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BMK Benchmark Holdings Plc

45.50
-0.50 (-1.09%)
24 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Benchmark Holdings Plc LSE:BMK London Ordinary Share GB00BGHPT808 ORD 0.1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -0.50 -1.09% 45.50 45.00 46.00 770 16:35:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Pharmaceutical Preparations 169.74M -23.15M -0.0313 -14.70 340.1M

Benchmark Holdings PLC Second Quarter and Interim Results (2915O)

29/05/2020 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Benchmark (LSE:BMK)
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TIDMBMK

RNS Number : 2915O

Benchmark Holdings PLC

29 May 2020

29 May 2020

Information within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014.

Benchmark Holdings plc

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

Second Quarter and Interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2020

Benchmark (LSE: BMK), the aquaculture health, genetics and advanced nutrition business, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2020 (the "Period"). The Company also announces its unaudited results for the three months ended 31 March 2020 in compliance with the terms of its senior secured bond.

-- H1 results reflect good performance in Genetics driven by successful ramp-up of Salten facility and continued impact of weak shrimp markets and Artemia oversupply in Advanced Nutrition

-- Strong liquidity (cash and available facility) of c. GBP67.6m as at 27 May 2020 having raised GBP42m in February 2020 and action taken to conserve cash

   --    Group restructuring well advanced, refocusing the business on core areas: 

o Completed four disposals (including two post period end), exited loss-making areas and closed trial facilities;

o Disposals underway expected to generate GBP27m-GBP30m;

o Initiated review of vaccine strategy;

o Restructuring and cost saving plan aiming to deliver a minimum of GBP10m annual savings;

-- Trond Williksen appointed as CEO with effect 1 June, bringing extensive experience in the international aquaculture and seafood industries

-- Progress towards commercialisation of BMK08 and CleanTreat(R) in Q2 2021CY: regulatory process continuing and commissioning of infrastructure commenced

-- Continuity of supply and customer service through Covid-19. Salmon markets resilient; shrimp markets impacted - some evidence of recovery in countries emerging from lockdown

 
 GBPm                                               Restated* 
                                          H1 2020    H1 2019      Q2 2020     Q2 2019 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Revenue from continuing operations       57.0        67.4        32.0        37.7 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Adjusted 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA(1) from continuing 
  operations                               2.8         7.3         4.6         5.2 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Adjusted Operating (Loss)/Profit(2)      (0.8)        4.3         2.7         3.5 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Statutory 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Loss before tax                         (18.9)       (6.2)      (13.2)       (0.2) 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Loss for the Period from continuing 
  operations                             (19.3)       (7.0)      (14.2)       (0.7) 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Loss for the Period - total incl. 
  discontinued operations                (18.8)       (9.1)      (13.4)       (1.4) 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Basic loss per share (p)                (3.25)      (1.71)       (2.18)     (0.29) 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net debt(3)                             (55.8)      (65.5) 
-------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

* H1 2019 numbers have been restated to reflect changes to the ongoing continuing business since the previous reporting date (note 5). Q2 2019 figures have not been previously reported and so are not restated.

(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. Net debt includes GBP9.0m (H1 2019: GBPnil) relating to operating lease obligations which are now held on balance sheet following the adoption of IFRS 16.

Divisional summary (Continuing and discontinued operations)

 
 GBPm                              Restated* 
                         H1 2020    H1 2019      Q2 2020     Q2 2019 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Revenue 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Advanced Nutrition      31.3        40.9        19.9        25.0 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Genetics                22.5        22.6        10.4        10.8 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Animal Health            6.7         7.2         3.3         3.6 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA(1) 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Advanced Nutrition       3.3         9.6         3.7         6.9 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Genetics                 8.6         4.9         5.2         1.7 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Animal Health           (7.7)       (6.1)       (3.7)       (2.7) 
--------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
   --    Advanced Nutrition 

o Drop in revenues and Adjusted EBITDA driven by weak shrimp markets, and oversupply and price competition in Artemia

o Implementing plan to reduce cost base; benefit from cost savings to come through in FY21

o Continued supply and customer support through Covid-19

   --    Genetics 

o Significant increase in margin from successful ramp-up of Salten facility, moving previously outsourced production in-house, and from strong sales into Scotland from biosecure facility in Iceland

o Revenue in line with prior year reflects lower egg volumes as a result of shift from third party production and adverse forex movements, compensated by higher prices achieved from specialist genetic traits and year round supply of eggs from Salten

   --    Animal Health 

o Revenues (including discontinued operations of veterinary and diagnostics) down on prior year as a result of lower toll manufacturing revenues

o Continued progress towards commercialisation of new sea lice treatment BMK08 and CleanTreat(R)

Impact from Covid-19 on our end markets and actions taken

-- The salmon industry has proven resilient with limited exposure to the food services sector (30%), a longer production cycle and a robust industry structure

-- The shrimp industry is being significantly impacted by lower demand with c.60% exposure to food services, a significant drop in prices and disruption to production. There are early signs of recovery in countries where lockdown is easing

-- The sea bass/bream market has significant exposure to food services in line with shrimp but a longer production cycle than shrimp and has suffered modest impact

-- The Company implemented a business continuity and cash conservation plan to ensure employee safety whilst continuing to supply and service customers

-- Actions taken to conserve cash and maintain adequate financial headroom have included reducing variable costs, R&D and capex spend; working capital management; and temporary salary cuts, furloughing, and temporary redundancies for more than 20% of staff

Update on disposal of non-core assets and restructuring

-- During the Period, the Company completed two disposals and closed its marketing services business. Post Period-end, the Company completed two further disposals

-- The Company has achieved c.GBP2.4m in cash proceeds from completed disposals and expects to generate c.GBP27m-GBP30m from the remaining planned disposals

-- In addition to the previously planned disposals, the Company has initiated a review of its vaccine strategy to identify the best route to realise value from its assets and pipeline and reduce the cash burn in this area; discussions with third parties are underway

-- The Company's restructuring and cost savings plan aims to deliver a minimum of GBP10m in annual savings

Progress towards commercialisation of near-term pipeline

-- BMK08 sea lice treatment - progress in regulatory process and commissioning of initial infrastructure to support launch in Q2 2021 CY

-- SPR shrimp - achieved test market sales into China and commenced construction of facility in Thailand with local partner. Commercial launch pushed back by 12 months to benefit from expected market recovery post Covid-19

Liquidity and net debt

-- GBP42m net proceeds raised in February 2020 through a placing and open offer to fund the scale-up of CleanTreat(R), necessary for the commercialisation of BMK08 and for working capital purposes

-- Liquidity (defined as cash and undrawn facility) as at 27 May 2020 was c.GBP67.6m (31 March 2020: GBP63.2m) against a liquidity covenant of GBP10m

-- Net debt at the half year end was GBP55.8m (30 September 2019: GBP87.1m; 31 March 2019: GBP65.5m). Net debt includes operating lease obligations of GBP9.0m (30 September 2019: GBPnil, 31 March 2019: GBPnil) following the adoption of IFRS 16 in the Period

Current Trading and Outlook - new CEO appointed

   --    Appointment of Trond Williksen as CEO with effect from 1 June 2020 
   --    Good visibility of order book in Genetics and resilience in the salmon market 

-- Weakness in shrimp markets expected to continue through the end of the financial year. Early evidence of recovery in countries emerging from lockdown

   --    Solid financial position supported by existing liquidity and cash conservation plan 
   --    Programme of disposals and restructuring ongoing 
   --    Continued focus on commercial launch of BMK08 and CleanTreat(R) 

Peter George, Executive Chairman, commented:

"Our results for the first half of the year were disappointing reflecting the weakness in the shrimp markets and oversupply of Artemia, and the additional challenges of Covid-19 in the latter part of the Period. Our salmon business has been more robust in the face of the global lockdown with good visibility, and this, together with a solid cash position after our fundraising in February and our cash conservation plan, gives us confidence in managing Benchmark through this crisis.

" Our priority continues to be on completing the restructuring of the Group to focus on our core aquaculture disciplines, reducing our cost base, increasing efficiency and transitioning from R&D investment into profitability. Longer term the fundamentals of our business are very attractive with an increasing need for products and solutions that enable sustainable food production.

"I am delighted to welcome Trond Williksen as CEO of Benchmark who brings deep, relevant aquaculture expertise and has proven operational, strategic, M&A, and managerial experience spanning both producers and technology providers in the industry."

Details of analyst / investor call today

There will be a call at 9:30am UK time today for analysts and investors. To register for the call please contact MHP Communications on 07875 744 070 or 07551 170 451 , or by email on benchmark@mhpc.com

Enquiries

 
 For further information, please contact: 
 Benchmark Holdings plc                            benchmark@mphc.com 
 Peter George, Executive Chairman 
 Septima Maguire, CFO 
 Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations 
 
 
 Numis (Broker and NOMAD)                          Tel: 020 7260 1000 
 James Black, Freddie Barnfield, Duncan Monteith 
 
 MHP Communications                                Tel: 07875 744 070 / 07551 
                                                    170 451 
 

Katie Hunt, Reg Hoare, Alistair de Kare-Silver benchmark@mphc.com

About Benchmark

Benchmark's mission is to enable food producers to improve their sustainability and profitability.

We bring together biology and technology, to develop innovative products which improve yield, quality and animal health and welfare for our customers. We do this by improving the genetic make-up, health and nutrition of their stock - from broodstock and hatchery through to nursery and grow out.

