Half-yearly Report

Half-yearly Report

Eco Animal Health Group Plc

ECO Animal Health Group plc (‘’ECO”)

(AIM: EAH)

Results for the six months ended 30 September 2015

ECO ANIMAL HEALTH REPORTS STRONG PERFORMANCE

HIGHLIGHTS

Financials

  • 27% increase in revenue to £21.5 million (2014:£17.0 million), equivalent to a 28% increase at constant exchange rates (CER)
  • 26% increase in adjusted EBITDA to £4.3 million (2014: £3.4 million), equivalent to a 36% increase at CER
  • 33% increase in pre-tax profit to £2.7 million (2014: £2.0 million)
  • 31% increase in earnings per share to 3.52 pence (2014:2.68 pence)
  • 17% increase in gross profit to £8.9 million (2014: £7.6 million)
  • 27% increase in interim dividend to 1.9 pence (2014:1.5 pence)
  • Cash generation again strong leaving net cash of £17.0 million (2014: £14.3 million)

Operations

  • Demand for Aivlosin® continues to grow strongly with sales up over 32%, equivalent to 34% at CER
  • Strong performances in all major territories
  • EU approval of Maximum Residue Level for poultry eggs allowed submission of applications for new marketing authorisations
  • Continued investment in stockholding achieved and production capacity increase on schedule

Peter Lawrence, Executive Chairman of ECO Animal Health Group plc, commented:

"The second half of the year has started well continuing the momentum of the first six months. ECO is in excellent financial and commercial health and we look forward with confidence to delivering another strong set of results, backed by further penetration of key markets and the achievement of additional marketing authorisations."

Contacts:

ECO Animal Health Group plc          
Peter Lawrence 020 8336 6190
Marc Loomes 020 8447 6906
 
Spiro Financial
Anthony Spiro 020 8336 6196
 
Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser)
Dan Webster, Richard Brown, George Sellar 020 7418 8900

ECO Animal Health Group plc is a leader in the development, registration and marketing of pharmaceutical products for animals. Our products for these global growth markets promote well-being. Our financial goals are achieved through the careful and responsible application of science to generate value for our shareholders.

Chairman’s Statement

I am delighted to report that ECO Animal Health has delivered another strong performance in the six months to 30 September 2015. This advance has continued the good performance achieved in the last financial year which was driven by further growth in North America, China and Europe, and boosted by the acquisition of distribution rights in Southeast Asia reported last year. It is extremely encouraging that the company has built on these successes in the period under review. These results have been achieved despite the ongoing relative strength of sterling against the majority of currencies in which we trade.

ECO operates in a market segment that provides essential medications to the global animal protein production industry which seeks to meet the ever growing demand from a world prospering from technological and social progress.

Financial performance

Sales rose by 27% to £21.5m (2014: £17.0m), while EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, share based payments and foreign exchange movements) increased by 26% to £4.3m (2014: £3.4m), equivalent to 36% at constant exchange rates (CER). The balance sheet retains its strength and Group cash at the period end was £17.0m (2014: £14.3m). The Group cash balance stated after investing £2.4 million in planned increases in strategic stock levels. Pre-tax profit rose by over 33% to £2.7m (2014: £2.0m), while earnings per share were ahead by 31% at 3.52 pence (2014: 2.68 pence). The board is pleased to increase the interim dividend by 27% to 1.9 pence per share (2014: 1.5 pence). The dividend will be paid on April 4th 2016 to shareholders on the register on 11 March 2016.

Operations

ECO Animal Health Group’s global sales grew by 28% at constant exchange rates (CER). Sales generated in all regions were ahead of the comparable period last year. Worldwide sales of Aivlosin®, our patented molecule for the treatment of economically important diseases of pigs and poultry, increased by 32% (over 34% at CER). Aivlosin® is prescribed under strict veterinary control at low but efficacious dose rates for short duration treatments of specified diseases and meets all the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for the responsible use of antimicrobials, which when used appropriately help ensure animal welfare and food safety.

