TIDMEAH

RNS Number : 6720U

Eco Animal Health Group PLC

27 November 2023

27 November 2023

ECO Animal Health Group pc ("ECO", the "Company" or the "Group")

(AIM: EAH)

Results for the six months ended 30 September 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

Financial

   --      Group Revenue increased 9% to GBP38.0 million (H1 2022: GBP34.9 million) 

o Revenues on a constant currency basis increased 15%

   --      Gross margins 41% (H1 2022: 45%) 
   --      Adjusted EBITDA at GBP0.7 million (H1 2022: GBP1.7 million) 
   --      Loss per share of 1.93p (H1 2022: earnings per share: 1.96p) 
   --      Cash generated by operations increased to GBP4.8m (H1 2022: GBP3.0m) 
   --      Cash balances increased to GBP20.6m (30 September 2022 GBP12.9m) 

Operational

   --      Revenue in China and Japan increased by 14% to GBP9.7 million (H1 2022: GBP8.5 million) 
   --      Revenue in USA and Canada increased by 26% to GBP8.2 million (H1 2022: GBP6.5 million) 

-- US FDA and Veterinary Drugs Directorate in Canada approval received for use of Aivlosin (R) in pregnant and lactating sows

-- Successful recent Capital Markets Day highlighted significant potential unrecognised future value in R&D pipeline

   --      ESG - 'A' rating by Integrum ESG 

David Hallas, Chief Executive Officer of ECO Animal Health Group plc, commented : "I am very pleased to see continuing revenue growth, despite currencies headwinds for a large part of this first half. Adjusting for the currency effect underlying growth in revenues increased by 15%. We expect gross margins to improve in the second half due to sales mix and improvements in Cost of Goods. We have strong visibility over second half revenue. The Board looks forward with cautious optimism to reporting the full year numbers in line with market expectations .

I was particularly proud to showcase, at our recent Capital Markets Day, some of the great results we are seeing in our R&D programme. We plan to make further disclosure as our projects progress; the intention being to build shareholder knowledge and confidence around our future potential".

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements reflect the knowledge and information available to the Company and Group during preparation and up to the publication of this announcement. By their very nature, these statements depend upon circumstances and relate to events that may occur in the future and thereby involving a degree of uncertainty. Therefore, nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast by the Company or Group.

Contacts

 
 
   ECO Animal Health Group plc 
   David Hallas (Chief Executive Officer) 
   Christopher Wilks (Chief Financial Officer)     020 8447 8899 
 IFC Advisory 
  Graham Herring 
  Zach Cohen                                        020 3934 6630 
 Singer Capital Markets (Nominated Adviser 
  & Joint Broker) 
  Philip Davies 
  Sam Butcher                                       020 7496 3000 
 Investec (Joint Broker) 
  Gary Clarence 
  Carlo Spingardi 
  Lydia Zychowska                                   020 7597 5970 
 
 
 Equity Development 
  Hannah Crowe 
  Matt Evans             020 7065 2692 
 

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S COMBINED STATEMENT

FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

The Board is pleased to present the results for the Group for the six months ended 30 September 2023 ("H1 2023"). During the first half of the financial year, the Group experienced positive global sales momentum and despite currency headwinds our results show good revenue growth. The Group expects that the typical pattern of demand will result in a stronger second half to our year. The Group's revenue since September 2023, current order books and run rate of sales from the Group's stocking locations provides 90% coverage of the projected second half revenue (94% of full year consensus market forecasts*). Phasing and mix of revenues, inventory usage and costs all support the forward view of gross margins. We invested further in our promising R&D pipeline and we continued to grow our commercial footprint in anticipation of the introduction of new products. The Board is also proud to have been awarded an 'A' rating for ESG - the highest grade possible - by Integrum ESG, higher than some 300 companies ranked in our sub-sector. This highlights our continuing/ efforts to improve our impact on not only the environment but also the communities we work with.

* The Board understands that current consensus figures for FY23 are GBP88.3m of revenue and GBP7.7m Adjusted EBITDA

Financial Performance

Group revenue was 9% higher in H1 2023 at GBP38.0 million (H1 2022: GBP34.9 million). China and Japan revenue of GBP9.7 million represented 26% of Group revenue (H1 2022: 24%). On a constant currency basis the Group's revenue in H1 2023 was GBP40.1 million; an increase of 15% compared with H1 2022. The principal currency effects were from a weaker US Dollar and Chinese RMB compared with Sterling during the period.

Excluding China and Japan, revenue from other markets grew by 7%, in aggregate, to GBP28.3 million (H1 2022: GBP26.4 million).

