TIDMTUNE

RNS Number : 2959X

Focusrite PLC

25 April 2023

Strictly embargoed until 07:00: 25 April 2023

Focusrite plc ("Focusrite" or "the Group")

Half year results for the six months ended 28 February 2023

Focusrite plc, the global music and audio products company supplying hardware and software used by professional and amateur musicians and the entertainment industry, today announces its half year results for the six months ended 28 February 2023.

Commenting on the results, Tim Carroll CEO said:

" Focusrite plc is a much bigger business since pre-COVID with eleven brands operating globally across different, but complementary markets. This past half year has showcased just how well the Group's diversification strategy has paid off, giving us increased resilience in the face of global and industry wide headwinds.

"Revenue in our Content Creation division has been impacted by industry-wide surplus channel inventory and softening in demand along with a planned channel inventory reduction ahead of a large product release programme coming in the second half. Pleasingly, our Audio Reproduction division, as anticipated, has experienced strong growth and is now ahead of pre pandemic levels. Despite challenging markets, the Group is still showing material growth over pre pandemic levels and has retained our strong market share, underscored by rock solid brand positions."

Key financial metrics

 
                                                                     HY23    HY22 
 
 Revenue (GBP million)                                               86.2    92.9 
                                                                   -------  ------ 
 Gross Margin                                                       47.1%    46.6% 
                                                                   -------  ------ 
 Adjusted(1) EBITDA(2) (GBP million)                                 18.1    22.2 
                                                                   -------  ------ 
 Operating profit (GBP million)                                      11.5    16.3 
                                                                   -------  ------ 
 Adjusted(1) operating profit (GBP million)                          14.2    19.1 
                                                                   -------  ------ 
 Basic earnings per share (p)                                        14.4    23.1 
                                                                   -------  ------ 
 Adjusted(1) diluted earnings per share (p) (4) (HY22: restated)     18.0    26.2 
                                                                   -------  ------ 
 Interim dividend per share (p)                                      2.1     1.85 
                                                                   -------  ------ 
 Net (debt)(3) cash (GBP million)                                   (13.2)   18.0 
                                                                   -------  ------ 
 

Highlights

-- Revenue decreased by 7.2% reflecting an organic constant currency(5) decrease of 19.0%, with market and channel weakness impacting the Focusrite and Novation brands, partially offset by strong double digit growth in the remaining brands

o Content Creation brands revenue was down by 16.1% to GBP67.4 million (HY22: GBP80.4 million) with Focusrite and Novation impacted by surplus channel inventory levels and a some softening in the market due to global macroeconomic issues, together with a planned reduction of inventory in advance of upcoming product releases. ADAM and Sequential showing strong growth with prize winning product launches and are helped by weaker prior year comparators

o Audio Reproduction brands revenue is up by 50.7% to GBP18.8 million (HY22: GBP12.5 million) benefitting from a resurgence in live events and a strong performance from Linea Research, acquired in March 2022.

-- Growth in EMEA region of 3.4% following ongoing changes to strengthen our routes to market. North America was impacted by high levels of inventory in the channel and ROW by market weakness in APAC

-- Acquisition of Sonnox on 19 December 2022 for cash consideration of GBP7.2 million (net of cash acquired of GBP1.9 million) has performed to plan and is contributing positively to the Group

-- Gross margin at 47.1% (HY22: 46.6%) is 0.5% points higher than HY22 and 3.0% points higher than H2 FY22. Freight costs have reduced significantly, with some of that benefit reinvested in promotions to support sales

-- Adjusted(1) EBITDA(2) at GBP18.1 million, down from HY22 at GBP22.2 million, reflecting lower sales, notwithstanding stronger gross margins and strong cost control

-- Operating profit of GBP11.5 million (HY22: GBP16.3 million) impacted by increased amortisation from acquisitions and new product launches

-- Launch of 21 new products, including a new Sequential synthesiser and a range of Martin speakers all expected to contribute in the second half of this year

-- Net debt(3) of GBP13.2 million (HY22: net cash GBP18.0 million) has increased to fund acquisitions and to support higher inventory levels during a period of key product transitions

-- Interim dividend of 2.1 pence, 13.5% growth compared to HY22 dividend of 1.85 pence

Trading since the half year has remained solid. The outlook for the Group is positive with inventory in the channel beginning to improve and continued strength in the buoyant live sound market. We anticipate revenue growth in the second half to be in line with expectations, driven by a number of planned key product introductions alongside elevated costs due to promotions for existing products . We continue to execute on our established and proven growth strategy combining organic growth with focussed M&A activity.

1 Adjusted for amortisation of acquired intangible assets, sale of trademark and other adjusting items detailed in note 4 to the Interim Statement

2 Comprising earnings adjusted for interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation.

3 Net debt/cash defined as cash and cash equivalents, overdrafts and amounts drawn against the RCF including the costs of arranging the RCF

4 Restated to include the deferred tax credit arising on the amortisation of acquired intangibles, which was not previously included. See note 1.8 to the interim financial statements

5 Organic constant currency growth. This is calculated by comparing HY22 revenue to HY23 revenue adjusted for HY23 exchange rates and the impact of acquisitions.

Enquiries:

 
 Focusrite plc: 
 Tim Carroll (CEO)                        +44 1494 462246 
 Sally McKone (CFO)                       +44 1494 462246 
 
 Investec Bank plc ( Nominated Adviser 
  and Joint Broker) 
  David Flin 
  Ed Knight 
  William Brinkley                        +44 20 7597 5970 
 
  Peel Hunt LLP (Joint broker) 
  Paul Gillam 
  Michael Burke 
  James Smith                              +44 20 7418 8900 
 Belvedere Communications                  +44 20 3008 6864 
 John West 
 Llew Angus 
 

Notes to Editors

Focusrite plc is a global audio products group that develops and markets proprietary hardware and software products. Used by audio professionals and musicians, its solutions facilitate the high-quality production of recorded and live sound. The Group trades under eleven established brands: Focusrite, Focusrite Pro, Novation, Ampify, ADAM Audio, Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Linea Research, Sequential, Oberheim and Sonnox.

With a high-quality reputation and a rich heritage spanning decades, its brands are category leaders in the music-making and audio recording industries. Focusrite and Focusrite Pro design and manufacture audio interfaces and other products for recording musicians, producers and professional audio facilities. Novation and Ampify products are used in the creation of electronic music, from synthesisers and grooveboxes to industry-shaping controllers and inspirational music-making apps. ADAM Audio studio monitors have earned a worldwide reputation based on technological innovation in the field of studio loudspeaker technology. Martin Audio designs and manufactures performance-ready systems across the spectrum of sound reinforcement applications. Linea Research designs, develops, manufactures and sells market innovative professional audio equipment globally. Sequential designs and manufactures high-end analogue synthesizers under the Sequential and Oberheim brands. Sonnox is a leading designer of innovative, high quality, award-winning audio processing software plug-ins for professional audio engineers.

The Group has offices in four continents and a global customer base with a distribution network covering approximately 240 territories.

Focusrite plc is traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

Business and operating review

Overview

We are pleased to report our financial results and summary of operations for the six months ended 28 February 2023.

Overall demand for the Group's products across our Content Creation and Audio Reproduction divisions has remained resilient notwithstanding the challenging macroeconomic backdrop and our diversification across these two divisions has proven to be an effective strategy over the past four years. When the pandemic hit during FY20 and live events were effectively shut down, our Content Creation division experienced unprecedented growth, offsetting the large decline in the Audio Reproduction division revenue. This past half year, demand for Content Creation solutions has softened albeit it remains at a higher level than pre-pandemic. However, we have seen demand for our Audio Reproduction product portfolio exceeding pre-pandemic levels, supported by new products developed during the pandemic and a strengthened supply chain, especially since the acquisition of Linea Research in March 2022. With revenue for our Audio Reproduction brands up 50.7% and our Content Creation brands down 16.1%, overall Group revenue for HY23 is down 7.2% when compared to HY22. On an organic constant currency basis, the Audio Reproduction

division was up 25.3% with the Content Creation division down 25.2%, resulting in Group revenue down 19.0%.

The Group's stronger gross margins at 47.1% (HY22: 46.6%) have been the result of proactively managing our logistics and routes to market, as well as increasing prices on some elements of our product portfolio. These efforts, along with a continued easing in freight costs, normalising of component prices, and a reduction in supply chain issues have resulted in an improvement in gross margin compared with both H1 and H2 of the prior year.

In December 2022, the Group announced that it had acquired Sonnox, a leading software developer of audio plug-ins and tools used in every aspect of the audio industry, including music production, television, film, and live broadcasting. Sonnox is based near Oxford, United Kingdom. Beyond the additional revenue of Sonnox's portfolio, many opportunities for collaboration between Sonnox and the Group's other industry leading brands are being pursued. This was one of the key reasons for making the acquisition and we are extremely pleased with the integration and co-collaboration achieved to date.

People, Culture and Strategy

One of our greatest assets is our enormously talented and passionate group of employees who work tirelessly to develop and improve our industry leading brands. They are committed to audio excellence and have rallied around a common mission of 'Removing Barriers to Creativity' with great enthusiasm.

Our customer base continues to grow, encompassing a much wider range of users from the beginner or enthusiast level right through to professionals and corporate, educational or other enterprise facilities. At all levels, our customers depend on our products and solutions to provide the highest quality audio possible in an environment where our technology aids their experiences, instead of getting in the way.

Our growth strategy is centred around innovation, market expansion and lifetime value for our customers, as well as creating a great place to work. The Group has executed well on all of these, adding new products to our portfolio, expanding our global reach in strategic areas, and maintaining industry leading Net Promoter Scores ('NPS').

Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG') priorities form an important and growing pillar of the culture across the Group, centred around the objective of creating a 'Great Place to Work', not just for employees but also within society and the environment. We have expanded our efforts on eNPS (employee Net Promoter Score), talent acquisition, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) initiatives, wellness programmes, community employment opportunities and charitable work to involve all of our business units across the globe.

Our ESG work relating to the environment continues to develop and since our last Annual Report, we have made solid progress towards having our first standalone TCFD report, which we expect to complete this year. Alongside this, the Group is also working with McGrady Clarke and utilising the Ecoinvent Database to help us plan out our Science Based Targets trajectory. In parallel, new products across the Group will incorporate recycled materials and plastic free boxes wherever feasible.

Operating review

Our Group's portfolio consists of eleven leading brands across five main businesses, which are categorised into two divisions, Content Creation and Audio Reproduction.

Content Creation includes:

o Focusrite Audio Engineering (FAEL): Focusrite, Focusrite Pro, Novation and Ampify

o ADAM Audio

o Sequential and Oberheim

o Sonnox

Audio Reproduction consists of:

o Martin Audio: Martin Audio, Optimal Audio and Linea Research

Segmental analysis can be found in the table below:

 
                                                                                                              Year to 
                                                                       Six months to       Six months to    31 August 
                                                                    28 February 2023    28 February 2022         2022 
                                                                             GBP'000             GBP'000      GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------- 
 Revenue from external customers 
 Focusrite                                                                    40,084              54,914       97,186 
 Novation                                                                      8,241              10,511       20,583 
 ADAM Audio                                                                   10,161               8,420       17,797 
 Sequential                                                                    8,679               6,589       16,249 
 Sonnox (1)                                                                      306                   -            - 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------- 
 Content Creation                                                             67,471              80,434      151,815 
 Martin Audio (including Optimal Audio and Linea Research (1) )               18,772              12,459       31,918 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------- 
 Audio Reproduction                                                           18,772              12,459       31,918 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------- 
 Total                                                                        86,243              92,893      183,733 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ----------- 
 

(1) Revenue from date of acquisition

Content Creation

Our Content Creation brands bring best in class audio recording technology, electronic music instruments and controllers, and studio reference monitors to content creators at all levels.

