TIDMXAR

RNS Number : 8404M

Xaar PLC

19 September 2023

19 September 2023

Xaar plc

2023 INTERIM RESULTS

STRATEGIC PROGRESS WITH PERFORMANCE ON TRACK

Xaar plc ("Xaar", the "Group" or the "Company"), the leading inkjet printing technology group, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023.

Financial Summary:

 
                            H1 2023     H1 2022    Change 
 Continuing Operations 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Revenue                    GBP34.5m    GBP36.6m      -6% 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Gross profit               GBP13.8m    GBP14.5m      -5% 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Gross margin %                  40%         40% 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Gross R&D investment        GBP2.6m     GBP3.3m     -21% 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA(1)          GBP3.5m     GBP3.0m      17% 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Adjusted profit before 
  tax(1)                     GBP1.8m     GBP1.4m      29% 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Loss before tax           (GBP1.8m)   (GBP0.3m) 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Loss/profit for the       (GBP1.3m)     GBP0.7m 
  period after tax 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Basic (loss)/earnings 
  per share                   (1.7p)        0.9p 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 
 Total Operations 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Loss before tax           (GBP1.8m)   (GBP0.6m) 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 (Loss)/profit after       (GBP1.3m)     GBP0.4m 
  tax 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 Basic (loss)/earnings 
  per share                   (1.7p)        0.5p 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 
 Net cash at the period 
  end(2)                     GBP7.3m    GBP12.7m   -42.5% 
                          ----------  ----------  ------- 
 

1 - EBITDA is calculated as statutory operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as EBITDA excluding other adjusting items as defined as follows. Adjusted Measures exclude the impact of share-based payment charges, exchange differences relating to intra-group transactions, gain on derivative financial instruments, restructuring and transaction expenses, research and development expenditure credit, fair value loss or gains on financial assets at FVPL, amortisation of acquired intangibles, and discontinued operations as reconciled in note 2.

2 - Net cash at 30 June includes cash, cash equivalents and treasury deposits.

Figures and percentages included in this report are subject to rounding adjustments arising from conversion to GBPmillions from actual figures. Accordingly, figures shown for the same category presented in different tables may vary slightly, and figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

Financial highlights

   --      Revenue of GBP34.5 million in line with expectations 
   --      Group adjusted profit before tax for the period year up 29% to GBP1.8 million 

-- Gross margin of 40% is in line with H1 2022, driven by targeted favourable sales mix and cost management offsetting the factory upgrade investment

-- R&D spend of GBP2.6 million, equating to 8% of Group Revenue, underscores the continued investment on the product roadmap, with a focus on the ImagineX platform

-- Robust balance sheet with net cash of GBP7.3 million (2022: GBP12.7 million) following planned investment in working capital to ensure customer demand is met

Strategic and operational highlights

-- Increasing number of customers developing products, with additional product launches expected in H2 2023 and expected recovery in key markets

-- Commercial partnership with Quantica announced on 5 July 2023 enhances the Group's leading position in jetting highly viscous fluids

   --      Phase 1 of factory efficiency programme completed on time and within budget 

-- Product Print Systems business ("EPS") delivered a strong performance in the period with both revenue and margin growth

-- Sustainability roadmap embedded within the business with clear strategy to reach 'net zero' by 2030

John Mills, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

" We remain focused on the successful delivery of our strategy and taking advantage of the significant opportunities that will drive profitable growth. We have seen continued positive momentum across the business, with increased visibility over customer product launches and a robust pipeline.

Our products, especially Aquinox, are generating strong interest from existing and new customers, underlining our leadership in printing highly viscous fluids.

Phase 1 of our factory efficiency programme has been successfully completed on time and within budget positioning us to deliver increased efficiency and capacity, whilst realising significant cost savings.

Whilst being mindful of the external environment, we remain optimistic about the future with encouraging signs of recovery in key markets and the business in good shape to make further progress and to deliver a full year performance in line with our expectations. With a substantial market opportunity and the progress made, we remain well positioned to realise our exciting potential."

Contacts:

 
 Xaar plc 
 Ian Tichias, Chief Financial Officer    +44 (0) 1223 423 663 
 John Mills, Chief Executive Officer 
 
   Teneo                                   +44 (0) 207 353 4200 
 Giles Kernick 
  Olivia Lucas 
 

A presentation for analysts and investors will be held via webcast and conference call at 09:00 today. For further details, please contact Xaar@teneo.com

Significant strategic progress

Xaar has delivered a good performance in the last six months in line with our expectations. We continue to execute our strategy of delivering compelling products in each of our market segments and remain focused on the significant opportunities that will drive profitable growth.

This strategy is now delivering with our products, especially Aquinox, generating strong interest from both existing and new customers underlining our leadership in jetting highly viscous fluids which, alongside other advantages, provide significant sustainability benefits, as well as reducing our customers' time to market.

Our positive momentum has continued during the reporting period. We have seen an increase in the number of customers adopting Xaar technology and we now have clearer visibility of their product launches, which will drive performance in the second half of this year and beyond.

Phase 1 of our factory upgrade has been successfully completed on time and within budget, positioning us to deliver increased efficiency and capacity, whilst realising significant cost savings. Further phases of development, expected to start in early 2025, will see increased modernisation of our manufacturing facilities leading to greater efficiencies and scale potential.

We have seen continued good performance from EPS, Megnajet and FFEI, with EPS especially continuing to drive excellent revenue and profit growth. As part of our decision to strategically withdraw from the Life Science part of FFEI, we sold non-core IP assets delivering a profit of GBP2.0 million.

Continued strong trading - in line with expectations

We have delivered performance in H1 2023 in line with management expectations, further demonstrating the operational and strategic progress across the Group. The Group has increased resilience with performance driven by all elements of the business, and an ongoing focus on cost control and careful cash management.

Revenue for the period was GBP34.5 million representing a decrease of 6% against H1 2022.

The Printhead business has a clear customer-focussed commercial strategy, and we are pleased to have grown our customer base and maintained our market share. The economic challenges globally, particularly rising interest rates, have directly impacted capital equipment purchases by some customers in the period. The performance also reflects the tough comparative period in Q1 2022 where demand in China was high prior to the implementation of COVID related restrictions.

Revenue for the Printhead business was relatively flat compared to H2 of last year and we are now seeing encouraging signs of recovery, with the lifting of restrictions in China along with an increase in customer product launches that incorporate Xaar's technology, which we expect to drive demand for printheads.

We have been able to demonstrate the strength of our technology in market sectors beyond Ceramics, especially the key growth area of 3D printing, and continue to see strong customer engagement where we have a competitive advantage by enabling customers to reduce their own development times.

EPS delivered an excellent performance. Revenue increased 16%, against the equivalent period of 2022, with growth across all its product lines, driven by digital inkjet single pass machines. We have increased customer engagement with a strong sales pipeline which is driving revenue growth, higher gross margins, and strong profitability.

FFEI and Megnajet, continue to perform well. These businesses provide us with an expanded product range enabling real traction and opportunity in the printbar and print engine markets, along with fluid management systems.

Our plan has been to focus on products that support our core strategy. As a result, we are considering options to withdraw from the non-core Life Sciences part of the FFEI business, and the sale of IP in this area is part of this process. We delivered a one-off profit of GBP2.0 million through this sale which helped offset the one-off impact of Phase 1 of our factory re-organisation at Huntingdon completed in Q1.

Gross margin was maintained at 40% despite inflationary cost pressures and the closing of the Huntingdon factory for two months to complete Phase 1 of the operational re-organisation. This was driven by an increase in Printhead of 3 ppts to 44% helped by a favourable sales mix, and EPS which increased Gross Margin to 40% from 39% in the comparative period.

Group Adjusted EBITDA grew from GBP3.0 million to GBP3.5 million driven by a positive adjusted EBITDA in each of our businesses (EPS adjusted EBITDA of GBP1.7 million (H1 2022: GBP1.2 million), FFEI adjusted EBITDA of GBP2.3 million (H1 2022: GBP0.5 million), and Megnajet adjusted EBITDA of GBP0.4 million (H1 2022: GBP0.3 million)) other than Printhead which, due to the fall in revenue and the Q1 closure of the factory, posted negative adjusted EBITDA of GBP0.9 million (H1 2022: positive GBP0.9 million).

Group adjusted profit before tax for H1 2023 was GBP1.8 million, an increase when compared to H1 2022 (GBP1.4 million) and H2 2022 (GBP1.4 million).

Strong balance sheet and operational investment

The Group retains a strong balance sheet and cash position. Net cash at 30 June 2023 was GBP7.3 million, representing a net outflow of GBP1.2 million in the period.

During this period we invested GBP3.2 million in inventory allowing the Printhead business to increase its holding of finished goods. This systematic approach over the last 12 months gives us confidence that we can deliver on customer demands for the remainder of the year and into 2024. We believe that we are winning business through the advantage of offering shorter lead times than our competition which ensures we are well placed to capitalise on the commercial opportunities we have.

