Quarterlytics / Basic Materials / Industrial Materials / Genus plc. / FY2022 Annual Report

Genus plc.
Annual Report 2022

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FY2022 Annual Report · Genus plc.
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2022

DRIVING 
ANIMAL   
GENETIC   
IMPROVEMENT

 
 
 
 
 
CONTENTS

12

OUR PURPOSE IN ACTION

30

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

STRATEGIC REPORT

01  2022 Highlights

02  Business Model

12  Genus at a Glance

14  Chairman and Chief executive Q&A

16  Market overview

18  strategic Framework and Key  

Performance Indicators

20  operating Reviews

26  Financial Review

30  People and Culture

32  sustainability Report

39  TCFD Disclosures statement

41  non-Financial Information statement  

and section 172 statement

42  stakeholder engagement

43  Principal Risks and uncertainties

47  Going Concern and 

Viability statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

48  Chairman’s Letter

50  Board of Directors and 
Company secretary 

52  Genus executive Leadership Team

54  Corporate Governance statement

54  Board Leadership and Purpose

55  The Board’s Year in Review 

58  Division of Responsibilities

60  Composition, succession and 

evaluation

62  nomination Committee Report

65  Audit & Risk Committee Report

70  Directors’ Remuneration Report

104  Directors’ Report

106  Directors’ Responsibilities

14

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE Q&A

Customers choose 
us because of the 
strength of our 
genetics and we 
have delivered 
good genetic 
progress across 
all species

STEPHEN WILSON 
Chief Executive

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

107  Independent Auditor’s Report

114  Group Income statement

115  Group statement of  

Comprehensive Income

116  Group statement of Changes 

in equity

117  Group Balance sheet

118  Group statement of Cash Flows

119  notes to the Group  
Financial statements

177  Parent Company Balance sheet

178  Parent Company statement of 

Changes in equity

179  notes to the Parent Company  

Financial statements

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

189  Five-Year Record –  

Consolidated Results

190  Alternative Performance  
Measures Glossary

198  Glossary

199  Advisers

—
genusplc.com

01
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

2022 HIGHLIGHts

LOWER CASH GENERATION AND 
EARNINGS THAN PRIOR YEAR,  
DIVIDENDS MAINTAINED

 > Free cash outflow of £13.5m, reflecting 
lower profit from PIC China, continued 
investment in the business as well as 
expected working capital outflows. 
Solid cash conversion of 82%1

 > Net debt increased to £185.0m, with 
year end net debt to EBITDA ratio of 
1.7x1, within 1.0x–2.0x targeted range
 > On 26 August 2022, Genus extended its 
multi-currency revolving credit facility 
to 2025 and increased the facility by 
£40m (to £190m) and USD25m (to 
USD150m) under an accordion option
 > Adjusted earnings per share 18% lower, 
final dividend in line with prior year, 
with 2.6x1 adjusted earnings cover

CONTINUED STRATEGIC PROGRESS AND 
INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH

 > Further genetic progress in pork, beef 

GROUP REVENUE

£593.4m

2021: £574.3m  +3%

STATUTORY PROFIT BEFORE TAX

£48.4m

2021: £55.8m  -13%

ADJUSTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX1

and dairy, contributing to a reduction in 
use of energy, water and land in animal 
protein production. Good progress on 
reduction of Genus’s carbon emissions, 
with the primary intensity ratio3 reduced 
by 25% since 2019

£71.5m

2021: £84.8m  -16%

 > Acquisition in Canada of Olymel LP’s 

internal elite porcine genetics 
programme, AlphaGene, for CAD25m 
(£14.5m) in February 2022 progressing 
well, generating royalties in the 
second half

 > Significant capital investments to 

support growth including expansion 
of the ABS Leeds facility in Wisconsin, 
completion of the PIC Atlas facility 
in Canada in June 2022 and further 
roll-out of the GenusOne enterprise 
system, now live in more than 60% of 
Genus’s business

 > Investments in digitalisation to 
deliver differentiation for ABS’s 
GENEadvance genetic offering 
and e-commerce capabilities

BUILDING R&D CAPABILITIES AND 
OPPORTUNITY PIPELINE

 > PRRSv resistant pig programme on 
track, with final FDA submissions 
expected to be made by 
December 2023

 > R&D pipeline strengthened from 

investments, with an increase in the 
number of projects in the discovery 
and proof of concept phases

ADJUSTED BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE1

82.7p

2021: 100.9p  -18%

FREE CASH FLOW1

-£13.5m

2021: £37.5m  -136%

DIVIDEND PER SHARE

32.0p

2021: 32.0p  +00%

ROBUST PERFORMANCE ACROSS THE 
BUSINESS DESPITE CHALLENGING 
MACROECONOMIC EVENTS; GROUP 
RESULTS ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY CHINA

 > Group revenue up 2% in constant 
currency (3% in actual currency), 
adjusted profit before tax (‘PBT’) 
down 18% in constant currency 
(16% in actual currency)
 > Excluding PIC China, Group 

adjusted PBT up 25% in constant 
currency (28% in actual currency) 
and revenue up 7% in constant 
currency (9% in actual currency) 
 > R&D investment increased by 6%2 

as planned

 > Statutory PBT reduced by 13% to 

£48.4m, reflecting lower adjusted profit, 
lower net IAS 41 biological asset 
movement and share-based payments

CHALLENGING MARKET CONDITIONS FOR 
PIC CHINA AS PREVIOUSLY INDICATED, 
STRONG PIC PERFORMANCE ELSEWHERE

 > China pig prices averaged 14.6 RMB/kg 
through the year, down 50% on the prior 
year. Since June 2022, these have now 
recovered to over 21 RMB/kg, which 
exceeds the cost of production for 
most producers

 > Overall PIC volumes were stable, with 

revenue down 5%2, but royalty revenue 
up 1%.2 Adjusted operating profit 
declined by 13%2

 > Excluding China, PIC’s volumes up 8%, 
revenue up 4%2, royalty revenue up 8%2 
and adjusted operating profit up 11%2

 > Strong customer wins drove North 

America growth; solid performance 
in Latin America and Europe despite 
challenging market conditions 
for customers

GOOD PERFORMANCE IN ABS, WITH 
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT GROWTH 
OF 9% AND VOLUME GROWTH OF 3% 
DESPITE MORE CHALLENGING MARKET 
FOR PRODUCERS
 > Continued success for Sexcel® 

(supporting sexed volume growth of 
18%) and NuEra® beef (with volumes up 
21% and total beef volumes up 9%)
 > Strong growth in third-party sales of 
IntelliGen sexed semen production in 
North America and Europe

 > High growth in Asia, particularly China 
and continued growth in Latin America
 > Overall, ABS’s adjusted operating profit 

up 9%2  

1  Adjusted results are the Alternative Performance 
Measures (‘APMs’) used by the Board to monitor 
underlying performance at a Group and operating 
segment level, which are applied consistently 
throughout. These APMs should be considered in 
addition to, and not as a substitute for or as superior 
to statutory measures. For more information on 
APMs, see the APM Glossary 

2  Constant currency percentage movements are 
calculated by restating the results for the year 
ended 30 June 2022 at the average exchange rates 
applied to adjusted operating profit for the year 
ended 30 June 2021

3  The primary intensity ratio is a measure of the 
Group’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions per tonne of 
animal weight

STRATEGIC REPORT02
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

GenetIC IMPRoVeM ent

DRIVInG 
Genet IC 
IMPRoVeMent

PIC’s 
Camborough® 
is the world’s 
leading 
commercial 
sow

MATT CULBERTSON
PIC Global Product 
Development Director

Genetic improvement lies at the heart 
of Genus’s business. Genus breeds 
and sells genetically superior animals, 
which enable farmers to produce more 
animal protein with fewer resources.

Genus is a global leader in genetic 
improvement, with 39 top 100 dairy 
bulls globally1, a leading beef breeding 
programme, and a porcine programme 
that has delivered over $3.00 profit 
improvement per commercial pig per 
year in the past four years2. these results 
are achieved by starting with our world 
class, proprietary herds, and applying 
leading technology and capabilities 
to improve them at a fast rate.

Genus is uniquely positioned as a 
leading player of scale operating across 
pork, beef and dairy genetics. our cash 
generative businesses serve many of 
the top 100 pig producers and dairies 
globally through our strategic supply 
chain and distribution networks in over 
75 countries. our cash generation and 
listed status enables us to invest more 
in leading technologies3, which can be 
leveraged across multiple species. We 
also attract top talent across our 3,500 
employees, which include over 100 PhDs.

—

   Read more on pg 20 – 25

1  Based on generally available Holstein bulls listed in the Top 100 Genomic Net Merit US$ rankings for 

genomically tested sires as of August 2022

2  Based on three-year rolling average of our porcine genetic index. See Strategic Framework on page 18
3  See Technology section on page 4

STRATEGIC REPORT03
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

OUR INDUSTRY LEADING NUERA BEEF GENETIC PROGRAMME IS DELIVERING

GENUS NUERA GENETICS INDEX AND NUERA SALES

1

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180

160

140

120

100

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

NuEra % of total ABS beef volumes

NuEra Genetics Index

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

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1  NuEra Genetics Index for Genus proprietary T14 line. Indices are adjusted from time to time to ensure an 

accurate genetic prediction of animals available for selection 

2  Global beef semen sales volumes from NuEra bulls as a proportion of total ABS beef semen sales volumes

our proprietary beef breeding programme produces leading beef genetics focused 
on delivering the most profitable, sustainable beef calves for the beef supply chain. 
these genetics have proven their superiority in customer systems, with farmers 
benefiting from additional lifetime value per calf of between $88 and $226 when 
compared with competitor beef genetics in trials involving over 1,000 calves. this 
has driven demand for our proprietary nuera Genetics, which from full commercial 
launch in FY18 now represent over a third of overall ABs beef sales volumes in FY22.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

CASE STUDY 
Delivering healthier 
animals through 
gene editing

Gene editing has the potential to 
substantially improve animal health, 
by making them resistant to 
particular diseases or giving them 
traits that lead to better well-being. 

For example, we are making good 
technical and regulatory progress 
in our development programme to 
produce gene-edited pigs that 
are resistant to PRRSv. 

Genus pioneered this gene 
edit in partnership with the 
University of Missouri and we 
are employing CRISPR/Cas9 
technology to generate small 
changes to pigs’ DNA.

However, studying diseases in 
animals is slow, expensive and 
needs considerable resources. 
We are overcoming these issues 
by adopting stem cell technology. 
This gives us a source of bovine or 
porcine cells we can propagate in 
the lab, so we can produce the cell 
types that are the natural targets of 
infection. We can then use these 
cells to test many different genes 
and edit them in a variety of ways, 
as we search for a solution before 
testing in animals. This reduces time, 
cost and animal numbers.

We are also exploring other 
exciting technologies to tackle 
disease, such as dominant gene 
silencing. Through a partnership 
with Tropic Biosciences, we are 
also investigating the use of RNA 
interference to shut off host, viral or 
bacterial genes that cause disease.

Our approach to new technology is 
broadening our research pipeline. 
Currently, we are evaluating porcine 
diseases such as swine influenza, 
African Swine Fever and porcine 
epidemic diarrhoea virus, as well 
as respiratory and intestinal viral 
diseases in cows, all of which are 
at the early discovery stage.

STRATEGIC REPORT05
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

teCHnoLoGY

tHRouGH 
LeADInG e DGe 
teCHnoLoGIes

We have built 
world class teams 
of scientists 
spanning core 
genomic sciences, 
gene editing, 
biosystems 
engineering and 
reproductive 
biology

ELENA RICE
Chief Scientific Officer

our ability to drive genetic improvement 
in our proprietary herds and deliver 
superior breeding animals to our 
customers depends on our ability to 
leverage leading edge technologies, 
which we develop in-house and access 
through strategic partnerships.

our genome science and bioinformatics 
teams have a deep understanding of 
the link between DnA and animals’ 
observable characteristics, aided by 
our extensive databases of real-world 
animal performance data. We employ 
this knowledge in our proprietary 
breeding programmes to select superior 
parents with desirable characteristics to 
breed successive generations of animals.

our biosystems engineering team uses 
technology to interrogate and select 
cells, such as in our proprietary semen 
sexing technology, IntelliGen, one of 
only two commercially available bovine 
sexing technologies globally. today 
IntelliGen operates in seven countries, 
with over seven million female calves 
having been born since launch. 

In gene editing we have built strong 
in-house technical and regulatory 
capabilities. In our PRRsv resistance 
programme we are developing more 
sustainable, disease-resistant breeding 
pigs by making precise changes to 
their genes. this carries animal well-
being benefits and could solve a 
challenge worth billions of dollars to 
the industry. We are also pursuing other 
potential traits in bovine and porcine.

We have active R&D workstreams 
in multiple advanced reproductive 
technologies, such as IVF, which 
enables us to select both female and 
male parents for superior offspring. 
In the future advanced reproductive 
technologies have the potential to 
shorten generation interval, which 
could have a material impact on 
product quality and differentiation.

—

   Read more on pg 24 – 25

STRATEGIC REPORT06
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

suPPLY CHAIn

In VestIn G In 
ouR su PPLY 
CHAIn

Our bovine 
facilities 
operate at 
the highest 
animal 
welfare and 
sustainability 
standards in 
the industry

JIM MERONEK
Global Bovine Supply Chain 
Director

Genus’s global supply chain efficiently 
delivers porcine and bovine genetics 
to customers while mitigating risk 
for us, for example through the 
use of third-party multipliers.

PIC pure-bred pig lines are housed in 
strategically located biosecure facilities 
in four continents. these pigs are bred 
out into larger breeding herds in over 
500 predominantly sub-contracted 
‘multiplication’ farms globally, many 
of which are operated by customers 
themselves. PIC boars are housed 
in over 400 studs globally, where 
semen is collected for distribution to 
customers and multiplication herds.

We are growing our global supply of 
elite porcine genetics by over 80%1, 
driven by new farm builds, like our owned 
Atlas (Canada) and Ankang (China) 
farms, and acquisitions like Hermitage 
(europe). PIC China’s supply chain is 
unparalleled amongst international 
genetics companies, with over 160,000 
GGP and GP sows in owned, JV and 
contracted farms locally, enabling 
us to support industry growth.

ABs breeds elite bulls in three 
continents. the best bulls come to one 
of ABs’s six owned and contracted 
stud facilities in the us, europe, Brazil, 
India and Australia, where over 1,000 
bulls’ semen is collected for distribution 
as frozen semen ‘straws’ or used to 
create embryos for sale. ABs operates 
embryo labs in Brazil, Mexico and the 
us, and sexing operations in the us, 
europe, Latin America and Asia.

Animals at ABs’s and PIC’s facilities 
benefit from industry-leading welfare 
standards, and we have commenced 
the roll-out of solar panels, which 
today provide over 80% of power 
requirements in some of our facilities.

—

   Read more on pg 20 – 23

1  Growth in elite great grandparent and grandparent sows between FY19–FY23F

STRATEGIC REPORT07
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

GROWING OUR SEXING PLATFORM

TOTAL SEXED SALES VOLUMES
(000s)1

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

Other sexed

1  Sexed units delivered or produced for 

Sexcel
customers in the year
IntelliGen (3rd Party)

We have continued to grow our 
sexing platform to support the 
growing demand for sexcel, 
our proprietary genetics sexed 
by IntelliGen, and third-party 
demand for sexing services 
provided directly by IntelliGen. 

STRATEGIC REPORTWe have been 
focused on 
serving and 
building trust 
with Chinese 
key accounts, 
by delivering 
faster genetic 
progress

RICHARD WILLIAMS
Head of ABS Asia

08
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Custo MeRs

an early adopter. We have also 
introduced digital tools and 
services to support contracted 
customers in key markets.

We build trust with porcine 
customers by linking pricing to 
on-farm performance and by 
running validation trials. 84% 
of our sales volumes2 are on 
multi-annual royalty contracts, 
where PIC supplies animals and 
semen at cost, and customers 
typically then pay for every parent 
selected for breeding or every 
piglet weaned or every pig sent 
to market. In bovine we price 
each straw of semen according 
to a genetic index score used 
by the industry to estimate the 
economic value of breeding 
animals for farmers. We have 
also introduced beef weaned 
calf fees (similar to PIC’s model).

—

   Read more on pg 20 – 25

1  Programme offering, customer 

commitment, pricing and contract 
lengths vary
Including our Brazilian joint venture
2 
3  Contracted business for 1–5 years, 
including our key account partner 
programme (‘KAPP’), reproductive 
management services (‘RMS’), Breeder 
Tag programme, and other contracted 
services where the customer has 
committed 80–100% business 
with Genus ABS

Genus serves over 50,000 
customers in over 75 countries, 
including many of the top 100 pig 
producers and top 100 dairies 
globally. our porcine business is 
global leader, and in bovine we 
are a strong #2. We sell products 
through different channels on 
multi-annual product and service 
bundles or transactionally, always 
looking to align pricing with 
value delivered to customers. 
our technical teams support 
customers to get the best 
from our products, delivering a 
superior customer experience.

‘Market’ pigs for processing are 
produced in ‘pyramids’ over four 
generations. PIC supplies live 
animals and semen to customers’ 
pyramids enabling them to 
produce pigs with the latest, best-
performing genetics. We also use 
third-party herd multipliers and 
studs to expand our breeding 
pig populations and produce 
semen for commercial sale. PIC 
controls the sale of its animals to 
protect our intellectual property.

In bovine, customers traditionally 
purchase semen straws or 
embryos on a per-unit fee. In 
FY19 we introduced multi-annual 
product and service bundles, 
which typically require customers 
to commit to a 3-5 year contract 
and 100% of their product 
requirements to ABs.1 today, this 
business represents 29%3 of our 
direct sales volumes in eMeA. 
We have introduced digital sales 
channels, which account for 
around one third of beef semen 
sales volumes in Latin America, 

PARtneRInG 
WItH ou R 
CustoMeRs

STRATEGIC REPORT09
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

CASE STUDY 
Offering customers an 
industry leading digital 
experience

In ABS, we are increasingly using 
digital tools to transform the 
customer experience. This helps us 
to retain customers, grow our 
business with them and win new 
accounts. Digital tools can also 
improve our efficiency and reduce 
costs, as well as having the potential 
to open up new routes to market 
and new ways to capture value.

Our GENEadvance programme for 
dairy customers is a great example 
of how we use digital tools to 
support our customers. At the 
outset, we visit the customer to 
discuss their long-term breeding 
strategy. We then take small tissue 
samples from the animals and use 
genomic testing to screen them, 
identifying the traits that are most 
important to the customer based 
on our discussions.

Using this genomic testing 
data, we develop a customised 
breeding plan, with mating 
recommendations for every female 
in the herd. We can then track 
genetic improvement in the herd 
over time, demonstrating the 
benefits of the improved selection 
decisions GENEadvance enables.

Real-time genetic data is at the 
heart of GENEadvance and farmers 
can access it whenever they need it, 
via an ABS app. 

The ABS app also provides a range 
of targeted marketing content, as 
well as supporting e-commerce. 
This has great potential to drive 
sales, with an e-commerce pilot 
with selected beef customers in 
the US achieving a 175% increase 
in semen sales. To date, the app 
has more than 3,000 active users 
and more than 250,000 recorded 
reproduction events, with this 
set to grow as we release it in 
more geographies in FY23.

STRATEGIC REPORT10
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

stAKeHoLDeRs

nouRIsHInG 
tHe WoRLD 
sustAInABLY

Genetic 
improvement is 
helping feed the 
world by making 
animal protein 
more sustainable 
and accessible 

STEPHEN WILSON
CEO

By improving the productivity, cost 
and resource utilisation of animal 
protein, genetic improvement makes 
nutritious animal protein more 
accessible to consumers globally, 
helping to nourish the world more 
sustainably in line with our vision.

3,500 employees help to deliver 
our vision of nourishing the world 
more sustainably, and over 12,000 
shareholders are invested in our 
opportunity.3 By sharing in the value that 
we deliver to meat and milk producers 
globally, we provide career opportunities 
to our employees and generate 
financial returns for our investors.

—

   Read more on pg 32 – 38

Genus breeds more productive 
and resilient breeding animals, 
which enables farmers to produce 
meat and milk more efficiently and 
sustainably. our superior breeding 
animals have a significant impact 
on whole protein value chains and 
benefit multiple stakeholders.

our customers are our central 
stakeholders. our genetically 
improved animals are more resilient 
and productive, helping farmers 
to produce more milk and meat 
with fewer resources. In the past 
40 years genetic improvement has 
contributed to the doubling of us 
dairy farmers’ average milk per cow 
from 5.4 to 10.8 tonnes per year.1 

Genetic progress has also helped to 
deliver significant resource savings 
and environmental benefits in protein 
production. today it takes 1.6kg 
less feed to produce a kilogram of 
pork in a professional farm system 
than it did 50 years ago.2 

1  USDA ERS data for the period 1980–2020
2  Genus PIC data for the period 1970–2020
3  Number of Genus shareholders as of 30 June 2022
4  Genus PIC data; PIC herd represents top performing PIC customers

STRATEGIC REPORT11
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

PRODUCTIVITY INCREASES IN PIC HERD4

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e
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t
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/
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a
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g
P

i

18

16

14

12

10

2.40x

2.20x

2.00x

1.80x

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i

(

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F

2010

2020

2030F

Pigs weaned/litter

Feed efficiency

Genetic improvement in PIC herds has delivered benefits across multiple 
observable traits, including pigs weaned per litter and feed conversion. these all 
contribute to improving the overall pork produced per sow and the resources 
required to produce it.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
12
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Genus At A GLAnCe

PRoDuCInG 
MoRe sustAInABL e 
BReeDIn G AnIMALs 
FoR FARMeRs

WHAT WE DO
Genus is a world-leading animal genetics 
company. We supply high-quality breeding 
animals with desirable characteristics to 
farmers, enabling them to produce better 
quality meat and milk more efficiently to 
feed the world more sustainably.

Our breeding animals’ desirable 
characteristics include feed efficiency, 
disease resistance, growth rate, protein 
and fat content, and fertility. We focus on 
serving progressive farmers, who are best 
placed to measure and realise the benefits 
of superior genetics and technologies.

HOW WE DO IT
We analyse animals’ DNA and look for 
markers that we know are linked to 
desirable characteristics for farmers. We 
then select animals with the strongest 
genetic profile from our proprietary and 
partner herds and breed them to produce 
even better offspring, in a continuous 
cycle. We distribute these superior animals 
to customers in the form of animals, semen 
or embryos.

We also own technology that enables us 
to process semen for desirable traits, such 
as female sex for the dairy market, and 
license-in technology to make precise 
gene edits to animals’ DNA, which we are 
employing in our R&D programmes to 
produce animals which are resistant to 
fatal disease.

INVESTMENT CASE

Leading multi-species market positions
We supply 50,000+ customers in 75+ 
countries, including many top pig and 
dairy farmers. Our international, 
multi-species model reduces our 
reliance on individual markets. In 
contrast, many of our competitors are 
regional single-species cooperatives.

People and relationships
Genus attracts top industry talent. Our 
3,500 employees, including 100+ PhDs, 
enable us to deliver superior products 
and services to 50,000+ customers 
globally. Close relationships with leading 
research and strategic partners further 
strengthen our capabilities.

Focused technology-driven 
business model
We are focused on delivering high-
quality breeding animals to farmers by 
discovering, developing and delivering 
pioneering technologies spanning 
genomics, gene editing, sexing and 
reproductive technology fields, across 
multiple species.

Scale and financial strength
Genus is the only large, listed animal 
genetics company operating in pork, 
beef and dairy. We are cash generative 
with a strong financial position and 
access to strategic capital. We leverage 
our R&D investment across species to 
further our genetic lead.

Positive long-term market 
fundamentals
Genus’s genetic improvement 
technologies enable farmers to produce 
more animal protein with fewer natural 
resources, helping to meet the growing 
global demand for animal protein 
more sustainably.

STRATEGIC REPORT13
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

OUR INNOVATION-DRIVEN BUSINESS MODEL
Genus’s business model is based 
on creating and delivering 
genetically improved breeding 
animals by leveraging a common, 
innovation-driven technology 
platform across different species. 
Genus’s innovative R&D function 
includes over 400 talented 
employees including scientists, 
technicians, engineers and 
bioinformaticians. Our world-
leading teams manage our 
proprietary breeding programmes 
by leveraging our extensive 
real-world data collected on farms 
and DNA analysis. Genus R&D 
successfully developed and 
launched a commercial laser-
based bovine sexing technology 
in FY18, and are working on 
potentially transformational 
gene-edited and in vitro 
reproductive technologies..

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

SHARED PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM

GENOMIC 
SELECTION

BIOSYSTEMS 
ENGINEERING

GENE  
EDITING

REPRODUCTIVE 
BIOLOGY

GENOME SCIENCE AND BIOINFORMATICS

OUR COMMERCIAL DIVISIONS
Genus’s leading porcine and bovine divisions, PIC and ABS, deliver genetically elite breeding animals and services to thousands of farmers 
globally. Given the different nature of PIC’s and ABS’s markets and business models, PIC and ABS have different financial profiles.

CUSTOMER PROFILE

Consolidated and vertically integrated

Consolidating

REGIONAL VARIATION

Low

High

GENETIC VALUE BASIS

PIC proprietary index

Moving from public to proprietary indices

GENETICS PURCHASING MODEL

Multi-year, royalty-based contracts

Priced per straw, shifting to multi-year 
genetic programmes

REVENUE1 

# EMPLOYEES

600+
£306.6m
£121.2m
ADJUSTED OPERATING MARGIN2 36.6%

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT1

2,300+
£272.0m
£40.5m
14.9%

1  Revenue and Adjusted Operating Profit Includes Joint Ventures
2  Excluding Joint Ventures

   PIC divisional review can  
be read on pg 20 – 21

   ABS divisional review can 
be read on pg 22 – 23

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
14
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

CHAIRMAn AnD CHIeF eXeCutIVe Q&A

Our Chairman Iain Ferguson (‘IF’) and 
Chief Executive Stephen Wilson (‘SW’) 
answer key questions about the last 
financial year and the prospects for 
the Group.

Market conditions have been challenging for 
customers in the last 12 months. What were 
the main impacts?

SW:  The macro environment proved 

particularly difficult for our customers 
in FY22, including record grain, fuel 
and fertiliser prices and the ongoing 
impact of COVID-19 on their operations. 
The Russian invasion of Ukraine sent 
shockwaves through the supply chain, 
adding to the inflationary pressures on 
input costs. Our customers benefited 
from rising output prices, but these 
have generally lagged input prices 
and put pressure on their margins.

China also has its own issues. There 
was heavy restocking in the porcine 
industry after African Swine Fever, 
which has led to oversupply at the 
same time as demand has fallen due 
to COVID-19 lockdowns, so the industry 
made heavy losses during the year. 

How has Genus responded to 
these conditions?

IF:  Genus is a long-cycle business, so 

the Board needs to ensure the Group 
delivers sustainable performance 
for the long term. It can be tempting 
to boost short-term profits at the 
expense of investment but it would 
have been the wrong thing to do. The 
Board has focused on maintaining 
the R&D programme, with spend of 
£67.1m in the year, as well as investing 
in our capacity, assets and people. 

SW:  China is a good example of that 

approach. We continue to see strong 
long-term prospects for PIC there 
as a result of our product strength, 
the investments we’ve made to 
significantly increase our supply chain 
capacity and strengthen our team.

What has this meant for the 
Group’s performance?

SW:  The Group has generally done well this 
year, although China had a meaningful 
impact on our performance. Although 
revenue was up 3%, adjusted profit 
before tax was also lower by 16%, or 
18% in constant currency. However, 
if you exclude PIC China, adjusted 
profit before tax for the Group was 
up 28% or 25% in constant currency.

PIC’s overall revenue and profits were 
down but it generally performed well, 
including delivering its fastest growth 
in North America for a number of 
years, as a result of our investment in 
genetics and capturing market share. 

Genus ABS grew volumes by 3% and 
revenue and adjusted operating profit 
by 7% and 9% respectively, despite 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
15
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

the impact of an IT security incident, 
now resolved, which affected June’s 
trading in Brazil. We are seeing growing 
uptake of our NuEra beef genetics in 
dairy herds, which contributed to a 9% 
increase in global beef volumes, and 
further growth in Sexcel sexed genetics, 
with sexed volumes 18% higher.

IF:  We recognise the importance of 

balancing our investment for the future 
with ensuring an attractive return for 
shareholders. The Board is therefore 
recommending a final dividend of 21.7 
pence per ordinary share, consistent 
with the prior year final dividend. When 
combined with the interim dividend 
this will result in a total dividend for the 
year of 32.0 pence per ordinary share 
(2021: 32.0 pence per share), the same 
as the prior year. The final dividend 
will be paid on 9 December 2022 to 
the shareholders on the register at the 
close of business on 18 November 2022.

Genus has operations in Russia and Ukraine. 
What is your stance on operating in Russia?

IF:  When the invasion happened, our 

immediate concern was to ensure the 
safety of the small number of people 
who work for us in Ukraine and to 
provide the support they needed. 

Both PIC and ABS are active in Russia 
and the Board carefully considered the 
right course of action. We concluded 
that we needed to stick to our purpose 
and principles, as this is in the best 
interests of our employees, our animals 
and the many people who ultimately 
depend on our work for their food. 
At the same time, we will ensure 
that in continuing to operate we 
comply with all laws and sanctions.

You have made good progress with 
the strategy this year. What have been 
the highlights?

SW:  Customers choose us because of 
the strength of our genetics and 
we have delivered further good 
genetic progress across all species. 
We enhanced our porcine portfolio 
through our collaboration with Olymel 
in Canada, which also expands 
our footprint in that market.

Iain talked earlier about how we had 
continued to invest in our capacity. In 
June 2022, we opened our new elite 
porcine genetics farm in Canada, 
called Atlas. Our investment in ABS’s 
facility in Leeds, Wisconsin, has 
also given us increased bull housing 
and production capacity, as well 
as making us more efficient.

Our programme to produce PRRSv-
resistant pigs made continued progress, 
with the expansion of E2 generation 
homozygous edited animals and 
further submissions to the FDA as 
planned. We are focusing on our 
industry engagement and our industry 
engagement as the prospect of bringing 
PRRSv-resistant pigs to market comes 
closer. We also have a pipeline of other 
gene editing projects, mainly in porcine, 
and our investment in reproductive 
technology is starting to make progress.

Digitalisation is important for us. In 
particular, we are transforming ABS’s 
digital capabilities, to improve our 
ability to engage even better with 
customers, show them how we are 
driving genetic improvements in their 
herds and connect with them through 
digital sales and marketing. We are 
also progressing the roll-out of our 
new enterprise system, GenusOne. We 
went live in Spain and Chile during the 
year and in the UK shortly after the 
year end, so over 60% of the Group’s 
business is now using the new system.

IF:  The Board is pleased with how well 
the strategy is working. We held 
our annual strategy day in January, 
which confirmed that the Group is 
on the right path and has the right 
objectives. We have become more 
systematic in evaluating and prioritising 
our R&D portfolio, which will stand 
us in good stead for the future. 

We also recognise that we cannot 
do everything and that there is 
great work elsewhere that we can 
tap into. The Group is increasingly 
looking at partnerships, such as with 
universities and other institutions, 
and we are continually scanning the 
horizon for developments that will 
influence our business. The industry 
also continues to consolidate and 
we want to be seen as a good 
partner for that. Our collaboration 
with Olymel shows this in action.

How are your Sustainability initiatives 
coming along?

SW:  We are a purpose-driven business 
focused on nourishing the world, so 
sustainability is core to our business 
model. We are helping to reduce our 
customers’ environmental impact 
because our genetic improvements 
mean they can achieve their business 
goals while using fewer resources and 
cutting their carbon footprints. This 
year, we became a founder member 
of the Greener Cattle Initiative this 
year, which is an industry consortium 
supporting research on how to 
mitigate methane emissions from 
cattle. Since 2019, we have also made 
progress in the business with our own 
carbon reduction goals, which you 
can read about later in the report.

Genus is a people-based business. What 
are you doing to ensure you attract and 
retain the talent you need?

SW:  We work very hard to provide a 

compelling experience for our people, 
where they can perform their best and 
fulfil their potential. We are attracting 
an ever-more diverse global team and 
investing in them to help them succeed.

Every two years, we survey our people 
to measure how they feel about working 
for us. This year, we had our highest-
ever response rate and increases 
in positive scores for almost every 
question. Nine in ten said they enjoy 
working at Genus and 82% said they 
would recommend Genus to their family 
or friends, so that was really pleasing.

IF:  We recognise that it has been another 
tough year for many people in our 
business and while Europe and North 
America have largely emerged from 
COVID restrictions, the same has 
not been true in countries such as 
China. The Board thanks everyone for 
their dedication this year and their 
contribution to our continued success.

One of the pleasing developments 
this year was being able to restart the 
Board’s site visits. These allow us to meet 
our people on the ground, as well as 
other stakeholders such as customers, 
which among other things gives us more 
insight into the culture. Combined with 
the survey results, this has reaffirmed our 
view that we have a robust and positive 
culture across the Group, and that 
Genus is an enjoyable place to work.

I was also pleased during the year to 
launch the 2021 Chairman’s Award. 
This prestigious award was open 
to submissions from teams across 
our global business and celebrates 
outstanding innovation. I received 
17 high-quality applications which 
showcased projects, and the teams 
behind them, which demonstrate 
the inventive spirit that has 
helped to make Genus the world-
renowned company it is today. 

What is the outlook for Genus?

IF:  As a Board, we are focused on ensuring 
that Genus continues to deliver over 
the next ten to 20 years. That means 
further investment in our research, 
assets and people. Developing and 
commercialising the best technology 
will remain at the core of our business 
and we believe the Group is well 
placed to benefit from our strategy, 
as the global economy recovers.

SW:  As noted above, macroeconomic 
conditions remain particularly 
challenging for our customers in many 
parts of the world, however, since the 
start of the 2023 fiscal year, China’s 
live pig prices have risen above 21 
RMB/kg, improving confidence that 
the country’s porcine industry is on 
the path to recovery. There is still 
uncertainty as to how sustained this 
will be and the implications for demand 
for porcine genetics. Our investments 
in China position us well to benefit 
from an upturn. More broadly our clear 
strategy, strong product portfolio and 
depth of skill in our sales, services and 
R&D teams give us confidence that 
we will continue to make strategic and 
financial progress in fiscal year 2023 
and beyond. The Group remains well 
positioned to benefit from improving 
market conditions when these occur 
and therefore our medium-term growth 
expectations remain unchanged.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

MARKet oVeRVIeW

FeeDIn G t He 
WoRLD M oR e 
sustAInABLY

DEMAND DRIVERS FOR 
GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

1  OECD FAO production forecasts for 

period 2022–2031

2  As demonstrated through Genus 

real-world data and various trials in 
porcine, dairy and beef systems

3  Genus animals are selected 

according to indices that include 
productivity and health traits

OUR POSITION
Genus is a leading player in 
global porcine and bovine 
genetics markets, serving 
many of the Top 100 pig 
producers and dairies globally. 
Investment in our proprietary 
genetic programmes has 
delivered world-leading 
products in all our species, 
validated by indices and 
on-farm trials. Genus is also 
recognised as a global leader 
in genomic, gene editing and 
sexing technologies.

GROWING DEMAND FOR ANIMAL 
PROTEIN

FOOD PRODUCTION MUST BECOME 
MORE SUSTAINABLE

The global population is expanding 
and urbanising, and seeking a more 
varied and nutritious diet. This is driving 
increases in consumption of pork, milk 
and beef, which are forecast to grow 
by 1–2% p.a. in the next decade.1 

Competition for resources, such as land 
and water, and the need to reduce 
greenhouse gas emissions, puts 
pressure on farmers to become more 
efficient through the use of technology 
and genetically superior animals, which 
are proven to be more sustainable.2

CONSUMERS ARE DEMANDING BETTER 
PRODUCTS

FARMS ARE CONSOLIDATING AND 
TECHNIFYING

Consumers are increasingly 
demanding healthier and more 
sustainable products, which are raised 
with a focus on animal welfare, 
traceable and produced with fewer 
drugs. This increases farmers’ demand 
for genetically superior breeding 
animals, which are naturally more 
resilient and sustainable.3 

Progressive farmers, who are more 
open to new technologies and 
measure performance in more detail, 
are consolidating the sector. They 
understand the economic and 
sustainability benefits of genetically 
superior animals and optimised 
breeding strategies, such as combining 
the use of sexed dairy and beef semen 
on dairy herds to maximise profit.

10

PORK4

1

9

2

3
4
5
6
7
8

1

BEEF & DAIRY5

7

6

4  Source: Government agencies, 

Eurostat, pork organisations, Genus 
estimates. Market shares represent 
the estimated share of pig production 
in top pig production markets

5  Source: Government agencies, USDA, 

OECD, genetics and agriculture 
organisations, Genus estimates. 
Market shares represent the 
estimated share of combined dairy 
and beef volumes in ABS’s Top 29 
target markets for dairy and Top 8 
target markets for beef

1 PIC 
2 Competitor 1 
3 Competitor 2 
4 Competitor 3 
5 Competitor 4 
6 Competitor 5
7 Competitor 6
8 Competitor 7
9 Internal/hybrid programmes
10 Other 

1 Competitor 1 
2 ABS 
3 Competitor 2 
4 Competitor 3 
5 Competitor 4 
6 Competitor 5 
7 Other 

15%
6%
4%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
20%
47%

2

3

4

5

11%
9%
9%
5%
4%
3%
59%

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
17
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

TRENDS IN OUR MARKET6

TOTAL PORK

121mt

TOP 3 MARKETS

TOTAL BEEF

72mt

TOP 3 MARKETS

TOTAL MILK7

902mt

TOP 3 MARKETS

43%

20%

10%

17%

13%

10%

22%

17%

11%

ADVANCED GENETICS USE

ADVANCED GENETICS USE

ADVANCED GENETICS USE

PRODUCTION
Pig production is largely technified with 
similar production systems employed by 
progressive producers globally. Breeding 
pigs and semen are typically acquired 
from specialist genetic improvement 
companies or sourced from captive 
breeding programmes to ‘stock’ a farm, 
with semen being provided periodically 
thereafter, enabling farmers to benefit 
from the latest, best-performing genetics. 

Disease poses a significant risk to pig 
producers, who rely on biosecurity 
protocols and health products to manage 
the threat of diseases like PRRSv, a 
disease which causes billions of dollars 
of damage to the industry annually. 

In China, pigs have historically mainly been 
produced in small ‘backyard’ farms. In 
2018, the outbreak of African Swine Fever 
resulted in the national sow herd declining 
by about one-third. The resulting shortfall 
in pork drove the expansion of large-scale 
technified pig production, further aided by 
the legislative drive to professionalise the 
sector. Today, the top 50 producers 
control around one-quarter of the sow 
herd in China.

PRODUCTION
Beef is produced in a variety of systems 
globally and from many breeds, using both 
artificial insemination and ‘natural service’. 
Beef animals are often traded multiple 
times between birth and processing. 

In the US, beef is mainly produced from 
pure-bred beef animals bred naturally 
from bulls on farm or sourced from the 
open market. A modest but growing 
portion of beef cattle is produced by 
breeding dairy cattle with beef semen 
(Beef x Dairy). Beef x Dairy uses ‘surplus’ 
dairy breedings to produce high-quality 
beef animals that are more consistent 
than those from pure-bred beef systems. 

In Brazil, beef is mainly produced from 
pure-bred ‘tropical’ beef cattle suited to 
local conditions, but tropical cattle are 
increasingly being cross-bred with semen 
from European breeds. The resulting 
cross-bred calves have better meat 
quality and growth rates than tropical 
animals, and are more heat tolerant than 
European breeds. 

PRODUCTION
Milk production systems vary due to 
environment, genetics and technification. 
The average US cow produces over 
10 tonnes of milk annually compared with 
2 tonnes in India. Dairy production is 
fragmented, but progressive farmers are 
consolidating. Average herd size in the US 
has grown by 77% over ten years8, and two 
Chinese groups now control around half 
a million cows.

Historically farmers selected breeding 
animals based on their progeny’s 
performance. In 2008, genomics enabled 
the selection of animals at birth from their 
DNA, triggering the consolidation of elite 
genetics by studs (like ABS). Leading studs 
transitioned from purchasing bulls to 
proprietary breeding programmes. 
Between 2008–2022 total breeders 
featured in the top bull rankings fell from 
107 to 31.9 

Sexing technology use has grown rapidly, 
enabling farmers to produce herd 
replacements from their best cows with 
fewer breedings, given the ~90% chance 
of a female. Other animals in the herd are 
increasingly bred with beef semen to 
produce a high value cross-bred beef calf. 
The proportion of ABS’s sales to US dairies 
consisting of sexed and beef genetics has 
grown from 16% to 76% between FY16–FY22.

GENUS OPPORTUNITY
 > Maintain our genetic lead by driving 
genetic improvement faster than 
competitors and internal programmes

 > Ensure biosecure supply of breeding 
stock and semen for progressive 
producers in all key markets

 > Make China a ‘home market’, with local 

nucleus herds, supply chain and 
superior customer service 

 > Launch our gene-edited PRRSv-

resistant pigs, and explore technology 
solutions to other diseases

GENUS OPPORTUNITY
 > Demonstrate the superiority of our 
proprietary beef genetics across 
the value chain through trials 
and partnerships

 > Build on our product leadership in 
beef semen for dairy and tropical 
cross-breeding

 > Develop naturally more resilient cattle, 
through genomic selection and gene 
editing technologies

GENUS OPPORTUNITY
 > Maintain our genetic lead by 
driving genetic improvement 
faster than competitors

 > Drive the adoption of our sexed and 
Beef x Dairy genetics amongst dairy 
farmers, to maximise their profitability

 > Grow our presence with progressive 

industry consolidators globally
 > Deploy our proprietary sexing 
technology with partner studs, 
delivering value and sustainability 
to the industry

6  Sources: OECD FAO 2022, Rabobank, Boyar, Journal of Swine Health and Production, Genus Analysis
7  Represents 81% cow milk, 15% buffalo milk, 4% other (OECD FAO 2022)
8  USDA data for the period 2011 to 2021
9  Represents the number of US Holstein breeders represented in the Top 200 NM$ rankings by birth year; 2022 data based on Top 200 Holsteins active using August 2022 data 

from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

stRAteGIC FRAMeWoRK

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?

DELIVER A 
DIFFERENTIATED 
PROPRIETARY GENETIC 
OFFERING

GENETIC GAIN

Creating superior breeding 
animals for farmers, measured 
against indices comprising 
traits that help to drive farmers’ 
productivity and sustainability.

SUCCESS DRIVERS

ELITE ANIMALS
TECHNOLOGY AND CAPABILITIES
DATA

FOCUS ON PROGRESSIVE 
PROTEIN PRODUCERS 
GLOBALLY

VOLUME GROWTH

Growing volumes, particularly 
with progressive livestock farmers.

SUCCESS DRIVERS

GLOBAL POSITION
GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

SHARE IN THE VALUE 
DELIVERED

SUCCESS DRIVERS

VALUE-BASED PRICING
PRODUCT VALIDATION
LEVERAGE SCALE

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE 
HEART OF OUR BUSINESS

PROFITABILITY

Generating profit resulting from 
the performance of our products 
in customers’ systems, and 
growing margin as we leverage 
scale and R&D investment 
across species.

Our strategy is underpinned 
by our approach to 
sustainable business and 
the strength of our people. 
The Board measures the 
performance of these key 
areas using the KPIs opposite.

DELIVERING AND 
SHARING IN THE VALUE
We harness innovative 
technologies and know-
how to breed genetically 
superior animals for 
progressive farmers 
globally, and link our 
pricing to the performance 
of our products on-farm.

STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION

  Our overarching strategy, success 
drivers (which feed into the focus 
areas of our business model), and 
associated KPIs are determined at 
Group level. The strategy is then 
implemented at business unit level. 
Our overarching business unit 
priorities and strategic progress 
in FY22 can be found on pages  
20 to 25.

  Sustainability lies at the heart of 
our business. KPIs marked with the 
above icon are considered by the 
Board to be indicative of our 
progress in this area. For more 
information see pages 35 to 36.

STRATEGIC REPORT19
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

HOW DO WE MEASURE THAT SUCCESS IN OUR BUSINESSES?

PORCINE GENETIC IMPROVEMENT INDEX (US$)

GENOMIC BULL NET MERIT RANKINGS

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

3.73

3.53

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

3.15

3.12

2.77

31

39

40

42

37

0.00

Measures the genetic improvement we achieve in our porcine nucleus herds, which 
ultimately filters down to our customers’ farms. 

3.73

0

Monitors how many of our bulls are highly ranked, based on economically relevant traits 
for farmers.

42

DEFINITION: The index measures the 
marginal improvement in customers’ US$ 
profitability, per commercial pig per year, 
on a rolling three-year average.

PERFORMANCE: Genus continues to 
deliver increasing rates of genetic 
improvement through expanding and 
maintaining a large nucleus population 
for high selection intensity, improving 
technical processes for genomic 
evaluation, implementing precision 
data collection from birth to consumer 
and continuing to add new traits and 
data streams.

DEFINITION: The number 
of our generally available 
Holstein bulls listed in the 
Top 100 Genomic Net 
Merit US$ rankings for 
genomically tested sires.

PERFORMANCE: Genus continues to maintain a strong 
position in the dairy industry with 39 of the Top 100 Holstein 
bulls using the Genomic Net Merit US$ rankings. Genus 
also has a good pipeline of young bulls tested but not yet 
in production. This is mainly driven by the large proportion 
of high-quality bulls sourced from our proprietary breeding 
programme, De Novo1.

1  De Novo Genetics LLC is 51% owned by Genus

DAIRY AND BEEF VOLUME GROWTH (%)

PORCINE VOLUME GROWTH (%)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

3

2022

0

8% excl China

8

6

5

15

2021

2020

2019

2018

5% excl China

11 including China

6% excl China

13 including China

0

5% excl China

8

Tracks our global unit sales growth in dairy and beef.

0

15

Tracks the growth in the number of commercial pigs with PIC genetics globally.

0

13

DEFINITION: The change 
in dairy, beef and sorted 
units of semen and 
embryos delivered or 
produced for customers 
in the year.

PERFORMANCE: Bovine volumes improved 3% to 25.1 million 
units, with strong growth in Asia and North America. Sexed 
volumes were up 18%, reflecting strong growth in both 
Sexcel and IntelliGen, which also built-on and supported 
the use of beef-on-dairy genetics, supporting a 9% 
increase in global beef volumes.

DEFINITION: The change 
in volume of both direct 
and royalty animal sales, 
using a standardised MPEs 
measure of commercial 
slaughter animals that 
contain our genetics. 

PERFORMANCE: Porcine volumes were stable at 188 million 
MPEs, with growth across North America, Latin America 
and Europe offset by adverse market conditions in China, 
where volumes fell by -42%. Excluding China, volumes were 
up 8% with growth across all North and Latin American 
territories, as well as in Spain as we leveraged our Sergal 
investment. Volumes under royalty contracts grew by 
7 points.

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT PER MARKET PIG EQUIVALENT (£)

ADJUSTED BOVINE OPERATING PROFIT PER DOSE (£)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

0.59

0.65

0.61

0.60

0.56

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

0.71

0.69

0.55

0.50

0.48

0.00

Monitors porcine profitability per unit.

0.65

0.00

Monitors bovine profitability per unit.

0.71

DEFINITION: Net porcine 
adjusted operating profit 
globally, expressed per 
MPE. Results include our 
share of Agroceres PIC, 
our Brazilian joint venture.

PERFORMANCE: Operating profit per MPE was £0.59, £0.06 
lower (£0.07 lower in constant currency). This was primarily 
due to lower breeding stock sales in China, partially offset 
by royalty growth across our other operating regions.

DEFINITION: Bovine 
adjusted operating profit 
globally, expressed per 
dose of semen or embryo 
delivered or produced 
for customers.

PERFORMANCE: Operating profit per dose was £0.71, up 
£0.02 (flat in constant currency). This was due to profit 
margin expansion through continued sales growth of our 
premium Sexcel product, partially offset by investment in 
our proprietary NuEra beef genetics and expanding our 
production capacity for sexed bovine genetics.

PRIMARY INTENSITY RATIO

ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

6.98

8.31

8.33

2022

2019

2017

9.37

9.61

82%

79%

75%

0.00

Measures the emissions intensity of the Group’s operations, which are largely driven by 
animal weight.

9.61

0

Measures levels of employee engagement over time.

82

DEFINITION: The primary 
intensity ratio is a measure 
of the Group’s Scope 1 and 
2 emissions per tonne of 
animal weight.

PERFORMANCE: The primary intensity ratio decreased by 
16% in FY22, driven down by a change in the age profile of 
our animals, as well as improved manure management 
regimes in PIC China.

DEFINITION: The response 
to the statement “I would 
recommend a friend to 
work at Genus”.

PERFORMANCE: Genus continues to demonstrate upper 
quartile levels of employee engagement, with 82% of 
employees surveyed responding that they would 
recommend a friend to work at Genus (FY19: 79%). 

STRATEGIC REPORT20
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

oPe RAtInG ReVIeW: PIC

sustAIneD 
LeADeRsHIP

Actual currency

2022
£m

306.6
112.3
121.2
36.6%

2021
£m

315.6
122.9
135.9
38.9%

Change
%

(3)
(9)
(11)
(2.3)pts

Constant  
currency 
change 
%

(5)
(10)
(13)
(2.3)pts

However, outside China, the business 
delivered solid growth. Excluding China, 
PIC increased adjusted operating profit by 
11%. Volumes rose by 8%, revenue increased 
by 4% and royalty revenue increased by 8% 
(both in constant currency). 

Overall, therefore, the business continued 
to make progress in many parts of the 
world while navigating volatility in China. 
We also continued to invest in the supply 
chain to position for further growth. Our 
largest investment was the new Atlas 
nucleus farm in Canada, which was 
completed in June 2022.

Year ended 30 June

Revenue
Adjusted operating profit exc JV
Adjusted operating profit inc JV
Adjusted operating margin exc JV

Pig producers across the world faced a 
series of significant challenges, which 
increased in the second half of the 
year. China, the world’s largest porcine 
market, experienced a significant 
cyclical downturn during a period of 
very restrictive COVID-19 lockdown 
measures. China pig prices averaged 
14.6 RMB/kg through the year, down 
50% on the prior year. African Swine 
Fever (‘ASF’) is an ongoing challenge 
for Chinese producers, and during the 
year the virus spread into Germany. 
As the year went on, challenging 
labour markets, and the war in Ukraine 
contributed to rising inflation, which 
had a significant impact on input costs 
for producers. Greater risks faced by 
producers meant there was less appetite 
to expand, leading to lower industry 
growth and lower producer profitability 
in most major porcine markets. 

PIC’s adjusted operating profit was 13% 
lower than in the previous year in constant 
currency. This was driven particularly by an 
84% fall in operating profit within China. 
Volumes were stable, with revenue down 
5% but strategically important royalty 
revenue up 1% (both in constant currency). 

DR BILL CHRISTIANSON
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER  
GENUS PIC

BUSINESS PRIORITIES

SHORT TERM
Help producers navigate the challenges 
they face due to volatility created by 
world events 

MEDIUM TERM
Successfully bring PRRSv-resistant 
animals to market in the US and Asia 

LONG TERM
Expand availability of PRRSv-resistant 
animals around the world and further 
strengthen our genetic leadership 

STRATEGIC REPORT21
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

STRATEGIC PROGRESS IN 2021–2022

   CREATE DIFFERENTIATED 
PROPRIETARY GENETIC 
SOLUTIONS

 > Continued to drive genetic 
gain in target traits across 
our product lines 
 > Established digital 

phenotyping at our Apex 
nucleus facility in South 
Dakota, delivering 
continuous and consistent 
data on leg structure to 
help improve robustness 
 > Completed our new nucleus 
farm in Canada and a new 
joint venture facility in the 
US to expand our elite 
farm network 

   SERVE PROGRESSIVE PROTEIN 

PRODUCERS EFFECTIVELY 

 > Grew adjusted operating 

 > Delivered adjusted 

profit in every region of the 
world, excluding China 

 > Improved adjusted 

operating profit in North 
America by 7%, helped by 
sales of our PIC800 boar to 
new accounts and 
expansion of our footprint in 
Canada through the 
acquisition of Olymel 

 > Increased adjusted 

operating profit in Asia 
(excluding China) by 25%, 
including growth of 67% in 
the Philippines as it 
continues to recover 
from ASF

operating profit of 1% in 
Europe, despite the 
situation in Russia, aided by 
a rise of 40% in Spain 
following our acquisition of 
Sergal and expansion of our 
distribution network 
 > Increased adjusted 

operating profit in Latin 
America by 5%, maintaining 
our industry leadership on 
both the male and female 
sides of our business 

   SHARE IN THE 

VALUE DELIVERED 

 > Increased the proportion of 
our business using royalty 
contracts by 3% to 88% 
(excluding China)

 > Conducted a further 25 
product validation trials, 
involving 106,130 pigs, to 
demonstrate the benefits 
customers gain from using 
PIC genetics 

NORTH AMERICA

Near-record US pig prices in the first 
six months of the year, driven by robust 
domestic demand and declines in both 
building and feed costs were tempered 
by market volatility, rising inflation and 
a partial reversal in feed cost trends in 
the second half. However, the market 
remains strong, both domestically 
and for exports, where higher demand 
from Mexico is making up for lower 
demand from China. The USDA projects 
pig production to remain relatively 
consistent in 2022. 

PERFORMANCE: Strongest performance 
in recent years, with rises in market share 
of 5% for sireline products (aided by the 
introduction of the PIC800 to customer 
herds) and 2% for damline products. 
Royalties from Olymel commenced in 
the second half of the year following 
the acquisition of Olymel’s AlphaGene 
programme in February 2022.

LATIN AMERICA

Producer profitability in Latin America 
was also affected by rising production 
costs in the second half of the year. 
However, domestic demand remained 
strong throughout the period, compared 
to the previous year. Brazil is the region’s 
largest exporter of pork, but a collapse 
in demand from China, coupled with 
rising inflation, means that many 
producers are currently experiencing 
margin pressure. 

PERFORMANCE: Growth in royalties 
supported a strong revenue and 
adjusted operating profit performance 
with double-digit growth in many 
countries, partially offset by lower joint 
venture income in Brazil.

EUROPE

Producers across the region experienced 
challenging conditions in a highly 
volatile market. While domestic demand 
remained stable, the spread of ASF into 
Germany, and the industry downturn 
in China led to a 22% fall in exports. 
During the year, pork production and the 
region’s breeding herd declined. The war 
in Ukraine significantly increased input 
costs and market uncertainty, which 
meant that many European producers 
made losses despite higher pig prices. 

PERFORMANCE: Increased breeding 
stock sales supported by supply chain 
investments and partnerships with 
Hermitage, Møllevang and Sergal. 
Further success through strategic focus 
on royalty revenues, strong growth in 
Spain and continued operations in 
Russia. 

VOLUMES

+9%

VOLUMES

+8%

VOLUMES

+7%

ASIA

The downturn in China contrasted 
with market trends elsewhere in Asia. A 
cyclical oversupply and weak consumer 
demand (primarily caused by COVID-19 
lockdown restrictions) led to a sharp 
decline in pig prices during the year, with 
producers incurring significant operating 
losses. Higher input costs also meant 
the break-even point for most producers 
rose to over 18 RMB/kg. However, during 
June pig prices began to show recovery, 
as they rose to almost 19 RMB/kg by the 
end of the month. They reached more 
than 21 RMB/kg in July and August.

PERFORMANCE: Growth outside 
China (adjusted operating profit +25% 
and revenue +19%), particularly in the 
Philippines, contrasted with the decline 
in trading in China. Commercial terms 
with a large PIC China customer were 
changed in the period to more closely 
align the economic interests of a unique 
outcome-based royalty contract in 
place. This resulted in a one-time refund 
of £4.1m, related to historical royalties.

VOLUMES

-31% 

(China -42%)

REVENUE

-34% 

(China -48%)

REVENUE

ROYALTY REVENUE

REVENUE

ROYALTY REVENUE

REVENUE

ROYALTY REVENUE

ROYALTY REVENUE

+9%

+7%

+16%

+17%

-6%

+7%

-32% (China -39%)

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

+7%

+5%

+ 1%

-69% (China -84%)

STRATEGIC REPORT22
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

oPeRAtInG ReVIeW: ABs

MAIntAIn In G ou R 
tRAJeCtoRY

Year ended 30 June

Revenue
Adjusted operating profit 
Adjusted operating margin

Actual currency

2022
£m

272.0
40.5
14.9%

2021
£m

250.1
36.4
14.6%

Change
%

9
11
0.3pts

Constant 
currency 
change 
%

7
9
0.2pts

In the first half of the year, the Global 
Dairy Trade Whole Milk Powder price 
continued to rise, fuelled by increasing 
demand following the easing of COVID-19 
lockdowns in most geographies. It 
reached its highest level for over eight 
years in March, but subsequently declined 
in the face of economic uncertainty 
and rising inflation. Rising input costs 
in areas such as feed, fuel, energy and 
labour in the second half of the year 
impacted dairy producer profitability. 
These cost increases, to which the war 
in Ukraine and weather-related issues 
were contributory factors, also led to a 
decline in milk production during the year. 

The same issues affected beef producers, 
but prices remained high during the year, 
partially due to low cattle numbers in 
some countries and strong demand from 
the foodservice industry following the 
relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. 
However, there are some signs that 
consumer demand may be softening 

in China (due to COVID-19 lockdowns) and 
in the US (as consumers spend less in the 
face of rising inflation), with resultant 
pressure on beef prices. 

ABS maintained its growth trajectory with 
volumes rising by 3% and revenue by 7% in 
constant currency. The business increased 
adjusted operating profit by 9% in 
constant currency despite the impact of 
an IT security incident, now fully resolved, 
which affected Brazil’s trading in June and 
we estimate the profit impact to have 
been £0.9m. This progress was 
underpinned by a growing number of 
partnerships with progressive dairy 
producers, using the combination of 
Sexcel and NuEra beef genetics within 
comprehensive genetic programmes. ABS 
also continued to expand and strengthen 
relationships with participants across the 
beef supply chain. As a result, global 
sexed volumes rose by 18% and beef 
volumes by 9% during the year. 

DR NATE ZWALD
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER  
GENUS ABS DAIRY

JERRY THOMPSON
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 
GENUS ABS BEEF

BUSINESS PRIORITIES

SHORT TERM
Secure more exclusive relationships with 
large producers, while strengthening 
digital engagement with customers 
and prospects

MEDIUM TERM
Accelerate global uptake of NuEra 
Genetics through new collaborations 
and partnerships 

LONG TERM
Increase use of Sexcel around the world 
and expand NuEra Genetics range to 
support all industry segments

STRATEGIC REPORT23
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

STRATEGIC PROGRESS IN 2021–2022

   CREATE DIFFERENTIATED 

PROPRIETARY GENETIC SOLUTIONS

   SERVE PROGRESSIVE PROTEIN 

PRODUCERS EFFECTIVELY 

   SHARE IN THE  

VALUE DELIVERED 

 > Accelerated the pipeline of NuEra 
Genetics beef bulls moving into 
production for customers 

 > Grew demand for polled genetics by 
marketing our elite products and 
strengthening the role of these genetics 
in dairy product development 
 > Increased protection of our elite 

genetics, by ensuring our terms and 
conditions and customer contracts give 
us the option to purchase elite progeny 

 > Produced our first Wagyu beef calves 
from embryos, to meet supply chain 
needs in the UK 

 > Increased US sales of Sexcel by 10% 
and Beef InFocus by 24%, enhancing 
our share of business with top global 
producers and continuing our strategic 
shift from conventional semen 

 > Accelerated growth in Asia, with strong 
Sexcel sales in China (up 53%) and a 
record year for Australia, with Sexcel up 
30% and beef up 43% 

 > Began digital sales pilots in EMEA and 
North America, while expanding digital 
sales in Latin America to include 
beef-on-beef alongside dairy genetics

 > Implemented digital service tools as 
part of our GENEadvance customer 
genetic testing and services 
programme, to deliver an industry-
leading customer digital experience 

 > Expanded our GENEadvance 
programme through exclusive 
partnerships with more than 200 herds, 
where we are rewarded for delivering 
results aligned with customer goals 

 > Strengthened pull-through 

relationships with major UK retailers, 
developing and being rewarded for 
elite beef genetics that meet their 
specific commercial requirements 
 > Conducted two product validation 

trials in two countries, to demonstrate 
the superior performance of NuEra 
Genetics for customers 

LATIN AMERICA

Dairy production declined during the 
year due to a combination of lower herd 
numbers, drought and high input costs. 
In contrast, the beef industry continued 
to grow, with production up 6% in Brazil 
(particularly following the lifting of the 
Chinese embargo on Brazilian beef 
exports) and 2% in Mexico (with prices 
in Mexico 20% higher on average than 
the previous year). Inflation continued 
to affect consumption of both beef 
and dairy products during the year, 
as household purchasing power was 
eroded across middle-income groups. 

PERFORMANCE: Slightly lower volumes 
(although 89% increase in tropical ABS 
XBlack genetics, aided by further digital 
sales campaigns), mitigated by robust 
pricing policies. Trading in June was 
affected by the IT security incident, 
which was resolved in the month. This 
impacted the business’s ability to 
despatch product prior to the end of the 
financial year which, by our estimates, 
impacted FY22 volumes by 4% with 
an associated profit impact of £0.9m. 
Without this, Latin America profit growth 
would have been around 11%. 

EUROPE

The war in Ukraine and its impact on 
input costs created uncertainty in 
most markets. Despite these costs 
and weather-related issues, which 
contributed to lower production across 
the region, milk prices remained high 
and are expected to rise further in 
the coming months. Beef production 
declined, with increases in some 
countries failing to compensate for 
reductions in countries like Germany 
and France. Lower production led to 
higher prices, but rising inflation risks 
dampening consumer demand. 

PERFORMANCE: Partnerships with a 
growing range of strategic accounts 
involving genomic testing and 
comprehensive genetic programmes 
drove growth in higher-priced sexed 
and beef products, as well as the 
IntelliGen third-party business. 
Robust pricing policies mitigated 
inflationary cost pressures, however, 
market uncertainty caused lower 
volumes and profits, particularly in 
the UK and distributor markets.

NORTH AMERICA

Further dairy industry consolidation led 
to fewer farms with larger herds, but no 
change in cow numbers. Higher input 
costs reduced margins for producers, 
despite record milk prices, increasing 
caution over investment in replacement 
heifers for herds. By contrast, the beef 
market was buoyed by high prices 
for calves, increasing production and 
robust export demand, although there 
are signs that consumer demand is now 
weakening due to rising inflation. 

PERFORMANCE: Strong volume 
increases driven by growth of exclusive 
relationships with strategic accounts, 
continued growth in the IntelliGen third-
party business and NuEra beef volumes 
up 33%.

ASIA

Consolidation of the Chinese dairy 
industry drove increasing demand for 
sexed genetics, supported by growth 
in domestic production and imports, 
although this tapered off later in the 
year as consumer demand weakened 
(a factor which also affected the beef 
industry). In Australia, favourable 
weather conditions and low herd 
numbers fuelled record beef prices, while 
the dairy industry benefited from China’s 
demand for live heifers.

PERFORMANCE: Good growth across the 
region, underpinned by strong progress 
in China and Australia and further 
contract wins in India.

TOTAL VOLUMES

TOTAL VOLUMES

TOTAL VOLUMES

TOTAL VOLUMES

+8%

-5%

-2%

+13%

BEEF VOLUMES 

SEXED VOLUMES 

BEEF VOLUMES 

SEXED VOLUMES 

BEEF VOLUMES 

SEXED VOLUMES 

BEEF VOLUMES 

SEXED VOLUMES 

+10%

+24%

REVENUE

+4%

-3%

-1%

REVENUE

+5%

+9%

REVENUE

+5%

+8%

+37%

REVENUE

+28%

+32%

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT

+4%

+2%

-4%

+24%

STRATEGIC REPORT24
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

oPeRAtInG R eVIe W: R&D

stRen GtHenI nG 
tHe PIP eLIne

Year ended 30 June

Porcine product development
Bovine product development
Gene editing
Other research and development

Net expenditure in R&D1

1  Excluding profit attributable to non-controlling interest

During the year, Genus increased its 
investment in net R&D expenditure by 
6% in constant currency. This investment 
supported gene editing projects, 
enhanced IntelliGen production capacity, 
expanded elite porcine farm populations 
and strengthened the R&D pipeline.

PORCINE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Porcine product development maintained 
Genus’s industry-leading product 
differentiation. Further progress on 
genomic selection, coupled with advances 
in digital phenotyping, enabled Genus to 
accelerate genetic gain and amplify new 
traits related to robustness and efficiency. 
We expect these advances, along with 
initial production from new elite facilities, 
Barrick Family Farms (in the US) and PIC’s 
Atlas facility (in Canada) which have both 
now been completed to increase 
availability of our industry-leading 
genetics for North America and global 
exports during FY23.

BOVINE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Bovine product development delivered a 
highly competitive portfolio of dairy and 
beef genetics. De Novo Genetics, our joint 
venture with De-Su Holsteins, produced 
over 50% of new Holstein bulls introduced 
to the market. Further investment in our 
proprietary NuEra beef genetics (a rise of 
25% on the previous year) helped ABS 
continue to increase their representation 
within total beef volumes of which NuEra 
now account for one-third. In parallel, 
validation trials in customer systems 
reinforced NuEra’s superior performance 
over competitor genetics. We also 

Actual currency

2022
£m

22.5
22.7
7.9
14.0

67.1

2021
£m

21.9
19.7
7.6
13.3

62.5

Constant 
currency 
change
%

Change
%

3
15
4
5

7

1
13
1
5

6

expanded production capacity for sexed 
bovine genetics, internally and with 
third-party customers, and won a 
Government of India tender for IntelliGen 
sexed semen production, which we will 
begin fulfilling during FY23. 

GENE EDITING

Genus continued to advance the PRRSv 
resistance project according to plan. 
During the year, we expanded our 
population of gene-edited animals so we 
could start additional regulatory studies 
for the US Food and Drug Administration 
while pursuing our plan for regulatory 
approval in target markets around the 
world. We also continued proactive and 
positive engagement with stakeholders 
within and outside the pork supply chain. 
Through these engagements, we are 
explaining our responsible use of gene 
editing technology and exploring the 
benefits that PRRSv-resistant animals will 
bring for animal well-being, for farmers 
and for efforts to meet evolving consumer 
expectations around environmental 
sustainability and food security.

OTHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Other R&D expenditure increased by 5%. 
This focused on supporting research in 
the field of reproductive biology and 
expansion of our data science 
capabilities, as well as further work on 
genome science and the development of 
our bioinformatics platform. We also 
continued to collaborate with external 
partners in a variety of discovery areas. 

DR ELENA RICE
CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER AND  
HEAD OF R&D GENUS R&D

BUSINESS PRIORITIES

SHORT TERM
Gain regulatory approval for  
PRRSV-resistant pigs in the US and 
continue to improve our proprietary 
sexing technology 

MEDIUM TERM
Obtain approval of PRRSv-resistant 
pigs in other target markets around the 
world and continue to advance our 
work on reproductive technology 

LONG TERM
Identify and explore new traits, to 
reduce the environmental impact 
of animal agriculture 

STRATEGIC REPORT25
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

STRATEGIC PROGRESS IN 2021–2022

GENE EDITING

GENDER SKEW 

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY 

DATA STRATEGY

 > Made further submissions 
as part of the process for 
regulatory approval of 
PRRSv-resistant animals in 
the US, while working with 
regulatory bodies and 
agencies in other target 
markets around the world 

 > Advanced our project 

focused on swine influenza 
and evaluated 
opportunities for using 
gene editing to combat 
ASF, both in collaboration 
with Kansas State University

 > Continued to improve the 

quality, fertility and number 
of gender skews delivered 
through our proprietary 
bovine sexing technology

 > Began using specialist 

technology in some of our 
laboratories to increase the 
ratio of Y chromosomes in 
straws of sexed semen, with 
the aim of producing more 
male offspring 

 > Established a new IntelliGen 
Technologies laboratory 
with a customer, giving us 12 
owned and licensed 
facilities around the world 

 > Introduced a new medium 
for embryo culture, to 
further improve quality and 
quantity, and harnessed 
leading-edge technology 
to enable the identification 
of the sex of embryos 
before transfer to recipients 
 > Continued to work internally 
and in collaboration with 
University of California 
Davis and Missouri State 
University to explore the 
role embryonic stem cells 
could play in enhancing 
genetic gain

 > Accelerated 

implementation of our data 
analytics strategy, making 
strong progress on 
initiatives including rapid 
data inception, data 
integration, scalable hybrid 
computing and flexible 
data storage 

STRATEGIC REPORT26
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

FInAnCIAL ReVIeW

In VestIn G FoR 
GRoW tH

In the year ended 30 June 2022, the 
Group achieved revenue growth of 
3% in actual currency (2% in constant 
currency). However, adjusted operating 
profit including joint ventures fell by 
13% (15% in constant currency), due to 
some significant market challenges. 
These included rising inflation (driven 
particularly by increasing energy 
prices), the impact of the war in 
Ukraine and, most notably, turbulence 
in China’s porcine industry following 
the sharp decline in pig prices in 2021. 
The resultant decline in operating 
profit in China had a significant impact 
on the Group’s results. Excluding PIC 
China, however, adjusted operating 
profit including joint ventures increased 
by 28% (25% in constant currency). 

On a statutory basis, profit before tax 
was £48.4m (2021: £55.8m). The difference 
between statutory and adjusted profit 
before tax principally reflected the 
reduction in the non-cash fair value net 
of IAS 41 biological assets and lower 
share-based payments charge. Basic 
earnings per share on a statutory basis 
were 62.5 pence (2021: 72.6 pence).

The Group continued its 
significant R&D investment 
strategy, up 7% (6% in 
actual currency)

ALISON HENRIKSEN
Chief Financial Officer

STRATEGIC REPORT27
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Year ended 30 June

Revenue
Operating profit
Operating profit inc JVs exc gene editing
Profit before tax
Free cash flow
Basic earnings per share (pence)
Dividend per share (pence)

Adjusted results1

Actual currency

2022
£m

593.4
68.8
85.6
71.5
(13.5)
82.7

2021
£m

574.3
76.9
97.4
84.8
37.5
100.9

Change
%

3
(11)
(12)
(16)
(136)
(18)

Constant 
currency 
change
%2

2
(13)
(14)
(18)
n/m3
(20)

Statutory results

Actual currency

2022
£m

593.4
49.4
n/a
48.4

62.5
32.0

2021
£m

574.3
47.7
n/a
55.8

72.6
32.0

Change
%

3
4
n/a
(13)

(14)
–

1  Adjusted results are the APMs used by the Board to monitor underlying performance at a Group and operating segment level, which are applied consistently throughout. 

These APMs should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or as superior to statutory measures. For more information on APMs, see APM Glossary

2  Constant currency percentage movements are calculated by restating the results for the year ended 30 June 2022 at the average exchange rates applied to adjusted 

operating profit for the year ended 30 June 2021

3  n/m = not meaningful

The Group continued its significant R&D investment strategy, 
up 7% (6% in constant currency ). Excluding gene editing costs, 
adjusted operating profit including joint ventures fell by 12% 
(14% in constant currency) and adjusted profit before tax was 
down 16% (18% in constant currency).

Adjusted operating profit including joint ventures was £77.7m 
(2021: £89.8m), 15% lower in constant currency. The Group’s share 
of adjusted joint venture operating profit was lower at £9.2m 
(2021: £13.0m), primarily due to weaker results in our porcine joint 
ventures in China.

The effect of exchange rate movements on the translation of 
overseas profits was to increase the Group’s adjusted profit 
before tax for the year by £1.8m compared with 2021, primarily 
due to the weakness of Sterling. All growth rates quoted are in 
constant currency unless otherwise stated. Constant currency 
percentage movements are calculated by restating the results 
for the year ended 30 June 2022 at the average exchange 
rates applied to adjusted operating profit for the year ended 
30 June 2021.

Gene editing investment, which is primarily focused on creating 
pigs resistant to PRRSv, increased to £7.9m (2021: £7.6m) as we 
expanded our population of gene-edited animals. Adjusted 
operating profit including joint ventures and excluding gene 
editing investment was £85.6m (2021: £97.4m), 14% lower, due 
to PIC China’s performance. However, the underlying business 
continues to perform well and over the last five years our 
compound annual growth rate this profit measure has been 10% 
in constant currency, in line with our medium-term objective.

REVENUE

Revenue increased by 2% in constant currency (3% in actual 
currency) to £593.4m (2021: £574.3m). PIC’s revenue declined by 5% 
(3% in actual currency) as a result of the downturn of the porcine 
market in China impacting our customers’ demand for genetics. 
In ABS, revenue was up 7% (9% in actual currency) reflecting the 
continuing success of Genus’s sexed and beef genetics, 
particularly in China and Australia. 

