------------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Operating loss                                            (122)         (1,458)       (7,861) 
------------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

Reconciliation of Loss Before Taxation to Adjusted Profit Before Tax

 
                                                        Q1 2023         Q1 2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                            (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
------------------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Profit/(loss) before taxation                              100         (3,682)      (23,177) 
 Exceptional items                                          972               -          (16) 
 Amortisation and impairment of 
  intangible assets excluding development 
  costs                                                   4,885           3,940        16,996 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted profit before tax                               5,957             258       (6,197) 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

Other Metrics

 
                                                Q1 2023         Q1 2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                    (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
----------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total R&D Investment 
 Research and development costs                   1,563           1,647         6,691 
 Internal capitalised development 
  costs                                              54             627         1,708 
                                                         --------------  ------------ 
 Total R&D investment                             1,617           2,274         8,399 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                                     Q1 2023          Q1 2022        FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                         (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
--------------------------------------  ---  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value 
  movement in biological assets 
 Adjusted EBITDA                                      10,967            7,425         31,181 
 Exclude fair value movement                           1,154               96        (1,595) 
                                             ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value 
  movement in biological assets                       12,121            7,521         29,586 
-------------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

Liquidity

A key financial covenant is a minimum liquidity of GBP10m, defined as cash plus undrawn facilities.

 
 
                                31 December 
                                       2022 
 All figures in GBP000's        (unaudited) 
---------------------------   ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents           42,782 
 Undrawn bank facility               20,000 
                                     62,782 
 ---------------------------  ------------- 
 

The undrawn bank facility relates to the RCF facility. At 31 December 2022, GBPnil of the RCF was drawn (30 September 2022: GBP4m and 31 December 2021: GBPnil), leaving GBP20m undrawn (30 September 2022: GBP9.4m and 31 December 2021: GBP11.1m).

   11.   Net debt 

Net debt is cash and cash equivalents less loans and borrowings.

 
 
                                           31 December    31 December    30 September 
                                                  2022           2021            2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                   (unaudited)    (unaudited)       (audited) 
--------------------------------------   -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      42,782         52,705          36,399 
 Loans and borrowings (excluding 
  lease liabilities) - current                 (1,603)        (1,592)         (5,569) 
 Loans and borrowings (excluding 
  lease liabilities) - non-current            (79,067)       (94,170)        (78,280) 
 Net debt excluding lease liabilities         (37,888)       (43,057)        (47,450) 
---------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Lease liabilities - current                  (14,624)        (5,280)        (11,522) 
 Lease liabilities - non-current               (8,891)       (15,949)        (14,765) 
---------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Net debt                                     (61,403)       (64,286)        (73,737) 
---------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
   12.   Post balance sheet events 

On 15 February 2023, the Group purchased the minority interest's shareholding of 14,981,272 shares in Benchmark Genetics Iceland HF for EUR9,000,000. Following this acquisition, Benchmark Genetics Limited, a subsidiary of Benchmark Holdings PLC, now owns 100% of the share capital of Benchmark Genetics Iceland HF.

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