Quarterlytics / Basic Materials / Industrial Materials / Genus plc. / FY2023 Annual Report

Genus plc.
Annual Report 2023

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FY2023 Annual Report · Genus plc.
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

ACCELERATING 
CUSTOMER 
SUCCESS

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CONTENTS

12

OUR PURPOSE IN ACTION

36

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

STRATEGIC REPORT

01  2023 Highlights

02  Business Model

12  Genus at a Glance

14  Chairman’s Statement

18  Market Overview

20  Strategic Framework and Key  

Performance Indicators

24  Operating Reviews

30  Financial Review

34  People and Culture

36  Sustainability Report

46  TCFD Statement

58  Stakeholder Engagement

60  Non-Financial Information Statement  

and Section 172 Statement

61  Principal Risks and Uncertainties

65  Going Concern and 

Viability Statement

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

66  Chairman’s Letter

68  Board of Directors and 
Company Secretary 

70  Genus Executive Leadership Team

72  Corporate Governance Statement

72  Board Leadership and Purpose

73  The Board’s Year in Review 

76  Division of Responsibilities

78  Composition, Succession 

and Evaluation

80  Nomination Committee Report

83  Audit & Risk Committee Report

89  Directors’ Remuneration Report

114  Directors’ Report

116  Directors’ Responsibilities

16

CHIEF EXECUTIVE Q&A

I’m excited about 
the prospects 
for Genus. I see 
real potential in 
maximising the 
benefit of all 
the investment 
made to date.

JORGEN KOKKE
Chief Executive

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

117 

Independent Auditor’s Report

124  Group Income Statement

125  Group Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

126  Group Statement of Changes 

in Equity

127  Group Balance Sheet

128  Group Statement of Cash Flows

129  Notes to the Group  
Financial Statements

187  Parent Company Balance Sheet

188  Parent Company Statement of 

Changes in Equity

189  Notes to the Parent Company  

Financial Statements

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

199  Five-Year Record –  

Consolidated Results

200 Alternative Performance  
Measures Glossary

208  Glossary

209  Advisers

—
genusplc.com

 
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

SOLID GROUP PERFORMANCE

•  Group revenue rose 10%2 in constant 

currency (16% in actual currency)

•  Adjusted operating profit including joint 
ventures up 3% in constant currency 
(10% in actual currency)

•  R&D investment increased by 19%2 as 
planned, including a 66%2 rise in gene 
editing expense, in preparation for the 
anticipated commercialisation of pigs 
resistant to porcine reproductive and 
respiratory syndrome virus (‘PRRSv’) which 
continues to make excellent progress
•  Adjusted profit before tax (‘PBT’) flat in 
actual currency (8% lower in constant 
currency), with net finance costs 
up 124%2

•  Statutory PBT reduced by 19% to 

£39.4m with a £16.9m reduction in the 
non-cash fair value IAS 41 valuation 
of the Group’s biological assets 

SOLID ABS PERFORMANCE, PROFIT GROWTH 
ACHIEVED IN ALL REGIONS, OTHER THAN 
LATIN AMERICA, WHICH WAS STABLE 

•  Volumes up 3%, revenue up 12%2 

supported by robust price increases
•  Adjusted operating profit up 5%, after 
a stronger second half. Expansion 
of long-term partnerships with 
strategic accounts, underpinned 
by Sexcel and NuEra beef genetics, 
drove strong profit growth in North 
America and good growth in Europe 

•  Latin America profits stable, 
despite challenging market 
conditions, particularly in Brazil 
where macroeconomic conditions 
continued to impact beef supply 
and demand dynamics

•  Sexed genetics volumes up 18%; strong 

growth in volumes of Sexcel and 
third-party IntelliGen production

 Read more on pages 30-33

 Read more on pages 26-27

RECORD PIC PERFORMANCE, PROFIT 
GROWTH ACHIEVED IN ALL REGIONS

GOOD CASH FLOW, DEBT LEVERAGE 
REDUCED AND DIVIDEND MAINTAINED

•  Strong demand for PIC’s differentiated 

genetics drove a 5% increase in 
volumes, revenue up 7%2, and 
strategically important royalty revenue 
growth across all regions, up 10%2
•  Adjusted operating profit including 

joint ventures increased by 11%2, as the 
business continued to expand and 
strengthen commercial relationships 
with producers around the world
•  The performance was driven by 

strong profit growth in North America, 
Latin America and Asia. Good 
growth in Europe, with improved 
performance in the second half

•  Performance in China was affected by 
ongoing market volatility, particularly 
in the second half of the year. 
Volumes were 1% lower in the year, 
with revenue stable. Royalty revenue 
was up 26%2 and adjusted operating 
profit growth was £9.4m (2022: £5.6m, 
impacted by a £4m customer credit) 

 Read more on pages 24-25

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 statutory measures, and not as a 
substitute for or as superior to them. For more 
information on APMs, see the APM Glossary
2  Constant currency percentage movements are 

calculated by representing the results for the year 
ended 30 June 2023 at the average exchange rates 
applied to adjusted operating profit for the year 
ended 30 June 2022

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

•  Free cash inflow1 of £18.2m (2022: 

£13.5m outflow), reflecting record high 
adjusted EBITDA1, lower working capital 
outflows and lower capital expenditure. 
Strong cash conversion of 105%1 (2022: 
82%) above target level of 90%

•  Net debt to EBITDA ratio improved 

to 1.6x1 (2022: 1.7x) within the 1.0x-2.0x 
target range. Net debt1 of £195.8m 
(2022: £185.0m) as expected

•  Adjusted earnings per share rose 

3%, full year dividend maintained at 
32.0p per share, with 2.7x1 adjusted 
earnings cover comfortably within 
the 2.5x-3.0x target range. 

 Read more on pages 30-33

GOOD STRATEGIC PROGRESS AND 
CONTINUED INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH

•  Genus’s PRRSv-resistant pigs 

programme continued to make 
excellent progress, with submissions to 
the US Food and Drug Administration 
(‘FDA’) completed ahead of schedule 
and approval expected in the first half 
of 2024. We are making regulatory 
progress in Colombia, Brazil and also 
China, where we have obtained consent 
for import of PRRSv-resistant pigs for 
in-country assessment

•  PIC’s new world-class elite farms in 

Canada, Brazil and China well positioned 
to capture future growth opportunities 
GenusOne successfully deployed 
throughout the majority of Europe in the 
year; implementation underway in LATAM

•  Strong progress in reducing CO2 
emissions; primary intensity ratio 
reduced by 36% and Scope 1 
and 2 emissions reduced by 14% 
compared to our 2019 baseline

 Read more on pages 30-33

GROUP REVENUE

£689.7m

2022: £593.4m

STATUTORY PROFIT BEFORE TAX

£39.4m

2022: £48.4m

ADJUSTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX1

£71.5m

2022: £71.5m

ADJUSTED BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE1

84.8p

2022: 82.7p

FREE CASH FLOW1

£18.2m

2022: £(13.5)m

DIVIDEND PER SHARE

32.0p

2022: 32.0p

STRATEGIC REPORT02
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

DRIVING 
GENETIC 
IMPROVEMENT

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Trial outcomes 
validate that 
PIC800® delivers 
superior survivability 
and more full value 
pigs in commercial 
settings, leading 
to a significant 
economic advantage 
for customers.

MATT CULBERTSON
Chief Operating Officer
Genus PIC

Genus breeds and sells market-leading 
genetically superior animals, which enable 
farmers to produce more animal protein 
with fewer resources. Driving genetic 
progress lies at the heart of our business.

Genus is a global leader in genetic 
improvement. Our bovine business, 
Genus ABS, has a strong dairy genetics 
portfolio and has a leading beef 
breeding programme. In Genus PIC, 
our porcine programme has benefited 
our customers by delivering over $3.00 
profit improvement per commercial 
pig per year in the past three years1. 
We achieve these results by starting 
with our world-class, proprietary herds, 
and applying leading technology and 
capabilities to rapidly improve them.

Genus is uniquely positioned as a 
leading player of scale. Serving many of 
the Top 100 pig producers and dairies 
globally through our strategic supply 
chain and distribution networks in over 
80 countries. Our cash generation and 
listed status enables us to invest more 
in leading technologies2, which we can 
leverage across species. We also attract 
top talent across our 3,500 employees, 
which include more than 130 PhDs.

  Read more on pages 24-29

OUR INDUSTRY-LEADING NUERA BEEF 
GENETIC PROGRAMME IS DELIVERING

NuEra, our proprietary beef 
breeding programme, produces 
industry-leading genetics for 
beef supply chains around the 
globe. These genetics have proven 
their superiority in head-to-head 
trials against competitors and 
also in internal validations using 
thousands of customer records 
from NuEra-sired progeny. In these 
evaluations of thousands of animals, 
advantages for the beef supply 
chain have ranged from $38 per 
animal leaving the grower at four 
months of age, up to more than 
$400 per animal, for animals at 
harvest when using NuEra. This has 
driven demand for our proprietary 
NuEra Genetics, which from full 
commercial launch in FY18 now 
represent more than a third of overall 
ABS beef sales volumes in FY23.

GENUS NUERA GENETICS INDEX AND 
NUERA SALES

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45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22 FY23

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1  Based on three-year rolling average of our 

porcine genetic index. See Strategic Framework 
on page 20

2  See Technology section on page 4

NuEra % of total ABS beef volumes

NuEra Genetic Index

1  NuEra genetic index for Genus proprietary  

T14 line

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

MEETING THE UNIQUE 
NEEDS OF THE INDIAN 
DAIRY MARKET THROUGH 
SEXED SEMEN

Milk is a major protein source in India 
and demand is growing. With imported 
milk being unaffordable, the country 
needs more productive cows with better 
genetic potential. However, conventional 
breeding results in unwanted bulls, 
which cannot be slaughtered, are 
a drain on limited resources and 
a safety risk on Indian roads.

In response, the Federal Government 
has provided financial assistance to 
establish sexed semen laboratories 
and supported the purchase of sexed 
semen straws. Through the Government 
programme, we have served six Indian 
states with over 400,000 Sexcel 
straws, with repeat orders from five 
states and over 50% market share.

Training in using sexed semen is vital, 
since each straw costs up to 50 times 
as much as conventional semen. In 
FY23, we trained around 4,000 vets and 
technicians, to help them understand 
the importance of genetics and 
selecting the right animals, and how to 
store, handle and use the straws. This 
helps to maximise farmers’ returns and 
creates advocacy for using our genetics.

To further improve outcomes, we 
imported seven Jersey bulls from the US. 
Jersey milk has the right level of solids 
and the cows have longer productive 
lives and greater sustainability than 
Holsteins in tropical conditions. The 
new bulls have contributed to the 
profitability index for the best Jersey 
bull in India more than tripling.

Our R&D team in India is now working 
on targeted improvements to our sexed 
semen technology, to reflect demand 
for sexed water buffalo semen. Water 
buffalo are the most important farm 
animals in Asia and account for around 
58% of all milk production in India.

  Read more on pages 28-29

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STRATEGIC REPORT 
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

ENHANCING ANIMAL 
WELFARE AND CUSTOMER 
PROFITABILITY THROUGH 
GENE EDITING

In the last year, we have made further 
good progress with our programme 
to produce gene-edited pigs that are 
resistant to the deadly PRRS virus. 
In particular, we have submitted 
our final filings to the US FDA, with 
acceptance expected in early 2024. 
To support submissions in other key 
countries, we have prepared an 
international dossier and engaged 
with authorities in Colombia, Brazil, 
Mexico, Canada and Japan.

To encourage customer acceptance, 
we are nearing completion of our life 
cycle analysis, to demonstrate 
their sustainability benefits, and 
conducting research to show the 
potential reduction in antibiotic use. 
We are also focused on consumer 
acceptance of gene-edited pigs, 
which is essential for ensuring an 
end-market for our customers.

As we prepare to offer PRRS-resistant 
pigs commercially, we have started 
to expand our pig population with 
the initiation of a second nucleus 
farm. This will give us greater scope 
for detailed animal testing and 
selection, to accelerate annual genetic 
improvement, as well as increasing 
the availability of elite breeding stock, 
so we can begin sales worldwide.

  Read more on pages 28-29

STRATEGIC REPORT05
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

TECHNOLOGY

THROUGH 
LEADING-EDGE 
TECHNOLOGIES

Our world-class 
teams of scientists 
continue to break 
new ground, as 
we invest in our 
programmes to 
deliver rapid genetic 
advances to benefit 
our customers.

ELENA RICE
Chief Scientific Officer  
and Head of R&D

To drive genetic improvement in our 
proprietary herds and deliver superior 
breeding animals to our customers, we 
leverage leading-edge technologies 
that 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, such as 
protein and fat content, 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.

10

countries where 
IntelliGen operates

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 ten 
countries, with 15 labs globally. 

In gene editing, we have built strong 
in-house technical and regulatory 
capabilities. Our PRRSv resistance 
programme is developing more 
sustainable, disease-resistant breeding 
pigs by making precise changes to 
their genes. We are also exploring 
whether gene editing can provide 
solutions to other porcine diseases.

We have active R&D workstreams 
in multiple advanced reproductive 
technologies, including enhancing 
embryo quality, efficient determination 
of embryo viability and exploring how 
embryonic stem cells can enhance 
genetic gain and accelerate traits.

  Read more on pages 28-29

STRATEGIC REPORT06
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUPPLY CHAIN

INVESTING   
IN OUR   
SUPPLY CHAIN

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Genus’s global supply chain efficiently 
delivers porcine and bovine genetics 
to customers while mitigating risk for 
us, for example by using third-party 
multiplier farms and by spreading 
facilities across the world.

PIC pure-bred pig lines are housed 
in strategically located biosecure 
facilities in four continents. ‘Market’ pigs 
for processing are then produced in 
‘breeding pyramids’ over four generations. 
PIC supplies live animals and semen 
to customers’ pyramids, enabling 
them to produce pigs with the latest, 
best-performing genetics. Third-party 
herd multipliers and studs expand our 
breeding pig populations and produce 
semen for commercial sale, with PIC 
controlling the sale of its animals to 
protect our intellectual property. In 
total, PIC boars are housed in more 
than 400 studs globally and there are 
more than 500 multiplication farms.

New farm builds, such as our owned 
Atlas (Canada), Granja Genesis 
(Brazil), and Ankang (China) farms have 
expanded our global supply of elite 
porcine genetics. In China our porcine 
supply chain is unparalleled amongst 
international genetics companies, 
with over 180,000 great grandparent 
and grandparent sows in owned, joint 
venture and contracted farms locally, 
enabling us to support industry growth.

ABS breeds elite bulls in four continents. 
The best bulls go 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 started to roll-
out solar panels, solar generation has 
increased by more than 100% since FY22.

GROWING OUR SEXING PLATFORM

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. 

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

FY23

Other sexed

Sexcel

IntelliGen (3rd Party)

  Read more on pages 24-27

1  Sexed units delivered or produced for 

customers in the year

 
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Pork producers need 
the right products at 
the right time to keep 
their operations running 
smoothly and profitably. 
PIC is dedicated to 
making sure customers 
can access the high-
quality genetics they 
desire, and we work 
with a global network 
of partners to achieve 
this goal. 

NICK MCCULLEY
Global Porcine Supply Chain Director

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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUPPORTING 
SUSTAINABILITY AND 
PRODUCTIVITY WITH 
GENEADVANCE

Over the last three years, we have 
worked with Ancali dairy in Chile 
to implement our GENEadvance 
programme. GENEadvance uses 
genomic testing to predict the genetic 
merit of heifers at a very young age, 
so the customer can use our ranking to 
select the right animals to breed future 
herd replacements and those to sell or 
breed to beef. Our revenue is then based 
on the outcomes for the customer.

“In Ancali, we are building an extremely 
disruptive business model,” says Miguel 
Aparicio, General Manager of Agrícola 
Ancali. “We have built the largest 
robotic farm worldwide, with the most 
modern production and environmental 
strategy, backed by a strong team. This 
helps us to deliver our key sustainability, 
social and governance pillars. 

“We have a strong and successful 
business relationship with ABS, using 
GENEadvance to deliver our ambitious 
production and sustainability objectives. 
We are achieving excellent results, 
and we are now starting a high-quality 
embryo project for export purposes.”

  Read more on pages 26-27

STRATEGIC REPORT09
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CUSTOMERS

PARTNERING 
WITH OUR 
CUSTOMERS

We build long-term 
relationships with 
our customers, 
share in the value 
we deliver for them 
and continually look 
for ways to serve 
them better.

ANDREW THOMPSON
Head of ABS EMEA

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Genus serves over 50,000 customers 
in more than 80 countries, including 
many of the Top 100 pig producers and 
Top 100 dairies globally. Our porcine 
business is global leader and we are a 
strong second in bovine. We sell products 
through different channels, either as 
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.

We build trust with porcine customers by 
linking pricing to on-farm performance 
and by running validation trials. 85% of 
our volumes1 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, every piglet 
weaned or every pig sent to market.

In bovine, customers have traditionally 
purchased 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 three to five year contract 
and purchase 100% of their product 
requirements from ABS2. Today, this 
business represents 32%3 of our direct 
sales volumes in EMEA. To serve customers 
better, we have introduced digital sales 
channels, which account for around one 
third of beef semen sales volumes in Latin 
America, an early adopter. We have also 
introduced digital tools and services to 
support contracted customers in key 
markets. 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, which are similar to PIC’s model.

  Read more on pages 26-27

Including our Brazilian joint venture

1 
2  Programme offering, customer commitment, pricing 

and contract lengths vary

3  Contracted business for 1-5 years, including our key 

account partner programme, reproductive 
management services, Breeder Tag programme, 
and other contracted services where the customer 
has committed 80-100% business with Genus ABS

STRATEGIC REPORT 
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

STAKEHOLDERS

NOURISHING 
THE WORLD 
SUSTAINABLY

Superior genetics 
are increasingly 
important to ‘climate 
smart’ production 
of animal protein, 
as we work to help 
further reduce our 
customers’ emissions.

JORGEN KOKKE
Chief Executive

Genus breeds more productive and 
resilient breeding animals, which enables 
farmers to produce meat and milk 
more efficiently and sustainably. Our 
market-leading breeding animals have a 
significant impact on whole protein value 
chains and benefit multiple stakeholders, 
with customers being our central focus.

In the past 40 years, genetic improvement 
has contributed to doubling US dairy 
farmers’ average milk per cow, from 5.4 
to 10.8 tonnes per year1. 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 
kilogramme of pork in a professional 
farm system than it did 50 years ago2. 
By improving productivity, cost and 
resource utilisation, 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 and more than 12,000 shareholders 
are invested in our opportunity3. 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 pages 36-59

PRODUCTIVITY INCREASES IN  
PIC HERD4

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2010
Pigs weaned/litter

2020

2.40x

2.20x

2.00x

1.80x

1.60x

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2030F

Feed

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 reducing the 
resources required to produce it.

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 2023
4  Genus PIC data; PIC herd represents top performing 

PIC customers

 STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

 STRATEGIC REPORT12
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GENUS AT A GLANCE

PIONEERING 
ANIMAL GENETIC 
IMPROVEMENT TO 
HELP NOURISH 
THE WORLD

WHAT WE DO

INVESTMENT CASE

We are a world-leading animal protein 
genetics company. Our market-
leading breeding animals have 
desirable characteristics such as feed 
efficiency, disease resistance, growth 
rate, protein and fat content, and 
fertility. These characteristics enable 
farmers to produce better quality 
meat and milk more efficiently, and to 
feed the world more sustainably.

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 the 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 genetics to customers in the 
form of live animals, semen or embryos.

We also own technology that enables 
us to sort semen for desirable traits, 
for example to produce more female 
calves for the dairy market. In addition, 
we 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.

We focus on serving progressive farmers, 
who are best placed to realise and 
measure the benefits of our superior 
genetics and technologies.

Leading multi-species market positions
We supply 50,000+ customers in 75+ 
countries, including some of the world’s 
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
We attract some of the best talent in the 
industry. Our 3,500 employees, including 
130+ PhDs, enable us to deliver superior 
products and services to our customers 
globally. Close relationships with leading 
research and strategic partners further 
strengthen our capabilities.

Focused technology-driven 
business model
We focus on delivering high-quality 
breeding animals to farmers by 
discovering, developing and delivering 
pioneering technologies spanning the 
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
Demand for animal protein is growing 
globally, while the need to operate 
sustainably is becoming even greater. 
Genus’s genetic improvement 
technologies enable farmers to produce 
more animal protein with fewer 
resources, helping to reduce their 
environmental impact.

STRATEGIC REPORT13
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

OUR INNOVATION-DRIVEN BUSINESS MODEL

Genus’s business model is based on 
creating and delivering genetically 
improved breeding animals across 
different species, by leveraging 
a common, innovation-driven 
technology platform across 
different species. Our innovative 
R&D function includes over 450+ 
highly skilled 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 through DNA 
analysis. More information on the 
key aspects of our business model 
can be found on pages 2 to 11.

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

SHARED PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM

GENOMIC 
SELECTION

BIOSYSTEMS 
ENGINEERING

GENE  
EDITING

REPRODUCTIVE 
BIOLOGY

GENOME SCIENCE AND BIOINFORMATICS 
SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING

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

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

ADJUSTED REVENUE1

ADJUSTED OPERATING 
PROFIT1

ADJUSTED OPERATING 
MARGIN2

650+
£349.5m
£145.3m
38.6%

2,400+
£318.8m
£43.6m
13.7%

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

   PIC divisional review can be read  
on pages 24-25

   ABS divisional review can be read  
on pages 26-27

STRATEGIC REPORT 
14
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

SEIZING THE 
OPPORTUNITIES

The Board carefully 
considers the 
balance between 
investing for the 
future and ensuring 
an attractive 
current return 
for shareholders.

IAIN FERGUSON CBE
Chairman

Performance was robust in the Group, 
which enabled us to deliver solid overall 
results for FY23, despite challenging 
market conditions for our customers 
and continued weakness in the porcine 
market in China. We continued to make 
excellent progress with implementing 
our strategy, leaving us well positioned 
to seize the opportunities in front of us.

PERFORMANCE AND DIVIDEND

Genus PIC achieved strong operating 
profit growth in most regions. However, 
the weak Chinese porcine market from 
December 2022 onwards resulted in PIC 
China being only modestly profitable in 
the last six months of FY23. Genus ABS 
faced very challenging markets in Latin 
America in the first half but saw better 
trading in the second half of the year, with 
operating profit growth in all regions. 

Overall, the Group’s adjusted profit 
before tax was £71.5m (2022: £71.5m) 
and adjusted operating profit excluding 
gene editing was £100.1m (2022: £85.6m). 
Statutory PBT was £39.4m (2022: £48.4m). 

•  STRATEGIC REPORT15
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

I want to thank Dr Bill Christianson, who 
has retired as Chief Operating Officer 
of Genus PIC after three decades with 
the Group. Our succession planning 
work identified Dr Matt Culbertson as 
the outstanding candidate to step up 
into Bill’s role and we are delighted to 
have filled this key position internally.

LOOKING FORWARD

High inflation, rising interest rates and 
geopolitical instability mean the near-term 
economic environment remains uncertain. 
However, the Board believes that our 
continued focus on investing in our growth 
drivers leaves Genus well placed for 
success. We therefore look forward to the 
future with confidence.

Iain Ferguson CBE
Chairman

The Board carefully considers the balance 
between investing for the future and 
ensuring an attractive current return 
for shareholders. Our target is for the 
annual dividend to be 2.5x-3.0x covered 
by adjusted earnings. The Board is 
recommending a final dividend of 21.7p per 
share, which will give a total dividend of  
32.0p (2022: 32.0p), including the 
unchanged interim dividend of 10.3p per 
share paid in March 2023. This results in 
dividend cover of 2.7 times for the year, 
within our target range. The final dividend 
will be paid on 8 December 2023, to 
shareholders on the register at the close 
of business on 10 November 2023.

CONTINUED STRATEGIC PROGRESS

The nature of our business means 
that whatever happens in our markets 
in the near term, we must continue 
to press forward with our strategic 
investments. Working to improve the 
genetic potential of animals and then 
making that potential available to 
customers can only take place across 
multiple breeding cycles, which makes 
it important to invest consistently.

Our differentiated genetics deliver long-
term value to our customers and are 
key to achieving higher efficiency from 
their herds, resulting in greater output 
of animal protein from fewer resources. 
This is at the heart of our purpose – 
pioneering animal genetic improvement 
to help nourish the world – while at the 
same time reducing the associated 
environmental impact. Increasingly, we 
see our genetics as being ‘climate smart’, 
equipping our customers to continue 
as animal producers into the future by 
protecting their licence to operate.

During the year, we made strong 
progress with our PRRSv-resistant pigs 
programme, which opens up significant 
new opportunities for us. We have also 
continued to strengthen our supply 
chains, invest in digitalisation and develop 
our long-term customer relationships. 
More information can be found in the 
Chief Executive Q&A on page 16.

THE BOARD

The most significant development on the 
Board this year was Stephen Wilson’s 
decision to retire after more than ten years 
with Genus, including four as our Chief 
Executive Officer. The Group has made 
great strides in his time on the Board and 
Stephen has made a major contribution 
to its success. He leaves the business in 
excellent shape. We are delighted to have 
attracted a high-calibre replacement in 
Jorgen Kokke, who joined the Board in 
May 2023 and succeeded Stephen as CEO 
on 1 July 2023. We have a well-ordered 
process, supporting an effective handover 
of responsibility in the lead up to Stephen’s 
retirement at the end of September.

Lykele van der Broek will retire as a 
Non-Executive Director at the Annual 
General Meeting in November. He has 
made an important contribution to the 
Board over the last nine years and we 
have begun the process of recruiting 
a successor who will also offer Lykele’s 
highly valuable experience in science-
based agricultural businesses.

OUR PEOPLE

Genus employs highly talented people 
at all levels of the business and around 
the world, and I thank them all on the 
Board’s behalf for their contribution this 
year. We continue to invest in learning and 
development, strengthen our approach 
to diversity and inclusion and enable our 
people to share in the Group’s success 
through a new employee share scheme.

We also celebrate and reward our people 
in many other ways. The Chairman’s Awards 
highlight outstanding innovation from 
across the business, while the Genus CEO 
Scholarships support colleagues to 
accelerate their professional development. 
We received a record number of 
applications for the scholarships this year 
and will cover the fees for two colleagues 
to undertake MBAs.

•  STRATEGIC REPORT16
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS’ Q&A

Our new Chief Executive Jorgen Kokke 
(‘JK’) and his predecessor Stephen 
Wilson (‘SW’) discuss our performance 
in the year, our strategic progress and 
Jorgen’s priorities for the future.

Genus is very well 
positioned. We 
have a very strong 
workforce around 
the world.

JORGEN KOKKE
Chief Executive

STRATEGIC REPORT17
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Genus has faced some tough market 
conditions this year. How has this 
affected performance?
SW:  We delivered solid overall results, 
despite challenging markets and 
macroeconomic conditions. Genus 
PIC had good results. The business 
performed strongly in North America 
throughout the year and also did well in 
Latin America. European porcine markets 
were difficult in H1 but the business 
had a better second half. However, 
the first half Chinese market recovery 
stalled in December 2022, reflecting the 
high supply of slaughter pigs and soft 
consumer demand in China. Pig prices 
fell to the point where producers were 
unprofitable, causing many to delay 
restocking their sow herds. That led to 
PIC China swinging from an adjusted 
operating profit of £8.8m in the first 
half to only a modest profit in H2. 

Conversely, Genus ABS saw trading 
improve as the year progressed. The 
North American business had a strong 
year and Europe delivered good growth, 
although market conditions remained 
challenging in Brazil. Volumes in ABS 
have continued to benefit from take-up 
of sexed and NuEra beef genetics.

JK:  We’re confident that our investments 
in PIC China give us a strong platform 
to capture the growth opportunities 
and build a strong predictable 
royalty-based business, including 
commercialising PRRSv-resistant pigs.

What did these conditions mean for 
Genus’s financial results?
SW:  We finished the year with good growth 
in adjusted operating profit excluding 
gene editing of 9% in constant currency 
(17% in actual currency). Increased 
investment in gene editing as planned 
and higher interest rates meant that 
our adjusted profit before tax was 
unchanged from the prior year, at 
£71.5m (8% lower in constant currency).

Genus PIC’s volumes and revenue in 
constant currency were up 5% and 7% 
respectively, with strategically important 
royalty revenue up 10%. Adjusted 
operating profit (including joint ventures) 
was 11% higher. Volumes in Genus ABS 
increased by 3%, revenue was up 12% and 
adjusted operating profit grew by 5%.

Stephen, you’re about to retire after a 
decade on the Board. How has Genus 
evolved in that time?
SW:  We’ve seen many challenges through 

that time but the key thing was that 
we really stayed the course in building 
for the long term. The business is in a 
completely different place in terms of its 
technology and R&D capability. Some 
of the Group’s major achievements over 
that time include launching IntelliGen 
and NuEra beef genetics, the growth 
of our dairy breeding programme with 
De Novo, significantly strengthening 
PIC across all geographies, a number 
of very value-adding acquisitions and 
a significant refresh of our facilities, 
to give us world-class animal housing 
for the next decade and more. I think 
the capability in the team is also much 
stronger across all areas of the business.

In the last 12 months, we’ve finished the 
final animal studies for our PRRSv-resistant 
pigs programme and we’re now waiting 
for approval from the US FDA of the 
submissions we completed since the year 
end. In China, the regulatory environment 
for this technology is moving forward, 
with the publication of regulations on 
gene-edited animals. We also have active 
research programmes on using gene 
editing to produce animals resistant to 
other diseases. In addition, we’ve seen 
encouraging progress in reproductive 
biology and we’ve further enhanced our 
IntelliGen capabilities and technology.
Our porcine business is benefiting from 
our Atlas facility in Canada which was 
fully operational in the year, Granja 
Genesis in Brazil was stocked and 
we have started stocking Ankang in 
China. We’ve continued to build out 
ABS’s facilities in Leeds, Wisconsin. 
We’ve also completed the rollout of 
GenusOne in the majority of Europe, 
with Latin America and Asia next in the 
plan. The system is giving us access to 
data we didn’t have before, so we have 
much better visibility of performance 
in the countries where we’re using it.

JK:  Since I joined the business, I’ve really 
seen the benefit of the long-term 
investment Stephen has talked about. 
I think Genus is very well positioned. 
We have a very strong workforce 
around the world and the passion, 
professionalism and dedication of the 
team members is phenomenal. There 
have been tremendous investments in 
the animal barns, the R&D capability 
is even stronger than I would have 
envisaged and I’m impressed by the 
cutting-edge science we’re performing.
Based on that, what are your immediate 
priorities Jorgen?
JK:  Having made the investments, we need 

to work hard to monetise them, which 
means developing programmes and 
projects that will benefit customers and 
ultimately shareholders. Commercial 
excellence and efficiency will be a key 
part of driving those returns. In ABS, we’re 
already focusing on improving sales, 
execution and operational performance. 
From a technological standpoint the 
PRRSv-resistant pig is the number one 
opportunity before us. That will have 
my full attention and it should make a 
significant contribution over three to 
five years. The question then is what’s 
next? Resistance to other diseases 
may be part of that and the R&D team 
is working on other game-changing 
technologies with great potential.

How are your sustainability plans 
progressing?
SW:  We’ve made real progress and we’re 
continuing to work through our plan, 
which delivered a 5% reduction in our 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions during the year. 
Since 2019 we have reduced our Scope 
1 and 2 emissions by 14%, while also 
growing our business, resulting in a 36% 
improvement in our primary intensity 
ratio. At the same time, our genetics can 
support our customers with reducing 
the emissions from their herds, which 
will only become more important. 

JK:  Helping our customers with their 

sustainability is a real opportunity for us. 
We’ve recently received a grant of £3m 
from Innovate UK to further our work on 
climate-smart genetics in beef, which is 
a validation of the work we have been 
doing to show that genetics can make 
an important difference. In addition, we 
are working in collaboration with the 
Gates foundation and other partners to 
improve dairy genetics in East Africa. 

What’s the outlook for the Group?
JK:  From what I’ve already said, you’ll 

understand that I’m excited about the 
prospects for this business. I see real 
potential in maximising the benefit of 
all the investment that’s been done 
to date and continuing to move the 
science forward, to benefit customers 
and society. We have a clear focus 
on continuing to drive growth through 
leveraging the significant investments 
the Group has made in recent years. 
The PRRSv-resistant pig represents 
the most substantial opportunity in 
the medium term with FDA approval 
expected in the first half of 2024, having 
completed our submissions ahead of 
schedule. We will also continue to drive 
commercial excellence to grow sales, 
increase efficiency and improve margins.

In the near term, conditions remain 
challenging for our customers in several 
parts of the world, most notably for 
Chinese pig producers and Brazilian 
beef producers. However, the profit 
growth achieved by both businesses 
in FY23 illustrates the strength of 
our strategy and competitiveness 
of our offer to customers. 

We anticipate that the China porcine 
market will continue to be volatile, 
reflecting continued disease outbreaks, 
a less consolidated industry structure 
and weak consumer demand. We 
remain confident PIC China will be 
a resilient growth business over the 
medium-term through offering the 
best genetics, customer service 
and increasing the penetration 
of our royalty-based model. 

In FY24 we expect to continue to 
perform in line with our expectations 
for adjusted operating profit excluding 
gene editing, in constant currency. 
However, the recent strengthening 
of the Pound Sterling relative to 
several of our key trading currencies 
is currently anticipated to lead to 
a currency translation headwind of 
approximately £5-6m in the year. In 
addition, we expect finance costs 
to increase by approximately £2m 
as a result of the higher interest rate 
environment. We therefore expect 
modest growth in adjusted profit 
before tax in actual currency for FY24.

The Board remains confident in the 
Group’s strategy and our medium-term 
growth expectations remain unchanged.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

MARKET OVERVIEW

FEEDING THE 
WORLD MORE 
SUSTAINABLY

WHAT DRIVES DEMAND 
FOR ELITE GENETICS

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.

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 32 target markets for dairy and Top 8 target 
markets for beef

INCREASING DEMAND FOR 
ANIMAL PROTEIN

NEED TO PRODUCE FOOD  
MORE SUSTAINABLY

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 to 
tackle climate change, puts pressure 
on farmers to become more efficient 
through the use of technology and 
genetically superior animals, which are 
demonstrated to be more sustainable.2

CONSUMERS DEMANDING 
BETTER PRODUCTS

FARM CONSOLIDATION AND 
TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION 

Consumers are increasingly 
demanding healthier and more 
sustainable products, which are 
produced with a focus on animal 
welfare, traceability and reduced 
drug use. 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.

1

2

3

4
5
6
78
9
10

1

BEEF & DAIRY5

7

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

16%
6%
5%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
1%
2%
19%
44%

2

3

4

5

6

11%
9%
8%
5%
4%
3%
60%

12

PORK4

11

1  PIC
2  Competitor 1 
3  Competitor 2 
4  Competitor 3 
5   Competitor 4 
6  Competitor 5
7  Competitor 6
8  Competitor 7
9  Competitor 8
10 Competitor 9
11  Internal programmes
12  Other

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

TRENDS IN OUR MARKET 1

TOTAL PORK

122mt

TOP 3 MARKETS

TOTAL BEEF

721mt

TOP 3 MARKETS

TOTAL MILK 2

911mt

TOP 3 MARKETS

45%

18%

10%

17%

12%

10%

22%

17%

11%

ADVANCED GENETICS USE

ADVANCED GENETICS USE

ADVANCED GENETICS USE

PRODUCTION
Pig production is largely technified with 
progressive producers employing similar 
production systems globally. To stock a 
farm, producers typically acquire breeding 
pigs and semen from specialist genetic 
improvement companies or captive breeding 
programmes. Thereafter, they periodically 
acquire semen so they can benefit from 
the latest and best-performing genetics. 

Disease poses a significant risk to pig 
producers, who rely on biosecurity protocols 
and health products to manage the 
threats such as African Swine Fever and 
PRRSv, which causes billions of dollars 
of damage to the industry annually. 

China is by far the world’s largest pork 
market and pigs there were historically 
produced mainly in small ‘backyard’ farms. 
In 2018, an outbreak of African Swine Fever 
caused the national sow herd to decline 
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 a 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, which are 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, although 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 genetics, 
technification and the local environment, 
resulting in the average US cow producing 
over ten tonnes of milk annually compared 
with two tonnes in India. Dairy production 
is fragmented, but progressive farmers are 
consolidating. Average herd size in the US 
has grown by 77% over ten years3, and China’s 
dairy sector has significantly consolidated 
in recent years with the top three producers 
controlling almost 20% of production.

Historically farmers selected breeding 
animals based on their progeny’s 
performance. However, in 2008, genomics 
enabled the selection of animals at birth 
from their DNA. Leading studs such as ABS 
responded by consolidating the ownership 
of elite genetics and transitioning from 
purchasing bulls to proprietary breeding 
programmes. Between 2008 and 2023, 
the number of breeders featured in the 
top bull rankings fell from 107 to 304. 

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 78% between FY16 and FY23.

GENUS OPPORTUNITY
•  Maintain our genetic lead by 

driving genetic improvement faster 
than competitors and customers’ 
internal programmes 

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

•  Drive market share gains via strategic 
partnerships with major producers

•  Make China a ‘home market’, with local 

nucleus herds, supply chain and superior 
customer service 

•  Obtain approval for and 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

•  Progress pull-through demand 

partnerships to underpin demand 
for Beef x Dairy genetics

GENUS OPPORTUNITY
•  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 competition, 
value and sustainability to the industry

1  Sources: OECD FAO 2023 (forecast data), Rabobank, Boyar, Journal of Swine Health and Production, Genus Analysis
2  Represents 81% cow milk, 15% buffalo milk, 4% other (OECD FAO 2023 forecast data)
3  USDA data for the period 2011 to 2021
4  Represents the number of US Holstein breeders represented in the Top 200 NM$ rankings by birth year; 2023 data based on Top 200 Holsteins active using August 2023 data 

from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
20
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

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 PRIORITIES

DELIVER A 
DIFFERENTIATED 
PROPRIETARY 
GENETIC OFFERING

FOCUS ON PROGRESSIVE 
PROTEIN PRODUCERS 
GLOBALLY

SHARE IN THE 
VALUE DELIVERED

SUSTAINABILITY 
AT THE HEART OF 
OUR BUSINESS

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 FY23 can be found on pages 24-29.

   Sustainability lies at the heart of our 
business. KPIs marked with the icon 
on the right are considered by the 
Board to be indicative of our progress 
in this area. For more information see 
pages 36-57.

STRATEGIC REPORT21
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUCCESS DRIVERS

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?

LINK TO KPIS

  Read more on pages 22-23

ELITE ANIMALS

TECHNOLOGY 
AND CAPABILITIES

DATA

GENETIC GAIN

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

GLOBAL POSITION

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

VOLUME GROWTH

Growing volumes, particularly with 
progressive livestock farmers.

VALUE-BASED PRICING

PROFITABILITY

PRODUCT VALIDATION

LEVERAGE SCALE

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.

$3.74

Porcine Genetic 
Improvement Index

1,084

Genomic Bull Net Merit 
Index (NM$)

3%

Dairy & Beef Volume 
Growth

5%

Porcine Volume Growth

£0.64

Adjusted Operating Profit 
per Market Pig Equivalent

£0.72

Adjusted Bovine Operating 
Profit per Dose

6.04

Primary Intensity Ratio

82%1

Engagement Survey Results

1  FY22 Result

STRATEGIC REPORT22
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MEASURING   
OUR SUCCESS

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

PORCINE GENETIC IMPROVEMENT INDEX (US$)

GENOMIC BULL NET MERIT INDEX (NM$)

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

0.00

LINK TO 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

3.74

3.73

3.53

3.15

3.12

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

3.74

0

LINK TO 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

1,084

951

900

797

764

1084

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

Measures the genetic quality of our bulls released to market, 
based on economically relevant traits for farmers.

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 average NM$ index score of generally available 
Holstein commercial bulls launched in the year for genomically tested 
sires. This definition has been revised this year to better reflect the 
breadth of high quality bulls released to market each year.

PERFORMANCE: Genus continues to improve the quality of its 
commercially available bulls to maintain a leading genetic position in 
the dairy industry. Genus also has maintained a strong 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 Novo.

DAIRY & BEEF VOLUME GROWTH (%)

PIC VOLUME GROWTH (%)

3

3

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

0

LINK TO 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

8

6

0

2023

2022

2021

2020

15

5%

6% excl China

8% excl China

5% excl China

11% including China

6% excl China

13% including China

2019

0

15

0

LINK TO 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

5% excl China

13

Tracks our global unit sales growth in dairy and beef.

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 25.9 million units, 
with strong growth in Asia and North America. Sexed volumes were 
up 18%, reflecting strong growth in both Sexcel and third-party 
IntelliGen production.

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

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 grew by 5%, 6% excluding China, to 
197 million MPEs, with growth across North America, Europe and Asia. 
Strategically important royalty volumes increased 7%. In China, 
volumes declined 1%, with strong royalty volume growth of 41%, offset 
by lower breeding stock volumes. 

STRATEGIC REPORT23
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

KEY TO STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Deliver a differentiated 
proprietary genetic offering

Focus on progressive  
protein producers globally

Share in the 
value delivered

Sustainability at the 
heart of our business

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT PER MARKET PIG EQUIVALENT (£)

BOVINE ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT PER DOSE (£)

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

0.00

LINK TO 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

0.59

0.64

0.65

0.61

0.60

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

0.65

0.00

LINK TO 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

0.72

0.71

0.69

0.72

0.55

0.50

Monitors porcine profitability per unit.

Monitors bovine profitability per unit.

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

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

PERFORMANCE: Operating profit per MPE was £0.64, £0.05 higher 
(stable in constant currency). This was primarily due to continued 
royalty revenue growth across all regions, up 10% in constant currency, 
partially offset by growth in porcine product development due to the 
start of operations at our Atlas facility in Canada.

PERFORMANCE: Operating profit per dose was £0.72, up £0.01 
(up £0.04 in constant currency). This was due to profit margin 
expansion through continued sales growth of our premium Sexcel 
product, robust pricing strategies to mitigate cost inflation impacts 
and effective cost management, including across our bovine product 
development investment. 

OTHER NON-FINANCIAL KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

PRIMARY INTENSITY RATIO

ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

6.04

6.98

2022

2019

2017

8.31

8.33

9.37

82%

79%

75%

LINK TO 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

LINK TO 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

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

Measures levels of employee engagement over time.

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

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

PERFORMANCE: The primary intensity ratio has reduced by 14.6% from 
FY22. This is driven by improved efficiency of producing animals, improved 
manure management to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions, 
and increased herd size. We have continued to invest in biogas capture, 
renewable energy generation and our elite genetics which have driven an 
absolute reduction in our Scope 1 and 2 emissions in FY23.

PERFORMANCE: Our employee engagement survey, Your Voice, is 
conducted every two years. No survey was carried out in FY23 
although management remain focused on embedding the actions 
which arose from the last survey in FY22.

The next survey will be conducted in FY24.

STRATEGIC REPORT24
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

OPERATING REVIEW: PIC

INCREASING   
OUR IMPACT 

BUSINESS PRIORITIES
BUSINESS PRIORITIES

SHORT TERM

MEDIUM TERM

LONG TERM

Begin offering PRRSv-
resistant pigs to customers  
in target markets, once 
regulatory approval has  
been received 

Expand availability of 
PRRSv-resistant pigs and 
keep building our royalty 
business in China 

Continue to strengthen 
relationships with customers 
by enhancing genetic gain, 
product performance and 
consistency of supply 

STRATEGIC PROGRESS IN 2022-2023

DR MATT CULBERTSON
Chief Operating Officer 
Genus PIC

CREATE DIFFERENTIATED 
PROPRIETARY GENETIC 
SOLUTIONS

•  Continued to enhance 
genetic gain for target 
traits (including prolificacy, 
throughput, carcass value 
and efficiency)

•  Expanded use of digital 

phenotyping to four further 
sites, helping us identify 
patterns in movement 
and behaviour to aid 
improvement of robustness 
and longevity 

•  Added three facilities 

to our nucleus network, 
enhancing resilience of 
supply and expanding 
capacity in preparation 
for the marketing of 
PRRSv-resistant pigs

SERVE PROGRESSIVE PROTEIN 
PRODUCERS EFFECTIVELY 

SHARE IN THE  
VALUE DELIVERED 

•  Delivered growth across 

• 

all regions through strong 
product performance, 
a robust supply chain and 
world-class support services
Increased our share of 
damline and sireline business 
with producers across North 
America, contributing to a 
9% rise in operating profit 
•  Continued to invest in our 
team, services and supply 
chain in China, enabling us 
to increase operating profit 
by 32% despite challenging 
market conditions 

•  Maintained momentum in 

Latin America and Europe by 
strengthening relationships 
with strategic accounts, 
enhancing operating profits 
by 12% and 6% respectively

•  Grew royalty volumes 
in China by 41%, while 
increasing the proportion 
of global business covered 
by royalty contracts to 85%1 
Increased the volume of 
boars distributed through 
our CBV Max programme, 
in which our most elite genes 
command a higher price, 
by 80%

• 

•  Commitment to improve the 
knowledge of our products 
and to show the economic 
benefits of using PIC’s 
genetics was shown through 
61 product validation and 
management trials in 10 
countries, involving over 
98,000 pigs

1  Genus Group (inc Brazil JV)

Year ended 30 June

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

Actual currency

2023
£m

349.5
135.0
145.3
38.6%

2022
£m

306.6
112.3
121.2
36.6%

Change
%

14
20
20
2.0pts

Constant  
currency 
change 
%

7
11
11
1.6pts

STRATEGIC REPORTPorcine markets around the world 
continued to face challenging 
conditions during the year. These 
included economic uncertainty, 
volatile pig prices and outbreaks of 
disease, especially African Swine 
Fever (ASF’) and PRRSv. China, the 
world’s largest porcine market, 
experienced greater volatility than 
other markets. Pig prices in China 
averaged 18.8 RMB/kg through 
the year and were much weaker 
than expected in the second half, 
averaging 14.7 RMB/kg since January.