The gross margin in H1 2023 was 41% (H1 2022: 45%). A combination of foreign exchange effects and cost of purchases of the active pharmaceutical ingredient ("API"), as well as certain increased costs of manufacture outside of China have impacted the gross margins. In addition, depreciation of the company's factory equipment in China was charged to Cost of Sales in the period (in 2022, during the factory rebuild, depreciation was charged to administrative costs). It is expected that the revenue and API effects will in part reverse in H2 2023. The Gross margin movement may be analysed as follows:

 
                                                          % 
 Gross margin in the six months ended 30 September 
  2022                                                 45.3 
 F/x impact on revenue                                (3.5) 
 F/x impact on cost of sales                           0.9 
 Impact of API inventory sales lag                    (1.1) 
 China depreciation charged to cost of sales          (0.5) 
 Other increased cost of manufacture                  (0.3) 
                                                     ------ 
 Gross margin in the six months ended 30 September 
  2023                                                 40.8 
                                                     ------ 
 

Administrative expenses excluding foreign exchange gains at GBP14.2 million were 13% higher than the comparative period last year (H2 2022: GBP12.6 million). This arose in the main from increased personnel costs offset in part by savings in legal, audit and professional.

Research and development ("R&D") expenses shown in the income statement together with the amounts capitalised were in aggregate a cash investment of GBP3.6 million (H1 2022: GBP4.2 million). This represented 9.0% of revenue generated in the period (H1 2022: 12.0%).

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and impairment, share based payments and foreign exchange movements ("Adjusted EBITDA") were GBP0.7 million (H1 2022: GBP1.7 million). This reduction arose as a direct consequence of the higher revenue offset by lower gross margin and increased personnel costs.

Cash generated from operations was GBP4.8 million (H1 2022: GBP3.0 million). Continuing close management of working capital - in particular inventories and receivables - has resulted in a cash balance of GBP20.6 million which is significantly greater than at 30 September 2022 and comparable to the level at 31 March 2023. Cash balances at 30 September 2023 can be analysed as follows:

 
                                            At 30 September 
                                            2023       2022 
                                         (GBP'm)    (GBP'm) 
 Held in UK                                  6.1        2.8 
 Held in non-China subsidiaries              2.9        2.0 
 Held in China 100% owned subsidiary         1.5        4.1 
 Held in China 51% owned subsidiary         10.1        4.0 
                                            20.6       12.9 
                                       ---------  --------- 
 

The Group repatriates cash from China by annual dividend declaration; this is subject to withholding taxes of 5% and is paid according to the relevant shareholdings. On a day--to--day basis, the Board considers the cash held in the Group's joint venture subsidiary in China to be unavailable to the Group outside of China; accordingly, cash management and funds available for investment in R&D is based upon the cash balances outside of China.

During July 2023, two dividends totalling GBP3.4 million were received from China.

The Group's committed banking facilities remain at GBP15.0 million, being a GBP5.0 million overdraft facility and a GBP10 million revolving credit facility. These facilities expire on 30 June 2026 and were undrawn as at 30 September 2023.

Basic loss per share in the six months ended 30 September 2023 was 1.93p (H1 2022: EPS 1.96p). The prior period EPS benefited from the exchange rate gain reported in the period of GBP2.6 million in the six months ended 30 September 2022.

Business Performance

The geographical analysis of the Group's revenue in the six months ended 30 September 2023 compared to the prior period in 2022 and the full year ended 31 March 2023 was as follows:

 
 Revenue Summary                     6 months ended 30 September               Year ended 
                                                                    H1 23 vs    31 March 
                                        2023            2022          H1 22       2023 
                                       (GBP'm)         (GBP'm)      % Change    (GBP'm) 
 China and Japan                         9.7             8.5          14%         26.4 
 North American (USA and Canada)         8.2             6.5          26%         15.2 
 South and Southeast Asia                7.8             7.4           5%         16.8 
 Latin America                           7.7             7.9          (3%)        18.1 
 Europe                                  3.4             2.9          17%         6.0 
 Rest of World and UK                    1.2             1.7         (29%)        2.8 
 Total Group                            38.0            34.9           9%         85.3 
---------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------  ----------- 
 

Group revenue increased by 9% to GBP38.0 million (H1 2022: GBP34.9 million). As stated earlier, on a constant currency basis the increase in revenue was 15% in H1 2023 compared with H1 2022. The main components of this revenue improvement were from China and the USA. As noted in the Group's FY23 Annual Report the strong trading in the final quarter ended 31 March 2023 carried over into the spring and early summer months; this demand for Aivlosin (R) was driven by disease incidence, in particular Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome ("PRRS") virus. Similarly, the strength in the USA market was associated with prevalence of disease and strong key account relationships. The improvement in European revenue was offset by a phasing of revenues derived from North African markets.