Our products are showcased in the finest recording and postproduction studios in the world, as well as in the homes of millions of hobbyists and aspiring professionals. Over the pandemic, across our 2020 and 2021 financial years, we saw accelerated growth as more customers sought solutions for creating and streaming content. This half year has seen a slight softening in the market due to global macroeconomic issues, as well as a phasing of inventory into the channel in late FY22 to ensure that adequate supply for the November and December holiday season was available. Overall, revenue in HY23 is down 16.1% compared to HY22, but demand compared with pre pandemic levels is still materially higher, with external customer registrations over the November and December 2022 holiday season up 22.1% compared to the same period in 2019.

Focusrite audio interfaces, comprised of our Scarlett, Clarett and Vocaster ranges, are a suite of audio interfaces designed to allow both beginners and professionals alike to create the best quality audio possible. These products are core to home recording and audio streaming.

During this half year inventory in our sales channels reduced by approximately one month compared to a slight build in the first half of last year, resulting in lower sales into the channel compared to the first half of FY22, in part due to preparations for a programme of product releases in the second half of this year. Global macroeconomic issues have impacted all regions, with market data indicating that North America was down at least 8%, and other regions declining further. However the sell-through to customers is still significantly ahead of pre-pandemic levels, and we have retained market share, consistently appearing as top sellers on leading external e-Commerce sites in the US and Europe. Vocaster sales have been below expectations due to a decrease in new podcasts since the end of the high growth experienced during the pandemic. We have reset our expectations for this product set, but still believe it is a viable segment. Overall, these factors resulted in a 27.1% decline in revenue, when compared with HY22. The Group is expecting a stronger second half driven by new product introductions.

Focusrite Pro offers a suite of solutions for professionals that employ audio over "audio over internet protocol" (AOIP) technology for scale in enterprise solutions. This sector of our business was the hardest hit by the AKM chip manufacturer's fire in Japan in October 2020 that required in a re-engineering of much of the portfolio, with many products in the portfolio only coming back into the market very late in the first half, after over 24 months' disruption. On a like for like basis, revenue decreased by 16.0% compared to HY22. Despite supply issues, underlying demand for the products has continued to be strong, fuelled by the ever-increasing amount of new content being generated for consumers, wider acceptance of enhanced formats, such as Dolby ATMOS, and more and more professionals adopting networked audio. The re-engineering of these products will complete in the second half with a return to normal shipping levels expected later in the year.

Our Novation brand is dedicated to the art of the electronic musician, and offers a range of solutions including groove boxes, controllers, synthesizers and desktop and iOS creation apps. This past year saw the introduction of several new keyboard controllers, including the Launchkey 88, Sound on Sound's winner for "Best Performance Controller". Revenue for Novation products was down 21.9% during the first half, due mainly to tough comparatives with the same period last year that saw a number of new product introductions as well as a period of component rework on most of the brand's synthesizers, due to component issues. We are expecting Novation to perform better in the second half due to availability of the reworked synthesizers, and a number of new product introductions.

ADAM Audio , based in Berlin, is a globally recognised brand with a passionate team focused on delivering world-class monitor speakers for audio content creators. ADAM Audio's portfolio of reference monitors encompasses the T-Series, A-Series, and S-Series. The T-Series speakers are award winning reference monitors designed for the home studio market. The A-Series are used in both high-end home studios and professional facilities alike, and the enterprise level S-Series are showcased in some of the most prestigious audio production facilities in the world. ADAM had a solid recovery coming off a weak first half last year when component shortages impacted T-Series products as well as the launch of the new A-Series. Both product lines are in full production with good line of sight on components as well as finished inventory. The new A-Series won the prestigious Sound on Sound "Best Studio Monitor" award for 2022. Revenue for ADAM was up 21.9% in HY23 compared to HY22.

Sequential , based in San Francisco, was acquired in April 2021. The Sequential brand is legendary in the industry and is synonymous with world class analogue synthesizers. It has been at the forefront of electronic music innovation for over 40 years. Additionally, last May, the Group acquired the exclusive rights to another prestigious synthesizer brand, Oberheim, which now operates under the Sequential entity as a separate brand. Since acquiring Oberheim, we have launched the OBX8, a modern day faithful recreation of three classic Oberheim synthesizers. The OBX8 has won numerous industry awards during this first half and is considered the most coveted high-end synthesizer on the market. Sequential also released the Trigon6, a Sequential branded synthesizer with unique filtering that has very recently been introduced into the market. The Group continues to expand Sequential's distribution and demand generation activities by leveraging the scale of the Content Creation division's highly effective global sales teams. Overall, Sequential had a strong first half, with revenues increasing by 33.5% when compared to the same period in the previous year.

Audio Reproduction

Our Audio Reproduction brands provide high quality, professional solutions for both permanent installations and live sound events. During the first half of the year the division has seen continued growth in installations as well as a global bounce back in live sound purchases. In addition to strong organic growth, the Group acquired Linea Research in March 2022. Linea Research has integrated well into the wider Group, providing a consistent supply of power amplification technology for Martin Audio's solutions as well as continuing to offer its own product line to a range of OEM customers. Optimal Audio, our commercial audio brand, also saw growth year over year as we began shipping complete systems after a period of unavailability due to component shortages late last year. As a result, overall revenues for the Audio Reproduction division are up 50.7% compared to the prior year with a strong sales pipeline across all sectors giving us cause for optimism for the second half.

Research and development

R&D remains a cornerstone of our Group's strategy. In this period, the Group launched 21 new products to market as well as a host of software and hardware upgrades. As reported above, the Group has a very important set of product introductions scheduled for the second half of this financial year with major launches planned in most brands across the portfolio.

Regional review

 
                                                 Six months        Six months      Year to 
                                             to 28 February    to 28 February    31 August 
                                                       2023              2022         2022 
                                                    GBP'000           GBP'000      GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 North America                                       36,309            39,763       74,509 
 Europe, Middle East and Africa ('EMEA')             36,644            35,424       70,110 
 Rest of World ('ROW')                               13,290            17,706       39,114 
-----------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 Total                                               86,243            92,893      183,733 
-----------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 

North America

North America represented 42% of total revenue during the half year. Focusrite, Novation, ADAM Audio, and Sequential/Oberheim products are sold through similar sales channels, whilst Martin Audio's North America business is transacted through a mix of live/tour sound rental companies, system integrators, and direct to end-users. In North America we continue to invest in sales, marketing, logistics and customer service to support both divisions. Revenue for the Group's brands in North America was down 8.7% compared to HY22, reflecting the issues discussed in the divisional analysis above.

The Group's Content Creation portfolio was down 15.3% year over year in North America. This was partially due to some softness in the market as well as reduced shipments on a number of key products that are undergoing product transitions in the second half.

Our Audio Reproduction portfolio was up 70.9%, highlighting the return to growth in this market as the impact of the easing of lockdowns restrictions has paved the way for a return to live music.

EMEA

EMEA was our largest region during the half, representing 43% of total revenue for the Group. Revenue for the Group's brands in EMEA was up 3.4% when compared to HY22. Like North America, our Content Creation portfolio, Focusrite, Novation, ADAM Audio and Sequential/Oberheim, utilise a very similar set of distributors and resellers. At the beginning of this fiscal year, the Group initiated a consolidated "go to market" strategy for our Content Creation brands across EMEA. This has proven to be very successful, giving us more leverage within our channel, and providing a scalable structure for future growth and expansion. Overall, our EMEA's Content Creation division was down 9.0% compared to HY22, driven by softer demand, a planned reduction of inventory in advance of product releases in the second half and a phasing of inventory late last fiscal year to ensure adequate inventory levels for the holiday season.

Our Audio Reproduction division, Martin, Optimal and Linea Research, transact through a combination of distributors, system integrators and live sound rental companies. This division saw strong growth of 91.5%, when compared to HY22 with revenues now above pre-pandemic levels, albeit from a relatively low base last year.

ROW

ROW comprises all other regions outside of EMEA and North America, principally made up of Asia Pacific ('APAC') and Latin America ('LATAM') and constitutes 15% of total Group revenue. Both regions had a challenging first half, primarily driven by macroeconomic issues that have impacted these areas more significantly than others.

APAC, like North America and EMEA, utilises similar distribution and reseller channels for the Content Creation division. Our Audio Reproduction division utilises a combination of distributors, system integrators and rental companies. APAC has been a very challenging region during the first half, due to a combination of high inflation, currency swings, and continuing COVID lockdowns. For our Content Creation division, APAC was down 33.8% compared to HY22, with the majority of the decline in China, South Korea, and Japan. For the Audio Reproduction business, APAC was down 4.3%, illustrating just how impactful the above mentioned factors have been in these regions when compared to the very high growth rates elsewhere across the globe.

LATAM was similarly impacted in the Content Creation division, down 39.6% Compared to HY22. This was partially offset with Audio Reproduction being up 370%, albeit from a very low base in the prior year.

For both regions in ROW, we are seeing positive signs of both divisions re-stabilising and demand starting to increase again. We continue to view both these regions as potential high growth areas and will continue to invest in people, localisation efforts, and refined routes to market.

We are confident that both regions will revert to positive growth in the near future.

Financial Review

Overview

Against a difficult and often volatile economic backdrop, the Group delivered revenue of GBP86.2 million, 7.2% lower than during the six months to 28 February 2022 and adjusted (1) EBITDA (2) of GBP18.1million, 18.8% lower than the comparable period, with the lower sales volumes resulting in lower profits despite stronger gross margins and actions taken to manage costs.

Reported operating profit was GBP 11.5 million (HY22: GBP16.3 million) and reduced for the same reasons. Similarly, adjusted (1) diluted EPS(3) . of 18.0 pence is lower than the prior year's of 26.2 pence (restated - see note 1.8).

Income statement

 
                                         HY23        HY23       HY23       HY22        HY22       HY22 
                                         GBPm        GBPm       GBPm       GBPm        GBPm       GBPm 
                                                                       Restated    Restated   Restated 
                                                                            (3)         (3)        (3) 
                                    ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
                                     Adjusted   Adjusting   Reported   Adjusted   Adjusting   Reported 
                                                    items                             items 
                                                      (1)                               (1) 
                                    ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Revenue                                 86.2           -       86.2       92.9           -       92.9 
 Cost of sales                         (45.6)           -     (45.6)     (49.6)           -     (49.6) 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Gross profit                            40.6           -       40.6       43.3           -       43.3 
 Administrative expenses               (26.4)       (2.7)     (29.1)     (24.2)       (2.8)     (27.0) 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Operating profit                        14.2       (2.7)       11.5       19.1       (2.8)       16.3 
 Net finance (expense)/income           (0.6)           -      (0.6)        0.2           -        0.2 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Profit before tax                       13.6       (2.7)       10.9       19.3       (2.8)       16.5 
 Income tax expense                     (3.0)         0.6      (2.4)      (3.8)         0.8      (3.0) 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Profit for the period                   10.6       (2.1)        8.5       15.5       (2.0)       13.5 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
                                         HY23        HY23       HY23       HY22        HY22       HY22 
                                         GBPm        GBPm       GBPm       GBPm        GBPm       GBPm 
                                     Adjusted   Adjusting   Reported   Adjusted   Adjusting   Reported 
                                                    items                             items 
                                                      (1)                               (1) 
                                    ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Operating profit                        14.2       (2.7)       11.5       19.1       (2.8)       16.3 
 Add - amortisation of intangible 
  assets                                  2.8         1.5        4.3        1.9         2.2        4.1 
 Add - depreciation of tangible 
  assets                                  1.1           -        1.1        1.2           -        1.2 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 EBITDA (2)                              18.1       (1.2)       16.9       22.2       (0.6)       21.6 
----------------------------------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 

1 Adjusted for amortisation of acquired intangible assets, sale of trademark and other adjusting items detailed in note 4 to the Interim Financial Statements

2 Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation

3 Restated to include the deferred tax credit arising on the amortisation of acquired intangibles, which was not previously included. See note 1.8 to the interim financial statements.

