TIDMBMK

RNS Number : 2677A

Benchmark Holdings PLC

23 May 2023

Information within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 and Article 7 of the UK version of EU Regulation 596/2014 which forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

23 May 2023

Benchmark Holdings plc

("Benchmark", the "Company" or the "Group")

Second Quarter and Interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2023

Strong Q2 and H1 results continuing track record of quarterly growth and strategic delivery

Benchmark (LSE: BMK), the aquaculture biotechnology company, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2023 (the "Period" or "H1 FY23"). The Company also announces its unaudited results for the three months ended 31 March 2023 ("Q2 FY23") in compliance with the terms of its unsecured Green bond.

Financial highlights

   --    Excellent H1 FY23 results driven by good performance in all business areas: 

o 25% growth in revenues to GBP98.9m (H1 FY22: GBP79.2m)

o 39% increase in Adj. EBITDA to GBP22.1m (H1 FY22: GBP15.9m)

o 47% increase in Adj. EBITDA excluding fair value ("FV") movement in biological assets to GBP21.8m (H1 FY22: GBP14.8m):

-- Adj. EBITDA margin excluding FV movement in biological assets increased to 22% (H1 FY22: 19%)

o 193% increase in Adj. Operating profit excluding FV movement in biological assets to GBP11.4m (H1 FY22: GBP3.9m)

o Further reduction in loss before tax

o Operating cash inflow GBP9.5m (H1 FY22: cash inflow of GBP2.0m)

   --    Strong Q2 FY23 performance building on track record of continuous quarterly improvement: 

o Revenues +13% to GBP44.4m (Q2 FY22: GBP39.2m)

o Adj. EBITDA +32% to GBP11.1m (Q2 FY22: GBP8.4m); Adj. EBITDA margin of 25% in line with medium term target set in May 2022

o Adj. EBITDA excluding FV movement in biological assets +32% to GBP9.7m (Q2 FY22: GBP7.3m); Adj. EBITDA margin excluding FV movement in biological assets of 22% (Q2 2022: 19%)

o Adj. Operating profit excluding fair value movement in biological assets +244% to GBP4.5m (Q2 FY22: GBP1.3m)

-- Net debt (excluding lease liabilities) continues to reduce to GBP44.5m (30 September 2022: GBP47.5m; 31 March 2022: GBP50.6m):

o Cash of GBP41.9m and liquidity (cash and available facility) of GBP53.9m at 22 May 2023

Business Area highlights

   --    Genetics - strong performance in core salmon business and strategic progress in growth areas: 

o H1 FY23 Revenues +30% driven by higher salmon sales from Norway and Iceland; 181m salmon eggs sold (H1 FY22: 134m)

o Continued commercial progress in Chile with new customer wins

o Obtained "disease free compartment status" from the Chilean regulator, an important biosecurity endorsement which will enable the Company to export salmon eggs from Chile

o Completed configuration at Salten, Norway facility to reach 150m salmon eggs production capacity from FY24 (currently 140m), ahead of plan

o Total salmon egg capacity now 400m eggs, comprising 150m in Norway, 200m in Iceland and 50m in Chile

o Strengthened scientific team to progress positioning on new technologies; enhanced genotyping capabilities

-- Advanced Nutrition - strong performance despite soft shrimp markets demonstrates success of commercial focus and agile operation:

o Marginally lower revenues in Q2 FY23 albeit 8% higher revenues for H1 FY23 as a whole

o Strong performance in marine fish species which represent c.25% of revenues

o Uplift in shrimp market expected as inventory levels normalise along the global supply chain and consumer confidence improves

-- Health - strong result from combined sea lice product portfolio and integrated commercial team:

o Continuing adoption of Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) supported by excellent efficacy resulting in H1 FY23 sales of GBP12.9m, up 50% on last year

o Progress on development of streamlined integrated CleanTreat(R) infrastructure with partners MMC and Salt Ship Design

o Strong sales of Salmosan(R) Vet driven by success of new marketing label

Current trading and outlook

   --    On track to deliver strong growth for the year in line with market expectations: 

o Good visibility of salmon egg sales from Norway and Iceland

o Market conditions in shrimp are expected to remain unchanged in the short term; well positioned for resilience and market share wins. Positive backdrop in the Mediterranean marine fish market

o Expect Q3 FY23 sales from Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) to reflect low sea lice treatment season, thereafter increasing in Q4 FY23

   --    Update on Oslo Børs uplisting: 

o Consultation with shareholders regarding a potential delisting from AIM and uplisting to Oslo Børs completed

o Plan to maintain a dual listing on Euronext Growth Oslo and on AIM for the foreseeable future . Uplisting to Oslo Børs will be reviewed as part of ongoing strategy to enhance Group positioning and share performance

 
 GBPm                                                    % CER                            % CER 
                                  H1 FY23     H1 FY22    H1 FY23     Q2 FY23   Q2 FY22    Q2 FY23 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
                                  98.9                               44.4 
 Revenue                           +25%       79.2        +19%        +13%      39.2       +9% 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
 Adjusted 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
                                  22.1                               11.1 
 Adjusted EBITDA(1)                +39%       15.9        +36%        +32%       8.4       +28% 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
 Adj. EBITDA excluding 
  biological asset fair           21.8                                9.7 
  value movements                  +47%       14.8        +42%        +32%       7.3       +28% 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
 Adjusted Operating               11.7                                5.9 
  profit(2)                       +138%        4.9       +130%       +145%       2.4      +134% 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
 Adj. Operating profit 
  excluding biological            11.4                                4.5 
  asset fair value movements      +193%        3.9        180%       +244%       1.3       220% 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
 Statutory 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
                                   0.3                                0.4 
 Operating profit/(loss)          +114%       (2.2)       +97%       +159%      (0.7)     +122% 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
                                  (1.9)                              (2.0) 
 Loss before tax                   +63%       (5.1)       +65%       - 38%      (1.5)      -56% 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
 Basic loss per share 
  (p)                            (0.57)      (1.32)                 (0.40)     (0.54) 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
 Net debt(3)                     (66.3)      (81.4)                 (66.3)     (81.4) 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
 Net debt(3) excluding 
  lease liabilities              (44.5)      (50.6)                 (44.5)     (50.6) 
-----------------------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------  --------- 
 