Aivlosin(R) continues to gain market share from other longer established branded antimicrobials. The growth seen in Southeast Asia during the last four or five years has continued during 2023. The poor poultry market in India in recent years has recovered with revenue increasing to GBP2.9 million (H1 2022: GBP2.2 million). Thailand remained the largest single market for the Group's products in this region with revenue increasing to GBP3.6 million (H1 2022: GBP3.5 million), supported with good sales into Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and Vietnam of GBP1.2 million (H1 2022: GBP1.6 million). Revenue in Latin America decreased 3% to GBP7.7 million (H1 2022: GBP7.9 million), with Brazil representing the largest market at GBP4.2 million (H1 2022: GBP4.2 million). Brazil's exports of pork to China continued during the period providing strong demand for Aivlosin (R) . Mexico revenue in H1 2023 was GBP0.3 million higher than the equivalent period last year and the remaining counties in Latin America were broadly consistent year on year. Revenue derived from Europe was GBP0.5 million higher than H1 2022. Within the continent, Spain remained the largest single market with revenues of GBP0.8 million in the six months ended 30 September 2023 (H1 2022: GBP1.0 million).

Accelerated growth through R&D investment

Work on the Group's promising pipeline of new products has continued at pace during the first half of this financial year with GBP3.6 million (H1 2022: GBP4.2 million) spent during the period. We held a Capital Markets Day ("CMD") on 9 November 2023 during which a great deal of detail was provided on the Group's pair of Mycoplasma vaccines for poultry, the Group's novel injectable antimicrobial, the Group's very promising PRRS virus vaccine and combination PCV2/MHyo vaccine for swine and the Group's approach to a vaccine for necrotic enteritis in poultry. These latter three projects employ highly novel monoclonal technology approaches and promise to deliver significant technological disruption to the prevention of these diseases. We highlighted some very significant efficacy results which describe statistically significant immunity to disease challenge when compared with control groups incorporating placebo, untreated and treated with commercially available existing products. The presentations at the CMD concluded with an assessment of the revenue and profit contribution potential in the R&D portfolio as well as a description of the net present value and internal rate of return of the projects when assessed over their product life cycle.

The Board considers the R&D portfolio to be rich in opportunity and investment in this programme to be in shareholders' best interests. These new products are complementary to our extremely successful existing Aivlosin (R) based business, addressing the same markets, producers, distributors and disease complexes. It is envisaged that as revenue and profits begin to be generated from these new product introductions the resulting cashflow will be applied in a progressive way to dividend distribution further enhancing shareholder value.

Strategy

Following the refresh of the Group's strategy in the Autumn of 2022, a year later the leadership team once again reviewed the Group's direction and priorities. This resulted in an endorsement of the vision and values of the Group. The embodiment of these values is in the "3 C's" - these being Curiosity, Commitment and Collaboration. Furthermore, the focus on delivering the class leading products promised by the R&D effort was reinforced as the primary opportunity to deliver shareholder value. Specific actions arising involve prioritising projects with a balance of net present value, risk, proximity to market and size of funding requirement. In addition, key actions have been taken in relation to building the operational capabilities and manufacturing collaborations to fulfil the commercial needs of the new products.

The Group is open to and will pursue further collaboration including technical partnering, licensing and M&A activity.

People

The Board acknowledges the value that our people relationships bring to the business. Whether it is current team members who describe the 3C's in their everyday, prospective members of staff for whom the 3C's resonate, customers, R&D partners commercial partners or shareholders we understand the value of engagement and the additive effect of a team working collectively. Engagement surveys and environment, social and governance initiatives have continued to enshrine these values. The Board extends its sincere gratitude to all our people, customers, partners and collaborators as we seek to maximise shareholder and stakeholder value.

Outlook

The Group expects that the historically observed increased demand for Aivlosin (R) associated with the Northern Hemisphere winter will once again result in a stronger second half to our year. 94% of the market consensus revenue* is covered by year-to-date revenue, order books and run rate from the Group's stocking locations. Additionally, the first half currency headwinds have normalised and the phasing and mix of revenues, inventory usage and costs all support the forward profitability view. The Board will continue during the remainder of this financial year to invest in our extremely exciting new product pipeline.

The Board looks forward with cautious optimism to reporting the full year numbers in line with market expectations*.