Revenue

Revenue for the Group declined by 7.2% to GBP86.2 million (HY22: GBP92.9 million) which, adjusting for acquisitions and constant currency, represents an organic constant currency decline of 19.0%. Linea Research was purchased in March 2022 and contributed revenue of GBP2.4 million, ahead of our expectations, in the first half of FY23. Sonnox was acquired in December 2022 and contributed GBP0.3 million, in line with our expectations.

As previously reported the Group's divisions have faced macroeconomic and industry challenges during this first half.

Within the Content Creation division, the easing of component supply issues resulted in industry-wide restocking across sales channels in FY22, at a time when demand was being impacted by cost-of-living issues, resulting in significant surplus inventory across the channels by the beginning of HY23. As a result, HY23 experienced channel de-stocking and a consequent slowing of orders which, together with a planned reduction ahead of a programme of product releases in the second half which resulted in a 27.1% decline for Focusrite (35% on an organic constant currency basis). However, ADAM Audio and Sequential both delivered significant double-digit growth, although both are reporting against comparators impacted by the lack of availability of components in the first half of FY22. The Audio Reproduction division has seen a resurgence in demand in the live music sector, across most geographies, with the exception of Asia. Overall this division experienced strong growth despite some ongoing component supply issues.

Pleasingly, underlying demand has continued to remain at levels significantly higher than pre pandemic, with the current half year still 52% ahead of HY20 on a reported basis for our Content Creation division. During the second half of the year we expect inventory to begin to reduce across our distribution channels, and together with the introduction of new products later in the year, we expect a greater weighting of sales in the second half of the year and into H1 2024.

 
                                                   HY23                                   HY22 
                    HY23              HY23           As        HY22          HY22           As   Reported          OCC 
                Reported   Acquisitions(2)     adjusted    Reported   Exchange(1)     adjusted     Growth    Growth(1) 
 Focusrite          40.1                 -         40.1        54.9           6.6         61.5     -27.1%       -35.0% 
 Novation            8.2                 -          8.2        10.5           1.0         11.5     -21.9%       -28.7% 
 ADAM               10.1                 -         10.1         8.4           0.7          9.1      21.9%        12.2% 
 Sequential          8.7                 -          8.7         6.6           1.0          7.6      33.5%        15.6% 
 Sonnox              0.3             (0.3)            -           -             -            -        N/A          N/A 
------------  ----------  ----------------  -----------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  ----------- 
 Content 
  Creation          67.4             (0.3)         67.1        80.4           9.3         89.7     -16.1%       -25.2% 
 Martin             18.8             (2.4)         16.4        12.5           0.7         13.2      50.7%        25.3% 
 Total              86.2             (2.7)         83.5        92.9          10.0        102.9      -7.2%       -19.0% 
              ----------  ----------------               ----------  ------------               ---------  ----------- 
 

[1] Organic constant currency (OCC) growth rate is calculated by comparing FY23 revenue to FY22 revenue adjusted for FY23 exchange rates and the impact of acquisitions

2 Linea Research acquired in March 2022, Sonnox acquired in December 2022

Currency impact

Both the Euro and the US Dollar strengthened during the period (with detail of rate movements provided on the following pages). This has resulted in a GBP10.0 million positive translation impact on revenue for the Group for HY23 relative to HY22. However, at the profit level the USD effect is mitigated by the purchases of inventory in USD from the manufacturers in China and Malaysia and the Euro effect on profit is largely mitigated by the Group's hedging policy, such that the translation impact between periods is not material.

Segment profit

Segment profit is disclosed in more detail in note 3 to the Interim Financial Statements named, 'Operating Segments'. These segments compare the revenue of the products of the relevant brands with the directly attributable costs to create segment profit.

Gross profit

In HY23, the gross margin was 47.1%, up from 46.6% in HY22 and 3.0% points higher than the second half margin in FY22 of 44.1%. As expected freight costs eased during the half year, returning to pre pandemic levels, benefitting margin by 4.1% points. This was largely offset by a reduction in product margins as cost increases in the second half of FY22 began to impact, together with the promotional campaigns, highlighted during the year end results, which were in place to ensure we remained competitive in the current very price sensitive market environment.

We expect promotional activity on existing products to continue into the second half of the year for the Content Creation brands at a higher level than previously anticipated, with Audio Reproduction beginning to benefit from a price increase put into effect from March 2023. As a result, we expect gross margins to reduce slightly for the remainder of the year.

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses consist of sales, marketing, operations, the uncapitalised element of research and development (partially offset by the Research and Development Expenditure Credit regime ('RDEC') tax credit of GBP0.4 million) and central functions such as legal, finance and the Group Board. These expenses were GBP29.2 million, up from GBP27.0 million last year. Excluding adjusting costs of GBP2.7 million (HY22: GBP2.8 million) (see Adjusting items section), the operating costs were GBP26.5 million (HY22: GBP24.2 million).

The increase in administrative expenses of GBP2.3 million is due mainly to both an increase in amortisation of intangible assets of GBP0.9 million, reflecting the recent launches of new products and the impact of companies acquired since the first half of FY22 which contributed an additional GBP0.8 million of this increase. During the half year, the Group restructured to realign teams to our new regional and brand organisational structure, resulting in a reduction of 14 roles across the Group at a one-off cost of GBP0.4 million and annualised savings of GBP0.6 million.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is an alternative performance measure which is widely used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate the profitability of companies. It is also used within the Group as the basis for some of the incentivisation of senior management at both the operating company level and the Group level. Adjusted EBITDA decreased from GBP22.2 million in HY22 to GBP18.1 million in HY23, a decrease of 18.8%. The decrease of GBP4.1 million was due to lower sales volume, not fully offset by increased gross margins and relatively stable underlying operating costs. A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to operating profit can be found in note 4.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is charged on tangible fixed assets on a straight-line basis over the assets' estimated useful lives, normally ranging between two and five years. Amortisation is mainly charged on capitalised development costs, writing-off the development cost over the life of the resultant product. The life spans of the products vary across our brands, from three years for Focusrite and Novation, up to eleven years for Martin Audio and fifteen for Sequential, reflecting the different lifespans of the products.

The amortisation of the acquired intangible assets totalled GBP1.5 million during the period (HY22: GBP2.2 million) and has been disclosed within adjusting items. This year we have amended our accounting policy relating to the amortisation of acquired intangibles under development, such that it now commences from the date of first usage of the underlying product rather than from the date of acquisition of the business, and this has resulted in a GBP1.0 million reversal of amortisation charged in previous periods. This has offset the underlying increase of amortisation of acquired intangibles due to the Sonnox acquisition this year and the full period impact of Linea Research, acquired in FY22.

Across the Group, GBP4.3 million of development costs were capitalised (HY22: GBP3.2 million) and the amortisation of capitalised development costs was GBP2.3 million (HY22: GBP1.5 million). Further details are shown in note 8, with added disclosure to highlight the movement from technology, products and patents in development to those now in use.

Adjusting items

In HY23 adjusting items totalled GBP2.7 million (HY22 GBP2.8 million), comprising GBP0.3 million which related mainly to the due diligence costs for the acquisition of Sonnox that was completed on 19 December 2022, GBP0.5 million related to the earn-outs put in place after the acquisitions of Sequential and Linea Research in prior years, GBP0.4 million related to restructuring activities in the half year and GBP1.5 million related to amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

In HY22, the adjusting items included GBP0.3 million which related to the due diligence costs for the acquisition of Linea Research that was completed on 10 March 2022, GBP1.1 million related to the Sequential earn out, and GBP2.2 million related to amortisation of acquired intangible assets offset by GBP0.8 million of income from the sale of a trademark .

Foreign exchange and hedging

The exchange rates were as follows:

 
 Exchange rates    HY23   HY22   FY22 
----------------  -----  -----  ----- 
 Average 
 USD:GBP           1.19   1.35   1.31 
----------------  -----  -----  ----- 
 EUR:GBP           1.15   1.18   1.18 
----------------  -----  -----  ----- 
 
 Period end 
----------------  -----  -----  ----- 
 USD:GBP           1.21   1.34   1.16 
----------------  -----  -----  ----- 
 EUR:GBP           1.14   1.20   1.16 
----------------  -----  -----  ----- 
 

The average USD rate has strengthened to $1.19 for HY23 (HY22: $1.35). The USD accounts for over half of Group revenue but nearly all of the cost of sales so there is a useful natural hedge.

The Group enters into forward contracts to convert Euro to GBP. The policy adopted by the Group is to hedge approximately 75% of the Euro flows for the current financial year (year ending August 2023) and approximately 50% of the Euro flows for the following financial year (year ending August 2024).

In HY23, approximately three-quarters of Euro flows were hedged at EUR1.17, and the average transaction rate was EUR1.15, thereby creating a blended exchange rate of approximately EUR1.16. In HY22, the equivalent hedging contracts were at EUR1.13, versus the transactional rate of EUR1.18 and so creating a blended exchange rate of EUR1.15.

Hedge accounting is used, meaning that the hedging contracts have been matched to income flows and, providing the hedging contracts remain effective, movements in fair value are shown in a hedging reserve in the balance sheet, until the hedge transaction occurs.

Corporation tax

The effective tax rate for the period has increased to 22.4% (HY22: 18.6%), as a result of brought forward losses are now being fully utilised, a greater proportion of the Group's profits arising outside the UK and the increase in the UK headline corporation tax rate from 1 April 2023. In both years the rate has been impacted by the disallowance for corporation tax of certain adjusting item costs for corporation tax, including depreciation of acquired intangibles and costs relating to due diligence on acquisitions. Since September 2020 the Group has been part of the RDEC tax scheme for R&D credits, and as a result a credit of GBP0.4 million has been recognised against uncapitalised R&D costs within Administrative expenses, which is taxable.

Earnings per share ('EPS')

The basic EPS for the half year was 1 4.4 pence , down 37.7 % from 23.1 pence in HY2 2 . This decrease has largely resulted from the change in reported profit after tax. The weighted average number of shares used for the calculation has increased marginally compared to the prior year at 58,494,265 shares (HY2 2 : 58, 215,504 shares). The more comparable measure, excluding adjusting items and including the dilutive effect of share options, is the adjusted diluted EPS. This decrease d to 18.0 pence , from 2 6.2 pence in HY22 (restated) , a decrease of 31.3 %. This measure has been restated to include the deferred tax credit arising on the amortisation of acquired intangibles, which was not previously included. See note 1.8 to the financial statements.

 
                      HY23       HY22       FY22 
                     Pence   Pence(1)   Pence(1) 
------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Basic                14.4       23.1       42.5 
 Diluted              14.3       22.8       42.1 
 Adjusted basic       18.2       26.5       50.5 
 Adjusted diluted     18.0       26.2       49.9 
------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 

(1) Restated to include the deferred tax credit arising on the amortisation of acquired intangibles, which was not previously included. See note 1.8 to the interim financial statements.