Business Area summary

 
 GBPm                                                                           %CER*                           % CER* 
                                                            H1 FY23     H1     H1 FY23     Q2        Q2           Q2 
                                                                       FY22               FY23      FY22         FY23 
 Revenue 
                                                          ---------  -------  --------  -------  --------  ----------- 
                                                             45.3                         22.6 
 Advanced Nutrition                                           +8%      42.0      -4%       -1%     23.0        -10% 
                                                          ---------  -------  --------  -------  --------  ----------- 
                                                             34.5                         13.0 
 Genetics                                                    +30%      26.6     +31%      +14%     11.4        +16% 
                                                          ---------  -------  --------  -------  --------  ----------- 
                                                             19.1                         8.7 
 Health                                                      +78%      10.7     +79%      +77%      4.9        +78% 
                                                          ---------  -------  --------  -------  --------  ----------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA(1) 
                                                          ---------  -------  --------  -------  --------  ----------- 
 Advanced Nutrition                                          11.5      11.5      -9%      6.2       7.2        -21% 
                                                               0%                          -14% 
                                                          ---------  -------  --------  -------  --------  ----------- 
 Genetics                                                    6.0       5.7      +16%      3.4       2.4        +51% 
                                                               5%                          +41% 
                                                          ---------  -------  --------  -------  --------  ----------- 
                                                             5.7                          2.0 
   *    Net of fair value movements in biological assets     +22%      4.7      +32%      +52%      1.3        +67% 
                                                          ---------  -------  --------  -------  --------  ----------- 
                                                             6.6                          2.6 
 Health                                                     +7,034%    0.1     +6,957%    +669%    (0.5)      +663% 
                                                          ---------  -------  --------  -------  --------  ----------- 
 

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

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

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

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

Trond Williksen, CEO, commented:

"Benchmark had an excellent first half, delivering double digit growth. We continue to focus on achieving profitability and cash generation whilst making good progress towards our medium-term objectives; we remain on track to deliver strong growth for the year in line with market expectations .

" Our fundamentals are strong and we have significant opportunities to continue building our track record of consistent growth. Aquaculture is a growth industry, supported by robust megatrends. Benchmark is well positioned to play an important role in helping the aquaculture industry deliver sustainable growth and meet the needs of a rising population."

Presentation for analysts and institutional investors at 08.00 UK time (09.00 CET)

Trond Williksen, Chief Executive Officer and Septima Maguire, Chief Financial Officer will host a presentation for analysts and institutional investors on the day at 08.00 UK time.

The presentation will be held in person at Pareto Securities offices in Oslo at Dronning Mauds gate 3, N--0250 Oslo, Norway. If you would like to attend in person, please contact Thea Naess at thea.naess@paretosec.com.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available for analysts and investors to join remotely at the following link: https://channel.royalcast.com/hegnarmedia/#!/hegnarmedia/20230523_3

A copy of the presentation can be found on the Company's website https://www.benchmarkplc.com/investors/reports-presentations/

Equity Development webcast at 12.00 UK time

Trond Williksen, Chief Executive Officer and Septima Maguire, Chief Financial Officer will host a second webcast for retail investors and wealth managers on the day at 12.00 UK time. The webcast is open to all existing and potential shareholders.

To register please visit: https://www.equitydevelopment.co.uk/news-and-events/benchmark-

2qresults-presentation-23may2023

A recording of the presentation will be available after the event on the Equity Development website .

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: 020 7260 1000 
  Freddie Barnfield, Duncan Monteith, Sher 
  Shah 
 
 MHP                                         Tel: 020 3128 899 
  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, animal health and welfare.

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

Management Report

Benchmark delivered an excellent performance in the first half of the year continuing to build on its track record of consistent quarterly increase in revenues and underlying profitability. Revenues were up 25% (19% at constant currency) reaching GBP98.9m, and Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movements from biological assets at GBP21.8m was up 47% (42% at constant currency) against H1 FY22, translating into an Adjusted EBITDA margin excluding fair value movements of 22% (H1 FY22: 19%) . Adjusted EBITDA increased by 39% (36% at constant currency) in the six-month period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value movements from biological assets derives primarily from higher revenues, supported by ongoing cost control and operational leverage.

Higher revenues were reported across all business areas with Genetics revenues increasing by 30%, Advanced Nutrition 8% and Health 78%. In Health and Genetics, the impact from foreign currencies was not material, with revenue growth at constant currency broadly in line with actual revenue growth. Advanced Nutrition sales were aided by forex tailwinds, and revenue fell slightly (-4%) in constant currency terms. Operating costs in H1 FY23 were GBP24.0m, a 21% increase from the prior year. The increase reflects higher activity levels and inflationary pressure. R&D expenses at GBP3.0m, were 7% below H1 FY22 and total R&D investment including capitalised development costs was GBP3.2m, 30% below the prior year (H1 FY22: GBP4.6m).

Depreciation and amortisation were marginally above the prior year at GBP19.1m (H1 FY22: GBP18.9m). Together with the increase in EBITDA, this led to an improvement at Operating Profit level to GBP0.3m (H1 FY22: -GBP2.2m loss). Adjusted Operating Profit excluding fair value movements from biological assets increased by 193% to GBP11.4m. Taking into consideration conditions in the end markets, performance was strong across all business areas.

Net finance costs for H1 FY23 were GBP2.2m (H1 FY22: GBP3.0m). The reduction arises due to a credit of GBP2.7m arising in H1 relating to the ineffective portion of the movement in the fair value of derivative financial instruments, offset by higher forex losses in the period.

Loss before tax in H1 FY23 was GBP1.9m (H1 FY22: GBP5.1m). This included the impact of significant exceptional costs in the period of GBP2.7m, largely incurred in legal and professional costs in relation to the preparations for listing the Group on the Oslo Børs. The figure contrasted with a GBP0.9m net credit in H1 FY22 which included a credit of GBP1.2m for additional contingent consideration received from disposals in previous years.

Total tax charge in H1 FY23 was GBP1.5m (H1 FY22: GBP3.6m) reflecting a change in the mix in the territories in which the profits have been made, with losses available to shelter profits in some territories. Loss after tax was GBP3.4m (H1 FY22: GBP8.8m loss).

The Group reported a net operating cash inflow of GBP9.5m after an increase in working capital of GBP4.2m (H1 FY22: GBP13.5m) and tax payments of GBP4.1m (H1 FY22: GBP3.0m). The increase in working capital is somewhat seasonal, but the much lower increase year on year, in the context of increased activity, results from our strong focus on managing our working capital closely towards our goal of achieving positive cash generation.

Net cash outflow from investing activities was GBP11.5m (H1 FY22: GBP6.6m) of which GBP8.0m related to the acquisition of the remaining minority stake in Benchmark Genetics Iceland completed in February 2023. PPE capex was GBP3.3m (H1 FY22: GBP5.1m).

Net cash inflow from financing activities of GBP6.8m (H1 FY22: GBP10.7m), includes an equity raise of (net) GBP13.0m, net proceeds from debt refinancing of GBP4.2m, and GBP4.7m of lease payments (H1 FY22: GBP4.8m). Interest charges in the period were GBP4.0m (H1 FY22: GBP3.8m), as the higher cost of borrowing offset the lower level of borrowings outstanding in the period. Our cash position at the end of the period was GBP38.6m (H1 FY22: GBP46.3m), and net debt including lease liabilities was GBP66.3m (H1 FY22: GBP81.4m).

