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Plant Health Care

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FY2019 Annual Report · Plant Health Care
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SOWING 
SEEDS FOR 
THE FUTURE

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OVERVIEW

WE ARE A LEADING PROVIDER OF 
PROPRIETARY BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS TO 
GLOBAL AGRICULTURE MARKETS

We offer products to improve the health, vigour 
and yield of major field crops such as corn, 
soybeans, potatoes and rice, as well as speciality 
crops such as fruits and vegetables. We operate 
globally through subsidiaries, distributors and 
supply agreements with major industry partners.

Our innovative, patent-protected biological 
products help growers to protect their crops 
from stress and diseases, and to produce higher 
quality fruit and vegetables, with a favourable 
environmental profile.

WHY INVEST IN US

•  Leading provider of proprietary biological products 

for agriculture

•  Validated technology platforms with strong IP estates: 

Plant Response Elicitors - PREtec

•  Planning first product launches of PREtec peptides from 

2022 or earlier

•  Management highly experienced in agricultural R&D, 

licensing and sales

•  Targeting cash positive within existing cash reserves; 

strict control of expenses

Visit our website: 
www.planthealthcare.com

Access the online annual report: 
ar19.planthealthcare.com

STRATEGIC REPORT

1  Highlights

2  2019 in review

4  At a glance

6  Our products and technologies

8  Chairman’s statement

10	 Chief	Executive	Officer’s	statement

14  Our products and technologies

17  Section 172 statement

18  Business model and strategy

20  Key performance indicators 

22  Risks and uncertainties

24  Financial review

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

26  Board of Directors

28  Corporate governance report

32  Audit Committee report

33  Remuneration Committee report

36  Directors’ report

38  Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

40 

 Independent auditor’s report

45 

 Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income

46	

	Consolidated	statement	of	financial position

47	

	Consolidated	statement	of	changes	in equity

48	 Consolidated	statement	of	cash flows

49 

 Notes forming part of the Group 
financial statements

72	

	Company	statement	of	financial position

73	

	Company	statement	of	changes	in equity

74 

 Notes forming part of the Company 
financial statements

IBC Directors and advisers

HIGHLIGHTS

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2019

OPERATIONAL
•  In both the US and Brazil, Harpin aß is showing excellent 

customer benefits and we have large, strong and 
committed distribution partners.

•  The Company has made impressive progress towards 

the launch of the first products from the PREtec 
peptide platforms, targeting markets worth more 
than $5	billion.

•  The Group has seen robust performance in first 

quarter	2020	trading,	with	revenue	10%	above	2019,	
buoyed by strong demand in the USA.

•  Agricultural inputs, which represent almost all sales 
by the	Group,	are	considered	an	‘essential	industry’.	
Planting intentions in the US and elsewhere remain 
robust. However, the recent collapse in the oil price 
has led to a severe reduction in the price of ethanol 
from sugar cane in Brazil, which will lower demand 
for Harpin	aß.

•  The Group nonetheless is positive about the prospects 

for revenue in 2020, compared with 2019.

•  Delayed sales in Brazil (down 64%) and exceptionally 
difficult market conditions in the US (down 18%) held 
back sales, despite robust market demand for Harpin aß.

FINANCIAL
•  Revenue	was	$6.4	million	(2018:	$8.1	million),	21%	down	

on the prior year, 18% in constant currency*.

•  Gross margin decreased to 56% (2018: 65%). The 

decrease is primarily due to the increased proportion 
of third-party sales in Mexico and increased tariffs 
imposed on China by the US.

•  Adjusted	LBITDA**	improved	to	$3.8	million	

(2018: $5.4 million).

•  Cash	and	cash	equivalents	at	31	December	2019	

were $2.4	million.

•  The Company successfully raised £2.4 million 

($3.0 million)	through	the	issuance	of	new	ordinary	
shares in November 2019 and a further £3.6 million 
($4.6	million)	in	March	2020.

•  The Group has strong cash reserves. 

*  Constant currency is defined on page 12.

** 

 Adjusted LBITDA: Loss before Interest, tax, depreciation, 
amortisation, share-based payments and intercompany 
foreign exchange.