In addition, we have invested GBP1.1 million (H1 2022: GBP1.5 million) in operational upgrades along with the factory upgrade completed in March 2023.

R&D investment in innovation is critical to the ongoing success of the business, and we will continue to invest in our R&D capabilities across the Group to ensure our technology remains market leading. During H1 2023 we invested GBP2.6 million (H1 2022: GBP3.3 million). The continued strong cash generation across the business and prudent cash management has enabled us to make these investments. We will maintain our disciplined approach to balance sheet management, and it remains a key priority to allow for further investment in the business focussing on operational capability.

In June 2023 we successfully agreed a Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) of GBP5 million with our lead bank, HSBC, which allows for accelerated investment in the business and our operational capability.

Operational improvements driving greater efficiency and increased capacity

Operational improvements have been made by investing in our manufacturing facilities to increase efficiency and lower costs. The first phase of this programme has now been completed and the Huntingdon factory re-organisation was completed in early 2023 on time and under budget.

This will enable us to operate more efficiently, increase capacity and yields whilst crucially generating significant cost savings, especially in reducing our energy consumption. Accordingly, this investment will deliver a rapid return and payback in less than a year.

As a result of this investment, we will increase capability and capacity enabling us to take advantage of the opportunities which we expect to drive our future growth.

This is the first phase of our efficiency upgrade programme, and we plan to invest a further GBP10-15 million over the next three to four years which we intend to fund through operational cash generation. The next phase of investment is expected to take place in early 2025, depending on business needs, which will result in more modern, efficient, and environmentally beneficial manufacturing facilities across the business.

Significant market opportunity

We have a strong proposition across our five key market sectors. Our digital inkjet technologies provide compelling propositions to transform print processes across a wide range of applications, and we can supply our customers with the products they need to develop their printers. This means we have significant opportunities for complementary revenue, incremental to printhead sales, where we can shorten our customers' product development time to market.

The medium and long-term opportunity for the business remains significant. Whilst we already have good market share in core, mature markets such as Ceramics and Coding & Marking, further growth opportunities exist because of our market leading technologies and clear competitive advantage.

During 2023 we have made the most significant progress in 3D printing, where our ability to print high viscosity fluids is transforming the industry. The 3D printing sector is experiencing a greater level of customer product launches, thereby providing greater revenue potential opportunity for our products than previously expected.

Historically Xaar has almost exclusively operated in the B2B (Business to Business) area across our product ranges and applications, however there is an emerging opportunity for 3D printing in the B2C (Business to Consumer) sector where we can facilitate growth.

We are partnering with established system providers for our Xaar Irix printhead to enable a new generation of full colour, inkjet-based desktop 3D printing systems that are higher resolution and more flexible than the existing technologies. We anticipate this new generation of 3D printers to be launched over the next six to twelve months.

We have seen increased customer engagement as our printhead product range has expanded and our ability to offer a broader solution to customers with fluid management systems and printbars, as evidenced by the increasing number of customers developing machines with our products. Both our current product offering and our products in development will help drive our success in meeting this customer demand.

This is demonstrated with the high level of customer interest and adoption of Aquinox, our new water-based fluid printhead with an increased number of development kits sold in the period. We expect to see customer product launches incorporating Aquinox during H2 this year.

By providing an integrated solution for customers whereby they can access more of the printing ecosystem, we help our customers take advantage of the inkjet opportunity and working with Xaar means a higher chance of success by being faster to market, and therefore, making our customers' investment more profitable. Ultimately this will help us in our overriding strategy to sell more printheads and gives the business increased resilience over volatility in any given market.

Product development and increased capability

The market opportunity for Xaar printheads is significant. We have a unique roadmap of product development to ensure we offer an increasingly vertically integrated commercial strategy to capitalise on this market opportunity.

Our Xaar 2002 printhead has double the resolution of our competitors giving the ability for very high-quality print and incorporates our key technologies which enable printing of very challenging fluids in harsh production environments.

The Xaar Irix remains the flagship product in the Coding and Marking and Direct-to-Shape sectors. It delivers increased throw distance whilst maintaining print quality and along with our Xaar 50X printheads means we are maintaining our position in Coding and Marking and have several opportunities in the Direct-to-Shape market.

The recently launched Aquinox printhead is positioned to drive adoption in Packaging and Textiles markets. The response to the product has been exceptional due to its ability to print high viscosity water-based inks. This gives customers the opportunity to use less energy, with a higher throughput, and more vibrant colours and we expect the first product launches of textile printers to happen in H2 2023.

The already successful ImagineX platform will deliver improved features over the next few years which will provide significant enhancements to the current portfolio, including:

-- substantially improved speed and throughput (frequencies up to 150kHz, equivalent to a threefold increase in speed compared to current products),

   --      increased throw distance to improve image quality on curved surfaces, 
   --      increased robustness to improve the life of the printhead and maintain image quality, 
   --      higher viscosities enabling a broader range of fluids to be printed (above 100cP), and 
   --      higher resolutions (up to 1440 dpi). 

These features will help strengthen our position in markets where we are already well represented and will drive improved adoption in several markets where we are currently not participating.

The enhancements in our product roadmap support our customers with a clear path to upgrade their products and maintain their product differentiation.

Continued commitment to sustainability

We continue to make significant progress on ESG and the Group's Sustainability Roadmap. The Board remains committed to the business becoming carbon net zero by 2030.

We are passionate about delivering solutions and products for our customers that are cleaner and better for the environment. Our products are well placed to deliver significant benefits commercially and environmentally for our customers through reductions in power consumption and water usage.

We also seek to have a wider positive impact on society by understanding and prioritising employee needs, doing business responsibly, and reaching out to our local communities. All our UK sites have now moved to 100% renewable energy. All printhead product packaging is fully recyclable. Our Apprentice Programme is well developed across the business, and we continue to support activities promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects amongst young people as well as several sponsorship programmes supporting university students and industry placements.

Digital inkjet printing is inherently more sustainable compared to traditional analogue printing with a smaller carbon footprint. It reduces and prevents excessive waste and uses less energy due to the ability to print short runs or direct-to-shape. With Ultra High Viscosity Technology and TF Technology ink recirculation, Xaar printheads are capable of printing very viscous fluids which, in the textiles sector for example, results in a reduction in energy used in intensive drying processes. We are passionate about continuing further adoption and understanding of the environmental benefits our products can bring to customers.

Outlook

While remaining vigilant to broader macroeconomic conditions, the Board remains confident of delivering full year results in line with its expectations.

Despite the lifting of COVID related restrictions in China, sales volumes in the Printhead business continue to be affected, but we expect market conditions in the sectors in which we operate to improve during H2 2023 and this, coupled with increased customer product launches, will drive higher demand for Xaar printheads.

We have maintained our policy of increased investment in inventory during 2022 and 2023 to ensure the Group is well placed to capitalise on our targeted opportunities and satisfy customer demand.

There is positive momentum in the business with strong customer interest and customer engagement. Our strategy to diversify across a range of market sectors means further customer product launches are expected in 2024 providing confidence in delivering our medium-term growth plans.

Business Performance

Revenue

Group revenue growth

 
 GBPm                                           Var              Var 
                           H1 2023   H1 2022     %     H2 2022     % 
 Printhead                  17.6      20.7     -15%     18.3     -4% 
                          --------  --------  ------  --------  ----- 
 EPS                        10.7       9.2     +16%     10.4     +3% 
                          --------  --------  ------  --------  ----- 
 FFEI                        4.8       6.1     -21%      5.5     -13% 
                          --------  --------  ------  --------  ----- 
 Organic growth H1 2023 
  vs H1 2022                33.1      36.0      -8%     34.2     -3% 
                          --------  --------  ------  --------  ----- 
 Megnajet                    1.4       0.6     +133%     2.0     -30% 
                          --------  --------  ------  --------  ----- 
 Total Revenue              34.5      36.6      -6%     36.2     -5% 
                          --------  --------  ------  --------  ----- 
 

Revenue for the Group was GBP34.5 million for the first half of the year, representing a year-on-year decline of GBP2.1 million (H1 2022: GBP36.6 million).

These results have been achieved in a difficult trading environment. Restrictions arising from COVID-19 in China have now been lifted, however, there has been an ongoing impact on Printhead revenue. This together with rising costs and interest rates have impacted capital equipment sales globally. Printhead business unit revenue declined GBP3.1 million when compared to the same period last year. Q1 2022 revenue included a strong business performance from sales in China, driving this variance. When compared to H2, Printhead revenue is close to flat, despite the weak demand generally for capital goods which is a strong indicator of the progress the business has made with customer engagement. EPS revenue increased 16% when compared to H1 2022 and 3% to H2 2022, demonstrating continued excellent progress.