Benchmark has a broad portfolio of products and solutions, including salmon eggs, live feed (Artemia), diets and probiotics and sea lice treatments. Find out more at www.benchmarkplc.com

Management Report

Overview

The Group reported revenues from continuing operations of GBP57.0m and an Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of GBP2.8m in H12020 as a result of continued weakness in the shrimp markets, oversupply of Artemia, and the early impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which overshadowed a robust performance in the Genetics business.

An estimated 60% of demand for shrimp derives from the food services sector which has been critically affected by the global lockdown; the sea bass/bream sectors have a similar exposure but the longer production cycle reduces volatility and impact has been modest. In salmon, by contrast, 70% of demand is represented by retail, which has tended to benefit from the lockdown measures with an increase in home consumption of salmon in certain markets including the US. In addition, the two and a half to three year production cycle in salmon means that demand for salmon eggs is less affected by the short term impact from Covid-19.

The Company began to experience the impact from Covid-19 in the Advanced Nutrition business in Asia towards the end of the Period. In addition to the fall in demand for shrimp, which drove down the shrimp price and resulted in reduced production, curfews and regional quarantines in major producing countries affected production volumes. At the same time, the sector experienced transportation lockdowns across the supply chain from hatchery to nursery, grow-out and end markets which increased economic pressure across the value chain, impacting farm gate prices and stocking decisions.

Covid-19 measures

The Group took early action to protect the health and wellbeing of its staff, to ensure continuity of supply and service for its customers and to conserve cash and maintain headroom. We have implemented remote working for office-based employees, adapted shift patterns at manufacturing sites worldwide to reduce employee exposure and enhanced safety procedures.

We continue to serve our customers with limited interruption to date. We have built an inventory of product and key ingredients in response to the risk from border closure and freight and logistical challenges, and are conducting regular customer support webinars and generating online content which will remain a positive addition to our service offering post Covid-19.

From a financial perspective, actions taken by the Company to date to conserve cash include reducing variable costs where possible; cuts and delays to R&D and capex spend; and working capital management. We have initiated a review of our vaccine strategy and pushed back the launch of our SPR shrimp and of our 100% Artemia replacement to align the timing to a market recovery. We have furloughed, reduced working hours or applied temporary salary cuts or temporary redundancy to c.20% of our workforce, with the implementation of these measures corresponding with the areas of our business that are being most impacted. Our Board and our Operations Board have voluntarily taken a temporary 20% salary cut.

Update on programme of disposals and restructuring

Despite the challenges raised by the Covid-19 pandemic, we remain firmly focused on completing the planned disposals and restructuring of the Group to focus on our core aquaculture disciplines and on reducing our cost base in order to transition from R&D investment into profitability.

To-date, we have completed four disposals raising a total of GBP2.4m and expect to generate GBP27m-GBP30m from planned disposals which are underway. In addition to the previously announced disposals, the Company has initiated a review of its vaccines strategy to define the best route to realise value from its technology and assets. The Company aims to deliver a minimum of GBP10m in annual savings from its restructuring and cost savings plan.

Board changes

Following the Period-end, the Group announced on 7 April 2020 the appointment of Trond Williksen as Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, with effect from 1 June 2020. Following Trond Williksen's appointment, Peter George will revert to his former position as Non-Executive Chairman.

Trond Williksen is highly experienced in the international aquaculture and seafood industries, having held senior executive positions and a number of advisory and non-executive director roles in the sector for over 20 years, most recently as CEO of SalMar ASA, the Norwegian fish farm company and one of the world's largest producers of farmed salmon. Prior to this, he was CEO of AKVA group ASA, the leading global aquaculture technology and service provider for six years. He previously held a number of senior roles in Aker ASA's Seafoods, Ocean Harvest and BioMarine divisions.

On 21 April 2020, the Group announced that Alex Raeber is stepping down as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and a Director of the Company with effect from 31 July 2020. Alex has played an instrumental role in the execution of the Company's new strategy, leading the review and streamlining of the product pipeline, the integration of Benchmark's innovation teams and the reorganisation of the Group's in-house trial facilities.

Outlook

We expect market conditions in shrimp and the operational and economic effects from the Covid-19 pandemic to continue to impact our Advanced Nutrition business for the rest of the financial year. Encouragingly, Genetics continues to perform robustly reflecting more stable demand for salmon and we have good visibility of the order book for the rest of the year. Our commercialisation plan for BMK08 is progressing and whilst timing is reliant on any potential impact from Covid-19 on the regulatory approval process we remain on track to launch in Q22021 CY.

It is too early to fully assess the level of impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the current financial year ending 30 September 2020. We recognise the uncertainty regarding the possibility of a second wave of infection and it is too early to assess the speed of economic recovery as markets reopen. In line with the market we expect an average three-month lockdown phased in territories across the globe, followed by a gradual six to twelve month recovery period. In territories coming out of lockdown we are starting to see cautious signs of recovery.

We are in a solid financial position following the net GBP42m fundraising earlier this year and expect that the measures we are taking to maintain our production and commercial functions, and to conserve cash, will enable us to remain resilient during this period. Longer term the fundamentals of our business are very attractive with an increasing need for products and solutions that enable sustainable food production.

Divisional Commentary

Advanced Nutrition

Advanced Nutrition reported H1 revenues of GBP31.3m, 23.5% below the prior year (H1 2019: GBP40.9m) and Q2 revenues of GBP19.9m, 20.5% below the prior year (Q2 2019: GBP25.0m). This reflected an ongoing weak shrimp market with low shrimp prices, continued competition in Artemia leading to significantly lower Artemia volumes and prices. The impact from Covid-19 was initially evident in China and Vietnam later extending into India and Indonesia and more recently into Latin America as the pandemic spread across the globe.

Adjusted EBITDA in H1 was GBP3.3m (H1 2019: GBP9.6m) and Adjusted EBITDA in Q2 was GBP3.7m (Q2 2019: GBP6.9m). By product area in H1, Artemia revenues were down 32% versus prior year as a result of volume and price erosion while Diets were down 23% and Health up 25%. In Q2 by product area Artemia revenues were down 22% versus prior year as a result of volume and price erosion while Diets was down 29% and Health up 21%.

Genetics

Genetics revenues in H1 2020 were GBP22.5m, in line with the prior year (H1 2019: GBP22.6m) and GBP10.4m in Q2, 3.6% below the prior year. Revenues were affected by the shift of volume from third party producers to our own facilities and adverse forex movements compensated for by higher prices achieved from our specialist genetic traits and year round supply of biosecure eggs. Adjusted EBITDA in H1 was GBP8.6m, 75% above the prior year (H1 2020: GBP4.9m) and in Q2 was GBP5.2m, 200.5% above the prior year (Q2 2019: GBP1.7m). The increase in margin and Adjusted EBITDA is mainly due to in-house egg production at our new Salten facility replacing more expensive outsourced production, higher egg prices noted above and higher royalties from salmon farmers using our genetics in their own production. R&D investment (expensed and capitalised) in the division increased to GBP3.6m (H1 2019: GBP1.9m) as a result of higher investment in our breeding programmes in Chile and SPR shrimp.

Production and distribution of salmon eggs has been uninterrupted through the Covid-19 pandemic and we have a good order book for the remainder of the year with 100% of our Salten capacity for off-season eggs sold-out. The longer two and a half to three year production cycle for salmon means that despite short term uncertainty producers continue to stock and plan for the medium term. We continue to benefit from higher demand from Scotland for our highly biosecure and genetically advanced salmon eggs produced at our secure land-based facility in Iceland.

Operationally, in H1 2020 the Company signed a lease on a new grow-out facility in Curacalco, Chile which completes the infrastructure required for local production of salmon eggs. This site is now fully operational and local production of salmon eggs is expected to commence in 2021 when the first-year class of broodstock matures.

During the period, we achieved the first test market sales of SPR shrimp in China and Indonesia. Trials continue in China, Thailand, Vietnam and Peru. In light of Covid-19 we have decided to push back the commercial launch of the SPR shrimp to benefit from a recovery in the shrimp market, delaying capex and opex spend which conserves cash in the short term. Construction of the multiplication centre with our local partner in Thailand is ongoing albeit with some delays and we expect it to be operational by the end of this calendar year.

Animal Health

Revenues in Animal Health in H1 2020 and in Q2 2020 (including Discontinued Operations of veterinary and diagnostics) were GBP6.7m (H1 2019: GBP7.2m) and GBP3.3m (Q2 2019: GBP3.6m) respectively, with the drop a result of lower revenues from toll manufacturing.

Adjusted EBITDA in H1 including Discontinued Operations was a loss of GBP7.7m (H1 2019: loss GBP6.1m) and in Q2 was a loss of GBP3.7m (Q2 2019: loss GBP2.7m). Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations within these figures for H1 was a loss of GBP0.1m (H1 2019: loss GBP0.2m) and in Q2 was a loss of GBP0.1m (Q2 2019: loss GBPnil). The performance against the prior year reflects a reduction in revenues from toll manufacturing, an increase in vaccine R&D and related production capability, and activities to prepare for the launch of CleanTreat(R) and BMK08.

Operationally there was significant progress in the commercial launch plan for BMK08 including the development of the operating model for CleanTreat(R) and submission of the regulatory dossier for BMK08. Procurement for the next CleanTreat(R) system also commenced.

We have intiated a review of our vaccine strategy to define the best route to realise value from our technology and assets. As a result of Covid-19 we have furloughed the majority of staff at our vaccine manufacturing facility in Braintree.