Balance sheet

 
                                           HY23     HY22     FY22 
                                           GBPm     GBPm     GBPm 
--------------------------------------  -------  -------  ------- 
 Non-current assets                        95.2     66.2     87.5 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                               50.7     25.7     48.3 
 Trade and other receivables               27.5     23.7     28.9 
 Cash                                      13.5     17.8     12.8 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade, other payables and provisions    (30.3)   (29.9)   (41.2) 
 Bank loan or overdraft                  (26.8)      0.2   (13.1) 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Deferred tax                            (10.6)    (6.2)    (9.1) 
 Other non-current liabilities            (8.6)    (3.4)    (8.8) 
--------------------------------------  -------  -------  ------- 
 Net assets                               110.6     94.1    105.3 
 
 Working capital(1)                        47.9     19.5     36.0 
--------------------------------------  -------  -------  ------- 
 

(1) Working capital is defined as Inventories plus trade and other receivables less trade and other payables and provisions

Non-current assets

The non-current assets comprise: goodwill, brands, patents and capitalised development costs; property, plant and equipment; and software.

The goodwill totals GBP16.4 million (HY22: GBP9.7 million). The increase is due to the addition of Linea Research at GBP3.4 million and Sonnox at GBP2.7 million, together with foreign exchange movements on the existing items.

The total cost of the brands is GBP26.4 million (HY22: GBP19.8 million). This has increased due to the addition of the Linea Research brand (GBP0.9 million), Oberheim brand (GBP4.7 million) and Sonnox brand (GBP0.4 million). The majority of brands are being amortised over 10 and 15 years with Martin over 20 years. At 28 February 2023 the brands had carrying value, net of amortisation, of GBP21.6 million compared to GBP16.8 million as at 28 February 2022.

The capitalised technology and patent costs comprise acquired and internally generated technology and patent costs for products currently in use. The amortisation periods range from three years to fifteen years depending on the expected life of the products. The shorter amortisation periods are more usual for Focusrite and Novation products and the longer periods for the ADAM Audio monitors, Martin Audio live speakers and Sequential synthesisers. The capitalised technology and patent costs as at 28 February 2023 had a carrying value, net of amortisation, of GBP34.9 million (HY22: GBP30.9 million).

Capitalised technology and patent costs still under development comprise acquired and internally generated technology and patent costs for products currently still in development. The cost of these items has increased from GBP8.3 million at 1 September 2022 to GBP8.5 million at the 28 February 2023, as a result of our ongoing investment in new products, net of the transfer of GBP3.4 million of costs to products now in use. These costs are not amortised and, following a review of our calculations this year, we have reversed GBP1.0 million of amortisation on acquired intangibles in development which had been incorrectly amortised from the date of acquisition and not the date of use.

Based on current trading and management forecasts, we have conducted impairment reviews for those subsidiaries impacted by difficult markets with no impairments to the carrying value of the intangible assets being deemed necessary. This will be reassessed at the year-end for any evidence of any permanent diminution in value.

Overall, amortisation of the intangible assets totals GBP4.4 million (HY22: GBP4.1 million). This is split between amortisation of intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisitions of GBP1.5 million (HY22: GBP2.2 million), and other amortisation of GBP2.9 million (HY22: GBP1.9 million). The amortisation of acquired intangible assets has been treated as an adjusting item. The difference in the period between ongoing amortisation of development costs and capitalised development costs is GBP2.0 million (HY22: GBP1.7 million).

The remaining GBP13.8 million (HY22: GBP8.6 million) of non-current assets consist mainly of right of use assets relating to the Group's leased offices and warehouses, tooling equipment for the manufacture of products and other intangible assets such as software and trademarks. This has increased since the last year due to the acquisition of the Linea offices and the inception of a new lease as Focusrite moves to a new headquarters in High Wycombe.

Working capital

Working capital at 28 February 2023 was 27.0% of the last 12 months revenue (HY22: 11.4%). Working capital has increased at the half year, as we build inventory to support product transitions and launches in the second half of the year and due to a low level of trade creditors at the half year, due to the phasing of production levels, which we expect to increase by the year end. We anticipate that the inventory position will remain stable across the second half of the year, but creditors will have normalised by the end of the year enabling the Group to return to historic and more resilient levels of working capital at around 20% of revenue. As is our practice, creditors continue to be paid in a timely manner.

Cash flow

 
                                                           HY23   HY22     FY22 
                                                           GBPm   GBPm     GBPm 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of 
  the year                                                 12.8   17.3     17.3 
 Foreign exchange movements                                 0.1      -      0.7 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year          13.5   17.8     12.8 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----  ------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
  (per Cash Flow Statement)                                 0.6    0.5    (5.2) 
 Change in bank loan                                     (13.7)      -   (13.2) 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----  ------- 
 (Increase)/decrease in net debt                         (13.1)    0.5   (18.4) 
 Add back equity dividend paid                              2.4    2.2      3.2 
 Add back acquisition of subsidiary (net of cash 
  acquired)                                                 7.2      -     10.9 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----  ------- 
 Free cash (outflow)/inflow                               (3.5)    2.7    (4.3) 
 Add back non underlying items (cash outflow)               1.2    0.6      0.9 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----  ------- 
 Underlying free cash (outflow)/inflow (1)                (2.3)    3.3    (3.4) 
------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----  ------- 
 

(1) Defined as cashflow before equity dividends, acquisition of subsidiary (net of cash acquired) and adjusting items.

The underlying free cash outflow in HY23 was GBP2.3 million, which was -2.7% of revenue. In the comparative period, the underlying free cash inflow was GBP3.3 million which was 3.5% of revenue. Underlying free cash flow as a percentage of revenue is a key performance measure within the Group and forms an element of the incentivisation metrics for senior management across the Group. We expect underlying free cashflow this year to be lower than our historic norm of approximately 10- 12% of revenue due to the impacts on inventory outlined above.

Reported free cash outflow is -4.0% of revenue and is impacted by similar issues as underlying free cashflow. In the current first half year adjusting items relate to the payment of the final payment of the Sequential earn out and the acquisition costs and restructuring costs as outlined in note 4 to the Interim Financial Statements. In the prior year they related to payment of the first part of the Sequential earn out and the income received from the sale of a trademark.

The net debt balance at the period end was GBP13.2 million (HY22: net cash of GBP18.0 million and FY22: net debt of GBP0.3 million). The net debt includes the arrangement fee for the RCF of GBP0.1 million which is being amortised across the period of the facility. The increase in net debt since the beginning of HY22 principally reflects the increase in working capital noted above, the acquisition of Sonnox for GBP7.2 million in December 2022 and the acquisition of Linea Research for GBP12.3 million in March 2022. The Group has a GBP40 million revolving credit loan facility split evenly between HSBC and NatWest due for renewal in December 2024. As at the balance sheet date GBP26.9 million was drawn down from the facility (HY22: nil, FY22 GBP13.2 million).

Dividend

The Board has approved an interim dividend of 2.1p (HY22: 1.85p) an increase of 13.5%, in line with the Group's progressive dividend policy, and reflecting the Board's confidence in the Group's prospects and future cash generating prospects.

Summary and Outlook

Focusrite plc is a much bigger business since pre-COVID with eleven brands operating globally across different, but complementary markets. This past half year has showcased just how well the Group's diversification strategy has paid off, giving us increased resilience in the face of global and industry wide headwinds.

Revenue in our Content Creation division has been impacted by some industry-wide surplus channel inventory and softening in demand along with a planned channel inventory reduction ahead of a large product release programme coming in the second half. Pleasingly, our Audio Reproduction division, as anticipated, has experienced strong growth and is now ahead of pre pandemic levels. Despite challenging markets, we are still showing material growth over pre pandemic levels and have retained our strong market share, underscored by rock solid brand positions.

Trading since the half year has remained solid. The outlook for the Group is positive with inventory in the channel beginning to improve and continued strength in the buoyant live sound market. We anticipate revenue growth in the second half to be in line with expectations, driven by a number of planned key product introductions alongside slightly elevated costs due to promotions for existing products . We continue to execute on our established and proven growth strategy combining organic growth with focussed M&A activity.

 
 Tim Carroll               Sally McKone 
 Chief Executive Officer   Chief Financial Officer 
 24 April 2023             24 April 2023 
 

Risks and Uncertainties

The Board has considered the principal risks and uncertainties as presented in the 2022 Annual Report and has determined that they broadly remain relevant to the rest of this financial year, with the updates as set out below. Such risks and uncertainties could have a material impact on the Group's performance although they are not expected to cause the Group's actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

People

The job market changed post-pandemic with candidates now having more choice. We continue to experience skill shortages in some areas, namely in technical and in lower skilled production/warehouse roles. Our recruitment process has been successfully accelerated and we now promote all vacancies internally which has helped us to fill some vacancies more quickly. In addition, and in conjunction with our commitment to being "a great place to work", we have taken steps to increase training and upskill our people.

ESG and our sustainability strategy

Our aim is to become industry leaders in environmental sustainability. We shared our Strategy and Targets on page 53 of the 2022 Annual Report, which includes having a target to reduce and neutralise product Green House Gas emissions by 2030. Additionally, we have started to incorporate the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations into our processes ahead of the mandatory compliance deadline at the end of this financial year. More information about our identified Climate Risks and Opportunities can be seen across pages 43 to 57 of the FY22 Annual Report.

In the first half of this year, we have continued with our programme of linking tree planting to wood consumption in our products across the group - ensuring there is a minimum of 10x more wood growing in the world than we consumed. Through these efforts, we have already planted over 70,000 new trees. Our dedication to sustainability remains a top priority, and we look forward to sharing progress on our initiatives and commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative.

Doing Business in China

Whilst we have a long-established relationship with our business partners in China political discourse is becoming more strained with governments around the world implementing measures to protect their domestic interests. Geo-political tensions have been heightened by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and increased concerns with regard to China's policy towards Taiwan. We recognise that we are highly dependent on China both for its supply of electronic components and the provision of contract manufacturing and, like many companies who sell electronic hardware, have limited alternative options. We monitor the stances governments take and consider how they may affect our business. We recognise that we will need to create effective policies to identify applicable prohibitions and implement responsive procedures such as running restricted party screenings in order to know exactly with whom we are doing business and whether those parties are restricted.

Export control laws creating restrictions on exporting goods are extensive and continue to expand. We monitor legislation and have established relationships with Chinese legal advisers who advise us on compliance with the law and evaluate our long-term goals and business plans. In addition import tariffs on Chinese products affect our profit margins. We continually assess supply chains to identify where vulnerabilities lie and, where possible, we restructure those supply chains to reduce the risk of violations or excessive costs. We continue to explore contract manufacturing opportunities in countries outside of China.

Cost inflation

Cost inflation continues to be widely reported and remains prevalent in most of our major markets. Indications of how cost inflation is impacting the discretionary income available to customers has been felt across all industries and revenue growth has been impacted by macro-economic uncertainty. By remaining competitive in the market and offering premium and desirable products we aim to mitigate this by continuing to be the first choice for customers.

The Group's customers continue to operate in a range of different sectors which reduces the risk of a downturn in a particular sector. As a global Group we operate in different countries and therefore are less exposed if particular countries are impacted. The Group continues to have no operations or customers in Russia, Belarus or Ukraine, a market previously providing an annual revenue of approximately GBP2million.

Forward looking statements

The risks and uncertainties facing the Group were reported in detail in the 2022 Annual Report and are monitored closely by the Group. The forward-looking statements in this 2023 Half Year Report cannot be relied upon as a guarantee or prediction of future performance. We, like all businesses, continue to face known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may mean our actual results differ from those expressed in this first half year report.