* The Board understands that current consensus figures for FY23 are GBP88.3m of revenue and GBP7.7m Adjusted EBITDA

   Dr Andrew Jones                                                      David Hallas 
   Non-executive Chairman                                         Chief Executive Officer 
 
 CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
                                                        Six months     Six months         Year 
                                                       to 30.09.23    to 30.09.22        ended 
                                                       (unaudited)    (unaudited)     31.03.23 
                                                                                     (audited) 
                                              Notes       GBP000's       GBP000's     GBP000's 
 
 
 Revenue                                        6           38,009         34,859       85,311 
 Cost of sales                                            (22,508)       (19,063)     (46,935) 
                                                     -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Gross profit                                               15,501         15,796       38,376 
                                                             40.8%          45.3%        45.0% 
 
 Other income                                                   29            242          357 
 Research and development expenses                         (2,098)        (2,923)      (5,920) 
 Administrative expenses                                  (14,016)       (10,032)     (27,866) 
                                                     -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 (Loss)/profit from operating activities                     (584)          3,083        4,947 
 
 Finance income                                                 76             42          104 
 Finance costs                                               (166)          (137)        (656) 
                                                     -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Net finance cost                                             (90)           (95)        (552) 
 
 Share of profit of associate                                   47             51           45 
                                                     -------------  -------------  ----------- 
                                                                47             51           45 
 
 (Loss)/profit before income tax                             (626)          3,039        4,440 
 Income tax charge                              8            (580)          (929)      (1,349) 
                                                     -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                              (1,206)          2,110        3,091 
                                                     =============  =============  =========== 
 
 (Loss)/profit attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent Company                              (1,307)          1,324        1,008 
 Non-controlling interest                                      101            785        2,083 
                                                     -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                              (1,037)          2,110        3,091 
                                                     =============  =============  =========== 
 
 (Loss)/earnings per share (pence)              7           (1.93)           1.96         1.49 
                                                     =============  =============  =========== 
 
                                                           (1 . 93 
 Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence)      7                )           1.95         1.47 
                                                     =============  =============  =========== 
 
 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP measure)             6              705          1,670        7,235 
                                                     =============  =============  =========== 
 
 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE 
  INCOME 
                                                     Six months     Six months         Year 
                                                    to 30.09.23    to 30.09.22        ended 
                                                    (unaudited)    (unaudited)     31.03.23 
                                                                                  (audited) 
                                                       GBP000's       GBP000's     GBP000's 
 
 (Loss)/profit for the period                           (1,206)          2,110        2,064 
 
 Other comprehensive income/(loss): 
 
 Items that may be reclassified to profit 
  or loss: 
 Foreign currency translation differences               (1,285)            276        (586) 
 
 Items that will not be reclassified to profit 
  or loss: 
 Remeasurement of defined benefit pension 
  schemes                                                     -              -          100 
                                                  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the 
  year                                                  (1,285)            276        (486) 
                                                  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the 
  year                                                  (2,491)          2,386        1,578 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the parent Company                           (2,070)          1,506        (229) 
 Non-controlling interest                                 (421)            880        1,807 
                                                  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
                                                        (2,491)          2,386        1,578 
                                                  =============  =============  =========== 
 
 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN 
  EQUITY 
 
                     Share      Share   Revaluation      Other    Foreign   Retained      Total   Non-controlling      Total 
                   Capital    Premium       Reserve   Reserves   Exchange   Earnings                     Interest     Equity 
                                                                  Reserve 
                  GBP000's   GBP000's      GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's          GBP000's   GBP000's 
 Balance as at 
  31 
  March 2022         3,381     63,319           657        106      2,188     12,413     82,064            12,284     94,348 
 Profit for the 
  year                   -          -             -          -          -      1,008      1,008             2,083      3,091 
 Other comprehensive income: 
 Foreign 
  currency 
  movement               -          -             -          -      (310)          -      (310)             (276)      (586) 
 Actuarial 
  gains 
  on pension 
  scheme assets          -          -             -          -          -        100        100                 -        100 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the year               -          -             -          -      (310)      1,108        798             1,807      2,605 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------------- 
 Transactions with owners: 
 Share-based 
  payments               -          -             -          -          -        408        408                 -        408 
 Dividends               -          -             -          -          -          -          -           (1,810)    (1,810) 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
  with 
  owners                 -          -             -          -          -        408        408           (1,810)    (1,402) 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Balance as at 
  31 
  March 2023         3,381     63,319           657        106      1,878     13,929     83,270            12,281     95,551 
                 =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  =========  =========  ================  ========= 
 
