TIDMAXS
RNS Number : 8329H
Accsys Technologies PLC
20 November 2018
AIM: AXS
Euronext Amsterdam: AXS
20 November 2018
ACCSYS TECHNOLOGIES PLC
("Accsys" or "the Company")
INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
Accsys, the chemical technology group, focused on the
acetylation of wood, today announces interim results for the
consolidated group for the six months ended 30 September 2018.
6 months ended 30 6 months ended 30
Sept 2018 Sept 2017
Underlying* Statutory Underlying* Statutory
Total Revenue EUR31.6m EUR31.6m EUR28.3m EUR28.3m
Accoya(R) EBITDA EUR2.8m EUR2.8m EUR1.2m EUR0.9m
EBITDA EUR(1.4m) EUR(1.4m) EUR(2.8m) EUR(4.9m)
Loss before taxation EUR(4.5m) EUR(5.4m) EUR(5.2m) EUR(6.8m)
Period end cash
balance EUR22.0m EUR46.9m
Net Debt EUR(34.2m) EUR23.1m
*Excludes exceptional costs and other adjustments. See note 4
for details and note 2 for reconciliation of EBITDA and Accoya(R)
EBITDA.
Financial highlights
-- Revenue increased by 12% driven by higher volumes, pricing and licence income;
-- 8% increase in Accoya(R) sales volume significantly
restricted by continued capacity constraints - third Accoya(R)
reactor now operational;
-- Underlying EBITDA progression reflects increase in sales and
production volumes together with price increases;
-- Net debt of EUR34.2m at 30 September 2018 (31 March 2018:
EUR3.8m) reflects significant investment in Tricoya(R) plant
construction, completion of third Accoya(R) reactor and purchase of
Arnhem land and buildings; and
-- Operating activities generated positive cash-flow during the period.
Operational highlights
-- First part of Accoya(R) plant expansion completed and
operational with benefits expected in second half of the year;
-- Output increasing over remainder of financial year to a run
rate reflecting a 50% increase in production volume;
-- All customers remain on allocation with demand continuing to exceed supply;
-- Price increase effective from 1 January 2019;
-- Construction of the first dedicated Tricoya(R) wood chip
acetylation plant in Hull expected to be completed around mid-2019
calendar year with operations to commence following a subsequent
period of commissioning; and
-- Ongoing discussions with potential partners concerning new
Accoya(R) and Tricoya(R) plants in USA and Asia.
Paul Clegg, Chief Executive commented:
"These results show continued and exciting progress for the
Group at a time when we are making significant investments in our
future growth. We are seeing increased demand in all regions,
driven by the outstanding performance characteristics of our
products as well as their sustainability credentials, which are
becoming ever more important in a world which is increasing its
awareness of the potential benefits of making more sustainable
building material choices.
The market opportunity is substantial and the demand for
Accoya(R) and Tricoya(R) remains at a level which exceeds our
current production rates. As a result, we expect revenue to
increase significantly in the second half of the year as we benefit
from the new Accoya(R) reactor in Arnhem which is now operational,
with improvement to profitability. We continue to explore
opportunities for new manufacturing plants in USA and Asia with
partners in those regions."
There will be a presentation relating to these results at 10:00
GMT on 20 November 2018. The presentation will take the form of a
web-based conference call, details of which are below:
Webcast link (for audio and visual presentation):
Click on the link below or copy and paste ALL of the following
text into your browser:
https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/u4289rmw
Conference call details (audio only presentation - do not use in
conjunction with the webcast link):
Confirmation Code: 4193173
Local - United Kingdom: +44 (0)330 336 9125
National free phone - United Kingdom: 0800 358 6377
Local - Amsterdam, Netherlands: +31 (0)20 721 9251
National free phone - Netherlands: 0800 023 1436
ACCSYS TECHNOLOGIES PLC
("Accsys" of "de Vennootschap")
TUSSENTIJDSE RESULTATEN VOOR DE PERIODE VAN ZES MAANDEN EINDIG
OP 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
Accsys, de chemische technologie groep, gericht op de
acetylering van hout, publiceert vandaag de geconsolideerde
tussentijdse resultaten voor de periode van zes maanden eindigend
op 30 September 2018.
Zes maanden eindigend Zes maanden eindigend
op op
30 sept 2018 30 sept 2017
Onderliggend* Statuair Onderliggend* Statuair
Totale groepsomzet EUR31.6m EUR31.6m EUR28.3m EUR28.3m
Accoya(R) EBITDA EUR2.8m EUR2.8m EUR1.2m EUR0.9m
EBITDA EUR(1.4m) EUR(1.4m) EUR(2.8m) EUR(4.9m)
Verlies voor
belastingen EUR(4.5m) EUR(5.4m) EUR(5.2m) EUR(6.8m)
Liquide middelen
per einde half
jaar EUR22.0m EUR46.9m
Saldo liquide
middelen (netto-schuld)
per einde half
jaar EUR(34.2m) EUR23.1m
*Exclusief de uitzonderlijke kosten en overige aanpassingen. Zie
noot 4 voor meer informatie en aantekening 2 voor afstemming van
EBITDA en Accoya(R) EBITDA.
Financiële hoogtepunten
-- De inkomsten stegen met 12% door hogere volumes, prijsstijgingen en licentie-inkomsten;
-- De totale omzet van Accoya(R) is met 8% gestegen maar de
groei werd aanzienlijk beperkt door aanhoudende
capaciteitsbeperkingen - de derde Accoya(R) reactor is inmiddels in
gebruik genomen;
-- De stijging van de onderliggende EBITDA weerspiegelt de
stijging van de verkoop en de productievolumes samen met de
prijsverhogingen;
-- De nettoschuld van EUR 34,2 mln op 30 september 2018 (31
maart 2018 EUR 3,8 mln) weerspiegelt de aanzienlijke investeringen
in de bouw van de Tricoya(R) -fabriek, de voltooiing van de derde
Accoya(R) reactor en aankoop van het terrein en de gebouwen in
Arnhem; en
-- De operationele activiteiten hebben tijdens deze periode een
positieve kasstroom gegenereerd.
Operationele hoogtepunten
-- Het eerste deel van de uitbreiding van de Accoya(R) -fabriek
is voltooid en operationeel, de revenuen worden in de tweede helft
van het jaar verwacht;
-- In het resterende deel van het boekjaar zal deproductie
toenemen naar een run-rate die een toename van 50%
weerspiegelt;
-- Alle klanten blijven op allocate, de vraag naar Accoya(R)
blijft de productie overschrijden;
-- Prijsverhoging vanaf 1 januari 2019;
-- De bouw van de eerste speciale Tricoya(R) -geacetyleerde
houtsnipperfabriek in Hull wordt naar verwachting afgerond
omstreeks medio 2019, productie zal aanvangen na de
inbedrijfstelling; en
-- Lopende besprekingen met potentiële partners betreffende
nieuwe Accoya(R) en Tricoya(R) fabrieken in de VS en Azië.
Paul Clegg, CEO licht toe:
"Deze resultaten geven de voortdurende en spannende vooruitgang
weer voor de Groep op een moment waarop we aanzienlijke
investeringen doen in onze toekomstige groei. We zien toenemende
vraag in alle regio's, gedreven door de uitstekende
prestatiekenmerken van onze producten en hun
duurzaamheidsreferenties, die steeds belangrijker worden in een
wereld die zich meer en meer bewust wordt van de potentiële
voordelen van het maken van duurzamere bouwmateriaalkeuzes.
De marktperspectieven zijn gunstig en de vraag naar Accoya(R) en
Tricoya(R) blijft op een niveau dat onze huidige
productiecapaciteit overschrijdt. Derhalve verwachten we dat de
inkomsten aanzienlijk zullen toenemen in de tweede helft van het
jaar gezien het feit dat we profiteren van de nieuwe Accoya(R)
-reactor in Arnhem die inmiddels operationeel is, waardoor de
winstgevendheid wordt verbeterd. Wij blijven mogelijkheden
verkennen voor nieuwe fabrieken in de VS en Azië met partners in
die regio's."
Op dinsdag 20 november 2018 vindt om 10.00 uur (GMT) een
presentatie plaats van deze resultaten. De presentatie vindt plaats
via een online conference call, waarvan de details hieronder
staan:
Link naar webcast:
Klik hier of kopieer en plak de volgende tekst VOLLEDIG in uw
browser:
http://bit.ly/AXSIntswebcast2018
Informatie over conference call voor deelnemers:
Telefoonnummer deelnemers:
Bevestigingscode: 4193173
Verenigd Koninkrijk +44 (0)330 336 9125
Nederland +31 (0)20 721 9251
Deelnemers moeten de bovenstaande code gebruiken bij het
inbellen naar de vergadering.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Accsys Technologies Paul Clegg, CEO via MHP Communications
PLC Will Rudge, FD
Hans Pauli, Executive Director,
Corporate Development
Nominated Adviser:
Jamie Lillywhite
Corporate Broking:
Christopher Wilkinson +44 (0) 20 7260
Numis Securities Ben Stoop 1000
Tim Rowntree +44 (0) 20 3128
MHP Communications Kelsey Traynor 8100
Frank Neervoort +31 681 734 236
Off the Grid (The Netherlands) Yvonne Derkse +31 622 379 666
Chairman's statement
Introduction
I am pleased to report continued progress in delivering growth,
additional capacity and improved profitability. During the period
we have commenced operation of our third Accoya(R) reactor in
Arnhem and as a result Accoya(R) production will increase
substantially in the second half of the year.
We are seeing increased demand in all regions, driven by the
outstanding performance characteristics of our products as well as
sustainability credentials which are becoming ever more important
in a world which is increasing its awareness of the potential
benefits of making more sustainable building material choices.
We remain very confident that the market opportunity is
substantial and the demand for Accoya(R) and Tricoya(R) remains at
a level which exceeds our current production rates. As a result we
expect revenue to increase significantly in the second half of the
year as we benefit from the additional production volumes from
Arnhem.
We have continued to make very good progress with the
construction of the Tricoya(R) plant in Hull. Construction is
expected to be completed around mid-2019 calendar year with
operations to commence following a subsequent period of
commissioning.
In September Accsys confirmed our adoption and compliance with
the QCA's Corporate Governance Code by publishing a comprehensive
statement explaining the Company's full compliance with the Code.
We recognise that strong corporate governance is vital as we pursue
the Group's ambitious global growth strategy and we are committed
to on-going review and development of our governance culture,
structures and processes, which will provide us with the necessary
platform and safeguards to promote success and deliver value for
all our shareholders.