ECO’s major regions achieved strong double digit Aivlosin® sales growth, the exceptions being the smaller markets in the Middle East and Africa, where sales declined modestly.

In China, our subsidiary, Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products, which was established over ten years ago, had another very successful trading period with sales rising 25 % in sterling.

Sales of Aivlosin® in North America increased by over 16% in sterling compared with the same period last year. This excellent result was achieved in a period of unusually mild weather and with the disease pressure considered by experts to be at its lowest for many years. We are well positioned to build on our excellent start as we wait for additional marketing authorisations to be granted in this important market.

In Japan, one of our most mature markets, total sales rose 22% in sterling (33% in yen) reflecting the benefits of a strategic business review and the development of closer ties with key customers.

In Brazil, sales were ahead by close to 75% in sterling (135% in local currency) as a result of winning several key tenders and an improved performance from non-tender business. In other parts of Latin America, the uncertain economic and political situation in Argentina, Mexico and Venezuela impacted our business although overall, the region reported good growth.

In July 2014 we acquired the business of our long-standing Southeast Asian distributor based in Kuala Lumpur, with representation throughout the region. This region has performed extremely well with sales up almost 60% in sterling. Following a strategic review of the opportunities offered by these important pig and poultry markets, the company has now established a representative office in the region and has begun to recruit locally.

Sales in Europe, including the UK, were ahead in the period, maintaining the positive momentum established last year, although the economic climate in the region remains challenging.

The company has continued to invest in its research and product development programme with the intention of obtaining additional marketing authorisations in the key pig and poultry production markets globally. Our announcement in September concerning the establishment of the official maximum residue level for Aivlosin® for poultry eggs received from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use at the European Medicines Agency is another example of our progress towards making the company a truly major force in worldwide animal health.

Outlook

The second half of the year has started well continuing the momentum of the first six months.

ECO is in excellent financial and commercial health and we look forward with confidence to delivering another strong set of results, backed by further penetration of key markets and the achievement of additional marketing authorisations.

Peter A Lawrence
4 December 2015

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

            Six months       Six months       Year    
to to ended
30.09.15 30.09.14 31.03.15
Notes (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
£000 £000 £000
Revenue 3 21,499 16,959 38,997
 
Cost of sales (12,552)       (9,333)       (21,546)
 
Gross Profit 8,947 7,626 17,451
 
Other operating income 118 138 293
Administrative expenses (4,921) (4,435) (9,402)
Currency (losses)/profits (67) 146 41
Amortisation of intangible assets (1,339) (1,236) (2,794)
Share based payments (120)       (162)       (252)
Profit from operating activities: 2,618 2,077 5,337
Net finance income/(expense) 76       (57)       (259)
 
Profit before income tax 2,694 2,020 5,078
 
Income tax (charge) (315)       (199)       (457)
 
Profit for the period from continuing operations 2,379       1,821       4,621
 
Attributable to:
Owners 2,158 1,606 4,094
Minority interest 221       215       527
2,379       1,821       4,621
 
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE 5 3.52p 2.68p 6.82p
 
FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE 5 3.47p 2.66p 6.79p
 
Earnings from continuing activities before
interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation
and share based payments 4,214 3,554 8,610
Exclude foreign exchange differences 67       (146)       (41)
EBITDA 4,281       3,408       8,569

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

      Six months       Six months       Year    
to to ended
30.09.15 30.09.14 31.03.15
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
£000 £000 £000
 
Profit for the period 2,379 1,821 4,621
 
Foreign currency translation differences (699) 36 350
Defined benefit pension plan - actuarial gains - - (55)
Revaluation of investment property - - 35
                 
Other comprehensive income for the period (699)       36       330
 
Total comprehensive income for the period 1,680 1,857 4,951
 
Attributable to:
Owners 1,674 1,579 4,090
Minority interest 6       278       861
1,680       1,857       4,951