Strong underlying progress in both 
Commercial and New Technology, 
in a challenging year.”

DR CHRISTOPHER RICHARDS
Chief	Executive Officer

REVENUE
($’000)

6,436

CASH AND INVESTMENTS
($’000)

2,421

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ADJUSTED LBITDA
($’000)

3,834

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PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

1

2019 IN REVIEW

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

GLOBAL REACH

Farmers confront many challenges in providing food for a rapidly growing and more 
prosperous world. These challenges include reducing the use of potentially harmful 
agrochemical products. Biological products are becoming an increasingly important 
part of the solution because of the benefits they offer.

NORTH AMERICA

•  350,000 corn acres treated in 2019.

•  PHC signed new exclusive distribution agreement, with 
Wilbur-Ellis, for the use of Employ in speciality crops.

•  PHC received regulatory approval in California 
for applications	of	Employ	on	almonds,	grapes	
and walnuts.

•  PHC now has agreements with two large distributors 

for Harpin aß sales in the United States.

MEXICO

•  15% Harpin growth in 2019 versus 2018.

•  Harpin aß	is	now	well	established	as	a	biostimulant	for	
vegetables such as tomatoes, chillies and asparagus.

•  Applications	of	Harpin aß	in	the	Sinaloa/Baja	California	
area of Mexico continue to deliver increased yield and a 
higher	quality	product.	

•  PHC Mexico is a leading supplier of third-party 

agricultural products into the speciality crop markets 
of	the	Sinaloa/Baja	area.

BRAZIL

•  Demonstration field trials conducted in 2016-2019 
showed an average yield increase of over 21%.

•  Import licence was issued in January 2020.

•  The exclusive brand of our distributor Coplacana 

reaching the 8.4-million-hectare sugar cane market 
in Brazil	continued	to	grow	rapidly.*

•  More than 400 cane growers have made applications 
of the product. With these outstanding results, we 
anticipate strong sales growth in 2020 and beyond.

*  Based on AgroNews report dated 28 August 2019.

Read more about the successful 
launch of Harpin aß in Brazil on p.6

2

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

We witnessed outstanding performance of 
Harpin aß in key row crop markets and further 
expansion of our strong distribution partnerships 
for Harpin aß in 2019. Despite the negative 
headwinds from the 2019 growing season, Plant 
Health Care remains well positioned to expand 
the growth of Harpin aß in key row and speciality 
crop markets in the coming years.”

JEFFREY TWEEDY
Chief Operating Officer

EMEAA

•  18%+	annual	growth	in	recent	years	in	Spain	with	Harpin aß	use	

in speciality	crops.

•  In	the	UK,	Headland	launched	a	Harpin aß	based	professional	turf	
product that was used on major soccer, golf and tennis venues. 

•  Sales of Proact on potatoes distributed by Agrii in the UK continue 

to expand rapidly.

•  We	expect	to	expand	the	sales	of	Harpin aß	on	sugar	cane,	citrus,	

macadamia and cut flowers in Africa.

•  First	sales	of	Harpin aß	for	applications	to	rice	are	expected	

in Thailand	in	2020.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

3

AT A GLANCE

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

OUR MISSION

Farmers confront many challenges in providing food for a rapidly growing and more prosperous 
world. These challenges include reducing the use of potentially harmful agrochemical products. 
Biological products are becoming an increasingly important part of the solution because of the 
benefits they offer.

COMMERCIAL
Plant Health Care’s Commercial business is driven by sales 
of Harpin	�ß,	a	recombinant	protein	which	acts	as	a	powerful	
biostimulant,	promoting	the	yield	and	quality	of	crops.	The	Group	
sells the proprietary soil treatment Myconate in selected 
countries.	The Group	sells	Harpin	�ß	and	Myconate	through	
specialist distributors around the world. In Mexico, the Group 
also distributes third-party biological products.

NEW TECHNOLOGY
Plant Health Care’s PREtec (Plant Response Elicitor Technology) 
platforms are generating numerous promising products. The 
Group is currently focusing on three products targeting very 
large	market	opportunities	with	a	value	of	more	than	$5	billion.	
These products are currently under evaluation with six potential 
commercial partners. The Group also continues to evaluate 
further candidate products from its robust pipeline of 
development candidates for additional crops and indications. 