 Loss for the 
  period                 -          -             -          -          -    (1,307)    (1,307)               101    (1,206) 
 Other comprehensive income: 
 Foreign 
  currency 
  movement               -          -             -          -      (763)          -      (763)             (522)    (1,285) 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  loss for the 
  period                 -          -             -          -      (763)    (1,307)    (2,070)             (421)    (2,491) 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------------- 
 Transactions with owners: 
 Issue of 
  shares 
  in the year            1          -             -          -          -          -          1                 -          1 
 Share-based 
  payments               -          -             -          -          -        320        320                 -        320 
 Dividends               -          -             -          -          -          -          -           (2,814)    (2,814) 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
  with 
  owners                 1          -             -          -          -        320        321           (2,814)    (2,493) 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Balance at 30 
  September 
  2023               3,382     63,319           657        106      1,115     12,942     81,521             9,046     90,567 
                 =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  =========  =========  ================  ========= 
 
 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN 
  EQUITY 
 
                     Share      Share   Revaluation      Other    Foreign   Retained      Total   Non-controlling      Total 
                   Capital    Premium       Reserve   Reserves   Exchange   Earnings                     Interest     Equity 
                                                                  Reserve 
                  GBP000's   GBP000's      GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's          GBP000's   GBP000's 
 Balance as at 
  31 
  March 2021         3,379     63,258           656        106      1,092     13,410     81,901            13,414     95,315 
 Lossfor the 
  year                   -          -             -          -          -      (686)      (686)              (19)      (705) 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income: 
 Foreign 
  currency 
  movement               -          -             -          -      1,096          -      1,096             1,099      2,195 
 Deferred tax 
  on 
  revaluation 
  of freehold 
  property               -          -             1          -          -          -          1                 -          1 
 Actuarial 
  gains on 
  pension 
  scheme assets          -          -             -          -          -         24         24                 -         24 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the year               -          -             1          -      1,096      (662)        435             1,080      1,515 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
 with 
 owners: 
 Issue of 
  shares in 
  the year               2         61             -          -          -          -         63                 -         63 
 Share-based 
  payments               -          -             -          -          -        342        342                 -        342 
 Dividends               -          -             -          -          -      (677)      (677)           (2,210)    (2,887) 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
  with 
  owners                 2         61             -          -          -      (335)      (272)           (2,210)    (2,482) 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Balance as at 
  31 
  March 2022         3,381     63,319           657        106      2,188     12,413     82,064            12,284     94,348 
                 =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  =========  =========  ================  ========= 
 
 Profit for the 
  period                 -          -             -          -          -      1,325      1,325               785      2,110 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income: 
 Foreign 
  currency 
  movement               -          -             -          -        181          -        181                95        276 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period             -          -             -          -        181      1,325      1,506               880      2,386 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
 with 
 owners: 
 Share-based 
  payments               -          -             -          -          -        175        175                 -        175 
 Dividends               -          -             -          -          -          -          -           (1,810)    (1,810) 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
  with 
  owners                 -          -             -          -          -        175        175           (1,810)    (1,635) 
                 ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------------  --------- 
 Balance as at 
  30 
  September 
  2022               3,381     63,319           657        106      2,369     13,913     83,745            11,354     95,099 
                 =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  =========  =========  ================  ========= 
 
 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 
                                                                         Group 
                                                    As at 30.09.23   As at 30.09.22   As at 31.03.23 
                                                       (unaudited)      (unaudited)        (audited) 
                                            Notes         GBP000's         GBP000's         GBP000's 
 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                            9             36,639           35,058           35,636 
 Property, plant and equipment                               5,834            4,835            6,097 
 Investment property                                             -              227                0 
 Right-of-use assets                                         3,857            1,635            4,282 
 Investments                                                   274              264              252 
 Deferred tax assets                                           579              523              559 
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Total non-current assets                                   47,183           42,542           46,826 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                                19,497           32,853           22,409 
 Trade and other receivables                                25,748           24,832           26,850 
 Income tax recoverable                                      1,647            1,598            2,947 
 Other taxes and social security                               461              801              394 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                  20,577           12,883           21,658 
 Assets held for sale                                          230                -              230 
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Total current assets                                       68,160           72,967           74,489 
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 TOTAL ASSETS                                              115,343          115,509          121,315 
 
 Current Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                 (15,020)         (13,242)         (14,523) 
 Provisions                                                (5,301)          (4,512)          (5,178) 
 Income tax payable                                          (116)            (351)          (1,017) 
 Other taxes and social security payable                     (151)            (481)            (516) 
 Lease liabilities                                           (934)             (97)            (884) 
 Dividends                                                    (50)             (50)             (50) 
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Total current liabilities                                (21,572)         (18,733)         (22,168) 
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Net current assets                                         46,588           54,234           52,321 
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Total assets less current liabilities                      93,771           96,776           99,147 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Lease liabilities                                         (3,204)          (1,677)          (3,596) 
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 TOTAL ASSETS LESS TOTAL LIABILITIES                        90,567           95,099           95,551 
                                                   ===============  ===============  =============== 
 