Advanced Nutrition

Advanced Nutrition delivered a strong result despite soft shrimp markets in the first half of the year demonstrating the success of a renewed commercial focus and agile operation. Revenues for the first half were up 8% at GBP45.3m while Adjusted EBITDA was flat against the same period in the previous year at GBP11.5m.

Softness in the shrimp markets resulted from subdued demand from key import markets, inventory levels across the supply chain and higher input costs, primarily in South East Asia, while Ecuador was more robust. We expect an uplift in shrimp production as consumer confidence picks up and inventory levels normalise. Conditions in the marine fish sector were positive partially offsetting softness in the shrimp market.

In transactional currency, by product area, Artemia sales were up 3% and Health sales were up by 22% while Diets saw a 14% decrease. On the same basis by region, Asia Pacific and South East Asia were most affected by conditions in the shrimp market leading to a reduction in sales of 13% and 19% respectively. Conversely, the Americas reported growth of 8% while sales in Europe increased 6%.

With a leading position in the market, deep customer relations, operational agility and commercial focus our Advanced Nutrition business is well placed to mitigate the temporary weakness and take every opportunity to strengthen our position in the market.

Genetics

Genetics delivered strong performance in the first half of the year with revenues of GBP34.5m, 30% above the prior year (H1 FY22: GBP26.6m) driven by higher salmon egg sales and harvest revenues. Adjusted EBITDA for H1 FY23 excluding fair value movements of biological assets was GBP5.7m, 22% ahead of the prior year (H1 FY22: GBP4.7m). Including fair value movements Adjusted EBITDA for the first half was GBP6.0m, 5% ahead of the same period last year.

Revenues from salmon eggs increased by 45% driven by Norway and Iceland, while harvest revenues grew by 9%. We made commercial progress in Chile with new customer wins. In addition, we obtained "disease free compartment status" from the Chilean regulator, Senapesca. This is an important biosecurity endorsement which will enable the Company to export salmon eggs from Chile thereby opening new avenues to utilise our installed capacity.

In Q2 we completed the configuration of the Salten facility, to reach 150m salmon egg capacity (currently 140m eggs) which will be in place from FY24 onwards. This marks the end of an investment journey where the Company has increased its total salmon egg capacity to 400m eggs, comprising 150m in Salten, Norway, 200m in Iceland and 50m in Chile.

In shrimp we continued our efforts to enhance and tailor genetic traits to local markets and trials in local markets are underway. We have decreased the intensity of our commercial efforts while the trials are ongoing. Shrimp sales were GBP0.7m in the period (H1 FY22: GBP0.8m).

Innovation is a core component of our Genetics strategy and we continue to strengthen our capability in the team. We have also enhanced our capacity for genotyping, reducing the costs for our own programmes and enabling us to offer genotyping as part of our offering in genetics services.

During the period the Company acquired the 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. Benchmark Genetics Iceland represents c.50% of the Group's 400m salmon egg capacity.

Health

Revenues in H1 FY23 increased to GBP19.1m (H1 FY22: GBP10.7m) with higher sales from both Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) and Salmosan(R) Vet. Ectosan(R) Vet and CleanTreat(R) sales were GBP12.9m (H1 FY22: GBP8.6m) of which GBP4.5m (H1 FY22: GBP2.2m) related to recharging of vessel and fuel costs. There is growing adoption of our highly efficacious sea lice solution and we continue to work with our partners MMC and Salt Ship Design to develop a streamlined infrastructure for CleanTreat(R) which will further facilitate adoption in the market.

Salmosan(R) Vet sales were GBP6.2m, 192% ahead of the prior year supported by the success of a new marketing label.

Adjusted EBITDA for the business area was GBP6.6m (H1 FY22: GBP0.1m).

Q2 FY23 commentary

The Group reported revenue of GBP44.4m, 13% above prior year of GBP39.2m. This was driven by revenue growth in Health and Genetics which reported revenue +77% and +14% higher than Q2 FY22 respectively. Revenues in Advanced Nutrition were marginally down -1% driven by low current demand in the shrimp markets as mentioned above.

Adjusted EBITDA excluding fair value uplift from biological assets was GBP9.7m, 32% ahead of the prior year and 28% higher on a constant currency basis (Q2 FY22: GBP7.3m), reflecting higher revenues, operational leverage and good cost control. By business area, Health was up more than sixfold, Genetics was up 52% while Advanced Nutrition reported a decrease in Adjusted EBITDA of 14%, despite forex tailwinds mitigating the reduction.

Operating costs of GBP12.3m were 23% above last year (Q2 FY22: GBP10.0m) driven by increased activity and inflationary pressure. R&D expenses of GBP1.4m were 10% below the prior year (Q2 FY22: GBP1.6m) and represented 3% of Group revenues (Q2 FY22: 4%). Depreciation and amortisation was GBP9.0m (Q2 FY22: GBP10.0m), leading to a Group operating profit of GBP0.4m (Q2 FY22: GBP0.7m loss).

Net finance costs of GBP2.4m for the quarter were GBP1.6m higher than the same period last year (Q2 FY22: GBP0.8m), mainly due to forex losses of GBP0.7m (Q3 FY22: gain of GBP0.6m) in the period.

The tax charge of GBP0.7m (Q2 FY22: GBP2.2m) reflects a change in the mix of territories in which taxable profits were made, leading loss after tax for the quarter at GBP2.7m (Q2 FY22: loss of GBP3.7m).

Update on Oslo Børs listing

As previously announced, the Company conducted a consultation with shareholders regarding a potential delisting from AIM and uplisting to the Oslo B ø rs. Based on the feedback received the Board has decided to maintain its current listings on Euronext Growth Oslo and on AIM for the foreseeable future.

The Board continues to believe that in the medium term the company could benefit from uplisting to the Oslo Børs as the leading venue for seafood and aquaculture companies. An uplisting will be reviewed as part of the Group's ongoing strategy to enhance the Group's positioning and shareholder value.

Outlook and current trading

The Group had an excellent first half, delivering 25% growth in revenues and trading in line with market expectations. We continued to focus on achieving profitability and cash generation whilst making good progress towards our medium-term objectives.