PRODUCTS

TECHNOLOGY

HARPIN aß

MYCONATE

PREtec

Read more about new technology on p. 6

  INNATUS 3G

  T-REX 3G

  Y-MAX 3G

Read more about new technology on p. 7

HOW IT WORKS

Plant Health Care products can be applied to:

SEEDS 
(Seed treatment)

PLANTS’ LEAVES 
(Foliar Applications)

PROTECTION 
from stress such 
as drought

PROTECTION 
from disease 
and promotion 
of growth

PROTECTION 
against soil pests

DEMAND FOR BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS IS INCREASING RAPIDLY.

4

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

HOW WE PERFORMED

2019 SALES SPLIT BY REGION
($’000)

$1.0m

$3.3m

16+

  Rest of World

$2.1m

  Mexico

  Americas

2019 SALE SPLIT BY PRODUCT
($’000)

Harpin	�ß

$3.6m

Third party

$2.6m

Myconate

$0.2m

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

5

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+
51
OUR PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

OUR MARKET OPPORTUNITY

COMMERCIAL

HARPIN aß
Harpin aß	is	an	exceptionally	powerful	biostimulant	of	the	
plant’s natural defence systems. The result is increased yield 
and	quality	and	improved	resistance	to	soil	pests	and	disease.	
Harpin aß	is	a	recombinant	protein,	developed	from	the	original	
research on naturally occurring Harpin proteins by the Company’s 
Chief Science Officer, Dr Zhongmin Wei. 

We	are	now	able	to	sell	Harpin aß	in	nearly	30	countries.	Sales	
were developed initially in a range of fruit and vegetable crops 
in the USA, Mexico, Europe and Africa. The focus over recent 
years has been to enter into larger scale arable or row crops 
(such as corn, soy and sugar cane) with targeted products 
sold through very strong, committed distributors. This 
approach provides much larger sales opportunities, as 
demand grows over the coming years.

After four years of trials, Plant Health Care Brasil launched 
H2Copla	(Harpin aß)	into	sugar	cane	in	Brazil	in	February	2018,	
through Coplacana, the leading sugar cane co-operative, 
which services more than 70% of the sugar cane hectares 
in Sao	Paulo	State.	There	are	more	than	eight	million	hectares	
of	sugar	cane	in	Brazil,	of	which	more	than	50%	are	in	Sao Paulo	
State. Grower reaction to the launch has been very positive, 
with demonstration trials showing very substantial yield 
improvements, with average yield increase up to 20%. The 
adoption cycle in sugar cane is prolonged – the crop takes 
some 12 months to grow to harvest. With Coplacana, the 
Company is focused on demonstrating the value of H2Copla 
on as many farms as possible, especially the 35 large 
processors which represent some 50% of the market 
opportunity. Like many small companies in Brazil, the team 
has experienced teething problems, including the slow 
authorisation of import permits. These issues are being 
addressed and we do not expect such constraints in the 
future, as grower demand builds.

In	the	USA,	the	Group	launched	Harpin aß	into	corn	in	the	
spring	of	2019.	In	this	case,	Harpin aß	is	sold	as	a	mixture	
product for on-farm seed treatment. The product is being 
sold by a leading distributor of inputs to corn growers, which 
holds a market share of some 25% of the 90-million-acre US 
corn market. Although applications of the product were 
limited by the very exceptional weather conditions, users 
reported that their corn crops emerged taller and stronger, 
compared with conventionally treated corn. These promising 
results are expected to lead to acceleration of sales in the 
coming years. The Group now plans to launch the same 
product into soy, starting with the 2020 crop. 

Also in the USA, the Group has reached agreement with 
Wilbur-Ellis, a very large distributor with sales in the region of 
$5	billion,	for	exclusive	distribution	of	Employ	(Harpin aß)	into	
fruit and vegetable crops. Wilbur-Ellis has been selling 

6

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

Employ for several years, through the smaller distributor 
SymAgro; this gave it experience with the product. Under the 
new agreement, Wilbur-Ellis aims to extend sales nationwide, 
through its very extensive network. We anticipate that this 
much stronger distribution reach will lead to increased sales 
into these crops over the coming years.

