For the six months to 31/3/2023, Benchmark Holdings reported revenue of £98.9m, +24.8%YoY (currency-adjusted +19%YoY), and (adj.) EBITDA of £22.1m, +39.2%YoY (currency-adjusted +36%YoY), a 22.3% margin. Adjusted for the fair value of biological assets, the increase in (adj.) EBITDA was 47%YoY. Underlying the strength of H1 performance, net operating cash inflow of £9.5m was almost 5x H1 22 levels, with net debt reduced to £44.5m (FY22: £47.5m) and cash including facilities at £53.9m. As CEO Trond Williksen commented, after three years of consolidation the Group is now in a position to enter a phase of organic expansion, with the potential for bolt on acquisitions in core areas - under strict criteria. Benchmark also reports that, having completed consultations, it plans to maintain a dual listing on Euronext Growth Olso and LSE AIM, and continue to review listing on the Oslo Børs.
At this stage we maintain our FY23 outlook. We expect revenue drivers in the core Advanced Nutrition business area to normalise and gather pace towards the year end. Revenue in Genetics continues to be driven by firm demand for salmon eggs; we note the pace of diversification in Iceland and Chile. Likewise, demand in Health should accelerate in line with sea lice seasonal demand. Our fair value for Benchmark remains 63p/share.