Financial Review

H1 2020

Group revenue from continuing operations was GBP57.0m (H1 2019: GBP67.4m) and Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations which is used by management as the primary measure of financial performance was GBP2.8m (H1 2019: GBP7.3m) driven by the factors outlined above.

Overall investment in R&D (expensed and capitalised) remained broadly in line with the prior year at GBP8.7m (H1 2019: GBP8.5m) with an increase in expensed R&D of GBP1.2m offset by a reduction in capitalised development costs - the latter despite capitalised development costs of GBP0.8m in Genetics division for SPR shrimp.

The Group's operating loss was GBP9.3m (H1 2019: loss of GBP4.2m) after depreciation and amortisation during the Period of GBP12.0m (H1 2019: GBP11.5m). Loss before taxation was GBP18.9m (H1 2019: GBP6.2m) after a significant increase in net finance costs to GBP9.6m (H1 2019: GBP2.1m). The increase in finance costs was a result of the higher interest charges following the refinancing exercise concluded towards the end of the prior year (up by GBP1.6m), forex losses (up by GBP1.9m) and movement in the fair value of the instrument taken out to hedge currency and interest volatility in the bond financing for which hedge accounting has not been adopted (GBP3.7m).

The loss for the Period was GBP18.8m (H1 2019: GBP9.1m). Loss per share was 3.25p (H1 2019: 1.71p).

Net debt at the half year was GBP55.8m (FY 2019: GBP87.1m; H1 2019: GBP65.5m). Following the adoption of IFRS 16 from 1 October 2019, operating lease obligations of GBP9.0m (FY 2019: GBPnil; H1 2019: GBPnil) have been included in net debt. The movement in the half year arose as cash outflow from operations of GBP1.8m and capex of GBP6.1m was offset by the final receipt of GBP6.9m from the dissolution of the joint venture in Chile and the net proceeds from the equity raise of GBP42m received in February 2020. Capital additions included GBP2.1m of capitalised development costs mainly relating to BMK08 and CleanTreat(R) and SPR shrimp.

Q2 2020

The Group reported revenues of GBP32.0m and an Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations of GBP4.6m, 15.2% and 11.2% below the prior year respectively as a result of the previously stated trends in the Company's underlying markets of shrimp and salmon and increased competition and oversupply in Artemia.

Operating costs from Continuing Operations of GBP12.5m decreased 2.1% against the same period last year. Expensed research and development costs were GBP2.8m in the quarter (Q2 2019: GBP2.5m). The Adjusted EBITDA margin was 14.3% against 13.8% in Q2 2019 driven by the higher margin in Genetics.

Net finance costs for the quarter were GBP11.9m (Q2 2019: net finance income GBP0.4m). Interest expense increased to GBP1.7m (Q2 2019: GBP1.2m) as a result of the higher level of borrowings and increased borrowing rate following the refinancing in June 2019. Other movements relate to forex losses of GBP5.1m in the Period (Q2 2019: forex gain GBP1.5m) and a GBP4.6m loss on the fair value of the instrument taken out to hedge currency and interest volatility in the bond financing for the portion for which hedge accounting has not been adopted.

Consolidated Income Statement for the period ended 31 March 2020

 
                                                                                                               FY 2019 
                                                                                YTD Q2            YTD Q2 
                                               Q2 2020        Q2 2019*            2020    2019 Restated*     Restated* 
 All figures in GBP000's         Notes     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)       (unaudited)     (audited) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Revenue                           4            32,005          37,740          57,024            67,356       126,776 
 Cost of sales                                (15,061)        (19,796)        (27,927)          (34,043)      (60,303) 
------------------------------  ------ 
 Gross profit                                   16,944          17,944          29,097            33,313        66,473 
 Research and development 
  costs                                        (2,763)         (2,552)         (6,679)           (5,527)      (12,587) 
 Other operating costs                         (9,776)        (10,260)        (19,973)          (20,191)      (39,939) 
 Share of profit/(loss) 
  of equity-accounted 
  investees, net of 
  tax                                              180              33             391             (265)         (414) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted EBITDA(2)                              4,585           5,165           2,836             7,330        13,533 
 Exceptional - 
  restructuring/acquisition 
  related items                    6              (34)               -           (168)                 -         (581) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 EBITDA(1)                                       4,551           5,165           2,668             7,330        12,952 
 Depreciation and impairment                   (1,836)         (1,662)         (3,616)           (3,054)       (8,080) 
 Amortisation and impairment                   (4,011)         (4,076)         (8,401)           (8,476)      (62,045) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Operating loss                                (1,296)           (573)         (9,349)           (4,200)      (57,173) 
 Finance cost                                 (11,917)         (1,296)         (9,635)           (2,451)      (12,422) 
 Finance income                                      3           1,664              79               409           368 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Loss before taxation                         (13,210)           (205)        (18,905)           (6,242)      (69,227) 
 Tax on loss                       7             (958)           (480)           (357)             (747)         (640) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------                                                    ------------ 
 Loss from continuing 
  operations                                  (14,168)           (685)        (19,262)           (6,989)      (69,867) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Discontinued operations 
 Profit/(loss) from 
  discontinued operations, 
  net of tax                       5               811           (739)             462           (2,093)      (13,213) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
                                              (13,357)         (1,424)        (18,800)           (9,082)      (83,080) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Loss for the year 
  attributable to: 
 - Owners of the parent                       (13,253)         (1,624)        (18,970)           (9,528)      (83,857) 
 - Non-controlling 
  interest                                       (104)             200             170               446           777 
------------------------------  ------                  --------------  -------------- 
                                              (13,357)         (1,424)        (18,800)           (9,082)      (83,080) 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic loss per share 
  (pence)                                       (2.18)          (0.29)          (3.25)            (1.71)       (15.03) 
 Diluted loss per share 
  (pence)                                       (2.18)          (0.29)          (3.25)            (1.71)       (15.03) 
 Earnings per share 
  - continuing operations 
 Basic loss per share 
  (pence)                                       (2.31)          (0.16)          (3.33)            (1.33)       (12.66) 
 Diluted loss per share 
  (pence)                                       (2.31)          (0.16)          (3.33)            (1.33)       (12.66) 
 
 
 Adjusted EBITDA from 
  continuing operations                          4,585           5,165           2,836             7,330        13,533 
 Adjusted EBITDA from 
  discontinued operations                          265             777             425               163           192 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Total Adjusted EBITDA                           4,850           5,942           3,261             7,493        13,725 
------------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 

1 EBITDA - Earnings/loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

2 Adjusted EBITDA - EBITDA before exceptional and acquisition related items

*FY 2019 and YTD Q2 2019 numbers have been restated to reflect changes to the ongoing continuing business since the previous reporting date (note 5). Q2 2019 figures have not been previously reported and so are not restated.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period ended 31 March 2020

 
                                                                                                         FY 2019 
                                                                          YTD Q2            YTD Q2 
                                         Q2 2020        Q2 2019*            2020    2019 Restated*     Restated* 
 All figures in GBP000's             (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)       (unaudited)     (audited) 
--------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
 Loss for the period                    (13,357)         (1,424)        (18,800)           (9,082)      (83,080) 
 Other comprehensive 
  income 
 Items that are or may 
 be reclassified 
 subsequently 
 to profit or loss 
 Foreign exchange translation 
  differences                              6,210        (10,709)        (17,324)           (7,472)        13,919 
 Cash flow hedges - 
  changes in fair value                  (8,226)               -         (9,886)             (159)       (3,549) 
 Cash flow hedges - 
  reclassified to profit 
  or loss                                   (87)               -           (162)                12          (17) 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the period                 (15,460)        (12,133)        (46,172)          (16,701)      (72,727) 
--------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the period 
  attributable to: 
 - Owners of the parent                 (16,137)        (12,192)        (46,922)          (16,732)      (73,174) 
 - Non-controlling interest                  677              59             750                31           447 
--------------------------------                                                                    ------------ 
                                        (15,460)        (12,133)        (46,172)          (16,701)      (72,727) 
 -------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
                                   . 
 Total comprehensive income for 
  the period attributable to owners 
  of the parent: 
 - Continuing operations                (17,365)        (11,535)        (47,924)          (14,506)      (60,348) 
 - Discontinued operations                 1,228           (657)           1,002           (2,226)      (12,826) 
-------------------------------- 
                                        (16,137)        (12,192)        (46,922)          (16,732)      (73,174) 
 -------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 

*FY 2019 and YTD Q2 2019 numbers have been restated to reflect changes to the ongoing continuing business since the previous reporting date (note 5). Q2 2019 figures have not been previously reported separately and so are not restated.