Price declines in many regions 
caused significant pressure on 
producer margins. This, together 
with inflation increasing input costs, 
drove some producers to reduce 
or delay replenishing their herds.

Despite such challenging conditions 
impacting porcine markets, PIC 
increased adjusted operating profit 
by 11% as the business continued to 
expand and strengthen commercial 
relationships with producers around 
the world. Volumes rose by 5%, aided 
by increased breeding stock sales 
in Europe and further growth in 
market share within North America. 
Revenue growth across all regions 
resulted in overall revenue increasing 
by 7% and strategically important 
royalty revenue rising by 10%.

All growth rates on this page 
are presented in constant 
currency, where relevant.

25
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NORTH AMERICA
The US breeding herd declined slightly, with 
slower production growth in the second 
half of the year as domestic demand was 
lower in the face of rising inflation and 
competition from other proteins. Pig prices 
fell sharply as a result, reducing producer 
margins already under pressure from high 
input costs. However, exports continued to 
grow, aided by lower prices compared with 
some other markets and the weakening 
US dollar. This was driven particularly by 
strong demand from China and Mexico. 

PERFORMANCE: The business performed 
strongly throughout the year, with 
market share gains across our customer 
base through sales of both sireline 
and damline products (volumes up 4% 
and 15% respectively). This was aided 
particularly by the continuing popularity 
of the PIC800® sire and Cambrough 
sow. The increases in market share and 
contributions from Olymel’s AlphaGene 
programme drove strong royalty 
revenue growth and a double-digit 
increase in adjusted operating profit. 

EUROPE
The region experienced the greatest 
reduction in its breeding herd for 10 years 
and production contracted in major markets, 
due to the ongoing economic, geopolitical 
and regulatory challenges impacting the 
agricultural sector. This led to tight supply, 
driving pig prices to record highs and 
significantly improving producer margins. 
These factors, along with high feed costs, 
disease challenges and declining pork 
exports, are likely to constrain industry 
recovery and sow herd growth in the future.

PERFORMANCE: Despite challenging 
market conditions, breeding stock sales in 
relation to royalty contracts rose and led 
to revenue growing by 20%. Rising royalty 
revenue, including double-digit growth 
in Spain, PIC’s largest European market, 
and Russia, from previous expansion 
projects, helped the business deliver 
further growth in adjusted operating profit. 

+9%

volumes

+4%

revenue

+8%

royalty 
revenue

+9%

adjusted 
operating 
profit

+8%

volumes

+20%

revenue

+9%

royalty 
revenue

+6%

adjusted 
operating 
profit

LATIN AMERICA
In Mexico, pork prices were lower than the 
previous year but remained well above 
the five-year average and rose again in 
the final quarter. Production increased 
slightly, as expected, but weaker domestic 
demand meant many producers made 
losses for much of the year, although they 
are now approaching or above breakeven. 
In Brazil, declining feed prices fuelled an 
increase in production and helped to meet 
rising export demand, particularly from 
China. These exports, when combined with 
seasonal domestic demand, helped pig 
prices rise by over 10% in the final quarter, 
but strengthening producer margins.

PERFORMANCE: Lower breeding stock 
sales meant sales revenue declined. 
However, strong royalty revenue from 
Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, as well 
as 14% growth in income from our joint 
venture with Agroceres, drove a double-
digit increase in adjusted operating profit, 
with all the larger countries contributing. 

0%

volumes

-6%

revenue

+12%

royalty 
revenue

+12%

adjusted 
operating 
profit

ASIA
Volatility in the China porcine market 
continued through this fiscal year, with pig 
prices declining from a high of 28 RMB/kg 
in October 2022 to 14 RMB/kg by the end of 
June 2023. In addition, China experienced 
significant ASF outbreaks, which created 
high levels of pork inventory, and there 
was a slow recovery in domestic demand 
following the relaxation of COVID-19 
restrictions. All these factors resulted in 
many producers operating at a loss and 
remaining cautious. Elsewhere in the region, 
ASF outbreaks affected both Vietnam and 
the Philippines, although pork production 
is gradually growing in both markets.

PERFORMANCE: Rising sales in the 
Philippines and Asia franchise businesses, 
including Vietnam and South Korea, led 
to increased revenue. In China, market 
volatility caused a decline in breeding stock 
sales, but overall revenue remained stable, 
aided in particular by solid growth in royalty 
revenue. The growth in royalty revenue, 
as well as the impact of a one-time £4m 
customer credit in the prior year, meant 
there was a double-digit rise in adjusted 
operating profit despite lower breeding 
stock margins and the impact of two 
disease outbreaks on joint venture farms 
in the second half of the year. Continued 
investment in China’s supply chain and 
biosecurity means Genus is well positioned 
to benefit as the market stabilises. 

+0%

volumes 

+3%

revenue 

+20%

royalty 
revenue 

(PIC China -1%)

(PIC China 
stable)

(PIC China 
+26%)

+32%

adjusted 
operating 
profit
(PIC China 
+62%)

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
26
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

OPERATING REVIEW: ABS

SHARING IN 
CUSTOMER 
SUCCESS 

BUSINESS PRIORITIES

SHORT TERM

MEDIUM TERM

LONG TERM

Implement actions arising 
from our review of approach 
to serving customers in 
core markets

Leverage our world-leading 
genetics, technology 
and people to secure 
further partnerships with 
progressive producers 

Drive innovative strategies to 
develop more sustainable 
food systems through further 
genetic progress

STRATEGIC PROGRESS IN 2022-2023

CREATE DIFFERENTIATED 
PROPRIETARY GENETIC 
SOLUTIONS

•  Expanded GENEadvance, 
the programme through 
which producers agree a 
100% partnership with ABS, to 
more than 600 herds globally 
Increased sales of Sexcel 
and Beef InFocus genetics, 
so they now represent 75% 
of units for GENEadvance 
customers 

• 

•  Expanded production 
of NuEra Genetics, our 
proprietary beef range, 
and accelerated genetic 
improvement in our 
nucleus herds

SERVE PROGRESSIVE PROTEIN 
PRODUCERS EFFECTIVELY 

SHARE IN THE  
VALUE DELIVERED 

• 

 Initiated an extensive review 
of our approach to serving 
customers in core markets, 
identifying key success 
factors and sharing learning 
between markets 

•  Expanded use of digital 
platforms, particularly in 
Latin America, with nearly 
30% of sales in Brazil now 
online (over 20% of Brazil’s 
digital sales this year were 
to new customers) 
Increased market share in 
key territories including Brazil, 
US and China – despite 
challenging market 
conditions in each – and 
achieved record results 
in Australia 

• 

•  Grew UK beef pull-through 

volumes, with over 700 farms 
now committed to ABS supply 
chains, increased calf flow 
to the Schmucker network 
in the US and established 
new supply chains in Spain, 
France and the Netherlands 

•  Continued to ensure 

GENEadvance contracts are 
built around outcome-based 
pricing, which rewards us 
for the progress we help 
customers make towards 
their goals 

•  Began five new product 
performance trials to 
provide further evidence 
of the superior value NuEra 
Genetics delivers across 
the beef supply chain 

Year ended 30 June

Revenue
Adjusted operating profit 
Adjusted operating margin

Actual currency

2023
£m

318.8
43.6
13.7%

2022
£m

272.0
40.5
14.9%

Change
%

17
8
(1.2)pts

Constant  
currency 
change 
%

12
5
(1.1)pts

DR NATE ZWALD
Chief Operating Officer 
Genus ABS Dairy

JERRY THOMPSON
Chief Operating Officer 
Genus ABS Beef

STRATEGIC REPORTDeclining feed costs encouraged 
producers in Europe to maintain 
high levels of milk production, but 
markets in Latin America were 
affected by high costs, drought and 
limited forage. Growth in China 
was more modest than expected 
due to slow recovery following the 
relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. 
High inventory and weaker consumer 
demand led to reduced milk prices 
in Brazil and China, and prices 
in the US declined significantly 
in the second half of the year. 

Global beef production remained 
steady, with dips in the US and 
Europe offset by rises in Brazil and 
Australia. Beef prices remained high 
in the US, but declined year-on-year 
in Brazil due to high inventory and 
lower consumer spending power. 
Prices in Europe declined as more 
animals were sent to slaughter in 
response to the falling milk prices. 

Despite the challenging market 
conditions, ABS continued to expand 
and strengthen its partnerships 
with strategic accounts around 
the world. Through these exclusive 
relationships, ABS is developing and 
delivering bespoke genetic plans 
and growing sales of Sexcel and 
NuEra beef genetics to accelerate 
customer success. These relationships 
drove a 3% increase in volumes, 
which more than offset lower sales of 
conventional beef and dairy genetics 
in some markets. More widely, the 
business continued to follow robust 
pricing strategies to mitigate the 
impact of cost inflation and exercised 
effective cost management. Such 
factors helped to deliver a 12% rise 
in revenue, which translated into 
5% growth in adjusted operating 
profit, after taking account of the 
impact of higher supply chain costs 
following an IT incident in June 2022.

All growth rates on this page are 
presented in constant currency, 
where relevant.

27
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NORTH AMERICA
Dairy demand remained stable, but milk 
prices fell significantly in the second 
half of the year. This reduced producer 
margins, leading to higher herd culling 
and feed ration changes, which is likely 
to slow growth in milk production. The 
US beef herd contracted due to drought 
conditions and production has declined 
during 2023 to date, with tighter supply 
driving wholesale prices to approach 
record highs. These have yet to impact 
retail demand, but the high prices 
and lower domestic production have 
significantly reduced export volumes.

PERFORMANCE: Double-digit growth 
in revenue was driven by robust price 
increases, rising sales of sexed genetics 
and ancillary products and services. 
This more than offset lower volumes 
of conventional and beef genetics as 
customers used sexed genetics to invest 
in more replacement heifers, rather 
than beef by-product income. These 
activities, along with continued expansion 
of our IntelliGen sexed processing for 
third-party customers, achieved a 17% 
increase in adjusted operating profit. 

EUROPE
Lower input costs encouraged producers 
to maintain milk production levels. 
Following highs in the previous year, 
milk prices declined amid concerns over 
weakening consumer demand in the face 
of inflationary pressure. Beef production 
across the region dipped and carcass 
prices have begun to decline as more cows 
are sent for slaughter in response to the 
falling milk price, although it remains well 
above the five-year average. Beef exports 
fell by more than 20% during the year, as 
high carcass prices led customers in some 
markets to source cheaper alternatives. 

PERFORMANCE: Increased sales in most 
retail markets, particularly France and 
Russia, were partially offset by lower 
volumes in some distributor-led markets, 
due to economic conditions and limited 
availability of certain types of bulls for 
those markets. However, both revenue 
and adjusted operating profit rose 
following targeted price increases and 
the expansion of GENEadvance long-
term contracts with strategic accounts. 
IntelliGen third-party business in the region 
continued to grow, with new customers 
in Italy, the Netherlands and Israel.

+5%

volumes

+15%

revenue

+17%

adjusted 
operating 
profit

+1%

volumes

+8%

revenue

+7%

adjusted 
operating 
profit

LATIN AMERICA
High costs, drought and limited forage 
availability affected milk production 
in Argentina and Uruguay, reducing 
producer margins. Milk production in Brazil 
remained subdued and previously rising 
prices are now declining due to lower 
consumer demand and the increase in 
supply following imports. Strong beef 
exports from Brazil were driven by growing 
demand from China in particular, but 
high inventory and lower consumer 
purchasing power impacted the domestic 
market. Demand for beef in Mexico 
remains steady and exports have recently 
improved after a slow start to 2023. 

PERFORMANCE: A transition from 
conventional to sexed genetics across 
the region, along with robust prices 
increases, led to a 12% rise in revenue on 
broadly stable volumes comparable to 
the prior year. Growth and effective cost 
management in Argentina supported 
an increase in adjusted operating 
profit there, although this was offset 
by declines in other countries, primarily 
Brazil, where there were challenging 
market conditions that particularly 
impacted the embryo business, along 
with high business cost inflation.

ASIA
Milk production in China continued to 
grow, albeit more slowly in the second half 
of the year, but high domestic inventory 
and weak consumer demand meant 
that milk prices declined. This led to 
growing numbers of animals being sent 
to slaughter, boosting beef production. 
Slaughter volumes also increased 
in Australia, but lower domestic milk 
production contributed to a double-
digit reduction in exports. Growth in 
India’s milk production slowed, despite 
increasing consumer demand, due to the 
impact of disease outbreaks and rising 
costs, particularly for feed. Demand 
for beef in Japan continued to fall.

PERFORMANCE: Overall volumes rose by 
8%, with double-digit growth in sales of 
sexed genetics in Australia, China and 
India tempered by fewer deliveries through 
our distributor network, particularly in 
Japan due to a market slowdown in 
the second half of the year. Growth in 
volumes in India was driven particularly 
by a contract with the Government 
of India and support for third-party 
customers through IntelliGen technology. 
This increase in volumes, together with 
significant strategic account growth in 
China, drove a 20% rise in revenue and 4% 
increase in adjusted operating profit.

–1%

volumes

+12%

revenue

+0%

adjusted 
operating 
profit

+8%

volumes

+20%

revenue

+4%

adjusted 
operating 
profit

STRATEGIC REPORT28
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

OPERATING REVIEW: R&D

ADVANCING 
INNOVATION 

BUSINESS PRIORITIES

SHORT TERM

MEDIUM TERM

LONG TERM

Gain regulatory approvals 
for PRRSv-resistant pigs 
in the US, Colombia and 
Brazil. Secure third-party 
customers for our dashboard 
integrating data from 
different instruments 

Achieve regulatory approval 
for PRRSv-resistant pigs 
in China and other target 
markets and accelerate work 
on reproductive technology 

Continue using pioneering 
technology to enhance 
genetic gain, combat disease 
and support a sustainable 
food system 

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

STRATEGIC PROGRESS IN 2022-2023

GENE EDITING 

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY 

•  Completed data package submissions to 

seek approval for PRRSv-resistant pigs from 
the Food and Drug Administration in the US, 
while also completing regulatory submissions 
in Colombia and Brazil 

•  Gained approval to import PRRSv-resistant pigs 
to China, for in-country regulatory assessment
•  Continued to evaluate potential target edits 

to combat Swine Influenza 

•  Established several collaborations with 

academic partners to accelerate work on 
identifying target edits to combat African 
Swine Fever 

• 

Introduced our new medium for embryo culture, 
which improves the quantity and quality of 
embryos produced, in commercial laboratories 

•  Expanded our work exploring how embryonic 

stem cells could enhance genetic gain, 
following encouraging results from initial 
research, and began a new collaboration 
with the University of Florida 

GENDER SKEW 

DATA STRATEGY 

•  Continued to enhance the efficiency of 

•  Completed implementation of our data 

our proprietary bovine sexing technology, 
increasing the number of straws produced 
from each bull

•  Established a further three IntelliGen 

Technologies laboratories for third-party 
customers and signed one technology transfer 
contract, licensing customers to use our 
process and instruments

• 

analytics strategy, enabling us to link and 
query different data sets simultaneously 
and elicit faster and deeper insights to inform 
genetic improvement 
Integrated data from different locations around 
the world and developed dashboards to 
monitor production performance, instrument 
efficiency and quality control parameters: 
aiding our operations and establishing a 
new product offer for third-party customers

STRATEGIC REPORT29
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Year ended 30 June

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

Net expenditure in R&D

During the year, net research and 
development expenditure rose by 19% 
in constant currency as planned. This 
increase enabled further investment 
in a wide range of areas, including the 
research and development pipeline, 
new technologies, gene editing projects 
and product development initiatives.

+19%

net research and 
development 
expenditure

Actual currency

2023
£m

29.7
24.9
14.3
17.4

86.3

2022
£m

22.5
22.7
7.9
14.0

67.1

Constant  
currency 
change 
%

Change
%

32
10
81
24

29

24
1
66
13

19

PORCINE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Porcine product development made 
further progress on genomic selection and 
enhanced genetic gain for target traits, 
including prolificacy, throughput, carcass 
value and efficiency. We also expanded 
our use of digital phenotyping to four 
further sites, helping us identify patterns 
in movement and behaviour to aid 
improvement of robustness and longevity. 
These advances, along with continued 
expansion of our global supply chain 
(including the addition of three facilities 
to our nucleus network) enabled us to 
enhance resilience of supply for customers 
around the world. Product development 
costs increased by 24% during the year, 
due principally to the start of operations 
at our Atlas facility in Canada. Higher feed 
prices during the year also contributed 
to the increase in expenditure. 

BOVINE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

We continued to strengthen our 
proprietary range of NuEra beef 
genetics and to invest in further product 
trials, from which preliminary data 
shows positive performance against 
competitor genetics in areas such as 
feed efficiency and growth rates.

We made further investments in our 
proprietary bovine sexing technology, 
enabling us to continue strengthening 
our capability to produce sexed genetics 
for ABS and for third-party customers 
through IntelliGen technology. 

GENE EDITING

We made significant progress on our 
PRRSv-resistant pig programme, as we 
seek regulatory approval for our gene-
edited animals in target markets around 
the world. This included completing data 
submissions to the FDA ahead of schedule 
and we expect approval in the first half 
of 2024. We are also making regulatory 
progress in Brazil and Colombia and 
we gained consent to import PRRSv-
resistant pigs to China, for in-country 
regulatory assessment. In parallel, we 
continued to expand capacity across our 
nucleus network in preparation for the 
potential marketing of our gene-edited 
animals. We also continued to explore 
how responsible use of gene editing 
could combat other porcine diseases. 
This included evaluating potential 
target edits and establishing further 
collaborations with academic partners. 

OTHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Other research and development 
expenditure increased by 13%, compared 
to the previous year. This enabled us to 
make further progress with our pioneering 
work on reproductive biology, including 
collaborating with the University of 
Florida to explore how embryonic 
stem cells could enhance genetic 
gain, and introducing a new medium 
for embryo culture, which improves 
the quantity and quality of embryos 
produced in commercial laboratories. 

The increased investment also helped 
us develop our work on biosystems 
engineering and data analytics, with 
progress in the latter area enabling 
us to link and query different data 
sets simultaneously and elicit faster 
and deeper insights to inform genetic 
improvement. We also continued to 
collaborate with external partners 
on a series of discovery projects. 

STRATEGIC REPORT30
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

SOLID 
PERFORMANCE AND 
GOOD STRATEGIC 
PROGRESS

In the year, the 
Group achieved 
revenue growth 
of 16% in actual 
currency (10% in 
constant currency). 

ALISON HENRIKSEN
Chief Financial Officer

STRATEGIC REPORT31
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Year ended 30 June

Revenue
Operating profit 
Operating profit inc JVs
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

2023
£m

689.7
74.6
85.8
 100.1
 71.5
18.2
84.8

2022
£m

593.4
68.8
77.7
85.6
71.5
(13.5)
82.7

Change
%

16
8
10
17
–
n/a
3

Constant 
currency 
change
%2

10
2
3
9
(8)
n/a
(5)

Statutory results

Actual currency

2023
£m

689.7
40.5
n/a
n/a
39.4

50.8
32.0

2022
£m

593.4
49.4
n/a
n/a
48.4

62.5
32.0

Change
%

16
(18)
n/a
n/a
(19)

(19)
–

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 APM Glossary

2  Constant currency percentage movements are calculated by representing the results for the year ended 30 June 2023 at the average exchange rates applied to adjusted 

operating profit for the year ended 30 June 2022

In the year ended 30 June 2023, the Group achieved revenue 
growth of 16% in actual currency (10% in constant currency). 
Adjusted operating profit including joint ventures was up 10% 
(3% in constant currency), reflecting good profit growth across our 
businesses, and was 17% higher (9% in constant currency) before 
gene editing costs. R&D investment increased by 29% (19% in 
constant currency), as planned due to an increase in gene editing 
costs as we move closer to commercialisation of the PRRSv-
resistant pig and higher porcine product development costs, 
primarily due to the start of operations at our Atlas facility 
in Canada. 

On a statutory basis, profit before tax was £39.4m (2022: £48.4m). 
The difference between the movement in statutory and adjusted 
profit before tax was mainly due to a reduction in the non-cash 
fair value of IAS 41 porcine biological assets, and a higher 
share-based payment charge. Basic earnings per share 
on a statutory basis were 50.8 pence (2022: 62.5 pence).

Adjusted profit before tax remained at £71.5m (down 8% in 
constant currency), with the improved trading performance being 
offset by higher interest expense, which increased from £6.2m to 
£14.3m (up 124% in constant currency). 

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 £5.4m, compared with 2022, primarily due to 
the strength of the Brazilian Real and Mexican Peso against 
Sterling during the year. All growth rates quoted are in constant 
currency unless otherwise stated. Constant currency percentage 
movements are calculated by representing the results for the year 
ended 30 June 2023 at the average exchange rates applied to 
adjusted operating profit for the year ended 30 June 2022. 

REVENUE

Revenue increased by 16% (10% in constant currency) to £689.7m 
(2022: £593.4m). PIC’s revenue rose by 14% (7% in constant 
currency) with growth across all regions and a double-digit 
increase in strategically important royalty revenue. In ABS, 
revenue was up 17% (12% in constant currency), reflecting the 
continuing success of Genus’s sexed genetics and NuEra beef 
genetics as well as the implementation of robust prices increases 
to offset the effects of cost inflation. 

ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT INCLUDING JVS

Actual currency

Year ended 30 June
Adjusted Profit Before Tax1

2023
£m

2022
£m

Change
%

Genus PIC
Genus ABS
R&D
Central costs

Adjusted operating profit 
inc JVs 
Net finance costs

Adjusted profit before tax

145.3
43.6
(86.3)
(16.8)

121.2
40.5
(67.1)
(16.9)

85.8
(14.3)

71.5

77.7
(6.2)

71.5

20
8
(29)
1

10
(131)

0

Constant 
currency 
change 
%

11
5
(19)
1

3
(124)

(8)

1 

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

Adjusted operating profit including joint ventures was £85.8m 
(2022: £77.7m), 3% higher in constant currency. The Group’s share of 
adjusted joint venture operating profit, primarily from our Brazilian 
joint venture with Agroceres, was higher at £10.8m (2022: £9.2m). 

Gene editing investment, which is primarily focused on 
the PRRSv-resistant pig programme, increased to £14.3m 
(2022: £7.9m) as planned. This enabled us to continue 
expanding our population of gene-edited animals and increase 
preparation for commercialisation. Adjusted operating profit 
including joint ventures and excluding gene editing investment 
was £100.1m (2022: £85.6m), 9% higher in constant currency. Over 
the last five years our compound annual growth rate in this profit 
measure remains at 10% in constant currency, in line with our 
medium-term objective.

PIC’s performance was a record level, with adjusted operating 
profit including joint ventures up 11% in constant currency. Volumes 
were up by 5% and strategically important royalty revenue was up 
10%, with increases across all regions. 

ABS’s volumes rose by 3% and adjusted operating profit also rose 
by 5%. Demand for Sexcel, our proprietary bovine sexed product, 
continued to increase, as well as our IntelliGen third-party sexed 
processing, supporting an 18% rise in sexed volumes and further 
growth in our proprietary NuEra beef genetics. There was adjusted 
operating profit growth across most regions, with North America 
increasing adjusted operating profit by 17% in constant currency. 
Latin America’s profits were stable, despite the region continuing 
to suffer from challenging market conditions. Europe’s adjusted 
operating profit grew by 7%, due to growth across most countries, 
and in Asia adjusted operating profit was 4% higher, due to strong 
growth in our India IntelliGen business.

Central costs were stable, at £16.8m (2022: £16.9m) in constant 
currency, primarily due to prudent cost management. 

STRATEGIC REPORT32
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

STATUTORY PROFIT BEFORE TAX

TAXATION

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
Other gains and losses
Exceptional items

2023 
£m

71.5

2022 
£m

71.5

(0.4)

0.3

3.6
(3.9)

(16.9)
(7.7)
(6.0)
2.7
(3.5)

(1.4)
(2.6)

(5.4)
(8.3)
(3.7)
–
(2.0)

Statutory Profit Before Tax

39.4

48.4

Statutory profit before tax was £39.4m (2022: £48.4m), with 
improved trading performance being offset by higher interest 
expense, a higher non-cash fair value net charge for IAS 41 
biological asset movement, higher share-based payment 
expenses and higher net exceptional items. Within this, there was 
a £24.9m reduction (2022: £24.5m uplift) in porcine biological 
assets, primarily due to the temporary destocking of the Aurora 
farm in Canada to complete a facility and health upgrade, and a 
£8.0m uplift (2022: £29.9m reduction) in bovine biological assets, 
due to certain fair value model estimate changes. Share-based 
payment expense was £6.0m (2022: £3.7m). These reconciling 
items are primarily non-cash, can be volatile and do not correlate 
to the underlying trading performance in the year.

The statutory profit tax charge for the period, including share 
of income tax of equity accounted investees, of £11.5m (June 22: 
£14.3m) represents an effective tax rate (‘ETR’) of 26.6% (June 22: 
28.0%). The reduction in the statutory ETR of 1.4 points results 
from the recognition of additional deferred tax assets, net of 
increased UK and foreign tax rates, as explained further below.

The adjusted profit tax charge for the year of £15.9m (June 
22: £17.4m) represents an ETR on adjusted profits of 22.2% 
(June 22: 24.3%), a reduction of 2.1 points. Of this, a decrease 
of 6.2 points is due to the recognition of deferred tax assets 
for brought forward losses in Genus’s Australia and France 
subsidiaries. This is offset by a 1.5 point increase, due to the 
rise in the UK and Consolidation Tax rates from 19% to 20.5%, 
and by a further 2.6 point increase in overseas taxes during 
the year. These higher overseas taxes are due to an increased 
share of Group profits in higher tax jurisdictions and reduced 
tax credits relating to agricultural activity in China. The Group’s 
anticipated adjusted ETR for 2024 is 24% to 27%, which is higher 
than the current year due to the full year impact of the UK tax 
rate increase to 25% that took effect from April 2023 and the 
above noted change in profit mix to higher tax rate jurisdictions. 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Adjusted basic earnings per share increased by 3% (5% reduction 
in constant currency) to 84.8 pence (2022: 82.7 pence), reflecting 
the improved trading performance and lower effective tax rate 
and offset by higher interest expenses. Basic earnings per share 
on a statutory basis were 50.8 pence (2022: 62.5 pence), taking 
into account the factors above and the impact of a higher 
non-cash fair value net charge for IAS 41 biological asset 
movement, higher share-based payment expenses and higher 
net exceptional items.

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 

BIOLOGICAL ASSETS 

There was a £3.5m net exceptional expense in the year 
(2022: £2.0m net expense), which included legal fees of £5.4m 
(2022: £1.4m) primarily related to Genus ABS’s ongoing litigation 
with STgenetics and a £0.9m credit for a part that was settled 
during the year. It also included a £1.7m credit relating to an 
in-year sale of our Canadian ABS facilities, following the prior 
year ABS restructuring. 

The prior year benefited from a £3.3m credit relating to a non-
refundable cash receipt related to a legacy legal claim in Brazil, 
and £2.8m of restructuring expense, principally related to the 
closure of ABS supply chain barns in Canada and £0.5m of 
one-time costs to resolve an IT security incident.

NET FINANCE COSTS

Net finance costs increased to £14.3m (2022: £6.2m), primarily due 
to interest rate rises during the year. Average interest rates more 
than doubled to 4.94% (2022: 2.27%), raising the cost of like-for-
like borrowings by £4.6m. Average borrowings increased by 30% 
to £226.9m (2022: £173.9m), primarily due to the cash investments 
in the prior period on supply chain capacity and the acquisition 
of Olymel’s AlphaGene programme, resulting in a further £2.6m 
increase in interest costs in this year. The interest rate increases 
were partially mitigated by the Company’s fixed interest cover, 
which reduced the impact of rate increases by around £1.0m. 

Amortisation costs in the year were £1.1m (2022: £0.9m) and 
within other interest there was IFRS 16 finance lease interest of 
£1.2m (2022: £1.1m) and both a discount interest unwind on the 
Group’s pension liabilities and put options totalling £0.5m 
(2022: £0.4m). Foreign interest in the year was an expense of 
£0.2m (2022: £0.3m income).

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 2023, the carrying value of biological assets was 
£364.7m (2022: £387.7m), as set out in the table below:

Non-current assets
Current assets
Inventory

Represented by:
Porcine
Dairy and beef

2023 
£m

2022 
£m

318.2
23.8
22.7

333.7
33.1
20.9

364.7

387.7

242.7
122.0

278.8
108.9

364.7

387.7

The movement in the overall balance sheet carrying value of 
biological assets of £23.0m includes the effect of an exchange 
rate translation decrease of £17.2m. Excluding the translation 
effect there was:
•  a £23.7m reduction in the carrying value of porcine biological 
assets, due principally to the depopulation of animals held 
in Aurora, our genetic nucleus farm in Canada, in preparation 
for an upgrade to the farm facilities and health status, 
and higher global interest rates which impact the valuation 
discount rates; and

•  a £17.9m increase in the bovine biological assets carrying value, 

primarily reflecting increases in average selling prices.

The historical cost of these assets, less depreciation, was £83.4m 
at 30 June 2023 (2022: £77.2m), which is the basis used for the 
adjusted results. The historical cost depreciation of these assets 
included in adjusted results was £13.4m (2022: £10.7m).

STRATEGIC REPORT33
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

NET DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES

The Group’s retirement benefit obligations at 30 June 2023 were 
£6.9m (2022: £8.3m) before tax and £5.6m (2022: £7.0m) net of 
related deferred tax. The largest element of this liability now 
relates to some legacy unfunded pension commitments dating 
prior to Genus’s acquisition of PIC.

Despite difficult stock market conditions, robust investment 
strategies and higher bond yields during the year mean our two 
main defined benefit obligation schemes remained in sound 
financial positions. Prior to any IFRIC 14 amendments, both the 
Dalgety Pension Fund and our share of the Milk Pension Fund 
reported IAS 19 surpluses. 

CASH FLOW

Cash flow (before debt repayments)

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

Free cash flow
Acquisitions and investments
Dividends

2023 
£m

78.7
(28.3)
(35.2)
0.7
2.3

18.2
1.2
(21.0)

2022 
£m

56.6
(22.3)
(50.9)
3.2
(0.1)

(13.5)
(19.5)
(20.9)

Net cash outflow (before debt repayments)

(1.6)

(53.9)

Cash generated by operations of £78.7m (2022: £56.6m) 
represented cash conversion of 105% (2022: 82%) of adjusted 
operating profit excluding joint ventures. The cash conversion 
rate of adjusted operating profit to cash exceeded our objective 
to achieve conversion of at least 90% annually. We expect 
to continue meeting this objective in the coming year. The 
increase in cash generation primarily reflected a record adjusted 
EBITDA performance of £110.6m (2022: £99.9m), along with lower 
working capital and biological asset outflows. Working capital 
improvement was aided particularly by focused accounts 
receivable collections, which improved days sales outstanding 
by 8 days to 48 days.

Capital expenditure cash flow of £35.2m (2022: £50.9m) was 
significantly lower as planned, after our peak year of investment 
in 2022. Spend included £19.8m of continued investment in our 
global facilities, as well as work to upgrade our Whenby UK 
facility, further investment in global IntelliGen capabilities and 
investment in software development, including the continued 
rollout of our GenusOne platform and improvements to our 
digital platform.

Net cash inflow from joint ventures was £0.7m (2022: £3.2m). 
After interest and tax paid, total free cash flow was £18.2m inflow 
(2022: £13.5m outflow).

The cash inflow from investments was £1.2m (2022: £19.5m outflow), 
with proceeds from the sale of Caribou shares of £3.4m being 
offset by investments in our China joint ventures of £1.0m, to 
increase production capacity, and £0.8m of deferred 
consideration payments from previous acquisitions. The prior-year 
investments included £14.5m to acquire the intellectual property 
in Olymel’s elite porcine genetics. 

Net debt increased to £195.8m at 30 June 2023 (2022: £185.0m). 
Cash inflows and outflows in the year largely balanced, with the 
increase in net debt primarily driven by new lease agreements. 
The ratio of net debt to EBITDA as calculated under our financing 
facilities at the year-end has reduced to 1.6 times (2022: 1.7 times) 
which remains in line with our medium-term objective of having 
a ratio of net debt to EBITDA of between 1.0–2.0 times. At the end 
of June 2023, interest cover was at 10 times (2022: 27 times).

During the year, the Group’s principal credit facilities comprised 
a £190m multi-currency revolving credit facility (‘RCF’), a USD 150m 
RCF and a USD 20m bond and guarantee facility. An additional 
£40m of accordion facility remains available for the duration 
of the facility agreement. The maturity date of the facility was 
extended by a further year in August 2022, 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. 

On 30 June 2023, the Group had headroom of £118.7m (2022: £77.8m) 
under its available credit facilities.

CAPITAL ALLOCATION PRIORITIES AND RETURN 
ON ADJUSTED CAPITAL

Our capital allocation prioritises the investment of cash in areas 
that will deliver future earnings growth and strong cash returns on 
a sustainable basis. This includes investment for organic growth 
as a first priority through investment in our existing businesses, 
including capital expenditure in infrastructure, innovation in new 
products and the development of our people. We supplement 
organic growth with value enhancing acquisitions in current and 
adjacent market niches, aligned with our purpose. This brings new 
technology, intellectual property and talent into the Group and 
expands our market reach, keeping Genus well-positioned in 
growing markets over the long term. 

The return on adjusted invested capital, as defined in the 
alternative performance measures glossary, was higher at 14.7% 
(2022: 13.9%), reflecting growth of 14% in adjusted operating profit 
including joint ventures after tax to £66.8m (2022: £58.8m), due to 
the 10% increase in operating profit including joint ventures, and a 
2.1 point improvement in the adjusted effective tax rate. Adjusted 
invested capital increased at a slower rate, by 8% to £455.0m 
(2022: £422.0m), as we continued to invest in facilities, IntelliGen 
capacity, digital capability and our biological assets.

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 
(2022: 32.0 pence per share). Dividend cover from adjusted 
earnings of 2.7 times (2022: 2.6 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 8 December 
2023 to the shareholders on the register at the close of business 
on 10 November 2023. 

STRATEGIC REPORT34
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

PASSIONATE AND 
PURPOSE-DRIVEN 
PEOPLE 

Across 24 countries, we 
employ a global team of 
3,500 colleagues, many 
of them world-leading 
experts in their field. 

MAINTAINING OUR CULTURE 

We nurture an open, supportive and 
enjoyable working environment, built on 
mutual respect and equal opportunity. 
Our Company values remain at the heart 
of this culture. Our global employee 
handbook sets out behaviours expected 
of all Genus employees to ensure a 
workplace free from discrimination of 
any kind. We embed this philosophy in 
practice through recruitment, onboarding, 
training and performance management. 

These steps are helping us build an 
increasingly diverse team and inclusive 
Company. Examples include our ongoing 
focus on recruiting, developing and 
promoting more women across the 
Company. We are continuing to enhance 
inclusion of people with different needs, 
with steps including the establishment 
of a Company-wide minimum level of 
leave for parents or carers when a new 
child joins their family (through natural 
birth, adoption or a long-term fostering 
arrangement). Our employee resource 
group AWAKE (Advancing Women’s 
Advocacy, Knowledge and Empowerment) 
is also helping us strengthen efforts 
to enhance gender inclusion. 

ATTRACTING AND DEVELOPING TALENT 

We continue to offer a wide range of 
internships, trainee schemes and graduate 
programmes in different parts of the 
world. Since 2018, for example, we have 
attracted nearly 175 people to join our 
programmes in the UK and North America. 
This year, we received recruitment 
industry recognition for our early career 
hiring programme in North America.

Our global jobs framework maps out 
career paths for colleagues and clarifies 
the skills and competencies needed to 
support their development and career 
progression. This year, we also introduced 
a global jobs portal to help colleagues 
search and apply for vacancies around 
the world. This also enables employees 
to upload CVs and career goals, to 
aid internal talent sourcing for roles. 

We offer a wide range of training and 
development opportunities to help our 
people progress through career paths, 
including the bespoke leadership and 
management programmes explored 
opposite. We also empower colleagues 
to advance their own development 
through a suite of on-demand courses 
and content, with much of the material 
available in multiple languages. 
All employees also take a series of 
mandatory annual training modules, 
including on our Code of Conduct and 
role-specific health and safety topics. 

REVIEWING PAY AND BENEFITS 

We regularly review our range of employee 
benefits to ensure it caters for colleagues 
with different needs, making improvements 
where we identify opportunities. This 
year, we also introduced a new benefits 
portal in several countries to increase 
understanding of, and access to, benefits 
information and well-being resources. 

This year, we also launched TakeStock, 
a new share plan enabling employees 
to become shareholders in the business. 
Employees receive one free share for 
every three purchased. We introduced 
the plan in the US and UK, with over 25% of 
eligible employees taking part, spanning 
all segments of our workforce. To build on 
this success, we are now exploring how we 
can roll out this plan in other countries. 

More widely, we continue to benchmark 
local pay in the markets where we operate, 
to ensure we are offering a competitive 
package to attract and retain talent. 

ANGELLE ROSATA
Group HR Director

We empower, equip 
and support our 
talented global 
team to fulfil 
their potential.

OUR VALUES

CUSTOMER CENTRIC

RESULTS DRIVEN

PIONEERING

PEOPLE FOCUSED

RESPONSIBLE

STRATEGIC REPORT35
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

ENHANCING ENGAGEMENT 

We continue to increase employee 
involvement in the Company through 
a multimedia communication and 
engagement programme (from 
newsletters and videos to town halls 
and CEO round table discussions). Our 
two Non-Executive Director ‘employee 
representatives’, Lesley Knox and Lykele 
van der Broek, also held a breakfast 
discussion with employees at our Uberaba 
site in Brazil, gathering feedback and 
insights that they shared with the Board. 

We introduced our new CEO, Jorgen 
Kokke, to colleagues across the Company 
through a range of communications. 
Jorgen also held informal discussions and 
Q&A discussions with colleagues on site 
visits during his onboarding programme. 

We are planning our next global 
employee engagement survey, Your Voice, 
for late 2023.

SAFEGUARDING HEALTH AND SAFETY

We maintained our focus on continuous 
improvement of health and safety, 
with developments this year including 
a redesign of health and safety 
audit reports, which are shared with 
a wide range of leaders and key 
stakeholders to enhance understanding 
of performance and inspire action 
on findings. We also introduced a 
dashboard for managers, providing 
real-time incident data for their teams. 

More widely, we continued to support 
employee wellbeing through a range 
of initiatives. These included holding a 
series of webinars exploring different 
aspects of mental well-being, in 
support of World Mental Health Day. 

Our recordable injury rate for the year 
was 2.03 incidents per 100 employees, 
slightly lower than last year and in line 
with our target of a 5% reduction year-on-
year (which we established three years 
ago). We also reduced vehicle incidents 
by 13% compared to the previous year, 
surpassing our 5% reduction target. 

ROUTES FOR RAISING CONCERNS

We have established a range of routes, 
available in multiple languages, through 
which employees can raise any issues 
about unethical behaviour, including an 
independent and anonymous hotline 
(which supports our whistleblowing 
policy). Any 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 
and Internal Audit and the Company’s 
Audit & Risk Committee. This process is 
regularly reviewed as part of our annual 
Audit & Risk Committee activity. 

DEVELOPING LEADERS 

Our global jobs framework, 
which contains career 
paths for each role across 
Genus, has strengthened 
conversations regarding 
career goals, development 
and progression. It also 
underpins a process that 
invests in tailored support 
for colleagues at different 
stages of their career.

Our process spans four key elements: 

•  Learning through online courses and 
content, either on an individual’s own 
initiative or following discussion with 
their manager 

•  Targeted training for front-line people 
leaders, relevant to both new and 
experienced managers 

•  A programme to help colleagues 
transition from leading individuals 
to leading teams

•  Support for colleagues who lead 

other leaders

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 complement these activities with 
training on behavioural competencies, 
helping people managers role model 
our values. We also offer an annual CEO 
Scholarship, which helps an aspiring 
leader accelerate their development 
by sponsoring them for a part-time 
or online leadership programme.

This year, we also held our first Global 
Leadership Conference since COVID-19. 
This drew together more than 100 leaders 
to review business progress, align with 
peers and learn from external speakers. 

62%

of people managers have 
completed a leadership 
development programme

  For details of current career 
opportunities at Genus, please visit 
www.genusplc.com/work-for-us

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

STRATEGIC REPORT36
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

SUSTAINABILITY 
AT THE HEART OF 
OUR BUSINESS

Our genetic improvement 
work is directly focused on 
helping farmers to meet the 
challenge of producing more 
healthy and happy animals 
with less resources.

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, 
today the global population is over eight 
billion people 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 the 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 ratio1 
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, 
so our environmental focus is on delivering 
practical solutions to reduce or offset our 
residual emissions to net zero by 20502, 
whilst our genetic improvement programmes 
will make our animals more efficient. 

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, 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 embed responsible 
business practices across our organisation 
and the people we work with. 

  For more information, refer to: 
www.genusplc.com/sustainability.

Genus commits to equality across all of its 
businesses. It recognises these targets are 
challenging given the current availability of 
women within the overall global agriculture 
workforce. Our People and Culture reports 
provide information on the targets we have 
internally to promote or recruit more women 
to management grade roles. The agriculture 
sector has an unenviable safety record both 
here in the UK and internationally, and we 
are seeking to be class leaders in this area. 

We are continuing to focus on efforts to 
improve health and safety standards across 
our business. We set and monitor progress 
of key performance indicators (see pages 38 
to 39). We also ensure employees have 
multiple routes to raise any concerns 
(including the independent whistleblowing 
hotline explained earlier (page 35 Routes for 
Raising Concerns). 

During the year Genus was not subject to 
any enforcement action by regulators in 
any jurisdiction where we operate for 
health, safety or environmental reasons. 
We had no environmental incidents and 
continued to maintain high standards 
across the business.

External assurance
DNV Business Assurance Services UK 
Limited (‘DNV’) were commissioned by 
Genus to provide limited assurance over 
selected information presented in the 2023 
Annual Report for the FY23 reporting year. 
The scope of the assurance was designed 
to reflect some of the important FY23 
sustainability goals and was restricted to 
the non-financial metrics identified below:
•  total Scope 1 emissions – combustion of 

fuel, own transport and livestock 
emissions;

•  total Scope 2 emissions – purchased 

electricity (and renewable generated), 
steam, heat and cooling;
•  total energy consumed; 
•  the percentage of women in 
management roles; and 

•  for health and safety, the recordable 

injury frequency rate.

  We have published DNV’s 
Assurance Statement on our 
website with its observations and 
opportunities for improvement see: 
www.genusplc.com/sustainability/
policies-and-reports/.

1  More information can be found on our website:  

www.genusplc.com/sustainability 
Full details of how we measure the primary intensity 
ratio can be found in our Basis of Reporting for 
Non-Financial Metrics

2  Becoming a net zero business means that our 

business activities and our value chain will have no 
net impact on the climate from our GHG emissions 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

Our sustainability strategy 
comprises five pillars which 
support our purpose.

37
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

PROGRESSING OUR 
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

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

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

  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38
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED

HIGHLIGHTS IN FY23 

FY24 GOALS

•  Genetic improvement targets have 

•  Continue driving porcine and bovine genetic 

• 
• 

• 

been met for the year.
 The PRRSv project is on track.
 The Life Cycle Assessment (‘LCA’) for the 
porcine business is nearing completion 
for North America and Europe. Data for 
China and Japan is being sourced and 
validated for the standard market pig to 
act as a comparator against our elite 
genetics and our PRRSv-resistant pigs.
 LCA work for our T14 beef cattle has 
commenced and will follow the same 
approach as used for the porcine LCA. 