The Group communicated its medium term (3-5 year) financial objectives in May 2022 and since then has reported significant progress as shown in the table below:

 
                         Medium term    FY21    FY22   H123 
                          objective 
 Revenue Growth 
  per annum                15-18%        18%    27%    25% 
                       --------------  ------  -----  ----- 
 Adj. EBITDA 
  Margin                   25-30%        16%    20%    22% 
                         (period end) 
                       --------------  ------  -----  ----- 
 Cashflow conversion 
  ratio(1)                 70-80%        30%    35%    43% 
                       --------------  ------  -----  ----- 
 Free cashflow 
  as % of sales(2)         10-15%       (17%)   (8%)    1% 
                       --------------  ------  -----  ----- 
 

1. Cash generated from operations after working capital and taxes as percentage of Adj. EBITDA

2. Free cash flow: Net cash from operating activities less capex and lease payments (excluding cash interest)

Looking forward to the second half of the year there is good visibility of salmon egg sales in Genetics and we will continue to progress our growth vectors of salmon in Chile and shrimp genetics, which will be key areas of focus in the coming periods. In Advanced Nutrition we expect conditions in the shrimp market to remain unchanged in the short term and while this poses a challenge to growth, we are confident that we have a leading and dynamic organisation capable of mitigating the impact from market conditions whilst taking advantage to increase our market share where possible. In Health, we expect Q3 sales to reflect the seasonally low sea lice treatment season, thereafter increasing in Q4.

Our fundamentals are strong and we have significant opportunities to continue building our track record of consistent growth. Since completing the Group's restructuring in 2020 we have delivered a 62% increase in revenue and 117% increase in Adj. EBITDA, whilst steadily reducing net debt. Aquaculture is a growth industry, supported by robust megatrends. As a leading aquaculture biotechnology company, Benchmark is well positioned to play an important role in helping the aquaculture industry deliver sustainable growth and meet the needs of a rising population.

Benchmark Holdings plc

Consolidated Income Statement for the period ended 31 March 2023

 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                YTD Q2          YTD Q2 
                                               Q2 2023         Q2 2022            2023            2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's         Notes     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Revenue                           4            44,367          39,233          98,862          79,247       158,277 
 Cost of sales                                (19,549)        (19,210)        (49,817)        (39,725)      (75,149) 
------------------------------  ------ 
 Gross profit                                   24,818          20,023          49,045          39,522        83,128 
 Research and development 
  costs                                        (1,435)         (1,590)         (2,998)         (3,237)       (6,691) 
 Other operating costs                        (12,290)         (9,984)        (24,043)        (19,907)      (44,661) 
 Share of (loss)/profit 
  of equity-accounted 
  investees, net of 
  tax                                                -            (24)              56           (528)         (595) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted EBITDA(2)                             11,093           8,425          22,060          15,850        31,181 
 Exceptional - restructuring, 
  disposal and acquisition 
  related items                    5           (1,716)             908         (2,688)             908            16 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 EBITDA(1)                                       9,377           9,333          19,372          16,758        31,197 
 Depreciation and impairment                   (4,551)         (5,557)         (9,166)        (10,052)      (19,897) 
 Amortisation and impairment                   (4,410)         (4,484)         (9,912)         (8,872)      (19,161) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Operating profit/(loss)                           416           (708)             294         (2,166)       (7,861) 
 Finance cost                                  (3,223)         (2,684)        (10,353)         (4,747)      (20,057) 
 Finance income                                    791           1,930           8,143           1,769         4,741 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Loss before taxation                          (2,016)         (1,462)         (1,916)         (5,144)      (23,177) 
 Tax on loss                       6             (704)         (2,189)         (1,483)         (3,616)       (7,274) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------                  -------------- 
 Loss for the period                           (2,720)         (3,651)         (3,399)         (8,760)      (30,451) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Loss for the period 
  attributable to: 
 - Owners of the parent                        (2,858)         (3,775)         (4,141)         (9,132)      (32,087) 
 - Non-controlling 
  interest                                         138             124             742             372         1,636 
------------------------------  ------                  -------------- 
                                               (2,720)         (3,651)         (3,399)         (8,760)      (30,451) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic loss per share 
  (pence)                          7            (0.40)          (0.54)          (0.57)          (1.32)        (4.60) 
 Diluted loss per share 
  (pence)                          7            (0.40)          (0.54)          (0.57)          (1.32)        (4.60) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

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

2 Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA before exceptional items including acquisition related items

Benchmark Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period ended 31 March 2023

 
                                                                                YTD Q2          YTD Q2 
                                               Q2 2023         Q2 2022            2023            2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                   (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
---------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Loss for the period                           (2,720)         (3,651)         (3,399)         (8,760)      (30,451) 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Items that are or may 
  be reclassified subsequently 
  to profit or loss 
 Foreign exchange translation 
  differences                                  (5,973)           9,812        (24,013)           7,201        47,606 
 Cash flow hedges - changes 
  in fair value                                    217           3,082           (299)           2,948         2,627 
 Cash flow hedges - reclassified 
  to profit or loss                              (179)              63           (292)             178         2,546 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                               (8,655)           9,306        (28,003)           1,567        22,328 
--------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period attributable 
  to: 
 - Owners of the parent                        (8,295)           8,784        (28,046)             836        20,326 
 - Non-controlling interest                      (360)             522              43             731         2,002 
-------------------------------------- 
                                               (8,655)           9,306        (28,003)           1,567        22,328 
 -------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

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

Benchmark Holdings plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023

 
 
                                                        31 March      31 March    30 September 
                                                            2023          2022            2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                     Notes   (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                            76,414        81,568          81,900 
 Right-of-use assets                                      22,365        31,360          27,034 
 Intangible assets                                       215,077       226,912         245,264 
 Equity-accounted investees                                3,136         2,821           3,113 
 Other investments                                            14            15              15 
 Biological and agricultural assets                       20,605        17,089          20,878 
 Non-current assets                                      337,611       359,765         378,204 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Inventories                                              27,129        22,140          29,813 
 Biological and agricultural assets                       22,550        24,294          25,780 
 Trade and other receivables                              48,433        47,275          56,377 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                38,647        46,294          36,399 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Current assets                                          136,759       140,003         148,369 
------------------------------------------  ------                ------------  -------------- 
 Total assets                                            474,370       499,768         526,573 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                               (29,723)      (33,284)        (44,324) 
 Loans and borrowings                          8        (22,115)      (13,546)        (17,091) 
 Corporation tax liability                               (8,413)       (7,733)        (10,211) 
 Provisions                                              (1,574)         (551)         (1,631) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Current liabilities                                    (61,825)      (55,114)        (73,257) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Loans and borrowings                          8        (82,878)     (114,185)        (93,045) 
 Other payables                                          (6,257)         (936)         (8,996) 
 Deferred tax                                           (24,293)      (27,524)        (27,990) 
                                                    ------------ 
 Non-current liabilities                               (113,428)     (142,645)       (130,031) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Total liabilities                                     (175,253)     (197,759)       (203,288) 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net assets                                              299,117       302,009         323,285 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Issued capital and reserves attributable 
  to owners of the parent 
 Share capital                                 9             739           704             704 
 Additional paid-in share capital              9          37,924       420,824         420,824 
 Capital redemption reserve                                    5             5               5 
 Retained earnings                                       201,962     (162,696)       (185,136) 
 Hedging reserve                                         (1,294)       (2,750)           (703) 
 Foreign exchange reserve                                 54,391        37,307          77,705 
                                                    ------------ 
 Equity attributable to owners 
  of the parent                                          293,727       293,394         313,399 
 Non-controlling interest                                  5,390         8,615           9,886 
------------------------------------------  ------  ------------ 
 Total equity and reserves                               299,117       302,009         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 March 2023

