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INTERIM RESULTS FOR SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2024

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RNS Number : 3279F  Niox Group PLC  24 September 2024

NIOX GROUP PLC

 

("NIOX" or the "Company"
and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group")

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2024

 

Oxford, UK - 24 September 2024: NIOX Group plc (AIM: NIOX), a company engaged
in the design, development, and commercialisation of medical devices for
asthma diagnosis and management, today announces its unaudited interim results
for the six months ended 30 June 2024 ("H1 2024").

 

Financial highlights

·    Revenue growth of 12% (15% on a constant currency basis) to £21.0
million (H1 2023: £18.8 million).

·    Clinical business revenue growth of 11% (14% on a constant currency
basis) to £18.5 million (H1 2023: £16.7 million).

·    Adjusted EBITDA(2) of £7.1 million (H1 2023: £6.2 million),
reflecting higher sales and a broadly flat cost base.

·    Adjusted EBITDA(2) margin 33.8% (H1 2023: 33.0%).

·    Adjusted basic earnings per share of 1.73p (H1 2023: 1.57p).

·    Cash generated from operations of £6.0 million (H1 2023: £5.1
million), of which £0.9 million (H1 2023: £1.1 million) was used in
discontinued operations.

·    Strong balance sheet with no debt and cash of £21.5 million as of 30
June 2024, notwithstanding the payment of a £4.2 million dividend in June
2024 (30 June 2023: £23.8 million, 31 December 2023: £19.9 million).

 

Financial progress

                                                               H1 2024  H1 2023

                                                               £m       £m
 Revenue                                                       21.0     18.8
 Gross margin                                                  72%      73%
 Total expenditure(1)                                          (8.1)    (7.5)
 Adjusted EBITDA(2)                                            7.1      6.2
 Operating profit                                              4.2      3.0
 Profit before tax from continuing operations                  4.4      2.9
 Profit for the financial period from discontinued operations  -        0.5
 Profit for the financial period                               4.4      3.4
 Cash at period end                                            21.5     23.8

(1) Excludes depreciation, amortisation and share option charge. See note 12
for reconciliation.

(2) Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and share option
charge. See note 12 for reconciliation.

 

Operational highlights

·      Expansion of distributor network in the USA to target areas of
untapped potential is expected to drive scalable revenue growth.

·      Continued expansion of our distributor network across EMEA.

·      A final dividend for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 of
1.0 pence per share (equating to a return of cash of £4.2 million) was paid
on 24 June 2024.

·      Development of NIOX Pro® in progress, the next generation of
clinical use device.

 

Post period end

·      Third payment of $4.5 million received from Beyond Air on 23
September 2024.

·      Tender offer announced today to repurchase approximately 26.25
million shares at 80 pence per share, returning £21.0 million to shareholders
if fully taken up.

·      Proforma cash after tender offer (if fully subscribed) and Beyond
Air receipt approximately £6.0 million at 24 September 2024.

 

Ian Johnson, NIOX's Executive Chairman, said: "I am pleased to report that the
Group continues to perform well with good growth in revenues and profits in
the first half of the year. Cash generation remained strong which has enabled
the Board to recommend a further return of capital to shareholders by way of a
Tender Offer, details of which are announced today.

 

The Board remains confident in achieving consensus expectations for the full
year."

 

Contacts

 NIOX Group plc                                               +44 (0) 3303 309 356

 Ian Johnson, Executive Chairman

 Michael Roller, Chief Financial Officer

 Singer Capital Markets (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)  +44 (0) 20 7496 3000

 Jen Boorer / James Fischer / James Todd

 Investec Bank plc (Financial Adviser and Joint Broker)       +44 (0) 20 7597 4000

 Ben Lawrence / Lydia Zychowska

 

About NIOX

Our mission is to improve asthma diagnosis and management by greater patient
access to FeNO testing. Asthma is one of the biggest healthcare issues
globally with 340 million sufferers, many of whom are undiagnosed or are
misdiagnosed. The Group is engaged in the design, development, and
commercialisation of medical devices for the measurement of FeNO, a precise
biomarker for asthma. Our market leading device, NIOX VERO®, is increasingly
recognised by healthcare professionals as an important tool to improve the
diagnosis and management of asthma. NIOX VERO® is also the device of choice
by leading clinical research organisations for respiratory studies.