In	Mexico,	Harpin aß	is	now	well	established	as	a	biostimulant	
for vegetables such as bell peppers, which are grown in 
greenhouses for export to the USA. The Company is a 
significant	player	in	the	application	of	Harpin aß	in	the	bell	
pepper	market	in	the	Sinaloa/Baja	California	area	of	Mexico,	
delivering	increased	yield	of	higher	quality	product.	Sales	of	
Harpin aß	in	Mexico	grew	by	15%	in	2019,	reaching	$0.7	million.

In	Spain,	the	Group	has	been	developing	Harpin aß	to	improve	
the	quality	of	citrus	fruits	and	other	crops	over	the	last	five	
years.	Sales	of	Harpin aß	in	Spain	grew	18%	in	2019,	reaching	
$0.7	million.	

In Europe, the Group has established a relationship with 
Origin Enterprises,	one	of	the	largest	distributors	in	the	EU,	
to commercialise	Harpin aß.	In	the	UK,	Origin	is	now	selling	
Harpin aß	into	potatoes.	In	addition,	Origin	companies	are	
selling the product into the amenity market; both leading golf 
courses	and	well-known	soccer	clubs	are	now	using	Harpin aß	
to	improve	the	quality	of	their	turf.

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

NEW TECHNOLOGY

PREtec
Plant Response Elicitor technology (“PREtec”) is our core new 
technology, inspired by Harpin proteins found in nature. Based on 
our	unique	understanding	of	how	key	amino	acid	sequences	elicit	
a desired response in target crops, we are able to design families 
of peptides (chains of amino acids) that when applied to crops 
provide increased growth, disease resistance and other benefits 
for farmers. We have so far designed and filed patent applications 
for four peptide platforms from our research, each of which has 
been named and presented to partners. In the chart below, 3G 
signifies the third-generation product candidates (distinct from 
the	second	generation	commercial	Harpin aß	products).	In	
addition, we have a fourth generation (“4G”) platform, consisting 
of the use of custom genes within plants and microbes to express 
the desired PREtec protein.

Since 2012, the Group has made huge progress towards 
bringing the first PREtec products to market. As our 
experience and confidence have built, we have modified 
our plans	from	a	dependence	on	technology	licensing,	to	
targeting direct sales to distributors. This change has 
been particularly	welcomed	by	our	existing	large	distribution	
partners, which are building portfolios of proprietary 
biological products. While trials continue with major 
international agrochemical companies, we believe that 
distributors will bring PREtec peptides to market more 
rapidly than	the	traditional	agrochemical	companies.

The Group is targeting product launches in very large markets, 
with	a	combined	opportunity	of	some	$5	billion.	We	aim	to	
launch products soon after regulatory permits are achieved. 

The peptide PHC279, from the Innatus 3G platform, is likely 
to be	the	first	PREtec peptide to be launched to the market. 
Extensive trials have shown that PHC279 is a versatile and 
highly effective product, in a range of crops. 

In August 2018, the Group submitted an application for 
registration with the US EPA for approval to sell PHC279 

as a biopesticide	and	expects	to	receive	approval	during	2021.	
In October	2019,	the	Group	submitted	an	application	for	
registration in Brazil as a biochemical product for the control of 
Asian soybean rust, a devastating disease of soy. The timing of 
achieving registrations in Brazil is less certain than in the USA.

Other peptide products are also in the later stages of 
development. PHC949, from the T-Rex platform, is showing 
remarkably strong benefits, with control of nematode worm 
infestations in soil comparable to that of leading chemical 
pesticides. We anticipate registration of PHC949 in the USA in 
2022. PHC414, from the Y-Max platform, is showing promise 
as a biostimulant, promoting yield in a range of crops. We 
anticipate registration of PHC414 in the USA in 2022 or 2023.