 
                                                                                         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/(loss) 
 for the period 
 Profit/(loss) for 
  the 
  period                    -             -           -          -     (4,141)         (4,141)            742    (3,399) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss)             -             -    (23,314)      (591)           -        (23,905)          (699)   (24,604) 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss) 
  for the 
  period                    -             -    (23,314)      (591)     (4,141)        (28,046)             43   (28,003) 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Contributions by 
 and 
 distributions to 
 owners 
 Share issue               35        12,985           -          -           -          13,020              -     13,020 
 Share issue costs 
  recognised 
  through equity            -       (1,650)           -          -           -         (1,650)              -    (1,650) 
 Cancellation of 
  part 
  of share premium 
  account 
  (note 9)                  -     (394,235)           -          -     394,235               -              -          - 
 Share-based 
  payment                   -             -           -          -         475             475              -        475 
 Total 
  contributions 
  by and 
  distributions 
  to owners                35     (382,900)           -          -     394,710          11,845              -     11,845 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Changes in 
 ownership 
 Acquisition of 
  NCI                       -             -           -          -     (3,470)         (3,470)        (4,539)    (8,009) 
 Total changes in 
  ownership 
  interests                 -             -           -          -     (3,470)         (3,470)        (4,539)    (8,009) 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with 
  owners of the 
  Company                  35     (382,900)           -          -     391,240           8,375        (4,539)      3,836 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 As at 31 March 
  2023 
  (unaudited)             739        37,924      54,396    (1,294)     201,963         293,728          5,390    299,118 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 As at 1 October 
  2021 
  (audited)               670       400,682      30,470    (5,876)   (154,231)         271,715          7,884    279,599 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Comprehensive 
 income/(loss)for 
 the period 
 Profit/(loss) for 
  the 
  period                    -             -           -          -     (9,132)         (9,132)            372    (8,760) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss)             -             -       6,842      3,126           -           9,968            359     10,327 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss) 
  for the 
  period                    -             -       6,842      3,126     (9,132)             836            731      1,567 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 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                   -             -           -          -         667             667              -        667 
 Total 
  contributions 
  by and 
  distributions 
  to owners                34        20,142           -          -         667          20,843              -     20,843 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Changes in 
 ownership 
 Total changes in 
 ownership 
 interests                  -             -           -          -           -               -              -          - 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with 
  owners of the 
  Company                  34        20,142           -          -         667          20,843              -     20,843 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 As at 31 March 
  2022 
  (unaudited)             704       420,824      37,312    (2,750)   (162,696)         293,394          8,615    302,009 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 As at 1 October 
  2021 
  (audited)               670       400,682      30,470    (5,876)   (154,231)         271,715          7,884    279,599 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Comprehensive 
 income/(loss) 
 for the period 
 Profit/(loss) for 
  the 
  period                    -             -           -          -    (32,087)        (32,087)          1,636   (30,451) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss)             -             -      47,240      5,173           -          52,413            366     52,779 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss) 
  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 
------------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Changes in 
 ownership 
 Total changes in 
 ownership 
 interests                  -             -           -          -           -               -              -          - 
 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

Benchmark Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cashflows for the period ended 31 March 2023

 
 
                                                           31 March      31 March    30 September 
                                                               2023          2022            2022 
                                                Notes   (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Loss for the period                                        (3,399)       (8,760)        (30,451) 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation and impairment of property, 
  plant and equipment                                         4,248         4,187           8,602 
 Depreciation and impairment of right-of-use 
  assets                                                      4,918         5,865          11,295 
 Amortisation and impairment of intangible 
  fixed assets                                                9,912         8,872          19,161 
 Loss on sale of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                    (36)             -            (43) 
 Finance income                                               (320)         (225)           (319) 
 Finance costs                                                1,715         3,714          18,437 
 Increase in fair value of contingent 
  consideration receivable                                        -         (909)         (1,203) 
 Share of profit/(loss) of equity-accounted 
  investees, net of tax                                        (55)           528             595 
 Foreign exchange losses                                    (1,104)           841         (3,985) 
 Share-based payment expense                                    475           667           1,182 
 Other adjustments for non-cash items                             -             -           (276) 
 Tax charge                                                   1,482         3,616           7,274 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade and 
  other receivables                                           6,071           108         (8,511) 
 Decrease/(increase) in inventories                           2,517       (1,610)         (5,406) 
 Decrease/(increase) in biological 
  and agricultural assets                                       893       (1,635)         (6,099) 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade and 
  other payables                                           (13,673)      (10,317)           6,946 
 (Decrease)/increase in provisions                             (13)          (12)           1,058 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
                                                             13,631         4,930          18,257 
 Income taxes paid                                          (4,141)       (2,975)         (7,447) 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net cash flows generated from operating 
  activities                                                  9,490         1,955          10,810 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Investing activities 
 Acquisition of minority interests 
  in subsidiaries, net of cash acquired          12         (8,009)             -               - 
 Purchase of investments                                      (307)          (48)           (378) 
 Receipts from disposal of investments                            -             -           1,544 
 Purchases of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                 (3,254)       (5,084)        (10,808) 
 Purchase of intangibles                                       (77)       (1,523)           (205) 
 Capitalised research and development 
  costs                                                       (197)             -         (1,708) 
 Proceeds from sale of fixed assets                              77             3             220 
 Interest received                                              319            25             119 
 Net cash flows used in investing 
  activities                                               (11,448)       (6,627)        (11,216) 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds of share issues                                    13,020        20,782          20,737 
 Share-issue costs recognised through 
  equity                                                    (1,650)         (607)           (562) 
 Proceeds from bank or other borrowings                      21,393             -          67,939 
 Repayment of bank or other borrowings                     (16,560)         (939)        (74,874) 
 Capitalised borrowing costs                                  (591)             -               - 
 Interest and finance charges paid                          (4,082)       (3,757)         (9,629) 
 Repayments of lease liabilities                            (4,689)       (4,769)        (10,533) 
---------------------------------------------                        ------------  -------------- 
 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing 
  activities                                                  6,841        10,710         (6,922) 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash 
  and cash equivalents                                        4,883         6,038         (7,328) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of period                                                  36,399        39,460          39,460 
 Effect of movements in exchange rate                       (2,634)           796           4,267 
---------------------------------------------                        ------------  -------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of period                                                  38,648        46,294          36,399 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

Benchmark Holdings plc

Unaudited notes to the quarterly financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2023

   1.       Basis of preparation 

Benchmark Holdings plc (the 'Company') is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. These consolidated quarterly financial statements as at and for the six months ended 31 March 2023 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 six months ended 31 March 2022. 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 23 May 2023.