 

NIOX provides products and services via its direct sales organisation and
extensive distributor network in 50 countries. For more information, please
visit www.niox.com (http://www.niox.com/)

 

 

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains certain projections and other forward-looking
statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations,
businesses and prospects of NIOX. The use of terms such as "may", "will",
"should", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "estimate", "intend", "continue",
"target" or "believe" and similar expressions (or the negatives thereof) are
generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements
are based on current expectations and involve risk and uncertainty because
they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that may or may not occur
in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results
or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements. Any of the assumptions underlying these
forward-looking statements could prove inaccurate or incorrect and therefore
any results contemplated in the forward-looking statements may not actually be
achieved. Nothing contained in this press release should be construed as a
profit forecast or profit estimate. Investors or other recipients are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements
contained herein. NIOX undertakes no obligation to update or revise (publicly
or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new
information, future events or other circumstances.

 

 

 

OPERATING REVIEW

 

Introduction

The Group performed well in the first half of 2024 with revenues up 12% (15%
on a constant currency basis) to £21.0 million (H1 2023: £18.8 million). The
business made a profit at an adjusted EBITDA level of £7.1 million (H1 2023:
£6.2 million).

 

Business review

NIOX is the market leader in point of care FeNO testing for the diagnosis and
management of asthma. The NIOX VERO® device is approved and reimbursed in
most major markets.

 

Clinical sales (to physicians and hospitals for use in clinical practice, and
to the Company's distributors) grew by 11% (14% on a constant currency basis)
to £18.5 million (H1 2023: £16.7 million). Recurring revenues from
consumables used for routine testing provide good visibility of earnings and
are typically more than 90% of clinical sales.

 

In constant currency terms, sales in the APAC region were 25% up on the prior
half year mainly as a result of higher testing volumes in Japan and China.
EMEA sales were up 9% and US sales growth was 8%.   Good progress was made
in the US in building out our distributor network to target areas of untapped
potential, and we believe that we are continuing to implement firm foundations
for our US business to deliver improved growth rates in the future.  Our
experience continues to indicate that testing volumes are highest in those
countries where awareness of FeNO is highest.

 

Research sales for the period (generated from pharmaceutical companies and
contract research organisations (CROs) for use in clinical studies) were £2.5
million (H1 2023: £2.1 million). Period comparisons are difficult given the
timing and number of clinical trials involving FeNO testing fluctuates from
year to year.

 

Discontinued operations

Profit from the discontinued COPD business was £nil in the first half of the
year (H1 2023: £0.5 million) as no information was received during the period
which would indicate the need for the rebate accrual to be revised.

 

The Group retains an accrual of £0.4 million (31 December 2023: £0.4
million) in respect of potential future rebate payments. Only de minimis
claims for rebates have been received since 31 December 2023.

 

The accrual for returns was £nil as at 30 June 2024 (31 December 2023: £0.1
million). A small number of claims were received in the period and the
remaining trivial balance of the accrual was released. No further return
claims will be received as the return claims period for all remaining batches
ended on 30 April 2024.

 

Cash used in discontinued operations was £0.9 million (H1 2023: £1.1
million). A payment of £0.4 million was made in respect of rebate and return
claims received in 2023, which was included in trade payables as at 31
December 2023. Additionally, a one-off payment of £0.5 million was made in
respect of an expense of the COPD business incurred and accrued for in 2021
but not invoiced until 2024.

 

Beyond Air

As a result of Beyond Air, Inc. ("Beyond Air") receiving approval from the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its LungFit® PH device, the Group
is entitled to receive payments of $10.5 million in total, in three
instalments as follows:

·      $2.5 million within 60 days of the approval of LungFit® by the
FDA ("FDA approval") - received on 24 August 2022.

·      $3.5 million within 60 days of the first anniversary of FDA
approval - received on 25 August 2023.

·      $4.5 million within 60 days of the second anniversary of FDA
approval - received on 23 September 2024.

 

In addition, the Group is entitled to a royalty of 5% of net sales of the
device, commencing on the second anniversary of FDA approval and capped at a
maximum of $6.0 million.

 

Investments

The Group has continued the development of its new NIOX Pro® device;
development costs incurred in the period are £0.2 million and have been
capitalised in accordance with the requirements of accounting standards.

 

The aggregate development costs including tooling of the NIOX Pro®, the next
generation of clinical device, should not exceed £2.0 million, with the bulk
of these costs being incurred in 2024. Initial revenues from this device are
not expected until late 2025.