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

For the six months ended 28 February 2023

 
                                                           Six months to       Six months to           Year to 
                                                Note    28 February 2023    28 February 2022    31 August 2022 
                                                                 GBP'000             GBP'000           GBP'000 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Revenue                                           2              86,243              92,893           183,733 
 Cost of sales                                                  (45,619)            (49,630)         (100,453) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Gross profit                                                     40,624              43,263            83,280 
 Administrative expenses                                        (29,163)            (27,810)          (55,449) 
 Other income                                                          -                 830               830 
 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)                               18,053              22,222            41,663 
 Depreciation and amortisation                                   (3,858)             (3,146)           (6,991) 
 Adjusting items for Adjusted EBITDA: 
 Amortisation of acquired intangible assets                      (1,504)             (2,236)           (5,116) 
 Adjusting items                                   4             (1,230)               (557)             (895) 
 Operating profit                                                 11,461              16,283            28,661 
 Finance income                                                      712                 351             2,286 
 Finance costs                                                   (1,290)               (106)             (398) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Profit before tax                                                10,883              16,528            30,549 
 Income tax expense                                5             (2,434)             (3,075)           (5,773) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Profit for the period from continuing operations                  8,449              13,453            24,776 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 
 Earnings per share 
 From continuing operations 
                                               -----  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Basic (pence per share)                           7                14.4                23.1              42.5 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Diluted (pence per share)                         7                14.3                22.8              42.1 
---------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 28 February 2023

 
                                                             Six months to       Six months to           Year to 
                                                          28 February 2023    28 February 2022    31 August 2022 
                                                                   GBP'000             GBP'000           GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------   ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Profit for the period                                               8,449              13,453            24,776 
 Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement 
 Exchange differences on translation of foreign 
  operations                                                         (999)             (1,375)             (486) 
 Gain/(loss) on forward foreign exchange contracts 
  designated and effective as a hedging instrument                     194               (144)           (1,009) 
 Tax on hedging instrument                                            (38)                  27               199 
------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the period                           7,606              11,961            23,480 
------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Profit attributable to: 
 Equity holders of the Company                                       7,606              11,961            23,480 
------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 
                                                 Note   28 February 2023   28 February 2022   31 August 2022 
                                                                 GBP'000            GBP'000          GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 Assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                                         16,377              9,710           13,728 
 Other intangible assets                          8               67,909             49,984           61,964 
 Property, plant and equipment                                    10,865              6,466           10,870 
 Deferred tax assets                                                   -                  -              938 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 Total non-current assets                         3               95,151             66,160           87,500 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                                      50,681             25,717           48,340 
 Trade and other receivables                                      27,470             22,404           28,520 
 Derivative financial instruments                 9                    -                572                - 
 Current tax asset                                                     -                702              413 
 Cash and cash equivalents                        9               13,527             17,813           12,758 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 Total current assets                                             91,678             67,208           90,031 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                                       (26,451)           (27,168)         (36,348) 
 Other liabilities                                               (1,448)              (987)          (1,641) 
 Current tax liabilities                                           (990)                  -          (1,066) 
 Provisions                                                      (1,327)                  -          (1,840) 
 Bank loans and arrangement fee                   9             (26,760)                211         (13,054) 
 Derivative financial instruments                 9                 (99)            (1,711)            (293) 
 Total current liabilities                                      (57,075)           (29,655)         (54,242) 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 Net current assets                                               34,603             37,553           35,789 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 Total assets less current liabilities                           129,754            103,713          123,289 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 
   Non-current liabilities 
 Deferred tax                                                   (10,561)            (6,182)          (9,130) 
 Other liabilities                                               (8,550)            (3,442)          (8,843) 
 Total non-current liabilities                                  (19,111)            (9,624)         (17,973) 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 Total liabilities                                              (76,186)           (39,279)         (72,215) 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 Net assets                                                      110,643             94,089          105,316 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 Equity and liabilities 
  Capital and reserves 
  Share capital                                                       59                 59               59 
 Share premium                                                       115                115              115 
 Merger reserve                                                   14,595             14,595           14,595 
 Merger difference reserve                                      (13,147)           (13,147)         (13,147) 
 Translation reserve                                             (2,014)            (1,904)          (1,015) 
 Hedging reserve                                                    (99)                572            (293) 
 EBT reserve                                                         (1)                  -              (1) 
 Retained earnings                                               111,135             93,799          105,003 
 Equity attributable to owners of the Company                    110,643             94,089          105,316 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 Total equity                                                    110,643             94,089          105,316 
----------------------------------------------  -----  -----------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

 
 For the six                                            Merger 
 months ended 28       Share      Share    Merger   difference   Translation   Hedging        EBT   Retained 
 February 2023       capital    premium   reserve      reserve       reserve   reserve    reserve   earnings     Total 
                     GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Balance at 1 
  September 2022          59        115    14,595     (13,147)       (1,015)     (293)        (1)    105,003   105,316 
------------------  --------  ---------  --------  -----------  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                   -          -         -            -             -         -          -      8,449     8,449 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/income 
  for the period           -          -         -            -         (999)       194          -       (38)     (843) 
------------------  --------  ---------  --------  -----------  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/income 
  for the period           -          -         -            -         (999)       194          -      8,411     7,606 
------------------  --------  ---------  --------  -----------  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Transactions with 
 owners of the 
 Company: 
 Share-based 
  payment deferred 
  tax deduction in 
  excess of 
  remuneration 
  expense                  -          -         -            -             -         -          -       (12)      (12) 
 Share-based 
  payment current 
  tax deduction in 
  excess of 
  remuneration 
  expense                  -          -         -            -             -         -          -         25        25 
 Shares from EBT 
  exercised                -          -         -            -             -         -          -        556       556 
 Share-based 
  payments                 -          -         -            -             -         -          -      (341)     (341) 
 Shares withheld 
  to settle 
  employees' tax 
  obligations 
  associated with 
  share-based 
  payments                 -          -         -            -             -         -          -      (185)     (185) 
 Premium on shares 
  awarded in lieu 
  of bonuses               -          -         -            -             -         -          -        106       106 
 Dividends paid            -          -         -            -             -         -          -    (2,428)   (2,428) 
 Balance at 28 
  February 2023           59        115    14,595     (13,147)       (2,014)      (99)        (1)    111,135   110,643 
------------------  --------  ---------  --------  -----------  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Continued)

 
 For the six                                            Merger 
 months ended 28       Share      Share    Merger   difference   Translation   Hedging        EBT   Retained 
 February 2022       capital    premium   reserve      reserve       reserve   reserve    reserve   earnings     Total 
                     GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Balance at 1 
  September 2021          59        115    14,595     (13,147)         (529)       716        (1)     82,539    84,347 
------------------  --------  ---------  --------  -----------  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                   -          -         -            -             -         -          -     13,453    13,453 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/income 
  for the period           -          -         -            -       (1,375)     (144)          -         27   (1,492) 
------------------  --------  ---------  --------  -----------  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/income 
  for the period           -          -         -            -       (1,375)     (144)          -     13,480    11,961 
------------------  --------  ---------  --------  -----------  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Transactions with 
 owners of the 
 Company: 
 Share-based 
  payment deferred 
  tax deduction in 
  excess of 
  remuneration 
  expense                  -          -         -            -             -         -          -    (1,091)   (1,091) 
 Share-based 
  payment current 
  tax deduction in 
  excess of 
  remuneration 
  expense                  -          -         -            -             -         -          -        598       598 
 Shares from EBT 
  exercised                -          -         -            -             -         -          1        591       592 
 Share-based 
  payments                 -          -         -            -             -         -          -        499       499 
 Shares withheld 
  to settle 
  employees' tax 
  obligations 
  associated with 
  share-based 
  payments                 -          -         -            -             -         -          -      (865)     (865) 
 Premium on shares 
  awarded in lieu 
  of bonuses               -          -         -            -             -         -          -        202       202 
 Dividends paid            -          -         -            -             -         -          -    (2,154)   (2,154) 
 Balance at 28 
  February 2022           59        115    14,595     (13,147)       (1,904)       572          -     93,799    94,089 
------------------  --------  ---------  --------  -----------  ------------  --------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Continued)

 
 For the year                                          Merger 
 ended 31            Share      Share     Merger   difference   Translation    Hedging        EBT   Retained 
 August 2022       capital    premium    reserve      reserve       reserve    reserve    reserve   earnings     Total 
                   GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Balance at 1 
  September 
  2021                  59        115     14,595     (13,147)         (529)        716        (1)     82,539    84,347 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                 -          -          -            -             -          -          -     24,776    24,776 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period             -          -          -            -         (486)    (1,009)          -        199   (1,296) 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/ 
  income for 
  the period             -          -          -            -         (486)    (1,009)          -     24,975    23,480 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 Share-based 
  payment 
  deferred tax 
  deduction in 
  excess of 
  remuneration 
  expense                -          -          -            -             -          -          -    (1,131)   (1,131) 
 Share-based 
  payment 
  current tax 
  deduction              -          -          -            -             -          -          -        723       723 
 EBT shares 
  issued                 -          -          -            -             -          -          -        674       674 
 Share-based 
  payments               -          -          -            -             -          -          -      1,120     1,120 
 Shares 
  withheld to 
  settle 
  employees' 
  tax 
  obligations 
  associated 
  with 
  share-based 
  payments               -          -          -            -             -          -          -      (865)     (865) 
 Premium on 
  shares 
  awarded in 
  lieu of 
  bonuses                -          -          -            -             -          -          -        202       202 
 Dividends paid          -          -          -            -             -          -          -    (3,234)   (3,234) 
 Balance at 31 
  August 2022           59        115     14,595     (13,147)       (1,015)      (293)        (1)    105,003   105,316 
---------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------- 
 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

For the six months ended 28 February 2023

 
                                                                   Six months to       Six months to           Year to 
                                                        Note    28 February 2023    28 February 2022    31 August 2022 
                                                                         GBP'000             GBP'000           GBP'000 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit for the period                                                     8,449              13,453            24,776 
 Adjustments for: 
 Income tax expense                                                        2,434               3,075             5,773 
 Net interest charge/(income)                                                578               (228)           (1,888) 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment                             -                  15                24 
 Loss/(gain) on disposal of intangible assets                                 27                (24)               105 
 Gain on sale of trademark                                                     -               (830)             (830) 
 Amortisation of intangibles                             8                 4,389               4,093             9,883 
 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                             1,085               1,289             2,223 
 Other non cash items                                                      (377)                   -             (369) 
 Share-based payments charge                                               (341)                 515             1,313 
 Operating cash flow before movements in working 
  capital                                                                 16,244              21,358            41,010 
 Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables                        1,315             (7,592)          (12,316) 
 Increase in inventories                                                 (2,341)             (4,966)          (27,591) 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables                         (9,421)               2,491            12,988 
 Operating cash flow before interest and tax                               5,797              11,291            14,091 
 Net interest (paid)/received                                              (636)                 246             (330) 
 Income tax paid                                                           (915)             (2,722)           (3,380) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash generated by operations                                              4,246               8,815            10,381 
 Net foreign exchange movements                                            (878)             (1,266)           (1,918) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Net cash inflow from operating activities                                 3,368               7,549             8,463 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment                              (1,078)               (378)           (1,045) 
 Purchases of intangible assets                          8               (1,079)                   -           (3,095) 
 Capitalised R&D costs                                   8               (4,296)             (5,024)           (8,368) 
 Proceeds from disposal of intangible assets                                   -                 978               830 
 Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired         10              (7,153)                   -          (10,923) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Net cash used in investing activities                                  (13,606)             (4,424)          (22,601) 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Proceeds from loans and borrowings                                       15,706                   -            13,228 
 Repayments of loans and borrowings                                      (2,000)                   -                 - 
 Payment of right of use liabilities                                       (405)               (478)           (1,168) 
 Equity dividends paid                                                   (2,428)             (2,154)           (3,234) 
 Net cash generated from/(used in) financing 
  activities                                                              10,873             (2,632)             8,826 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                        635                 493           (5,312) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period                     12,758              17,339            17,339 
 Net foreign exchange movement                                               134                (19)               731 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period                           13,527              17,813            12,758 
-----------------------------------------------------  -----  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

   1.     Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies 

Focusrite plc (the 'Company') is a company incorporated in the UK. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements ('interim financial statements') as at and for the six months ended 28 February 2023 comprised the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 'Group').