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT INCLUDING JOINT VENTURES

Actual currency

Year ended 30 June
Adjusted Profit Before Tax1

2022
£m

2021
£m

Change
%

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
R&D
Central costs

Adjusted operating profit 
inc JVs 
Net finance costs

Adjusted profit before tax

121.2
40.5
(67.1)
(16.9)

135.9
36.4
(62.5)
(20.0)

77.7
(6.2)

71.5

89.8
(5.0)

84.8

(11)
11
(7)
16

(13)
(24)

(16)

Constant 
currency 
change 
%

(13)
9
(6)
18

(15)
(24)

(18)

1 

Includes share of adjusted pre-tax profits of joint ventures and removes share of 
adjusted profits of non-controlling interests

PIC’s performance during the year was affected particularly by 
the situation in China and by market volatility in Latin America and 
Europe. As a result, adjusted operating profit including joint 
ventures was down 13% in constant currency. However, excluding 
China, adjusted operating profit rose by 11%. Volumes were stable 
and up 8% when China is excluded. Strategically important royalty 
revenue was up 1% (8% excluding China), aided by increases of 17% 
in Latin America and 7% in Europe, despite the challenging market 
conditions. Royalty revenues in North America also grew by 7%, 
primarily through strong sales of both our damline and sireline 
products (particularly the PIC800 boar) and were further 
supported by the integration of Olymel’s AlphaGene 
breeding programme.

ABS’s volumes rose by 3% and adjusted operating profit rose 
by 9%. The popularity of our proprietary bovine sexed product, 
Sexcel, continued to increase, supporting sexed volumes up 18% 
compared to a very high prior year growth rate of 29%. Increasing 
use of NuEra beef genetics in dairy herds drove beef volume 
growth of 9%. Asia increased adjusted operating profit by 24% in 
constant currency, aided by strong growth in China and Australia. 
Latin America’s profits rose by 2%, lower than expected due to 
an IT security incident in June which was quickly resolved but 
impacted the business’s ability to despatch product prior to 
the end of the financial year. Europe’s adjusted operating profit 
declined by 4%, due particularly to market uncertainty driven by 
the Ukraine war and rising input costs for producers, which were 
felt particularly in the UK business and among our European 
distributors. In North America, adjusted operating profit was 
4% higher, with growth of third-party IntelliGen production 
contributing to profit growth.

Central costs were 18% lower, at £16.9m (2021: £20.0m) in constant 
currency, primarily due to a combination of prudent cost 
management and lower performance-related employee rewards.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
28
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

FInAnCIAL ReVIeW CONTINUED

STATUTORY PROFIT BEFORE TAX

The table below reconciles adjusted profit before tax to statutory 
profit before tax:

Adjusted Profit Before Tax
Operating profit attributable to non-controlling 
interest
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological 
assets in JVs and associates
Tax on JVs and associates
Adjusting items:
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological 
assets
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Share-based payment expense
Exceptional items

Statutory Profit Before Tax

2022
£m

71.5

2021
£m

84.8

0.3

0.1

(1.4)
(2.6)

3.1
(3.0)

(5.4)
(8.3)
(3.7)
(2.0)

(10.8)
(7.4)
(7.7)
(3.3)

48.4

55.8

Statutory profit before tax was £48.4m (2021: £55.8m), largely 
reflecting the decrease in the underlying trading performance, 
being partially offset by the lower share-based payment expense, 
lower exceptional items and a lower non-cash fair value net IAS 41 
biological asset movement. Within this, there was a £24.5m uplift 
(2021: £6.4m uplift) in porcine biological assets and a £29.9m 
reduction (2021: £17.2m reduction) in bovine biological assets, 
due to certain fair value model estimate changes. Share-based 
payment expense was £3.7m (2021: £7.7m). These reconciling items 
are primarily non-cash, can be volatile and do not correlate to the 
underlying trading performance in the year.

The tax charge on adjusted profits in the year was £17.4m (2021: 
£19.1m), which represented an adjusted ETR of 24.3% (2021: 22.5%). 
The adjusted tax charge for the year increased by approximately 
3% due to the reduced availability of tax relief in China on owned 
production agricultural activities mentioned above. This adverse 
movement was partially offset by a reduction in foreign and 
withholding taxes due of 1.9%, increases in US R&D and foreign tax 
credits of 1.2% and UK fixed asset timing difference credits of 1.3%. 
The prior year adjusted tax rate benefited by 3.3% from the 
revaluation of UK deferred tax assets to the future UK tax rate 
of 25%. 

The outlook for the Group adjusted ETR is in the range of 23–25%, 
consistent with the current year and including the impact of the 
future UK tax rate increase to 25% from April 2023.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Adjusted basic earnings per share decreased by 18% (20%) in 
constant currency) to 82.7 pence (2021: 100.9 pence) reflecting the 
impact of some significant market challenges, most notably in 
China’s porcine industry. Basic earnings per share on a statutory 
basis were 62.5 pence (2021: 72.6 pence), as above but also 
reflecting the impact of net IAS 41 biological asset movement, 
lower share-based payments and lower exceptional items. 

BIOLOGICAL ASSETS 

A feature of the Group’s net assets is its substantial investment in 
biological assets, which under IAS 41 are stated at fair value. At 
30 June 2022, the carrying value of biological assets was £387.7m 
(2021: £337.3m), as set out in the table below:

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 

There was a £2.0m net exceptional expense in the year (2021: 
£3.3m expense), which included legal fees of £1.4m (2021: £2.5m) 
in relation to Genus ABS’s litigation with STgenetics. It also 
includes a £3.3m credit relating to a non-refundable cash receipt 
(net of fees) received for the assignment of rights to a legacy legal 
claim in Brazil and a £2.8m expense relating to a restructuring 
programme in ABS North America’s supply chain, principally the 
closure of barns in Canada. Also contributing to this expense was 
£0.5m of one-time costs to help us resolve the IT security incident. 

Non-current assets
Current assets
Inventory

Represented by:
Porcine
Dairy and beef

2022
£m

333.7
33.1
20.9

2021
£m

279.9
39.6
17.8

387.7

337.3

278.8
108.9

227.4
109.9

387.7

337.3

NET FINANCE COSTS

Net finance costs increased to £6.2m (2021: £5.0m). This was 
primarily caused by an increase in average borrowings from 
£122.0m in 2021 to £173.9m in 2022, increasing interest costs by 
£0.8m. Higher market interest rates also increased interest costs 
by £0.3m and there were also higher margin and utilisation fees 
of £0.2m. 

Amortisation costs in the year were £0.9m (2021: £0.9m) and within 
other interest there was £1.1m (2021: £0.8m) of IFRS 16 finance lease 
interest and £0.4m (2021: £0.9m) from the unwinding of discount 
interest on the Group’s pension liabilities and put options. 

TAXATION

The tax charge on the statutory profit in the year of £14.3m 
(2021: £12.0m) represented an effective tax rate (‘ETR’) of 28.0% 
(2021: 20.4%). 

The statutory tax charge included a one-off charge of 
£2.2m (4.3%) in the year to reflect higher deferred tax rates on 
China Porcine IAS 41 assets and increased by 6.0% due to the 
reduced share of Group profits arising in China, which benefits 
from the availability of tax relief on owned production 
agricultural activities.

The movement in the overall balance sheet carrying value of 
biological assets of £50.4m includes the effect of exchange rate 
translation increases of £36.7m. Excluding the translation effect 
there was:
 > a £25.9m increase in the carrying value of porcine biological 

assets, due principally to an increase in the number of animals 
held in our new genetic nucleus farm in Canada; and

 > a £12.2m reduction in the bovine biological assets carrying 

value, primarily due to increased production costs and a higher 
risk adjusted discount rate. 

The historical cost of these assets, less depreciation, was £77.2m 
at 30 June 2022 (2021: £65.1m), which is the basis used for the 
adjusted results. The historical cost depreciation of these assets 
included in adjusted results was £10.7m (2021: £10.0m).

STRATEGIC REPORT29
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

NET DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES

The Group’s retirement benefit obligations at 30 June 2022 were 
£8.3m (2021: £11.1m) before tax and £7.0m (2021: £9.0m) net of 
related deferred tax. The largest element of this liability now 
relates to some legacy unfunded pension commitments dating 
prior to the acquisition of PIC by Genus.

Net debt increased to £185.0m at 30 June 2022 (2021: £105.6m), 
primarily due to the planned large capital expenditure 
investments and acquisitions. On 30 June 2022, the Group 
had headroom of £77.8m (2021: £129.3m) under its available 
credit facilities. 

During the year, contributions payable in respect of the Group’s 
defined benefit schemes amounted to £3.5m (2021: £7.4m). Deficit 
repair contributions to the Milk Pension Fund (‘MPF’) ended in 
September 2021 which accounts for the reduction in contributions, 
and we expect the cash payments for pension contributions to 
reduce to £1.0m in FY23.

Robust investment strategies and higher bond yields during the 
year for our two main defined benefit obligation schemes have 
led to strengthened financial positions. Prior to any IFRIC 14 
amendments, both the Dalgety Pension Fund and our share 
of the MPF reported IAS 19 surpluses.

CASH FLOW

Cash flow (before debt repayments)

Cash generated by operations
Interest and paid taxes 
Capital expenditure
Cash received from JVs
Other

Free cash flow
Acquisitions and investments
Dividends
Shares issued

2022
£m

56.6
(22.3)
(50.9)
3.2
(0.1)

(13.5)
(19.5)
(20.9)
–

2021
£m

86.6
(19.1)
(33.8)
3.7
0.1

37.5
(16.9)
(19.5)
0.1

Net cash (outflow)/inflow (before debt 
repayments)

(53.9)

1.2

Cash generated by operations of £56.6m (2021: £86.6m) 
represented cash conversion of 82% (2021: 113%) of adjusted 
operating profit excluding joint ventures. The cash conversion 
rate of adjusted operating profit to cash was below our 
objective to achieve conversion of at least 90% annually, 
however, we expect this to return to meeting this objective in 
the coming year. The decrease in cash generation primarily 
reflected the impact of some significant market challenges, 
most notably in China’s porcine industry and higher working 
capital outflows primarily due to increased inventories, trade 
receivables and other receivables. The increase in inventory 
is for Sexcel units and IntelliGen equipment to support 
continued growth and availability of our industry leading 
Sexcel product. Trade receivables increased through sales 
activity, particularly in North America, and other debtors 
primarily relate to China farm production security deposits.

Capital expenditure cash flow of £50.9m (2021: £33.8m) included 
continued investment in the ABS supply chain (with state-of-the-
art new bull housing in Wisconsin), increasing PIC’s supply chain 
capacity (with a new genetic nucleus farm being constructed in 
Canada) and investment in software development. Cash inflow 
from joint ventures was £3.2m (2021: £3.7m). After interest and tax 
paid, total free cash flow was £13.5m outflow (2021: £37.5m inflow).

The cash outflow from investments was £19.5m (2021: £16.9m), 
primarily involving £14.5m to acquire all intellectual property in 
Olymel’s elite porcine genetics, £2.2m to increase production 
capacity through a China joint venture and £1.0m of deferred 
consideration payments from previous acquisitions. 

During the year, the Group’s principal credit facilities comprised a 
£150m multi-currency revolving credit facility (‘RCF’), a USD125m 
RCF and a USD20m bond and guarantee facility. The original term 
of this facility was for three years to 24 August 2023, with options 
to extend by a further year before each of the first and second 
anniversaries. The credit facility also included an uncommitted 
£100m accordion option, which can be requested on a maximum 
of three occasions over the lifetime of the facility. On 24 August 
2021, the Group and its lenders extended the facility by a further 
year to 24 August 2024. With effect from 26 August 2022, the 
Group and its lenders increased the multi-currency RCF by £40m 
to £190m and the USD RCF by USD25m to USD150m and extended 
the maturity date of the total facilities to 24 August 2025.

EBITDA, as calculated under our financing facilities, includes cash 
received from joint ventures. Net debt as calculated under our 
financing facilities excludes IFRS 16 lease liabilities up to a cap 
of £30m but includes bank guarantees. The ratio of net debt to 
EBITDA on this basis at the year end has increased to 1.7 times 
(2021: 0.9 times) which remains in line with our medium-term 
objective of having a ratio of net debt to EBITDA of between 
1.0 and 2.0 times. At the end of June 2022, interest cover was  
at 27 times (2021: 45 times). 

RETURN ON ADJUSTED INVESTED CAPITAL 

The Group’s return on adjusted invested capital is measured 
using adjusted operating profit including joint ventures after tax, 
divided by the operating net assets of the business on the 
historical cost basis and excluding net debt and pension 
liabilities. This removes the impact of IAS 41 fair value accounting, 
the related deferred tax and goodwill. The post-tax return on 
adjusted invested capital was lower at 13.9% (2021: 23.0%), 
reflecting the lower profit and an increased asset base from the 
capital investments in supply chain capacity and acquisition of 
Olymel’s AlphaGene programme. The total increase in the 
invested capital base was £119m of which circa £40m was due 
to foreign exchange translation impacts.

DIVIDEND 

Recognising the importance of balancing investment for the 
future with ensuring an attractive return for shareholders, the 
Board is recommending a final dividend of 21.7 pence per ordinary 
share, consistent with the prior year final dividend. When 
combined with the interim dividend this will result in a total 
dividend for the year of 32.0 pence per ordinary share (2021: 32.0 
pence per share), the same as the prior year. Dividend cover from 
adjusted earnings of 2.6 times (2021: 3.2 times), is within the 
medium-term target of an adjusted earnings cover range of 2.5 
to 3.0 times.

It is proposed that the final dividend will be paid on 9 December 
2022 to the shareholders on the register at the close of business 
on 18 November 2022. 

Alison Henriksen
Chief Financial Officer
7 September 2022

STRATEGIC REPORT 
30
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

PeoPLe AnD CuLtuRe 

A VIBRAnt  An D 
CoLLABoRAtIV e 
GLoBAL C oMM unItY

ANGELLE ROSATA
Group HR Director

We provide a 
compelling employee 
experience to attract 
and retain top scientific 
and agriculture talent 
around the world

We currently employ nearly 
3,500 colleagues in 25 
countries (more detail on our 
workforce is provided in the 
Governance section). 

ENDURING VALUES 

Our culture is founded on five core values 
we developed with input from our people 
more than a decade ago. They remain 
as relevant as ever and run deep in 
everything we do. We recently developed 
a new visual identity for them and 
introduced a dedicated values e-learning 
module, which is used for employee 
onboarding and as annual refresher 
training for existing employees. Our values 
are also embedded within our annual 
performance management process. 

INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT 

We welcome talented people of 
high integrity and embrace new and 
different views. We ensure an open 
and engaging working environment, 
where every individual can perform to 
their best and fulfil their potential. 

This culture is explained in our employee 
handbook, which sets out expectations 
of behaviour that are embedded 
through our recruitment, onboarding, 
development and performance 
management processes. It is helping us 
attract and retain an ever-more diverse 
global team, for example, increasing 
the number of management positions 
held by women by promoting existing 
colleagues and attracting new talent. 

In addition, our employee resource group 
AWAKE (Advancing Women’s Advocacy, 
Knowledge and Empowerment) continues 
to help us increase gender inclusion and 
develop more diverse teams. It has more 
than 500 members and allies across the 
Company and organised a wide range 
of events, coaching and leadership 
training sessions during the year. 

OUR VALUES

CUSTOMER CENTRIC

We are one team, dedicated to helping 
customers thrive. We anticipate their needs 
and help them seize opportunities, acting 
as partners to improve quality, efficiency 
and output. If we’re not adding value for 
our customers, we stop and think again. 
—

   Read more on pg 01 – 29

RESULTS DRIVEN

We are proactive, determined to be the best 
we can be and to exceed expectations. 
We redefine standards for ourselves, our 
customers and our industry. Every one of us 
takes pride in delivering the highest level of 
performance. If something can be improved, 
we find a simpler, better way to do it. 
—

   Read more on pg 01 – 29

PIONEERING

We are an innovative, forward-thinking 
company. We have the courage and 
confidence to explore new ideas, and the 
energy and enthusiasm to deliver them. 
We are creative, tenacious and resourceful 
in every area of our work.
—

   Read more on pg 01 – 29

PEOPLE FOCUSED

We are a business rooted in science 
but built around our people. We inspire, 
challenge and support everyone to 
perform, develop and grow. We treat 
others with respect and we invite views 
and feedback to help us improve.
—

   Read more on pg 30 – 31

RESPONSIBLE 

We are ethical to our core. We feel a deep 
sense of responsibility to our customers, 
colleagues, animals, communities and 
shareholders. We are honest, reliable and 
trustworthy. We mean what we say and do 
what we say.
—

   Read more on pg 32 – 40

STRATEGIC REPORTPractical steps to help us maintain a 
culture free from discrimination of any kind 
include mandatory annual training on 
preventing workplace harassment, which 
helps all employees understand how to 
nurture a positive working environment. 

BROAD RANGE OF BENEFITS 

To help us attract and retain talent in local 
markets, we offer a competitive package 
of benefits with elements for people with 
contrasting needs. To support this aim, we 
have now introduced a global minimum 
level of family leave provision, to help 
parents or carers when a new child joins 
their family through natural birth, adoption 
or a long-term fostering arrangement. This 
applies to any Genus employee, anywhere 
in the world, and underpins policies that 
align with local legislative requirements. 
We have also introduced a new policy 
outlining options for flexible working, for 
roles in which this is feasible, and the 
requirements and responsibilities involved.

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

We aim to ensure that everyone has 
opportunities to learn, grow and succeed 
throughout their time with Genus. This 
year, we continued to enhance and 
expand the courses and content we offer, 
including instructor-led development 
programmes, online courses and self-
study options in multiple languages. 

We also have drawn together previously 
separate mandatory training modules 
into one course on the Genus Code of 
Conduct. This covers topics such as 
anti-bribery and corruption, animal 
well-being principles and IT security. 
Employees take this course every year 
to refresh their knowledge. Colleagues 
working directly with animals also 
receive role-specific safety training. 

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT 

We have continued to inform and involve 
employees around the Company. This 
has included enhancing our programme 
of global, regional and local town halls 
and CEO roundtable discussions. Our 
progress on engagement is highlighted 
in the case study opposite. 

Our two Non-Executive Director ‘employee 
representatives’ – Lesley Knox and Lykele 
van der Broek – also held their first in-
person meeting with colleagues since 
the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
They engaged with employees at 
our DeForest, Wisconsin site in the 
US, exploring their experience of the 
Company and answering questions. 
Insights from this session have been 
shared with the rest of the Board for 
discussion with the executive team. 

31
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

HEALTH AND SAFETY

We continued to monitor the COVID-19 
pandemic and maintained measures 
and guidance to protect employees 
and their families. We also ensured clear 
protocols were in place for colleagues 
returning to offices as local public 
health restrictions were relaxed. 

More widely, we introduced further 
initiatives to support employees in different 
areas. These included on-farm seminars 
to help frontline colleagues anticipate and 
take action to reduce risks during their 
work. In addition, we added front-facing 
cameras to company vehicles, as part of 
our focus on reducing vehicle incidents. 

We continued to focus on strengthening 
health and safety performance. We aim to 
achieve a 5% reduction in our recordable 
injury frequency rate each year, against 
the benchmark of 2.6 incidents per 100 
employees set in 2020. Although the rate 
rose by 0.02 to 2.07 during the year, this 
was below the target of 2.36 for the year. 
We also reduced our vehicle incident rate 
by 3.28% compared to the previous year.

ROUTES FOR RAISING CONCERNS

We have a range of mechanisms for 
raising any concerns about unethical 
behaviour, including an independent and 
anonymous hotline, which supports our 
whistleblowing policy. We communicate 
regularly regarding these mechanisms. For 
example, as local COVID-19 restrictions 
were relaxed and we were retuning to 
offices, our Group HR Director hosted 
a series of virtual meetings reminding 
employees of our Code of Conduct, the 
Company’s grievance procedures and 
the support available for employees 
who may have experienced or witnessed 
unethical behaviour by anyone.

Any hotline reports are immediately 
referred to the Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary. They are 
investigated and discussed with the Group 
HR Director, Head of Risk Management, 
Internal Audit and the Company’s 
Audit & Risk Committee. This process is 
regularly reviewed as part of our annual 
Audit & Risk Committee activity. 

HUMAN RIGHTS

Genus is committed to respecting the 
human rights of workers throughout our 
value chain and the local communities in 
which we operate. We aim to ensure that 
anyone who might be affected by Genus 
can enjoy the human rights described 
in the International Bill of Human Rights 
and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental 
Principles and Rights at Work.

We monitor this through the same process 
used for the policies outlined earlier and 
there were no issues identified during 
the year.

YOUR VOICE 
Our latest global 
employee survey, Your 
Voice, attracted 
feedback from 83% of our 
people – our highest-ever 
response rate. We saw 
increases in positive 
scores for nearly all 
questions, demonstrating 
high levels of 
engagement despite 
challenges created by 
the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Employees provided positive 
feedback on areas including our 
vision and strategy, health and 
safety, management effectiveness 
and our response to COVID-19. 
The survey also highlighted 
strong progress on priority areas 
for action identified in 2019: 
development of people managers 
and reward and recognition. 

In addition, nearly 90% of 
respondents said they enjoy 
working at Genus and more 
than 80% would recommend a 
friend to work at the Company. 

Our business units and functions 
have developed action plans 
to address opportunities for 
improvement. We have also 
identified three Company-wide 
priorities: enhancing the employee 
experience (for new and existing 
employees alike), continuing to invest 
in training and development, and 
increasing communication about our 
sustainability aims and initiatives. 

Each member of our executive 
team has a performance objective 
relating to the implementation 
of the action plan for their 
area of the Company. 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
32
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

sustAInABILItY RePo Rt

sustAInABILI tY At 
tHe H eARt o F ou R 
BusIness

Our genetic improvement 
work is directly focused on 
helping farmers to meet 
the challenge of producing 
meat and milk more 
efficiently and sustainably.

We fulfil our commitment by challenging 
ourselves and those around us to think 
differently. From small improvements in 
working practices to innovations that 
address stakeholder needs, we constantly 
develop and explore new ideas for 
enhancing our contribution and delivering 
positive, sustainable change. To reflect 
the importance of sustainability to our 
business, we continued to refine our 
governance to ensure that sustainability 
issues are receiving focus at the 
highest levels of our organisation. Our 
Sustainability Committee, chaired by the 
Chief Executive Officer, is attended by 
our executive team, along with Lysanne 
Gray, our Non-Executive sustainability 
champion. The Committee’s activities are 
reported directly to the Board of Directors, 
ensuring that oversight of sustainability 
is a matter for the Board as a whole. 

For Genus, sustainability also means 
ensuring our operations around the 
world are underpinned by policies 
and practices which reflect our core 
principles such as the protection of 
animal well-being, supporting community 
causes, and ensuring we foster a 
dynamic, inclusive and safe working 
environment for our people. We articulate 
expectations, provide information and 
deliver training where needed to ingrain 
responsible business practices across 
our organisation and the people we 
work with. For more information, refer 
to www.genusplc.com/sustainability.

We set and monitor progress of key 
performance indicators and risk factors 
(see pages 35 to 36). We also ensure 
employees have multiple routes to 
raise any concerns (including the 
independent whistleblowing hotline 
explained earlier). No material issues 
were reported during the year.

Sustainability lies at the heart of our 
business. It informs our purpose of 
pioneering animal genetic improvement 
to help nourish the world and infuses 
the core values that shape our work, 
every day. 

We make a positive contribution to the 
world around us. According to the UN, 
the global population is almost 8 billion 
people today and is projected to reach 
9.7 billion people by 2050. Our genetic 
improvement work is directly focused on 
helping farmers to meet the challenge 
of producing meat and milk more 
efficiently and sustainably, increasing the 
availability of high-quality, affordable 
animal protein around the world. This 
challenge is exacerbated by global 
climate change, and risks to food security 
which flow from it. As a result of bovine 
and porcine genetic improvement, our 
customers require fewer animals and use 
far less land, water and other natural 
resources to produce more milk or meat 
than they did some decades ago. We 
are therefore providing fundamental 
sustenance to the world whilst reducing 
the impact agriculture has on the 
environment. We continue to drive our 
genetic improvement and gene editing 
programmes as we aim to lead the market 
in sustainable animal protein production. 

In parallel, we continue to reduce 
the environmental impact of our own 
operations, guided by our Climate 
Change Policy. This policy, which is 
available on the Company’s website, 
commits us to a 25% reduction in our 
primary intensity ratio against our 2019 
baseline by 2030, and becoming a net-
zero greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions 
business by 2050. Our operations will 
always have animal-related emissions 
associated with them. Whilst our 
genetic improvement programmes will 
make our animals more efficient, our 
environmental focus is on delivering 
practical activities to reduce or offset our 
residual emissions to net zero by 2050.1 

1  More information on the impact of genetic 
improvement can be found on our website: 
www.genusplc.com/sustainability

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
33
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

TAKING URGENT ACTION TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS

In the current year, we have also changed 
the way we manage our land and soils, to 
provide greater opportunity for carbon 
sequestration into soils and biomass and 
to improve their habitat value for nature. 
We have started to supplement our direct 
measurement of soil organic carbon with 
satellite remote sensed ‘flux’ of carbon 
over the course of the year, to show us how 
well we are achieving our aims and to help 
us better quantify these impacts. 

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT AND USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Genus’s R&D division uses a variety of raw 
materials and recycles wastes, including 
plastics, glass and isopropyl alcohol. 
The division established a recycling 
programme in partnership with social 
enterprise partners, Adam Can in 2021. 
Aluminium cans are just one of a dozen 
wastes which are now recycled and 
contribute towards our sustainable 
development goal aim of ‘sustainable 
resource use’ and support for community 

programmes aiming to help all. Erika 
(pictured) receives payment for some 264 
pounds of aluminium she recycles each 
month: she buys recycling bins which she 
installs at client sites which increases 
participation in recycling activities and in 
turn grows her business. 

As a business producing animals used in 
breeding programmes across the globe, 
Genus’s emissions are largely from 
livestock sources – the methane from 
animals’ manures, but also power to 
operate our facilities and laboratories, and 
transport. This year, we have significantly 
reduced our emissions intensity through a 
combination of measures, including the 
way we manage our farms, our installation 
of renewable power systems, including 
1,084 kWp in Wisconsin and the use of 
anaerobic digestion and composting of 
manures. The combined impact of these 
investments this year are around 180 
tonnes CO2e.

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE AND CAPACITY 
TO MEET CLIMATE CHANGE

Carbon reduction related to Genus 
Breeding Programmes
As global climate change increases the 
risks to global food security, our work in 
genetic improvement provides livestock 
which is more resilient to climatic extremes 
and helps farmers produce milk and meat 
using fewer natural resources and less 
carbon. We measure progress by 
assessing the factors that shape each 
animal’s carbon footprint during their 
lifetime, including the efficiency with which 
animal feeds are turned into meat and 
milk, and other health-related traits. We 
set targets each year which relate to 
life-cycle carbon emissions we have 
reduced, and which are directly related to 
breeding. We have met all of our targets in 
respect of these. In our porcine business, 
this improvement is equivalent to 678,300 
tonnes CO2e annual reduction in our 
customer herds. 

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE AND CAPACITY TO MEET CLIMATE CHANGE 

Life-cycle Carbon and Welfare Focus 
of Genus Breeding
Genus provides elite bovine genetics 
to Australia and New Zealand, where 
climate-related stress and extremes 
have generated additional demand for 
genetics which offer lower carbon and 
water footprints and enhanced welfare. 
Guided by customer concerns around 
these issues, ABS has sought to validate 
environmental claims which are important 
to our stakeholders and customers. 

In partnership with independent 
consultants, Integrity Ag, life-cycle carbon 
emissions of steers grown using ABS Beef 
InFocus™ genetics were investigated as 
part of a full life-cycle assessment. 

The study shows almost 42% lower 
emissions compared with traditional 
Australian feedlot systems and results from 
a combination of factors including greater 
efficiency in the way animal feeds are 
converted into meat, reduced incidence 
of disease and premature death and 
reduction of ‘waste’ animals – where 
‘bobby’ (male) calves are born into dairy, 
rather than beef herds. Instead, ABS 
InFocus™ genetics create high value, 
high-quality beef calves, providing an 
additional income stream to the dairy 
farmer and a lower ‘carbon’ and ‘water’ 
cost of bringing it into the world. 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
34
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

sustAInABILItY RePo Rt CONTINUED

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

R E S E A R C H  AND DEVELOPMENT

AnIMAL  
WeLL-BeInG

enVIRonMent

ResPonsIBLe 
eMPLoYeR oF 
CHoICe

sustAInABLe 
PRoteIn 
PRoDuCtIon AnD 
FooD QuALItY

PIONEERING 
ANIMAL GENETIC 
IMPROVEMENT

TO HELP NOURISH  
THE WORLD

CoMMunItY

GOVERNANCE
Underpinning our strategy is a strong decision making and governance system

BoARD AnD 
MAnAGeMent 
oVeRsIGHt

CLIMAte 
CHAnGe AnD 
otHeR PoLICIes 
AnD stAnDARDs

tRAInInG AnD 
DeVeLoPMent

RIsK 
MAnAGeMent

O U R   S U STA I N A B I LIT Y 
STR ATEGY   CO M PR I S ES 
FI V E   PI LL A R S   WH I C H 
S U PP O RT   O U R   PU R P OS E

PROGRESSING OUR SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 
Our Sustainability Committee contains 
experts from around our global Company. 
The Committee sets our sustainability 
strategy, articulates annual objectives 
and monitors progress. 

Our progress with our sustainability strategy, including key 
performance indicators where relevant, is summarised opposite. 

For more information on our work, 
progress against the five pillars of 
our strategy and our Sustainability 
Committee, please see our website:
—
www.genusplc.com/sustainability

STRATEGIC REPORT35
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE YEAR

FY23 GOALS

 > Genetic improvement targets have 

 > Continue driving porcine and bovine genetic 

been agreed

 > The PRRSv project continues forward 

and is on track

improvement and rapidly disseminate the genetics 
to customers globally by:
(i)  increasing porcine genetic improvement index 
by 0.75 standard deviation1 per generation 
(ii)  increasing dairy genetic improvement index by 

one standard deviation1 per generation 

(iii) increasing beef genetic improvement index by 

one standard deviation1 per generation

 > Continue responsible development of gene editing 
technology, to aid disease resistance and animal 
well-being 

 > Using robust life-cycle analyses, quantify the 

potential reduction of GHG emissions from the 
launch of PRRSv-resistant pigs

SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE  
(AND RELATED SDG)

SUSTAINABLE PROTEIN 
PRODUCTION AND  
FOOD QUALITY 
Advancing animal genetic 
improvement to help our 
customers breed more 
productive and resilient animals 
which produce high-quality 
milk and meat more efficiently 
and sustainably 

zero hunger

productivity and 
incomes of small-scale 
food producers 

strengthen resilience 
and adaptive capacity 
to climate-related 
hazards and natural 
disasters in all 
countries 

ENVIRONMENT
Reduce the environmental 
impact of our own operations 

waste/manures

 > We have developed a ‘net zero’ carbon 
reduction strategy outlining our plans 
for emission reduction. Within this, 
we have:
–  commenced the phased 

renewables and 
energy efficiency

low carbon transition

replacement of UK fleet vehicles, 
with 27 petrol hybrid and 12 battery 
electric vehicles added

–  replaced ‘static’ pile manures 
with lower carbon composting 
alternatives 

–  commissioned new PV solar 

– 

installations at Dekorra (US) and 
Cremona (Italy) 
initiated manure methane capture 
at slurry ponds at our Aurora facility 
which will include a generator to 
convert biogas into electricity
–  have started to manage lands at 

Whenby in the UK using techniques 
which will improve soil carbon stocks

 > We have started to engage with 

energy suppliers to explore the use of 
renewable power at our facilities 
 > We have completed internal audits of 
12 PIC sites in relation to our planned 
schedule of audits in FY22 (equivalent 
to 81.7% of animal population) 

 > Launch environmental sustainability initiatives 

across the Company: 
–  No new petrol or diesel cars in the UK (Battery 

Electric or Petrol Hybrid only)

–  Establish a baseline of soil carbon content as a 

basis for enhancing the soil’s carbon content via 
Carbon sequestration at Whenby 

–  Develop land management plans which offer 

carbon and biodiversity benefits at two PIC sites 
in Kentucky (US) and Lipetsk (Russia)

–  Capture and validate remotely sensed satellite 
carbon flux data for 11 sites, including two PIC 
sites in Kentucky (US) 
Implement solar energy projects at our office site 
in Cheshire (UK) and in Cremona (Italy), York (UK) 
and Ankang (China) 

– 

–  Complete manure composting project at our 

ABS site in Dekorra, Wisconsin (US)

–  Submit responses to CDP for climate, forests 

and water

–  Complete work on our PIC Saskatchewan biogas 

pilot project

–  Power procurement – develop advanced plans 
to ensure 100% UK procured electricity is from 
(certificate of origin backed) renewable supplies 
or on-site generated energy

 > Conduct environmental audits of material facilities
 > Long-term target: achieve Net Zero Carbon 

Emissions by 2050 and adopt a validated Science 
Based Target as soon as published methodology is 
available for our sector

1  Genetic improvement considers factors that shape each animal’s carbon footprint during their lifetime. These include farm inputs which support growth (such and feed, 

supplements and water) and outputs from the animals and their manures (including direct emissions and manure methane/nitrous oxide emissions). By calculating inputs  
and outputs in this way, we can identify total emissions involved in the production of milk or meat and track the reduction from one generation to the next. For a detailed 
explanation of how these targets are set and calculated, and the impact of genetic improvement on our and our customers’ carbon footprints, see our website:  
www.genusplc.com/sustainability

STRATEGIC REPORT36
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

sustAInABILItY RePo Rt CONTINUED

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE YEAR

FY23 GOALS

 > 100% of employees with animal care 
responsibilities received training on 
Genus animal care standards 

 > Continued investment in PIC and ABS 
animal housing facilities including 
construction of Atlas

 > Maintained animal care standards 

 > Ensure employees with animal care responsibilities 

are regularly trained on Genus animal care 
standards 

 > Continue investment in animal housing facilities, 

including: 
–  Gourley
–  Bluegrass

 > Maintain and improve animal care standards 

and operating procedures, to ensure alignment 
with best practice, ensuring that these are rolled 
out globally

 > Reduced vehicle incidents by 3.28% 

 > Achieve at least a rolling 5% year-on-year reduction 

to 177 

 > Achieved recordable injury frequency 
rate2 of 2.07 against a target of 2.36
 > Participation in Your Voice increased by 
7% to 83% overall, with overall increase 
in engagement. Net Promoter Score 
improved from 79% to 82% 

in occupational road risk through expansion of 
in-vehicle technology throughout the fleet; driver 
training programmes; continued monitoring of driver 
behaviour, performance and route planning

 > Achieve at least a rolling 5% year-on-year reduction 
in recordable injury frequency rate, equivalent to at 
least 2.24 or less from the 2020 baseline through 
continued investment in facilities infrastructure and 
equipment; enhancing training offering – online and 
face-to-face; continuous improvement activities 
surrounding job design in high risk areas; ongoing 
development of tools and resources to support 
mental health and well-being

 > Maintain or improve employee engagement, making 
Genus an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work by:
– 
–  Launch an awareness campaign of Company 

Implementing ‘Your Voice’ Action Plans

Values to further embed 

–  Diversity and inclusion: increase proportion of 

female employees in management roles (target 
new appointments female%: minimum 33%; 
stretch 50%)

 > Recruited 120 staff into PIC and ABS 

 > Support measures to prevent and continue to 

production sites

respond to local community crises, recruit into local 
farms and encourage support for charities close to 
the local businesses and aligned with our mission 

SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE  
(AND RELATED SDG)

ANIMAL WELL-BEING 
Continuously improve 
animal well-being across 
our business worldwide 

responsible 
consumption  
and production

RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYER 
OF CHOICE 
Be a people magnet with a 
dynamic, inclusive and safe 
working environment 

gender equality

COMMUNITY
Proactively engage and make 
a positive contribution in 
communities of which we 
are a part 

disaster deaths

equitable sharing of 
genetic resources

2  Recordable injury frequency rate is the number of work related incidents that result in injury or illness, work restriction, or require treatment other than first aid 

STRATEGIC REPORT37
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY AND GREENHOUSE GAS (‘GHG’) REPORTING

GHG EMISSIONS REPORTING OUTCOMES 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

We use energy to power our vehicles, 
buildings and equipment. We are 
endeavouring to access lower carbon 
sources of power and renewable energy 
and fuels to heat and power our buildings. 
At our Benxi and Chunhua sites in China, 
we ceased the use of coal during the year 
as we implement energy efficient 
replacement heating systems which saved 
2,830 tonnes of CO2e. 

We operated a solar PV energy systems 
across our global portfolio which 
produced 258 MWh in FY22, saving the 
equivalent of 178.93 tonnes CO2e. 

We have continued to invest in, and 
support, our facilities over FY22 and have 
integrated energy efficient design into the 
build of Atlas, our new porcine nucleus 
facility in Canada. Our R&D team have 
implemented awareness and schemes 
which target laboratory waste recycling 
and energy efficiency which has led 
to a reduction in downstream carbon 
emissions in hazardous waste disposal. 

GENUS ENERGY DATA 

In line with the UK Government’s energy 
and carbon reporting requirements, further 
information on our energy consumption 
for the last two years across Genus is 
set out on the next page. This is sourced 
from data for the carbon data reported 
in this section and is tracked internally. All 
data is collected from metered data for 
electricity. Biogas combustion information 
is calculated using assumptions based 
on records in China and Brazil. Fuel use is 
reported based on financial records of fuel 
purchased. We have applied assumptions 
on standard calorific values to convert 
all liquid and gas fuel types to a common 
energy metric (kWh) and data is reported 
for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. 

Genus acknowledges the 
reality of climate change 
and recognises the lasting 
negative impact it will have 
on our business and 
our communities. 

Genus has committed to take action 
on climate change in a number of 
ways, including: 
 > driving porcine and bovine genetic 

improvements which support 
productivity gains and improve feed 
efficiency, enabling a reduction in the 
production of GHG emissions per unit of 
milk or meat produced; 

 > reducing the carbon footprint of our 

operations through developing a better 
understanding of how energy is used. 
We are committed to the sustainable 
development of new facilities and are 
applying renewable power solutions on 
a number of our farms; and 

 > partner and advocate for policies that 
advance positive climate goals and 
identified United Nations Sustainable 
Development Goals (‘SDGs’). 

Our GHG emissions are primarily methane 
produced by our animals, carbon dioxide 
from consuming fuel and other materials, 
and from transport. 

Our total (all scopes) GHG emissions 
have remained at previous year levels 
(<1% difference) 12% less than our FY19 
Baseline. Increase in animal numbers and 
manures are the significant factor in this 
change, however, our primary intensity 
ratio has decreased significantly (by 
16% from FY22) as we have continued 
to invest in methane abatement 
technologies, including composting, 
anaerobic digestion, renewables and 
fleet transformation. We have noted 
a Scope 3 increase in FY23 emissions 
related to staff travel as we emerge from 
pandemic-related travel restrictions.

In FY23, we have implemented 
an enterprise sustainability data 
management system which has 
enhanced the reliability of data (ahead 
of planned external assurance of 
this data) and has offered us more 
representative emission factors.

OUR REPORTING APPROACH 

ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 

In FY20, we refined our methods to 
measure GHG emissions and developed 
a Tier 2 FY19 emission baseline 
(‘FY19 Baseline’). 

World Resources Institute/World Business 
Council for Sustainable Development ‘The 
Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate 
Accounting and Reporting Standard’ 

We are committed to reducing GHG 
emissions in our operations and we use the 
‘primary intensity ratio’ to report emission 
reductions. We aim to reduce the primary 
intensity ratio by 25% by 2030 and to have 
net zero GHG emissions by 20501. This 
means that even as our business grows, 
we are seeking to ensure that our GHG 
emissions shrink. 

We use operational control as our 
reporting approach. We have determined 
and reported the emissions we are 
responsible for within this boundary and 
believe there are no material omissions. 
We have included our share of joint 
venture emissions, and omit some livestock 
held by third parties, due to our limited 
control over operating policies.

DEFRA ‘Guidance on how to measure and 
report your greenhouse gas emissions’ 

DEFRA ‘Environmental Reporting 
Guidelines: Including mandatory 
greenhouse gas emissions 
reporting guidance’ 

EMISSIONS FACTOR DATA SOURCE 

IPCC ‘Guidelines for National Greenhouse 
Gas Inventories’ 

DEFRA/DECC ‘Conversion Factors for 
Company Reporting’ 

1  More information on our pathway to net-zero 

emissions by 2050 can be found on our website:  
www.genusplc.com/sustainability

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

sustAInABILItY RePo Rt CONTINUED
CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY AND GHG REPORTING CONTINUED

FY22 
Tonnes of CO2e

FY21  
Tonnes of CO2e 

FY20  
Tonnes of CO2e 

FY19 
Tonnes of CO2e

FY22

Global 
(excluding 
UK and 
offshore) 

Global 
(excluding 
UK and 
offshore) 

UK and 
offshore 

Global 
(excluding 
UK and 
offshore) 

UK and 
offshore 

UK and 
offshore 

Global 
(excluding 
UK and 
offshore)

% change  
from FY19 
Baseline

UK and
offshore

2,461

68,217

2,626 

72,314 

2,630 

77,673 

3,178

78,773

-13.8%

Emissions from

Scope 1 – combustion of fuel, own 
transport and livestock emissions 

Scope 2 – purchased electricity, steam, 
heat and cooling 

150

10,223

130 

6,695 

168 

6,850 

171

7,268

Total Scope 1 and 2 

2,611

78,440

2,756 

79,009 

2,798 

84,523 

3,349

86,041

Scope 3 – material usage and 
waste, third-party distribution and 
business travel 

Total emissions 

Primary intensity measure – animal 
weight (tonne) 

Secondary intensity measure –  
turnover (£m) 

Primary intensity ratio – Scope 1 and 2  
(tCO2e/tonne animal weight) 

Secondary intensity ratio – Scope 1, 2 
and 3 (tCO2e/turnover) 

16,195

97,246

11,611

593.4

6.98

163.9

14,664

96,429

9,839

574.3

8.31

167.9

16,119

103,440

10,488

551.4

8.33

187.6

21,489

110,879

9,543

488.5

9.37

227.0

39.4%

-9.3%

-24.6%

-12.3%

21.7%

21.5%

-25.5%

-27.8%

Annual emissions figures have been calculated based on actual nine-month data for July to March for travel and distribution and 
ten-month data for July to April, with both extrapolated to full year.

Energy type

Source

Electricity

Electricity imported

Electricity generated from renewable 
sources and used on site

Electricity generated from renewables 
sources and exported

Gas fuels

Gas imported from the grid

Liquid fuels

Fuel used by plant (gas oil and diesel)

Units

kWh

kWh

kWh

kWh

kWh

FY22

FY21

FY20 

FY19

16,871,327

15,309,577

20,156,010

17,599,380

590,330

384,012

334,670

303,800

0

0

0

0

13,274,273

10,876,063

9,617,802

4,491,962

25,780,244

18,548,964

18,268,089

18,003,380

% change 
from FY19 
Baseline

-4%

94%

–

196%

43%

Total

Total energy used (i.e. annual quantity 
of energy consumed from activities for 
which the Company is responsible, 
including combustion of fuel and 
operation of facilities)

Total energy imported (i.e. annual 
quantity of energy consumed resulting 
from the purchase of electricity 
and gas. No imports of heat, steam 
or cooling)

Proportion of energy use (UK)

Proportion of energy use (RoW)

kWh

58,134,896

45,118,616

48,376,571

40,398,522

44%

kWh

kWh

kWh

30,145,600

26,185,640

29,773,812

22,091,342

36%

1,236,728

1,081,538

1,156,200

965,524

56,898,168

44,037,078

47,220,371

39,432,996

STRATEGIC REPORT39
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES (‘TCFD’) STATEMENT

Genus has complied 
with the requirements of 
LR 9.8.6(8)R by including 
climate-related financial 
disclosures substantially 
consistent with the TCFD  
recommendations and 
recommended disclosures. 

Genus has not complied with the 
following: (i) During FY22 the Group 
undertook limited qualitative analysis of 
climate-related risks and opportunities 
under different climate scenarios; and (ii) 
The Group is continuing to develop 
climate modelling and scenario analysis 
capabilities to quantify climate risk over 
short, medium and long-term horizons 
and embed this analysis within our 
financial planning processes.

Genus will continue to work over the 
medium term to complete a quantitative 
analysis of climate-related risks and 
opportunities under different climate-
related scenarios. 

We have considered the potential 
impacts and opportunities related to 
climate-change on our business and 
considered the strategy actions 
in response. 

GOVERNANCE, OVERSIGHT 
AND SCRUTINY

Board Oversight
Overall responsibility and accountability 
for our Climate Change Policy, risks and 
opportunities rests with the Board. 
Genus’s Chief Executive, Stephen Wilson, 
has formal responsibility for 
implementing and monitoring the 
strategy to manage climate-related 
risks and realise opportunities. Genus 
updated its oversight on climate-related 
issues in FY22 to ensure that climate 
change risks and opportunities receive 
management focus at the highest level. 

Management’s Role
As a result of this review, all members of 
the GELT as well as the Chairman of the 
Board’s Audit & Risk Committee have 
been appointed to the Sustainability 
Committee, alongside operational 
leaders and subject-matter experts 
with accountability for delivering the 
Group’s sustainability objectives including 
emissions reduction. The Sustainability 
Committee meets three times a year and 
is chaired by Genus’s Chief Executive.

Genus has proposed amendments to 
its remuneration policy for Executives to 
include incentives for the management 
of climate-related issues. Strategic 

objectives covering strategy, leadership 
and culture, innovation and sustainability 
account for 25% of the Executive Directors’ 
and other Group Executives’ total annual 
bonus opportunity. In FY22 and beyond, 
20% of the Performance Share Plan 
opportunity for the Chief Executive and 
Chief Financial Officer will be linked to 
the delivery of specific actions targeted 
at emissions reductions within the 
Company’s operations and driving genetic 
improvements which make our customers’ 
operations more efficient and sustainable.

STRATEGY

Resilience of our Business Model
Genus derives almost all of its revenue 
from products and services which make 
a positive contribution towards climate 
change mitigation and adaptation. 
Based on independent research, life-
cycle carbon emissions of our Beef 
InFocus product are almost 42% less 
than traditional feedlot cattle bred for 
beef. Yet, whilst these planned breeding 
approaches are available and affordable 
on a global basis, they currently account 
for only 10% of cattle pregnancies with 
90% of pregnancies taking place using 
conventional breeding approaches, 
representing a market opportunity for 
Genus. We see strong demand for our 
genetics at present and anticipate that 
this will grow over time, and particularly 
where customer demand is supported 
and stimulated by high ambition 
policies towards decarbonisation. Our 
business strategy and investment priority 
therefore targets further development 
of climate-relevant genetic traits (such 
as feed conversion efficiency, life-cycle 
GHG reduction and animal resilience), 
validation of these impacts and increasing 
the reach of our products and services. 

In preparing the Group’s financial 
statements, we have considered the 
impact of climate-related risks on our 
financial position and performance. 

RISK MANAGEMENT

Process for Identifying and Assessing 
Climate-Related Risks
In our first year of assessment, we have 
undertaken a limited qualitative analysis 
of climate-related risks for alternative 
climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 vs RCP 4.5). 
This has informed our risk descriptions and 
management response in relation to our 
aim to lead the market in climate-focused 
breeding and our focus towards our 
customers’ challenge of managing 
fluctuations in animal feed costs which 
we believe will be exacerbated by 
climate-related factors over the medium 
to long term.

This qualitative review of climate-related 
risks and opportunities has considered, 
through a series of reviews and workshops, 
the impact of climate on existing principal 
risks and financial decision making.  
The process has been guided by 
independent risk management 
consultants and will be refined on an 
annual basis to incorporate quantitative 
approaches. Outcomes from the 
assessment offer initial insights into the 
potential business and financial impacts 
which form input to our strategic and 
financial planning process.

Technology and Market Opportunity 
As customers and policy makers, 
increasingly seek strategies for reducing 
carbon and associated costs, Genus 
offers genetic-based technologies 
which have demonstrable value and 
opportunity for wider uptake where elite 
genetics and genetic technologies such 
as gene editing provide this. In order to 
increase market penetration of genetic 
technologies, we must be able to quantify 
and validate the reduction in life-cycle 
carbon emissions. We have developed 
measures of success and Company 
targets (see page 40) which we include 
in customer discussions and advocacy 
of our work to reduce the carbon 
impacts of milk and meat production. 

Resource Efficiency Opportunity
Energy used for heating is the third largest 
category of Genus’ emissions, following 
animal-related emissions and transport. 
Implementing renewable energy systems 
based on solar panels or biogas that we 
produce ourselves enables us to tackle 
increasing fossil fuel costs (by self-
generation), offers a low-carbon 
productive use for otherwise waste 
products and builds energy security at our 
facilities. Actions taken: We have ceased 
the use of coal at our Chinese sites in 
favour of lower carbon alternatives, and 
implemented solar PV at our sites in 
Wisconsin and Italy. We are building a 
biogas capture facility to generate 
electricity at our porcine site in 
Saskatchewan and will apply this 
technology to other sites in our portfolio.

Regulatory Risks 
Carbon pricing: We have considered the 
potential for carbon pricing in the form of 
direct and indirect taxation to increase the 
cost of high-carbon farm inputs such as 
fertilizer and natural gas. Whilst these 
costs are likely to impact on our own 
production costs, (additional costs related 
to CO2 taxation on combustion are in the 
range 0.5–0.9% revenue by 2050), these 
costs may be more significant to our 
customers and ultimately consumers of 
meat and dairy products. Under high-
ambition scenarios, we consider that this 
may depress demand regionally, but do 
not consider that this will impact demand 
globally. Water resources: We operate in 
areas where water stress is likely to drive 
regulatory intervention to preserve water 

STRATEGIC REPORT40
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

sustAInABILItY RePo Rt CONTINUED
TCFD STATEMENT CONTINUED

METRICS AND TARGETS USED TO ASSESS AND MANAGE CLIMATE-RELATED RISKS

We have selected targets which describe organisational progress in reducing carbon 
emissions, monitoring and managing risk and opportunity. The Sustainability Committee 
oversees performance and make recommendations to the Board in relation to business 
strategy and risk management. 

Our carbon emissions are summarised below. 

Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Scope 3 emissions

FY22
t CO2e

81,051
16,195

FY21
t CO2e

81,765
14,664

FY20
t CO2e

87,321
16,119

FY19
t CO2e

Change from 
FY19 Baseline

89,390
21,489

-9.3%
-24.6%

Targets Used to Manage Climate-Related Risks, Opportunities and Performance
In view of the impact of our products and services on the carbon emissions in our value 
chain, we have adopted targets which consider generational change in carbon impacts 
for pork, beef and dairy products which use our genetics. These are considered (together 
with performance) below. For a detailed explanation of how these targets are set and 
calculated, and the impact of genetic improvement on our and our customers’ carbon 
footprints, see our website: www.genusplc.com/sustainability. 

Target description

KPI targeted

One standard deviation 
of improvement/
equivalent to 20 index 
points on PIC’s 
proprietary index. 
-2.22kg CO2eq per 
market pig

Change in FCR 0.8, 
equivalent to a yearly 
change in CO2e 
emission is 0.1260kg 
CO2e/kg carcass 
weight

Yearly change of 
$66.9NM

KPI achieved

-3.57kg per 
market pig

Target 
achieved?

Yes

0.1260kg 
CO2e/carcass 
weight

Yes

$82.7NM

Yes

2.5% annual reduction

16% reduction

Yes

Porcine

2.22kg reduction in 
life-cycle carbon 
emissions required 
to produce one 
market pig

Bovine

0.126kg reduction in the 
life-cycle carbon 
emissions required to 
produce 1kg of beef

Dairy

Yearly improvement of 
$66.9 in the $ Net Merit 
Index (an independent 
industry measure which 
considers multiple 
factors related to the 
efficiency of milk 
production and 
sustainability)

Company 
Carbon 
Reduction

Reduction in primary 
intensity ratio by 25% 
by 2030 compared to 
FY19 Baseline

availability and quality. Our modelling 
suggests this risk is higher in China and 
India. Actions taken: We continue to invest 
in measures to reduce our exposure to 
carbon costs, including utility-scale solar 
PV and electrification generally, biogas 
capture and use and bovine manure 
composting. In relation to water use and 
efficiency, we are adopting relevant best 
practice water-saving techniques as 
outlined in section 1.4 of ‘Best Available 
Techniques’ for food, drink and milk 
industries, including design standards for 
water efficient porcine facilities and 
‘monitoring and targeting’ methods for 
water efficiency.

Technology Risks 
As a business offering technology 
(genomic) solutions for reduced livestock 
carbon emissions and resilience to 
disease, our investment in research 
and product development is geared to 
maintain our leading market position. 
Where climate becomes an increasing 
focus within national and customer 
strategies, it will become increasingly 
necessary to further invest in and deliver 
the climate efficacy of our products 
against those of our competitors. Actions 
taken: In FY22, R&D spend was equivalent 
to 11.3% of our total revenue. We have 
invested in our gene editing technology.

Physical Risks 
Extreme weather events: We are a 
globally diversified business with sufficient 
agility and preparedness to overcome 
local climate-related disruption to 
production or transport. We have 
experienced acute flooding impacts 
related to climate in India on a number of 
occasions over the last four years and are 
using what we have learnt from these 
events to support future resilience and 
contingency-planning. Chronic impacts: 
Using the WRI Aqueduct model, we have 
established that 23% of our global water 
demand takes place in areas which are 
currently within the highest two risk 
categories (Cat 4 or 5) and are likely to 
experience increased competition over 
the next decade and beyond. Actions 
taken: where we extract water from 
groundwater sources, we undertake 
long-term water quality monitoring. New 
facilities we build apply design standards 
to ensure water efficiency and flood 
prevention where relevant. 

STRATEGIC REPORT41
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

non-FInAnCIAL InFoRMAtIon stAteMent

The table below, and the information it refers to, is intended to help stakeholders understand our position on key non-financial matters 
in line with the non-financial reporting requirements contained in sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 2006.

Reporting requirement

Policies and standards which  
govern our approach

Environmental matters

Sustainability Framework

Employees

Human rights

Social matters

Global Employee Handbook;

Whistleblower Policy

Global Employee Handbook;

Whistleblower Policy

Charitable Donations Policy

Anti-corruption and anti-bribery

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

Risk management and  
additional information

See pages 32 to 40

See pages 30 to 31

See page 31

See page 31

See page 31

See page 36

See page 31

Policy embedding, due diligence 
and outcomes

Global Employee Handbook

See Strategic Report on pages 1 to 29

Description of principal risks and impact 
of business activity

Description of the business model

n/a

n/a

See Principal Risks and Uncertainties on 
pages 43 to 46

See Business Model on pages 2 to 11

Non-financial key performance indicators

Sustainability Framework

See page 34 to 36

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Information on the Group’s environmental 
impact can be found on pages 32 to 40. 

Lysanne Gray is the Board’s Sustainability 
Sponsor. She is a member of the 
Sustainability Committee, which monitors 
progress against the five pillars of the 
Group’s sustainability framework including 
the actions identified in the Group’s 
Climate Change Policy.

TREATING SHAREHOLDERS FAIRLY

The Company’s shares are owned by a 
wide range of institutional and individual 
shareholders, with no shareholder having 
a majority holding or significant influence 
over the Group. As a result, no situations 
arise in which any shareholders can be 
treated differently, ensuring fair treatment 
for all.

SECTION 172 STATEMENT

Section 172(1) of the Companies Act 2006 
imposes a general duty on every company 
director to act, in good faith, in the way 
they consider would be most likely to 
promote the success of the company for 
the benefit of its shareholders. In doing so, 
directors must take into account a list of 
factors that include:
 > the likely long-term consequences of 

board decisions;

 > how the company’s actions and 
behaviours affect customers, 
employees, suppliers, the community 
and the environment;

 > the desirability of maintaining a 
reputation for high standards of 
business conduct; and

 > the need to act fairly between 

shareholders.

This statement explains how the Board 
complies with its obligations under 
section 172.

LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF BOARD 
DECISIONS

Genus has a business model and strategy 
that deliver results on a multi-year basis. 
For example, we target customers where 
we can build long-term and mutually 
beneficial relationships, rather than 
seeking one-off transactions. Our 
investment in R&D can also take several 
years to result in revenue generating 
products, meaning our success in the 
short-term depends on long-term 
decisions taken in previous years. As a 
consequence, long-term decision making 
is a natural part of the Board’s approach.

Examples of decisions and their likely 
long-term impact are set out below.

MANAGING OUR STAKEHOLDER 
RELATIONSHIPS

To effectively consider the impact of 
decisions on our stakeholders, we must 
have a good understanding of their needs 
and issues. We therefore actively listen to 
our stakeholders at all levels of the 
organisation, to ensure we take account of 
and respond to their interests. Information 
on how we engage with our stakeholders, 
including the Board’s direct and indirect 
engagement with them, can be found on 
page 42.

The agenda for each Board meeting 
indicates the relevant stakeholder groups 
against each item, ensuring the Directors 
are aware of the stakeholder interests they 
need to consider in their decisions.

STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

The Board is aware of the need to 
maintain high standards of business 
conduct. The Group has a strong ethical 
culture, underpinned by our values and 
policies, which are endorsed by the Board. 
The Group also has specific policies and 
procedures to prevent bribery and 
corruption, as described on page 31 and 
as made available on our website 
genusplc.com.

Maintaining high standards of business 
conduct also relies on having the right 
culture within the Group. Page 54 
describes how the Board maintains 
oversight of culture.

STRATEGIC REPORT42
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

stAKeH oLDeR  enGAGeM ent

The Group actively engages 
with its stakeholders, to keep 
them updated and ensure we 
understand their priorities. 

We look to understand our customers’ and consumers’ priorities, support our employees 
in pursuing our strategic goals and maintain strong relationships with shareholders 
while being a responsible and environmentally conscious citizen within our 
communities. The Board carries out some engagement directly, while other 
engagement occurs during the running of the business, with the Board being kept 
informed through reports from management. The table below describes our key 
stakeholders and examples of engagement during the year and actions which arose.

EMPLOYEES

Board representative: 
Lesley Knox, Lykele van 
der Broek

 > Direct engagement 

by Workforce 
Engagement 
Directors

SHAREHOLDERS

Board representative: 
Iain Ferguson

 > Investor roadshows, 
led by the Chief 
Executive and Chief 
Financial Officer

 > Employee Your Voice 

 > Results 

announcements, 
presentations and 
webcasts

 > AGM and trading 

update in November 
2021

 > Annual Report
 > Regular news flow on 
key developments

 > Shareholder 

consultation on new 
Remuneration Policy

COMMUNITIES AND 
ENVIRONMENT

Board representative: 
Lysanne Gray

 > A range of placement 
and employment 
opportunities offered for 
students and 
apprentices

 > Support for charities 

close to local businesses

 > Providing educational 
support for agriculture 
and animal science 
programmes

 > Investing in activities 
designed to reduce 
GHG emissions, 
consistent with our 
Climate Change Policy

CUSTOMERS AND 
CONSUMERS

Board representative: 
All Directors

 > The Board visits key 
customers and 
operators at different 
levels of the supply 
chain, including 
meeting with meat 
packers and 
processors, to 
understand what they 
look for in genetics 
to meet consumer 
demands

 > Regular Board 

updates on targeted 
customers and 
customer wins

 > Regular customer visits 
as part of our service 
offering, enabling our 
teams to work closely 
with customers to 
better understand 
their needs

 > Keeping under review 
growth of alternative 
non-animal proteins, in 
light of consumer 
preference

 > Need for high-quality 

customer digital 
experience

HOW WE 
ENGAGE

KEY ISSUES 
IDENTIFIED

ACTIONS 
ARISING

survey

 > Chief Executive video 
updates, manager-
led updates and 
updates via intranet 
following results 
announcements
 > Global town hall 

meetings

 > Leadership calls and 
quarterly manager 
briefings

 > Regular internal 

communications from 
management
 > Employee-led 

resource groups
 > Health and safety 

training programme 
and regular updates/
briefings

 > Improvement areas 
raised in the Your 
Voice survey:
–  Strengthen 
employee 
experience 
–  Learning and 
development
–  Increase focus on 
sustainability 

 > Ongoing shareholder 

 > Potential impact of 

interest in sustainability 
and environmental 
performance 
(see adjacent)

climate change on the 
business and our 
communities

 > Continued to roll-out 

 > The Board reviewed 

 > Continued focus on 

 > The Board continued 

GenusOne for 
customers in Latin 
America, Europe and 
the UK

 > The Board reviewed 

feedback from 
customers using ABS’s 
digital tools and digital 
engagement initiatives

feedback from 
employees received 
directly and through 
the Your Voice survey, 
and approved 
management’s plans 
to address the key 
points raised

 > Ensuring safe working 
environments, in line 
with local 
governmental advice, 
as more regular 
working patters 
resume following the 
COVID-19 pandemic

sustainability, including 
the development of 
clear key performance 
indicators to 
demonstrate the 
sustainability benefits 
of the Company’s 
genetics (see page 35)

 > Developed specific 
environmental 
performance targets 
for inclusion in 
executive pay 
arrangements 
from FY23 (see 
Remuneration Policy 
on pages 77 to 85)

to scrutinise 
management’s strategy, 
plans and actions 
to achieve climate 
change targets
 > The Board reviewed 
and approved the 
Company’s TCFD 
disclosures, including 
the assessment of the 
Company’s climate-
related risks and 
opportunities (see 
pages 39 to 40)

STRATEGIC REPORT43
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

PRInCIPAL RIsKs AnD unCeRtAIntIes

ACtIVe   
APPRoACH   
to RI sK

LINK TO STRATEGY

—

   Read more on pg 16 – 17

Delivering a differentiated  
proprietary genetic offering

Focusing on large and progressive 
protein producers globally

Sharing in the value delivered

Considered for Viability Assessment

Risk item focused on sustainability 
and TCFD reporting

Genus is exposed to a wide range of risks and uncertainties as 
it fulfils its purpose of providing farmers with superior genetics, 
which in turn supports the fulfilment of its vision of nourishing 
the world more sustainably.

Some of these risks relate to the current 
business operations in our global 
agricultural markets, while others relate 
to future commercial exploitation of our 
leading-edge R&D programmes. We are 
also exposed to global economic and 
political risks such as trade restrictions 
heightened by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

As part of our risk management 
process we monitor emerging risks 
and consider when to include them 
in our main risk assessment process. 
This year our reviews included:
 > the impact of the Russia-Ukraine 

conflict; 

 > macroeconomic conditions; 
 > cyber security; and 
 > the impacts of COVID-19. 

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has increased 
several principal risks and we have added 
cyber security to the principal risks as 
a result of the increasing sophistication 
and frequency of cyber crime and a 
recent IT security incident. In addition, 
we continue to monitor the impact of 
COVID-19 across our global operations 
and Brexit for our European operations, 
although both have not materially 
impacted our operations to date. 

In our first year of reporting TCFD, we 
have undertaken a limited qualitative 
analysis of climate-related risks for 
alternative climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 vs 
RCP 4.5) with the support of an external 
specialist. This has informed our risk 
descriptions in relation to climate change 
as they relate to our principal risks and 
to our TCFD reporting on pages 39 to 
40. We continue to monitor emerging 

risks related to the worsening global 
macroeconomic impact on our business. 

In June 2022, the Company experienced 
an IT security incident which had a limited 
impact on the Company’s systems.  
The incident, which involved ransomware, 
was confined to on-premise systems, with 
minimal impact to entities operating on 
GenusOne. However, impacts on certain 
local systems did disrupt operations for a 
short period, particularly in Latin America. 
With the support of external specialists, 
management fully restored all systems 
and files prior to the June month-end.  
Improvements to system controls and 
monitoring activities to detect and 
help prevent future security incidents 
have been implemented across the IT 
environment. No ransom was paid. 

From our broad risk universe, we have 
identified 11 principal risks, which 
we regularly evaluate based on an 
assessment of the likelihood of occurrence 
and the magnitude of potential impact, 
together with the effectiveness of our risk 
mitigation controls.

The Directors confirm that they have 
undertaken a robust assessment of 
the principal and emerging risks and 
uncertainties facing the Group. More 
information on our risk management 
framework can be found in the Corporate 
Governance Statement on pages 68 to 69.

STRATEGIC REPORT44
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

PRInCIPAL RIsKs AnD unCeRtAIntIes CONTINUED

RISK

RISK DESCRIPTION

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

RISK CHANGE IN FY22

Strategic Risks

DEVELOPING 
PRODUCTS WITH 
COMPETITIVE 
ADVANTAGE

STRATEGIC LINK

 > Development programmes  

fail to produce best genetics 
for customers.

 > Increased competition to secure 

elite genetics.

Dedicated teams align our 
product development to customer 
requirements. We use large-scale 
data and advanced genomic 
analysis to ensure we meet our 
breeding goals. We frequently 
measure our performance against 
competitors in customers’ systems, 
to ensure the value added by our 
genetics remains competitive.

No change. Our analysis 
and benchmarking 
continue to support our 
genetic improvements.

CONTINUING TO 
SUCCESSFULLY 
DEVELOP 
INTELLIGEN 
TECHNOLOGY

STRATEGIC LINK

 > Failure to manage the technical, 

production and financial  
risks associated with the  
rapid development of the 
IntelliGen business.

Our continued development of the 
technology and its deployment 
to new markets is supported by 
dedicated internal resources and 
agreements with suppliers.

Current patent infringement 
proceedings initiated by STgenetics in 
the US are being vigorously defended.

New Gen2 machines launched 
during the year are being 
monitored and recalibrated 
seeking to optimise performance 
in line with specifications. 
Uncertainty over further legal 
actions and uncertainties in 
relation to patent infringements. 

DEVELOPING AND 
COMMERCIALISING 
GENE EDITING AND 
OTHER NEW 
TECHNOLOGIES

STRATEGIC LINK

 > Failure to develop successfully 
and commercialise gene- 
editing technologies due to 
technical, intellectual property 
(‘IP’), market, regulatory or 
financial barriers.

 > Competitors secure ‘game- 
changing’ new technology.

CAPTURING 
VALUE THROUGH 
ACQUISITIONS

STRATEGIC LINK

 > Failure to identify appropriate 
investment opportunities or to 
perform sound due diligence.
 > Failure to successfully integrate 

an acquired business.

SUCCEEDING IN 
GROWTH MARKETS

 > Failure to appropriately develop 
our business in China and other 
growth markets.

STRATEGIC LINK

We stay aware of new technology 
opportunities through a wide network 
of academic and industry contacts. 
Our Genus Portfolio Steering 
Committee oversees our research, 
ensures we correctly prioritise our R&D 
investments and assesses the 
adequacy of resources and the 
relevant IP landscapes. We have formal 
collaboration agreements with key 
partners, to ensure responsible 
exploration and development of 
technologies and the protection of IP. 
The Board is updated regularly on key 
development projects.

We have a rigorous acquisition analysis 
and due diligence process, with the 
Board reviewing and signing off all 
material projects. We also have a 
structured post-acquisition integration 
planning and execution process.

Our organisation blends local and 
expatriate executives, supported 
by the global species teams, to 
allow us to grow our business in 
key markets, while managing risks 
and ensuring we comply with our 
global standards and comply with 
sanctions. We also establish local 
partnerships where appropriate, 
to increase market access.

Key initiatives continue to 
progress through the R&D 
life cycle, and we maintain 
the high level of investment 
needed to bring the end 
products to market.

We continue to work diligently 
to identify areas of opportunity 
consistent with our strategic 
plans and our aim to accelerate 
growth and create value for 
our shareholders.

Our experiences with post-
acquisition integration provide 
a platform for integrating newly 
acquired businesses.

This is due to market price 
volatility and uncertainty 
affecting production 
and profitability in the 
China porcine market, the 
Russia-Ukraine conflict 
and the worsening global 
macroeconomic conditions.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

RISK

RISK DESCRIPTION

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

RISK CHANGE IN FY22

Strategic Risks continued

SUSTAINABILITY

STRATEGIC LINK

 > Failure to lead the market in 
sustainable animal protein 
production and help our 
customers to meet the 
challenge of producing 
meat and milk efficiently 
and sustainably as climate 
change increases demand.
 > Failure to fulfil our commitment 
to reduce the environmental 
impact of our own operations 
and implement our Climate 
Change Policy and TCFD 
reporting.

Operational Risks

PROTECTING IP

 > Failure to protect our IP could 

STRATEGIC LINK

mean Genus-developed genetic 
material, methods, systems and 
technology become freely 
available to third parties.

ENSURING 
BIOSECURITY AND 
CONTINUITY OF 
SUPPLY

STRATEGIC LINK

 > Loss of key livestock, owing to 

disease outbreak. 

 > Loss of ability to move animals 

or semen freely (including across 
borders) due to disease 
outbreak, environmental 
incident or international trade 
sanctions and disputes.

 > Lower demand for our products, 
due to industry-wide disease 
outbreaks.

HIRING AND 
RETAINING 
TALENTED PEOPLE

STRATEGIC LINK

 > Failure to attract, recruit, 
develop and retain the 
global talent needed to 
deliver our growth plans 
and R&D programmes.

We have a global sustainability 
strategy and Climate Change Policy 
that are approved, and regularly 
reviewed, at Board level. Our 
Sustainability Committee oversees the 
implementation of the strategy and the 
annual objective setting process as 
well as monitoring progress using key 
performance indicators. The Board is 
updated regularly on the progress of 
the key initiatives and our progress 
against the annual targets. 

The Company ensures climate-
related responsibilities and 
incentives are appropriate at 
management levels and considers 
climate-related implications within 
important processes including capital 
expenditure and procurement. With 
support from external risk specialist 
consultants, we have undertaken 
comprehensive analysis of our climate-
related risks and opportunities which 
forms a basis of future monitoring 
and quantitative assessment.

We have a global, cross-functional 
process to identify and protect 
our IP. Our customer contracts 
and our selection of multipliers 
and joint venture partners include 
appropriate measures to protect 
our IP. We maintain IP appropriate 
landscape watches and where 
necessary conduct robust ‘freedom 
to operate’ searches, to identify 
third-party rights to technology.

We have stringent biosecurity 
standards, with independent reviews 
throughout the year to ensure 
compliance. We investigate biosecurity 
incidents, to ensure learning across 
the organisation. We regularly review 
the geographical diversity of our 
production facilities, to avoid over-
reliance on single sites.

We have a robust talent and 
succession planning process, including 
annual assessments of our global 
talent pool and active leadership 
development programmes. The 
Group’s reward and remuneration 
policies are reviewed regularly, to 
ensure their competitiveness. We work 
closely with several specialist 
recruitment agencies, to identify 
candidates with the skills we need.

We have developed our 2030 
emissions reduction plan (and 
2050 net zero plan) and 
developed quantifiable, robust 
performance indicators in 
relation to life-cycle carbon 
reduction (per generation) of 
pigs, beef and dairy cows.

No change. We continue actively 
to protect our IP by filing patents 
attributed to our R&D activity. 

This is due to the continued 
global supply chain challenges 
imposed by the COVID-19 
outbreak, the continued spread 
of ASF and trade sanctions. 
Our geographically diverse 
production facilities and the 
expert knowledge of our supply 
chain and commercial teams 
allowed for a swift and 
comprehensive response to 
these challenges, which helped 
to reduce their impact.

An increased demand post 
COVID-19 for more flexible 
working, and current inflationary 
pressures across the globe may 
lead to greater attrition.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

PRInCIPAL RIsKs AnD unCeRtAIntIes CONTINUED

RISK

RISK DESCRIPTION

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

RISK CHANGE IN FY22

Operational Risks continued

CYBER SECURITY

 > Failure to adequately detect 

STRATEGIC LINK

and mitigate a malicious cyber 
attack by internal or external 
activists and the ability to 
quickly recover.

 > Failure to properly protect 
our data and systems from 
an attack.

We utilise a flexible multi-layered 
approach that focuses on employee 
awareness and training, policies, 
software, and a third-party 24 x 7 
monitoring Security Operations Centre 
and follow ISO 27001 standards. We 
have improved our system and data 
backup procedures and hardened our 
servers to further strengthen our 
resilience. Our GenusOne programme 
continues to progress well, improving 
our operational controls and IT security 
as we move to the cloud. 

We have noted an increased 
sophistication and frequency of 
cyber crime and have been 
subjected to a ransomware 
attack, which was successfully 
resolved without payment of 
a ransom. 

Financial Risks

MANAGING 
AGRICULTURAL 
MARKET AND 
COMMODITY 
PRICES VOLATILITY

STRATEGIC LINK

 > Fluctuations in agricultural 
markets affect customer 
profitability and therefore 
demand for our products 
and services.

 > Increase in our operating costs 

due to commodity pricing 
volatility.

 > Longer-term influence of climate 

factors on the cost and 
availability of agricultural inputs 
(animal feed).

 > Macroeconomic downturn 

accelerated by COVID-19 and 
geopolitical tensions.

 > The Russia-Ukraine conflict 

impact on agricultural markets.

We continuously monitor markets 
and seek to balance our costs and 
resources in response to market 
demand. We actively monitor and 
update our hedging strategy to 
manage our exposure. Our porcine 
royalty model and extensive use of 
third-party multipliers mitigates the 
impact of cyclical price and/or cost 
changes in pig production.

Our R&D programmes measure and 
track progress in our breeding 
programmes which reduce the 
life-cycle carbon footprint of meat 
and dairy production for each new 
generation which is quantifiable.

This is due to increased feed 
input costs as a result of 
higher grain prices, due to 
the Russia-Ukraine conflict, 
changes in weather patterns, 
and strong demand. 