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2020

 
 
                                               31 March                     30 September 
                                                   2020    31 March 2019            2019 
 All figures in GBP000's            Notes   (unaudited)      (unaudited)       (audited) 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                   81,420           94,392          88,900 
 Right of use assets                              8,968                -               - 
 Intangible assets                              259,552          315,563         275,744 
 Equity-accounted investees                       3,742           17,022           3,453 
 Other investments                                   22               34              25 
 Biological and agricultural 
  assets                                          7,485            4,483          12,469 
 Trade and other receivables                          -            4,140               - 
 Non-current assets                             361,189          435,634         380,591 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Inventories                                     22,369           21,630          22,609 
 Biological and agricultural 
  assets                                         20,746           17,709          16,024 
 Trade and other receivables                     34,559           36,960          52,136 
 Cash and cash equivalents                       51,563           23,832          16,051 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
                                                129,237          100,131         106,820 
 Assets held for sale                 9          17,258                -          15,970 
 Current assets                                 146,495          100,131         122,790 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Total assets                                   507,684          535,765         503,381 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                      (39,379)         (36,081)        (35,235) 
 Loans and borrowings                           (3,786)          (1,685)         (3,231) 
 Corporation tax liability                      (3,430)          (4,408)         (2,703) 
 Provisions                                       (386)             (70)           (404) 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
                                               (46,981)         (42,244)        (41,573) 
 Liabilities directly associated 
  with the assets held for 
  sale                                9        (13,432)                -        (10,634) 
                                           ------------ 
 Current liabilities                           (60,413)         (42,244)        (52,207) 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Loans and borrowings                10       (103,535)         (87,677)        (99,961) 
 Other payables                                 (1,851)          (1,202)         (2,004) 
 Deferred tax                                  (35,303)         (38,522)        (38,743) 
 Non-current liabilities                      (140,689)        (127,401)       (140,708) 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Total liabilities                            (201,102)        (169,645)       (192,915) 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Net assets                                     306,582          366,120         310,466 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 Issued capital and reserves 
  attributable to owners 
  of the parent 
 Share capital                       11             667              558             559 
 Additional paid-in share 
  capital                                       399,601          358,044         358,044 
 Capital redemption reserve                           5                5               5 
 Retained earnings                            (129,263)         (36,958)       (110,916) 
 Hedging reserve                               (13,614)            (147)         (3,566) 
 Foreign exchange reserve                        43,798           38,896          60,202 
 Equity attributable to 
  owners of the parent                          301,194          360,398         304,328 
 Non-controlling interest                         5,388            5,722           6,138 
---------------------------------  ------ 
 Total equity and reserves                      306,582          366,120         310,466 
---------------------------------  ------  ------------  ---------------  -------------- 
 

The notes to these financial statement are an integral part of this interim consolidated financial information

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period ended 31 March 2020

 
                                                                                       Total 
                                                                                attributable 
                              Additional                                           to equity 
                                 paid-in                                             holders           Non- 
 All figures in      Share         share       Other     Hedging    Retained              of    controlling      Total 
 GBP000's          capital       capital    reserves     reserve    earnings          parent       interest     equity 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 As at 1 
  October 2019 
  (unaudited)          559       358,044      60,207     (3,566)   (110,916)         304,328          6,138    310,466 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period 
 (Loss)/profit 
  for the 
  period                 -             -           -           -    (18,970)        (18,970)            170   (18,800) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -             -    (16,404)    (10,048)           -        (26,452)          (920)   (27,372) 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period             -             -    (16,404)    (10,048)    (18,970)        (45,422)          (750)   (46,172) 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners 
 Share issue           108        40,245           -           -           -          40,353              -     40,353 
 Share issue 
  costs 
  recognised 
  through 
  equity                 -         1,312           -           -           -           1,312              -      1,312 
 Share based 
  payment                -             -           -           -         623             623              -        623 
 Total 
  contributions 
  by and 
  distributions 
  to owners            108        41,557           -           -         623          42,288              -     42,288 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners 
  of the 
  Company              108        41,557           -           -         623          42,288              -     42,288 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 As at 31 March 
  2020 
  (unaudited)          667       399,601      43,803    (13,614)   (129,263)         301,194          5,388    306,582 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 As at 1 
  October 2018 
  (unaudited)          557       357,894      45,958           -    (28,240)         376,169          5,678    381,847 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Comprehensive 
 income 
 for the year 
 (Loss)/profit 
  for the 
  year                   -             -           -           -     (9,528)         (9,528)            446    (9,082) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -             -     (7,057)       (147)           -         (7,204)          (415)    (7,619) 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the year               -             -     (7,057)       (147)     (9,528)        (16,732)             31   (16,701) 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners 
 Share issue             1           150           -           -           -             151              -        151 
 Share based 
  payment                -             -           -           -         810             810              -        810 
 Total 
  contributions 
  by and 
  distributions 
  to owners              1           150           -           -         810             961              -        961 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Changes in 
 ownership 
 Disposal of 
  subsidiary 
  with NCI               -             -           -           -           -               -             13         13 
 Total changes 
  in ownership 
  interests              -             -           -           -           -               -             13         13 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners 
  of the 
  Company                1           150           -           -         810             961             13        974 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 As at 31 March 
  2019 
  (unaudited)          558       358,044      38,901       (147)    (36,958)         360,398          5,722    366,120 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 As at 1 
  October 2018 
  (audited)            557       357,894      45,958           -    (28,240)         376,169          5,678    381,847 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Comprehensive 
 income 
 for the year 
 (Loss)/profit 
  for the 
  year                   -             -           -           -    (83,857)        (83,857)            777   (83,080) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income                 -             -      14,249     (3,566)           -          10,683          (330)     10,353 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the year               -             -      14,249     (3,566)    (83,857)        (73,174)            447   (72,727) 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Contributions 
 by and 
 distributions 
 to owners 
 Share issue             2           150           -           -           -             152              -        152 
 Share based 
  payment                -             -           -           -       1,181           1,181              -      1,181 
 Total 
  contributions 
  by and 
  distributions 
  to owners              2           150           -           -       1,181           1,333              -      1,333 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 Changes in 
 ownership 
 Disposal of 
  subsidiary 
  with NCI               -             -           -           -           -               -             13         13 
 Total changes 
  in ownership 
  interests              -             -           -           -           -               -             13         13 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners 
  of the 
  Company                2           150           -           -       1,181           1,333             13      1,346 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 As at 30 
  September 
  2019 
  (audited)            559       358,044      60,207     (3,566)   (110,916)         304,328          6,138    310,466 
---------------  ---------  ------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  --------------  -------------  --------- 
 

Other reserves in this statement is an aggregation of Capital redemption reserve and Foreign exchange reserve.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period ended 31 March 2020

 
 
                                                         YTD Q2      31 March    30 September 
                                                           2020          2019            2019 
 All figures in GBP000's                            (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
------------------------------------------------   ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Loss for the period                                   (18,800)       (9,082)        (83,080) 
 Adjustments for: 
 Depreciation and impairment of property, 
  plant and equipment                                     3,835         4,778          17,227 
 Amortisation and impairment of intangible 
  fixed assets                                            8,401         9,003          66,087 
 Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment          (1,349)          (27)           (838) 
 Finance income                                            (79)         (409)           (368) 
 Finance costs                                            4,180         2,451           7,773 
 Other adjustments for non-cash items                         -            68              68 
 Share of profit of equity-accounted investees, 
  net of tax                                              (391)           265             414 
 Foreign exchange losses                                  5,516         1,016           5,620 
 Share based payment expense                                623           810           1,181 
 Tax charge                                                 440           752             111 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
                                                          2,376         9,625          14,195 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade and other 
  receivables                                             8,338         2,481        (12,516) 
 Increase in inventories                                  (657)       (1,548)         (2,273) 
 Increase in biological assets                          (3,304)       (3,635)         (8,593) 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade and other 
  payables                                              (7,240)       (1,543)           3,968 
 (Decrease)/increase in provisions                         (18)             -             261 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
                                                          (505)         5,380         (4,958) 
 Income taxes paid                                      (1,307)       (1,245)         (4,253) 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net cash flows (used)/from in operating 
  activities                                            (1,812)         4,135         (9,211) 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Investing activities 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash 
  acquired                                                    -             -             (7) 
 Purchase of investments                                  (228)       (6,833)         (7,020) 
 Receipts from disposal of investments                    6,932             -           5,942 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment              (4,005)       (3,734)         (7,850) 
 Proceeds from sales of intangible assets                    59             -               - 
 Purchase of intangibles                                (2,116)       (3,113)         (7,964) 
 Proceeds from disposals of discontinued 
  operations                                              1,347             -               - 
 Proceeds from sale of fixed assets                         117           250           1,131 
 Interest received                                           79           178             447 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net cash flows from/(used) in investing 
  activities                                              2,185      (13,252)        (15,321) 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds of share issues                                42,977             1               2 
 Proceeds from bank or other borrowings                   8,083        11,035          92,578 
 Share-issue costs recognised through equity            (1,312)             -               - 
 Repayment of bank borrowings                           (9,265)             -        (71,224) 
 Interest and finance charges paid                      (3,444)       (2,002)         (5,366) 
 Repayments of lease liabilities                        (1,224)           (4)             (5) 
 Net cash inflow from financing activities               35,815         9,030          15,985 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                            36,188          (87)         (8,547) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of year                                                16,051        24,090          24,090 
 Effects of movements in exchange rate on 
  cash held                                               (676)         (171)             508 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                51,563        23,832          16,051 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows presents cash flows from both Continuing and Discontinued operations

Of the cash balance at 31 March 2020 of GBP51,563,000, GBPnil has been classified as held for sale (note 9)

Unaudited notes to the interim financial statements for period ended 31 March 2020

   1.     Basis of preparation 

Benchmark Holdings plc (the 'Company') is a company incorporated domiciled in the United Kingdom. These consolidated interim financial statements as at and for the six months ended 31 March 2020 represents that of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 'Group').

These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, and should be read in conjunction with the Group's last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 September 2019 ('last annual financial statements'). They do not include all of the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the Group's financial position and performance since the last annual financial statements. Statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2019 were approved by the Directors on 20 December 2019 and have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The audit report received on those accounts was unqualified and did not make a statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006 but did contain an emphasis of matter paragraph in relation to going concern.