•  UK Biotechnology and Biological 

Sciences Research Council project with 
Roslin/Scotland’s Rural College (‘SRUC’) 
to look at inheritability of traits linked 
to enteric methane emissions has 
been started. 

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

•  Using LCA to quantify the potential reduction of 
GHG emissions from the use of PIC genetics and 
PRRSv-resistant pigs.

•  Using LCA to quantify the benefits and reduction 
of GHG emissions from the use of T14 beef cattle. 
•  Working on projects to understand the common 

• 

causes of early death on US beef feedlots, and the 
impact of genetic selection.
 Working with Innovate UK and SRUC to examine the 
impact of genetics and the micro-biome in T14 and 
T15 beef cattle to drive reductions of GHG emissions.

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

renewables and 
energy efficiency

low carbon transition

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Initiated manure methane capture at 
slurry ponds at our PIC Aurora facility. 
 Initiated an energy contract for all of 
our UK facilities that ensures use of 
renewable electricity.
 Commissioned independent external 
assurance of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
 Captured and validated remotely 
sensed satellite carbon data for 11 
Genus facilities. This project was 
cancelled as the technology did not 
meet our expectations.
 Initiated solar projects in Cheshire (UK), 
Cremona (Italy), and Atlas (Canada). 
 Manure management project at 
the Dekorra site in Wisconsin (US) 
was completed.
 Conducted environmental audits of 
material facilities (Brazil and China).

•  Examine and quantify water and waste use to better 

determine risks and opportunities. 

• 

•  Pilot project to install electricity sub-metering at 
a UK site to better assess energy savings and the 
benefits of solar photovoltaics.
 Transitioning to hybrid and electric vehicles for 
all new pool vehicles in the UK. 
 Continue our investment in renewable energy 
projects at:
(i)  Bluegrass (US) – anaerobic digestion
(ii)  Aurora (US) – biogas project commission 
and assess investment opportunities

• 

• 

(iii) Atlas and Aurora (US) – solar photovoltaics 
 Continue to implement an energy efficiency 
programme, with energy audits in the UK at key 
facilities and an updated UK energy savings plan.
•  Further work on improving emissions data collection 

and reporting of Scope 3 emissions.

STRATEGIC REPORT39
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE 
(AND RELATED SDG)

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

HIGHLIGHTS IN FY23 

FY24 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 and investment 
at Gourley and Bluegrass.
• 
 Maintained animal care standards 
•  Published updated Animal Health & 

Welfare Principles document. 

•  Update the Animal Welfare Policy and ensure revised 

policy is rolled out globally.

•  Ensure employees with animal care responsibilities are 
regularly trained on Genus animal care standards.

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

gender equality

•  Achieved recordable injury frequency 
rate2 of 2.03 against a target of 2.36
•  Commissioned independent external 
assurance of our health and safety 
data, and total number of women in 
management (M-Grade) roles. 
 Percentage of women in M-Grade roles 
currently at 30.2%, with the number of 
women newly recruited or promoted to 
M-Grade roles in FY23 at 36.2%.

• 

•  Achieve at least a rolling 5% year-on-year reduction 
in recordable injury frequency rate, equivalent to at 
least 2.24 or less.
 Maintain or improve employee engagement, by:
(i)  implementing ‘Your Voice’ Action Plans and 
publishing the key opportunities in our 
FY24 report.

• 

(ii)  launching an awareness campaign of 

Company values. 

(iii) increasing the proportion of female employees 

recruited or promoted to M-Grade roles 
(target new female appointments: minimum 33%; 
stretch 50%).

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

disaster deaths

• 

•  Roll out of our PIC Aurora & Atlas ‘Never 
Stop Improving’ high school scholarship 
programme (see page 40).
 The Company has been working in 
partnership with the Gates Foundation, 
Land O’Lakes, Vetline and AbacusBio to 
bring our elite genetics to farmers in 
Africa (see page 41). 

•  Support measures to prevent and respond to local 

• 

• 

• 

community issues. 
 Recruit locally into nucleus farms, and encourage 
support for local charities that align with our mission. 
 Continue our ‘Never Stop Improving’ high school 
scholarship programme and our intern programme to 
invest in future skills our business needs (see page 40).
 Continue to deliver elite genetics to farmers in 
Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda in collaboration with 
the local partners.

equitable sharing of 
genetic resources

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

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40
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED

The year’s highlights from our sustainability programme

REDUCING GREENHOUSE 
GAS EMISSIONS

ENVIRONMENT –  
METHANE CAPTURE FROM MANURE

As a business producing animals used 
in breeding programmes across the 
globe, Genus’s GHG emissions are 
largely from livestock sources – the 
methane from animals’ manures. 

We have invested £1.2m at our PIC Aurora 
facility in Canada to install covers across 
our slurry lagoons that will enable the 
biogas to be captured. Preparatory 
works started in FY23 and the project 
will reduce emissions by ~1,000 tonnes 
of carbon from methane that would 
have been emitted from the surface of 
the lagoon. Commissioning of the full 
system will take place in autumn 2023 and 
spring 2024, with a break for the winter 
where the amount of biogas generated is 
expected to slow, due to the cold weather 
conditions. This project builds on our 
successful project in Granja in Brazil with 
our joint venture partners, Agroceres. 

Further investments of £1.5m are planned 
to install solar photovoltaic panels during 
FY24 at our PIC Aurora and Atlas facilities 
in Canada to displace the relatively dirty 
grid electricity and to build resilience to 
climate change through the generation 
of low carbon renewable energy.

ENVIRONMENT –  
CARBON CAPTURE IN SOILS 

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 
improve soil biomass. We have examined 
the use of satellite remote sensing 
technology to look for and to track 
carbon sequestration opportunities on our 
farmland. Unfortunately, the technology 
was not mature enough for us to 
accurately record the capture of carbon 
and we are reassessing how we can 
demonstrate carbon capture in our soils.

COMMUNITY

ABS GENETIC IMPROVEMENT  
IN ETHIOPIA AND KENYA

ABS has been working in partnership 
with the Gates Foundation and Land 
O’Lakes to deliver a $10m project to bring 
our elite genetics to farmers in Ethiopia 
and Kenya. The project aims to deliver 
safe, affordable and locally sourced 
dairy protein to meet local consumer 
demand. We also aim to develop local 
acceptance of the East African Dairy Profit 
Index, to increase the adoption of sexed 
genetics and to improve profitability for 
local farmers. Currently, these farmers 
are unable to meet domestic demand or 
compete with cheaper dairy imports.

The dairy industry in Ethiopia and Kenya 
faces a number of issues that block its 
progress. For example, calf mortality 
can be as high as 16%, which is further 
compounded by the young stock having 
slow growth rates and maturing later. This 
results in less milk being produced, higher 
input costs and higher GHG emissions 
per unit of milk produced. Lower fertility 
rates of sub 50%, further delay the time 
to maturity of the animal, and increase, 
by almost a third, the proportion of the 
dairy cattle that are non-productive, yet 
still emitting methane and consuming 
feed. The amount of milk produced by 
the traditional breeds of cattle in Ethiopia 
and Kenya are also low (0.5–2 litres per 
day), whereas on average a cow in the UK 
will produce 26 litres per day with peak 
production at around 60 litres per day. 

Our partnership with Land O’Lakes ensures 
they can work with farmers to improve 
animal husbandry, health, nutrition and 
welfare. This has already delivered results 
through improved health and growth 
rates, and lower mortality. ABS has been 
providing elite genetics of cattle that are 
more capable of delivering greater milk 
yields, with health traits that are more 
suited for the East African environment. 
This has increased productivity and 
reduced the costs of production, 
increasing the farmer’s ability to meet 
domestic market needs, compete with 
imports and reduce GHG emissions. 

Over the next three years the project will 
deliver: (i) 46,000 improved dairy cows; 
(ii) 10,000 genomic samples to contribute 
towards developing an East African dairy 
index; (iii) 170 million litres of additional 
milk; and (iv) provide valuable new skills 
and jobs for technicians in these countries.

STRATEGIC REPORTSUSTAINABLE PROTEIN 
PRODUCTION 

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT 

As global climate change increases the 
risks to global food security, our work in 
genetic improvement provides livestock 
which is more robust and resilient to 
climatic extremes, helping farmers 
produce milk and meat more efficiently 
and sustainably, using fewer natural 
resources. We measure progress by 
assessing the factors that shape each 
animal’s carbon footprint during their 
lifetime, including the efficiency with which 
the animal feeds, the production of milk, 
and the health and robustness of the 
animal during its lifetime. We set genetic 
improvement targets each year, which 
relate to life cycle carbon emissions. We 
met all of our genetic improvement targets 
in FY23 (see page 38). 

Based on genetic improvements the 
use of our improved genetics produces 
the following estimated annual 
reductions in carbon emissions1:
•  Porcine – 429,000 tonnes CO2e; 
•  Dairy – 851,000 tonnes CO2e; and 
•  Beef – 70,800 tonnes CO2e. 

1  These reductions in GHG emissions are estimates 
only based on the calculation of CO2e reduction 
from genetic improvement multiplied by the 
estimated number of animals created each year 
using our genetics. See page 56 

41
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

We were very excited to announce our 
first recipients of the PIC ‘Never Stop 
Improving’ high school scholarship 
in Kipling & Carlyle, Canada. Alexys 
Roppel is a graduate from Kipling High 
School. She is continuing her education 
at the University of Saskatchewan for 
Agriculture in Crop Science, and hopes to 
become an agronomist, travelling from 
farm to farm advising farmers with their 
crops. Kerri Lachapelle graduates from 
Carlyle’s Gordon F. Kells High School and is 
enrolled at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic 
College in Saskatoon. She is working 
towards a career first in nursing and 
then hopes to become an obstetrician.

In 2018 our North American ABS 
business started its award-winning 
‘early careers’ intern programme 
www.startingatgenus.com. To date we 
have sponsored 133 students who have now 
successfully completed the programme. 

Of the students recruited 60% are female 
and 40% male, and we have retained 44% 
of the interns within our own business, 
whilst providing opportunities for others 
to join the sector or to go onto new 
roles elsewhere within agriculture or the 
biotech industry. The interns that we 
have retained have gone on to hold a 
range of diverse positions in ABS such as 
Beef Sustainability Scientist, Livestock 
Supervisor, Sales Team Leader, Technical 
Services Consultant and Beef Business 
Development Specialist. This year we 
welcomed our new intake of interns who 
received a warm welcome from the ABS 
and Genus management team and were 
given an opportunity to hear and meet 
some of the leaders covering topics 
such as sustainability, leadership, and 
to learn more about our elite genetics.

44%

of interns were retained  
within our own business

PIC GENETIC IMPROVEMENT IN UGANDA 

PIC, Vetline and AbacusBio are working 
together to improve Uganda’s pig 
production, health, and welfare in a 
sustainable way. The aim of the venture 
is to provide economic stability for pig 
farmers and their families in Uganda, 
while ultimately addressing broader 
food production and food safety issues 
in the supply chain to deliver nutritious, 
healthy, and safe food. This will be done 
through an integrated combination of 
PIC genetics and expertise, artificial 
insemination and veterinary services, 
provided by Vetline, underpinned 
by the database and information 
platform delivered by AbacusBio.

By focusing on areas surrounding urban 
development in Uganda and exploring 
sustainable modern pig production 
techniques, the venture has the potential 
to positively impact the wider Ugandan 
society. Pig farming is one of the fastest 
growing livestock activities in Uganda and 
is a means of increasing food, income, 
and employment. Uganda is among the 
largest per capita consumers of pork in 
sub-Saharan Africa, but productivity is 
low, and demand outstrips supply. This 
venture with PIC, Vetline and AbacusBio 
will greatly benefit local farmers in 
producing pigs more efficiently and 
sustainably. Through this project we 
aim to provide more affordable nutrition 
for the benefit of the local farmers and 
their communities which fully aligns to 
the core of our sustainability goals.

INTERNS AND SCHOOL  
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

The PIC Aurora & Atlas ‘Never Stop 
Improving’ high school scholarship 
programme was started this year with the 
goal of supporting our local youth to use 
that very motto in their education, career 
and family. Applicants were required 
to submit a letter about themselves 
describing their career plans and goals. 
They also submitted an essay on the topic 
of our PIC motto: ‘Never Stop Improving’ – 
outlining why this motto is important in the 
swine industry and how PIC has applied 
this method to the agricultural industry.

133

students sponsored who 
have now successfully 
completed the programme

STRATEGIC REPORT42
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED

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

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

For Scope 1 and 2 emissions, we use 
the percentage of our equity stake in 
joint ventures to determine our share of 
joint venture emissions, and omit some 
livestock held by third parties where we 
have limited information or control over 
the management of livestock. We have 
determined and reported the emissions 
we are responsible for within this boundary 
and believe there are no material 
omissions for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. 

EXTERNAL ASSURANCE

DNV provided limited assurance over our 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions (see page 36).

GHG EMISSIONS REPORTING OUTCOMES 

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

Our total Scope 1 and 2 emissions have 
reduced from 81,051 tonnes of CO2e in 
FY22 to 77,366 tonnes of CO2e in FY23, a 
reduction of 3,685 tonnes of CO2e. This is 
a 4.6% reduction year-on-year, and is a 
13.5% reduction against our FY19 Baseline. 
When the data is normalised using our 
PIR, the ratio has reduced from 6.98t CO2e 
per tonnes of animal weight in FY22 to 
6.04t CO2e per tonnes of animal weight 
in FY23. This is a reduction of 13.5% year-
on-year and a 35.5% reduction from our 
FY19 Baseline which is driven by improved 
efficiency of producing animals, the 
closure of some older farms and opening 
of newer facilities, improved manure 
management to reduce methane and 
nitrous oxide emissions, improved energy 
efficiency, and increased herd size. 

The transformation of our vehicle fleet 
is making less progress than we had 
hoped for. Emissions have continued 
to increase by 10% relative to the FY19 
Baseline due to increased travel following 
on from COVID, but they are down on 
the FY22 absolute emissions by 208 
tonnes of CO2e. The roll out of cleaner 
vehicles is still being constrained by the 
availability of replacement vehicles from 
the manufacturers. In North America, the 
lack of vehicles and infrastructure are 
major barriers to progress. As an interim 
measure for North America, we are seeking 
to reduce the dependence of the business 
on large V8 petrol engine vehicles and 
to move to smaller V6 petrol trucks with 
turbo support to improve fuel efficiency. 
The average fuel efficiency of vehicles in 
the North American market is generally 
half of the European fleet. In the UK we 
currently have a fleet of 235 cars and vans. 
We have stopped replacing vehicles with 
petrol or diesel only vehicles and have 
been switching to petrol hybrid vans. We 
have 36 pure electric vehicles in our fleet. 
The transition to lower carbon vehicles will 
continue with a further 26 diesel/petrol 
vehicles being replaced with hybrids this 
year. By the end of 2026 we will no longer 
have any diesel vehicles in our fleet. 
From 2026 onwards we will then seek to 
transition to electric vehicles if the market 
is able to support this transition, and this 
should be completed as the four-year 
replacement cycle for our vehicles works 
through. Scope 3 Category 6 business 
travel emissions for FY23 were 5,245 tCO2e.

  We have published our Basis of 
Reporting on our website: 
www.genusplc.com/sustainability/
policies-and-reports/.

1  More information on our pathway to net zero 

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

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 
health and 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 better manure 
management, applying renewable 
power solutions to our vehicles and 
facilities and more efficient power 
use; and 
 partnering and advocating for policies 
that advance positive climate goals and 
identified United Nations Sustainable 
Development Goals (‘SDGs’). 

• 

• 

OUR REPORTING APPROACH 

We are committed to reducing GHG 
emissions in our operations and we 
use the ‘primary intensity ratio’ (‘PIR’) 
to report emissions reductions. In FY20, 
we refined our methods to measure 
GHG emissions and developed an FY19 
emission baseline (FY19 Baseline). We 
aim to reduce the PIR by 25% by 2030 
compared to our FY19 Baseline, and to 
have net zero GHG emissions by 20501. 
This means that even as our business 
grows, we are seeking to ensure that 
over time our GHG emissions shrink. 

Genus is on a journey to meet the 
TCFD recommendations and as with 
most businesses, measuring emissions 
is difficult. In FY24 we will take time to 
examine our processes and procedures 
for calculating emissions, to ensure 
our data is accurate and robust, with 
a focus on Scope 3 emissions. Many 
businesses are currently grappling with 
complexities associated with measuring 
Scope 3 emissions, but the agriculture 
sector presents additional challenges 
with obtaining reliable data in support 
of production and carbon performance, 
which can become more complex when 
managing globally traded commodities. 

STRATEGIC REPORT43
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

FY23 
Tonnes of CO2

FY22 
Tonnes of CO2e

FY21  
Tonnes of CO2e 

FY20  
Tonnes of CO2e 

FY19 
Tonnes of CO2e

FY23

Global 
(excluding 
UK and 
offshore)

Global 
(excluding 
UK and 
offshore) 

UK and 
offshore

UK and 
offshore 

Global 
(excluding 
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

2,923

64,677

2,461

68,217

2,626 

72,314 

2,630 

77,673 

3,178

78,773

Emissions from

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

Total Scope 1

67,601

70,678

74,940

80,303

81,951

-18%

Scope 2 – purchased 
electricity, steam, heat
and cooling 

162

9,603

150

10,223

130 

6,695 

168 

6,850 

171

7,268

Total Scope 2

9,765

10,373

6,825

7,018

7,439

31%

Total Scope 1 and 2 

3,086

74,280

2,611

78,440

2,756 

79,009 

2,798 

84,523 

3,349

86,041

-14%

Scope 3 emissions

Total emissions 

13,542

90,908

16,195

97,246

14,664

96,429

16,119

103,440

21,489

110,879

12,812

11,611

9,839

10,488

9,543

6.04

6.98

8.31

8.33

9.37

-36%

Primary intensity measure 
– animal weight (tonne) 

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

GENUS ENERGY DATA 

In line with the UK Government’s energy and carbon reporting requirements, further information on our energy consumption for FY23 
and FY22 across Genus is set out on the next page, along with historic data back to FY19. This is sourced from data for the carbon data 
reported 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 2022 to 30 June 2023. 

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

Units

FY23

FY22

FY21

FY20 

FY19

% change 
from FY19 
Baseline

Electricity Electricity imported

kWh

21,423,724

16,871,327

15,309,577

20,156,010

17,599,380

41%

Electricity generated from renewable 
sources and used on site

Electricity generated from renewable 
sources and exported

Electricity Imported – UK

kWh

1,120,678

590,330

384,012

334,670

303,800

269%

kWh

kWh

251,901

–

–

–

–

769,580

629,120

511,703

559,905

584,405

Electricity Imported – RoW

kWh

20,654,143

16,242,207

14,797,874

19,596,105

17,014,975

-37%

-18%

34%

–

32%

21%

STRATEGIC REPORT44
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED
GENUS’S NET ZERO ROADMAP

ACTIONS FOR CONTINUING OUR  
JOURNEY TOWARDS NET ZERO 

The TCFD recommendations and 
recommended disclosures recommend 
that companies that have made GHG 
reduction commitments should describe 
their plans for the transition to a low-
carbon future and economy. 

For Genus we have a wide range of 
activities that will contribute to our own 
decarbonisation efforts (as shown in 
the graphic opposite) and in helping 
our farmers and the wider value chain 
to collectively move towards net zero 
using our elite genetics. We are currently 
reviewing our 2030 and 2050 targets 
to ensure that they remain relevant 
and continue to meet stakeholders’ 
expectations. The review will include 
the outcomes from the TCFD scenario 
analysis (see TCFD disclosures section) 
and aim to ensure that our strategy 
and financial planning considers the 
future climate risks and opportunities 
that may have a material impact. 

KEY

Energy

Water

Genetic 
improvement

Data

Environment

Financial 
impact

Taking positive actions 
to reduce our emissions

2019

2023

2025

100%

Ongoing Genetic 
Improvement

Ongoing investment in 
renewables in Europe and 
the Americas

Investment in Solar PV
Dekorra, USA; Cremona, Italy; 
APEX, Canada; Cheshire UK

Aurora biogas project 
commissioned Green Power 
Procurement contract for UK

75%

Biogas projects  
Brazil and Canada

36 new petrol-hybrid vans 
and 4 EVs. Charging 
infrastructure review

O
I
T
A
R
Y
T
I

S
N
E
T
N

I

Y
R
A
M
R
P

I

No new petrol or diesel cars 
in UK. Fleet of 235 cars/vans, 
with 98 hybrids and 36 EVs

Ongoing transition to fuel 
efficient vehicles in the US

Composting Project
Dekorra, USA 

Assurance of Scope 1 and 2 
emissions and PIR

Hybrid and  
electric vehicle

Capital 
investment

50%

GENUS PLC PRIMARY INTENSITY RATIO

25%

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

0%

Develop Scope 3 assessment 
for porcine. Target FY24 
Annual Report

No diesel or petrol-only 
vehicles in fleet 2026

New Power Purchase 
Agreement for energy needs

Set water and waste 
baselines and 
reduction targets

LCAs for Porcine and Beef 
genetics used to measure 
emissions and set targets

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
45
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Building a climate resilient 
business and continuing  
towards net zero

Achieving net zero  
and a climate  
resilient business

2030

2040

2050

Achieve 25% reduction 
of Primary Intensity Ratio

Develop comprehensive 
Biodiversity Footprint

Offset remaining emissions  
to achieve net zero

Ongoing Genetic 
Improvement 

Ongoing Genetic 
Improvement

Update LCAs for Porcine and 
Bovine Elite Genetics 

Update LCAs for Porcine and 
Bovine Elite Genetics

Update LCAs for Porcine  
and Bovine Elite Genetics 

Phase out of hybrid  
vehicles and transition  
to EVs in Europe

Water and waste  
baselines and reduction 
targets achieved

Ongoing investment in 
renewable energy globally

Climate Change  
Adaptation investment 

Ongoing investment  
in slurry pond covers 
and anaerobic digesters

Ongoing investigation into 
carbon sequestration in soils 

Ongoing investment 
in improvement in  
electricity use efficiency

NET 
ZERO 
CO2e

STRATEGIC REPORT46
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED

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

The following statement is 
consistent with the TCFD 
Recommendations and 
Recommended Disclosures, 
identifying the risks and 
opportunities arising 
from climate change, the 
potential impact on our 
business and the actions 
we’re taking to respond, 
except as identified on 
page 57. This provides a 
description of the specific 
TCFD Recommendations 
and Recommended 
Disclosures with which 
we have not yet achieved 
compliance and a response 
to explain how we plan 
to close this gap.

During the year the Financial Reporting 
Council (‘FRC’) Corporate Review team 
carried out a review of our Annual 
Report and Accounts for the year ended 
30 June 2022 (‘FY22 Report’). Their 
review highlighted areas where the FY22 
Report did not comply with the TCFD 
Recommendations and Recommended 
Disclosures. The FRC noted that the FY22 
Report did not include a clear statement 
explaining whether the report included 
climate-related financial disclosures 
consistent with the Recommendations 
and Recommended Disclosures of the 
TCFD, as required by Listing Rule 9.8.6(8)R, 
and identified a number of areas where 
improvements could be made to the 
Company’s disclosures. Genus welcomed 
this feedback and is providing a clearer 
statement in this year’s Annual Report.

TCFD AND CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMARY

Genus recognises that climate change is a 
significant systemic and strategic risk and 
that livestock farming and management is 
a contributor to climate change. Climate 
change may exacerbate fluctuations in 
animal feed costs (over the medium to 
long term), cause more frequent impacts 
from adverse weather conditions, and 
limit access to water or increase the costs 
of accessing and treating water. Our 
qualitative and initial quantitative risk 
assessments show that whilst we may be 
at a greater risk from these events in the 
short to medium term, the geographical 
spread of our sites (largely driven by the 
need to meet market demand and to 
mitigate biosecurity risks), in conjunction 
with our normal business continuity plans 
(‘BCPs’) ensures that we are unlikely to 
experience a material climate-related 
loss in the next two to five years.

We are continuing to assess our exposure 
to climate risks, and recently conducted 
an independent consultant scenario 
analysis that indicates, in the long term, 
physical climate risks are not likely to 
result in material losses for the business in 
North America, Brazil or the UK. However, 
the scenario analysis has its limitations, 
and for example excludes our operations 
in Asia which currently sit below the 
materiality thresholds used in the analysis. 
We recognise that we will need to revisit 
the assumptions for Asia as the business 
grows to meet the growing demand for 
sustainably produced animal protein in 
that region. The scenario analysis also 
identifies the material climate transition 
risks, with the most significant transition 
risk relating to the exposure of the 

business to carbon taxes and emission 
trading. This is also linked to the energy 
transition opportunities, and to a lesser 
extent, to increased costs of producing 
raw materials. The findings from this 
scenario analysis support the climate 
strategy that we have followed to date.

We have made commitments to reduce 
our PIR and carbon footprint for Scope 
1 and 2 emissions (see page 38) where 
we are investing ~£2m per annum in 
biogas, renewables and similar energy 
projects. These projects reduce our 
exposure to future increases in energy 
prices and significantly reduce the Scope 
1 and 2 emissions from our business 
operations that could be subject to 
future carbon taxation. Genus is also 
working to improve its understanding 
of its Scope 3 emissions and will work to 
reduce these embedded emissions. 

Genus has a global reach that seeks 
to support leading farmers with more 
productive and resilient breeding animals, 
which enables farmers to produce meat 
and milk more efficiently and sustainably. 
As a global company we are aware of the 
regional and global risks and opportunities 
linked to changes of diet. Our elite animal 
genetics have a significant impact on the 
whole protein value chain and benefit 
multiple stakeholders. With an increasing 
world population that is expected to 
reach 8.6 billion in 2030, and 9.8 billion 
in 2050, we recognise that there will be 
regional variations in demands for animal 
protein, but see an overall increasing 
global demand, requiring our improved 
genetics to feed a growing global 
population with greater aspirations to eat 
a safe, affordable, and sustainable diet. 

In the next sections we will examine 
our progress in each of the core 
elements of TCFD reporting, being 
Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, 
and Metrics and Targets.

GOVERNANCE

The Board has overall responsibility and 
accountability for our Climate Change 
Policy and TCFD reporting. Genus’s Chief 
Executive has formal responsibility for 
implementing and monitoring the strategy 
to manage climate-related risks and 
realise the opportunities, and the Board 
reviews the business’s annual budgets, 
strategic plans and capital investments 
to ensure that the Company’s climate 
change action plans are implemented 
and integrated into the Company’s 
wider financial planning and strategy. 

STRATEGIC REPORTThese activities are described in further 
detail below. 

Risks and opportunities 
identification project
We performed a detailed business-
wide review of all sustainability risks 
(this included climate change) and 
opportunities, with an update to include 
an assessment of risks and opportunities 
by geographic region. We ran a series 
of workshops to validate the risks and 
opportunities within finance, sustainability, 
and business leadership teams across 
Genus. We ensured that we had a 
common understanding of the risk 
horizon, the qualitative understanding 
of the risk impact to our financial 
position and the variation within the 
geographical regions where we operate. 
We have also taken the decision to 
align our use of climate scenarios with 
the latest TCFD Recommendations 
and Recommended Disclosures. The 
risk assessment was between RCP 2.6 
climate scenario (where global warming 
is limited to below 2°C of pre-industrial 
temperatures) and RCP 8.5 (which 
assumes business as usual and therefore 
catastrophic global warming of 4.5°C). 

Qualitative Assessment  
of Risks and Opportunities 
We commissioned Marsh Consulting 
to undertake a deep-dive qualitative 
assessment of the following climate 
change risks – sea level rise, riverine 
flooding, flash flooding, drought, 
extreme temperatures, cyclone and 
wildfires. The sources utilised for this 
analysis include private risk information 
providers, such as Think Hazard, and 
global entities such as the World Bank. 
Academic sources were also used to gain 
a qualitative understanding of specific 
regional complexities to complement 
the quantitative risk data. Marsh also 
reviewed relevant news sources to gather 
information on local natural disasters 
that have occurred in recent years. 

47
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Sustainability Committee 
Genus updated its oversight on climate-
related issues in FY23 to ensure that 
climate change risks and opportunities 
receive management focus at the highest 
level. 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. 

Remuneration Policy
Genus has incorporated incentives for 
the management of climate-related 
issues into its remuneration policy for 
Executives. 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. From FY23 20% of 
the Performance Share Plan opportunity 
for the Executive Directors is 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 (see page 103).

STRATEGY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Strategy
In the short to medium term, the most 
significant impacts for Genus and its 
strategies around porcine and bovine 
genetic improvement are likely to arise 
from transition risks, specifically policy-
driven carbon price increases. This 
risk may impact the cost of feed and 
electricity used in the animal protein 
supply chain, increasing the price of the 
product for the consumer in some regions. 
We also recognise consumer preference 
and technological change could have 
an impact on our business strategies.

Genus believes that our ongoing 
climate change mitigation activities, in 
connection with our genetic improvement 
programmes and our carbon footprint, 
along with our continued investment in 
R&D, will continue to deliver sustainability 
and environmental benefits. 

Genus derives almost all of its revenue 
from products and services that make 
a positive contribution towards climate 
change mitigation and adaptation, 
by breeding animals which are healthier, 
grow faster, consume less feed and emit 
fewer emissions, whilst being more 
profitable for the farmers. We see strong 
demand for our improved genetics, and 
anticipate that this demand will grow over 
time, particularly where customer demand 
is supported and stimulated by 
decarbonisation policies. 

Our current actions to reduce emissions, 
BCPs and the isolated location of our 
facilities provide additional climate 
change mitigation and adaptation 
benefits that will seek to ensure that, in the 
short to medium term, there is no material 
detriment to our business. In the longer 
term, increases in the frequency and 
severity of physical risks, such as extreme 
weather events, water stress and higher 
ambient temperatures could have a 
greater potential to impact sites, supply 
networks and consumer value chains, 
whilst changes to regional climates may 
lead to changes to costs, the availability 
of raw materials, and the ability of our 
customers to produce feed and livestock.

Risk Management
As part of our Group Risk Management 
process, the Sustainability Committee 
oversees our sustainability principal risk, 
including the impacts of climate change. 
For more information, see page 61. The 
Sustainability Committee oversees the 
Company’s performance against its 
emissions reduction targets and makes 
recommendations to the Board in relation 
to our business strategy and risk 
management processes.

We regularly review and update our 
sustainability risks, including climate 
change, and update our Group Risk 
Registers. We include in our review 
climate-related risks for alternative 
climate scenarios (1.5°C and 4.0°C of 
warming). 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.

Climate-Related Risks and Opportunities 
– Identification, Determining Materiality
At the end of FY22, Genus had not 
complied with TCFD Recommendations 
and Recommended Disclosures to 
undertake a qualitative and quantitative 
assessment of our climate-related risks 
and opportunities under different climate 
scenarios. We had only undertaken a 
limited qualitative analysis of climate-
related risks and opportunities for 
alternative climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 
versus RCP 4.5) and this had previously 
been used to form an initial risk description 
and management response. 

We enhanced the risk and opportunity 
assessment process through the 
following initiatives:
•  Risks and opportunities 
identification project; 

•  Qualitative risks and opportunities 

assessment, using Marsh 
Consulting; and 

•  Quantitative risks and opportunities 
scenario analysis using a big four 
environmental consultancy team. 

STRATEGIC REPORT48
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED
TCFD STATEMENT CONTINUED

FY23 Risk and Opportunity Identification and Management Process

The table opposite shows the most 
significant physical and transition risks 
identified by Genus and the qualitative 
assessment of their impact through the 
Marsh input. Our risk assessment included 
over one hundred individual risks that 
have been assessed as being of minor 
concern because they are either unlikely 
to materialise or they are of low materiality 
for our business. The risks identified 
opposite are those we consider most 
significant. In line with the requirements 
of the TCFD, we have assessed how these 
risks may vary by region. Generally, most 
of the risks apply at a global level, but in 
some cases, we have considered specific 
geographies, supply chain and transition 
risks at a market level (i.e., diet change 
for environmental and climate reasons). 
We will continue to keep these risks under 
review, and to evaluate market trends 
over time and by region and market 
demographics, where appropriate.

Genus assesses risk by considering 
the likelihood of the risk or opportunity 
materialising within the time horizons 
noted in the time horizons table and 
having a potential financial impact of 
>£3m. Where risks are deemed to be high 
or medium, they have received additional 
focus, and we plan to look at additional 
climate mitigation actions in FY24. Once 
the mitigating actions have been agreed, 
we will re-score the risk, minus the impact 
of the mitigating actions, to ensure we 
have reached an acceptable level of risk 
or to identify further mitigation activities. 

In FY24, we will disclose how we have 
improved our physical climate risk 
exposure. The changes may be relatively 
small given that our sites are not exposed 
to significant physical climate risks, 
because they are reasonably isolated 
and not near forested areas, the coast or 
major rivers. For the purposes of this report 
we have only presented the gross-risk 
score (i.e., pre-mitigation and re-scoring). 
This simple assessment helped Genus to 
prioritise our operational sites where there 
is the greatest potential for a material 
loss or disruption to our operations. 

RISK OR 
OPPORTUNITY

TIME HORIZON

POTENTIAL IMPACT

VARIATION BY REGION

HOW WE MANAGE RISKS

1-2 
YEARS

3-5 
YEARS

5+ 
YEARS

UK/EU

NAM

LATAM

ASIA

s
k
s
i
R

l

a
c
i
s
y
h
P

s
k
s
i
R
n
o
i
t
i
s
n
a
r
T

Extreme weather events disrupting 
the value chain or our operations 
(e.g. flooding, drought, extremes of 
temperature, cyclones, and wildfires 
impacting the value chain, including 
the cost of raw materials).

Increased prevalence of pests, 
diseases, and zoonotic infections  
(e.g. climate change expands 
the range and rate of spread 
for diseases).

Risks to critical infrastructure  
(e.g. risk to critical facilities or utilities, 
including increased costs of, or 
disruption to, water, energy, 
transport, information technology).

Increasing consumer interest 
in alternative proteins.

Failure to produce genetic 
improvement that adapts to 
different climatic environments.

Influence of regulators, investors, 
or other stakeholders  
(e.g. increased disclosure 
requirements in the medium 
to long term).

Government policies encouraging 
carbon emissions reduction  
(e.g. carbon pricing which is a cost or 
incentive imposed by governmental 
or sub-governmental authority 
on carbon emissions, generating 
a financial motivation for companies 
to decarbonise). 

1.  Review the existing infrastructure (i.e., that outside of our business) and supply 

chain to evaluate the robustness in the event of regional/countrywide weather event, 

and review BCPs.

2.  Identify any opportunities for value chain diversification across different locations 

to reduce the impact of localised disruptions.

3.  Review existing insurance policies and BCPs along with identifying key sites that 

warrant investment to mitigate risks.

1.   Identify the regions where in the long-term new pests, diseases and zoonotic 

infections may migrate to. 

2.   Review the biosecurity and BCP controls to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

1.  Periodically, conduct a comprehensive infrastructure vulnerability assessment 

to identify potential weak points and develop contingency plans to update 

BCP processes.

2.   Continue to diversify and secure alternative sources of energy and transportation 

to reduce reliance on vulnerable infrastructure.

3.   Recognise that some regions have less resilient infrastructure and stress test the 

BCP plans and assumptions on a more regular basis with the need for extended 

resilience measures.

in other regions.

1.  Watching brief. In the EU/UK we may see reduced protein consumption linked to 

environmental concerns or government policy, balanced by increased consumption 

1.  Genus is well placed to produce elite genetics or cross breeds that are suited 

2.   Ensure that product development and R&D processes continue to manage these 

to different climatic environments. 

genetic improvement opportunities.

1.   EU/UK greater focus on disclosure and interest from stakeholders versus other regions. 

The LCAs will provide third-party validation and a strong business case for our genetics. 

2.  In the short to medium term we are likely to see the greatest changes in EU/UK/US 

markets. Ensure environmental legislation register continues to be updated to monitor 

changing regulations and ensures compliance with applicable legal requirements.

3.  Genus is well placed to produce elite genetics that are suited to different climates. 

Ensure that product development and R&D processes continue to manage these 

genetic improvement opportunities. 

1.  Genus is well placed to produce elite genetics that will reduce GHG emissions. 

2.  Continued refinement of risks and opportunities through focused R&D programmes.

3.  EU/UK greater focus on disclosure and interest from stakeholders versus other regions. 

The LCAs will provide third-party validation and a strong business case for our genetics. 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
49
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

KEY TO TABLE

Low risk

Medium risk

High risk

Opportunity

No material difference relative to the global risk

Elevated relative to global risk

Low relative to global risk

RISK OR 

OPPORTUNITY

1-2 

YEARS

3-5 

YEARS

5+ 

YEARS

TIME HORIZON

POTENTIAL IMPACT

VARIATION BY REGION

HOW WE MANAGE RISKS

UK/EU

NAM

LATAM

ASIA

s

k

s

i

R

l

a

c

i

s

y

h

P

s

k

s

i

R

n

o

i

t

i

s

n

a

r

T

Extreme weather events disrupting 

the value chain or our operations 

(e.g. flooding, drought, extremes of 

temperature, cyclones, and wildfires 

impacting the value chain, including 

the cost of raw materials).

Increased prevalence of pests, 

diseases, and zoonotic infections  

(e.g. climate change expands 

the range and rate of spread 

for diseases).

Risks to critical infrastructure  

(e.g. risk to critical facilities or utilities, 

including increased costs of, or 

disruption to, water, energy, 

transport, information technology).

Increasing consumer interest 

in alternative proteins.

Failure to produce genetic 

improvement that adapts to 

different climatic environments.

Influence of regulators, investors, 

or other stakeholders  

(e.g. increased disclosure 

requirements in the medium 

to long term).

Government policies encouraging 

carbon emissions reduction  

(e.g. carbon pricing which is a cost or 

incentive imposed by governmental 

or sub-governmental authority 

on carbon emissions, generating 

a financial motivation for companies 

to decarbonise). 

1.  Review the existing infrastructure (i.e., that outside of our business) and supply 

chain to evaluate the robustness in the event of regional/countrywide weather event, 
and review BCPs.

2.  Identify any opportunities for value chain diversification across different locations 

to reduce the impact of localised disruptions.

3.  Review existing insurance policies and BCPs along with identifying key sites that 

warrant investment to mitigate risks.

1.   Identify the regions where in the long-term new pests, diseases and zoonotic 

infections may migrate to. 

2.   Review the biosecurity and BCP controls to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

1.  Periodically, conduct a comprehensive infrastructure vulnerability assessment 
to identify potential weak points and develop contingency plans to update 
BCP processes.

2.   Continue to diversify and secure alternative sources of energy and transportation 

to reduce reliance on vulnerable infrastructure.

3.   Recognise that some regions have less resilient infrastructure and stress test the 
BCP plans and assumptions on a more regular basis with the need for extended 
resilience measures.

1.  Watching brief. In the EU/UK we may see reduced protein consumption linked to 

environmental concerns or government policy, balanced by increased consumption 
in other regions.

1.  Genus is well placed to produce elite genetics or cross breeds that are suited 

to different climatic environments. 

2.   Ensure that product development and R&D processes continue to manage these 

genetic improvement opportunities.

1.   EU/UK greater focus on disclosure and interest from stakeholders versus other regions. 

The LCAs will provide third-party validation and a strong business case for our genetics. 

2.  In the short to medium term we are likely to see the greatest changes in EU/UK/US 

markets. Ensure environmental legislation register continues to be updated to monitor 
changing regulations and ensures compliance with applicable legal requirements.
3.  Genus is well placed to produce elite genetics that are suited to different climates. 
Ensure that product development and R&D processes continue to manage these 
genetic improvement opportunities. 

1.  Genus is well placed to produce elite genetics that will reduce GHG emissions. 
2.  Continued refinement of risks and opportunities through focused R&D programmes.
3.  EU/UK greater focus on disclosure and interest from stakeholders versus other regions. 

The LCAs will provide third-party validation and a strong business case for our genetics. 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
50
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED
TCFD STATEMENT CONTINUED

TIME HORIZONS AND MATERIALITY

We use the following definitions and classifications to help us ensure alignment of the TCFD qualitative and quantitative 
scenario analysis with our existing annual and strategic business planning cycles (see table below). We have set the 
materiality threshold at £3m, which is consistent with our internal risk management assessment process. 

Genus Time Horizon

Alignment within Genus

Scenario Analysis Time Horizon

Short 
0–2 years 
(2023–2025)

Medium 
3–5 years

Long 
5+ years

0–2 years linked to our annual business planning and risk management cycle.

N/A

3–5 years links to our strategic planning cycle, but it also captures the transition 
risks and opportunities, and links to the planned R&D investment cycle (which is 
also linked to government funded opportunities with this time horizon).

Short-term 
(2023–2030)

5 years plus runs beyond our normal strategic planning cycle. This captures 
physical and transition risks over the longer term, our achievement of net zero 
goals, and emerging risks and opportunities that we are tracking.

Medium Term  
(2031-2040)

Asset planning and depreciation is evaluated and considered by Genus within 
these timeframes. See note 17 To the Group Financial Statements for the Year 
ended 30 June 2023.

Long Term  
(2041–2050)

Quantitative Scenario Analysis
Genus also sought a consultant’s 
support to conduct scenario analysis to 
understand the potential financial impact 
of key physical and transition risks and 
opportunities. The scenario analysis also 
supports Genus with strategic business 
planning as findings from scenario 
analysis can highlight key elements of 
a possible future and draw attention 
to the key factors that will drive future 
developments. The scenario analysis 
sought to review and shortlist key risks and 
opportunities to be quantified relating to: 
•  Transition risks and opportunities – 

carbon pricing, electricity cost (energy 
transition), raw material costs. 

•  Physical risks – across 11 key Genus sites 
in the US, Canada, UK and Brazil (but not 
including Asia).

A scenario analysis is a tool used to explore 
different futures, by capturing different 
assumptions about policy and physical 
climate impacts to project into a range 
of potential future outcomes. The main 
benefits of the scenario analysis are its 
value in informing strategic business 
decisions, in that we can: (i) enhance 
our risk management and identify 
potential new revenue opportunities; 
(ii) identify the appropriate climate 
change adaptation and mitigation 
options to support our transition; and 
(iii) meet regulatory requirements and 
provide enhanced disclosures to our 
stakeholders. However, there are limitations 
as scenarios are hypothetical, usually 
limited in scope and do not encompass 
all business activities or locations. 

The significance of any exposure was 
assessed in line with Genus’s materiality 
threshold of £3m and the data from the 
Marsh qualitative analysis was reviewed 
and used to assess the physical and 
transition risks for the scenario analysis. 

Scenario Analysis – Method 
The scenario analysis modelled the 
impacts for the 1.5°C (Paris agreement 
aligned) and 4°C (Business as usual) 
climate projections and across the 
Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 2 (‘SSP2’) 
transition pathway and used the ‘best-
fit’ sectors for Genus (i.e., agriculture, 
manufacturing and energy intensive 
technology). These climate scenarios are 
considered to highlight the variation in 
risks and opportunities directly, and model 
‘best-case’ and ‘worst-case’ outcomes for 
our business and the planet. The scenario 
analysis used our financial data from FY22, 
because this data had been audited and 
the FY23 financials were still incomplete. 

The scenario analysis assessed physical 
risk at 11 Genus sites (see figure opposite) 
using consistent assessment criteria which 
included both physical and transition 
risks. We have modelled price changes 
for our key raw materials (i.e., soya and 
corn) where we have an active hedging 
strategy. Energy costs and usage were also 
modelled for the 11 Genus sites. The outputs 
from the qualitative review of climate-
related risks and opportunities were 
considered, through a series of reviews and 
workshops to enable the transition risks to 
be rationalised for the scenario analysis 
to those shown in the table on page 48. It 
should be noted that some of our transition 
risks were deemed to be intangible and 
therefore unsuitable for modelling at this 
stage. For example, we explored how 
diet change and interest in alternative 
proteins could impact our business 
in the short, medium, and long term. 
Unfortunately, the diet change transition 
risk is extremely difficult to quantify and 
model, and we will continue to manage 
this risk and opportunity using a qualitative 
assessment. Other climate risks such as 
new regulations, influence of investors, 
stakeholders, and disclosure requirements 
were also deemed to be unsuitable for the 
quantitative scenario analysis. The scenario 
analysis does not model transition risks 
associated with access to, or the cost of 
water, or the interaction with biodiversity.

STRATEGIC REPORTSELECTED CLIMATE SCENARIOS 
AND QUANTIFICATION

• 

In line with TCFD Recommendations 
and Recommended Disclosures, our 
consultants have considered Genus’s 
climate risks and opportunities 
against two temperature pathways, 
1.5°C (Paris-aligned) and 4°C 
(business-as-usual).