Going concern

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

As at 31 March 2023 the Group had net assets of GBP299.1m (30 September 2022: GBP323.3m), including cash of GBP38.6m (30 September 2022: GBP36.4m) as set out in the consolidated balance sheet. The Group made a loss for the six months of GBP3.4m (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 demand for artemia feeds in certain territories. Mitigating measures within the control of management have been identified should they be required in response to these sensitivities, including reductions in areas of discretionary spend, tight control over new hires, and deferral of capital projects.

The refinancing exercise which commenced in FY22 was completed in Q1 FY23, so that adequate finance facilities are in place, and with financial instruments in place to fix interest rates and opportunities available to mitigate globally high inflation rates, the Group continues to show resilience against the global economic pressures, caused mainly by the conflict in Eastern Europe. The Directors are therefore confident 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 and 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 or UK-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). Furthermore, the Directors also refer to current period results using constant currency, which are derived by retranslating current period results using the prior year's foreign exchange rates.

Use of estimates and judgements

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

In preparing these quarterly financial statements the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 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.

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

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

   3.     Segment information (continued) 

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.

 
  Segmental Revenue 
                              ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
                                                                        YTD Q2           YTD Q2 
                                      Q2 2023          Q2 2022            2023             2022        FY 2022 
   All figures in GBP000's        (unaudited)      (unaudited)     (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Genetics                             13,042           11,408          34,481           26,603         58,008 
  Advanced Nutrition                   22,644           22,974          45,324           42,033         80,286 
  Health                                8,692            4,916          19,077           10,693         20,135 
  Corporate                             1,436            1,406           2,873            2,812          5,120 
  Inter-segment sales                 (1,447)          (1,471)         (2,893)          (2,894)        (5,272) 
  Total                                44,367           39,233          98,862           79,247        158,277 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
 
  Segmental Adjusted EBITDA 
                                                                -------------- 
                                                                        YTD Q2           YTD Q2 
                                      Q2 2023          Q2 2022            2023             2022        FY 2022 
   All figures in GBP000's        (unaudited)      (unaudited)     (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Genetics                              3,420            2,428           5,983            5,691         15,980 
  Advanced Nutrition                    6,169            7,154          11,466           11,474         19,017 
  Health                                2,583            (454)           6,650               93            108 
  Corporate                           (1,079)            (703)         (2,039)          (1,408)        (3,924) 
  Total                                11,093            8,425          22,060           15,850         31,181 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

Reconciliations of segmental information to IFRS measures

 
  Reconciliation of Reportable Segments Adjusted EBITDA to Loss before 
   taxation 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                           YTD Q2           YTD Q2 
                                         Q2 2023          Q2 2022            2023             2022        FY 2022 
   All figures in GBP000's           (unaudited)      (unaudited)     (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
-------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Total reportable segment 
   Adjusted EBITDA                        12,172            9,128          24,099           17,258         35,105 
  Corporate Adjusted EBITDA              (1,079)            (703)         (2,039)          (1,408)        (3,924) 
-------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA                         11,093            8,425          22,060           15,850         31,181 
  Exceptional - restructuring, 
   disposal and acquisition 
   related items                         (1,716)              908         (2,688)              908             16 
  Depreciation and impairment            (4,551)          (5,557)         (9,166)         (10,052)       (19,897) 
  Amortisation and impairment            (4,410)          (4,484)         (9,912)          (8,872)       (19,161) 
  Net finance costs                      (2,432)            (754)         (2,210)          (2,978)       (15,316) 
  Loss before taxation                   (2,016)          (1,462)         (1,916)          (5,144)       (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 March 2023 (unaudited) 
-------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures in GBP000's     Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales    Total 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
  Sale of goods                11,083        22,635     6,115            -                -   39,833 
  Provision of services         1,957             -     2,577            -                -    4,534 
  Inter-segment sales               2             9         -        1,436          (1,447)        - 
                               13,042        22,644     8,692        1,436          (1,447)   44,367 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
 
                                             3 months ended 31 March 2022 (unaudited) 
-------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures in GBP000's     Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales    Total 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
  Sale of goods                 9,872        22,945     2,594            -                -   35,411 
  Provision of services         1,500             -     2,322            -                -    3,822 
  Inter-segment sales              36            29         -        1,406          (1,471)        - 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
                               11,408        22,974     4,916        1,406          (1,471)   39,233 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
 
                                             6 months ended 31 March 2023 (unaudited) 
-------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures in GBP000's     Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales    Total 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
  Sale of goods                32,204        45,307    13,564            -                -   91,075 
  Provision of services         2,274             -     5,513            -                -    7,787 
  Inter-segment sales               3            17         -        2,873          (2,893)        - 
                               34,481        45,324    19,077        2,873          (2,893)   98,862 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
 
                                             6 months ended 31 March 2022 (unaudited) 
-------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures in GBP000's     Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales    Total 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
  Sale of goods                24,381        41,993     5,845            -                -   72,219 
  Provision of services         2,180             -     4,848            -                -    7,028 
  Inter-segment sales              42            40         -        2,812          (2,894)        - 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
                               26,603        42,033    10,693        2,812          (2,894)   79,247 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
 
   4.     Revenue (continued) 

Sale of goods and provision of services (continued)

 
                                             12 months ended 30 September 2022 (audited) 
-------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures 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 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------------- 
 
 

Primary geographical markets

 
                                            3 months ended 31 March 2023 (unaudited) 
-------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures in GBP000's     Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales    Total 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
  Norway                        6,177           252     6,157            -                -   12,586 
  India                             -         2,822         -            -                -    2,822 
  Turkey                            -         2,528         -            -                -    2,528 
  Greece                            -         2,002         -            -                -    2,002 
  Faroe Islands                 2,224             -       119            -                -    2,343 
  Ecuador                           9         1,832         -            -                -    1,841 
  United Kingdom                  814             8         -            -                -      822 
  Chile                         1,121             9        88            -                -    1,218 
  Vietnam                           -         2,330         -            -                -    2,330 
  Rest of Europe                1,680         1,716         -            -                -    3,396 
  Rest of World                 1,015         9,136     2,328            -                -   12,479 
  Inter-segment sales               2             9         -        1,436          (1,447)        - 
                               13,042        22,644     8,692        1,436          (1,447)   44,367 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
 
