A strong performance in the year-to-date

For the three months to 30^th June 2023, Benchmark Holdings reported revenue of £34.3m, -5.5%YoY (currency-adjusted -1%YoY), as 10%YoY growth in Genetics (42% of total) was offset by the impact of reduced demand in global shrimp markets, resulting in a 17%YoY decline in Advanced Nutrition revenues (47% of total). Adjusted EBITDA declined 23%YoY (£5.1m), a 14.8% margin (Q3 22: 18.1%); on a currency-adjusted basis -13%YoY. Net operating cash inflow of £1.7m contrasted with £(1.0)m outflow in Q3 22, with net debt of £45.7m (FY22: £59.3m) and healthy cash reserves of £32.9m.

Q3 under-performance in the Advanced Nutrition business area indicates a revision to our full year FY23 outlook and the basis for FY24 estimates; a 7.2% reduction in our FY23 (adj.) EBITDA outlook and -7.2% for FY24. We maintain our fair value at 63p/share, backed by sound cashflow management, confidence in Genetics salmon eggs demand and production capacity and prospects for Benchmark’s Ectosan^®Vet and Clean Treat^® treatments.