 

Outlook

Trading during July and August has been slightly ahead of management
expectations. However, the ongoing strength of Sterling is negatively
impacting reported revenues, albeit with a negligible effect on EBITDA as the
geographic mix of our operations ensures that, in aggregate, costs are largely
incurred in the same currencies as revenue.

 

As at 31 August 2024, the Company's cash balance amounted to £23.7 million
and the Company had no debt. As a result of the Group's strong cash
generation, the Board is pleased to announce a return of cash to shareholders
by way of a tender offer which, if fully taken up, will return £21.0 million
to shareholders.

 

The Board remains confident in achieving consensus expectations for the full
year and in the Group's prospects for sustained growth in 2024 and beyond.

 

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

The first half of 2024 has been a period of continued growth for NIOX. The
level of FeNO testing carried out by our customers continues to grow,
resulting in the Group increasing both revenues and adjusted EBITDA.

 

                                                                  Six months ended  Six months ended  Twelve months

                                                                  30 June 2024      30 June 2023      ended

                                                                                                      31 December 2023
                                                                  £m                £m                £m
 Revenue                                                          21.0              18.8              36.8
 Cost of sales                                                    (5.8)             (5.1)             (10.3)
 Gross profit                                                     15.2              13.7              26.5
 Gross margin                                                     72%               73%               72%
 Research and development costs                                   (1.2)             (1.2)             (2.3)
 Sales and marketing costs                                        (5.7)             (5.6)             (11.2)
 Administrative expenses                                          (4.1)             (3.9)             (8.4)
 Adjusted EBITDA(1)                                               7.1               6.2               11.4
 Operating profit                                                 4.2               3.0               4.6
 Other losses                                                     (0.2)             (0.5)             (1.3)
 Other income                                                     -                 0.1               0.2
 Net finance income                                               0.4               0.3               0.6
 Profit before tax                                                4.4               2.9               4.1
 Taxation                                                         -                 -                 5.4
 Profit for the financial period from continuing operations       4.4               2.9               9.5
 Profit for the financial period from discontinued operations(2)  -                 0.5               1.2
 Profit for the financial period                                  4.4               3.4               10.7
 Cash and cash equivalents                                        21.5              23.8              19.9

(1) Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and share option
charge. Adjusted EBITDA reconciles to operating profit as shown in note 12.

(2) On 9 April 2020, the Group announced that that the development and
commercialisation agreement with AstraZeneca was terminating and as such the
results of the COPD business are classified as a discontinued operation.

 

Revenue

NIOX® revenues for the period were £21.0 million (H1 2023: £18.8 million)
which include clinical sales of £18.5 million (H1 2023: £16.7 million) and
research sales of £2.5 million (H1 2023: £2.1 million). NIOX® clinical
revenue represents sales to physicians and hospitals for use in clinical
practice and to the Company's distributors, while research revenue is from
pharmaceutical companies and contract research organisations (CROs) for use
in clinical studies.

A significant part of the increase in NIOX® revenue was attributable to the
growth in testing volumes in Japan and China.

 

Gross profit

Gross profit on NIOX® sales was £15.2 million (H1 2023: £13.7 million),
with a gross margin of 72% (H1 2023: 73%). Gross margin was lower than the
prior period due to a higher proportion of lower margin, device heavy research
sales and a lower proportion of higher margin test kit sales.

 

Sales and marketing costs

Sales and marketing costs increased to £5.7 million (H1 2023: £5.6 million).
Labour costs were higher due to increased headcount in the US.

 

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses increased to £4.1 million (H1 2023: £3.9 million)
due to higher labour costs, particularly in relation to the accrued cash bonus
payable to the Executive Directors, which was previously paid as shares and
thus did not affect adjusted EBITDA.

 

Earnings per share

Basic profit per share for the period was 1.04p (H1 2023: 0.81p) and diluted
profit per share for the period was 0.97p (H1 2023: 0.76p) reflecting a profit
for the period of £4.4 million (H1 2023: £3.4 million). Basic profit per
share from continuing operations was 1.04p (H1 2023: 0.69p) and diluted profit
per share from continuing operations was 0.97p (H1 2023: 0.64p) reflecting a
profit from continuing operations for the financial period of £4.4 million
(H1 2023: £2.9 million).

Excluding the impact of depreciation, amortisation and share option charge,
adjusted basic profit per share for the period was 1.73p (H1 2023: 1.57p)
reflecting an adjusted profit for the period of £7.3 million (H1 2023: £6.6
million). See note 6.