Printhead

Printhead Revenue by Sector

 
GBPm                     H1 2023  H1 2022  Var %  H2 2022  Var % 
Ceramics & Glass           8.0      9.8    -18%     7.1    +12% 
                         -------  -------  -----  -------  ----- 
C&M & DTS                  5.1      6.9    -26%     5.8    -13% 
                         -------  -------  -----  -------  ----- 
WFG & Labels               1.7      1.8     0%      3.0    -40% 
                         -------  -------  -----  -------  ----- 
3D Printing & AVM          2.6      1.9    +37%     2.0     30% 
                         -------  -------  -----  -------  ----- 
Packaging & Textile        0.2      0.1    +100%    0.4    -50% 
                         -------  -------  -----  -------  ----- 
Royalties, Commissions 
 & Fees                     -       0.2    -100%     -       - 
                         -------  -------  -----  -------  ----- 
Total                     17.6     20.7    -15%    18.3     -4% 
                         -------  -------  -----  -------  ----- 
 

Printhead revenue for the half year decreased GBP3.1 million to GBP17.6 million (H1 2022: GBP20.7 million), representing the current economic challenges and a strong comparative reporting period in 2022 due to greater sales in China.

Printhead revenue in EMEA was GBP11.1 million compared to GBP11.2 million in H1 2022, although this is an increase compared to GBP9.5 million in H2 2022 which is pleasing and reflects on our customer engagement across our market sectors, whilst revenue in the Americas fell. Performance in Asia, and China in particular, has been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Restrictions were not implemented in China until Q2 2022, and before then we saw strong Printhead revenue. Although restrictions are now lifted, the economic challenges faced in China are impacting sales of printheads, and we have seen orders from our customers delayed as their own product development times are taking longer. This has particularly impacted revenue in the Ceramics sector (albeit with a recovery in revenue when compared to H2 2022), and Coding & Marking (C&M). Whilst this is disappointing, the underlying market demand remains, we have retained market share, and we are confident in the medium term of returning to the previous growth levels. The number of customer product launches in the coming 12 months is increasing which drives this confidence.

3D printing and Additive Manufacturing (AVM) has seen consistent growth which is pleasing as this reflects our overall customer strategy and enhanced product portfolio.

EPS

EPS Revenue by Sector

 
  GBPm           H1 2023   H1 2022   Var %   H2 2022   Var % 
 Digital 
  Inkjet           7.3       5.7     +28%      6.7      +9% 
                --------  --------  ------  --------  ------ 
 Pad Printing      3.0       3.3      -9%      3.4     -12% 
                --------  --------  ------  --------  ------ 
 Other             0.4       0.2     +100%     0.3     +33% 
                --------  --------  ------  --------  ------ 
 Total            10.7       9.2     +16%     10.4      +3% 
                --------  --------  ------  --------  ------ 
 

Revenue from the EPS business increased by GBP1.5 million to GBP10.7 million (H1 2022: GBP9.2 million).

This has been driven by digital inkjet machines sales with growth of 28%, which is particularly pleasing as this is the core focus for the business and will drive increased profitability. As our focus has been on the core profitable single pass digital machines, we have seen some decrease in revenue from the pad printing stream, which we would expect to recover during H2 2023. We see a strengthening pipeline and order book and we are well placed to deliver further growth for the full year in 2023.

FFEI and Megnajet

FFEI revenue was GBP4.8 million which compares to GBP6.1 million in H1 2022. This results from a focus on the core activities - that of print systems - which was the driver for the acquisition. Accordingly, the non-core activities of the business have seen reduced revenue and we have stated that in time we will exit the Life Science aspect of the business. We are pleased with the growth of Megnajet which has delivered GBP0.8 million increase (133%), and on a like-for like basis delivered a GBP0.4 million increase (Megnajet was consolidated in March 2022). We have seen a change in stock levels for some customers which has contributed to the decrease compared to H2 2022.

Gross profit

Gross profit for the period decreased by GBP0.7 million to GBP13.8 million (H1 2022: GBP14.5 million) with the gross margin remaining at 40% (H1 2022: 40%). We have successfully mitigated overhead cost increases, together with impact on profit from the factory shutdown, to increase the Printhead business unit's gross margin which grew to 44% from 41% (although due to the revenue reduction gross profit reduced from GBP8.5 million from GBP7.9 million). We were able to do this through a combination of sales price increases and improving utilisation of the factory, as throughput was increased during the period resulting in better overhead cost recovery, supporting gross margin gains.

Gross profit for the EPS business increased to GBP4.3 million in the period from GBP3.6 million with gross margin growing year-on-year (H1 2023: 40%, H1 2022: 39%). This reflects the focus we have taken on modernising the business and adopting a modular approach to designing and building machines with a focus on single pass digital machines.

Gross profit for H1 2023 for the FFEI business was GBP1.3 million (H1 2022: GBP2 million), and for the Megnajet business was GBP0.4 million (H1 2022: GBP0.3 million).

Research & Development

Gross R&D spend of GBP2.6 million was down GBP0.7 million in H1 2023 (H1 2022: GBP3.3 million). On a like-for-like basis the reduction was GBP0.3m. The reduction in the period comes from reduced spend in FFEI in addition to an internal reallocation of costs between General & Administrative costs and other areas of the business. We are continuing to invest in the business and will maintain the ratio of R&D investment/revenue of 8-10%.

Operating Expenses

Sales and marketing spend for the period was GBP3.2 million (H1 2022: GBP3.7 million). This decrease reflects the strong focus on cost management that we have across the business.

General and administrative expenses increased to GBP10.3 million from GBP6.0 million in H1 2022. On a like-for-like basis, the increase was GBP3.1 million. The difference in variance relates to an internal reclassification of costs of GBP1.2 million (moving costs from General & Administrative expenses) made in H1 2022 that were not made in H1 2023.

Of the GBP3.1m increase in General and administrative expenses, GBP1.1m are operational cost increases in the business as we have continued to increase and strengthen our capability and experience across the business, most notably in our R&D, Finance and Human Resources functions. This improved operational capability also includes further and continued investment in infrastructure such as IT, manufacturing, and supply chain management.

Exceptional G&A costs (costs adjusted for adjusted profit before tax) have increased GBP2.0 million principally due to an increase in the share-based payments charge (IFRS 2) (GBP0.8 million increase) and GBP1.2m lower foreign exchange losses on intra group transactions.

Other exceptional costs include GBP1.0m restructuring costs (of which GBP0.8m relates to the factory efficiency programme) and GBP0.5m reduction in the fair value of the contingent consideration receivable due to foreign exchange movements.

Profit for the period

The adjusted profit before tax was GBP1.8 million in 2023 (H1 2022: GBP1.4 million).

The adjusted profit of the Printhead business decreased from a GBP0.4 million loss in H1 2022 to a GBP2.2 million loss in H1 2023 driven by the reduction in revenue in the period. The EPS business moved from an adjusted GBP1.1 million profit in 2022 to a GBP1.5 million profit in H1 2023 due to the increased trading performance. FFEI contributed an adjusted profit before tax of GBP2.1 million in the period, and Megnajet GBP0.4 million.

In calculating the adjusted profit before tax, we have adjusted for fair value losses on financial assets of GBP0.5 million alongside restructuring costs of GBP1.0 million, foreign exchange losses on intra-group loans of GBP0.4 million, share-based payments of GBP1.3 million and amortisation of acquired intangible assets of GBP0.5 million.

The adjusted EBITDA in the period was GBP3.5 million (H1 2022: GBP3.0 million). This was aided by the one-off profit arising from the sale of non-core IP.

The total unadjusted loss for the period before tax was GBP1.8 million (H1 2022: GBP0.3m). Loss after tax was GBP1.3 million (H1 2022: profit of GBP0.4 million).

Balance sheet

The Group retains a strong balance sheet and a net cash position at 30 June 2023 of GBP7.3 million. This represents a reduction of GBP1.2 million in net cash since 31 December 2022, which has been driven by planned capital investment and working capital investment.

Non-current assets decreased slightly from GBP52.0 million at 31 December 2022, to GBP50.0 million in the first half of the year. Property, plant, and equipment decreased by GBP0.6 million, driven primarily by the depreciation of assets (GBP1.4 million), and GBP1.0 million of capital additions. Goodwill and intangible assets increased by GBP0.8 million which primarily related to foreign currency exchange movements and the purchase of intangible assets. The fair value of the non-current financial asset at fair value through profit or loss which represents deferred contingent consideration decreased by GBP0.7 million.

Current assets decreased by GBP1.7 million. Inventory value has increased by GBP3.1 million, GBP1.7 million of which relates to an increase in inventory held by the Printhead business. Trade and other receivables decreased by GBP0.1 million. The fair value of the current financial asset at fair value through profit or loss decreased by GBP0.4 million.

Current liabilities increased by GBP0.9 million due mainly to the change in current lease liability.

The Group maintains a strong disciplined focus on cash, and this has continued through H1 2023. During H1 2023 investing activities saw cash inflow of GBP1.7 million. As a result of the continued managed investment in inventory, working capital saw an outflow of GBP2.9 million. Maintenance capital additions were GBP1.2 million in the period which together with the inventory investment was funded by the IP sale proceeds of GBP2.3 million and GBP0.6 million of cash earnout received on the sale of 3D Limited to Stratasys.