The Group is a business engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of professional audio and electronic music products.

Statement of compliance

The condensed set of financial statements are for the six months ended 28 February 2023 and are presented in Pounds ('GBP' thousands; GBP'000). This is the functional currency of the Group.

The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement requirements of UK-adopted international accounting standards and the AIM rules.

The annual financial statements of the Group for the year ending 31 August 2023 will be prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards. The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the preparation of the company's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022 which were prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, with the exception of the presentation of intangible assets which has been updated to separately disclose technology, products and patents in development not yet subject to amortisation (see note 8).

AIM listed companies are not required to comply with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and accordingly the Company has taken advantage of this exemption. The condensed financial statements do not include all the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the Group's financial position and performance since the last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 August 2022.

These interim financial statements were authorised for issue by the Company's Board of Directors on 24 April 2023.

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 August 2022 are the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the Company's auditor and delivered to the registrar of companies. The report of the auditor was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Significant accounting policies

The condensed set of consolidated interim financial statements has been prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the preparation of the company's published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022 which were prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS) in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, with the exception of the presentation of intangible assets which has been updated to separately disclose technology, products and patents in development not yet subject to amortisation (see note 8).

   1.1          Basis of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and subsidiaries controlled by the Company drawn up to 28 February 2023.

   1.2       Subsidiaries 

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, the Group takes into consideration potential voting rights that are currently exercisable. The acquisition date is the date on which control is transferred to the acquirer. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date control ceases.

   1.3       Going concern 

The Board of Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence and meet their liabilities as they fall due for a period of at least 16 months from the date of approval of these interim financial statements ("the going concern period"). Accordingly, the interim statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements from cash balances and a revolving credit facility of GBP40.0 million which is due for renewal in December 2024. The availability of the revolving credit facility is subject to continued compliance with certain covenants.

The Directors have prepared projected cash flow forecasts for the period ending 16 months from the date of their approval of these financial statements. These forecasts include a severe but plausible downside scenarios, including the impact of a recession, loss of a major distributor and significant decline in a major product category.

The base case covers the period to August 2024 and includes demanding but achievable forecast growth. The forecast has been extracted from the Group's FY23 forecast and three-year plan. Key assumptions include:

-- Future growth assumptions consistent with those recently achieved by the relevant divisions business and adjusted for the annualisation of recent acquisitions' results.

   --    Continued investments in research and development in all areas of the Group. 
   --    No further acquisitions 
   --    Dividends consistent with the Group's dividend policy. 

Throughout the period the forecast cash flow information indicates that the Group will have sufficient cash reserves and comply with the leverage and interest cover covenants contained within the facility.

The Directors' view is that a severe yet plausible downside assumption is a combined scenario of a recession, together with loss of a distributor and a significant decline in a major product line. Compared to their base case forecasts this is estimated to be a revenue shortfall of 30% on the base case for a 12-month period commencing April 2023 with a 10% decline per month thereafter. This model assumes that purchases of inventory would, in time, reduce to reflect reduced sales, if they occurred, and the Group would respond to a revenue shortfall by taking reasonable steps to reduce overheads within its control. As an additional measure, the Directors could also cancel the dividend. Even at that level, the Group would be expected to remain well within the terms of its loan facility with the leverage covenant (net debt to adjusted EBITDA) in the period not exceeding 1.1x compared to the maximum of 2.5x. The Group's net debt position under this severe plausible downside scenario would still be expected to improve at the end of the 16-month period to August 2024.

Although revenue in this period has shown a decline, this is believed to be due to short term market factors, which are expected to reverse. The Group is still experiencing levels of consumer registrations and customer demand significantly higher than pre-pandemic and is expected to be cash generative in the second half. The Group's net debt position was approximately GBP15.3 million at 20 April 2022. Consequently, the Directors are confident that the Group will have sufficient funds to continue to meet their liabilities as they fall due for at least 16 months from the date of approval of the financial statements and therefore have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis.

   1.4       Earnings per share 

The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share ('EPS') data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. For diluted EPS, the weighted average number of ordinary shares is adjusted for the dilutive effect of potential ordinary shares arising from the exercise of granted share options.

   1.5       Accounting estimates and judgements 

In application of the Group's accounting policies, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

In preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by the Directors in applying the Group's accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022.

   1.6       Foreign currencies 

The individual financial statements of each subsidiary are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (its functional currency). Sterling is the predominant functional currency of the Group and presentation currency for the consolidated financial information.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity's functional currency (foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Exchange differences on revenue are recognised within revenue. Exceptions to this are as follows:

-- Exchange differences on transactions entered into to hedge certain foreign currency risks (see below under cash flow hedges/financial instruments); and

-- For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial information, exchange differences on monetary items receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur (therefore forming part of the net investment in the foreign operation), which are recognised initially in other comprehensive income and reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal or partial disposal of the net investment.

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial information, the assets and liabilities of the Group's foreign operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of the transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in the income statement.

   1.7       Hedge accounting 

The Group has adopted hedge accounting for qualifying transactions. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each balance sheet date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. The Group designates certain derivatives as either hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities of firm commitments (fair value hedges), hedges of highly probable forecast transactions or hedges of foreign currency risk of firm commitments (cash flow hedges), or hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

Cash flow hedges

Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability, or a highly probable forecast transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is recognised directly in the hedging reserve. Any ineffective portion of the hedge is recognised immediately in the income statement.

When the forecast transaction subsequently results in the recognition of a non-financial item, the associated cumulative gain or loss is removed from the hedging reserve and is included in the initial carrying amount of the non-financial asset or liability.

For all other hedged forecast transactions, the associated cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity and recognised in the income statement in the same period during which the hedged expected future cash flows affects profit or loss.

When the hedging instrument is sold, expires, is terminated or exercised, or the entity revokes designation of the hedge relationship but the hedged forecast transaction is still expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss at that point remains in equity and is recognised in accordance with the above policy when the transaction occurs. If the hedged transaction is no longer expected to take place, the cumulative unrealised gain or loss recognised in equity is recognised in the income statement immediately.

1.8 Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) and Adjusting items

The Group has disclosed certain alternative performance measures ('APMs') within these interim results. The APMs presented are used in discussions with the Board, management and investors to aid the understanding of the performance of the Group. The Group considers that the presentation of APMs allows for improved insight to the trading performance of the Group. The Group considers that the term 'Adjusted' together with an adjusting items category, provides a helpful view of the ongoing trading performance of the Group.

Adjusted results will therefore exclude certain significant costs such as amortisation on acquired intangibles, together with some non-recurring costs and benefits and so should not be regarded as a complete picture of the Group's financial performance.

Adjusting items are those items that are unusual because of their size, nature or incidence, and are applied consistently year on year. The Directors consider that these items should be separately identified within their relevant income statement category to enable full understanding of the Group's results. Items included are acquisition costs, earnout payable to employees of acquired businesses, sale of trademark (only in HY22) and restructuring costs, together with amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

The following APMs have been used in these financial results:

-- Organic constant currency growth - this is calculated by comparing current period revenue to prior period revenue adjusted for current period exchange rates and the impact of acquisitions, shown within the Financial Review.

-- Adjusted EBITDA - comprising earnings (operating profit) adjusted for interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and adjusting items. This is shown on the face of the income statement.

-- Adjusted operating profit - operating profit adjusted for adjusting items. See reconciliation below

-- Adjusted earnings per share ('EPS') - earnings per share excluding adjusting items. See reconciliation below

-- Free cash flow - net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents excluding net cash used acquisitions, movements on the bank loan and dividends paid. See reconciliation below

-- Underlying free cash flow - as free cash flow but adding back adjusting items. See reconciliation below

-- Net debt - comprised of cash and cash equivalents, overdrafts and amounts drawn against the RCF including the costs of arranging the RCF. See reconciliation below

During the period, the directors have reconsidered the presentation of the deferred tax credit arising on the amortisation of acquired intangible assets. This has previously not been regarded as an adjusting item. In order to be consistent with the treatment of the amortisation of the relevant assets, we now consider that the relevant deferred tax credits should be included within the adjusting items for a better understanding of the impact of the amortisation of the acquired assets. Accordingly, comparative amounts for the affected disclosures have been restated. The impact of this change was to increase the tax credit on adjusting items by GBP0.3 million in the six months to 28 February 2022 and by GBP1.2 million in the year to 31 August 2022 . Adjusted basic EPS and adjusted diluted EPS reduced by 0.9p for the six months to February 2022 and by 2.0p for the year to 31 August 2022.

Reconciliation of Alternative Performance Measures to Statutory Reported Measures

 
                                                 Six months to                                   Six months to 
                                                28 February 2023                                28 February 2022 
                               -------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------ 
                                                   Adjusted          Adjusted                   Adjusted    RestatedAdjusted 
                                  Adjusted         Operating          Diluted       Adjusted    Operating        Diluted 
                                   EBITDA           Profit              EPS          EBITDA      Profit          EPS [1] 
                                   GBP'000          GBP'000           GBP'000        GBP'000     GBP'000         GBP'000 
-----------------------------  -------------  -----------------                   -----------  ----------  ----------------- 
 Reported Operating Profit            11,461             11,461                        16,283      16,283 
 Reported Profit after tax                                                 8,449                                      13,453 
 Add back (deduct): 
 Underlying depreciation and 
  amortisation                         3,858                  -                -        3,146           -                  - 
 Amortisation on acquired 
  intangibles                          1,504              1,504            1,504        2,236       2,236              2,236 
 Acquisition costs                       328                328              328          300         300                300 
 Gain on sale of trademark                 -                  -                -        (830)       (830)              (830) 
 Earnout in relation to 
  acquisition                            523                523              523        1,087       1,087              1,087 
 Restructuring                           379                379              379            -           -                  - 
 Tax on adjusting items                    -                  -            (565)            -           -              (831) 
-----------------------------  -------------  -----------------  ---------------  -----------  ----------  ----------------- 
 Adjusted                             18,053             14,195           10,618       22,222      19,076             15,415 
-----------------------------  -------------  -----------------  ---------------  -----------  ----------  ----------------- 
 Weighted average number of 
  total ordinary shares 
  including 
  dilutive impact                                                         58,936                                      58,910 
-----------------------------  -------------  -----------------  ---------------  -----------  ----------  ----------------- 
 Adjusted diluted EPS (p)                                                   18.0                                        26.2 
-----------------------------  -------------  -----------------  ---------------  -----------  ----------  ----------------- 
                                                                          Year to 
                                                                       31 August 2022 
                               --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                                    Restated 
                                                       Adjusted                      Adjusted                       Adjusted 
                                                         EBITDA              Operating Profit                   Diluted EPS1 
                                                        GBP'000                       GBP'000                        GBP'000 
-----------------------------  --------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 Reported Operating Profit                               28,661                        28,661                              - 
 Reported Profit after tax                                                                                            24,776 
 Add back (deduct): 
 Underlying depreciation and 
  amortisation                                            6,991                             -                              - 
 Amortisation on acquired 
  intangibles                                             5,116                         5,116                          5,116 
 Acquisition costs                                          565                           565                            565 
 Gain on sale of trademark                                (830)                         (830)                          (830) 
 Earnout in relation to 
  acquisition                                             1,160                         1,160                          1,160 
 Tax on adjusting items                                       -                             -                        (1,376) 
----------------------------- 
 Adjusted                                                41,663                        34,672                         29,411 
-----------------------------  --------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------- 
 Weighted average number of 
  total ordinary shares 
  including 
  dilutive impact                                                                                                     58,917 
 Adjusted diluted EPS (p)                                                                                               49.9 
-----------------------------  --------------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------- 
                                                                    Six months to 
                                 Six months to                       28 February                          Year to 
                                28 February 2023                         2022                          31 August 2022 
                        ------------------------------      ----------------------------  ---  ----------------------------- 
                                                                              Adjusted                          Adjusted 
                                          Adjusted                              free              Free            free 
                         Free cash        free cash              Free           cash               cash           cash 
                            flow            flow               cash flow        flow               flow           flow 
                           GBP'000         GBP'000              GBP'000        GBP'000           GBP'000         GBP'000 
----------------------  -----------  -----------------      -------------  -------------  ---  ----------  ----------------- 
 Net 
  increase/(decrease) 
  in cash and cash 
  equivalents 
  during the year               635                635                493            493          (5,312)            (5,312) 
 Add back: dividends 
  paid                        2,428              2,428              2,154          2,154            3,234              3,234 
 Add back: cash 
  outflow 
  in relation to 
  acquisition 
  of business                 7,153              7,153                  -              -           10,923             10,923 
 Change in bank loan       (13,706)           (13,706)                  -              -         (13,228)           (13,228) 
 Add back: adjusting 
  items                           -              1,230                  -            557                -                895 
----------------------  -----------  -----------------      -------------  -------------  ---  ----------  ----------------- 
 Free 
  cashflow/Adjusted 
  Free cashflow             (3,490)            (2,260)              2,647          3,204          (4,383)            (3,488) 
----------------------  -----------  -----------------      -------------  -------------  ---  ----------  ----------------- 
 