In addition, the China pork 
market continued to deal with 
the challenges of ASF, price 
decline, higher input costs and 
rolling COVID-19 lockdowns. 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
47
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

GoInG ConCeRn AnD VIABILItY stAteMent

In assessing the appropriateness of 
adopting the going concern basis of 
preparing the financial statements as 
well as in assessing viability, the Board 
have considered:
 > Genus’s Strategic Plan which forms 

management’s best estimate of the 
future performance and position of 
the Group;

 > Genus’s results on 30 June 2022 

whereby the Group recorded adjusted 
profit before tax of £71.5m in actual 
currency;

 > Genus’s cash position on 30 June 2022 

with net debt of £185.0m (2021: £105.6m) 
and had substantial headroom of 
£78.0m (2021: £130.0m) under the 
Group’s credit facilities of £263m; 
 > with effect from 26 August 2022, the 
Group and its lenders increased the 
Company’s multi-currency RCF by £40m 
to £190m and the USD RCF by USD25m 
to USD150m, and extended the maturity 
date of the total facilities to 24 August 
2025, and had a USD20m bond and 
guarantee facility; and

 > the potential use of mitigating actions 
including reduction in dividends and 
postponing certain capital spend 
and investments.

As part of the Directors’ consideration of 
the appropriateness of adopting the 
going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements, as well as their 
assessment of the Group’s viability, the 
Board considered several key factors, 
including our business model (see page 2) 
and our strategic framework (see page 18). 
In addition, all principal risks identified by 
the Group were considered in a downside 
scenario within the viability assessment 
with specific focus paid to those that 
could reasonably have a material impact 
within our outlook period, including:

In their assessment of the Group’s viability, 
the Directors have determined that a 
three-year time horizon, to June 2025, is 
an appropriate period to adopt. This was 
based on the Group’s visibility of its 
product development pipeline, for 
example, because of the genetic lag of 
approximately three years between the 
porcine nucleus herds and customers’ 
production systems and the pipeline of 
young bulls. The Board also considered 
the nature of the principal risks affecting 
Genus, including the agricultural markets 
in which it operates.

Three-year 
cumulative 
impact to 
free cash flow  

£m

(98.4)

Succeeding in growth 
markets, which we have 
modelled through reductions 
to short-term growth 
expectations, particularly 
in China;

Managing agricultural market 
and commodity prices 
volatility; modelled through 
reductions in price 
expectations, particularly 
in China;

Developing products with 
competitive advantage, 
modelled through reductions 
to short-term growth 
expectations because of 
failing to produce best 
genetics for our customers or 
to secure elite genetics;

Ensuring biosecurity or 
continuity of supply, which is 
modelled through one-off 
impacts of disease outbreaks 
and border closures; and

Impact of the war in Ukraine, 
modelled through reduction 
in profit expectations and 
cash restrictions.

Based on this assessment, the Directors 
have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group has adequate resources to 
continue its operational existence for the 
foreseeable future and for a period of at 
least 12 months from the date of this 
report. Accordingly, the Directors continue 
to adopt and consider appropriate the 
going concern basis in preparing the 
Annual Report. 

Also, based on this assessment, the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group will be able to continue in 
operation and meet its liabilities as they 
fall due over the period to 30 June 2025. 

(30.5)

There are no indications from this 
assessment that change this expectation 
when looking beyond 30 June 2025 at the 
Group’s longer-term prospects.

The Strategic Report was approved by the 
Board of Directors on 7 September 2022 
and signed on its behalf by:

(33.0)

Stephen Wilson
Chief Executive
7 September 2022

Alison Henriksen
Chief Financial Officer
7 September 2022

(41.7)

We have considered the position if each of 
the identified principal risks materialised 
individually and where multiple risks occur 
in parallel. In addition, we have overlaid 
this downside scenario, net of mitigating 
actions, with reverse stress tests on both 
our headroom and banking covenants to 
ensure the range beyond the downside 
scenario is fully assessed.

Based on this assessment our headroom 
under these sensitivities and reverse stress 
tests, including our mitigating actions, 
remain adequate. 

STRATEGIC REPORT48
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

CHAIRMAn’s LetteR

MAIntAIn In G HIGH 
stAn DARDs

We fully support 
having a broad 
range of views 
and experiences 
represented on 
the Board and 
recognise the 
business benefits 
this can bring 

IAIN FERGUSON CBE
Non-Executive Chairman

CONTENTS 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

48  Chairman’s Letter

50  Board of Directors and 
Company Secretary 

52  Genus Executive Leadership Team

54  Corporate Governance Statement

54  Board Leadership and Purpose

55  The Board’s Year in Review 

58  Division of Responsibilities

60  Composition, Succession and 

Evaluation

62  Nomination Committee Report

65  Audit & Risk Committee Report

70  Directors’ Remuneration Report

104  Directors’ Report

106  Directors’ Responsibilities

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE49
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

FURTHER INFORMATION

The following pages include 
the disclosures required by 
the Code.

Further information can be  
found on our website at:  
https://www.genusplc.com/investors/
corporate-governance/

Here you can download:
 > Terms of reference for the Board 

Committees

 > Matters reserved for the Board
 > Our Board diversity policy
 > Our non-audit services by 

auditors policy

There is increasing focus on the diversity of 
company boards. We fully support having 
a broad range of views and experiences 
represented on the Board and recognise 
the business benefits this can bring. 
The Board already meets the Financial 
Conduct Authority’s recently introduced 
targets for female representation on the 
Board as a whole and within specific 
roles on the Board. Enhancing ethnic 
diversity will be a key consideration 
in future recruitment to the Board. 

Iain Ferguson CBE
Non-Executive Chairman
7 September 2022

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE 
2018 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE

During the year ended 30 June 2022, 
Genus plc applied all the principles of 
the Code and has complied with all 
the provisions except for Provision 38.

Provision 38 provides that Executive 
Director pension contribution rates should 
be in line with those available for the 
wider workforce. Our Remuneration Policy, 
which was approved by shareholders on 
14 November 2019, states that pension 
contribution rates for Executive Directors 
appointed after that date will be in line 
with rates available to the wider workforce. 
The pension contribution rate for Stephen 
Wilson was reduced at that time from 15% 
of base salary to 10% of base salary. In line 
with investor expectations, the allowance 
paid to Stephen Wilson will reduce to 
6% of salary effective 1 January 2023. 

A copy of the Code can be obtained from 
www.frc.org.uk.

The link between effective 
governance and sustainable 
corporate success is 
well established and 
I am pleased to report 
that Genus continues to 
maintain high standards 
of corporate governance. 

During the year, we completed an 
externally facilitated evaluation of 
the Board and its committees, which 
showed that the Directors continued 
to work well together, in addition to 
highlighting potential focus areas as 
we look to improve continuously. More 
detail can be found on page 60.

The Board’s work has been aided by 
the return to face-to-face meetings, 
as we have emerged from the pandemic. 
However, we have also retained the 
positive aspects of working virtually, 
using video calls to supplement our 
formal meetings. As a result, the Board 
now communicates more frequently 
than before the pandemic.

In June 2022, we undertook our first 
Board visit to North America for three 
years, visiting our facilities in Wisconsin, 
US and Saskatchewan, Canada and 
meeting our people and customers. 
This followed a Board visit to our sites 
in Ruthin and Stapeley in the UK, during 
July 2021. These events play a vital role 
for the Board, enabling us to hear first-
hand from key stakeholders and giving 
us insight into the Group’s operations, 
markets and culture. More information on 
these visits can be found on page 55.

More broadly, the Board is highly aware 
of the importance of understanding 
stakeholder views and ensuring we 
fully consider them in our discussions 
and decision-making. The Company 
Secretarial team has a robust 
process for identifying the relevant 
stakeholders for each matter we 
consider, so there is appropriate rigour 
in meeting our s172 responsibilities.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE50
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

BoARD o F DIReCtoRs A nD 
CoMPAnY se CRetARY

IAIN FERGUSON CBE
Non-Executive Chairman

STEPHEN WILSON
Chief Executive

ALISON HENRIKSEN
Chief Financial Officer

LYSANNE GRAY

Non-Executive Director

LYKELE VAN DER BROEK

Non-Executive Director; 

Workforce Engagement 

Director

LESLEY KNOX

Senior Independent 

Director; Workforce 

Engagement Director

PROFESSOR 

JASON CHIN

Non-Executive Director

DAN HARTLEY

Group General Counsel 

and Company Secretary

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

BOARD APPOINTMENT

July 2020

January 2013

January 2020

July 2014

June 2018

April 2021

June 2014

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

 > Extensive Board, governance 
and leadership experience
 > Strong commercial, science 
and agribusiness expertise 
across a range of industries, 
with a particular focus on 
consumer goods and food
 > Deep appreciation of capital 

markets and investor sentiment

 > Six years as Group Finance 

Director at Genus with 
wide-ranging operational, 
strategic and business 
development responsibilities
 > Extensive experience over 30 

years in technology businesses, 
including finance, mergers and 
acquisitions, IT transformation 
and investor relations

 > International experience, living 

and working in Europe and 
the US

 > Fellow of the Chartered Institute 
of Management Accountants

 > Over 25 years of international 

experience in finance, mergers 
and acquisitions, business 
transformation and investor 
relations, operating across 
Europe, Australia, Asia, the 
US and South Africa

 > Proven track record of driving 
performance in public and 
privately held organisations, 
both business to business 
and business to consumer

 > Qualified as Chartered 

Accountant with Ernst & Young

April 2016

 > Significant 

experience of risk 

management, audit, 

business operations, 

acquisitions 

and disposals, 

and corporate 

governance, gained 

within the food sector

 > Chartered accountant

 > Lysanne is the Board’s 

Sustainability Sponsor

 > Broad international, 

 > Extensive experience 

 > Significant experience 

 > Vast experience of 

growing companies 

and working in 

agricultural businesses 

throughout the 

world, including in 

emerging markets

strategic and 

financial services 

experience, both 

through executive and 

non-executive roles

in academic and 

commercial research 

institutions, giving 

him deep scientific 

expertise

 > Has advised numerous 

 > Working to develop 

in multi-jurisdictional 

patent litigation, 

mergers and 

acquisitions, patent 

and technology 

licensing and 

managing product 

 > Degrees in science 

life cycles

and law

companies including 

manufacturers 

and distributors 

of food products, 

encompassing 

poultry and poultry 

breeding companies

and apply methods 

for reprogramming 

the genetic code 

of living organisms, 

with research 

spanning chemistry, 

chemical biology and 

synthetic biology

 > Holds Associate Faculty 

status at the Wellcome 

Sanger Institute, 

where he researches 

synthetic genomics

 > Fellow of the Academy 

of Medical Sciences, 

Trinity College, 

Cambridge, and 

the Royal Society

CURRENT APPOINTMENTS

PAST APPOINTMENTS

Chairman of Crest Nicholson 
Holdings plc; Chairman of 
Personal Assets Trust plc; 
Non-Executive Director of 
Copenhagen Topco Ltd; 
Pro-Chancellor of Cranfield 
University. 

Senior Independent Director 
of Sygen International plc; 
Chairman of Berendsen plc; 
Chairman of Stobart Group Ltd; 
Senior Independent Director of 
Balfour Beatty plc; Non-Executive 
Director of Greggs plc; Lead 
Independent Director at the 
Department for Environment, Food 
and Rural Affairs; Chief Executive 
of Tate & Lyle plc; General 
Manager of Unilever AgriBusiness; 
Chair, Unilever Plantations and 
Plant Sciences Group; and 
Senior Vice President, Corporate 
Development at Unilever.

Non-Executive Director 
of Renishaw plc.

None

Group Finance Director of 
Genus plc; Executive Vice 
President and Chief Financial 
Officer of Misys plc; finance and 
business development roles 
at IBM; and Non-Executive 
Director and Audit Committee 
Chair of Xchanging plc.

Chief Financial Officer of 
V.Group, a global leader in ship 
management; Finance Director, 
UK & Ireland and Finance Director, 
Australia, at Compass Group 
plc; and Chief Financial Officer 
of Specialty Fashion Group Ltd, 
a former ASX-listed company.

Executive Vice 

President Sustainable 

Business Performance 

and Reporting at 

Unilever plc.

Chair of Eden 

Research plc.

None

Non-Executive 

Director, Voice of the 

Employee Director 

and Remuneration 

Committee Chair of 

Legal & General plc 

Head of the Centre 

for Chemical and 

Synthetic Biology at 

the Medical Research 

Council Laboratory 

for Molecular Biology, 

and Chairman of Legal 

and Founder and Chief 

& General Investment 

Management Holdings.

Scientific Officer of 

Constructive Biology.

Financial Controller 

at Unilever plc and 

Unilever NV; Chief 

Auditor of Unilever; 

Member of the Board 

of Management of 

Bayer CropScience, a 

division of Bayer AG; 

Founder Director of 

British Linen Advisers; 

Governor of British Linen 

Bank Group; senior roles 

Chief Financial Officer 

senior international roles 

at Dresdner Kleinwort 

Positions on the 

scientific advisory 

boards of a number of 

companies, including 

Synaffix BV, where he 

Senior Vice President 

and International 

Counsel of Shire plc; 

and senior and global 

roles in private practice, 

retains an advisory role.

in the UK and the US.

of Unilever’s global 

food service business; 

and a number of other 

senior operational 

including the Head of 

Bayer CropScience’s 

BioScience division; 

and President of the 

and financial positions 

Bayer HealthCare 

within Unilever.

Animal Health division.

Benson; solicitor at 

Slaughter & May; and 

numerous non-executive 

roles, including Centrica, 

SAB Miller, Alliance Trust, 

Hays, Scottish Provident, 

Bank of Scotland, 

Grosvenor Group 

and Thomas Cook.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

BOARD GENDER BREAKDOWN
57%
M = Male   
F = Female 
43%
M

F

KEY TO COMMITTEES

  Member of the Nomination Committee
  Member of the Remuneration Committee
  Member of the Audit & Risk Committee
 Committee Chair

IAIN FERGUSON CBE

Non-Executive Chairman

STEPHEN WILSON

Chief Executive

ALISON HENRIKSEN

Chief Financial Officer

LYSANNE GRAY
Non-Executive Director

LYKELE VAN DER BROEK
Non-Executive Director; 
Workforce Engagement 
Director

LESLEY KNOX
Senior Independent 
Director; Workforce 
Engagement Director

PROFESSOR 
JASON CHIN
Non-Executive Director

DAN HARTLEY
Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

BOARD APPOINTMENT

July 2020

January 2013

January 2020

April 2016

July 2014

June 2018

April 2021

June 2014

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

 > Extensive Board, governance 

 > Six years as Group Finance 

and leadership experience

 > Strong commercial, science 

and agribusiness expertise 

across a range of industries, 

with a particular focus on 

consumer goods and food

Director at Genus with 

wide-ranging operational, 

strategic and business 

development responsibilities

 > Extensive experience over 30 

 > Over 25 years of international 

experience in finance, mergers 

and acquisitions, business 

transformation and investor 

relations, operating across 

Europe, Australia, Asia, the 

 > Deep appreciation of capital 

including finance, mergers and 

 > Proven track record of driving 

markets and investor sentiment

acquisitions, IT transformation 

years in technology businesses, 

US and South Africa

and investor relations

 > International experience, living 

and working in Europe and 

the US

of Management Accountants

performance in public and 

privately held organisations, 

both business to business 

and business to consumer

 > Qualified as Chartered 

 > Fellow of the Chartered Institute 

Accountant with Ernst & Young

 > Significant 

experience of risk 
management, audit, 
business operations, 
acquisitions 
and disposals, 
and corporate 
governance, gained 
within the food sector
 > Chartered accountant
 > Lysanne is the Board’s 
Sustainability Sponsor

growing companies 
and working in 
agricultural businesses 
throughout the 
world, including in 
emerging markets

strategic and 
financial services 
experience, both 
through executive and 
non-executive roles
 > Has advised numerous 
companies including 
manufacturers 
and distributors 
of food products, 
encompassing 
poultry and poultry 
breeding companies

 > Vast experience of 

 > Broad international, 

 > Extensive experience 

CURRENT APPOINTMENTS

Chairman of Crest Nicholson 

Non-Executive Director 

None

of Renishaw plc.

PAST APPOINTMENTS

Balfour Beatty plc; Non-Executive 

at IBM; and Non-Executive 

Group Finance Director of 

Genus plc; Executive Vice 

President and Chief Financial 

Chief Financial Officer of 

V.Group, a global leader in ship 

management; Finance Director, 

Officer of Misys plc; finance and 

UK & Ireland and Finance Director, 

business development roles 

Director and Audit Committee 

Chair of Xchanging plc.

Australia, at Compass Group 

plc; and Chief Financial Officer 

of Specialty Fashion Group Ltd, 

a former ASX-listed company.

Holdings plc; Chairman of 

Personal Assets Trust plc; 

Non-Executive Director of 

Copenhagen Topco Ltd; 

Pro-Chancellor of Cranfield 

University. 

Senior Independent Director 

of Sygen International plc; 

Chairman of Berendsen plc; 

Chairman of Stobart Group Ltd; 

Senior Independent Director of 

Director of Greggs plc; Lead 

Independent Director at the 

Department for Environment, Food 

and Rural Affairs; Chief Executive 

of Tate & Lyle plc; General 

Manager of Unilever AgriBusiness; 

Chair, Unilever Plantations and 

Plant Sciences Group; and 

Senior Vice President, Corporate 

Development at Unilever.

Executive Vice 
President Sustainable 
Business Performance 
and Reporting at 
Unilever plc.

Chair of Eden 
Research plc.

Financial Controller 
at Unilever plc and 
Unilever NV; Chief 
Auditor of Unilever; 
Chief Financial Officer 
of Unilever’s global 
food service business; 
and a number of other 
senior operational 
and financial positions 
within Unilever.

Member of the Board 
of Management of 
Bayer CropScience, a 
division of Bayer AG; 
senior international roles 
including the Head of 
Bayer CropScience’s 
BioScience division; 
and President of the 
Bayer HealthCare 
Animal Health division.

Non-Executive 
Director, Voice of the 
Employee Director 
and Remuneration 
Committee Chair of 
Legal & General plc 
and Chairman of Legal 
& General Investment 
Management Holdings.

Founder Director of 
British Linen Advisers; 
Governor of British Linen 
Bank Group; senior roles 
at Dresdner Kleinwort 
Benson; solicitor at 
Slaughter & May; and 
numerous non-executive 
roles, including Centrica, 
SAB Miller, Alliance Trust, 
Hays, Scottish Provident, 
Bank of Scotland, 
Grosvenor Group 
and Thomas Cook.

in academic and 
commercial research 
institutions, giving 
him deep scientific 
expertise

 > Working to develop 
and apply methods 
for reprogramming 
the genetic code 
of living organisms, 
with research 
spanning chemistry, 
chemical biology and 
synthetic biology

 > Holds Associate Faculty 
status at the Wellcome 
Sanger Institute, 
where he researches 
synthetic genomics
 > Fellow of the Academy 
of Medical Sciences, 
Trinity College, 
Cambridge, and 
the Royal Society

Head of the Centre 
for Chemical and 
Synthetic Biology at 
the Medical Research 
Council Laboratory 
for Molecular Biology, 
and Founder and Chief 
Scientific Officer of 
Constructive Biology.

Positions on the 
scientific advisory 
boards of a number of 
companies, including 
Synaffix BV, where he 
retains an advisory role.

 > Significant experience 
in multi-jurisdictional 
patent litigation, 
mergers and 
acquisitions, patent 
and technology 
licensing and 
managing product 
life cycles

 > Degrees in science 

and law

None

Senior Vice President 
and International 
Counsel of Shire plc; 
and senior and global 
roles in private practice, 
in the UK and the US.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Genus eXeC utIVe 
Le ADeRsHIP teAM (‘GeLt’)

ANGELLE ROSATA
Group HR Director

DR BILL CHRISTIANSON
Chief Operating Officer, Genus PIC

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

 > Deep and broad expertise 

 > Deep understanding of 

spanning resourcing, 
talent management, 
succession planning, 
leadership development 
and health and safety

 > Extensive HR strategic planning 
skills and commercial acumen

 > Masters in Human Resource 

Development from 
Vanderbilt University

agriculture and biotechnology, 
with broad industry knowledge 
and extensive commercial 
and global experience

 > DVM and PhD in Veterinary 

Medicine from the 
University of Minnesota

JERRY THOMPSON
Chief Operating Officer, 
Genus ABS Beef

 > A natural entrepreneur with 
deep industry knowledge, 
commercial skills and 
international experience
 > Has helped Genus establish 

and grow businesses in 
countries as diverse as the 
UK, Russia, India and China
 > Holds a degree in Agriculture 

from the University of Plymouth 
and is a graduate of Harvard 
Business School’s Advanced 
Management Program

CAREER

 > Joined Genus in September 
2013, following more than 20 
years in the healthcare sector

 > Developed and delivered 

PIC’s people strategy, before 
becoming HR Director for 
ABS and then Group HR 
Director on 1 July 2017

 > Joined Genus in 1993 and 
subsequently worked in 
operational roles spanning 
Europe, South America and 
the US, before becoming 
General Manager of PIC 
North America in 2007

 > Led the combined ABS and PIC 
business across the Americas 
from 2010, before becoming 
COO of Genus PIC in 2012

 > Joined PIC in 1992, working 
initially in the UK and then 
Siberia and Romania, before 
leading PIC in Central and 
Eastern Europe and then 
Europe as a whole

 > Led PIC and ABS in Russia 
and Asia Pacific, before 
becoming COO for Genus 
Asia in 2012 and then COO for 
Genus ABS Beef in July 2016

DR NATE ZWALD

Chief Operating Officer, 

Genus ABS Dairy

DR ELENA RICE

Chief Scientific Officer and 

Head of R&D

 > Deep expertise and experience 

 > Deep expertise in running R&D 

of dairy genetics, strong 

programmes, regulatory science 

commercial focus and passion 

and portfolio management

for people development

 > Has led the development 

 > Board member of the Council 

on Dairy Cattle Breeding and 

Vice President of the National 

Association of Animal Breeders

 > Degree in Dairy Science, 

MBA and PhD in Dairy 

Cattle Genetics from the 

University of Wisconsin

after 15 years at Alta Genetics, 

including ten years as General 

Manager of its US business 

and more than two years as 

Global Marketing Director

 > Remains involved in his family’s 

commercial dairy operation, 

Bomaz farm in the US, which 

has produced high-ranking 

industry and ABS sires

and introduction of genetic 

improvement technologies 

and nurtured a portfolio of 

gene editing projects

 > BSc and MSc in Biology from 

Moscow State University, 

and PhD in Plant Physiology 

and Biochemistry from the 

Timiryazev Institute of Plant 

Physiology in Moscow

Scientific Officer and appointed 

to GELT on 15 July 2019

 > Spent 18 years in increasingly 

senior roles within Bayer, 

leading teams using pioneering 

science and cutting-edge 

technology to help farmers 

grow food more sustainably

 > Joined Genus in January 2017 

 > Joined Genus as Chief 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE53
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

EXEC GENDER BREAKDOWN
M = Male   
F = Female 
M

F

62%
38%

spanning resourcing, 

talent management, 

succession planning, 

leadership development 

and health and safety

agriculture and biotechnology, 

with broad industry knowledge 

and extensive commercial 

and global experience

 > DVM and PhD in Veterinary 

 > Extensive HR strategic planning 

Medicine from the 

skills and commercial acumen

University of Minnesota

 > Masters in Human Resource 

Development from 

Vanderbilt University

Genus ABS Beef

 > A natural entrepreneur with 

deep industry knowledge, 

commercial skills and 

international experience

 > Has helped Genus establish 

and grow businesses in 

countries as diverse as the 

UK, Russia, India and China

 > Holds a degree in Agriculture 

from the University of Plymouth 

and is a graduate of Harvard 

Business School’s Advanced 

Management Program

CAREER

 > Joined Genus in September 

 > Joined Genus in 1993 and 

2013, following more than 20 

years in the healthcare sector

 > Developed and delivered 

PIC’s people strategy, before 

becoming HR Director for 

ABS and then Group HR 

Director on 1 July 2017

subsequently worked in 

operational roles spanning 

Europe, South America and 

the US, before becoming 

General Manager of PIC 

North America in 2007

 > Led the combined ABS and PIC 

business across the Americas 

from 2010, before becoming 

COO of Genus PIC in 2012

 > Joined PIC in 1992, working 

initially in the UK and then 

Siberia and Romania, before 

leading PIC in Central and 

Eastern Europe and then 

Europe as a whole

 > Led PIC and ABS in Russia 

and Asia Pacific, before 

becoming COO for Genus 

Asia in 2012 and then COO for 

Genus ABS Beef in July 2016

ANGELLE ROSATA

Group HR Director

DR BILL CHRISTIANSON

JERRY THOMPSON

Chief Operating Officer, Genus PIC

Chief Operating Officer, 

DR NATE ZWALD
Chief Operating Officer, 
Genus ABS Dairy

DR ELENA RICE
Chief Scientific Officer and 
Head of R&D

STEPHEN WILSON
Chief Executive

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

 > Deep and broad expertise 

 > Deep understanding of 

 > Deep expertise and experience 

 > Deep expertise in running R&D 

of dairy genetics, strong 
commercial focus and passion 
for people development

 > Board member of the Council 
on Dairy Cattle Breeding and 
Vice President of the National 
Association of Animal Breeders

 > Degree in Dairy Science, 
MBA and PhD in Dairy 
Cattle Genetics from the 
University of Wisconsin

 > Joined Genus in January 2017 
after 15 years at Alta Genetics, 
including ten years as General 
Manager of its US business 
and more than two years as 
Global Marketing Director

 > Remains involved in his family’s 
commercial dairy operation, 
Bomaz farm in the US, which 
has produced high-ranking 
industry and ABS sires

programmes, regulatory science 
and portfolio management

 > Has led the development 

and introduction of genetic 
improvement technologies 
and nurtured a portfolio of 
gene editing projects

 > BSc and MSc in Biology from 
Moscow State University, 
and PhD in Plant Physiology 
and Biochemistry from the 
Timiryazev Institute of Plant 
Physiology in Moscow

 > Joined Genus as Chief 

Scientific Officer and appointed 
to GELT on 15 July 2019

 > Spent 18 years in increasingly 

senior roles within Bayer, 
leading teams using pioneering 
science and cutting-edge 
technology to help farmers 
grow food more sustainably

ALISON HENRIKSEN
Chief Financial Officer

DAN HARTLEY
Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary

—

   See pages 50 and 51 for 
Stephen’s, Alison’s and Dan’s 
biographies.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE54
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

CoRPo RAte GoVeRnAnCe  stAteMent

BoARD LeADeRsHIP 
AnD P uRPose

THE BOARD’S ROLE

The Board is responsible for ensuring 
our long-term success. It:
 > approves our strategy and corporate 
goals and monitors our performance 
against them; 

 > determines that we have the necessary 

resources, systems and controls to 
achieve our objectives; and 

 > sets the culture and standards of 

behaviour we want to see 
throughout Genus.

The Board is also responsible for 
other critical decisions. These include 
approving the corporate budget; 
stress-testing our scenario planning, 
to ensure we have the right funding; 
approving material contracts, 
acquisitions, licences and investments; 
and reporting to shareholders.

PURPOSE, CULTURE AND VALUES

Genus is a purpose-driven business, 
which is reflected in our vision of 
pioneering animal genetic improvement 
to help nourish the world. This purpose 
provides the bedrock for our strategy, 
with its focus on improving genetics 
for the benefit of progressive livestock 
farmers and helping them to maximise 
their performance on their farms. 

To deliver our strategy and achieve 
our purpose, we must have the right 
culture. Genus aims to maintain a 
positive, inclusive and cooperative 
culture, with a global outlook and a 
focus on excellent customer service. 
This culture is underpinned by a set of 
values that exemplify the business we 
want to be: customer centric, results 
driven, pioneering, people-focused 
and responsible. These values are 
completely aligned to both our purpose 
and our strategy. More information on 
our values can be found on page 30.

The Board has a number of ways of 
understanding and monitoring the culture 
around the business. In particular, these 
include the results of the Group’s Your 
Voice employee survey and the Workforce 
Engagement Directors’ interactions with 
employees during the year, as described 
below. The Board believes that health and 
safety performance is another important 
indicator of culture and the Directors 
monitor performance on a regular basis.

The Directors also meet numerous 
people from around the Group, including 
members of management who present 
at Board meetings and through site 
visits, giving them further insight into 
the culture. During the year, the Board 
undertook visits to sites in the UK 
and North America (see page 55).

The Board ensures its own culture is 
aligned to the culture across the Group, 
through the annual evaluations of the 
Board and its Committees. More broadly, 
the Group’s performance management 
process also has a strong focus on 
behaviours that are aligned to our values. 

The Group has a Whistleblowing Policy 
and an independent hotline to allow 
employees to raise any concerns 
anonymously. This process is overseen 
by the Audit & Risk Committee on 
the Board’s behalf. More information 
can be found on page 31. 

The Board is therefore satisfied that 
the Group’s culture is aligned with 
its purpose, values and strategy 
and that our workplace policies and 
practices are consistent with them.

STRATEGY

The Group’s corporate governance 
framework plays a key role in the 
successful delivery of our strategy. The 
table on pages 56 to 57 shows how the 
Board’s discussions during the year 

related to specific aspects of the strategy. 
In addition, the Board holds an annual 
strategy session, focusing on the strategic 
direction and goals of the Group and its 
business units. This took place in January 
2022. More information can be found in the 
Chairman and Chief Executive’s Statement 
on pages 14 to 15 of the Strategic Report.

WORKFORCE ENGAGEMENT

Lykele van der Broek and Lesley Knox 
are the designated Workforce 
Engagement Directors.

They continued to engage with 
employees this year, holding face-to-
face meetings with ABS staff in the UK, 
the AWAKE leadership team in North 
America, and ABS staff in the US. The 
key points raised at town hall meetings 
are set out in our Section 172 Statement 
on page 41. The Board will continue to 
monitor progress made against these 
points as well as feedback received 
in our latest global employee survey, 
Your Voice, which attracted feedback 
from more than 83% of our employees 
for more information see page 31.

The Workforce Engagement Directors 
will continue to work around the Group’s 
different sites, to collect feedback and 
wherever possible to hold face-to-face 
meetings with employees as part of the 
Board’s programme of annual visits. 

ENGAGEMENT WITH OTHER 
STAKEHOLDERS

The Groups’ interactions with its other 
stakeholders, including engagement 
undertaken directly by the Board, is 
summarised on page 42 in the 
Strategic Report.

INFORMATION FLOW TO THE BOARD
The diagram to the right 
sets out our process for 
providing information to the 
Directors, ahead of 
scheduled Board meetings. 
This ensures our Board is 
well informed and the 
Directors can contribute 
effectively to discussions.

To assist the Directors 
with discharging their duties 
under s172 of the Companies 
Act, each item included in 
the Board papers 
indicates the relevant 
s172 considerations. More 
information can be found 
in the s172 statement on 
page 41.

The Chairman sets 
the agenda for 
the meeting, with 
input from the 
Chief Executive, 
Chief Financial 
Officer and Group 
Company 
Secretary.

1

A week before the 
meeting, the 
agenda and Board 
papers are sent to 
the Directors using 
a secure electronic 
system.

2

Board meetings 
take place at least 
eight times per 
year.

Decisions and 
actions agreed at 
the meeting are 
monitored by the 
Group Company 
Secretary.

The updated list 
of actions 
becomes part of 
the agenda for 
the next Board 
meeting.

3

4

5

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE55
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

tHe BoARD’s Ye AR 
In R eVIe W

The Board held eight scheduled meetings during the year. At each 
scheduled meeting, the Board receives updates on:
 > business performance, business development, talent 

development and competitive landscape developments from 
the Chief Executive;

 > financial performance of the business and forecasts from the 

Chief Financial Officer; and

 > corporate governance and legal issues from the Group 

General Counsel and Company Secretary, and 
external advisers.

The table below shows how many scheduled Board and 
Committee meetings each Director attended during the year.

Director

Board

Nomination

Audit & Risk

Remuneration

Non-Executive 
Chairman

Iain Ferguson

8/8

1/1

5/51

5/5

Executive 
Directors

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Non-Executive 
Directors

Jason Chin

Lesley Knox

Lykele van der 
Broek

Lysanne Gray

8/8

8/8

6/82

8/8

8/8

8/8

1/1

1/11

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

5/51

5/51

4/52

5/5

5/5

5/5

5/51

4/51

4/52

5/5

5/5

5/5

Note: The maximum number of meetings that Directors could have attended during 
the year: Board 8, Nomination Committee 1, Audit & Risk Committee 5 and 
Remuneration Committee 5.

1  By invitation
2  Jason Chin notified the Company prior to joining the Board in April 2021 of a 

number of pre-existing commitments which prevented him from attending two 
scheduled meetings during the year

VISITING OUR SITES

As discussed in the Chairman’s Letter on page 48, site 
visits are a key part of the Board’s calendar and the 
Directors were pleased to be able to resume these 
events for the first time since the pandemic.

In July 2021, the Board visited our Stapeley and Ruthin 
sites in the UK. This included a tour of the barns and 
IntelliGen laboratory, a customer site visit and ABS 
business presentations.

In June 2022, the Board went to the Group’s locations in 
Wisconsin, United States and Saskatchewan, Canada. 
This included tours of new ABS barns, ABS Beef nucleus, 
IntelliGen and R&D laboratories, new PIC nucleus farm, 
customer visits and PIC and ABS business 
presentations. The Board also had opportunities to 
meet with employees at all locations.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE56
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

CoRPo RAte GoVeRnAnCe  stAteMent CONTINUED

The table below provides more detail of the Board’s discussions and activities, and the outcomes from them. It also sets out how each 
topic supports the delivery of our strategy and the fulfilment of the Directors’ duties under s172 of the Companies Act.

Topic and link  
to our strategy

Activity

Actions arising

LEADERSHIP AND 
EFFECTIVENESS

Monitor Board 
effectiveness

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Monitor pipeline of 
senior talent

External evaluation undertaken during the year.

Progress

Focus areas identified 
(see pages 60 to 61)

Stakeholders: E, S
s172 considerations: a, b

BUSINESS 
DEVELOPMENT 
& STRATEGY

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Stakeholders: S, C, SC
s172 considerations: a

RESEARCH & 
DEVELOPMENT

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Stakeholders: S, C
s172 considerations: a, c

Monitor progress against 
our strategic objectives

Held strategy session with GELT and other business 
leaders.

See above

Review and approve 
business activities

Monitor strategic 
developments

Approved:

 > Expansion of existing ABS facilities in Whenby and 

Ruthin, including the construction of a solar array and 
rainwater harvesting facilities.
 > Investment in IntelliGen facilities.
 > Acquisition of all intellectual property in Olymel LP’s 

elite porcine genetics.

Received updates on:

 > The activities of the Sustainability Committee, 

sustainability strategy and progress against the 
Company’s Climate Change Policy targets.
 > Litigation relating to IntelliGen technology.
 > Material business development opportunities, including 

summaries of due diligence.

 > Competitor activities.
 > Continued progress with the PRRSv development 

programme.

 > GenusOne enterprise management system.

Monitor R&D progress

Received updates on:

See pages 24 to 25

 > R&D programmes and material investments.
 > The R&D stage gate review process for research 

programmes.

 > The progress of the PRRSv development programme 

and IntelliGen improvements.

 > Progress in the areas of reproductive technologies and 

scientific data.

 > Jason Chin’s attendance at GPSC meetings. 
 > The formation of a new Scientific Advisory Board, to be 

chaired by Jason Chin.

Received updates on:

 > Key vacancies and hires, including key roles in Group 

Finance, Marketing, R&D and Commercial.

 > Talent development in leadership below GELT level.
 > Your Voice employee engagement survey.

See pages 30 to 31

Update on employee 
feedback

Held town hall meetings with employees and the Chief 
Executive, and received updates on meetings between 
employees and the Workforce Engagement Directors.

See pages 30 to 31

EMPLOYEES

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Review recruitment 
pipeline

Stakeholders: E
s172 considerations: a, b

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
57
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Topic and link  
to our strategy

Activity

Actions arising

SHAREHOLDERS

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Monitor investor attitudes 
towards Genus

Updated on meetings with shareholders, potential 
investors and analysts.

Progress

See page 42

Stakeholders: S
s172 considerations: c, f

COMPANY 
PERFORMANCE 
AND FINANCE

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Stakeholders: S
s172 considerations: a, f

Monitor performance 
against plan

Received updates on the operational performance of the 
business and market conditions for each division.

See pages 20 to 25

Review past and 
projected financial 
performance

Monitor key financial 
issues

Monitor performance 
against plan

Monitored the Group’s performance against its strategy, 
budget and goals.

Approved the annual and interim results and dividends.

Approved the FY22 budget.

Received tax and treasury updates.

See pages 26 to 29

Received pension updates.

Received updates on renewal of the Group’s external 
borrowing facilities.

Reviewed going concern and viability, and reviewed 
reports from the Company’s auditors.

EXECUTIVE/GELT 
UPDATES

Monitor business unit 
performance and plans

Received financial and operational performance updates.

Received regular presentations from each business unit.

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Stakeholders: E, S, C, SC
s172 considerations: a

Conducted strategy session comparing performance 
of each business unit against previously presented 
strategic goals.

HEALTH & SAFETY

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Ensure strong culture of 
health and safety

Reviewed FY22 targets for health and safety and reviewed 
progress throughout the year.

See pages 35 to 36 

Received updates from the Head of Health & Safety, 
including progress against relevant KPIs.

See pages 35 to 36

Stakeholders: E
s172 considerations: b

RISK 
MANAGEMENT

Monitor risk management 
and control

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Stakeholders: S
s172 considerations: a, c

Monitored the Group’s risk register.

See pages 43 to 46

Received updates on the whistleblowing hotline reports 
and investigations.

Received updates on the IT security incident and the 
Company’s response.

Key to stakeholders: 
E = Employees, S = Shareholders, C = Customers, SC = Supply Chain, EN = Environment

Key to s172 considerations:
(a) Consequence of decisions in the long term
(b) Interests of the Company’s employees
(c) Need to foster the Company’s business relationships with supplies, customers and others
(d) Impact of the Company’s operations on the community and environment
(e) Desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct
(f)  Need to act fairly between members of the Company

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

CoRPo RAte GoVeRnAnCe  stAteMent CONTINUED

DIVIsIon oF 
ResPonsIBILItIes

BOARD ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

BOARD COMMITTEES

The table below shows Board Committee membership at the 
year end:

Committee

Director

Audit & Risk

Nomination

Remuneration

Iain Ferguson

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Lysanne Gray

Lykele van der Broek

Lesley Knox

Jason Chin

–

–

–

C

M

M

M

C

M

–

M

M

M

M

M

–

–

M

M

C

M

The Committee Chairs oversee and lead the Committees’ 
activities, within their terms of reference, and are responsible for 
their effective operation. More information about the roles and 
work of the Board Committees can be found in their statements 
on pages 62 to 103, and in their terms of reference on our website 
at www.genusplc.com.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The Board believes that all of the NEDs are independent in 
character and judgement, and that there are no relationships or 
circumstances that are likely to affect (or could appear to affect) 
their judgement. As required by the Code, the Chairman was 
independent on appointment.

To ensure we have clear responsibilities at the top of the 
Company, the Board has set out well-defined roles for the 
Chairman and Chief Executive. These, along with the 
responsibilities of our other Directors, are summarised in  
the table below.

Title

Responsibilities

Chairman
Iain Ferguson

Chief Executive
Stephen Wilson

Iain’s primary responsibility is to lead the Board 
and ensure it operates effectively. He achieves 
this in part through promoting an open culture, 
which allows people to challenge the status 
quo, and holding meetings with the NEDs 
without the Executives present. Iain also 
communicates directly with shareholders.

Stephen is responsible for devising and 
implementing our strategy and for managing 
our day-to-day operations. He is accountable 
to the Board for the Group’s development, in 
line with its strategy, taking into account the 
risks, objectives and policies set out by the 
Board and its Committees.

Chief Financial 
Officer
Alison 
Henriksen

Alison is responsible for helping the Chief 
Executive to devise and implement the strategy, 
and for managing the Group’s financial and 
operational performance.

Senior 
Independent 
NED
Lesley Knox1

Lesley provides a sounding board for the Chair 
and is an alternative line of communication 
between the Chair and other Directors. She 
leads meetings of the NEDs, without the Chair 
present, to appraise the Chair’s performance, 
and consults with shareholders in the absence 
of the Chair and Chief Executive.

NEDs
Lysanne Gray2, 
Lykele van der 
Broek1, Jason 
Chin

The NEDs constructively challenge, oversee and 
help to progress the execution of our strategy, 
the management of the Group and the 
management of our governance structures, 
within the risk and control framework set by 
the Board.

1  Also a Workforce Engagement Director
2  Also the Board’s Sustainability Sponsor

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE59
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

BOARD AND COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

The diagram below shows the Board and the Committees that report to it:

BOARD COMMITTEES

AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE
Ensures the integrity of our financial 
reporting, evaluates our risk management 
and internal control system, and oversees 
the internal and external auditors.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
Determines remuneration for our Executive 
Directors and senior management, to 
support our growth strategy and deliver 
value for stakeholders.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE
Reviews the Board’s structure, size and 
composition and proposes candidates for 
appointment to the Board.

GENUS PLC BOARD

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Provides direction and oversight for 
continuous improvement in our 
environmental sustainability, health and 
safety, animal well-being and community 
engagement.

GELT
Leads our strategic delivery and ensures 
organisational alignment, engagement and 
efficient execution.

GENUS PORTFOLIO STEERING 
COMMITTEE
Gives us a comprehensive view of our R&D 
programme and involves our business units 
in prioritising our R&D initiatives.

OTHER TEAMS REPORTING TO THE BOARD

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE60
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

CoRPo RAte GoVeRnAnCe  stAteMent CONTINUED

CoMP osItIon, 
suCCessIon A nD 
eVALuAtIon

THE BOARD’S COMPOSITION

At the year end, the Board comprised 
the Non-Executive Chairman, four 
independent Non-Executive Directors 
and two Executive Directors – the 
Chief Executive and the Chief Financial 
Officer. The Non-Executive Directors 
therefore form a majority on the 
Board, as required by the Code.

The Board has an appropriate blend 
of skills and professional backgrounds. 
Almost all of our Directors have held 
leadership positions in international 
companies, with several having run 
businesses overseas. Several of our 
Directors, including the Chair of the 
Audit & Risk Committee, have significant 
financial experience, while others have 
strong backgrounds in scientific research 
or in leading science-based businesses. 
This breadth helps to ensure the Board 
provides even-handed oversight, works 
in a constructive and focused manner 
and has the capabilities to manage 
the challenges of a complex and 
evolving global business environment.

YEAR 1
An external Board effectiveness review 
produces an action plan for the areas of 
focus identified by the review.

YEAR 2
A follow-up 
questionnaire by 
the same external 
consultant enables us 
to monitor our progress 
with the focus areas.

The evaluation comprised the observation 
of Board and Board Committee meetings, 
tailored questionnaires and one-to-one 
interviews with each of the Directors and 
certain other key management employees. 

YEAR 3
An internal review 
using questionnaires 
and interviews with the 
Chair of the Board.

ASSESSING THE BOARD’S EFFECTIVENESS 

To ensure the Board provides effective 
leadership to the Group, we have a three-
year evaluation cycle, using a mixture 
of internal and external evaluations.

This was the first year of the current three-
year cycle and we therefore undertook 
an externally facilitated evaluation. 
This was led by David Robinson and 
Barry Gould of Gould Consulting, 
which has no other connection with the 
Company or with individual Directors.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE61
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

THE EVALUATION’S CONCLUSIONS
The review showed that the Board is effective in most areas, is well led, and the Directors generally challenge constructively 
and effectively. The review highlighted that the Board is focused on activities that deliver value to shareholders including:
 > accelerating the drive into new geographies, 
 > resolving people and resourcing challenges, and
 > pushing the sustainability agenda into all three business units.

The Board identified the following focus areas for FY23:
 > enhanced engagement from the Board in shaping the Board’s agenda, including the preparation of a balanced score card of 

actions from the annual strategy session, to ensure that the Board is able to spend its time discussing and challenging management 
on its highest priority strategic topics; 

 > using time around Board meetings, such as at Board dinners, to discuss key themes emerging from management briefings by the 
Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel and Company Secretary, allowing the Board more time during its 
meetings for discussion of its highest priority strategic topics; and 

 > ensuring an ongoing focus on succession issues including Board succession, Board size and skills, and executive team succession.

BOARD FOCUS AREAS FOR FY22
Last year’s internal evaluation identified the following priorities for FY22:

Priority

Progress

Retaining a strong focus on outward-facing awareness.

Supporting management as it navigates the post-COVID world.

Ongoing Board succession.

Bolstering experience in key geographies.

Focusing on ESG and sustainability.

The Board approved the constitution of a Scientific Advisory 
Board to give the Group access to a broader range of 
capabilities and improve our ability to ‘horizon scan’. 

The Board receives regular reports from management on the 
impacts of COVID-19 on the Group’s operations and is confident 
that mitigating controls have operated successfully.

The Board continues to focus on Board succession planning. 
Refer to the Nomination Committee Report on pages 62 to 64 for 
more information.

The Board receives detailed reports regarding the Company’s 
performance in each of its key geographies.

The Board receives regular updates from the Chief Executive, 
Chief Financial Officer and the Board’s Sustainability Sponsor 
following Sustainability Committee meetings as well as periodic 
updates from management on sustainability topics and progress 
against the Company’s carbon reduction initiatives.

RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

As required by the Code, all the Directors will offer themselves for re-election at the next AGM. Details can be found in the Notice 
of AGM. Following the performance evaluation described above, the Board confirms that all the Directors continue to be effective 
in their roles.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE62
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

noMI nAtIon  CoMMI ttee RePoR t

FOCUS AREAS FOR FY22

In last year’s report, we identified 
two focus areas for the Committee 
in FY22. These were:
 > Executive Director succession planning; 

and

 > talent development.

Information on succession planning is 
set out below. Talent development has 
been hampered by COVID-19, which 
made it more difficult to bring people 
together from different parts of the 
business for learning opportunities, 
resulting in an increased emphasis on 
distance learning. As a result, this will 
remain a focus area for the year ahead.

IAIN FERGUSON
Chair of the Nomination Committee

Meetings

1/1

1/1

1/11

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

Iain Ferguson (Chair)

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Jason Chin

Lesley Knox

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

1  By invitation 

C
o
R
P
o
R
A
t
e
G
o
V
e
R
n
A
n
C
e

Dear Shareholder

With no changes to Board membership 
during the year, the Committee 
focused on succession planning for 
Executive roles, as well as our ongoing 
responsibilities including evaluating the 
balance of the Board and its diversity. 
The Board is well placed in terms of 
gender diversity, but we recognise the 
importance of other aspects of diversity, 
including ethnic backgrounds, and 
this will continue to form part of our 
criteria for future Board appointments.

Iain Ferguson
Chair of the Nomination Committee
7 September 2022

THE COMMITTEE’S ROLE AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES

The Committee is responsible for:
 > making recommendations to the Board 
on the structure, size and composition 
of the Board and its Committees;

 > evaluating the balance of skills, 

experience, independence, knowledge 
and diversity on the Board;

 > succession planning for the Non-

Executive and Executive Directors and 
other senior executives; and

 > identifying and recommending suitable 

candidates to become Directors, 
based on merit.

The Committee has written 
terms of reference, which set 
out the authority delegated 
to it by the Board. These are 
available from our website: 
—
www.genusplc.com

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
63
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

SUCCESSION PLANNING

The Committee has a formal three-phase succession planning process:

ASSESSMENT

APPROACH

EXECUTION

The Committee reviews the 
Board’s current skills and 
experiences across a range 
of relevant areas. 

This results in a skills matrix (see 
below), which identifies the skills 
coverage across all Board 
members. 

Potential skills gaps are identified, 
so they can be incorporated into 
future succession planning at 
Board and Executive level. 

Areas for ongoing Board 
upskilling are identified 
and discussed. 

1

The Committee applies 
engagement rules for succession 
planning, including: 
 > ensuring succession planning 
is in line with the Committee’s 
terms of reference;

 > considering the need to 
replace the skills of any 
departing NED; and 
 > filling any missing skills 

required for the Company’s 
strategic direction. 

Job specifications for the Non- 
Executives and Executives are 
kept up to date. 

2

The Committee identifies the 
desired skills for any new NED, for 
use in filling any future vacancies 
on the Board.

Potential internal candidates for 
promotion to Executive Director 
are identified.

3

Competence

Low/medium

Good/high

Management succession planning is one 
of the business’s top priorities and the 
Committee has continued to assess the 
succession plans for GELT members. The 
Group HR Director engaged with the 
Board twice during the year to discuss 
these plans. This work showed that the 
Group has good coverage of many key 
positions internally. The Committee also 
maintains relationships with a number of 
major search firms, recognising the 
importance of being able to consider 
external candidates as well. The Group 
has a strong track record of external 
recruitment into senior roles.

Board and corporate governance

Strategy

Finance, banking and capital markets

Risk, culture change and change management

Politics and public affairs

Stakeholder and customer communications

Sustainability implementation and communications

Human resources

IT systems, transformation and data/cyber security

Science and biotechnology

BOARD SKILLS MATRIX

Food sector

The table opposite shows the key 
experience and skills the Committee has 
identified as desirable and indicates their 
depth on the Genus Board.

Review, launch and marketing of FDA regulated products

International business

North America market

EMEA market

Asian market

LATAM market

–

–

43%

–

43%

14%

57%

–

57%

43%

–

86%

14%

28% 

28%

43%

72%

100%

100%

57%

100%

57%

86%

43%

100%

43%

57%

100%

14%

86%

72%

72%

57%

28%

The Committee continues to assess the balance of skills and experience on the Board 
and will keep the skills matrix in mind in any future recruitment to the Board.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE64
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

noMI nAtIon  CoMMI ttee RePoR t CONTINUED

BOARD TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The Group provides continuing education 
to its leaders, including Board members. 
This includes compulsory online 
training modules which are designed 
to refresh the Directors’ knowledge 
in key areas, such as animal welfare, 
corporate conduct and anti-bribery and 
corruption. All the Directors completed 
this training in FY22. The Group General 
Counsel and Company Secretary also 
plays an important role in keeping the 
Board up to date with any changes to 
corporate governance requirements.

DIVERSITY

The Committee believes that the 
different viewpoints represented on 
a diverse Board can help Genus to 
maintain its competitive advantage. 
Diversity also links to our values, by being 
people-focused and responsible, and 
to our strategy by encouraging new 
ideas which deliver for our customers 
and ultimately drive our results.

The Board is therefore committed to 
building recruitment and leadership 
development programmes that capture 
inclusivity in our succession planning and 
talent development, including a focus 
on appropriate representation from 
female candidates and those from a 
minority ethnic background. The Group 
has an employee-led forum called 
AWAKE (Advancing Women’s Advocacy, 
Knowledge and Empowerment), which 
brings together female leaders and 
a cross-section of other women to 
develop ideas for increasing diversity 
and improving working practices.

At the year end, three of the seven 
Directors were female (43%), ahead of 
the 33% target set by the Hampton-
Alexander Review. There were also three 
female members of GELT, comprising 
38% of the total. The direct reports 
to GELT, excluding support staff, 
were 33% female and 67% male.

The Committee also notes the Financial 
Conduct Authority’s (‘FCA’) new reporting 
requirements on diversity, which will come 
into force for our next financial year. The 
Company already exceeds the FCA’s 
targets of 40% female representation on 
the Board and that at least one of the 
Chair, CEO, CFO or SID should be female, 
with both our CFO and SID being women.

The FCA has also set a target for at 
least one Board member to be from 
a minority ethnic background, in line 
with the aspirations of the Parker 
Review. We share these aspirations 
and have amended our Diversity Policy 
to ensure they are fully considered in 
any future recruitment to the Board.

Diversity Policy
Our Board diversity policy aims to ensure 
that we consider diversity in its broadest 
sense. A diverse Board has members 
with different skills, backgrounds, 
regional and industry experiences, 
races, genders and other qualities. 

The Board, with the support of the 
Nomination Committee:
 > consider all aspects of diversity when 

reviewing the Board’s composition and 
when conducting the annual Board 
effectiveness evaluation;
 > encourage development of 
internal high-calibre people 
to help develop a pipeline of 
potential Executive Directors;

 > consider a wide pool of candidates for 

appointment as Non-Executive 
Directors, including those with little or 
no listed company board experience;
 > ensure a significant portion of the long 
list for Non-Executive Director positions 
are women and candidates from a 
minority ethnic background;

 > consider candidates against objective 
criteria and with regard to the benefits 
of Board diversity; and

 > only engage executive search firms 

who have signed up to the voluntary 
Code of Conduct on gender and ethnic 
diversity and best practice. 

The Board complied with the policy 
throughout the period. A copy of the 
policy can be found on our website: 
www.genusplc.com. The Committee 
reviewed the policy during the year and 
noted that whilst all Board appointments 
are based on individual merit, the Board 
aspires to have at least 40% female 
members, including at least one of the 
Chair, Chief Executive, Chief Financial 
Officer or Senior Independent Director, 
and at least one member from a minority 
ethnic background on the Board.

More information about diversity 
across Genus can be found in the 
Strategic Report on pages 30 to 31.

BOARD GENDER BREAKDOWN
M = Male   
F = Female 
M

F

EXEC GENDER BREAKDOWN
M = Male   
F = Female 
M

F

57%
43%

62%
38%

WORKFORCE GENDER BREAKDOWN
M = Male   
F = Female 
M

F

66%
34%

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

The Group has established a Scientific 
Advisory Board, with this work being 
led by Chief Executive Stephen Wilson, 
Chief Scientific Officer Dr Elena Rice 
and Non-Executive Director Professor 
Jason Chin. The Advisory Board will give 
the Group access to a broader range 
of capabilities, improving our ability to 
‘horizon scan’. While the Committee does 
not have a formal role in creating the 
Advisory Board, it supports the move and 
believes it will benefit both the Group 
and the plc Board in its deliberations.

SERVICE CONTRACTS AND LETTERS 
OF APPOINTMENT

Copies of service contracts and letters 
of appointment between the Directors 
and the Company will be available 
for inspection at the Company’s 
registered office during normal business 
hours until the conclusion of the AGM 
on 23 November 2022, and at the 
AGM from at least 15 minutes prior to 
the meeting until its conclusion.

FOCUS AREAS FOR FY23

In the coming year, the Committee 
will continue to focus on talent 
development and succession planning, 
ensuring it remains cognisant of the 
FCA’s targets for Board diversity.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCELYSANNE GRAY
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee

Lysanne Gray (Chair)

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Iain Ferguson

Jason Chin

Lesley Knox

Lykele van der Broek

1  By invitation

Meetings

5/5

5/51

5/51

5/51

4/5

5/5

5/5

65
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

AuDIt  & RIsK CoMMIttee  RePoRt

Dear Shareholder 

The Audit & Risk Committee acts on 
behalf of the Board and shareholders, 
to ensure the integrity of the Group’s 
financial reporting, evaluate its system 
of risk management and internal control, 
and oversee the performance of the 
internal and external auditors. We have 
an annual work programme that is 
designed to deliver these commitments, 
which we followed during the year.

There was no change to the Committee’s 
membership this year and I am happy to 
report that the membership continues to 
comply with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code and related guidance. All members 
are independent NEDs, who bring a sound 
range of financial, commercial and 
scientific expertise to the Committee.

We reviewed the progress being made 
with regard to the implementation of the 
GenusOne enterprise management 
system. This included updates on the 
approach being taken to realise 
opportunities to standardise and 
strengthen the Group’s processes and 
controls as the system roll-out continues 
to progress.

We have carefully considered the critical 
accounting policies and judgements 
and assessed the quality of disclosures 
and compliance with financial reporting 
standards, and reviewed the half-year 
and Annual Report, together with the 
related management and external 
audit reports. We also supported 
the Board in reviewing the going 
concern and viability statements and 
supporting analysis and disclosure.

We have assessed the effectiveness of 
internal and external audit during the year 
by reviewing the work done, interviews, 
and questionnaires. We continue to focus 
on improving communication and driving 
efficiencies. The Committee was satisfied 
with the performance of both the internal 
and external auditors.

Lysanne Gray
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee 
7 September 2022

All members received regular updates 
from the external auditor, to ensure they 
continue to have current knowledge 
of the accounting and financial 
reporting standards relevant to the 
Group and the regulatory changes 
and revisions to auditing standards 
relevant to the provision of external 
audit services. We also kept up to date 
with developments in relation to the 
corporate governance requirements.

Our focus on risk management continued 
throughout the year, with regular reviews 
and assessment of the Group’s existing 
and emerging risks. During the year, we 
received and discussed detailed input 
from management on key risks and 
mitigation plans. In particular, we focused 
on the risks associated with cyber security, 
sustainability targets, the impacts of the 
Russia-Ukraine conflict, and biosecurity 
and continuity of supply, as well as the 
developing macroeconomic conditions 
and their impact on our global operations. 
A task force has been created to monitor 
the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the impact 
on operations and people, and to ensure 
compliance with trade sanctions.

Following the IT security incident in June 
2022, which had a limited impact on the 
Company’s systems, we reviewed the IT 
security improvements implemented in 
response, and the plans to further 
enhance our IT security controls. We are 
satisfied these will further strengthen our 
control environment. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEThe Committee has formal terms of 
reference, approved by the Board, 
that comply with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. These are 
available from our website:
—
www.genusplc.com

The Committee’s annual review 
of these terms took place during 
the year.

66
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

AuDIt & RIsK CoMMIttee RePoRt  CONTINUED

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION

COMMITTEE EFFECTIVENESS

Every three years the Board appoints an 
external consultant to independently 
evaluate its performance, and that of its 
Committees. The last review was 
performed in 2022. The next external 
evaluation will be in 2025.

In 2022, the Committee’s effectiveness 
was assessed through a structured 
questionnaire and interviews with 
Gould Consulting, and concluded 
that the Committee was effective, 
with a strong focus on risk 
identification and management. 

THE COMMITTEE’S MAIN ACTIVITIES 
DURING THE YEAR

During the year, the Committee held five 
meetings and invited the Company’s 
Chairman, Chief Executive, the Chief 
Financial Officer, the Group Financial 
Controller, the Head of Financial Control, 
the Head of Risk Management and 
Internal Audit, and senior representatives 
of the external auditor to attend these 
meetings. The Committee also held 
separate private sessions during the year 
with the Head of Risk Management and 
Internal Audit and the external audit lead 
partner. At its meetings, the Committee 
focused on the following topics:

The Committee members’ biographies, 
along with information on Genus’s other 
Board members, can be found on pages 
50 to 51.

The Board has confirmed that it is satisfied 
that Committee members possess an 
appropriate level of independence and 
relevant financial and commercial 
experience across various industries 
relevant to the Company.

The Committee has formal terms of 
reference, approved by the Board, that 
comply with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code. These are available from our 
website: www.genusplc.com. The 
Committee’s annual review of these terms 
took place during the year.

COMMITTEE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Committee’s role and responsibilities 
include reviewing and monitoring:
 > the financial reporting process and any 

significant financial reporting 
judgements;

 > the integrity of the Group’s financial 

statements and any formal 
announcements relating to financial 
performance;

 > the Annual Report, to ensure it is fair, 

balanced and understandable;

 > the Company’s reporting to 

shareholders;

 > the effectiveness of the Group’s 

accounting and financial reporting 
systems;

 > the effectiveness of the Group’s 
system of risk management 
and internal controls;

 > the effectiveness of the internal audit 

function; and

 > the effectiveness, independence and 
objectivity of the Group’s external 
auditor, including any non-audit 
services it provides to the Group.

The Committee also:
 > ensures that the Group maintains 

suitable confidential arrangements for 
employees to raise concerns; and
 > reviews the Group’s systems and 
controls for preventing bribery.

The Committee reports its findings 
to the Board, identifying any matters 
that require action or improvement, 
and making recommendations 
about the steps to be taken.

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Financial reporting
The main areas of focus and matters where the Committee specifically considered management’s judgements are set out below:

Financial reporting area

Judgements and assumptions considered

IMPACT OF RUSSIAN 
SANCTIONS ON 
FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Committee has reviewed the Group’s assessment of the impact of Russian Sanctions on the year-end 
financial reporting.

In assessing the impact the Committee considered whether the Group still has control, as defined under 
IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’, over the assets and operations of the Russian entities and 
whether it is still appropriate to consolidate the entities in the Group’s financial statements. In addition, the 
Committee considered whether any impairment of assets held in those entities is required and whether the 
Russian entities have sufficient cash resources to allow for day-to-day operations to continue. In making 
their assessment the Committee debated and considered management assumptions on whether it has 
control, as defined under IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’, over the operations and assets, 
given the current international sanctions in place on Russia, reviewed management’s impairment analysis 
and discussed the FY23 plans and cash flow projections over a period of 18 months.

The Committee was satisfied with management’s conclusion that it is still appropriate to consolidate the 
Russian entities, as defined under IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’, that there is no impairment 
of assets required at the year end and that the entities have sufficient cash flow to enable the businesses 
to operate on a day-to-day basis and be able to meet their liabilities as they fall due.

The Committee also reviewed the disclosures in note 4 – Critical Accounting Judgements, relating to 
restricted cash balances held in Russia, the judgements that management has made in applying the 
accounting policies and the key assumptions and sources of estimation that have a significant risk 
of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next 
financial year.

Following this detailed review and discussion with management the Committee has concluded that the 
presentation of the financial statements and the associated disclosures is appropriate.

BIOLOGICAL ASSETS 
VALUATION

In compliance with IAS 41, Genus records its biological assets at fair value in the Group Balance Sheet 
(£366.8m), with the net valuation movement shown in the Income Statement. 

The Committee has reviewed the methodology, which has remained unchanged, and outcomes of the 
biological assets valuation. The Committee debated and considered management’s assumptions and 
estimates, through the current period, and discussed and reviewed the external auditor’s report on this 
area, before concurring with management’s proposals. The Committee also received updates on 
management’s streamlining and automation of the models which are used for the valuation process. 
The Committee was satisfied with management’s accounting treatment, including the Income Statement 
increase of £24.5m in the value of porcine biological assets and the decrease of £29.9m in the value of 
bovine biological assets.

GOING CONCERN AND 
VIABILITY STATEMENT

The Committee has reviewed the Group’s assessment of going concern over a period of 12 months and 
viability over a period of three years.

PRESENTATION AND 
DISCLOSURE OF 
EXCEPTIONAL AND 
ADJUSTING ITEMS

In assessing viability, the Committee has considered the Group’s budget and strategic plan, its credit 
facility agreement, its principal risks and uncertainties, as detailed on pages 43 to 46, and the liquidity and 
capital projections over the period and is satisfied that this is appropriate in supporting the Group as a 
Going Concern.

The Committee has concluded that the assumptions are appropriate and that the viability statement 
could be provided, and advised the Board that three years was a suitable period of review. The 
Committee was also satisfied with the disclosures in relation to the appropriateness of the assessment 
period selected, the assumptions made and how the underlying analysis was performed. The going 
concern and viability statement is disclosed on page 47 of the report.

Genus had £17.4m of adjusting items, including £2.0m of exceptional items in the Group Income Statement. 
The Committee considered the presentation of these items in the financial statements, due to the nature 
of these items and the guidelines on the use of alternative performance measures, issued by the European 
Securities and Markets Authority. The Committee received detailed reports from management outlining 
the judgements applied in relation to the disclosure of adjusting items, which include net IAS 41 valuation 
movement on biological assets, amortisation of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment 
expense and exceptional items. For adjusting items, the Committee took into consideration their volatility 
and lack of correlation to the underlying progress and performance of the business. Specifically, for 
exceptional items, the Committee took into consideration the materiality, frequency and nature of the 
items. Following this detailed review and active discussion with management, the Committee has 
concluded that the presentation of the financial statements is appropriate.

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AuDIt & RIsK CoMMIttee RePoRt  CONTINUED

Monitoring business risks
The Committee discussed the principal 
risks identified with management and the 
external and internal auditors, along with 
management’s plans to mitigate them, 
and received regular detailed updates 
from the risk owners and their direct 
reports. In addition to reviewing the 
principal risks, the Committee received 
detailed updates on the following:
 > Sustainability targets: the related 

current and emerging risks and the 
roadmap of actions identified in 
support of the climate change action 
plan and TCFD reporting.

 > Biosecurity and continuity of supply: 

the risk of losing key livestock or losing 
our ability to move animals and/or 
semen freely (including across borders), 
due to disease outbreak.

 > Cyber security: the cyber security risk 
faced by the Group and the actions 
being taken to strengthen infrastructure 
and systems security. In addition, we 
had regular updates in relation to the IT 
security incident.

 > Russia-Ukraine conflict: a task 
force was created with regular 
updates provided to the Board 
to understand the impact on our 
operations and people in these 
regions and report on how compliance 
with sanctions are ensured. 

The Committee also received regular 
updates on the project to implement 
GenusOne, a new Group-wide enterprise 
management system.

Internal control system
Management is responsible for identifying 
and managing risks, and for maintaining 
a sound system of internal control. The 
internal control framework is intended 
to effectively manage rather than 
eliminate entirely the risks to achieving 
our business objectives. The key 
elements of the Group’s internal control 
framework are monitored throughout 
the year and the Committee has 
conducted a review of the effectiveness 
of the Group’s risk management and 
internal control systems on behalf of the 
Board. Our risk management process 
and system of internal control are 
described in detail on pages 68 to 69. 

The Committee conducted its annual 
review of the effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal controls and disclosures. The 
Committee’s review of the effectiveness 
of internal controls has encompassed 
a review of various reports provided by 
management, Risk and Internal Audit, 

Internal Control and External Audit. The 
Committee reviewed the results of the 
key financial controls self-assessment 
process, which is performed every six 
months; internal audit’s findings at 
each scheduled meeting, including 
updates on the implementation of 
management’s remedial actions; and 
the Group’s Whistleblowing Policy 
and bribery prevention procedures. 

The review did not identify any significant 
control failings. However, Genus routinely 
identifies and implements control 
improvement opportunities and the 
Committee discussed with management 
various opportunities to further strengthen 
the Group’s system of internal control.

Oversight of internal audit and 
external audit
Internal audit
The Committee reviewed and approved 
the internal audit function’s scope, terms 
of reference, resources and activities. The 
Committee reviewed the changes made 
to how internal audit activities were 
delivered, as a result of travel restrictions 
and remote working requirements. The 
Committee was satisfied that the 
coverage and quality of the internal audit 
process remained appropriate. The Head 
of Risk Management and Internal Audit 
provided regular reports to the Committee 
on the work undertaken and 
management’s responses to proposals 
made in the internal audit reports issued 
during the year. The Committee continued 
to meet the Head of Risk Management 
and Internal Audit without management 
being present. The Committee reviewed 
and was satisfied with the internal audit 
function’s performance.

external audit
Deloitte LLP was first appointed as the 
Company’s external auditor for the period 
ended 30 June 2006. Following a formal 
tender process, Deloitte was reappointed 
for the audit of the financial year ended 
30 June 2016.

In accordance with our current 
audit partner rotation timeline, the 
Committee expects to conduct an 
external audit tender for our FY25 
audit. The Company has complied 
with the Statutory Audit Services Order 
for the financial year under review.

The Committee reviewed and agreed the 
external auditor’s scope of work and fees, 
held detailed discussions of the results 
of its audit and continued to meet the 

external auditor without management 
being present. The Committee reviewed 
the external auditor’s objectivity and 
independence and the Group’s policy on 
engaging the external auditor to supply 
non-audit services. The Committee 
obtained confirmation that the Revised 
Ethical Standard has been complied 
with and received the details of the 
external auditor’s non-audit services 
to the Group, reviewed the nature 
and monetary levels of these services, 
which stood at 2% of audit fees, and 
reviewed compliance with the Group’s 
Non-Audit Services by Auditor Policy 
(see note 8 to the financial statements 
for further details). The Committee was 
satisfied that using Deloitte for such 
services did not impair its independence 
as the Group’s external auditor.

The Committee assessed the external 
auditor’s performance in conducting the 
audit for the June 2021 year end, based on 
discussions with key finance staff and 
Committee members. The questionnaires 
covered the external auditor’s fulfilment of 
the audit plan, the auditor’s robustness 
and perceptiveness in its handling of key 
accounting and audit judgements, the 
content of the external auditor’s reports, 
and cost effectiveness. The Committee 
also considered the results of regulatory 
reviews performed on the external auditor. 
While noting some opportunities for 
further improvement, specifically around 
communication, the Committee 
concluded that the external auditor was 
effective and was satisfied with the plan 
put forward by the external auditor to 
respond to the opportunities for 
improvement identified.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL 
CONTROLS

Risk management 
The Board is responsible for our risk 
management system, which is designed to 
identify, evaluate and prioritise the risks 
and uncertainties we face. The Board sets 
our risk appetite, monitors the Group’s risk 
exposure for our principal risks and ensures 
appropriate executive ownership for all 
risks. This ongoing risk management 
process for the Group’s significant risks 
was in place for the year under review and 
up to the date of approval of the Annual 
Report and Accounts. Our principal risks 
and how we mitigate them are 
summarised on pages 43 to 46.

To further assist its understanding of risk, 
the Board has restarted its programme of 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEThe review considered our internal control 
self-assessment process, which is 
designed to assess compliance with our 
minimum control standards, the 
independent internal audit programme, 
and the reports management prepared 
when the Board approved the interim and 
final results and financial statements. 

It also assessed:
 > whether we had identified, evaluated, 
managed and controlled significant 
risks; and whether any significant 
weaknesses had arisen, and

 > if so, whether we had addressed them.

The assessment also took into account 
any risk or control issues we identified 
through our divisional business reviews, 
Board and GELT meetings, and 
insurers’ reviews.

We have an internal control continuous 
improvement work programme and 
routinely identify opportunities to 
strengthen our control environment and 
improve our risk management capabilities. 
However, the Board has not identified or 
been told of any significant failings in our 
internal controls.

69
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

visits to our local operations as COVID-19 
travel restrictions have eased. The Board 
received regular political, economic and 
industry risk updates from the relevant 
business groups. The Board performed its 
annual risk review in May 2022. This 
involved a fresh review of the types and 
levels of risk facing Genus as it executes its 
strategy and was designed to identify and 
evaluate any new or emerging risks and 
ascertain whether the risk register covered 
all relevant risks. As a result cyber was 
added to the principal risks.

Internal control
The key elements of our internal control 
system are set out below. An internal 
control system cannot completely 
eliminate the risks we face or ensure we do 
not have a material misstatement or loss.

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The Board sets formal authorisation levels 
and other controls that allow it to 
delegate authority to run our businesses 
to the Chief Executive, GELT and their 
management teams. Our management 
supplements these controls by setting the 
operating standards that each subsidiary 
needs for its business and location.

GELT regularly reviews our performance 
against strategy, budget and a defined 
set of operational key performance 
indicators. The Chief Executive, Group 
Finance Director, Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary, and Group 
Financial Controller also hold monthly 
reviews with each business unit.

QUALITY AND INTEGRITY OF OUR PEOPLE

We strive to operate with high integrity in 
everything we do. Our control environment 
depends on high-quality people who 
maintain our ethical standards. We ensure 
our people’s ability and integrity through 
our recruitment standards, training and 
consistent performance management. 
The Board is informed of appointments to 
our most senior management positions.

INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL 
REPORTING SYSTEMS

We create detailed operational budgets 
for the year ahead, along with five-year 
strategic plans, which the Board reviews 
and approves. We then monitor our 
performance throughout the year, so we 
can address any issues. The information 
we consider includes our monthly financial 

results, key performance indicators and 
variances, updated full-year forecasts 
and key business risks.

The main internal control and risk 
management processes relating to our 
preparation of consolidated accounts 
are our Group-wide accounting policies 
and procedures, segregation of duties, 
system access controls, a robust 
consolidation and reporting system, 
various levels of management review 
and centrally defined process control 
points and reconciliation processes.

INVESTMENT APPRAISAL

We control our capital expenditure 
through our budget process and by having 
clear authorisation levels, above which our 
businesses must submit detailed written 
proposals to the Board for approval.

We carry out due diligence for business 
acquisitions and material licences, and 
conduct post-completion reviews of major 
projects, to ensure we identify areas for 
improvement and correct any areas of 
underperformance or overspend.

INTERNAL AUDIT

Our internal audit activities are provided 
by in-house and external resources, under 
the leadership of our Head of Risk 
Management and internal audit. During 
the year, Internal Audit completed a 
risk-based audit programme agreed by 
the Audit & Risk Committee. The 
Committee reviews the results of these 
audits and the subsequent actions we 
take, which we also communicate to the 
external auditor.

All business units complete risk and control 
self-assessments twice a year. Internal 
audit, as part of its work programme, 
performs independent reviews of these 
assessments to identify any deficiencies in 
our controls and how we should address 
them. The external auditor also provides 
observations on the control environment 
as part of its audit work. The results are 
communicated to senior management 
and the Audit & Risk Committee.

EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNAL CONTROLS

The Board, with the help of the Audit & Risk 
Committee, reviewed the effectiveness of 
our internal control system, as well as our 
financial, operational and compliance 
controls and our risk management. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE70
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ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt
SECTION A – ANNUAL STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION

I am pleased to present the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report for 2022. This has 
been a year where overall financial 
outcomes have been dominated 
by challenging market conditions in 
PIC China. However, we saw good 
performance in many other areas of 
the business, with continued growth in 
profitability (excluding PIC China) and 
demonstration of strategic progress 
across bovine and porcine, including 
through genetic improvement and 
the linkage through to sustainability. 
This report covers activity by the 
Committee during the year, including 
our shareholder consultation on our 
proposed new Remuneration Policy, 
determination of reward outcomes linked 
to 2022 and future target setting. 