The business has a clear plan and strategy which the strong balance sheet and cash position will support. Currently we are focussing investment on internal opportunities to ensure we have the operational capacity and efficiency to meet future demand, alongside investment in our product roadmap development.

Dividend

The Board regularly reviews capital allocation and believes that prioritising investment to enable profitable growth for the business is currently the most appropriate use of capital, therefore, no interim dividend has been declared for 2023.

 
 John Mills                 Ian Tichias 
  Chief Executive Officer    Chief Financial Officer 
 
 19 September 2023 
 

Directors' responsibilities statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

-- the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 - Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the UK

   --      the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by: 

o DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

o DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the entity during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

By Order of the Board

John Mills

Chief Executive Officer

19 September 2023

 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
 FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 
  JUNE 2023 
                                                         Six months     Six months   Twelve months 
                                                              ended          ended           ended 
                                                            30 June                    31 December 
                                                               2023   30 June 2022            2022 
                                                        (unaudited)    (unaudited)       (audited) 
                                                Notes       GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Revenue                                          3          34,515         36,608          72,782 
 Cost of sales                                             (20,693)       (22,118)        (44,138) 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Gross profit                                                13,822         14,490          28,644 
 Research and development expenses                          (2,617)        (3,319)         (6,718) 
 Research and development expenditure 
  credit                                                          -             79             379 
 Sales and marketing expenses                               (3,213)        (3,665)         (6,669) 
 General and administrative expenses                       (10,280)        (5,954)        (14,050) 
 Impairment losses of financial 
  assets                                                       (38)           (46)            (28) 
 Restructuring and transaction 
  expenses                                        2           (978)          (226)           (450) 
 Fair value loss on financial 
  assets at FVPL                                 10           (514)        (1,469)             (8) 
 Other income                                     4           2,201              -             139 
 Operating (loss)/profit                                    (1,617)          (110)           1,239 
 Investment income                                5              37             22              38 
 Finance costs                                    5           (235)          (213)           (453) 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 (Loss)/profit before tax                                   (1,815)          (301)             824 
 Income tax credit                                6             467            990             967 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 (Loss)/ profit for the period 
  from continuing operations                                (1,348)            689           1,791 
 Loss from discontinued operations 
  after tax                                      12               -          (338)           (159) 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                               (1,348)            351           1,632 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 (Loss)/earnings per share - 
  Total 
 Basic                                            7          (1.7p)           0.5p            2.1p 
 Diluted                                          7          (1.7p)           0.4p            2.0p 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 (Loss)/earnings per share - Continuing operations 
 Basic                                            7          (1.7p)           0.9p            2.3p 
 Diluted                                          7          (1.7p)           0.9p            2.2p 
---------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 

No dividends were paid in the current or prior period.

 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
 FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 
  2023 
                                           Six months     Six months   Twelve months 
                                                ended          ended           ended 
                                              30 June                    31 December 
                                                 2023   30 June 2022            2022 
                                          (unaudited)    (unaudited)       (audited) 
                                              GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000 
--------------------------------------   ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 (Loss)/profit for the period 
  attributable to shareholders                (1,348)            351           1,632 
---------------------------------------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Exchange differences on translation 
  of net investment                             (315)            623             617 
 Other comprehensive (expense)/income 
  for the period                                (315)            623             617 
---------------------------------------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Total comprehensive (expense)/income 
  for the period                              (1,663)            974           2,249 
---------------------------------------  ------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 
 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 
 AS AT 30 JUNE 2023 
                                                         As at          As at 
                                                                  31 December 
                                                  30 June 2023           2022 
                                         Notes     (unaudited)      (audited) 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                  9             6,903          7,163 
 Other intangible assets                                 8,184          8,681 
 Property, plant and equipment                          15,536         16,104 
 Right of use asset                                      8,367          8,068 
 Financial asset at fair value 
  through profit or loss                  10            10,438         11,089 
 Deferred tax asset                                        389            726 
 Other non-current assets                                  136            136 
                                        ------  --------------  ------------- 
                                                        49,953         51,967 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                            32,168         29,148 
 Trade and other receivables                            11,397         11,527 
 Current tax asset                                       1,182            735 
 Financial asset at fair value 
  through profit or loss                  10               104            517 
 Cash and cash equivalents                               7,303          8,546 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
                                                        52,154         50,473 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Total assets                                          102,107        102,440 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                             (14,006)       (14,862) 
 Provisions                                              (430)          (405) 
 Contract liabilities                                  (4,090)        (3,799) 
 Borrowings and financial liabilities     10           (1,060)          (379) 
 Lease liabilities                                     (1,823)        (1,032) 
                                                      (21,409)       (20,477) 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Net current assets                                     30,745         29,996 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Lease liabilities                                     (7,315)        (7,800) 
 Provisions                                              (300)          (300) 
 Other financial liabilities                           (1,740)        (2,094) 
                                                       (9,355)       (10,194) 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Total liabilities                                    (30,764)       (30,671) 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Net assets                                             71,343         71,769 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                           7,858          7,844 
 Share premium                                          29,443         29,427 
 Own shares                                              (566)          (775) 
 Translation reserves                                    1,313          1,628 
 Other reserves                                         24,563         23,379 
 Retained earnings                                       8,732         10,266 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 Total equity                                           71,343         71,769 
--------------------------------------  ------  --------------  ------------- 
 
 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
 FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2023 
                                            Share     Share       Own   Translation      Other   Retained     Total 
                                          capital   premium    shares       reserve   reserves   earnings    equity 
                                          GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------- 
 Balances at 1 January 2023                 7,844    29,427     (775)         1,628     23,379     10,266    71,769 
---------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Loss for the period                            -         -         -             -          -    (1,348)   (1,348) 
 Exchange differences on retranslation 
  of net investment                             -         -         -         (315)          -          -     (315) 
 Total comprehensive expense 
  for the period                                -         -         -         (315)          -    (1,348)   (1,663) 
 Own shares sold in the period                  -         -       209             -          -      (178)        31 
 Share option exercises                        14        16         -             -          -        (8)        22 
 Credit to equity for equity-settled 
  share-based payments                          -         -         -             -      1,184          -     1,184 
---------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 June 2023                    7,858    29,443     (566)         1,313     24,563      8,732    71,343 
---------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 
                                            Share     Share       Own   Translation      Other   Retained     Total 
                                          Capital   premium    shares       reserve   reserves   earnings    equity 
                                          GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Balances at 1 January 2022                 7,844    29,427   (1,923)         1,011     21,820     10,623    68,802 
---------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Profit for the period                          -         -         -             -          -        351       351 
 Exchange differences on translation 
  of net investment                             -         -         -           623          -          -       623 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                                -         -         -           623          -        351       974 
 Own shares sold in the period                  -         -       353             -          -      (200)       153 
 Own shares acquired in the 
  period                                        -         -     (500)             -          -          -     (500) 
 Cash-settled share-based 
  payments                                      -         -         -             -          -      (249)     (249) 
 Credit to equity for equity-settled 
  share-based payments                          -         -         -             -        344          -       344 
---------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Balance at 30 June 2022                    7,844    29,427   (2,070)         1,634     22,164     10,525    69,524 
---------------------------------------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 
 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
 FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2023 
                                                       Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                                            ended         ended           ended 
                                                          30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                                             2023          2022            2022 
                                                      (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
                                               Note       GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 (Loss)/profit before tax from Continuing 
  operations                                              (1,815)         (301)             824 
 Profit/(loss) before tax from Discontinued 
  operations                                                    -         (338)           (159) 
 Total (loss)/profit before tax                           (1,815)         (639)             665 
 Adjustments for: 
 Share-based payments                                       1,274           435           1,748 
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment              1,438         1,293           2,654 
 Depreciation of right of use assets                          542           518           1,071 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                            581           506           1,067 
 Impairment of assets                                           -             -             147 
 Research and development expenditure 
  credit                                                        -          (79)           (379) 
 Investment income                                           (37)          (22)            (38) 
 Interest expense                                             235           213             453 
 Unrealised foreign exchange loss/(gain)                      280         (838)           (797) 
 Payment of cash settled share-based payments                   -         (249)           (249) 
 Fair value loss on financial assets at 
  FVPL                                                        514         1,469               8 
 (Gain)/loss on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                        (11)            85              80 
 (Gain)/loss on disposal of intangible                    (2,036)             -               - 
  assets 
 Increase in provisions                                        25            20             141 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Operating cash flows before movements 
  in working capital                                          990         2,712           6,571 
 Increase in inventories                                  (3,167)       (5,047)         (9,462) 
 Increase in receivables                                      (6)       (3,383)           (812) 
 Decrease in payables                                     (1,044)       (1,685)         (1,914) 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Cash used in operations                                  (3,227)       (7,403)         (5,617) 
 Net income taxes received                                    340           211             112 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net cash used in operating activities                    (2,887)       (7,192)         (5,505) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Investing activities 
 Investment income                                             37            22              38 
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment                 (942)       (1,470)         (2,456) 
 Proceeds on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                           -            11              17 
 Purchase of intangible assets                              (257)             -         (2,933) 
 Proceeds on disposal of intangible 
  asset                                                     2,312             -               - 
 Cash earn-out received from financial 
  asset at FVPL                                               550           101             236 
 Acquisition of subsidiary (Megnajet), 
  net of cash acquired                                          -       (1,202)         (1,202) 
 Asset acquisition (Technomation), 
  net of cash acquired                                          -       (2,334)         (2,334) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net cash generated from/(used in) 
  investing activities                                      1,700       (4,872)         (8,634) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds from sale of own shares                              32           181             408 
 Payment for own shares acquired                                -         (500)         (1,000) 
 Proceeds from issue of shares                                 30             -               - 
 Payment of deferred consideration              11              -             -         (1,733) 
 Payment of lease liabilities and interest      11          (591)         (422)           (914) 
 Net inflows from invoice discounting 
  facility                                      11            649             -             346 
 Other interest paid                            11              -             -            (22) 
 Net cash generated from/(used in) 
  financing activities                                        120         (741)         (2,915) 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                (1,067)      (12,805)        (17,054) 
 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
  on cash balances                                          (176)           443             549 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of year                                                   8,546        25,051          25,051 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of period                                                 7,303        12,689           8,546 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single class of asset on the face of the condensed consolidated statement of financial position) comprise cash at bank and other short-term highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less. The carrying amount of these assets is approximately equal to their fair value.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2023