•  Both scenarios are aligned to the 
SSP2, which also feeds into the 
IPCC’s sixth assessment report.
•  The scenarios were selected to 

represent two potential outcomes of 
global emission trajectories and their 
potential financial impact for Genus.

•  The scenario analysis conducted 

to quantify Genus’s key risk involved 
overlaying Genus specific scope 
and data (e.g. electricity cost/
volume and Scope 1 emissions) 
with a proprietary integrated 
assessment models economic and 
climate science impact projects to 
calculate the cost of decarbonising 
the economy. The carbon price used 
is calculated as the cost to the 
economy in order to meet a 
1.5°C scenario.

51
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

When considering emissions across both 
scenarios, emissions decline significantly in 
a 1.5°C scenario due to decarbonisation 
measures across all sectors and countries. 
Residual emissions derive from hard-to-
abate sectors such as steel, cement and 
petrochemicals. In a 4°C scenario global 
emissions still grow notably.

In each climate transition pathway, 
economic and sector performance was 
aligned with SSP2 which was a middle 
of the road assumption, with moderate 
population growth levelling in the second 
half of the century, and GDP growing in line 
with historical trends. 

The consultant constructed a proprietary 
economic model that calculates multiple 
variables for the future climate and 
economic projects (e.g., labour supply 
and costs, cost and availability of capital, 
carbon emissions, economic activity, 
price changes for key commodities). 
The output is then used to assess 
how Genus’s financials are potentially 
affected in these potential futures. 

Method for assessment of Genus’s 
transition risks, sites and scenario 
analysis parameters.

SELECTION METHODOLOGY

•  Our consultants considered Genus’s 
documents and data for physical 
and transition themes to identify 
a long-list of relevant risks 
and opportunities.

•  We reviewed the impact/likelihood 
as well as specificity of transition 
risks to determine a short-list of risks 
for quantified scenario analysis. For 
physical risk analysis on Genus sites, 
we assessed site replacement value, 
strategic importance, and existing 
physical hazard analysis to down-
select a proposed list.
In workshops, we identified and 
agreed upon three key transition 
risks and opportunities, as well as 11 
Genus sites for a deep dive physical 
risk assessment.

• 

•  Risks and opportunities that 

are relevant but identified to be 
non-quantifiable were excluded. 
We have provided some qualitative 
narrative in this annual report. Risks 
classed as non-quantifiable are 
those that, while may be significant, 
are broad, without clear metrics 
used to track materiality necessary 
for quantified scenario analysis.

The regions and locations that were 
assessed for the scenario analysis for 
both transition and physical climate risks.

2

1

4

3

2. CANADA

•  Atlas
•  Aurora

3. BRAZIL

•  Uberaba

4. UK

•  Ruthin
•  Towcester

1. USA

•  Apex
•  Dekorra
•  DeForest
•  Leeds
•  Waunakee
•  Windsor  

(Pepsi Way)

The consultant used workshops to identify 
three key transition risks and opportunities 
(carbon pricing, electricity cost, and raw 
material cost) in addition to the physical risk 
assessment of the 11 sites. 

As mentioned, the consultant considered 
Genus’s climate risks and opportunities 
against a 1.5°C and a 4°C pathway. In a 
1.5°C scenario, GDP is shown to increase 
over time across all countries, with all 
developed/service-based economies 
faring well, including countries included in 
this analysis: the USA, UK, Canada and 
Brazil. Economic performance is relatively 
constrained in Canada and the USA when 
compared to a 4°C scenario, due in part to 
carbon pricing. In comparison, constraints 
in Brazil’s economy in a 1.5°C scenario are 
offset by a relatively low carbon price and 
already significant hydropower generation, 
resulting in a lower cost of transition relative 
to other emerging economies. In a 4°C 
scenario, GDP could increase at a greater 
rate in all countries. In particular, emerging 
economies grow at an accelerated pace in 
this scenario. This is driven by business-as-
usual production pathways with no further 
policy intervention to curb emissions, 
thereby avoiding potential lost production, 
stranded labour or assets. 

STRATEGIC REPORT52
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED
TCFD STATEMENT CONTINUED

Scenario Analysis – Findings 
The findings of the scenario 
analysis indicate:
•  Genus’s most significant risk is carbon 

cost – carbon pricing poses a potentially 
significant financial impact to Genus 
in a 1.5°C scenario, with the analysis 
indicating an additional annual cost 
of approximately £22m (NPV from 
2022-2050 ~£53m) by 2050 for Scope 1 
emissions (e.g. fuel and livestock) across 
the 11 sites. At present, Genus currently 
does not incur any carbon costs at 
these sites. 

•  An opportunity to reduce electricity 

cost through the use of renewables in 
countries where the electricity grid is 
fossil fuel based. There is a greater risk 
to Genus’s electricity cost from carbon 
pricing in a 1.5°C scenario. On an annual 
basis, the electricity cost in a 1.5°C 
scenario will be around £1.8m by 2050. 
•  There are limited physical risks to Genus 
sites from extreme weather, with risk 
highlighted at the low level across 
extreme heat, extreme wind, soil 
subsidence and forest fire. 

•  There is limited physical risk for feed and 
raw materials. The transition risk for raw 
materials and feed costs also indicated 
a low significance. 

Potential Financial Impact NPV

The scenario analysis showed that Genus’s 
physical risk exposure at its 11 sites is 
limited. The table below, quantifies the 
exposure at the sites to physical risk 
including, extreme heat, forest fires, 
extreme wind and soil subsidence. 

The 2025 physical risk figures only include 
potential business interruption, but from 
2030 to 2050 the figures include additional 
costs that could be associated with site 
damage. While the risk is limited, the 
aggregated financial impact for extreme 
heat could become more significant 
between 2040 and 2050.

Type

Risk/Opportunity

Extreme Heat1

Aggregated Potential Impact 
(2050 NPV)

£1.2m 
Business interruption  
by 2050 for NAM

Forest Fires

£0.2m 
Negligible for  
most sites 

k
s
R

i

l

i

a
c
s
y
h
P

Extreme Wind

<£0.2m 
Limited, but more  
likely in the USA

Soil Subsidence <£0.2m 

Potentially low  
financial impact

Region

NAM

EMEA

LATAM

NAM

EMEA

LATAM

NAM

EMEA

LATAM

NAM

EMEA

LATAM 

Genus (2025)

Short (2030)

Medium (2040)

Long (2050)

Genus (2025)

Short (2030)

Medium (2040)

Long (2050)

Drivers and if no mitigating actions taken by Genus

1.5°C Scenario

4°C Scenario

Local temperatures changing based on climate 

projections. Heat extremes are assumed to 

be associated with site disruption rather than 

asset damage. 

Change in local temperature, humidity, wind speeds 

and forest fire prone land based on climate projections. 

Very few of Genus’s sites are near heavily forested 

areas. Across all assets the overall financial impact is 

negligible in both scenarios, but more likely for Brazil 

and DeForest in a 4°C scenario.

Change in baseline wind gust speed based on 

changing weather systems. Analysis does not include 

tropical cyclones, hurricanes or tornadoes because 

these are difficult to predict and model at an 

appropriate scale.

Change in soil moisture, and for soils that are 

particularly prone to shrinkage during prolonged 

drought occurring at a site’s location, increases the 

probability of soil subsidence that results in damage 

to buildings, drainage, and other site infrastructure.

1  Extreme heat only considers the impacts to business disruption such as drought, but not the direct impacts on the welfare of our people and livestock. We are aware that 

extreme heat can cause semen production and quality to drop in our bulls. This will be an area for more detailed discussion and future analysis. The scenario analysis indicates 
we have sufficient time to review and implement cost-effective mitigation options before 2040-2050

STRATEGIC REPORT 
53
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

KEY TO SCENARIO POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Potential saving

Potential costs

Low <£1m

Medium £1-3m

High >£3m

Type

Risk/Opportunity

(2050 NPV)

Genus (2025)

Short (2030)

Medium (2040)

Long (2050)

Genus (2025)

Short (2030)

Medium (2040)

Long (2050)

Drivers and if no mitigating actions taken by Genus

Potential Financial Impact NPV

1.5°C Scenario

4°C Scenario

Local temperatures changing based on climate 
projections. Heat extremes are assumed to 
be associated with site disruption rather than 
asset damage. 

Change in local temperature, humidity, wind speeds 
and forest fire prone land based on climate projections. 
Very few of Genus’s sites are near heavily forested 
areas. Across all assets the overall financial impact is 
negligible in both scenarios, but more likely for Brazil 
and DeForest in a 4°C scenario.

Change in baseline wind gust speed based on 
changing weather systems. Analysis does not include 
tropical cyclones, hurricanes or tornadoes because 
these are difficult to predict and model at an 
appropriate scale.

Change in soil moisture, and for soils that are 
particularly prone to shrinkage during prolonged 
drought occurring at a site’s location, increases the 
probability of soil subsidence that results in damage 
to buildings, drainage, and other site infrastructure.

Aggregated Potential Impact 

Extreme Heat1

£1.2m 

Business interruption  

by 2050 for NAM

Forest Fires

£0.2m 

Negligible for  

most sites 

k

s

i

R

l

a

c

i

s

y

h

P

Extreme Wind

<£0.2m 

Limited, but more  

likely in the USA

Soil Subsidence <£0.2m 

Potentially low  

financial impact

Region

NAM

EMEA

LATAM

NAM

EMEA

LATAM

NAM

EMEA

LATAM

NAM

EMEA

LATAM 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
54
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED
TCFD STATEMENT CONTINUED

The scenario analysis also concluded that 
Genus’s overall transition risk exposure 
is limited. The table below identifies the 
transition risks of carbon price, energy and 
raw materials (expressed with no mitigating 
actions) and an aggregated potential 
financial impact to 2050. 

Type Risk/Opportunity

Aggregated Potential Impact 
(2022-2050 NPV)

Carbon Cost Potential exposure of 
£53.3m concentrated 
in USA and Canada

Energy 
Transition

Potential Exposure of 
£2.0m with the USA 
more exposed

A failure of sufficient action to decarbonise 
the business could lead to significant 
costs in the future of approximately 
£53m in net present value in a 1.5°C 
scenario for carbon taxation and pricing, 
along with an additional potential 
exposure of approximately £2m in 
electricity costs. In each case, much 
of the additional cost impacts were in 
the US with a lower share of renewable 
energy, and more aggressive transition 
towards the Paris agreement goals. 

The Next Steps
Following the scenario analysis, it is 
anticipated that the following will occur: 
•  Continued review and analysis of the 
implications of the scenario analysis;
•  Embedding the scenario analysis within 
the business to seek to mitigate risks 
and capture opportunities; 

•  Conduct a broader scenario analysis 
which includes Genus’s Asian sites; 

•  Create a more holistic transition 

plan; and 
Improve Scope 3 emissions data. 

• 

Region

Genus (2025)

Short (2030)

Medium (2040)

Long (2050)

4°C Scenario

Potential Financial Impact NPV

1.5°C Scenario

NAM

EMEA

LATAM

NAM

EMEA

LATAM

Not applicable 
– The scenario 
analysis 
considers 
the potential 
remaining 
exposure 
between a BAU 
4°C scenario 
and the 
transition to a 
1.5°C scenario.

i

k
s
R
n
o
i
t
i
s
n
a
r
T

Raw Materials 
(Corn)1

Low Risk £0.1m

NAM

None

EMEA Not applicable because corn is not used in this 

region’s operations.

LATAM Not applicable because corn is not used in this 

region’s operations.

Raw Materials 
(Soya)1

Low Risk £0.9m

NAM

EMEA

LATAM 

KEY TO SCENARIO POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Potential saving

Potential costs

Low <£1m

Medium £1-3m

High >£3m

1  Physical risk analysis for heat stress on crop production, water availability etc 

have not been considered as part of this initial scenario analysis

STRATEGIC REPORT 
55
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

In view of the impact our products have 
on carbon emissions in our value chain, 
we have adopted genetic improvement 
targets which consider generational 
change in the carbon impact of pork, 
beef and dairy products. We believe 
that animal genetics are core to helping 
producers meet the increased demands 
for affordable, nutritious food for all, using 
fewer resources of water, energy and 
land, at a fraction of the greenhouse gas 
emissions of alternative systems. Through 
our genetic improvement programmes, 
which we have pioneered over many 
decades, we offer our customers an 
opportunity for measurable reductions 
in their carbon emissions, use of water, 
land and other natural resources. 

The figures in the table overleaf highlight 
the value our genetics provide per animal. 
The real strength of our elite genetics 
builds down successive generations and 
with the number of animals produced by 
our farmers across the globe. When we 
have completed our LCA for our porcine 
and bovine beef genetic lines, we will be 
able to provide an accurate assessment of 
the value our genetics brings to the value 
chain and the corresponding savings in 
carbon emissions.

METRICS AND TARGETS

Genus has committed to climate-related 
carbon reduction targets to drive 
performance in areas both directly 
controlled by us and which provide 
usefulness across our value chain, including:
•  Total Scope 1 & 2 emissions; 
•  Primary Intensity Ratio (Tonnes of 

CO2e/Tonne Live weight of animals 
produced); and 

•  Genetic Improvement (separate indices 

for Pork, Beef and Dairy sectors)

Genus also has goals and incentives for 
Executives and executive management 
for these climate-related targets 
(see Remuneration Committee Report).

Scope 1 and 2 emissions  
and Primary Intensity Ratio
Our total Scope 1 and 2 emissions and PIR 
targets, and performance against those 
targets, are set out on page 43. 

Genetic Improvement Targets 
We believe genomic approaches to 
animal breeding offer the most cost-
effective way to lower carbon emissions. 
Our approach focuses not only on 
improved animal performance, but also 
on improved health and wellbeing, which 
has the potential to reduce the need for 
antibiotics and veterinary care. We are 
pioneering a number of breakthrough 
technologies, such as gene editing and 
advanced reproductive techniques. 
These offer an immediate and effective 
response to food security threats such as 
those posed by novel viruses like PRRS.

STRATEGIC REPORT56
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT CONTINUED
TCFD STATEMENT CONTINUED

GENETIC 
IMPROVEMENT 
TARGETS

PORCINE

TARGET DESCRIPTION

KPI

FY23 KPI 
ACHIEVED

COMMENTARY

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

One standard deviation of 
improvement equivalent to 
20 index points on PIC’s 
proprietary index. -2.22 kg 
CO2e per market pig.

22.4 points 
improvement in 
PIC index per 
market pig.

The improvement of the PIC 
index translates into a reduction 
of 2.18 kg CO2e per market pig  
in FY23. 

We will be seeking to replace 
this metric in FY24 with data 
obtained from our peer 
reviewed LCA.

Reduction of 0.287 kg CO2e/kg 
carcass weight exceeds 
target of 0.127 kg CO2e/kg 
carcass weight. 

The work to develop a beef LCA 
will over time replace this metric.

Annual improvement of $NM 133 
index, exceeding annual 
improvement target of $NM 66.9.

FY23-sired cows would produce 
279 kg less CO2e than the 
FY22-sired cows to produce  
the equivalent amount of 
lifetime milk.

BOVINE 
— BEEF

0.127 kg reduction in the 
life cycle carbon emissions 
required to produce 1 kg 
of beef.

Change in feed conversion 
ratio (‘FCR’) of 0.8, equivalent 
to a yearly change in CO2e 
emissions of 0.127 kg CO2e/kg 
carcass weight.

0.287 kg CO2e/kg 
carcass weight.

BOVINE 
— DAIRY

Yearly improvement 
of $66.9 in the $ net 
merit index (a public 
US dairy industry index 
measuring commercial 
performance traits).

Yearly improvement of $NM 
66.9 index.

$NM 133

  For a detailed explanation of our genetic improvement targets, how these targets are calculated, 
and the impact of genetic improvement on the animals ultimate carbon footprint, see our website: 
www.genusplc.com/sustainability.

STRATEGIC REPORT57
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE TCFD 
RECOMMENDATIONS AND 
RECOMMENDED DISCLOSURES

Strategy and Risk Management
We have not complied with Strategy 
recommendations B and C. TCFD requires 
companies to describe the impact of 
climate related risks and opportunities on 
the organisation’s business, strategy, and 
financial planning and to describe the 
resilience of the organisation’s strategy, 
taking into consideration different climate 
related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower 
scenario. We have recently undertaken our 
first scenario analysis (see above), which 
assessed the physical and transitional 
risks and opportunities at 11 sites. We will 
expand this assessment to additional 
Genus sites in FY24, as well as performing 
a quantitative analysis of the Company’s 
climate-related opportunities. In relation 
to the scenario analysis, we note that 
we need more time to: (i) fully evaluate 
the scenario analysis findings; (ii) review 
and update our climate transition plan; 
and (iii) fully understand how we can 
work in partnership with our value chain 
to drive down Scope 3 emissions. This 
will be the focus of further work in FY24. 

Metrics and Targets 
We have not complied with Metrics and 
Targets recommendations B and C. 
TCFD requires companies to disclose 
Scope 1, Scope 2, and if appropriate, 
Scope 3 emissions, and the related 
risks, and describe the targets used by 
the organisation to manage climate-
related risks and opportunities, including 
the performance against targets. 
Whilst we have disclosed our Scope 
3 emissions relating to business travel 
and waste management, we have not 
yet established a robust baseline for 
our Scope 3 value chain emissions, nor 
have we published details of how the 
boundary for the Scope 3 emissions 
has been set. In addition, we do not yet 
have the processes and governance 
in place to enable us to work with our 
strategic value chain partners to agree 
and deliver Scope 3 emission reductions.

In FY24, we will use the scenario analysis to 
inform and update our transition plan and 
road map (see page 44). In addition, we will 
examine and report on material porcine 
Scope 3 emissions and follow this in FY25 
with material beef Scope 3 emissions.

STRATEGIC REPORT58
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

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 opposite 
describes our key stakeholders and 
examples of engagement during 
the year and actions which arose.

CUSTOMERS AND CONSUMERS

Board representative: 
All Directors

HOW WE ENGAGE 

KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED

•  The Board visits key customers 

•  Need for a high-quality 

customer experience at an 
appropriate cost to serve

ACTIONS ARISING

•  Continued to roll out GenusOne 
for customers in Latin America, 
Europe and the UK

•  The Board scrutinised ABS 

management’s strategy, plans 
and actions to address its  
go-to market approach in  
five key markets

and operators at different levels 
of the supply chain, including 
meeting with farmers, 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

EMPLOYEES

Board representative: 
Lesley Knox, Lykele van der Broek

HOW WE ENGAGE 

KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED

•  Direct engagement by 

Workforce Engagement Directors

•  Employee Your Voice 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

• 

Improvement areas raised in the 
Your Voice survey:
–  Strengthen employee 

experience 

–  Learning and development
–  Increase focus on 

sustainability

–  Health and safety

ACTIONS ARISING

•  Regular internal communications 

•  The Board reviewed feedback 

from management

•  Employee-led resource groups
•  Health and safety training 
programme and regular 
updates/briefings

from employees received directly 
and continued to monitor 
management’s plans to address 
the key points raised in the FY22 
Your Voice survey

•  Ensuring safe working 

environments with a strong focus 
on health and safety strategy 
and culture

STRATEGIC REPORT59
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SHAREHOLDERS

Board representative: 
Iain Ferguson

HOW WE ENGAGE 

KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED

• 

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

•  Results announcements, 

presentations and webcasts
•  AGM and trading update in 

November 2022

•  Annual Report
•  Regular news flow on  
key developments

•  Shareholder consultation on 

governance matters

•  Ongoing shareholder interest in 
sustainability and environmental 
performance

ACTIONS ARISING

• 

 Continued focus on 
sustainability (see page 36 to 57)

T
R
O
P
E
R
C
G
E
T
A
R
T
S

I

COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENT

Board representative: 
Lysanne Gray

HOW WE ENGAGE 

KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED

•  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

•  Potential impact of climate 

change on the business and  
our communities

ACTIONS ARISING

•  The Board continued 

to scrutinise management’s 
strategy, plans and actions 
to achieve climate 
change targets

•  The Board reviewed 

and approved the Company’s 
TCFD disclosures, including 
an updated assessment of the 
Company’s climate-related risks 
and opportunities and related 
climate scenario analysis 
(see pages 50 to 54)

 
60
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

Risk management and  
additional information

See pages 36 to 56

Employees

Global Employee Handbook;

See pages 35 to 35

Human rights

Social matters

Whistleblower Policy

Global Employee Handbook;

Whistleblower Policy

Charitable Donations Policy

Anti-corruption and anti-bribery

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

See page 35

See page 35

See page 35

See page 39

See page 35

Policy embedding, due diligence 
and outcomes

Global Employee Handbook

See Strategic Report on pages 1 to 33

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 61 to 64

See Business Model on pages 1 to 10

Non-financial key performance indicators

Sustainability Framework

See page 38 to 39

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Information on the Group’s environmental 
impact can be found on pages 36 to 56. 

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(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 
has complied 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.

SECTION 172 STATEMENT

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 58 to 59.

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 pages 34 to 35 
and as made available on our website 
www.genusplc.com.

Maintaining high standards of business 
conduct also relies on having the right 
culture within the Group. Page 72 
describes how the Board maintains 
oversight of culture.

STRATEGIC REPORT61
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

RISK MANAGEMENT

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 72 to 79.

T
R
O
P
E
R
C
G
E
T
A
R
T
S

I

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.

LINK TO STRATEGY

  Read more on pages 20 to 21

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

Some of these risks relate to our business 
operations, 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 
attributed to the on-going Russia-
Ukraine conflict and slow economic 
recovery in China post COVID-19. 

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 of risks focused on:
•  the continued impact of the Russia-

Ukraine conflict; 

•  geopolitical tensions across the globe;
•  macroeconomic conditions; 
impacts of climate change; 
• 
•  carbon pricing; and
•  cyber security.

There have been two changes to our 
principal risks this year. The first is 
an increase to our Sustainability risk 
given increased regulations, reporting 
requirements and carbon pricing. The 
second is a reduction in our Hiring and 
Retaining Talented People risk based on 
our successful recruitment and succession 
planning for key positions. Last year we 
elevated cyber security to a principal 
risk and we continue to see an increase 
in the sophistication and frequency 
of cyber crime across industries. 

 
62
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUED

RISK

RISK DESCRIPTION

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

RISK CHANGE IN FY23

Strategic Risks

DEVELOPING 
PRODUCTS WITH 
COMPETITIVE 
ADVANTAGE

STRATEGIC LINK

•  Development programmes  

fail to produce best genetics 
for customers.

•  Increased competition to secure 

elite genetics.

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.

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

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. We also partner 
with universities and other bodies 
to further our developments.

Our continued development of the 
technology and its deployment to new 
markets is supported by dedicated 
internal resources and agreements 
with suppliers. To ensure optimum 
performance we provide maintenance 
and specialist training to our customers 
and continuously monitor productivity.

Current patent infringement 
proceedings initiated by 
STgenetics in the US continue 
to be vigorously defended.

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 
focused on maximising value.

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.

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

No change. We have 
expanded the number of 
machines and our customer 
base this year and continue 
to optimise performance.

Continued uncertainty over 
further legal actions and 
uncertainties in relation to 
patent infringements. 

No change. 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 work closely with regulators 
to ensure our products meet 
exacting standards. We are 
expecting US FDA regulatory 
approval for our PRRSv-resistant 
pigs in the first half of 2024.

No change. We continue 
to work diligently to identify 
areas of opportunity consistent 
with our strategic plans. 
Values, and our aim to 
accelerate growth and create 
value for our shareholders.

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

No change. The global 
macroeconomic conditions 
driven by post COVID-19 
recovery and the Russia-Ukraine 
conflict have driven market 
price volatility. This has been 
especially felt in the China 
porcine market. The risks 
to our business in Russia 
are described in note 4.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
63
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

RISK

RISK DESCRIPTION

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

RISK CHANGE IN FY23

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 and our sustainability risk 
register. 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. See our 
TCFD reporting on pages 46 to 57.

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, and we have a long-
term retention incentive scheme. We 
work closely with several specialist 
recruitment agencies, to identify 
candidates with the skills we need.

Increased. There is increasing 
regulation and demand 
for transparency and 
accuracy of reporting on 
sustainability targets. There 
is an increase in carbon cost 
and a notable change in more 
frequent weather related 
events across the globe. 

Our carbon reduction plans are 
on track to meet our 2030 goals 
and we have achieved a 
significant reduction in our 
intensity measures since 2019.

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

No change. There continue to be 
global supply chain challenges 
driven by the current economic 
climate, increased trade 
sanctions, and, the continued 
spread of ASF, especially  
in China. 

Reduced. We have been able to 
attract and recruit key talent to 
critical roles including the new 
CEO. Post-COVID employee 
turnover in certain areas has 
now returned to normal levels.

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
64
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUED

RISK

RISK DESCRIPTION

HOW WE MANAGE RISK

RISK CHANGE IN FY23

Operational Risks continued

CYBER SECURITY

STRATEGIC LINK

•  Failure to adequately detect 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.

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).

•  Geopolitical tensions and the 

Russia-Ukraine conflict impact 
on agricultural markets.

We utilise a flexible multi-layered 
approach that focuses on employee 
awareness and training, policies, 
software, and a third-party 24/7 
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 and have a programme 
focused on continued cyber security 
improvements. Our GenusOne 
programme continues to progress well, 
improving our operational controls and 
IT security as we move to the cloud. 

No change. There has been 
a continued rise in the 
sophistication, methods of 
attack and frequency of 
cyber crime against global 
organisations. Increased 
geopolitical tensions also 
heighten the risks of a 
targeted cyber attacks. 

To mitigate these risks, our 
programme of enhancing 
cyber protection following 
the IT security incident in 
June 2022 was successfully 
implemented in the year.

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.

No change. There has been a 
slow post-COVID 19 economic 
recovery and global inflationary 
pressure, however agricultural 
input prices are now reducing  
for producers in many of  
our markets.

The China pork market 
continues to deal with the 
challenges of ASF, volatile 
prices and weak demand. 

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
65
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 2023 
whereby the Group recorded 
adjusted profit before tax of £71.5m 
in actual currency;

•  Genus’s cash position on 30 June 2023 

with net debt of £195.8m (2022: £185.0m) 
and had substantial headroom of £119m 
over available facilities (2022: £78m); 
•  Genus’s credit facility agreement which 
consists of a £190m multi-currency RCF, 
a 150m US dollar RCF and a US 20m USD 
bond guarantee. The term of the facility 
is for four years to August 2025 having 
already exercised both extension 
options. Additionally, there is an 
uncommitted £40m accordion option 
which can be requested a further two 
occasions over the remaining lifetime 
of the facility. The Group have yet to 
enter discussions with the banking 
syndicate regarding a new facility, 
however given the current standing 
of our business relationship with the 
syndicate we have a reasonable 
expectation that a new facility would 
be offered on appropriate terms; 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 20). 
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:

Three-year 
cumulative 
impact to 
free cash flow  

Growing in emerging 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.

£m

(114.7)

(1.5)

(42.4)

(47.2)

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 
remains adequate under these sensitivities 
and reverse stress tests, including our 
mitigating actions and expectation of 
renewing appropriate facilities. 

In their assessment of the Group’s viability, 
the Directors have determined that a 
three-year time horizon, to June 2026, 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.

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 2026. 

There are no indications from this 
assessment that change this expectation 
when looking beyond 30 June 2026 at the 
Group’s longer-term prospects.

The Strategic Report was approved by the 
Board of Directors on 6 September 2023 
and signed on its behalf by:

Jorgen Kokke
Chief Executive 
6 September 2023

Alison Henriksen
Chief Financial Officer 
6 September 2023

STRATEGIC REPORT66
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

ENSURING   
SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS

Dear Shareholder

This section of the report explains our 
corporate governance arrangements and 
demonstrates how we complied with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code 
throughout the year.

As I outlined in my statement in the 
Strategic Report, the key governance 
event of the year was the recruitment 
of Jorgen Kokke as our new Chief 
Executive. Having joined the Board on 
2 May 2023, Jorgen formally took over 
from Stephen Wilson on 1 July 2023, with 
Stephen supporting the transition of 
responsibility until he retires at the end 
of September. Jorgen has undertaken a 
thorough induction programme and more 
information on this and his recruitment 
can be found in the Nomination 
Committee report on page 80.

Approving and overseeing the Group’s 
strategy is one of our most important 
responsibilities as a Board. In addition to 
our annual strategy session (see page 
75), we are devoting time within every 
Board meeting to discussing strategy and 
ensuring we are focused on the areas 
that are critical to Genus’s sustainable 
success. The Non-Executive Directors’ 
external perspective is particularly 
valuable when considering questions such 
as the Group’s geographical balance 
and where best to commit the Group’s 
people and capital. Our work this year 
has reaffirmed our opinion that Genus’s 
strategy is correct and will continue 
to deliver for all our stakeholders.

In last year’s report, we outlined our 
reasons for continuing to operate in 
Russia, following the invasion of Ukraine. 
In summary, we concluded that we had 
been granted licences from HM Treasury 
and the Department of International 
Trade to continue to trade and while 
we continued to comply with all laws 
and sanctions, we should adhere to our 
purpose and principles and maintain 
our operations in the country. In our 
view, this was in the best interests of 
our employees, our animals and the 
many people who ultimately depend on 
our work for their food. The Board has 
reviewed this position throughout the 
year and our view is currently unchanged. 
We will continue to keep a close eye 
on the situation as it develops.

For the coming year, the Board has 
a number of priorities. These include 
ensuring a successful CEO transition 
and recruiting a replacement for Lykele 
van der Broek, who will retire as a Non-
Executive Director at November’s AGM. 
We will also play close attention to the 
Group’s key strategic initiatives, such 
as the commercialisation of PRRSv-
resistant pigs and the refinement of 
ABS’s go-to-market approach.

Iain Ferguson CBE
Non-Executive Chairman 
6 September 2023 

IAIN FERGUSON CBE
Non-Executive Chairman

We devote time 
at every Board 
meeting to discuss 
strategy and 
ensure we are 
focused on the 
areas critical 
to Genus’s 
sustainable 
success.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE67
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

The UK Corporate Governance Code 
2018 (the ‘Code’) applied to the financial 
year ended 30 June 2023. The Code 
is available at www.frc.org.uk.

During the year ended 30 June 2023, 
Genus applied all the principles of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code and 
complied with all of the Code’s provisions. 

More information on our application of 
the Code can be found in the sections 
indicated in the table opposite.

CODE PRINCIPLES

1. Board leadership 
and Company purpose

The Board’s role

Purpose, culture, values 
and strategy

Stakeholder engagement

The Board’s year in review

2. Division of responsibilities

Board roles and 
responsibilities

Board and Committee 
structure

Non-Executive Director 
independence

Page(s)

72

72

72

72

73

76

76

76-77

76

3. Composition, succession 
and evaluation

78-82

Board composition

Board effectiveness

Election and re-election 
of Directors

Nomination Committee 
report

4. Audit, risk and internal 
control

Audit & Risk Committee 
report

5. Remuneration

Directors’ remuneration 
report

78

78

79

80-82

83-88

83-88

89-113

89-113

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE 
HEADLINES 
AT A GLANCE

32.0p

Full Year Dividend

The Board is recommending a final 
dividend of 21.7p per share, which will 
give a total dividend of 32.0p (2022: 
32.0p. The final dividend will be paid 
on 8 December 2023, to shareholders 
on the register at the close of business 
on 10 November 2023.

1  0-2 years 
2  2-4 years 
3  4-6 years 
4  6-8 years 
5  8-9 years 

1
3
2
0
2

BOARD TENURE1

1

2

5

4

3

1  As at 30 June 2023

INDEPENDENCE OF THE BOARD2 
(Excluding the chair)

A

B

A  Independent 
B  Executive 

4 (57%)
3 (43%)

2  Board members as at 30 June 2023 and 

remains correct as at the date of publication 
of the Annual Report

BOARD ETHNIC DIVERSITY3 

A

A  White 
B  Mixed 

B

7 (87%)
1 (13%)

3  See the Company’s 2022 submission to the 

Parker Review for more information.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE68
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMPANY SECRETARY

COMMITTEE 
MEMBERSHIP

BOARD 
APPOINTMENT

SKILLS AND 
EXPERIENCE

IAIN FERGUSON CBE
Non-Executive Chairman

JORGEN KOKKE
Chief Executive

STEPHEN WILSON
Executive Director 

ALISON HENRIKSEN
Chief Financial Officer

LYSANNE GRAY

Non-Executive Director

LYKELE VAN DER BROEK

Non-Executive Director; 

Workforce Engagement 

LESLEY KNOX

Senior Independent 

Director

PROFESSOR 

JASON CHIN

Non-Executive Director

DAN HARTLEY

Group General Counsel 

and Company Secretary

Director

July 2020

May 2023

January 2013

January 2020

April 2016

July 2014

June 2018

April 2021

June 2014

•   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

•  Deep experience in the 
international food and 
agriculture sectors
•  14 years in global 

leadership roles at 
Ingredion Incorporated, 
a leading New York 
listed food and 
beverage ingredient 
solutions company
•  Led Ingredion’s North 
and South American 
businesses, driving 
growth by leveraging 
R&D-led innovation 
and commercial and 
operational excellence

•  Masters in Economics 
from the University 
of Amsterdam

•  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 a 

Chartered Accountant 
with Ernst & Young

•  Significant experience 

•  Vast experience of 

•  Broad international, 

•  Extensive experience 

of risk management, 

audit, business 

operations, acquisitions 

and disposals, and 

corporate governance, 

gained within the 

food sector

growing companies and 

working in agricultural 

businesses throughout 

the world, including in 

emerging markets

•  One of our designated 

Workforce Engagement 

•  Qualified Chartered 

Directors

Accountant

•  The Board’s 

Sustainability Sponsor

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 

companies including 

manufacturers and 

distributors of food 

products, encompassing 

poultry and poultry 

breeding companies

•  One of our designated 

Workforce Engagement 

•  Associate Faculty 

Directors

•  Significant experience 

in multi-jurisdictional 

patent litigation, mergers 

and acquisitions, 

patent and technology 

licensing and managing 

product life cycles

•  Degrees in science 

and law

CURRENT 
APPOINTMENTS

Chairman of Crest Nicholson 
Holdings plc; Chairman of Personal 
Assets Trust plc; Pro-Chancellor 
of Cranfield University.

None

Non-Executive Director 
of Renishaw plc; Non-
Executive Director of 
Canonical Holdings Limited.

None

Executive Vice President 

Sustainable Business 

Performance and Reporting 

at Unilever plc.

Chair of Eden Research plc

Senior Independent 

None

Director of 3i Group plc; 

Non-Executive Director 

of Legal & General, 

where she also chairs the 

Remuneration Committee.

PAST 
APPOINTMENTS

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.

Senior roles at Ingredion, 
including Executive Vice 
President & President 
Americas, president, Asia 
Pacific and EMEA, and 
president, North America; 
Vice President of Food & 
Nutrition and Director of 
Strategy and Business 
Development at Corbion, 
a producer of sustainable 
ingredient solutions; and 
leadership positions at 
Loders Croklaan.

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.

Financial Controller at 

Member of the Board of 

Unilever plc and Unilever NV; 

Management of Bayer 

Founder Director of British 

Linen Advisers; senior roles 

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.

CropScience, a division of 

Bayer AG; senior 

at Dresdner Kleinwort 

Benson; solicitor at 

international roles including 

Slaughter & May; and 

the Head of Bayer 

CropScience’s BioScience 

numerous non-executive 

roles, including Centrica, 

division; and President of the 

SAB Miller, Alliance Trust, 

Bayer HealthCare Animal 

Hays, Scottish Provident, 

Health division.

Bank of Scotland, Grosvenor 

Group and Thomas Cook.

Senior Vice President and 

International Counsel of 

Shire plc; and senior and 

global roles in private 

practice, in the UK 

and Australia.

and apply methods 

for reprogramming 

the genetic code 

of living organisms, 

spanning chemistry, 

chemical biology and 

synthetic biology

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; Director and Chief 

Scientific Officer of 

Constructive Biology; 

Non-Executive Director 

of Department for Science, 

Innovation and Technology.

Positions on the scientific 

advisory boards of a 

number of companies, 

including Synaffix BV.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
69
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

BOARD GENDER BREAKDOWN
5 (62.5%)
M = Male   
F = Female 
3 (37.5%)
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

JORGEN KOKKE

Chief Executive

STEPHEN WILSON

Executive Director 

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

PROFESSOR 
JASON CHIN
Non-Executive Director

DAN HARTLEY
Group General Counsel 
and Company Secretary

July 2020

May 2023

January 2013

January 2020

April 2016

July 2014

June 2018

April 2021

June 2014

•   Extensive Board, governance 

and leadership experience

•   Strong commercial, science and 

agribusiness expertise across a 

•   Deep appreciation of capital 

markets and investor sentiment

range of industries, with a particular 

leadership roles at 

focus on consumer goods and food

Ingredion Incorporated, 

business development 

•  Deep experience in the 

•  Six years as Group 

•  Over 25 years of 

•  Extensive experience over 

Australia, Asia, the US 

international food and 

agriculture sectors

•  14 years in global 

a leading New York 

listed food and 

beverage ingredient 

solutions company

•  Led Ingredion’s North 

and South American 

businesses, driving 

growth by leveraging 

R&D-led innovation 

and commercial and 

operational excellence

•  Masters in Economics 

from the University 

of Amsterdam

Finance Director at 

Genus with wide-

ranging operational, 

strategic and 

responsibilities 

30 years in technology 

businesses, including 

finance, mergers 

and acquisitions, IT 

transformation and 

investor relations 

living and working in 

Europe and the US 

•  Fellow of the Chartered 

Institute of Management 

Accountants 

international experience 

in finance, mergers and 

acquisitions, business 

transformation and 

investor relations, 

operating across Europe, 

and South Africa

•  Proven track record of 

driving performance 

in public and privately 

held organisations, both 

business to business and 

•  Qualified as a 

Chartered Accountant 

with Ernst & Young

•  International experience, 

business to consumer

•  Significant experience 
of risk management, 
audit, business 
operations, acquisitions 
and disposals, and 
corporate governance, 
gained within the 
food sector

•  Qualified Chartered 

Accountant
•  The Board’s 

Sustainability Sponsor

•  Vast experience of 

•  Broad international, 

•  Extensive experience 

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

•  One of our designated 

Workforce Engagement 
Directors

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
•  One of our designated 

Workforce Engagement 
Directors

COMMITTEE 

MEMBERSHIP

BOARD 

APPOINTMENT

SKILLS AND 

EXPERIENCE

CURRENT 

APPOINTMENTS

Chairman of Crest Nicholson 

Holdings plc; Chairman of Personal 

Assets Trust plc; Pro-Chancellor 

of Cranfield University.

None

Non-Executive Director 

of Renishaw plc; Non-

Executive Director of 

Canonical Holdings Limited.

None

PAST 

APPOINTMENTS

Senior Independent Director of 

Sygen International plc; Chairman 

of Berendsen plc; Chairman of 

Senior roles at Ingredion, 

including Executive Vice 

President & President 

Stobart Group Ltd; Senior Independent 

Americas, president, Asia 

Director of Balfour Beatty plc; 

Pacific and EMEA, and 

Non-Executive Director of Greggs plc; 

president, North America; 

Lead Independent Director at the 

Vice President of Food & 

Department for Environment, Food and 

Nutrition and Director of 

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 

Rural Affairs; Chief Executive of Tate & 

Strategy and Business 

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.

Lyle plc; General Manager of Unilever 

Development at Corbion, 

AgriBusiness; Chair, Unilever Plantations 

a producer of sustainable 

and Plant Sciences Group; and 

Senior Vice President, Corporate 

Development at Unilever.

ingredient solutions; and 

leadership positions at 

Loders Croklaan.

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

Chair of Eden Research plc

Senior Independent 
Director of 3i Group plc; 
Non-Executive Director 
of Legal & General, 
where she also chairs the 
Remuneration Committee.

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.

Founder Director of British 
Linen Advisers; 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, 
spanning chemistry, 
chemical biology and 
synthetic biology
•  Associate Faculty 
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; Director and Chief 
Scientific Officer of 
Constructive Biology; 
Non-Executive Director 
of Department for Science, 
Innovation and Technology.

Positions on the scientific 
advisory boards of a 
number of companies, 
including Synaffix BV.

•  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 Australia.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GENUS EXECUTIVE 
LEADERSHIP TEAM (‘GELT’)

ANGELLE ROSATA
Group HR Director

DR MATT CULBERTSON
Chief Operating Officer, 
Genus PIC

JERRY THOMPSON
Chief Operating Officer, 
Genus ABS Beef

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

CAREER

•  Deep and broad expertise 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

•  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

•  Spent entire career in 

porcine industry

•  Has led the development and 
implementation of Genus PIC’s 
genetic strategy and technical 
services capability, as well 
as leading the commercial 
engagement with many of PIC’s 
most significant customers
•  Doctorate in Animal Breeding 

and Genetics from the 
University of Georgia

•  Joined Genus in 2011 as PIC’s 
Director of Genetic Services 
and Sales and took on the role 
of Global Product Development 
and Technical Services Director 
in 2012 before becoming Chief 
Operating Officer in July 2023

•  Previously spent nine years working 
for Murphy-Brown (now Smithfield 
Foods), where he managed the 
internal genetics programme 
and technical operations for 
its Eastern operations

•  Natural entrepreneur with substantial 

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

•  Degree in Agriculture from the 
University of Plymouth and a 
graduate of Harvard Business 
School’s Advanced Management 

•  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

•  Significant expertise and 

experience of dairy genetics, 

strong commercial focus and 

•  Deep expertise in running R&D 

programmes, regulatory science 

and portfolio management

passion for people development

•  Has led the development and 

•  Board member of the Council 

on Dairy Cattle Breeding and 

Vice President of the National 

Association of Animal Breeders

•  Degree in Dairy Science and MBA 

and PhD in Dairy Cattle Genetics 

from the University of Wisconsin

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

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

Officer on 15 July 2019

•  Spent 18 years in increasingly senior 

roles at Bayer, leading teams using 

pioneering science and cutting-

edge technology to help farmers 

grow food more sustainably

•  Joined Genus in January 2017 after 

•  Joined Genus as Chief Scientific 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE71
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

EXEC GENDER BREAKDOWN
M = Male   
F = Female 
M

6 (67%)
3 (33%)

F

ANGELLE ROSATA

Group HR Director

DR MATT CULBERTSON

Chief Operating Officer, 

Genus PIC

JERRY THOMPSON

Chief Operating Officer, 

Genus ABS Beef

DR NATE ZWALD
Chief Operating Officer, 
Genus ABS Dairy

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

JORGEN KOKKE
Chief Executive

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

•  Deep and broad expertise spanning 

•  Spent entire career in 

resourcing, talent management, 

succession planning, leadership 

development and health and safety

•  Extensive HR strategic planning 

skills and commercial acumen

•  Masters in Human Resource 

porcine industry

•  Has led the development and 

implementation of Genus PIC’s 

genetic strategy and technical 

services capability, as well 

as leading the commercial 

Development from 

Vanderbilt University

engagement with many of PIC’s 

•  Degree in Agriculture from the 

•  Natural entrepreneur with substantial 

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

University of Plymouth and a 

graduate of Harvard Business 

School’s Advanced Management 

•  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

most significant customers

•  Doctorate in Animal Breeding 

and Genetics from the 

University of Georgia

•  Joined Genus in 2011 as PIC’s 

Director of Genetic Services 

and Sales and took on the role 

of Global Product Development 

and Technical Services Director 

in 2012 before becoming Chief 

Operating Officer in July 2023

•  Previously spent nine years working 

for Murphy-Brown (now Smithfield 

Foods), where he managed the 

internal genetics programme 

and technical operations for 

its Eastern operations

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

•  Significant expertise and 

experience 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 and 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

•  Deep expertise in running R&D 

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 on 15 July 2019

•  Spent 18 years in increasingly senior 
roles at Bayer, leading teams using 
pioneering science and cutting-
edge technology to help farmers 
grow food more sustainably

STEPHEN WILSON
Executive Director

ALISON HENRIKSEN
Chief Financial Officer

DAN HARTLEY
Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary

   See pages 68 and 69 for 
Jorgen’s, Stephen’s, Alison’s 
and Dan’s biographies.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE72
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

BOARD LEADERSHIP 
AND PURPOSE

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, and with a growing emphasis 
on using genetic advances to reduce the 
environmental impact of animal protein 
production. The Board regularly revisits 
the Group’s purpose, including as part 
of its annual strategy sessions, to ensure 
it remains relevant to the business. 

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.

These values are aligned to both 
our purpose and our strategy. 
More information on our values 
can be found on page 34.

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 review 
other measures that indicate the Group’s 
culture, such as employee churn rates 
and success with developing people and 
filling vacancies from within the Group.