 

Statement of financial position

Net assets as at 30 June 2024 decreased to £81.8 million (31 December 2023:
£83.8 million) largely as a result of a lower intangible assets value
following amortisation, partly offset by a higher cash balance.

Current liabilities as at 30 June 2024 were £5.4 million (31 December 2023:
£7.2 million). The decrease is mainly due to lower trade payables, in
particular lower accruals relating to discontinued operations, as £0.9
million was settled in the period.

 

Cash flow

The Group's cash position (including cash and cash equivalents) increased from
£19.9 million as at 31 December 2023 to £21.5 million as at 30 June 2024.
The Group has no debt.

Cash generated from operations during the period aggregated £6.0 million (H1
2023: £5.1 million), of which £0.9 million (H1 2023: £1.1 million) was used
in discontinued operations. The increase in cash generation is due to the
increased profitability of the Group.

A dividend totalling £4.2 million (H1 2023: £nil) was paid to shareholders
in the period.

Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents arose as a result of
translation of foreign currency balances at the beginning and end of the
relevant period. The exchange loss for the period was £0.1 million (H1 2023:
£0.4 million).

 

 

Michael Roller

Chief Financial Officer

 

24 September 2024

 

 

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

NIOX has considered the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group for
the first six months of 2024 and does not consider them to have changed
materially from those set out on pages 38 to 41 of the 2023 annual report and
accounts, which is available on the Group's website. A summary of these risks
and uncertainties is as follows:

 

Cyber security

If the Group fails to sufficiently detect, monitor, or respond to
cyber-attacks against its systems this may result in disruption of service,
compromise of sensitive data, financial loss and reputational damage.

 

Supply Chain

The Group relies on third parties for the supply of key materials, finished
products and services, including shipping. Some materials may only be
available from one source, and regulatory requirements may make substitution
costly and time-consuming.

 

Commercial success

The Group's competitors, some of whom have considerably greater financial and
human resources, may develop more effective products, launch similar products
at a lower price or be able to compete more effectively in the markets
targeted by the Group.

The Group may face issues selling its products if there is no payer coverage
or inclusion of these products by health insurance schemes, or if large payers
that currently cover FeNO testing shift to a negative coverage policy.

 

Compliance with healthcare regulations

The Group must comply with complex regulations in relation to the marketing of
its devices. These regulations are strictly enforced. Failure by the Group (or
its commercial partners) to comply with relevant legislation and regulations
in the countries in which it operates may result in criminal and civil
proceedings against the Group.

 

Foreign exchange fluctuations

Foreign exchange fluctuations may adversely affect the Group's results and
financial condition. The Group records its transactions and prepares its
financial statements in British pound sterling, but a significant proportion
of its cashflows are in United States dollars, Swedish krona, euros and
Chinese yuan.

 

Staff retention

Failure to attract, retain and develop people could lead to a lack of critical
skills, knowledge and experience, which could hinder both daily operations and
growth potential.

 

 

 

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2024

 

                                                                                     Six months ended  Six months ended  Twelve months ended

                                                                                     30 June 2024      30 June 2023      31 December 2023

                                                                                     Unaudited         Unaudited         Audited

                                                                              Notes  £m                £m                £m
 Continuing operations

 Revenue from contracts with customers                                        3      21.0              18.8              36.8
 Cost of sales                                                                       (5.8)             (5.1)             (10.3)
 Gross profit                                                                        15.2              13.7              26.5

 Research and development costs                                                      (1.2)             (1.2)             (2.3)
 Sales and marketing costs                                                           (5.7)             (5.6)             (11.2)
 Administrative expenses                                                             (4.1)             (3.9)             (8.4)
 Operating profit                                                             3      4.2               3.0               4.6

 Other losses                                                                        (0.2)             (0.5)             (1.3)
 Other income                                                                 4      -                 0.1               0.2
 Finance costs                                                                       (0.1)             (0.1)             (0.2)
 Finance income                                                                      0.5               0.4               0.8
 Profit before tax                                                                   4.4               2.9               4.1

 Taxation                                                                            -                 -                 5.4
 Profit from continuing operations                                                   4.4               2.9               9.5

 Profit from discontinued operations (attributable to equity holders of NIOX  5      -                 0.5               1.2
 Group plc)
 Profit for the period                                                               4.4               3.4               10.7