LESLEY KNOX
Senior Independent Non-Executive  
Director and Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee

C
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P
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A
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Lesley Knox (Chair)

Iain Ferguson

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Jason Chin

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

Meetings1

7/7

7/7

7/72

6/72

6/7

7/7

7/7

1  The Committee had five scheduled and two 

ad hoc meetings during the year

2  By invitation

OUR NEW REMUNERATION POLICY

We last renewed our Remuneration Policy 
in 2019. At that point we concluded that 
the core structure of the Remuneration 
Policy was working well, which was 
echoed through shareholder consultation 
at the time. We made a small number 
of changes, primarily in response to 
shareholder expectations in certain 
areas (e.g. strengthening of malus and 
clawback provisions and the introduction 
of a post-cessation shareholding period). 

As a Committee we have reviewed the 
Policy in detail and considered potential 
further amendments. The past three 
years have seen significant levels of 
business volatility as outlined elsewhere 
within this Annual Report. However, 
our findings were that we continued to 
see alignment between performance 
and reward outcomes, and that the 
core essence of the Policy was fully 
aligned to our business strategy.

As part of our review, there were a small 
number of areas that we actively engaged 
with shareholders to discuss, covering both 
the Policy itself, and also our proposed 
approach towards future implementation. 
A table summarising these topics and 
the shareholder feedback we received 
is contained later in this disclosure. We 
heard widespread support for the limited 
changes we propose to the Policy, and I 
would like to thank all shareholders and 
shareholder representatives who engaged 
with us through the consultation process. 

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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

The two key changes are outlined below, 
with only the second point an actual 
proposed change to the Policy itself. 

Further incorporation of ESG metrics into 
reward assessment
We will make some changes to the way 
we assess performance for awards under 
the PSP plan, beginning with awards 
we will make in September 2022. We 
have identified two key existing business 
metrics that we will bring into future 
reward assessment, each accounting for 
10% of the total award. We announced 
a target for reduction in the carbon 
intensity of our operations in 2019, initially 
towards a 25% reduction by 2030 and 
to net zero by 2050. Progress towards 
our 2030 goal will form one of these 
targets, and we have set a performance 
range for the level of reduction we look 
to be achieved over the next three 
years through to and including 2025. 

The other target will look at the rate 
of genetic progress achieved over the 
forthcoming three-year period. This is 
core to enabling superior environmental 
outcomes from our own activities and that 
for the farmers we work with – enabling 
more protein to be produced from fewer 
inputs. Progress in each of the species 
will be assessed against disclosed 
targets, with the Committee using this 
information to form an overall judgement 
on the award level when considering 
progress across the respective species. 

More details on each of these metrics, the 
specific targets that have been set and 
the way we will make ongoing disclosures 
around performance is included within 
the report. Shareholders indicated 

support for our approach, including 
a preference for a smaller number of 
metrics clearly linked to our business 
strategy, rather than a wider list of multiple 
metrics, each with lesser weighting. 

Exceptional Award Level under our 
Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’)
Genus operates across multiple global 
markets, including locations where 
typical reward structures differ in terms of 
quantum or operation. This is particularly 
evident in the US (where many Genus 
employees are based), where long-term 
awards and quantum can be far higher 
than seen in the UK. While we recognise 
that we are a UK-listed organisation, we 
believe it is important that we are able 
to attract talent from across the world. 

We therefore propose that we increase 
the limit available under the Plan for use 
in exceptional circumstances, such as 
recruitment, to 400% of salary (currently 
300%). The intention is that this allows us 
greater flexibility in certain situations, and 
in particular may allow us to consider a 
wider talent pool in the event of future 
recruitment. Where used, we would 
expect the exceptional limit to apply 
for a single award only, and then for 
the individual to revert to the standard 
opportunity levels within the Policy (to 
which we are proposing no changes). 

REWARD OUTCOMES FOR 2022

Our overall performance fell short of the 
annual financial targets we set for the 
business for the year, and this is seen 
in the associated reward outcomes for 
individuals, which are a material reduction 
compared to those received a year ago. 

These financial outcomes have been 
heavily influenced by the market 
conditions experienced within China. We 
reviewed closely performance achieved in 
2022 in the way we determined final award 
levels for participants under the annual 
bonus plan, and a diagram showing 
the factors we considered is contained 
within the wider report. The Committee 
reached the following conclusions:
 > While short-term performance in 2022 
was disappointing, this was primarily 
attributable to China. Elsewhere we 
continued to see growth (PBT increased 
by 25% excluding PIC China) and there 
was clear evidence of significant 
strategic progress during the year as 
evidenced throughout this disclosure 
and wider Annual Report. 

 > 2021 was an exceptional year for the 
business. Results can be volatile but 
even with greater volatility still 
consistent with our stated medium-
term growth aspirations

 > We want Executives to develop and 

sustain a significant level of 
shareholding in the business and be 
aligned to future share price 
movement. We liked the fact that a 
significant level of any bonus would be 
deferred into shares. 

 > There is a material reduction in the 

single figure values from 2021 to 2022. 

The Committee considered the overall 
appropriateness of the formulaic bonus 
outcome against the agreed metrics. 
This showed award levels of around 25% 
of total opportunity reflecting the robust 
strategic progress achieved, and which 
is documented within this disclosure 
and elsewhere in the Annual Report. 

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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION A – ANNUAL STATEMENT

The Committee was conscious of the 
need to appropriately recognise the 
achievements of the management team 
who have responded robustly to key 
macroeconomic and market challenges 
facing the business, to ensure the 
business is strongly positioned for future 
growth. Alongside this, the Committee 
considered the overall experience of 
shareholders over the past 12 months, 
including the reduction in profitability 
year on year. Taking all of the above into 
account, the Committee, in consultation 
and agreement with the CEO, has used 
its discretion to apply a reduction in the 
annual bonus outturn for the CEO. This 
discretion will reduce the total bonus 
payable to the CEO to be equal to 
that payable to the CFO. The resulting 
bonus payments will continue to be 
payable partly in cash and partly in 
shares deferred for three years.

The Performance Share Plan awarded 
in September 2019 was subject to EPS 
performance over the three financial 
years ending 30 June 2022. Against a 
performance range of 5% to 15% annual 
EPS growth the business achieved 
7.7% which equates to a vesting level 
of 41.4% of the initial award. While 
EPS performance has been subject 
to volatility through the performance 
period, the Committee was comfortable 
that the overall formulaic vesting level 
was consistent with the aggregate 
business performance achieved over the 
full three-year performance period. 

On balance the Committee were 
comfortable that the annual bonus 
levels (when considered in conjunction 
with the vesting levels of the PSP) 
represented total reward that aligned 
with business performance, and that 
the Remuneration Policy has operated 
as intended over the past year. 

APPROACH TO REWARD FOR 2023

The Annual Bonus opportunity will be 
175% of salary (consistent with 2022), and 
below the 200% of salary limit within our 
Remuneration Policy. Following review 
we will use the same performance 
metrics, but amend the weighting 
such that greater weighting is placed 
on delivery of key financial metrics.

We will make PSP awards worth 200% 
of salary to both Stephen Wilson and 
Alison Henriksen in September 2022, with 
performance assessed over the three 
years ending June 2025. As highlighted 
above, EPS will continue to be the 
primary metric (80% of the total award) 
with the remaining 20% split between 
Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Genetic 
Improvement measures, which are 
explained in more detail on pages 93 to 97. 

Neither executive will receive a salary 
increase for the year ahead, with 
salaries maintained at the level set in 
September 2021. In line with previous 
communication to shareholders, the 
pension allowance payable to Stephen 
Wilson will move from 10% of salary to 6% 
of salary effective 1 January 2023, aligning 
to that paid to Alison Henriksen and 
reflective of the wider UK workforce rate. 

We have set a scale for profit delivery in 
2023 that continues to require growth in 
profit (in constant currency) before any 
awards are made. The range has been 
set between 0% and 12% growth from 
2022 in constant currency. At the time 
of setting targets we continue to face 
specific areas of material uncertainty, 
both around pork prices in China and the 
ongoing geopolitical events following 
the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While it 
is difficult to accurately forecast both of 
these situations, we believe the ranges to 

be a fair structure to motivate individuals 
across the Group for the year ahead 
and is one that is cascaded through 
the business to all employees assessed 
against Group performance metrics. 

We have committed to focus on 
overall performance for the Group 
in determining final awards for the 
business, considering the respective 
performance in two key markets (Russia 
and China) but also ensuring that robust 
performance has been achieved in 
other markets where we operate. 

Two changes to the way we set targets for 
the PSP award have been incorporated. 
The first is that we will cease to exclude 
gene editing costs from the calculation 
of these awards, and these amounts will 
be included in both the base year and 
final year of the performance period 
when calculating vesting levels. This 
is a recognition of the progress made 
towards gaining FDA approval, which 
we expect to receive during the next 
respective three-year performance 
period. We want Executives incentivised 
towards the commercialisation of 
gene editing and to move us closer 
to alignment of statutory financial 
outcomes in driving reward outcomes. 

Secondly, we will move the performance 
range to be annual EPS growth of 4% 
to 12% (previously 5% to 15%). This aligns 
around our medium-term double-digit 
growth aspirations, but recognises the 
increase in scale and profitability of 
Genus since the previous scale was 
introduced in 2017, and our desire to 
maintain a meaningful range to enable 
differentiation between performance 
outcomes. The Committee believes that 
12% per annum growth for full vesting 
would reflect exceptional performance for 
the business over the performance period.

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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

WIDER WORKFORCE ALIGNMENT

As in previous years, the Committee 
discussed and reviewed the approach 
to reward for all employees across the 
business, and the way that targets and 
structure in place for GELT is cascaded 
through the business. This aligns 
people to outcomes and expected 
behaviours and ensures that we deliver 
a pay for performance philosophy. 

We reviewed the latest Gender Pay 
disclosure for Genus Breeding Limited 
in the UK, and the way that we continue 
to see far more gender diversity in those 
joining the business and subsequent 
progression into bigger or different roles. 

The CEO pay ratio illustrates a 
significant reduction year on year, 
illustrating the greater degree of pay 
at risk within the reward structure of 
our senior leaders in the business, 
and in particular the reduction in 
the single figure value from 2021. 

SUMMARY

I hope this introduction and 
accompanying disclosures give 
you insight into the operation of the 
Committee, our considerations over 
the past year and the way we continue 
to seek alignment between business 
performance and reward outcomes. I 
look forward to your support of both the 
way we have implemented the Policy 
over the past year, and the proposed 
changes to the Policy itself. If you have 
any feedback, I can be contacted at 
remunerationchair@genusplc.com.

Lesley Knox
Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director and Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee

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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION B – AT A GLANCE 2022 (YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2022)
 (For more detail please see pages 89 to 93)

WHAT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS WERE PAID IN 2022:

1 BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS

 > Benefits include a car 
allowance for each 
Executive Director
 > Pension allowance for 

Stephen Wilson was reduced 
to 10% of salary on 
appointment to CEO. The 
allowance payable for Alison 
Henriksen is 6% of salary

2 ANNUAL BONUS

 > Metrics used and weighting: 
Adjusted profit before tax 
(50%), Cash generation (15%), 
Strategic measures (35%)

 > Following consultation 

between the Committee and 
CEO, downward discretion 
was exercised to align the 
final level of the award for the 
CEO to the financial value of 
the CFO

 > Overall award 18% of 

maximum for Stephen Wilson 
and 26% of maximum for 
Alison Henriksen

 > One-third of the total award 
under this element made 
in shares deferred for 
three years

3 PSP

 > Awards granted linked to 

3-year performance ending 
on 30 June 2022 vested at 
41.4% of maximum based on 
average annual adjusted 
earnings per share growth 
achieved of 7.7% per annum

4 REMUNERATION BREAKDOWN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
STEPHEN WILSON

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ALISON HENRIKSEN

BASE SALARY
£614,383

PENSION AND BENEFITS
£74,332

BASE SALARY
£416,500

PENSION AND BENEFITS
£37,751

TOTAL £688,715

TOTAL £454,251

PERFORMANCE METRIC

Profit before tax

0%

Cash generation

0%

Strategic objectives (CEO)

Strategic objectives (CFO)

70%

75%

0%

% OF MAXIMUM AWARD

100%

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
STEPHEN WILSON

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ALISON HENRIKSEN

Formulaic  
Bonus Outcome

25% of  
maximum

Calculated Bonus 
£264,496

Agreed reduction 7% of maximum Reduction: (£72,385)

Final Award

26% of maximum

Final Bonus £192,111

Final Award

18% of maximum Final Bonus £192,111

INDICATIVE VALUE1

INDICATIVE VALUE1

MAXIMUM
£1,077,899

MAXIMUM
£508,393

TOTAL £446,250

TOTAL £240,283

1  Calculated based on the average share price for the 
final quarter of the year ended 30 June 2022 (2,587p)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
STEPHEN WILSON

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ALISON HENRIKSEN

TOTAL

PERFORMANCE
SHARE PLAN
ANNUAL
BONUS
PENSION AND 
BENEFITS
BASE
SALARY

£1,327,077

TOTAL

£886,644

£446,250

£192,111

PERFORMANCE
SHARE PLAN
ANNUAL
BONUS
PENSION AND 
BENEFITS
BASE
SALARY

£74,332

£614,383

0

1327

0.0

£240,283

£192,111

£37,751

£416,500

886.4

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
75
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

WHAT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS CAN EARN IN 2023 AND HOW:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
STEPHEN WILSON

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ALISON HENRIKSEN

BASE SALARY
£616,900

PENSION AND BENEFITS
£49,909

BASE SALARY
£418,200

PENSION AND BENEFITS
£37,935

TOTAL £666,809

TOTAL £456,135

STEPHEN WILSON: MAXIMUM OF 175% OF SALARY

ALISON HENRIKSEN: MAXIMUM OF 175% OF SALARY

ADJUSTED PROFIT 
BEFORE TAX GROWTH 

CASH GENERATION 

STRATEGIC ONJECTIVS

WEIGHTING OF 60%

WEIGHTING OF 15%

WEIGHTING OF 25%

Awards over 30,877 Genus shares

Awards over 18,317 Genus shares

STEPHEN WILSON: 200% OF SALARY

ALISON HENRIKSEN: 200% OF SALARY

EARNINGS PER SHARE

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

GREENHOUSE GAS 
REDUCTION

WEIGHTING OF 80%

WEIGHTING OF 10%

WEIGHTING OF 10%

1 BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS

 > No changes to base salaries 
(usually effective September)
 > Benefit provision unchanged 

for 2023 

 > Reduction in pension 

allowance to 6% of salary for 
the CEO from January 2023 
(previously 10%), aligning to 
CFO, and aligning to wider 
workforce

2 ANNUAL BONUS

 > Annual bonus opportunity of 
175% of salary split between 
profit, cash and strategic 
metrics as shown

 > Change in weighting across 
key business metrics with 
greater weighting on financial 
delivery (increase from 65% to 
75% of total opportunity)

3 PSP SEPTEMBER FROM 2019

 > The vesting of these awards 
depends on the adjusted 
earnings per share (excluding 
gene editing costs) achieved 
in the three financial years 
ending 30 June 2023

4 PSP (SEPTEMBER 2021 AWARDS)

to performance against 
identified metrics 

 > These awards will vest subject 

 > 80% of the award is linked to 
adjusted earnings per share 
growth, with the 2025 
adjusted earnings per share 
being compared to the 2022 
adjusted earnings per share 
(including gene editing costs)
 > This will be assessed based on 
a scale of 4% annual growth 
(threshold with 20% vesting) 
through to full vesting at 12% 
annual growth or above 
(straight-line basis)

 > Remainder linked to two new 
metrics core to our strategy 
(greenhouse gas reduction 
and genetic improvement)

Salaries are reviewed annually and any changes made in September. Following consideration of wider business performance during 
2022 they will remain unchanged for the year ahead. 

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Annual Salary 
to 1 Sep  
2022

Annual Salary 
from 1 Sep 
2022

£616,900

£616,900

£418,200

£418,200

Change  

%

Nil

Nil

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE76
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION B – AT A GLANCE 2023 (YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2023)
 (For more detail please see pages 93 to 97)

1 YEAR – ANNUAL BONUS

ELEMENT/WEIGHTING

DESCRIPTION OF TARGET

ALIGNMENT TO STRATEGY

Profit Growth (60%)

Delivery of year-on-year profit growth

 > Sharing in value created to deliver 

returns for shareholders

Cash (15%)

Generation of free cash flow

 > Generation of cash for reinvestment 

Strategic Objectives (25%)

Delivery of strategic objectives in 
pursuit of stated business strategy

and dividends

 > Building foundations for future growth

LONG TERM – PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN)

ELEMENT/WEIGHTING

DESCRIPTION OF TARGET

ALIGNMENT TO STRATEGY

EPS Performance (80%)

Genetic Improvement (10%)

Average annual growth in adjusted earnings 
per share

 > Alignment to our stated medium-term 

growth aspirations

Improvement (expressed in standard 
deviations of improvement per generation) of 
genetics in Porcine, Bovine and Dairy

Greenhouse Gas Reduction (10%)

Reduction in overall primary intensity ratio of 
our operations in pursuit of our stated 25% 
reduction by 2030 against our 2019 baseline

 > Helping farmers produce more output 

with fewer inputs

 > At the heart of our business: 
‘Pioneering animal genetic 
improvement to help nourish the world’

 > Driving reduction in carbon intensity 

of our operations

 > Alignment to our stated target of 

25% reduction by 2030 against our 
2019 baseline

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE77
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

SECTION C – DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

We are seeking shareholder approval for a new Directors’ Remuneration Policy at our 2022 AGM. In line with legislation, this is a policy 
that would be expected to apply for three years from November 2022. 

In developing our proposed new Remuneration Policy, we carried out a full review to consider the effectiveness of the existing Policy and 
the extent to which the stated aims of the Policy agreed in 2019 had been achieved through implementation and remain applicable for 
the business. Our conclusion of this process was:
 > Our core structure is working effectively, aligning reward outcomes with performance achieved. 
 > Following some changes to our Policy in 2019, our existing Policy continues to conform to the expectations of shareholders and 

shareholder bodies.

 > The existing Policy and approach to target setting has allowed us to consider and set annual targets effectively, and make changes 

year on year, while in pursuit of our stated medium-term growth objectives.

KEY DESIGN/PHILOSOPHY OF OUR FUTURE REMUNERATION POLICY 

What we are trying to achieve

How we are looking to achieve it

 > Continued transformation into a global agricultural 

biotechnology pioneer

 > Draw upon the aspects of our current Policy that are working
 > Include strategic/ESG measures within PSP assessment, linked 

 > Pursuit of leading-edge technology and focus on long-term 
innovation and opportunity to enable future value creation 
for shareholders

 > Sustainable robust short-term delivery of financial 

performance as we invest in the future

 > Ability to recognise innovation and progress, which are crucial 

to securing long-term bottom-line performance

 > Ability to attract and motivate a high-quality leadership team 
and drive focus and behaviours on long-term achievement in 
a global market for talent

 > Recognise expectations of shareholders on reward 

and governance

to core strategy

 > Enable an increase in the level of exceptional awards 

permissible under the PSP (with no change to the standard 
award level) – designed primarily to support recruitment 
if needed

Approach to consultation
We used a consultation process to cover the one item we were looking to change within our Policy, and additionally discuss key areas 
around expected implementation of our Policy, linked to the business strategy. This was designed to provide visibility on the way the 
Committee expects to implement the Policy over the duration of the next Policy, and while not part of the Policy itself, were shared to 
provide context and gain input from shareholders. These included topics previously discussed with shareholders, such as treatment of 
gene editing costs in determining remuneration outcomes. 

We discussed our proposals through a comprehensive shareholder engagement process, approaching our largest 20 shareholders and 
shareholder representative bodies. Feedback through subsequent meetings and discussions indicated strong support for the alignment 
of the Policy to the business. It also highlighted a small number of specific themes which are summarised on the next page to provide 
transparency. After consideration of all feedback from shareholders by the Committee, no further changes to our original proposals 
were deemed necessary, albeit investors gave useful insight and suggestions as to the way we could make meaningful future 
disclosures, which we have looked to reflect through this Annual Report. We thank all shareholders and shareholder groups for their 
contribution to our consultation process. 

Role of Committee and Independence
The Remuneration Committee sets the Policy for remuneration for Executive Directors and senior executives of the business, and has 
oversight of the way reward is operated across the whole organisation. The Committee believes that the metrics used within variable 
reward plans consider the balance between risk and reward, and encourage individuals to pursue long-term value creation 
opportunities aligned with our business strategy, and that this is not compromised by short-term value seeking activity. No Director or 
employee participates in discussions pertaining to their own remuneration to manage any conflict of interest. The Committee reviews 
the performance of its external advisers on an annual basis to ensure that the advice provided is independent in nature.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION C – DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

Specific topics covered through consultation 

Proposed Policy change 
Exceptional award limits within 
Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’)

Expected future Policy implementation
Incorporation of ESG metrics into 
PSP assessment

Key points/rationale

Shareholder feedback/key findings from engagement

 > Increase in exceptional limit to 400% 

 > Acknowledgement of variation in 

of salary (currently 300%)

 > Designed primarily to support 

recruitment activity and broaden 
prospective talent pool (especially 
potential hires from the US), recognising 
differences in reward structure globally
 > Intention for single use (where required) 

before reverting to core Genus 
reward structure

reward across different geographical 
markets, in particular the level of 
long-term incentives that can be found 
in the US

 > Overall support for the change with 
associated expectation that this 
flexibility only used where necessary

 > Primary performance metric within PSP 
to remain a financial metric (currently 
earnings per share)

 > Support for inclusion of metrics linked 
to ESG within long-term assessment

 > Some differences in views across 

 > Introduction of two metrics linked to 
ESG, aligned to our business strategy

 > Disclosable targets and tracking of 

shareholders but with a preference 
towards a smaller number of metrics, 
aligned to our strategy

performance against them

 > Desire for tangible metrics that can be 

measured and disclosed

 > Comfort for the Committee to use 

judgement to determine overall award 
levels for genetic improvement, having 
reviewed specific progress across each 
of the respective species

 > Looked for assurance that the same 
metrics would not be used in both 
annual bonus and long-term PSP, but 
acknowledgement that specific 
actions or milestones in pursuit of a 
longer-term ESG goal could be 
included within the strategic measures 
part of the Annual Bonus

Treatment of Gene Editing costs

 > In the short term, to continue to 

 > Support for continued exclusion 

exclude gene editing costs from the 
assessment of variable reward (as 
agreed with shareholders in 2017)

 > Principle of always treating like with like 

in base year and final year of 
calculation (i.e. costs are either 
included or excluded in both the base 
year and the final year of performance

 > To continue to show the associated 

outcomes within reward disclosures if 
costs had not been excluded

through to the point of securing FDA 
approval, and for these costs to then 
represent ‘business as usual’ costs and 
be included in future reward 
assessment

 > Agreement to principle of consistency 
between base year and final year 
to drive fairness of approach for 
participants and transparency 
of shareholders

 > Proposal to continue to set targets 
based on year-on-year growth
 > These growth levels may change 

year on year (as was the case in 2022) 
linked to business projections for the 
respective year

 > Comfort with ongoing approach and 

prospective disclosure of target ranges
 > Support for annual variation (where felt 
necessary in light of business forecasts) 
in pursuit of stated medium-term 
growth aspirations

Target setting within Annual Bonus

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE79
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

We are confident that the Proposed Policy continues to provide strong alignment against Section 40 the Provisions of the 2018 Code as 
summarised below:

Alignment of our Remuneration Policy to the 2018 Code

Clarity
Implementation of the strategy is 
monitored through KPIs including those 
used within the Annual Bonus and PSP. 
This ensures alignment between strategy 
execution and reward outcomes. 

Simplicity
We look to describe the structure of 
reward clearly to both participants and 
shareholders through effective disclosures, 
so all stakeholders are clear on the 
underlying reward principles and the way 
reward outcomes are determined. 

Alignment to culture
The Policy aligns to our business model 
and focus on the experience of customers 
and employees. Metrics linked to culture 
are used within variable plans, alongside 
delivery of long-term sustainable 
performance.

Predictability
Examples of the range of outcomes 
under the Policy are shown within the 
scenario graphs. 

This demonstrates the way that different 
performance levels change reward 
outcomes for individuals and the 
associated impact of changes in the 
Company share price.

Proportionality 
A significant proportion of the total reward 
opportunity is performance driven, with 
clear linkage between business metrics 
and reward outcomes through clear 
targets and use of KPIs.

Shares form the majority of variable 
reward and Executives are required to 
develop and maintain a material 
shareholding in the business to fully align 
to the shareholder experience.

Risk
The Committee retain ultimate discretion 
to vary outcomes from formulaic results if 
they do not judge this to accurately 
reflect underlying business performance.

Malus and clawback provisions apply to 
all awards and we operate post-cessation 
shareholding requirements to further 
align Executives to long-term business 
performance.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE80
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION C – DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ POLICY TABLE

Base salary

Benefits

Pension

Annual Bonus

Performance Share Plan

Shareholding

Purpose

To provide competitive 
fixed remuneration that 
will attract and retain 
employees with the 
experience necessary to 
develop and execute 
our strategy.

To provide a 
competitive range of 
benefits to drive 
engagement and 
commitment to Genus.

To provide a 
competitive Company 
contribution that 
enables effective 
retirement planning.

To motivate and 
incentivise delivery of 
annual performance 
targets covering a 
combination of financial 
and strategic measures. 

Directors may 
participate in the 
Company pension plan 
(a defined contribution 
arrangement) or an 
alternative pension 
saving vehicle that the 
Company may provide.

Alternatively, the 
Company may provide 
a cash supplement 
in lieu of pension 
contributions into 
a scheme.

Only base salary is 
pensionable.

One-third of the Annual 
Bonus is deferred into 
Company shares for a 
period of three years, 
subject to continued 
service. The remaining 
award is payable in 
cash.

Malus and clawback 
provisions exist for 
awards made under the 
Annual Bonus.

A dividend equivalent 
provision enables 
dividends to be paid (in 
cash or shares) on 
deferred shares that 
vest.

See explanatory notes 
for further details on the 
operation including 
leaver provisions.

Operation

Payable in cash.

Reviewed annually by 
the Committee with any 
change effective from 
1 September. Factors 
considered when 
reviewing salary include:

 > Salary increases 

awarded to other 
employees in the 
country where the 
individual is based.
 > Comparable salaries 
when benchmarked 
against relevant 
market comparators 
(both in the UK and 
internationally).

 > The experience of the 
individual and the 
nature of the 
contribution they are 
making and their 
responsibilities.
 > Overall Group 

performance and 
wider economic 
conditions.

Benefits generally 
include a car allowance 
and insured benefits 
(e.g. life assurance and 
private medical 
insurance).

Where additional 
benefits are offered in a 
particular location (or 
across the Group) 
Executive Directors are 
typically eligible to 
receive those benefits 
on similar terms. These 
could include access to 
employee discounts or 
salary sacrifice benefits.

Directors may 
participate in a Share 
Incentive Plan (‘SIP’) or 
any other all employee 
share scheme on the 
same terms as other 
eligible employees.

Where Executive 
Directors are recruited 
from overseas or 
required to relocate 
(including on an 
international 
assignment), benefits 
such as travel and 
relocation costs and 
tax equalisation 
arrangements may 
be provided.

To incentivise Executives 
to achieve superior 
returns to shareholders 
over a three-year 
period, to retain key 
individuals and align 
with shareholder 
interests. 

Awards scheduled to 
vest three years from 
grant, subject to 
continued employment 
and satisfaction of 
challenging three-year 
performance targets.

Following vesting the 
post-tax number of 
vested shares must be 
held for at least a 
further two-year period.

A dividend equivalent 
provision enables 
dividends to be paid (in 
cash or shares) on 
shares that vest.

Malus and clawback 
provisions may apply for 
a period of three years.

See explanatory notes 
for further details on the 
operation including 
leaver provisions.

To align Executives and 
shareholders.

Executives are required 
to achieve a 
shareholding of 200% of 
salary. It is expected 
that this is achieved 
within five years of 
appointment, and that 
this shareholding is 
generated through 
retention of at least half 
of the shares that vest 
under the Deferred 
Share Bonus Plan 
(‘DSBP’) and 
Performance Share 
Plans.

Once met, individuals 
are expected to 
maintain at least this 
level of shareholding 
and it will be reviewed 
by the Committee 
annually.

A post cessation 
shareholding policy will 
apply for Executive 
Directors that requires 
100% of shareholding for 
24 months following 
cessation (or actual 
applicable shareholding 
in place at point of 
leaving if lower).

This will apply 
considering shares 
awarded in respect of 
2020 and beyond 
(including to any new 
appointments), and we 
have not amended 
existing conditions for 
awards made before 
2020. Malus and 
clawback provisions 
exist beyond cessation 
of employment, and in 
certain leaver situations 
the expected share 
treatment would 
continue to drive 
ongoing alignment 
between the individual 
and share price 
performance.

An allowance will be 
made available in line 
with the rate available 
to the wider UK 
workforce.

Maximum opportunity 
of 200%.

n/a

Maximum annual award 
of 200% of salary (400% 
of salary in exceptional 
circumstances, such as 
recruitment).

Maximum

The car allowance is 
capped under the Policy 
at £20,000 per annum.

The value of insured 
benefits will vary each 
year, based on the cost 
of the premiums paid, 
and will be reflected 
within the respective 
single figure table for 
the year.

There is no set 
maximum, but changes 
are typically in line with 
the wider workforce. 

Individual changes may 
be made at the 
discretion of the 
Committee outside of 
these levels by 
exception. This could 
include the following 
situations:

 > Significant change in 

responsibility.

 > Change in the Group’s 
size and complexity.

 > To enable salary 

progression for newly 
appointed Directors 
as they develop 
in role.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE81
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Base salary

Benefits

Pension

Annual Bonus

Performance Share Plan

Shareholding

Performance 
conditions

n/a

n/a

n/a

Awards vest based on three-year 
performance against a challenging range of 
targets, aligned with the delivery of the 
Company’s long-term strategy.

n/a

Financial targets (including adjusted earnings 
per share growth) will determine the vesting of 
a majority of awards granted in any year.

The threshold level of vesting for financial 
targets is 20% of the maximum. For 
performance between threshold and 
maximum, awards vest on a straight-line basis.

The Committee has discretion to scale back 
(but not scale up) vesting, if the Group’s 
performance over the period is not 
considered to reflect the progress made 
against strategic business targets.

The Committee will review performance 
conditions annually, specifically the range of 
earnings per share targets and the metrics 
and weightings applied to each element of 
the PSP. Any revisions to the metrics and/or 
weightings will only take place if it is 
necessary because of developments in the 
Company’s strategy and, where these are 
material, following dialogue with the 
Company’s major shareholders.

Bonus awards are subject to achievement 
against a sliding scale of challenging financial 
and strategic objectives, which the 
Committee sets each year to reflect priorities 
for the year ahead. 

The specific performance measures are 
reviewed every year to ensure they continue 
to support the Company’s strategy.

Financial measures govern the majority  
of the bonus and are typically linked to key 
performance indicators (e.g. profit and 
cash generation).

Strategic measures reflect key areas of 
importance identified by the Committee 
in advance.

For financial performance targets are based 
on a graduated scale. The level of payment 
at threshold is set annually but will not exceed 
25% of maximum. Full awards are for 
substantial outperformance against 
targets set.

The Committee has discretion to adjust the 
bonus outcome in light of overall underlying 
performance. Any adjustment will be 
disclosed within the following Annual Report 
on Remuneration.

Once set, performance measures and 
targets are expected to remain unaltered. 
The exception would be if events were 
to occur which, in the opinion of the 
Committee, made it appropriate to make 
adjustments to ensure that the scheme 
operates as originally intended.

Key change 

Change:

Change:

Change:

Change:

Change:

Change:

 > No change.

 > No change.

 > No change.

 > No change.

 > Increase in exceptional limit to 400% 

 > No change.

(currently 300%).

Explanatory notes to Policy table
How pay of the wider organisation is taken into account when determining and implementing the Policy
We have a consistent philosophy that underpins reward at all levels of the organisation, which aligns pay with performance. The 
structure for the Genus Executive Leadership Team (‘GELT’) follows the same approach but with lower maximum variable opportunity. 
Metrics are consistent in nature and include an element linked to the specific individual business unit where applicable for 
operational leaders. 

Below this leadership group many of our employees have access to variable compensation plans. These may directly replicate those in 
place for GELT members or may be linked to the specific job of the individual. This could include production type bonuses (linked to the 
individual performance and success of a production site) or commission structures for some of our sales teams. 

The Company does not formally consult with employees on the Remuneration Policy. However, each year the Committee is provided with 
a detailed update on reward across the organisation, any changes we are making to remuneration design across the business, and 
feedback from staff on satisfaction with reward in the business. In addition, designated members of Board discuss employee satisfaction 
and understanding of reward as part of wider activity around employee engagement as described elsewhere in the Annual Report. 

We have made significant progress in standardising the approach to reward across Genus, simplifying legacy plans and driving a 
common philosophy through the organisation. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE82
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION C – DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

How are views of shareholders considered? 
We are committed to constructive ongoing dialogue with the Company’s shareholders on remuneration. We are grateful to all 
shareholders who took the time to engage with us, and for their comments and perspectives. We were pleased with the support 
indicated through this consultation process, the response to the changes we are proposing, and the challenges that can be faced 
in setting remuneration in Genus, given the evolution of the business and the international scope of its activities. 

operation of the Annual Bonus and Performance share Plan within the Policy
The Committee operates the annual bonus and Performance Share Plan in accordance with the Listing Rules and HMRC requirements 
and following shareholder approval of plans. To support ongoing operation of the proposed Policy we will be seeking approval for an 
addendum to our Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) at the forthcoming AGM to allow for the amended exceptional award limit proposed 
in the Policy. 

Malus and clawback provisions
Malus and clawback provisions exist covering both the Annual Bonus and long-term incentives which give the ability for the Company 
to reclaim cash payments made to participants or adjust or reduce to nil grants of awards over company shares. These provisions (which 
were enhanced through the 2019 Policy renewal) enable the Company to reduce the payout and vesting levels or to recover the relevant 
value from cash bonus payout or vesting of shares. Any adjustment is at discretion of the Committee and includes (but is not limited) to 
the following factors. 
 > Erroneous or misstated financial accounts or other performance indicators. 
 > Calculation error leading to inaccurate award or vesting level.
 > Misconduct of a participant (which could reasonably have resulted in dismissal as a result).
 > Corporate failure.
 > Material business event or events leading to significant reputational damage. 

These provisions could take effect in respect of events or other performance indicators raised within two years of the reporting date. 
The Committee also has the ability to reduce future awards such that the full value of any identified overpayment is recouped from 
the individual. The table below summarises the potential application of malus and clawback provisions within the incentive plans. 

Malus

Clawback

Annual Bonus (cash)

Annual Bonus (deferred shares)

PSP

Up to the date of payment of a 
cash bonus

Two years from the reporting 
date to which the award relates 
in event of restatement of 
financial accounts

Over vesting period

Over vesting period

Three years from the date of 
grant of a deferred award

Third anniversary of date of vest 
or third set of audited accounts 
following vesting

Minor changes
The Committee has the ability to make minor changes to the Policy for situations such as changes in regulatory requirements, 
exchange control, tax or administration needs, or to take account of a change in legislation without seeking shareholder approval 
for such a change. 

Potential awards under different performance scenarios
The table below illustrates the total remuneration for a single year under different performance scenarios. This year we have included 
an additional scenario illustrating the impact of an increase in share price of 50% for awards under the PSP. The table shows the total 
indicative value of awards under the Policy as opposed to timing of access to value by the Executive, which will differ due to both 
mandatory deferral and required additional holding periods. 

Chief Executive

Chief Financial Officer

£

4,000k

3,500k

3,000k

2,500k

2,000k

1,500k

1,000k

500k

0k

£3,597

£2,980

41%

51%

36%

23%

30%

19%

Maximum Maximum
+50% share
price growth

£1,824

34%

30%

36%

Target

£667

100%

Fixed

Fixed pay

Short-term incentives

Long-term incentives

£1,240

34%

29%

37%

Target

£456

100%

Fixed

£2,624

£2,167

42%

37%

22%

52%

30%

18%

Maximum Maximum
+50% share
price growth

Assumptions
Fixed – Shows the value of fixed pay 
using a salary value of £617k for Chief 
Executive and £417k for Group Finance 
Director, with benefits as per the 2022 
single figure value. Pension contributions 
are shown based on 6% of salary for 
illustration. Assumes no awards under 
variable plans.

Target – Calculation as per fixed with 
awards of 50% of maximum under the 
Annual Bonus (assuming 175% of salary 
opportunity) and 50% vesting under the 
PSP (assuming 200%) opportunity.

Maximum – Calculation as per fixed with 
full awards under the Annual Bonus and 
maximum vesting under the PSP.

Maximum plus share price growth – As 
maximum, but assumes a 50% share price 
increase between award and vesting of 
PSP awards.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
RECRUITMENT POLICY

Area

Overall

Base salary

Benefits

Pension

Annual Bonus

Long-term incentives

Buyout awards

83
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Policy and operation

When hiring a new Executive Director or making internal promotions to the Board, the 
Committee will apply the same policy as for existing Executive Directors, as detailed in 
the Remuneration Policy. The rationale for the package offered will be explained in the 
next Annual Report on Remuneration.

For internal promotions, commitments made prior to appointment will typically be 
honoured, as the executive transitions to the new remuneration arrangements. Awards 
made in the transition year would be prorated to reflect the remaining period of the 
vesting period or financial year. Any award will take into consideration awards granted 
prior to promotion.

Base salary would be set at an appropriate level, to recruit the best candidate based on 
their skills, experience and current remuneration, and determined against the context of 
market rates for equivalent roles in companies of similar size and complexity. The base 
salary is used to determine an overall expected package level, and it is this that is 
considered for candidates appointed from other geographies where the underlying 
structure of reward packages may differ to that typically seen in the UK. 

If the salary is initially set at a discount to those offered in companies of a similar size, 
geographical reach and complexity, the salary will be increased over a period of time to 
bring the salary to the desired level, subject to individual performance.

Benefits provisions would be in line with the normal policy. In addition, we retain flexibility 
to reimburse reasonable legal fees that an individual may incur as part of recruitment. 

Where appropriate, the Executive may also receive relocation benefits or other 
benefits reflecting normal market practice in the territory in which the Executive Director 
is employed.

Pension provision would be in line with provision for the wider UK workforce as outlined in 
our Policy table.

Incentive awards would be made under the annual bonus, in line with the normal policy. 
The maximum award under the Policy is 200% of salary. 

Where an individual joins after the start of a performance year, awards may be 
pro-rated for the portion of the financial year that they were employed.

Awards under the Performance Share Plan would be granted in line with the policy 
outlined for the current Executive Directors, including the use of any exceptional limit 
where deemed necessary by the Committee. 

In the event of internal promotion, existing awards made under the Plan will continue 
over their original vesting period and remain subject to their terms at the date of grant. 
The Committee may choose to make an additional award (on the same basis as other 
Executive Directors), subject to the overall limit permitted under the Plan in any year.

Where an individual joins after the start of the incentive grant, an award may be made 
to bring the Executive onto the ‘in-flight’ cycle, subject to the limits set out in the Policy. 
Awards may be prorated for the portion of vesting period served.

In addition to normal incentive awards, the Committee will assess whether it is 
necessary to buyout remuneration which would be forfeited by an individual from their 
previous employer. 

If required, the Committee would seek to reflect the nature, timing and value of awards 
forgone in any replacement awards. Awards may be made in cash, shares or any other 
method as deemed appropriate by the Committee. Where possible, share awards will 
be replaced with share awards. Where performance conditions apply to the forfeited 
awards, performance conditions will be applied to the replacement award, or the reward 
size adjusted downwards.

In establishing the appropriate value of any buyout, the Committee would also take into 
account the value of the other elements of the new remuneration package.

The Committee would aim to minimise the cost to the Company. However, buyout 
awards are not subject to a formal maximum. Any awards would be no more valuable 
than those being replaced. The Committee will use existing remuneration plans where 
applicable, although it may be required to grant outside of these using exemptions as 
permitted under the Listing Rules. Full disclosure of any remuneration arrangements for  
a new hire would be disclosed.

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ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION C – DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

The Committee recognises that Executive Directors joining the business may be Non-Executive Directors of other organisations, or 
that existing Executive Directors may be invited to accept such a position in the future. The Committee acknowledges that these 
appointments can develop experience and knowledge that is to the benefit of the Company. Subject to approval from the Board, 
Executive Directors are allowed to accept a non-executive appointment and retain any fees payable for such services they offer to 
another organisation. 

Service contracts and policy on termination
Under the Executive Directors’ service contracts, the Company is required to give 12 months’ notice of termination of employment, while 
Executive Directors are required to give six months’ notice. If either party services notice, the Executives can continue to receive basic 
salary, benefits and any pension allowance for the duration of their notice period, during which time the Company may require the 
individual to fulfil their duties or assign a period of garden leave. 

The Company may elect to make a payment in lieu of notice for up to 12 months’ base salary and benefits, in the event of the Company 
terminating employment. These payments would be made on a monthly basis and the Executive would be required to take all 
reasonable steps to find alternative employment. The principle of mitigation applies whereby the Company may reduce the monthly 
payments based on actual earnings received by the Executive or the Company’s assessment of the earnings that the Executive could 
have received had they sought alternative employment. 

The Company retains discretion to settle other amounts reasonably payable to the Executive Director including (but not limited to):
 > legal fees incurred by the individual linked to the termination of employment; and 
 > outplacement and relocation costs for the Executive Director and their family. 

In certain circumstances, such as gross misconduct, the Company may terminate employment immediately without notice or payment. 
In certain circumstances the Committee may make any statutory entitlements or payments to settle or compromise claims in connection 
with a termination of any existing or future Executive Director as necessary. The Company also retains the discretion to meet any 
outplacement costs, if deemed necessary. 

Executive Directors’ service contracts, which include details of remuneration, will be available for inspection at the AGM or at the 
Company’s registered office. 

Remuneration on cessation of employment (including share treatment)
The Committee makes a distinction between the reason for leaving of an Executive for the purposes of operating the Remuneration 
Policy. This is done in the context of the overarching pay for performance philosophy and that poor performance (either in terms of 
business or individual performance) should not lead to inappropriate reward outcomes. The reason for leaving will be determined by 
the Committee and the rationale for this decision will be explained in the Annual Report on Remuneration. 

Any share entitlement on cessation of employment granted to an Executive Director under the DSBP or PSP will be determined in 
accordance with the relevant plan rules. These describe the standard approach linked to circumstances as to why a Director may cease 
employment with the Company, and an overview of the range of discretion available to the Committee. A summary of the overall default 
approach for all aspects of reward in the event of termination of employment is provided below:

Salary in lieu of notice

Pension and benefits

Bonus (in year)

Leaver reason 
Any other reason not covered by the column to the right

Leaver reason 
Death, retirement or ill-health retirement, redundancy, 
change of control, any other reason as determined by 
the Committee

Salary for proportion of notice period 
employed. 

Payment of up to 12 months’ salary 
and benefits. 

Pension and benefits for proportion of 
notice period employed. 

Payment of up to 12 months’ pension 
and benefits. 

No bonus payable to an Executive 
Director if they have given notice to 
resign from the business (even if they 
continue to be employed at the 
scheduled payment date). 

Genus plc Deferred Share Bonus  
Plan 2014

Awards lapse if cessation of employment 
is before vesting date.

Genus plc Deferred Share Bonus  
Plan 20191

Genus plc Performance Share  
Plan (‘PSP’) 2014

Genus plc Performance Share Plan  
(‘PSP’) 20191

1  As approved by shareholders at the November 2019 AGM

Awards will be prorated for the time 
employed during the respective 
performance period. Part of any award is 
made in shares which are deferred and 
released after three years. 

Awards will ordinarily vest in full at 
cessation of employment (albeit the 
Committee has ability to apply proration). 

Awards will ordinarily vest at the 
scheduled vesting date with no proration 
(albeit the Committee has ability to apply 
proration).

Awards will ordinarily vest at the 
scheduled vesting date subject to 
performance achieved, with proration to 
reflect the time period employed during 
the performance period. 

As above, albeit Committee has ability to 
disapply proration.

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NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

The table below outlines the approach to remuneration for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors. Neither the Chairman nor other 
Non-Executive Directors participate in any bonus or share plans. All Non-Executive Directors have specific terms of engagement. Their 
appointment is for a fixed term of three years and is subject to one month’s notice of termination by either the Company or the Non-
Executive Director, and to annual re-election at the Company’s AGM in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code. 

Purpose

Operation

Maximum

Fees

To provide compensation that attracts high-calibre individuals and reflects their 
experience and knowledge.

Payable in cash.

The Committee determines the Chairman’s fee.

The Board periodically reviews Non-Executive Directors’ fees.

Additional fees are paid to Non-Executive Directors who chair a Board Committee and 
to the Senior Independent Director (‘SID’).

No Directors take part in meetings where their own remuneration is discussed.

Fees are based on the time commitments involved in each role and set with reference 
to the fees paid in other similarly sized UK listed companies.

Any increase in Non-Executive Director fees may be above the level awarded to 
employees, given that they are only reviewed periodically and may need to reflect any 
changes to time commitments or responsibilities. 

The periodic review may result in an increase beyond the fees currently payable.

Non-Executive Directors also receive reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in 
connection with Company business and the Company may settle any tax incurred in 
relation to these.

Performance conditions

Key change 

None

None

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ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED 
SECTION D – WIDER WORKFORCE REMUNERATION

The Committee developed the Remuneration Policy agreed by shareholders in 2019 having reviewed the wider framework for reward 
across the organisation and the way that this drives alignment of individuals towards organisational goals. It receives updates annually 
on any material changes to wider workforce arrangements and additionally considers employee feedback on reward matters. This is 
from Group-wide mechanisms (such as our Your Voice survey) but additionally from direct interaction between designated Non-
Executive Directors and employees.

Our reward principles apply to all employees within the business and are designed to ensure we can attract, motivate and retain people 
fundamental to achieving our vision, and be part of a global organisation. We want people within the business engaged and delivering 
because they are excited by our vision, the part they can play in this, and the difference they can make.

These principles are applied as consistently as we can, such that reward is standardised wherever possible, and delivered in line with our 
values. While the quantum may vary between roles, the principle of aligning reward outcomes with performance is fundamental to the 
way we operate.

Reward element

Base salary

Benefits

Variable pay

Our approach

Pay rates are determined with reference to the skill set and experience of the 
individual. Most pay rates are reviewed annually across the Group, with adjustments with 
reference to individual performance levels, market pay competitiveness and overall 
business affordability.

The countries we operate in display different practices in terms of benefit provision. 
Typical benefits include access to life insurance, pension or retirement provision and may 
include medical cover. Our approach is typically driven by local market factors (which 
may include legislative requirements) rather than a single common benefit offering 
globally. On some People Policies we have established global minimum levels of benefit 
provision that should apply (e.g. our Family Leave Policy) to Genus employees.

We operate a range of annual variable reward schemes and most of our employees 
participate in one of these arrangements. These include:

Annual Bonus
 > Based on a combination of financial performance and non-financial metrics 

assessed through our performance management processes (which all employees 
participate in).

 > Financial metrics based around profitability and cash performance.
 > Where metrics are consistent with those used for Executive Directors or GELT 

members, then the same target/performance scale is used for everyone to drive 
alignment.

Production facilities – KPI plans
 > Linked to the balanced scorecard of local KPIs for facility, covering metrics such 

as production output levels and health and safety.

Commissions
 > Derived from individual sales performance of the individual.

In addition, we make discretionary awards of shares across the business annually, 
reflecting the contribution of the individual and to drive future alignment with 
our performance.

OUR CEO PAY RATIO FOR 2022

Our CEO pay ratio is shown below. 

Year ended

30 June 2022

CEO single 
figure £k

FTE  

reward

1,327

£27,774

Ratio

48:1

FTE  

reward

£33,999

Ratio

39:1

FTE  

reward

£44,818

25th percentile

Median

75th percentile

Median ratio 
vs CEO 
target 
remuneration

54:1

Ratio

30:1

No elements of pay have been omitted from the calculation and pay quartiles determined as at 30 June 2022 and values are calculated 
based on those employed at this date. Where required, actual levels of remuneration were adjusted to create full-time equivalent (‘FTE’)
values by considering both the employees full-time equivalent hours and (where applicable) the proportion of the year that the 
individual was employed. The quartile values, split between salary and benefits are as follows:

Salary (FTE)

Total pay and benefits

25th 
percentile

Median

75th 
percentile

£25,446

£28,595

£37,817

£27,774

£33,999

£44,818

The median ratio is consistent with pay and reward policies in operation within the business. Salaries are set with reference to market 
levels of pay, with progression linked to experience and performance in role. The structure of reward in operation means that a greater 
proportion of pay is linked to variable pay in more senior roles and will therefore fluctuate linked to business and individual performance 
outcomes against targets set, and to changes in the Genus share price. 

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OUR CEO PAY RATIO HISTORY

To provide additional context we have also shown the ratio for the previous four years. For illustration we have also shown the 
ratios against the target level of reward we disclosed within our Remuneration Policies as agreed by shareholders and provided 
commentary below. 

£

60

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

83:1

2018

26:1

2019

91:1

71:1

39:1

2020

2021

2022

CEO to median pay ratio (to 1)

Share price £ (three-month closing average)

The CEO ratio (the ratio of CEO pay as shown within the single figure) to the median full-time equivalent (‘FTE’) level of pay in the UK has 
fallen from 91:1 in 2021 to 39:1 in 2022. This reduction can be seen through a number of contributory factors:

CEO pay
Reward structure – That the overall CEO package is more highly geared towards variable pay than most other employees within the UK.

Business performance – Our financial performance for 2022 was weaker than in 2021, primarily due to market conditions within 
PIC China. As a result, no awards were made under the financial metrics within the Annual Bonus. Additionally, our overall end EPS 
performance meant that vesting of the long-term PSP award was at 41.4%, compared to an equivalent percentage of 81.2% in 2021. 

Share price impact – The share price for the last quarter of 2022 was £25.87 compared to £50.62 for the same period 12 months before. 
This further reduces the value of awards vesting under the long-term PSP plan within the 2022 single figure. 

Comparator pay
Median pay value in UK – Median pay increased between 2021 and 2022 by just under 5%, to £28,595. 

Median total pay and benefits – Total median reward (calculated on the same basis as the single figure within the CEO disclosure) also 
increased by just under 5% between 2021 and 2022. 

Total pay and benefits 
Year ended

30 June 21

30 June 20

30 June 19

30 June 18

CEO single 
figure

25th percentile

Median

75th percentile

CEO

FTE reward

Ratio

FTE reward

Ratio

FTE reward

£2,948k1

£27,374

108:1

£32,464

£2,257k2

£25,230

£815k

£24,638

89:1

33:1

£31,748

£31,867

£2,549k

£24,204

105:1

£30,759

91:1

71:1

26:1

83:1

£43,796

£42,426

£41,792

£40,203

Median ratio vs 
target CEO 
single figure

Ratio

67:1

53:1

20:1

63:1

Ratio

54:1

56:1

57:1

59:1

1  The CEO single figure has been restated to reflect the actual value of PSP awards at the point they vested (see page 89 for further detail)
2  This value reflects the change in CEO during the year and includes salary and benefits for Karim Bitar through to his resignation and all applicable reward elements for 

Stephen Wilson from the date of his appointment as CEO (13 September 2019) to 30 June 2020

METHOD OF CALCULATION AND RATIONALE

We have elected to use calculation Method A as outlined within the legislation. We have done this to get as accurate a picture as 
possible for the reward of all our UK employees compared to the CEO. This contrasts with our disclosure on gender pay which focuses on 
our largest UK subsidiary (Genus Breeding Limited) only as required by the respective legislation.

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ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION E – REMUNERATION AND PERFORMANCE STATEMENT

GENUS’S STRATEGY AND ITS LINK TO PERFORMANCE-RELATED PAY

Our strategy and the way this is linked to variable reward is shown below.

INCREASE GENETIC 
CONTROL AND PRODUCT 
DIFFERENTIATION 

TARGETING KEY MARKETS 
AND SEGMENTS 

SHARING IN THE 
VALUE DELIVERED

S
U
C
C
E
S
S
M
E
A
S
U
R
E
D
B
Y

R&D and business innovation

Proprietary genetic improvement 
and dissemination positions

Volume growth

Operating profit

Cash conversion

I

L
N
K
T
O
R
E
M
U
N
E
R
A
T
O
N
P
O
L
C
Y

I

I

Strategic measures within the Annual 
Bonus focus on key activities in pursuit 
of our defined longer-term strategy

Strategic objectives recognise wider 
progress than financial measures alone

Measured through the profit element of 
the Annual Bonus

Over the longer term will flow into EPS 
and Genetic Improvement, both used to 
determine vesting under the PSP

Measured through the cash element of 
the Annual Bonus

PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON REMUNERATION

2021

2022 Movement %

Impact on remuneration

Adjusted results

Revenue

£574.3m £593.4m

3% Input to Annual Bonus profit and earnings per share in PSP

Adjusted profit before tax

£84.8m

£71.5m

(16)% Annual Bonus measure

Generation of free cash flow

£37.5m £(13.5)m

(136)% Annual Bonus measure

Adjusted earnings per share

Dividend per share

100.9p

32.0p

82.7p

32.0p

(18)% PSP performance condition

0% Executives rewarded via dividends on shares held 

post vesting

Share price at year end

4,960p

2,508p

(50)% Determines the value of deferred bonuses and PSP awards

Values in the table are in actual currency as shown in the Annual Report. A number of adjustments are made to these for the purposes 
of calculating awards under our incentive plans as described in this report and in line with our Remuneration Policy. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ ALIGNMENT TO SHARE PRICE

The table below shows the value of shares currently held by the Executive Directors and those awarded under the Deferred Share Bonus 
Plan (‘DSBP’), but not yet released (on a post-tax basis). It does not include those awards under the PSP which are scheduled to vest in 
the future subject to Company performance, which have the potential to significantly increase the alignment of the Executives, subject 
to the resulting level of vesting.

Shares 
awarded 
under the 
DSBP 
(post-tax)

Shares 
owned

Total share 
exposure

Indicative 
value on 30
June 2022 (£)1

Consequence 
of a +/- 10% 
share price 
change (£)

Conclusion

Stephen Wilson

64,047

11,067

75,114

1,943,206

194,321 CEO is aligned to share price 
movement through ordinary 
shareholding 

Alison Henriksen

Nil

3,429

3,429

88,720

8,872 CFO was appointed into role in 

January 2020 and has yet to see 
awards vest that were made 
under the PSP plan

1  Value calculated using the average share price for the final quarter of the financial year ended 30 June 2022 (2,587p)

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
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SECTION F – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

INTRODUCTION

This section of the Directors’ Remuneration Report is subject to an advisory vote at the 2022 AGM. Remuneration in respect of 2022 
is determined by our Remuneration Policy agreed by 93.4% of shareholders at the 2019 AGM. The detailed Policy, approved by 
shareholders at the 2019 AGM on 14 November 2019, can be found in our 2019 Annual Report which is available from our website  
at www.genusplc.com.

We have split this section into the following chapters to balance our formal disclosure obligations with our desire to have a clear and 
understandable report:

1.  What the Executive Directors Were Paid in 2022.
2.  What the Executive Directors Can Earn in 2023.
3.  The Process the Committee Followed to Arrive at These Decisions.
4.  How the Chief Executive’s Pay Compares to Shareholder Returns Over the Past Ten Years and to Employees’ Pay.
5.  The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors’ Fees.
6.  Details of the Directors’ Shareholdings and Rights to Shares.
7.  Details of the Executive Directors’ Contracts and Non-Executive Directors’ Letters of Appointment.

1. WHAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS WERE PAID IN 2022

Executive Directors’ single total remuneration figure (audited)
The following table shows a single total figure of remuneration for the 2022 financial year for each of the Executive Directors and 
compares this figure to the prior year.

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Salary 
and fees 
£000s

Benefits1
£000s

Pension2
£000s

Subtotal for 
fixed pay 
£000s

Annual
 bonus3
£000s

614
600

417
407

13
13

13
12

61
60

25
24

689
673

454
443

192
998

192
689

PSP 
£000s

4464
1,2775

2404
–

Subtotal for 
variable pay 
£000s

638
2,275

432
689

Total 
£000s

1,327
2,948

886
1,132

Year

2022
2021

2022
2021

1  Benefits included an annual car allowance of £12,000 for Stephen Wilson and Alison Henriksen respectively. Insured benefits include life assurance, private medical insurance 

and a medical screen

2  Executive Directors receive a cash allowance in lieu of pension, which is shown in the Pension column. The percentage contribution payable to Stephen Wilson was reduced on 

appointment to CEO (from Group Finance Director) from 15% of salary to 10% of salary. Alison Henriksen receives a pension contribution of 6% of salary

3  Bonus earned includes the part of the award which is deferred into Company shares. The value shown for the CEO is after the application of downward discretion to align the 

bonus value to that for the CFO

4  The value of the PSP is determined by the number of awards vesting in relation to performance in the period ended 30 June 2022. Dividend equivalents are not added to 
awards made under the PSP. The value shown for 2022 is based on the average share price for the final three months of the 2022 financial year (which was 2,587p). This 
compares to the share price at grant of 2,832p (-9%). Of the value shown (£55k) is attributable to share price reduction between award and vesting

5  The 2021 values shown as estimated in the previous Annual Report have been restated to reflect the actual value at point of vesting. The share price was 5,310p on 8 October 

2021 when awards vested for Stephen Wilson

How the bonuses for 2022 were calculated
Annual Bonus
The 2022 bonuses for Executive Directors were calculated by reference to performance against a challenging sliding scale of profit, 
cash flow and strategic measures. Targets were set by the Committee to exclude the costs of gene editing in line with our Remuneration 
Policy. This was a decision by the Committee (as was the case in prior years) to ensure that management’s reward was not unfairly 
affected by decisions to make the right long-term investment decisions on behalf of the business.

The following results were achieved for each element of the annual bonus incentive.

Bonus target1

Strategic objective

Weighting

Actual 2022 
performance

Threshold 
(0% award)

Target 
(50% award)

Stretch 
(full award)

Adjusted profit before tax

Year-on-year profit growth

50%

£77.3m2

£92.4m

£97m

£101.6m

Generation of free cash flow Generate cash for 

reinvestment and dividends

15%

£(21.5)m3

£(0.8)m

£2.2m

£5.2m

Extent to 
which targets 
were met (%)

0%

0%

Strategic measures

To build the foundation for 
future growth

35% See table

Chief Executive 70% 
Chief Financial Officer 75%

1  The financial elements of the bonus are payable on a straight-line basis between each threshold, target and stretch level
2  Bonuses are calculated in constant currency and excludes gene editing costs. This explains the difference between the value shown and the Adjusted profit before tax number 

on page 88

3  The number excludes £8.0m of the IFRS 16 lease adjustments included in our free cash flow number on page 88 

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ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION F – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

DETERMINING OUTCOMES UNDER THE ANNUAL BONUS OUTCOMES FOR 2022

We reviewed closely performance achieved in 2022 in the way we determined final award levels for participants under the Annual Bonus 
plan. The diagram below illustrated the factors we considered and a summary of our conclusions under each point, with our overall 
decision shown lower down. 

READ ACROSS TO OTHER  
PARTICIPANTS 
Around 2,000 Genus colleagues globally 
participate in the Annual Bonus plan, with an 
element linked to individual and/or strategic 
objectives. We continued to reflect and 
deliver outcomes under the individual 
element of the plans for all participants 
around the business.

DEFERRAL INTO SHARES/ALIGNMENT 
WITH SHARE OWNERSHIP
One-third of any bonus for Executives is 
deferred into Genus shares that vest after 
three years, driving continued alignment 
with the shareholder experience. 
Participants have seen the impact of the 
deterioration of share price over the prior 12 
months and the impact this has had on 
in-flight awards. 

SHAREHOLDER EXPERIENCE 
There was a material reduction in share price 
during the year, with an ending share price 
similar to the level at the end of 2019. We 
continue to pay dividends to shareholders.

FACTORS INFLUENCING 
DETERMINATION OF ANNUAL 
BONUS OUTCOMES

STRATEGIC DELIVERY
The bonus structure is designed to consider 
specific elements of business and strategic 
performance in determining overall awards. 
While two key financial metrics in the bonus 
were not met, these was robust delivery 
against the strategic targets set for each 
Executive, in line with our stated strategy. 

PROFITABILITY
Profit targets were set based on growth from 
2021 (where we experienced record levels of 
performance). Deterioration in profitability 
was highly correlated with market conditions 
in China during the year and the resultant 
level of the pork price. 

OVERALL QUANTUM OF REWARD
Both the CEO and CFO have experienced a 
material reduction in reward (as captured 
through the single figure) between 2021 
and 2022. 

ALIGNMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Part of the strategic objectives were linked 
to ‘Delta C’ which looks at progress against 
our sustainability goals. We made robust 
progress against these objectives during 
the year. 

LINKAGE TO MEDIUM-TERM DELIVERY
PSP awards granted in September 2019 
were linked to EPS performance over the full 
three-year period. Ultimate vesting of these 
awards was 41.4% of maximum, even 
though this included two years of very 
strong EPS delivery.

Having considered the above factors, the Committee reached the following conclusions:
 > While short-term performance in 2022 was disappointing, there was clear evidence of strategic progress during the year as 

evidenced throughout this disclosure and wider Annual Report. 

 > 2021 was an exceptional year for the business. Results can be volatile but even with greater volatility still consistent with our stated 

medium-term growth aspirations.

 > We want Executives to develop and sustain a significant level of shareholding in the business and be aligned to future share price 

movement. We liked the fact that a significant level of any bonus would be deferred into shares. 

 > We also acknowledged the overall reward outcomes and reduction in the single figure values from 2021 to 2022. 

The Committee considered the overall appropriateness of the formulaic bonus outcome against the agreed metrics. This showed award 
levels of around 25% of total opportunity reflecting the robust strategic progress achieved, which is documented within this disclosure 
and elsewhere in the Annual Report. 

The Committee was conscious of the need to appropriately recognise the achievements of the management team who have 
responded robustly to key macroeconomic and market challenges facing the business, to ensure the business is strongly positioned for 
future growth. Alongside this, the Committee considered the overall experience of shareholders over the past 12 months, including the 
reduction in profitability year on year. Taking all of the above into account, the Committee, in consultation and agreement with the CEO, 
used discretion to apply a reduction in the Annual Bonus outturn for the CEO. This discretion reduces the total bonus payable to the 
CEO to be equal to that payable to the CFO.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Strategic measures
The Committee reviewed and discussed achievement against targets set for strategic measures for each Executive Director in 
determining overall award levels. Performance against these targets is disclosed retrospectively, as follows:

Theme 

Objective

Key achievements in year

Stephen Wilson

Strategy 
Development 
and Execution

Maintain/grow genetic 
leadership

 > Strong progress across Dairy, Beef and 
Porcine when assessed against rate of 
genetic gain, industry rankings and 
competitive traits

Payout 
against 
maximum

70%

Grow PIC in US, Spain, Russia 
and China key accounts

 > Gain of five global top 250 accounts across 

identified markets

Grow presence in global top 
100 dairies

 > Share gains with leading dairies driven by 

Sexed Beef and use of multi-year contracts 
in US, Italy and China

Leverage technology/genetics 
across broader bovine industry

 > Growth in third-party sales through 

IntelliGen, including in Europe, New Zealand 
and India

Develop Genus portfolio 
through additional proteins

 > Advancement of relationship with Xelect

Leadership and 
culture

Sustain/improve employee 
engagement

 > Record results (and response levels) through 
our biannual Your Voice employee survey 
with significant increases in key questions 
including “Recommend a friend to work in 
Genus” and “I enjoy working at Genus”

Improve gender diversity at 
Manager level

 > 37% of appointments into M band roles were 

female against target of 33%

Maintain strong health and 
safety culture

 > Achieved injury frequency rate below target 

and reduced vehicular incidents

Innovation

Gene editing 

 > Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome 

virus (‘PRRSv’) resistance development 
programme progressing to plan

Establish industry leadership in 
reproductive biology

 > World class biology team created and 

strategic partnerships with leading external 
collaborators

Deliver positive user adoption 
of GenusOne globally

 > Demonstrable progression in user adoption 
and continued roll-out into new markets 
(e.g. Chile and Spain) and ready for UK 
launch in summer 2022

Transform ABS customer 
digital experience

 > Digital plans on track with roll-out of 

GENEadvance and growth of digital sales

Progress the establishment of a 
Scientific Advisory Board (‘SAB’)

 > Initial membership now secured and 

scheduled for first meeting in second half 
of 2022

Sustainability

Drive adoption and 
implementation of ‘Delta C’

 > Good progress with carbon reduction with 

reduction in primary intensity ratio

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ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION F – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Theme 

Objective

Key achievements in year

Payout 
against 
maximum

Alison Henriksen

Strategy 
Development 
and Execution

Develop Genus portfolio 
through business development 
activity in relation to species 
and new technologies

 > New relationships formed with key partners 

75%

(current or prospective)

Leadership and 
culture

Maintain strong IR, expanding 
knowledge of Genus outside 
UK market and investors’ 
understanding of our 
ESG progress

Implement Procurement Target 
Operating Model (‘PTOM’) and 
drive implementation of Wave 1 
& 2 procurement savings

Sustain/improve employee 
engagement in Finance, 
Business Development and 
Procurement

 > Growth in shareholdings amongst identified 
shareholder base. Increased knowledge of 
importance and focus of sustainability 
through shareholder interactions

 > Savings delivered in line with 

budgeted projections

 > Strong results through internal Your Voice 

survey, including “When I perform well I feel 
this is appreciated & recognised”, “We work 
effectively as a team”, “I’m confident I can 
achieve my career objectives”

Build succession plans 
across team

 > Succession plans completed for senior roles 

across global team

Roll-out of Finance Target 
Operating Model (‘FTOM’) 
– people & org design, process 
roll-out, reporting & 
performance management, 
finance technology

 > Centre of Expertise for FP&A launched and 

operational to agreed timescales

Cement relationships across 
the Group and deepen 
understanding of customers 
and operations

 > Multiple workshops and events to build 
cohesion across the team and focus on 
evolution of finance operating model and 
use of GenusOne

Innovation

Sustainability

Support positive adoption of 
GenusOne through Adoption 
and Optimisation (‘A&O’) 
Framework

Reduce carbon intensity of own 
operations by 2.5% through 
implementation of ‘Delta C’

 > Increase in user satisfaction of technology 

 > Integration of sustainability risks and 
opportunities into corporate risk 
management and strategic planning 
frameworks

As a result of this performance, the total Annual Bonus awarded to the Executive Directors was:

Annual Bonus

Extent to 
which overall 
targets 
were met

Annual Bonus 
– cash

Annual Bonus 
– deferred 
shares1

Stephen Wilson

Formulaic outcome

25%

£176,331

£88,165

Alison Henriksen

26%

£128,074

£64,037

Outcome following agreed reduction

18%

£128,074

£64,037

1  The number of shares awarded will be calculated in September 2022 when bonuses are paid. One-third of bonus payable is deferred into Genus shares for three years

How the PSP figure was calculated in the single total remuneration table
PSP awards granted to Stephen Wilson on 11 September 2019 and Alison Henriksen on 7 April 2020 were subject to a performance 
condition, based on the growth in adjusted earnings per share from 2019 to 2022. The range of targets applicable to the award, which 
had a value of 200% and 175% of salary at grant was as follows:

Average annual growth in adjusted earnings per share

Less than 5% per annum

5% per annum

15% per annum

1  Straight-line vesting between the points in the above table

% of award
vesting1

Nil

20%

100%

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The Committee set targets to calculate the long-term award after excluding gene editing costs incurred during the performance 
period, to avoid an unintended impact on the Executives’ remuneration whilst making long-term decisions in support of value creation. 
This is consistent with the approach previously communicated to shareholders within our Policy and as taken in each of the last 
three years.

The adjusted 2022 earnings per share after the cost of share-based payments and adjusting for costs relating to gene editing was 
87.6p. This represents an average annual growth in adjusted earnings per share of 7.7% compared to the comparable 2019 adjusted 
earnings per share figure (after the cost of share-based payments). The resulting level of vesting is 41.4% of maximum. Therefore, the 
number of shares that will vest will be 17,249 for Stephen Wilson and 9,288 for Alison Henriksen, and these will vest on 11 September 2022.

The Company’s average share price for the period from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022 was 2,587p, meaning that the value shown for these 
awards within the single figure table is £446,250 for Stephen Wilson and £240,283 for Alison Henriksen.

£1,179,981

£

1,400k

1,200k

1,000k

800k

600k

400k

200k

0

Breakdown of value of PSP for CEO 
(2019–2022 Performance)
Share price on award = £28.32

Share price (three months ending 
30 June 2022) = £25.87

£488,512

£446,250

Share price change over period = (9)%

£691,469

£55,332

Value at award

Value of 
shares lapsed

Value of 
shares vesting

Share price
reduction

Final value at
30 June 2022

1  The average annual earnings per share growth including gene editing costs after share-based payments was 8.5% and the associated vesting level would have been 48.4% 

of maximum

Joining award
There were no joining awards made to Directors in the year ending 30 June 2022. 

Material contracts
There were no other contracts or arrangements during the financial year in which a Director of the Company was materially interested 
and/or which were significant in relation to the Group’s business.

Payments for loss of office and payments to former Directors (audited)
There were no payments for loss of office in the year or to any former Directors of the business.

Discretion
Having reviewed overall business performance, and in consultation with the CEO, the Committee used discretion to apply a reduction in 
the Annual Bonus outturn for the CEO. The Committee was satisfied that the final outcomes represented a balanced overall position. 

External Directors’ external appointments
Executive Directors are permitted to accept an external non-executive position, with the Board’s approval. Any fees received in respect 
of these appointments may be retained by the Executive. Stephen Wilson was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Renishaw 
effective from 1 June 2022. He received fees totalling £5.8k during the year. 

2. WHAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS CAN EARN IN 2023

A summary of this chapter is given on page 75.

Base salary
In line with other UK employees, the date of salary review is 1 September 2022. Any change is considered against changes made to the 
wider workforce. Following consideration of Company performance during 2022, no changes to salaries have been made for either 
Executive Director. 

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Annual salary 
to 1 Sep 
2022

Annual salary 
from 1 Sep 
2022

£616,900

£616,900

£418,200

£418,200

Change 

Nil

Nil

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ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION F – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Benefits
The Executive Directors receive benefits including a car allowance, life assurance, an annual medical screen and private medical 
insurance.

Pension
On appointment to the CEO role in September 2019, the pension allowance payable to Stephen Wilson reduced to 10% of salary (from 
15%). Alison Henriksen receives a pension allowance of 6% of salary, consistent with our stated Policy to align rates for new hires to the 
wider workforce. In line with investor expectations, and as previously communicated to shareholders, the allowance paid to the CEO 
will reduce to 6% of salary effective 1 January 2023. 

Performance-related Annual Bonus 
The structure for variable remuneration for Executive Directors for 2023 will be as follows:

Annual Bonus

Value of bonus

Performance 
measures

A maximum of 175% of salary for the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer based on profit, cash 
generation and strategic measures.

Assessed across the following metrics:
 > Adjusted Profit Before Tax – 60% of opportunity
 > Cash Generation – 15% of opportunity
 > Strategic measures – 25% of opportunity

Calibration of profit 
target

The targets for the coming year are outlined below and have continued to be disclosed on a prospective 
basis, expressed in terms of growth. The targets have been set having considered the budgets in place for 
the year and represent stretching business performance. The Committee considered budgets, analyst 
expectations and the market conditions in our key countries in determining the range and is comfortable 
that the range set is stretching, and fully aligned to our stated medium-term growth objective.

No bonus is payable in respect of profit unless the prior year’s result is exceeded. The bonus award will be 
determined with reference to the following points:

Growth on prior year adjusted before tax1

Award level (profit element)

Nil growth

6.66% growth

12% growth

Nil award

50%

100%

1 

In constant currency and excluding gene editing costs

Calibration of cash 
generation target

The cash target is the budgeted figure, with a specific range of £6m below the target and £3m above.

Specific numbers were set (rather than a percentage range) to ensure Executives are focused on actual 
cash generation. The target set and resulting performance achieved will be disclosed in the Annual Report 
next year.

Calibration of 
strategic measures

Specific measurable targets have been set against this category linked to our strategic priorities identified 
by the Board for the year ahead. It would be commercially sensitive to disclose these targets in advance and 
we will retrospectively disclose the targets and associated performance against them in the subsequent 
Annual Report.

Bonus deferral

One-third of any bonus award will be deferred by way of shares for three years and will vest subject to 
continued employment, other than in certain leaver circumstances.

Malus and clawback

The Committee can apply malus to deferred bonuses and clawback any element of paid bonuses that should 
not have been awarded or paid, in the event of a material misstatement of the Group’s annual results or other 
substantive reason.

Long-term incentives
Awards to be granted in September 2022 will be granted under the 2019 PSP approved by shareholders on 14 November 2019. Stephen 
Wilson and Alison Henriksen will be granted awards over 200% of salary in line with that permitted under the Policy. Grants will be 
determined in line with the Plan Rules, using annual salary as at the point of grant to determine awards. Awards granted will continue to 
require the Executive to retain the after-tax number of shares vesting in September 2025 for two years. Enhanced clawback and malus 
provisions will apply to these awards as outlined within our Remuneration Policy, including for reputational damage and 
corporate failure.

The performance targets for the awards to be granted in September 2022 will be assessed against three targets which will operate 
independently of each other.