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 and talent within the Group. 
During the year, the Board undertook 
visits to sites in Brazil (see page 73).

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 
employee 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 83.

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. 

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.

OVERSEEING STRATEGY

The Group’s corporate governance 
framework plays a key role in the successful 
delivery of our strategy. The table on 
pages 74 to 75 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. 
More information on this can be found in 
the Board’s Year in Review on page 73.

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 employees in Brazil. The 
key points raised at town hall meetings 
are set out in our Section 172 Statement 
on page 60. The Board will continue to 
monitor progress made against these 
points as well as feedback received in 
our global employee survey, Your Voice, 
which will be conducted again in FY24. For 
more information see page 35. In addition, 
Lesley Knox and Lysanne Gray met with 
members of our employee resource 
group AWAKE to share insights into their 
personal and professional journeys. 

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 Group’s interactions with its other 
stakeholders, including engagement 
undertaken directly by the Board, is 
summarised on page 58 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 
Section 172 of the Companies Act, each item included in 
the Board papers indicates the relevant considerations. 
More information can be found in the Section 172 statement 
on page 60.

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.

3

The Group 
Company 
Secretary 
monitors 
decisions and 
actions agreed 
at each meeting.

4

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

5

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE73
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

THE BOARD’S YEAR 
IN REVIEW

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 Officer;

•  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

2/2

5/5

5/5

Executive 
Directors

Stephen Wilson

Jorgen Kokke1

Alison Henriksen

Non-Executive 
Directors

Lysanne Gray

Lykele van der 
Broek

Lesley Knox

Jason Chin

8/8

1/1

8/8

8/8

7/8

8/8

8/8

0/23

N/A

2/22

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

5/52

1/12

5/52

5/5

5/5

4/5

5/5

5/5

1/1

5/5

5/5

5/5

4/5

5/5

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

1  Jorgen Kokke was appointed to the Board on 2 May 2023
2  By invitation
3  Stephen Wilson did not attend committee meetings dealing with his own successor

VISITING OUR SITES

Site visits are an important part of the 
Board’s annual programme. 

In May 2023, the Board went to the Group’s locations 
in Uberaba, Brazil. This included tours of ABS production 
facilities, ABS genetic nucleus, IntelliGen and embryo 
laboratories, customer site visits and business presentations, 
as well as PIC and ABS business presentations. The Board also 
had opportunities to meet with employees at all locations. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE74
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

KEY TO STRATEGY

KEY TO STAKEHOLDERS

Deliver a differentiated proprietary genetic offering

Focus on progressive protein producers globally

Share in the value delivered

E

S

C

Employees 

SC Supply Chain

Shareholders

EN

Environment

Customers

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

Internal evaluation undertaken during the year.

Progress

Focus areas identified 
(see page 79)

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

STAKEHOLDERS 
E, S

S172 CONSIDERATIONS
a, b

Business 
Development 
and Strategy

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

STAKEHOLDERS
S, C, SC

S172 CONSIDERATIONS
a

Research and 
Development

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

STAKEHOLDERS
S, C

S172 CONSIDERATIONS
a, c

Monitor pipeline of 
senior talent

Board visits identify and set time aside to meet 
talent within the organisation.

Workforce Engagement Directors meet talent 
at employee meetings.

Presentations to AWAKE members.

Monitor progress against 
our strategic objectives

Held strategy session with GELT and other  
business leaders.

See page 75

Review and approve 
business activities

Approved:

•  PIC investment in SwineTech

Monitor strategic 
developments

Received updates on:

•  The activities of the Sustainability Committee 
and the Company’s sustainability strategy
•  The ABS digital and go-to-market strategies
•  Material business development opportunities
•  Continued regulatory progress of the PRRSv 

development programme

•  The Company’s cyber security improvements
•  The Company’s activities in Russia
•  Collaborations and potential collaborations including 

business activities in China

Monitor R&D progress

Received updates on:

See pages 28-29

•  The scientific progress of the PRRSv development 

programme and other gene editing projects 
•  Ongoing improvements in IntelliGen technology 

and its global rollout

•  R&D programmes including the progress in reproductive 

biology and other material projects

•  The activities of the GPSC and the Scientific  

Advisory Board

Received updates on:

•  Key vacancies and hires including key roles in the 

business, Group Finance and R&D

•  Talent development in leadership below GELT level

See pages 34-35

People

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Review recruitment 
pipeline

STAKEHOLDERS
E

S172 CONSIDERATIONS
a, b

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 34-35

Your Voice updates.

Shareholders

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Monitor investor attitudes 
towards Genus

Updated on meetings with shareholders, potential 
investors and analysts.

See pages 58-59

STAKEHOLDERS
S

S172 CONSIDERATIONS
c, f

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
75
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

KEY TO S172 CONSIDERATIONS

(a)

(b)

(c)

Consequence of decisions in the long-term

Interests of the Company’s employees

Need to foster the Company’s business relationships with 
suppliers, customers and others

(d)

(e)

Impact of the Company’s operations on the community 
and environment

Desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for 
high standards of business conduct

(f)

Need to act fairly between members of the Company

Topic and link  
to our strategy

Company 
Performance and 
Finance

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

STAKEHOLDERS
S

S172 CONSIDERATIONS
a, f

Activity

Actions arising

Monitor performance 
against plan

Received updates on the operational performance 
of the business units and market conditions.

Progress

See pages 24-29

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 FY23 budget and the FY24-27 strategic plan.

Received tax and treasury updates.

See pages 30-33

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 setting out medium-term 
strategic goal of the business unit and comparing 
performance of each business unit against previously 
presented strategic goals.

Sustainability, 
Health and Safety

Ensure strong culture of 
health and safety

Receive updates from the Sustainability Committee 
discussions outlining the Group’s progress against goals.

See pages 36-57

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

STAKEHOLDERS
E

S172 CONSIDERATIONS
b

Risk Management

LINK TO OUR STRATEGY

Monitor risk management 
and control

STAKEHOLDERS
S

S172 CONSIDERATIONS
a, c

BOARD STRATEGY SESSION

Reviewed the Group’s health and safety strategy and 
FY23 targets for health and safety and reviewed progress 
throughout the year.

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

Monitored the Group’s risk register.

See pages 61-64

Received updates on the whistleblowing hotline reports 
and investigations.

Receive updates on supply chains, biosecurity and animal 
welfare from the business units.

The Board held its annual strategy meeting in January 2023. In preparation for the session, management provides the Board with a 
pack of pre-reading and other information, including relevant videos such as industry seminars. This enables the Board to attend the 
session well-informed about the latest context for the strategy discussion.

The session focused on a number of key areas, including the importance of the Group’s work on gene editing and its commercialisation, 
the growth of IntelliGen and making the technology available to a broader group of customers, and the establishment of the Group’s 
Scientific Advisory Board under Jason Chin’s leadership. This will enhance Genus’s horizon-scanning ability, which is important to 
sustained success in a long-cycle business.

At the end of the strategy session, the Board concluded that the strategy for FY24-27 remained appropriate.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

DIVISION OF 
RESPONSIBILITIES

BOARD ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

BOARD COMMITTEES

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 Officer. These, along with the 
responsibilities of our other Directors, are summarised in the 
table below.

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

Director

Audit & Risk

Nomination

Remuneration

Committee

Iain Ferguson

Jorgen Kokke

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Lysanne Gray

Lykele van der Broek

Lesley Knox

Jason Chin

C  Chair
M  Member

–

–

–

–

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 80 to 113, 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.

Title

Responsibilities

Chairman
Iain Ferguson

Chief Executive
Jorgen Kokke

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.

Jorgen 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 Officer 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 
Chairman and is an alternative line of 
communication between the Chairman and 
other Directors. She leads meetings of the NEDs, 
without the Chairman present, to appraise 
the Chair’s performance, and consults with 
shareholders in the absence of the Chairman 
and Chief Executive Officer.

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77
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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. Refer to 
the Committee’s report on pages 83-88

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
Determines remuneration for our Executive 
Directors and senior management, to 
support our growth strategy and deliver 
value for stakeholders. Refer to the 
Committee’s report on pages 89-113

NOMINATION COMMITTEE
Reviews the Board’s structure, size and 
composition and proposes candidates for 
appointment to the Board. Refer to the 
Committee’s report on pages 80-82

GENUS PLC BOARD

OTHER TEAMS REPORTING 
TO THE BOARD

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

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

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. Jason Chin 
attends the GPSC and reports to the Board 
on its activities

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE78
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

COMPOSITION, 
SUCCESSION AND 
EVALUATION

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

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

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

THE BOARD’S COMPOSITION

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 second year of the current three-year cycle, following 
last year’s external evaluation, and we therefore followed the 
process shown in the diagram above. 

At the year end, the Board comprised the Non-Executive 
Chairman, four independent Non-Executive Directors and 
three Executive Directors – the Chief Executive Officer, the 
Chief Executive Officer Designate and the Chief Financial 
Officer. The Non-Executive Directors therefore form a majority 
on the Board, as required by the Code. Stephen Wilson 
stepped down as CEO on 1 July 2023 and will retire from 
the Board on 30 September 2023, resulting in the number 
of Executive Directors reducing to two from that date.

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.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE79
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

THE EVALUATION’S CONCLUSIONS
The review showed that the Board remains effective in most areas, with the feedback echoing the positive sentiments of the 
previous year’s review. The Board is well led, and recommendations from the previous year’s evaluation had been well embedded 
within its governance processes. The review demonstrated that the Board’s priorities are focused on the successful transition between 
Stephen Wilson and Jorgen Kokke, as well as on broader executive and non-executive succession planning. In addition, the evolution 
of the ABS strategy remains a high priority for the Board going forward. 

BOARD FOCUS AREAS FOR FY23
Last year’s internal evaluation identified the following priorities for FY23:

Priority

Progress

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.

The Board now has a balanced score card in place, which is 
used to track progress with key issues and initiatives at each 
scheduled Board meeting. All Directors are consulted in advance 
on the meeting agendas, to ensure that priority themes and 
topics are identified. 

Using time around Board meetings, such as at Board dinners, 
to discuss key themes emerging from management briefings by 
the Chief Executive Officer, 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.

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

The Board has taken a structured approach to using time around 
meetings, for example, by using the dinner the night before each 
meeting as a forum for discussing strategic issues.

The Board has continued to focus on succession, including 
the appointment of an internal candidate (Matt Culbertson) as 
Chief Operating Officer of Genus PIC, following Bill Christianson’s 
retirement. The Nomination Committee’s remit includes the 
Board’s size and balance of skills, which remain appropriate.

ELECTION AND RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

As noted above, Stephen Wilson stepped down as Chief Executive at the end of June 2023 and will step down from the Board on 
30 September 2023. Having completed nine years on the Board, Lykele van der Broek will retire as a Non-Executive Director at the 
AGM in November 2023. 

All the other Directors will offer themselves for re-election (or election for Jorgen Kokke) at the next AGM, as required by the Code. 
Details can be found in the Notice of AGM. The Board considered the effectiveness of each individual Director through the performance 
evaluation described above. This included specific consideration of each Director’s other commitments and their ability to discharge 
their duties to the Company. 

The Board recognises and is cognisant of shareholders’ guidelines regarding the number of external mandates held by Directors, 
and has observed that a minority of shareholders voted against the re-election of Iain Ferguson at the 2022 Annual General Meeting. 
The Board, through the Senior Independent Director, has engaged with those shareholders to understand their concerns. Iain is a highly 
experienced public company Chairman, Non-Executive Director and former FTSE 100 CEO with extensive and diverse leadership 
experience and a sound and practical understanding of corporate governance. Iain has a deep appreciation of capital markets 
and investor sentiment which he brings to Board deliberations, in addition to financial expertise and food industry experience.

Iain is Chairman of the Company, and also chairs the boards of Crest Nicholson plc and Personal Assets Trust plc. The Board explored 
Iain’s capacity as part of the Board effectiveness review and remains satisfied that, Iain has sufficient time to dedicate to Genus. 
This review takes into account the externally managed nature of Personal Assets Trust plc and the corresponding reduction in 
time commitment required as compared to FTSE 250 appointments. The Board further remains satisfied that Iain has consistently 
demonstrated his ability to dedicate a significant and appropriate portion of his time to meet the Company’s requirements. 
The Board is further satisfied that Iain’s external appointments neither result in overboarding nor do they count as conflicts of interest. 

The Board confirms that all the Directors continue to be effective in their roles and recommends their re-election as set out in the 
Notice of AGM. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE80
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Dear Shareholder

The Committee’s primary focus this 
year was on managing the Chief 
Executive succession, following Stephen 
Wilson’s decision to retire, which we 
announced in February 2023. We were 
delighted to recruit a high-calibre 
replacement in Jorgen Kokke. As noted 
on page 66, Lykele van der Broek will 
retire as a Non-Executive Director 
at the next AGM and the process for 
recruiting a new NED is under way.

More generally, the Committee has 
remained focused on succession planning 
and talent management, reflecting the 
critical importance to Genus’s success 
of having the right leadership in place 
and ensuring we bring through the 
next generation of talented people.

Iain Ferguson CBE
Chair of the Nomination Committee
6 September 2023

IAIN FERGUSON CBE
Chair of the Nomination Committee

Iain Ferguson CBE (Chair)

Jason Chin

Lysanne Gray

Lesley Knox

Lykele van der Broek

Stephen Wilson1

Meetings

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

0/2

1  Stephen did not attend Committee meetings 

dealing with his own succession

THE COMMITTEE’S ROLE AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES

Jorgen Kokke and Alison Henriksen also 
attended the Committee’s meetings 
by invitation.

   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

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.

FOCUS AREAS FOR FY23

In last year’s report, we identified two 
focus areas for the Committee in FY23. 
These were to continue to focus on talent 
development and succession planning, 
and ensuring we remain cognisant 
of the Financial Conduct Authority’s 
(‘FCA’) targets for Board diversity.

As part of our succession planning for 
the Chief Executive role, we conducted 
an external search and had developed 
relationships with leading search firms, 
which supported our recruitment of 
Jorgen Kokke, as described below. 
Our consideration of other critical roles 
highlighted that Dr Matt Culbertson was a 
strong internal candidate to succeed Bill 
Christianson as COO of Genus PIC, and we 
were pleased that Matt has taken on this 
role following Bill’s retirement in June 2023. 
Information on Matt’s skills and experience 
can be found in his biography on page 70.

The Committee supports the FCA’s 
targets for Board diversity and more 
information can be found in the Diversity 
section opposite. 

RECRUITMENT OF A NEW CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE OFFICER

On 23 February 2023, the Company 
announced Stephen Wilson’s decision to 
retire as Chief Executive. The Committee 
began a formal search for Stephen’s 
successor, using the services of Russell 
Reynolds Associates, a leading executive 
search and advisory firm. Russell Reynolds 
has no other connection with the 
Company or with individual Directors.

As Chair of the Committee, I led the search 
process, with the support of Senior 
Independent Director Lesley Knox and our 
Group Human Resources Director, Angelle 
Rosata. Our key criteria included:
•  proven international leadership 

capability;

•  a background in businesses where 
research and development and 
developing differentiated products are 
key; and

•  a deep understanding of the 

environments our customers operate in.

Russell Reynolds conducted a thorough 
international search, which generated 
a strong shortlist of candidates 
for the role. Following a rigorous 
selection process, we concluded that 
Jorgen Kokke was the outstanding 
candidate and the Committee 
recommended his appointment to the 
Board. More information on Jorgen’s 
skills and experience can be found 
in his biography on page 68.

Jorgen joined the Board as Chief 
Executive Designate on 2 May 2023 and 
became Chief Executive on 1 July 2023.

INDUCTION FOR JORGEN KOKKE

Since joining Genus, Jorgen has 
undergone an intensive induction process 
supported by Stephen Wilson to ensure 
the smooth transition of responsibility.

Jorgen has visited key sites in the US 
and the UK including: ABS sites at 
DeForest, Leeds, Dekorra and Ruthin; 
R&D and IntelliGen sites at Pepsi Way; 
and PIC sites including Hendersonville 
for an introduction to pig production.

In addition, Jorgen has attended a 
meeting of the GPSC, and visited ABS 
and customer sites in Brazil with the 
Board. Jorgen has met key customers 
in the Netherlands, the US and China.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE81
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

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 during the year to discuss these plans.

BOARD SKILLS MATRIX

The table below shows the key experience and skills the Committee has identified as desirable and indicates their depth on the Genus 
Board, as at the date of this report.

Competence

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

Food sector

Review, launch and marketing of FDA regulated products

International business

North America market

EMEA market

Asia market

LATAM market

Low/medium

Good/high

0%

0%

38%

0%

38%

13%

50%

0%

50%

38%

0%

87%

13%

25%

25%

38%

62%

100%

100%

62%

100%

62%

87%

50%

100%

50%

62%

100%

13%

87%

75%

75%

62%

38%

The Committee believes the Board has an appropriate balance of skills and experience and will keep the skills matrix in mind in any 
future recruitment to the Board.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE82
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

BOARD TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

The Group provides continuing education 
to its leaders, including Board members, 
whose training needs are identified 
through the Board effectiveness review 
described on page 79. The Committee is 
currently reviewing options for providing 
training for Non-Executive Directors 
when they join the Board, to help them 
carry out a company director’s duties.

The Group General Counsel and 
Company Secretary 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.

We therefore look to ensure that our 
recruitment and leadership development 
programmes support inclusivity in 
our succession planning and talent 
development, including appropriate 
representation from female and ethnic 
minority candidates. 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 eight 
Directors were female (37.5%), ahead of the 
33% target set by the Hampton-Alexander 
Review. From October 2023, the proportion 
of female Directors will revert to 43%, 
following Stephen Wilson stepping down 
from the Board on 30 September 2023. 
There were also three female members 
of GELT, comprising 33% of the total. The 
direct reports to GELT, excluding support 
staff, were 23.5% female and 76.5% male.

The FCA reporting requirements on 
diversity have come into force this year. 
The Company already exceeds the FCA’s 
targets of 40% female representation 
on the Board and that at least one 
of the Chair, Chief Executive, 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 an 
ethnic minority background. We support 
this and amended our Diversity Policy in 
FY22 to ensure we fully consider ethnic 
diversity in any recruitment to the Board. 
The Board currently has one Director 
from a minority ethnic background. 

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:
•  considers 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;
•  considers a wide pool of candidates for 

appointment as Non-Executive 
Directors, including those with little or 
no listed company board experience;

•  ensures a significant portion of the 
long list for Non-Executive Director 
positions are women and candidates 
from a minority ethnic background;

•  considers candidates against objective 
criteria and with regard to the benefits 
of Board diversity; and

•  only engages 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 
concluded that it remained appropriate.

WORKFORCE GENDER BREAKDOWN
M = Male   
F = Female 
M

1,228 (34.57%)
2,308 (64.98%)

F

More information about diversity 
across Genus can be found in the 
Strategic Report on pages 34 to 35.

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 22 November 2023, and at the 
AGM from at least 15 minutes prior 
to the meeting until its conclusion.

FOCUS AREAS FOR FY24

For FY24, the Committee will focus on the 
following areas:
•  supporting the transition from Stephen 

Wilson to Jorgen Kokke as Chief 
Executive; and

•  recruiting a Non-Executive Director to fill 
the vacancy created by Lykele van der 
Broek’s forthcoming retirement, seeking 
a candidate with Lykele’s skills and 
experience in science-based 
agricultural businesses.

BOARD AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT GENDER BREAKDOWN

Number of 
Board 
members

Percentage 
of the 
Board

Number of 
senior positions 
on the Board 
(CEO, CFO, SID 
and Chair)

Number in 
executive 
management

Percentage 
of executive 
management

5

3

–

63%

37%

–

2

2

–

6

3

–

67%

33%

–

Men

Women

Not specified/prefer not to say

BOARD AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT ETHNICITY

Number of 
Board 
members

Percentage 
of the 
Board

Number of 
senior positions 
on the Board 
(CEO, CFO, SID 
and Chair)

Number in 
executive 
management

Percentage 
of executive 
management

White British or  
other White (including 
minority-white groups)

Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups

Asian/Asian British

Black/African/Caribbean/
Black British

Other ethnic group, 
including Arab

Not specified/prefer not to say

7

1

–

–

–

–

87%

13%

–

–

–

–

4

–

–

–

–

–

8

–

–

–

–

–

100%

–

–

–

–

–

Gender and ethnicity data has been self-reported by Directors and Executives.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE83
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE REPORT

LYSANNE GRAY
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee

Lysanne Gray (Chair)

Jason Chin

Lesley Knox

Lykele van der Broek

Meetings

5/5

5/5

4/5

5/5

Iain Ferguson, Jorgen Kokke, 
Stephen Wilson and Alison Henriksen 
also attended the Committee’s 
meetings by invitation.

An external cyber security review was 
carried out in December 2022 to validate 
that the IT security improvement plan 
put in place after the June 2022 security 
incident was effective. The review 
identified some areas of improvement 
which are being addressed to further 
strengthen our cyber security controls. The 
Committee is satisfied with the progress 
made on cyber security, but recognises 
the need to continue to focus on this area. 

We reviewed the progress being made 
with regard to the implementation of the 
GenusOne enterprise management 
system, having reached an important 
milestone this year with over half of our 
operations on GenusOne. This included 
updates on the approach being taken to 
realise opportunities to standardise and 
strengthen the Group’s processes and 
controls as the system rollout 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, including responding to the 
FRC correspondence, 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 
leveraging learnings. The Committee was 
satisfied with the performance of both the 
internal and external auditors.

Lysanne Gray
Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee 
6 September 2023

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 were no changes 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. This 
year we welcomed Jorgen Kokke to the 
Board as Chief Executive. Jorgen is invited 
to attend all of the Committee’s meetings. 

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. 
The Committee was also briefed on the 
Financial Reporting Council’s (‘FRC’) 
UK Corporate Governance Code 
consultation document and changes 
related to internal controls, fraud and 
audit and assurance policy. We continue 
to prepare for the changes to ensure 
compliance when they potentially 
become effective after January 2025.

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, 
biosecurity and animal wellbeing, and 
TCFD reporting requirements, the impacts 
of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and a deep 
dive on our growth markets, as well as the 
developing macroeconomic conditions 
and their impact on our global operations. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE84
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION

COMMITTEE EFFECTIVENESS

   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.

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

In 2023, the Committee’s effectiveness 
was assessed through a structured 
questionnaire issued by Gould Consulting, 
and concluded that the Committee 
continued to operate effectively, 
independently and 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 Group’s 
Chairman, Chief Executive, the Chief 
Financial Officer, the Group Financial 
Controller, the Head of Financial 
Reporting, 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 
68 to 69.

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 Group’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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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

FINANCIAL REPORTING

The main areas of focus and matters where the Committee specifically considered and challenged 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 FY24 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 
(£342.0m), 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 
including control improvements identified to strengthen both the model and the review of its output. 
The Committee was satisfied with management’s accounting treatment, including the Income Statement 
decrease of £24.9m in the value of porcine biological assets and the increase of £8.0m 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 65 of the report.

Genus had £30.6m of adjusting items, including £3.5m of net 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 core operational 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.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE86
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

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 actions; 
and the Group’s Whistleblowing Policy and 
bribery prevention procedures. 

The review did not identify any significant 
financial reporting control failings. All 
control issues have been remediated 
and discussed with the Committee. 
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. 
This year with the end of the COVID-19 
travel restrictions the internal audit team 
was able to travel to audit locations. 
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 the current audit firm 
rotation timeline, the Committee is in the 
process of conducting a competitive 
external audit tender process for our FY25 
audit and is satisfied with the progress 
to date. 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 assessed the external 
auditors performance in conducting 
the audit for the June 2022 year end. 
The Committee considered the quality, 
effectiveness, independence, and 
objectivity of the external auditors 
through the review of all reports provided, 
regular contact and dialogue both during 
Committee meetings and separately 
without management. Continuing from 
the process in the previous year, the 
Committee conducted an audit quality 
and effectiveness review through a 
questionnaire to Committee members, 
management, and members of the 
finance team, which delivered focused 
insight into Deloitte’s effectiveness. 
The Committee considered the audit 
quality reviews on the firm and sought 
confirmation that recommendations 
were appropriately actioned where 
relevant to the audits of our Company.

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 matters: the related 
current and emerging risks and the 
roadmap of actions identified in support 
of the climate change action plan and 
TCFD reporting requirements and 
improvements in the disclosures from 
the FRC review letter.

•  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. 

•  Russia-Ukraine conflict: 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. 

•  Growth markets: a review of our growth 
markets was held to better understand 
the varying risks and opportunities, 
with a focus on China and Brazil.
•  Regular updates on the project to 

implement GenusOne, a Group-wide 
enterprise management system, 
which now operates in over fifty percent 
of our operations.

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 61 to 64. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE87
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

External Auditor Independence

Maintaining the objectivity and 
independence of the external auditors 
is essential. The Committee has taken 
appropriate steps to ensure that the 
Company’s external auditors are 
independent of the Company and 
obtained written confirmation from them 
that they comply with guidelines on 
independence issued by the relevant 
accountancy and auditing bodies. 

Additional non-audit services provided 
by the auditors may impair their 
independence or give rise to a perception 
that their independence may be impaired. 
The Group has a policy in relation to 
the provision of non-audit services that 
is aligned with the EU Regulation and 
Statutory Audit Directive to provide 
further clarity over the type of work 
that is acceptable for the external 
auditors to carry out. The policy sets 
out the process required for approval 
and a cap to the total non-audit fees 
for permitted services (at 70% of the 
audit fee). The policy was last reviewed 
in the year ended 30 June 2023. 

Audit and non-audit fees paid to Deloitte 
in the year were £1.0m and an analysis is 
presented in note 8 to the consolidated 
financial statements. Non-audit fees 
represent 2% of the audit fee. Non-
audit services provided by the external 
auditors during the 2023 financial year 
comprised audit related assurance 
services. The Committee concluded 
that the provision of such services 
was appropriate given that they were 
closely related to the work performed 
in the external audit process and, for 
reasons of effectiveness and efficiency, 
it was considered advantageous to 
engage the external auditors due to their 
knowledge and expertise. Resolutions 
to reappoint Deloitte as auditors and 
to authorise the Directors to agree their 
remuneration will be put to shareholders 
at the Annual General Meeting that 
will take place on 22 November 2023.

Financial Reporting Council 
correspondence 

During the year the FRC Corporate 
Review team carried out a review of 
our Annual Report and Accounts for 
the year ended 30 June 2022. The 
review was based solely on the Group’s 
Annual Report and Accounts and did 
not benefit from detailed knowledge 
of our business or an understanding 
of the underlying transactions entered 
into. The review highlighted questions 
requiring a response on TCFD disclosures. 
The FRC noted that the Group’s Annual 
Report did not include a clear statement 
explaining whether the report included 
climate-related financial disclosures 
consistent with the Recommendations 
and Recommended Disclosures of the 
TCFD, as required by the Listing Rules, 
and also identified a number of areas 
where improvements could be made to 
the Company’s TCFD disclosures. As a 
result of the FRC’s review the Company 
has provided a clearer statement in this 
report including providing explanations 
about TCFD recommendations and 
recommended disclosures as required 
by the Listing Rules and made a number 
of improvements to the TCFD disclosures 
consistent with the recent thematic 
review. These enhancements are 
included in the company’s sustainability 
report within this Annual Report and 
Accounts (see pages 36-59). There were 
also a number of matters raised for 
our attention which we considered in 
relation to our 2023 Annual Report and 
Accounts. As a result of the FRC’s review, 
we have considered and enhanced the 
clarity of disclosures in relation to:
•  Alternative Performance Measures 
(‘APMs’) glossary on pages 200-207 
regarding the exclusion of amortisation 
of acquired intangibles; and 
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement 
disclosures in note 4 and note 16. 

• 

We have responded to and thanked 
the FRC for their observations.

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 62 to 64.

To further assist its understanding of risk, 
the Board has restarted its programme of 
visits to our local operations as COVID-19 
travel restrictions have eased, visiting 
our ABS operations in Brazil. The Board 
received regular political, economic and 
industry risk updates from the relevant 
business groups. The Board performed 
its annual risk review in May 2023. 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. No changes 
to the principal risks were identified, 
however the Board recognises the impact 
of the continued Russia-Ukraine conflict, 
and increasing global macroeconomic 
conditions has had on our operations.

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.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE88
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

INVESTMENT APPRAISAL

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. 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.

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. An annual 
Fraud Risk Assessment is carried out by 
internal audit with all the business units; 
the results and mitigation actions were 
presented to the Committee in February 
2023. The external auditor also provides 
observations on the control environment 
arising from its audit work. The results are 
communicated to senior management 
and the Audit & Risk Committee.

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.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE89
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT
SECTION A – ANNUAL STATEMENT

On behalf of the Board, I am 
pleased to present the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report for 2023. 

We were pleased with the Shareholder 
response to our Remuneration Policy 
at the 2022 AGM, with over 93% of 
shareholders voting for the new Policy, 
including the changes we had proposed 
following extensive consultation 
across our shareholder base. 

TRANSITION OF LEADERSHIP/
APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

On 3 April 2023 we announced that Jorgen 
Kokke would join the Board as Chief 
Executive Designate on 2 May 2023, and 
become Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 
2023. Stephen Wilson has supported this 
transition of responsibilities, stepping 
down from the CEO role but remaining 
an active Executive Director through to 
his retirement on 30 September 2023 
to support effective transition. I would 
like to extend my thanks to Stephen 
for his significant contribution to the 
business since joining in 2013 as Chief 
Finance Officer and his subsequent 
appointment as Chief Executive in 2019. 

Jorgen is an exceptional successor for 
Stephen, with an established track record 
of working across global organisations 
to create shareholder value. 

As highlighted during our consultation, 
there continues to be significant and 
often growing differences between 
remuneration structures for senior 
leadership in the US compared to the 
UK, where Genus is listed. In particular 
this focuses on the quantum available 
under variable plans and the range of 
incentive vehicles utilised within typical 
US-based organisations. Indeed, we 
identified these differences early into 
our succession planning discussions. 

In making Jorgen’s appointment we 
operated fully within the Remuneration 
Policy approved by over 93% of 
shareholders in November 2022. 

We focused on how we could transition 
Jorgen successfully onto our reward 
structure, while recognising that the 
composition and quantum of reward 
available within the US market does 
differ from that typically seen within 
the UK FTSE 250 landscape. 

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE REPORT 
CONTENTS

A. Annual Statement

Transition of leadership/
appointment of new 
Chief Executive

Other leadership changes

Reward outcomes for 2023

Looking forward to 2024

Wider workforce and 
employee engagement

Page(s)

89-91

89

90

90

91

91

B. At a Glance 2023 & 2024

92-95

What Executive Directors 
were paid in 2023

What Executive Directors 
can earn in 2024

Appointment of New Chief 
Executive: Jorgen Kokke

C.  Remuneration and 

Performance Statement

Genus’s Strategy  
and its link to  
Performance-Related Pay

Executive Directors’ 
alignment to Share Price

D.  Annual Report on 
Remuneration

1. Reward outcomes for 
Executive Directors for 2023

92

93

94

96

96

96

97-111

97-100

2. Forward looking policy 
and implementation in 2024

101-104

3. The Process the 
Committee followed

4. How the CEO’s pay 
compares to shareholder 
returns over the past 10 
years and to employees’ 
pay

5. The Chairman and 
Non-Executive Directors’ 
Fees

6. Details of the Directors’ 
shareholding and rights  
to shares

E.  Wider Workforce 
Remuneration

105-106

106-107

107-108

108-111

112-113

CEO pay ratios

112-113

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

KEY MESSAGES
• 

 Strong endorsement from 
shareholders for our updated 
Remuneration Policy at last AGM

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Modest awards under annual bonus 
and Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) 
reflecting challenging external 
market conditions

 Transition of leadership completed 
with key external hire

 Adjustment to CFO salary to reflect 
changed responsibilities following 
CEO recruitment

 Some changes to the way we will 
assess performance within incentive 
plans from 2024, aligned to our 
business strategy

Terms of Reference 
The terms of reference for the Committee are in line 
with the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code and 
available to view at www.genusplc.com.

Committee attendance

Lesley Knox (Chair)

Iain Ferguson

Jason Chin

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

Meetings1

6/72

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

1  The Committee had five scheduled and two 

ad hoc meetings during the year

2  Lesley Knox was unable to attend one 

scheduled meeting due to a prior commitment. 
The meeting was chaired by the Company 
Chairman in her absence

Jorgen Kokke, Stephen Wilson and 
Alison Henriksen also attended the 
Committee’s meetings by invitation.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE90
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION A – ANNUAL STATEMENT

The full details of his buyout of previous 
incentive awards from Ingredion, 
determination of base salary and 
his ongoing reward structure are 
outlined in the report. We wanted a 
structure that was sufficient to attract, 
but which also aligned Jorgen to 
future Genus performance through 
high levels of share ownership. 

Some key aspects of the design 
of the arrangements are:

•  Annual base salary of $825k
•  Buyout of legacy awards from his former 

employer (Ingredion Inc.) totalling 
c$4.5m, with conversion into awards 
over Genus shares with similar vesting 
timelines. This includes conversion into 
Genus shares of multiple reward 
elements, covering market priced share 
options, performance shares and 
restricted stock units 

•  A guaranteed bonus payment payable 
in cash in September 2023 of $412.5k 
(recognising the forfeiting of eligibility for 
annual bonus at his previous employer)
•  An exceptional award under PSP plan of 
400% of salary for award to be granted 
in September 2023 only (with 
performance based on Genus 
performance over the period 2023-26) 
•  Ongoing variable opportunity of 200% 
of salary for annual bonus (for year 
ending June 2024) and 200% of salary 
for PSP awards (for grants scheduled for 
September 2024 and beyond) 

•  Shareholding requirement of 2x salary 
as per existing Remuneration Policy 

Jorgen will operate in a global capacity, 
and be initially based in the US. To 
fulfil his role he will travel as required, 
including to attend Board meetings of 
Genus plc (of which he is a Director). 

OTHER LEADERSHIP CHANGES

Stephen stepped down from his role as 
Chief Executive on 1 July 2023 and will 
retire from the business on 30 September 
2023. He was determined to be a good 
leaver from the business due to retirement 
and will be eligible for future vestings 
from in-flight share awards, subject to 
Company performance and prorated 
for the period he was employed during 
each respective performance period. 
He will additionally have eligibility for 
an annual bonus for 2024, prorated for 
his period in employment during the 
respective financial year. In line with our 
Policy, he will have a post-cessation 
shareholding obligation for the period 
of two years following retirement. Full 
details of his agreed arrangements 
are provided within the report.

We evaluated the role of the CFO in light 
of the appointment of Jorgen to the 
business. In particular, we noted that 
Alison would become the sole permanent 
Executive Director based in the UK, and 
with a broadened set of responsibilities 
which represented an extension to her 
previous role. We agreed to a change of 
her base salary to £480,930 (+15%) effective 
1 July 2023, which is not expected to be 
reviewed again until September 2025. 

REWARD OUTCOMES FOR 2023

Overall profit outcomes were just below 
the threshold of the range previously 
set by the Committee, resulting in nil 
awards under this metric. This was due 
to a number of factors during the year 
as discussed within the wider Annual 
Report, and the impact of interest rate 
costs which were higher in practice than 
that forecast where budgets were set. 

Wider cash performance was good 
with high levels of cash conversion 
achieved. Final cash flow performance 
was slightly below the free cash flow 
budget set, with a corresponding 
award level of 21% of maximum. 

We discussed the broader strategic 
progress made during the year and 
performance against the strategic 
targets set for each Executive Director. 
We saw clear evidence of progress in key 
areas in support of our agreed long term 
strategy for the business and accordingly 
made awards under this element of 
the bonus reflecting this attainment. 
This included the rate of progress of 
genetic gain achieved during the year, 
and submissions towards gaining FDA 
approval for our gene editing activities.

Overall bonus awards for the CEO and 
CFO were 23% and 20% of maximum 
respectively. In line with our agreed 
policy, one-third of these awards will 
be delivered in Genus shares that 
will vest after three years subject to 
continued employment (or on the third 
anniversary reflecting the agreed 
leaver treatment for Stephen Wilson). 

The Committee determined that while 
material progress had been made across 
parts of the business (and through 
enhanced cash flow) the formulaic 
outcomes under the bonus were a fair 
reflection of underlying performance. 

Awards under the Performance Share 
Plan granted in September 2020 were 
subject to our EPS performance over 
the three financial years ending 30 June 
2023. Against a performance range of 
5% to 15% annual EPS growth the actual 
annual growth achieved (of 7%) equates 
to a vesting level of 36% of maximum. 
The Committee also confirmed that 
the overall vesting level was consistent 
with the business performance 
achieved over the three year period. 

Overall we confirmed that the Policy 
has operated as expected during 
the past year, and that the formulaic 
outcomes generated through the 
bonus are a fair reflection of underlying 
business attainment. No discretion 
was applied to performance outcomes 
during the year by the Committee.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE91
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

We remain committed to our stated 
double-digit medium term growth 
aspirations and will continue to assess 
the majority of the PSP award linked to 
our EPS performance over a three-year 
period, rewarding sustained long-term 
growth of the business. We have agreed 
to use the same EPS range as for awards 
made in 2022, requiring annual EPS 
growth over the three year performance 
period of 4% at threshold through to 
12% or above for maximum vesting. 

WIDER WORKFORCE AND 
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

We have provided insights on our people 
and culture elsewhere within the Annual 
Report, including the role played by our 
designated Non-Executive Directors 
(Lykele van der Broek and myself) in 
understanding the overall employee 
experience and satisfaction with 
reward. As a Committee we spent time 
reviewing the progress on our gender 
pay position within Genus Breeding 
Limited, our largest UK subsidiary. 
We additionally received updates on 
enhancements to family leave policies 
globally, and the launch of our new 
employee share plan ‘TakeStock’ which 
is global in design and was launched 
in the UK and the US during the year. 

Lesley Knox
Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
6 September 2023

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2024

We have agreed some changes to 
the way we will assess performance 
under the Annual Bonus for 2024. These 
are all consistent with our agreed 
Remuneration Policy and reflect the 
evolution of our agreed strategy. 

We will move to assess profit performance 
based on Operating Profit. This drives 
alignment with the way we assess 
performance at a business unit level 
for other participants in the annual 
bonus plan across the business, 
and the desire to cascade and 
standardise incentive structures. 

We will also separate out profit 
assessment, so that part is linked 
to PIC China performance, and the 
majority linked to the wider Group 
performance excluding PIC China. 
This change recognises the role of 
PIC China within our strategic plan as 
referred to in the Chairman’s report, 
and is designed to align reward to both 
this business unit performance and the 
performance of the rest of the Group.

We will continue to exclude gene 
editing costs for 2024, consistent 
with our approach in previous years 
but anticipate this will be the last 
year we do this as we move closer 
toward commercialisation of PRRSv. 

Profit targets for each metric will be 
set in advance by the Committee 
and disclosed retrospectively in line 
with prevailing market practice.

We will move to an alternative metric to 
measure cash performance, moving from a 
free cash flow metric to one based on cash 
conversion. This change is designed to 
drive focus on effective cash performance 
across inventory management and 
prioritisation of capital expenditure.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE92
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION B – AT A GLANCE 2023 (YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2023)

  For more detail please see pages 97 to 100

WHAT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS WERE PAID IN 2023:

1 BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS

•  Benefits include a car 
allowance for each  
Executive Director

•  The pension allowance for 

Stephen Wilson was reduced 
from 10% of salary to 6% of 
salary from 1 January 2023 
(in line with our stated 
commitment to shareholders) 

•  The allowance payable for 

Alison Henriksen and Jorgen 
Kokke is 6% of salary

2 ANNUAL BONUS 2023

•  Metrics used and weighting: 
Adjusted profit before tax 
(60%), Cash generation (15%), 
Strategic measures (25%)

•  Overall award 23% of 

maximum for Stephen Wilson 
and 20% 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 2023 vested at 36% of 
maximum based on average 
annual adjusted earnings per 
share growth achieved of 7% 
per annum

4 REMUNERATION BREAKDOWN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
STEPHEN WILSON
(Stephen ceased to be CEO on 
1 July 2023 and will step down from 
the Board on 30 September 2023)

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ALISON HENRIKSEN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
DESIGNATE 
JORGEN KOKKE
(Jorgen joined on 2 May 2023 as 
CEO Designate and was appointed 
as CEO effective 1 July 2023)

1

2

£616,900

£62,068

1

2

£418,200

£37,783

1

2

$119,523

$11,136

1  Salary
2  Pension and Benefits

1  Salary
2  Pension and Benefits

1  Salary
2  Pension and Benefits

Maximum Opportunity 
175% of salary

Maximum Opportunity 
175% of salary

N/A

MAXIMUM
£1,079,575

MAXIMUM
£731,850

23%

20%

FINAL OUTCOME = 23% OF MAXIMUM 

FINAL OUTCOME = 20% OF MAXIMUM 

(£244,524)

(£149,297)

Jorgen did not participate 
in the Genus annual bonus 
plan for year ended 
30 June 2023

PERFORMANCE METRIC

Profit before tax

Cash generation

Strategic objectives (CEO)

Strategic objectives (CFO)

0%

21%

0%

0

78%

69%

% OF MAXIMUM AWARD

100%

Indicative value1 

Indicative value1 

100

N/A

MAXIMUM
£794,156

MAXIMUM
£471,113

TOTAL £285,896

TOTAL £169,601

1 £1,209,348

1 £774,881

2

3

4

5

£285,896

£244,524

£62,028

£616,900

2

3

4

5

£169,601

£149,297

£37,783

£418,200

1

2

3

4

5

$130,659

$0

$0

$11,136

$119,523

1  Total
2  Performance share plan
3  Annual bonus
4  Pension and benefits
5  Base salary

1  Calculated based on the average share price for the final quarter of the year ending 30 June 2023 (2,572p) 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

WHAT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS CAN EARN IN 2024 (AND HOW):

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
STEPHEN WILSON
(Stephen ceased to be CEO  
on 1 July 2023 and will step 
down from the Board on  
30 September 2023)

Annual Salary £616,900 
(no change)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE  
(CEO FROM 1 JULY 2023) 
JORGEN KOKKE

CHIEF FINANCIAL 
OFFICER
ALISON HENRIKSEN

Salary $825,000

Salary £480,930

Maximum Bonus 
opportunity = 200%  
of salary

Maximum Bonus 
opportunity = 175% 
of salary

Maximum Bonus 
opportunity = 175% 
of salary 
Salary (prorated for 
employment between 
1 July 2023 and 
30 September 2023) 

Awards over 21,979 
Genus shares

Not applicable

Awards over 13,037 
Genus shares

Not applicable

400% of salary

200% of salary

(Note this uses the 
exceptional limit 
permissible within 
the Policy to support 
recruitment of Jorgen 
to the business 
as outlined within 
this disclosure)

1 BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS

• 

•  Benefits include a car allowance for 

each Executive Director
Increase in salary for Alison Henriksen 
effective 1 July 2023 with next scheduled 
review September 2025

2 ANNUAL BONUS

•  Metrics used and weighting: Genus 

Group Operating Profit exc. PIC China 
(50%), PIC China (10%), Cash conversion 
(15%), Strategic measures (25%)

•  One-third of the total award under this 
element made in shares deferred for 
three years

3 PSP FROM SEPTEMBER 2020

•  Vesting of these awards depends on the 
adjusted earnings per share (excluding 
gene editing costs) achieved in the three 
financial years ending 30 June 2024

4 PSP (AWARDED SEPTEMBER 2023)

performance against identified metrics 
•  80% of the awards is linked to adjusted 

•  These awards will vest subject to 

earnings per share with the 2026 
adjusted earnings per share compared 
to the 2023 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 metrics core to our 

strategy (greenhouse gas reduction and 
genetic improvement)

Salaries are normally reviewed annually and any changes made in September. Salaries for Stephen Wilson and Jorgen Kokke will be 
unchanged for the year ahead. Following review by the Committee (discussed later in this disclosure) of salary for Alison Henriksen was 
increased as shown, effective 1 July 2023. No further increases of salary for Alison is scheduled until September 2025. 

Stephen Wilson

Jorgen Kokke

Alison Henriksen

Annual Salary 
to 1 Sep  
2023

Revised 
Annual Salary

£616,900

£616,900

$825,000

$825,000

Effective Date

n/a

n/a

£418,200

£480,930

1 July 2023

Change  

%

Nil

Nil

15

Note – the salary for Jorgen Kokke is denominated in USD$ and he is paid in USD. A currency conversion is completed ahead of making any share awards to convert a USD$ 
denominated value into GBP£ to determine the number of Genus shares to be awarded. Other Executive Directors are paid in GBP.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE94
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION B – AT A GLANCE 2023 (YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2023)

APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: JORGEN KOKKE

BUYOUT DETERMINATION

Jorgen joined the business on 2 May 2023 
from Ingredion Incorporated. We followed 
our core policy to allow us to recognise 
that certain awards in place at Ingredion 
would be forfeited as a result of joining 
Genus. This included reward elements 
under incentive vehicles which are 
typically offered within the US, but not 
currently offered within the Genus Policy, 
such as market priced share options.  