Summary of results
Total revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2018 grew by
12% to EUR31.6m (2017: EUR28.3m) driven by an 8% increase in
Accoya(R) sales volumes to 21,379 cubic metres compared to the same
period last year. We also benefited from price increases
implemented at the start of the 2018 calendar year and received
EUR0.5m of licensing income.
Group underlying EBITDA loss of EUR1.4m compares to EUR2.8m loss
last year with the improvement due to higher licence income, sales
volumes and higher gross margin from Accoya(R) manufacturing. The
gross manufacturing margin increased to 21% from 20% as a result of
price increases and without the one-off items reported last year.
However, the gross margin continued to be impacted by the
proportion of sales used for the production of Tricoya(R) which
increased significantly in the period from 17% to 25% of the total
volume sold. This proportion is expected to reduce in the second
half of the financial year when we will benefit from both the
expected higher overall sales volumes and a further price increase
from January 2019.
Net debt increased to EUR34.2m at 30 September 2018 from EUR3.8m
as at 31 March 2018. The increase in net debt was principally to
invest in capacity expansion in Arnhem and Hull and EUR23m of new
loans to fund the acquisition of the Arnhem land and buildings,
offset by the reduction in the related finance lease liability. We
generated positive cash from operating activities of EUR0.7m for
the six month period compared to EUR9.6m cash out-flow from
operating activities in the same period last year. EUR5.7m of new
equity was issued in the period.
Outlook
We expect Accoya(R) production and sales volumes to increase
significantly over the course of the second half of the year as we
continue to ramp up the production from the third reactor. The
increased volumes, improved product mix and higher prices are
expected to result in further improvements to profitability.
Demand for Tricoya(R) panels continues to develop but sales will
be constrained until the Hull plant commences operation. This will
free-up further capacity at Arnhem for higher margin Accoya(R)
sales with the Tricoya(R) chips manufactured via the dedicated
process also expected to generate a higher gross margin.
The combination of the third Accoya(R) reactor and the Hull
plant becoming fully operational will enable total annual
manufacturing capacity to reach an equivalent of 100,000 cubic
metres, being more than double that at the start of the current
financial year.
As our production volumes increase, we will continue to manage
demand from our customers carefully and expect all customers to
remain on allocation in the immediate future. The strength of
demand means that we are
considering the addition of the fourth Accoya(R) reactor in
Arnhem and are likely to make a decision to proceed with this
investment in the first half of 2019 calendar year.
Progress continues in our discussions with potential partners
concerning the construction of new plants in Asia and USA. We have
identified locations and potential partners who align with our
ambition to grow manufacturing capacity for Accoya(R) and
Tricoya(R) globally. We will provide further details as these
discussions become more advanced.
Overall, we continue to be in a strong position to generate
further growth and new opportunities globally in order to meet the
substantial market opportunity. In the short term we expect the
increased sales will lead to improved profitability and we are
targeting to be EBITDA positive in the second half of the financial
year.
Patrick Shanley
Chairman
19 November 2018
Chief Executive's Statement
Introduction
The successful start-up of the third Accoya(R) reactor in Arnhem
at the end of June 2018 was a key milestone in our plan to generate
significant new additional manufacturing capability for our
products. Since then we have gradually sought to increase
production volumes whilst working through post commissioning
issues.
I am very pleased to report progress being made in increasing
the production volumes from the third reactor and believe that the
increased output and resulting sales will improve our profitability
as well as enable us to generate further demand for our products
globally.
The construction of the Tricoya(R) plant in Hull and discussions
concerning potential new plants in USA and Asia are also very
encouraging. Accsys is now focused on the successful execution of
these projects and the resulting increase in sales. In addition, we
continue to invest in R&D and I believe our platform technology
will enable us to take advantage of additional growth opportunities
in the future.
Accoya(R) - Global performance
Six months Six months Year
ended 30 September ended 30 ended
2018 September 31 March 2018
2017
Accoya(R) sales volume -
cubic metres 21,379 19,826 42,676
-------------------- ----------- ---------------
Accoya(R) sales EUR28.1m EUR26.2m EUR56.3m
-------------------- ----------- ---------------
Licence income EUR0.5m EURnil EURnil
-------------------- ----------- ---------------
Manufacturing margin - % 21% 20% 22%
-------------------- ----------- ---------------
Underlying EBITDA EUR2.8m EUR1.2m EUR4.6m
-------------------- ----------- ---------------
Revenue from the sale of Accoya(R) increased to EUR28.1m in the
first half of the year compared to the previous year. The increase
was attributable to an 8% increase in Accoya(R) volumes sold
together with the benefit of a price increase implemented in
January 2018. This was offset by an increase in the quantum of
Accoya(R) sold for the production of Tricoya(R) panels which
increased by 63% to 5,438 cubic metres. This represented 25% of
total sales volumes compared to 17% in the same period last year.
The significant proportion of material sold for Tricoya(R) partly
reflects the availability of material following the start-up of the
third Accoya(R) reactor and I expect this proportion to reduce in
the second half of the financial year as we benefit more fully from
the third reactor.
Demand has exceeded our production capacity for over a year and
I am very grateful for the understanding our customers have shown
while we have worked to manage this. We now expect to benefit from
additional production volumes and we anticipate to be operating at
a run rate close to full capacity by the end of the financial year.
As a result we will continue to manage demand with all customers on
allocation, in particular as many seek to build up inventories
which have been depleted over the last period of time.
We recently announced a price increase for all customers from
January 2019. The increase will address some increases in raw
material prices, in particular for acetic anhydride, as well as our
ambition to improve profitability at a time when we continue to
invest in further capacity growth.
The manufacturing gross margin improved to 21% compared to 20%
for the same period last year. The increase was driven by the price
increase noted above but a proportion was offset by an increase in
lower margin sales. 48% of Accoya(R) sold in the period was to
Rhodia Acetow or for Tricoya(R) , both of which are at discounted
prices, compared to 42% in the same period last year. This
situation is expected to improve in the second half of the
financial year with the increasing demand from all customers and
will improve further over time, in particular with the start-up of
the plant in Hull. In addition, the previous year included an
additional plant shut down which was required as part of the third
reactor construction project and which was not required in the
current year.
I was pleased to announce in May that we had acquired the
majority of the land and buildings associated with our Accoya(R)
plant in Arnhem. We acquired the assets for a total of EUR23m from
Bruil, the property development company which we had previously
sold the land to over a number of transactions and subsequently
constructed our new offices, laboratory, warehouse and distribution
centre. The purchase enabled us to gain full ownership of a key
asset and this is expected to provide strategic and financial
benefits to the Group over time as we continue to explore ways of
further improving our process and the efficiency of the site.
Inventory levels increased in the period to EUR16.2m (31 March
2018: EUR13.1m), driven by an increase in raw materials. The
increase has resulted from the anticipated increase in production
volumes combined with the start-up of the third reactor being
slightly later than previously anticipated. Raw material levels are
therefore expected to decrease in the second half of the financial
year. Levels of finished Accoya(R) inventory remain low at present
however we are working to increase this to more manageable levels
over the coming months.
Tricoya(R)
Construction work at the Hull site has continued to progress
well with substantial work having been undertaken in the period
following the previous completion of ground works. EUR18.5m has
been invested in the period which has included the construction of
key structures and with all remaining key equipment orders having
been placed. Many of these items of equipment are now arriving
ready for installation in the plant. Construction of the plant is
expected to be complete around the middle of 2019 calendar year.
This will be followed by a period of commissioning enabling
operation of the plant later in the year.
We have continued to recruit new employees who will constitute
the operational team going forwards. The 11 employees recruited to
date have commenced work developing the operating and maintenance
procedures necessary to ensure the plant can be operated safely and
efficiently as soon as possible after commissioning is complete.
Approximately 30 staff are expected to be recruited in total by the
time the plant commences operation next calendar year.
During the period, sales of Tricoya(R) panels have continued to
increase with sales being undertaken by MEDITE, Finsa and Accsys.
Finsa has commenced production of Tricoya(R) panels under its
licence agreement signed in March 2018 using lower grade Accoya(R)
supplied by Accsys from Arnhem. This method is consistent with the
way MEDITE has operated since 2012, pending the completion of the
dedicated chip acetylation plant in Hull. Accsys has also commenced
selling limited quantities of Tricoya(R) panels in other
geographies, with the Tricoya(R) panels purchased from its
licensees.
Accsys sold a total of 5,438 cubic meters of Accoya(R) in the
period to be used for the production of Tricoya(R) panels, a 63%
increase compared to the same period last year. Demand for
Tricoya(R) panels continues to be strong, with recognition in the
market place of its superior performance and sustainability
credentials. However in the immediate future we expect sales growth
to be limited by the capacity constraints in Arnhem. Sales are
expected to accelerate once the Hull plant is operational next
year.
Intellectual property
Accsys has increased its number of patent applications in the
recent period to total 288, covering 43 countries. In addition, the
number of granted patents has significantly increased to 108,
including patents relating to key technologies in various countries
throughout the world. By using a combination of patenting and
know-how we continue to invest in the generation and protection of
core technologies associated with the Arnhem plant expansion and
the Tricoya(R) plant, as well as on complementary technologies for
use with Accoya(R) and Tricoya(R) wood products.
Our principal trademark portfolio covers our brands Accoya(R) ,
Tricoya(R) , the Trimarque device and Accsys(R) , protected by
registration in 56 countries, with recent trademark activity
focused on increasing the strength of those brands.
Accsys continues to maintain an active watch on the commercial
and IP activity of third parties to ensure its IP rights are not
infringed, and to identify any IP which could potentially hinder
our commercial activity.
Outlook
We continue to see demand for Accoya(R) and Tricoya(R) exceeding
our current production capability. This will be partially
alleviated by additional Accoya(R) from the third reactor as it
increases production over the remainder of this financial year,
although our current expectation is that the demand will continue
to exceed production. We will gain further manufacturing capacity
from the start-up of the Hull plant later in 2019 calendar year
however I believe it is necessary to plan to ensure additional
manufacturing capacity is in place to meet the increasing demand
beyond these current projects.
We have continued to progress discussions with potential
partners concerning possible plants in USA and Asia for Accoya(R)
and Tricoya(R) . However, such discussions are complex by their
nature and therefore any decision to proceed will take time.
In addition, we also expect to start the initial planning in
respect of adding the fourth Accoya(R) reactor in Arnhem, taking
account that much of the chemical infrastructure for this was
completed at the same time of the third reactor. We anticipate
making a decision to proceed with this in the first half of 2019
calendar year. The combination of the Hull plant being fully
operational together with a fourth Accoya(R) reactor mean sales
revenues in excess of EUR150m per annum are expected to be
achievable over time when at full capacity, together with a
substantial improvement in profitability.