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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Metric

Weighting

Metric detail

Target for 2022 awards

Earnings Per Share  80%

Genetic 
Improvement

10%

Greenhouse Gas 
Reduction

10%

Average annual growth in 
adjusted earnings per share, 
measured over three years, 
inclusive of gene editing costs 
in the base year and final year 
of calculation.

Improvement (expressed in 
standard deviations of 
improvement per generation) 
of genetics in Porcine, Bovine 
and Dairy.

Target of one standard 
deviation of genetic 
improvement per generation 
across Dairy and Bovine, and 
0.75 standard deviations of 
improvement per generation in 
Porcine.

Reduction in overall primary 
intensity ratio of our operations 
for the three-year period 
commencing 1 July 2022 and 
ending 30 June 2025.

Average annual growth in adjusted earnings per share1

Vesting %

Less than 4% per annum

4% per annum

12% per annum

0%

20%

100%

Straight-line vesting between performance points shown above.

Overall assessment guidelines 
(Final award will be determined by Committee having reviewed progress 
in each of the respective species)

Performance at or exceeding target over period across 
all species or significant outperformance in one or more 
species with no ‘weak’ progress

Progress overall in line with stated target

Robust performance in one or two species, slower 
progress elsewhere

Indicative 
award  

(max 10%)

8–10%

5–7%

2–4%

Progress below target each year in all species

No award

Cumulative % reduction across three years ending June 2025

Vesting %

Below 3%

3% (threshold)

10% (stretch)

Nil

20%

100%

Straight-line vesting between threshold and stretch values in the 
above table

1  Growth in adjusted earnings per share over the three-year performance period will be calculated on a simple average annual growth rate after the cost of  

share-based payments

The Committee retains the discretion to be able to scale back overall vesting if it does not consider the vesting result to be consistent 
with the progress achieved against the Company’s strategy during the performance period. This is considered appropriate to broaden 
the Executive team’s focus beyond financial performance. 

The Committee also recognises that the Genus share price has changed materially over the past year and is currently at a level similar 
to that when PSP awards were granted in 2019 which will vest in September 2022. Executives have been exposed to this share price 
movement (both through ordinary shares held and any in-flight awards). The Committee will make these awards in the usual way in 
September 2022 and will review the ultimate level of vesting and associated business performance. In the event that the share price 
used to determine awards was not felt to be representative (or gave rise to what were deemed to be any unjustified gains by recipients 
having considered the overall reward experience for Executives and Shareholders) then the Committee has the ability to adjust ultimate 
vesting levels. 

SPOTLIGHT ON PERFORMANCE METRICS AND TARGET SETTING WITHIN PSP AWARDS FOR 2022

Earnings Per Share
The Committee continues to believe that using adjusted earnings per share is an appropriate measure of long-term performance of the 
business, demonstrates alignment to our stated medium-term growth aspirations, and is the metric used to assess awards granted 
under the PSP for many years. 

How will this be assessed?
We use adjusted earnings per share, which considers simple average annual growth in adjusted earnings per share, measured over 
three years of share-based payments.

How will targets be set?
Targets are set having considered future internal projections of the business, analyst forecasts and market conditions in each of the
respective countries where we operate.

How does this align with our strategy?
Growth in earnings per share is a key metric for us, showing how the value we create for customers leads to returns for our investors. 

Do the targets set represent stretching performance?
The Committee believes the above performance range is appropriately challenging, incentivises Executives to deliver the Company’s 
growth strategy and is therefore aligned with shareholders’ interests.

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ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION F – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Greenhouse Gas Reduction 
We are committed to driving sustainability within the way we operate and additionally the way we can support the wider industry 
through our leadership. We have set a clear target of 25% reduction in our primary intensity ratio by 2030 (measured against our 2019 
baseline).

How will this be assessed?
We will use our primary intensity ratio. This is an existing metric already disclosed by the business and looks at tCO2e/tonne animal 
weight. It includes Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. 

How will targets be set?
The values within the set range equate to the cumulative reduction over the respective three-year period beginning 1 July 2022 and
ending on 30 June 2025.

What will be disclosed around our performance?
As has been the case since 2014, we will disclose this primary intensity ratio within our Annual Report and provide regular updates to 
shareholders on our progress.  

Do the targets set represent stretching performance?
We do not expect a straight-line reduction through to our 2030 target, but rather this will be achieved through a series of initiatives and 
activities across the business. We set a range to reflect our plans for the next three years, with stretch outcomes reflecting superior 
performance ahead of our current plans. This has been done to incentivise leaders to make progress more quickly and for full awards to 
superior outperformance against our plans. 

Genetic Improvement
Genetic improvement enables us to produce superior environmental outcomes for customers – enabling them to produce more protein 
with fewer inputs. This is at the heart of our strategy – ‘Pioneering animal genetic improvement to help nourish the world’. Genetic 
improvement supports productivity gains and improved feed efficiency, enabling a reduction in the production of GHG emissions per 
unit of milk or meat produced. 

What is genetic improvement?
It allows for selection of traits that can help farmers increase profits. This can be through optimisation of inputs (e.g. feed efficiency), 
quality of outputs (such as milk) and minimisation of susceptibility to health issues (such as probability of certain diseases or incidence 
of birthing challenges or stillbirth). All of these ultimately drive efficiency and emissions associated with production. 

As an example, we have estimated that the target improvement in porcine equates to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 2.22kg per CO2e 
per market pig per generation. 

How will performance be assessed?
Genetic indices have existed for many years, allowing dairy animals to be ranked based on their combined merit for economically 
important traits. By analysing this data over time, it is possible to identify genetic improvement in animals. 

The Dairy index is an externally published index, and Genus has developed similar approaches to assess in both pork and beef. It is 
assessment against these indices that will drive assessment of genetic improvement. 

What will be disclosed around our performance?
We will disclose targets for each of the species for next three years (expressed in terms of standard deviation of improvement per 
generation). The generation length will differ between species but we will look at the aggregate performance in each species across the 
three year performance period. 

How does this align with our strategy?
Driving genetic improvement is for the benefit of the whole industry, creating efficiencies in animals born and grown within our facilities, 
but also in the operations of our customers who have access to our genetics and in our supply chain. 

Do the targets set represent stretching performance?
Targets are expressed in terms of genetic improvement, considering gains per generation. They have been set having considered our 
track record of delivery of genetic progress as a business and are considered to represent stretching performance. 

The target for porcine is lower than the other species. This is a reflection of the more advanced nature of genetic improvement that has 
already occurred within pigs over the recent years.  

How will ultimate awards be determined?
The Committee will consider actual progress in each of the three species, and then use their judgement to determine an overall award, 
in line with the performance grid disclosed when each award is made.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE97
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ESG metrics and assessment within reward plans
As governments, regulators, organisations and other agencies progress monitoring of metrics linked to ESG we expect that new ways of 
measurement will evolve, and standards will change. We have agreed the following principles to guide the Committee in incorporating 
these metrics within reward plans. We are committed to transparent disclosures of our performance against targets, designed to be 
transparent to shareholders and fair to participants.
 > We are consistent in measurement between the base year and final year of assessment.
 > If opportunities for opportunities/legislation/standards change such that enhanced or different disclosure is possible (or required) 

then the Committee will consider these, which could involve:
–  Adjustment to base year and final year for future awards only.
–  Changes to targets for in-flight awards to utilise new measurement techniques.
– 

If any adjustment to targets is considered, any adjustment is done only to utilise enhanced measurement opportunities: the 
intention is that any target remains equally stretching as the point at which it was set by the Committee and subsequently 
communicated to shareholders.

 > We follow externally endorsed approaches in event of major divestment or acquisition to reflect an amended baseline position 

where needed – using approach from GHG Corporate Reporting Protocol.

3. THE PROCESS THE COMMITTEE FOLLOWED TO ARRIVE AT THESE DECISIONS

The Committee complies with the UK Corporate Governance Code. It makes recommendations to the Board, within agreed terms of 
reference, on remuneration for the Executive Directors and other members of GELT. The Committee’s full terms of reference are available 
on the Company’s website at www.genusplc.com.

During 2022, the Committee comprised: 

Director

Lesley Knox (Chair)

Iain Ferguson

Jason Chin

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

Independent

Attendance 
at meetings1

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

7/7 

7/7

6/7

7/7

7/7

1  The Committee had five scheduled and two ad hoc meetings during the year

None of the Committee members has any personal financial interest (other than as shareholders), conflicts of interests arising from 
cross-directorships or day-to-day involvement in running the business. The Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer attend 
meetings at the Committee’s invitation but are not present when their own remuneration is being discussed. The Committee is 
supported by the Group HR Director, Group Reward Director, Finance and Company Secretariat functions.

During the year, the Committee continued to use PricewaterhouseCoopers (‘PwC’) for advice it considers is of value, objective and 
independent. PwC’s fees were £45k for its remuneration advice to the Committee. PwC were appointed by the Committee following 
a competitive tender process and their performance and independence as advisers is regularly reviewed. PwC is a member of the 
Remuneration Consultants Group and complies with its Code of Conduct. Separate teams within PwC provide unrelated advisory 
service to the Group, including taxation and actuarial advice to the Group.

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ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION F – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

During the year to 30 June 2022, the Committee met 7 times and considered the following matters:

July 20211
 > Profit targets & range for 

September 20211
 > Approve vesting of 

FY22 bonus

 > Proposed objectives for 
other GELT members 
for FY22 

 > Indicative reward outcomes 
for FY21 and CEO pay ratio

Performance Share Plan for 
2018 awards
 > Approve DRR
 > Approve Annual Bonus 
targets and structure 
for FY22

 > Pay review proposals for 

 > Review GELT shareholding 

Executive Directors

at year end 

 > Review draft DRR disclosure 

 > Approve future long-term 
incentive awards (for GELT 
and below) 

August 20212
 > Profit targets/structure for 

November 20211
 > Review of shareholder vote 

FY22 Annual Bonus 

post AGM

 > Update on GELT 

remuneration vs rest of 
Genus employees

 > Remuneration Policy review 

January 20221
 > Remuneration Policy 

development

June 2022
 > Finalise Policy content for 

renewal and key messages

 > Discuss draft strategic 

objectives for FY23 for CEO

 > Update on GELT 

remuneration vs Genus 
employees

 > Review bonus structure 
below GELT for FY23

 > Committee effectiveness 

review

April 20222
 > Review shareholder 
feedback from 
consultation/agree any 
next steps 

 > Market trends/AGM update
 > Gender Pay and external 

disclosures

 > Discuss approach to Pay 
review for 2022 across 
business

1  Scheduled meeting
2  Ad hoc meeting

How shareholders’ views are taken into account
We consulted with shareholders ahead of proposing our existing Remuneration Policy to shareholders at our 2019 AGM which received 
high levels of shareholder support. The results of the most recent votes were as follows: 

Vote on Directors’ 
Remuneration Report 
 2021 AGM (advisory)

Vote on Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy  
2019 AGM (binding)

Total number 
of votes

% of votes 
cast

Total number 
of votes

% of votes 
cast

For

Against

48,090,655

96.9 42,801,233

1,554,432

3.1

3,046,755

Total number of shares in respect of which votes were validly made

49,645,087

100 45,847,988

Votes withheld

128,957

11,770

93.4

6.6

100

How employees’ pay is taken into account
While the Company does not consult employees on matters of Directors’ remuneration, the Committee does take account of the policy 
for employees across the workforce when determining the Remuneration Policy for Directors.

The Group Reward Director facilitates this process, presenting to the Committee reward structures and approach across the 
organisation including the way reward levels are set with reference to internal and external factors, and how performance metrics align 
with those used for GELT members (including Executive Directors). The process also includes sharing feedback received through staff 
engagement surveys that include questions on pay, as well as consulting employees informally on their views of the current overall 
Remuneration Policy. Additionally, discussions on reward have formed part of dialogue between the nominated Non-Executive Directors 
and employees as part of wider engagement activity as outlined elsewhere in the Annual Report. This forms part of the feedback 
provided to the Committee and is used to assess the Remuneration Policy’s ongoing effectiveness and any changes that should 
be made.

When setting the Executive Directors’ base salaries, the Committee compares the salary increases proposed for each Executive 
Director with those proposed for employees in their geographical location, as well as considering the typical increase proposed across 
our UK business and the wider Group.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE99
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4. HOW THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S PAY COMPARES TO SHAREHOLDER RETURNS OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS AND TO EMPLOYEES’ PAY

Total shareholder return
The following graph shows the Company’s performance measured by total shareholder return (‘TSR’), compared with the TSR 
performance of the FTSE 250 Index. The FTSE 250 Index was selected as it represents a broad equity market of which the Company 
is a member.

ten years of total shareholder return 

)

£

(

)

d
e
s
a
b
e
r
(

R
S
T

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

June 12

June 13

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

June 21

June 22

Genus 

FTSE 250 

As required under the reporting regulations, the table below shows the ‘single figure’ pay for the Chief Executive over the same period, 
to allow comparison between variability in reward and the shareholder experience over the same period.

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2020

2021

2022

Karim Bitar

Stephen Wilson

Total remuneration (£000s)

£868

£877

£1,622

£1,704 £2,856

£2,549

£815

£183

£2,161 £2,888 £1,327

Annual Bonus (% of max)

Total PSP vesting (% of max)

31%

32%

–

–

99%

26%

78%

34%

59%1

79%

64%1

56%

Nil2

Nil3

Nil2

Nil3

91%

95%

18%

44.9%

81.2%

41.4%

Includes the award under the Company Milestone element of the Annual Bonus under the previous Remuneration Policy

1 
2  No awards were payable following the decision of Karim to resign from the business
3  Vesting was nil as Karim’s employment cessation date was before scheduled vesting of PSP awards

Director remuneration compared to Genus employees 
Change in remuneration received 
The table below shows the percentage change in the annual remuneration of Directors from 2019 onwards. Also provided for comparison 
is a UK comparator number for each respective time period which considers all employees of Genus plc on 30 June 2022 (excluding 
Directors) and calculating on an FTE basis changes in salary, benefits and bonus compared to the previous year.

Stephen Wilson1

Alison Henriksen2

Iain Ferguson

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

Lesley Knox

Jason Chin

UK comparators

Salary/fees (% change)

Benefits (% change)

Bonus (% change)

2021 to 2022

2020 to 2021

2019 to 2020

2021 to 2022

2020 to 2021

2019 to 2020

2021 to 2022

2020 to 2021

2019 to 2020

2

2

46

0

0

0

0

2.5

9

2

n/a

0

0

(5)

n/a

2.6

41

n/a

n/a

0

0

153

n/a

2.3

2

3

0

(100)

0

0

0

0

0

0

n/a

(60)

0

0

n/a

0

0

n/a

n/a

25

0

0

n/a

0

(81)

(72)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(66)

6

7

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

24

158

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

124

1  Stephen was appointed into the CEO role on 13 September 2019. The 2020 year (July 2019 to June 2020) includes part year of salary as CFO through to 13 September 2019 and 

part year as CEO. Salary increase received in September 2020 was 2% 

2  Amounts have been annualised for 2020 for Alison to reflect her joining date of 13 January 2020
Includes back payments for membership of respective Committees not received during 2019 
3 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION F – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Distribution statement 

Employee costs (£m)

Distributions to shareholders1

1 

Includes dividends and share buy-backs

5. THE CHAIRMAN AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ FEES 

Fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors per annum effective from 1 July 2022 are as follows: 

Position

Chairman

Base Non-Executive Director fee

Additional fee for Chair of Audit & Risk Committee/Remuneration Committee

2021

2022

% change

£194m

£197m

£19.5m

£20.9m

2%

7%

2020 
fees

2021 
fees

2022 
fees

£160,000

£230,0001 £230,000

£55,000

£55,000

£55,000

£5,000

£5,000

£10,000

Additional fee for Scientific Adviser to R&D Global Portfolio Steering Committee (‘GPSC’)

£10,000

£10,000

£10,000

Additional fee for Chair of Scientific Advisory Board2

n/a

n/a

£10,000

1  The Chairman fee was reviewed prior to the appointment of Iain Ferguson and was determined following a review of market data, as disclosed in the 2020 Annual Report. This 

fee level was applied following appointment to Iain Ferguson as Chairman effective 25 November 2020

2  Role held by Jason Chin

The Committee reviewed fees paid for Non-Executive Directors against market data. The Committee determined that no changes 
would be made to the core level of Non-Executive Director fees, although the Committee agreed to review this again during 2023. A 
change was agreed so that the additional fee payable for acting as a Chair to a Board Committee was increased from £5k to £10k 
effective 1 July 2022. 

Total single figure of remuneration (audited) for 2021 and 2022 are as follows:

Non-Executive Directors

Iain Ferguson1

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

Lesley Knox

Jason Chin

Total

Fees 
£000s

230
157

55
55

60
60

60
60

65
16

470
348

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

2022
2021

Taxable 
expenses 
£000s

Benefits 
£000s

–
–

–
2

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
2

–
–

–
2

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
2

Total

£000s

230
157

55
59

60
60

60
60

65
16

470
352

1  Joined the Company on 1 July 2020 and became Chairman on 25 November 2020. Values for 2021 include core fees as non-executive director prior to appointment as 

Chairman on 25 November 2020

The Non-Executive Directors’ taxable expenses are travel expenses related to their role and have been grossed up for tax where 
applicable, in line with HMRC rules.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

6. DETAILS OF THE DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDINGS AND RIGHTS TO SHARES

Directors’ shareholdings (audited)
At the year end, the Directors had the following interests in the Company’s shares:

Iain Ferguson

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Jason Chin

Lesley Knox

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

Total

Ordinary 
shares as at 
30 June 2022 
Number

% of
salary held1

Shareholding
guideline2

9,000

64,047

–

–

2,000

3,750

–

78,797

n/a

315%

21%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

200%

200%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Unvested 
DSBP 
awards at 
30 June 2022 
Number

Unvested 
PSP awards 
held at 
30 June 2022 
Number

Ordinary 
shares as at 
30 June 2021 
Number

n/a

n/a

4,000

21,386

94,522

65,342

6,627

53,789

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

–

–

2,000

3,750

–

28,013

148,311

75,092

1  Based on the combined number of beneficially held shares and the net of tax DSBP awards held and the average closing share price over the three months to 30 June 2022 

of 2,587p

2  Executive Directors are expected to work towards achieve a shareholding of 200% of salary as set out in our Remuneration Policy

There were no changes in the Directors’ interests between 30 June 2022 and the date of this report.

Company share price
The market price of the Company’s shares on 30 June 2022 was 2,508p and the lowest and highest share prices during the financial year 
were 2,186p and 6,310p respectively.

Performance share awards granted in 2022 (audited)
The awards granted under the 2019 PSP were as follows:

Executive

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Number of 
shares 
comprising 
award

21,979

13,037

Face/maximum value of 
awards at grant date 
(% salary)1

% of award 
vesting at 
threshold

£1,233,800 (200%)

£731,850 (175%)

20

20

Performance period

01.07.21–30.06.24

01.07.21–30.06.24

1  The closing average share price over the three days prior to the award being granted has been used to determine the maximum face value of the awards which was 5,613p 

(award granted on 15 September 2021)

The awards were granted as nil-cost share options and vesting will be subject to achieving a challenging sliding scale of adjusted 
earnings per share growth target and a strategic underpin, consistent with our Remuneration Policy. The adjusted earnings per share 
growth performance target for the above awards is:

Average annual growth in adjusted earnings per share1

Less than 5% per annum

5% per annum

15% per annum

Straight-line vesting between performance points.

Vesting 
(% award)

0%

20%

100%

1  Growth in adjusted earnings per share over the three-year performance period will be calculated on a simple average annual growth rate after the cost of share-based 

payments and adjusted for gene editing costs in line with previous awards

Deferred bonus awards granted in 2022 (audited)
The following DSBP awards were granted in relation to the 2021 annual bonus:

Executive

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Number of 
shares 
comprising 
award

Face value of 
awards at 
grant date1

5,925

£332,620

4,091

£229,670

These awards are not subject to any further performance conditions and will normally vest in full on 15 September 2024 subject to 
continued service.

1  The closing average share price over the three days prior to the award being granted has been used to determine the maximum face value of the awards. This was 5,613p 

(award granted on 15 September 2021)

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE102
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ReMune RAtIon CoMMIttee ReP oRt CONTINUED
SECTION F – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Summary of scheme interests (audited)
As at 30 June 2022, the Executive Directors had the following beneficial interests in share awards and share options:

stephen Wilson

Grant date

Award

Vesting period

Share price 
at grant

At 
30 June 2021 
Number

Granted 
in year 
Number

Lapsed 
in year 
Number

Exercised 
in year 
Number

At 
30 June 2022 
Number

9 October 2018

PSP

9 October 2018

DSBP

11 September 2019

PSP

11 September 2019 DSBP

14 September 2020 PSP

14 September 2020 DSBP

15 September 2021

PSP

15 September 2021 DSBP

Total

Alison Henriksen

9 October 2018 to  
9 October 2021

9 October 2018 to  
9 October 2021

11 September 2019 to 
11 September 2022

11 September 2019 to 
11 September 2022

14 September 2020 to 
14 September 2023

14 September 2020 to 
14 September 2023

15 September 2021 to 
15 September 2024

15 September 2021 to 
15 September 2024

Grant date

Award

Vesting period

7 April 2020

PSP

14 September 2020 PSP

14 September 2020 DSBP

15 September 2021

PSP

15 September 2021 DSBP

7 April 2020 to 
11 September 2022

14 September 2020 to  
14 September 2023

14 September 2020 to  
14 September 2023

15 September 2021 to  
15 September 2024

15 September 2021 to  
15 September 2024

2,317p

29,613

2,317p

7,559

2,832p

41,666

2,832p

7,382

3,898p

30,877

3,898p

8,079

–

–

–

–

(5,567)

(24,046)

–

–

–

–

–

(7,559)

–

–

–

–

5,613p

5,613p

0

0

21,979

5,925

0

0

41,666

7,382

30,877

8,079

21,979

5,925

125,176

27,904

(5,567)

(31,605)

115,908

Share price 
at grant

At 
30 June 2021 
Number

Granted 
in year 
Number

Lapsed 
in year 
Number

Exercised 
in year 
Number

At 
30 June 2022 
Number

3,120p

22,435

–

3,898p

18,317

3,898p

2,536

5,613p

5,613p

0

0

13,037

4,091

–

–

–

–

–

–

22,435

18,317

2,536

13,037

4,091

Total

43,288

17,128

–

–

60,416

For the share awards to Stephen Wilson and Alison Henriksen granted on 15 September 2021, the closing average share price over the 
three days prior to 15 September 2021 (the grant date for the PSP awards) of 5,613p was used to determine the number of shares 
comprising individual awards. 

The performance targets applying to the PSP awards made during the year are as described above. An earnings per share range also 
applied to awards made in previous years to recipients. No further performance conditions apply to DSBP awards other than continued 
employment with the business.

Dilution
The aggregate dilution of all relevant share incentives is 3.34% as at 30 June 2022, which is less than the permissible 10% in ten years 
dilution limit.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
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Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

7. DETAILS OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ CONTRACTS AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT

Director

Executives

Appointment date

Current contract date

Expiry date

Notice period (months)

Stephen Wilson

12 December 2012

13 September 2019

Alison Henriksen

13 January 2020

14 November 2019

n/a

n/a

12 (from Company), 
6 (from Executive)

12 (from Company), 
6 (from Executive)

Non-Executives

Iain Ferguson

Jason Chin

Lesley Knox

1 July 2020

1 April 2021

1 June 2018

1 July 2020

1 April 2021

1 June 2021

1 July 2023

1 April 2024

1 June 2024

Lykele van der Broek

1 July 2014

4 September 2020

1 July 2023

Lysanne Gray

1 April 2016

1 April 2022

1 April 2025

6

1

1

1

1

Non-Executive Directors’ service contracts, which include details of remuneration, will be available for inspection at the AGM or at the 
Company’s registered office. 

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Lesley Knox
Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
7 September 2022

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEDAN HARTLEY
Group General Counsel and  
Company Secretary

C
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A
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104
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

DIReCtoR s’ RePoR t

INFORMATION INCORPORATED 
BY REFERENCE

The following information required 
to be included in a Directors’ Report 
is provided elsewhere in the Annual 
Report and is incorporated into the 
Directors’ Report by cross reference.

Content

Directors

Dividends

Financial results

Greenhouse gas emissions 
and energy consumption

Research and 
development activities

Location

Pages 50  

to 51

Page 29

Pages 26  

to 29

Pages 37  

to 38

Pages 24  

to 25

Financial risk management

Pages 26  

to 29

Future developments in the 
business

Page 20  

to 25

Directors’ interests

Engagement with 
employees, customers, 
suppliers and others

Page 101  
to 102

Page 42

Post balance sheet events

Note 41

Long-term incentive 
schemes

Note 30

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES/EMPLOYEES 
WITH DISABILITIES

Genus values diversity and aims to 
make best use of everyone’s skills and 
abilities. We are therefore committed 
to equal opportunities at every 
stage of our employees’ careers. Our 
policy on employees with disabilities 
is to fully and fairly consider people 
with disabilities for all vacancies.

We interview and recruit people with 
disabilities and endeavour to retain 
employees if they become disabled while 
they work for us. Where possible, we will 
retrain employees who become disabled 
and adjust their working environment, 
so they can maximise their potential.

POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

The Group does not make political 
contributions.

SHARE CAPITAL

Note 31 gives details of the Company’s 
issued share capital and any movements 
in the issued share capital during the year.

The Directors may only issue shares to the 
extent authorised by the shareholders 
in general meeting. The current 
power to allot shares was granted by 
shareholder resolution at the 2021 AGM 
and a new authority is being sought 
at the 2022 AGM, within the limits set 
out in the notice of meeting, that is up 
to a nominal value of £4,384,973.50 
(representing two-thirds of the Company’s 
current issued share capital).

The Company has one class of ordinary 
share, with the rights set out in the 
Articles of Association. All issued shares 
are fully paid and each share has the 
right to one vote at the Company’s 
general meetings. There are no specific 
restrictions either on the size of a holding 
or on the transfer of shares, which 
are both governed by our Articles of 
Association and prevailing legislation. No 
person has any special rights of control 
over the Company’s share capital.

Details of the Company’s employee 
share schemes are set out in note 30. 
In connection with these schemes, 
the Genus plc Employee Benefit Trust 
holds shares in the Company from 
time to time and abstains from voting 
in respect of any such shares.

For additional information on 
capital risk management including 
financial instruments, see note 26.

AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE THE COMPANY’S 
OWN SHARES

The Directors may only buy back 
shares to the extent authorised by the 
shareholders in general meeting. The 
current power to buy back shares was 
granted by shareholder resolution at the 
2021 AGM and a new authority is being 
sought at the 2022 AGM within the limits 
set out in the notice of meeting, that 
is up to a nominal value of £657,746.00 
(representing 10% of the Company’s 
current issued share capital).

The Company did not buy back any 
shares under the authority granted at 
the 2021 AGM, from the date of that 
AGM up to the date of this report.

 
105
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITIES

As at 1 September 2022, we were aware of 
the following material interests in the 
Company’s ordinary shares:

Fund Manager

Shareholding

%

The Company has made qualifying 
third-party indemnity provisions for 
the benefit of its Directors which were 
made during the year and remain in 
force at the date of this report.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The Company has procedures for 
managing conflicts of interest. If a Director 
becomes aware that they or any of their 
connected parties have an interest in 
an existing or proposed transaction with 
Genus, they should notify the Chairman 
and the Company Secretary in writing 
or at the next Board meeting. Controls 
are in place to ensure that any related-
party transactions involving Directors, or 
their connected parties, are conducted 
on an arm’s length basis. Directors have 
an ongoing duty to update the Board 
on any changes to these conflicts.

Approved by the Board and signed on its 
behalf by:

Dan Hartley
Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary
7 September 2022

Baillie Gifford & 
Co

abrdn

5,915,632

4,470,751

Capital Group

4,451,838

Wellington 
Management

BlackRock

Columbia 
Threadneedle 
Investments

3,898,269

3,840,516

3,840,516

Vanguard Group

2,944,736

8.99

6.80

6.77

5.93

5.84

5.06

4.48

Devon Equity 
Management

2,650,507

4.03

There have been no material changes 
in shareholding since 30 June 2022. No 
other person has notified an interest in 
the Company’s ordinary shares, which 
is required to be disclosed to us.

PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO THE 
COMPANY’S AUDITOR

Each of the Directors at the date of 
approval of this Annual Report confirms 
that:
 > so far as the Director is aware, there is 
no relevant audit information of which 
the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
 > the Director has taken all the steps that 
he or she ought to have taken as a 
Director in order to make himself or 
herself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the 
Company’s auditor is aware of that 
information.

This confirmation is given and should 
be interpreted in accordance with the 
provisions of section 418 Companies 
Act 2006.

APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

Deloitte LLP has expressed its willingness 
to continue in office as auditor and 
a resolution to reappoint it will be 
proposed at the forthcoming AGM.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE106
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

DIReCtoRs’ ResPonsIBILItIes

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
 > the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with the 
relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or 
loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole;

 > the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development 

and performance of the business and the position of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties that they face; and

 > the Annual Report and Financial Statements, taken as a whole, 

are fair, balanced and understandable, and provide the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Company’s position, performance, business model 
and strategy.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Stephen Wilson
Chief Executive
7 September 2022

Alison Henriksen
Chief Financial Officer
7 September 2022

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors 
are required to prepare the Group Financial Statements in 
accordance with the international accounting standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.  
The Directors have chosen to prepare the Parent Company 
Financial Statements in accordance with Financial Reporting 
Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. Under company 
law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the 
state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the 
Company for that period.

In preparing the Parent Company Financial Statements, the 
Directors are required to:
 > select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

 > make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

 > state whether Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced 
Disclosure Framework’ has been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial 
Statements; and

 > prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis, 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

In preparing the Group Financial Statements, International 
Reporting Standard 1 requires that Directors:
 > properly select and apply accounting policies;
 > present information, including accounting policies, in a manner 

that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and 
understandable information;

 > provide additional disclosures when compliance with the 

specific requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users to 
understand the impact of particular transactions, other events 
and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial 
performance; and

 > make an assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as 

a going concern.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure 
that the Financial Statements comply with the Companies Act 
2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE107
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

InDeP enDent AuDI toR’s ReP oRt 
TO THE MEMBERS OF GENUS PLC

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Opinion
In our opinion:
 > the financial statements of Genus plc (the ‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) give a true and fair view of the state 

of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 30 June 2022 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
 > the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted International 
Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IASB);

 > the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 

Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”; and

 > the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:
 > the Group Income Statement;
 > the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income;
 > the Group and Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity;
 > the Group and Parent Company Balance Sheets;
 > the Group Statement of Cash Flows; and
 > the related notes 1 to 41 and C1 to C20.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law, United 
Kingdom adopted International Accounting Standards and IFRSs as issued by the IASB. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the Parent Company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, 
including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

2. Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of 
our report. 

We are independent of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit 
of the financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council’s (the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard as applied to listed public 
interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. The non-audit services 
provided to the Group and Parent Company for the year are disclosed in note 8 to the financial statements. We confirm that we have 
not provided any non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard to the Group or the Parent Company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

3. Summary of our audit approach

Key audit matters

The key audit matter that we identified in the current year was the valuation of Biological Assets under 
IAS 41 ‘Agriculture’.

Within this report, key audit matters are identified as follows:

  Newly identified

Increased level of risk

Similar level of risk

  Decreased level of risk

Materiality

Scoping

The materiality that we used for the Group financial statements was £3.1m. Our determined materiality 
represented 6.4% of profit before tax and 5.6% of profit before tax excluding the impact of exceptional 
items and the net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets.

Our audit scope covered 13 components. Of these, 8 were subject to a full scope audit, and 5 were 
subject to specified procedures. Our testing achieved coverage of 73% of Group revenue, 84% of Group 
net assets and 84% of Group profit before tax.

Significant changes in 
our approach

The key audit matter identified is consistent with the prior year. No significant changes are noted  
in the scope of our group audit with reference to number of components identified and audit  
procedures performed. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
108
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

InDeP enDent AuDI toR’s ReP oRt CONTINUED
TO THE MEMBERS OF GENUS PLC

4. Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis 
of accounting included:
 > Obtaining an understanding the Group’s process for assessing the going concern assumption including the relevant management 

review controls underpinning this assessment;

 > Gaining an understanding as to the relevant assumptions used in the going concern models, including the Strategic Plan, and 

challenging these assumptions through comparison with our own understanding of the business, external information, and evidence 
gathered over the course of our audit, including:
–  Reading analyst reports, industry data and other external information and inspecting them for both corroborative and 

contradictory evidence in relation to these assumptions;

–  Challenging forecasted profit by comparison to recent historical financial information; 
–  Challenging the key underlying data used in forecast scenarios by assessing it for consistency with our understanding of the 

business model and risks; and

–  Performing additional analysis to determine the level of sensitivity in forecast headroom in relation to cash and covenants. 

 > Assessing the mechanical accuracy of the Group’s models;
 > Reviewing the terms of the Group’s financing arrangements as at the balance sheet date, comprising a £150m multi-currency RCF, a 
US$125m RCF and a US$20m bond and guarantee facility; reperforming debt covenant computations over the going concern period; 
and evaluating the associated disclosures; 

 > Reviewing the terms of the extended financing arrangements, requested on 22 July and approved on 26 August 2022, as disclosed in 

note 27 to the financial statements; and 

 > Evaluating the Group’s disclosures against the requirements of IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, 
individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for 
a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

In relation to the reporting on how the group has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to 
adopt the going concern basis of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of 
this report.

5. Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources 
in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Valuation of Biological Assets under IAs 41 ‘Agriculture’ 

Key audit matter 
description

The Group carries biological assets at fair value in line with the requirements of IAS 41 ‘Agriculture’. Discounted 
cash flow analyses are performed in determining the valuation. As at 30 June 2022, the Group held total 
biological assets (excluding those recognised in inventory) of £366.8m (2021: £319.5m).

Certain of the assumptions included within the valuation models are subject to estimation uncertainty, and 
accordingly, require the exercise of a significant degree of judgement. In planning our audit, we identified the 
following assumptions as being the most significant in the determination of the valuation of each species: 

Bovine: the future growth rates of proven and genomic semen sales, and the discount rate applied.

Porcine: the discount rates applied to the forecast cash flows in respect of the Pureline herd.

Details of the key sources of estimation uncertainty identified, the Group’s accounting policy, and the 
biological assets held are disclosed in notes 4 and 16 to the financial statements. The Audit & Risk Committee 
set out within their areas of focus on page 67 how they have considered the Group’s judgements.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS109
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter

In responding to the identified key audit matter, we completed the following audit procedures: 
 > Obtained an understanding of controls relevant to the review and approval of the valuation of biological 

assets; 

 > Assessed the appropriateness of the logic and mechanical accuracy of the valuation models prepared and 

the methodology applied by the Group for compliance with the requirements of IAS 41 ‘Agriculture’; 

 > Made enquiries of management to understand the rationale applied in the determination of key 

assumptions and any changes year on year;

 > Challenged the appropriateness of key assumptions applied within the underlying forecasts, with 

consideration given to historical forecasting accuracy and availability of third-party benchmarking data 
(where appropriate), historical transactional data or other comparable sources (where available), and an 
assessment as to the appropriateness of the directors’ retrospective review of key assumptions applied;

 > Involved our valuation specialists in our consideration as to the appropriateness of the discount rates 

applied by the directors in determining the fair value of biological assets;

 > Performed independent ‘stand-back’ analysis to assess whether the valuation determined by the directors 

was consistent with expectation and that any variations on prior year were supportable; and
 > Assessed the completeness and accuracy of disclosures made within the financial statements in 

accordance with IAS 41 ‘Agriculture’, and IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’. 

Key observations

We are satisfied that the valuation of biological assets and the related disclosures are appropriate.

6. Our application of materiality
6.1. Materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions 
of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit 
work and in evaluating the results of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Materiality

£3.1m (2021: £3.3m)

£2.6m (2021: £2.6m)

Group financial statements

Parent company financial statements

Basis for determining materiality

Rationale for the benchmark applied

We determined materiality on the basis of 
5% of forecast profit before tax excluding 
exceptional items (as defined in note 7) 
and changes in net IAS 41 valuation 
movement on biological assets. Our 
determined materiality equates to 5.6% of 
this measure at year end and 6.4% of 
statutory profit before tax.

We selected this adjusted profit before 
tax measure so as to avoid distortion 
that could otherwise arise from non-
recurring items, highly volatile items or 
IAS 41 fair value movements. Additionally, 
following updates to forecast and actual 
results, we considered revenue and net 
asset metrics in our determination not to 
revise materiality.

1% (2021: 1%) of Net Assets

Net Assets were selected as an appropriate 
benchmark for determining materiality, as 
the Parent Company acts primarily as a 
holding company.

6.2. Performance materiality
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and 
undetected misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole. 

Performance materiality

70% (2021: 70%) of Group materiality

70% (2021: 70%) of Parent Company 
materiality 

Group financial statements

Parent company financial statements

Basis and rationale for determining 
performance materiality

 In determining performance materiality, we considered the following factors: 
 > Our cumulative knowledge of the Group and its control environment;
 > The low turnover in key management personnel;
 > The high degree of centralisation in the Group’s financial reporting controls and 

processes; and

 > The low number of corrected and uncorrected misstatements identified in 

prior periods.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
110
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

InDeP enDent AuDI toR’s ReP oRt CONTINUED
TO THE MEMBERS OF GENUS PLC

6.3. error reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit & Risk Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of £155k (2021: £165k), 
as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit & 
Risk Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

7. An overview of the scope of our audit
7.1. Identification and scoping of components
Our audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including Group-wide controls, and assessing 
the risks of material misstatement at the Group level. 

The Group operates globally with PIC and ABS segments operating under different reporting lines in each country, and aggregated into 
regions. We determined that each segment within a country represents a component to our audit; for example ABS in the United 
Kingdom is an audit component.

Components were selected to provide an appropriate basis for undertaking audit work to address the risks of material misstatement 
identified. Based on that assessment, we identified 13 components of interest for the purposes of the group audit (2021: 13). Of these 
components, 8 were designated as subject to full scope audit procedures (2021: 8), with the remaining 5 subject to specified procedures 
(2021: 5). Excluding the Parent Company, our component audits were performed using materiality between £1.1m and £1.4m (2021: £1.1m 
and £1.4m). These components represent the principal business units and account for 73% of the Group’s revenue (2021: 79%), 84% of the 
Group’s net assets (2021: 83%) and 84% of the Group’s profit before tax, excluding the impact of exceptional items and the net IAS 41 
valuation movement on biological assets (2021: 88%). 

At the Group level, we tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm our conclusion that there were 
no significant risks of material misstatement within the aggregated financial information of the remaining components not subject to full 
scope audit or specified procedures.

REVENUE

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

NET ASSETS

3

2

1

3

2

3

2

1

1

1  Full audit scope   
65%
2  Specified audit procedures  8%
27%
3  Review at Group level 

1  Full audit scope  
74%
2  Specified audit procedures  10%
16%
3  Review at Group level 

1  Full audit scope   
75%
2  Specified audit procedures  9%
16%
3  Review at Group level 

7.2. our consideration of the control environment 
The Group is currently undergoing continued significant investment in its IT and core business processes, with the ongoing roll out of 
its global standardisation template, utilising Microsoft D365 technology. That investment, together with the comparative diverse 
infrastructure that remains across certain components of the Group led us to an audit strategy that is principally driven by substantive 
audit procedures. 

With the involvement of our IT specialists, we have in the current year, assessed the design and implementation of general IT controls 
over Microsoft Dynamics 365 (for those components where the system is now live). 

For all components we obtained an understanding of the relevant controls associated with the financial reporting process, areas of 
significant risk, and in relation to significant accounting estimates. 

7.3. our consideration of climate-related risks 
As discussed on page 39, the Group has assessed the risks and opportunities associated with various future climate-related scenarios 
and its own commitment to transition to an operating model that has a reduced level of GHG emissions. We have considered the 
Group’s assessment of the impact of these risks and opportunities on the financial statements and their conclusion that there is no 
material impact on the Group’s carrying value of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date. We assessed the related disclosures 
made in notes 1 to 41, and read the related narrative in the Sustainability report to consider whether it is materially consistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS111
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

7.4. Working with other auditors
Where appropriate, the group audit team engaged component audit teams to perform the audit procedures as set out in section 7.1. 
We engaged component audit teams in the UK, the US, China, Brazil, and Mexico; the group audit team performed specified audit 
procedures directly on components in Chile, Canada, and Russia.

The group audit team held regular communication with the component auditors in planning for, and throughout, the year-end audit 
process. Oversight of the component auditors included attending internal planning and status meetings, attending close meetings held 
with local management, and reviewing relevant audit documentation. 

In light of the continued travel restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic we were not able to complete our normal programme 
of planned visits. In response to these restrictions, we enhanced our remote oversight through a number of measures (as appropriate to 
each component), including more frequent dialogue and use of video conferencing and screen-sharing facilities.

8. Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s 
report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our 
report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with 
the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to 
a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a 
material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

9. Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’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 the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so.

10. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high 
level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

11. Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our 
procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 

11.1. Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and 
regulations, we considered the following:
 > the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance including the design of the Group’s 

remuneration policies, key drivers for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets;
 > the Group’s own assessment of the risks that irregularities may occur either as a result of fraud or error;
 > results of our enquiries of management, internal audit, and the Audit & Risk Committee about their own identification and assessment 

of the risks of irregularities; 

– 

 > any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the Group’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:
identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-
compliance, including in relation to Russian Sanctions (described in the Audit & Risk Committee report on page 65 and in note 4 to 
the Financial Statements), and separately in relation to the IT security incident (also referred to in the Audit & Risk Committee 
report on page 65);

–  detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
–  the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;

 > the matters discussed among the audit engagement team including significant component audit teams and relevant internal 

specialists, including tax, valuations, pensions, financial instruments and IT specialists regarding how and where fraud might occur 
in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS112
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

InDeP enDent AuDI toR’s ReP oRt CONTINUED
TO THE MEMBERS OF GENUS PLC

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and 
identified the greatest potential for fraud in the area of unusual adjustments to revenue. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), 
we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the Group operates in, focusing on provisions of those 
laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The 
key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act, Listing Rules, pensions legislation, and global 
tax legislation.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but 
compliance with which may be fundamental to the Group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included the Group’s 
compliance with health and safety regulations, environmental regulations, global data privacy regulations, and the Russian Sanctions.

11.2. Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we did not identify any key audit matters related to the potential risk of fraud or non-compliance 
with laws and regulations. 

Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:
 > reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of 

relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

 > enquiring of management, the Audit & Risk Committee and in-house and external legal counsel concerning actual and potential 

litigation and claims;

 > performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material 

misstatement due to fraud;

 > reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance, reviewing internal audit reports; 
 > in addressing the risk of non-compliance with laws and regulations in relation to the IT security incident, working with our IT specialists 

to understand the scope of the incident, evaluating reports from management’s experts, and assessing correspondence with 
external parties;

 > in addressing the risk of non-compliance with the Russian Sanctions, enquiring of internal legal counsel and evaluating 

correspondence with external legal counsel;

 > in addressing the risk of fraud through unusual adjustments to revenue, leveraging bespoke analytics to identify revenue entries with 
characteristics that appeared unusual, and testing the appropriateness of these entries by tracing to supporting documentation 
and evaluating the business rationale; and

 > in addressing the risk of fraud through unusual adjustments to revenue and management override of controls, testing the 

appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates 
are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the 
normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members including 
internal specialists and significant component audit teams, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws 
and regulations throughout the audit.

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

12. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
 > the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are 

prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

 > the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course of 
the audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

13. Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the 
Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
specified for our review.

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate 
Governance Statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 
 > the directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any material 

uncertainties identified set out on page 47;

 > the directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the group’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period is 

appropriate set out on page 47;

 > the directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 106;
 > the board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out on pages 43 to 46;
 > the section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems set out 

on page 68; and

 > the section describing the work of the Audit & Risk Committee set out on page 66.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS113
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

14. Matters on which we are required to report by exception
14.1. Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
 > we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
 > adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 

from branches not visited by us; or

 > the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

14.2. Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration have not 
been made or the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

15. Other matters which we are required to address
15.1. Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the Audit & Risk Committee, we were appointed by the Board of Directors on 8 June 2006 to audit the 
financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2006 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement 
including previous renewals and reappointments of the firm is 17 years, covering the years ending 30 June 2006 to 30 June 2022.

15.2. Consistency of the audit report with the additional report to the Audit & Risk Committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit & Risk Committee we are required to provide in accordance with 
ISAs (UK).

16. Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them 
in an auditor’s 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 and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we 
have formed. 

As required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule (DTR) 4.1.14R, these financial 
statements form part of the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) prepared Annual Financial Report filed on the National Storage 
Mechanism of the UK FCA in accordance with the ESEF Regulatory Technical Standard (‘ESEF RTS’). This auditor’s report provides no 
assurance over whether the annual financial report has been prepared using the single electronic format specified in the ESEF RTS. 

Mark Tolley FCA (Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Statutory Auditor
Reading, United Kingdom
7 September 2022

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS114
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

GRou P InCoMe stAteMent
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

REVENUE 
Adjusted operating profit
Adjusting items:

– Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets
– Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
– Share-based payment expense

Exceptional items (net)

Total adjusting items

OPERATING PROFIT 
Share of post-tax profit of joint ventures and associates retained
Finance costs
Finance income

PROFIT BEFORE TAX 
Taxation

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Alternative Performance Measures
Adjusted operating profit 
Adjusted operating profit attributable to non-controlling interest
Pre-tax share of profits from joint ventures and associates excluding net IAS 41 valuation movement 
Gene editing costs

Adjusted operating profit including joint ventures and associates, excluding gene editing costs
Gene editing costs

Adjusted operating profit including joint ventures and associates
Net finance costs

Adjusted profit before tax 

Adjusted earnings per share
Basic adjusted earnings per share
Diluted adjusted earnings per share

Note

5, 6
5

16
15
30

7

8
18
10
10

11

2022  
£m

593.4
68.8

(5.4)
(8.3)
(3.7)

(17.4)
(2.0)

(19.4)

49.4
5.2
(6.6)
0.4

48.4
(11.7)

36.7

40.9
(4.2)

36.7

2021  
£m

574.3
76.9

(10.8)
(7.4)
(7.7)

(25.9)
(3.3)

(29.2)

47.7
13.1
(5.4)
0.4

55.8
(9.0)

46.8

47.3
(0.5)

46.8

12 
12

62.5p
62.2p

72.6p
72.0p

Note

2022  
£m

2021  
£m

68.8
(0.3)
9.2
7.9

85.6
(7.9)

77.7
(6.2)

71.5

76.9
(0.1)
13.0
7.6

97.4
(7.6)

89.8
(5.0)

84.8

82.7p
82.3p

100.9p
100.1p

10

12
12

Adjusted results are the Alternative Performance Measures (‘APMs’) used by the Board to monitor underlying performance at a Group 
and operating segment level, which are applied consistently throughout. These APMs should be considered in addition to statutory 
measures, and not as a substitute for or as superior to them. For more information on APMs, see APM Glossary.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS115
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

GRou P stAteMent oF CoMPReHensIVe InCoMe
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Foreign exchange translation differences
Fair value movement on net investment hedges
Fair value movement on cash flow hedges
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive expense 

Items that may not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Actuarial gains on retirement benefit obligations
Movement on pension asset recognition restriction 
Release/(recognition) of additional pension liability
(Loss)/gain on equity instruments measured at fair value 
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income/(expense) 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(EXPENSE) FOR THE YEAR

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest

Note

2022  
£m

26

11

29
29
29

11

66.6
(0.7)
1.9
(8.2)

27.3
(69.8)
43.7
(6.1)
1.1

2022  
£m

36.7

59.6

(3.8)

55.8

92.5

2021  
£m

(45.2)
0.4
0.2
7.6

22.3
(0.1)
(19.9)
6.7
(2.0)

2021  
£m

46.8

(37.0)

7.0

(30.0)

16.8

97.3
(4.8)

17.1
(0.3)

92.5

16.8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS116
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

GRou P stAteMent oF CHAnGes In eQuItY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

Called up  
share 
capital  

£m

6.5

Note

Share 
premium 
account 
£m

Own 
shares  

£m

Trans- 
lation 
reserve  

£m

Hedging 
reserve  

£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Total  
£m

Non- 
controlling 
interest  

£m

Total 
equity  

£m

179.1

(0.1)

29.5

(0.2)

280.7

495.5

(1.0)

494.5

BALANCE AT 30 JUNE 2020
Foreign exchange translation differences, 
net of tax
Fair value movement on net investment 
hedges, net of tax
Fair value movement on cash flow hedges, 
net of tax
Gain on equity instruments measured at fair 
value, net of tax
Actuarial gains on retirement benefit 
obligations, net of tax
Movement on pension asset recognition 
restriction, net of tax
Recognition of additional pension liability, 
net of tax

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for 
the year
Profit/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for 
the year
Recognition of share-based payments, net 
of tax
Dividends
Adjustment arising from change in non-
controlling interest and written put option
Issue of ordinary shares

BALANCE AT 30 JUNE 2021
Foreign exchange translation differences, 
net of tax
Fair value movement on net investment 
hedges, net of tax
Fair value movement on cash flow hedges, 
net of tax
Loss on equity instruments measured at fair 
value, net of tax
Actuarial gains on retirement benefit 
obligations, net of tax
Movement on pension asset recognition 
restriction, net of tax
Recognition of additional pension liability, 
net of tax

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for 
the year
Profit/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the 
year
Recognition of share-based payments, net 
of tax
Dividends
Adjustment arising from change in non-
controlling interest and written put option

13

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–
0.1

6.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

(37.7)

0.2

(37.5)

(37.7)

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5.0

0.3

0.2

5.0

19.8

19.8

(0.1)

(0.1)

(17.7)

(17.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

0.2

5.0

19.8

(0.1)

(17.7)

(37.4)
–

0.2
–

7.0
47.3

(30.2)
47.3

0.2
(0.5)

(30.0)
46.8

(37.4)

0.2

54.3

17.1

(0.3)

16.8

–
–

–
–

59.4

(0.6)

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–

–

1.4

–

–

–

–

4.9
(19.5)

4.9
(19.5)

–
–

–
0.1

–
–

(0.2)
–

4.9
(19.5)

(0.2)
0.1

320.4

498.1

(1.5)

496.6

59.4

(0.6)

58.8

–

–

–

(0.6)

1.4

(4.6)

(4.6)

19.5

19.5

(49.7)

(49.7)

31.0

31.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.6)

1.4

(4.6)

19.5

(49.7)

31.0

58.8
–

1.4
–

(3.8)
40.9

56.4
40.9

(0.6)
(4.2)

55.8
36.7

58.8

1.4

37.1

97.3

(4.8)

92.5

–
–

–

–
–

–

4.0
(20.9)

4.0
(20.9)

–
–

4.0
(20.9)

–

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

13

179.1

(0.1)

(7.9)

BALANCE AT 30 JUNE 2022

6.6

179.1

(0.1)

50.9

1.4

340.6

578.5

(6.4)

572.1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS117
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

GRou P BALAnCe sHeet
AS AT 30 JUNE 2022

ASSETS
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Biological assets
Property, plant and equipment
Interests in joint ventures and associates
Other investments
Derivative financial assets
Other receivables
Deferred tax assets

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories
Biological assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Income tax receivable
Derivative financial assets
Asset held for sale

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES
Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Provisions
Deferred consideration
Obligations under leases
Tax liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Retirement benefit obligations
Provisions
Deferred consideration
Deferred tax liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Obligations under leases

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Own shares
Translation reserve
Hedging reserve
Retained earnings

EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY 
Non-controlling interest
Put option over non-controlling interest

TOTAL NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

TOTAL EQUITY

Note

2022  
£m

2021  
£m

14
15
16
17
18
19
26
21
11

20
16
21
22

26

23
27
25
38
28

26

23
27
29
25
38
11
26
28

31

31
31
31

39
39

111.0
72.0
333.7
171.4
41.2
10.2
2.2
8.6
10.1

760.4

50.9
33.1
129.5
38.8
4.0
1.0
0.2

257.5

1,017.9

(124.7)
(7.1)
(1.9)
(0.8)
(10.1)
(4.9)
(1.8)

(151.3)

(0.2)
(182.1)
(8.3)
(12.0)
(0.7)
(60.3)
(6.4)
(24.5)

(294.5)

(445.8)

572.1

6.6
179.1
(0.1)
50.9
1.4
340.6

578.5
(0.7)
(5.7)

(6.4)

572.1

101.5
56.3
279.9
123.0
34.1
14.7
–
1.8
8.0

619.3

37.0
39.6
106.2
46.0
2.6
0.1
0.2

231.7

851.0

(110.3)
(13.9)
(1.3)
(1.6)
(9.0)
(6.4)
–

(142.5)

(1.4)
(109.4)
(11.1)
(11.1)
(0.5)
(53.0)
(6.1)
(19.3)

(211.9)

(354.4)

496.6

6.6
179.1
(0.1)
(7.9)
–
320.4

498.1
3.6
(5.1)

(1.5)

496.6

The Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 7 September 2022.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors

Stephen Wilson 
Chief Executive 

Alison Henriksen
Chief Financial Officer

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
118
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

GRou P stAteMent oF CAsH FLoWs
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

Note

32

18
18
18

38

NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Joint venture and associate loan payment
Acquisition of joint venture and associate
Acquisition of trade and assets
Acquisition of Olymel AlphaGene assets
Acquisition of investments
Payment of deferred consideration
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Drawdown of borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Payment of lease liabilities
Equity dividends paid
Dividend to non-controlling interest
Debt issue costs
Issue of ordinary shares

NET CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents at start of the year
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 30 JUNE

22

2022  
£m

34.3

3.2
–
(2.2)
(0.8)
(14.5)
(1.0)
(1.0)
(42.1)
(8.8)
–

(67.2)

138.7
(83.9)
(11.3)
(20.9)
(0.1)
(0.6)
–

21.9

(11.0)

46.0
(11.0)
3.8

38.8

2021  
£m

67.5

4.1
(0.4)
(2.4)
(6.9)
–
(0.9)
(6.7)
(28.7)
(5.1)
0.3

(46.7)

195.1
(176.1)
(11.7)
(19.5)
(0.2)
(1.9)
0.1

(14.2)

6.6

41.3
6.6
(1.9)

46.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS119
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

1. REPORTING ENTITY

Genus plc (the ‘Company’) is a public company limited by shares and incorporated in England, United Kingdom under the Companies 
Act 2006. Its company number is 02972325 and its registered office is Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4DZ. The 
Group Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 
‘Group’). We have used the equity method to account for the Group’s interests in joint ventures and associates. Our business model on 
pages 12 to 13 explains the Group’s operations and principal activities.

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION

We have prepared the Group Financial Statements in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The Group Financial Statements have also been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’).

Unless otherwise stated, we have consistently applied the significant accounting policies set out below to all periods presented in these 
Group Financial Statements. 

The going concern statement has been included in the Strategic Report on page 47 and forms part of these statements.

Functional and presentational currency
We present the Group Financial Statements in Sterling, which is the Company’s functional and presentational currency. All financial 
information presented in Sterling has been rounded to the nearest £0.1m.

Use of estimates
Preparing financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect our application of 
accounting policies and our reported assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Our actual results may differ from these estimates. We 
review our estimates and underlying assumptions on an ongoing basis, and recognise revisions to accounting estimates in the period in 
which we revise the estimate and in any future periods affected.

Note 4 provides information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and the critical judgements we made in applying 
accounting policies that have the most effect on the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements.

Alternative Performance Measures (‘APMs’)
In reporting financial information, the Group presents APMs, which are not defined or specified under the requirements of IFRS and which 
are not considered to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures.

The Group believes that these APMs provide stakeholders with additional helpful information on the performance of the business. The 
APMs are consistent with how we plan our business performance and report on it in our internal management reporting to the Board 
and GELT. Some of these measures are also used for the purpose of setting remuneration targets.

For a full list of all APMs please see the Alternative Performance Measures section of the Annual Report on pages 190 to 197.

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES APPLIED IN THE CURRENT REPORTING PERIOD THAT RELATE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
AS A WHOLE

This section sets out our significant accounting policies that relate to the Financial Statements as a whole. Where an accounting policy 
is generally applicable to a specific note to the Financial Statements, the policy has been described in that note. We have also detailed 
below the new accounting pronouncements that we will adopt in future years and our current view of the impact they will have on our 
financial reporting.

Accounting convention
We prepare the Group Financial Statements under the historical cost convention, except for our biological assets, share-based 
payment expense, pension liabilities and derivative financial instruments. In accordance with IFRS, we measure biological assets at fair 
value less point-of-sale costs, which represent distribution costs and selling expenses, and share-based payment expense, pension 
liabilities, and certain financial instruments at fair value.

Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are entities the Group controls. We have control of an entity when we are exposed, or have the rights, to variable returns 
from the entity and have the ability to affect the returns through power over the entity. In assessing control, we take into account 
potential voting rights that we can currently exercise or convert. We fully consolidate the results of subsidiaries we acquire from the date 
that control transfers to the Group. We cease consolidating the results of subsidiaries that we cease to control from the date that 
control passes.

In preparing the Group Financial Statements, we eliminate intra-Group balances and any unrealised income and expenses arising from 
intra-Group transactions. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are eliminated against the 
investment, to the extent of our interest in the investee. We eliminate unrealised losses in the same way as unrealised gains, but only 
to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

Foreign currencies
We record foreign currency transactions in the relevant Group entity’s functional currency, at the exchange rate on the transaction date. 
At each balance sheet date, we retranslate monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the exchange rate on the 
balance sheet date. We recognise the foreign exchange differences arising on retranslation in the Group Income Statement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS120
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES APPLIED IN THE CURRENT REPORTING PERIOD THAT RELATE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
AS A WHOLE CONTINUED

When non-monetary assets and liabilities are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency, we translate them at the exchange rate 
at the transaction date. When non-monetary assets and liabilities are stated at fair value in a foreign currency, we translate them at the 
prevailing exchange rate on the date we determined the fair value. We recognise the foreign exchange differences arising on 
retranslation in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill arising on consolidation, are translated into Sterling at the prevailing 
exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The resulting exchange differences are booked into foreign currency translation reserves 
and reported in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income. We translate these operations’ revenues and expenses using an 
average rate for the period. 

When exchange differences arise from the fair value movement of related effective hedges, we take them to the foreign currency 
translation reserve. When we dispose of a foreign operation, we release these differences to the Income Statement. Exchange 
movements on inter-company loans considered to be permanent equity are recognised in the Group Statement of Comprehensive 
Income, together with any related taxation.

The principal exchange rates were as follows:

US Dollar/£
Euro/£
Brazilian Real/£
Mexican Peso/£
Chinese Yuan/£
Russian Rouble/£

2022

1.32
1.18
6.94
26.97
8.55
98.75

Average

2021

1.36
1.13
7.33
28.15
8.94
102.04

2020

1.26
1.14
5.74
26.08
8.89
85.17

2022

1.22
1.16
6.39
24.45
8.15
66.73

Closing

2021

1.38
1.17
6.87
27.57
8.93
101.10

2020

1.24
1.10
6.77
28.52
8.75
88.19

Research and development
We undertake research with the aim of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge, and recognise this expenditure in the Income 
Statement as it is incurred.

The Group constantly monitors its research activities. When research projects achieve technical feasibility and are commercially viable, 
our policy is to capitalise further development costs within intangible assets, in accordance with IAS 38.

Our development activities include developing and maintaining our porcine genetic nucleus herd and our bovine pre-stud herds. We do 
not capitalise development expenditure separately for these herds, as their fair value is included in the fair value of the Group’s 
biological assets, in accordance with IAS 41.

We disclose the costs of research and development activities, as required by IAS 38 (see note 8).

Other income and deferred income
During the year ended 30 June 2019, the Company entered into a strategic collaboration with Beijing Capital Agribusiness (‘BCA’) under 
which BCA will establish and fund a collaboration specific entity (‘BCA Future Bio-Tech’) which will use Genus’s intellectual property and 
know-how to pursue the PRRSv resistance regulatory and development work in China. Genus will receive consideration after meeting 
certain milestones in the development programme.

Each milestone is considered to be either a separate performance obligation, or a set of groups of separate performance obligations, 
under this agreement and are unbundled in the contractual arrangement as if they are distinct from one another. 

We assess each separate performance obligation relating to the milestone payments, and upon completion of those performance 
obligations recognise the fair value of amounts earned in other income. Some performance obligations, such as the transfer of know-
how, are recognised at a point in time whereas others, such as the provision of technical services, are recognised over time. We 
recognise any received but unearned consideration as deferred income.

We will apply the same accounting policy to any other comparable agreements.

Reversals of impairment
We reverse an impairment loss in respect of assets other than goodwill when the impairment loss may no longer exist and we have 
changed the estimates we used to determine the recoverable amount.

We only reverse an impairment loss to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount it would have 
had, net of depreciation or amortisation, if we had not recognised the impairment loss. 

Climate change
In preparing these consolidated financial statements we have considered the impact of both physical and transition climate change 
risks on the current valuation of our assets and liabilities. We do not believe that there is a material impact on the financial reporting 
judgements and estimates arising from our considerations and as a result the valuations of our assets or liabilities have not been 
significantly impacted by these risks as at 30 June 2022. In concluding, we specifically considered the impact of climate change on the 
growth rates and projected cash flows as part of our goodwill impairment testing (see note 14). As government policies evolve as a result 
of commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C, we will continue to monitor implications on the valuations of our assets and liabilities 
that could arise in future years.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS121
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES APPLIED IN THE CURRENT REPORTING PERIOD THAT RELATE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
AS A WHOLE CONTINUED

New standards and interpretations
In the current year, the Group has applied a number of amendments to IFRS issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 
that are mandatorily effective for an accounting period that begins after 1 January 2021 and have been implemented with effect from 
1 July 2021. These are:
 > Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 – ’Interest Rate Benchmark Reform — Phase 2’; and
 > Amendment to IFRS 16 – ‘COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions beyond 30 June 2021’.

Their addition has not had any material impact on the disclosures, or amounts reported in the Group Financial Statements.

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted
At the date of the Annual Report, the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in the report were in issue 
but not yet effective (and in some cases had not yet been adopted by the UK). The Group will continue to assess the impact of these 
amendments prior to their adoption. These are:
 > Amendments to IAS 1 – ‘Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current’;
 > Amendments to IAS 16 – ‘Property, Plant and Equipment — Proceeds before Intended Use’;
 > Annual Improvements 2018-2020 Cycle;
 > Amendments to IAS 37 – ‘Onerous Contracts — Cost of Fulfilling a Contract’;
 > Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 – ‘Disclosure of Accounting Policies’;
 > Amendments to IAS 12 – ‘Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction’; and
 > Amendments to IAS 8 – ‘Definition of Accounting Estimates’.

4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements requires the Group to make estimates and judgements that affect the 
application of policies and reported amounts.

Critical judgements represent key decisions made by management in the application of the Group’s accounting policies, where a 
significant risk of materially different outcomes exists due to management assumptions or sources of estimation uncertainty. Estimates 
and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future 
events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the 
next 12 months are discussed below.

Critical accounting judgements
Adjusting items
The Directors believe that the adjusted profit and earnings per share measures provide additional information to shareholders on the 
performance of the business. These measures are consistent with how business performance is measured internally by the Board 
and GELT.

The profit before tax and adjusting items measures are not recognised profit measures under IFRS and may not be directly comparable 
with adjusted profit measures used by other companies. The classification of adjusting items requires significant judgement, after 
considering the nature and intentions of a transaction. The Group’s definitions of adjusting items are outlined within the Group 
accounting policies and have been applied consistently year-on-year.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Determination of the fair value of biological assets (note 16)
Determining the fair values of our bovine and porcine biological assets requires the application of a number of estimates and assumptions. 

Below is a list of these estimates and assumptions, showing whether we consider them to be observable or unobservable inputs to the 
fair value determination. In addition, we identify those inputs that are ‘readily obtainable’ transactional data or ‘open market prices’.
Sensitivities of the estimates and assumptions given below are disclosed in note 16.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS122
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY CONTINUED

Estimates and assumptions

Observable/unobservable

Source

Bovine

Long-term dairy volume growth rate 
Short-term dairy volume growth rate
Value at point of production1
Unit prices
Animals’ useful lifespan
Percentage of new dairy bulls to be produced internally each year1 Unobservable
Unobservable
Age profile of bulls1 
Unobservable
Risk-adjusted discount rate1

Unobservable
Unobservable
Unobservable
Unobservable
Observable

Porcine 
(non pure line herds) Animals’ useful lifespan

Porcine 
(pure line herds)

The proportion of animals that go to slaughter
The mix of boars and gilts
Risk-adjusted discount rate

Number of future generations attributable to the current herds
Fair value prices achieved on sales
Animals’ expected useful lifespan and productivity
The proportion of animals that go to breeding sales1
Risk-adjusted discount rate1

Observable
Observable
Observable
Unobservable

Observable
Observable
Observable
Observable
Unobservable

1  Key sources of estimation uncertainty

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Readily obtainable
n/a
n/a
n/a

Readily obtainable
Readily obtainable
Readily obtainable
n/a

Readily obtainable
Open market prices
Readily obtainable
Readily obtainable
n/a

For sale unit prices in bovine IAS 41 valuation model, in high inflationary environments, historical prices are not deemed to be the best 
estimate of future performance, so expected Board-approved budget unit prices have been used in the calculation. 

Impact of Russian Sanctions 
The Group has two group operating companies that are incorporated in Russia – Limited Liability Co. Genus ABS Russia and PIC 
Genetics LLC (‘Russian-based subsidiaries/entities’). Following the sanctions that have been put in place by the UK and other 
governments the Group implemented a comprehensive screening process with external counsel to ensure that its Russian entities  
do not trade with sanctioned individuals or entities controlled by them. The main impact of the sanctions regime has been to categorise 
the banks in Russia into sanctioned and non-sanctioned banks. Where we receive money from sanctioned banks we are unable to  
use the cash without a licence from Her Majesty’s Treasury (‘HMT’). For cash receipts from non-sanctioned banks into the entities’ 
non-sanctioned banks we are able to use the cash in Russia for day-to-day operations. 

The Group applied for a licence to HMT on 25 April 2022 to allow the use of payments from sanctioned banks by non-sanctioned Russian 
customers for the delivery of porcine and bovine genetics; use money in a non-sanctioned Russian bank account in the name of Genus 
Russia to pay Russian suppliers who continue to use sanctioned Russian bank accounts; and to remit any excess money in Genus 
Russia’s non-sanctioned Russian bank account (regardless of whether it was received from a sanctioned or non-sanctioned Russian 
bank account) to other Genus Group company UK bank accounts. As at 7 September 2022, we are awaiting a response from HMT. 

Under the requirements of IAS 7, where there is cash that is not available to be used by the rest of the Group this needs to be disclosed. 
As at 30 June 2022, we had a cash balance of £4.5m in the Russian entities of which £3.9m is not currently available to be used by the 
Group due to being received from or held in sanctioned banks. If the Group were to obtain the licence from HMT referred to above the 
£3.9m would be available to be used by the Group.

Management have performed an assessment of the operations and cash flow over a period of 18 months from 30 June 2022 to 
31 December 2023 based upon the 2023 operating plans to determine whether the Russian entities have sufficient non-sanctioned cash 
flow to enable them to continue day-to-day operations and to meet liabilities as they fall due. The analysis indicates they do have 
sufficient non-sanctioned cash flow to enable them to meet day-to-day operational needs.

Critical accounting judgement – exercise of control
Management has assessed whether the actions of the UK and Russian Governments have caused the Group to lose control of these 
Russian-based subsidiaries. We have concluded that we do have control for the year ended 30 June 2022, as defined under IFRS 10 
‘Consolidated financial statements’ over the Russian-based subsidiaries and are still able to consolidate despite short-term restrictions 
on extracting cash. We have assessed each of the asset balances for impairment. The material areas that could give rise to 
impairment are:
 > PIC Russia farm (£3.7m) – the value of the farm is predicated on the future economic benefit of the animals that are being reared 

there. We would need to assess if the open market price (less cost to sell) the property would support the carrying value. 

 > Trade receivables (£6.0m) – the ongoing financial sanctions may affect the ability of our customers to pay us for their goods. If it is 

determined that our customers are unlikely to repay these amounts then they should be provided for. 

 > IAS 41 valuation (£2.9m) – the ongoing impacts of both the local economic outlook and our customers’ ability to pay us could result in 

a reversal of the fair value of the Russian biological assets in the June valuation. 

The impairment analysis performed by management indicates that under the current business environment and based on the plans for 
the Financial Year 2023 no impairment is required as at 30 June 2022.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS123
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY CONTINUED

Management will continue to monitor the situation closely to see if any further changes require additional analysis that may result in a 
different conclusion.

In the event of changes in legislation, such as more restrictive sanctions imposed by the UK Government or actions taken by the Russian 
Government, we may determine that we do not exercise control, as defined under IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’, over the 
assets and operations of the Russian entities and we would not be able to consolidate these companies into the financial statements of 
the Group. The deconsolidation would mean that we would reclassify the Russian entities as investments and we would need to assess 
for impairment. A charge of up to £16.6m may need to be recognised in the Income Statement representing the total net assets of the 
two Russian entities. Dependent on the nature of the events leading to the decision to deconsolidate the entities there may be 
additional expenses incurred which we are unable to estimate at this time. In addition, revenues would not be consolidated into the 
financial statements of the Genus Group from the date of any deconsolidation. Revenues from the Russian entities were £14.6m in the 
financial year 2022.

5. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION

IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the 
Group that are regularly reviewed by the Chief Executive and the Board, to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their 
performance. The Group’s operating and reporting structure comprises three operating segments: Genus PIC, Genus ABS and Genus 
Research and Development. These segments are the basis on which the Group reports its segmental information. The principal activities 
of each segment are as follows:
 > Genus PIC – our global porcine sales business;
 > Genus ABS – our global bovine sales business; and
 > Genus Research and Development – our global spend on research and development.

A segmental analysis of revenue, operating profit, depreciation, amortisation, non-current asset additions, segment assets and 
liabilities and geographical information is provided below. We do not include our adjusting items in the segments, as we believe these 
do not reflect the underlying performance of the segments. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as the 
Group’s accounting policies, as described in the Financial Statements.

Revenue

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Genus Research and Development 

Porcine product development
Bovine product development
Gene editing
Other research and development

2022
£m

306.6
272.0

12.4
1.7
0.7
–

14.8

2021
£m

315.6
250.1

7.3
1.3
–
–

8.6

593.4

574.3

Adjusted operating profit by segment is set out below and reconciled to the Group’s adjusted operating profit. A reconciliation of 
adjusted operating profit to profit for the year is shown on the face of the Group Income Statement.

Adjusted operating profit

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Genus Research and Development 

Porcine product development
Bovine product development
Gene editing
Other research and development

Adjusted segment operating profit
Central

Adjusted operating profit

2022
£m

112.3
40.5

(22.4)
(22.8)
(7.9)
(14.0)

(67.1)

85.7
(16.9)

68.8

2021
£m

122.9
36.4

(21.9)
(19.6)
(7.6)
(13.3)

(62.4)

96.9
(20.0)

76.9

Our business is not highly seasonal and our customer base is diversified, with no individual customer generating more than 2% 
of revenue.

Exceptional items of £2.0m expense (2021: £3.3m expense) relate to Genus ABS (£4.2m expense) (2021: 2.5m expense), Genus PIC 
(£0.6m expense) (2021: £0.3m expense) and our central segment (£2.8m credit) (2021: £0.5m expense). Note 7 provides details of these 
exceptional items.

We consider share-based payment expenses on a Group-wide basis and do not allocate them to reportable segments. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS124
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

5. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

Other segment information

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Genus Research and Development

Research
Porcine product development
Bovine product development

Segment total
Central

Total

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Genus Research and Development

Research
Porcine product development
Bovine product development

Segment total
Central 

Total

Depreciation

Amortisation

Additions to non-current 
assets (excluding deferred 
taxation and financial 
instruments)

2022 
£m

4.5
14.3

1.0
2.2
2.0

5.2

24.0
2.4

26.4

2021 
£m 

3.0
13.3

0.7
1.9
1.8

4.4

20.7
3.3

24.0

2022 
£m

7.4
3.4

–
–
0.2

0.2

11.0
1.6

12.6

2021 
£m 

6.5
2.8

–
–
0.2

0.2

9.5
1.6

11.1

2022 
£m

45.2
25.4

3.3
1.3
2.7

7.3

77.9
5.8

83.7

2021 
£m 

10.0
26.8

1.7
7.1
2.7

11.5

48.3
3.9

52.2

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

2022 
£m

305.4
261.4

14.7
275.0
119.6

409.3

976.1
41.8

1,017.9

2021 
£m 

261.5
203.1

17.8
213.6
125.0

356.4

821.0
30.0

851.0

2022 
£m

(73.4)
(78.9)

(4.4)
(57.7)
(16.7)

(78.8)

(231.1)
(214.7)

(445.8)

2021 
£m 

(57.4)
(56.0)

(6.1)
(55.0)
(25.5)

(86.6)

(200.0)
(154.4)

(354.4)

Geographical information
The Group’s revenue by geographical segment is analysed below. This analysis is stated on the basis of where the customer is located.

Revenue 

North America
Latin America
UK
Rest of Europe, Middle East, Russia and Africa
Asia

2022
£m

238.5
94.6
88.7
88.3
83.3

593.4

Non-current assets (excluding deferred taxation and financial instruments)
The Group’s non-current assets by geographical segment are analysed below and are stated on the basis of where the assets 
are located.