 EQUITY 
 Issued share capital                                        3,382            3,381            3,381 
 Share premium account                                      63,319           63,319           63,319 
 Revaluation reserve                                           657              657              657 
 Other reserves                                                106              106              106 
 Foreign exchange reserve                                    1,115            2,369            1,878 
 Retained earnings                                          12,942           13,913           13,929 
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Shareholders' funds                                        81,521           83,745           83,270 
 Non-controlling interests                                   9,046           11,354           12,281 
                                                   ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 TOTAL EQUITY                                               90,567           95,099           95,551 
                                                   ===============  ===============  =============== 
 
 
 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 
                                                                   Group 
                                                    Six months     Six months         Year 
                                                   to 30.09.23    to 30.09.22        ended 
                                                   (unaudited)    (unaudited)     31.03.23 
                                                                                 (audited) 
                                                      GBP000's       GBP000's     GBP000's 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 (Loss)/profit before income tax                         (627)          3,039        4,440 
 Adjustment for: 
 Finance income                                           (76)           (42)        (104) 
 Finance cost                                              166            137          656 
 Foreign exchange (gain)/loss                            (219)        (2,573)        (468) 
 Depreciation                                              452            162          812 
 Amortisation of right-of-use assets                       203            196          452 
 Revaluation of investment property                          -              -          (3) 
 Amortisation of intangible assets                         533            546        1,087 
 Share of associate's results                             (47)           (51)         (45) 
 Share based payment charge                                320            175          408 
                                                 -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Operating cash flows before movements 
  in working capital                                       705          1,589        7,235 
 
 Change in inventories                                   2,535        (1,671)        7,776 
 Change in receivables                                   2,349          4,153      (1,843) 
 Change in payables                                      (793)        (1,593)        3,802 
 Change in provisions and pensions                          16            502        1,439 
                                                 -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Cash generated from operations                          4,812          2,980       18,409 
 
 Finance costs                                             (6)           (71)        (451) 
 Income tax                                              (135)        (1,039)      (2,052) 
                                                 -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Net cash from operating activities                      4,671          1,870       15,906 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment            (386)        (1,255)      (3,562) 
 Purchase of intangibles                               (1,536)        (1,300)      (2,419) 
 Finance income                                             76             42          104 
                                                 -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Net cash (used in)/from investing activities          (1,846)        (2,513)      (5,877) 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Proceeds from issue of share capital                        1              -            - 
 Interest paid on lease liabilities                      (160)           (67)        (205) 
 Principal paid on lease liabilities                     (112)          (202)        (387) 
 Dividends paid                                        (2,813)        (1,810)      (1,810) 
                                                 -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Net cash (used in)/from financing activities          (3,084)        (2,079)      (2,402) 
 
 Net (decrease)/increase in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                       (259)        (2,722)        7,627 
 
 Foreign exchange movements                              (822)          1,291        (283) 
 Balance at the beginning of the period                 21,658         14,314       14,314 
                                                 -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Balance at the end of the period                       20,577         12,883       21,658 
                                                 =============  =============  =========== 
 

NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

   1.             General information 

ECO Animal Health Group plc ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (together "the Group") manufacture and supply animal health products globally.

The Company is traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is The Grange, 100 High Street, Southgate, Lond on, N14 6BN.

   2.             Summary of the Group's significant accounting policies 
   2.1          Basis of preparation 

The financial information for the period to 30 September 2023 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined by Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. It has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in, and is consistent with, the audited financial statements for year ended 31 March 2023.

This Interim Statement has not been audited or reviewed by the Group's auditors.

   2.2          Statement of compliance 

This Interim Statement is prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting". Accordingly, whilst the Interim Statement has been prepared in accordance with IFRS, and the primary statements follow the format of the annual financial statements, only selected notes are included - those that provide an explanation of events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in financial position and performance of the Group since the last annual reporting date. IAS 34 states a presumption that anyone who reads the Group's Interim Statement will also have access to its most recent annual report. Accordingly, annual disclosures are not repeated in this Interim Statement.

   3.     Changes to significant accounting policies and other restatements 

The principal accounting policies which are adopted by the Group in the preparation of its financial statements are set out in in the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2023. These policies have been consistently applied to all prior years. The Group's accounting policies have been consistently applied in accordance with IFRS continued into the six months ended 30 September 2023.