 
 
                                                        28 February 
                               28 February 2023                2022      31 August 2022 
 Definition of net debt        N et (debt)/cash    N et (debt)/cash    N et (debt)/cash 
---------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Cash and cash equivalents               13,527              17,813              12,758 
 Bank loan                             (26,897)                   -            (13,228) 
 RCF arrangement fee                        137                 211                 174 
---------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Net debt                              (13,233)              18,024               (296) 
---------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 

[1] Restated to include the deferred tax credit arising on the amortisation of acquired intangibles, which was not previously included. See note 1.8 to the interim financial statements.

2. Revenue

An analysis of the Group's revenue is as follows:

 
                              Six months to 28 February                  Six months to 28 February 
                                         2023                                       2022 
                      -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
                          North      EMEA        Rest     Total      North      EMEA        Rest       Total 
                        America              of World              America              of World 
                        GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 Focusrite               20,669    14,309       5,106    40,084     26,852    19,046       9,016      54,914 
 Novation                 2,838     4,060       1,343     8,241      4,525     4,280       1,706      10,511 
 ADAM Audio               3,194     6,087         880    10,161      2,381     4,702       1,337       8,420 
 Sequential               4,295     3,638         746     8,679      2,964     2,999         626     6,589 
 Sonnox                     116       130          60       306          -         -           -           - 
--------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 Content Creation        31,112    28,224       8,135    67,471     36,722    31,027      12,685      80,434 
 Audio Reproduction 
  - Martin Audio          5,197     8,420       5,155    18,772      3,041     4,397       5,021      12,459 
--------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total                   36,309    36,644      13,290    86,243     39,763    35,424      17,706      92,893 
--------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  --------  ---------  --------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 
                              Year to 31 August 2022 
                    ----------------------------------------- 
                        North      EMEA        Rest     Total 
                      America              of World 
                      GBP'000   GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 Focusrite             47,558    30,936      18,692    97,186 
 Novation               8,603     8,088       3,892    20,583 
 ADAM Audio             3,964     9,036       4,797    17,797 
 Sequential             6,300     7,874       2,075    16,249 
------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 Content Creation      66,425    55,934      29,456   151,815 
 Martin Audio           8,084    14,176       9,658    31,918 
 Total                 74,509    70,110      39,114   183,733 
------------------  ---------  --------  ----------  -------- 
 

3. Operating segments

Products and services from which reportable segments derive their revenue

Information reported to the Group's Chief Executive Officer (who has been determined to be the Group's Chief Operating Decision Maker) for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance is focused on the main product groups which the Group sells. While the results of Novation and Ampify are reported separately to the Board, they meet the aggregation criteria set out in IFRS 8 'Operating Segments'. The Group's reportable segments under IFRS 8 are therefore as follows:

Focusrite - Sales of Focusrite and Focusrite Pro branded products

Novation - Sales of Novation and Ampify branded products

   ADAM Audio                                     -               Sale of ADAM Audio products 

Martin Audio - Sale of Martin Audio, Optimal Audio and Linea Research (acquired 10 March 2022) products.

   Sequential                                         -               Sale of Sequential products. 

Sonnox - Sale of Sonnox software plug ins (acquired 19 December 2022)

The revenue and profit generated by each of the Group's operating segments are summarised as follows:

 
                                                                  Six months to      Year to 
                                                  Six months to     28 February    31 August 
                                               28 February 2023            2022         2022 
                                                        GBP'000         GBP'000      GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------  ----------- 
 Revenue from external customers 
 Focusrite                                               40,084          54,914       97,186 
 Novation                                                 8,241          10,511       20,583 
 ADAM Audio                                              10,161           8,420       17,797 
 Sequential                                               8,679           6,589       16,249 
 Sonnox                                                     306               -            - 
 Martin Audio                                            18,772          12,459       31,918 
-------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------  ----------- 
 Total revenue from external customers                   86,243          92,893      183,733 
 Segment profit 
 Focusrite                                               19,148          25,944       45,108 
 Novation                                                 4,485           4,464        8,132 
 ADAM Audio                                               4,738           4,081        8,941 
 Sequential                                               3,779           2,779        6,819 
 Sonnox                                                     290               -            - 
 Martin Audio                                             8,184           5,995       14,280 
-------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------  ----------- 
 Total segment profit                                    40,624          43,263       83,280 
 Central sales and administrative expenses             (27,933)        (26,423)     (53,724) 
 Other income                                                 -             830          830 
 Adjusting items                                        (1,230)         (1,387)      (1,725) 
 Operating profit                                        11,461          16,283       28,661 
 Finance income                                             712             351        2,286 
 Finance costs                                          (1,290)           (106)        (398) 
-------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------  ----------- 
 Profit before tax                                       10,883          16,528       30,549 
 Tax                                                    (2,434)         (3,075)      (5,773) 
 Profit after tax                                         8,449          13,453       24,776 
-------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------  ----------- 
 

Segment profit represents the profit earned by each segment without allocation of the share of central administration costs, other income, finance income and finance costs, and income tax expense. This is the measure reported to the Group's Chief Executive Officer for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance.

Central administration costs comprise principally the employment-related costs and other overheads incurred by the Group. Also included within central administration costs is a credit relating to the share option scheme of GBP341,000 for the six-month period to 28 February 2023 (six months to 28 February 2022: charge of GBP515,000; year to 31 August 2022: charge of GBP1,313,000).

Segment net assets and other segment information

Management does not make use of segmental data relating to net assets and other balance sheet information for the purposes of monitoring segment performance and allocating resources between segments. Accordingly, other than the analysis of the Group's non-current assets by region shown below, this information is not available for disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial information.

The Group's non-current assets, analysed by region, were as follows:

 
                                       28 February   28 February   31 August 
                                              2023          2022        2022 
                                           GBP'000       GBP'000     GBP'000 
--------------------------------  ----------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Non-current assets 
 North America                               9,423        16,033      21,311 
 Europe, Middle East and Africa             85,615        49,339      66,189 
 Rest of World                                 113           788           - 
 Total non-current assets                   95,151        66,160      87,500 
--------------------------------  ----------------  ------------  ---------- 
 UK                                         69,560        54,025      63,543 
--------------------------------  ----------------  ------------  ---------- 
 
   4.     Adjusting items 

The following adjusting items have been charged/(credited) to the income statement in the period

 
                                                        Six months to   Six months to       Year to 
                                                          28 February     28 February     31 August 
                                                                 2023            2022          2022 
                                                                          Restated(1)   Restated(1) 
                                                              GBP'000         GBP'000       GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Adjusting income 
 Gain on sale of trademark                                          -           (830)         (830) 
 Adjusting costs 
 Acquisition and due diligence costs                              328             300           565 
 Earnout accrual in relation to acquisitions                      523           1,087         1,160 
 Restructuring                                                    379               -             - 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total adjusting items for adjusted EBITDA                      1,230             557           895 
 Amortisation of acquired intangible assets                     1,504           2,236         5,116 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 Total adjusting items for adjusted operating profit            2,734           2,793         6,011 
 Tax on adjusting items(1)                                      (565)           (831)       (1,376) 
 Total adjusting items for adjusted profit after tax            2,169           1,962         4,635 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  ------------ 
 

(1) Restated to include the deferred tax credit arising on the amortisation of acquired intangibles, which was not previously included. See note 1.8 to the interim financial statements.

Acquisition and due diligence costs in the six months to 28 February 2023 related to fees accrued for due diligence work associated with the acquisition of Sonnox Limited. The earnout accrual relates to that part of the US$4 million consideration that was classed as employee remuneration rather than contingent consideration as part of the Sequential acquisition in April 2021 and an amount due relating to the acquisition of Linea Research of GBP0.3 million. The Sequential earn out has now completed and was paid in the half year. The earn out relating to Linea Research will complete in May 2023.

   5.    Taxation 

The tax charge for the six months to 28 February 2023 is based on the estimated tax rate for the full year in each jurisdiction.

   6.            Dividends 

The following equity dividends have been declared:

 
                                               Six months to       Six months to           Year to 
                                            28 February 2023    28 February 2022    31 August 2022 
----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 Dividend per qualifying ordinary share                 2.1p               1.85p              6.0p 
----------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ---------------- 
 

Du ring the period, the Company paid a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 August 2022 of 4.15 pence per share. The Board has approved an interim dividend of 2.1 pence per ordinary share (HY22: 1.85 pence).

This will be payable on 10 June 2023 to ordinary shareholders on the register on 13 May 2022. The ex-dividend date will be 12 May 2023.

   7.            Earnings per share 

Reported EPS

 
                                                                  Six months to                                Year to 
 The calculation of the basic and diluted EPS is based on the       28 February          Six months to       31 August 
 following data:                                                           2023    28 February 2022(1)            2022 
                                                                                           Restated(1)     Restated(1) 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Earnings                                                               GBP'000                GBP'000         GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted EPS being net 
  profit for the period                                                   8,449                 13,453          24,776 
 Adjusting items (see note 4)                                             2,734                  2,793           6,011 
 Tax on adjusting items(1)                                                (565)                  (831)         (1,376) 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Total adjusted profit for adjusted EPS calculation                      10,618                 15,415          29,411 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 
                                                                  Six months to          Six months to         Year to 
                                                                    28 February            28 February       31 August 
  Number of shares                                                         2023                   2022            2022 
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes 
  of basic EPS calculation                                           58,494,265             58,215,504      58,294,306 
 Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: 
 Employee and Director share option plans                               441,359                694,238         623,138 
 Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes 
  of diluted EPS calculation                                         58,935,624             58,909,742      58,917,444 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 
 
   EPS                                                                    Pence                  Pence           Pence 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 Basic EPS                                                                 14.4                   23.1            42.5 
 Diluted EPS                                                               14.3                   22.8            42.1 
 Adjusted basic EPS(1)                                                     18.2                   26.5            50.5 
 Adjusted diluted EPS(1)                                                   18.0                   26.2            49.9 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------------  -------------- 
 

(1) Restated in HY22 and FY22 to include the deferred tax credit arising on the amortisation of acquired intangibles, which was not previously included. See note 1.8 to the interim financial statements.