As we move towards product launches, our team in Seattle has 
developed laboratory-scale methods for the manufacture of PREtec 
peptides. A particular achievement has been the development of 
both	liquid	and	solid	formulations	of	PREtec peptides, which are 
highly stable and easy to use. Remarkable progress has also been 
made in reducing product cost, with indicative costs of production 
now	substantially	lower	than	those	of	Harpin aß.	During	2019,	we	
started scaling up production of PHC279 at Penn State University’s 
CSL Behring Fermentation Facility. These scale-up trials are 
currently ahead of schedule. We are now searching for toll 
manufacturers to produce PHC279 and other peptides on a 
commercial scale, in time for the first product launches.

IP protection is fundamentally important for the Group. Since 
2012, numerous patents have been filed around the PREtec 
platforms. In an important landmark, the US Patent and 
Trademark Office has now granted the first of these patents, 
approving the very wide claims sought by the Group. Additional 
US and foreign patents are expected to issue in 2020. Plant 
Health Care is carving out a dominant patent position around the 
use of response elicitor peptides in agriculture, which will 
ultimately cover a significant share of the “space” available for 
using peptides in agricultural production.

HOW DOES PREtec WORK?

Peptides

Receptor 
protein

Cofactor 
protein

Cell signal 
molecules

Plant 
response 
elicitation

Lead products

Platforms

Targets for 2021/22 
launches

PIPELINE

PHC279

PHC404

PHC949

PHC148

PHC414

PHC535

INNATUS 3G

SOY SEED TREATMENT FOR 
DISEASE 

Broad plant defence 
and growth platform

US MICRONUTRIENT MIX

BRAZIL SUGAR CANE

FUNGICIDE ENHANCEMENT

T-REX 3G

SOY SEED TREATMENT

Nematode defence 
platform

VEGETABLE PRODUCTION 

Y-MAX 3G

FRUIT & VEG. QUALITY AND YIELD

Yield and growth 
platform

Cell 
membrane

Lead products target large markets for launch in 2021–22
Robust pipeline of follow-up products

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

7

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

CONTINUED SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Plant Health Care is firmly 
establishing itself as a leader in 
biostimulants. Our new “vaccines 
for plants” are now poised to drive 
future cash and revenue growth.”

DR RICHARD WEBB
Non-executive Chairman

Plant Health Care® is a leading provider of proprietary 
agricultural biological products and technology solutions 
focused on improving crop performance. Plant Health Care is 
strategically positioned in an industry sector that is on the cusp 
of change. The plant-based approach to improving crop yields 
and food security has never been more topical. The UN Food and 
Agriculture Organization (“FAO”) has designated 2020 as the 
International Year of Plant Health. Maintaining the health of crop 
plants can positively impact various Sustainable Development 
Goals (“SDGs”) including the eradication of hunger, sustainable 
use of	terrestrial	ecosystems,	sustainable	production	and	
climate action.

In agriculture the biologicals input sector has attracted 
extensive interest over recent years, with billions of dollars 
invested in efforts to develop new biological technologies. 
There are	many	drivers,	and	they	are	growing	in	urgency.	
These include:

•  the pressure to reduce use of chemical pesticides 

and fertilisers;

•  the	urgency	to	nurture	soils	and	sequester	carbon;

•  the	requirement	to	buffer	crops	against	weather	shocks;	and

•  the	importance	of	raising	quality	and	extending	the	shelf	life	

of food	after	harvest.

Naturally, for farmers, their primary demands of any input remain:

•  yield improvement;

•  cost effectiveness; and

•  full compatibility with their other inputs and supply chains.

These are tough challenges for biologicals.

So far, no clear champion has emerged in the biologicals sector. 
Most new players are sub-scale, and many of them are still years 
from meaningful commercialisation. It was widely believed that 
the few corporate giants of agriculture would license in or buy 
out the promising biological technologies, but other than a few 
significant	acquisitions,	this	has	moved	slowly	in	recent	years.	
If anything,	the	majors	are	doubling	down	on	the	conventional	
chemistry and genetics they know best.

Plant Health Care has been one of the pioneers of this sector 
and can	be	seen	as	one	of	the	sector’s	few	success	stories.	
With an	established	product	range	based	on	Harpin,	Myconate	
and third-party products we have more than a decade of 
practical commercial experience in key markets;

•  large	markets	in	the	USA	accessed	through	two	of the	
top six distributors,	with	strong	grower	feedback	
from innovative products;	

•  an established operation in Brazil with two years of experience 

selling into the world’s largest sugar cane market through 
a strong	distributor,	and

•  in Mexico, we have a long-established, steadily growing, 

cash-positive business.