I remain confident that Accsys is very well placed to take
advantage of its unique offering. The combination of high
performance products which also provide a credible alternative to
less environmentally sustainable construction materials also
reinforces the substantial market opportunity.
Paul Clegg
Chief Executive
19 November 2018
Financial Review
Statement of comprehensive income
Group revenue increased by 12% to EUR31.6m for the six months
ended 30 September 2018 (2017: EUR28.3m). Accoya(R) segment revenue
increased by 10% to EUR31.1m with revenue from Accoya(R) wood
increasing by 7% to EUR28.1m largely as a result of higher sales
volumes and price increases implemented from January 2018. Included
within this is sales for the manufacture of Tricoya(R) , which
increased by 63% to EUR5.2m (2017: EUR3.2m).
Tricoya(R) segment revenue of EUR0.5m represented sales of
Tricoya(R) panel purchased from our Tricoya(R) licensees to other
geographies in order to develop the global market for Tricoya(R)
.
Licence revenue of EUR0.5m was attributable to our Accoya(R)
licensee, Rhodia Acetow, reflecting the milestone nature of our
contract with them. Other revenue of EUR2.5m (2017: EUR2.1m)
predominantly relates to the sale of acetic acid and increased
compared to prior year given higher production levels and higher
acetic acid prices.
Gross margin increased from 20% to 22% compared to the same
period in the previous year due to higher licencing income and
Accoya(R) manufacturing gross margin. The Accoya(R) manufacturing
gross margin increased from 20% to 21%. The increase was driven by
the price increase noted above however being somewhat offset by an
increase in lower margin sales. 48% of Accoya(R) sold in the period
was to Rhodia Acetow or for Tricoya(R) , both of which are at
discounted prices, compared to 42% in the same period last year.
This proportion is expected to decrease in the second half of the
financial year allowing for greater volumes for sale to other
Accoya(R) customers.
In addition, the previous year included an additional plant shut
down which was required as part of the third reactor construction
project and which was not required in the current year.
Other operating costs, decreased from EUR12.0m to EUR10.1m. This
decrease is largely due to exceptional items and other adjustments
of EUR2.1m in the prior period. Excluding exceptional items,
underlying* operating costs remained broadly consistent at EUR10.1m
(2017: EUR9.9m). (*see note 4 for details of exceptional items and
other adjustments, and note 2 for reconciliation).
Underlying staff costs increased by EUR0.7m to EUR6.6m due to
inflationary salary increases and an increase in headcount by 20
compared to prior year. Group average employee headcount increased
to 155 in the period to 30 September 2018, from 135 in the period
to 30 September 2017, with the increase predominantly attributable
to an increase in Arnhem operations staff following the
commissioning of the third Accoya(R) reactor and recruitment of the
first phase of Hull Plant staff. Total headcount including direct
contractors and the non-executives increased to 192 in September
2018 from 171 at 31 March 2018.
Third party sales and marketing expenditure decreased in the
period; however this was offset by an increase in administration
costs due to increased headcount and inflationary increases,
recruitment fees for new hires, increased property service charges
for the new Arnhem office and rent for the Hull offices.
Depreciation charges increased in the period compared to prior year
following the completion of the third reactor and following the new
office and building in Arnhem coming into operation at the end of
2017 calendar year.
Underlying finance expenses increased to EUR1.4m (2017: EUR1.0m)
due to interest payable on our loan with Rhodia Acetow no longer
being capitalised following the completion of the third Accoya(R)
reactor, together with finance charges attributable to the lease
arrangements relating to the new building in Arnhem which was
occupied in November 2017 and which was subsequently replaced by
loans with ABN AMRO and Bruil following the purchase of the land
and buildings in the period. A further adjustment has been recorded
to reflect a gain of EUR0.2m (2017: EUR0.6m) relating to foreign
exchange due to holding the BGF and Volantis loan notes in pounds
sterling.
An exceptional finance charge has been recognised in respect of
the acquisition of the land and buildings in Arnhem from Bruil. The
non-cash charge reflects the difference between the assets held
under the finance lease and the finance lease liability which was
terminated at the point the acquisition was completed. The prior
year included EUR1.6m of exceptional expenses and other
adjustments. See note 4.
The decrease in the underlying loss before tax by EUR0.7m to
EUR4.5m (2018: EUR5.2m) is largely attributable to an increase in
Accoya(R) gross manufacturing margin to 21% (2017: 20%) including
the effect of a price increase implemented on 1 January 2018, and
receipt of EUR0.5m licence income relating to milestone payments
from Rhodia Acetow.
The tax credit of EUR1.0m (2017: tax charge of EUR0.1m) reflects
a prior period adjustment and results from a change to the Group's
transfer pricing policy to more accurately reflect the Group's
business model.
Cash flow
At 30 September 2018, the Group held cash balances of EUR22.0m,
representing a EUR17.7m decrease in the 6 months from 31 March
2018. The decrease in cash in the 6 month period is largely
attributable to investment in tangible fixed assets of EUR23.7m
(excluding the land and buildings purchase), offset by EUR5.7m
in-flow from the issue of new ordinary shares in Accsys to VP
Participaties BV and drawdown of our working capital facility of
EUR0.8m. Loan receipts of EUR23m from ABN AMRO and Bruil relating
to the land and buildings purchase in Arnhem affected both
investing and financing activities, with the freehold purchase
included within fixed assets, offset by the termination of the
associated finance lease. See note 11.
Cash flow from operating activities of EUR0.7m compared to
EUR9.6m out-flow in the equivalent period in the previous year,
reflected reduced operating loss, changes in working capital, tax
receipts and a decrease in exceptional items compared to prior
year.
Financial position
Plant and machinery additions of EUR23.2m (2017: EUR7.4m) in the
period largely consisted of the construction of the third Accoya(R)
reactor (EUR4.9m) and the Tricoya(R) plant build in Hull
(EUR18.3m). EUR0.2m of internal development costs were capitalised
in respect of Tricoya Technologies Limited (2017: EUR0.2m).
Net additions of EUR9.8m were made in the period as a result of
the purchase of the land and buildings in Arnhem, representing the
purchase price of EUR23.0m net with EUR13.2m of assets which had
previously been accounted for as a finance lease. This purchase was
financed by two new loans, set out below.
Trade and other receivables increased to EUR9.2m (2017: EUR9.0m)
largely as a result of a EUR2.0m increase in trade receivables due
to increased sales in the period compared to prior year, net with a
decrease in prepaid raw wood. VAT receivable increased to EUR1.3m
(2017: EUR0.6m) due to increased activity relating to equipment
orders for the Hull plant.
Inventory levels increased in the period to EUR16.2m (31 March
2018: EUR13.1m), driven by an increase in raw materials. The
increase has resulted from the anticipated increase in production
volumes combined with the start-up of the third reactor being
slightly later than previously anticipated. Raw material levels are
therefore expected to decrease in the second half of the financial
year. Levels of Accoya(R) inventory remain low and we will be
working to increase this to more optimal levels over the coming
months as production from the third reactor ramps up.
The increase in trade and other payables to EUR22.1m (2017:
EUR11.5m) is primarily due to the Hull Plant construction with
Tricoya(R) related balances increasing to EUR12.9m (2017:
EUR1.4m).
Amounts payable under loan agreements increased to EUR54.1m
(2017: EUR20.5m). New financing arrangements in respect of the
Arnhem property of EUR23m were undertaken in the period, comprising
of a EUR19m partially amortising five year package from ABN AMRO,
and a commercial loan from the seller and former landlord, Bruil of
EUR4m. The loans fully financed the purchase of the land and
buildings associated with the Group's Accoya(R) plant and logistics
centre in Arnhem. The financing terms will result in a lower
overall income statement charge over the next 20 years and
ownership of the land is expected to provide enhanced strategic
options, operational security and greater flexibility in respect of
the use of the land. The purchase replaced the previously held
finance and operating lease which was terminated in the period. The
net impact of the above transaction was to increase fixed assets by
EUR9.8m with net debt increasing by EUR10.9m.
The remainder of the loan balance represents loan agreements
entered into in prior periods, with accrued interest to date. This
includes the fully drawn down Rhodia Acetow loan facility (EUR9.5m)
utilised for the completion of the Arnhem expansion. EUR15.0m of
the Royal Bank of Scotland loan facility remains available (31
March 2018: EUR15.0m), with the BGF and Volantis loans being fully
drawn down in a prior period.
Risks and uncertainties
The business, financial condition or results of operations of
the Group could be adversely affected by any of the risks set out
below. The Group's systems of control and protection are designed
to help manage and control risks to an appropriate level rather
than to eliminate them.
The Directors consider that the principal risks to achieving the
Group's objectives are those set out below.
(a) Developing market and driving growth
Manufacturing capacity may be limited should sales grow faster
than capacity allows. Our ability to manage demand should we
operate at or near capacity levels could result in negative market
reaction. A delay in expansion of the Tricoya(R) plant in Hull may
result in uncertainty with our customers impacting sales in the
shorter term.
The Group expects to sell new or existing products and services
into other countries or into new markets. However, there can be no
assurance that the Group will successfully execute this strategy
for growth. The development of a mass market for a new product or
process is affected by many factors, many of which are beyond the
control of the Group, including the emergence of newer and more
competitive products or processes and the future price of raw
materials. If a mass market fails to develop or develops more
slowly than anticipated, the Group may fail to achieve sustainable
profitability.
We are still uncertain as to the arrangements post Brexit and
the implications, if any, for trade into the UK. We have always had
the benefit of a frictionless border and would hope the final
outcome will allow this to continue. However in the event this does
not happen we do not expect any significant impact noting that our
UK customers are experienced in importing goods from other
countries outside of the EU and any associated volatility in the
related logistics.
(b) Developing manufacturing capacity
The Group's current strategy is focused on additional capacity
by the construction of new plants, working with other partners
where appropriate however developing such new arrangements is not
certain and may take time. Further Accoya(R) process improvements
are likely to be more difficult to achieve with no certainty that
capacity from existing assets can be increased further. The
Tricoya(R) process is based on our core acetylation knowledge but
may present unexpected design issues requiring more complex
engineering.
The Group's Intellectual Property ('IP') protection is afforded
by a combination of trademarks, patents, confidentiality agreements
and the structuring of legal contracts relating to key licensing,
engineering and supply arrangements. Unauthorised use of the
Group's IP, including by obtaining such IP through cyber-attacks,
may adversely impact its ability to exploit the technology and lead
to additional expenditure to enforce legal rights. The wide
geographical spread of our products increases this risk due to the
increasingly varied and complex laws and regulations in which we
seek to protect the Group's IP.
The cost and availability of key inputs affects the
profitability of manufacturing whilst also impacting the potential
profitability of third parties interested in licensing the Group's
technology. The price of key inputs and security of supply are
managed by the Group, as necessary through the development of long
term contractual supply agreements.