Our approach was to place a fair value on 
Ingredion awards, replicate expected 
vesting timings where possible, to ensure 
Jorgen was aligned to Genus 
performance from appointment and to 
mitigate or remove any future financial 
exposure for Genus that could be created 
by changes in Ingredion performance 
(positive or negative) after hire. 

All elements were denominated in USD, 
and we agreed as part of contractual 
discussions to base any exchange of 
value into Genus shares using a 60-day 
average of the Genus and Ingredion share 
prices immediately prior to appointment, 
and the average exchange rate between 
the GBP and USD over the same period. 
The final approach for each element 
is outlined below. 

Ingredion reward element

Calculation and approach (where applicable)

Genus shares awarded1

Vesting details

Restricted Stock Units

Unvested awards from Ingredion were converted into Genus shares 
with vesting timing designed to replicate intended vesting at Ingredion. 

26,226 shares

Performance Share Awards

Unvested awards were in place with performance linked to performance 
conditions focused on relative Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) and 
Adjusted Return On Invested Capital (‘ROIC’). A performance estimate 
for each metric was obtained and validated against publicly available 
data for reasonableness. This value was then converted into GBP and 
an award made over Genus shares with vesting dates designed to 
mirror the awards that were previously held at Ingredion. 

This approach was designed to provide certainty to Genus and avoid 
ongoing linkage to Ingredion performance beyond the point of hire. 

77,762 shares

Market Priced Share Options Various unvested market priced options were held, with a range of 
option prices in place. An independent Black-Scholes calculation 
was performed to determine the fair value of these options, with a 
subsequent award made over Genus Shares which will vest equally 
on the first three anniversaries of employment. 

22,947 shares

15,435 shares 
23 February 2024

10,791 shares 
28 February 2025

43,620 shares  
23 February 2024

34,142 shares 
28 February 2025

7,649 shares 
2 May 2024

7,649 shares 
2 May 2025

7,649 shares 
4 May 2024

Total

126,935 shares

1  Genus shares were derived based on a Ingredion stock price of $100.62, a Genus share price of £28.78 and a GBP:USD exchange rate of £1:$1.23

TRANSITIONAL ELEMENTS

We agreed two transitional elements to support transition to the ongoing Genus reward structure as follows:

Annual Bonus  
(payable  
September 2023)

PSP Award  
(to be made  
September 2023)

Amount

$412,500

Detail

Cash bonus payable in September 2023. This is in recognition of eligibility to participate in the annual 
bonus plan at Ingredion for 2023 that was forfeited through resignation. This award recognised that there 
was a period of six months where eligibility to an annual bonus would be forfeited (January to June 2023) 
with Jorgen participating in the Genus Annual Bonus Plan from July 2023. 

400% of salary

Use of exceptional limit within existing Policy to make an award of 400% of salary under the PSP plan in 
September 2023. These awards will vest after three years subject to achievement against Company 
performance targets, and will be subject to a further two year holding period following vesting.

ONGOING REWARD STRUCTURE

Base Salary

Value

$825k

Benefits

$20k car allowance

Benefits (Retirement) 6% of salary

Detail

Reviewed annually with any changes expected in September each year, commencing September 2024. 

This is set at a level consistent with other Executive Directors and is consistent with the wider workforce 
rate for UK employees as outlined within our Policy. 

Benefits

In accordance with our 
Remuneration Policy

Participation in our core benefits offering for eligible US employees, including healthcare, life insurance 
and disability cover. 

Annual Bonus

Up to 200% of salary

The first participation would be for the year commencing 1 July 2023. One-third of any award is made 
in deferred shares which vest after three years subject to continued employment. 

PSP

Up to 200% of salary

From September 2024 Jorgen will be eligible to participate in the Genus Performance Share Plan, 
with awards in line with the standard level permissible under our Remuneration Policy (currently 200%).

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE95
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SECTION B – AT A GLANCE 2024 (YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2024)

  For more detail please see pages 101 to 104

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 

Cash (15%)

Cash conversion

returns for shareholders

•   Generation of cash for reinvestment 

and dividends

Strategic Objectives (25%)

Delivery of strategic objectives in pursuit of 
stated business strategy

•  Building foundations for future growth

LONG TERM — PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN

Element/Weighting

Description of target

Alignment to strategy

EPS Performance (80%)

Average annual growth in adjusted earnings 
per share

•   Alignment to our stated medium-term 

growth aspirations

Genetic Improvement (10%)

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96
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION C – 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

R&D and business innovation

Proprietary genetic improvement 
and dissemination positions

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

Volume growth

Operating profit

Cash conversion

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

L
i
n
k
t
o
r
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
p
o

l
i

c
y

PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON REMUNERATION

2022

2023 Movement %

Impact on remuneration

Adjusted results

Revenue

£593.4m

£689.7m

16% Input to Annual Bonus profit and earnings per share in PSP

Adjusted profit before tax

£71.5m

£71.5m

0% Annual Bonus measure

Generation of free cash flow

£(13.5)m

£18.2m

n/a

Annual Bonus measure

Adjusted earnings per share

Dividend per share

82.7p

32.0p

84.8p

32.0p

3% PSP performance condition

0% Executives rewarded via dividends on shares held post vesting

Share price at year end

2,508p

2,166p

(14)% 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 2023 (£)1

Consequence  
of a +/- 10% 
share price 
change (£)

Conclusion

Stephen Wilson

76,757

8,618

85,375

2,195,853

219,585 Outgoing CEO is aligned to share price 

Jorgen Kokke

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

N/A

movement through post-cessation 
shareholding requirement

Incoming CEO has significant alignment to 
Genus through share awards made on 
appointment (buying out awards from 
previous employer) and through ongoing 
incentive opportunity available 

Alison Henriksen

10,298

4,709

15,006

385,958

38,596 CFO aligned to share price movement 

through existing ordinary shareholding and 
in-flight incentive awards

1  Value calculated using the average share price for the final quarter of the financial year ended 30 June 2023 (2,572p)

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
97
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

SECTION D – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

INTRODUCTION

This section of the Directors’ Remuneration Report is subject to an advisory vote at the 2023 AGM. Remuneration in respect of 2023 is 
determined by our Remuneration Policy agreed by over 93% of shareholders at the 2022 AGM. The detailed Policy can be found in our 
2022 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.  Reward outcomes for Executive Directors for 2023.
2.  Forward Looking Policy and Implementation in 2024.
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. REWARD OUTCOMES FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS FOR 2023

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ SINGLE TOTAL REMUNERATION FIGURE (AUDITED)

The following table shows a single total figure of remuneration for the 2023 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

617
614

418
417

13
13

13
13

49
61

25
25

679
689

456
454

Annual
bonus
£000s

245
1923

149
192

PSP 
£000s

Subtotal for 
variable pay 
£000s

2864
4995

1704
2694

531
691

319
461

Year

2023
2022

2023
2022

Total 
£000s

1,210
1,380

775
915

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 
from 10% to 6% of salary effective 1 January 2023, as previously confirmed through our Remuneration Policy. 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 Stephen Wilson in 2022 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 2023. Dividend equivalents are not added to 
awards made under the PSP. The value shown for 2023 is based on the average share price for the final three months of the 2023 financial year (which was 2,572p). This 
compares to the share price at grant of 3,898p (-34%)

5  The 2022 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 £28.94 on 

12 September 2022 when awards vested for Stephen Wilson and Alison Henriksen

Executive Directors with Pay denominated in USD:

Jorgen Kokke

Salary 
and fees 
$000s

120

Year

2023

Benefits
$000s

Pension
$000s

Subtotal for 
fixed pay 
$000s

5

6

131

Annual
bonus
$000s

Nil

PSP 
$000s

Nil

Subtotal for 
variable pay 
$000s

Nil

Total 
$000s

131

HOW THE BONUSES FOR 2023 WERE CALCULATED

Annual Bonus

Both Stephen Wilson and Alison Henriksen were eligible to participate in the Annual Bonus for 2023. Jorgen Kokke did not participate 
and his eligibility for the Genus annual bonus plan commenced from 1 July 2023. Awards 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. 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 2023 
performance

Threshold 
(0% award)

Target 
(50% award)

Stretch 
(full award)

Extent to 
which targets 
were met (%)

Adjusted profit before tax

Year-on-year profit growth

60%

£79.2m2

£79.4m

£84.7m

£88.9m

0%

Generation of free cash flow Generate cash for 

reinvestment and dividends

15%

£18.2m

£15.7m

£21.7m

£24.7m

21%

Strategic measures

To build the foundation for 
future growth

25% See table

Stephen Wilson 78% 
Alison Henriksen 69%

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 96

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE98
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION D – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

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 in dairy, beef  
and porcine

•  Genetic gain ahead of target in each 

species with rate of progress accelerating 
vs prior years

Payout 
against 
maximum

78%

Grow PIC Key accounts globally

•  Grew share in key regions – exceeded 
goal for key new porcine customer wins

Drive growth of Gene Advance 
and digital sales in ABS

•  Gene Advance targets exceeded. 
Overall digital sales behind plan 

Leverage technology/genetics 
across bovine sector

•  Global sexing deal with CRV signed, 
expansion of IntelliGen footprint 

Optimise ABS sales delivery 
and supply chain model

•  Go to market (‘GTM’) activity identified future 

benefits and will continue into FY24

Sustain leadership effectiveness

•  Internal promotion of Matt Culbertson to 

GELT to lead PIC business following retirement 
of Bill Christianson

•  Smooth transition to incoming CEO 

Improve gender diversity at 
Manager level

•  Increase in proportion of new manager 
appointment who were female in line  
with goal 

Maintain strong health and 
safety culture

•  13% reduction in vehicle incidents. Recordable 
injury rate decreased 5% and was better than 
set goal

Leadership 
and culture

Innovation

Gene editing 

•  Completion of FDA submissions ahead 
of target date and good progress with 
international regulatory agencies 

Lead industry in reproductive 
biology

•  Implementing new IVF technologies 

with better outcomes. Good progress 
with other research programmes  

Improve technology and 
process performance 
within IntelliGen

Deliver positive user adoption  
of GenusOne globally

Sustainability

Drive adoption and 
implementation of ‘Delta C’

•  Strong delivery on IntelliGen 

technology roadmap 

•  Successful deployment in most European 
countries. Positive user feedback and 
many stated adoption and optimisation 
goals achieved

•  15% improvement in primary intensity ratio 

during year 

•  Absolute carbon emissions reduced by 5% 
(and 16% below 2019 levels), exceeding goal

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
99
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Theme 

Objective

Key achievements in year

Alison Henriksen

Strategy 
Development 
and Execution

Maintains strong investor 
relations activity, expanding 
knowledge of Genus outside 
of the UK and growing 
understanding of ESG progress

•  Positive reaction to investor interactions, 
including following site visits to facilities  

Strengthen BCA relationship

•  Strong relationship in place with BCA 

and robust collaboration and alignment 

Payout 
against 
maximum

69%

Drive strategy development 
and execution

•  Active partnering with ABS to shape 

and evolve their go to market strategy, 
implementing instrumental changes in FY24
•  Active partnering with IntelliGen to achieve 

bull efficiency, implemented at Leeds 
doubling straws per billion cells

•  Procurement initiatives supporting the 
businesses, IT and HR led to significant 
incremental costs savings and cost 
inflation avoidance

•  Enhanced the processes to manage 

working capital across the Group leading 
to good improvements in cash outflows 
through reductions in DSO and ABS’s 
inventory holdings

Leadership and 
culture

Rollout of Finance Target 
Operating Model (‘FTOM’) – 
people and org design, process 
rollout, reporting and 
performance management, 
finance technology

•  Step change in insights from real time 

reporting delivered through Reporting Centre 
of Expertise (‘COE’)

•  Rollout of standardised accounting 

processes in North America and Europe and 
shift of repeatable processes to Asia, 
resulting in efficiencies

Build on career development for 
finance team, taking account 
of changes linked to FTOM

•  Created key new hires and roles within 

finance team driving strength and enhanced 
clarity of roles and responsibilities

Innovation

Deliver positive user adoption 
of GenusOne globally

Sustainability

Drive adoption and 
implementation of ‘Delta C’

•  Successful deployment in most European 
countries. Positive user feedback and 
many stated adoption and optimisation 
goals achieved

•  15% improvement in primary intensity ratio 

during year 

•  Absolute carbon emissions reduced by 5% 
(and 16% below 2019 levels), exceeding goal

As a result of this performance, the total Annual Bonus awarded to the Executive Directors was:

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Annual Bonus

Extent to 
which overall 
targets 
were met

Annual Bonus 
– cash

Annual Bonus 
– deferred 
shares1

23%

£163,016

£81,508

20%

£99,532

£49,766

1  The number of shares awarded will be calculated in September 2023 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 and Alison Henriksen on 14 September 2020 were subject to a performance condition, based on 
the growth in adjusted earnings per share from 2020 to 2023. The range of targets applicable to the award, which had a value of 200% 
and 175% of salary at grant for Stephen and Alison respectively 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%

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
 
100
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION D – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

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 2023 earnings per share after the cost of share-based payments and adjusting1 for costs relating to gene editing was 
94.7p. This represents an average annual growth in adjusted earnings per share of 7% compared to the comparable 2020 adjusted 
earnings per share figure (after the cost of share-based payments). The resulting level of vesting is 36% of maximum. Therefore, the 
number of shares that will vest will be 11,115 for Stephen Wilson and 6,594 for Alison Henriksen, and these will vest on 14 September 2023.

The Company’s average share price for the period from 1 April 2023 to 30 June 2023 (the final three months of the financial year) was 
2,572p, meaning that the value shown for these awards within the single figure table is £285,896 for Stephen Wilson and £169,601 for 
Alison Henriksen.

£1,203,585

£

1,400k

1,200k

1,000k

800k

600k

400k

200k

0

£433,291

£770,295

£(147,394)

Breakdown of value of PSP for  
Outgoing CEO  
(2020–2023 Performance)

Share price on award = £38.98

Share price (three months ending 
30 June 2023) = £25.72

£285,896

Share price change over period = (34)%

Value at award

Value of 
shares lapsed

Value of 
shares vesting

Share price
reduction

Final value at
30 June 2023

1  The average annual earnings per share growth including gene editing costs after share-based payments was 3% and the associated vesting level would have been nil 

(below threshold level of 5%) 

JOINING AWARD

Joining awards were made to our incoming CEO – Jorgen Kokke – as detailed elsewhere within this disclosure.

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. Stephen Wilson will retire on 
30 September 2023 and details of his leaver arrangements are outlined elsewhere in this report.

DISCRETION

No discretion was applied by the Committee during the year.

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 is a Non-Executive Director of Renishaw plc and he received 
fees totalling £75,000 during the year. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE101
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

2. FORWARD LOOKING POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION IN 2024

We gained shareholder approval for our new Directors’ Remuneration Policy at the 2022 AGM. The full Policy as agreed by Shareholders 
can be found in the 2022 Annual Report or at our website at www.genusplc.com. 

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

We are confident that our Policy provides strong alignment against Section 40 the Provisions of the 2018 Code as summarised below:

ALIGNMENT OF OUR REMUNERATION POLICY TO THE 2018 CODE

CLARITY 

SIMPLICITY

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.

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

PROPORTIONALITY 

RISK

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.

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.

The Committee retain ultimate 
discretion to vary outcomes from 
formulaic results if they do not 
judge this to accurately reflect 
underlying business performance.

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.

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102
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION D – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION – EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

A summary of this section is given on page 93.

Policy Area

2024 Implementation

Base Salary
Key features
•  To provide competitive fixed remuneration that 

Following review by the Committee the salary for Alison Henriksen was increased 
as shown, effective 1 July 2023. No further increases of this salary are scheduled 
until September 2025.

will attract and retain employees with the 
experience necessary to develop and execute 
our strategy

•  Normally reviewed annually effective 

1 September

•  Factors used to review include

–  Wider workforce changes in country where 

individual is based

–  Comparable salaries when benchmarked 

against relevant market comparators
–  Experience of the individual and the 

contribution they are making

–  Overall group performance and wider 

economic conditions

Benefit Provision
Key features
•  To provide a competitive range of benefits to 
drive engagement and commitment to Genus
•  Benefits generally include a car allowance and 
insured benefits (e.g. life assurance and private 
medical insurance)

•  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

Pension/Retirement Benefits
Key features
•  To provide a competitive Company contribution 

Stephen Wilson

Jorgen Kokke

Alison Henriksen

Annual Salary to  
1 Sep 2023 

Revised  
Annual Salary 

Effective Date

£616,900

$825,000

£418,200

£616,900

$825,000

n/a

n/a

£480,930

1 July 2023

The Executive Directors receive benefits including a car allowance, life assurance, 
an annual medical screen and private medical insurance. The Company will also 
provide tax support assistance for preparation of foreign tax returns for Jorgen 
Kokke as required, as well as tax equalisation provision as required for any 
employment income taxable outside of the US.

Executive Directors receive a pension allowance worth 6% of salary, consistent with 
our stated Policy to align rates for new hires to the wider workforce. 

that enables effective retirement planning

•  To provide a benefit in line with the rate 

available to the wider workforce

Executive Directors can participate in Company-wide arrangements as may exist 
(including the benefit of a Company provided match on employee contributions) 
and/or receive a cash allowance of equivalent value. 

Annual Bonus
Key features
•  To motivate and incentivise delivery of annual 

performance targets covering a combination of 
financial and strategic measures

•  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

Annual Bonus

Value of bonus

A maximum of 200% of salary for Jorgen Kokke and 175% for 
Alison Henriksen. Stephen Wilson will be eligible for a bonus of 
up to 175% of salary, prorated for the period of employment 
from 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023.

Performance 
measures

Assessed across the following metrics: 
•  Genus Group Operating Profit (exc PIC China) –  

50% of opportunity

•  PIC China Operating Profit – 10% of opportunity
•  Cash Conversion – 15% of opportunity
•  Strategic measures – 25% of opportunity

Calibration of 
profit and cash 
targets

Calibration of 
strategic 
measures

The targets for the coming year have been determined and will 
be disclosed on a retrospective basis. The targets have been 
set considering agreed budgets and represent stretching 
business performance. The Committee considered analyst 
expectations and market conditions in our key countries in 
determining the range and is comfortable that the range set  
is stretching. 

Group targets will exclude gene editing costs in line with prior 
years, as we move towards PRRSv commercialisation.

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.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE103
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Policy Area

2024 Implementation

Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’)
Key features
•  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. 

•  Malus and clawback provisions 

may apply for a period of  
three years

Awards to be granted in September 2023 will be granted under the 2019 PSP approved 
by shareholders on 14 November 2019. Alison Henriksen will be granted awards over 200% 
of salary in line with that permitted under the Policy. The award for Jorgen Kokke will be 
worth 400% of salary, using the exceptional limit within the agreed Remuneration Policy, 
as outlined within this disclosure. 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 
2026 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.

Three performance targets will be used for the awards to be granted in September 2023 
as shown below will be assessed independently of each other.

Metric

Weighting Metric detail

Target for 2023 awards

Earnings  
Per Share 

80%

Genetic 
Improvement

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.

Average annual growth in 
adjusted earnings per share1

Vesting %

Less than 4% per annum

4% per annum

12% per annum

0%

20%

100%

Indicative 
award  

(max 10%)

8–10%

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
Progress below target 
each year in all species

5–7%

2–4%

No award

10%

Greenhouse 
Gas 
Reduction

Reduction in overall 
primary intensity ratio of 
our operations for the 
three-year period 
commencing 1 July 2023 
and ending 30 June 2026.

Cumulative % reduction across 
three years ending June 2025
Below 3%
3% (threshold)
10% (stretch)

Vesting %

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 recognise that material changes in the Company share price can materially change the 
number of shares that are awarded through PSP grants. The Committee will make these awards in the usual 
way in September 2023 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. 

Shareholding
Key features
•  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 and Performance Share Plans

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE104
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION D – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION – NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Policy Area

2024 Implementation

No changes to core fees payable to Non-Executive Directors fees will be 
implemented for 2024

Fees
Key features
•  To provide compensation that attracts high-

calibre individuals and reflects their experience 
and knowledge

•  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

REWARD FOR OUTGOING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (STEPHEN WILSON)

REWARD ARRANGEMENTS AND FUTURE LEAVER TREATMENT FOR STEPHEN WILSON

On 23 February 2023 we announced that Stephen Wilson would be retiring from Genus after ten years with the business. In line with 
a request from the Board, and to facilitate a smooth period of transition, he will work through to 30 September 2023. The Committee 
determined the following in relation to his reward:

REWARD FOR 2024 (PERIOD BEGINNING 1 JULY 2023 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2023)

•  Continuing salary payments and ongoing eligibility to benefits
•  Eligibility for annual bonus for period 1 July to 30 September 2023. (This will be determined based on combination of strategic and 

financial targets, with financial targets consistent with those used for other Executive Directors). Awards will be determined after the 
conclusion of the financial year ending 30 June 2024, and awards will be delivered partly in cash and partly in deferred shares that will 
vest after three years (in line with our Policy)

TREATMENT OF IN-FLIGHT SHARE AWARDS UPON LEAVING

Upon retirement from Genus on 30 September 2023, Stephen has been determined to be a good leaver and the Committee have 
determined that treatment of awards should be consistent with the approach within our agreed Policy. In-flight awards under our PSP 
plan will be prorated (based on the period employed within the respective performance period) with vesting determined at the end of 
the three year period. Stephen will have a six month window to exercise any nil cost options that vest. Previously awarded share awards 
under the Deferred Bonus share plan will vest in full at their scheduled vesting dates. 

Stephen will have a post cessation shareholding Policy requiring him to hold onto shares for 24 months following cessation of 
employment on the terms described in our agreed Remuneration Policy. The Committee have discussed and agreed which shares 
this relates to and how this will be operationalised.

Any further payments made to Stephen will be disclosed in future Annual Reports as we are required to disclose. 

SALARY LEVEL FOR CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (ALISON HENRIKSEN)

ADJUSTMENT TO SALARY LEVEL

The Committee discussed the future role and responsibilities for Alison following the appointment of Jorgen to the business. We 
determined that the future scope of the role was broader, in particular reflecting the fact that she will be the sole Executive Director 
based primarily in the UK following change of CEO. We viewed this as an extension of her current role, and following wider review of 
her responsibilities, agreed an increase in base salary to £480,930 (+15%) effective 1 July 2023. No further increases will be made in 
September 2023 or September 2024 with next scheduled review in September 2025. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE105
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 2023, 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

6/7 

7/7 

7/7 

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 £50k 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.

During the year to 30 June 2023, the Committee met seven times and considered the following matters:

July 20221
•  Proposed objectives for CEO 

September 20221
•  Approve vesting of 

for FY22 

•  Review draft DRR disclosure
•  Market Update on reward 

Performance Share Plan 
for 2018 awards

•  Approve DRR
•  Review GELT shareholding 

at year end 

•  Approve future long-term 
incentive awards (for GELT 
and below)

January 20232
•  CEO Leaver treatment 
•  Future CEO recruitment  
and reward approach

April 20231
•  Gender Pay insight 
(Genus Breeding)

•  Wider reward landscape 

across Genus

•  CFO Remuneration

August 20221
•  Targets for Annual bonus  

November 20221
•  Review of shareholder vote 

for 2023

post AGM

•  EPS target range for 

•  Spotlight on reward  

February 20232
•  Reward review across GELT
•  Future CEO recruitment

within R&D

PSP award to be made 
in September

•  2022 Annual Bonus 
outcomes for GELT

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 2022 AGM which received 
high levels of shareholder support. The results of the most recent votes were as follows: 

For

Against

48,707,946

98.3 46,353,666

876,515

1.7

3,433,110

Total number of shares in respect of which votes were validly made

49,584,461

100 49,786,776

Votes withheld

211,121

8,806

93.1

6.9

100

Vote on Directors’ 
Remuneration Report 
2022 AGM (advisory)

Vote on Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy  
2022 AGM (binding)

Total number 
of votes

% of votes 
cast

Total number 
of votes

% of votes 
cast

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE106
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION D – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

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.

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 13

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

June 21

June 22

June 23

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

2023

Karim Bitar

Stephen Wilson

Total remuneration (£000s)

£868

£877

£1,622

£1,704 £2,856

£2,549

£815

£183

£2,161 £2,888 £1,380 £1,210

Annual Bonus (% of max)

31%

32%

99%

78%

59%1

64%1

Nil2

Nil2

91%

95%

18%

23%

Total PSP vesting 
(% of max)

–

–

26%

34%

79%

56%

Nil3

Nil3

44.9%

81.2%

41.4%

36%

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

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
107
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 2023 (excluding 
Directors) and calculating on an FTE basis changes in salary, benefits and bonus compared to the previous year.

Stephen Wilson1

Alison Henriksen2

Jorgen Kokke

Iain Ferguson

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

Lesley Knox

Jason Chin

UK comparators

Salary/fees (% change)

Benefits (% change)

Bonus (% change)

2022 to 
2023

2021 to 
2022

2020 to 
2021

2019 to 
2020

2022 to 
2023

2021 to 
2022

2020 to 
2021

2019 to 
2020

2022 to 
2023

2021 to 
2022

2020 to 
2021

2019 to 
2020

0

0

n/a

0

0

8

8

15

5.1

2

2

n/a

46

0

0

0

0

2.5

9

2

n/a

n/a

0

0

(5)

n/a

2.6

41

n/a

n/a

n/a

0

0

153

n/a

2.3

(17)

0

n/a

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

3

n/a

0

(100)

0

0

0

0

0

0

n/a

n/a

(60)

0

0

n/a

0

0

n/a

n/a

n/a

25

0

0

n/a

0

27

(22)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

51

(81)

(72)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(66)

6

7

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

24

158

n/a

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 

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT 

Employee costs (£m)

Distributions to shareholders1

1 

Includes dividends and share buy-backs

2022

2023

% change

£197m

£230m

£20.9m

£21m

17%

0%

5. THE CHAIRMAN AND NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ FEES

Fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors per annum effective from 1 July 2023 are as follows:

Position

Chairman

Base Non-Executive Director fee

Additional fee for Chair of Audit & Risk Committee/Remuneration Committee

2021 
fees

2022
fees

2023 
fees

£230,0001 £230,000

£230,000

£55,000

£55,000

£55,000

£5,000

£10,000

£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

£10,000

£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

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE108
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION D – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Total single figure of remuneration (audited) for 2022 and 2023 are as follows:

Non-Executive Directors

Iain Ferguson

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

Lesley Knox

Jason Chin

Total

Fees 
£000s

230
230

55
55

65
60

65
60

75
65

490
470

2023
2022

2023
2022

2023
2022

2023
2022

2023
2022

2023
2022

Taxable 
expenses 
£000s

Benefits 
£000s

–
–

1
–

–
–

3
–

1
–

5
–

–
–

2
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

2
–

Total

£000s

230
230

58
55

65
60

68
60

76
65

497
470

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.

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

Jorgen Kokke

Alison Henriksen

Jason Chin

Lesley Knox

Lykele van der Broek

Lysanne Gray

Total

Ordinary 
shares as at 
30 June 2023 
Number

% of
salary held1

Shareholding
guideline2

10,000

76,757

–

5,375

–

2,000

3,750

–

97,882

n/a

356%

0%

92%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

200%

200%

200%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Unvested 
DSBP 
awards at 
30 June 2023 
Number

Unvested 
PSP awards 
or nil-cost 
options held 
at 
30 June 2023 
Number

Ordinary 
shares as at 
30 June 2022 
Number

n/a

n/a

9,000

16,261

96,360

64,047

n/a

126,935

8,884

60,846

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

–

–

–

2,000

3,750

–

25,145

157,206

78,797

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 2023  

of 2,572p

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 2023 and the date of this report.

COMPANY SHARE PRICE

The market price of the Company’s shares on 30 June 2023 was 2,166p and the lowest and highest share prices during the financial year 
were 2,132p and 3,272p respectively.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE109
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS GRANTED IN 2023 (AUDITED)

The awards granted under the 2019 PSP were as follows:

Executive

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Number of 
shares 
comprising 
award

43,504

29,492

Face/maximum value of 
awards at grant date 
(% salary)1

% of award 
vesting at 
threshold

£1,233,800 (200%)

£836,400 (200%)

20

20

Performance period

01.07.22–30.06.25

01.07.22–30.06.25

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 2,836p 

(award granted on 14 September 2022)

The awards were granted as nil-cost share options and vesting will be subject to achievement against Company performance targets 
and operate with a broader strategic underpin, consistent with our Remuneration Policy. The targets are based on:

Earnings per share (weighting 80% of the total award) 

The adjusted earnings per share growth performance target for the above awards is:

Average annual growth in adjusted earnings per share1

Less than 4% per annum

4% per annum

12% 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

Genetic Improvement (weighting 10% of the total award) 

Measured using standard deviations of genetic improvement per generation of genetics in Porcine, Bovine and Dairy. Assessment 
determined by the Committee having reviewed progress in each of the respective species against a target of 1 standard deviation 
of improvement per generation in Dairy and Bovine, and 0.75 standard deviations of improvement per generation in Porcine. 

Greenhouse Gas Reduction (weighting 10% of the total award) 

Measured using cumulative reduction in overall primary intensity ratio of our operations for the three years ending 30 June 2025 against 
the following scale:

The adjusted earnings per share growth performance target for the above awards is:

Cumulative % reduction across three years ending 30 June 20251

Below 3%

3% (Threshold)

10% (Stretch)

Straight-line vesting between performance points.

1  Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions based on tCO2e/tonne animal weight 

DEFERRED BONUS AWARDS GRANTED IN 2023 (AUDITED)

The following DSBP awards were granted in relation to the 2022 annual bonus:

Executive

Stephen Wilson

Alison Henriksen

Vesting 
(% award)

0%

20%

100%

Number of 
shares 
comprising 
award

Face value of 
awards at 
grant date1

2,257

£64,037

2,257

£64,037

These awards are not subject to any further performance conditions and will normally vest in full on 14 September 2025 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 2,836p 

(award granted on 14 September 2022)

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE110
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION D – ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

SUMMARY OF SCHEME INTERESTS (AUDITED)

As at 30 June 2023, the Executive Directors had the following beneficial interests in share awards and share options:

Stephen Wilson

Grant date

Award

Vesting period

11 September 2019

PSP

11 September 2019 DSBP

14 September 2020 PSP

14 September 2020 DSBP

15 September 2021

PSP

15 September 2021 DSBP

14 September 2022 PSP

14 September 2022 DSBP

Total

Alison Henriksen

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

14 September 2022 to  
14 September 2025

14 September 2022 to  
14 September 2025

Share price 
at grant

At 
30 June 2022 
Number

Granted 
in year 
Number

Lapsed 
in year 
Number

Exercised 
in year 
Number

At 
30 June 2023 
Number

–

–

2,832p

41,666

2,832p

7,382

3,898p

30,877

3,898p

8,079

5,613p

21,979

5,613p

5,925

2,836p

2,836p

0

0

43,504

2,257

(24,417)

(17,249)

–

–

–

–

–

(7,382)

–

–

–

–

0

0

30,877

8,079

21,979

5,925

43,504

2,257

115,908

45,761

(24,417)

(24,631)

112,621

Grant date

Award

Vesting period

Share price 
at grant

At 
30 June 2022 
Number

Granted 
in year 
Number

Lapsed 
in year 
Number

Exercised 
in year 
Number

At 
30 June 2023 
Number

7 April 2020

PSP

14 September 2020 PSP

14 September 2020 DSBP

15 September 2021

PSP

15 September 2021 DSBP

14 September 2022 PSP

14 September 2022 DSBP

7 April 2020 to  
11 September 2022

14 September 2020 to  
14 September 2023

14 September 2020 to  
15 September 2021

15 September 2021 to 
15 September 2024

15 September 2021 to 
15 September 2024

14 September 2022 to 14 
September 2025

14 September 2022 to 14 
September 2025

3,120p

22,435

–

(13,147)

–

–

3,898p

18,317

3,898p

2,536

5,613p

13,037

5,613p

4,091

2,836p

2,836p

0

0

29,492

2,257

0

–

–

9,288

18,317

2,536

13,037

4,091

29,492

2,257

Total

60,416

31,749

(13,147)

0

79,018

For the share awards to Stephen Wilson and Alison Henriksen granted on 14 September 2022, the closing average share price over the 
three trading days prior to 14 September 2022 (the grant date for the PSP awards) of 2,836p 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.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE111
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Jorgen Kokke

Grant date

Award1

Vesting period

2 May 2023

2 May 2023

2 May 2023

2 May 2023

2 May 2023

Total

Nil-Cost 
Options

2 May 2023 to 
23 February 2024

Nil-Cost 
Options

2 May 2023 to 
2 May 2024

Nil-Cost 
Options

2 May 2023 to 
28 February 2025

Nil-Cost 
Options

2 May 2023 to 
2 May 2025

Nil-Cost 
Options

2 May 2023 to 
4 May 2026

Share price 
at grant2

2,878p

2,878p

2,878p

2,878p

2,878p

At 
30 June 2022 
Number

0

0

0

0

0

0

Granted 
in year 
Number

59,055

7,649

44,933

7,649

7,649

126,935

Lapsed 
in year 
Number

Exercised 
in year 
Number

At 
30 June 2023 
Number

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

59,055

7,649

44,933

7,649

7,649

–

126,935

1  These awards have been granted pursuant to Listing Rule 9.4.2R as nil-cost share options over ordinary shares on substantially similar terms to the Genus 2019 Performance 

Share Plan (‘PSP’), but without further Genus company performance conditions and have been determined to be a fair value for awards that have been forfeited at Ingredion, 
with vesting dates designed to mirror the operation of those awards where applicable

2   The share price was based on the average of the Genus share price for the 60 days prior to appointment, as agreed with Jorgen Kokke as part of the recruitment process. 

More detail on the calculation of these joining awards is provided elsewhere in this disclosure

DILUTION

The aggregate dilution of all relevant share incentives is 3.6% as at 30 June 2023, which is less than the permissible 10% in ten years 
dilution limit.

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

Jorgen Kokke

2 May 2023

2 April 2023

Alison Henriksen

13 January 2020

14 November 2019

n/a

n/a

n/a

12 (from Company), 
6 (from Executive)

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 2026

1 April 2024

1 June 2024

Lykele van der Broek

1 July 2014

4 September 2020

1 July 2024

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. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE112
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION E – WIDER WORKFORCE REMUNERATION

The Committee developed the Remuneration Policy agreed by shareholders in 2022 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 2023

Our CEO pay ratio is shown below. 

Year ended

30 June 2023

CEO single 
figure £k

FTE  

reward

1,210

£30,345

Ratio

40:1

FTE  

reward

£35,924

Ratio

34:1

FTE  

reward

£50,199

25th percentile

Median

75th percentile

Median ratio 
vs CEO 
target 
remuneration

51:1

Ratio

24:1

No elements of pay have been omitted from the calculation and pay quartiles determined as at 30 June 2023 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

£27,379

£31,950

£41,208

£30,345

£35,924

£50,199

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. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE113
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

91:1

71:1

26:1

2019

39:1

2020

2021

2022

34:1

2023

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 fell 
from 39:1 in 2022 to 34:1 in 2023. This can be attributed to a number of factors outlined below:

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 – Overall the single figure for the year was a reduction on 2022 levels. This is the combined impact of slightly 
higher Annual Bonus awards offset by a lower vesting level for the PSP award vesting for 2023 (36% of maximum) compared to 41.4% 
for the award that vested in 2022.

COMPARATOR PAY

Median total pay and benefits – Total Median reward (calculated on the same basis as the single figure within the CEO disclosure) 
increased by just over 5.5% between 2022 and 2023. 

Total pay and benefits 
Year ended

30 June 23

30 June 22

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

£1,210k

£30,345

£1,327k

£27,774

40:1

48:1

£35,924

£33,999

£2,948k2

£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

34:1

39:1

91:1

71:1

26:1

83:1

£50,199

£44,818

£43,796

£42,426

£41,792

£40,203

Median ratio vs 
target CEO 
single figure

Ratio

24:1

30:1

67:1

53:1

20:1

63:1

Ratio

51:1

54:1

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 97 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.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Lesley Knox
Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
6 September 2023

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEDAN HARTLEY
Group General Counsel and  
Company Secretary

114
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

INFORMATION INCORPORATED 
BY REFERENCE

The following information required to be 
included in an Annual Financial Report 
in accordance with the UK Financial 
Conduct Authority’s Listing Rule 9.8.4R 
and in a Directors’ Report is provided 
elsewhere in the Annual Report and is 
incorporated into the Directors’ Report 
by cross reference as appropriate.

Content

Location

Business Model

Pages 2 to 11

Key Performance Indicators

Directors

Dividends

Principal risks

Financial results

Audit and Risk Committee

Greenhouse gas emissions 
and energy consumption

Research and 
development activities

Financial risk management

Future developments in the 
business

Going concern and 
viability statement

Directors’ interests

Engagement with 
employees, customers, 
suppliers and others

Long-term incentive 
schemes

Pages  

22 to 23

Pages  

68 to 69

Page 33

Pages  

62 to 64

Pages  

30 to 33

Pages  

83 to 88

Pages  

36 to 57

Pages  

28 to 29

Pages  

30 to 33

Pages  

24 to 29

Page 65

Pages  

108 to 111

Pages  

58 to 59

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 2022 AGM and a new 
authority is being sought at the 2023 AGM, 
within the limits set out in the notice of 
meeting, that is up to a nominal value of 
£4,401,814 (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.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE115
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE THE COMPANY’S 
OWN SHARES

PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO THE 
COMPANY’S AUDITOR

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 
2022 AGM and a new authority is being 
sought at the 2023 AGM within the limits 
set out in the notice of meeting, that 
is up to a nominal value of £660,272.10 
(representing 10% of the Company’s 
current issued share capital).

The Company did not buy back any 
shares under the authority granted at 
the 2022 AGM, from the date of that 
AGM up to the date of this report.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS

As at 1 September 2023, we were aware of 
the following material interests in the 
Company’s ordinary shares:

Fund Manager

Shareholding

%

Baillie Gifford  
& Co

Abrdn

Wellington 
Management

5,682,186

4,178,431

4,103,996

Capital Group

3,285,610

BlackRock

3,623,952

Columbia 
Threadneedle 
Investment

3,230,061

Vanguard Group

3,040,575

8.61

6.33

6.22

4.98

5.49

4.89

4.60

Devon Equity 
Management

2,785,248

4.22

There have been no material changes 
in shareholding since 30 June 2023. No 
other person has notified an interest in 
the Company’s ordinary shares, which 
is required to be disclosed to us.

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.

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITIES

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
6 September 2023

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE116
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

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 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 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 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.

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:

Jorgen Kokke
Chief Executive
6 September 2023

Alison Henriksen
Chief Financial Officer
6 September 2023

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE117
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
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 2023 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 40 and C1 to C19.

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 £3.2m and was determined on the 
basis of 5% of forecast profit before tax excluding the impact of certain exceptional items and the net 
IAS 41 valuation movement on biological assets. Our determined materiality equates to 5.4% of this 
measure at year end.

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 76% of Group revenue, 87% of Group 
net assets and 86% of Group profit before tax, excluding the impact of exceptional items and the net IAS 
41 valuation movement on biological assets.

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 
 
118
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 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

–  Evaluating the accuracy of current and forecast covenant calculations 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 £190m multi-currency RCF, a 
US$150m RCF and a US$20m bond and guarantee facility; reperforming debt covenant computations over the going concern period; 
and evaluating the associated disclosures; 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 2023, the Group held total 
biological assets (excluding those recognised in inventory) of £342.0m (2022: £366.8m).

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 growth rates over the strategic outlook period of proven and genomic semen sales, and the 
discount rate applied to the forecast cash flows in respect of the Bovine herd.

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 85 how they have considered the Group’s judgements.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS119
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 third-party benchmarking data, historical 
transactional data or other comparable sources, and performed a 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

£3.2m (2022: £3.1m)

£2.6m (2022: £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% (2022: 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 5.4% 
(2022: 5.6%) of this measure at year end.

We determined adjusted profit before tax 
as an appropriate benchmark for 
determining materiality so as to avoid 
distortion that could otherwise arise from 
non-recurring or highly volatile items 
including the IAS 41 fair value movements. 

1% (2022: 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% (2022: 70%) of Group materiality

70% (2022: 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 
120
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 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 £160k (2022: £155k), 
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 (2022: 13). Of these 
components, 8 were designated as subject to full scope audit procedures (2022: 8), with the remaining 5 subject to specified procedures 
(2022: 5). Excluding the Parent Company, our component audits were performed using materiality between £1.1m and £1.3m (2022: £1.1m 
and £1.4m). These components represent the principal business units and account for 76% of the Group’s revenue (2022: 73%), 87% of the 
Group’s net assets (2022: 84%) and 86% of the Group’s profit before tax, excluding the impact of exceptional items and the net IAS 41 
valuation movement on biological assets (2022: 84%). 

At the Group level, we evaluated 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  11%
24%
3  Review at Group level 

1  Full audit scope  
75%
2  Specified audit procedures  11%
14%
3  Review at Group level 

1  Full audit scope   
77%
2  Specified audit procedures  10%
13%
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 expanded the scope of our IT procedures in the current year. Specifically, we 
obtained an understanding of, and tested general IT controls operating within the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform. 

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 
In planning our audit, we have considered the potential impact of climate change on the Group’s business and its financial statements. 

As discussed on page 46, 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. As a part of our audit 
procedures, we have obtained management’s climate-related risk assessment and held discussions with those charged with 
governance to understand the process of identifying climate-related risks, the determination of mitigating actions and the impact on 
the Group’s financial statements. 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 have also evaluated the appropriateness of disclosures included in the financial statements in notes 1 to 40, 
and have read the climate related disclosure in the Sustainability report to consider whether they are materially consistent with the 
financial statements and our knowledge obtained in the audit. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS121
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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, US, China, Brazil and Mexico; the group audit team performed specified audit 
procedures directly on components in Chile, Canada, and Spain.

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. We visited the UK components, (ABS & PIC), held in-person 
discussions and reviewed on site. For the rest of the components, our oversight was remote and we enhanced this oversight through a 
number of measures (as appropriate to each component), including accessing and directly reviewing their audit files, 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 as approved by the board;
•  results of our enquiries of management, internal audit, and the Audit & Risk Committee about their own identification and assessment 

of the risks of irregularities, including those that are specific to the Group’s sector; 

•  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 85 and in note 4 to the financial 
statements);

–  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 valuation and IT specialists, regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any 
potential indicators of fraud.

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GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 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, 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 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 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 65;

•  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 65;

•  the directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 116;
•  the board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out on pages 61;
•  the section of the annual report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems set out on 

page 87; and

•  the section describing the work of the Audit & Risk Committee set out on pages 83-88.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS123
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 18 years, covering the years ending 30 June 2006 to 30 June 2023.