Meanwhile, The Group continues to make strong progress with 
the patented PREtec “plant vaccine” technology: 

•  field performance has been demonstrated in markets valued 

at	$5	billion;	

•  formulation stability and ease of use are now achieved; and 

•  excellent progress in production development has given us a 
projected cost of goods low enough to allow us to model the 
capture of substantial market share in our target markets.

These achievements of our science and technology colleagues 
are especially impressive against the background of our strategic 
pivot away from a pure out-licensing model. We were previously 
targeting	co-development	licensing	agreements	with the	major	
agrochemical players, to the exclusion of other channels. Given 
the lack of appetite for doing such deals, we have reached out 
instead to other routes to market and have made strong progress 
towards signing up major regional distributors. 

Over the past couple of years, the New Technology team, under 
the leadership of Chief Science Officer Dr Zhongmin Wei, has 
made better than expected progress in establishing the ability 
to make,	formulate,	register	and	supply	finished	product	and	
ingredients. PREtec products will be manufactured at a fraction 
of the	expected	cost.	The	additional	outlay	will	in	due	course	
convert into higher revenues and margins.

In the latter part of 2019, we were able to secure the interest 
of a strategic	investor,	Ospraie	Ag	Science	LLC,	which	shares	
our belief	in	the	industry	sector	opportunities.	Ospraie	has	
taken strategic	positions	in	a	number	of	other	agriculture	and	

8

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

biologicals businesses. After an extensive analysis of Plant 
Health Care’s assets, capabilities and operations, its purchase 
of $3.0	million	in	new	shares	validated	our	business	model	
and progress.

Later, in the March 2020 funding round, Ospraie expanded its 
shareholding at a higher price. We look forward to tapping into 
its industry expertise as we seek out new opportunities in 
a sector	that	many	see	as	ripe	for	consolidation.

2019 was a difficult year for the industry. But through it all, the 
composition of Plant Health Care’s Senior Executive team has 
remained essentially unchanged. Led by Christopher Richards, 
based in three continents, and operating round the world, 
I believe	them	to	be	the	best	in	the	industry.	Highly	talented	
and ever	more	experienced,	they	are	fully	capable	of	managing	
a business	substantially	larger	than	Plant	Health	Care	is	today.	
We will	deliver	this	expansion	by	strong	organic	growth	and	
continue to build shareholder value.

On 31 January 2020, the World Health Organisation declared 
a global	pandemic	due	to	the	COVID-19	virus	that	has	spread	
across the globe, causing different governments and countries 
to enforce restrictions on people movements, a stop to 
international travel, and other precautionary measures. 
This has had	a	widespread	impact	economically	and	a	number	
of industries	have	been	heavily	impacted.	This	has	resulted	in	
supply chain impacts on certain industries, uncertainty over 
cash collection from certain customers, and a more general 
need to consider whether budgets and targets previously set 
are realistic	in	light	of	these	events.	Further	consideration	of	
the impact	of	COVID-19	is	detailed	in	our	Chief	Executive	Officer’s	
statement, our Strategic Report and in our Directors’ Report.

BOARD CHANGES
In October 2019 I took over the role of Non-executive Chairman 
from Christopher Richards, who had been holding the joint remits 
of Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive for three years. 
I have	been	a	Director	myself	for	six	years	under	Christopher’s	
inspirational chairmanship. I shall remain focused on giving him 
and his Executive team the best possible support, while developing 
into the Chairman role.

In	September	2019	Michael	Higgins	relinquished	his	post	
as Senior	Independent	Director	and	Chairman	of	the	Audit	
Committee, after six years of sterling service. His contribution 
to the	effective	operation	and	good	governance	of	the	Company	
has been immense.

We were lucky enough to recruit Guy van Zwanenberg to take on 
Michael’s roles, with effect from October 2019. Guy brings deep 
experience and pragmatism to the Board and has already 
established himself as a core member.

Alongside William Lewis and me, the Board now has a well-balanced 
Non-executive team, which can help to steer the Company through 
the opportunities and challenges ahead.