   1.   Basis of preparation and accounting policies 

Basis of preparation

These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022 on pages 122 to 129 (available at www.xaargroup.com) and were approved by the Board of Directors on 19 September 2023. The interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2023 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the United Kingdom. The interim financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures in the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual financial statements as at 31 December 2022.

The interim financial statements are unaudited, and they do not constitute statutory financial statements as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 are derived from the Group's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the Company's auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Judgements and 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 that applied to the Group's consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022, with the addition of an estimate of the split of the carrying value of technology-based intangible asset which was part-disposed during the period and the change in estimate of its remaining useful economic life as detailed below.

On 23 June 2023 FFEI sold patents relating to its Life Science business to a customer for GBP2,312,000, together with a transfer of associated software and technological know-how over the course of the following 18 months to 31 December 2024 for a separate consideration. The patents sold were acquired by the Group on its acquisition of FFEI in July 2021 and were not separately valued at the time. Splitting the fair value of registered and unregistered patents from their corresponding software and technological know-how requires a significant degree of judgement. Management used product gross margins and replacement cost estimates prepared by external valuation experts at the original acquisition date to estimate that, as at the date of disposal, the portion of the carrying value of the technology-based intangible asset that relates specifically to the patents sold was GBP276,000, leading to a gain on disposal of GBP2,036,000 to be recognised in other income note 4 in the consolidated income statement.

The remaining useful economic life of the remaining technology-based intangible asset was reduced from 4 years to 1.5 years to align with terms of contract with the customer. This change in estimate is accounted for prospectively and had an immaterial impact on these interim financial statements.

Significant accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group's risk management framework. The Board has an established, structured approach to risk management, which includes continuously assessing and monitoring the key risks and uncertainties of the business. An outline of the key risks and uncertainties faced by the Group is detailed on pages 48 to 57 of the Xaar plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022, which is available on the Group's website at www.xaargroup.com.

The Board has reviewed these risks as part of half year risk assessment update including several changes which are reflected in the Xaar plc Interim Report 2023. The potential impact of these risks on our strategy and financial performance, together with details of our specific mitigation actions, are set out in the Xaar plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022, and at the back of this Interim Report 2023 which includes all the key changes since the Xaar plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022.

Going concern

The Board continuously reviews the performance of the business and its future prospects, together with other factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position. The Board remains confident in the long-term future prospects for the Group and its ability to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future.

The Group's day-to-day working capital requirements are expected to be met through the current cash and cash equivalent resources at the balance sheet date of 30 June 2023 of GBP7.3 million. As set out in note 10, the Group has a GBP3 million invoice discounting facility, of which GBP1.1 million was drawn as at 30 June 2023. The Group also has access to a GBP5 million rolling credit facility with a further GBP2.5 million accordion of which none has been utilised as of 30 June 2023.

The Group has prepared and reviewed monthly profit and cashflow forecasts which cover a period up to 31 December 2024, the going concern period. This base case forecast position has been compiled by considering the performance of the different businesses across the Group and each of their funding requirements which represents the current Board approved forecasts.

To support the going concern conclusion, a sensitivity analysis has been performed, sensitising assumptions in revenue performance. The outcome of this sensitivity analysis is that the Group can maintain liquidity across the going concern period and will be able to meet all forecasted obligations as they fall due. In addition, covenant requirements on the rolling credit facility, namely interest cover not falling below 4:1 and the leverage ratio not exceeding 2.5 will continue to be met. A reverse stress scenario has also been performed to model the circumstances required to eliminate available liquidity during the going concern period. The Directors believe the possibility of this combination of severe downsides arising to be remote given the recurring revenue base and predictability of forecasts, and that there are numerous controllable mitigating actions such as deferring non-committed capital expenditure and reducing performance related pay which could be taken to avoid a liquidity breach.

Based on the above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the period to 31 December 2024. For this reason, they have adopted the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

   2.   Reconciliation of adjusted financial measures 
 
                                              Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                                   ended         ended           ended 
                                                 30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                                    2023          2022            2022 
                                                 GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
                                             (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 (Loss)/profit before tax from continuing 
  operations                                     (1,815)         (301)             824 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Share-based payment charges                       1,274           435           1,748 
 Exchange differences relating to 
  intra-group transactions                           362         (792)           (811) 
 Restructuring and transaction expenses              978           226             450 
 Research and development expenditure 
  credit                                               -          (79)           (379) 
 Fair value loss on financial assets 
  at FVPL                                            514         1,469               8 
 Amortisation of acquired intangible 
  assets                                             519           486             982 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Adjusted profit before tax from 
  continuing operations                            1,832         1,444           2,822 
 Interest income                                    (37)          (22)            (38) 
 Finance costs                                       235           213             453 
 Depreciation of property, plant 
  and equipment                                    1,438         1,293           2,654 
 Amortisation of intangible assets 
  (other than acquired intangibles)                   62            20              85 
 Loss on asset disposal                                -            85              80 
 Impairment of assets                                                -             147 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing 
  operations                                       3,530         3,033           6,203 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

EBITDA is calculated as statutory operating profit before depreciation (other than that arising from IFRS16 accounting), amortisation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as EBITDA excluding other adjusting items as defined.

Adjusted financial measures are alternative performance measures, which adjust for recurring and non-recurring items that management consider are not reflective of the underlying performance of the Group. Recurring items are adjusted each year irrespective of materiality to ensure consistent treatment. Non-recurring items are identified and adjusted for by virtue of their size or nature.

Share-based payment charges include the IFRS 2 charge for the period of GBP1,184,000 (H1 2022: GBP344,000) and the expense relating to National Insurance on the outstanding potential share option gains of GBP90,000 (H1 2022: GBP91,000). These costs were included in the general and administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement.

Exchange differences relating to the operations in the United States of America represent exchange gains or losses recorded in the consolidated income statement as a result of intra-group transactions in the United States of America. These costs were included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement.

Of the restructuring and transaction expenses in the first half of 2023, GBP255,000 (2022: GBP226,000) relates to restructuring costs. Cash expenditure arising from restructuring costs in the first half of 2023 was GBP194,000 (H1 2022: GBP657,000). The remaining cost of GBP753,000 in the period to 30 June 2023 relates to the factory efficiency project (2022: nil), all of which is cash expenditure.

The research and development expenditure credit relates to the corporation tax relief receivable relating to qualifying research and development expenditure. This item is shown on the face of the consolidated income statement. Cash receipts of GBP361,000 received during the period were in relation to the XaarJet Limited RDEC claim which related to the financial year 31 December 2021 (GBP222,000) and the FFEI Limited RDEC claim for the nine-month period to 31 December 2021 (GBP139,000).

The fair value loss on financial assets at fair value through profit and loss relates to the sale of Xaar 3D Limited. The net consideration includes contingent consideration that is valued and reported at fair value. The fair value movement is recognised in the income statement as fair value loss on financial assets at fair value through profit and loss. In the period to 30 June 2023, the movement on the financial asset represents foreign exchange loss on retranslation of the asset at the period end.

The amortisation of acquired intangible assets relates to the acquisition of FFEI Limited in 2021 and the acquisition of Megnajet Ltd and Technomation Ltd in 2022. These include patents and customer relationships for FFEI which are being amortised over 3.5 to 6 years for FFEI and IP, brand and customer relationships for Megnajet and Technomation which are being amortised over 8 to 10 years. These costs were included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement.