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
6 September 2023

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS124
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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
Other gains and losses
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 loss/(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
26
10
10

11

2023  
£m

689.7
74.6

(16.9)
(7.7)
(6.0)

(30.6)
(3.5)

(34.1)

40.5
10.5
2.7
(15.4)
1.1

39.4
(7.6)

31.8

33.3
(1.5)

31.8

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

12 
12

50.8p
50.5p

62.5p
62.2p

Note

2023  
£m

2022  
£m

74.6
0.4
10.8
14.3

100.1
(14.3)

85.8
(14.3)

71.5

68.8
(0.3)
9.2
7.9

85.6
(7.9)

77.7
(6.2)

71.5

84.8p
84.2p

82.7p
82.3p

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125
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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/(income) 

Items that may not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Actuarial (loss)/gains on retirement benefit obligations
Movement on pension asset recognition restriction 
Release of additional pension liability
Gain/(loss) on equity instruments measured at fair value 
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive expense/(income) 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (EXPENSE)/INCOME FOR THE YEAR

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest

Note

2023  
£m

26

11

29
29
29

11

(27.2)
–
0.8
3.1

(40.4)
38.3
3.0
1.7
(1.2)

2022  
£m

66.6
(0.7)
1.9
(8.2)

27.3
(69.8)
43.7
(6.1)
1.1

2023  
£m

31.8

(23.3)

1.4

(21.9)

9.9

2022  
£m

36.7

59.6

(3.8)

55.8

92.5

11.1
(1.2)

97.3
(4.8)

9.9

92.5

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS126
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

Called up  
share 
capital  
£m

Share 
premium 
account 
£m

Note

Own 
shares  
£m

6.6

179.1

(0.1)

Hedging 
reserve  

£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Total  
£m

Non- 
controlling 
interest  
£m

Total 
equity  
£m

320.4

498.1

(1.5)

496.6

59.4

(0.6)

58.8

Trans- 
lation 
reserve  

£m

(7.9)

59.4

(0.6)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(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

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 income/(expense) 
for the year
Profit/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income/(expense) 
for the year
Recognition of share-based payments, 
net of tax
Dividends
Adjustment arising from change in non-
controlling interest and written put option

BALANCE AT 30 June 2022
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 loss 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 income/(expense) 
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

13

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

6.6

179.1

(0.1)

50.9

1.4

340.6

578.5

(6.4)

572.1

(24.2)

0.3

(23.9)

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)

(24.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.7

–

0.6

0.7

(30.3)

(30.3)

28.7

28.7

2.3

2.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

0.7

(30.3)

28.7

2.3

(24.2)
–

0.6
–

1.4
33.3

(22.2)
33.3

0.3
(1.5)

(21.9)
31.8

(24.2)

0.6

34.7

11.1

(1.2)

9.9

–
–

–

–
–

–

6.3
(21.0)

6.3
(21.0)

–
–

6.3
(21.0)

–

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

BALANCE AT 30 June 2023

6.6

179.1

(0.1)

26.7

2.0

360.6

574.9

(7.7)

567.2

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS127
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GROUP BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2023

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

2023  
£m

2022  
£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

107.8
66.2
318.2
164.4
53.5
8.8
4.9
8.2
16.5

748.5

61.3
23.8
132.1
36.3
4.0
1.5
–

259.0

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

1,007.5

1,017.9

(122.0)
(4.2)
(1.8)
–
(10.0)
(7.4)
(1.8)

(147.2)

–
(196.0)
(6.9)
(10.3)
(0.6)
(51.2)
(6.2)
(21.9)

(293.1)

(440.3)

567.2

6.6
179.1
(0.1)
26.7
2.0
360.6

574.9
(2.2)
(5.5)

(7.7)

567.2

(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

The Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 6 September 2023.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors

Jorgen Kokke 
Chief Executive 

Alison Henriksen
Chief Financial Officer

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
128
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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 investment
Acquisition of joint venture and associate
Acquisition of trade and assets
Acquisition of Olymel AlphaGene assets
Sale of other investments
Acquisition of other 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 (OUTFLOW)/INFLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents at start of the year
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 30 JUNE

22

2023  
£m

50.4

2.6
(1.9)
(1.0)
–
–
3.4
(0.4)
(0.8)
(25.9)
(9.3)
2.4

(30.9)

126.8
(111.7)
(11.1)
(21.0)
(0.1)
(1.1)
–

(18.2)

1.3

38.8
1.3
(3.8)

36.3

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

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS129
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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 2023 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 65 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 200 to 207.

Change in trade and other receivables
It was identified that certain contract assets were previously incorrectly classified as current trade receivables. The prior periods have 
been restated, reducing current trade receivables by £9.6m in June 2022, with a corresponding increase in current contract assets.

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130
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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/£

Average

Closing

2023

1.21
1.15
6.20
22.84
8.44
86.29

2022

1.32
1.18
6.94
26.97
8.55
98.75

2021

2023

1.36
1.13
7.33
28.15
8.94
102.04

1.27
1.16
6.08
21.74
9.21
112.79

2022

1.22
1.16
6.39
24.45
8.15
66.73

2021

1.38
1.17
6.87
27.57
8.93
101.10

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 2023. 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131
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 2022 and have been implemented with effect from 
1 July 2022. These are:
•  Amendments to IFRS 3 – ‘Business Combinations’ – References to the Conceptual Framework;
•  Amendments to IAS 12 – ‘Income Taxes’ – International tax reform – Pillar two model rules;
•  Amendments to IAS 16 – ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’ – Proceeds before Intended Use;
•  Amendments to IAS 37 – ‘Onerous Contracts’ — Cost of Fulfilling a Contract; and
•  Annual Improvements 2018-2020 Cycle.

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 IFRS 16 – ‘Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback’;
•  Amendments to IAS 1 – ‘Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current’;
•  Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 – ‘Disclosure of Accounting Policies’;
•  Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 – ‘Disclosures: Supplier Finance Arrangements’;
•  Amendments to IAS 8 – ‘Definition of Accounting Estimates’; and
•  Amendments to IAS 12 – ‘Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction’.

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 including those held in equity-accounted investees (note 16) and (note 18)
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132
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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
Current unit prices
Growth in unit prices1
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
Observable
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
Readily obtainable
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

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 on our business 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 His 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 to HMT for a licence 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; to allow the use of 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. 

The UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (‘OFSI’) issued a general licence for trading in agricultural commodities in Russia 
effective on the 4 November 2022 which provides exemptions to the sanctions regime in connection with the export, production and 
transport of agricultural commodities. This definition includes reproductive materials such as are supplied by Genus. Under this general 
licence, receipts from non-sanctioned customers received from and before 4 November 2022 from sanctioned banks no longer need to 
be frozen and can be freely used. Also receipts from a sanctioned customer, if made through a non-sanctioned bank, no longer need to 
be frozen and can be freely used. If any customer is or becomes sanctioned and pays through a sanctioned bank, these funds would still 
need to be frozen even after 4 November 2022.

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. 
On 24 February 2023, the UralSib bank was put on the UK financial sanctions list and as such ABS and PIC Russia subsequently opened 
new bank accounts with the OTP Bank on 21 March 2023 and on 16 May 2023 respectively. Any receipts from sanctioned banks into the 
sanctioned UralSib account have been frozen and are not used for business disbursements. 

As at 30 June 2023, we had a cash balance of £3.1m (30 June 2022 £4.5m) in the Russian entities of which £0.8m (30 June 2022: £0.2m) is 
not currently available to be used by the Group due to being received from sanctioned banks and held in a sanctioned bank. 

Management has reviewed the operations and cash flow over a period of 18 months from 30 June 2023 to 31 December 2024, based 
upon the 2024 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 their 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. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS133
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY CONTINUED

Genus PLC applied for a licence to the Department for International Trade (‘DIT’) on 22 September 2022, to allow for UK-based 
employees within the Genus group to provide accounting, business and management consulting services to the Russian-based 
subsidiaries, for the purpose of helping them carry out business operations in Russia, delivery of humanitarian assistance activity 
and for the production or distribution of food, provided that it is for the benefit of the civilian population.

The licence was authorised by the DIT and came into force on 11 January 2023. It authorises the following services:
•  The fullest possible range of accounting services, business and management consulting services, to include advisory, guidance 
and operational assistance services provided for business policy and strategy, and the overall planning, structuring, and control 
of the organisation.

•  The oversight that a parent company would typically provide to its subsidiaries in the areas of accounting, financial controls, tax, 

treasury, finance and human resources, along with similar oversight in the areas of information technology, supply chain and other 
types of technology.

The licence expires on 11 January 2025 and, provided the facts and circumstances surrounding the issuance of the licence currently 
in place do not change materially we do not foresee any reasons why the licence could not be renewed. 

We have concluded that we do have control over the Russian-based subsidiaries for the year ended 30 June 2023, as defined under 
IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’, and we are still able to consolidate them despite short-term restrictions on extracting cash. 
We have also assessed each of the asset balances for impairment. The material areas that could give rise to impairment are:
•  PIC Russia farm: £2.4m (30 June 2022: £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 property’s open market price (less cost to sell) would support the 
carrying value.

•  Trade receivables: £2.7m (30 June 2022: £6.0m) – the ongoing financial sanctions may affect our customers’ ability to pay us for their 

• 

goods. If determined that our customers are unlikely to repay these amounts, then they should be provided for. 
IAS 41 valuation: £3.9m (30 June 2022: £2.8m) – 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. 

Management’s impairment analysis indicates that, under the current business environment and based on the plans for the Financial 
Year 2024 no impairment is required as at 30 June 2023.

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. 
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 £11.7m (2022: £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 from the date of any deconsolidation. Revenues from the Russian entities were £21.7m in the year ended 
30 June 2023 (2022: £14.6m).

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

2023
£m

349.5
318.8

18.5
2.8
0.1
–

21.4

2022
£m

306.6
272.0

12.4
1.7
0.7
–

14.8

689.7

593.4

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS134
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

5. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

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

2023
£m

135.0
43.4

(29.7)
(25.6)
(14.3)
(17.4)

(87.0)

91.4
(16.8)

74.6

2022
£m

112.3
40.5

(22.4)
(22.8)
(7.9)
(14.0)

(67.1)

85.7
(16.9)

68.8

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 £3.5m net expense (2022: £2.0m net expense) relate to Genus ABS (£2.7m net expense) (2022: £4.2m net expense), 
Genus PIC (£nil ) (2022: £0.6m net expense) and our central segment (£0.8m net expense) (2022: £2.8m net credit). 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. 

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)

2023 
£m

5.0
16.0

1.3
4.5
1.7

7.5

28.5
1.7

30.2

2022 
£m 

4.5
14.3

1.0
2.2
2.0

5.2

24.0
2.4

26.4

2023 
£m

6.8
4.4

–
–
0.4

0.4

11.6
1.8

13.4

2022 
£m 

7.4
3.4

–
–
0.2

0.2

11.0
1.6

12.6

2023 
£m

6.8
21.8

1.6
1.2
4.9

7.7

36.3
7.0

43.3

2022 
£m 

45.2
25.4

3.3
1.3
2.7

7.3

77.9
5.8

83.7

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

2023 
£m

265.4
281.7

11.4
269.1
125.0

405.5

952.6
54.9

2022 
£m 

305.4
261.4

14.7
275.0
119.6

409.3

976.1
41.8

1,007.5

1,017.9

2023 
£m

(66.0)
(72.5)

(4.5)
(55.3)
(19.6)

(79.4)

(217.9)
(222.4)

(440.3)

2022 
£m 

(73.4)
(78.9)

(4.4)
(57.7)
(16.7)

(78.8)

(231.1)
(214.7)

(445.8)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS135
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

5. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

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

Total revenue

2023
£m

288.5
105.6
93.1
109.6
92.9

689.7

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.

2023 
£m 

508.6
69.6
71.5
43.8
33.6

727.1

North America
Latin America
UK
Rest of Europe, Middle East, Russia and Africa
Asia

Non-current assets (excluding deferred taxation and financial instruments)

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; 
• 
• 
•  slaughter animal sales; and
•  bovine partnership contracts.

installation and maintenance of IntelliGen technology;
licensing of IntelliGen technology; 

2022
£m

238.5
94.6
88.7
88.3
83.3

593.4

2022 
£m 

529.6
56.7
69.8
45.7
46.3

748.1

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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS136
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

6. REVENUE CONTINUED

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 following table.

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.

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

An analysis of contract assets and contract liabilities is provided in note 24.

2023 
£m

173.5
307.8
21.4

502.7

176.0
1.4
–

177.4

–
9.6
–

9.6

2022 
£m

158.4
262.5
14.8

435.7

148.2
1.1
–

149.3

–
8.4
–

8.4

689.7

593.4

2023 
£m

343.7
293.0
21.3

658.0

5.8
25.8
0.1

31.7

2022 
£m

303.2
247.2
14.1

564.5

3.4
24.8
0.7

28.9

689.7

593.4

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS137
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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
Acquisition and integration
Pension related
Legacy legal claim
ABS production restructuring
Other

Net exceptional items

2023 
£m

(4.5)
(0.4)
–
–
1.7
(0.3)

(3.5)

2022
 £m

(1.4)
(0.3)
(0.4)
3.3
(2.8)
(0.4)

(2.0)

Litigation
Litigation includes legal fees and related costs of £4.5m (2022: £1.4m) related to the actions between ABS Global, Inc. and certain 
affiliates (‘ABS’) and Inguran, LLC and certain affiliates (also known as STgenetics (‘ST’)). The net expense comprises £5.4m of legal costs 
and a £0.9m settlement credit (see below for further details).

Material litigation activities to 31 August 2023
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. 

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 United States Patent and Trademark Office (‘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 20 September 2022 the USPTO issued patent 
11,446,665 (the ‘’665 patent’) and ST subsequently sought a third-party supplement of ABS III by adding a claim of infringement of the 
’665 patent. ABS has opposed this action as well, and sought dismissal of all infringement claims.

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. ABS has appealed the ’439 patent decision (the ‘’439 Appeal’).

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 appealed certain aspects of the decision relating 
to technology transfer to third parties, one of the three arguments put forward by ST in ABS III (the ‘ABS III Appeal’). On 5 July 2023, 
the Court of Appeals accepted ST’s argument that claim preclusion from the ABS I decision did not apply against ABS III in 
relation to technology transfer, and that the Federal court improperly broadened the scope of the ABS I judgment to address 
induced infringement. 

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, and 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’s 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. ABS filed counterclaims alleging, among other things, anti-competitive conduct and infringement 
of four ABS patents, later narrowed to three ABS patents. The hearing date of 15 July 2024 has been confirmed for ABS IV. Appeals 
were filed by ABS on the validity and infringement of the ’987 patent (the ‘987 Appeal’), the ’476 and the ’309 patents (the ‘ABS II Appeal’) 
and ST has appealed the award of the $5.3m costs (the ‘Fee Award Appeal’). 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
138
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

7. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS CONTINUED

On 27 December 2022, ABS and ST settled the 987 Appeal, the Fee Award Appeal and the Indian Patent Proceedings (along with related 
patent oppositions in India), delivering lower patent royalty payments for ABS and a settlement exceptional credit of £0.9m. The ABS II 
Appeal, the ABS III Appeal, the ABS IV litigation, the 439 Appeal, and the CCI Appeal remain ongoing. The 439 Appeal is scheduled for 
hearing on 5 September 2023 and the ABS II appeal is likely to be heard before the end of the year. 

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 ‘476, ‘309 patents and 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 (the ‘Indian Patent Proceedings’). In June 2021, 
ST appealed the decision of the Competition Commission of India (‘CCI’) which had confirmed that ABS India had not breached the 
Indian Competition Act in relation to its participation in a sexed semen tender offered by the Utter Pradesh Livestock Development 
Board (the ‘CCI Appeal’). The CCI Appeal is scheduled for 11 October 2023. 

NZ litigation: On 14 June 2023, ST initiated proceedings against ABS, Genus, ABS Genus (NZ) Limited, CRV International BV and CRV 
Limited (together ‘CRV’) in New Zealand, alleging patent infringement and seeking a preliminary injunction. ABS had previously been 
awarded the semen sexing services for CRV’s bovine semen in New Zealand and other jurisdictions. ABS has sought a stay of the New 
Zealand proceedings while the US court’s consider whether the settlement agreement between ABS and ST dated 27 December 2022 
precludes the New Zealand proceedings. The hearing of the ABS’s stay application and ST’s preliminary injunction application is 
scheduled for 27 November 2023. 

Acquisitions and integration
During the year, £0.4m (2022: £0.3m) of expenses were incurred in relation to potential acquisitions.

ABS production restructuring
A one-off credit of £1.7m primarily related to the sale of our Canadian ABS facilities as part of a production restructuring. The cash inflow 
of £1.8m is included in investing activities.

Other
Included in Other is an expense of £0.3m relating to the sign-on bonus of the newly appointed CEO, a £0.2m credit resulting from a 
share forfeiture exercise and £0.2m in relation to the prior year IT incident. In the prior year, a £0.5m expense relating to legal advice, 
IT consultancy and one-time costs was incurred as the direct result of an IT security incident in 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

2023 
£m

2022 
£m

(299.0)

(252.7)

(16.9)
(1.2)

(317.1)

(130.1)
(3.2)

(133.3)

(87.1)
(6.2)

(93.3)

(93.1)
(6.0)
(2.9)
(3.5)

(105.5)

(649.2)

(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)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS139
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

8. OPERATING PROFIT CONTINUED

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)
(Profit)/loss on disposal of fixed assets and right-of-use assets
Impairment of owned fixed assets
Rental expense for short-term leases
Employee costs (see note 9)
Net decrease in expected credit losses (see note 21)
Increase/(release) 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

2023 
£m

0.8
18.4
11.8
(1.4)
–
0.1
227.9
(0.5)
0.6
105.8

2023 
£m

0.5

0.5

1.0

1.0

–

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

–

Non-audit services of £22,000 (2022: £20,000) 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.

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)

2023 
£m

198.1
18.1
7.1
6.4

229.7

2022 
£m

170.9
16.5
6.2
3.6

197.2

The employee costs above include £1.8m (2022: £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 

2023 
Number

2022 
Number

2023 
Number

2022 
Number

646
2,430
472
80

3,628

602
2,362
446
80

3,490

627
2,334
447
68

3,476

580
2,255
422
68

3,325

889

909

798

818

The Directors’ Remuneration Report sets out details of the Directors’ remuneration, pensions and share options.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS140
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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 discounts 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 on put options
Net interest cost in respect of pension scheme liabilities
Interest on lease liabilities

Total interest expense
Interest income on bank deposits
Net interest income on derivative financial instruments

Total interest income

Net finance costs

2023 
£m

(12.3)
(1.1)
(0.3)
(0.3)
(0.2)
(1.2)

(15.4)
0.1
1.0

1.1

(14.3)

2022 
£m

(4.1)
(0.9)
(0.1)
(0.2)
(0.2)
(1.1)

(6.6)
0.4
–

0.4

(6.2)

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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS141
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

11. TAXATION AND DEFERRED TAXATION CONTINUED

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 20.5% (2022: 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

2023 
%

20.5
13.6
6.7
(3.0)
(1.2)
(5.0)
(7.8)
1.8
0.5
0.5

26.6

2023 
£m

39.4
3.9

43.3
8.9
5.9
2.9
(1.3)
(0.5)
(2.2)
(3.4)
0.8
0.2
0.2

11.5

2023 
£m

20.6
0.9

21.5

(9.2)
(4.7)

(13.9)

7.6
3.9

11.5

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

13.6
1.8

15.4

(0.5)
(3.2)

(3.7)

11.7
2.6

14.3

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

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.

Included in ‘Movements in recognition of tax losses’ in the year is a credit of £4.5m in respect of the recognition of previously 
unrecognised losses in the Group’s subsidiaries in Australia and France, as these companies have delivered profits and utilised tax losses 
in each of the last two years and are forecast to continue to be profitable in the future.

The Group has also reassessed the deferred tax attributes of its UK subsidiaries in the light of updated forecast information in respect 
of future profitability, resulting in a £2.4m credit recognised in changes in unrecognised temporary differences, from the recognition 
of additional timing differences in respect of fixed assets and a £2.0m charge included in movements in recognition of tax losses, 
in respect of certain company specific losses that are not capable of being group relieved against profits in other UK entities.

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 prior 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 (‘CFC’) taxing regime. As at 30 June 2023, Genus had 
been charged and paid £1.4m (30 June 2022: £1.4m) by HMRC under various charging notices in respect of its assessment of our liability 
under this judgment, leaving a remaining provision balance at 30 June 2023 of £0.2m (30 June 2022: £0.2m).

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 has 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 £0.9m (2022: credit of £0.8m).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS142
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

11. TAXATION AND DEFERRED TAXATION CONTINUED

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 in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Statement of Changes in 
Equity

Income tax recognised directly to the Statement of Changes in Equity
Share-based payment expense

Income tax recognised directly to the Statement of Changes in Equity

2023 
£m

(0.5)
0.4
(1.0)
(0.2)
3.2

1.9

(0.1)

(0.1)

2022 
£m

(0.5)
0.1
1.5
(0.4)
(7.8)

(7.1)

(0.4)

(0.4)

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 £18.1m (2022: £19.3m). We have recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of £12.6m (2022: £11.6m) 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 £5.5m (2022: £7.7m), due to uncertainty about the availability of future taxable profits 
in the relevant jurisdictions. 

At 30 June 2023, 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

Total tax losses

Expiring within

1–10 years
£m

11–20 years
£m

Unlimited
£m

0.2
0.2

0.4

–
–

–

12.4
5.3

17.7

Total
£m

12.6
5.5

18.1

In addition, at the balance sheet date, the Group had an unrecognised deferred tax asset in respect of fixed asset timing differences of 
nil (2022: £2.4m) and other timing differences of £2.3m (2022: £1.3m). These unrecognised timing differences have an unlimited expiry date.

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

Total tax losses

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

The gross value of losses for which deferred tax assets are recognised is £49.7m (2022: £45.2m). The gross value of losses for which 
deferred tax assets are not recognised is £19.3m (2022: £24.8m).

We have not recognised deferred tax liabilities totalling £4.0m (2022: £3.6m) 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

Net deferred tax assets

2023 
£m 

(16.5)
51.2

34.7

2022 
£m 

(10.1)
60.3

50.2

The UK Finance (No. 2) Act 2023, which contains the UK’s provisions addressing the implementation of BEPS Pillar Two, was substantively 
enacted on 20 June 2023. This legislation implements domestic and multinational top-up taxes, designed to achieve a global minimum 
effective tax rate of 15% and is expected to first apply to Genus in the year ended 30 June 2025. In the current year, the Group has 
applied the exception under the related IAS 12 amendment to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and 
liabilities related to Pillar 2 income taxes.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS143
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

11. TAXATION AND DEFERRED TAXATION CONTINUED

Movement in net deferred tax liabilities during the year

As at 1 July 
2022
£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

Foreign 
exchange 
difference
£m

As at 30 June 
2023
£m

3.5
6.7
73.0
(1.3)
(2.4)
(17.7)
(11.6)

50.2

2.6
(0.6)
(3.0)
0.2
(0.1)
(9.1)
1.2

(8.8)

0.4
–
(0.2)
–
–
(0.8)
0.1

(0.5)

(2.4)
(0.9)
1.6
(0.4)
0.1
(0.6)
(2.1)

(4.7)

(0.1)
(0.2)
(3.5)
0.2
0.1
1.8
–

(1.7)

(0.3)
–
(0.2)
–
0.1
0.8
(0.2)

0.2

3.7
5.0
67.7
(1.3)
(2.2)
(25.6)
(12.6)

34.7

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

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

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Biological assets
Retirement benefit obligations
Share-based payment expense
Short-term timing differences
Tax loss carry-forwards

Net deferred tax assets / (liabilities)

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Biological assets
Retirement benefit obligations
Share-based payment expense
Short-term timing differences
Tax loss carry-forwards

Net deferred tax assets / (liabilities)

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

2023 
(pence)

50.8

2022 
(pence)

62.5

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 £33.3m (2022: £40.9m) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding of 65,557,000 
(2022: 65,395,000), 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

2023 
000s

65,774
(468)
1
250

2022
 000s

65,761
(373)
7
–

65,557

65,395

2023 
(pence)

50.5

2022
 (pence)

62.2

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
144
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

12. EARNINGS PER SHARE CONTINUED

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 £33.3m (2022: £40.9m) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, 
after adjusting for the effects of all potential dilutive ordinary shares, of 65,988,000 (2022: 65,714,000), 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

2023
 000s

65,557
441

65,998

2023 
(pence)

84.8
84.2

2022 
000s

65,395
319

65,714

2022 
(pence)

82.7
82.3

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, other gains and losses and exceptional items, after charging taxation 
associated with those profits, of £55.6m (2022: £54.1m), 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)
Other gains and losses (see note 26)
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 

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
Other gains and losses
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

2023 
£m 

39.4

16.9
7.7
6.0
3.5
(2.7)
(3.6)
3.9
0.4

71.5
(15.9)

55.6

2022 
£m 

48.4

5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0
–
1.4
2.6
(0.3)

71.5
(17.4)

54.1

22.2%

24.3%

2023
Profit 
£m

43.3
16.9
7.7
6.0
(2.7)
3.5
(3.6)
0.4

71.5

2022
Profit
 £m

51.0
5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0
1.4
(0.3)

71.5

2023 
Tax
 £m

11.5
1.5
1.9
0.8
(0.7)
0.9
–
–

15.9

2022
Tax 
£m

14.3
(1.5)
3.3
0.5
0.8
–
–

17.4

2023
 %

26.6
8.9
24.7
13.0
25.0
25.7
–
–

22.2

2022
 %

28.0
(27.8)
39.8
13.5
40.0
–
–

24.3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS145
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

13. DIVIDENDS

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 2022 of 21.7 pence per share
Final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2021 of 21.7 pence per share
Interim dividend
Interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2023 of 10.3 pence per share
Interim dividend for the year ended 30 June 2022 of 10.3 pence per share

Total dividend

2023 
£m

2022 
£m

14.3
–

6.7
–

21.0

–
14.2

–
6.7

20.9

The Directors have proposed a final dividend of 21.7 pence per share for 2023. 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 2023 is 32.0 pence per share (2022: 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.

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 2021
Business combinations
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2023

Impairment losses
Balance at 1 July 2021, 30 June 2022 and 30 June 2023

Carrying amounts
At 30 June 2023

At 30 June 2022

Genus PIC
£m

Genus ABS
£m

Total
£m

72.5
–
5.8

78.3

(2.1)

76.2

29.0
0.3
3.4

32.7

(1.1)

31.6

101.5
0.3
9.2

111.0

(3.2)

107.8

–

–

–

76.2

78.3

31.6

32.7

107.8

111.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS146
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

14. GOODWILL CONTINUED

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 27% (2022: nil and 17%) to the WACC as appropriate. The pre-tax discount rate of 11.9% (2022: 11.2%) 
we applied to our cash flow projections equates to a post-tax rate of 9.8% (2022: 9.3%). 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 (2022: 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 impact of climate change. A growth rate 
of 2.5% (2022: 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 (including the impact of inflation) and our expectations of future changes in the market.

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

2023

2022

2023

2022

nil–19%
nil–27%

nil–15%
nil–17%

nil–64%
nil–52%

nil–44%
1%–42%

2023

2.5%
2.5%

2022

2.5%
2.5%

Weighted average risk adjusted 
pre-tax discount rate

Weighted average risk adjusted 
post-tax discount rate

Weighted average short-term 
growth rates (CAGR)

2023

2022

11.4%
12.4%

11.0%
11.3%

2023

9.3%
10.3%

2022

9.0%
9.5%

2023

12%
16%

2022

12%
22%

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 62 to 64, in particular the impacts of 
biosecurity, market downturns, continuity of supply, increased competition and the impact of a global 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. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS147
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED

The estimated useful lives for intangible assets are as follows:
•  Porcine and bovine genetics technology 
•  Multiplier contracts 
•  Brands  
•  Customer relationships 
• 
•  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

IntelliGen 

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

Cost
Balance at 1 July 2021
Additions
Acquisition 
Transfers
Effect of movements in 
exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Additions
Transfers
Effect of movements in 
exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2023

Amortisation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 July 2021
Amortisation for the year
Effect of movements in 
exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Amortisation for the year
Effect of movements in 
exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2023

Carrying amounts
At 30 June 2023

At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

51.7
4.2
–
–

0.6

56.5

–
–

(0.2)

56.3

36.0
3.0

0.1

39.1

3.3

0.1

42.5

13.8

17.4

15.7

81.6
10.3
0.4
–

10.6

102.9

–
–

(4.0)

98.9

66.2
5.3

8.6

80.1

4.4

(3.3)

81.2

17.7

22.8

15.4

133.3
14.5
0.4
–

11.2

159.4

–
–

(4.2)

155.2

102.2
8.3

8.7

119.2

7.7

(3.2)

123.7

31.5

40.2

31.1

20.0
0.2
–
7.7

1.0

28.9

–
5.9

(0.3)

34.5

13.0
1.7

0.8

15.5

2.9

(0.2)

18.2

16.3

13.4

7.0

2.7
8.6
–
(7.7)

0.1

3.7

9.3
(5.9)

(0.1)

7.0

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

7.0

3.7

2.7

23.6
–
–
–

3.2

26.8

–
–

(1.1)

25.7

8.4
2.5

1.4

12.3

2.7

(0.6)

14.4

11.3

14.5

15.2

Total
£m

183.9
23.3
0.4
–

15.6

223.2

9.3
–

(5.7)

4.3
–
–
–

0.1

4.4

–
–

–

4.4

226.8

4.0
0.1

0.1

4.2

0.1

–

4.3

0.1

0.2

0.3

127.6
12.6

11.0

151.2

13.4

(4.0)

160.6

66.2

72.0

56.3

Included within brands, multiplier contracts and customer relationships are carrying amounts for brands of £0.6m (2022: £0.5m), 
multiplier contracts of £9.2m (2022: £11.1m) and customer relationships of £7.9m (2022: £11.2m). 

Included within the software class of assets is £9.5m (2022: £6.9m) and included in assets in the course of construction is £2.3m 
(2022: £2.7m) that relate to the ongoing development costs of GenusOne, our single global enterprise system and £1.6m (2022: £nil) 
that relate to IntelliGen. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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. 

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. 

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149
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 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

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 2023
Non-current biological assets
Current biological assets

Balance at 30 June 2023

Bovine
£m

92.0
–

92.0

23.3
–
(17.7)
(19.6)
10.0

88.0
88.0
–

88.0

23.2
–
(14.6)
6.6
(3.9)

99.3
99.3
–

99.3

Porcine
£m

187.9
39.6

227.5

225.8
(234.8)
(26.3)
61.2
25.4

278.8
245.7
33.1

278.8

228.9
(259.4)
(31.4)
38.2
(12.4)

242.7
218.9
23.8

242.7

Total
£m

279.9
39.6

319.5

249.1
(234.8)
(44.0)
41.6
35.4

366.8
333.7
33.1

366.8

252.1
(259.4)
(46.0)
44.8
(16.3)

342.0
318.2
23.8

342.0

Bovine
Bovine biological assets include £8.9m (2022: £6.9m) 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 13.2% (2022: 12.5%) 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 £91.5m (2022: £101.2m).

Decreases attributable to sales during the year of £259.4m (2022: £234.8) include £104.6 (2022: £74.0m) 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 £96.5m (2022: £119.0m) 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 £281.9m (2022: £231.4m) in respect of these contracts, comprising £105.9m 
(2022: £83.2m) on initial transfer of animals and semen to customers and £176.0m (2022: £148.2m) in respect of royalties received.

A risk-adjusted rate of 12.9% (2022: 10.3%) 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 (2022: seven) and their estimated useful 
lifespan is 1.4 years (2022: 1.4 years).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS150
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

16. BIOLOGICAL ASSETS CONTINUED

Year ended 30 June 2023

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 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

Bovine
£m

Porcine
£m

Total
£m

6.6
1.4
–

8.0
–

8.0

38.2
(31.4)
(31.4)

(24.6)
(0.3)

(24.9)

Bovine
£m

Porcine
£m

(19.6)
(10.3)
–

(29.9)
–

(29.9)

61.2
(26.3)
(10.3)

24.6
(0.1)

24.5

44.8
(30.0)
(31.4)

(16.6)
(0.3)

(16.9)

Total
£m

41.6
(36.6)
(10.3)

(5.3)
(0.1)

(5.4)

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 
151
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

16. BIOLOGICAL ASSETS CONTINUED

Unobservable inputs and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Bovine
Risk-adjusted 
discount rate1

Value at point of 
production1

Percentage of new 
dairy bulls to be 
produced internally 
in future years1

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 

Growth in unit prices1

Porcine
Risk-adjusted discount 
rate – pure line herd1

Proportion of animals 
that go to breeding 
sales1

2023

13.2%

32.7%

2022 Sensitivity

12.5% 1 percentage point increase in the discount rate would 
result in approximately a £2.7m (2022: £2.3m) reduction 
in value.

32.1% 1 percentage point decrease in the rate would result in 
approximately a £6.2m (2022: £5.1m) reduction in value.

FY24 76%
FY25 81%
FY26 84%
FY27 and thereafter 85%

FY23 71%
FY24 81%
FY25 86%
FY26 and thereafter 87%

If percentage remained at FY23 level of 79% (2022: 
61%) there would be a decrease in value of 
approximately £0.4m (2022: £3.6m).

FY24 – avg age 4.0 yrs
FY25 – avg age 4.0 yrs
FY26 – avg age 4.0 yrs
FY27 and thereafter –
 avg age 4.0 yrs

FY24 – avg age 4.5 yrs
FY25 – avg age 4.5 yrs
FY26 – avg age 4.5 yrs
 FY27 and thereafter – 
avg age 4.3 yrs

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

If age profile remains at FY23 average age of 4.1 years 
(2022: 4.2 years), there would be an increase in value of 
approximately £0.5m (2022: £1.4m).

If age profile remains at FY23 average age of 3.9 years 
(2022: 5.7 years), there would be a decrease in value of 
approximately £1.2m (2022: £3.0m increase). 

1.8%

1.9%

4.3%

12.9%

2.4% 1 percentage point decrease in the growth rate would 
result in approximately a £0.2m (2022: £0.2m) reduction 
in value.

3.7% 1 percentage point decrease in the growth rate would 
result in approximately a £1.4m (2022: £1.2m) reduction 
in value.

1.2% 1 percentage point increase in the forecasted unit price 
growth would result in approximately £5.0m increase in 
value (2022: £4.5m). 

10.3% 1 percentage point increase in the discount rate would 
result in approximately a £3.1m (2022: £3.5m) reduction 
in value. Any additional increase in the percentage 
would lead to a linear impact.

Gilts – 10.7%

Gilts – 7.9% 1 percentage point increase in the go to breeding sales 

would result in approximately £6.7 (2022: £10.5m) 
increase in value.

Boars – 10.6%

Boars – 8.2% 1 percentage point increase in the go to breeding sales 

would result in approximately £7.5m (2022: £12.0m) 
increase in value.

1  Key sources of estimation uncertainty

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

2023

2022

953
749

1,702
16.1m

1,015
696

1,711
17.2m

£14.6m

£17.7m

81,846
65,407

95,050
91,591

£31.3m

£26.3m

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS152
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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 2021
Additions 
Transfers 
Disposals 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

66.6
0.2
23.5
(1.4)
11.3

88.0
3.9
12.8
(2.0)
10.9

Balance at 30 June 2022

100.2

113.6

Additions
Transferred from assets held for sale
Transfers
Disposals
Effect of movements in exchange rates

0.2
0.2
18.3
(1.3)
(6.4)

3.1
–
12.1
(3.7)
(5.4)

Balance at 30 June 2023

111.2

119.7

Depreciation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 July 2021
Depreciation for the year 
Disposals 
Impairment
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Depreciation for the year
Disposals
Impairment
Effect of movements in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2023

Carrying amounts

At 30 June 2023

At 30 June 2022

24.5
3.8
(1.3)
0.8
4.4

32.2

5.6
(1.1)
–
(2.2)

34.5

76.7

68.0

56.9
11.0
(1.8)
0.1
7.1

73.3

12.8
(2.7)
–
(3.6)

79.8

39.9

40.3

22.1
40.3
(36.3)
–
3.5

29.6

19.8
–
(30.4)
(0.3)
(1.8)

16.9

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

176.7
44.4
–
(3.4)
25.7

243.4

23.1
0.2
–
(5.3)
(13.6)

247.8

81.4
14.8
(3.1)
0.9
11.5

105.5

18.4
(3.8)
–
(5.8)

114.3

16.9

29.6

133.5

137.9

20.7
9.2
–
(0.5)
2.1

31.5

2.0
–
–
–
(1.8)

31.7

6.5
4.8
(0.5)
–
0.6

11.4

4.6
–
–
(0.7)

15.3

16.4

20.1

26.0
6.1
–
(6.0)
2.3

28.4

8.9
–
–
(4.9)
(0.8)

31.6

12.5
6.8
(5.9)
–
1.6

15.0

7.2
(4.7)
–
(0.4)

17.1

14.5

13.4

46.7
15.3
–
(6.5)
4.4

59.9

10.9
–
–
(4.9)
(2.6)

63.3

19.0
11.6
(6.4)
–
2.2

26.4

11.8
(4.7)
–
(1.1)

32.4

30.9

33.5

Total
£m

223.4
59.7
–
(9.9)
30.1

303.3

34.0
0.2
–
(10.2)
(16.2)

311.1

100.4
26.4
(9.5)
0.9
13.7

131.9

30.2
(8.5)
–
(6.9)

146.7

164.4

171.4

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
153
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 £10.5m (2022: £5.2m).

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
Long-term loan investment
Dividends received from Agroceres – PIC Genética de Suínos Ltda (Brazil)
Dividends received from Società Agricola GENEETIC S.r.l (Italy)
Effect of other movements including exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 

2023  
£m 

41.2
10.5
1.0
1.9
(2.4)
(0.2)
1.5

53.5

2022  
£m 

34.1
5.2
2.2
–
(3.1)
(0.1)
2.9

41.2

The additions in the year solely relate to cash injections made to Inner Mongolia Haoxiang Pig Breeding Co. Ltd. to fund their operation. 

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

2023  
£m

–
4.1

2022  
£m

–
6.5

2023  
£m

–
–

2022  
£m

0.3
–

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154
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

18. EQUITY-ACCOUNTED INVESTEES CONTINUED

Joint ventures and associates – year ended 30 June 2023

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)
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

Net assets

49%

49%

50%
49%

49%

39%

33%

33%

3.1

10.9

40.2

9.8

64.0

(19.5)

(19.5)

44.5

0.2

0.3
–

2.0

0.1

0.1

–

5.8

1.0

1.0
–

1.4

0.2

0.6

–

5.0

–
–

0.7

2.3

–

–

(0.1)

0.2
–

(0.3)

–

0.4

0.1

15.1

48.2

10.1

6.1

1.5
–

3.8

2.6

1.1

0.1

79.2

(0.2)

–
–

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.6)

–

(5.1)

(0.1)
–

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.6)

–

1.0

1.4
–

3.5

2.5

0.5

0.1

(20.7)

(25.7)

53.5

1  Classified as an associate. All other investments are classified as joint ventures

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

Profit / (loss)

49%

49%
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

2.5

1.1
–
–
–
–
–
–

3.6

Revenue
£m

38.8

1.8
5.2
0.5
–
0.7
1.0
0.1

48.1

Expenses
£m

Operating 
profit / (loss)
£m

Taxation
£m

Profit / (loss) 
after tax
£m

(25.7)

15.6

(3.9)

11.7

(4.4)
(5.3)
(0.3)
–
(0.6)
(0.9)
(0.1)

(1.5)
(0.1)
0.2
–
0.1
0.1
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(1.5)
(0.1)
0.2
–
0.1
0.1
–

(37.3)

14.4

(3.9)

10.5

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155
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 / 
(liabilities) 
£m

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

Net assets

49%

49%

50%
49%

49%

39%

33%

33%

0.2

–

0.3
–

2.7

0.1

–

–

3.3

17.6

23.6

6.9

48.3

(15.2)

(15.2)

33.1

0.4

0.3
–

1.3

0.2

0.6

–

1.4

1.1
–

0.8

2.2

0.4

–

(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

–

20.4

29.5

5.2

58.4

(16.9)

(17.2)

41.2

1  Classified as an associate. All other investments are classified as joint ventures

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

Profit / (loss)

49%

49%
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

(0.7)

(1.2)
0.5
–
–
–
–
–

(1.4)

Revenue
£m

31.6

–
5.5
0.3
–
0.6
1.9
–

39.9

Expenses
£m

(21.7)

(1.0)
(5.6)
(0.2)
–
(0.5)
(1.7)
–

(30.7)

Operating 
profit / (loss)
£m

9.2

(2.2)
0.4
0.1
–
0.1
0.2
–

7.8

Taxation
£m

(2.6)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(2.6)

Profit /(loss) 
after tax
£m

6.6

(2.2)
0.4
0.1
–
0.1
0.2
–

5.2

19. OTHER INVESTMENTS

We hold a number of unlisted and listed investments, mainly comprising 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.

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156
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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

Other investments

2023  
£m

0.4
2.4
4.4
1.6

8.8

2022  
£m

4.4
2.2
2.1
1.5

10.2

Caribou Biosciences Inc shares are 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. The investment is measured at fair 
value and the valuation basis of a Level 3 classification. 

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

Inventories

21. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

2023  
£m

22.7
3.9
34.7

61.3

2022  
£m

20.9
3.6
26.4

50.9

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 (restated1)
Less expected credit loss allowance

Trade receivables net of impairment
Other debtors
Prepayments 
Contract assets (restated1) (note 24)
Other taxes and social security

Current trade and other receivables 

Other debtors
Contract assets (note 24)

Non-current other receivables

Trade and other receivables

1  See note 2 for details of the prior period restatement

2023  
£m

95.4
(3.9)

91.5
8.1
7.7
22.4
2.4

(restated1)

2022  
£m

95.7
(4.3)

91.4
10.7
8.5
17.3
1.6

132.1

129.5

3.0
5.2

8.2

3.7
4.9

8.6

140.3

138.1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS157
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

21. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES CONTINUED

Trade receivables
The average credit period our customers take on the sales of goods is 48 days (2022 (restated1): 56 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.

2023

2022

Risk premium (%)
Trade receivables (£m)
Risk premium (%)
Trade receivables (£m) (restated*)

North 
America

Latin 
America

1.0%
19.8
1.0%
23.2

5.6%
23.6
5.1%
22.3

EMEA

3.1%
34.5
3.5%
37.6

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:

2023  
£m

4.3

3.4
–
(3.9)
0.1

3.9

Asia

2.6%
17.5
3.7%
12.6

2022  
£m

5.0

2.3
–
(3.2)
0.2

4.3

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

2023  
£m

69.3
13.2
8.1
3.7
1.1

95.4

2022 
 £m

72.1
11.7
7.4
3.0
1.5

95.7

2023  
£m

67.1
12.8
7.7
3.1
0.8

91.5

2022  
£m

69.7
11.4
7.2
2.5
0.6

91.4

No customer represents more than 5% of the total balance of trade receivables (2022: 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 £42.3m denominated in US Dollars (2022: £44.1m), 
£15.5m denominated in Euros (2022: £13.3m) and £49.8m denominated in other currencies (2022: £49.7m).

Other debtors
Included in other debtors is an amount of £2.3m (2022: £3.5m) which comprises security deposits held over farms being constructed.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS158
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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. 

2023  
£m

36.3

2022  
£m

38.8

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

Cash at bank and in hand

2023  
£m

25.8
8.0
1.1
0.6
0.8

36.3

2022  
£m

24.1
8.0
1.9
0.3
4.5

38.8

Within our cash and cash equivalents there is a cash balance of £3.1m (2022: £4.5m) in our Russian entities of which £0.8m (2022: £0.2m) 
is not currently available to be used by the Group due to being received from and 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

2023  
£m

34.8
11.6
58.1
9.8
7.7

2022  
£m

36.0
8.2
61.4
10.1
9.0

122.0

124.7

–

–

0.2

0.2

The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 32 days (2022: 39 days).

Other payables include an amount of £7.5m (2022: £5.1m) being repayable on demand with a third-party business partner.

Payables denominated in currencies other than Sterling comprise £52.9m denominated in US Dollars (2022: £55.9m), £14.9m denominated 
in Euros (2022: £11.8m) and £30.3m denominated in other currencies (2022: £33.7m). 

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 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159
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

24. CONTRACT BALANCES CONTINUED

Current contract assets (restated1)
Non-current contract assets

Contract assets (note 21)

Current contract liabilities
Non-current contract liabilities

Contract liabilities (note 23)

Balance at 1 July 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

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 2023

1  See note 2 for details of the prior period restatement

2023  
£m

22.4
5.2

27.6

(9.8)
–

(9.8)

(restated1)

2022  
£m

17.3
4.9

22.2

(10.1)
(0.2)

(10.3)

(restated1)
Contract  
assets  
£m

Contract 
liabilities  
£m

16.2
159.0
(153.3)
–
–
0.3

22.2

175.5
(169.2)
–
–
(0.9)

27.6

(12.0)
–
–
(80.8)
83.4
(0.9)

(10.3)

–
–
(63.8)
63.6
0.7

(9.8)

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 2023 is £15.0m (2022: £12.1m). It is expected 
that the Group will recognise this revenue over the next six 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 2021
Additional provision in the year
Utilisation of provision
Release of provision
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Additional provision in the year 
Utilisation of provision 
Release of provision
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2023

ST  
litigation  
£m

Share  
forfeiture  
£m

Other 
provisions  
£m

9.4
–
(0.4)
(0.1)
1.2

10.1

0.1
(0.1)
–
(0.4)

9.7

0.3
0.2
–
–
–

0.5

–
–
(0.2)
–

0.3

2.7
0.5
(0.1)
(0.1)
0.3

3.3

0.5
(1.1)
(0.4)
(0.2)

2.1

Total  
£m

12.4
0.7
(0.5)
(0.2)
1.5

13.9

0.6
(1.2)
(0.6)
(0.6)

12.1

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS160
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

25. PROVISIONS CONTINUED

Current 
Non-current

2023  
£m

1.8
10.3

12.1

2022  
£m

1.9
12.0

13.9

ST litigation relates specifically to our litigation only with Sexing Technologies, as described in note 7.

The share forfeiture provision of £0.3m 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161
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 the 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162
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

If 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. 