 Other comprehensive income / (expense)
 Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss
 Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations                           1.7               5.4               (0.2)
 Other comprehensive income / (expense) for the period, net of tax                   1.7               5.4               (0.2)
 Total comprehensive income for the period                                           6.1               8.8               10.5

 Earnings per share attributable to owners of the parent during the period
 (expressed in pence per share)

                                                                                     Six months ended  Six months ended  Twelve months ended

                                                                                     30 June 2024      30 June 2023      31 December 2023

                                                                                     Unaudited         Unaudited         Audited
 Basic earnings per share                                                            Pence             Pence             Pence
 Basic earnings per share for profit from continuing operations               6      1.04              0.69              2.26
 Basic earnings per share for profit for the period                           6      1.04              0.81              2.55

 Diluted earnings per share                                                          Pence             Pence             Pence
 Diluted earnings per share for profit from continuing operations             6      0.97              0.64              2.11
 Diluted earnings per share for profit for the period                         6      0.97              0.76              2.38

 

The notes below are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated
financial statements.

 

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 30 JUNE 2024

 

                                       30 June    30 June    31 December

                                       2024       2023       2023
                                       Unaudited  Unaudited  Audited
                                Notes  £m         £m         £m
 Assets
 Non-current assets
 Property, plant and equipment         0.3        0.3        0.3
 Right-of-use assets                   0.8        1.3        1.1
 Goodwill                              4.4        4.3        4.6
 Intangible assets                     25.3       27.7       28.2
 Trade and other receivables    7      -          3.4        -
 Deferred tax assets            8      22.6       23.9       23.8
                                       53.4       60.9       58.0

 Current assets
 Inventories                           4.1        3.6        4.8
 Trade and other receivables    7      8.5        7.5        8.8
 Cash and cash equivalents             21.5       23.8       19.9
                                       34.1       34.9       33.5
 Total assets                          87.5       95.8       91.5

 Equity and liabilities
 Share capital                         0.3        0.3        0.3
 Share premium                         0.1        -          0.1
 Other reserves                        16.0       12.2       18.2
 Retained earnings                     65.4       68.4       65.2
 Total equity                          81.8       80.9       83.8

 Liabilities
 Non-current liabilities
 Lease liabilities                     0.3        0.8        0.5
 Deferred tax liabilities       8      -          7.0        -
                                       0.3        7.8        0.5

 Current liabilities
 Trade and other payables       9      4.8        6.5        6.6
 Lease liabilities                     0.6        0.6        0.6
                                       5.4        7.1        7.2
 Total liabilities                     5.7        14.9       7.7
 Total equity and liabilities          87.5       95.8       91.5

 

The notes below are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated
financial statements.

 

 

 

Ian
Johnson
Michael Roller

Executive
Chairman
            Chief Financial Officer
NIOX Group
plc
            NIOX Group plc

 

Registered number: 05822706

 

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2024

 

                                                                       Six months ended  Six months ended  Twelve months ended

                                                                       30 June 2024      30 June 2023      31 December 2023

                                                                       Unaudited         Unaudited         Audited
                                                                Notes  £m                £m                £m
 Cash flows from operating activities
 Cash generated from operations                                 10     6.0               5.1               11.7
 Interest paid                                                         (0.1)             (0.1)             (0.1)
 Net cash generated from operating activities                          5.9               5.0               11.6

 Cash flows from investing activities
 Payments for property, plant and equipment                            (0.1)             (0.1)             (0.1)
 Payments for intangible assets                                        (0.2)             -                 (0.2)
 Net cash used in investing activities                                 (0.3)             (0.1)             (0.3)

 Cash flows from financing activities
 Interest received                                                     0.4               0.2               0.6
 Principal element of lease payments                                   (0.2)             (0.3)             (0.7)
 Dividends paid                                                        (4.2)             -                 (10.5)
 Proceeds received from exercise of share options                      0.1               -                 0.1
 Net cash used in financing activities                                 (3.9)             (0.1)             (10.5)

 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                             1.7               4.8               0.8
 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January                                19.9              19.4              19.4
 Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents         (0.1)             (0.4)             (0.3)
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                            21.5              23.8              19.9

 

The notes below are an integral part of these condensed interim consolidated
financial statements.

 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.   General information

NIOX Group plc is a public company limited by shares which is listed on the
Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and incorporated and domiciled in the
United Kingdom. The Company is resident in England and the

registered office is Hayakawa Building, Edmund Halley Road, Oxford Science
Park, Oxford, OX4 4GB.