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 2020 the Group had net assets of GBP306.6m (30 September 2019: GBP310.5m), including cash of GBP51.6m (30 September 2019: GBP16.1m) as set out in the consolidated balance sheet. The Group made a loss for the year to date of GBP18.8m (12 months ending 30 September 2019: GBP83.1m). Drawings against the Group's USD 15m revolving credit facility were GBPnil at 31 March 2020 (30 September 2019: GBPnil).

As noted in the Management Report, Covid-19 has impacted the Benchmark group's businesses to varying degrees. The ultimate impact of the pandemic on industry, the economy, Benchmark's markets and its businesses is to some extent uncertain, but the Directors have reviewed available market analysis and believe the balance of Benchmark's businesses leave the group well placed to deal with the uncertain future ahead.

The directors have reviewed forecasts covering the period to June 2021 including downside sensitivity assumptions in relation to trading performance across the Group including supply, demand and pricing of key raw materials and products and the timing of trials relating to future products to assess the impact on the Group's trading and cashflow forecasts and on the forecast compliance with the covenants included within the Group's financing arrangements. The ongoing board approved initiatives ("Structural Efficiencies programme") relating to structural and operational efficiencies to reallocate capital, reduce costs, grow margins, prioritise R&D spend, and exit from non-core activities were also sensitised out of the base forecasts in the assessment of the going concern basis of preparation.

The uncertainty relating to the future impact on the Group of the virus outbreak has been separately considered as part of the directors' assessment of the going concern assumption. The directors put in place many positive preventative measures at an early stage in the outbreak in response to the pandemic, including mobilisation of inventories and workforce to ensure safe and continued supply of labour and product and the measures have proven to be effective. In the downside scenario analysis performed, the directors have additionally considered the reasonably plausible impact of Covid-19 on the Group's trading and cashflow forecasts, significant reductions in the revenues in the Advanced Nutrition and Animal Health divisions in the period to June 2021. These assumptions include a potential delay in launch of BMK08, temporary hold on toll manufacturing, delay in the expansion of SPR shrimp and a short-term further reduction in the demand for nutrition products. In mitigation, measures within the control of management have been modelled and subsequently implemented, including reductions in areas of discretionary spend, temporary furlough of certain staff or reduced working hours, deferral of capital projects and temporary hold on R&D for non-imminent products. Furthermore, the Board and Operating Board have voluntarily taken a 20% reduction in salary.

It is difficult to predict the overall outcome and impact of the pandemic, but under all of the above scenario analysis, the Group has sufficient liquidity and resources throughout the period under review whilst still maintaining adequate headroom against the borrowing covenants. The directors therefore remain confident that the Group has adequate resources to continue to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due within the period of 12 months from the date of approval of these interim financial statements. Accordingly, the interim financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

In the last annual financial statements it was disclosed that although the Directors believed it remained appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, a material uncertainty existed that may have cast significant doubt on the Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern and therefore to continue realising their assets and discharging its liabilities in the normal course of business. The last annual financial statements did not include any adjustments that would result from the basis of preparation being inappropriate. Based on the review and financing activities described above, and the cash reserves now available, the Directors no longer believe this material uncertainty exists.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those used in preparing the consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended 30 September 2019.

Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total earnings.

Adoption of new and revised standards

Since 1 October 2019, IFRS 16 Leases has been applied. The effects of this are set out in note 2 - Changes in significant accounting policies.

The Group does not consider that any other standards, amendments or interpretations issued by the IASB, but not yet applicable, will have a significant impact on the financial statements.

Alternative performance measures ('APMs')

The Directors measure the performance of the Group based on a range of financial measures, including measures not recognised by EU-adopted IFRS. These APMs may not be directly comparable with other companies' APMs and the Directors do not intend these as a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures.

Directors have presented the performance measures Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Profit and Adjusted Profit Before Tax because it monitors performance at a consolidated level using these and believes that these measures are relevant to an understanding of the Group's financial performance (see note 13).

Use of estimates and judgements

The preparation of interim 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 interim 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 2019.

   2.     Changes in significant accounting policies 

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 Leases from 1 October 2019.

IFRS 16 superseded the previous lease guidance including IAS 17: "Leases" and related interpretations. It requires all leases to be recognised on the Balance Sheet, with certain exceptions for low-value leases and leases with a term of less than 12 months.

The impact of IFRS 16 on the Group has been to recognise a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset in the Balance Sheet for leases currently classified as operating leases, except for short-term leases and leases of low value assets. The nature of expenses related to these leases has now changed because the Group now recognises a depreciation charge for right of use assets and interest expense on lease liabilities.

IFRS 16 has been adopted for the year ending 30 September 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. The right-of-use asset recognised on transition has been measured at an amount materially equal to the lease liability, which has been measured at the present value of the future lease payments discounted using the discount rate implicit in the lease (or if that rate could not be readily determined, the lessee's incremental borrowing rate). Therefore, no adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at 1 October 2019 has been necessary along with no restatement of comparative information.

The impact of IFRS 16 on the Income Statement for the 6-month period ended 31 March 2020 for continuing operations has been an increase to operating profit of GBP0.9m, an increase in finance costs of GBP0.2m, an in increase in depreciation of GBP0.7m and no change in loss on discontinued operations.

For arrangements previously classified as finance leases, where the Group is a lessee, as the Group had already recognised an asset and a related finance lease liability for the lease arrangement, there has been no impact on the amounts recognised in the Group's Consolidated Financial Statements, at 1 October 2019.

When measuring lease liabilities that were previously classified as operating leases, the Group discounted lease payments using relevant incremental borrowing rates at 1 October 2019. The weighted average applied is 5.6%.

C hanges in significant accounting policies

Reconciliation of right of use assets and liabilities

 
All figures in GBP000's 
------------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Operating lease commitments disclosed at 30 September 
 2019                                                     9,528 
Recognition exemption for leases of low-value assets        (3) 
Recognition exemption for leases with less than 
 12 months of lease term remaining at transition          (914) 
Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate 
 at 1 October 2019                                      (2,473) 
Finance lease liabilities recognised at 30 September 
 2019                                                       590 
Recognised within assets held for sale                  (2,069) 
Lease liabilities recognised at 1 October 2019            4,659 
------------------------------------------------------  ------- 
 

The Group presents lease liabilities within Loans and Borrowings. The carrying amount included within these at 31 March 2020 is as follows:

 
 All figures in GBP000's 
-------------------------  ------ 
 Current                    1,529 
 Non-current                7,862 
 Total                      9,391 
-------------------------  ------ 
 
   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 as follows:

-- Animal Health Division - provides veterinary services, environmental services diagnostics and animal health products to global aquaculture, and manufactures licenced veterinary vaccines and vaccine components;

-- Benchmark Genetics Division - 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 Animal Nutrition Division - manufactures and provides technically advanced nutrition and health products to the global aquaculture industry.

In addition to the above, reported as "all other segments" is the Knowledge Services division. The division provides sustainable food production consultancy, technical consultancy and assurance services and promotes sustainable food production and ethics through online news and technical publications for the international agriculture and food processing sectors and through delivery of training courses to the industries.

In order to reconcile the segmental analysis to the Consolidated Income Statement, Corporate and Inter-segment sales are also shown. C orporate represents revenues earned from recharging certain central costs to the operating divisions, together with unallocated central costs.

Measurement of operating segment profit or loss

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

 
  Segmental Revenue 
                                                                         YTD Q2           YTD Q2 
                                      Q2 2020          Q2 2019             2020             2019       YTD 2019 
   All figures in GBP000's        (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Animal Health                         3,302            3,608            6,722            7,150         17,742 
  Genetics                             10,384           10,767           22,504           22,602         39,696 
  Advanced Animal Nutrition            19,899           25,033           31,295           40,900         76,776 
  All other segments                    3,548            4,730            6,921            8,264         15,881 
  Corporate                             1,246            2,191            2,784            3,590          6,534 
  Inter-segment sales                 (1,476)          (2,445)          (3,269)          (4,255)        (7,890) 
  Total                                36,903           43,884           66,957           78,251        148,739 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
 
  Segmental Adjusted EBITDA 
                                                                                                  ------------- 
                                                                         YTD Q2           YTD Q2 
                                      Q2 2020          Q2 2019             2020             2019       YTD 2019 
   All figures in GBP000's        (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (audited) 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
  Animal Health                       (3,666)          (2,684)          (7,688)          (6,138)       (10,197) 
  Genetics                              5,154            1,715            8,609            4,929         10,075 
  Advanced Animal Nutrition             3,705            6,902            3,299            9,567         15,406 
  All other segments                      244              845              439              737          1,264 
  Corporate                             (587)            (836)          (1,398)          (1,602)        (2,823) 
  Total                                 4,850            5,942            3,261            7,493         13,725 
----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------------- 
 
 

Reconciliations of segmental information to IFRS measures

 
 Revenue 
                                                                              YTD Q2             YTD Q2       YTD 2019 
                                           Q2 2020          Q2 2019             2020     2019 Restated*      Restated* 
   All figures in GBP000's             (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)        (unaudited)      (audited) 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 
 Total revenue per segmental 
  information                               36,903           43,884           66,957             78,251        148,739 
 Less: revenue from discontinued 
  operations                               (4,898)          (6,144)          (9,933)           (10,895)       (21,963) 
--------------------------------- 
 Consolidated revenue                       32,005           37,740           57,024             67,356        126,776 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 
 
  Reconciliation of Reportable Segments Adjusted EBITDA to Loss before 
   taxation from continuing operations 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                              YTD Q2             YTD Q2       YTD 2019 
                                           Q2 2020          Q2 2019             2020     2019 Restated*      Restated* 
   All figures in GBP000's             (unaudited)      (unaudited)      (unaudited)        (unaudited)      (audited) 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  -----------------  ------------- 
  Total reportable segment 
   Adjusted EBITDA                           5,193            5,933            4,220              8,358         15,284 
  Other Segment and Corporate 
   Adjusted EBITDA                           (343)                9            (959)              (865)        (1,559) 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  -----------------  ------------- 
                                             4,850            5,942            3,261              7,493         13,725 
  Less: Adjusted EBITDA from 
   discontinued operations                   (265)            (777)            (425)              (163)          (192) 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  -----------------  ------------- 
  Adjusted EBITDA from continuing 
   operations                                4,585            5,165            2,836              7,330         13,533 
  Exceptional including 
   acquisition 
   related items                              (34)                -            (168)                  -          (581) 
  Depreciation and impairment              (1,836)          (1,662)          (3,616)            (3,054)        (8,080) 
  Amortisation and impairment              (4,011)          (4,076)          (8,401)            (8,476)       (62,045) 
  Net finance costs                       (11,914)              368          (9,556)            (2,042)       (12,054) 
  Loss before taxation from 
   continuing operations                  (13,210)            (205)         (18,905)            (6,242)       (69,227) 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 

*See note 5.