(c) Research and technology development
Additional applications and new species development remains
uncertain given the inherent nature of R&D. An element of the
Group's strategy for growth envisages existing or new products
being sold into new markets such that slower development could
impact longer term growth.
As our products and IP becomes increasingly valuable, an
increased risk of third parties challenging our IP or seeking to
copy or use it without authorisation develops.
(d) Organisational development
The Group's success depends on its ability to continue to
attract, motivate and retain highly qualified employees. The highly
qualified employees required by the Group in various capacities are
sometimes in short supply in the labour market.
There are risks associated with operating a chemical plant and
accordingly the health and safety of our staff is made a priority.
We continuously seek improvements to exceed industry expectations
by challenging our methods, improving our reporting and continuing
to learn.
(e) Regulatory, legislative and reputational risks
The Group's operations are subject to extensive regulatory
requirements, particularly in relation to its manufacturing
operations and employment policies. Changes in laws and regulations
and their enforcement may adversely impact the Group's operations
in terms of costs, changes to business practices and restrictions
on activities which could damage the Group's reputation and
brand.
(f) Movements in foreign exchange
The Group's functional currency is the Euro. There is the risk
that movements in the Euro exchange rate against other currencies
may result in significant, unexpected, financial gains and
losses.
The Group's risk management strategy is to minimise the
financial risk associated with exchange rate movements by using
foreign exchange hedging. Where possible, the Group will use
natural hedges where assets and liabilities exist in the same
currency, otherwise it will use foreign exchange derivatives such
as forward contracts to minimise the risk.
The Group aims to minimise foreign exchange risks via hedging
arrangements, taking account of the affordability of appropriate
foreign exchange derivatives.
Going concern
These condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared
on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Group will
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and
at least 12 months from the date these financial statements are
approved.
As part of the Group's going concern review, the Directors have
reviewed the Group's trading forecasts and working capital
requirements for the foreseeable future. These forecasts indicate
that, in order to continue as a going concern, the Group is
dependent on the achievement of certain operating performance
measures relating to the production and sales of Accoya(R) wood
from the plant in Arnhem and eventually, of Tricoya(R) chips from
the new plant in Hull, with the collection of on-going working
capital items in line with internally agreed budgets. The Group is
also dependent upon certain banking and finance facilities which
are in place.
The Directors have considered the internally agreed budgets and
performance measures and believe that appropriate controls and
procedures are in place or will be in place to make sure that these
are met. The Directors believe that while some uncertainty
inherently remains in achieving the budget, in particular in
relation to market conditions outside of the Group's control, that
there are a sufficient number of alternative actions and measures
that can be taken in order to achieve the Group's medium and long
term objectives.
Therefore the Directors believe that the going concern basis is
the most appropriate on which to prepare the financial
statements.
William Rudge
Finance Director
19 November 2018
Directors responsibility statement
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge:
-- That these condensed interim financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34,
'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and
that the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:
an indication of important events that have occurred during the
first six months 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 financial year;
and
material related-party transactions in the first six months and
any material changes in the related-party transactions described in
the last annual report.
-- The interim results include a fair review of the information
required by DTR 4.2.7R being an indication of important events that
have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and
a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months of the financial year; and
-- The interim Management Report (Narrative) include a fair
review of the information required by DTR 4.28R being disclosure of
related party transactions and changes therein since the last
annual report.
By order of the Board
Angus Dodwell
Company Secretary
19 November 2018
Consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income for the
six months ended 30 September 2018
Note Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Audited Audited Audited
6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months Year Year Year
ended ended ended ended ended ended ended ended ended
30 Sept 30 Sept 30 Sept 30 Sept 30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March 31 March 31 March
2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Before
exceptional
Before exceptional Before exceptional Exceptional items & Exceptional
items & other Exceptional items & items & other items & other other items & other
adjustments* other adjustments* Total adjustments* adjustments* Total adjustments* adjustments* Total
Accoya(R) wood
revenue 28,055 - 28,055 26,184 - 26,184 56,331 - 56,331
Tricoya(R) panel
revenue 470 - 470 - - - - - -
Licence revenue 524 - 524 - - - 200 - 200
Other revenue 2,548 - 2,548 2,122 - 2,122 4,380 - 4,380
----------------- ----- -------------------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------------- -----------------
Total revenue 2 31,597 - 31,597 28,306 - 28,306 60,911 - 60,911
Total cost of
sales (24,582) - (24,582) (22,667) - (22,667) (47,270) - (47,270)
Gross profit 7,015 - 7,015 5,639 - 5,639 13,641 - 13,641
Other operating
costs 3 (10,059) (22) (10,081) (9,900) (2,141) (12,041) (20,218) (2,184) (22,402)
Other gains 4 - - - - - - - 32 32
Loss from
operations (3,044) (22) (3,066) (4,261) (2,141) (6,402) (6,577) (2,152) (8,729)
Finance income - - - - - - - - -
Finance expense (1,415) (894) (2,309) (981) 564 (417) (2,174) 502 (1,672)
- -
Loss before
taxation (4,459) (916) (5,375) (5,242) (1,577) (6,819) (8,751) (1,650) (10,401)
Tax
credit/(charge) 964 - 964 (81) 20 (61) 251 - 251
Loss for the
period (3,495) (916) (4,411) (5,323) (1,557) (6,880) (8,500) (1,650) (10,151)
-------------------- -------------------- ----------------- -------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------------- -----------------
Gain/(loss)
arising on
translation of
foreign
operations 22 - 22 (52) - (52) (56) - (56)
Gain/(loss)
arising on
foreign
currency
hedging - (267) (267) - 97 97 - 202 202
Total other
comprehensive
income 22 (267) (245) (52) 97 45 (56) 202 146
Total
comprehensive
loss for the
period (3,473) (1,183) (4,656) (5,375) (1,460) (6,835) (8,556) (1,449) (10,004)
==================== ==================== ================= ==================== ==================== ================= ============= ==================== =================
Total
comprehensive
loss for the
year is
attributable to:
Owners of Accsys
Technologies
PLC (3,002) (962) (3,964) (4,878) (1,393) (6,271) (7,592) (1,449) (9,040)
Non-controlling
interests (471) (221) (692) (497) (67) (564) (964) - (964)
Total
comprehensive
loss for the
period (3,473) (1,183) (4,656) (5,375) (1,460) (6,835) (8,556) (1,449) (10,004)
==================== ==================== ================= ==================== ==================== ================= ============= ==================== =================
Basic and
diluted loss
per ordinary
share 5 EUR(0.03) EUR(0.03) EUR(0.04) EUR(0.06) EUR(0.07) EUR(0.08)
The notes set out on pages 19 to 32 form an integral part of
these condensed financial statements.
* See note 4 for details of exceptional items and other
adjustments
Consolidated interim statement of financial position at 30
September 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year ended
ended ended 31 March
30 Sept 30 Sept 2018
Note 2018 2017
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 7 10,558 10,762 10,653
Property, plant and equipment 8 93,654 27,953 60,835
104,212 38,715 71,488
------------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------
Current assets
Inventories 16,152 14,699 13,125
Trade and other receivables 9,246 9,019 9,335
Cash and cash equivalents 22,003 46,878 39,699
Corporation tax receivable 1,495 579 1,347
48,896 71,175 63,505
------------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (22,082) (11,450) (18,012)
Short term borrowings 11 (6,439) - (2,062)
Obligation under finance
lease (254) (443) (1,323)
Corporation tax payable (16) (1,092) (17)
(28,791) (12,985) (21,414)
------------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------
Net current assets 20,105 58,190 42,091
Non-current liabilities
Obligation under finance
lease (1,842) (2,793) (12,849)
Other long term borrowing 11 (47,708) (20,528) (27,235)
(49,550) (23,321) (40,084)
------------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------
Total net assets 74,767 73,584 73,495
Equity and reserves
Share capital 9 5,896 5,568 5,576
Share premium account 145,429 140,028 140,037
Other reserves 10 109,158 110,241 109,425
Accumulated loss (215,340) (209,101) (211,830)
Own shares (9) (15) (15)
Foreign currency translation
reserve 11 (7) (11)
Capital value attributable to
owners of Accsys
Technologies PLC 45,145 46,714 43,181
Non-controlling interest in
subsidiary 29,622 26,870 30,314
Total equity 74,767 73,584 73,495
The notes set out on pages 19 to 32 form an integral part of
these condensed financial statements.
Consolidated interim statement of changes in equity for the 6
months ended 30 September 2018
Total equity
Foreign currency attributable to
Share capital trans- equity shareholders Non-Controlling
Ordinary Share premium Other reserves Own Shares lation reserve Accumulated loss of the company interests Total Equity
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Balance at 5,568 140,028 110,241 (15) (7) (209,101) 46,714 26,870 73,584
30 Sept 2017
(unaudited)
================= ================= ================= ================== ================== ========================= ======================= ==================== =================
Total
comprehensive
(expense)/gain
for the period - - 105 - (5) (2,870) (2,770) (400) (3,169)
Share based
payments - - - - - 140 140 - 140
Shares issued 7 - - - - - 7 - 7
Share issue
costs - 9 - - - - 9 - 9
Issue of
subsidiary
shares to
non-controlling
interests - - (922) - - - (922) 3,844 2,924
Balance at
31 March 2018 5,576 140,036 109,425 (15) (11) (211,830) 43,181 30,314 73,495
================= ================= ================= ================== ================== ========================= ======================= ==================== =================
Total
comprehensive
(expense)/gain
for the period - - (267) - 22 (3,719) (3,964) (692) (4,656)
Share based
payments - - - - - 209 209 - 209
Shares issued 320 - - 6 - - 326 - 326
Premium on
shares issued - 5,421 - - - - 5,421 - 5,421
Share issue
costs - (28) - - - - (28) - (28)
Balance at 5,896 145,429 109,158 (9) 11 (215,340) 45,145 29,622 74,767
30 Sept 2018
(unaudited)
================= ================= ================= ================== ================== ========================= ======================= ==================== =================
See note 10 for details concerning other reserves.
Non-controlling interests relates to the investment of various
parties into Tricoya(R) Technologies Limited and Tricoya(R)
Ventures UK Limited (note 6).
The notes set out on pages 19 to 32 form an integral part of
these condensed financial statements.