North America
Latin America
UK
Rest of Europe, Middle East, Russia and Africa
Asia

2022 
£m 

529.6
56.7
69.8
45.7
46.3

748.1

2021
£m

214.7
83.8
92.2
82.1
101.5

574.3

2021 
£m 

419.5
46.1
73.3
44.6
27.8

611.3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS125
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

6. REVENUE

Accounting policy
The Group recognises revenue from the following sources:
 > sale of bovine and porcine semen, porcine breeding animals, embryos and ancillary products;
 > royalties;
 > consulting; 
 > technical services and advice revenues; 
 > installation and maintenance of IntelliGen technology;
 > licensing of IntelliGen technology; 
 > slaughter animal sales; and
 > bovine partnership contracts.

Revenue is measured based on the consideration the Group expects to be entitled to under a contract with a customer and 
excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Group recognises revenue when it transfers control of a product or service 
to a customer. 

the sale of bovine and porcine semen, porcine breeding animals, embryos and ancillary products
Revenue from the sale of bovine and porcine semen, porcine breeding animals, embryos and ancillary products is recognised when the 
control of the goods has transferred to the customer or distributor. This is either when we ship to customers or on delivery, depending on 
the terms of sale. Payment of the transaction price is due immediately, or within a short period of time, from the point the customer or 
distributor controls the goods.

Royalties
Royalties are recognised when the performance obligation is met. We receive royalty payments from certain porcine customers based 
on key performance variables, such as the number of pigs born per litter, the number of litters born per sow and the average slaughter 
weight of the animals born. This amount is confirmed directly to Genus by the customer. Payment of the transaction price is due 
immediately from the customer, or within a short period of time, once the performance obligation is satisfied.

Consulting
Revenue from consulting represents the amounts we charged for services we provided during the year, including recoverable expenses. 
We recognise consulting services provided but not yet billed as revenue, based on a fair value assessment of the work we have 
delivered and our contractual right to receive payment. Where unbilled revenue is contingent on a future event, we do not recognise 
any revenue until the event occurs. 

technical services and advice revenues
Revenue from technical services and advice revenues represents the amounts we charged for services we provided during the year, 
including recoverable expenses. We recognise technical services and advice revenues provided but not yet billed as revenue, based 
on a fair value assessment of the work we have delivered and our contractual right to receive payment. Where unbilled revenue is 
contingent on a future event, we do not recognise any revenue until the event occurs. Technical services and advice revenues are 
presented in ancillary services in the table on the following page.

Installation and maintenance of IntelliGen technology
Revenue from the installation of IntelliGen technology is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the installation and is 
based on milestones being met. Maintenance is provided as a distinct service to customers and is recognised over the period of the 
service agreement. These revenues are presented in ancillary services in the following table.

Licensing of IntelliGen technology
Revenue from the licensing of IntelliGen technology is recognised at a point in time when the licence is granted. In determining the 
transaction price, any minimum royalties due under the contracts are included in the value apportioned to the grant of the licence, 
excluding any royalties that arise on units produced in excess of the guaranteed minimums. These additional royalties have been 
determined to be a usage-based royalty and are recognised as revenue at the point in time that the units are produced. These 
revenues are presented in ancillary services in the table on the table on the following page.

slaughter of animals
Revenue from the slaughter of animals is recognised when control of the goods has transferred to the slaughterhouse, which is generally 
on the delivery of animals to the slaughterhouse. Payment of the transaction price is due immediately, or within a short period of time, 
from the point the slaughterhouse controls the goods.

Bovine partnership contracts
Partnership contracts include the provision of multiple bovine products and services for a single price. The contract price is allocated to 
the individual performance obligations based on their standalone selling prices. The expected revenue is recognised for the products 
and services once the individual performance obligation has been satisfied. Revenues from partnership contracts are presented in sale 
of animals, semen, embryos and ancillary products and services.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS126
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

6. REVENUE CONTINUED

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Genus Research and Development

Sale of animals, semen, embryos and ancillary products and services

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Genus Research and Development

Royalties

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Genus Research and Development

Consulting services

Total revenue

Revenue from contracts with customers
The Group’s revenue is analysed below by the timing at which it is recognised.

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Genus Research and Development

Recognised at a point in time

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Genus Research and Development

Recognised over time

Total revenue

2022 
£m

158.4
262.5
14.8

435.7

148.2
1.1
–

149.3

–
8.4
–

8.4

2021 
£m

172.6
242.2
8.6

423.4

143.0
0.6
–

143.6

–
7.3
–

7.3

593.4

574.3

2022 
£m

303.2
247.2
14.1

564.5

3.4
24.8
0.7

28.9

2021 
£m

312.8
229.1
8.6

550.5

2.8
21.0
–

23.8

593.4

574.3

An analysis of contract assets and contract liabilities is provided in note 24.

7. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

Accounting policy
We present exceptional items separately, as we believe it helps to improve the understanding of the Group’s underlying performance. 

In determining whether an item should be presented as exceptional, we consider items which are material either because of their size or 
their nature, and those which are non-recurring. For an item to be considered as exceptional, it must initially meet at least one of the 
following criteria:
 > it is a one-off material item;
 > it has been directly incurred as the result of either an acquisition, integration or other major restructuring programme; 
 > it has been previously classified as an exceptional item, and as such consistent accounting treatment is being applied; or
 > it is unusual in nature, e.g. outside the normal course of business.

If an item meets at least one of the criteria, we then exercise judgement as to whether the item should be classified as exceptional. 
For the tax and cash impact of exceptional items see notes 11 and 32, respectively.

Operating (expense)/credit

Litigation and damages
Acquisition and integration
Pension related
Legacy legal claim
ABS production restructuring
Other

2022 
£m

(1.4)
(0.3)
(0.4)
3.3
(2.8)
(0.4)

(2.0)

2021
 £m

(2.5)
(0.3)
(2.3)
–
–
1.8

(3.3)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
127
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

7. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS CONTINUED

Litigation and damages
Litigation includes legal fees and related costs of £1.4m (2021: £2.5m) related to the actions between ABS Global, Inc. and certain 
affiliates (‘ABS’) and Inguran, LLC and certain affiliates (aka STgenetics (‘ST’)). For information on amounts provided for, see note 25.

Material litigation activities during the year ended 30 June 2022
In July 2014, ABS launched a legal action against ST in the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin and initiated anti-trust 
proceedings which ultimately enabled the launch of ABS’s IntelliGen sexing technology in the US market (‘ABS I’). In June 2017, ST filed 
proceedings against ABS in the same District Court, where ST alleged that ABS infringed seven patents and asserted trade secret and 
breach of contract claims (‘ABS II’). The ABS I and ABS II proceedings in the periods before the year ended 30 June 2021 are more fully 
described in the Notes to the Financial Statements in previous Annual Reports. ABS sought judgments as a matter of law (‘JMOL’) in 
relation to the invalidity of all three of the patents considered in ABS II, JMOLs in relation to the non-infringement of two of those 
patents, and a reduction in damages awarded by the jury.

On 29 January 2020, ST filed a new US complaint against ABS (‘ABS III’). ABS has prepared and filed a response to the ABS III complaint, 
including a motion to dismiss, on the basis that all these issues were fully resolved in either the ABS I or ABS II litigations. 

On 10 March 2020, the USPTO issued patent 10,583,439 (the ‘’439 patent’), and subsequently ST asked the court for permission to file a 
supplemental complaint in ABS III asserting infringement of the ’439 patent. On 15 April 2020, ST filed a new complaint (‘ABS IV’), asserting 
the same claim of infringement of the ’439 patent alleged in its supplemental complaint and then moved to consolidate the ABS IV and 
ABS III litigation. ABS opposed this action and has filed a motion for summary dismissal. On 23 June 2020, the USPTO issued patent 
10,689,210 (the ‘’210 patent’), and on 6 July 2020, ST sought a second supplement of ABS III by adding a claim of ’210 patent infringement. 
ABS opposed this action. 

On 26 October 2020 and 10 December 2020, ABS filed Inter Partes Reviews (‘IPR’) against the ’439 and ’210 patents with the USPTO. On 
4 May 2021, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (‘PTAB’) instituted the ’439 patent IPR, and the hearing was completed on 2 February 2022. 
On 7 June 2021, PTAB declined to institute the ’210 patent IPR and on 28 April 2022, PTAB issued its decision and declined to invalidate 
the claims of the ’439 patent. 

On 20 December 2021, the Wisconsin Federal Court reached a decision on the ABS III and IV motions, granting ABS’s motion to dismiss all 
claims relating to US patent 8,206,987 (the ‘’987 patent’), and denying ST’s motion to amend ABS III to add the ’439 and ’210 patents. The 
court dismissed ABS III in its entirety and entered judgment in favour of ABS. ST has appealed this decision. 

On 1 July 2022, the court reached a decision on the ABS II post-judgment motions as well as the pending motions in ABS IV. The court 
deferred to the jury’s verdict in ABS II confirming the validity and infringement of US patents 7,311,476, 7,611,309 (the ‘’476 and ’309 patents’ 
respectively) and the ’987 patent, and further confirmed the award of costs to ABS of ~$5.3m in connection with ABS I. In relation to ABS 
IV, the Court denied ABS’ motion to dismiss the ’439 and ‘210 patent claims on the basis that the challenges were too fact-based to 
be resolved at this stage. A court scheduling conference confirmed a hearing date of 15 July 2024 for ABS IV hearing. Appeals have been 
filed by ABS on the validity and infringement of the ’987, the ’476 and the ’309 patents and ST has appealed the award of the 
$5.3m costs. 

Indian Litigation: In September 2019, ST also filed parallel patent infringement proceedings against ABS in India, alleging infringement of 
the Indian patent 240790 (‘’790 patent’). The ’790 patent is the equivalent of the US patent 7,311,476 asserted in ABS II. ABS had already 
sought the revocation of the ’790 patent in April 2017 before the Indian Patent Office and has now consolidated the revocation petition 
as a counterclaim in the Indian court proceedings. Progress of these proceedings has been delayed on multiple occasions and is next 
before the court for consideration on 15 September 2022. 

Acquisitions and integration
During the year, £0.3m (2021: £0.3m) of expenses were incurred in relation to acquisitions during the year, with £0.2m relating the Olymel 
transaction.

Legacy legal claim
A one-off credit of £3.3m resulted from a non-refundable receipt of cash for the assignment of rights to a legacy legal claim against 
the Instituto Brasileiro de Café (‘IBC’) in Brazil. The claim was for reimbursement of unpaid amounts plus interest in respect of coffee 
shipments made by a Group subsidiary to the IBC in the 1990s, when the subsidiary was part of the Dalgety Group. Under the 
assignment agreement, the subsidiary has assigned any future receipt from the legal claim to an investment fund in Brazil, in exchange 
for an immediate cash amount and a sliding scale earn out payment which decreases over the duration of the period to the eventual 
receipt of proceeds by the assignee. No amount has been recognised in respect of the earn out payment, as the duration to the 
eventual settlement of the legal claim cannot be estimated with any certainty.

ABS production restructuring
A one-off charge of £2.8m was incurred primarily relating to the closure of our Canadian ABS facilities and disposals of bulls held in 
North America as part of a production restructuring.

Pension related
A pensions benefits audit on the National Pig Development pension fund concluded during the year lead to an aggregate past service 
charge of £0.4m, resulted from the recognition of these additional liabilities. In the prior year, an aggregate past service charge of 
£2.3m, resulted from recognition of additional liabilities, relating to Guaranteed Minimum Pension (‘GMP’) on historic transfer values.

Other 
Included in Other is an expense of £0.5m relating to legal advice, IT consultancy fees and one-time costs incurred as the direct result of 
an IT security incident in June 2022. In the prior year, a £2.0m credit resulting from a share forfeiture exercise.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS128
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

8. OPERATING PROFIT

Operating costs comprise:

Cost of sales excluding net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets and amortisation of multiplier 
contract intangible assets
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets
Amortisation of multiplier contract intangible assets

Cost of goods sold

Other cost of sales (excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles)
Amortisation of customer relationship intangible assets

Other cost of sales

Research and Development expenditure
Amortisation and impairment of technology, software and licences and patents 

Research and Development costs

Administrative expenses (excluding exceptional items) 
Share-based payment expense
Amortisation of software, licences and patents
Net exceptional items within administrative expenses

Total administrative expenses

Total operating costs

Profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):

Net foreign exchange losses
Depreciation of owned fixed assets (see note 17)
Depreciation of right-of-use assets (see note 17)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets and right-of-use assets
Impairment of owned fixed assets
Loss on disposal of intangible fixed assets
Rental expense for short-term leases
Employee costs (see note 9)
Net (decrease)/increase in expected credit losses (see note 21)
(Release)/increase of inventory impairment
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense

Auditor’s remuneration is as follows:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company’s Annual Report and 
Financial Statements
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries

Total audit fees

Total fees to the Group’s auditor

Fees payable to other auditors of Group companies

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

(252.7)

(237.0)

(5.4)
(0.6)

(258.7)

(114.7)
(4.8)

(119.5)

(67.3)
(5.6)

(72.9)

(85.5)
(3.7)
(1.7)
(2.0)

(92.9)

(544.0)

2022 
£m

0.8
14.8
11.6
0.4
0.9
–
0.1
196.8
(0.9)
(0.2)
105.7

2022 
£m

0.4

0.6

1.0

1.0

–

(10.8)
(0.2)

(248.0)

(105.1)
(4.4)

(109.5)

(62.9)
(5.2)

(68.1)

(88.7)
(7.7)
(1.3)
(3.3)

(101.0)

(526.6)

2021 
£m

0.5
13.0
11.0
0.4
–
0.5
0.1
193.3
1.7
1.3
98.7

2021 
£m

0.4

0.6

1.0

1.0

–

Non-audit services principally comprise of agreed upon procedures in relation to half-year reporting. These services fall within the 
non-audit services policy approved by the Company’s Audit & Risk Committee at the time of engagement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS129
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

9. EMPLOYEE COSTS

This note shows the total employment costs and the average number of people employed by segment during the year.

Employee costs, including Directors’ remuneration, amounted to:

Wages and salaries (including bonuses and sales commission)
Social security costs
Contributions to defined contribution pension plans
Share-based payment expense (excluding National Insurance)

2022 
£m

170.9
16.5
6.2
3.6

197.2

2021 
£m

166.3
16.0
4.9
6.5

193.7

The employee costs above include £0.4m (2021: £0.4m) which has been capitalised into intangible assets as part of the development of 
GenusOne and other digital projects.

The average monthly number of employees and full-time equivalent employees, including Directors, was as follows:

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
Research and Development
Central

Included in the totals above:
UK

Number of employees

Full-time equivalent 

2022 
Number

2021 
Number

2022 
Number

2021 
Number

602
2,362
446
80

3,490

590
2,210
401
64

3,265

580
2,255
422
68

3,325

567
2,102
370
57

3,096

909

863

818

776

The Directors’ Remuneration Report sets out details of the Directors’ remuneration, pensions and share options.

10. NET FINANCE COSTS

Net finance costs mainly arise from interest due on bank loans, pension scheme liabilities, amortisation of debt issue costs, unwinding of 
discount on put options and the results of hedging transactions used to manage foreign exchange and interest rate movements. 

Accounting policy
We recognise interest income and interest expense in the Income Statement, as they accrue, based on the effective interest rate method. 

Interest income includes income on cash and cash equivalents, and income on other financial assets. Finance costs include interest 
costs in relation to financial liabilities. This includes interest on lease liabilities, which represents the unwinding of the discount rate 
applied to lease liabilities. 

Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts
Amortisation of debt issue costs 
Other interest payable
Unwinding of discount put options
Net interest cost in respect of pension scheme liabilities
Interest on lease liabilities

Total interest expense
Interest income on bank deposits

Total interest income

Net finance costs

2022 
£m

(4.1)
(0.9)
(0.1)
(0.2)
(0.2)
(1.1)

(6.6)
0.4

0.4

(6.2)

2021 
£m

(2.8)
(0.9)
–
(0.6)
(0.3)
(0.8)

(5.4)
0.4

0.4

(5.0)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS130
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

11. TAXATION AND DEFERRED TAXATION

This note explains how our Group tax charge arises. The deferred tax section of the note also provides information on our expected 
future tax charges and sets out the tax assets and liabilities held across the Group, together with our view on whether or not we expect 
to be able to make use of them in the future.

Accounting policies
Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. We recognise tax in the Income Statement, unless:
 > it relates to items we have recognised directly in equity, in which case we recognise it in equity; or
 > it arises as a fair value adjustment in a business combination. 

We provide for current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, at the amounts we expect to pay (or recover), using the tax 
rates and the laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, together with any adjustments to tax payable in 
respect of previous years. 

Deferred tax is tax we expect to pay or recover due to differences between the carrying amounts of our assets and liabilities in our 
Financial Statements and the corresponding tax bases used in calculating our taxable profit. We account for deferred tax using the 
balance sheet liability method. 

We generally recognise deferred tax liabilities for all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets to the extent that we will 
probably have taxable profits to utilise deductible temporary differences against. We do not recognise these assets and liabilities if the 
temporary difference arises from:
 > our initial recognition of goodwill; or
 > our initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction (other than a business combination) that affects neither our 

taxable profit nor our accounting profit.

We recognise deferred tax liabilities for taxable temporary differences arising on our investments in subsidiaries, and interests in joint 
ventures and associates, except where we can control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that it will not reverse 
in the foreseeable future.

We calculate deferred tax at the tax rates we expect to apply in the period when we settle the liability or realise the asset. We charge or 
credit deferred tax in the Income Statement, except when it relates to items we have charged or credited directly to equity, in which case 
the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Income tax expense

Current tax expense
Current period
Adjustment for prior periods

Total current tax expense in the Group Income Statement

Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustment for prior periods

Total deferred tax credit in the Group Income Statement

Total income tax expense excluding share of income tax of equity accounted investees
Share of income tax of equity accounted investees (see note 18)

Total income tax expense in the Group Income Statement

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Profit before tax
Add back share of income tax of equity accounted investees

Profit before tax excluding share of income tax of equity accounted investees
Income tax at UK corporation tax of 19% (2021: 19.0%)
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
Non-deductible expenses
Tax exempt income and incentives
Change in tax rate
Movements in recognition of tax losses
Change in unrecognised temporary differences
Tax (over)/under provided in prior periods
Change in provisions
Tax on undistributed reserves 

Total income tax expense in the Group Income Statement

2022 
%

19.0
9.2
4.3
(1.8)
2.5
0.2
(3.7)
(2.1)
(0.2)
0.6

28.0

2022 
£m

48.4
2.6

51.0
9.7
4.7
2.2
(0.9)
1.3
0.1
(1.9)
(1.1)
(0.1)
0.3

14.3

2022 
£m

13.6
1.8

15.4

(0.5)
(3.2)

(3.7)

11.7
2.6

14.3

2021 
%

19.0
10.5
2.0
(8.7)
(4.4)
(1.2)
2.2
0.5
1.2
(0.7)

20.4

2021 
£m

18.3
1.3

19.6

(10.3)
(0.3)

(10.6)

9.0
3.0

12.0

2021 
£m

55.8
3.0

58.8
11.2
6.2
1.2
(5.2)
(2.6)
(0.7)
1.3
0.3
0.7
(0.4)

12.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS131
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

11. TAXATION AND DEFERRED TAXATION CONTINUED

The tax rate for the year depends on our mix of profits by country and our ability to recognise deferred tax assets in respect of losses in 
some of our smaller territories. Tax is calculated using prevailing tax legislation, reliefs and existing interpretations and practice.

The Group’s future tax charge and effective tax rate could be affected by factors such as countries reforming their tax legislation to 
implement the OECD’s BEPS recommendations and by European Commission initiatives including state aid investigations.

During the prior two periods, the Group provided £1.6m in total for its exposure to the challenge by the European Commission to the UK’s 
Finance Company (‘FinCo’) exemption from its Controlled Foreign Companies taxing regime. As at 30 June 2022, Genus had been 
charged and paid £1.4m (30 June 2021: £1.2m) by HMRC under various charging notices in respect of their assessment of our liability 
under this judgment leaving a remaining provision balance at 30 June 2022 of £0.2m (30 June 2021: £0.4m).

The Group has appealed the amounts paid to HMRC on the following grounds:
 > the amount charged is not state aid (i.e. the original EU Commission decision is unsound in law); and
 > the amount charged is not wholly attributable to UK significant people functions (and therefore either partly or wholly outside the 

circumstances described by the EU Commission as state aid).

HMRC and several other large taxpayers have also appealed against the original EU Commission decision. On 8 June 2022, the EU 
General Court dismissed HMRC’s application to annul the European Commission decision concerning the CFC Group financing 
exemption. We understand that HMRC have lodged an appeal against the judgment to the Court of Justice of the European Union. As 
there are many appeals to be considered it may be a number of years before the full court/appeal process is exhausted and this matter 
is finally resolved. 

The tax credit attributable to exceptional items is a credit of £0.8m (2021: credit of £1.1m).

Income tax recognised directly in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Statement of Changes in Equity

Financial instruments
Foreign exchange differences on long-term intra-Group currency loans and balances
Gain on equity instruments measured at fair value
Actuarial movement on retirement benefit obligations
Foreign exchange differences on translation of biological assets, intangible assets and leases

Income tax recognised directly to the Statement of Changes in Equity
Share-based payment expense

2022 
£m

(0.5)
0.1
1.5
(0.4)
(7.8)

(7.1)

(0.4)

(0.4)

2021 
£m

–
(0.1)
(1.7)
(0.3)
7.7

5.6

1.5

1.5

Unrecognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
At the balance sheet date, the Group had unused tax losses which were available for offset against future profits, with a potential 
tax benefit of £19.3m (2021: £15.2m). We have recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of £11.6m (2021: £7.3m) of these benefits, as 
we expect these losses to be offset against future profits of the relevant jurisdictions in the near term. We have not recognised a 
deferred tax asset in respect of the remaining £7.7m (2021: £7.9m), due to uncertainty about the availability of future taxable profits  
in the relevant jurisdictions. 

At 30 June 2022, the expiry dates of deferred tax assets in respect of losses available for the carry forward were as follows:

Losses for which a deferred tax asset is recognised
Losses for which no deferred tax asset is recognised

Expiring within

1–10 years
£m

11–20 years
£m

Unlimited
£m

0.6
0.1

0.7

0.4
–

0.4

10.6
7.6

18.2

Total
£m

11.6
7.7

19.3

In addition, at the balance sheet date, the Group had an unrecognised deferred tax asset in respect of fixed asset timing differences of 
£2.4m (2021: £3.4m). These unrecognised fixed asset timing differences have an unlimited expiry date.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS132
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

11. TAXATION AND DEFERRED TAXATION CONTINUED

At 30 June 2021, the expiry dates of deferred tax assets in respect of losses available for the carry forward were as follows: 

Losses for which a deferred tax asset is recognised
Losses for which no deferred tax asset is recognised

Expiring within

1–10 years
£m

11–20 years
£m

Unlimited
£m

0.2
0.2

0.4

0.1
–

0.1

7.0
7.7

14.7

Total
£m

7.3
7.9

15.2

The gross value of losses for which deferred tax assets are recognised is £45.2m (2021: £27.4m). The gross value of losses for which 
deferred tax assets are not recognised is £24.8m (2021: £25.6m).

We have not recognised deferred tax liabilities totalling £3.6m (2021: £2.9m) for the withholding tax and other taxes that would be 
payable on the unremitted earnings of certain overseas subsidiaries. This is because we can control the timing and reversal of these 
differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
We have offset deferred tax assets and liabilities, to the extent that they arise in the same tax jurisdiction.

The analysis of deferred tax balances is set out below:

Deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax liabilities

2022 
£m 

(10.1)
60.3

50.2

2021 
£m 

(8.0)
53.0

45.0

The Finance Bill 2021, which was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021, introduced a new rate of UK corporation tax of 25% for large 
companies, with effect from 1 April 2023. UK deferred tax assets of £0.9m relating to short-term timing differences and pension liabilities 
that are expected to unwind in the period to 31 March 2023 have continued to be recognised at 19% and the remaining UK deferred tax 
assets of £12.4m relating to fixed assets, share-based payments and losses forward that will likely unwind post 31 March 2023 have been 
recognised at the new forward tax rate of 25%.

Movement in net deferred tax liabilities during the year

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Biological assets
Retirement benefit obligations
Share-based payment expense
Short-term timing differences
Tax loss carry-forwards

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Biological assets
Retirement benefit obligations
Share-based payment expense
Short-term timing differences
Tax loss carry-forwards

As at 1 July 
2021
£m

Recognised 
in Income 
Statement
£m

Changes in 
tax rate 
recognised in 
Income 
Statement
£m

Prior year 
adjustments 
recognised in 
Income 
Statement 
£m

Recognised 
in equity
£m

Transfers
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
difference
£m

As at 30 June 
2022
£m

3.6
8.2
63.7
(2.1)
(4.7)
(16.4)
(7.3)

45.0

(1.9)
(0.6)
0.1
0.3
(0.4)
1.6
(2.4)

(3.3)

(0.3)
(0.3)
2.2
0.2
0.9
0.7
(0.6)

2.8

1.4
(1.3)
(1.3)
–
–
(0.9)
(1.1)

(3.2)

–
0.4
7.9
0.4
1.9
(1.5)
–

9.1

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

0.7
0.3
0.4
(0.1)
(0.1)
(1.2)
(0.2)

(0.2)

3.5
6.7
73.0
(1.3)
(2.4)
(17.7)
(11.6)

50.2

As at 1 July 
2020
£m

Recognised 
in Income 
Statement
£m

Changes in 
tax rate 
recognised in 
Income 
Statement
£m

Prior year 
adjustments 
recognised in 
Income 
Statement 
£m

5.2
8.8
74.4
(3.5)
(3.7)
(15.5)
(3.9)

61.8

(1.0)
(0.9)
(3.5)
1.0
0.4
(2.3)
(1.4)

(7.7)

(0.3)
1.1
0.8
(0.1)
(0.9)
(1.6)
(1.6)

(2.6)

0.1
0.2
–
–
–
(0.2)
(0.4)

(0.3)

Recognised 
in equity
£m

Transfers
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
difference
£m

As at 30 June 
2021
£m

0.1
(0.3)
(7.9)
0.3
(0.5)
2.1
–

(6.2)

–
(0.4)
–
–
–
–
–

(0.4)

(0.5)
(0.3)
(0.1)
0.2
–
1.1
–

0.4

3.6
8.2
63.7
(2.1)
(4.7)
(16.4)
(7.3)

45.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
133
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

12. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is the profit generated for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders, divided by the weighted 
average number of shares in issue during the year.

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

Basic earnings per share

2022 
(pence)

62.5

2021 
(pence)

72.6

The calculation of basic earnings per share from continuing operations is based on the net profit attributable to owners of the Company 
from continuing operations of £40.9m (2021: £47.3m) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding of 65,395,000 (2021: 
65,108,000), which is calculated as follows:

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (basic)

Issued ordinary shares at the start of the year
Effect of own shares held
Shares issued on exercise of stock options
Shares issued in relation to Employee Benefit Trust

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in year

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share

2022 
000s

65,761
(373)
7
–

2021
 000s

65,092
(180)
9
187

65,395

65,108

2022 
(pence)

62.2

2021
 (pence)

72.0

The calculation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations is based on the net profit attributable to owners of the 
Company from continuing operations of £40.9m (2021: £47.3m) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, after 
adjusting for the effects of all potential dilutive ordinary shares, of 65,714,000 (2021: 65,662,000), which is calculated as follows:

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (basic)
Dilutive effect of share awards and options

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations

Adjusted earnings per share
Diluted adjusted earnings per share

2022
 000s

65,395
319

65,714

2022 
(pence)

82.7
82.3

2021 
000s

65,108
554

65,662

2021 
(pence)

100.9
100.1

Adjusted earnings per share is calculated on profit before the net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets, amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense and exceptional items, after charging taxation associated with those 
profits, of £54.1m (2021: £65.7m), which is calculated as follows:

Profit before tax from continuing operations
Add/(deduct):
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets (see note 16)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets (see note 15)
Share-based payment expense (see note 30)
Exceptional items (see note 7)
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets in joint ventures (see note 18)
Tax on joint ventures and associates (see note 18)
Attributable to non-controlling interest

Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusted tax charge

Adjusted profit after tax

Effective tax rate on adjusted profit 

2022 
£m 

48.4

5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0
1.4
2.6
(0.3)

71.5
(17.4)

54.1

2021 
£m 

55.8

10.8
7.4
7.7
3.3
(3.1)
3.0
(0.1)

84.8
(19.1)

65.7

24.3%

22.5%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS134
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

12. EARNINGS PER SHARE CONTINUED

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Profit before tax excluding share of income tax of equity accounted investees
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Share-based payment expense
Exceptional items (see note 7)
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets in joint ventures
Attributable to non-controlling interest

Adjusted profit before tax

Profit before tax excluding share of income tax of equity accounted investees
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Share-based payment expense
Exceptional items (see note 7)
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets in joint ventures
Attributable to non-controlling interest

Adjusted profit before tax

13. DIVIDENDS

2022
Profit 
£m

51.0
5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0
1.4
(0.3)

71.5

2021
Profit
 £m

58.8
10.8
7.4
7.7
3.3
(3.1)
(0.1)

84.8

2022 
Tax
 £m

14.3
(1.5)
3.3
0.5
0.8
–
–

17.4

2021
Tax 
£m

12.0
2.9
1.5
1.6
1.1
–
–

19.1

2022
 %

28.0
(27.8)
39.8
13.5
40.0
–
–

24.3

2021
 %

20.4
26.9
20.3
20.8
33.3
–
–

22.5

Dividends are one type of shareholder return, historically paid to our shareholders in late November/early December and late March.

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year

Final dividend 
Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2021 of 21.7 pence per share
Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2020 of 19.7 pence per share
Interim dividend
Interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2022 of 10.3 pence per share
Interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2021 of 10.3 pence per share

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

14.2
–

6.7
–

20.9

–
12.8

–
6.7

19.5

The Directors have proposed a final dividend of 21.7 pence per share for 2022. This is subject to shareholders’ approval at the AGM and 
we have therefore not included it as a liability in these Financial Statements. The total proposed and paid dividend for year ended 
30 June 2022 is 32.0 pence per share (2021: 32.0 pence per share). 

14. GOODWILL

Accounting policies
When we acquire a subsidiary, associate or joint venture, the goodwill arising is the excess of the acquisition cost, excluding transaction 
costs, over our interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. Identifiable assets 
include intangible assets which could be sold separately, or which arise from legal rights, regardless of whether those rights are 
separable.

We state goodwill at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. We allocate goodwill to cash-generating units (‘CGUs’), which are 
the smallest identifiable group of assets that generate cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or 
groups of assets. We do not amortise goodwill but we do test it annually for impairment. 

IAS 21 ‘The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates’ requires us to treat the following as assets and liabilities of the acquired entity, 
rather than of the acquiring entity:
 > goodwill arising on acquisition of a foreign operation; and
 > any fair value adjustments we make on acquisition to the carrying amounts of the acquiree’s assets and liabilities.

We therefore express them in the foreign operation’s functional currency and retranslate them at the balance sheet date.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS135
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

14. GOODWILL CONTINUED

Impairment
We review the carrying amounts of our tangible and intangible assets at each balance sheet date, to determine whether there is any 
indication of impairment. If any indication exists, we estimate the asset’s recoverable amount. 

For goodwill, and tangible and intangible assets that are not yet available for use, we estimate the recoverable amount at each 
balance sheet date. The recoverable amount is the greater of their fair value less cost to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, 
we discount the estimated future cash flows to their present value, using a pre-tax discount rate, which is derived from the Group’s 
weighted average cost of capital (‘WACC’). For some countries we add a premium to this rate, to reflect the risk attributable to that 
country. If the asset does not generate largely independent cash inflows, we determine the recoverable amount for the CGU that the 
asset belongs to.

We recognise an impairment loss in the Income Statement whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its 
recoverable amount. 

When we recognise an impairment loss in respect of a CGU, we first allocate it to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated 
to the CGU, and then apply any remaining loss to reduce the carrying amount of the unit’s other assets on a pro rata basis.

The aggregate carrying amounts of goodwill allocated to each operating segment are as follows:

Cost
Balance at 1 July 2020
Business combinations
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2021

Business combination
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Impairment losses
Balance at 1 July 2020, 30 June 2021 and 30 June 2022

Carrying amounts
At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

Genus PIC
£m

Genus ABS
£m

Total
£m

74.1
3.5
(5.1)

72.5

–
5.8

78.3

31.5
–
(2.5)

29.0

0.3
3.4

32.7

105.6
3.5
(7.6)

101.5

0.3
9.2

111.0

–

–

–

78.3

72.5

32.7

29.0

111.0

101.5

To test impairment, we allocate goodwill to our CGUs, which are in line with our operating segments. These are the lowest level within the 
Group at which we monitor goodwill for internal management purposes.

We test goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. We determine the 
recoverable amount of our CGUs by using value in use calculations. The key assumptions for these calculations relate to discount rates, 
long-term growth rates and short-term growth rates (which includes consideration of expected changes to selling prices, cost savings 
derived from the IntelliGen technologies, and changes in product mix).

We have estimated the pre-tax discount rate using the Group’s WACC. We risk-adjusted the discount rate for risks specific to each 
market, adding between nil and 17% (2021: nil and 29%) to the WACC as appropriate. The pre-tax discount rate of 11.2% (2021: 10.9%) we 
applied to our cash flow projections equates to a post-tax rate of 9.3% (2021: 9.6%). Our estimates of changes in selling prices and direct 
costs are based on past experience and our expectations of future changes in the market.

The annual impairment test is performed on 31 March (2021: 31 March). There have been no additional indicators of impairment identified 
after this date that would require the impairment test to be reperformed. It is based on cash flows derived from our most recent financial 
and strategic plans approved by management, over the next five years taking into account the commitments made in the Task Force on 
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) included on page 39. A growth rate of 2.5% (2021: 2.5%) has been used to extrapolate cash 
flows beyond this period. Short-term profitability and growth rates are based on past experience, current trading conditions and our 
expectations of future changes in the market.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS136
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

14. GOODWILL CONTINUED

The Genus PIC and Genus ABS CGUs are deemed to be significant. The individual country assumptions used to determine value in use 
for these CGUs are:

Genus PIC
Genus ABS

Genus PIC
Genus ABS

Risk premium used to adjust 
discount rate

Short-term growth rates 
(CAGR)

Long-term growth rates

2022

2021

2022

2021

nil–15%
nil–17%

nil–11%
nil–29%

nil–44%
1%–42%

nil–43%
3%–48%

2022

2.5%
2.5%

2021

2.5%
2.5%

Weighted average risk 
adjusted discount rate

Weighted average short-term 
growth rates (CAGR)

2022

9%
10%

2021

10%
10%

2022

12%
22%

2021

13%
24%

The rates towards the higher end of the range above represent those which are applied to our smaller entities and those in emerging 
markets and hence appear high relative to others.

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
Management has performed the following sensitivity analysis:
 > changing the key assumptions, with other variables held constant;
 > simultaneously changing the key assumptions; and 
 > incorporating the potential impact of the principal risks and uncertainties outlined on pages 43 to 46, in particular the impacts of 

biosecurity, market downturns, continuity of supply, increased competition and the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, taking 
into account the likely degree of available mitigating actions. 

Management has concluded that there are no reasonably possible changes in any one of the key assumptions that would cause the 
carrying amounts of goodwill to exceed the value in use of PIC and ABS.

15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Our Group Balance Sheet contains significant intangible assets, including acquired technology, customer relationships, software and 
our IntelliGen development project. 

Accounting policies
Identifiable intangible assets are recognised when the Group controls the asset, it is probable that future economic benefits attributed 
to the asset will flow to the Group and the cost of the asset can be reliably measured.

For ‘Software as a Service‘ (‘SaaS‘) arrangements, we do not capitalise costs relating to the configuration and customisation of SaaS 
arrangements as intangible assets except where control of the software exists. 

Intangible assets that we have acquired in a business combination since 1 April 2005 are identified and recognised separately from 
goodwill, where they meet the definition of an intangible asset and we can reliably measure their fair values. Their cost is their fair value 
at the acquisition date.

After their initial recognition, we report these intangible assets at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment 
losses. This is the same basis as for intangible assets acquired separately. 

The estimated useful lives for intangible assets are as follows:
 > Porcine and bovine genetics technology 
 > Multiplier contracts 
 > Brands 
 > Customer relationships 
 > IntelliGen 
 > Patents and licences 
 > Software 

20 years
15 years
10 to 15 years
10 to 17 years
10 years
term of agreement (4 years)
2 to 10 years

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
137
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED

Intangible assets acquired separately
We carry intangible assets acquired other than through a business combination at cost less accumulated amortisation and any 
impairment loss. We charge amortisation on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and review the useful life and 
amortisation method at the end of each financial year, accounting for the effect of any changes in estimate on a prospective basis.

Brands, 
multiplier 
contracts 
and 
customer 
relationships
£m

Porcine 
and bovine 
genetics 
technology
£m

Separately 
identified 
acquired 
intangible 
assets
£m

Software 
£m

Assets under 
construction
£m

IntelliGen
£m

Patents, 
licences and 
other
£m

52.0
–
–
–
–

(0.3)

51.7

4.2
–
–

0.6

56.5

33.2
–
2.8

–

36.0

3.0

0.1

39.1

17.4

15.7

18.8

85.9
–
3.7
–
–

(8.0)

81.6

10.3
0.4
–

10.6

102.9

 68.2
–
4.6

(6.6)

66.2

5.3

8.6

137.9
–
3.7
–
–

(8.3)

133.3

14.5
0.4
–

11.2

159.4

101.4
–
7.4

(6.6)

102.2

8.3

8.7

18.4
0.4
–
(1.1)
3.1

(0.8)

20.0

0.2
–
7.7

1.0

28.9

13.0
(0.6)
1.4

(0.8)

13.0

1.7

0.8

80.1

119.2

15.5

22.8

15.4

17.7

40.2

31.1

36.5

13.4

7.0

5.4

2.0
3.8
–
–
(3.1)

–

2.7

8.6
–
(7.7)

0.1

3.7

–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

3.7

2.7

2.0

25.4
0.9
–
–
–

(2.7)

23.6

–
–
–

3.2

26.8

6.9
–
2.2

(0.7)

8.4

2.5

1.4

12.3

14.5

15.2

18.5

4.4
–
–
–
–

(0.1)

4.3

–
–
–

0.1

4.4

3.9
–
0.1

–

4.0

0.1

0.1

4.2

0.2

0.3

0.5

Total
£m

188.1
5.1
3.7
(1.1)
–

(11.9)

183.9

23.3
0.4
–

15.6

223.2

125.2
(0.6)
11.1

(8.1)

127.6

12.6

11.0

151.2

72.0

56.3

62.9

Cost
Balance at 1 July 2020
Additions
Acquisition
Disposals
Transfers
Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

Balance at 30 June 2021

Additions
Acquisition 
Transfers
Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Amortisation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 July 2020
Disposals
Amortisation for the year
Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

Balance at 30 June 2021

Amortisation for the year
Effect of movements in exchange 
rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Carrying amounts
At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

At 30 June 2020

Included within brands, multiplier contracts and customer relationships are carrying amounts for brands of £0.5m (2021: £0.7m), multiplier 
contracts of £11.1m (2021: £0.3m) and customer relationships of £11.2m (2021: £14.4m). 

On 22 February 2022, PIC acquired all the intellectual property in Olymel’s AlphaGene elite porcine genetics for a total cash 
consideration of CAD$25.0m (£14.5m), being £4.2m for porcine genetic technology and £10.3m for multiplier contracts. The parties have 
also entered into an exclusive long-term genetics collaboration agreement, where PIC will supply elite germplasm and manage the 
ongoing genetic improvement of Olymel’s AlphaGene genetics. 

Included within the software class of assets is £6.9m (2021: £5.4m) and included in assets in the course of construction is £2.7m 
(2021: £1.1m) that relate to the ongoing development costs of GenusOne, our single global enterprise system.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS138
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

16. BIOLOGICAL ASSETS

The Group applies quantitative genetics and biotechnology to animal breeding. We use these techniques to identify and select animals 
with the genes responsible for superior milk and meat, high health and performance traits. We sell breeding animals, semen and 
embryos to customers, who use them to produce offspring which yield greater production efficiency and milk and meat quality, for the 
global dairy and meat supply chain. We recognise that accounting for biological assets is an area which includes key sources of 
estimation uncertainty. These are outlined in note 4 and sensitivities are provided below. 

Accounting policies
Biological assets and inventories
In bovine, we use research and development to identify genetically superior bulls in a number of breeds, primarily the Holstein dairy 
breed. Each selected bull has its performance measured against its peers, by using genomic evaluations and progeny testing of its 
daughters’ performance. We collect and freeze semen from the best bulls, to satisfy our customers’ demand. Farmers use semen from 
dairy breeds to breed replacement milking stock. They use the semen we sell from beef breeds in either specialist beef breeding herds, 
for multiplying breeding bulls for use in natural service, or on dairy cows to produce animals to be reared for meat.

Our research and development also enables us to produce and select our own genetically superior females, from which we will breed 
future bulls.

We hold our bovine biological assets for long-term internal use and classify them as non-current assets. We transfer bull semen to 
inventory at its fair value at the point of harvest, which becomes its deemed cost under IAS 2. We state our inventories at the lower of 
this deemed cost and net realisable value.

Sorting semen is a production process rather than a biological process. As a result, we transfer semen inventory into sexed semen 
production at its fair value at the point of harvest, less the cost to sell, and it becomes a component of the production process. We carry 
sexed semen in finished goods at production cost. 

In porcine, we maintain and develop a central breeding stock (the ‘nucleus herd’), to provide genetically superior animals. These 
genetics help make farmers and food processors more profitable, by increasing their output of consistently high-quality products, 
which yield higher value. So we can capitalise on our intellectual property, we outsource the vast majority of our pig production to our 
global multiplier network. We also sell the offspring or semen we obtain from animals in the nucleus herd to customers, for use in 
commercial farming. 

Pig sales generally occur in one of two ways: ‘upfront’ and ‘royalty’. Under upfront sales, we receive the full fair value of the animal at the 
point we transfer it to the customer. Under royalty sales, the pig is regarded as comprising two separately identifiable components: its 
carcass and its genetic potential. We receive the initial consideration, which is approximately the animal’s carcass value, at the point we 
transfer the pig to the customer. We retain our interest in the pig’s genetic potential and receive royalties for the customer’s use of this 
genetic potential. 

The breeding animal biological assets we own, and our retained interest in the biological assets we have sold under royalty contracts, 
are recognised and measured at fair value at each balance sheet date. We recognise changes in fair value in the Income Statement, 
within operating profit for the period. 

We classify the porcine biological assets we are using as breeding animals as non-current assets and carry them at fair value. The 
porcine biological assets we are holding for resale, which are the offspring of the breeding herd, are carried at fair value and classified 
as current assets. 

Determination of fair values – biological assets
IAS 41 ‘Agriculture’ requires us to show the carrying value of biological assets in the Group Balance Sheet. We determine this carrying 
value according to IAS 41’s provisions and show the net valuation movement in the Income Statement. There are important differences in 
how we value our bovine and porcine assets, as explained below.

Bovine – we base the fair value of all bulls on the net cash flows we expect to receive from selling their semen, discounted at a current 
risk-adjusted market-determined rate. The significant assumptions determining the fair values are the expected future demand for 
semen, the estimated biological value and the marketable life of bulls. The biological value is the estimated value at the point of 
production. We adjust the fair value of the bovine herd and semen inventory where a third party earns a royalty from semen sales from a 
particular bull. Females are valued by reference to market prices and published independent genetic evaluations. The net cash flows 
include any expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Porcine – the fair value of porcine biological assets includes the animals we own entirely and our retained interest in the genetics of 
animals we have sold under royalty arrangements. The fair value of animals we own is calculated using the animals’ average live 
weights, plus a premium where we believe that their genetics make them saleable. We base the live weight value and the genetic 
premium on recent transaction prices we have achieved. The significant assumptions in determining fair values are the breeding 
animals’ expected life, the percentage of production animals that are saleable as breeding animals and the expected sales prices. For 
our retained interest in the genetics of animals sold under royalty contracts, we base the initial fair value on the fair values we achieved 
in recent direct sales of similar animals, less the amount we received upfront for the carcass element. We then remeasure the fair value 
of our retained interest at each reporting date. The significant assumption in determining the fair value of the retained interest is the 
animals’ expected life. The assumptions used include any expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We value the pigs in our pure line herds, which are the repository of our proprietary genetics, as a single unit of account. We do this using 
a discounted cash flow model, applied to the herds’ future outputs at current prices. The significant assumptions we make are the 
number of future generations attributable to the current herds, the fair value prices we achieve on sales, the animals’ expected useful 
lifespan and productivity, and the risk-adjusted discount rate.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS139
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

16. BIOLOGICAL ASSETS CONTINUED

non-recognition of porcine multiplier contracts where the Group does not retain a contractual interest
To manage commercial risk, a very large part of our porcine business model involves selling pigs to farmers (‘multipliers’) who produce 
piglets on farms we neither manage nor control. We have the option, but not the obligation, to buy the offspring at slaughter market 
value plus a premium. Because the offspring have superior genetics, we can then sell them to other farmers at a premium.

We do not recognise the right to purchase offspring on the Group Balance Sheet, as we enter into the contracts and continue to hold 
them for the purpose of receiving non-financial items (the offspring), in accordance with our expected purchase requirements. This 
means the option is outside the scope of IFRS 9. We do not recognise the offspring as biological assets under IAS 41, as we do not own 
or control them.

Fair value of biological assets

Non-current biological assets
Current biological assets

Balance at 30 June 2020

Increases due to purchases
Decreases attributable to sales
Decrease due to harvest
Business combination
Changes in fair value less estimated sale costs
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2021
Non-current biological assets
Current biological assets

Balance at 30 June 2021

Increases due to purchases
Decreases attributable to sales
Decrease due to harvest
Changes in fair value less estimated sale costs
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022
Non-current biological assets
Current biological assets

Balance at 30 June 2022

Bovine
£m

107.2
–

107.2

15.2
–
(24.4)
 –
3.9
(9.9)

92.0
92.0
–

92.0

23.3
–
(17.7)
(19.6)
10.0

88.0
88.0
–

88.0

Porcine
£m

202.9
39.8

242.7

134.8
(223.0)
(21.4)
0.3
118.4
(24.3)

227.5
187.9
39.6

227.5

225.8
(234.8)
(26.3)
61.2
25.4

278.8
245.7
33.1

278.8

Total
£m

310.1
39.8

349.9

150.0
(223.0)
(45.8)
0.3
122.3
(34.2)

319.5
279.9
39.6

319.5

249.1
(234.8)
(44.0)
41.6
35.4

366.8
333.7
33.1

366.8

Bovine
Bovine biological assets include £6.9m (2021: £7.4m) representing the fair value of bulls owned by third parties but managed by the 
Group, net of expected future payments to such third parties, which are therefore treated as assets held under leases. 

There were no movements in the carrying value of the bovine biological assets in respect of sales or other changes during the year.

A risk-adjusted rate of 12.5% (2021: 8.8%) has been used to discount future net cash flows from the sale of bull semen. 

Decreases due to harvest represent the semen extracted from the biological assets. Inventories of such semen are shown as biological 
asset harvest in note 20.

Porcine
Included in increases due to purchases is the aggregate increase arising during the year on initial recognition of biological assets in 
respect of multiplier purchases, other than parent gilts, of £101.2m (2021: £47.5m).

Decreases attributable to sales during the year of £234.8m (2021: £223.0m) include £74.0m (2021: £67.4m) in respect of the reduction in 
fair value of the retained interest in the genetics of animals, other than parent gilts, transferred under royalty contracts.

Also included is £119.0m (2021: £97.9m) relating to the fair value of the retained interest in the genetics in respect of animals, other than 
parent gilts, sold to customers under royalty contracts in the year.

Total revenue in the year, including parent gilts, includes £231.4m (2021: £206.9m) in respect of these contracts, comprising £83.2m (2021: 
£63.9m) on initial transfer of animals and semen to customers and £148.2m (2021: £143.0m) in respect of royalties received.

A risk-adjusted rate of 10.3% (2021: 9.3%) has been used to discount future net cash flows from the expected output of the pure line 
porcine herds. The number of future generations which have been taken into account is seven (2021: seven) and their estimated useful 
lifespan is 1.4 years (2021: 1.4 years).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS140
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

16. BIOLOGICAL ASSETS CONTINUED

Year ended 30 June 2022

Changes in fair value of biological assets
Inventory transferred to cost of sales at fair value
Biological assets transferred to cost of sales at fair value

Fair value movement in related financial derivative 

Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets1

Year ended 30 June 2021

Changes in fair value of biological assets
Inventory transferred to cost of sales at fair value
Biological assets transferred to cost of sales at fair value

Fair value movement in related financial derivative 

Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets1

Bovine
£m

Porcine
£m

Total
£m

(19.6)
(10.3)
–

(29.9)
–

(29.9)

61.2
(26.3)
(10.3)

24.6
(0.1)

24.5

41.6
(36.6)
(10.3)

(5.3)
(0.1)

(5.4)

Bovine
£m

Porcine
£m

Total
£m

3.9
(21.1)
–

(17.2)
–

(17.2)

118.4
(21.4)
(90.0)

7.0
(0.6)

6.4

122.3
(42.5)
(90.0)

(10.2)
(0.6)

(10.8)

1  This represents the difference between operating profit prepared under IAS 41 and operating profit prepared under historical cost accounting, which forms part of the 

reconciliation to adjusted operating profit (see APMs) 

Fair value measurement
All of the biological assets inputs fall under Level 3 of the hierarchy defined in IFRS 13. Significant increases/(decreases) in any of these 
inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
141
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

16. BIOLOGICAL ASSETS CONTINUED

Unobservable inputs and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Bovine
Risk-adjusted 
discount rate1

Value at point of 
production1

2022

12.5%

32.1%

2021 Sensitivity

8.8% 1 percentage point increase in the discount rate would 
result in approximately a £2.3m (2021: £2.7m) reduction 
in value.

32.7% 1 percentage point decrease in the rate would result in 
approximately a £5.1m (2021: £4.6m) reduction in value.

Percentage of new 
dairy bulls to be 
produced internally in 
future years1

FY23 71%
FY24 81%
FY25 86%
FY26 and thereafter 87%

FY22 67%
FY23 78%
FY24 80%
FY25 and thereafter 82%

If percentage remained at FY22 level of 61% (2021: 66%) 
there would be a decrease in value of approximately 
£3.6m (2021: £2.2m).

Age profile of Holstein 
bulls generating 
future sales1 

Age profile of US 
beef-on-dairy bulls 
generating  
future sales1 

Long-term dairy 
volume growth rate 

Short-term dairy 
volume growth rate 

Porcine
Risk-adjusted discount 
rate – pure line herd1

Proportion of animals 
that go to breeding 
sales1

FY23 – avg age 4.0 yrs
FY24 – avg age 4.0 yrs
FY25 – avg age 4.0 yrs
FY26 and thereafter –
 avg age 4.0 yrs

FY23 – avg age 5.1 yrs
FY24 – avg age 4.8 yrs
FY25 – avg age 4.8 yrs
 FY26 and thereafter – 
avg age 4.8 yrs

FY22 – avg age 3.9 yrs
FY23 – avg age 3.9 yrs
FY24 – avg age 3.9 yrs
FY25 and thereafter – 
avg age 3.8 yrs

FY22 – avg age 4.9 yrs
FY23 – avg age 4.8 yrs
FY24 – avg age 4.8 yrs
 FY25 and thereafter – 
avg age 4.8 yrs

If age profile remains at FY22 average age of 4.2 years 
(2021: 4.1 years), there would be an increase in value of 
approximately £1.4m (2021: £2.1m).

If age profile remains at FY22 average age of 5.7 years 
(2021: 5.4 years), there would be a decrease in value of 
approximately £3.0m (2021: £2.9m).

2.4%

3.7%

10.3%

1.2% 1 percentage point decrease in the growth rate would 
result in approximately a £0.2m (2021: £0.2m) reduction 
in value.

3.2% 1 percentage point decrease in the growth rate would 
result in approximately a £1.2m (2021: £1.3m) reduction 
in value.

9.3% 1 percentage point increase in the discount rate would 
result in approximately a £3.5m (2021: £2.6m) reduction 
in value. Any additional increase in the percentage 
would lead to a linear impact.

Gilts – 7.9%

Gilts – 7.6% 1 percentage point increase in the go to breeding sales 

would result in approximately £10.5m (2021: £8.0m) 
increase in value.

Boars – 8.2%

Boars – 8.5% 1 percentage point increase in the go to breeding sales 

would result in approximately £12.0m (2021: £8.4m) 
increase in value.

1  Key sources of estimation uncertainty

For sale unit prices in bovine IAS 41 valuation model, in high inflationary environments, historical prices are not deemed to be the best 
estimate of future performance, so expected Board-approved budget unit prices have been used in the calculation. A 5 percentage 
point increase in the forecasted sales unit price would result in approximately £6.8m increase in value (2021: £7.1m).

Additional information

Bovine
Quantities at period end
Number of bulls in production
Number of bulls under development (including calves)

Total number of bulls
Number of doses of semen valued in inventory
Amounts during the year 
Fair value of agricultural produce – semen harvested during the period
Porcine
Quantities at period end
Number of pigs (own farms)
Number of pigs, excluding parent gilts, despatched on a royalty basis and valued at fair value
Amounts during the year
Fair value of agricultural produce – semen harvested during the period

2022

2021

1,015
696

1,711
17.2m

921
775

1,696
15.1m

£17.7m

£24.4m

95,050
91,591

98,677
84,386

£26.3m

£21.4m

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS142
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

17. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

We make significant investments in our property, plant and equipment. All assets are depreciated over their useful economic lives.

Accounting policies 
We state property, plant and equipment at cost, together with any directly attributable acquisition expenses, or at their latest 
valuation, less depreciation and any impairment losses. Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful 
lives, we account for them separately.

We charge depreciation to the Income Statement on a straight-line basis, over the estimated useful lives of each part of an asset. 
The estimated useful lives are as follows:
 > Freehold buildings 
 > Leasehold buildings  
 > Plant and equipment 
 > Motor vehicles 

10 to 40 years
over the term of the lease
3 to 20 years
3 to 5 years

We do not depreciate land or assets under construction.

Right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets are measured initially at cost, based on the value of the associated lease liability, adjusted for any payments made 
before inception, initial direct costs and an estimate of the dismantling, removal and restoration costs required in the terms of the lease. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, we record an interest charge in respect of the lease liability. The related right-of-use asset is 
depreciated over the term of the lease or, if shorter, the useful economic life of the leased asset. The lease term shall include the period 
of an extension option where it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Where the lease contains a purchase option, the 
asset is written off over the useful life of the asset when it is reasonably certain that the purchase option will be exercised. 

Land and 
buildings
£m

Plant, motor 
vehicles and 
equipment
£m

Assets under 
construction
£m

Total  
owned  
assets
£m

Land and 
buildings
£m

Plant, motor 
vehicles and 
equipment
£m

Total  

right-of-use
assets
£m

Cost or deemed cost
Balance at 1 July 2020
Additions 
Business combination
Transfers 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Balance at 30 June 2021

Additions
Transfers
Disposals
Effect of movements in exchange rates

67.9
1.1
 –
4.3
(0.3)
(6.4)

66.6

0.2
23.5
(1.4)
11.3

87.8
5.9
0.2
3.5
(2.1)
(7.3)

88.0

3.9
12.8
(2.0)
10.9

Balance at 30 June 2022

100.2

113.6

Depreciation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 July 2020
Depreciation for the year 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2021

Depreciation for the year
Disposals
Impairment
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Carrying amounts

At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

24.3
3.2
(0.3)
(2.7)

24.5

3.8
(1.3)
0.8
4.4

32.2

68.0

42.1

53.1
9.8
(1.5)
(4.5)

56.9

11.0
(1.8)
0.1
7.1

73.3

40.3

31.1

8.2
22.3
–
(7.8)
–
(0.6)

22.1

40.3
(36.3)
–
3.5

29.6

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

163.9
29.3
0.2
–
(2.4)
(14.3)

176.7

44.4
–
(3.4)
25.7

21.9
2.3
–
–
(1.9)
(1.6)

20.7

9.2
–
(0.5)
2.1

24.0
8.1
–
–
(4.7)
(1.4)

26.0

6.1
–
(6.0)
2.3

243.4

31.5

28.4

77.4
13.0
(1.8)
(7.2)

81.4

14.8
(3.1)
0.9
11.5

4.4
3.7
(1.3)
(0.3)

6.5

4.8
(0.5)
–
0.6

10.1
7.3
(4.2)
(0.7)

12.5

6.8
(5.9)
–
1.6

105.5

11.4

15.0

29.6

22.1

137.9

95.3

20.1

14.2

13.4

13.5

45.9
10.4
–
–
(6.6)
(3.0)

46.7

15.3
–
(6.5)
4.4

59.9

14.5
11.0
(5.5)
(1.0)

19.0

11.6
(6.4)
–
2.2

26.4

33.5

27.7

Total
£m

209.8
39.7
0.2
–
(9.0)
(17.3)

223.4

59.7
–
(9.9)
30.1

303.3

91.9
24.0
(7.3)
(8.2)

100.4

26.4
(9.5)
0.9
13.7

131.9

171.4

123.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
143
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

18. EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTEES

We hold interests in several joint ventures and associates where we have significant influence. 

Accounting policies
Joint ventures are entities over whose activities we have joint control, under a contractual agreement. The Group Financial Statements 
include the Group’s share of profit or loss arising from joint ventures.

Associates are entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating policies. The Group 
Financial Statements include the Group’s share of the total recognised income and expense of associates on an equity accounted 
basis, from the date that significant influence commences until the date it ceases. When our share of losses exceeds our interest in an 
associate, we reduce the carrying amount to nil and stop recognising further losses, except to the extent that the Group has incurred 
legal or constructive obligations or made payments on an associate’s behalf.

Under the equity method, investments in joint ventures or associates are initially recognised in the Group Balance Sheet at cost and 
adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group’s share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income of the joint ventures and 
associates. Related-party transactions with the Group’s joint ventures and associates primarily comprise the sale of products and 
services. As each arrangement is a separate legal entity and control rights are substantially equal with the other parties, no significant 
judgements are required.

The Group’s share of profit after tax in its equity accounted investees for the year was £5.2m (2021: £13.1m).

The carrying value of the investments is reconciled as follows:

Balance at 1 July 
Share of post-tax retained profits of joint ventures and associates
Additions
Dividends received from Agroceres – PIC Genética de Suínos Ltda (Brazil)
Dividends received from Società Agricola GENEETIC S.r.l (Italy)
Dividends received from Inner Mongolia Haoxiang Pig Breeding Co. Ltd. (China)
Loan investment
Effect of other movements including exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 

2022  
£m 

34.1
5.2
2.2
(3.1)
(0.1)
–
–
2.9

41.2

2021  
£m 

22.7
13.1
2.4
(2.5)
–
(1.6)
0.4
(0.4)

34.1

The additions in the year solely relate to cash injections made to Inner Mongolia Haoxiang Pig Breeding Co. Ltd. to fund their operation. 
HY-CO Hybridschweine-Cooperations GmbH was struck off the register during the year.

During the prior year, we purchased a 39% shareholding for £2.4m in Xelect Limited, an aquaculture genetic services company, and 
retain a call option to purchase the remaining shares in Xelect Limited in 2023. We also made an investment of £0.4m in Società Agricola 
GENEETIC S.r.l., primarily through a shareholder’s loan.

There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the joint ventures and associates to transfer funds to the Parent, other than those 
imposed by the Companies Act 2006 or equivalent government rules within the joint venture’s jurisdiction.

Related-party transactions with joint ventures and associates 

Sale of goods and services to joint ventures and associates
Purchase of goods and services from joint ventures and associates 

Transaction value

Balance outstanding

2022  
£m

–
6.5

2021  
£m

(1.8)
5.0

2022  
£m

0.3
–

2021  
£m

0.4
(0.4)

All outstanding balances with joint ventures and associates are priced on an arm’s length basis and are to be settled in cash within six 
months of the reporting date. None of the balances are secured.

Summary financial information for equity accounted investees, adjusted for the Group’s percentage ownership, is shown on the 
following page.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS144
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

18. EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTEES CONTINUED

Joint ventures and associates – year ended 30 June 2022

Net assets

Ownership

Cash and 
cash 
equivalent 
£m

Other 
current  
assets
£m

Non-current 
assets
£m

Biological 
assets
£m

Total  
assets
£m

Current 
liabilities
£m

Total  

liabilities
£m

Net  
assets 
£m

0.2

17.6

23.6

6.9

48.3

(15.2)

(15.2)

33.1

Agroceres – PIC Genética 
de Suínos Ltda (Brazil)
Inner Mongolia Haoxiang 
Pig Breeding Co. Ltd. 
(China)1
Chitale Genus ABS (India) 
Private Limited (India)
Avlscenter Møllevang A/S1
Yan’an Xinyongxiang 
Technology Co., Ltd 
(China)1
Xelect Limited (United 
Kingdom)1
Società Agricola GENEETIC 
S.r.l. (Italy)1
Società Agricola GENEETIC 
Service S.r.l. (Italy)1

49%

49%

50%
49%

49%

39%

33%

33%

–

0.3
–

2.7

0.1

–

–

0.4

0.3
–

1.3

0.2

0.6

–

1  Classified as an associate. All other investments are classified as joint ventures

3.3

20.4

Income Statement

Ownership

Agroceres – PIC Genética de Suínos Ltda (Brazil)
Inner Mongolia Haoxiang Pig Breeding Co. Ltd. 
(China)1
Yan’an Xinyongxiang Technology Co., Ltd (China)1
Chitale Genus ABS (India) Private Limited (India)
Avlscenter Møllevang A/S1
Xelect Limited (United Kingdom)1
Società Agricola GENEETIC S.r.l. (Italy)1
Società Agricola GENEETIC Service S.r.l. (Italy)1

49%

49%
49%
50%
49%
39%
33%
33%

1  Classified as an associate. All other investments are classified as joint ventures

1.4

1.1
–

0.8

2.2

0.4

–

29.5

Revenue
£m

31.6

–
5.5
0.3
–
0.6
1.9
–

39.9

(1.2)

–
–

(0.5)

–

–

–

0.6

1.7
–

4.3

2.5

1.0

–

(0.8)

(0.1)
–

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.4)

–

(0.8)

(0.4)
–

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.4)

–

(0.2)

1.3
–

4.0

2.4

0.6

–

5.2

58.4

(16.9)

(17.2)

41.2

Net IAS 41 
valuation 
movement on 
biological 
assets
£m

Expenses
£m

Operating 
profit
£m

(0.7)

(21.7)

(1.2)
0.5
–
–
–
–
–

(1.4)

(1.0)
(5.6)
(0.2)
–
(0.5)
(1.7)
–

(30.7)

9.2

(2.2)
0.4
0.1
–
0.1
0.2
–

7.8

Taxation
£m

(2.6)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(2.6)

Profit  

after tax
£m

6.6

(2.2)
0.4
0.1
–
0.1
0.2
–

5.2

Joint ventures and associates have a December year end, except Chitale Genus ABS (India) Private Limited, which has a March year 
end, and Xelect Limited, which has a June year end. Where the year end differs from the year of the Group this is due to local 
regulatory requirements.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS145
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

18. EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTEES CONTINUED

Joint ventures and associates – year ended 30 June 2021

Net assets

Ownership

Cash and 
cash 
equivalent 
£m

Other 
current  
assets
£m

Non-current 
assets
£m

Biological 
assets
£m

Total  

assets
£m

Current 
liabilities
£m

Total  

liabilities
£m

Net  
assets 
£m

Agroceres – PIC Genética 
de Suínos Ltda (Brazil)
HY-CO Hybridschweine-
Cooperations GmbH 
(Germany)
Yan’an Xinyongxiang 
Technology Co., Ltd 
(China)1
Chitale Genus ABS (India) 
Private Limited (India)
Avlscenter Møllevang A/S1
Xelect Limited (United 
Kingdom)1
Società Agricola GENEETIC 
S.r.l. (Italy)1
Società Agricola GENEETIC 
Service S.r.l. (Italy)1

49%

50%

49%

50%
49%

39%

33%

33%

4.8

–

3.0

–
–

0.1

–

–

7.9

9.3

0.1

0.9

0.3
–

0.1

0.2

–

10.6

6.9

31.6

(5.1)

(5.1)

26.5

–

0.8

1.4
–

2.4

0.4

–

–

(0.9)

–
–

–

–

–

0.1

3.8

1.7
–

2.6

0.6

–

–

–

(0.4)

(0.1)
–

(0.2)

(0.1)

–

(5.9)

(0.4)

(0.5)
–

(0.2)

(0.1)

–

(6.3)

0.1

3.4

1.2
–

2.4

0.5

–

34.1

10.9

15.6

6.0

40.4

1  Classified as an associate. All other investments are classified as joint ventures

Income Statement

Ownership

Agroceres – PIC Genética de Suínos Ltda (Brazil)
HY-CO Hybridschweine-Cooperations GmbH 
(Germany)
Yan’an Xinyongxiang Technology Co., Ltd (China)1
Chitale Genus ABS (India) Private Limited (India)
Avlscenter Møllevang A/S1
Xelect Limited (United Kingdom)1
Società Agricola GENEETIC S.r.l. (Italy)1
Società Agricola GENEETIC Service S.r.l. (Italy)1

49%

50%
49%
50%
49%
39%
33%
33%

1  Classified as an associate. All other investments are classified as joint ventures

Net IAS 41 
valuation 
movement on 
biological 
assets
£m

3.9

–
(0.8)
–
–
–
–
–

3.1

Revenue
£m

31.5

–
6.0
0.4
–
0.2
0.8
–

38.9

Expenses
£m

Operating 
profit
£m

Taxation
£m

Profit  

after tax
£m

(21.2)

14.2

(3.0)

11.2

–
(3.3)
(0.3)
(0.2)
(0.2)
(0.7)
–

–
1.9
0.1
(0.2)
–
0.1
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
1.9
0.1
(0.2)
–
0.1
–

(25.9)

16.1

(3.0)

13.1

Joint ventures and associates have a December year end, except Chitale Genus ABS (India) Private Limited, which has a March 
year end, and Xelect Limited, which has a June year end. Where the year end differs from the year of the Group this is due to local 
regulatory requirements. 

19. OTHER INVESTMENTS

We hold a number of unlisted and listed investments, mainly comprising our strategic investment in Caribou Biosciences, Inc. (‘Caribou’)
and shares in listed entity National Milk Records plc (‘NMR’). 

Accounting policies
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (‘FVOCI’) comprise equity securities which are not held for trading, 
and which the Group has irrevocably elected at initial recognition to recognise as FVOCI. The Group considers this classification relevant 
as these are strategic investments.

Financial assets at FVOCI are adjusted to the fair value of the asset at the balance sheet date, with any gain or loss being recognised in 
other comprehensive income and held as part of other reserves. On disposal any gain or loss is recognised in other comprehensive 
income and the cumulative gains or losses are transferred from other reserves to retained earnings.

At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through 
income statement, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial 
assets carried at fair value through income statement are expensed in the Income Statement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS146
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

19. OTHER INVESTMENTS CONTINUED

Other investments may include equity investments (where the Group does not have control, joint control or significant influence in the 
investee), short-term deposits with banks and other investments with original maturities of more than three months. Any dividends 
received are recognised in the Income Statement.

Investments carried at fair value

Listed equity shares – Caribou Biosciences, Inc.
Unlisted equity shares – Dairy LLC (‘BoviSync’)
Listed equity shares – NMR
Unlisted equity shares – Other

2022  
£m

4.4
2.2
2.1
1.5

10.2

2021  
£m

10.4
1.2
2.0
1.1

14.7

We hold a strategic non-controlling interest in Caribou, which is measured at fair value using the valuation basis of a Level 1 
classification. Caribou shares are publicly traded on the NASDAQ.

We hold a strategic non-controlling interest in BoviSync, a herd management software company. In January 2022, we increased our 
shareholding by a further £1.0m. The investment is measured at fair value and the valuation basis of a Level 3 classification. The fair 
value has been determined with reference to the equity purchase during the fiscal year.

NMR ordinary shares were acquired as part of the NMR pension agreement, and are measured at fair value. The valuation basis is
Level 1 classification, where fair value techniques are quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Other unlisted equity investments primarily consist of strategic non-controlling interests in bovine technology companies, which are 
measured at fair value and the valuation basis is Level 3 classification, where fair value techniques use inputs which have a significant 
effect on the recorded fair value and are not based on observable market data.

20. INVENTORIES

Our inventory primarily consists of bovine semen, raw materials and ancillary products.

Accounting policies
Inventory (excluding biological assets’ harvest) is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on the basis 
of weighted average costs and comprises direct materials and, where appropriate, direct labour costs and those overheads that have 
been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.

For our biological assets accounting policies, see note 16.

Biological assets’ harvest classed as inventories
Raw materials and consumables
Goods held for resale

2022  
£m

20.9
3.6
26.4

50.9

2021  
£m

17.8
2.9
16.3

37.0

21. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Our trade and other receivables mainly consist of amounts owed to us by customers and amounts we pay to our suppliers in advance.

Accounting policies
We state trade and other receivables at their amortised cost less any impairment losses.

Trade receivables
Less expected credit loss allowance

Trade receivables net of impairment
Other debtors
Prepayments 
Contract assets (note 24)
Other taxes and social security

Current trade and other receivables 

Other debtors
Contract assets (note 24)

Non-current other receivables

2022  
£m

105.3
(4.3)

101.0
10.7
8.5
7.7
1.6

129.5

3.7
4.9

8.6

2021  
£m

87.2
(5.0)

82.2
6.4
6.6
7.7
3.3

106.2

1.8
–

1.8

138.1

108.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS147
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

21. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES CONTINUED

Trade receivables
The average credit period our customers take on the sales of goods is 62 days (2021: 53 days). We do not charge interest on receivables 
for the first 30 days from the date of the invoice. 

The Group always measures the loss allowance for trade receivables at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses (‘ECLs’). 
The ECLs on trade receivables are estimated using a provision matrix by reference to past default experience of the debtor and an 
analysis of the debtor’s current financial position, adjusted for factors that are specific to the general economic conditions of the 
industry and country in which the debtor operates and an assessment of both the current and the forecast direction of conditions at 
the reporting date. The Group writes off a trade receivable when there is information indicating that the debtor is in severe financial 
difficulty and there is no realistic prospect of recovery, such as when the debtor has been placed under liquidation or has entered into 
bankruptcy proceedings.

The Group recognises ECLs with reference to the following matrix, in accordance with the simplified approach permitted in IFRS 9. 
There has been no change in the estimation techniques during the current reporting period. A component of the calculation is the risk 
premium of the countries in which our customers operate. The risk premiums are updated on each reporting date, to reflect changes in 
the global economy.

2022

2021

Risk premium (%)
Trade receivables (£m)
Risk premium (%)
Trade receivables (£m)

North 
America

Latin 
America

1.0%
31.1
1.6%
26.0

5.1%
22.3
4.6%
18.9

EMEA

3.5%
39.3
3.1%
32.2

Asia

3.7%
12.6
12.9%
10.1

The following table shows the movement in lifetime ECLs that has been recognised for trade receivables, in accordance with the 
simplified approach set out in IFRS 9. 

Balance at the start of the year
Change in loss allowance due to new trade and other receivables originated net of those derecognised 
due to settlement
Amounts written off as uncollectable
Impairment losses reversed
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at the end of the year

The aging of trade receivables is presented below:

2022  
£m

5.0

2.3
–
(3.2)
0.2

4.3

2021  
£m

3.4

3.4
(0.3)
(1.4)
(0.1)

5.0

Days past due

Not yet due 
0–30 days
31–90 days 
91–180 days
Over 180 days

Trade receivables 

Trade receivables  
net of impairment

2022  
£m

81.7
11.7
7.4
3.0
1.5

105.3

2021 
 £m

67.8
9.6
6.5
1.8
1.5

87.2

2022  
£m

79.3
11.4
7.2
2.5
0.6

101.0

2021  
£m

65.3
9.1
5.1
1.7
1.0

82.2

No customer represents more than 5% of the total balance of trade receivables (2021: no more than 5%).

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value.

Trade and other receivables denominated in currencies other than Sterling comprise £44.1m denominated in US Dollars (2021: £35.7m), 
£13.3m denominated in Euros (2021: £11.8m) and £49.7m denominated in other currencies (2021: £37.9m).

Other debtors
Included in other debtors is an amount of £3.5m (2021: £1.6) which comprises of security deposits held over farms being constructed.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS148
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

22. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

We hold cash and bank deposits which have a maturity of three months or less, to enable us to meet our short-term liquidity 
requirements.

Accounting policies
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand form an integral part of our cash 
management and are included in interest-bearing loans and borrowings less than one year. 

Cash at bank and in hand

The carrying amount of these assets approximates to their fair value. 

2022  
£m

38.8

2021  
£m

46.0

The credit quality of cash and cash equivalents can be assessed by reference to external credit ratings of the counterparty where the 
account or deposit is placed.

Counterparties with external credit ratings

A to AA-
BBB- to BBB
B- to BB+
CCC to CCC-
No ratings

2022  
£m

24.1
8.0
1.9
0.3
4.5

38.8

2021  
£m

34.2
6.4
5.0
0.4
–

46.0

Within our cash and cash equivalents there is a cash balance of £4.5m in our Russian entities of which £3.9m is not currently available 
to be used by the Group due to being received from, or held in, sanctioned banks.

23. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Our trade and other payables mainly consist of amounts we owe to our suppliers that have been invoiced or are accrued. They also 
include taxes and social security amounts due in relation to our role as an employer.

Accounting policies
Trade payables are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

Trade payables
Other payables
Accrued expenses
Contract liabilities (note 24)
Other taxes and social security

Current trade and other payables

Contract liabilities (note 24)

Non-current trade and other payables

2022  
£m

36.0
8.2
61.4
10.1
9.0

2021  
£m

23.7
7.6
60.2
10.6
8.2

124.7

110.3

0.2

0.2

1.4

1.4

The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 39 days (2021: 27 days).

Other payables include an amount of £5.1m (2021: £3.0m) being repayable on demand with a third-party business partner.

Payables denominated in currencies other than Sterling comprise £55.9m denominated in US Dollars (2021: £43.8m), £11.8m denominated 
in Euros (2021: £10.5m) and £33.7m denominated in other currencies (2021: £32.6m). 

The carrying values of these liabilities are a reasonable approximation of their fair values.

24. CONTRACT BALANCES

Accounting policy
A contract asset is recognised when the Group’s right to consideration is conditional on something other than the passage of time, for 
example the completion of future performance obligations under the terms of the contract with the customer. In some instances, the 
Group receives payments from customers based on a billing schedule, as established in the contract, which may not match with the 
pattern of performance under the contract. 

Where payment is received ahead of performance a contract liability will be created, and where performance obligations are satisfied 
ahead of billing, then a contract asset will be recognised. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS149
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

24. CONTRACT BALANCES CONTINUED

Current contract assets
Non-current contract assets

Contract assets (note 21)

Current contract liabilities
Non-current contract liabilities

Contract liabilities (note 23)

Balance at 1 July 2020
Increases as a result of performance in advance of billing
Transfers to receivables during the year
Increases as a result of billing ahead of performance
Decreases as a result of revenue recognised in the year
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2021

Increases as a result of performance in advance of billing
Transfers to receivables during the year
Increases as a result of billing ahead of performance
Decreases as a result of revenue recognised in the year
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

2022  
£m

7.7
4.9

12.6

(10.1)
(0.2)

(10.3)

2021  
£m

7.7
–

7.7

(10.6)
(1.4)

(12.0)

Contract  
assets  

£m

Contract 
liabilities  

£m

5.1
35.8
(32.7)
–
–
(0.5)

7.7

72.0
(67.3)
–
–
0.2

12.6

(11.5)
–
–
(109.3)
108.1
0.7

(12.0)

–
–
(80.8)
83.4
(0.9)

(10.3)

In some cases, the Group receives payments from customers based on a billing schedule, as established in our contracts. The contract 
assets relate to revenue recognised for performance in advance of scheduled billing and have increased as the Group has provided 
more services ahead of the agreed payment schedules for certain contracts. The contract liability relates to payments received in 
advance of performance under contract and varies based on performance under these contracts.

The transaction price allocated to partially unsatisfied performance obligations at 30 June 2022 is £12.1m (2021: £3.6m). It is expected 
that the Group will recognise this revenue over the next four years.

25. PROVISIONS

A provision is a liability recorded in the Group Balance Sheet, where there is uncertainty over the timing or amount that will be paid, and 
is therefore estimated. The main provisions we hold relate to litigation damages, legal provisions, customer claims and share forfeiture.

Accounting policies
We recognise a provision in the Balance Sheet when an event results in the Group having a current legal or constructive obligation, and 
it is probable that we will have to settle the obligation through an outflow of economic benefits. If the effect is material, we discount 
provisions to their present value. 

Balance at 1 July 2020
Additional provision in the year
Utilisation of provision
Release of provision
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2021

Additional provision in the year 
Utilisation of provision 
Release of provision
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

ST  
litigation  

£m

10.5
0.2
(0.2)
–
(1.1)

9.4

–
(0.4)
(0.1)
1.2

10.1

Share  
forfeiture  

Other 
provisions  

£m

2.3
–
–
(2.0)
–

0.3

0.2
–
–
–

0.5

£m

3.0
2.7
(2.3)
(0.4)
(0.3)

2.7

0.5
(0.1)
(0.1)
0.3

3.3

Total  
£m

15.8
2.9
(2.5)
(2.4)
(1.4)

12.4

0.7
(0.5)
(0.2)
1.5

13.9

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS150
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

25. PROVISIONS CONTINUED

Current 
Non-current

2022  
£m

1.9
12.0

13.9

2021  
£m

1.3
11.1

12.4

ST litigation relates specifically to our litigation only with Sexing Technologies, as described in note 7.

The share forfeiture provision of £0.5m relates to potential claims that could be made by untraced members over the next three years, 
relating to the resale proceeds of shares that were identified during the prior year as being forfeited. 

Other provisions mainly relate to legal provisions (excluding ST litigation) and customers’ claims. The timing and cash flows associated 
with the majority of legal claims are expected to be less than one year. However, for some legal claims the timing of cash flows may be 
long term in nature and are disclosed as such.

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

This note details our treasury management and financial risk management objectives and policies, as well as the Group’s exposure and 
sensitivity to credit, liquidity, interest and foreign exchange rate risk, and the policies in place to monitor and manage these risks.

Financial risk management objectives
The Group’s corporate treasury function provides services to the business, coordinates our access to domestic and international 
financial markets, and monitors and manages the financial risks relating to the Group’s operations, through internal risk reports that 
analyse exposures by degree and magnitude of risks. These risks include market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk 
and price risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow interest rate risk.

We seek to minimise the effects of these risks by hedging them using derivative financial instruments. Our use of financial derivatives is 
governed by policies approved by the Board of Directors, which provide written principles on foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, 
credit risk, the use of financial derivatives and non-derivative financial instruments, and the investment of excess liquidity. The Board of 
Directors regularly reviews our compliance with policies and exposure limits. The Group does not enter into or trade financial instruments, 
including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.

Key financial risks and exposures are monitored through a monthly report to the Board of Directors, together with an annual Board 
review of corporate treasury matters.

Financial risk
The principal financial risks our activities expose us to are the risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and 
commodity prices. We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate, foreign currency and commodity 
price risks, including:
 > forward foreign exchange contracts, to hedge the exchange rate risk arising on the sale of goods and purchase of supplies in foreign 

currencies;

 > interest rate swaps, to mitigate the risk of rising interest rates; and
 > forward commodity contracts, to hedge commodity price risk.

Accounting policies
Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities in respect of financial instruments are recognised on the Group Balance Sheet when the Group becomes 
a party to the instrument’s contractual provisions. 

Financial liabilities and equity instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group are classified according to the substance of the contractual 
arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that 
provides a residual interest in the Group’s assets after deducting all of its liabilities and includes no obligation to deliver cash or other 
financial assets. The accounting policies adopted for specific financial liabilities and equity instruments are set out below.

Put option arrangements over non-controlling interest
The potential cash payments related to put options issued by the Group over the equity of subsidiary companies are accounted for as 
financial liabilities.

The amount that may become payable under the option on exercise is initially recognised at present value within financial liabilities, 
with a corresponding charge directly to equity. The charge to equity is recognised separately as written put options over non-controlling 
interest, adjacent to non-controlling interest in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries.

Such options are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method, in order to accrete the liability up 
to the amount payable under the option at the date at which it first becomes exercisable. The charge arising is recorded as a financing 
cost. If the option expires unexercised, the liability is derecognised, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

Derivative financial instruments 
Derivatives are recognised initially at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to 
their fair value at each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in the Income Statement immediately, unless the 
derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in the Income Statement 
depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS151
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

A derivative with a positive fair value is recognised as a financial asset whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognised 
as a financial liability. Derivatives are not offset in the financial statements, unless the Group has both a legally enforceable right and 
intention to offset. A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument 
is more than 12 months and it is not due to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets or 
current liabilities.

The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that we would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet 
date, taking into account current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the swap counterparties. 

The fair values of forward exchange contracts and forward commodity contracts are their quoted market price at the balance sheet 
date, which is the present value of the quoted forward price.

Hedging activities
The Group designates certain derivatives as hedging instruments in respect of foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and commodity 
risk in fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, or hedges of net investments in foreign operations. 

At the inception of the hedge relationship, the Group documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged 
item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Furthermore, at the 
inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the hedging instrument is effective in offsetting 
changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, which is when the hedging relationship meets all 
of the following hedge effectiveness requirements: 
 > there is an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument; 
 > the effect of credit risk does not dominate the value changes that result from that economic relationship; and 
 > the hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is the same as that resulting from the quantity of the hedged item that the Group 

actually hedges and the quantity of the hedging instrument that the Group actually uses to hedge that quantity of hedged item. 

If a hedging relationship ceases to meet the hedge effectiveness requirement relating to the hedge ratio but the risk management 
objective for that designated hedging relationship remains the same, the Group adjusts the hedge ratio of the hedging relationship 
(i.e. rebalances the hedge) so that it meets the qualifying criteria again. 

The Group designates the full change in the fair value of a forward contract (i.e. including the forward elements) as the hedging 
instrument for all of its hedging relationships involving forward contracts. 

The Group designates only the intrinsic value of option contracts as a hedged item, i.e. excluding the time value of the option. The 
changes in the fair value of the aligned time value of the option are recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated in 
the cost of hedging reserve. If the hedged item is transaction related, the time value is reclassified to the Income Statement when the 
hedged item affects the Income Statement. If the hedged item is time-period related, then the amount accumulated in the cost of 
hedging reserve is reclassified to the Income Statement on a rational basis, applying straight-line amortisation. Those reclassified 
amounts are recognised in the Income Statement in the same line as the hedged item. If the hedged item is a non-financial item, then 
the amount accumulated in the cost of hedging reserve is removed directly from equity and included in the initial carrying amount of the 
recognised non-financial item. Furthermore, if the Group expects that some or all of the loss accumulated in cost of hedging reserve will 
not be recovered in the future, that amount is immediately reclassified to the Income Statement. 

Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives and other qualifying hedging instruments that are designated and 
qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated under the heading of cash flow hedging 
reserve, and limited to the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item from inception of the hedge. The gain or loss relating to 
the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the Income Statement and is included in the ‘other gains and losses’ line item.

Amounts previously recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to the Income Statement in 
the periods when the hedged item affects the Income Statement, in the same line as the recognised hedged item. However, when the 
hedged forecast transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously 
recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are removed from equity and included in the initial measurement 
of the cost of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability. This transfer does not affect Other Comprehensive Income. Furthermore, if 
the Group expects that some or all of the loss accumulated in the cash flow hedging reserve will not be recovered in the future, that 
amount is immediately reclassified to the Income Statement.

The Group discontinues hedge accounting only when the hedging relationship (or a part thereof) ceases to meet the qualifying criteria 
(after rebalancing, if applicable). This includes instances when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. The 
discontinuation is accounted for prospectively. Any gain or loss recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated in cash 
flow hedge reserve at that time remains in equity and is reclassified to the Income Statement when the forecast transaction occurs. 
When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated in the cash flow hedge reserve is reclassified 
immediately to the Income Statement.

Under interest rate swap contracts, the Group agrees to exchange the difference between fixed and floating rate interest amounts 
calculated on agreed notional principal amounts. Such contracts enable the Group to mitigate the risk of changing interest rates on the 
fair value of issued fixed-rate debt held and the cash flow exposures on the issued variable-rate debt held. The fair value of interest rate 
swaps at the reporting date is determined by discounting the future cash flows using the yield curves at the reporting date and the 
credit risk inherent in the contract. The average interest rate is based on the outstanding balances at the end of the financial year. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS152
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

As the critical terms of the interest rate swap contracts and their corresponding hedged items are the same, the Group performs a 
qualitative assessment of effectiveness and it is expected that the value of the interest rate swap contracts and the value of the 
corresponding hedged items will systematically change in opposite directions, in response to movements in the underlying interest rates. 
The main source of hedge ineffectiveness in these hedge relationships is the effect of the counterparty and the Group’s own credit risk 
on the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts, which is not reflected in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the change 
in interest rates. No other sources of ineffectiveness emerged from these hedging relationships.

net investment hedges
Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the foreign currency 
forward contracts relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated in the 
foreign currency translation reserve. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the Income 
Statement, and is included in the ‘other gains and losses’ line item. 

Gains and losses on the hedging instrument accumulated in the foreign currency translation reserve are reclassified to the Income 
Statement on the disposal or partial disposal of the foreign operation.

We only apply net investment hedge accounting in the Group Financial Statements. 

Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that Group entities can continue as going concerns, while maximising the return to 
shareholders by optimising our debt and equity balance. The Group’s capital structure consists of debt, which includes the borrowings 
disclosed in note 27, cash and cash equivalents, and equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent, comprising issued capital, 
reserves and retained earnings, as disclosed in note 31. 

Gearing ratio
The Group keeps its capital structure under review and monitors it monthly to ensure the gearing ratio remains below 60%. The Group is 
not subject to externally imposed capital requirements. The gearing ratio at the year end was as follows:

Debt (see note 27)
Cash and cash equivalents (see note 22)

Net debt (see note 32)
Equity
Net debt to equity ratio

Debt is defined as long and short-term borrowings, including lease obligations as detailed in note 27.

Equity includes all capital and reserves of the Group attributable to equity holders of the Parent.

2022  
£m

223.8
(38.8)

185.0
572.1
32%

2021  
£m

151.6
(46.0)

105.6
496.6
21%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
153
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Categories of financial instruments
We have categorised financial instruments held at valuation into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs 
to the valuation technique in accordance with IFRS 13. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for 
identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall 
within different levels of the hierarchy, we base the category level on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement of the instrument in its entirety. We have estimated the fair values of the Group’s outstanding interest rate swaps by 
calculating the present value of future cash flows, using appropriate market discount rates, representing Level 2 fair value 
measurements as defined by IFRS 13. 

2022 Carrying value

2021 Carrying value

Level 1  

£m

Level 2  

£m

Level 3  

£m

Total  
£m 

Level 1  

£m

Level 2  

£m

Level 3  

£m

Total  
£m 

Financial assets
Other investments
Trade receivables and other debtors, 
excluding prepayments and contract 
assets (see note 21)
Cash and cash equivalents
Derivative instruments in non-
designated hedge accounting 
relationships
Derivative instruments in designated 
hedge accounting relationships

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables, excluding 
other taxes and social security 
(see note 23)
Loans and overdrafts (see note 27)
Leasing obligations (see note 28)
Derivative instruments in non-
designated hedge accounting 
relationships
Derivative instruments in designated 
hedge accounting relationships
Put option over non-controlling interest
Deferred consideration (see note 38)

6.5

–

3.7

10.2

2.0

10.4

2.3

14.7

–
–

–

–

117.0
38.8

1.0

2.2

–
–

–

–

117.0
38.8

1.0

2.2

–
–

–

–

91.9
46.0

0.1

–

–
–

–

–

91.9
46.0

0.1

–

6.5

159.0

3.7

169.2

2.0

148.4

2.3

152.7

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

(115.9)
(189.2)
(34.6)

(0.9)

(0.3)
(7.0)
–

(347.9)

–
–
–

–

–
–
(1.5)

(1.5)

(115.9)
(189.2)
(34.6)

(0.9)

(0.3)
(7.0)
(1.5)

(349.4)

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

(102.1)
(123.3)
(28.3)

–

–
(6.1)
(0.4)

(260.2)

–
–
–

–

–
–
(1.7)

(1.7)

(102.1)
(123.3)
(28.3)

–

–
(6.1)
(2.1)

(261.9)

We hold a strategic non-controlling interest in Caribou Biosciences, Inc (‘Caribou’), presented above within Other Investments (note 19). 
In July 2021, Caribou shares started publicly trading on the NASDAQ, and was reclassified from a Level 2 instrument to Level 1. There have 
been no transfers between levels during the year.

Foreign currency risk management
We undertake transactions denominated in foreign currencies. 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities (excluding short-term 
amounts related to our ongoing trade, recognised as trade receivables and trade payables) at the reporting date were as follows:

US Dollar
Euro
Canadian Dollar

Liabilities

Assets

2022  
£m

(88.0)
(11.3)
(0.4)

2021  
£m

(67.7)
(12.1)
–

2022  
£m

2.2
0.5
–

2021  
£m

2.1
0.5
–

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS154
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Foreign currency Income Statement sensitivity analysis
The Group is mainly exposed to movements in the US Dollar, Euro, Brazilian Real, Mexican Peso, Chinese Yuan and Russian Rouble 
exchange rates.

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10% and 20% increase and decrease in Sterling against these currencies. 10% is the 
sensitivity rate used when reporting foreign currency risk internally to key management and represents our assessment of a significant 
change in foreign exchange rates. The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and 
adjusts their translation at the period end for a 10% or 20% change in foreign currency rates. It includes external loans, as well as loans to 
foreign operations within the Group where the loan is denominated in a currency other than the lender or borrower’s currency. A positive 
number below indicates an increase in profit when Sterling weakens against the relevant currency. A strengthening of Sterling against 
the relevant currency would produce an equal but opposite reduction in profit, and the balances below would be negative. 

Euro
US Dollar
Brazilian Real
Mexican Peso
Chinese Yuan 
Russian Rouble

20% currency movement

10% currency movement

2022  
£m

2.8
1.2
2.7
3.1
2.3
1.5

2021  
£m

2.4
1.2
2.8
2.8
7.0
1.3

2022  
£m

1.4
0.6
1.3
1.5
1.2
0.7

2021  
£m

1.2
0.6
1.4
1.4
3.5
0.6

Forward foreign exchange contracts
The Group’s policy is to enter into forward foreign exchange contracts, to cover specific foreign currency payments and receipts. 
The following table details the forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as at the year end:

Outstanding contracts
Buy CHF
Sell CNY
Buy AUD
Buy PHP
Sell PHP
Sell RUB
Buy EUR
Sell PLN
Buy MXN
Buy USD
Sell USD
Buy CHF/Sell EUR
Buy EUR/Sell CHF
Buy USD/Sell UAH
Buy USD/Sell BRL
Buy USD/Sell CLP
Buy USD/Sell CNY
Buy PHP/Sell USD
Buy CAD/Sell USD
Buy USD/Sell CAD
Buy USD/Sell EUR
Buy USD/Sell RUB
Buy USD/Sell INR
Buy USD/Sell ZAR
Buy USD/Sell ARS

Average exchange rate

Contract value

Fair value

2022

2021

Foreign 
currency

2022  
£m

2021  
£m

2022  
£m

2021  
£m

1.18
8.2
1.76
67.01
–
–
0.86
–
24.74
1.23
–
1.01
–
33.06
4.90
–
6.69
53.53
1.29
–
1.06
56.85
78.76
16.09
129.69

–
9.03
1.85
–
67.78
101.95
0.86
5.30
28.03
–
1.40
–
1.09
–
5.05
720.03
6.43
48.82
–
1.23
1.19
72.58
73.06
14.41
97.85

CHF
CNY
AUD
PHP
PHP
RUB
EUR
PLN
MXN
USD
USD
CHF
CHF
UAH
BRL
CLP
CNY
PHP
CAD
CAD
EUR
RUB
INR
ZAR
ARS

0.9
1.2
1.8
0.3
–
–
7.2
–
2.9
1.1
–
3.4
–
0.3
1.8
–
3.7
7.4
0.4
–
0.3
1.2
1.3
3.4
0.3

–
2.0
1.0
–
0.1
0.1
8.8
0.9
5.6
–
4.7
–
0.3
–
1.8
0.3
1.7
5.0
–
2.3
2.3
1.5
2.8
0.2
0.2

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.1
(0.1)
–
–
–
–
0.1
–
–
(0.2)
–
–
–
(0.1)
–
–
–

(0.2)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.1
–
(0.1)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS155
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Interest rate risk management
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk, as Group entities borrow funds at both fixed and floating interest rates. We manage this risk 
centrally, by maintaining an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings, using interest rate swaps. We regularly review 
our hedging activities, to align with our interest rate views and defined risk appetite, thereby ensuring we apply optimal hedging 
strategies to minimise the adverse impact of fluctuations in interest expense through different interest rate cycles. 

The Group’s exposures to interest rates on financial assets and financial liabilities are detailed in the liquidity risk management section 
of this note.

Interest rate sensitivity analysis
We have determined the sensitivity analyses below, based on the Group’s exposure to interest rates for both derivatives and 
non-derivative instruments, at the balance sheet date. For floating rate liabilities, we prepared the analysis assuming the liability 
outstanding at the balance sheet date was outstanding for the whole year. A 1.0 percentage point increase or decrease is used 
when reporting interest rate risk internally to key management and is our assessment of a significant change in interest rates. 

If interest rates had been 1.0 percentage point higher or lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s profit would have 
decreased or increased by £1.8m (2021: decrease/increase by £1.2m). This impact is smaller than would otherwise be the case, due to our 
fixed-rate hedging.

Interest rate swap contracts
Under interest rate swap contracts, the Group agrees to exchange the difference between fixed and floating rate interest amounts, 
calculated on agreed notional principal amounts. These contracts enable us to mitigate the risk of changing interest rates on the 
cash flow exposures on the variable-rate debt we hold. We determine the fair value of interest rate swaps at the reporting date by 
discounting the future cash flows, using the yield curves at the reporting date and the credit risk inherent in the contract. This fair value 
is disclosed on the following page. The average interest rate is based on the outstanding balances at the end of the financial year.

Cash flow hedges
The following table details the notional principal amounts and remaining terms of interest rate swap contracts outstanding, as at the 
reporting date:

Average contract  
fixed interest rate

Notional principal amount

Fair value

Outstanding receive floating pay fixed contracts

2022  
%

2021  
%

2022  
£m

2021  
£m

USD interest rate swaps
One to five years

EUR interest rate swaps
One to five years

GBP interest rate swaps
One to five years

3.32

0.36

–

–

37.0

21.5

–

–

–

1.13

–

5.0

2022  
£m

(0.3)

0.6

–

2021  
£m

–

–

–

The interest rate swaps settle on a quarterly basis. The corresponding floating rate on the interest rate swaps is three months. We settle 
the difference between the fixed and floating interest rate on a net basis.

Interest rate swap contracts that exchange floating-rate interest amounts for fixed-rate interest amounts are designated as cash flow 
hedges, to reduce our cash flow exposure resulting from variable interest rates on borrowings. The interest rate swaps and the interest 
payments on the loan occur simultaneously and we recognise the amount deferred in equity in the Income Statement, over the period 
that the floating rate interest payments on debt affect the Income Statement.

Commodity hedges
The Group hedges both feed and slaughter exposures using Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog, corn and soybean meal 
commodity futures contracts.

Average price

Notional principal amount

Fair value

Commodity hedge

Open commodity contracts as at June
Lean hog
Corn
Soybean meal

2022  
US$

2021  
US$

0.92
6.87
390

0.79
4.78
382

2022  
£m

10.2
(4.9)
(3.0)

2.3

2021  
£m

7.6
(4.3)
(3.5)

(0.2)

2022  
£m

(0.1)
0.1
0.1

0.1

2021  
£m

(0.8)
1.0
(0.1)

0.1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS156
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Net investment hedges
The Group’s Net Investment Policy is to hedge up to 70% of the Net Investment Value of its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Group has 
a pre-existing EUR12.5m Net Investment Hedge originally entered into on 25 November 2019 as a EUR 5 million hedge and subsequently 
increased to EUR 12.5 million on 28 June 2021 where the Group designated the first EUR 12.5 million of the net assets of Pig Improvement 
Company España S.A. and Bovec S.A. as a hedged item using EUR 12.5 million of borrowings as a net investment hedge. In February 
2022, the Group entered into an additional Net Investment Hedge designating the first EUR 25 million Net Assets of its subsidiary Fyfield 
Holland BV net as the hedged item in a Net Investment Hedge using USD28m of borrowings converted to a EUR25m liability using a cross 
currency swap as the related hedging instrument. The Company entered into the EUR25m Cross Currency Swap on 28 February 2022 
generating a synthetic EUR25m liability to match the equivalent portion of its investment in this subsidiary. 

The table below shows a reconciliation of the gains or loss deferred in equity:

Loss at the start of the year 
Effective (losses)/gains recognised in equity in period

Balance carried forward in equity as effective losses

2022  
£m

(0.1)
(0.7)

(0.8)

2021  
£m

(0.5)
0.4

(0.1)

Credit risk management
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations, resulting in financial loss to the Group. We have a 
policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties. We regularly monitor our exposure and the credit ratings of our counterparties, 
and the aggregate value of transactions concluded is spread amongst approved counterparties. Credit exposure on financial 
instruments is controlled by counterparty limits that the Board reviews and approves annually. 

Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across diverse industries and geographical areas. We carry out 
ongoing credit evaluation of the financial condition of accounts receivable.

Liquidity risk management
The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for managing liquidity risk. We manage this risk by maintaining adequate reserves and 
banking facilities, by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows, and by matching the maturity profiles of financial assets 
and liabilities.

Liquidity and interest risk tables
For non-derivative financial liabilities, see notes 27, 28 and 38. 

The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities, excluding trade 
payables and other creditors which are short term and, as disclosed in note 23, have an average credit period of 39 days (2021: 27 days). 
We have drawn up the table based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities, using the earliest date on which we can be 
required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows.

2022
Loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities
Deferred consideration

Variable interest rate instruments

2021
Loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities
Deferred consideration

Variable interest rate instruments

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate
%

2.31
2.91
–

2.41

1.13
2.81
–

1.66

Less than  
1 month
£m

1–3 months
£m

3 months–
1 year
£m

1–5 years
£m

5+ years
£m

Total
£m

8.4
1.0
–

9.4

6.9
–
–

6.9

1.2
3.0
–

4.2

0.4
2.4
0.1

2.9

4.6
6.8
–

11.4

9.9
7.1
1.2

18.2

183.0
20.7
0.5

204.2

111.5
21.3
0.4

133.2

–
6.1
–

6.1

–
2.8
–

2.8

197.2
37.6
0.5

235.3

128.7
33.6
1.7

164.0

The following table details the Group’s expected maturity for other non-derivative financial assets, excluding trade receivables and 
other debtors. We have drawn up this table based on the undiscounted contractual maturities of the assets, including interest we will 
earn on them, except where we expect the cash flow to occur in a different period. 

2022
Variable interest rate instruments

2021
Variable interest rate instruments

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate
%

Less than  
1 month
£m

1–3 months
£m

3 months–
1 year
£m

1–5 years
£m

5+ years
£m

1.12

38.8

1.03

38.2

–

–

–

7.8

–

–

–

–

Total
£m

38.8

46.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS157
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

The Group has financing facilities with a total unused amount of £77.8m (2021: £129.3m) at the balance sheet date. We expect to meet 
our other obligations from operating cash flows and the proceeds of maturing financial assets. We expect to reduce the debt to equity 
ratio, as borrowings decrease through repayment from operating cash flows.

The following table details the Group’s liquidity analysis for its derivative financial instruments. We have drawn up the table based on 
the undiscounted net cash outflows on derivative instruments that settle on a net basis and the undiscounted gross outflows on 
derivatives that require gross settlement. When the amount payable or receivable is not fixed, we have determined the amount 
disclosed by reference to the projected interest and foreign currency rates, as illustrated by the yield curves at the reporting date.

2022
Foreign exchange contracts
Commodity swaps
Interest rate swaps

2021
Foreign exchange contracts
Commodity swaps
Interest rate swaps

Less than  
1 month
£m

1–3 months
£m

3 months– 
1 year
£m

1–5 years
£m

5+ years
£m

(0.2)
–
–

–
0.3
–

–
–
0.1

–
(0.1)
–

–
0.1
0.2

–
(0.1)
–

–
–
0.1

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

Total
£m

(0.2)
0.1
0.4

–
0.1
–

Commodity swaps and interest rate swaps are always settled on a net basis. Foreign exchange contracts can be settled on a net or 
gross basis; the net cash flows presented in the table above reflect an inflow of £73.7m and outflow of £73.9m (2021: inflow of £88.4m and 
outflow of £88.4m).

27. LOANS AND BORROWINGS

The Group’s borrowing for funding and liquidity purposes comes from a range of committed bank facilities. 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
We initially recognise interest-bearing loans and borrowings at their fair value, less attributable transaction costs. After this initial 
recognition, we state them at amortised cost and recognise any difference between the cost and redemption value in the Income 
Statement over the borrowings’ expected life, on an effective interest rate basis. The carrying values of these liabilities are a reasonable 
approximation of their fair values.

Non-current liabilities
Unsecured bank loans
Obligations under leases

Current liabilities
Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Obligations under leases

Total interest-bearing liabilities

2022 
£m

2021  
£m

182.1
24.5

206.6

7.1
10.1

17.2

109.4
19.3

128.7

13.9
9.0

22.9

223.8

151.6

Terms and debt repayment schedule
Terms and conditions of outstanding loans and overdrafts were as follows:

Revolving credit facility and overdraft
Revolving credit facility, term loan and overdraft
Revolving credit facility and overdraft
Obligations under leases
Other unsecured bank borrowings

Total interest-bearing liabilities

Currency

Interest rate

2022  

GBP
USD
EUR
USD
Other

2.6%
3.0%
1.4%
2.0%
2.2%

2022  
£m

95.9
77.3
10.8
34.6
5.2

2021  
£m

43.2
59.7
10.7
28.3
9.7

223.8

151.6

The above revolving credit facilities are unsecured. Information about the Group’s exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risks is 
shown in note 26.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS158
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

27. LOANS AND BORROWINGS CONTINUED

Loans and borrowings (excluding leases) comprise amounts falling due:

In one year or less or on demand
In more than one year but not more than two years
In more than two years but not more than five years

Less: unamortised issue costs

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

2022  
£m

8.0
–
182.3

190.3
(1.1)

189.2
(7.1)

182.1

2021  
£m

14.7
–
109.9

124.6
(1.3)

123.3
(13.9)

109.4

At the balance sheet date, the Group’s credit facilities comprised a £150m multi-currency revolving credit facility (‘RCF’), a USD125 million 
RCF and a USD20 million bond and guarantee facility. The original term of the facility was for three years to 24 August 2023 with the 
option to extend the maturity date by a further year before each of the first and second anniversaries of the signing date. The 
Company’s credit facility also includes an uncommitted £100m accordion option, which can be requested on a maximum of three 
occasions over the lifetime of the facility to fund the Group’s business development plans. On 24 August 2021, the Group and its lenders 
extended the facility by a further year to 24 August 2024.

With effect from 26 August 2022, the Group and its lenders increased the Company’s multi-currency RCF by £40m to £190m and the USD 
RCF by USD25m to USD150m, and extended the maturity date of the total facilities to 24 August 2025.

As part of its interest rate hedging strategy, the Group has entered into interest rate swaps to hedge variable interest rates. At the 
balance sheet date, bank loan and overdrafts include borrowings of USD45m fixed at 3.3175%, and borrowings of USD28m, swapped via 
a cross currency swap into EUR25m, fixed at 0.3625%, excluding applicable bank margins.

28. OBLIGATIONS UNDER LEASES

A lease is a commitment to make a payment in the future, primarily in relation to property, plant and machinery and motor vehicles.

Accounting policies
In accordance with IFRS 16, we recognise as an expense any payments made in respect of short-term leases (those with a term of less 
than 12 months) and leases for low-value items on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. 

For all other leases we recognise a liability at the date at which the leased asset is made available for use, and a corresponding 
right-of-use asset is recognised and depreciated over the term of the lease (see note 17).

Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the future lease payments, excluding any payments relating to non-lease 
components. Future lease payments include fixed payments, in-substance fixed payments, and variable lease payments that are 
based on an index or a rate, less any lease incentives receivable. Lease liabilities also take into account amounts payable under residual 
value guarantees and payments to exercise options, to the extent that it is reasonably certain that such payments will be made. The 
payments are discounted at the rate implicit in the lease or, where that cannot be measured, at an incremental borrowing rate. 

We remeasure the lease liability (and make a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) whenever:
 > The lease term has changed or there is a change in the assessment of the exercise of a purchase option, in which case the lease 

liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate.

 > The lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or a change in expected payment under a guaranteed residual 

value, in which cases the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using the initial discount rate (unless 
the lease payments change is due to a change in a floating interest rate, in which case a revised discount rate is used). 

 > A lease contract is modified, and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease liability  

is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate. 

The Group did not make any such adjustments during the periods presented.

The changes in the lease liabilities are as follows:

Balance at the start of the year
Leases entered into during the year
Leases terminated early
Payments made
Interest
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at the end of the year

Current
Non-current

At 30 June 2022, the Group is committed to £0.1m (2021: £0.1m) for short-term leases.

2022  
£m

28.3
15.7
(0.3)
(12.4)
1.1
2.2

34.6

10.1
24.5

34.6

2021  
£m

31.1
10.4
(1.0)
(12.5)
0.8
(0.5)

28.3

9.0
19.3

28.3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS159
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

28. OBLIGATIONS UNDER LEASES CONTINUED

We have drawn up the table based on the undiscounted cash flows of the obligations under leases, using the earliest date on which we 
can be required to pay

FY22
FY23
FY24
FY25
FY26
FY27
FY28
FY29
FY30
After FY30

Presented as: 
Current
Non-current

2022  
£m

2021  
£m

–
10.8
8.2
5.7
4.1
2.7
2.0
1.8
1.2
1.1

37.6

10.8
26.8

37.6

9.5
8.0
6.1
4.0
2.4
1.4
1.2
0.7
0.2
0.1

33.6

9.5
24.1

33.6

Lease obligations denominated in currencies other than Sterling comprise £16.0m denominated in US Dollars (2021: £15.9m), £4.0m 
denominated in Euros (2021: £2.7m) and £10.6m denominated in other currencies (2021: £3.0m). 

29. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The Group operates a number of defined contribution and defined benefit pension schemes covering many of its employees. The 
principal funds are the Milk Pension Fund (‘MPF’) and the Dalgety Pension Fund (‘DPF’) in the UK, which are defined benefit schemes. 
The assets of these funds are held separately from the Group’s assets, are administered by trustees and managed professionally. 

Accounting policies
Defined contribution pension schemes
A number of our employees are members of defined contribution pension schemes. We charge contributions to the Income Statement 
as they become payable under the scheme rules. We show differences between the contributions payable and the amount we have 
paid as either accruals or prepayments in the Balance Sheet. The schemes’ assets are held separately from the Group’s assets.

Defined benefit pension schemes
The Group operates defined benefit pension schemes for some of its employees. These schemes are closed to new members and to 
further accrual. We calculate our net obligation separately for each scheme, by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees 
have earned, in return for their service to date. We discount that benefit to determine its present value and deduct the fair value of the 
plan’s assets (at bid price). The liability discount rate we use is the market yield at the balance sheet date on high-quality corporate 
bonds, with terms to maturity approximating our pension liabilities. Qualified actuaries perform the calculations, using the projected 
unit method. 

We recognise actuarial gains and losses in equity in the period in which they occur, through the Group Statement of Comprehensive 
Income. Actuarial gains and losses include the difference between the expected and actual return on scheme assets and experience 
gains and losses on scheme liabilities.

Genus and the other participating employers are jointly and severally liable for the MPF’s obligations. We account for our section of the 
scheme and our share of any orphan assets and liabilities, and provide for any amounts we believe we will have to pay under our joint 
and several liability. The joint and several liability also means we have a contingent liability for the scheme’s obligations that we have 
not accounted for. 

Under the joint and several liability, we initially recognise any changes in our share of orphan assets and liabilities in the Income 
Statement. After this initial recognition, any actuarial gains and losses on the orphan assets and liabilities are recognised directly in 
equity through the Group Statement of Changes in Equity, in the period in which they occur.

During the year, the DPF defined benefit pension scheme purchased annuities in order to hedge longevity risk for pensioners within the 
scheme. As permitted by IAS 19, the Group has opted to recognise the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the cost 
of the policy as an actuarial loss in Other Comprehensive Income.

We measure the fair value our qualifying insurance policy assets to be the deemed present value of the related obligation.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS160
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

29. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

Retirement benefit obligations
The financial positions of the defined benefit schemes, as recorded in accordance with IAS 19 and IFRIC 14, are aggregated for 
disclosure purposes. The liability split by principal scheme is set out below.

The Milk Pension Fund – Genus’s share
The Dalgety Pension Fund
National Pig Development Pension Fund
Post-retirement healthcare
Other unfunded schemes

Overall net pension liability

2022  
£m

–
–
0.1
0.6
7.6

8.3

2021  
£m

2.2
–
0.3
0.6
8.0

11.1

Overall, we expect to pay £1.0m (2021: £4.1m) in contributions to defined benefit plans in the 2023 financial year.

The defined benefit plans are administered by trustee boards that are legally separated from the Group. The trustee board of each 
pension fund consists of representatives who are employees, former employees or are independent from the Company. The boards of 
the pension funds are required by law to act in the best interest of the plan participants and are responsible for setting certain policies, 
such as investment and contribution policies, and for the governance of the fund.

The defined benefit pension schemes expose the Group to actuarial risks such as greater than expected longevity of members, lower 
than expected return on investments and higher than expected inflation, which may increase the plans’ liabilities or reduce the value of 
their assets.

UK pensions are regulated by The Pensions Regulator, a non-departmental public body established under the Pensions Act 2004 
and sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, operating within a legal regulatory framework set by the UK Parliament. 
The Pensions Regulator has statutory objectives set out in legislation, which include promoting and improving understanding of the 
good administration of work-based pensions, protecting member benefits and regulating occupational defined benefit and 
contribution schemes. The Pensions Regulator’s statutory objectives and regulatory powers are described on its website at 
thepensionsregulator.gov.uk.

All defined benefit schemes are registered as an occupational pension plan with HMRC and are subject to UK legislation and oversight 
from The Pensions Regulator. UK legislation requires that pension schemes are funded prudently and valued at least every three years. 
Separate valuations are required for each scheme. Within 15 months of each valuation date, the plan trustees and the Group must 
agree any contributions required to ensure that the plan is fully funded over time, on a suitably prudent measure.

Funding plans are individually agreed with the respective trustees for each of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes, taking into 
account local regulatory requirements.

On 20 November 2020, the High Court ruled that individual transfer payments made since 17 May 1990 would need to be equalised for 
the effects of GMP. This judgment followed on from the previous judgment on 26 October 2018, where the High Court ruled that schemes 
had a legal obligation to pay benefits allowing for GMP equalisation, resulting in an additional liability being recognised. The previous 
judgment had not considered historic transfer values. Genus’s pension schemes are also affected by this ruling, resulting in an 
aggregate past service charge of £2.3m in the period, being £0.9m for the DPF and £1.4m for the MPF.

the Milk Pension Fund (‘MPF’)
The MPF was previously operated by the Milk Marketing Board and was also open to staff working for Milk Marque Ltd (the principal 
employer, now known as Community Foods Group Limited), National Milk Records plc, First Milk Ltd, hauliers associated to First Milk Ltd, 
Dairy Farmers of Britain Ltd (which went into receivership in June 2009) and Milk Link Ltd.

We have accounted for our section of the scheme and our share of any orphan assets and liabilities, which together represent 
approximately 86% of the MPF (2021: 86%). Although the MPF is managed on a sectionalised basis, it is a ‘last man standing scheme’, 
which means that all participating employers are jointly and severally liable for all of the fund’s liabilities. With effect from 30 June 2013, 
Genus’s remaining active members ceased accruing benefits in the fund and became deferred pensioners.

The most recent actuarial triennial valuation of the MPF was at 31 March 2021 and was carried out by qualified actuaries. The valuation 
has been agreed by the trustees.

The principal actuarial assumptions adopted in the 2021 valuation were that:
 > investment returns on existing assets would exceed fixed-interest gilt yields by 1.6% per annum until 31 March 2030, then by 0.5% per 

annum thereafter;

 > Consumer Price Index (‘CPI’) price inflation is expected to be 0.7% per annum lower than Retail Price Index (‘RPI’) price inflation until 

31 March 2030, then less 0.1% p.a. thereafter; and

 > pensions in payment and pensions in deferment would increase in future in line with CPI price inflation, subject to various minimum 

and maximum increases.

At 31 March 2021, the market value of the fund’s assets was £492m. This represented approximately 103% of the value of the uninsured 
liabilities, which were £480m at that date.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS161
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

29. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

The surplus in the fund as a whole, by reference to the 31 March 2021 valuation, was £12m (of which Genus’s notional share was £10m). 
Reflecting the improvement in the funding position and with effect from 1 September 2021, no deficit repair contributions are payable 
but funding the scheme’s operating expenses of £1.1m per annum was agreed to be paid, rising thereafter by 3.4% per annum until 
30 September 2026.

The disclosures required under IAS 19 have been calculated by an independent actuary, based on accurate calculations carried out as 
at 31 March 2021 and updated to 30 June 2022.

At 30 June 2022, the MPF was in an overall net pension asset position of £71.4m. However, the Company does not have the unilateral 
right to this surplus and therefore in line with IFRIC 14, the recognition of this asset is restricted.

Dalgety Pension Fund (‘DPF’)
The most recent actuarial valuation of the DPF was at 31 March 2021 and was carried out by qualified actuaries. 

The principal actuarial assumptions adopted in the 2021 valuation were that:
 > investment returns on existing assets is gilt yields less 0.35% per annum;
 > CPI price inflation is expected to be 0.7% per annum lower than RPI price inflation until 2030, then RPI curve from 2030 onwards; and
 > pensions in payment and pensions in deferment would increase in future in line with CPI price inflation, subject to various minimum 

and maximum increases.

The market value of the available assets at 31 March 2021 was £938m. The value of those assets represented approximately 100% of the 
value of the uninsured liabilities, which were £937m at 31 March 2021. Under the funding agreement, the Company will not have to make 
deficit repair contributions.

The disclosures required under IAS 19 have been calculated by an independent actuary, based on accurate calculations carried out as 
at 31 March 2021 and updated to 30 June 20221. 

At 30 June 2022, the DPF, which includes a £20.5m separate reserve held against future unknown liabilities materialising, was in an 
overall net pension asset position of £6.6m. However, the Company does not have the unilateral right to this surplus and therefore in line 
with IFRIC 14, the recognition of this asset is restricted.

The primary bulk annuity policy was secured with an insurance company in July 1999, which matched the benefit entitlement of almost 
all of the fund’s current and deferred pension liabilities at that time. The value of the policy and related liabilities at 30 June 2022 was 
£528m (2021: £654m). We do not have any legal rights to any surplus relating to these bulk annuity policies. 

national Pig Development Company Pension Fund (‘nPD’)
The Group operates a closed defined benefit scheme for a small number of former employees of the National Pig Development 
Company Limited. The total market value of scheme assets and liabilities at 30 June 2022, under the provisions of IAS 19, were £5.4m 
(2021: £6.3m) and £5.5m (2021: £6.6m), respectively. 

The most recent actuarial triennial valuation of the NPD was at 30 June 2020 and was carried out by qualified actuaries. The valuation 
has been agreed by the trustees.

The principal actuarial assumptions adopted in the 2020 valuation were that:
 > investment returns on existing assets is gilt yields less 0.35% per annum;
 > CPI price inflation is expected to be 0.5% per annum lower than RPI price inflation; and
 > pensions in payment and pensions in deferment would increase in future in line with CPI price inflation, subject to various minimum 

and maximum increases.

The market value of the available assets at 30 June 2020 was £6.1m. The value of those assets represented approximately 68% of the 
value of the uninsured liabilities, which were £9.0m at 30 June 2020. Under the trustee prepared schedule of contributions, Genus is 
required to make deficit repair contributions of £500,000 per annum commencing 1 July 2021.

The disclosures required under IAS 19 have been calculated by an independent actuary, based on accurate calculations carried out as 
at 30 June 2020 and updated to 30 June 2022.

other unfunded schemes
When the Group acquired Sygen International plc in 2005, it also acquired three unfunded defined benefit schemes and an unfunded 
retirement health benefit plan, which it now operates for the benefit of the previous Group’s senior employees and Executives. 

Unfunded defined benefits schemes
The scheme liabilities for the three unfunded defined benefit schemes amounted to £6.1m (2021: £6.6m), based on IAS 19’s methods and 
assumptions. This amount is included within pension liabilities in the Group Balance Sheet. It also operates several unfunded defined 
benefits which amounted to £1.6m (2021: £1.4m). Interest on pension scheme liabilities amounted to £0.2m (2021: £0.2m). The disclosures 
required under IAS 19 have been calculated by an independent actuary, using the principal assumptions used to calculate the scheme 
liabilities as for the defined benefit schemes. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS162
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

29. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

Post-retirement healthcare
The scheme liabilities for the unfunded retirement health benefit plan amounted to £0.5m (2021: £0.6m), based on IAS 19’s methods and 
assumptions. This amount is included within retirement benefit obligations in the Group Balance Sheet. Interest on plan liabilities 
amounted to £nil (2021: £nil).

The principal assumptions used to calculate the plan liabilities were that the discount rate would be 3.9% (2021: 1.90%) and that the 
long-term rate of medical expense inflation would be 6.9% (2021: 6.9%).

Aggregated position of defined benefit schemes

Present value of funded obligations (includes Genus’s 86% share of MPF (2021: 86%))
Present value of unfunded obligations 

Total present value of obligations
Fair value of plan assets (includes Genus’s 86% share of MPF (2021: 86%))
Restricted recognition of asset (MPF and DPF)
Recognition of additional liability (MPF)

Recognised liability for defined benefit obligations

2022  
£m

857.6
8.4

866.0
(936.3)
78.6
–

2021  
£m

1,097.7
8.9

1,106.6
(1,147.2)
8.8
42.9

8.3

11.1

Each of the defined benefit schemes manages risks through a variety of methods and strategies, including equity protection, to limit 
the downside risk of falls in equity markets, as well as inflation and interest rate hedging. By funding its defined benefits schemes, the 
Group is exposed to the risk that the cost of meeting its obligations is higher than anticipated. This could occur for several reasons, 
for example:
 > Investment returns on the schemes’ assets may be lower than anticipated, especially if falls in asset values are not matched by 

similar falls in the value of the schemes’ liabilities.

 > The level of price inflation may be higher than that assumed, resulting in higher payments from the schemes.
 > Scheme members may live longer than assumed, for example due to advances in healthcare. Members may also exercise (or not 

exercise) options in a way that leads to increases in the schemes’ liabilities, for example through early retirement or commutation of 
pension for cash.

 > Legislative changes could also lead to an increase in the schemes’ liabilities.

Aggregated position of defined benefit schemes
The fair value of the total plan assets at the end of the reporting period for each category is as follows:

Equities
Diversified growth funds
Liability driven investments
Gilts and corporate bonds
Cash
Property
Direct lending
Bulk annuity policy
Other

Level 1  

£m

–
–
–
–
4.3
2.7
–
–
–

7.0

Level 2  

£m

Level 3  

£m

2022  
£m 

28.1
59.5
122.3
100.5
4.3
–
2.5
–
–

317.2

–
–
–
–
–
35.4
32.8
543.9
–

612.1

28.1
59.5
122.3
100.5
8.6
38.1
35.3
543.9
–

936.3

Level 1  

£m

–
0.2
–
–
1.6
3.9
–
–
–

5.7

Level 2  

£m

Level 3  

£m

2021  
£m 

58.5
98.0
116.8
121.1
4.1
–
3.7
–
–

402.2

–
–
–
–
–
34.4
27.4
677.5
–

58.5
98.2
116.8
121.1
5.7
38.3
31.1
677.5
–

739.3

1,147.2

Note:
Level 1: valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments.
Level 2: valued using techniques based on information that can be obtained from observable market data.
Level 3: valued using techniques incorporating information other than observable market data.

Movement in the liability for defined benefit obligations

Liability for defined benefit obligations at the start of the year (including the bulk annuity policy (DPF))
Benefits paid by the plans
Current service costs and interest
Actuarial losses/(gains) recognised on fund liabilities arising from changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gains recognised on fund liabilities arising from changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial losses/(gains) recognised on fund liabilities arising from experience (other)
Reclassified from accruals
Past service cost
Exchange rate adjustment

Liability for defined benefit obligations at the end of year

2022  
£m

2021  
£m

1,106.6
(55.7)
20.7
7.0
(220.0)
6.1
–
0.4
0.9

1,169.3
(57.8)
18.8
(2.7)
(22.4)
(0.9)
0.7
2.3
(0.7)

866.0

1,106.6

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS163
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

29. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

Movement in plan assets

Fair value of plan assets at the start of the year (including the bulk annuity policy (DPF)) 
Administration expenses
Reclassified from accruals
Contributions paid into the plans
Benefits paid by the plans
Interest income on plan assets
Actuarial losses recognised in equity

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year

Aggregated position of defined benefit schemes
summary of movements in Group deficit during the year

Deficit in schemes at the start of the year
Administration expenses
Exceptional cost
Reclassified from accruals
Contributions paid into the plans
Net pension finance cost 
Actuarial gains recognised during the year
Movement in restriction of assets
Release/(recognition) of additional liability
Exchange rate adjustment

Deficit in schemes at the end of the year

Amounts recognised in the Group Income statement

Administrative expenses
Interest obligation
Interest income on plan assets
Interest on additional liability
Exceptional cost

the expense is recognised in the following line items in the Group Income statement

Administrative expenses
Exceptional cost
Net finance charge

Actuarial losses/(gains) recognised in the Group statement of Comprehensive Income

Cumulative loss at the start of the year
Actuarial gains recognised during the year
Movement in restriction of assets
(Release)/recognition of additional liability
Exchange rate adjustment

Cumulative loss at the end of the year

2022  
£m

2021  
£m

1,147.2
(0.4)
–
3.5
(55.7)
21.3
(179.6)

1,182.5
(0.4)
0.3
7.4
(57.8)
18.9
(3.7)

936.3

1,147.2

2022  
£m

(11.1)
(0.4)
(0.4)
–
3.5
(0.2)
27.3
(69.8)
43.7
(0.9)

(8.3)

2022  
£m

0.4
20.7
(21.3)
0.8
0.4

1.0

2022  
£m

0.4
0.4
0.2

1.0

2022  
£m

60.3
(27.3)
69.8
(43.7)
0.9

60.0

2021  
£m

(18.1)
(0.4)
(2.3)
(0.4)
7.4
(0.3)
22.3
(0.1)
(19.9)
0.7

(11.1)

2021  
£m

0.4
18.8
(18.9)
0.4
2.3

3.0

2021  
£m

0.4
2.3
0.3

3.0

2021  
£m

63.3
(22.3)
0.1
19.9
(0.7)

60.3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS164
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

29. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

Actuarial assumptions and sensitivity analysis
Principal actuarial assumptions (expressed as weighted averages) are:

Discount rate
Consumer Price Index 
Retail Price Index 

2022 

2021 

3.90%
2.40%
2.90%

1.90%
2.10%
2.85%

The mortality assumptions used are consistent with those recommended by the schemes’ actuaries and reflect the latest available 
tables, adjusted for the experience of the scheme where appropriate. For 2022, the mortality tables used are 100% of the S3PMA (males)/
S3PFA_M (females) all lives tables, with birth year and 2021 CMI projections with a smoothing parameter of Sk = 7.0 and A = 0.5%, subject 
to a long-term rate of improvement of 1.5% for males and females and for 2021, the mortality tables used are 97% of the S2NA tables, with 
birth year and 2021 CMI projections with a smoothing parameter of Sk = 7.0 and A = 0%, subject to a long-term rate of improvement of 
1.25% for males and females. 

Aggregated position of defined benefit schemes
The following table shows the assumptions used for all schemes and illustrates the life expectancy of an average member retiring at 
age 65 at the balance sheet date and a member reaching age 65 in 20 years’ time.

Retiring at balance sheet date at age 65

Retiring at age 65 in 20 years’ time

Duration of benefit obligations

Weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations
Weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations,  
excluding defined benefit obligations backed by purchased annuities

Male
Female

Male
Female

2022  
Years

22.6
24.4

24.2
26.2

2022  
Years

11.4

14.3

2021  

Years

22.0
24.4

23.3
25.9

2021  

Years

13.8

17.1

Sensitivity analysis
Measurement of the Group’s defined benefit obligation is sensitive to changes in certain key assumptions. The sensitivity analysis below 
shows how a reasonably possible increase or decrease in a particular assumption would, in isolation, result in an increase or decrease in 
the present value of the defined benefit obligation as at 30 June 2022. We have included additional sensitivity analysis, which excludes 
the value of our defined benefit obligations backed by purchased annuities, as the asset value is the deemed present value of 
obligations, with no movement to the overall scheme deficits. Given recent market volatility due to the impact of COVID-19 and the 
conflict in Ukraine, we continue to use a sensitivity analysis of 0.5%. 

Discount rate

Rate of inflation

Life expectancy

Decrease 
by 0.5%
£m

Increase 
by 0.5%
£m

Decrease 
by 0.5%
£m

Increase 
by 0.5%
£m

Decrease 
by 1 year
£m

Increase 
by 1 year
£m

Increase/(decrease) in present value of defined obligation

55.7

(54.0)

(40.0)

39.5

(37.7)

37.7

Excluding purchased annuity obligations 
increase/(decrease) in present value of defined obligation

20.7

(20.1)

(14.9)

14.7

(14.0)

14.0

The sensitivity analysis may not be representative of an actual change in the defined benefit obligation, as it is unlikely that changes in 
assumptions would occur in isolation from one another.

The sensitivities assume the funds’ assets remain unchanged. However, in practice changes in interest rates and inflation will also affect 
the value of the funds’ assets. The funds’ investment strategy is to hold matching assets with values that move in line with the liabilities 
of the fund, to protect against changes in interest rates and inflation.

This sensitivity analysis has been prepared using the same method adopted when adjusting results of the latest funding valuation to the 
balance sheet date. This is the same approach adopted in previous periods.

The history of experience adjustment is as follows:

Present value of the defined benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Restrict recognition of asset and recognition of additional liability

Deficit in the plans

Experience adjustments arising on plan liabilities (%)
Experience adjustments arising on plan assets (%)

2022  
£m

866.0
(936.3)
78.6

8.3

21.0
19.3

2021  
£m

2020  
£m

2019  
£m

2018  
£m

1,106.6
(1,147.2)
51.7

1,169.3
(1,182.5)
31.3

1,179.5
(1,201.1)
45.8

1,094.7
(1,129.3)
68.5

11.1

2.1
2.4

18.1

1.8
1.6

24.2

4.8
2.5

33.9

2.7
1.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS165
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

30. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

We have a number of share plans used to award shares to Directors and senior management as part of their remuneration. To record 
the cost of these, a charge is recognised over the vesting period in the Group Income Statement, based on the fair value of the award 
on the date of grant. 

Accounting policies
We recognise the fair value of share awards and options granted as an employee expense, with a corresponding increase in equity. 
We measure the fair value at the grant date and spread it over the vesting period of each option. We use a binomial valuation model to 
measure the fair value of options and a Black-Scholes valuation model to measure the fair value of share awards. We adjust the amount 
we recognise as an expense, to reflect the estimated performance against non-market related conditions and the number of share 
awards and options that actually vest at the end of the vesting period.

The Group recognised a total share-based payment expense of £3.7m (2021: £7.7m), including National Insurance contributions of £0.1m 
(2021: £1.2m).

Share awards
 > There were 560,511 conditional share awards outstanding at 30 June 2022. These conditional shares were awarded to Executive 

Directors and senior management under the 2014 and 2019 Performance Share Plans. In accordance with the plan’s terms, 
participants have received a conditional annual award of shares or nil cost option awards, which will normally vest after three years, 
with the proportion of the award vesting depending on growth in the Group’s adjusted earnings per share. Further details of the 
plan’s performance conditions are given in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

During the year ended 30 June 2022:
 > 129,991 awards were granted on 15 September 2021, with an aggregate fair value of £7,213,000. The fair value of services received 
in return for share awards granted is based on the fair value of share awards granted, measured using a Black-Scholes valuation 
model. At the date of grant, the fair value of a share awarded was £55.49, based on an expected dividend yield of 0.61%.

 > 7,827 awards in total were granted on 5 November 2021, 11 February 2022, 18 March 2022, 1 June 2022 and 10 June 2022, with an 

aggregate fair value of £231,000. The fair value of services received in return for share awards granted is based on the fair value of 
share awards granted, measured using a Black-Scholes valuation model. At the date of grant, the aggregate fair value of a share 
awarded was £29.48, based on an expected dividend yield of 1.05%.

Outstanding at the start of year
Exercised during the year
Forfeited during the year
Granted during the year

Outstanding at 30 June
Exercisable at 30 June

Number of 
awards  
2022

Number of 
awards  
2021

665,522
(205,010)
(37,819)
137,818

560,511
17,605

770,690
(193,601)
(103,172)
191,605

665,522
9,108

Bonus and restricted stock share awards
In addition to the outstanding share awards above, there were 61,313 bonus and restricted stock share awards outstanding at 30 June 
2022. The bonus shares were awarded to Executive Directors and senior management as part of the compulsory deferred bonus, and 
restricted stock share awards were granted to senior management in connection with recruitment. In accordance with the awards’ 
terms, participants have received a conditional annual bonus award of shares or nil cost option awards, which will normally vest 
between one and three years after award, providing the participant is employed by the Group at that time.

In the year ended 30 June 2022, 18,192 bonus share awards were granted on 15 September 2021, with an aggregate fair value of £1,009,000.

Outstanding at the start of year
Exercised during the year
Forfeited during the year
Granted during the year

Outstanding at 30 June
Exercisable at 30 June

Number of 
awards  
2022

Number of 
awards  
2021

72,466
(29,345)
–
18,192

61,313
–

84,061
(32,654)
(1,324)
22,383

72,466
–

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS166
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

30. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED

Share options
On 12 August 2004, the Group established a share option programme that entitles key management and other senior employees to 
purchase shares in the Company. Further grants on similar terms were offered to these employee groups as set out below. The terms and 
conditions of the grants are as set out below. All options are to be settled by physical delivery of shares and meet the criteria for being 
treated as equity settled. 

Employees entitled

Grant date

Number of instruments  Vesting conditions

Option exercise price

Contractual life of options

2004 Company share plan 
2004 Company share plan 

7 September 2012
26 September 2013

Total share options

1,891
9,539

11,430

Exercisable
Exercisable

1,334.00p
1,413.00p

10 years
10 years

Share options
The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options are as follows:

Outstanding at the start of year
Forfeited during the year
Share appreciation rights effected during the year
Exercised during the year

Outstanding at 30 June
Exercisable at 30 June

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price  
2022

1,331p
1,374p
1,312p
1,265p

1,400p
1,400P

Number of 
options  
2022

32,633
(2,755)
(6,328)
(12,120)

11,430
11,430

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price  
2021

1,173p
915p
1,059p
981p

1,331p
1,331p

Number of 
options  
2021

67,131
(9,489)
(5,134)
(19,875)

32,633
32,633

The options at 30 June 2022 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.1 years (2021: 1.6 years). No share options were 
granted during the year (2021: nil). The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during the year was £44.18p (2021: £44.73p).

31. CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Called up share capital is the number of shares in issue at their par value. A number of shares were issued in the year, in relation the 
employee share schemes.

Accounting policies
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the amounts of the proceeds received, net of direct issuance costs.

Own shares
We include the transactions, assets and liabilities of the Group-sponsored Qualifying Employee Share Ownership Trust (‘QUEST’) in the 
Group Financial Statements. In particular, the trust’s purchases of the Company’s shares are deducted from shareholders’ funds until 
they vest unconditionally with employees.

Share capital 

Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 10 pence

There is no authorised share capital limit.

2022  
Number

2021  

Number

2022  
£m

2021  
£m

65,773,620

65,761,500

6.6

6.6

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends, as declared from time to time.

The movement in share capital for the period was as follows:

Issued under the Executive Share Option Plan
Issued to Employee Benefit Trust 

2022  
Number

2021  

Number

2022 
£m

12,120
–

19,875
650,000

12,120

669,875

–
–

–

2021 
£m

–
0.1

0.1

Shares issued under the Executive Share Option Plan were issued at option prices as follows:

Executive Share Option Plan

2022  
Number

2022  
Price

2021  

Number

2021  
Price

–
977.83p
1334.00p
1413.00p

–
2,837
7,027
2,256

12,120

729.83p
977.83p
1334.00p
1413.00p

6,599
9,032
1,738
2,506

19,875

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS167
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

31. CAPITAL AND RESERVES CONTINUED

Reserve for own shares
The Company’s shares are held by a QUEST, which is an employee benefit trust established to facilitate the operation of our long-term 
incentive scheme for senior management. The reserve amount represents the deduction in arriving at shareholders’ funds for the 
consideration the trust paid for the Company’s shares, which had not vested unconditionally at the balance sheet date. The number 
and market value of the ordinary shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust and the QUEST were:

Shares allocated but not vested
Unallocated shares

The shares have a nominal value of £37,314 (2021: £60,160).

2022 
Number

2021 
Number

280,803
92,334

509,269
92,334

373,137

601,603

2022  
£m

7.1
2.3

9.4

2021  
£m

25.2
4.6

29.8

Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from translating the financial statements of our foreign operations.

The Group uses foreign currency denominated borrowings of £32.3m (2021: £10.7m) as a hedge against the translation exposure on the 
Group’s net investment in overseas companies. Where the hedge is fully effective at hedging the variability in the net assets of such 
companies caused by changes in exchange rates, the changes in value of the borrowings are recognised in the Consolidated 
Statement of Comprehensive Income and accumulated in the hedging and translation reserves. The ineffective part of any change in 
value caused by changes in exchange rates is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net 
of taxation.

Hedging and translation reserves

Balance at 30 June 2020

Exchange differences on translation of overseas operations
Loss recognised on net investment hedges
Loss recognised on cash flow hedges – interest rate swaps
Income tax related to net losses recognised in other comprehensive income

Balance at 30 June 2021

Exchange differences on translation of overseas operations
Gain recognised on net investment hedges
Loss recognised on cash flow hedges – interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps
Income tax related to net losses recognised in other comprehensive income

Balance at 30 June 2022

Hedging 
reserve  

Translation 
reserve  

£m

(0.2)

–
–
0.2
–

–

–
–
1.9
(0.5)

1.4

£m

29.5

(45.4)
0.4
–
7.6

(7.9)

67.2
(0.7)
–
(7.7)

50.9

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS168
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

32. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Profit for the year
Adjustment for:
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Share-based payment expense
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates
Finance costs (net)
Income tax expense
Exceptional items

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of intangible assets
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
Cash impact of exceptional items
Other movements in biological assets and harvested produce
Decrease in provisions and release in deferred consideration
Additional pension contributions in excess of pension charge
Other

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital
Increase in inventories
Increase in receivables
Increase in payables

Cash generated by operations
Interest received
Interest and other finance costs paid
Interest on leased assets
Cash flow from derivative financial instruments 
Income taxes paid

Net cash from operating activities

Analysis of net debt
Total changes in liabilities due to financing activities are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents (see note 22)

Interest-bearing loans – current (see note 27)
Lease liabilities – current (see note 28)

Interest-bearing loans – non-current (see note 27)
Lease liabilities – non-current (see note 28) 

Total debt financing

Net debt

2022  
£m

36.7

5.4
8.3
3.7
(5.2)
6.2
11.7
2.0

68.8
26.4
0.4
–
4.3

99.9
1.1
(19.1)
–
(3.1)
0.2

79.0
(6.1)
(18.5)
2.2

56.6
0.4
(4.0)
(1.1)
(0.1)
(17.5)

34.3

2021  
£m

46.8

10.8
7.4
7.7
(13.1)
5.0
9.0
3.3

76.9
24.0
0.4
0.5
3.7

105.5
(3.0)
(12.8)
(0.4)
(7.0)
(1.3)

81.0
(1.3)
(11.0)
17.9

86.6
0.4
(2.8)
(0.8)
0.2
(16.1)

67.5

 At 1 July  
2021  
£m

46.0

(13.9)
(9.0)

(22.9)

(109.4)
(19.3)

(128.7)

(151.6)

(105.6)

 Net  
cash flows  

 Foreign 
exchange  

Other  
non-cash 
movements  

£m

(11.0)

8.9
11.3

20.2

(63.1)
–

(63.1)

(42.9)

(53.9)

£m

3.8

(1.2)
(0.7)

(1.9)

(9.6)
(1.6)

(11.2)

(13.1)

(9.3)

£m

–

(0.9)
(11.7)

(12.6)

–
(3.6)

(3.6)

(16.2)

(16.2)

 At 30 June 
2022  
£m

38.8

(7.1)
(10.1)

(17.2)

(182.1)
(24.5)

(206.6)

(223.8)

(185.0)

Included within non-cash movements is £15.3m in relation to net new leases and £0.9m in the unwinding of debt issue costs.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS169
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

32. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT CONTINUED

Cash and cash equivalents (see note 22)

Interest-bearing loans – current (see note 27)
Lease liabilities – current (see note 28)

Interest-bearing loans – non-current (see note 27)
Lease liabilities – non-current (see note 28) 

Total debt financing

Net debt

 At 1 July  
2020  
£m

41.3

(9.2)
(10.0)

(19.2)

(103.6)
(21.1)

(124.7)

(143.9)

(102.6)

 Net  
cash flows  

 Foreign 
exchange  

Other  
non-cash 
movements  

£m

6.6

(4.4)
11.7

7.3

(12.7)
–

(12.7)

(5.4)

1.2

£m

(1.9)

0.6
0.2

0.8

6.9
0.3

7.2

8.0

6.1

£m

–

(0.9)
(10.9)

(11.8)

–
1.5

1.5

(10.3)

(10.3)

 At 30 June 
2021  
£m

46.0

(13.9)
(9.0)

(22.9)

(109.4)
(19.3)

(128.7)

(151.6)

(105.6)

Included within non-cash movements is £9.4m in relation to net new leases and £0.9m in the unwinding of debt issue costs.

33. OPERATING LEASES

Accounting policies
For short-term leases (those with a term of less than 12 months) and low-value items, we charge the rentals payable to the Income 
Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company has elected not to apply IFRS 16 to contracts where the right-of-use asset would be recognised as an intangible asset 
(e.g. software licences).

Total of future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases which expire:

In less than one year
Between one and five years
In more than five years

2022  
£m

–
–
–

–

2021  
£m

0.8
–
–

0.8

34. CAPITAL AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

At 30 June 2022, outstanding contracted capital expenditure amounted to £nil (2021: £1.2m related to the purchase of property, plant 
and equipment). 

35. CONTINGENCIES AND BANK GUARANTEES

Contingent liabilities are potential future cash outflows, where the likelihood of payments is considered more than remote but is not 
considered probable or cannot be measured reliably. Assessing the amount of liabilities that are not probable is highly judgemental.

The retirement benefit obligations referred to in note 29 include obligations relating to the MPF defined benefit scheme. Genus, together 
with other participating employers, is joint and severally liable for the scheme’s obligations. Genus has accounted for its section and its 
share of any orphan assets and liabilities, collectively representing approximately 86% (2021: 86%) of the MPF. As a result of the joint and 
several liability, Genus has a contingent liability for the scheme’s obligations that it has not accounted for. The total deficit of the MPF 
from the most recent triennial valuation can be found in note 29.

The Group has widespread global operations and is consequently a defendant in many legal, tax and customs proceedings incidental 
to those operations. In addition, there are contingent liabilities arising in the normal course of business in respect of indemnities, 
warranties and guarantees. These contingent liabilities are not considered to be unusual in the context of the normal operating 
activities of the Group. Provisions have been recognised in accordance with the Group accounting policies where required. None of 
these claims are expected to result in a material gain or loss to the Group.

As described in note 7, the Group is involved in ongoing litigation proceedings and investigations with ST that are at various legal 
stages. The Group makes a provision for amounts to the extent where an outflow of economic benefit is probable and can be reliably 
estimated. However, there are specific claims identified in the litigation which the Group considers the outcome of the claim is not 
probable and will not result in the outflow of economic benefit. 

The Group’s future tax charge and effective tax rate could be affected by factors such as countries reforming their tax legislation to 
implement the OECD’s BEPS recommendations and by European Commission initiatives including state aid investigations. Further 
information can be found in note 11.

At 30 June 2022, we had entered into bank guarantees totalling £20.2m (2021: £19.1m).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS170
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

36. DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

In accordance with IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’, key management personnel are those having authority and responsibility for 
planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or indirectly. Key management personnel comprise the Directors 
and the other members of GELT. 

Salaries and short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payment expense

2022  
£m

4.9
0.2
1.2

6.3

2021  
£m

8.0
0.2
4.1

12.3

Directors
Further details of Directors’ compensation are included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Other transactions with key management personnel
Other than remuneration, there were no transactions with key management personnel.

37. GROUP ENTITIES

In accordance with section 409 of the Companies Act 2006, a list of subsidiaries and joint ventures and associates as at 30 June 2022 
is set out below. All subsidiary undertakings are subsidiary undertakings of their immediate parent undertaking(s), unless otherwise 
indicated.

Nature of business
Bovine

Name of undertaking

Registered address

ABS (Beijing) International  
Trade Co., Ltd.

B1608, Lucky Tower, East5 3rd Ring Road,  
Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100027, China

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

China

Indirect

% of share 
capital/
voting rights 
held by 
Group 
companies

100%

Share class

No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

ABS Argentina S.A.

ABS Chile Limitada

A. Castellanos 1169, (3080) Esperanza,  
Sante Fe, Argentina

Argentina

Direct ARS1 Ordinary

100%

Avenida del Parque #4161 office #601, Huechuraba,  
Santiago, Chile

Chile

Direct

CLP1 
Common 
Stock

100%

ABS Genetics South Africa (Pty) 
Ltd

Prestige Park Block B, Unit No. 5B, Pastorale Street, 
Durbanville Industrial Park, Durbanville, 7550,  
South Africa

South Africa

Indirect ZAR1 Ordinary

100%

ABS Global (Canada) Inc.

1525 Floradale Road, Elmira ON N3B 2Z1, Canada

Canada

Indirect

ABS Global, Inc.

1525 River Road, De Forest WI 53532, United States

United States

Indirect

CAD1 
Ordinary

USD0.01 
Common

100%

100%

ABS Italia S.r.l.

ABS México, S.A. de C.V.

Via Bastida nr. 6, loc. Cavatigozzi, 26020,  
Cremona, Italy

Kansas No. 2028, Quintas Campestre, 31214, 
Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico

Italy

Indirect

€1 Quota

100%

Mexico

Direct

ABS Polska Sp. z o.o.

Szafirowa 22A, 82-300 Gronowo Górne, Poland

Poland

Indirect

Bovec SASU 

69 Chemin des Molières, PA du Charpenay, 69210, 
Lentilly, France

France

Indirect

€10 Ordinary

100%

Chitale Genus ABS (India) 
Private Limited

Amar Neptune, Office No.406, off Baner Road,  
S. No.6/1/1, Village Baner, Tal. Haveli, Pune, 
Maharashtra, India

India

Indirect

INR100 
Ordinary

50%1

De Novo Genetics LLC

1286 Oriole Drive, New Albin IA 52160, United States

United States

Indirect

Genus ABS (NZ) Limited

Generate Accounting Group Limited, Level 2, 22 
Dundonald Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland, 1021,  
New Zealand

New Zealand

Indirect

Genus ABS Colombia SAS

Avenida Carrera 70, No. 105 – 51, Bogota, Colombia

Colombia

Indirect

No Par Value 
LLC Units

NZD1 
Ordinary

COP10,000 
Ordinary

51%

100%

100%

MXN10 
Class 1
MXN10 
Class 2

PLN1,000 
Ordinary

100%

100%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS171
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

37. GROUP ENTITIES CONTINUED

Nature of business
Bovine

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

Genus Australia Pty Ltd

15 Scholar drive, Bundoora VIC 3063, Australia

Australia

Indirect

% of share 
capital/
voting rights 
held by 
Group 
companies

100%

Share class

AUD1.388 
Ordinary 

Genus Breeding India Private 
Limited

4th Floor, 406, Amar Neptune, Baner, Pune,  
411045, India

India

Indirect

INR1 Ordinary

100%

Genus Breeding Limited  
(01192037)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,  
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

UK

Direct

£1 Ordinary

100%

‘Genus Ukraine’ LLC

Pidlisna str., 1, KYIV 03164, Ukraine

Ukraine

Indirect

In Vitro Brasil México, S.A. 
de C.V.

Plaza Comercial Punto Colorines, Boulevard 
Independencia #746, Interior 6, CP. 27140, Cidade 
Torreon – Estado, Coahuila, Mexico

Mexico

Indirect

JBI Genetics LLC

130 North Kelsey Street, Visalia CA 93291,  
United States

United States

Indirect

LLC Genus ABS Rus 

Zheleznodorozhnaya Street, House 51, Letter Zh, 
Premises 2, 300062, Tula, Russian Federation

Russia

Indirect

No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

MXN1 
Ordinary

No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

RUB1 
Ordinary

100%

99%

100%

100%

Millwood Products Ltd 
(08662101)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, 
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

United 
Kingdom

Indirect

£1 Ordinary

100%

Pecplan ABS Imp. e Exp. Ltda. Rod. BR 050 Km 196 + 150metros, Zona Rural, Delta,  

Brazil

Indirect BRL1 Ordinary 

100%

MG – 38108-000, Brazil

St Jacobs Animal Breeding 
Corp.

1525 River Road, De Forest WI 53532, United States

United States

Indirect

Zitery S.A.