   4.     Revenue 

The Group's operations and main revenue streams are those described in its financial statements to 30 September 2019. 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 2020 (unaudited) 
----------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales    Total    Discontinued    Continued 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
  Sale of 
   goods              1,612       9,011       19,875          57            -                -   30,555               -       30,555 
  Provision 
   of services        1,545       1,317            -       3,481            5                -    6,348           4,898        1,450 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                145          56           24          10        1,241          (1,476)        -               -            - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
                      3,302      10,384       19,899       3,548        1,246          (1,476)   36,903           4,898       32,005 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
 
                                                        3 months ended 31 March 2019 (unaudited) 
----------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales    Total    Discontinued    Continued 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
  Sale of 
   goods              2,097       9,717       25,016         359            -                -   37,189             564       36,625 
  Provision 
   of services        1,430       1,025            -       4,199           41                -    6,695           5,580        1,115 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                 81          25           17         172        2,150          (2,445)        -               -            - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
                      3,608      10,767       25,033       4,730        2,191          (2,445)   43,884           6,144       37,740 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
 
                                                        6 months ended 31 March 2020 (unaudited) 
----------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales    Total    Discontinued    Continued 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
  Sale of 
   goods              3,224      19,950       31,263         254            -                -   54,691             320       54,371 
  Provision 
   of services        3,155       2,442            -       6,647           22                -   12,266           9,613        2,653 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                343         112           32          20        2,762          (3,269)        -               -            - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
                      6,722      22,504       31,295       6,921        2,784          (3,269)   66,957           9,933       57,024 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
 
 
                                                        6 months ended 31 March 2019 (unaudited) 
----------------   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment             Discontinued     Continued 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales    Total       Restated*     Restated* 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ------------ 
  Sale of 
   goods              4,120      20,692       40,871         642            -                -   66,325             924        65,401 
  Provision 
   of services        2,787       1,807            -       7,259           73                -   11,926           9,971         1,955 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                243         103           29         363        3,517          (4,255)        -               -             - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ------------ 
                      7,150      22,602       40,900       8,264        3,590          (4,255)   78,251          10,895        67,356 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                                       12 months ended 30 September 2019 (audited) 
----------------   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment              Discontinued    Continued 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales     Total       Restated*    Restated* 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  --------  --------------  ----------- 
  Sale of 
   goods             10,582      36,270       76,707       1,168            -                -   124,727           2,202      122,525 
  Provision 
   of services        6,582       3,285            -      13,978          167                -    24,012          19,761        4,251 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                578         141           69         735        6,367          (7,890)         -               -            - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  --------  --------------  ----------- 
                     17,742      39,696       76,776      15,881        6,534          (7,890)   148,739          21,963      126,776 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  --------  --------------  ----------- 
 

*See note 5.

Primary geographical markets

 
                                                        3 months ended 31 March 2020 (unaudited) 
----------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales    Total    Discontinued    Continued 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
  Faroe Islands           9       1,406            1           -            -                -    1,416               -        1,416 
  Greece                  -          41        2,499           -            -                -    2,540               -        2,540 
  Norway                564       5,062          129           -            -                -    5,755             405        5,350 
  India                   3           -        1,601           -            -                -    1,604               3        1,601 
  UK                    560       2,014           35       2,348            5                -    4,962           2,735        2,227 
  Singapore               7           -        1,186           -            -                -    1,193               7        1,186 
  Ecuador                 -           -        1,877           -            -                -    1,877               -        1,877 
  Chile                 983          10           16           -            -                -    1,009             410          599 
  Rest of 
   Europe               474       1,224        1,608       1,041            -                -    4,347           1,150        3,197 
  Rest of 
   World                557         571       10,923         149            -                -   12,200             188       12,012 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                145          56           24          10        1,241          (1,476)        -               -            - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
                      3,302      10,384       19,899       3,548        1,246          (1,476)   36,903           4,898       32,005 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
 
 
                                                        3 months ended 31 March 2019 (unaudited) 
----------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales    Total    Discontinued    Continued 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
  Faroe Islands           -       2,075            -           -            -                -    2,075               -        2,075 
  Greece                  -          22        2,175           -            -                -    2,197               -        2,197 
  Norway                527       5,243          130           -            -                -    5,900             370        5,530 
  India                   -           -        6,374           -            -                -    6,374               -        6,374 
  UK                    710       1,110           59       3,019           41                -    4,939           3,568        1,371 
  Singapore               -           -        4,054           -            -                -    4,054               -        4,054 
  Ecuador                 -           -        1,898           -            -                -    1,898               -        1,898 
  Chile               1,069         878            -           -            -                -    1,947             369        1,578 
  Rest of 
   Europe               974         942        1,592       1,266            -                -    4,774           1,514        3,260 
  Rest of 
   World                247         472        8,734         273            -                -    9,726             323        9,403 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                 81          25           17         172        2,150          (2,445)        -               -            - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
                      3,608      10,767       25,033       4,730        2,191          (2,445)   43,884           6,144       37,740 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
 
 
                                                        6 months ended 31 March 2020 (unaudited) 
----------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales    Total    Discontinued    Continued 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
  Faroe Islands          34       3,566            1           -            -                -    3,601               -        3,601 
  Greece                  -          41        3,994           -            -                -    4,035               -        4,035 
  Norway              1,107      10,876          241           -            -                -   12,224             828       11,396 
  India                   3           -        2,557           -            -                -    2,560               3        2,557 
  UK                  1,253       4,356           54       4,454           22                -   10,139           5,429        4,710 
  Singapore               7           -        1,865           -            -                -    1,872               7        1,865 
  Ecuador                 -           -        3,862           -            -                -    3,862               -        3,862 
  Chile               2,172          24           16           -            -                -    2,212             675        1,537 
  Rest of 
   Europe               998       2,434        3,095       2,037            -                -    8,564           2,514        6,050 
  Rest of 
   World                805       1,095       15,578         410            -                -   17,888             477       17,411 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                343         112           32          20        2,762          (3,269)        -               -            - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
                      6,722      22,504       31,295       6,921        2,784          (3,269)   66,957           9,933       57,024 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ----------- 
 
 
                                                        6 months ended 31 March 2019 (unaudited) 
----------------   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment             Discontinued     Continued 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales    Total       Restated*     Restated* 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ------------ 
  Faroe Islands         126       4,416            1           -            -                -    4,543               -         4,543 
  Greece                 17          44        4,132           -            -                -    4,193               -         4,193 
  Norway                961      11,439          205           -            -                -   12,605             764        11,841 
  India                   -           -        9,645           -            -                -    9,645               -         9,645 
  UK                  1,328       2,426          129       4,731           73                -    8,687           5,826         2,861 
  Singapore              17           -        5,449           -            -                -    5,466              17         5,449 
  Ecuador                 -           -        4,342           -            -                -    4,342               -         4,342 
  Chile               2,285       1,665           17           -            -                -    3,967             621         3,346 
  Rest of 
   Europe             1,466       1,839        5,047       2,437            -                -   10,789           2,874         7,915 
  Rest of 
   World                707         669       11,904         734            -                -   14,014             793        13,221 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                243         104           29         362        3,517          (4,255)        -               -             - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ------------ 
                      7,150      22,602       40,900       8,264        3,590          (4,255)   78,251          10,895        67,356 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  -------  --------------  ------------ 
 
 
 
                                                       12 months ended 30 September 2019 (audited) 
----------------   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                            Advanced         All 
 All figures         Animal                   Animal       other                 Inter-segment              Discontinued    Continued 
  in GBP000's        Health    Genetics    Nutrition    segments    Corporate            sales     Total       Restated*    Restated* 
----------------   --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  --------  --------------  ----------- 
  Faroe Islands         126       8,248            2           -            -                -     8,376               -        8,376 
  Greece                 20         114        7,214           4            -                -     7,352               3        7,349 
  Norway              2,656      19,074          466           8            -                -    22,204           1,548       20,656 
  India                   -           -       12,798           -            -                -    12,798               -       12,798 
  UK                  2,831       3,397          255       8,544          167                -    15,194          10,718        4,476 
  Singapore              17           -        9,062           -            -                -     9,079              17        9,062 
  Ecuador                 -           -        9,555           -            -                -     9,555               -        9,555 
  Chile               5,392       1,969           33           -            -                -     7,394           1,619        5,775 
  Rest of Europe      3,024       4,943        3,946       4,733            -                -    16,646           5,689       10,957 
  Rest of World       3,098       1,810       33,376       1,857            -                -    40,141           2,369       37,772 
  Inter-segment 
   sales                578         141           69         735        6,367          (7,890)         -               -            - 
-----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  --------  --------------  ----------- 
                     17,742      39,696       76,776      15,881        6,534          (7,890)   148,739          21,963      126,776 
 ----------------  --------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  --------  --------------  ----------- 
 

* See note 5.