Consolidated interim statement of cash flow for the six months
ended 30 September 2018
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year End
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March
2018 2017 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Loss before taxation before exceptional
items
and other adjustments (4,459) (5,242) (8,751)
Adjustments for:
Amortisation of intangible assets 298 289 582
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment 1,342 1,167 2,496
Net Finance expense 1,415 981 2,174
Equity-settled share-based payment
expenses 211 159 300
Currency translation (gains)/losses (54) 180 268
Cash outflows from/(used in) operating
activities
before changes in working capital and
before
exceptional items and other adjustments (1,247) (2,466) (2,931)
Exceptional Items in operating
activities (see
note 4) - (1,604) (1,617)
Cash outflows from operating activities
before
changes in working capital (1,247) (4,070) (4,548)
======================= ======================= =======================
Decrease/(Increase) in trade and other
receivables 85 (1,392) 215
Increase in deferred income 170 - -
(Increase) in inventories (3,014) (2,904) (1,331)
Increase /(Decrease) in trade and other
payables 3,898 (733) 3,908
Net cash from/(used in) operating
activities
before tax (108) (9,099) (1,756)
Tax received/(paid) 815 (482) (2,013)
Net cash from/(used in) operating
activities 707 (9,581) (3,769)
======================= ======================= =======================
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received/(paid) 52 - 45
Disposal of property, plant and
equipment - - 32
Expenditure on property, plant and
equipment (34,571) (6,957) (29,530)
Expenditure on intangible assets (203) (212) (397)
Net cash used in investing activities (34,722) (7,169) (29,850)
======================= ======================= =======================
Cashflows from financing activities
Proceeds from loans 23,000 - 7,500
Other finance costs (98) (325) (325)
Proceeds from trade facility draw down 811 - -
Interest Paid (715) (223) (716)
Repayment of finance lease (12,174) (83) (322)
Proceeds from issue of share capital 5,747 14,063 14,079
Proceeds from issue of subsidiary shares
to
non-controlling interests - 11,498 14,420
Share issue costs (28) (1,771) (1,771)
Net cash from financing activities 16,543 23,159 32,865
======================= ======================= =======================
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents (17,472) 6,409 (754)
Effect of exchange loss on cash and cash
equivalents (223) (704) (721)
Opening cash and cash equivalents 39,698 41,173 41,173
Closing cash and cash equivalents 22,003 46,878 39,698
======================= ======================= =======================
The notes set out on pages 19 to 32 form an integral part of
these interim financial statements.
Notes to the financial statements for the 6 months ended 30
September 2018
1. Accounting policies
General Information
The principal activity of the Group is the production and sale
of Accoya(R) solid wood and exploitation of technology for the
production and sale of Accoya(R) wood and Tricoya(R) wood elements
via the Company's 100% owned subsidiaries, Titan Wood Limited,
Titan Wood B.V., Titan Wood Technology B.V., Titan Wood Inc. our
75.5% owned subsidiary, Tricoya Technologies Limited (collectively
the 'Group'), and 46.7% owned subsidiary, Tricoya Ventures UK
Limited. Manufactured through the Group's proprietary acetylation
processes, these products exhibit superior dimensional stability
and durability compared with alternative natural, treated and
modified woods as well as more resource intensive man-made
materials.
The Company is a public limited company, which is listed on AIM
in the United Kingdom and Euronext in the Netherlands, and is
domiciled in the United Kingdom. The registered office is
Brettenham House, 19 Lancaster Place, London, WC2E 7EN.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements were
approved on 19 November 2018. These condensed consolidated interim
financial statements have been reviewed, not audited.
Basis of accounting
The Group's condensed financial statements in these interim
results have been prepared in accordance with IFRS issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board as endorsed by the
European Union, in particular International Accounting Standard
(IAS) 34 "interim financial reporting" and the disclosure and
transparency rules of the Financial Conduct Authority. The
financial information for the six months ended 30 September 2018
and the six months ended 30 September 2017 is unaudited. The
comparative financial information for the full year ended 31 March
2018 does not constitute the group's statutory financial statements
for that period although it has been derived from the statutory
financial statements for the year then ended. A copy of those
statutory financial statements has been delivered to the Registrar
of Companies and which were approved by the Board of Directors on
the 18 June 2018. The auditors' report on those accounts was
unqualified and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3)
of the Companies Act 2006.
The preparation of interim financial statements requires
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that
affect the application of accounting policies and the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual
results may differ from these 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 consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2018.
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the
previous financial year except for taxes on income in the interim
periods which are accrued using the effective tax rate that would
be applicable to the expected total annual profit or loss. IFRS 9
and hedge accounting policy was adopted in the prior year.
Changes in accounting policies
No new accounting standards, amendments or interpretations have
been adopted in the period which have any impact on these condensed
financial statements, or are expected to affect the Group's 2019
Annual Report, with the exception of the below.
IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with customers came into effect
in January 2018 and whilst the Group's current revenue recognition
policies comply with the standard, careful consideration will be
undertaken in future in regards to the accounting treatment of
recognising licence fees in relation to potential partners building
new Accoya(R) and Tricoya(R) plants. The accounting policy for the
recognition of licence fees is based upon an assessment of the
obligations and related work required before the licence is signed
and subsequently during the design, construction and commissioning
of the licensees' plant, with an appropriate proportion of element
of the fee recognised when related performance obligations have
been met in accordance with performance milestones as the project
progresses. There has been no change to the revenue recognised in
the current or prior period as a result of adopting IFRS 15.
Going concern
These condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared
on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Group will
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and
at least 12 months from the date these financial statements are
approved.
As part of the Group's going concern review, the Directors have
reviewed the Group's trading forecasts and working capital
requirements for the foreseeable future. These forecasts indicate
that, in order to continue as a going concern, the Group is
dependent on the achievement of certain operating performance
measures relating to the production and sales of Accoya(R) wood
from the plant in Arnhem and eventually, of Tricoya(R) chips from
the new plant in Hull, with the collection of on-going working
capital items in line with internally agreed budgets. The Group is
also dependent upon certain banking and finance facilities which
are in place.
The Directors have considered the internally agreed budgets and
performance measures and believe that appropriate controls and
procedures are in place or will be in place to make sure that these
are met. The Directors believe that while some uncertainty
inherently remains in achieving the budget, in particular in
relation to market conditions outside of the Group's
control, that there are a sufficient number of alternative
actions and measures that can be taken in order to achieve the
Group's medium and long term objectives.
Therefore the Directors believe that the going concern basis is
the most appropriate on which to prepare the financial
statements.
2. Segmental reporting
The Group's business is the manufacturing of and development,
commercialisation and licensing of the associated proprietary
technology for the manufacture of Accoya(R) wood, Tricoya(R) wood
elements and related acetylation technologies. Segmental reporting
is divided between corporate activities, activities directly
attributable to Accoya(R) , to Tricoya(R) or research and
development activities.
Accoya(R)
Accoya(R) Segment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 6 months ending 6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 6 months 12 months ending 31 12 months ending 31 12 months
September 2018 September 2018 30 September September 2017 September 2017 ending 30 March 2018 March 2018 ending 31
2018 September 2017 March
Before exceptional Exceptional items Before Exceptional items Before exceptional 2018
items & Other & Other exceptional items & & Other items & Other Exceptional items &
adjustments Adjustments Other adjustments Adjustments adjustments Other Adjustments
TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Accoya(R) wood
revenue 28,055 - 28,055 26,184 - 26,184 56,331 - 56,331
Licence
revenue 520 - 520 - - - - - -
Other revenue 2,538 - 2,538 2,122 - 2,122 4,380 - 4,380
Total Revenue 31,113 - 31,113 28,306 - 28,306 60,711 - 60,711
Cost of sales (24,194) - (24,194) (22,667) - (22,667) (47,270) - (47,270)
Gross profit 6,919 - 6,919 5,639 - 5,639 13,441 - 13,441
Other
operating
costs (5,592) - (5,592) (5,643) (348) (5,991) (11,458) (348) (11,806)
Other Gain - - - - - - - - -
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations 1,327 - 1,327 (4) (348) (352) 1,983 (348) 1,635
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations 1,327 - 1,327 (4) (348) (352) 1,983 (348) 1,635
Depreciation
and
amortisation 1,427 - 1,427 1,248 - 1,248 2,661 - 2,661
---------------------- ------------------- ---------------- ---------------------- ------------------- --------------- --------------------- ---------------------- ----------
EBITDA 2,754 - 2,754 1,244 (348) 896 4,644 (348) 4,296
--------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ---------------- ---------------------- ------------------- --------------- --------------------- ---------------------- ----------
Revenue includes the sale of Accoya(R) , licence income and
other revenue, principally relating to the sale of acetic acid and
other licensing related income.
All costs of sales are allocated against manufacturing
activities in Arnhem unless they can be directly attributable to a
licensee. Other operating costs include depreciation of the Arnhem
property, plant and equipment together with all other costs
associated with the operation of the Arnhem manufacturing site,
including directly attributable administration, sales and marketing
costs.
See note 4 for explanation of Exceptional Items and other
adjustments.
Headcount = 117 (2017: 102)
The below table shows details of reconciling items to show both
Accoya(R) EBITDA and Accoya(R) Manufacturing gross profit, both
including and excluding licence and licensing related income, which
has been presented given the inclusion of items which can be more
variable or one-off.
6 months 6 months Year
ending ending Ended
30 September 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
Accoya(R) segmental underlying
EBITDA 2,754 1,244 4,641
------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
Accoya(R) Licence Income (520) - -
Other income, predominantly for
marketing services (83) (133) (253)
Accoya(R) segmental underlying
EBITDA (excluding licence income) 2,151 1,111 4,388
=================== ====================== ===================
Accoya(R) segmental gross profit 6,919 5,639 13,439
------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
Accoya(R) Licence Income (520) - -
Other income, predominantly for
marketing services (83) (133) (253)
Accoya(R) Manufacturing gross
profit 6,316 5,506 13,186
=================== ====================== ===================
Gross Accoya(R) Manufacturing
Margin 21% 20% 22%
Tricoya(R)
Tricoya(R) Segment
--------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- --------------------- ----------------------
6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 12 months ending 12 months ending 31 12 months ending 31
September 2018 September 2018 September 2018 September 2017 September 2017 September 2017 31 March 2018 March 2018 March 2018
Before exceptional Exceptional items Before exceptional Exceptional items Before exceptional
items & Other & Other items & Other & Other items & Other Exceptional items &
adjustments Adjustments adjustments Adjustments adjustments Other Adjustments
TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Tricoya(R)
panel revenue 470 - 470 - - - - - -
Licence
revenue 4 - 4 - - - 200 - 200
Other revenue 10 - 10 - - - - - -
Total Revenue 484 - 484 - - - 200 - 200
Cost of sales (388) - (388) - - - - - -
Gross profit 96 - 96 - - - 200 - 200
Other
operating
costs (1,444) (22) (1,466) (1,238) (729) (1,967) (2,653) (763) (3,416)
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations (1,348) (22) (1,370) (1,238) (729) (1,967) (2,453) (763) (3,216)
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations (1,348) (22) (1,370) (1,238) (729) (1,967) (2,453) (763) (3,216)
Depreciation
and
amortisation 107 - 107 96 - 96 197 - 197
--------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- --------------------- ----------------------
EBITDA (1,241) (22) (1,263) (1,142) (729) (1,871) (2,256) (763) (3,019)
--------------- --------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- --------------------- ----------------------
Revenue and costs are those attributable to the business
development of the Tricoya(R) process and establishment of the
Tricoya(R) Hull Plant. The new Tricoya(R) panel revenue stream in
the period relates to sales of MEDITE produced panels to US and
Australian customers in order to seed these new markets, ahead of
the new Tricoya(R) plant coming online.
