Streamlined for growth and efficiency

H1 2020 trading in Benchmark’s Genetics division was resilient in face of challenges posed by the pandemic, while in Advanced Nutrition recent difficulties were compounded by the shrimp sector’s exposure to the food service industry.

The ongoing restructuring and cost containment program, targeting £10m+ of annual savings, are being enacted under the guidance of a newly appointed aquaculture specialist as CEO.

Factoring in disposals and efficiencies, our new forecasts indicate liquidity remains well within its NOK bond-lending covenant terms. A key near term focus includes preparation for launch of BMK’s innovative sea lice treatment of CleanTreat® + BMK08, providing game-changing revenue prospects.

Our DCF valuation of BMK is £421m or 63 pence per share, using an 11% discount rate and 2.5% long-term growth - factoring in average Group revenue growth of 20% per annum 2021-25.