   5.     Discontinued activities 

In June 2019 the Group announced a programme of structural efficiencies which focused on the disposal and discontinuation of non-core activities. This programme primarily includes the businesses of Knowledge Services Division and the veterinary services business within Animal Health Division.

During Q1, a small non-core business within Advanced Animal Nutrition was put up for sale and a business within the Corporate category was closed. During Q2 research and development operations at two sites in the Animal Health division were closed. FY 2019 and Q2 YTD 2019 numbers have been restated to reflect these changes to the continuing business since they were previously reported. Q2 2019 figures have not been previously reported separately and so are not restated.

Consequently, these operations have been classified as discontinued and part of the disposal group is presented as held for sale (See note 9). The disposal group includes assets and liabilities within the Knowledge Services, Animal Health and Advanced Animal Nutrition segments. The comparative consolidated statement of profit or loss and OCI has been represented to show the discontinued operations separately from continuing operations.

Summary of restatement of FY 2019 results as reported at Q1 and at Q2

 
                                                                        Discontinued 
                                          Continuing operations           operations 
                                                            Loss from       Loss from 
                                               Adjusted    continuing    discontinued 
 All figures in GBP000's             Revenue     EBITDA    operations      operations 
----------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 As stated in FY 2019 financial 
  statements                         127,343     12,051      (73,291)         (9,789) 
 Reclassified in Q1                    (567)        899         2,841         (2,841) 
----------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------------- 
 As restated in Q1 2020 financial 
  statements                         126,776     12,950      (70,450)        (12,630) 
 Reclassified in Q2                        -          2           583           (583) 
----------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------------- 
 As restated in Q1 2020 financial 
  statements                         126,776     12,952      (69,867)        (13,213) 
----------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------------  -------------- 
 

The disposals, together with the cost reduction/cost containment plan and enhanced working capital management will allow the Company to reallocate resources to priority revenue generating strategic projects and to maintain adequate headroom. The timing and proceeds from these actions remain part of the plant to maintain sufficient liquidity to execute the Group's product development programme and to support its Continuing Operations.

Significant progress in selling the disposal group has been made. On 1 January, the Group divested its TomAlgae business for nominal proceeds. The business was in the R&D phase and required significant further investment to bring a commercial product to market. On 7 February, the Group disposed of Aquaculture UK, its conferencing business, for initial consideration of GBP1.5m which could rise to GBP2.0m depending on the revenue outcome of the next event. Furthermore, post quarter-end sales of certain of the Group's Online News Publications, for a total cash consideration of GBP0.6m, cash have completed.

Results from discontinued operations

 
                                                                                                               FY 2019 
                                                                                 YTD Q2           YTD Q2 
                                                Q2 2020         Q2 2019            2020    2019 Restated      Restated 
 All figures in GBP000's                    (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)      (unaudited)     (audited) 
---------------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 Revenue                                          4,898           6,144           9,933           10,895        21,963 
 Cost of sales                                  (2,514)         (3,079)         (5,347)          (6,307)      (12,625) 
--------------------------------------- 
 Gross profit                                     2,384           3,065           4,586            4,588         9,338 
 Research and development 
  costs                                            (21)            (87)           (125)             (92)         (263) 
 Other operating costs                          (2,098)         (2,201)         (4,036)          (4,333)       (8,883) 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted EBITDA                                    265             777             425              163           192 
 Exceptional - 
  restructuring/acquisition 
  related items                                     710               -             398                -         (745) 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 EBITDA                                             975             777             823              163         (553) 
 Depreciation and impairment                       (91)         (1,178)           (219)          (1,724)       (9,147) 
 Amortisation and impairment                          -           (336)               -            (527)       (4,042) 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 Operating loss                                     884           (737)             604          (2,088)      (13,742) 
 Finance costs                                     (20)               -            (59)                -             - 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 Loss before taxation                               864           (737)             545          (2,088)      (13,742) 
 Tax on loss                                       (53)             (2)            (83)              (5)           529 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 Loss from discontinued 
  operations                                        811           (739)             462          (2,093)      (13,213) 
---------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 

Exceptional - restructuring/acquisition related items - discontinued operations

 
                                                                                                           FY 2019 
                                                                             YTD Q2           YTD Q2 
                                            Q2 2020         Q2 2019            2020    2019 Restated      Restated 
 All figures in GBP000's                (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)      (unaudited)     (audited) 
-----------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 Profit on disposal of 
  business                                    1,347               -           1,347                -             - 
 Provisions for onerous 
  leases                                          -               -               -                -         (349) 
 Salary costs                                 (214)               -           (294)                -          (99) 
 Cost of sales                                 (22)               -            (22)                -         (297) 
 Legal and professional 
  fees                                        (280)               -           (280)                -             - 
 Other                                        (121)               -           (353)                -             - 
 Total exceptional items 
  recognised on discontinued 
  operations                                    710               -             398                -         (745) 
-----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 

Results from discontinued operations by segment

 
                                                                       Advanced 
                                         Animal       Knowledge          Animal 
                                         Health        Services       Nutrition       Corporate   Total Discontinued 
                                        Q2 2020         Q2 2020         Q2 2020         Q2 2020              Q2 2020 
 All figures in 
  GBP000's                          (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)          (unaudited) 
-------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------- 
 Revenue                                  1,355           3,538               -               5                4,898 
 Adjusted EBITDA                          (114)             436               -            (57)                  265 
 Operating profit/(loss)                  (389)           1,402               -           (129)                  884 
-------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------- 
 
                                                                       Advanced 
                                         Animal       Knowledge          Animal 
                                         Health        Services       Nutrition       Corporate   Total Discontinued 
                                        Q2 2019         Q2 2019         Q2 2019         Q2 2019              Q2 2019 
 All figures in 
  GBP000's                          (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)          (unaudited) 
-------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------- 
 Revenue                                  1,533           4,558              12              41                6,144 
 Adjusted EBITDA                           (37)             972           (104)            (54)                  777 
 Operating loss                           (221)           (333)           (129)            (54)                (737) 
-------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------- 
 
 
                                                                     Advanced 
                                Animal          Knowledge              Animal                                  Total 
                                Health           Services           Nutrition           Corporate       Discontinued 
 All figures in                 YTD Q2             YTD Q2              YTD Q2              YTD Q2             YTD Q2 
  GBP000's            2020 (unaudited)   2020 (unaudited)    2020 (unaudited)    2020 (unaudited)   2020 (unaudited) 
------------------   -----------------  -----------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Revenue                         3,007              6,901                   2                  23              9,933 
 Adjusted EBITDA                 (141)                825               (118)               (141)                425 
 Operating 
  profit/(loss)                  (477)              1,691               (381)               (229)                604 
-------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 
                                                                     Advanced 
                                Animal          Knowledge              Animal                                  Total 
                                Health           Services           Nutrition           Corporate       Discontinued 
                                YTD Q2             YTD Q2              YTD Q2              YTD Q2             YTD Q2 
 All figures in          2019 Restated      2019 Restated       2019 Restated       2019 Restated      2019 Restated 
  GBP000's                 (unaudited)        (unaudited)         (unaudited)         (unaudited)        (unaudited) 
------------------   -----------------  -----------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Revenue                         2,906              7,901                  15                  73             10,895 
 Adjusted EBITDA                 (209)                839               (329)               (138)                163 
 Operating loss                  (578)              (993)               (378)               (138)            (2,088) 
-------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 
                                                                     Advanced 
                                Animal          Knowledge              Animal                                  Total 
                                Health           Services           Nutrition           Corporate       Discontinued 
                               FY 2019            FY 2019             FY 2019             FY 2019            FY 2019 
 All figures in               Restated           Restated            Restated            Restated           Restated 
  GBP000's                   (audited)          (audited)           (audited)           (audited)          (audited) 
------------------   -----------------  -----------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 Revenue                         6,255             15,141                 400                 167             21,963 
 Adjusted EBITDA                 (294)              1,386               (609)               (291)                192 
 Operating loss                (1,030)            (9,218)             (3,201)               (293)           (13,742) 
-------------------  -----------------  -----------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------------- 
 
   6.     Exceptional - restructuring/acquisition related items 

Items that are material because of their size or nature, non-recurring and whose significance is sufficient to warrant separate disclosure and identification within the consolidated financial statements are referred to as exceptional items. The separate reporting of exceptional items helps to provide an understanding of the Group's underlying performance.

 
                                                                                                         FY 2019 
                                                                                            YTD Q2 
                                                                            YTD Q2            2019 
                                           Q2 2020         Q2 2019            2020       Restated*     Restated* 
 All figures in GBP000's               (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (audited) 
----------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 
  Acquisition related items                      -               -               -               -          (82) 
  Exceptional restructuring 
   costs                                        34               -             168               -           663 
 
 Total exceptional items                        34               -             168               -           581 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

* See note 5.