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

      Share       Share       Other       Revaluation       Treasury       Retained       Total       Minority       Total    
Capital Premium Reserves Reserves Reserve Earnings Interest Equity
Account Account
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
 
At 1 April 2014 3,124 53,429 1,816 533 (5,217) 16,955 70,640 2,168 72,808

Total comprehensive income for the period:

Profit for the year - - - - - 4,094 4,094 527 4,621

Other comprehensive income

- - - -
Revaluation of investment property - - - 44 - - 44 - 44
Deferred taxation movements - - - (9) - - (9) - (9)
Foreign currency translation differences - - - - - 16 16 334 350
Actuarial (losses) on pension scheme assets -       -       -       -       -       (55)       (55)       -       (55)
Total comprehensive income for the period -       -       -       35       -       4,055       4,090       861       4,951

Transactions with owners

Issue of shares in the year 33 769 - - - - 802 - 802
Purchase of shares into treasury - - - - - (17) (17) - (17)
Dividends - - - - - (2,515) (2,515) - (2,515)
Share based payments - - 252 - - - 252 - 252

Transfer to retained earnings on option expiry

-       -       (293)       -       -       293       -       -       -

Total transactions with owners

33       769       (41)       -       -       (2,239)       (1,478)       -       (1,478)
At 31 March 2015 3,157       54,198       1,775       568       (5,217)       18,771       73,252       3,029       76,281
 

Total comprehensive income for the period:

Profit for the period - - - - - 2,158 2,158 221 2,379

Other comprehensive income

Foreign currency translation differences -       -       -       -       -       (484)       (484)       (215)       (699)
Total comprehensive income for the period -       -       -       -       -       1,674       1,674       6       1,680

Transactions with owners

Issue of shares in the year 37 1,054 - - - - 1,091 - 1,091
Repayment of loan from Employee Benefit Trust - - - - 2,315 - 2,315 - 2,315
Purchase of shares into treasury - - - - - (43) (43) - (43)
Share based payments - - 120 - - - 120 - 120
Transfer to retained earnings on option expiry - - (69) - - 69 - - -
Dividends -       -       -       -       -       (1,059)       (1,059)       (402)       (1,461)

Total transactions with owners

37       1,054       51       -       2,315       (1,033)       2,424       (402)       2,022
At 30 September 2015 3,194       55,252       1,826       568       (2,902)       19,412       77,350       2,633       79,983
 
Prior interim period
At 1 April 2014 3,124 53,429 1,816 533 (5,217) 16,955 70,640 2,168 72,808

Total comprehensive income for the period:

Profit for the period - - - - - 1,606 1,606 215 1,821

Other comprehensive income

Foreign currency translation differences -       -       -       -       -       (27)       (27)       63       36
Total comprehensive income for the period -       -       -       -       -       1,579       1,579       278       1,857

Transactions with owners

Share based payments - - 162 - - - 162 - 162
Transfer to retained earnings on option expiry - - (38) - - 38 - - -
Dividends -       -       -       -       -       (2,515)       (2,515)       -       (2,515)

Total transactions with owners

-       -       124       -       -       (2,477)       (2,353)       -       (2,353)
At 30 September 2014 3,124       53,429       1,940       533       (5,217)       16,057       69,866       2,446       72,312

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

            As at       As at       As at    
30.09.15 30.09.14 31.03.15
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
 
Notes £000 £000 £000
 
ASSETS
Non current assets
Goodwill and other intangibles 8 47,211 45,043 45,660
Property,plant and equipment 9 1,722 1,072 1,619
Investment property 10 187 147 189
Investments 9       9       9
49,129 46,271 47,477
 
Current assets
Inventories 11,905 9,536 9,833
Trade and other receivables 11,814 9,407 11,522
Income tax recoverable 10 46 39
Other taxes and social security 364 477 110
Cash and cash equivalents 16,960       17,521       20,091
41,053 36,987 41,595
                 