As set out in the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2023, new standards and amendments came into effect during the financial year. These standards and amendments do not have a material impact.

For the March 2023 Annual Report and Accounts, the Group reviewed the accounting for share incentive awards made to employees of subsidiary companies and concluded that the previous approach to recording the transaction in the balance sheet of the parent company should be by increasing the value of the investment in subsidiary, rather than recording it as an intercompany receivable. Accordingly, the prior year balance sheets of the Parent company have been restated to show this presentation. There is no impact or effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Full details are given in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023, and there is no financial effect on the interim consolidated financial statements.

   4.             Revenue is derived from the Group's animal pharmaceutical businesses. 
   5.             Principal risks and uncertainties 

The principal risks and uncertainties relating to the Group were set out on pages 10-13 of the Group's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023. The key exposures are to foreign currency exchange rates, potential delays in obtaining marketing authorisations, single sources of supply for some raw materials, disease impact on growth, trade debtor recovery and recession in major regions of the world leading to reduced demand for the Group's products have remained unchanged since the year end.

   6.             Segment information 

Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the Board to make strategic decisions. The Board considers the business from a geographical perspective. Geographically, management considers the performance in the Corporate/UK, China and Japan, North America, South and South East Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Rest of the World. Revenues are geographically allocated by the destination of customer. The performance of these geographical segments is measured using Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation ("Adjusted EBITDA**"), adjusted to exclude share-based payments, revaluation, impairment and personnel related litigation matters. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure used by the management to assess the underlying business performance.

 
                           Corporate      China      North     S & SE      Latin     Europe        Rest      Total 
                               /U.K.    & Japan    America       Asia    America               of World 
                            GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's   GBP000's    GBP000's   GBP000's 
 Six months to 30.09.23 
  (unaudited) 
 Sale of goods                   503      9,705      8,193      7,746      7,722      3,481         562     37,912 
 Royalties                         -          -          -          -          -          -          97         97 
                          ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                      503      9,705      8,193      7,746      7,722      3,481         659     38,009 
                          ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Adjusted EBITDA**           (8,363)      1,948      3,267      2,591        763        364         354        925 
 
 Six months to 30.09.22 
  (unaudited) 
 Sale of goods                   756      8,507      6,465      7,460      7,868      2,894         834     34,784 
 Royalties                         -          -          -          -          -          -          75         75 
                          ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                      755      8,507      6,465      7,460      7,868      2,894         909     34,859 
                          ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Adjusted EBITDA**           (6,448)      2,657      2,195      2,972      1,318      1,091         458      4,243 
 
 Year ended 31 March 
  2023 
 Sale of goods                 1,303     26,374     15,172     16,759     18,107      6,073       1,338     85,126 
 Royalties                         -          -          -          -          -          -         185        185 
                          ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                    1,303     26,374     15,172     16,759     18,107      6,073       1,523     85,311 
                          ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Adjusted EBITDA**          (19,101)      9,340      5,463      6,767      3,059      1,486         689      7,703 
 

A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments to profit from operating activities is provided as follows:

 
                                                               Six months     Six months   Year ended 
                                                              to 30.09.23    to 30.09.22     31.03.23 
                                                              (unaudited)    (unaudited)    (audited) 
                                                                 GBP000's       GBP000's     GBP000's 
 Adjusted EBITDA for reportable 
  segments                                                            925          4,243        7,703 
 Depreciation                                                       (452)          (240)        (812) 
 Amortisation of right-of-use assets                                (203)          (197)        (452) 
 Revaluation of investment property                                     -              -            3 
 Amortisation                                                       (533)          (546)      (1,087) 
 Share-based payment charges                                        (320)          (175)        (408) 
                                                            -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 (Loss)/profit from operating activities                            (583)          3,085        4,948 
                                                            -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 Foreign exchange movement                                          (220)        (2,573)        (468) 
                                                            -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA for the Group                                        705          1,670        7,235 
                                                            =============  =============  =========== 
 
 
   7.             (Loss)/earnings per share 

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the post-tax profit for the year divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.