Exceptional expenses in Q2 2020 include GBP34,000 (YTD Q2 2020: GBP162,000) of staff costs and GBPnil (YTD Q2 2020: GBP6,000) of legal and professional costs relating to the ongoing restructuring of the group.

   7.     Taxation 
 
                                                                                                               FY 2019 
                                           Q2 2020         Q2 2019                                           Restated* 
                                                                                                  Q2 YTD 
                                                                                Q2 YTD    2019 Restated* 
 All figures in GBP000's               (unaudited)     (unaudited)    2020 (unaudited)       (unaudited)     (audited) 
----------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Current tax expense 
 Analysis of charge in 
 period 
 Current tax: 
 Current income tax expense 
  on profits for the period                (1,443)         (1,692)             (2,306)           (3,174)       (4,258) 
 Adjustment in respect of prior 
  periods                                        -               -                                     -          (76) 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Total current tax                         (1,443)         (1,692)             (2,306)           (3,174)       (4,334) 
 
 Deferred tax expense 
 Origination and reversal of 
  temporary differences                        485           1,212               1,949             2,427         4,499 
 Deferred tax movements in 
  respect of prior periods                       -               -                                     -         (805) 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Total deferred tax                            485           1,212               1,949             2,427         3,694 
                                                                                                       - 
----------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Total tax credit on continuing 
  operations                                 (958)           (480)               (357)             (747)         (640) 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 

* see note 5

   8.     Earnings/loss per share 

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

 
                                                                                                               FY 2019 
                                         Q2 2020         Q2 2019                                             Restated* 
                                                                                                  Q2 YTD 
                                                                              Q2 YTD           Restated* 
                                     (unaudited)     (unaudited)    2020 (unaudited)    2019 (unaudited)     (audited) 
--------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
 
 Loss attributable to equity 
  holders of the parent (GBP000) 
 Continuing operations                  (14,064)           (885)            (19,432)             (7,435)      (70,644) 
 Discontinued operations                     811           (739)                 462             (2,093)      (13,213) 
 Total                                  (13,253)         (1,624)            (18,970)             (9,528)      (83,857) 
--------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
 
 Weighted average number of 
  shares in issue (thousands)            607,993         557,576             583,308             557,522       557,887 
 
 Basic loss per share (pence) 
 Continuing operations                    (2.31)          (0.16)              (3.33)              (1.33)       (12.66) 
 Discontinued operations                    0.13          (0.13)                0.08              (0.38)        (2.37) 
 Total                                    (2.18)          (0.29)              (3.25)              (1.71)       (15.03) 
--------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------ 
 

* see note 5.

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

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

At 31 March 2020, a total of 2,382,885 potential ordinary shares have not been included within the calculation of statutory diluted loss per share for the period (30 September 2019: 2,962,168) as they are anti-dilutive. These potential ordinary shares could dilute earnings/loss per share in the future.

   9.     Assets and liabilities held for sale 

As stated in note 5, during the previous financial year, management committed to a plan to sell or close certain businesses . Where, for the businesses concerned, the applicable criteria for inclusion as held for sale have been met the assets and liabilities of these businesses have been presented as held for sale.

 
 Assets held for sale 
 All figures in GBP000's 
---------------------------------------   --------- 
 Property, plant and equipment                3,254 
 Right of use assets                          2,309 
 Intangible assets                            5,033 
 Deferred tax asset                             254 
 Inventories                                    640 
 Biological and agricultural assets             166 
 Trade and other receivables                  5,602 
 Cash and cash equivalents                        - 
 Total Assets held for sale                  17,258 
----------------------------------------  --------- 
 
 Labilities directly associated 
  with the assets held for sale 
 All figures in GBP000's 
---------------------------------------   --------- 
 Trade and other payables                  (10,885) 
 Loans and borrowings                       (2,291) 
 Corporation tax liability                     (63) 
 Deferred tax liability                       (178) 
 Provisions                                    (15) 
----------------------------------------  --------- 
 Total liabilities directly associated 
  with the assets held for sale            (13,432) 
----------------------------------------  --------- 
 

Measurement of fair values

Fair value hierarchy - The fair value measurement for the disposal group has been categorized as a Level 3 fair value based on the inputs to the valuation technique used.

Valuation technique and significant unobservable inputs - A market approach valuation technique was applied in measuring the fair value of the assets and liabilities held for sale as adjusted for intercompany and cash balances .

   10.   Loans and borrowings 

The Group's borrowing facilities includes a USD 15m RCF provided by DNB Bank ASA (50%) and HSBC UK Bank PLC (50%). At 31 March 2020 the whole facility (USD 15m) was undrawn.

   11.   Share capital and share premium 
 
                                                                Additional 
                                                                   paid-in 
                                                        Share        share 
                                            Number    Capital      capital 
 Allotted, called up and fully paid                    GBP000       GBP000 
------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------- 
 Ordinary shares of 0.1 penny each 
 Balance at 30 September 2019          558,741,439        559      358,044 
 Shares issued through placing and 
  open offer                           107,440,766        107       41,557 
 Exercise of share options               1,284,846          1            - 
 Balance at 31 March 2020              667,467,051        667      399,601 
------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  ----------- 
 

On 19 February 2020, the Company issued 91,000,000 new Ordinary Shares by way of a placing and 16,440,766 new Ordinary Shares by way of an open offer to qualifying shareholders, both at an issue price of 40p. Gross proceeds of GBP36.4m for the placing shares and GBP6.6m for the open offer shares were received 19 and 20 February 2020 respectively. Non-recurring costs of GBP1.3m were incurred in relation to the share issues and this has been charged to the share premium account.

   12.   Subsequent event 

During May 2020, in two separate transactions the Group disposed of certain parts of its agriculture and aquaculture news website business for a total cash consideration of GBP0.6m.

   13.   Alternative profit measures and other metrics 

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

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

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

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

Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Profit to Operating Loss

Continuing operations

 
                                                                                                               FY 2019 
                                           Q2 2020         Q2 2019                                           Restated* 
                                                                                                  Q2 YTD 
                                                                                Q2 YTD    2019 Restated* 
 All figures in GBP000's               (unaudited)     (unaudited)    2020 (unaudited)       (unaudited)     (audited) 
----------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Revenue                                    32,005          37,740              57,024            67,356       126,776 
 Cost of sales                            (15,061)        (19,796)            (27,927)          (34,043)      (60,303) 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Gross profit                               16,944          17,944              29,097            33,313        66,473 
 Research and development 
  costs                                    (2,763)         (2,552)             (6,679)           (5,527)      (12,587) 
 Other operating costs                     (9,776)        (10,260)            (19,973)          (20,191)      (39,939) 
 Depreciation and impairment               (1,836)         (1,662)             (3,616)           (3,054)       (8,080) 
 Amortisation of capitalised                     -               -                   -                 -             - 
  development costs 
 Share of profit of equity 
  accounted investees net 
  of tax                                       180              33                 391             (265)         (414) 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted Operating Profit                   2,749           3,503               (780)             4,276         5,453 
 Exceptional - restructuring 
  acquisition related items                   (34)               -               (168)                 -         (581) 
 Amortisation and impairment 
  of intangible assets excluding 
  development costs                        (4,011)         (4,076)             (8,401)           (8,476)      (62,045) 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Operating loss                            (1,296)           (573)             (9,349)           (4,200)      (57,173) 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 

Reconciliation of Loss Before Taxation to Adjusted Profit Before Tax

Continuing operations

 
                                                                                                               FY 2019 
                                           Q2 2020         Q2 2019                                           Restated* 
                                                                                                  Q2 YTD 
                                                                                Q2 YTD    2019 Restated* 
 All figures in GBP000's               (unaudited)     (unaudited)    2020 (unaudited)       (unaudited)     (audited) 
----------------------------  ----  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 
 Loss before taxation                     (13,210)           (205)            (18,905)           (6,242)      (69,227) 
 Exceptional - 
  restructuring/acquisition 
  related items                                 34               -                 168                 -           581 
 Amortisation and impairment 
  of intangible assets excluding 
  development costs                          4,011           4,076               8,401             8,476        62,045 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted Profit Before 
  Tax                                      (9,165)           3,871            (10,336)             2,234       (6,601) 
----------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------------  ----------------  ------------ 
 

* See note 5.

   14.   Alternative profit measures and other metrics 

Liquidity

Following the refinancing in June 2019 a key financial covenant is a minimum liquidity of GBP10m, defined as cash plus undrawn facilities.

 
 
                                  31 March 
                                      2020 
 All figures in GBP000's       (unaudited) 
---------------------------   ------------ 
 Cash and cash equivalents          51,563 
 Undrawn bank facility              11,701 
                                    63,264 
 ---------------------------  ------------ 
 
   15.   Net debt 

Net debt is cash and cash equivalents less loans and borrowings excluding balances held for sale.

 
 
                                           31 March      31 March    30 September 
                                               2020          2019            2019 
 All figures in GBP000's                (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
------------------------------------   ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                   51,563        23,832          16,051 
 Loans and borrowings - current             (3,786)       (1,685)         (3,231) 
 Loans and borrowings - non-current       (103,535)      (87,677)        (99,961) 
                                           (55,758)      (65,530)        (87,141) 
 ------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

Following the adoption of IFRS 16 from 1 October 2019, lease obligations of GBP9.0m (31 March 2019: GBPnil; 30 September 2019: GBPnil) have been included in loans and borrowings above relating to operating lease arrangements.

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.

END

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