 
                                            Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                                 ended         ended           ended 
                                               30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                                  2023          2022            2022 
                                               GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
                                           (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Basic (loss)/earnings per share 
  from continuing operations                    (1.7p)          0.9p            2.3p 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Share-based payment charges                      1.6p          0.6p            2.3p 
 Exchange differences relating to 
  intra-group transactions                        0.5p        (1.1p)          (1.1p) 
 Restructuring and transaction expenses           1.3p          0.3p            0.6p 
 Research and development credit                     -             -          (0.5p) 
 Fair value gain on financial assets 
  at FVPL                                         0.7p          1.9p               - 
 Amortisation of acquired intangible 
  assets                                          0.7p          0.6p            1.3p 
 Tax effect of adjusting items(1)                    -          0.1p          (0.1p) 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Adjusted basic earnings per share 
  from continuing operations                      3.1p          3.3p            4.8p 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

(1) Tax effect of adjusting items is nil in 2023 due to all adjustments being in UK tax jurisdiction which has unrecognised accumulated tax losses so an effective tax rate of zero.

This reconciliation is provided to align with how the Board measures and monitors the business at an underlying level, and is a measure used in establishing remuneration.

   3.   Business segments 

For management reporting purposes, the Group's operations are analysed according to the four operating segments of 'Printhead', 'Product Print Systems' (EPS), 'Digital Imaging' (FFEI) and 'Ink Supply Systems' (Megnajet). These four operating segments are the basis on which the Group reports its primary segment information and on which decisions are made by the Group's Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors, and resources allocated. Each business unit is run independently of the others and headed by a general manager. The Group's chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer. There is no aggregation of segments for disclosure purposes.

Ink Supply systems was added from 2 March 2022 as a result of the Megnajet acquisition.

Segment information for continuing operations is presented below:

 
                           Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                ended         ended           ended 
                              30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                 2023          2022            2022 
                          (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
 Continuing operations        GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
-----------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Revenue 
 Printhead                     17,618        20,658          39,042 
 Product Print Systems         10,697         9,227          19,624 
 Digital imaging                4,769         6,108          11,633 
 Ink supply systems             1,431           615           2,483 
 Total revenue                 34,515        36,608          72,782 
-----------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 
                                        Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                             ended         ended           ended 
                                           30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                              2023          2022            2022 
                                       (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
 Continuing operations                     GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Result 
 Printhead                                 (2,852)       (1,149)            (12) 
 Product Print Systems                         955         1,115           2,756 
 Digital imaging                             1,258            43           (142) 
 Ink supply systems                            296           316             385 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Total segment result                        (343)           325           2,987 
 Net unallocated corporate expenses        (1,274)         (435)         (1,748) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit                   (1,617)         (110)           1,239 
 Investment income                              37            22              38 
 Finance costs                               (235)         (213)           (453) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 (Loss)/profit before tax                  (1,815)         (301)             824 
 Tax                                           467           990             967 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 (Loss)/profit for the period              (1,348)           689           1,791 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 

Unallocated corporate expense relates to administrative activities which cannot be directly attributed to any of the principal product groups, consisting of share-based payment charges.

   4.   Other income 
 
                                           Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                                ended         ended           ended 
                                              30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                                 2023          2022            2022 
                                              GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
                                          (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Government grants                                  -             -             139 
 Profit from sale of patent intangible          2,036             -               - 
  assets 
 Other                                            165             -               - 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Total other income                             2,201             -             139 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 

On 23 June 2023, FFEI sold patents relating to its Life Sciences business to a customer for GBP2,312,000. These Patents had a NBV in the group consolidated accounts of GBP276,000 and as such a profit on disposal of GBP2,036,000 has been recognised.

Other, comprises compensation received due to a legal claim.

In 2022, government grants were received from the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme by FFEI. Further details can be obtained by referring to note 7 within the Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

   5.   Interest receivable and payable 

Investment income

 
                                          Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                               ended         ended           ended 
                                             30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                                2023          2022            2022 
                                             GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
                                         (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Interest receivable on cash and bank 
  balances, and treasury deposits                 37            22              38 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 

Finance costs

 
                                                    Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                                         ended         ended           ended 
                                                       30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                                          2023          2022            2022 
                                                       GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
                                                   (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Interest on invoice securitisation/discounting             32             3              33 
 Interest on leases                                        131           118             242 
 Interest on borrowing costs                                 6             -               - 
 Other interest costs                                       66            92             178 
------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
                                                           235           213             453 
------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
   6.   Income tax 

The major components of income tax (credit)/charge in the income statement are as follows:

 
                                              Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                                   ended         ended           ended 
                                                 30 June       30 June     31 December 
                                                    2023          2022            2022 
                                                 GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
                                             (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Current income tax 
 UK                                                (306)             -           (269) 
 Overseas                                             46             9              87 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
                                                   (260)             9           (182) 
 Adjustment in respect of prior year               (501)                            96 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Total current income tax (credit)/charge          (761)             9            (86) 
 
 Deferred income tax                                   - 
 Relating to origination and reversal 
  of temporary differences                           294         (999)           (881) 
 Total deferred tax charge/(credit)                  294         (999)           (881) 
 
 Income tax (credit)/charge reported 
  in the statement of profit and loss              (467)         (990)           (967) 
 Income tax (credit)/charge attributable               -             -               - 
  to discontinued operations 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Total Income tax credit                           (467)         (990)           (967) 
------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 

The Finance Act 2021, which was substantively enacted on 10 June 2021, amended the main rate of corporation tax in the UK from 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023. The H1 taxation has been computed on a blended tax rate for 2023. However, due to the unrecognised accumulated tax losses and the R&D tax credits, the effective tax rate in UK jurisdiction Group companies is negative. The UK tax credit is in relation to R&D tax credits.

The overseas tax charge is in relation to the USA EPS business unit where the federal tax rate is 21% and the effective tax rate is 19%.

The closing deferred tax asset as at 31 December 2022 and 30 June 2023 is due to the accumulated tax losses of the Group's USA companies and has been calculated using the US tax rates at which the deferred tax asset is expected to be reversed in future periods.

Whilst the Board believes in the long-term potential and profitability of the Printhead business unit, the forecast taxable losses over the next couple of years mean that the UK tax losses will not be utilised in the short term. Therefore, no deferred tax asset has been recognised relating to UK losses for 30 June 2023. As at 31 December 2022, the Group has unused capital losses of GBP1.1 million available for offset against future gains. These losses may be carried forward indefinitely.

In the year ending 31 December 2022, the Group claimed R&D tax relief and R&D expenditure credit (RDEC), where the R&D credit receivable is included in operating loss. In the current reporting period, the Group is claiming only R&D tax relief, though there may be RDEC to claim in H2 2023.

   7.   Earnings per ordinary share - basic and diluted 

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based upon the following data:

 
                                                  Six months     Six months   Twelve months 
                                                       ended          ended           ended 
                                                     30 June        30 June     31 December 
                                                        2023           2022            2022 
                                                 (unaudited)    (unaudited)       (audited) 
                                                     GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Earnings 
  (Loss)/earnings for the purposes of 
  earnings per share being net (loss)/profit 
  attributable to equity holders of 
  the parent                                         (1,348)            351           1,632 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 from continuing operations                          (1,348)            689           1,791 
 from discontinued operations                              -          (338)           (159) 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 Number of shares 
 Weighted average number of ordinary 
  shares for the purposes of basic earnings 
  per share                                       78,117,147     77,657,189      77,549,264 
 Effect of dilutive potential ordinary 
  shares: 
 Share options                                       726,499      1,481,799       4,085,096 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Weighted average number of ordinary 
  shares for the purposes of diluted 
  earnings per share                              78,843,646     79,138,988      81,634,360 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 
                                                 Pence per     Pence per 
                            Pence per share          share         share 
                                                             31 December 
                               30 June 2023   30 June 2022          2022 
-------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Basic                               (1.7p)           0.5p          2.1p 
 Diluted                             (1.7p)           0.4p          2.0p 
-------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Continuing operations 
 Basic                               (1.7p)           0.9p          2.3p 
 Diluted                             (1.7p)           0.9p          2.2p 
-------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Discontinued operations 
 Basic                                    -         (0.4p)        (0.2p) 
 Diluted                                  -         (0.4p)        (0.2p) 
-------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Adjusted 
 Basic                                 3.1p           3.3p          4.8p 
 Diluted                               3.1p           3.2p          4.5p 
-------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

Potential ordinary shares are treated as dilutive if their conversion to ordinary shares would decrease earnings per share or increase loss per share.

Adjusted earnings per share is earnings per share adjusted for the items as indicated in note 2.

   8.   Share capital and own shares 

During the six months ended 30 June 2023 a total of 137,552 new ordinary shares of 10 pence each were issued under the Company's LTIP and Share option schemes for GBP29,507. During the six months ended 30 June 2022, there were no new ordinary shares issued.