At 28 February 2023, the total number of ordinary shares issued and fully paid was 59,211,639. This included shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust ('EBT') to satisfy options vesting in future years. The operation of this EBT is funded by the Group so the EBT is required to be consolidated, with the result that the weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of the basic EPS calculation is the net of the weighted average number of shares in issue less the weighted average number of shares held by the EBT. It should be noted that the only right relinquished by the Trustees of the EBT is the right to receive dividends. In all other respects, the shares held by the EBT have full voting rights.

The effect of dilutive potential ordinary share issues is calculated in accordance with IAS 33 and arises from the employee share options currently outstanding, adjusted by the profit element as a proportion of the average share price during the period.

   8.            Other intangible assets 
 
                   Intellectual      Internally         Acquired   Technology and         Computer    Brands     Total 
                      property,       generated   technology and    patents under         software 
                   Licences and      technology    patents costs      Development 
                     Trademarks     and patents 
                                          costs 
                        GBP'000         GBP'000          GBP'000          GBP'000          GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  -------- 
 Cost 
 At 1 September 
  2021                    1,658          21,413           23,694            6,535            1,585    20,020    74,905 
 Additions - 
  acquired 
  separately              1,684               -                -                -               44     4,535     6,263 
 Additions - 
  products 
  developed 
  during the 
  period                    406           2,387                -            5,464                -         -     8,257 
 Additions 
  through 
  business 
  combination                 -               -            4,050            1,600                -       850     6,500 
 Foreign 
  exchange                    -               -            1,032                -                -       913     1,945 
 Transfer                  (21)           3,908            1,402          (5,289)                -         -         - 
 Disposals                  (1)               -                -                -            (245)         -     (246) 
---------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  -------- 
 At 1 September 
  2022                    3,726          27,708           30,178            8,310            1,384    26,318    97,624 
 Additions - 
  acquired 
  separately                780              22                -                -              277         -     1,079 
 Additions - 
  products 
  developed 
  during the 
  period                      -           1,140                -            3,156                -         -     4,296 
 Additions 
  through 
  business 
  combination                 -               -            4,700              450                3       400     5,553 
 Foreign 
  exchange                  (1)            (25)            (188)             (31)                -     (334)     (579) 
 Transfer                     -           3,492                -          (3,352)            (140)         -         - 
 Disposals                 (28)               -                -                -              (1)         -      (29) 
---------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  -------- 
 At 28 February 
  2023                    4,477          32,337           34,690            8,533            1,523    26,384   107,944 
---------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------  -------- 
 
 
                    Intellectual      Internally         Acquired      Technology         Computer    Brands     Total 
                       property,       generated   technology and     and patents         software 
                    Licences and      technology    patents costs           under 
                      Trademarks     and patents                      Development 
                                           costs 
                         GBP'000         GBP'000          GBP'000         GBP'000          GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
 Amortisation 
 At 1 September 
  2021                     1,321          16,607            4,123             728              833     2,227    25,839 
 Charge for the 
  year                       362           3,938            3,215             242              467     1,659     9,883 
 Foreign 
  exchange                     -              17               39                                         23        79 
 Eliminated on 
  disposal                     -               -                -               -            (141)         -     (141) 
 At 1 September 
  2022                     1,683          20,562            7,377             970            1,159     3,909    35,660 
 Charge for the 
  period                     221           2,286            1,695               -              224       933     5,359 
 Foreign 
  exchange                   (2)               9             (10)               -                       (11)      (14) 
 Transfer                      -             239                -               -            (239)         -         - 
 Reversal of 
  amortisation                 -               -                -           (970)                -         -     (970) 
 At 28 February 
  2023                     1,902          23,096            9,062               -            1,144     4,831    40,035 
----------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Carrying amount 
----------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------- 
 At 28 February 
  2023                     2,575           9,241           25,628           8,533              379    21,553    67,909 
----------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------- 
 At 31 August 
  2022                     2,043           7,146           22,801           7,340              225    22,409    61,964 
----------------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  --------  -------- 
 

In previous accounting periods, the amortisation of acquired technology and patents under development has been incorrectly calculated. The accounting policy requires that they should be amortised from the date when the assets are available for use. In error it had been commenced from the earlier date of the acquisition of the related businesses. The cumulative amortisation provided in error totals GBP1.0 million. As, in the opinion of the directors, the amount of the error is not material, cumulatively or in any given financial year, the correction of this error has been reflected by a reversal of GBP1.0 million of amortisation in the current period. In order to enhance transparency the other intangible assets note has been represented to separate those assets which are currently in development from those which are in use.

   9.            Financial instruments 

The fair value of the Group's derivative financial instruments is calculated using the quoted prices. Where such prices are not available, a discounted cash flow analysis is performed using the applicable yield curve for the duration of the instruments for non-optional derivatives, and an option pricing model for optional derivatives. Foreign currency forward contracts are measured using quoted forward exchange rates and yield curves derived from quoted interest rates matching maturities of the contract.

IFRS 13 'Fair Value Measurements' requires the Group's derivative financial instruments to be disclosed at fair value and categorised in three levels according to the inputs used in the calculation of their fair value.

Financial instruments carried at fair value should be measured with reference to the following levels:

-- Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

-- Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or

liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices); and

-- Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

The financial instruments held by the Group that are measured at fair value all related to financial assets/(liabilities) measured using a Level 2 valuation method.

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities held by the Group are:

 
 
                                                              28 February 2023      28 February 2022    31 August 2022 
                                                                       GBP'000               GBP'000           GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------------  ---------------- 
 Financial assets 
 Fair value 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                              13,527                17,813            12,758 
 Trade and other receivables                                            23,130                18,641            26,887 
 Designated cash flow hedge relationships 
 Derivative financial assets designated and effective as                     -                   572                 - 
 cash flow hedging instruments 
                                                                        36,657                37,026            39,645 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------------  ---------------- 
 Financial liabilities 
 Fair value 
 Trade and other payables                                               12,246                19,381            22,809 
 Bank loan and arrangement fee                                          26,760                 (211)            13,054 
 Amounts payable in relation to staged acquisition 
  payments                                                               3,486                     -             3,573 
 Designated cash flow hedge relationships 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------------  ---------------- 
 Derivative financial liabilities designated and effective 
  as cash flow hedging instruments                                          99                     -               293 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------------  ---------------- 
                                                                        42,591                19,170            39,729 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------  --------------------  ---------------- 
 

10. Acquisition of a subsidiary

On 19 December 2022, the Group completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Sonnox Limited ("Sonnox"). The total gross cash consideration was GBP9.1 million paid in full on completion. The acquisition was funded by a drawdown of GBP9.2 million on the existing revolving credit facility of GBP40 million with HSBC and Natwest. Sonnox had GBP1.9 million of cash at the acquisition date such that the net cash consideration was GBP7.2 million.

Sonnox is a well-established and acclaimed brand in the audio industry. Its range of innovative and award-winning plugins are used in a wide range of audio applications including mixing, mastering, live sound, broadcast, TV and film, and even scientific and forensics projects..

For the period between the acquisition date and 28 February 2023, Sonnox contributed revenue of GBP0.3 million and a profit before tax of GBP0.1 million to the Group. If the acquisition had occurred on 1 September 2022, management estimates that Sonnox's revenue would have been GBP1.2 million and profit before tax for the period would have been GBP0.6 million.

Acquisition-related costs

The Group incurred acquisition-related costs of GBP287,000 on legal fees and due diligence costs relating to the acquisition of Sonnox. These have been included in adjusting item costs to give investors a better understanding of the costs related to the acquisition of Sonnox. Additionally, because of their size, nature and the fact that they vary from acquisition to acquisition, the Group considers it a better reflection of the trading performance to show these separately.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The following table summarises the recognised amounts of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

 
 Recognised values on acquisition                    GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Developed technology                                 4,700 
 Technology and patents in development                  450 
 Brand                                                  400 
 Software/website                                         3 
-------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Intangible assets                                    5,553 
 Property, plant and equipment                           36 
 Cash                                                 1,942 
 Working capital                                        265 
 Acquired deferred tax liability                       (11) 
 Deferred tax liability                             (1,373) 
-------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Net identifiable assets and liabilities at fair 
  value                                               6,412 
 Goodwill recognised on acquisition                   2,683 
 Consideration paid                                   9,095 
-------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 

The acquired deferred tax liability has been estimated by applying the uplift in asset fair value to the average expected corporate tax rates over the life of the assets.

Measurement of fair values

The valuation techniques used for measuring the fair value of material assets acquired were as follows:

 
Assets acquired                Valuation technique 
Property, plant and equipment  Cost approach 
                               Income approach (multi-period excess earnings 
Developed technology            method "MEEM") 
                                The key assumption used is the forecast 
                                 revenues attributable to the existing asset. 
Technology and patents in 
 development                   Replacement cost approach 
                               The key assumption is the estimated completion 
                                percentage 
Brand                          Income approach (relief from royalty method) 
                               The key assumption used is the forecast 
                                revenues attributable to the existing asset. 
 

Fair values measured on a provisional basis

Sonnox was acquired two months prior to the end of this reporting period. If new information is obtained within one year of the date of acquisition about the facts and circumstances that existed at the date of acquisition that identifies adjustments to the above amounts or any additional provisions that existed at the date of acquisition, then the accounting for the acquisition will be revised. Such adjustments may relate to our understanding of the growth assumptions made at the time of the acquisition.

Goodwill

The goodwill recognised is attributable to:

   --        the skills and technical talent of the Sonnox workforce; 

-- income growth potential from new products, future relationships and a proportion of synergies;

   --        alignment to the Group's existing customer base; and 
   --        strong strategic fit. 

As a result of the strong strategic fit, we expect revenue and cost synergies to result for Focusrite brands as a result of this transaction and therefore a proportion of the goodwill and technology and patents in development recognised in this transaction will be attributed to the Focusrite Cash Generating Unit (CGU) rather than the Sonnox CGU.

Intangible assets sensitivity analysis

In assessing the estimated useful life of the intangible assets, management considered the sensitivity in the forecast sales on the valuation of the developed technology and brand. The following table details the sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in the sales forecast and related cost of sales impact this would have on the valuation of the assets.

 
                                Valuation impact 
                              10% sales  10% sales 
Asset                   Cost   increase   decrease 
Developed technology   4,700        482      (482) 
Brand                    400         43       (43) 
Total                  5,100        525      (525) 
 

In 2022 the Group purchased Linea Research for GBP12,277,000, resulting in acquired intangible assets additions of GBP6,500,000 and goodwill of GBP3,387,000 arising due to this business combination.

Independent Review Report to Focusrite plc

Conclusion

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report for the six months ended 28 February 2023 which comprises the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement, Condensed Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow and the related explanatory notes.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report for the six months ended 28 February 2023 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the r ecognition and measurement requirements of UK-adopted international accounting standards and the AIM Rules.

Basis for conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity ("ISRE (UK) 2410") issued for use in the UK. 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. We read the other information contained in the half-yearly report and consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

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.

Conclusions relating to going concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting, or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that have not been appropriately disclosed.

This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. However, future events or conditions may cause the group to cease to continue as a going concern, and the above conclusions are not a guarantee that the group will continue in operation.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly report in accordance with the AIM Rules.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the group are prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards.

The directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set of financial statements included in the half-yearly report in accordance with the recognition and measurement requirements of UK-adopted international accounting standards.

In preparing the condensed set of financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly report based on our review. Our conclusion, including our conclusions relating to going concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report.

The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our responsibilities

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with the terms of our engagement. Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

James Tracey

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants

One Snowhill

Snow Hill Queensway

Birmingham

B4 6GH

24 April 2023

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April 25, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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