Other gains and losses
Included with other gains and losses is a £2.7m gain on the mark to market valuation (‘MTM’) in relation to £60m of SONIA interest rate 
swaps executed in April 2023. Whilst the interest rate swaps are a perfect commercial hedge of a similar amount of our GBP borrowings 
for at least a three-year period, as the executing banks have a written option at the three-year point to unilaterally terminate the swaps 
at no cost, the transaction does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly the MTM gain on the valuation of these swaps 
as at 30 June 2023 is recognised in the Group Income Statement. 

Gain on derivative

Other gains and losses

2023  
£m

2.7

2.7

2022  
£m

–

–

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.

2023  
£m

232.1
(36.3)

195.8
567.2
35%

2022  
£m

223.8
(38.8)

185.0
572.1
32%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS163
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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. 

2023 Carrying value

2022 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
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)

4.8

–

4.0

8.8

6.5

–

3.7

10.2

–
–

–

–

132.6
36.3

0.8

5.6

–
–

–

–

132.6
36.3

0.8

5.6

–
–

–

–

129.6
38.8

1.0

2.2

–
–

–

–

129.6
38.8

1.0

2.2

4.8

175.3

4.0

184.1

6.5

171.6

3.7

181.8

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

(114.3)
(200.2)
(31.9)

(0.9)

–
(7.1)
–

(354.4)

–
–
–

–

–
–
(0.6)

(0.6)

(114.3)
(200.2)
(31.9)

(0.9)

–
(7.1)
(0.6)

(355.0)

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

(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)

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

2023  
£m

(87.7)
(30.5)
(0.1)

2022  
£m

(88.0)
(11.3)
(0.4)

2023  
£m

3.5
0.7
–

2022  
£m

2.2
0.5
–

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS164
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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 profit 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

2023  
£m

2022  
£m

2023  
£m

2022  
£m

3.2
1.5
3.0
3.9
3.2
2.1

2.8
1.2
2.7
3.1
2.3
1.5

1.6
0.7
1.5
2.0
1.6
1.1

1.4
0.6
1.3
1.5
1.2
0.7

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
Buy EUR
Buy MXN
Buy USD
Sell BRL
Sell INR
Sell CAD
Buy CHF/Sell EUR
Buy USD/Sell UAH
Buy USD/Sell BRL
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
Buy MXN/Sell USD

Average exchange rate

Contract value

Fair value

2023

2022

Foreign 
currency

2023  
£m

2022  
£m

2023  
£m

2022  
£m

0.88
9.02
1.91
70.39
1.16
22.03
1.26
6.17
102.79
1.67
–
37.84
4.94
7.19
55.57
–
1.33
1.10
–
82.49
18.44
–
17.31

1.18
8.24
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
–

CHF
CNY
AUD
PHP
EUR
MXN
USD
BRL
INR
CAD
CHF
UAH
BRL
CNY
PHP
CAD
CAD
EUR
RUB
INR
ZAR
ARS
MXN

0.5
0.3
2.3
–
6.6
14.7
3.4
0.2
0.3
0.1
–
0.7
3.0
2.9
7.1
–
6.8
0.1
–
4.0
0.4
–
0.2

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
–

–
–
–
–
–
0.2
0.2
–
–
–
–
–
(0.2)
–
–
–
(0.1)
–
–
–
–
–
–

0.1

–
–
–
–
–
0.1
(0.1)
–
–
–
–
–
0.1
–
(0.2)
–
–
–
(0.1)
–
–
–
–

(0.2)

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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS165
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

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 £1.6m (2022: decrease/increase by £1.8m). 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 pages. 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:

Outstanding receive floating pay fixed contracts

USD interest rate swaps
One to five years

EUR interest rate swaps
One to five years

GBP interest rate swaps
One to five years

Average contract  
fixed interest rate

Notional principal amount

Fair value

2023  
%

2022  

%

2023  
£m

2022  
£m

2023  
£m

3.43

3.32

66.9

37.0

0.36

0.36

21.4

21.5

3.45

–

60.0

–

1.3

1.2

2.8

2022  
£m

(0.3)

0.6

–

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

2023  
US$

2022  
US$

0.97
5.68
402

0.92
6.87
390

2023  
£m

8.5
(6.4)
(4.6)

(2.5)

2022  
£m

10.2
(4.9)
(3.0)

2.3

2023  
£m

0.6
(0.6)
(0.1)

(0.1)

2022  
£m

(0.1)
0.1
0.1

0.1

Net investment hedges
The Group’s Net Investment Policy is to hedge up to 90% of the net investment value of its wholly owned subsidiaries in a particular 
currency. At the beginning of the year the Group had a net investment hedge designating the first EUR 12.5 million of the net assets of 
Pig Improvement Company España S.A. as a hedged item, using EUR 12.5 million of borrowings. On 31 May 2023, the Group designated 
a further EUR 3 million of the net assets of Pig Improvement Company España S.A. as a hedged item, using EUR 3 million of borrowings 
as an additional net investment hedge. 

In February 2022, the Group entered into a second net investment hedge designating the first EUR 25 million Net Assets of its subsidiary 
Fyfield Holland BV as the hedged item in a net investment hedge using USD 28m of borrowings converted to a EUR 25m liability, using 
a cross currency swap as the related hedging instrument. On 28 November 2022, USD 14.1m/EUR 12.5m of the cross currency swap was 
closed out and replaced in the net investment hedge designation by a new EUR 12.5 million borrowing, maintaining the existing hedge 
amount. On 31 May 2023, the Group designated a further EUR 7 million of the net assets of Fyfield Holland BV as a hedged item using 
EUR 7 million of borrowings as an additional net investment hedge.

In summary, as at 30 June 2023 the Group has designated EUR 15.5m (GBP £13.4m) of the net assets of its subsidiary Pig Improvement 
Company España S.A. and EUR 32m (GBP £27.6m) of the net assets of its subsidiary Fyfield Holland B.V. as net investment hedges. 
These Net Investment Hedges represent 69% of the Group’s Euro net assets as at this date.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS166
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

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

2023  
£m

(0.8)
0.3

(0.5)

2022  
£m

(0.1)
(0.7)

(0.8)

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 32 days (2022: 39 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.

2023
Loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities
Deferred consideration

Variable interest rate instruments

2022
Loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities
Deferred consideration

Variable interest rate instruments

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate
%

5.48
3.74
–

5.23

2.31
2.91
–

2.41

Less than  
1 month
£m

1–3 months
£m

3 months–
1 year
£m

1–5 years
£m

5+ years
£m

Total
£m

6.6
1.0
–

7.6

8.4
1.0
–

9.4

1.7
2.5
–

4.2

1.2
3.0
–

4.2

9.4
7.3
–

16.7

4.6
6.8
–

11.4

197.9
20.2
0.6

218.7

183.0
20.7
0.5

204.2

–
3.7
–

3.7

–
6.1
–

6.1

215.6
34.7
0.6

250.9

197.2
37.6
0.5

235.3

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. 

2023
Variable interest rate instruments

2022
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

0.42

36.3

1.12

38.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total
£m

36.3

38.8

The Group has financing facilities with a total unused amount of £118.7m (2022: £77.8m) 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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS167
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

26. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

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.

2023
Foreign exchange contracts
Commodity swaps
Interest rate swaps

2022
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

0.1
–
0.2

(0.2)
–
–

–
–
0.5

–
–
0.1

–
(0.1)
2.6

–
0.1
0.2

–
–
2.3

–
–
0.1

–
–
–

–
–
–

Total
£m

0.1
(0.1)
5.6

(0.2)
0.1
0.4

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 £110.6m and outflow of £110.5m (2022: inflow of £73.7m 
and outflow of £73.9m).

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

2023 
£m

2022  
£m

196.0
21.9

217.9

4.2
10.0

14.2

182.1
24.5

206.6

7.1
10.1

17.2

232.1

223.8

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

2023  

GBP
USD
EUR
USD
Other

6.4%
6.9%
5.0%
3.7%
5.7%

2023  
£m

91.6
78.0
30.1
31.9
0.5

2022  
£m

95.9
77.3
10.8
34.6
5.2

232.1

223.8

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168
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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

2023  
£m

5.3
–
196.0

201.3
(1.1)

200.2
(4.2)

196.0

2022  
£m

8.0
–
182.3

190.3
(1.1)

189.2
(7.1)

182.1

At the balance sheet date, the Company’s credit facilities comprised a £190m multi-currency revolving credit facility (‘RCF’), a USD 150 
million RCF and a USD 20 million bond and guarantee facility. The original term of the facility was for three years to 24 August 2023. On 
24 August 2021 and 26 August 2022, the Company and its lenders extended the maturity date of the total facilities to 24 August 2024 
and 24 August 2025 respectively. The Company’s credit facility also includes an uncommitted £100m accordion option, £60m of which 
was exercised in August 2022 to increase the facilities to their current size, leaving a remaining unsecured accordion facility of £40m, 
which can be requested on a maximum of two further occasions over the lifetime of the facility to fund the Group’s business 
development plans. 

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 loans and overdrafts include borrowings of USD 85m fixed at 3.48%, borrowings of £60m fixed at 3.45%, 
borrowings of EUR 12.5m fixed at 0.37%, and borrowings of USD 13.9m, swapped via a cross currency swap into EUR 12.5m, fixed at 0.36%, 
excluding applicable bank margins. Approximately 76% of total facility borrowings are covered by these interest rate swaps as at 
30 June 2023.

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 2023, the Group is committed to £nil (2022: £0.1m) for short-term leases.

2023  
£m

34.6
10.4
(0.7)
(12.3)
1.2
(1.3)

31.9

10.0
21.9

31.9

2022  
£m

28.3
15.7
(0.3)
(12.4)
1.1
2.2

34.6

10.1
24.5

34.6

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS169
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

FY23
FY24
FY25
FY26
FY27
FY28
FY29
FY30
After FY31

Presented as: 
Current
Non-current

2023  
£m

2022  
£m

–
10.8
8.2
5.9
3.9
2.2
1.6
1.1
1.0

34.7

10.8
23.9

34.7

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

Lease obligations denominated in currencies other than Sterling comprise £15.3m denominated in US Dollars (2022: £16.0m), £3.5m 
denominated in Euros (2022: £4.0m) and £9.4m denominated in other currencies (2022: £10.6m). 

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170
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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/(asset) 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

2023  
£m

–
–
(0.2)
0.5
6.6

6.9

2022  
£m

–
–
0.1
0.6
7.6

8.3

Overall, we expect to pay £0.9m (2022: £1.0m) in contributions to defined benefit plans in the 2024 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 
www.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.

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 (2022: 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% per annum 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171
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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, with effect from 1 September 2021 no deficit repair contributions are payable 
but funding the scheme’s operating expenses of £1.1m per annum were agreed, 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 2023.

At 30 June 2023, the MPF was in an overall net pension asset position of £34.6m (2022: £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 are 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 utilising the 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 2023. 

At 30 June 2023, the DPF, which includes a £20.5m separate reserve held against future unknown liabilities materialising, was in an 
overall net pension asset position of £5.7m (2022: £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 2023 was 
£463m (2022: £528m). 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 2023, under the provisions of IAS 19, were £5.0m 
(2022: £5.4m) and £4.8m (2022: £5.5m), 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 are 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 2023.

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 £4.6m (2022: £6.1m), 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 £2.0m (2022: £1.6m). Interest on pension scheme liabilities amounted to £0.2m (2022: £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172
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

29. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS CONTINUED

Post-retirement healthcare
The scheme liabilities for the unfunded retirement health benefit plan amounted to £0.5m (2022: £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 (2022: £nil).

The principal assumptions used to calculate the plan liabilities were that the discount rate would be 5.25% (2022: 3.90%) and that the 
long-term rate of medical expense inflation would be 7.05% (2022: 6.90%).

Aggregated position of defined benefit schemes

Present value of funded obligations (includes Genus’s 86% share of MPF (2022: 86%))
Present value of unfunded obligations 

Total present value of obligations
Fair value of plan assets (includes Genus’s 86% share of MPF (2022: 86%))
Restricted recognition of asset (MPF and DPF)
Recognition of additional liability (MPF)

Recognised liability for defined benefit obligations

2023  
£m

746.8
7.4

754.2
(787.6)
40.3
–

6.9

2022  
£m

857.6
8.4

866.0
(936.3)
78.6
–

8.3

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

Level 1  
£m

Level 2  
£m

Level 3  
£m

2023  
£m 

–
–
–
–
1.6
2.4
–
–

4.0

16.3
46.1
108.4
73.0
3.6
–
2.9
–

250.3

–
–
–
–
–
22.8
34.3
476.1

533.2

16.3
46.1
108.4
73.0
5.2
25.3
37.2
476.1

787.6

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

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 (gains)/losses recognised on fund liabilities arising from changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gains recognised on fund liabilities arising from changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial losses recognised on fund liabilities arising from experience (other)
Past service cost
Exchange rate adjustment

Liability for defined benefit obligations at the end of year

2023  
£m

866.0
(56.3)
32.6
(15.2)
(104.0)
31.0
–
0.1

754.2

2022  
£m

1,106.6
(55.7)
20.7
7.0
(220.0)
6.1
0.4
0.9

866.0

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS173
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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
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
Contributions paid into the plans
Net pension finance cost 
Actuarial (losses)/gains recognised during the year
Movement in restriction of assets
Release 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 losses/(gains) recognised during the year
Movement in restriction of assets
Release of additional liability
Exchange rate adjustment

Cumulative loss at the end of the year

2023  
£m

936.3
(0.7)
1.5
(56.3)
35.4
(128.6)

2022  
£m

1,147.2
(0.4)
3.5
(55.7)
21.3
(179.6)

787.6

936.3

2023  
£m

(8.3)
(0.7)
–
1.5
(0.2)
(40.4)
38.3
3.0
(0.1)

(6.9)

2023  
£m

0.7
32.6
(35.4)
3.0
–

0.9

2023  
£m

0.7
–
0.2

0.9

2023  
£m

60.0
40.4
(38.3)
(3.0)
0.1

59.2

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

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS174
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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 

2023 

2022 

5.25%
2.65%
3.05%

3.90%
2.40%
2.90%

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 2023, the mortality tables used are 100% of the 
S3PMA (males)/S3PFA_M (females) all lives tables, with birth year and CMI 2022 projections with parameters of Sk=7.0 and A=0.5% and 
weighting parameters of w2020=0%, w2021=0% and w2022=25%, subject to a long-term rate of improvement of 1.50% per annum for 
males and females and 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% 
per annum 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

2023  
Years

22.1
24.0

23.7
25.8

2023  
Years

10.1

12.4

2022  
Years

22.6
24.4

24.2
26.2

2022  
Years

11.4

14.3

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 2023. 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

44.1

(41.7)

(35.3)

30.6

(28.5)

28.5

Excluding purchased annuity obligations 
increase/(decrease) in present value of defined obligation

16.3

(15.4)

(13.0)

11.3

(10.5)

10.5

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 (%)

2023  
£m

754.2
(787.6)
40.3

6.9

17.2
16.3

2022  
£m

866.0
(936.3)
78.6

8.3

21.0
19.3

2021  
£m

2020  
£m

2019  
£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

11.1

2.1
2.4

18.1

1.8
1.6

24.2

4.8
2.5

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS175
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 £6.0m (2022: £3.7m), including National Insurance contributions credit 
of £0.4m (2022: £0.1m charge).

Share awards
There were 821,681 conditional share awards outstanding at 30 June 2023. 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 2023:
•  409,595 awards were granted on 14 September 2022, 28 September 2022, 10 October 2022, 11 November 2022 and 12 December 2022 
with an aggregate fair value of £10,565,000. 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 £25.79, based on an expected dividend yield of 1.51%.

•  126,935 awards in total were granted on 2 May 2023, with an aggregate fair value of £3,346,000. 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 £26.36, based on an expected dividend yield of 1.16%.

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  
2023

Number of 
awards  
2022

560,511
(137,998)
(137,362)
536,530

821,681
13,764

665,522
(205,010)
(37,819)
137,818

560,511
17,605

Bonus and restricted stock share awards
In addition to the outstanding share awards above, there were 48,728 bonus and restricted stock share awards outstanding at 30 June 
2023. 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 2023, 8,153 bonus share awards were granted on 14 September 2022, with an aggregate fair value of £209,000.

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  
2023

Number of 
awards  
2022

61,313
(20,738)
–
8,153

48,728
–

72,466
(29,345)
–
18,192

61,313
–

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS176
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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 

26 September 2013

Total share options

3,884

3,884

Exercisable

1,413.00p

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  
2023

1,400p
1,413p
1,386p
1,387p

1,413p
1,413p

Number of 
options  
2023

11,430
(1,975)
(2,618)
(2,953)

3,884
3,884

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

The options at 30 June 2023 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 0.2 years (2022: 1.1 years). No share options were 
granted during the year (2022: nil). The weighted average share price at the date of exercise during the year was £29.56p (2022: £44.18p).

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.

2023  
Number

2022  

Number

2023  
£m

2022  
£m

66,027,210

65,773,620

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 
Issued to Genus plc Share Incentive Plan

2023  
Number

2022  

Number

2023 
£m

2022 
£m

2,953
250,000
637

253,590

12,120
–
–

12,120

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

Shares issued under the Executive Share Option Plan were issued at option prices as follows:

Executive Share Option Plan

2023  
Number

2023  
Option price

2022  

2022  

Number

Option price

–
983
1,970

2,953

–
1334.00p
1413.00p

2,837
7,027
2,256

977.83p
1334.00p
1413.00p

12,120

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS177
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

2023 
Number

2022 
Number

375,998
92,334

280,803
92,334

468,332

373,137

2023  
£m

8.1
2.0

10.1

2022  
£m

7.1
2.3

9.4

The shares have a nominal value of £46,833 (2022: £37,314).

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 £41.0m (2022: £32.3m) 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 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

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 2023

Hedging 
reserve  

Translation 
reserve  

£m

–

–
–
1.9
(0.5)

1.4

–
–
0.8
(0.2)

2.0

£m

(7.9)

67.2
(0.7)
–
(7.7)

50.9

(27.5)
–
–
3.3

26.7

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS178
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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
Other gains and losses
Finance costs (net)
Income tax expense
Exceptional items (net)

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of plant and equipment
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
Cash impact of exceptional items relating to operating activities
Other movements in biological assets and harvested produce
Decrease in provisions
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

2023  
£m

31.8

16.9
7.7
6.0
(10.5)
(2.7)
14.3
7.6
3.5

74.6
30.2
0.1
5.7

110.6
(7.1)
(11.1)
(1.0)
(0.6)
0.2

91.0
(9.6)
(9.3)
6.6

78.7
0.1
(10.7)
(1.2)
1.3
(17.8)

50.4

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

 At 1 July  
2022  
£m

38.8

(7.1)
(10.1)

(17.2)

(182.1)
(24.5)

(206.6)

(223.8)

(185.0)

 Net  
cash flows  

£m

1.3

3.8
11.1

14.9

(17.8)
–

(17.8)

(2.9)

(1.6)

 Foreign 
exchange  
£m

(3.8)

0.2
0.5

0.7

3.9
0.8

4.7

5.4

1.6

Other  
non-cash 
movements  
£m

 At 30 June 
2023  
£m

–

(1.1)
(11.5)

(12.6)

–
1.8

1.8

(10.8)

(10.8)

36.3

(4.2)
(10.0)

(14.2)

(196.0)
(21.9)

(217.9)

(232.1)

(195.8)

Included within non-cash movements is £9.7m in relation to net new leases and £1.1m in the unwinding of debt issue costs.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS179
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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  
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.

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

2023  
£m

1.2
1.2
–

2.4

2022  
£m

–
–
–

–

34. CAPITAL AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

At 30 June 2023, outstanding contracted capital expenditure amounted to £nil (2022: £nil). 

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% (2022: 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.

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 where 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 2023, we had entered into bank guarantees totalling £12.6m (2022: £20.2m).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS180
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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

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.

2023  
£m

5.4
0.2
3.0

8.6

2022  
£m

4.9
0.2
1.2

6.3

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 2023 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

Gat No 29, Bramha Facility, Burungwadi Near 
Bhilawadi Railway Station, Taluka Palus,Maharashtra, 
Sangli, 416303, 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181
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

37. GROUP ENTITIES CONTINUED

Nature of business
Bovine

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

Share class

Genus ABS Netherlands B.V.

Hoogoorddreef 15, Amsterdam, 1101BA, Netherlands

Netherlands

Indirect EUR1 Ordinary

Genus Australia Pty Ltd

15 Scholar drive, Bundoora VIC 3063, Australia

Australia

Indirect

AUD1.388 
Ordinary 

% of share 
capital/
voting rights 
held by 
Group 
companies

100%

100%

Genus Breeding India Private 
Limited

5th FLOOR, C WING, ETERNIA PREMISES CO-OP SOC, 
NEAR DA UNIT NO 505, 506, DAGDI BUNGLOW, 
WAKDEWADI,Maharashtra, Pune, 411005, 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

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

No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

RUB1 
Ordinary

100%

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

Share class

BRL1 
Ordinary

BRL1 
Ordinary

GENEETIC Service S.R.L.

Viale Europa 71, 32100, Belluno, Italy

Italy

Indirect

€1 Ordinary

Inner Mongolia Genus 
Biotechnology Co., Ltd

3rd Floor, Building A-15 North, Intelligent 
Manufacturing Industrial Park, Inner Mongolia, 
Helinger New Area, China

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

CNY1 
Ordinary

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.

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

China

Indirect

USD1 
Ordinary

PIC Andina SpA

Avenida del Parque #4161 office #601, Huechuraba, 
Santiago, Chile

Chile

Indirect

CLP1  

100%

Ordinary

% of share 
capital/voting 
rights held by 
Group 
companies

49%1

49%1

33%1

100%

49%1

100%

100%

100%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS182
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

37. GROUP ENTITIES CONTINUED

Nature of business 
Porcine

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

PIC Ankang Agriculture Science 
and Technology Co., Ltd.

Shishubian village, Hanbin District, Shaanxi Province, 
Ankang, China

China

Indirect

PIC Canada Ltd.

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, 1900-520, 3rd Avenue, 
S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P OR3, Canada

Canada

Indirect

Share class

CNY1 
Ordinary

CAD1 
Ordinary

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%

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

USD1 
Ordinary

100%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS183
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

37. GROUP ENTITIES CONTINUED

Nature of business
Other

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

Brazil

Direct

Share class

BRL1 
Ordinary

% of share 
capital/voting 
rights held by 
Group 
companies

100%

100%

ABS Pecplan Ltda.

Agence Spillers N.V.

Rod. BR 050 Km 196 + 150metros, Zona Rural, Delta,
MG – 38108-000, Brazil

Place Saint-Lambert 14, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, 
Belgium

Belgium

Indirect No Par Value 
Common 
Stock

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

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 (01583814)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

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

BRL1 
Ordinary

£0.25 
Ordinary

£0.25 
Ordinary

100%

100%

100%

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS184
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

37. GROUP ENTITIES CONTINUED

Nature of business
Other

Name of undertaking

Registered address

Sygen, Inc.

100 BlueGrass Commons Blvd, Suite 2200, 
Hendersonville, TN 37075 United States

Country of  
incorporation

Direct/
indirect 
Group 
interest

United States

Indirect

Sygen International Limited 
(03215874)2

Matrix House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire,
RG21 4DZ, United Kingdom

Sygen Investimentos Ltda.

Av. Leopoldino de Oliveira, 4113 – Sala 303, Uberaba,
Minas Gerais, CEP 38010-000, Brazil

UK

Direct

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

% of share 
capital/voting 
rights held by 
Group 
companies

100%

100%

100%

100%

39%1

Share class

USD1 
Common

£0.10 
Ordinary

BRL0.63 
Ordinary

CHF1,000 
Ordinary

£0.001 
Ordinary

38. DEFERRED CONSIDERATION 

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 2021
Business combination
Payment of consideration
Transfer
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2022

Business combination
Payment of consideration
Transfer
Effect of movement in exchange rates

Balance at 30 June 2023

Current
Non-current

Balance at 30 June 2023

Current
Non-current

Balance at 30 June 2022

Contingent 
deferred 
consideration 
£m

Deferred 
consideration 
£m

1.7
0.1
(0.6)
(0.8)
0.1

0.5

–
–
–
(0.1)

0.4

–
0.4

0.4

–
0.5

0.5

0.4
0.2
(0.4)
0.8
–

1.0

–
(0.8)
–
–

0.2

–
0.2

0.2

0.8
0.2

1.0

Total  
£m

2.1
0.3
(1.0)
–
0.1

1.5

–
(0.8)
–
(0.1)

0.6

–
0.6

0.6

0.8
0.7

1.5

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS185
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

38. DEFERRED CONSIDERATION CONTINUED

The balance at 30 June 2023 relates to the following transactions:

Dairy LLC (also known as BoviSync)
T.A.C. – Laboratório de Reprodução Animal Ltda.

Balance at 30 June 2023

39. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

Non-controlling interest
Put option over non-controlling interest at inception

Total non-controlling interest

Fiscal year of 
transaction

2019
2022

Contingent 
deferred 
consideration 
£m

Deferred 
consideration 
£m

0.4
–

0.4

–
0.2

0.2

2023  
£m

(2.2)
(5.5)

(7.7)

Total  
£m

0.4
0.2

0.6

2022  
£m

(0.7)
(5.7)

(6.4)

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 (2022: £0.1m).

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

De Novo 
Genetics LLC 
£m

PIC Italia 
S.r.l. 
£m

4.1
(7.4)

(3.3)

(1.7)
(1.6)

15.6
–
0.8
(22.9)

(6.5)
4.1

(2.4)

5.1
(4.6)

0.5

0.4
0.1

–
1.7
1.4
(2.0)

1.1
(0.9)

0.2

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

2023  
£m

9.2
(12.0)

(2.8)

(1.3)
(1.5)

15.6
1.7
2.2
(24.9)

(5.4)
3.2

(2.2)

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)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS186
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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 2023 amounted to £1.3m (2022: £1.3m). As at 30 June 2023, the balance owing to these entities was £0.1m 
(2022: £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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS187
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2023

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

2023 
£m

2022 
£m

11.8
0.9
319.4
4.4
70.9
4.9
6.8

419.1

103.3
1.3

104.6

(59.0)
(0.3)

(59.3)

45.3

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

464.4

443.0

(196.6)
(0.1)

(196.7)

267.7

6.6
179.1
(0.1)
80.3
1.8

267.7

(183.3)
(0.3)

(183.6)

259.4

6.6
179.1
(0.1)
73.5
0.3

259.4

The Company recognised profit for the year of £20.1m (2022: £31.3m profit).

The Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 6 September 2023.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Jorgen Kokke 
Chief Executive 

Alison Henriksen
Chief Financial Officer

Company number: 02972325

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
188
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

Balance at 1 July 2021 
Fair value of movement on cash flow hedges, net of tax
Actuarial gain on retirement benefits obligations, net of tax
Movement on pension asset recognition restriction, net of tax

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

Balance at 30 June 2022
Fair value of movement on cash flow hedges, net of tax
Gain on equity instruments measured at fair value, net of tax
Actuarial loss on retirement benefits obligations, net of tax
Movement on pension asset recognition restriction, net of tax

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

6.6
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

6.6
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

Share 
premium 
account 
£m

179.1
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

179.1
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

Own 
shares 
£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Hedging 
reserve 
£m

(0.1)
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

(0.1)
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

60.2
–
2.8
(2.8)

–
31.3

31.3
(20.9)
2.9

73.5
–
1.2
(3.6)
3.6

1.2
20.1

21.3
(21.0)
6.5

80.3

–
0.3
–
–

0.3
–

0.3
–
–

0.3
1.5
–
–
–

1.5
–

1.5
–
–

1.8

Total 
equity 
£m

245.8
0.3
2.8
(2.8)

0.3
31.3

31.6
(20.9)
2.9

259.4
1.5
1.2
(3.6)
3.6

2.7
20.1

22.8
(21.0)
6.5

267.7

Balance at 30 June 2023

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189
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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190
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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191
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

2023 
£m

7.4
0.7
0.2
2.2

2022 
£m

9.0
1.1
0.2
1.4

10.5

11.7

2023 
Number

2022 
Number

45

44

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 2021
Additions
Transfers

Balance at 30 June 2022 and 1 July 2022 
Additions
Transfers

Balance at 30 June 2023

Amortisation
Balance at 1 July 2021
Amortisation for the year

Balance at 30 June 2022 and 1 July 2022
Amortisation for the year

Balance at 30 June 2023

Carrying amounts

At 30 June 2023

At 30 June 2022

At 30 June 2021

Software 
£m

Patents and 
licences 
£m

Assets under 
construction 
£m

7.1
–
2.3

9.4
–
3.7

13.1

1.7
0.8

2.5
1.1

3.6

9.5

6.9

5.4

3.7
–
–

3.7
–
–

3.7

3.7
–

3.7
–

3.7

–

–

–

1.1
3.9
(2.3)

2.7
3.3
(3.7)

2.3

–
–

–
–

–

2.3

2.7

1.1

Total 
£m

11.9
3.9
–

15.8
3.3
–

19.1

5.4
0.8

6.2
1.1

7.3

11.8

9.6

6.5

Included within the software class of assets is £9.5m (2022: £6.9m) and included in assets in the course of construction is £2.3m 
(2022: £2.7m) that relate to the ongoing development costs of GenusOne, our single global enterprise system.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
192
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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 2022
Additions

Balance at 30 June 2023

Depreciation
Balance at 1 July 2022
Depreciation for the year

Balance at 30 June 2023

Carrying amounts

At 30 June 2023

At 30 June 2022

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

0.3
–

0.3

0.3
–

0.3

–

–

0.8
–

0.8

0.6
–

0.6

0.2

0.2

1.0
0.2

1.2

0.3
0.2

0.5

0.7

0.7

Total 
£m

1.8
0.2

2.0

0.9
0.2

1.1

0.9

0.9

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 2022
Additions
Disposals

Balance at 30 June 2023

Provision for impairment
Balance at 1 July 2022
Provided during the year 

Balance at 30 June 2023

Carrying amounts 

At 30 June 2023

At 30 June 2022

Additions relate to increasing our investments in Genus Investments Limited and ABS Argentina S.A..

Shares in 
subsidiary 
undertakings 
£m

543.6
5.7
(21.4)

527.9

198.1
10.4

208.5

319.4

345.5 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
193
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

C5. INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES CONTINUED

The Company considers the relationship between its invested capital and the carrying value of its investments, among other factors, 
when reviewing for indicators of impairment. As at 30 June 2023, 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 2023. 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 11.2% (2022: 11.2%). Cash flows beyond the five-year 
period are extrapolated using a long-term growth rate of 2.5% (2022: 2.5%).

During the year, £7.8m was provided against the investment held in ABS Argentina S.A. and £2.6m against the investment held in ABS 
Pecplan Ltda. to reflect a reduction in the net assets of those companies and expected future trading performance. 

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

2023 
£m

4.4

2022 
£m

2.1

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

C8
C15

2023 
£m

97.1
1.7
1.5
1.5
–
1.5

103.3

70.9

70.9

2022 
£m

61.8
1.6
2.0
2.0
0.9
1.0

69.3

74.0

74.0

At the balance sheet date, the total amounts owed by Group undertakings were £168.0m (2022: £135.8m). The carrying amount of these 
assets approximates their fair value. Of the amounts owed by Group undertakings, £163.6m (2022: £133.5m) is interest-bearing and any 
interest charged is at current market rates.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS194
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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

2023 
£m

–
6.8

6.8

2023 
£m

3.8
4.3
(1.3)

6.8

2023 
£m

1.0
5.0
0.8

6.8

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

At the balance sheet date, the Company had unused tax losses available for offset against future profits, with a potential tax benefit of 
£0.8m (2022: £1.1m). 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

2023
£m

4.2
1.2
0.4
48.2
3.4
0.5
0.2
0.9

59.0

2022
£m

7.1
1.7
0.7
51.9
2.5
0.1
0.1
0.9

65.0

Included within amounts owed to Group undertakings are amounts of £24.2m (2022: £26.2m) 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 (2022: £nil).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS195
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

2023 
£m

196.0
0.6
–
–

196.6

2023 
£m

0.3
0.1

0.4

2022 
£m

182.1
0.5
0.3
0.4

183.3

2022 
£m

0.4
0.3

0.7

The provisions primarily consist of a share forfeiture provision of £0.3m, 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

2023 
£m

2022 
£m

5.3
–
196.0

201.3
(1.1)

200.2
(4.2)

196.0

8.0
–
182.3

190.3
(1.1)

189.2
(7.1)

182.1

At the balance sheet date, the Company’s credit facilities comprised a £190m multi-currency revolving credit facility (‘RCF’), 
a USD 150 million RCF and a USD 20 million bond and guarantee facility. The original term of the facility was for three years to 
24 August 2023. On 24 August 2021 and 26 August 2022, the Company and its lenders extended the maturity date of the total facilities 
to 24 August 2024 and 24 August 2025 respectively. The Company’s credit facility also includes an uncommitted £100m accordion 
option, £60m of which was exercised in August 2022 to increase the facilities to their current size, leaving a remaining unsecured 
accordion facility of £40m, which can be requested on a maximum of two further occasions over the lifetime of the facility to fund 
the Group’s business development plans. 

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 USD85m fixed at 3.48%, borrowings of £60m fixed at 3.45%, 
borrowings of EUR12.5m fixed at 0.37%, and borrowings of USD 13.9m, swapped via a cross currency swap into EUR12.5m, fixed at 0.36%, 
excluding applicable bank margins. Approximately 76% of total Facility Borrowings are covered by these interest rate swaps as at 
30 June 2023.

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

6.4%
6.9%
5.0%
5.7%

2023 
£m

91.6
78.0
30.1
0.5

2022 
£m

95.9
77.3
10.8
5.2

200.2

189.2

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS196
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

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
Leases entered into during the year

Balance at the end of the year

2023
£m

0.6
(0.1)
0.3

0.8

2022
£m

0.8
(0.2)
–

0.6

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
Between one and five years
In more than five years

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.

2023
£m

1.2
1.2
–

2.4

2023
£m

1.2

2022
£m

–
–
–

–

2022
£m

0.8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS197
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

C16. CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Share capital 

Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 10 pence

There is no authorised share capital limit.

2023 
Number

2022 
Number

2023 
£m

2022 
£m

66,027,210

65,773,620

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
Issued to Genus plc Share incentive Plan 

2023 
Number

2022 
Number

2023 
£m

2022 
£m

2,953
250,000
637

253,590

12,120
–
–

12,120

–
–
–

–

–

–

–

Shares issued under the Executive Share Option Plan were issued at option prices as follows:

Executive Share Option Plan

2023

2022

Number Option price

Number

Option Price

–
983
1,970

2,953

–
1334.00p
1413.00p

2,837
7,027
2,256

977.83p
1334.00p
1413.00p

12,120

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

2023 
Number

2022 
Number

375,998
92,334

280,803
92,334

468,332

373,137

2023 
£m

8.1
2.0

10.1

2022 
£m

7.1
2.3

9.4

The shares have a nominal value of £46,833 (2022: £37,314).

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 2023, outstanding contracted capital expenditure amounted to £nil (2022: £nil). 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS198
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

C19. PENSIONS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES

The NMR pension assigned to Genus plc under the Flexible Apportionment Agreement, recorded an actuarial loss of £4.8m, which has 
decreased 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% 
(2022: 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 2023. The Company has given a statutory guarantee 
over all of the liabilities held by those UK subsidiaries for the year ended 30 June 2023. The Company has assessed the probability 
of loss under the guarantee as remote.

At 30 June 2023, the Company had entered into bank guarantees totalling £10.3m (2022: £15.8m).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS199
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

2023 
£m

2022 
£m

2021 
£m

2020 
£m

2019 
£m

Revenue from continuing operations

689.7

593.4

574.3

551.4

488.5

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 

74.6
85.8
71.5

84.8p
84.2p

40.5
39.4
31.8
33.3

50.8p
50.5p

567.2
195.8

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

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200
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 203. 

Adjusted operating profit 
inc JVs 

Including adjusted operating profit from JV and associate results. 

See reconciliation on page 203. 

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 203. 

Adjusted operating profit 
inc JVs after tax 

Adjusted operating profit including JV less adjusted effective tax.  

See reconciliation on page 203.  

Adjusted profit inc JVs 
before tax 

Adjusted operating profit including JVs less net finance costs.  

See reconciliation on page 203.  

Adjusted profit inc JVs  
after tax

Adjusted profit including JVs before tax less adjusted 
effective tax.  

See reconciliation on page 203. 

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 but 
it is also a measure excluded from 
our managements remuneration 
assessment, as well as our 
debt agreements and banking 
covenants. It is also one requested 
and used by our investor group to 
evaluate our performance.;
•  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. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
201
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Alternative Performance 
Measures

Calculation methodology and closest equivalent IFRS measure  
(where applicable)

Reasons why we believe the  
APMs are useful

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 204. 

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 204.

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 204.

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.

On a per share basis, this allows the 
comparability of underlying financial 
performance by excluding the 
impacts of adjusting items.

Adjusted earnings cover

Adjusted earnings per share divided by the expected dividend 
for the year. 

The Board’s dividend policy targets 
adjusted earning cover to be 
between 2.5–3 times.

See calculation on page 204.

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 204.

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.

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. 

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 205. 

Net debt – calculated in 
accordance with the 
definitions used in our 
financing facilities

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 205.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
 
 
202
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

Cash flow measures

Cash conversion

Cash generated by operations as a percentage of adjusted 
operating profit excluding JVs. 

See calculation on page 206. 

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 206. 

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.

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 206. 

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 206. 

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 207.

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 
 
203
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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
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

2023

£m

16.9
7.7
6.0
3.5

10.5
3.9
(3.6)

£m

40.5

74.6
0.4

10.8

85.8
14.3

2022

£m

£m Reference

5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0

5.2
2.6
1.4

49.4 Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement

68.8 Group Income Statement
(0.3) Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Note 11 – Income tax expense
Note 18 – Equity-accounted 
investees

9.2

77.7

7.9 Note 5 – Segmental 

information

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs and exc gene editing 
costs

100.1

85.6

Adjusted operating profit inc JVs after tax

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

2023

2022

22.2%

£m

85.8

(19.0)

66.8

£m Reference

77.7 See APM

24.3%

Note 12 – Earnings per share

(18.9) No direct reference

58.8

2023

2022

£m

85.8
(14.3)

71.5
(15.9)

55.6

£m Reference

77.7 See APM
(6.2) Note 10 – Net finance costs

71.5
(17.4) Note 12 – Earnings per share

54.1

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION204
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES GLOSSARY CONTINUED

Adjusted effective tax £m/rate

2023

2022

Adjusted effective tax £m/rate
Exceptional items
Share-based payment expense
Other gains and losses
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

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 investment)

Depreciation: property, plant and equipment

Operational lease payments

Depreciation: historical cost of biological assets
Amortisation and impairment (excluding separately 
identifiable acquired intangible assets)
Amounts attributable to non-controlling interest

Adjusted EBITDA – as calculated under our financing 
facilities

£m

15.9
(0.9)
(0.8)
0.7
(1.9)
(1.5)

11.5

%

22.2
(25.7)
(14.5)
25.0
(24.7)
(8.8)

26.6

2023

55.6
65.557

84.8

2023

55.6
65.998

84.2

£m

17.4
(0.8)
(0.5)
–
(3.3)
1.5

14.3

% Reference

24.3 Note 12 – Earnings per share
(40.0) Note 12 – Earnings per share
(13.5) Note 12 – Earnings per share
– Note 12 – Earnings per share
(39.8) Note 12 – Earnings per share
27.8 Note 12 – Earnings per share

28.0 Note 11 – Taxation and 
deferred taxation

2022 Reference

54.1 See APM

65.395 Note 12 – Earnings per share

82.7

2022 Reference

54.1 See APM

65.714 Note 12 – Earnings per share

82.3

2023

2022

times

pence

times Reference

pence

84.8
32.0

2.7

£m

40.5

2023

£m

16.9
7.7
6.0
3.5

74.6

0.7

30.2

(12.3)

13.4

5.7
0.4

82.7
32.0

See APM
Note 13 – Dividends

2.6

2022

£m

£m Reference

49.4 Group Income Statement

5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0

68.8

3.2

26.4

(12.4)

10.7

4.3
(0.3)

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

112.7

100.7

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION205
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

BALANCE SHEET MEASURES

Net debt 
Net debt as calculated under our financing facilities

2023

2022

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

4.2
196.0

10.0
21.9

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

Cash not available

Net debt – as calculated under our financing facilities

£m

7.1
182.1

10.1
24.5

£m

200.2

31.9

232.1

(36.3)

195.8

(30.0)

12.6

0.8

179.2

£m Reference

189.2 Group Balance Sheet

34.6 Group Balance Sheet

223.8 Note 32 – Notes to the cash 

flow statement

(38.8) Group Balance Sheet

185.0

(30.0)

20.2 Note 35 – Contingencies and 

bank guarantees
– Note 22 – Cash and 
cash equivalents

175.2

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
206
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 investment 

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

2023

£m

£m

78.7

40.5

16.9
7.7
6.0
3.5

2023

£m

74.6
105%

£m

78.7

(28.3)

(35.2)

2.6

(1.9)

2.4

(0.1)

18.2

2022

£m

£m Reference

49.4

5.4
8.3
3.7
2.0

56.6 Note 32 – Notes to the 

cash flow statement
Group Income Statement

Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement
Group Income Statement

68.8 Group Income Statement
82%  

2022

£m

£m Reference

56.6 Note 32 – Notes to the  

cash flow statement

(22.3) Note 32 – Notes to the  

cash flow statement
(50.9) Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

3.2 Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

– Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

– Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

(0.1) Group Statement of  

Cash Flows

(13.5)

2023

2022

£m

Times

15.4
(1.1)

14.3

(0.2)
(1.2)
(0.3)
(1.1)

11.5

£m

6.6
(0.4)

6.2

(0.2)
(1.1)
(0.2)
(0.9)

3.8

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

112.7

100.7

See APM 

10

27

2023

2022

£m

Times

£m

Times Reference

Net debt – as calculated under our financing facilities
Adjusted EBITDA – as calculated under our 
financing facilities
Ratio of net debt to EBITDA

179.2

112.7

175.2

100.7

See APM

See APM

1.6

1.7  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION207
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Return on adjusted invested capital 

2023

2022

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

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
Other gains and losses
Finance costs

Profit before tax
Tax

Profit 
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Return on invested capital

£m

66.8
574.9

195.8

6.9
(1.2)

(342.0)
(22.7)
83.4
(107.8)
67.7

455.0

%

£m

% Reference

58.8
578.5

185.0

8.3
(1.3)

(366.8)
(20.9)
77.2
(111.0)
73.0

422.0

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

14.7%

13.9%

2023

£m

2022

%

£m

% Reference

14.7%

22.2%

66.8

19.0

85.8

(0.4)

(10.8)

74.6
(16.9)
(7.7)
(6.0)
(3.5)
10.5
2.7
(14.3)

39.4
(7.6)

31.8
574.9

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% See APM
See APM

24.3% 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 Income Statement
Group Balance Sheet

5.5%

6.3%

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION208
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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.

Boar – A male pig.

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.

In vitro fertilisation (‘IVF’) – The fertilisation 
of an oocyte with semen (outside an 
animal) in a laboratory for transfer into 
a surrogate.

BRD – Bovine Respiratory Disease, 
a complex, bacterial and viral infection 
that causes lung disease in cattle 
(particularly calves) and is often fatal.

Index/Indices – A formula incorporating 
economically important traits for ranking 
the genetic potential of animals as parents 
of the next generation.

CPI – Consumer Price Index.

CRISPR-Cas 9 – Technology which 
accurately targets and cuts DNA to 
produce precise and controllable changes 
to the genome.

DSBP – Deferred Share Bonus Plan.

EPS – Earnings per share.

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.

IP – Intellectual property.

Farrow – When a sow gives birth to piglets.

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.

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.

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.

Gilt – A young female pig, which has not 
yet given birth.

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.

Net Present Value (NPV) – a financial tool 
that helps to assess future value in today’s 
terms. NPV is calculated with an assumed 
discount rate over a given amount of time 
and the calculation considers the amount 
and timing of the free cash flows.

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.

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.

RWD – ABS’s Real World Data System of 
observed performance data from many 
dairy herds.

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.

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209
GENUS PLC / ANNUAL REPORT 2023

ADVISERS

SECRETARY AND REGISTERED OFFICE

SOLICITOR

Dan Hartley
Matrix House
Basing View
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG21 4DZ
Registered Number 02972325

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

COMPANY REGISTRAR

Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex BN99 6DA
Telephone: +44 (0) 371 384 2290
Please use the country code when calling 
from outside the UK
Lines open 8:30am to 5:30pm (UK time), 
Monday to Friday (excluding public 
holidays in England and Wales).
You can also contact Equiniti by using the 
Relay UK website at www.relayuk.bt.com 
Please see www.help.shareview.co.uk for 
additional information

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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