In October we also strengthened the Executive presence on the 
Board, by appointing Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Hovey and 
Chief Operating Officer Jeff Tweedy as Board Directors. While 
both of them have been participating in Board matters for some 
time, Jeffrey Hovey as Chief Financial Officer since 2013, these 
promotions strengthen the Executive team, and ensure we 
continue to pay the fullest attention to financial management and 
customer-facing matters.

DR RICHARD WEBB
Chairman
23 April 2020

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

9

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

A CLEARLY DEFINED STRATEGY

Harpin aß is now well positioned and 
growing sales in many crops around 
the world; sugar cane and corn should 
accelerate that growth. The first 
PREtec products are being prepared 
for launch into market opportunities 
worth $5 billion.”

DR CHRISTOPHER RICHARDS
Chief Executive Officer

OVERVIEW
Plant Health Care fell short of revenue expectations in 2019, 
due to	adverse	market	conditions	in	the	US	and	delays	to	sales	
in Brazil.	As	a	result,	sales	of	Harpin aß	by	the	Group	were	down	
34% compared to the prior year. These factors obscured positive 
customer	benefits	in	newly	launched	Harpin aß	products,	
supported by new relationships with very strong national 
distributors in the US and Brazil. These have established 
a very promising	base	for	revenue	growth	in	2020	and	beyond.	

At the same time, progress with the development of our first 
PREtec products has been outstanding, with product launches 
into large market opportunities now anticipated from 2022 or 
earlier. Field trials with partners continue to show admirable 
farmer benefits, in market opportunities valued at more than 
$5 billion.	Cost	of	goods	with	our	leading	product	PHC279	has	
continued to fall, as we progress to scale-up towards commercial 
production. Regulatory applications are progressing in the 
USA and	Brazil	and	we	eagerly	anticipate	first	sales	to	
distribution partners.

Following	the	successful	equity	raises	in	November	2019	and	
March 2020, the Group now has sufficient cash resources both 
to deliver	strong	commercial	sales	growth	in	2020	and	beyond	
and to increase spend on PREtec product development, in order 
to maximise the impact of impending product launches. These 
investment plans, however, have now been paused until the 
effects of the COVID-19 situation on the Company’s cash flow 
have become clear.

COVID-19 – IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Agriculture and agricultural inputs are classified as essential 
industries around the world. As such, COVID-19 has so far had 
limited impact on the business. However, we have no experience 
of a similar crisis, so it is difficult to predict the extent of COVID-19 
impact on our revenues. It is not yet clear how widespread the 
virus will become, how long the pandemic will last and what the 
medium to long term effect of this will be on consumer and 
business behaviour. 

10 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

The timing of the COVID-19 pandemic is such that the majority of 
agricultural inputs for the northern hemisphere crop season were 
already in place before the recent lockdowns were implemented. 
At the same time, farmers’ planting intentions have not been 
significantly affected by the crisis, in spite of wider turbulence in 
markets and on the prices of agricultural commodities. For 
example, USDA estimates that 97 million acres of corn will be 
planted in 2020, some 10% higher than in 2019; the Group’s sales 
in the US so far have been stronger than forecast. Shortage of 
migrant labour is very likely to affect the harvesting of fruit and 
vegetable crops over the coming weeks; sales in Mexico and 
Spain have been affected. Sales to the amenity market, which 
are largely in the UK and a modest part of revenues, have stopped. 

In Brazil, our sales are principally to sugar cane and that crop has 
been substantially affected by the recent collapse in the oil price, 
exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. Approximately half of the sugar 
cane in Brazil is used to produce ethanol; the price of ethanol in 
Brazil has reduced by some 50% in response to the reduction in 
global oil prices. As a result, the sugar cane industry is struggling. 
In addition,	the	response	of	the	Brazilian	government,	particularly	
recent statements on the need for suppliers to extend payment 
terms, has led many distributors (including the Group’s distributor 
Coplacana) to stop sales for the time being. It is not clear at present 
how long this disruption will last.