Maximo Tajes 7189, Uruguay

Uruguay

Indirect

No Par Value 
Common

No Par Value 
Common

100%

100%

Nature of business
Porcine

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Agroceres PIC Genética de 
Suínos Ltda

Rua 1 JN, n˚ 1411, Sala 16 – Jardim Novo, Rio Claro/SP 
– CEP, 13.502-741, Brazil

Agroceres PIC Suínos Ltda

Rua 1 JN, n˚ 1411, Sala 17 – Jardim Novo, Rio Claro/SP 
– CEP, 13.502-741, Brazil

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

Brazil

Indirect

Brazil

Indirect

Avlscenter Møllevang A/S

Mollevej 3, 6670 Holsted, Denmark

Denmark

Indirect

Share class

BRL1 
Ordinary

BRL1 
Ordinary

DKK 1 
Ordinary

GENEETIC Service S.R.L.

Viale Europa 71, 32100, Belluno, Italy

Italy

Indirect

€1 Ordinary

Inner Mongolia Haoxiang Pig 
Breeding Co. Ltd

Jintang Village, Jinding Town, Zhidan County,  
Yan An Municipality, Shaanxi Province, China

Gunzigou Village, Gao Guan Town, Benxi County, 
Benxi City, Liaoning Province, China

China

Indirect No Par Value 
Common

China

Indirect

CNY1 
Ordinary

Liao Ning PIC Agriculture 
Science and Technology Co., 
Ltd

PIC (Shanghai) Agriculture 
Science and Technology 
Company Limited

PIC (Zhangjiagang) Pig  
Improvement Co., Ltd.

PIC Andina SpA

PIC Canada Ltd.

Room 702-5, No. 719 Shen Gui Road,  
Min Hang District, Shangha, China

China

Indirect No Par Value 
Common

Office 1210, International Finance Tower,  
20 Jingang Road, Zhangjiagang Bonded Zone, 
Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, China

Avenida del Parque #4161 office #601, Huechuraba, 
Santiago, Chile

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, 1900-520, 3rd Avenue, 
S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P OR3, Canada

Canada

Indirect

China

Indirect

USD1 
Ordinary

Chile

Indirect

CLP1  

100%

Ordinary

CAD1 
Ordinary

100%

% of share 
capital/voting 
rights held by 
Group 
companies

49%1

49%1

49%1

33%1

49%1

100%

100%

100%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS172
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

37. GROUP ENTITIES CONTINUED

Nature of business 
Porcine

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

Share class

PIC France SA

69 Chemin des Molières, 69210, Lentilly, France

France

Indirect €17 Ordinary

PIC Genetics Designated 
Activity Company

Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay,  
Dublin 2, Ireland

Ireland

Indirect

PIC Genetics LLC

79 Narodnyy Boulevard, 308000, Belgorod, 
Russian Federation

Russia

Indirect

€1.27 
Ordinary
€1.27
Redeemable
preference
shares

RUB1 
Ordinary

Pig Improvement Company de 
México, S. de R.L. de C.V. 

Wenceslao de la Barquera No.7, Col. Villas del Sur,
76040 Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico

Mexico

PIG Improvement Company 
Deutschland GmbH

Jathostraße 11a, D-30163 Hannover, Germany

Germany

Indirect No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

Indirect No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

% of share 
capital/voting 
rights held by 
Group 
companies

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Pig Improvement Company  
España, S.A.

C/Pau Vila, 22 20 puerta 6, 08174 Sant Cugat del 
Valles, Barcelona, Spain

Spain

Indirect €25 Ordinary

100%

Pig Improvement Company UK 
Limited (00716304)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

UK

Indirect

£0.10 
Ordinary

100%

Strada dei Loggi 22, 06135, Ponte San Giovanni, 
Perugia, Italy

Italy

Indirect

€1 Ordinary

85%

PIC Italia S.r.l.

PIC Philippines, Inc.

PIC USA, Inc.

Unit 2101-2103 and 2203, Jollibee Plaza, F. Ortigas,  
Jr. Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, 1605, Philippines

Philippines

Indirect

100 BlueGrass Commons Blvd, Suite 2200, 
Hendersonville, TN 37075, United States

United States

Indirect

RenOVAte Biosciences, Inc.

6874 Caravan Ct, Columbia MD 21044, United States United States

Direct

PHP100 
Ordinary

USD1 
Ordinary

USD0.001 
Series Seed 
Preferred

100%

100%

33%1

100%

Reprodutores PIC, Lda

Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheo, Amoreiras, Torre 2 – 140A,
1070-102 Lisboa, Portugal

Portugal

Indirect No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

Società Agricola GENEETIC
S.R.L.

Shaanxi PIC Pig Improvement 
Co., Ltd.

Yan’an Xinyongxiang
Agriculture Technology
Co., Ltd.

Nature of business
other

Via Marche n. 2, 42122, Reggion Emilia, Italy

Italy

Indirect

€1 Ordinary

33%1

12105, 21st floor, Yun tian Building, 12 Feng Cheng 
Second Street, Xian Economic Development District, 
Xian City, Shaanxi Province, China

Jintang Village, Jianjun Town Zhidan County, Yan An 
Municipality, in Shaanxi Province, China

China

China

Indirect No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

Indirect No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

100%

49%1

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Accounting & Managerial 
Services S. de R.L. de C.V.

Kansas No. 2028, Quintas Campestre, 31214, 
Chihuahua,Chih., Mexico

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

% of share 
capital/voting 
rights held by 
Group 
companies

Share class

Mexico

Indirect MXN1 Class 1

96%

ABS International, Inc.

1525 River Road, De Forest WI 53532, United States

United States

Indirect

ABS Pecplan Ltda.

Agence Spillers N.V.

Rod. BR 050 Km 196 + 150metros, Zona Rural, Delta,
MG – 38108-000, Brazil

Brazil

Direct

Place Saint-Lambert 14, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, 
Belgium

Belgium

Indirect No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

USD1 
Ordinary

BRL1 
Ordinary

100%

100%

100%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS173
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

37. GROUP ENTITIES CONTINUED

Nature of business
other

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Brazilian Holdings Limited 
(00479048)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Brazilian Properties Limited

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Busby Participações Ltda.

Av. Leopoldino de Oliveira, 4.113, Sala 303, Centro,
CEP: 38010-000, UBERABA-MG

Cannavarro Participações 
Ltda.

Av. Leopoldino de Oliveira, 4.113, Sala 303, Centro,
CEP: 38010-000, UBERABA-MG

Dalco Exportadora Ltda.

Av. Leopoldino de Oliveira, 4113 – Sala 303, Uberaba,
Minas Gerais, CEP 38010-000, Brazil

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

% of share 
capital/voting 
rights held by 
Group 
companies

Share class

UK

Indirect

£1 Ordinary

100%

UK

Direct

£1 Ordinary 

100%

Brazil

Indirect

Brazil

Indirect

Brazil

Indirect

BRL1 
Ordinary

BRL1 
Ordinary

BRL1 
Ordinary

100%

100%

100%

Dalgety Pension Trust Limited Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,

UK

Indirect

£1 Ordinary

100%

RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Fyfield (SM) Limited (01026475)2 Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,

UK

Indirect

£1 Ordinary

100%

RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

UK

Indirect

£1 Ordinary

100%

Fyfield Dormant

Fyfield Holland B.V.

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Netherlands

Indirect

Fyfield Ireland Limited

Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay,  
Dublin 2, Ireland

Ireland

Indirect

100%

100%

NLG100 
Ordinary

€1.25 ‘A’ 
Ordinary
€1.25 ‘B’ 
Ordinary

Genus Investments Limited 
(02028517)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Genus Quest Trustees Limited Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,

RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

UK

UK

Direct

£1 Ordinary

100%

Direct

£1 Ordinary

100%

Genus R&D, Inc.

1525 River Road, De Forest WI 53532, United States

United States

Indirect

US$0.01 
Common

100%

Genus Trustees Limited

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

UK

Direct

£1 Ordinary

100%

GIL Finance S.à.r.l.

121 Avenue de la Faiencerie, L – 1511, Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Indirect

PIC Do Brasil Empreendimentos 
e Participações Ltda.

Rua 1 JN, no. 1411, Sala 13, Jardim Novo, Rio Claro,
Estado De São Paulo, CEP 13.502.741, Brazil

Brazil

Indirect

USD1 
Ordinary

BRL0.01 
Ordinary

100%

100%

PIC Fyfield Limited (00019739)2 Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,

UK

Indirect

£1 Ordinary

100%

RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Pig Improvement Company 
Overseas Limited (00716304)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Pigtales Limited (00723762)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Promar International Limited 
(03004562)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

UK

Indirect

£1 Ordinary

100%

UK

Indirect

£1 Ordinary

100%

UK

Direct

£1 Ordinary

100%

Skogluno Participações Ltda.

Av. Leopoldino de Oliveira, 4.113, Sala 303, Centro,
CEP: 38010-000, UBERABA-MG

Brazil

Indirect

Spillers Limited (00024021)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Spillers Overseas Limited 
(00069723)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

UK

Indirect

UK

Indirect

Sygen, Inc.

100 BlueGrass Commons Blvd, Suite 2200, 
Hendersonville, TN 37075 United States

United States

Indirect

Sygen International Limited 
(03215874)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

UK

Direct

BRL1 
Ordinary

£0.25 
Ordinary

£0.25 
Ordinary

USD1 
Common

£0.10 
Ordinary

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS174
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

37. GROUP ENTITIES CONTINUED

Nature of business
other

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

Sygen Investimentos Ltda.

Av. Leopoldino de Oliveira, 4113 – Sala 303, Uberaba,
Minas Gerais, CEP 38010-000, Brazil

Brazil

Indirect

Usicafé SA

Xelect Limited

c/o Cabinet Mayor, avocats, Rue Jean-Gabriel 
Eynard 6, 1205 Genève

Switzerland

Indirect

Horizon House, Abbey Walk, St Andrews, Fife, 
Scotland, KY16 9LB

UK

Indirect

1  Associated undertakings including joint venture interests
2  UK subsidiaries taking advantage of the audit exemption within section 479A of the Companies Act 2006

38. DEFERRED CONSIDERATION 

% of share 
capital/voting 
rights held by 
Group 
companies

100%

100%

39%1

Share class

BRL0.63 
Ordinary

CHF1,000 
Ordinary

£0.001 
Ordinary

Accounting policies
We recognise deferred consideration on the Balance Sheet when a business combination contains a contractual clause that defers 
a portion of the purchase price. When the consideration transferred by the Group in a business combination includes a contingent 
consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition date fair value and included as part of the 
consideration transferred in a business combination. Changes in fair value of the contingent consideration that qualify as measurement 
period adjustments are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against goodwill. Measurement period adjustments 
are adjustments that arise from additional information obtained during the ‘measurement period’ (which cannot exceed one year from 
the acquisition date) about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. 

Subsequent contingent consideration fair value remeasurements that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments are 
recognised in the Income Statement.

Contingent deferred consideration is measured at fair value and the valuation basis is Level 3 classification, where fair value techniques 
use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

Balance at 1 July 2020
Business combination
Payment of consideration 
Release of unutilised contingent consideration
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2021

Business combination
Payment of consideration
Transfer
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Current
Non-current

Balance at 30 June 2022

Current
Non-current

Balance at 30 June 2021

Contingent 
deferred 
consideration 
£m

Deferred 
consideration 
£m

3.6
0.8
(2.0)
(0.4)
(0.3)

1.7

0.1
(0.6)
(0.8)
0.1

0.5

–
0.5

0.5

1.2
0.5

1.7

5.1
–
(4.7)
–
–

0.4

0.2
(0.4)
0.8
–

1.0

0.8
0.2

1.0

0.4
–

0.4

Total  
£m

8.7
0.8
(6.7)
(0.4)
(0.3)

2.1

0.3
(1.0)
–
0.1

1.5

0.8
0.7

1.5

1.6
0.5

2.1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS175
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

38. DEFERRED CONSIDERATION CONTINUED

The balance at 30 June 2022 relates to the following transactions:

Fiscal year of 
transaction

Contingent 
deferred 
consideration 
£m

Deferred 
consideration 
£m

Dairy LLC (n/a BoviSync)
Sergal Gestió Ramadera, S.L.
T.A.C. – Laboratório de Reprodução Animal Ltda.
Millwood Products Ltd

Balance at 30 June 2022

2019
2021
2022
2022

0.4
–
–
0.1

0.5

sergal Gestió Ramadera, s.L.
The deferred consideration is based on sales to existing customers during the period 28 June 2021 to 28 June 2022. 

39. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

Non-controlling interest
Put option over non-controlling interest at inception

Total non-controlling interest

–
0.8
0.2
–

1.0

2022  
£m

(0.7)
(5.7)

(6.4)

Total  
£m

0.4
0.8
0.2
0.1

1.5

2021  
£m

3.6
(5.1)

(1.5)

Summarised financial information in respect of each of the Group’s subsidiaries that has a material non-controlling interest is set out 
below before intra-Group eliminations.

Revenue
Expenses

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

Total comprehensive (expense)/income attributable to owners of the Company
Total comprehensive (expense)/income attributable to the non-controlling interest

Biological assets
Current assets
Other non-current assets
Current liabilities

Net (liabilities)/assets
Equity attributable to owners of the Company

Non-controlling interest

Dividends of £0.1m were paid to non-controlling interests (2021: £0.2m).

Revenue
Expenses

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company
Total comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest

Biological assets
Current assets
Other non-current assets
Current liabilities

Net assets
Equity attributable to owners of the Company

Non-controlling interest

De Novo 
Genetics LLC 
£m

PIC Italia 
S.r.l. 
£m

3.7
(12.6)

(8.9)

(4.5)
(4.4)

15.2
0.9
0.8
(19.6)

(2.7)
1.8

(0.9)

3.4
(2.6)

0.8

0.6
0.2

–
1.0
2.3
(1.8)

1.5
(1.3)

0.2

De Novo 
Genetics LLC 
£m

PIC Italia 
S.r.l. 
£m

3.4
(4.9)

(1.5)

(0.8)
(0.7)

15.8
0.9
0.8
(11.5)

6.0
(2.6)

3.4

4.1
(3.3)

0.8

0.6
0.2

–
1.2
1.8
(1.4)

1.6
(1.4)

0.2

2022  
£m

7.1
(15.2)

(8.1)

(3.9)
(4.2)

15.2
1.9
3.1
(21.4)

(1.2)
0.5

(0.7)

2021  
£m

7.5
(8.2)

(0.7)

(0.2)
(0.5)

15.8
2.1
2.6
(12.9)

7.6
(4.0)

3.6

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS176
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe GRou P FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

40. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Bomaz, Inc. and Bogz Dairy, LLC, are well-recognised breeders in the industry, and are related parties to the Group as these entities are 
under the control of relatives of Nate Zwald, our ABS Dairy COO. 

We transact with Bomaz, Inc. and Bogz Dairy, LLC as part of our bull product development effort, under a variety of contracts and 
agreements. Payments in 2022 amounted to £1.3m (2021: £0.5m). As at 30 June 2022, the balance owing to these entities was £nil (2021: 
£nil). All amounts were settled in cash. 

These related-party transactions were made on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm’s length transactions.

During the year, as part of an international secondment agreement with a member of GELT, Genus agreed to fund an amount of £0.4m 
in respect of a personal taxation expense. A tax refund has been claimed and cash is expected to be received in early FY23, which will 
be used to settle the outstanding amount in full.

41. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

With effect from 26 August 2022, the Group and its lenders increased the Company’s multi-currency RCF by £40m to £190m and the 
USD RCF by USD25m to USD150m, and extended the maturity date of the total facilities to 24 August 2025.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
177
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

PARent CoMPAnY BALAnCe  sHeet
AS AT 30 JUNE 2022

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in subsidiaries
Other investments
Other receivables
Derivative financial asset
Deferred tax asset

Current assets
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Current payables
Provisions

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Non-current payables
Provisions

Net assets

Equity
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Own shares
Retained earnings
Hedging reserve

Total equity

Note

C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
C15
C8

C7

C9
C11

C10
C11

C16

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

9.6
0.9
345.5
2.1
74.0
2.2
2.9

437.2

69.3
1.9

71.2

(65.0)
(0.4)

(65.4)

5.8

443.0

(183.3)
(0.3)

(183.6)

259.4

6.6
179.1
(0.1)
73.5
0.3

259.4

6.5
1.1
122.8
2.0
65.1
–
2.1

199.6

379.2
1.3

380.5

(222.8)
(0.3)

(223.1)

157.4

357.0

(111.1)
(0.1)

(111.2)

245.8

6.6
179.1
(0.1)
60.2
–

245.8

The Company recognised profit for the year of £31.3m (2021: £19.6m profit).

The Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 7 September 2022.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Stephen Wilson 
Chief Executive 

Alison Henriksen
Chief Financial Officer

Company number: 02972325

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
178
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

PARent CoMPAnY stAteMent oF CHAnGes In eQuItY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

Balance at 1 July 2020 
Fair value of movement on cash flow hedges, net of tax 
Actuarial gain on retirement benefits obligations
Movement on pension asset recognition restriction

Other comprehensive income for the year
Total profit for the financial year

Total comprehensive income for the financial year
Shares issued
Dividends
Share-based payment expense, net of tax

Balance at 30 June 2021
Fair value of movement on cash flow hedges, net of tax
Actuarial gain on retirement benefits obligations
Movement on pension asset recognition restriction

Other comprehensive income for the year
Total profit for the financial year

Total comprehensive income for the financial year
Dividends paid
Share-based payment expense, net of tax

Called up 
share capital 
£m

6.5
–
–
–

–
–

–
0.1
–
–

6.6
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

Share 
premium 
account 
£m

179.1
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

179.1
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

Own 
shares 
£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Hedging 
reserve 
£m

(0.1)
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

(0.1)
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

53.5
–
2.9
(2.7)

0.2
19.6

19.8
–
(19.5)
6.4

60.2
–
3.7
(3.7)

–
31.3

31.3
(20.9)
2.9

73.5

(0.2)
0.2
–
–

0.2
–

0.2
–
–
–

–
0.3
–
–

0.3
–

0.3
–
–

0.3

Total 
equity 
£m

238.8
0.2
2.9
(2.7)

0.4
19.6

20.0
0.1
(19.5)
6.4

245.8
0.3
3.7
(3.7)

0.3
31.3

31.6
(20.9)
2.9

259.4

Balance at 30 June 2022

6.6

179.1

(0.1)

For information on dividends see note 13, cash flow hedges see note 26 and share-based payment expense see note 30.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS179
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe PARent CoMPAnY FInAnCIAL stAteMents
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

C1. ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES

Basis of preparation
The Parent Company Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced 
Disclosure Framework’ (‘FRS 101’) and the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’). FRS 101 sets out a reduced disclosure framework for a 
‘qualifying entity’ as defined in the standard, which addresses the financial reporting requirements and disclosure exemptions in the 
individual financial statements of qualifying entities that otherwise apply the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements 
of the Companies Act 2006. The Group Financial Statements have also been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB.

The Company Financial Statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain 
financial assets and financial liabilities and in accordance with the Act. The Financial Statements have been prepared on a going 
concern basis, as set out in note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements of Genus plc. The accounting policies set out below and 
stated in the relevant notes have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these Financial Statements. 

The Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under FRS 101 in relation to share-based payments, business 
combinations, financial instruments, presentation of comparative information in respect of certain assets, presentation of a cash flow 
statement, standards issued not yet effective, impairment of assets and related-party transactions. Where required, equivalent 
disclosures are given in the Consolidated Financial Statements of Genus plc.

As permitted by section 408 of the Act, the Company has not presented its own Income Statement in this Annual Report. 

The functional currency of the Company is Sterling.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Preparing company financial statements in conformity with FRS 101 requires management to make estimates and assumptions that 
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and 
the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The 
estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the 
period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods, if the 
revision affects both current and future periods.

Management has not identified any critical accounting judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty.

Significant accounting policies applied in the current reporting period that relate to the Financial Statements as a whole
This section sets out our significant accounting policies that relate to the Financial Statements as a whole. Where an accounting policy 
is generally applicable to a specific note to the Financial Statements, the policy has been described in that note.

Other income and deferred income
The Company has entered into a strategic collaboration with Beijing Capital Agribusiness (‘BCA’) under which BCA will establish and 
fund a collaboration specific entity (‘BCA Future Bio-Tech’) which will use Genus’s intellectual property and know-how to pursue the 
PRRSv resistance regulatory and development work in China. Genus will receive consideration after meeting certain milestones in the 
development programme.

Each milestone is considered to be either a separate performance obligation, or a set of groups of separate performance obligations, 
under this agreement and are unbundled in the contractual arrangement as if they are distinct from one another. 

We assess each separate performance obligation relating to the milestone payments, and upon completion of those performance 
obligations recognise the fair value of amounts earned in other income. Some performance obligations, such as the transfer of 
know-how, are recognised at a point in time whereas others, such as the provision of technical services, are recognised over time. 
We recognise any received but unearned consideration as deferred income.

We will apply the same accounting policy to any other comparable agreements.

Pensions
A number of our employees are members of defined contribution pension schemes. We charge contributions to profit and loss as they 
become payable under the schemes’ rules. We show differences between the contributions payable and the amounts actually paid as 
either accruals or prepayments in the Balance Sheet. The schemes’ assets are held separately from those of the Company.

Certain former employees of the Company are members of one of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes, details of which are 
given in note 29 to the Group Financial Statements. The schemes are all multi-employer defined benefit schemes, whose assets and 
liabilities are held independently from the Group but within their sponsored Group company. 

Taxation
We provide for current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, at the amounts we expect to pay or recover, using the tax rates 
and the laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. 

Foreign currencies
We record transactions in foreign currencies at the rate ruling at the transaction date. We retranslate monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies at the prevailing rate of exchange at the balance sheet date. All differences are taken to the 
Income Statement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS180
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe PARent CoMPAnY FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

C1. ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES CONTINUED

Own shares
The Company has adopted FRS 101, which requires us to recognise the assets and liabilities associated with the Company’s investment 
in its own shares in the Company’s Financial Statements, where there is de facto control of the assets and liabilities.

The Company’s own shares held by a Qualifying Employee Share Ownership Trust remain deducted from shareholders’ funds until they 
vest unconditionally with employees.

Employee share schemes
The Company’s Executive Directors and Chief Operating Officers receive part of their remuneration in the form of share awards, which 
vest upon meeting performance criteria over a three-year period.

We measure the cost of these awards by reference to the shares’ fair value at the award date. At the end of each financial reporting 
period, we estimate the extent to which the performance criteria will be met at the end of three years and record an appropriate charge 
in the profit and loss account, together with a corresponding credit to profit and loss reserves. Changes in estimates of the number of 
shares vesting may result in charges or credits to the profit and loss account in subsequent periods.

Share-based payments
We have implemented the generally accepted accounting principle for accounting for share-based payments with subsidiary 
undertakings under FRS 101, whereby the Company has granted rights to its shares to employees of its subsidiary undertakings under 
an equity-settled arrangement, and the subsidiaries have not reimbursed the Company for these rights. Under this arrangement, the 
Company treats the share-based payment recognised in the subsidiary’s financial statements as a cost of investment in the subsidiary 
and credits equity with an equal amount.

Derivative financial instruments and hedging
Our activities expose us primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

We use interest rate swaps to hedge interest rate risk. We also use forward foreign currency contracts, implemented through a medium-
term US Dollar cross-currency borrowing and related interest rate swap, to hedge exposure to translation risk associated with US Dollar 
net assets of subsidiaries. Forward foreign currency contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting in the Parent Company Financial 
Statements, as the hedged item is not in its Balance Sheet.

Our use of financial derivative instruments is governed by the Group’s policies, which are approved by the Board of Directors. The notes 
to the Group Financial Statements include information about the Group’s financial risks and their management, and its use of financial 
instruments and their impact on the Group’s risk profile, performance and financial condition.

The fair value of the US Dollar and interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that we would receive or pay to terminate the swap at 
the balance sheet date, taking into account current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the swap counterparties. 

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is their quoted market price at the balance sheet date, which is the present value of the 
quoted forward price.

Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives and other qualifying hedging instruments that are designated and 
qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated under the heading of cash flow hedging 
reserve, and limited to the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item from inception of the hedge. The gain or loss relating to 
the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the Income Statement, and is included in the ‘other gains and losses’ line item.

Amounts previously recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to the Income Statement in 
the periods when the hedged item affects the Income Statement, in the same line as the recognised hedged item. However, when the 
hedged forecast transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously 
recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated in equity are removed from equity and included in the initial 
measurement of the cost of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability. This transfer does not affect Other Comprehensive Income. 
Furthermore, if the Company expects that some or all of the loss accumulated in the cash flow hedging reserve will not be recovered in 
the future, that amount is immediately reclassified to the Income Statement.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting only when the hedging relationship (or a part thereof) ceases to meet the qualifying 
criteria (after rebalancing, if applicable). This includes instances when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. 
The discontinuation is accounted for prospectively. Any gain or loss recognised in Other Comprehensive Income and accumulated in 
cash flow hedge reserve at that time remains in equity and is reclassified to the Income Statement when the forecast transaction 
occurs. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated in the cash flow hedge reserve is 
reclassified immediately to the Income Statement.

Under interest rate swap contracts, the Company agrees to exchange the difference between fixed and floating rate interest amounts 
calculated on agreed notional principal amounts. Such contracts enable the Company to mitigate the risk of changing interest rates on 
the fair value of issued fixed-rate debt held and the cash flow exposures on the issued variable-rate debt held. The fair value of interest 
rate swaps at the reporting date is determined by discounting the future cash flows using the yield curves at the reporting date and the 
credit risk inherent in the contract. The average interest rate is based on the outstanding balances at the end of the financial year. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS181
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

C1. ACCOUNTING INFORMATION AND POLICIES CONTINUED

As the critical terms of the interest rate swap contracts and their corresponding hedged items are the same, the Company performs 
a qualitative assessment of effectiveness and it is expected that the value of the interest rate swap contracts and the value of the 
corresponding hedged items will systematically change in opposite directions, in response to movements in the underlying interest rates. 
The main source of hedge ineffectiveness in these hedge relationships is the effect of the counterparty and the Company’s own credit 
risk on the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts, which is not reflected in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the 
change in interest rates. No other sources of ineffectiveness emerged from these hedging relationships.

C2. EMPLOYEES

Staff costs including Directors’ remuneration during the year amounted to:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Share-based payment expense

The Directors’ Remuneration Report sets out details of the Directors’ remuneration, pensions and share options.

The average monthly number of employees including Directors during the year was as follows:

Administration

C3. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

2022 
£m

9.0
1.1
0.2
1.4

2021 
£m

7.7
1.4
0.2
2.8

11.7

12.1

2022 
Number

2021 
Number

44

40

Accounting policies
Patents, licences and software are stated at acquisition cost less accumulated amortisation. The amortisation period is determined by 
reference to expected useful life, which is reviewed at least annually. Amortisation is charged to the Income Statement on a straight-line 
basis over the estimated useful life. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic 
benefits embodied in the asset are accounted for by changing the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as 
changes in accounting estimates.

See note 15 for useful economic life. We do not amortise assets under construction.

Cost
Balance at 1 July 2020
Additions
Transfers
Disposals

Balance at 30 June 2021 and 1 July 2021 
Additions
Transfers

Balance at 30 June 2022

Amortisation
Balance at 1 July 2020
Amortisation for the year
Disposals 

Balance at 30 June 2021 and 1 July 2021
Amortisation for the year

Balance at 30 June 2022

Carrying amounts

At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

At 30 June 2020

Software 
£m

Patents and 
licences 
£m

Assets under 
construction 
£m

4.6
–
2.9
(0.4)

7.1
–
2.3

9.4

1.6
0.5
(0.4)

1.7
0.8

2.5

6.9

5.4

3.0

3.7
–
–
–

3.7
–
–

3.7

3.7
–
–

3.7
–

3.7

–

–

–

1.7
2.3
(2.9)
–

1.1
3.9
(2.3)

2.7

–
–
–

–
–

–

2.7

1.1

1.7

Total 
£m

10.0
2.3
–
(0.4)

11.9
3.9
–

15.8

5.3
0.5
(0.4)

5.4
0.8

6.2

9.6

6.5

4.7

Included within the software class of assets is £6.9m (2021: £5.4m) and included in assets in the course of construction is £2.7m (2021: 
£1.1m) that relate to the ongoing development costs of GenusOne, our single global enterprise system.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
182
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe PARent CoMPAnY FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

C4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Accounting policies
We state property, plant and equipment at cost, together with any incidental acquisition expenses, or at their latest valuation, less 
depreciation and any provision for impairment. We calculate depreciation on a straight-line basis, to write the assets down to their 
estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives. The rates of annual depreciation on tangible fixed assets are as follows:
 > Leasehold improvements  
 > Leased buildings 
 > Equipment 

period of lease
period of lease
3 to 10 years

We review the carrying value of fixed assets for impairment, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may 
not be recoverable.

Right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets are measured initially at cost based on the value of the associated lease liability, adjusted for any payments made 
before inception, initial direct costs and an estimate of the dismantling, removal and restoration costs required in the terms of the lease. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, we record an interest charge in respect of the lease liability. The related right-of-use asset is 
depreciated over the term of the lease or, if shorter, the useful economic life (‘UEL’) of the leased asset. The lease term shall include the 
period of an extension option where it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Where the lease contains a purchase 
option, the asset is written-off over the useful life of the asset when it is reasonably certain that the purchase option will be exercised.

Cost
Balance at 1 July 2021
Disposals

Balance at 30 June 2022

Depreciation
Balance at 1 July 2021
Depreciation for the year

Balance at 30 June 2022

Carrying amounts

At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

Leasehold
improvements 
£m

Equipment 
£m

Owned 
assets 
£m

Right-of-use
leased 
buildings 
£m

0.5
–

0.5

0.3
–

0.3

0.2

0.2

0.4
(0.1)

0.3

0.3
–

0.3

–

0.1

0.9
(0.1)

0.8

0.6
–

0.6

0.2

0.3

1.0
–

1.0

0.2
0.1

0.3

0.7

0.8

Total 
£m

1.9
(0.1)

1.8

0.8
0.1

0.9

0.9

1.1

C5. INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

Accounting policies
Shares in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less any provision for impairment. 

The Company assesses investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an 
investment may not be recoverable. If any such indication of impairment exists, then we estimate the recoverable amount. If the 
recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the value of the investment, it is considered to be impaired and we write it 
down to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the profit and loss account.

Cost
Balance at 1 July 2021
Additions

Balance at 30 June 2022

Provision for impairment
Balance at 1 July 2021
Provided during the year 

Balance at 30 June 2022

Carrying amounts 

At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

Shares in 
subsidiary 
undertakings 
£m

316.0
227.6

543.6

193.2
4.9

198.1

345.5

122.8

Additions relate to increasing our investment in ABS Pecplan Ltda, ABS Chile Limitada, ABS Argentina S.A. and Genus Investments Limited.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
183
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

C5. INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES CONTINUED

On 30 June 2022, Genus plc subscribed for 220,000,000 ordinary shares of £1.00 each in Genus Investments Limited. The total cash 
consideration of £220m owing from the subscription was offset against the loan payable by Genus Investments Limited to Genus plc 
under a deed of offset approved by the Board on 30 June 2022.

The Company considers the relationship between its market capitalisation and the carrying value of its investments, among other 
factors, when reviewing for indicators of impairment. As at 30 June 2022, the net investment in five of the Company’s subsidiary 
undertakings exceeded the Company’s share of the net assets. Each of these subsidiaries are denominated in Latin American 
currencies, all of which have seen significant weakening against Sterling during the year ended 30 June 2022. For each of these 
undertakings, the recoverable value has been estimated using the Board-approved Strategic Plan. There were no indicators of 
impairment for the Company’s other subsidiary undertakings.

The key assumptions for the value in use calculation are those regarding the discount rate, growth rates and expected trading performance.

Management estimates discount rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 
Group. The pre-tax discount rates are derived from the Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital (‘WACC’), which has been 
calculated using the capital asset pricing model, the inputs of which include a country risk-free rate, equity risk premium, Group size 
premium and a risk adjustment (beta), this equates to a pre-tax discount rate of 11% (2021: 11%). Cash flows beyond the five-year period 
are extrapolated using a long-term growth rate of 2.5% (2021: 2.5%).

During the year, £4.9m was provided against the investment held in Sygen International Ltd to reflect a reduction in the net assets of 
that company. 

Principal subsidiary undertakings
The Company’s principal subsidiaries and their main activities are given in note 37 to the Group Financial Statements. 

C6. OTHER INVESTMENTS

Accounting policies
Listed equity investments are stated at fair value. 

Listed investment – NMR

2022 
£m

2.1

2021 
£m

2.0

NMR ordinary shares were acquired as part of the NMR pension agreement, and are measured at fair value. The valuation basis is Level 1 
classification, where fair value techniques are quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

C7. OTHER RECEIVABLES

Accounting policies
We state other receivables at their amortised cost less any impairment losses. 

Amounts due within one year
Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Corporation tax recoverable
Prepayments
Other receivables
Deferred taxation
Derivative financial asset

Amounts due after one year
Amounts owed by Group undertakings

Note

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

C8
C15

61.8
1.6
2.0
2.0
0.9
1.0

69.3

74.0

74.0

374.5
0.9
1.6
–
2.1
0.1

379.2

65.1

65.1

At the balance sheet date, the total amounts owed by Group undertakings were £135.8m (2021: £439.6m). The carrying amount of these 
assets approximates their fair value. Of the amounts owed by Group undertakings, £133.5m (2021: £329.1m) is interest-bearing and any 
interest charged is at current market rates. See note C5 for more detail on the decrease in amounts owed by Group undertakings.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS184
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe PARent CoMPAnY FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

C8. DEFERRED TAXATION

Accounting policies
We recognise deferred taxation in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date, 
where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in future or a right to pay less tax in future have occurred at the 
balance sheet date. 

We only recognise deferred taxation assets if we consider it more likely than not that we will have suitable profits from which we can deduct 
the future reversal of the underlying timing differences. Timing differences are differences arising between the Company’s taxable profits 
and its results as stated in the Financial Statements, and which are capable of reversing in one or more subsequent periods.

We only recognise deferred taxation in respect of the future remittance of retained earnings of overseas subsidiaries to the extent that, 
at the balance sheet date, dividends have been accrued as receivable. 

We measure deferred taxation on a non-discounted basis, at the tax rates we expect to apply in the periods in which we expect the 
timing differences to reverse, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax asset due within one year
Deferred tax asset due after more than one year

The movements in deferred taxation are as follows:

At the start of the year
Recognised in the Income Statement
Recognised in equity

At the end of the year

The amounts provided are as follows:

Share-based payment expense
Other timing differences
Losses

2022 
£m

0.9
2.9

3.8

2022 
£m

4.2
0.6
(1.0)

3.8

2022 
£m

1.1
1.6
1.1

3.8

2021 
£m

2.1
2.1

4.2

2021 
£m

2.0
2.1
0.1

4.2

2021 
£m

1.8
2.0
0.4

4.2

At the balance sheet date, the Company had unused tax losses available for offset against future profits, with a potential tax benefit of 
£1.1m (2021: £0.4m). We have recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of this benefit, as we expect these losses to be offset against 
future profits of the UK tax group in the near term.

C9. CURRENT PAYABLES

Accounting policies
Trade payables are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

Bank loans and overdrafts
Trade payables
Other payables 
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Accruals
Deferred income
Obligations under leases
Derivative financial liabilities

Note

C12

C13
C15

2022
£m

7.1
1.7
0.7
51.9
2.5
0.1
0.1
0.9

65.0

2021
£m

13.0
1.5
0.1
204.2
3.8
0.1
0.1
–

222.8

Included within amounts owed to Group undertakings are amounts of £26.2m (2021: £176.6m) which are unsecured, repayable on 
demand and any interest charged is at current market rates. 

There are no outstanding contributions due to defined contribution pension schemes for the benefit of the employees (2021: £nil).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
185
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

C10. NON-CURRENT PAYABLES

Bank loans and overdrafts
Obligations under leases
Derivative financial liabilities
Deferred income

C11. PROVISIONS

Provisions due within one year
Provisions after more than one year

Note

C12
C13
C15

2022 
£m

182.1
0.5
0.3
0.4

183.3

2022 
£m

0.4
0.3

0.7

2021 
£m

109.4
0.6
–
1.1

111.1

2021 
£m

0.3
0.1

0.4

The provisions primarily consist of a share forfeiture provision of £0.5m, which relates to potential claims that could be made by untraced 
members over a period of three years, relating to the resale proceeds of shares that were identified during prior years as being forfeited 
(see note 25). 

C12. LOANS AND BORROWINGS

Accounting policies
We initially state debt at the amount of the net proceeds, after deducting issue costs. The carrying amount is increased by the finance 
cost in respect of the accounting period and reduced by payments made in the period.

We charge the finance costs of debt to the profit and loss account over the debt term, at a constant rate on the carrying value of the debt 
to which they relate.

Loans and borrowings comprise amounts falling due:
In one year or less or on demand
In more than one year but not more than two years
In more than two years but not more than five years

Less: unamortised issue costs

Amounts falling due within one year

Amounts falling due after more than one year

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

8.0
–
182.3

190.3
(1.1)

189.2
(7.1)

182.1

13.8
–
109.9

123.7
(1.3)

122.4
(13.0)

109.4

At the balance sheet date, the Company’s credit facilities comprised a £150m multi-currency revolving credit facility (‘RCF’), a USD125 
million RCF and a USD20 million bond and guarantee facility. The original term of the facility was for three years to 24 August 2023 with 
the option to extend the maturity date by a further year before each of the first and second anniversaries of the signing date. The 
Company’s credit facility also includes an uncommitted £100m accordion option, which can be requested on a maximum of three 
occasions over the lifetime of the facility to fund the Group’s business development plans. On 24 August 2021, the Company and its 
lenders extended the facility by a further year to 24 August 2024.

With effect from 26 August 2022, the Group and its lenders increased the Company’s multi-currency RCF by £40m to £190m and the 
USD RCF by USD25m to USD150m, and extended the maturity date of the total facilities to 24 August 2025. 

As part of its interest rate hedging strategy, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps to hedge variable interest rates. At the 
balance sheet date, bank loan and overdrafts include borrowings of USD45m fixed at 3.3175%, and borrowings of USD28m, swapped via 
a cross currency swap into EUR25m, fixed at 0.3625%, excluding applicable bank margins. 

Terms and debt repayment schedule
The terms and conditions of outstanding loans and overdrafts were as follows:

RCF and overdraft
RCF, term loan and overdraft
RCF and overdraft
Other unsecured bank borrowings

Total interest-bearing liabilities

The above RCFs are unsecured. 

Currency

Interest rate

GBP
USD
EUR
Other

2.6%
3.0%
1.4%
2.2%

2022 
£m

95.9
77.3
10.8
5.2

2021 
£m

42.3
59.7
10.7
9.7

189.2

122.4

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS186
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe PARent CoMPAnY FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

C13. OBLIGATIONS UNDER LEASES

A lease is a commitment to make a payment in the future, primarily in relation to property, plant and machinery and motor vehicles.

Accounting policies
In accordance with IFRS 16, we recognise as an expense any payments made in respect of short-term leases (those with a term of less 
than 12 months) and for low-value items on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. 

For all other leases we recognise a liability at the date at which the leased asset is made available for use, and a corresponding 
right-of-use asset is recognised and depreciated over the term of the lease (see note C4).

Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the future lease payments, excluding any payments relating to non-lease 
components. Future lease payments include fixed payments, in-substance fixed payments, and variable lease payments that are 
based on an index or a rate, less any lease incentives receivable. Lease liabilities also take into account amounts payable under 
residual value guarantees and payments to exercise options, to the extent that it is reasonably certain that such payments will 
be made. The payments are discounted at the rate implicit in the lease or, where that cannot be measured, at an incremental 
borrowing rate. 

We remeasure the lease liability (and make a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) whenever:
 > The lease term has changed or there is a change in the assessment of the exercise of a purchase option, in which case the lease 

liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate.

 > The lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or a change in expected payment under a guaranteed residual 
value, in which cases the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using the initial discount rate 
(unless the lease payments change is due to a change in a floating interest rate, in which case a revised discount rate is used). 
 > A lease contract is modified, and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease liability  

is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate. 

The Company did not make any such adjustments during the periods presented.

The changes in the lease liabilities are as follows:

Balance at the start of the year
Payments made

Balance at the end of the year

2022
£m

0.8
(0.2)

0.6

2021
£m

0.9
(0.1)

0.8

In accordance with the reduced disclosure exemptions included in FRS 101, a maturity analysis has not been presented. The maturity 
analysis of the Group’s lease obligations is included in note 28 to the Group Financial Statements.

C14. OPERATING LEASES

Accounting policies
For short-term leases (those with a term of less than 12 months) and low-value items, we charge the rentals payable to the Income 
Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company has elected not to apply IFRS 16 to contracts where the right-of-use asset would be recognised as an intangible asset 
(e.g. software licences).

Total of future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases which expire:

In less than one year

Operating lease rentals charged in the year:

Other

C15. DERIVATIVES AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Additional disclosures on financial instruments can be found in note 26 to the Group Financial Statements.

2022
£m

–

–

2022
£m

0.8

2021
£m

0.8

0.8

2021
£m

0.8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS187
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

C16. CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Share capital 

Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 10 pence

There is no authorised share capital limit.

2022 
Number

2021 
Number

2022 
£m

65,773,620

65,761,500

6.6

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends, as declared from time to time.

The movement in share capital for the period was as follows:

Issued under the Executive Share Option Plan
Issued to Employee Benefit Trust 

2022 
Number

12,120
–

2021 
Number

19,875
650,000

12,120

669,875

2022 
£m

–
–

–

Shares issued under the Executive Share Option Plan were issued at option prices as follows:

2021 
£m

6.6

2021 
£m

–
0.1

0.1

Executive Share Option Plan

2022

2021

Number

Price

Number

Price

–
977.83p
1334.00p
1413.00p

–
2,837
7,027
2,256

12,120

729.83p
977.83p
1334.00p
1413.00p

6,599
9,032
1,738
2,506

19,875

Reserve for own shares
The Company’s shares are held by a QUEST, which is an employee benefit trust established to facilitate the operation of our long-term 
incentive scheme for senior management. The reserve amount represents the deduction in arriving at shareholders’ funds for the 
consideration the trust paid for the Company’s shares, which had not vested unconditionally at the balance sheet date. The number 
and market value of the ordinary shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust and the QUEST were:

Shares allocated but not vested
Unallocated shares

The shares have a nominal value of £37,314 (2021: £60,160).

2022 
Number

2021 
Number

280,803
92,334

509,269
92,334

373,137

601,603

2022 
£m

7.1
2.3

9.4

2021 
£m

25.2
4.6

29.8

Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments net 
of taxation – see note 26.

C17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company is exempt under FRS 101 from disclosing transactions with other members of the Group. 

C18. CAPITAL AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

At 30 June 2022, outstanding contracted capital expenditure amounted to £nil (2021: £nil). 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS188
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes to tHe PARent CoMPAnY FInAnCIAL stAteMents CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2022

C19. PENSIONS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES

The NMR pension assigned to Genus plc under the Flexible Apportionment Agreement, recorded an actuarial gain of £3.7m, which has 
increased the asset restriction made in previous years. As the Company does not have unilateral right to this surplus, as required in 
accordance with IFRIC 14 it is restricted to £nil. For additional information on the MPF pension scheme, of which NMR was one of the 
participating employers, please see note 29. 

The retirement benefit obligations referred to in note 29 to the Group Financial Statements include obligations relating to the MPF 
defined benefit scheme. Genus, together with other participating employers, is joint and severally liable for the scheme’s obligations. 
Genus has accounted for its section and its share of any orphan assets and liabilities, collectively representing approximately 86% (2021: 
86%) of the MPF. As a result of the joint and several liability, Genus has a contingent liability for the scheme’s obligations that it has not 
accounted for. The total deficit of the MPF scheme from the most recent triennial valuation can be found in note 29.

Certain UK subsidiaries, which are detailed in note 37 to the Group Financial Statements, will take advantage of the audit exemption set 
out within section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 June 2022. The Company has given a statutory guarantee 
over all of the liabilities held by those UK subsidiaries for the year ended 30 June 2022. The Company has assessed the probability of 
loss under the guarantee as remote.

At 30 June 2022, the Company had entered into bank guarantees totalling £15.8m (2021: £13.9m).

C20. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

With effect from 26 August 2022, the Group and its lenders increased the Company’s multi-currency RCF by £40m to £190m and the 
USD RCF by USD25m to USD150m, and extended the maturity date of the total facilities to 24 August 2025.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS189
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

FIVe-YeAR ReCoRD – ConsoLIDAteD ResuLts

The information included in the five-year record below is in accordance with IFRS as adopted for use under the Companies Act 2006. 

Financial results

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

2020 
£m

2019 
£m

2018 
£m

Revenue from continuing operations

593.4

574.3

551.4

488.5

470.3

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations1
Adjusted operating profit including joint ventures and associates1
Adjusted profit before tax1

Basic adjusted earnings per share1
Diluted adjusted earnings per share1

Operating profit from continuing operations
Profit before tax from continuing operations
Profit after tax from continuing operations
Net profit attributable to owners of the Company

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Net assets
Net debt 

68.8
77.7
71.5

76.9
89.8
84.8

82.7p
82.3p

100.9p
100.1p

49.4
48.4
36.7
40.9

62.5p
62.2p

572.1
185.0

47.7
55.8
46.8
47.3

72.6p
72.0p

496.6
105.6

60.1
70.8
65.8

77.3p
76.7p

42.4
46.3
35.7
35.3

54.4p
54.0p

494.5
102.6

51.8
59.0
55.1

63.8p
61.7p

2.8
4.0
0.8
1.9

3.0p
2.9p

479.0
79.6

55.5
60.9
56.3

72.3p
71.3p

6.0
5.6
39.4
40.5

66.1p
65.2p

401.7
108.5

1  Adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit before tax and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share are before net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets, 

amortisation of acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense, exceptional items and other gains and losses

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
190
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ALteRnAtIVe PeRFoRMAnCe  MeAsuRes GLossARY

The Group tracks a number of 
APMs in managing its business, which 
are not defined or specified under the 
requirements of IFRS because they 
exclude amounts that are included in, 
or include amounts that are excluded 
from, the most directly comparable 
measure calculated and presented in 
accordance with IFRS, or are calculated 
using financial measures that are not 
calculated in accordance with IFRS.

The Group believes that these APMs, which 
are not considered to be a substitute 
for or superior to IFRS measures, provide 
stakeholders with additional helpful 
information on the performance of the 
business. These APMs are consistent 
with how the business performance 
is planned and reported within the 
internal management reporting to 
the Board and GELT. Some of these 
APMs are also used for the purpose 
of setting remuneration targets.

These APMs should be viewed as 
supplemental to, but not as a substitute 
for, measures presented in the 
consolidated financial information relating 
to the Group, which are prepared in 
accordance with IFRS. The Group believes 
that these APMs are useful indicators of its 
performance. However, they may not be 
comparable to similarly-titled measures 
reported by other companies, due to 
differences in the way they are calculated. 

The key APMs that the Group uses include:

Alternative Performance 
Measures

Calculation methodology and closest equivalent IFRs measure  
(where applicable)

Reasons why we believe the  
APMs are useful

Income statement measures

Adjusted operating profit 
exc JVs

Adjusted operating profit is operating profit with the net IAS 41 
valuation movement on biological assets, amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets, share-based payment expense 
and exceptional items added back and excludes JV and 
associate results. 

Closest equivalent IFRS measure: Operating profit1

See reconciliation on page 193. 

Adjusted operating profit 
inc JVs 

Including adjusted operating profit from JV and associate results. 

See reconciliation on page 193. 

Adjusted operating profit 
inc JVs exc gene editing 
costs

Including adjusted operating profit from JV and associate results 
but excluding gene editing costs.

See reconciliation on page 193. 

Adjusted operating profit 
inc JVs after tax 

Adjusted operating profit including JV less adjusted effective tax.  

See reconciliation on page 193.  

Adjusted profit inc JVs 
before tax 

Adjusted operating profit including JVs less net finance costs.  

See reconciliation on page 193.  

Adjusted profit inc JVs  
after tax

Adjusted profit including JVs before tax less adjusted 
effective tax.  

See reconciliation on page 193. 

Adjusted effective tax 
rate

Total income tax charge for the Group excluding the tax impact 
of adjusting items, divided by the adjusted operating profit. 

Closest equivalent IFRS measure: Effective tax rate 

See reconciliation on page 194. 

Allows the comparison of underlying 
financial performance by excluding 
the impacts of exceptional items and 
is a performance indicator against 
which short-term and long-term 
incentive outcomes for our senior 
executives are measured: 
 > net IAS 41 valuation movements on 

biological assets – these 
movements can be materially 
volatile and do not directly 
correlate to the underlying trading 
performance in the period. 
Furthermore, the movement is 
non-cash related and many 
assumptions used in the valuation 
model are based on projections 
rather than current trading;

 > amortisation of acquired intangible 
assets – excluding this improves the 
comparability between acquired 
and organically grown operations, 
as the latter cannot recognise 
internally generated intangible 
assets. Adjusting for amortisation 
provides a more consistent basis for 
comparison between the two;
 > share-based payments – this 
expense is considered to be 
relatively volatile and not fully 
reflective of the current period 
trading, as the performance criteria 
are based on EPS performance 
over a three-year period and 
include estimates of future 
performance; and

 > exceptional items – these are items 
which due to either their size or their 
nature are excluded, to improve the 
understanding of the Group’s 
underlying performance. 

Provides an underlying tax rate to 
allow comparability of underlying 
financial performance, by excluding 
the impacts of net IAS 41 valuation 
movement on biological assets, 
amortisation of acquired intangible 
assets, share-based payment 
expense and exceptional items.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
191
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Alternative Performance 
Measures

Calculation methodology and closest equivalent IFRs measure  
(where applicable)

Reasons why we believe the  
APMs are useful

Adjusted basic earnings 
per share

Adjusted profit after tax profit divided by the weighted basic 
average number of shares.

Closest equivalent IFRS measure: Earnings per share 

See calculation on page 194.

On a per share basis, this allows the 
comparability of underlying financial 
performance by excluding the 
impacts of adjusting items.

Adjusted diluted earnings 
per share

Underlying attributable profit divided by the diluted weighted 
basic average number of shares.

Closest equivalent IFRS measure: Diluted earnings per share 

See calculation on page 194.

Adjusted earnings cover

Adjusted earnings per share divided by the expected dividend 
for the year. 

The Board dividend policy targets the 
adjusted earning cover to be 
between 2.5–3 times.

See calculation on page 194.

Adjusted EBITDA – 
calculated in accordance 
with the definitions used 
in our financing facilities

This is adjusted operating profit, adding back cash received 
from our JVs, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, 
depreciation of the historical cost of biological assets, 
operational amortisation (i.e. excluding amortisation of 
acquired intangibles) and deducting the amount attributable 
to minority interest.

This APM is presented because it is 
used in calculating our ratio of net 
debt to EBITDA and our interest cover, 
which we report to our banks to 
ensure compliance with our 
bank covenants.

Adjusted operating 
margin

Adjusted operating 
margin (exc JVs)

Constant currency basis

Closest equivalent IFRS measure: Operating profit1 

See reconciliation on page 194.

Adjusted operating profit (including JVs) divided by revenue.

Adjusted operating profit divided by revenue.

The Group reports certain financial measures, on both a reported 
and constant currency basis and retranslates the current year’s 
results at the average actual exchange rates used in the previous 
financial year.

Revenue excluding Genus 
PIC China

Revenue excluding revenue made by Genus PIC China.

See reconciliation on page 195.

Adjusted operating profit including JVs for Genus PIC excluding 
adjusted operating profit including JVs made by Genus PIC 
China.

See reconciliation on page 195.

Adjusted operating profit 
inc JVs for Genus PIC 
excluding Genus PIC 
China

Adjusted profit before tax 
excluding Genus PIC 
China

Allows for the comparability of 
underlying financial performance 
by excluding the impacts of 
exceptional items.

The Group’s business operates in 
multiple countries worldwide and its 
trading results are translated back 
into the Group’s functional currency of 
Sterling. This measure eliminates the 
effects of exchange rate fluctuations 
when comparing year-on-year 
reported results. 

Allows for the comparison of the 
financial performance of Genus PIC 
by excluding the results of Genus PIC 
China, which has been impacted by 
volatile and challenging market 
conditions. 

Adjusted profit before tax excluding Genus PIC China.

See reconciliation on page 195.

Allows for the comparison of 
underlying financial performance of 
Genus by excluding Genus PIC China.

Balance sheet measures

Net debt

Net debt is gross debt, made up of unsecured bank loans and 
overdrafts and obligations under finance leases, with a deduction 
for cash and cash equivalents. 

This allows the Group to monitor its 
levels of debt.

See reconciliation on page 195. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
 
192
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ALteRnAtIVe PeRFoRMAnCe  MeAsuRes GLossARY CONTINUED

Alternative Performance 
Measures

Calculation methodology and closest equivalent IFRs measure  
(where applicable)

Reasons why we believe the  
APMs are useful

Net debt excluding the impact of adopting IFRS 16 and adding 
back guarantees and deferred purchase arrangements. 

This is a key metric that we report to 
our banks to ensure compliance with 
our bank covenants.

See reconciliation on page 195.

Net debt – calculated in 
accordance with the 
definitions used in our 
financing facilities

Cash flow measures

Cash conversion

Cash generated by operations as a percentage of adjusted 
operating profit excluding JVs. 

See calculation on page 196. 

This is used to measure how much 
operating cash flow we are 
generating and how efficient we are 
at converting our operating profit 
into cash.

Shows the cash retained by the Group 
in the year.

Free cash flow

Cash generated by the Group before debt repayments, 
acquisitions and investments, dividends and proceeds from 
share issues. 

Closest IFRS measure: Net cash flow from operating activities

See reconciliation on page 196 

other measures

Interest cover

Ratio of net debt to 
adjusted EBITDA

Return on adjusted 
invested capital

The ratio of adjusted net finance costs, calculated in accordance 
with the definitions used in our financing facilities, is net finance 
costs with a deduction for pension interest, interest from adopting 
IFRS 16, unwinding of discount on put options and amortisation of 
refinancing fees, to adjusted EBITDA.

This APM is used to understand our 
ability to meet our interest payments 
and is also a key metric that we report 
to our banks to ensure compliance 
with our bank covenants.

Closest equivalent IFRS components for the ratio: The equivalent 
IFRS components are finance costs, finance income and 
operating profit

See calculation and reconciliation on page 196. 

The ratio of net debt, calculated in accordance with the 
definitions used in our financing facilities, is gross debt, made up 
of unsecured bank loans and overdrafts and obligations under 
finance leases, with a deduction for cash and cash equivalents 
and adding back amounts related to guarantees and deferred 
purchase arrangements, to adjusted EBITDA.

Closest equivalent IFRS components for the ratio: The equivalent 
IFRS components are gross debt, cash and cash equivalents and 
operating profit  

See calculation on page 196. 

The Group’s return on adjusted invested capital is measured on 
the basis of adjusted operating profit including JVs after tax, 
which is operating profit with the pre-tax share of profits from JVs 
and associates, net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological 
assets, amortisation of acquired intangible assets, share-based 
payment expense and exceptional items added back, net of 
amounts attributable to non-controlling interest and tax. 

The adjusted operating profit including JVs after tax is divided by 
adjusted invested capital, which is the equity attributable to 
owners of the Company adding back net debt, pension liability 
net of related deferred tax and deducting biological assets 
(less historical cost) and goodwill, net of related deferred tax.

Closest equivalent IFRS components for the ratio: 
Return on invested capital 

See calculation and reconciliation on page 197.

This APM is used as a measurement of 
our leverage and is also a key metric 
that we report to our banks to ensure 
compliance with our bank covenants.

This APM is used to measure our 
ability to efficiently invest our capital 
and gives us a sense of how well we 
are using our resources to generate 
returns. 

1  Operating profit is not defined per IFRS. It is presented in the Group Income Statement and is shown as profit before tax, finance income/costs and share of post-tax profit of 

JVs and associates retained

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
193
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

THE TABLES BELOW RECONCILE THE CLOSEST EQUIVALENT IFRS MEASURE TO THE APM OR OUTLINE THE CALCULATION OF THE APM

INCOME STATEMENT MEASURES

Adjusted operating profit exc JVs
Adjusted operating profit inc JVs
Adjusted operating profit inc JVs and exc gene editing costs

Operating profit
Add back:
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Share-based payment expense
Exceptional items

Adjusted operating profit exc JVs

Less: amounts attributable to non-controlling interest
Operating profit from JVs and associates
Tax on JVs and associates

Net IAS 41 valuation movement

Adjusted operating profit from JVs

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs

Gene editing costs

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs and exc gene editing 
costs

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs after tax

2022

£m

£m

49.4

5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0

5.2
2.6

1.4

68.8

(0.3)

9.2

77.7

7.9

85.6

2021

£m

£m Reference

10.8
7.4
7.7
3.3

13.1
3.0

(3.1)

47.7 Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement

76.9 Group Income Statement

(0.1) Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Note 11 – Income tax expense
Note 18 – Equity accounted 
investees

13.0

89.8

Note 5 – Segmental 
information

7.6

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs

Effective Tax Rate
Adjusted tax

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs after tax

Adjusted profit inc JVs before tax
Adjusted profit inc JVs after tax

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs
Less net finance costs

Adjusted profit inc JVs before tax
Adjusted tax

Adjusted profit inc JVs after tax

97.4

£m Reference

89.8 See APM

2022

2021

24.3%

£m

77.7

(18.9)

58.8

22.5%

Note 12 – Earnings per share

(20.2) No direct reference

69.6

2022

2021

£m

77.7
(6.2)

71.5
(17.4)

54.1

£m Reference

89.8 See APM
(5.0) Note 10 – Net finance costs

84.8
(19.1) Note 12 – Earnings per share

65.7

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION194
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ALteRnAtIVe PeRFoRMAnCe  MeAsuRes GLossARY CONTINUED

Adjusted effective tax £m/rate

2022

2021

Adjusted effective tax £m/rate
Exceptional items
Share-based payment expense
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets

Effective tax £m/rate

Adjusted basic earnings per share

Adjusted profit inc JVs after tax (£m)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (000s)

Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

Adjusted profit inc JVs after tax (£m)
Weighted average number of diluted ordinary shares (000s) 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (pence)

Adjusted earnings cover

Adjusted earnings per share 
Dividend for the year
Adjusted earnings cover

pence

82.7
32.0

Adjusted EBITDA – as calculated under our financing facilities

Operating profit
Add back:
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Share-based payment expense
Exceptional items

Adjusted operating profit exc JVs
Adjust for:
Cash received from JVs (dividend and loan repayment)

Depreciation: property, plant and equipment

Operational lease payments

Depreciation: historical cost of biological assets
Amortisation and impairment (excluding separately 
identifiable acquired intangible assets)
Less amounts attributable to non-controlling interest

Adjusted EBITDA – as calculated under our financing 
facilities

2022

£m

5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0

68.8

3.2

26.4

(12.4)

10.7

4.3
(0.3)

£m

17.4
(0.8)
(0.5)
(3.3)
1.5

14.3

%

24.3
(40.0)
(13.5)
(39.8)
27.8

28.0

2022

54.1
65.395

82.7

2022

54.1
65.714

82.3

£m

19.1
(1.1)
(1.6)
(1.5)
(2.9)

12.0

% Reference

22.5 Note 12 – Earnings per share
(33.3) Note 12 – Earnings per share
(20.8) Note 12 – Earnings per share
(20.3) Note 12 – Earnings per share
(26.9) Note 12 – Earnings per share

20.4 Note 11 – Taxation and 
deferred taxation

2021 Reference

65.7 See APM

65.108 Note 12 – Earnings per share

100.9

2021 Reference

65.7 See APM

65.662 Note 12 – Earnings per share

100.1

2022

2021

times

2.6

£m

49.4

pence

100.9
32.0

times Reference

See APM
Note 13 – Dividends

3.2

2021

£m

£m Reference

47.7 Group Income Statement

10.8
7.4
7.7
3.3

76.9

4.1

24.0

(12.5)

10.0

3.7
(0.1)

Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement

Group Statement of Cash 
Flows
Note 17 – Property, plant and 
equipment
Note 28 – Obligations under 
leases
See Financial Review

Note 15 – Intangible assets
Group Income Statement

100.7

106.1

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION195
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Revenue excluding Genus PIC China

Revenue in Genus

Less revenue in Genus PIC China

Revenue excluding Genus PIC China

Adjusted operating profit excluding Genus PIC China

30 June 2022

30 June 2021

£m

£m

593.4

(29.9)

£m

574.3

(55.0)

£m Reference

Note 5 – Segmental 
information
No direct reference

563.5

519.3

30 June 2022

30 June 2021

£m

£m

£m

£m Reference

Adjusted operating profit in Genus PIC
Adjusted operating profit from PIC JVs and associates
Less amounts attributable to non-controlling interest

112.3
9.1
(0.2)

122.9
13.2
(0.2)

Group Income Statement
No direct reference
No direct reference

Less adjusted operating profit in Genus PIC China

Adjusted operating profit excluding Genus PIC China

Adjusted profit before tax excluding Genus PIC China

Adjusted profit before tax
Less adjusted profit before tax in Genus PIC China

Adjusted profit before tax excluding 
Genus PIC China

BALANCE SHEET MEASURES

Net debt 
Net debt as calculated under our financing facilities

121.2

(5.6)

115.6

135.9

(33.4) No direct reference

102.5

30 June 2022

30 June 2021

£m

£m

71.5
(5.6)

65.9

£m

£m Reference

84.8 Group Income Statement
(33.4) No direct reference

2022

2021

Current unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Non-current unsecured bank loans and overdrafts

Unsecured bank loans and overdrafts
Current obligations under finance leases
Non-current obligations under finance leases

£m

7.1
182.1

10.1
24.5

Obligations under finance leases 

Total debt financing

Deduct:
Cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Deduct: 
Lower of obligations under finance leases or £30m
Add back: 
Guarantees

Deferred purchase arrangements

Net debt – as calculated under our financing facilities

£m

13.9
109.4

9.0
19.3

£m

189.2

34.6

223.8

(38.8)

185.0

(30.0)

20.2

–

175.2

51.4

£m Reference

123.3 Group Balance Sheet

28.3 Group Balance Sheet

151.6 Note 32 – Notes to the cash 

flow statement

(46.0) Group Balance Sheet

105.6

(28.3)

19.1 Note 35 – Contingencies and 

bank guarantees

0.1 No direct reference

96.5

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
196
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ALteRnAtIVe PeRFoRMAnCe  MeAsuRes GLossARY CONTINUED

CASH FLOW MEASURES

Cash conversion

Cash generated by operations

Operating profit
Add back:
Net IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Share-based payment expense
Exceptional items

Adjusted operating profit exc JVs
Cash conversion (%)

Free cash flow

Cash generated by operations

Net interest and tax paid

Capital expenditure

Dividends received from JV and associates

Joint venture and associate loan (payment)/repayment 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Dividend to non-controlling interest

Free cash flow

OTHER MEASURES

Interest cover

Finance costs
Finance income

Net finance costs
Deduct:
Pension interest
Interest on lease liabilities
Unwinding discount on put options
Amortisation of refinancing fees

Adjusted net finance costs
Adjusted EBITDA – as calculated under our financing 
facilities
Interest cover

Ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA

2022

£m

£m

56.6

49.4

5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0

2022

£m

68.8
82%

£m

56.6

(22.3)

(50.9)

3.2

–

–

(0.1)

(13.5)

2021

£m

£m Reference

47.7

10.8
7.4
7.7
3.3

86.6 Note 32 – Notes to the 

cash flow statement
Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement

76.9 Group Income Statement

113%  

2021

£m

£m Reference

86.6 Note 32 – Notes to the  

cash flow statement

(19.1) Note 32 – Notes to the  

cash flow statement
(33.8) Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

4.1 Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

(0.4) Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

0.3 Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

(0.2) Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

37.5

2022

2021

Times

£m

6.6
(0.4)

6.2

(0.2)
(1.1)
(0.2)
(0.9)

3.8

£m

5.4
(0.4)

5.0

(0.3)
(0.8)
(0.6)
(0.9)

2.4

Times Reference

Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement

Note 10 – Net finance costs

Note 10 – Net finance costs
Note 10 – Net finance costs
Note 10 – Net finance costs
Note 10 – Net finance costs

100.7

106.1

See APM 

27

45

2022

2021

Net debt – as calculated under our financing facilities
Adjusted EBITDA – as calculated under our financing 
facilities
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA

175.2

100.7

£m

Times

£m

96.5

106.1

Times Reference

See APM

See APM

1.7

0.9  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION197
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

Return on adjusted invested capital 

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs after tax
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Add back:
Net debt

Pension liability
Related deferred tax

Adjust for:
Biological assets – carrying value
Biological assets’ harvest classed as inventories
Biological assets – historic cost
Goodwill

Related deferred tax

Adjusted invested capital
Return on adjusted invested capital

Return on invested capital

2022

£m

2021

%

£m

% Reference

58.8
578.5

185.0

8.3
(1.3)

(366.8)
(20.9)
77.2
(111.0)

73.0

422.0

69.6
498.1

105.6

11.1
(2.1)

(319.5)
(17.8)
65.1
(101.5)

63.7

302.7

See APM
Group Balance Sheet

Note 32 – Notes to the cash 
flow statement
Group Balance Sheet
Note 11 – Taxation and 
deferred taxation

Note 16 – Biological assets
Note 20 – Inventories
See Financial Review
Group Balance Sheet
Note 11 – Taxation and 
deferred taxation

13.9%

23.0%

2022

£m

2021

%

£m

% Reference

Return on adjusted invested capital
Adjusted operating profit inc JVs after tax

Tax rate

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs 
Adjusted operating profit attributable to non-controlling 
interest
Pre-tax share of profits from JVs exc net IAS 41 valuation 
movement

Adjusted operating profit exc JVs
Fair value movement on biological assets
Amortisation of acquired intangibles
Share-based payment expense
Exceptional items
Share of post-tax profit of JVs
Finance costs

Profit before tax
Tax

Profit 
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Return on invested capital

58.8

18.9

77.7

0.3

(9.2)

68.8
(5.4)
(8.3)
(3.7)
(2.0)
5.2
(6.2)

48.4
(11.7)

36.7
578.5

13.9%

24.3%

69.6

20.2

89.8

0.1

(13.0)

76.9
(10.8)
(7.4)
(7.7)
(3.3)
13.1
(5.0)

55.8
(9.0)

46.8
498.1

23.0% See APM
See APM

22.5% Note 12 – Earnings per share

Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement
Group Balance Sheet

6.3%

9.4%

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION198
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

GLossARY

AGM – Annual General Meeting.

Artificial insemination (‘AI’) – Using semen 
collected from a bull or boar to impregnate 
a cow or sow when in estrus. Artificial 
insemination allows a genetically superior 
male to be used to mate with many more 
females than would be possible with 
natural mating.

ASF – African Swine Fever.

Biosecurity – The precautions taken to 
reduce the chance of transmitting disease 
agents from one livestock operation 
to another.

Gilt – A young female pig, which has not 
yet given birth.

GMS – ABS’s Genetic Management 
System, which creates a genetic solution 
tailored to each individual dairy producer 
to obtain improved herd genetics.

Grandparent – The relationship of a 
breeding pig to the generation of terminal 
market pigs. A grandparent produces 
parents, who in turn produce the 
commercial generation of terminal pigs.

Group – Genus plc and its subsidiary 
companies.

Progeny tested – Elite animals whose 
genetic value as a parent has been tested 
and validated through the performance of 
their offspring.

PRRSv – Porcine Reproductive and 
Respiratory Syndrome Virus.

PSP – Performance Share Plan.

PTAB – Patent Trial and Appeal Board 
before the US Patent and Trademarks 
Office.

R&D – Research and development.

RMS – ABS’s Reproductive Management 
System, which is a systematic approach to 
maximising pregnancy production and its 
contribution to herd profitability.

RPI – Retail Price Index.

Boar – A male pig.

BRD – Bovine Respiratory Disease, a 
complex, bacterial and viral infection that 
causes lung disease in cattle (particularly 
calves) and is often fatal.

CPI – Consumer Price Index.

CRISPR-Cas 9 – Technology which 
accurately targets and cuts DNA to 
produce precise and controllable changes 
to the genome.

CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility.

DSBP – Deferred Share Bonus Plan.

EPS – Earnings per share.

In vitro fertilisation (‘IVF’) – The fertilisation 
of an oocyte with semen (outside an 
animal) in a laboratory for transfer into 
a surrogate.

Index/Indices – A formula incorporating 
economically important traits for ranking 
the genetic potential of animals as parents 
of the next generation.

RWD – ABS’s Real World Data System of 
observed performance data from many 
dairy herds.

Integrated pork producer – Producers of 
pork typically involved in raising animals to 
slaughter weight all the way through to 
packaged and/or branded pork products.

IntelliGen – The technology platform 
used to process sexed bovine semen 
for ABS and third-party customers and 
commercialised by ABS globally as Sexcel.

Russian Sanctions – legislation introduced 
by the UK, EU or US (as appropriate) which 
impose financial, trade, transport, 
immigration or other sanctions for the 
purposes of encouraging Russia to cease 
actions which destabilise Ukraine, or 
undermine or threaten the territorial 
integrity, sovereignty or independence 
of Ukraine.

Farrow – When a sow gives birth to piglets.

IP – Intellectual property.

GELT – Genus Executive Leadership Team.

IPR – Inter Partes Review before the US 
Patent and Trademarks Office.

Gender skew – The ability to influence 
the proportion of offspring being of a 
particular sex.

Genetic gain – The change of the genetic 
make up of a particular animal population 
in response to having selected parents 
that excelled genetically for important 
traits.

Genetic lag – The amount of time required 
to disseminate genetic gain from a nucleus 
herd to the commercial customer.

Genetic nucleus – A specialised pig herd, 
where Genus PIC keeps its pure lines. Pigs 
are genetically tested at the nucleus to 
select the best animals to produce the 
next generation.

Genomic bull – A bull which has been 
assessed through genomic testing. This 
typically refers to bulls which have not 
been progeny-tested.

Genomically tested – An animal that has 
been DNA profiled.

Genomics – The study of the genome, 
which is the DNA sequence of an animal’s 
chromosomes.

IVB – In Vitro Brasil S.A.

JV – Joint venture.

Line – Multiple animals that have been 
mated together in a closed breeding 
population. Pure lines can have their origins 
in one founding breed or in several breeds.

Market pig equivalents (‘MPE’) – Refers to 
a standardised measure of our customers’ 
production of slaughter animals that 
contain our genetics with genes from each 
of the sow and boar counting for half of 
the animal.

Multiplier – A producer whose farm 
contains grandparent sows. The 
farm crosses together two lines of 
grandparents, multiplying the number 
of genetically improved parents that 
are available for sale.

NuEra – The ABS beef breeding 
programme and index designed to drive 
the customer’s genetic improvement and 
deliver total system profitability for the 
beef supply chain.

PQA – Pork Quality Assurance.

Sexcel – The ABS brand of sexed bovine 
genetics produced using IntelliGen.

Sire – The male parent of an animal.

Sire line – The male line selected for traits 
desirable for the market.

Sow – A female pig which has given birth 
at least once.

Straw – A narrow tube used to package 
frozen bull semen.

Stud – Locations where bulls or boars are 
housed and their semen collected, 
evaluated, diluted into multiple doses/
straws and packaged, ready for shipping 
to farms.

Terminal boars – The male pig that is used 
to mate with a parent female to produce a 
terminal pig.

Trait – A measurable characteristic that 
may be a target for genetic selection.

TransitionRight – Genus ABS’s patent-
pending genetic selection tool to help 
prevent multiple post calving metabolic 
disorders that occur during transition.

Unit – A straw of frozen bull semen or tube/
bag of fresh boar semen sold to 
a customer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION199
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

ADVIseRs

SECRETARY AND REGISTERED OFFICE

SOLICITOR

Dan Hartley
Matrix House
Basing View
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG21 4DZ
Registered Number 29723250

FINANCIAL ADVISER

HSBC Bank plc
8 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 5HQ

AUDITOR

Deloitte LLP
Abbots House
Abbey Street
Reading RG1 3BD

STOCKBROKERS

Peel Hunt
100 Liverpool Street
London EC2M 2AT

Liberum Capital Limited
Ropemaker Place Level 12
25 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9LY

HSBC Bank plc
8 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 5HQ

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Exchange House
Primrose Street
London EC2A 2EG

BANKERS

Barclays Bank PLC
2nd Floor
90–92 High Street
Crawley
West Sussex RH10 1BP

REGISTRAR

Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex BN99 6DA

COMPANY REGISTRAR

Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex BN99 6DA
Telephone: 0371 384 2290
Overseas dialling: +44 121 415 7047
Fax: 0371 384 2100
Telephone: (Shareview) 0845 603 7037
Lines open 8:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to 
Friday (excluding UK public holidays).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION200
Genus PLC / AnnuAL RePoRt 2022

notes

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCBP015060

Printed to the eMAs standard and environmental Management 
system certified to Iso 14001. This document is printed on paper 
made of material from well-managed, FsC®-certified forests and 
other controlled sources.

This publication has been manufactured using 100% offshore 
wind electricity sourced from uK wind. 

100% of the inks used are vegetable oil based, 95% of press 
chemicals are recycled for further use and, on average 99% of 
any waste associated with this production will be recycled and 
the remaining 1% used to generate energy.

The paper is Carbon Balanced with World Land Trust, an 
international conservation charity, who offset carbon emissions 
through the purchase and preservation of high conservation 
value land. Through protecting standing forests, under threat of 
clearance, carbon is locked-in, that would otherwise be released.

 
 
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GENUS PLC

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4DZ
T: +44 (0)1256 347100 F: +44 (0)1256 477385
www.genusplc.com