Total assets 90,182       83,258       89,072
 
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (9,362) (7,125) (9,542)
Short term borrowings - (3,229) (2,356)
Income tax (219) (119) (223)
Other taxes and social security (299) (268) (343)
Dividends (36)       (37)       (35)
(9,916) (10,778) (12,499)
 
Total assets less current liabilities 80,266 72,480 76,573
 
Non current liabilities
Deferred tax (183) (168) (192)
Dilapidations on property leases (100)       -       (100)
79,983       72,312       76,281
Equity
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 3,194 3,124 3,157
Share premium 55,252 53,429 54,198
Treasury reserve (2,902) (5,217) (5,217)
Revaluation reserve 568 533 568
Other reserves 1,826 1,940 1,775
Retained earnings 19,412       16,057       18,771
77,350 69,866 73,252
Minority interest 2,633       2,446       3,029
Total equity 79,983       72,312       76,281

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS

      Six months to       Six months to       Year ended    
30.09.15 30.09.14 31.03.15
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
 
£000 £000 £000
Cashflows from operating activities
Profit before tax 2,694 2,020 5,078
 
Adjustment for:
Net finance costs (76) 57 259
Depreciation of property plant and equipment 140 79 186
(Gains)/losses on disposal of non-current assets (2) - 41
Amortisation of intangible assets 1,339 1,236 2,538
Impairment of intangible assets - - 256
Pension payments - - (59)
Pension operating costs - - 4
Share based payments 120       162       252

Operating cash flow before movement in working
capital

4,215 3,554 8,555
 
Change in inventories (2,072) (2,564) (2,861)
Change in receivables (546) 289 (1,460)
Change in payables (224)       872       3,463
Cash generated from operations 1,373 2,151 7,697
 
Interest (paid) (5) (1) (31)
Income tax (paid) (299)       (314)       (446)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 1,069 1,836 7,220
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property plant and equipment (295) (179) (778)
Sale of motor vehicle 2 6 9

Costs of acquiring drug registrations and distribution
rights

(2,890) (3,107) (5,280)
Purchase of own shares (43) - (17)
Interest received 36       33       68
Net cash (used in) investing activities (3,190)       (3,247)       (5,998)
 
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share capital 3,406 - 802
Dividends paid (1,461)       (2,509)       (2,510)
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities 1,945       (2,509)       (1,708)
 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents

(176) (3,920) (486)
Foreign exchange movements (599) (28) (19)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the
period

17,735 18,240 18,240
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 16,960       14,292       17,735

NOTES TO THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2015

1. Basis of preparation

The financial information for the period to 30 September 2015 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined by Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. It has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in, and is consistent with, the audited financial statements for the twelve months to 31 March 2015.

The Group applies revised IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements (2007)”, which became effective as of 1 January 2009. As a result, the Group presents all non-owner changes in equity in consolidated statements of comprehensive income and all owner changes in equity in consolidated statements of changes in equity.

2. Statement of compliance

The interim financial statements do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements and do not comply with all of the disclosure requirements in IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting”. Accordingly, whilst the interim statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, they cannot be construed as being in full compliance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2015.

3. Revenue is derived from the Group’s animal pharmaceutical businesses.

4. Principal risks and uncertainties

These were set out on pages 58-60 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2015. The key exposures are to foreign currency exchange rates, potential delays in obtaining marketing authorisations and single sources of supply for some raw materials and have remained unchanged since the year end.