 

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved for
issue on 24 September 2024.

 

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have not been audited
or reviewed. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not
comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies
Act 2006. Statutory accounts for NIOX Group plc for the year ended 31 December
2023 were approved by the Board of Directors on 26 March 2024 and delivered to
the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts was
unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not
contain any statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

Basis of preparation

This condensed consolidated interim financial report for the period ended 30
June 2024 has been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standard IAS 34
Interim Financial Reporting, except for:

·      A statement of changes in equity has not been presented; and

·      The deferred tax asset has not been revalued.

 

The interim report does not include all the notes of the type normally
included in an annual financial report. Accordingly, this report is to be read
in conjunction with the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31
December 2023 and any public announcements made by NIOX Group plc during the
interim reporting period.

 

Going concern

In assessing the appropriateness of the going concern assumption, the Board
has considered the availability of funding alongside the possible cash
requirements of the Group and Company. After due consideration, the directors
have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least 12 months
from the date of this report.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous
financial year and corresponding interim reporting period.

 

Use of estimates and assumptions

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 condensed 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 annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

 

Financial instruments

The Group's financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents,
receivables and payables arising directly from operations, and derivatives.
The directors consider that the fair values of the Group's financial
instruments do not differ significantly from their carrying values.

 

2.   Financial and capital risk management

The condensed interim financial statements do not include all financial and
capital risk management information and disclosures required in the annual
financial statements; they should be read in conjunction with the Group's
annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.

 

The majority of operating costs are denominated in British pound sterling,
United States dollar, Swedish krona, euro and Chinese yuan. Foreign exchange
risk arises from future commercial transactions and recognised assets and
liabilities. The directors expect foreign exchange volatility to continue to
affect the Group's results and the resulting impact will be assessed in the
annual report.

 

3.   Operating segments

The chief operating decision-maker, the Executive Chairman, examines the
Group's performance from a product perspective, and has identified one
reportable segment in the continuing business:

-     NIOX® relates to the portfolio of products used to improve asthma
diagnosis and management by measuring fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).

The COPD business has been classified as a discontinued operation. Information
about this discontinued segment is provided in note 5.

The table below presents operating loss information regarding the Group's
operating segments for the periods ended 30 June 2024 and 2023, and the year
ended 31 December 2023. Only the results for the Group's continuing activities
are included to aid comparison.

 

                                                       NIOX®   Head office  Total
                                                       £m      £m           £m
 Six months ended 30 June 2024
 Revenue                                               21.0    -            21.0
 Operating profit / (loss) from continuing operations  6.1     (1.9)        4.2
 Six months ended 30 June 2023
 Revenue                                               18.8    -            18.8
 Operating profit / (loss) from continuing operations  4.9     (1.9)        3.0
 Twelve months ended 31 December 2023
 Revenue                                               36.8    -            36.8
 Operating profit / (loss) from continuing operations  9.1     (4.5)        4.6

 

There were no sales between the segments in either reporting period.

( )

4.   Other income

 

                               Six months ended 30 June 2024  Six months ended 30 June 2023  Twelve months ended 31 December 2023

                               £m                             £m                             £m
 Sub-lease rental income       -                              0.1                            0.2
 Total other income            -                              0.1                            0.2

 

The Chicago sub-lease ended on 29 February 2024. The Group's lease of the
Chicago property ended on the same date.

 

5.   Discontinued operations

On 9 April 2020, an agreement was signed to hand back the Tudorza® and
Duaklir® licences to AstraZeneca and as such, the results of the COPD
operating segment are reported as a discontinued operation. There were no
assets or liabilities classified as held for sale in relation to the
discontinued operation.

 

Financial information relating to the discontinued operation is set out below:

 

 Profit for the period
                                                                  Six months ended 30 June 2024  Six months ended 30 June 2023  Twelve months ended 31 December 2023

                                                                  £m                             £m                             £m
 Revenue                                                          -                              0.5                            1.2
 Profit from discontinued operations                              -                              0.5                            1.2

 Cashflow                                                         (0.9)                          (1.1)                          (2.0)

 Net cash outflow from operating activities
 Net cash used in discontinued operations                         (0.9)                          (1.1)                          (2.0)

 

Revenue recognised in the periods ending 30 June 2023 and 31 December 2023
relates to a revision of the rebate accrual based on information and claims
received during the period and forward-looking assumptions as to the value of
claims expected to be received in future financial period.

