Broker report19 Sep 2019 16:22
Venture Life Group Plc
Strong revenues and cash generation
Venture Life Group has announced its results for the 6 months to 30 June 2019, reporting double-digit revenue growth and strong cash generation.
While the Brands business faced a tough trading environment in the UK, the company has made significant commercial progress which positions the business well for future growth. Revenues from customer brands grew 10% supported by both existing and new customers. Venture Life delivered strong operating cash flow of £1.3m and free cash flow of £0.85m. We maintain our Buy recommendation.
? Revenues – UK sales of UltraDEX and Dentyl delivered £2.4m of revenues in the half despite the challenging trading environment. Both brands have gained additional distribution through the year, notable through ASDA and various pharmacy chains.
We note that general market conditions and pre-acquisition issues for Dentyl have affected sales in the period. International sales were impacted by customer ordering patterns in the period, with new orders coming through post period end. Venture
Life’s Italian manufacturing business delivered 10% revenue growth, supported by existing customers and new partners.
? Profitability – Adjusted EBITDA grew by 5.5% for the period, supported by improved gross profits which were offset by increased administration expense associated with brand promotion, R&D expense to support manufacturing and specific one-off costs.
? Cash flow – The group generated operational cash flow of £1.3m for the period (H1/18A £0.2m) and free cash flow of £0.85m (H1/18A -£0.19m). Cash at the period end was £10.9m, an increase of £1.3m versus FY18A supported by the operating cash flow result and additional low-cost long-term debt.
? Outlook – Venture Life’s second half performance is traditionally stronger than the first half, and with positive commercial developments delivered through the year, and an order book 35% higher than at the same point last year, we expect H2/19E to be strong.
? Investment thesis – We believe Venture Life will deliver strong growth via its organic and M&A driven strategy. Organically, the company has demonstrated its ability to expand its UK distribution network, bring on new international partners and sign new manufacturing agreements. With a strong balance sheet, we expect the Group to remain an active acquiror of ‘unloved’ brands. We maintain our Buy recommendation.