During the six months ended 30 June 2023, 85,459 shares (H1 2022: 128,533) were used by the ESOP to satisfy share award exercises with no shares purchased by the ESOP (H1 2022: ESOP purchased 221,751 shares for GBP0.5 million).

   9.   Goodwill 

The carrying amount of goodwill at 30 June 2023 was GBP6,903,000 (31 December 2022: GBP7,163,000).

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash-generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from that business combination. Goodwill occurred from the acquisition of Engineered Printing Solutions (EPS) in July 2016, FFEI Limited in July 2021 and Megnajet in March 2022.

 
                                               30 June    31 Dec 
                                                  2023      2022 
                                               GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Balance at the beginning of the year            7,163     5,894 
 Addition - acquisition of Megnajet (2021: 
  FFEI)                                              -       661 
 Foreign currency translation                    (260)       608 
 Balance at the end of the year                  6,903     7,163 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

As part of the reportable segments, goodwill amounting to GBP5,553,000 is attributed to Product Print Systems (a single CGU), GBP689,000 is attributed to FFEI (a single CGU), and GBP661,000 is attributed to Megnajet (a single CGU).

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. No impairment has been identified and therefore no impairment loss has been recognised during the current and preceding period.

The recoverable amount of the CGU is determined from a value-in-use calculation. The annual impairment review for Product Print Systems and Megnajet will continue to be performed on 31 December each year.

FFEI Limited goodwill impairment review:

As at 30 June 2023, due to an agreement to transfer a material portion of the Life Sciences business to client, over the period 23 June 2023 to 31 December 2024, an impairment indicator was identified in respect of goodwill allocated to FFEI Limited. As a result, a review for impairment was performed on a value in use basis. Following this review, no impairment was recognised. A cash flow forecast was prepared for a period to 31 December 2027 based upon the strategic plan for the business and a terminal value determined using a 2% growth rate in FFEI Limited, based on the Bank of England Long term target inflation rate.

To evaluate the risk of impairment, the Group adjusted its cash flows over the forecast period to reflect constraints on key assumptions including new product introductions, regional expansion and growth rates of existing products. These adjusted cash flows are based on the forecast as described and bring a reduction of GBP3 million to the 31 December 2022 value in use. The discount rate applied to the cash flow projections is 15.3%, this was calculated by updating the year end rate obtained from external third-party advice for observable market inputs. Where market observable inputs were not available consideration was given to the historic performance of the input and the sensitivity of the input to market changes since year end. The discount rate reflects the risk-free rate, equity beta and local market premium as calculated at 30 June 2023 with an additional 1% company specific risk premium.

The recoverable amount calculated based on the base case forecast set out above exceeds the carrying value of the FFEI Limited CGU by GBP2.6 million. Sensitivity analysis has been performed, flexing assumptions regarding expected sales volumes, sales mix and margins to determine the recoverable amount of the CGU. Further stress testing has been completed on each key assumption (Revenue, Discount Rate and Long-Term Growth Rate) for the FFEI Limited business.

The carrying amount of goodwill would exceed its recoverable amount, when compared to the adjusted cash flows, if the following 'reasonably possible changes' were to occur:

-- An average decline of 35% in forecast volumes of Printbar sales over the forecast period; or

   --      An increase in the discount rate by 3.2% 

10. Financial instruments

Fair value of the Group's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Some of the Group's financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The following table gives information about how the fair value of these financial assets and financial liabilities are determined (in particular the valuation technique(s) and inputs used).

 
 
                                                                                    Relationship and 
                                                                                     sensitivity of 
 Financial asset/         Valuation technique(s)         Significant unobservable    unobservable inputs 
  financial liabilities    and key input(s)               input(s)                   to fair value 
-----------------------  -----------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 
 Financial asset          Monte Carlo Simulation         Revenue volatility         10% increase/(decrease) 
  at fair value            model                                                     in revenue volatility 
  through profit                                                                     would result in 
  or loss (Level                                                                     GBP7,000 and GBP11,000 
  3)                                                                                 decreases in fair 
                                                                                     value respectively. 
 
 
 
 
                                                          Risk-adjusted discount 
                                                          rate                       1% increase/(decrease) 
                                                                                     in discount rate 
                                                                                     would result in 
                                                                                     GBP12,000 decrease 
                                                                                     and GBP14,000 increase 
                                                                                     in fair value respectively. 
                                                                                   ----------------------------- 
 
                          The following variables 
                           were taken into 
                           consideration: 
                           revenue projections, 
                           management forecast 
                           and discount rate. 
 
                           The milestone consideration 
                           and 3% earn-out 
                           consideration are 
                           calculated based 
                           on the terms of 
                           the proposed transaction 
                           and by reference 
                           to simulated revenue. 
                           This is then discounted 
                           back to the valuation 
                           date using a discount 
                           rate over a period 
                           commensurate with 
                           the year in which 
                           payments are payable. 
                         ----------------------------- 
 
 
 
 
 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 during the current or prior year.

Reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements of financial instruments:

On 1 November 2021, the sale of Xaar 3D Limited to Stratasys was completed and Xaar received net cash of GBP9,272,000 and contingent consideration of GBP10,863,000. The contingent consideration had a fair value of GBP11,606,000 as at 31 December 2022. The contingent consideration is recognised as financial asset at fair value through profit or loss. During the period, Xaar received an earn-out income amounting to $691,000 or GBP550,000. The fair value of the contingent consideration as at 30 June 2023 is GBP10,542,000. All of the fair value loss in the currently reporting period is due to the weakening of the USD against the British pound.

 
                                    Six months     Six months   Twelve months 
                                         ended          ended           ended 
                                                                  31 December 
                                  30 June 2023   30 June 2022            2022 
                                   (unaudited)    (unaudited)       (audited) 
                                       GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000 
------------------------------   -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Balance at 1 January                   11,606         11,850          11,850 
 Earn out received                       (550)          (101)           (236) 
 Fair value loss on financial 
  assets at FVPL                         (514)        (1,469)             (8) 
-------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Balance at period end                  10,542         10,280          11,606 
-------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 
 Current asset                             104            684             517 
 Non current asset                      10,438          9,596          11,089 
-------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
                                        10,542         10,280          11,606 
 

Short-term borrowings

Short term borrowings include an advance against customer invoices assigned to a third party as part of an invoice discounting arrangement. At the reporting date the carrying value of the customer invoices assigned and associated liabilities were:

 
                                    Six months     Six months   Twelve months 
                                         ended          ended           ended 
                                                                  31 December 
                                  30 June 2023   30 June 2022            2022 
                                   (unaudited)    (unaudited)       (audited) 
 Invoice discounting facility          GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000 
------------------------------   -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 Gross invoice value assigned            1,774              -           2,851 
 Advance drawn                         (1,060)              -           (379) 
 Net position                              714              -           2,472 
-------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
 

Interest on the invoice discounting facility is charged daily when the facility is in an overdrawn position at a rate equivalent to the appropriate base rate +1.75% pa. There is an annual service fee of GBP25,000 charged monthly, and there was a one-off arrangement fee to open the facility of GBP10,000. No interest is payable on the unutilised element on the facility.

The facility limit was GBP5 million as at 30 June 2023 and operates for a minimum of twelve months from inception (September 2022). The facility can be cancelled with a three-month notice period. There are no covenants attached to the invoice discounting facility. Subsequent to the reporting date, the facility limit was reduced to GBP3 million which is still in excess of the eligible invoice value expected for the foreseeable future.

Eligible debts in GBP and USD denomination are legally assigned to the facility provider as, or soon after, they are raised. The facility makes available 90% of the debts to Xaar Jet Limited, subject to certain monetary funding limits and concentration percentages by customer. XaarJet Limited remain responsible for collecting the debts as the collection agent for the finance provider and the remittances are made into an account held for the benefit of the finance provider, the balance of which is held as a liability in XaarJet Limited.

No fair value adjustments are deemed necessary for these amounts; however, the receivables are subject to an allowance for doubtful debt. The invoice discounting facility is secured with fixed rate charges over purchased debts and a floating charge over the assets of Xaar Jet Ltd.

It remains the entity's responsibility to appropriately insure, manage and recover the debts assigned under the arrangement, and the transferred assets are subject to recourse at any time. This means the Group retained substantially all the risks and rewards and the control over the assets, thus derecognition criteria of accounts receivable were not met.

Revolving Credit Facility

On 14 June 2023, Xaar PLC entered into a Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) agreement of GBP5 million, which matures on 14 June 2025, with an option to extend for a further year, subject to lender approval. The agreement includes an accordion option of a further GBP2.5 million which can be requested at any time during the facility period, subject to lender approval and relevant fees.

Issue costs of GBP125,000 associated with the implementation of the facility have been recorded in the balance sheet and will be amortised across the life of the facility (24 months).