See note 4 for explanation of Exceptional Items and other
adjustments.
Headcount = 10 (2017: 4), noting a substantial proportion of the
costs to date have been incurred via recharges from other parts of
the Group or have resulted from contractors.
Corporate
Corporate Segment
---------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
12 months ending 31
6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 March 2018
6 months ending 30 September 2018 6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 September 2017 12 months ending 12 months ending 31
September 2018 6 months ending 30 September 2017 September 2017 31 March 2018 March 2018
September 2018
Before exceptional Before exceptional Exceptional items Before exceptional
items & Other Exceptional items & items & Other & Other items & Other Exceptional items &
adjustments Other Adjustments TOTAL adjustments Adjustments TOTAL adjustments Other Adjustments TOTAL
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Total Revenue - - - - - - - - -
Cost of sales - - - - - - - - -
Gross profit - - - - - - - - -
Other
operating
costs (2,453) - (2,453) (2,332) (906) (3,238) (4,703) (886) (5,589)
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations (2,453) - (2,453) (2,332) (906) (3,238) (4,703) (886) (5,589)
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations (2,453) - (2,453) (2,332) (906) (3,238) (4,703) (886) (5,589)
Depreciation
and
amortisation 83 - 83 85 - 85 166 - 166
---------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
EBITDA (2,370) - (2,370) (2,247) (906) (3,153) (4,537) (886) (5,423)
--------------- ---------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Corporate costs are those costs not directly attributable to
Accoya(R) , Tricoya(R) or Research and Development activities. This
includes management and the Group's corporate and general
administration costs including the head office in London.
See note 4 for explanation of Exceptional Items and other
adjustments.
Headcount = 19 (2017: 19)
Research and Development
Research & Development Segment
---------------------- --------------------- ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
12 months ending 31
6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 March 2018
6 months ending 30 September 2018 6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 September 2017 12 months ending 12 months ending 31
September 2018 6 months ending 30 September 2017 September 2017 31 March 2018 March 2018
September 2018
Before exceptional Before exceptional Exceptional items Before exceptional
items & Other Exceptional items & items & Other & Other items & Other Exceptional items &
adjustments Other Adjustments TOTAL adjustments Adjustments TOTAL adjustments Other Adjustments TOTAL
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Total Revenue - - - - - - - - -
Cost of sales - - - - - - - - -
Gross profit - - - - - - - - -
Other
operating
costs (571) - (571) (685) (159) (844) (1,404) (155) (1,559)
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations (571) - (571) (685) (159) (844) (1,404) (155) (1,559)
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations (571) - (571) (685) (159) (844) (1,404) (155) (1,559)
Depreciation
and
amortisation 22 - 22 27 - 27 54 - 54
---------------------- --------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
EBITDA (549) - (549) (658) (159) (817) (1,350) (155) (1,505)
--------------- ---------------------- --------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Research and Development costs are those associated with the
Accoya(R) and Tricoya(R) processes. Costs exclude those which have
been capitalised in accordance with IFRS. (see note 7).
See note 4 for explanation of Exceptional Items and other
adjustments.
Headcount = 9 (2017: 10)
Total
TOTAL
----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
12 months ending 31
6 months ending 30 6 months ending 30 March 2018
6 months ending 30 September 2018 6 months ending 30 September 2017 12 months ending 31 12 months ending 31
September 2018 6 months ending 30 September 2017 6 months ending 30 March 2018 March 2018
September 2018 September 2017
Before exceptional Before exceptional Before exceptional
items & Other Exceptional items & items & Other Exceptional items & items & Other Exceptional items &
adjustments Other Adjustments TOTAL adjustments Other Adjustments TOTAL adjustments Other Adjustments TOTAL
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Accoya(R) wood
revenue 28,055 - 28,055 26,184 - 26,184 56,331 - 56,331
Tricoya(R)
panel revenue 470 - 470 - - - - - -
Licence
revenue 524 - 524 - - - 200 - 200
Other revenue 2,548 - 2,548 2,122 - 2,122 4,380 - 4,380
Total Revenue 31,597 - 31,597 28,306 - 28,306 60,911 - 60,911
Cost of sales (24,582) - (24,582) (22,667) - (22,667) (47,270) - (47,270)
Gross profit 7,015 - 7,015 5,639 - 5,639 13,641 - 13,641
Other
operating
costs (10,059) (22) (10,081) (9,900) (2,141) (12,041) (20,218) (2,152) (22,370)
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations (3,044) (22) (3,066) (4,261) (2,141) (6,402) (6,577) (2,152) (8,729)
Finance income - - - - - - - - -
Finance
expense (1,415) (894) (2,309) (981) 564 (417) (2,174) 502 (1,672)
Loss before
taxation (4,459) (916) (5,375) (5,242) (1,577) (6,819) (8,751) (1,650) (10,401)
======================= ==================== ===================== ======================= ==================== ===================== ===================== ====================== ======================
Profit/(Loss)
from
operations (3,044) (22) (3,066) (4,261) (2,141) (6,402) (6,577) (2,152) (8,729)
Depreciation
and
amortisation 1,640 - 1,640 1,455 - 1,455 3,078 - 3,078
----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
EBITDA (1,404) (22) (1,426) (2,806) (2,141) (4,947) (3,499) (2,152) (5,651)
--------------- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Adjustments to finance expense relate to the revaluation of the
Accsys Technologies loan notes with Business Growth Fund ('BGF')
and 1798 Volantis Catalyst Fund II ('Volantis'), which are
denominated in pounds sterling. These relate to the pounds sterling
held within the Tricoya(R) segment, of which the corresponding
foreign currency translation differences are shown as adjustments
to other operating costs.
An exceptional finance charge of EUR1.1m was recognised in the
period ending 30 September 2018 in respect of the acquisition of
the land and buildings in Arnhem from Bruil. The non-cash charge
reflects the difference between the assets held under the finance
lease and the finance lease liability which was terminated at the
point the acquisition was completed.
Segmental reporting continued
Assets and liabilities on a segmental basis:
Accoya(R) Tricoya(R) Corporate R&D TOTAL
Sept 2018 Sept 2018 Sept 2018 Sept 2018 Sept 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Non-current assets 60,603 40,108 3,452 49 104,212
---------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------
Current assets 24,643 22,785 (3,831) 5,299 48,896
---------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------
Current liabilities (16,874) (15,152) 3,254 (19) (28,791)
Net current assets 7,769 7,633 (577) 5,280 20,105
Non-current
liabilities (31,169) (506) (17,875) - (49,550)
---------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------
Net assets 37,203 47,235 (15,000) 5,329 74,767
Accoya(R) Tricoya(R) Corporate R&D TOTAL
Sept 2017 Sept 2017 Sept 2017 Sept 2017 Sept 2017
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Non-current assets 27,330 7,753 3,541 93 38,715
---------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------
Current assets 23,696 43,357 (948) 5,069 71,175
---------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------
Current liabilities (13,457) (3,650) 4,175 (53) (12,985)
Net current assets 10,239 39,707 3,227 5,016 58,191
Non-current
liabilities (4,760) (161) (18,400) - (23,321)
---------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------
Net assets 32,808 47,298 (11,632) 5,109 73,584
Accoya(R) Tricoya(R) Corporate R&D TOTAL
March 2018 March 2018 March 2018 March 2018 March 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Non-current assets 46,411 21,521 3,485 71 71,488
---------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------
Current assets 25,112 36,095 (2,084) 4,382 63,505
---------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------
Current liabilities (14,034) (8,318) 983 (45) (21,414)
Net current assets 11,078 27,777 (1,101) 4,337 42,091
Non-current
liabilities (21,974) (334) (17,776) - (40,084)
---------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------
Net assets 35,515 48,964 (15,392) 4,408 73,495
The segmental assets in the current year were predominantly held
in the UK and Mainland Europe (Prior Year UK and Europe). Additions
to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets in the current
year were predominantly incurred in the UK and mainland Europe
(Prior Year UK and Europe). There are no significant intersegment
revenues.
Segmental reporting continued
Analysis of revenue by geographical destination:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March
2018 2017 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
UK and
Ireland 13,302 11,387 25,799
Rest of
Europe 7,738 7,113 15,273
Benelux 4,371 3,455 5,998
Americas 3,898 3,814 8,153
Asia-Pacific 2,217 2,333 5,252
Rest of
World 71 204 436
31,597 28,306 60,911
Sales to UK and Ireland included the sales to MEDITE.
3. Other operating costs
Other operating costs consist of the operating costs, other than
the cost of sales, associated with the operation of the plant in
Arnhem and the offices in Dallas, London and Hull.
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March
2018 2017 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Sales and marketing 1,869 2,083 3,967
Research and development 571 685 1,404
Depreciation and amortisation 1,640 1,455 3,078
Other operating costs 1,305 2,072 4,135
Administration costs 4,674 3,605 7,635
Exceptional Items and other adjustments 22 2,141 2,184
10,081 12,041 22,402
Administrative costs include costs associated with Business
Development and Legal departments, Intellectual Property as well as
Human Resources, IT, Finance, Management and General Office and
include the costs of the Group's head office costs in London, the
US office in Dallas and the Hull office.
The total cost of EUR10.1m in the current period includes
EUR1.5m in respect of Tricoya(R) segment, compared to EUR2.0m in
the previous period.
Group average employee headcount increased to 155 in the period
to 30 September 2018, from 135 in the period to 30 September 2017,
with the increase predominantly attributable to an increase in
Arnhem operations staff following the commissioning of the third
Accoya(R) reactor and recruitment of the first phase of TVUK staff.
Total headcount including direct contractors and the non-executives
increased to 192 in September 2018 from 171 at 31 March 2018.
During the period EUR0.2m of costs were capitalised and are
included within intangible fixed assets (2017: EUR0.2m). In
addition EUR0.3m of development costs have been capitalised and are
included within tangible fixed assets (2017: EUR0.3m) in relation
to the expansion of the manufacturing facility in Arnhem.