                                            3 months ended 31 March 2022 (unaudited) 
-------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures in GBP000's     Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales    Total 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
  Norway                        6,115           211     4,288            -                -   10,614 
  India                           260         3,711         -            -                -    3,971 
  Turkey                            -         2,238         -            -                -    2,238 
  Greece                            -         1,832         -            -                -    1,832 
  Faroe Islands                 1,709             5       147            -                -    1,861 
  Ecuador                           -         1,227         -            -                -    1,227 
  United Kingdom                  899            14        30            -                -      943 
  Chile                           224             5       150            -                -      379 
  Vietnam                           -         3,014         -            -                -    3,014 
  Rest of Europe                1,590         1,278         -            -                -    2,868 
  Rest of World                   575         9,410       301            -                -   10,286 
  Inter-segment sales              36            29         -        1,406          (1,471)        - 
                               11,408        22,974     4,916        1,406          (1,471)   39,233 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  ------- 
 
 
   4.     Revenue (continued) 

Primary geographical markets (continued)

 
                                              6 months ended 31 March 2023 (unaudited) 
-------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures in GBP000's     Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales           Total 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------------- 
  Norway                       23,061           342    14,452            -                -          37,855 
  India                             -         7,025         -            -                -           7,025 
  Turkey                            2         4,732         -            -                -           4,734 
  Greece                            -         4,271         -            -                -           4,271 
  Faroe Islands                 3,319             -       348            -                -           3,667 
  Ecuador                          29         3,572         -            -                -           3,601 
  United Kingdom                1,551            27        42            -                -           1,620 
  Chile                         1,133            11       342            -                -           1,486 
  Vietnam                           -         5,025         -            -                -           5,025 
  Rest of Europe                3,742         3,338         -            -                -           7,080 
  Rest of World                 1,641        16,964     3,893            -                -          22,498 
  Inter-segment sales               3            17         -        2,873          (2,893)               - 
                               34,481        45,324    19,077        2,873          (2,893)          98,862 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------------- 
 
                                              6 months ended 31 March 2022 (unaudited) 
-------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures in GBP000's     Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales           Total 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------------- 
  Norway                       15,794           323     8,956            -                -          25,073 
  India                           400         7,719         -            -                -           8,119 
  Turkey                            -         3,932         -            -                -           3,932 
  Greece                            -         3,471         -            -                -           3,471 
  Faroe Islands                 2,856            28       118            -                -           3,002 
  Ecuador                           -         2,291         -            -                -           2,291 
  United Kingdom                2,601             6       277            -                -           2,884 
  Chile                           340             5       553            -                -             898 
  Vietnam                           -         6,009         -            -                -           6,009 
  Rest of Europe                3,361         2,581         -            -                -           5,942 
  Rest of World                 1,209        15,628       789            -                -          17,626 
  Inter-segment sales              42            40         -        2,812          (2,894)               - 
                               26,603        42,033    10,693        2,812          (2,894)          79,247 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------------- 
 
 
   4.     Revenue (continued) 

Primary geographical markets (continued)

 
                                           12 months ended 30 September 2022 (audited) 
-------------------------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                           Advanced                           Inter-segment 
 All figures in GBP000's     Genetics     Nutrition    Health    Corporate            sales     Total 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
  Norway                       34,666           965    15,571            -                -    51,202 
  India                           619        12,001         -            -                -    12,620 
  Turkey                            -         6,419         -            -                -     6,419 
  Greece                            2         6,197         -            -                -     6,199 
  Faroe Islands                 5,465             9       587            -                -     6,061 
  Ecuador                          18         6,472         -            -                -     6,490 
  United Kingdom                4,318            93       199            -                -     4,610 
  Chile                         1,006            15       871            -                -     1,892 
  Vietnam                           -        10,512         -            -                -    10,512 
  Rest of Europe                7,110         4,056         -            -                -    11,166 
  Rest of World                 4,747        33,452     2,907            -                -    41,106 
  Inter-segment sales              57            95       (0)        5,120          (5,272)       (0) 
                               58,008        80,286    20,135        5,120          (5,272)   158,277 
-------------------------  ----------  ------------  --------  -----------  ---------------  -------- 
 
   5.     Exceptional - restructuring, disposal, and 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.

 
 All figures in GBP000's               Q2 2023                Q2 2022             YTD                    YTD       FY 2022 
                                                                              Q2 2023                Q2 2022 
                                   (unaudited)            (unaudited)     (unaudited)            (unaudited)     (audited) 
-------------------------  ---  --------------  ---------------------  --------------  ---------------------  ------------ 
  Exceptional restructuring 
   costs                                 1,716                      -           2,688                      -         1,229 
  Income in relation to 
   disposals                                 -                  (908)               -                  (908)       (1,245) 
 Total exceptional items                 1,716                  (908)           2,688                  (908)          (16) 
------------------------------  --------------  ---------------------  --------------  ---------------------  ------------ 
 

Exceptional restructuring costs for the quarter include GBP1,666,000 (YTD 2023: GBP2,553,000; FY 2022: GBP843,000) of legal and professional costs in relation to preparing for listing the Group on the Oslo stock exchange, and GBP50,000 (YTD 2023: GBP135,000; FY 2022: GBP276,000) relating to other restructuring costs.

Income in relation to disposals for Q2 2022 and YTD Q2 2022 of GBP908,000 relate to an increase in the fair value of contingent consideration receivable following the disposal of Improve International Limited in 2020. Further to this, the balance in FY 2022 includes GBP294,000 of additional contingent consideration received relating to the disposal of Aquaculture UK in 2020.

   6.     Taxation 
 
                                                                               YTD Q2          YTD Q2 
                                              Q2 2023         Q2 2022            2023            2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                  (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
--------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Analysis of charge in period 
 Current tax: 
 Current income tax expense 
  on profits for the period                       997           2,642           2,835           5,007        11,727 
 Adjustment in respect of prior 
  periods                                           -               -               -               -          (39) 
-------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total current tax charge                         997           2,642           2,835           5,007        11,688 
 
 Deferred tax: 
 Origination and reversal of 
  temporary differences                         (293)           (453)         (1,352)         (1,391)       (4,414) 
 Deferred tax movements in 
  respect of prior periods                          -               -               -               -             - 
--------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total deferred tax credit                      (293)           (453)         (1,352)         (1,391)       (4,414) 
                                                                                                    -             - 
--------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total tax charge                                 704           2,189           1,483           3,616         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.

 
                                                                                YTD             YTD 
                                            Q2 2023         Q2 2022         Q2 2023         Q2 2022       FY 2022 
                                        (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Loss attributable to equity 
  holders of the parent (GBP000)            (2,858)         (3,775)         (4,141)         (9,132)      (32,087) 
 Weighted average number of shares 
  in issue (thousands)                      723,173         703,926         724,505         692,474       698,233 
 Basic loss per share (pence)                (0.40)          (0.54)          (0.57)          (1.32)        (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 4,312,880 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 March 2022: 5,184,054). These potential ordinary shares could dilute earnings/loss per share in the future.