 
                       Six months to 30.09.23          Six months to 30.09.22       Year ended 31.03.23 
                             (unaudited)                     (unaudited)             (audited) 
                    Earnings   Weighted       Per   Earnings   Weighted       Per   Earnings    Weighted       Per 
                                average     share               average     share                average     share 
                                 number    amount                number    amount                 number    amount 
                                     of                              of                        of shares 
                                 shares                          shares 
                    GBP000's      000's     pence   GBP000's      000's     pence   GBP000's       000's     pence 
 
 (Loss)/earnings 
  attributable to 
  ordinary 
  shareholders 
  on continuing 
  operations 
  after tax          (1,307)     67,722    (1.93)      1,324     67,722      1.96      1,008      67,722      1.49 
 Dilutive effect 
  of share 
  options                  -          -         -          -        349         -          -         918         - 
                   ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ----------  -------- 
 Diluted 
  (loss)/earnings 
  per share          (1,307)     67,722    (1.93)      1,324     68,071      1.95      1,008      68,640      1.47 
                   =========  =========  ========  =========  =========  ========  =========  ==========  ======== 
 

The diluted EPS figure reflects the impact of historic grants of share options and is calculated by reference to the number of options granted for which the average share price for the year was in excess of the option exercise price. As the Group's result for the six months ended 30 September 2023 was loss, there was no dilutive effect on the earnings per share in this period.

   8.             Taxation 

The effective rate of the tax charge in the six months to 30 September 2023 is 93%, which is higher than the effective rate in the six months to 30 September 2022 of 31%. This reflects withholding taxes on dividends received during the period and the impact on the tax charge of finalising prior year tax computations.

   9.             Intangible assets 
 
 Group                    Goodwill   Distribution    Drug registrations,      Total 
                                           rights    patents and license 
                                                                   costs 
                          GBP000's       GBP000's               GBP000's   GBP000's 
 Cost 
 At 31 March 2022           17,930            407                 23,292     41,629 
 Additions                       -              -                  1,300      1,300 
                         ---------  -------------  ---------------------  --------- 
 At 30 September 2022       17,930            407                 24,592     42,929 
 Additions                       -              -                  1,119      1,119 
                         ---------  -------------  ---------------------  --------- 
 At 31 March 2023           17,930            407                 25,711     44,048 
 Additions                       -              -                  1,536      1,536 
                         ---------  -------------  ---------------------  --------- 
 At 30 September 2023       17,930            407                 27,247     45,584 
                         =========  =============  =====================  ========= 
 
 Amortisation 
 At 31 March 2022                -          (158)                (7,167)    (7,325) 
 Charge for the period           -           (10)                  (536)      (546) 
                         ---------  -------------  ---------------------  --------- 
 At 30 September 2022            -          (168)                (7,703)    (7,871) 
 Charge for the period           -           (10)                  (531)      (541) 
                         ---------  -------------  ---------------------  --------- 
 At 31 March 2023                -          (178)                (8,234)    (8,412) 
 Charge for the period           -           (10)                  (523)      (533) 
                         ---------  -------------  ---------------------  --------- 
 At 30 September 2023            -          (188)                (8,757)    (8,945) 
                         =========  =============  =====================  ========= 
 
 Net Book Value 
 At 30 September 2023       17,930            219                 18,490     36,639 
                         =========  =============  =====================  ========= 
 At 31 March 2023           17,930            229                 17,477     35,636 
                         =========  =============  =====================  ========= 
 At 30 September 2022       17,930            239                 16,889     35,058 
                         =========  =============  =====================  ========= 
 At 31 March 2022           17,930            249                 16,125     34,304 
                         =========  =============  =====================  ========= 
 

The amortisation and impairment charges are included within administrative expenses in the income statement.

The Group continuously reviews the status of its research and development activity, paying close attention to the likelihood of technical success and the commercial viability of development projects. In the period to September 2023 there were no indications that any development projects for which costs have previously been capitalised were unlikely to achieve technical success or commercial viability.

10. Related party transactions

Interest and management charges from Parents to the other Group companies

During the period Zhejiang ECO Animal Health Ltd paid dividends to ECO Animal Health Ltd of GBP449,600 (RMB 3,916,015).

During the period Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited paid dividends of GBP225,029 (RMB 1,960,000) to ECO Animal Health Group plc (H1 FY2023: GBP144,828) and GBP2,702,641 (RMB 23,540,000) to ECO Animal Health Limited (H1 FY2023: GBP1,739,409).

This financial information was approved by the board on 26 November 2023.

This interim statement is available on the Group's website.

 
 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS    Andrew Jones              (Non-Executive Chairman) 
                            David Hallas              (Chief Executive) 
                            Chris Wilks               (Chief Financial Officer) 
                            Tracey James              (Non-Executive Director) 
                            Frank Armstrong           (Non-Executive Director) 
 
 REGISTERED OFFICE         The Grange, 100 High Street, Southgate, Lond 
                            on, N14 6BN 
                            Tel: 020 8447 8899 
 
 COMPANY NUMBER            01818170 
 
 INFORMATION AT            www.ecoanimalhealth.com 
 

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