4. Exceptional Items and Other Adjustments
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March
2018 2017 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Termination of finance lease on acquisition
of land and buildings - Finance expense (1,140) - -
Bonuses paid relating to year
ending 31 March 2017 - (1,373) (1,386)
Restructuring costs - (231) (231)
Gain from disposal of assets - - 32
Total exceptional items (1,140) (1,604) (1,585)
Foreign exchange differences arising on
Tricoya(R) cash held - Operating costs (22) (537) (567)
Foreign exchange differences arising on
Loan Notes - incl. in Finance expense 246 564 502
Foreign exchange differences on Tricoya(R)
cash held - Other comprehensive income (267) 97 202
Total other adjustments (43) 124 137
Tax on exceptional items and
other adjustments - 20 -
Total exceptional items and
other adjustments (1,183) (1,460) (1,448)
Exceptional Items
An exceptional finance charge of EUR1.1m has been recognised as
an exceptional finance expense in respect of the acquisition of the
land and buildings in Arnhem from Bruil. The non-cash charge
reflects the difference between the assets held under the finance
lease and the finance lease liability which was terminated at the
point the acquisition was completed.
In the prior year EUR1.4m annual bonus paid in July 2017 which
was attributable to the year ended 31 March 2017, was recorded in
the year ended 31 March 2018 as an exceptional cost with the
accrual for the financial year ended 31 March 2018 attributable
bonus included in underlying operating costs. The double charge in
the prior period resulted from a re-alignment of the timing of
recognition of bonuses reflecting the more structured annual bonus
scheme in place compared to previous years. In addition the bonus
paid in the year ended 31 March 2018 relating to the year ended 31
March 2017 included one-off targets relating to the formation of
the Tricoya(R) consortium.
Other restructuring costs in the year ended 31 March 2017 relate
to changes required following the completion of the Tricoya(R)
consortium in March 2017. This is split between all segments,
including EUR54,000 in Accoya(R) , EUR67,000 Tricoya(R) , EUR18,000
Corporate and EUR92,000 R&D.
Other Adjustments
Foreign exchange differences in the Tricoya(R) segment have
arisen due to pounds sterling held within the consortium in
preparation for the Hull Plant build. The Group has mitigated this
currency exchange risk by adopting hedge accounting in respect of
the Tricoya(R) plant construction under IFRS 9, Financial
Instruments.
Foreign exchange differences also arise on the pounds sterling
denominated loan notes, entered into in the prior period. These
exchange rate differences are included as finance expenses.
5. Loss per share
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Audited Audited
6 months 6 months 6 months 6 months Year Year
ended ended ended ended ended ended
30 Sept 30 Sept 30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March 31 March
2018 2018 2017 2017 2018 2018
Before Before Before
Exceptional Exceptional Exceptional
Items Total Items Total Items Total
Weighted
average
number of
Ordinary
shares
in issue
('000) 114,745 114,745 111,083 111,083 111,250 111,250
Loss for
the
period
(EUR'000) (3,024) (3,719) (4,827) (6,316) (7,536) (9,186)
Basic and
diluted
loss per
share EUR (0.03) EUR (0.03) EUR (0.04) EUR (0.06) EUR (0.07) EUR (0.08)
Basic and diluted losses per share are based upon the same
figures. Share options are considered anti-dilutive as these would
decrease the loss per share.
6. Tricoya Technologies Limited
Tricoya Technologies Limited ("TTL") was incorporated in order
to develop and exploit the Group's Tricoya(R) technology for use
within the worldwide panel products market, which is estimated to
be worth more than EUR60 billion annually.
On 29 March 2017 the Group announced the entry into and
successful completion of its agreements for the financing,
construction and operation of the world's first Tricoya(R) wood
elements acetylation plant in Hull with its TTL consortium
investors, being BP, MEDITE, BGF and Volantis.
The Hull plant will have an initial production capacity of
30,000 tonnes per annum (sufficient to manufacture 40,000 cubic
metres of panels) and scope to expand.
Structurally, Accsys, BP Ventures, MEDITE, BGF and Volantis have
invested into TTL in a prior year. TTL has then invested, alongside
BP Chemicals and MEDITE, in Tricoya Ventures UK Limited ("TVUK"), a
special purpose subsidiary of TTL that will construct, own and
operate the Hull Plant.
BP has invested EUR20.3 million in the Tricoya(R) Project,
including EUR13.7 million as equity in TVUK by BP Chemicals and
EUR6.6 million as equity in TTL by BP Ventures. All funding was
received by 31 March 2018, with EUR11.3m being received in the year
ended 31 March 2018.
MEDITE has invested EUR11 million in the Tricoya(R) Project,
including EUR7 million as equity in TTL and EUR4 million as equity
in TVUK. All funding was received by 31 March 2018, with EUR3.1m
being received in the in the year ended 31 March 2018.
The Group is expected to increase its total equity interest in
TTL to 75.9% over the next two years as a result of its continued
supply of lower priced Accoya(R) to MEDITE to enable continued
market development ahead of the completion of the Hull Plant.
During the year ended 31 March 2018 the Group increased its
shareholding from 74.6% to 75.1% from the issue of 780,287 shares
related to this market seeding activity. A further 629,080 shares
were issued in the period ending 30 September 2018, increasing the
Group's shareholding to 75.5%.
The Group has consolidated the results of TTL and TVUK as
subsidiaries, as it exercises the power to govern the entities in
accordance with IFRS 10. The non-controlling interests in both
entities have been recognised in these Group financial
statements.
The "TTL Group" income statement and balance sheet, consisting
of TTL and its subsidiary TVUK, are set out on the following
page:
TTL Group income statement:
Consolidated Consolidated Consolidated
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March
2018 2017 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Tricoya(R) panel revenue 470 - -
Licence revenue 4 - 200
Other income 10 - -
Total revenue 484 - 200
Cost of Sales Tricoya(R) panel (388) - -
Gross Margin 96 - 200
Costs:
Staff costs (924) (946) (1,898)
Research & development (excluding
staff costs) (107) (103) (223)
Intellectual Property (163) (105) (381)
Other (234) (294) (376)
Exceptional Items (288) (440) -
Depreciation and Amortisation (107) (96) (197)
EBIT (1,727) (1,984) (2,875)
EBIT attributable to Accsys shareholders (1,035) (1,420) (1,911)
Exceptional items include foreign exchange differences relating
to pounds sterling balances held by the Group (see note 4).
TTL Group balance sheet at 30 September 2018:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March
2018 2017 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 3,469 3,334 3,390
Property, Plant and Equipment 36,639 4,418 18,119
40,108 7,752 21,509
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 1,819 865 1,340
Cash and cash equivalents 20,967 42,492 34,754
22,786 43,357 36,094
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (14,590) (2,817) (7,997)
Intercompany balance non TTL/TVUK (562) (833) (642)
(15,152) (3,650) (8,639)
Non-current liabilities
Long term borrowing (506) (161) (322)
(506) (161) (322)
Net current assets 7,634 39,707 27,455
Net assets 47,236 47,298 48,964
Value attributable to Accsys Technologies 17,614 20,428 18,649
7. Intangible assets
Internal Intellectual
Development property
costs rights Goodwill Total
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Cost
At 31 March 2017 5,942 73,292 4,231 83,465
Additions 212 - - 212
At 30 September 2017 6,154 73,292 4,231 83,677
Additions 184 - - 184
At 31 March 2018 6,338 73,292 4,231 83,861
Additions 202 - - 202
At 30 September 2018 6,540 73,292 4,231 84,063
Accumulated amortisation
At 31 March 2017 1,163 71,463 - 72,626
Amortisation 151 138 - 289
At 30 September 2017 1,314 71,602 - 72,915
Amortisation 157 138 - 295
At 31 March 2018 1,470 71,738 - 73,208
Amortisation 159 138 - 297
At 30 September 2018 1,629 71,876 - 73,505
Net book value
At 31 March 2017 4,779 1,828 4,231 10,839
At 30 September 2017 4,840 1,691 4,231 10,762
At 31 March 2018 4,867 1,554 4,231 10,653
At 30 September 2018 4,911 1,416 4,231 10,558
8. Property, plant and equipment
Land and buildings Plant and machinery Office equipment Total
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Cost or valuation
At 31 March 2017 1,645 37,756 1,379 40,780
Additions - 7,360 71 7,431
Foreign currency
translation (loss) - - (5) (5)
At 30 September 2017 1,645 45,116 1,445 48,206
Additions 10,433 23,744 46 34,223
Foreign currency
translation (loss) - - (13) (13)
At 31 March 2018 12,078 68,860 1,476 82,414
Additions 17,979 27,964 1,455 47,398
Termination of
finance lease (12,099) (4,742) - (16,841)
Foreign currency
translation gain - - 8 8
At 30 September 2018 17,958 92,082 2,939 112,979
Depreciation
At 31 March 2017 658 17,428 1,013 19,099
Charge for the period 59 1,005 103 1,167
Foreign currency
translation (loss) - - (13) (13)
At 30 September 2017 717 18,433 1,103 20,253
Charge for the period 216 1,019 94 1,329
Disposals - 3 - 3
Foreign currency
translation (loss) - - (5) (5)
At 31 March 2018 933 19,455 1,191 21,579
Charge for the period 120 1,111 111 1,342
Termination of
finance lease (953) (2,651) - (3,604)
Foreign currency
translation gain - - 8 8
At 30 September 2018 100 17,915 1,310 19,325
Net book value
At 31 March 2017 987 20,328 366 21,681
At 30 September 2017 928 26,683 342 27,953
At 31 March 2018 11,145 49,405 285 60,835
At 30 September 2018 17,858 74,167 1,629 93,654
Included within property, plant and equipment are assets with a
net book value of EUR2,097,000 (31 March 2018: EUR14,172,000) which
have been accounted for as a finance lease. During the period the
land and buildings in Arnhem which were previously subject to a
finance lease were purchased from the landlord resulting in the
finance lease being terminated.
Assets associated with the third reactor with a net book value
of EUR24.3m are subject to security agreements associated with the
Rhodia Acetow loan facility.
Included within property, plant and equipment are also assets
under construction of EUR37,616,000 which are not being depreciated
(2017: EUR14,649,000).
9. Share capital
In the period ended 30 September 2017:
On 24 April 2017, following the publication of a prospectus for
the Firm Placing and Open Offer, the Company issued a total of
20,323,986 Ordinary Shares for EUR0.69 each to a combination of new
and existing shareholders. Proceeds of EUR14,024,000 were received
net of expenses of EUR1,757,000.