 

The cash outflow relates to the settlement of certain contractual liabilities
relating principally to rebates and returns, which were accrued for at the
time the business was discontinued.

 

Remaining accruals related to the discontinued operation totalled £0.4
million at the end of the period (31 December 2023: £1.3 million including
amounts in trade payables).

6.   Earnings per share

 

                                                                                Six months ended 30 June 2024  Six months ended 30 June 2023  Twelve months ended 31 December 2023

 Basic earnings per share

                                                                                Pence                          Pence                          Pence
 From continuing operations                                                     1.04                           0.69                           2.26
 From discontinued operations                                                   -                              0.12                           0.29
 Total basic earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of  1.04                           0.81                           2.55
 the Company

 

 Diluted earnings per share

                                                                               Pence   Pence   Pence
 From continuing operations                                                    0.97    0.64    2.11
 From discontinued operations                                                  -       0.12    0.27
 Total diluted earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders  0.97    0.76    2.38
 of the Company

 

 Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating earnings per share             £m    £m    £m
 Basic and diluted earnings per share
 Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company used in
 calculating basic and dilutive earnings per share:
                 From continuing operations                                    4.4   2.9   9.5
                 From discontinued operations                                  -     0.5   1.2
 Profit used as the basis of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share  4.4   3.4   10.7

 

The earnings used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share is the
same.

 

Adjusted basic earnings per share eliminates depreciation, amortisation and
share option charge. The prior year interim financial statements only excluded
the impact of amortisation. The comparatives have been restated.

 

 

                                                                              Six months ended 30 June 2024  Six months ended 30 June 2023  Twelve months ended 31 December 2023

                                                                              Pence                          Pence                          Pence

 Adjusted basic earnings per share

 From continuing operations                                                   1.73                           1.45                           3.87
 From discontinued operations                                                 -                              0.12                           0.29
 Total adjusted basic earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity  1.73                           1.57                           4.16
 holders of the Company

 

 

 

 Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating adjusted earnings per share    £m                                                  £m   £m
 Basic and diluted earnings per share
 Profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company used in
 calculating basic and dilutive earnings per share:
                 From continuing operations                                    4.4                                                 2.9  9.5
 From discontinued operations                                                                         -                            0.5  1.2
 Add back:
 Depreciation                                                                  0.2                                                 0.3  0.7
 Amortisation                                                                  1.9                                                 1.9  3.7
 Share option charge                                                           0.8                                                 1.0  2.4
 Adjusted profit used as the basis of calculating adjusted basic earnings per  7.3                                                 6.6  17.5
 share

 

 

 Weighted average number of shares                                              No.                  No.          No.
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in          422,921,155          419,577,589        420,205,077
 calculating basic earnings per share
 Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:
                 Share options                                                       30,225,299      29,153,971           28,443,873
                 Deferred shares                                                745,116              631,968                   629,308
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares used  453,891,570          449,363,528        449,278,258
 as the denominator in calculating diluted earnings per share

 

 

7.   Trade and other receivables

                                                30 June 2024  30 June 2023  31 December 2023

                                                £m            £m            £m
 Receivable within one year
 Trade receivables                              4.6           4.3           4.1
 Prepayments and accrued income                 0.4           0.5           0.6
 Other receivables                              3.5           2.7           4.1
 Total current trade and other receivables      8.5           7.5           8.8

 Receivable after one year
 Other receivables                              -             3.4           -
 Total non-current trade and other receivables  -             3.4           -

 

Other receivables relate to the consideration due from Beyond Air. Included in
current other receivables is £3.5 million (H1 2023: £2.7 million) and
included in non-current other receivables is £nil (H1 2023: £3.4 million).
The final payment was received from Beyond Air on 23 September 2024.

 

8.   Deferred taxation

 

                      Intangibles  Tax losses  Net deferred tax asset

                      £m           £m          £m
 At 30 June 2023      (7.0)        23.9        16.9
 At 31 December 2023  (6.3)        30.1        23.8
 At 30 June 2024      (6.3)        28.9        22.6

 

                           30 June 2024  30 June 2023  31 December 2023

                                                       £m

                           £m            £m
 Deferred tax liabilities  -             (7.0)         -
 Deferred tax assets       22.6          23.9          23.8
 Total deferred tax asset  22.6          16.9          23.8

 

The Group does not review the assumptions relating to the net deferred tax
asset at the half year end. The movement in the deferred tax asset in the
period is due to foreign exchange fluctuations as the asset is denominated in
Swedish krona.