5. Earnings per share

      Six months to       Six months to       Year ended    
30.09.15 30.09.14 31.03.15
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
 
 
Weighted average number of shares in issue (000's) 61,307 59,871 60,007
Fully diluted weighted average number of shares in issue (000's) 62,087 60,312 60,289
 
Profit attributable to equity holders of the company (£'s) 2,158 1,606 4,094
 
Basic earnings per share (pence) 3.52 2.68 6.82
Fully diluted earnings per share (pence) 3.47 2.66 6.79

6. Dividends

      Six months to       Six months to       Year ended    
30.09.15 30.09.14 31.03.15
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
 
£000 £000 £000
Dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2014
62,474,231 shares at 4.2p per share. - 2,624 2,624
Dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2014
63,134,343 shares at 1.75p per share 1,105 - -
Dividend waived by employee benefit trust (46) (109) (109)
Dividend paid by subsidiary to non-controlling interests
(minorities) 402 - -
                 
1,461       2,515       2,515

The Company paid a further dividend of 3 pence per share on 2nd October 2015, after the period end.

The total paid after allowing for the dividend waived by the Employee Benefit Trust was £1.88 million.

7. Related party transactions

At the balance sheet date, ECO Animal Health Group plc owed P A Lawrence, a director of ECO Animal Health Group plc, and members of his family a balance amounting to £297,368 (30 September 2014: £133,843).

During the period the Group provided management services to C-Corp Limited, a company in which P A Lawrence is a director and holds equity interests. Fees charged were: £21,643 (2014: £21,663).

During the period the Group made sales to Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited at an arm’s length basis to the value of £1,143,425 (Six months to 30 September 2014: £2,913,590). At the end of this period there was an intercompany balance owing from this company of £464,109 (30 September 2014: £1,093,822).

The Group also made sales on an arm’s length basis to ECO Animal Health do Brasil Comercio de Productos Veterinarios Ltda to the value of £2,422,591 (Six months to 30 September 2014 £1,584,059). At the end of the period there was an intercompany balance of £440,345 (30 September 2014: £551,596).

The Group also made sales on an arm’s length basis to ECO Animal Health Japan Inc to the value of £494,849 (30 September 2014: £161,065). At the end of the period there was an intercompany balance of £298,098 (30 September 2014: £84,191).

The Group also made sales on an arm’s length basis to ECO Animal Health de Mexico to the value of £88,124 (Six months to September 2014: 62,941). At the end of the period there was an inter-company balance of £590,130 (30 September 2013: £814,965).

The Group also made sales on an arm’s length basis to ECO Animal Health USA Corp to the value of £1,821,017 (six months to 30 September 2014: 1,396,259). At the end of the period there was an inter-company balance of £2,055,451 (30 September 2014: £1,024,205).

The Group also made sales on an arm’s length basis to Pharmgate Animal Health Canada Inc to the value of £892,620 (six months to September 2014: £889,821). At the end of the period there was an inter-company balance of £174,544 (30 September 2014: £354,769).

All of the transactions have been eliminated on consolidation, as well as the whole of the balances relating to the subsidiaries and the group’s share of the balances relating to the US and Canadian joint ventures. During the period ECO Animal Health Ltd and ECO Animal Health Group plc received a dividend of £418,550 (2014: £nil) from Zhejiang ECO Biok Animal Health Products Limited.

8. Intangible non-current assets

            Distribution       Development          
Goodwill Rights Costs Total
Cost £000 £000 £000 £000
Cost at 1 April 2014 17,930 1,266 48,252 67,448
Additions - 176 2,931 3,107
                         
Cost at 30 September 2014 17,930 1,442 51,183 70,555
Additions - - 2,173 2,173
                         
Cost at 31 March 2015 17,930 1,442 53,356 72,728
Additions - - 2,890 2,890
                         
Cost at 30 September 2015 17,930       1,442       56,246       75,618
 
Amortisation
Amortisation at 1 April 2014 - 544 23,732 24,276
Charge for the period - 35 1,201 1,236
                         
Amortisation at 30 September 2014 - 579 24,933 25,512
Charge for the period - 36 1,266 1,302
Impairment for the year - - 256 256
Foreign exchange movements - - (2) (2)
                         