The facility bears an interest rate of the Sterling Overnight Indexed Average (SONIA) rate plus 2.35% margin, with a charge of 40% of the margin chargeable on undrawn and uncancelled amounts of the RCF.

The facility is secured by fixed and floating charges over the assets of the Group.

Interest cover, leverage and capital expenditure covenants are in place which are measured quarterly, based on the Group financial statements. The Group monitors compliance of the covenants on an ongoing basis. As at 30 June 2023, the Group remains compliant with the covenants.

At 30 June 2023, no drawings had been made under the RCF.

11. Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities

 
                                                                                        Foreign      As at 
                                              As at     Cash                           exchange    30 June 
                                        31 Dec 2022    flows   Additions   Interest    movement       2023 
 Lease liabilities                            8,832    (591)         825        131        (60)      9,137 
 Deferred consideration                       3,740        -           -         66           -      3,806 
 Invoice discounting 
  facility                                      379      649           -         32           -      1,060 
 Other interest incurred 
  and paid                                        -        -           -          6           -          6 
-------------------------  ------------------------  -------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
                                             12,951       58         825        235        (60)     14,009 
-------------------------  ------------------------  -------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
 
                                      As 
                                   at 31                                      Foreign      As at 
                                     Dec      Cash                           exchange     31 Dec 
                                    2021     flows   Additions   Interest    movement       2022 
 Lease liabilities                 9,191     (914)         323        242        (10)      8,832 
 Deferred consideration            4,943   (1,733)         374        156           -      3,740 
 Invoice discounting facility          -       346           -         33           -        379 
 Other interest incurred and 
  paid                                 -      (22)           -         22           -          - 
------------------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
                                  14,134   (2,323)         697        453        (10)     12,951 
------------------------------  --------  --------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 

12. Discontinued operations

The Thin Film business which was discontinued in 2019 incurred costs in 2021 and 2022 which mainly related to supplier and customer liabilities and inventory for last time buy sales. All liabilities have now been settled and we maintain an amount of inventory that is fully provided and not likely to be sold.

The results of Thin Film related activities for the period are shown below:

 
                                                   Six months    Six months   Twelve months 
                                                        ended         ended           ended 
                                                      30 June       30 June      3 December 
                                                         2023          2022            2022 
                                                  (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (audited) 
 Thin Film                                            GBP'000       GBP'000         GBP'000 
------------------------------------------     --------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Expenses                                                       -         (338)           (159) 
---------------------------------------------      --------------  ------------  -------------- 
 Loss after income tax from discontinued 
  operations                                                -         (338)           (159) 
---------------------------------------------   -------------  ------------  -------------- 
 
 

The net cash flows incurred by Thin Film are as follows:

 
 Thin Film                                                 GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  ---  ---  ---  ----------  --------  -------- 
 Net cash outflow from operating 
  activities                                                     -     (394)     (150) 
------------------------------------------------------  ----------  --------  -------- 
 Net decrease in cash generated from 
  discontinued operations                                        -     (394)     (150) 
------------------------------------------------------   ---------  --------  -------- 
 
 Loss per share 
  Basic loss for the period from 
   discontinued operations                                       -    (0.4p)    (0.2p) 
  Diluted loss for the period from 
   discontinued operations                                       -    (0.4p)    (0.2p) 
--------------------------------------------------   ----------     --------  -------- 
 
 

13. Date of approval of interim financial statements

The interim financial statements cover the period 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023 and were approved by the Board on 19 September 2023.

Further copies of the interim financial statements are available from the Company's registered office, 3950 Cambridge Research Park, Waterbeach, CB25 9PE, and can be accessed on the Xaar plc website, www.xaargroup.com .

Risks and uncertainties

Several potential risks and uncertainties exist which could have a material impact on the Group's performance over the second half of the financial year and could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results.

The Group has continued identifying, evaluating, and managing the key risks which could impact the Group's performance over the six months to 30 June 2023.

The full list of principal risks identified at the year-end and a description of how they relate to the Group's strategy and the approach to managing them are set out on pages 52 to 57 of the Xaar plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022, which is available on the Group's website at www.xaar.com.

Management and the Board have reviewed these risks and concluded they will continue to remain relevant for the second half of the financial year. The principal risks as at 30 June 2023, showing any changes from the 2022 year-end disclosure, are summarised in the table below:

 
 Risk Area: Market 
 Description                       Likelihood/Magnitude   Changes since 31 December 
                                                           2022 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 1. Competition                    Unlikely/Very          No change 
  Monitoring and adjusting          high 
  to competitive dynamics 
  such as pricing/promotion, 
  innovation, resource 
  investments and 
  market share changes 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 2. Failure to identify            Unlikely/Very          No change 
  market requirements               high 
  Successfully developing 
  products with the 
  characteristics 
  that meet market 
  requirements within 
  the necessary timescale. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 3. Commercialising                Possible/High          No change 
  and 
  maintaining products 
  with 
  cutting edge technology 
  Creating value by 
  generating innovative 
  products that deliver 
  significant customer 
  benefit. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 4. Merger and acquisition         Possible/Medium        Reduced 
  opportunities 
  Our strategy is                                          Less M&A activity in the 
  predicated primarily                                     period. 
  on organic growth. 
 
  Seek opportunities 
  to expand, create 
  synergies and generate 
  greater shareholder 
  value. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 Coronavirus (COVID-19             Removed                All travel and trade restrictions 
  and variants )                                           lifted following the end 
  External tracking                                        of the pandemic. 
  and adjusting to 
  the potential global 
  impact and external 
  risks arising from 
  pandemic response 
  and impact on customers/supply 
  chain. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 Risk Area: Operational 
 Description                       Likelihood/Magnitude   Changes since 31 December 
                                                           2022 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 5. Climate change                 Possible/Medium        No change 
  Identifying risks 
  and scenario planning 
  of physical and 
  transition impact 
  upon operations 
  and developing mitigating 
  actions. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 6. Organisational                 Possible/Medium        No change 
  capability 
  Having the right 
  people in the right 
  roles. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 7. Partnerships                   Possible/Medium        No change 
  and alliances 
  Working with the 
  right companies, 
  at the right time 
  on the right terms 
  to deliver long-term 
  value. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 8. Supply chain                   Unlikely/High          No change 
  Optimising sourcing 
  and supply chain 
  relationships to 
  drive performance 
  and minimise operational 
  issues. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 9. War in Ukraine                 Possible/Medium        Reduced 
  and the 
  world economy                                            The consequences are better 
  The war in Ukraine                                       understood, and the work 
  has materially altered                                   is completed to mitigate 
  the near-term outlook                                    the impact of the war on 
  for the UK and global                                    the global economy. 
  economies and increased 
  uncertainty over 
  the path ahead. 
  Energy prices are 
  by far the greatest 
  concern for the 
  UK economy which 
  also result in further 
  upward pressure 
  on inflation and 
  a potential hit 
  to GDP growth over 
  the next two years. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 10. Laws and regulations          Possible/High          Increased 
  Compliance with 
  key laws and regulations                                 The new Company Secretary 
  in all countries                                         undertook a more detailed 
  Group operates in.                                       assessment than conducted 
                                                           in the past, of the impact 
                                                           of the relevant laws and 
                                                           regulations to better understand 
                                                           the risks to the Group 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 Risk Area: IT 
 Description                       Likelihood/Magnitude   Changes since 31 December 
                                                           2022 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 11. IT systems                    Possible/High          No change 
  and 
  control environment 
  Strengthen IT infrastructure 
  and key IT systems. 
  Enhance and build 
  resilience by investing 
  in and implementing 
  new IT infrastructure 
  or IT systems. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 12. Cyber security                Possible/Medium        No change 
  risk 
  Loss of systems 
  or confidential 
  data due to a malicious 
  cyber-attack, leading 
  to disruption to 
  business operations 
  and loss of data. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 Risk Area: Financial 
 Description                       Likelihood/Magnitude   Changes since 31 December 
                                                           2022 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 13.Ability to access              Unlikely/High          No change 
  sufficient capital 
  Ability to access 
  sufficient capital 
  to fund growth opportunities. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 14. Customer credit               Possible/Low           No change 
  exposure 
  Offering credit 
  terms ensuring recoverability 
  is reasonably assured. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 15. Inventory obsolescence        Probable/High          No change 
  Holding excess inventory 
  levels when compared 
  to demand, that 
  leads to increased 
  risk of obsolescence 
  and write-off before 
  consumption. 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 16. Exchange rates                Probable/Medium        No change 
  Monitoring global 
  economic events 
  and mitigating any 
  resulting significant 
  exchange rate impacts 
                                  ---------------------  ---------------------------------- 
 

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

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

END

IR GPUGPBUPWPPR

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 19, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

Xaar (LSE:XAR)
Gráfica de Acción Histórica
De Mar 2024 a Abr 2024 Haga Click aquí para más Gráficas Xaar.
Xaar (LSE:XAR)
Gráfica de Acción Histórica
De Abr 2023 a Abr 2024 Haga Click aquí para más Gráficas Xaar.