   8.     Loans and borrowings 
 
                                       YTD           YTD 
                                   Q2 2023       Q2 2022     FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's       (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited) 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Non-Current 
 2025 750m NOK Loan notes           56,756             -      61,054 
 2023 850m NOK Loan notes                -        76,353           - 
 Bank borrowings                    16,974        18,917      17,226 
 Lease liabilities                   9,148        18,915      14,765 
----------------------------                              ---------- 
                                    82,878       114,185      93,045 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Current 
 Bank borrowings                     9,421         1,648       5,569 
 Lease liabilities                  12,694        11,899      11,522 
----------------------------                              ---------- 
                                    22,115        13,546      17,091 
----------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Total loans and borrowings        104,993       127,732     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. The proceeds were used to repay its existing NOK 850m floating rate listed bond, originally raised in June 2019. The bond was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange during the current period on 12 April 2023.

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.

On 15 February 2023, the Group drew down EUR9,000,000 on the GBP20,000 RCF leaving GBP12,110,000 undrawn as at 31 March 2023.

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       11,335 
 Cancellation of part of the share premium 
  account                                                  -          -    (394,235) 
 Exercise of share options                           127,321          -            - 
 Balance at 31 March 2023                        739,277,469        739       37,924 
----------------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------- 
 

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 GBP1.7m were in relation to the share issues and this has been charged to the share premium account (presented within additional paid-in share capital).

The share premium account is used to record the aggregate amount of value of the premiums paid when the Company's shares are issued/redeemed at a premium. On 20 March 2023, part of the Company's share premium account was cancelled following the confirmation of the capital reduction by the High Court of England and Wales on 14 March 2023 and the subsequent registration of the court order with the Registrar of Companies. The capital reduction created additional distributable reserves to the value of GBP394,235,072.

   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 profit/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.

10. Alternative performance measures and other metrics (continued)

Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Profit to Operating Loss

 
                                                                                  YTD Q2          YTD Q2 
                                                 Q2 2023         Q2 2022            2023            2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
-----------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Revenue                                          44,367          39,233          98,862          79,247       158,277 
 Cost of sales                                  (19,549)        (19,210)        (49,817)        (39,725)      (75,149) 
----------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Gross profit                                     24,818          20,023          49,045          39,522        83,128 
 Research and development costs                  (1,435)         (1,590)         (2,998)         (3,237)       (6,691) 
 Other operating costs                          (12,290)         (9,984)        (24,043)        (19,907)      (44,661) 
 Depreciation and impairment                     (4,551)         (5,557)         (9,166)        (10,052)      (19,897) 
 Amortisation of capitalised 
  development costs                                (610)           (448)         (1,227)           (896)       (2,165) 
 Share of loss of equity accounted 
  investees net of tax                                 -            (24)              56           (528)         (595) 
----------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted operating profit                         5,932           2,420          11,667           4,902         9,119 
 Exceptional - restructuring, 
  disposal and acquisition related 
  items                                          (1,716)             908         (2,688)             908            16 
 Amortisation and impairment 
  of intangible assets excluding 
  development costs                              (3,800)         (4,036)         (8,685)         (7,976)      (16,996) 
----------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Operating profit/(loss)                             416           (708)             294         (2,166)       (7,861) 
----------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

Reconciliation of Loss Before Taxation to Adjusted Profit Before Tax

 
                                                                                   YTD             YTD 
                                               Q2 2023         Q2 2022         Q2 2023         Q2 2022       FY 2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                   (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
---------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 Loss before taxation                          (2,016)         (1,462)         (1,916)         (5,144)      (23,177) 
 Exceptional - restructuring, 
  disposal and acquisition 
  related items                                  1,716           (908)           2,688           (908)          (16) 
 Amortisation and impairment 
  of intangible assets excluding 
  development costs                              3,800           4,036           8,685           7,976        16,996 
--------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted profit before tax                      3,500           1,666           9,457           1,924       (6,197) 
--------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

Other Metrics

 
                                                                                 YTD Q2          YTD Q2            FY 
                                                Q2 2023         Q2 2022            2023            2022          2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                    (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
----------------------------------  ---  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total R&D Investment 
 Research and development 
  costs                                           1,435           1,590           2,998           3,237         6,691 
 Internal capitalised development 
  costs                                             144             777             198           1,404         1,708 
                                                         --------------                  --------------  ------------ 
 Total R&D investment                             1,579           2,367           3,196           4,641         8,399 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                                                                   YTD              YTD             FY 
                                              Q2 2023          Q2 2022         Q2 2023          Q2 2022           2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                  (unaudited)      (unaudited)     (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
-------------------------------  ---  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA excluding 
  fair value movement in biological 
  assets 
 Adjusted EBITDA                               11,093            8,425          22,060           15,850         31,181 
 Exclude fair value movement                  (1,401)          (1,101)           (247)          (1,005)        (1,595) 
                                      ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA excluding 
  fair value movement in biological 
  assets                                        9,692            7,324          21,813           14,845         29,586 
------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 

10. Alternative performance measures and other metrics (continued)

Liquidity

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

 
 
                                  31 March 
                                      2023 
 All figures in GBP000's       (unaudited) 
---------------------------   ------------ 
 Cash and cash equivalents          38,647 
 Undrawn bank facility              12,110 
                                    50,757 
 ---------------------------  ------------ 
 

The undrawn bank facility relates to the RCF facility. At 31 March 2023, GBP7.9m of the RCF was drawn (30 September 2022: GBP4.0m and 31 March 2022: GBPnil), leaving GBP12.1m undrawn (30 September 2022: GBP9.4m and 31 March 2022: GBPnil).

   11.   Net debt 

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

 
 
                                              31 March      31 March    30 September 
                                                  2023          2022            2022 
 All figures in GBP000's                   (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
---------------------------------------   ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                      38,647        46,294          36,399 
 Loans and borrowings (excluding lease 
  liabilities) - current                       (9,421)       (1,647)         (5,569) 
 Loans and borrowings (excluding lease 
  liabilities) - non-current                  (73,730)      (95,270)        (78,280) 
 Net debt excluding lease liabilities         (44,504)      (50,623)        (47,450) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Lease liabilities - current                  (12,694)      (11,899)        (11,522) 
 Lease liabilities - non-current               (9,148)      (18,915)        (14,765) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net debt                                     (66,346)      (81,437)        (73,737) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
   12.   Purchase of minority interests in subsidiary companies 

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.

On 6 February 2023, the Group exercised the put/call option in place to purchase the final 20% of Benchmark Genetics USA Inc for 1 NOK. Following this acquisition, Benchmark Genetics Limited, a subsidiary of Benchmark Holdings PLC, now owns 100% of the share capital of Benchmark Genetics USA Inc.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.

END

IR SEIESEEDSEII

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 23, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

Benchmark (LSE:BMK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024 Click Here for more Benchmark Charts.
Benchmark (LSE:BMK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024 Click Here for more Benchmark Charts.