Amortisation at 31 March 2015 - 615 26,453 27,068
Charge for the period -       36       1,303       1,339
Amortisation at 30 September 2015 -       651       27,756       28,407
 
Net book value at 30 September 2015 17,930       791       28,490       47,211
 
Net book value at 1 April 2015 17,930       827       26,903       45,660
 
Net book value at 30 September 2014 17,930       863       26,250       45,043
 
Net book value at 1 April 2014 17,930       722       24,520       43,172

9. Property, plant and equipment

                  Fixtures,                
Freehold Plant and fittings & Motor
Property Machinery equipment Vehicles Total
Cost £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Cost at 1 April 2014 650 1,205 473 76 2,404
Additions - 58 93 27 178
Disposals -       -       -       (11)       (11)
Cost at 30 September 2014 650 1,263 566 92 2,571
Additions - 535 65 - 600
Disposals - (524) - - (524)
Foreign exchange movements -       153       -       (6)       147
Cost at 1 April 2015 650 1,427 631 86 2,794
Additions - 257 38 - 295
Disposals - - - (31) (31)
Foreign exchange movements -       (61)       (6)       -       (67)
Cost at 30 September 2015 650       1,623       663       55       2,991
 
Depreciation
Depreciation at 1 April 2014 9 934 402 57 1,402
Charge for the period 5 52 18 9 84
Disposals - - - (11) (11)
Foreign exchange movements -       24       -       -       24
Depreciation at 30 September 2014 14 1,010 420 55 1,499
Charge for the period 4 65 21 9 99
Disposals - (474) - - (474)
Foreign exchange movements -       52       1       (2)       51
Depreciation at 1 April 2015 18 653 442 62 1,175
Charge for the period 5 87 40 6 138
Disposals - - - (31) (31)
Foreign exchange movements -       (13)       -       -       (13)
Depreciation at 30 September 2015 23       727       482       37       1,269
 
Net book value
Net book value at 30 September 2015 627       896       181       18       1,722
 
Net book value at 1 April 2015 632       774       189       24       1,619
 
Net book value at 30 September 2014 636       253       146       37       1,072
 
Net book value at 1 April 2014 641       271       71       19       1,002

10 Investment property

      Freehold          
Property Total
Cost £000 £000
 
Cost at 1 April 2014 and 30 September 2014 157 157
 
Revaluation at 31 March 2015 32 32
         
Valuation at 31 March 15 and 30 September 2015 189       189
 
 
Depreciation
Depreciation at 1 April 2014 8 8
Charge for the period ended 30 September 2014 2 2
         
Depreciation at 30 September 2014 10 10
Charge for the period ended 31 March 2015 1 1
Elimination on revaluation 31 March 2015 (11)       (11)
Depreciation at 31 March 2015 - -
Charge for the period ended 30 September 2015 2 2
         
Depreciation at 30 September 2015 2       2
 
Net book value
Net book value at 30 September 2015 187       187
Net book value at 31 March 2015 189       189
Net book value at 30 September 2014 147       147
Net book value at 1 April 2014 149       149

This financial information was approved by the board on 04 December 2015.

Copies of this interim report are being sent to all of the Company’s shareholders. Further copies can be obtained from the Company’s registered office at 78 Coombe Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4QS.

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS       Peter Lawrence       (Chairman)    
Marc Loomes (Chief Executive)
Kevin Stockdale (Finance Director)
Julia Trouse

(Executive Director and
Company secretary)

Brett Clemo (Executive Director)
David Danson (Non-Executive Director)
Anthony Rawlinson (Non-Executive Director)
 
REGISTERED OFFICE 78 Coombe Road, New Malden, Surrey. KT3 4QS
Tel: 020-8336-2900 Fax: 020-8336-0909
 
COMPANY NUMBER 01818170
INFORMATION AT

www.ecoanimalhealthgroupplc.com

UK 100

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