 

On consolidation, a deferred tax asset in respect of deductible temporary
differences relating to tax losses is recognised to the extent of the relevant
deferred tax liability relating to intangible assets. These balances relate to
the same taxation authority and have therefore been offset.

 

The Group has the following unrecognised potential deferred tax assets as at:

 

                                        30 June 2024  30 June 2023  31 December 2023

                                        £m            £m            £m
 Losses                                 90.9          76.0          90.9
 Total unrecognised deferred tax asset  90.9          76.0          90.9

 

9.   Trade and other payables

                                  30 June 2024  30 June 2023  31 December 2023

                                  £m            £m            £m
 Trade payables                   0.9           2.3           1.1
 Social security and other taxes  0.2           0.3           0.8
 Accruals                         3.2           3.6           4.3
 Other payables                   0.5           0.3           0.4
 Total trade and other payables   4.8           6.5           6.6

 

 

 

10.  Cash generated from operations

 

Reconciliation of profit before tax to net cash generated from operations

 

                                                      Six months ended 30 June 2024  Six months ended 30 June 2023  Twelve months ended 31 December 2023

                                                      £m                             £m                             £m

 Profit from continuing operations before tax         4.4                            2.9                            4.1
 Profit from discontinued operations before tax       -                              0.5                            1.2
 Profit before tax                                    4.4                            3.4                            5.3

 Adjustment for:
 Finance income                                       (0.5)                          (0.4)                          (0.8)
 Finance costs                                        0.1                            0.1                            0.2
 Depreciation charge of right-of-use assets           0.2                            0.3                            0.7
 Amortisation charge of intangible assets             1.9                            1.9                            3.7
 Share based payment charge                           0.8                            1.0                            2.4
 Foreign exchange on non-operating cash flows         (0.3)                          -                              0.8
 Changes in working capital:
 (Increase)/ decrease in trade and other receivables  (0.1)                          (0.2)                          2.7
 Decrease/ (increase) in inventories                  0.5                            0.2                            (0.8)
 Decrease in trade and other payables                 (1.0)                          (1.2)                          (2.5)
 Cash generated from operations                       6.0                            5.1                            11.7

 

11.  Related party transactions

There have been no new IAS 24 related-party transactions in the first six
months of the current financial year.

 

 

12.  Reconciliation of alternative performance measures

 

Total expenditure

 

Total expenditure excludes depreciation, amortisation and share option charge.

 

Total expenditure is an alternative performance measure, and reconciles to the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income as below:

 

                                                     Six months ended 30 June 2024  Six months ended 30 June 2023  Twelve months ended 31 December 2023

                                                     £m                             £m                             £m
 Research and development costs                      (1.2)                          (1.2)                          (2.3)
 Sales and marketing costs                           (5.7)                          (5.6)                          (11.2)
 Administrative expenses                             (4.1)                          (3.9)                          (8.4)
 Add back:
                 Depreciation                        0.2                            0.3                            0.7
                 Amortisation                        1.9                            1.9                            3.7
                 Share option charge                 0.8                            1.0                            2.4
 Total expenditure                                   (8.1)                          (7.5)                          (15.1)

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

Adjusted EBITDA excludes items of income and expenditure which might have an
impact on the quality of earnings, such as the share option charge.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is an alternative performance measure, and reconciles to
operating profit as below:

 

                      Six months ended 30 June 2024  Six months ended 30 June 2023  Twelve months ended 31 December 2023

                      £m                             £m                             £m

 Adjusted EBITDA      7.1                            6.2                            11.4
 Depreciation         (0.2)                          (0.3)                          (0.7)
 Amortisation         (1.9)                          (1.9)                          (3.7)
 Share option charge  (0.8)                          (1.0)                          (2.4)
 Operating profit     4.2                            3.0                            4.6

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The directors confirm that these condensed interim financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34,
'Interim Financial Reporting', except for the areas describe in the basis of
preparation section in note 1, and that the interim management report includes
a fair review of the information required, 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 directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Group's
website www.investors.niox.com (http://www.investors.niox.com) .

 

The directors of NIOX Group plc are listed on pages 38 to 41 of the 2023
annual report and accounts.

 

Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of interim
financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

On behalf of the Board

 

 

Ian Johnson
                      Michael Roller

Executive Chairman
 
Chief Financial Officer

24 September 2024

 

 

 

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