Own shares represents 97,720 Ordinary Shares issued to the EBT
at nominal value on 23 June 2017 and 198,154 Ordinary Shares issued
to the EBT at nominal value on 27 September 2017.
In addition, of the Ordinary Shares which had been issued to the
EBT in the previous year, 679,435 Ordinary Shares vested on 11 July
2017. Of these beneficiaries elected to sell 405,169 Ordinary
Shares in the market.
106,189 shares were issued on 27 September 2017 to an employee
following the exercise of nil cost options, granted in 2013 under
the Company's 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP').
In the period ended 31 March 2018:
143,511 shares were issued on 26 February 2018 to an
ex-employee. 118,511 of these shares were issued and allotted
following the exercise of nil cost options, granted in 2013 under
the Company's 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP'), with the
balance of 25,000 Shares issued as part of the individual's
severance terms.
In the period ended 30 September 2018:
On 18 July 2018, 6,231,070 ordinary shares were issued to VP
Participaties BV, the investment company of the Van Puijenbroek
family, at a price of EUR0.92 per share. Proceeds of EUR5,704,000
were received net of expenses of EUR28,000.
Own shares represents 173,915 Ordinary Shares issued to the EBT
at nominal value on 29 June 2018.
In addition, of the Ordinary Shares which had been issued to the
EBT in the previous year, 295,874 Ordinary Shares vested on 02
August 2018. Of these beneficiaries elected to sell 128,213
Ordinary Shares in the market.
10. Other Reserves
Hedging
Capital redemp- Effective-ness
tion reserve Merger reserve reserve Other reserve Total Other reserves
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Balance at 30
September 2017 148 106,707 201 3,185 110,241
Issue of subsidiary
shares to
non-controlling
interests - - - (922) (922)
Issue of subsidiary - - - - -
shares to Group
companies
Other Comprehensive
Income - - 104 - 104
Balance at 31 March
2018 148 106,707 306 2,264 109,425
Issue of subsidiary - - - - -
shares to
non-controlling
interests
Other Comprehensive
Income - - (267) - (267)
Balance at 30
September 2018 148 106,707 39 2,264 109,158
The closing balance of the capital redemption reserve represents
the amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of
deferred shares in a previous period.
The merger reserve arose prior to transition to IFRS when merger
accounting was adopted.
The hedging effectiveness reserve reflects the total accounted
for under IFRS 9 in relation to the Tricoya(R) segment (note
1).
The other reserve represents the amounts received for subsidiary
share capital from non-controlling interests (note 12).
11. Commitments under loan agreements
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Amounts payable under
loan agreements:
Within one year 6,439 - 2,062
In the second to fifth years
inclusive 38,565 14,594 18,097
In greater than five years 9,143 5,934 9,138
54,147 20,528 29,297
The change in total borrowings in the period of EUR24.9m
consisted of an increase of a EUR23.0m relating to new loans to
fund the purchase of land and buildings in Arnhem (noting this was
partially offset by a reduction in finance leases), EUR1.1m of
accrued finance charges, and EUR0.8m drawdown of our working
capital facility, offset by EUR0.2m foreign exchange gain arising
on the Loan Notes.
Loan Notes:
On 29 March 2017 the Group issued GBP16.25 million (EUR18.38
million) of unsecured fixed rate loan notes, due 2021. GBP10.48
million of Loan Notes in principal were issued to Business Growth
Fund ('BGF'), with GBP5.77 million in principal issued to Volantis.
The BGF loan notes are subject to a 7% fixed interest rate for the
duration of their term and the Volantis loan notes are subject to a
7% fixed interest rate until 31 December 2018, with the interest
rate fixed at 9% thereafter. Interest is rolled up until 31
December 2018 on both loans, with further roll up of interest on
the Volantis loan until six-monthly redemption payments of both
loans commence on 31 December 2021 and end on 30 June 2023.
BGF is an investment company that provides long-term equity
funding to growing UK companies to enable them to execute their
strategic plans. Volantis is a global asset management firm
specialising in alternative investment strategies and is owned by
Lombard Odier.
Rhodia Acetow Facility
On 29 December 2016 the Group drew down EUR2 million of its
EUR9.5 million term loan facility with Rhodia Acetow GmBH. The
Group has since drawn down EUR5.5m on 3 November 2017 and EUR2
million on 29 March 2018. The facility is to be used to design,
procure and build an extension to the capacity of the Arnhem Plant,
with a new reactor for the manufacture of Accoya(R) at a design
capacity of approximately 20,000m(3) . This facility secured
against the third reactor of the Arnhem chemical plant and
associated assets and is subject to interest at 7.5% per annum. At
30 September 2018, the Group had EUR10.2m (31 March 2018: EUR9.9m)
borrowed under this facility. Interest is rolled up until quarterly
repayment of the loan commences on 29 December 2018.
Tricoya(R) facility:
On 29 March 2017 the Company's subsidiary (Tricoya Ventures UK
Limited) entered into a six-year EUR17.2 million (EUR15 million
net) finance facility agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland Plc
in respect of the construction and operation of the Hull Plant. The
facility is secured by fixed and floating charges over all assets
of Tricoya Ventures UK Limited. At 30 September 2018 the Group had
EUR0.5m (31 March 2018: EUR0.3m) borrowed under the facility. The
majority of the facility will be drawn down as required, once the
funds provided by shareholders have been fully utilised. Facility
repayments will commence 12 months after practical completion of
the Hull Plant. Interest will accrue at Euribor plus a margin, with
the margin ranging from 325 to 475 basis points.
Facilities relating to purchase of Arnhem land and buildings
On 1 August 2018 the Group entered into a package of facilities
to fully finance the purchase of the land and buildings in Arnhem.
The partially amortising package of loans includes the
following:
- EUR14m loan with ABN Amro Bank. The loan is partially
repayable over a five year term with a final payment of EUR9.25m.
Interest is fixed at 3% and the loan is secured on the land and
buildings.
- EUR5m lease loan with ABN Asset Based Finance is repayable
over a five year term with an implied interest rate of
approximately 3%. The loan is secured on the first two Accoya
reactors.
- EUR4m loan with Bruil, the seller and previous landlord. The
balance is repayable from July 2021 to July 2023 with interest
fixed at 5%. The loan is unsecured.
Trade receivable and inventory facilities:
Working capital facility
In May 2018 the Group amended its working capital facility with
ABN Commercial Finance, initially agreed in 2011. The facility is
now a EUR6.0m credit facility secured upon the receivables and
inventory of the Accoya(R) manufacturing business committed for a
period of 5 years.
Bank guarantee facility
In August 2016 the Group amended its credit facility agreement
with ABN AMRO Bank N.V., which had been initially agreed in 2013.
The facility is contingent liability facility enabling the Group to
issue bank guarantees in order to support the working capital and
other operational commitments of the Group with a limit of
EUR1.5m.
Both facilities are subject to interest at 2% above the ABN AMRO
base rate of 3.4% as at 31 March 2018 (2017: 3.5%). At 30 September
2018 the Group had EUR0.8m (31 March 2018: EURnil) borrowed under
both of the facilities.
Reconciliation to net (debt)/cash:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 Sept 2018 30 Sept 2017 31 March 2018
Cash and cash equivalents 22,003 46,878 39,699
Less:
Amounts payable under loan agreements (54,147) (20,528) (29,297)
Amounts payable under finance leases (2,096) (3,236) (14,172)
Net (debt)/cash (34,240) 23,113 (3,771)
12. Transactions with non-controlling interests
In the period ended 31 March 2018:
On 5 September 2017, TTL issued 284,716 shares to Titan Wood
Limited. On 9 February 2018, TTL issued 495,571 shares to Titan
Wood Limited. As a result the non-controlling interests
shareholdings were amended to:
BP Ventures (8.8%), MEDITE (11.9%), BGF, (2.7%), Volantis
(1.5%)
On 20 September 2017, Tricoya Ventures UK Limited ('TVUK')
issued Ordinary shares to non-controlling interests for
consideration of EUR11.50 million. In addition on the 6 October
2017, TVUK issued Ordinary shares to non-controlling interests for
consideration of EUR2.92m. As a result the non-controlling
interests shareholdings remain unchanged at:
BP Chemicals (30%), MEDITE (8.2%)
The total carrying amount of the non-controlling interests in
TTL and TVUK at 31 March 2018 was EUR30.31m (2017: EUR12.62m).
There was no activity in the period ended 30 September 2018.
Transactions with non-controlling Unaudited Unaudited Audited
interests
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30 Sept 30 Sept 31 March
2018 2017 2018
EUR'000 EUR'000 EUR'000
Opening balance 2,840 7,077 7,077
Carrying amount of non-controlling
interests issued - (14,814) (18,658)
Consideration paid by non-controlling
interests - 11,498 14,420
Share issue costs relating to
non-controlling interests - - 1
Excess of consideration paid recognised in
Group's equity 2,840 3,761 2,840
Independent review report to Accsys Technologies PLC
Report on the consolidated interim financial statements
Our conclusion
We have reviewed Accsys Technologies PLC's consolidated interim
financial statements (the "interim financial statements") in the
interim results of Accsys Technologies PLC for the 6 month period
ended 30 September 2018. Based on our review, nothing has come to
our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial
statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim
Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the AIM
Rules for Companies.
What we have reviewed
The interim financial statements comprise:
-- the consolidated interim statement of financial position as at 30 September 2018;
-- the consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income for the period then ended;
-- the consolidated interim statement of cash flows for the period then ended;
-- the consolidated interim statement of changes in equity for the period then ended; and
-- the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements included in the interim results
have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting
Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the
European Union and the AIM Rules for Companies.
As disclosed in note 1 to the interim financial statements, the
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the
preparation of the full annual financial statements of the Group is
applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.
Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the
review
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
The interim results, including the interim financial statements,
is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors.
The directors are responsible for preparing the interim results in
accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies which require that the
financial information must be presented and prepared in a form
consistent with that which will be adopted in the company's annual
financial statements.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim
financial statements in the interim results based on our review.
This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and
only for the company for the purpose of complying with the AIM
Rules for Companies and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving
this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other
purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into
whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior
consent in writing.
What a review of interim financial statements involves
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of
Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor
of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in
the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information
consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for
financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other
review procedures.
A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and,
consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would
become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in
an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
We have read the other information contained in the interim
results and considered whether it contains any apparent
misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in
the interim financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
London
19 November 2018
.
a) The maintenance and integrity of the Accsys Technologies PLC
website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried
out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters
and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any
changes that may have occurred to the interim financial statements
since they were initially presented on the website.
b) Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation
and dissemination of financial statements may differ from
legislation in other jurisdictions.
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.
END
IR EAFFNFAXPFAF
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