Our priority is to do all we can to keep our business as safe as 
possible for customers and staff. For the time being, we have 
suspended operations at our Seattle laboratory and most other 
staff are working from home. We must also prepare the business 
for varying levels of sales declines. To that end, we have 
modelled the effects of differing levels of sales declines and 
delays in collection, along with all the measures we can take to 
ensure that the Group remains within its cash reserves, and have 
prepared cash flow forecasts for a period in excess of 12 months. 

The Board’s “central case” scenario is based upon a continuation 
of	the	current	crisis	into	the	third	quarter	of	2020.	We	anticipate	
downsides in demand over the next six months (especially in 
Mexico and Spain), with a return to normal levels in the fourth 
quarter,	with	the	exception	of	Brazil.	Due	to	the	situation	in	sugar	
cane, we assume a 50% reduction in sales to Brazil (compared with 
our earlier forecast). In addition to the impact of reduced sales, 
we	assume	that	$0.5	million	in	Accounts	Receivable	now	due	will	
not be collected during 2020. Operating Expenses are held to the 
same level as in 2019. Under this scenario, the Group’s cash 
reserves are sufficient beyond the end of 2021.

The Board’s “severe downside” forecast is based on sales that 
are further constrained in Mexico and Europe for the rest of 
2020. Sales in the USA are not affected. Sales to Brazil fall to 
25%, compared with our earlier forecast. In addition to the 
impact	of	reduced	sales,	we	assume	that	$1.0	million	in	Accounts	
Receivable due in 2020 will not be collected until 2021. In this 
scenario, sales projections in 2021 are lower than previously 
forecast. Operating Expenses are held to the same level as in 
2019, in both 2020 and 2021 in an effort to manage existing cash 
resources. Even under this pessimistic scenario, the Group’s 
cash reserves are sufficient beyond the end of 2021.

The Directors have no reason to believe that customer revenues 
and receipts will decline to the point that the Group no longer 
has sufficient	resources	to	fund	its	operations.	However,	

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

in the unlikely	event	that	this	should	occur,	and	the	risk	of	this	
is materially	amplified	due	to	the	very	fluid	nature	of	the	current	
situation, the Group may need to seek additional funding beyond 
the facilities that are currently available to it, as well as making 
significant reductions in its fixed cost expenses. 

Group trading for FY-2020 to date has been in line with 
management expectations, with only limited apparent adverse 
effects on the Group’s performance due to COVID-19 currently 
being experienced, outside of Brazil. However, there is 
unprecedented uncertainty around the impact of COVID-19 on 
the global economy. While the Board is encouraged by the 
resilience shown by the Group and its employees to date, the 
impact on FY-2020 cannot as yet be fully assessed. Accordingly, 
the Board believes it would be inappropriate to provide forward 
looking financial guidance to investors and analysts at this time.

We report here separately on the two areas of focus for the 
business: Commercial and New Technology. We are organised in 
these two lines of business and report our Commercial business in 
three geographic segments – Americas, Mexico and Rest of World. 
We report our New Technology business in a single segment. 

COMMERCIAL
Overall	sales	in	2019	were	$6.4	million,	a	decrease	of	21%	in	both	
actual	and	constant	currency*	compared	with	2018	($8.1	million).	
Sales	in	the	USA	decreased	18%	to	$1.7	million	(2018:	$2.1	million),	
Brazil	sales	decreased	64%	to	$0.4	million	(2018:	$1.1	million),	and	
Spain (up 17%) and Mexico (up 6%) were offset by reduced sales in 
Europe/Africa	(down	76%),	due	to	slower	drawdown	of	in-market	
inventory in South Africa. 

Sales	of	core	Harpin aß	products	decreased	by	34%	(32%	in	constant	
currency).	Harpin aß	and	Myconate	products	represented	59%	
of sales	in	2019	(2018:	68%).	

Sales	in	Brazil	were	$0.4	million	(2018:	$1.1	million).	Our	
distributor Coplacana was unable to buy due to delays in the 
approval of a critical import licence and existing inventory. The 
import licence was issued in January 2020. However, sales of 
H2Copla, Coplacana’s exclusive brand into the 10 -million-hectare 
sugar cane market in Brazil are growing strongly. Although sales 
were some three times up on 2018, this was from a lower base 
than previously reported. Adoption of the product is slow, due to 
the very long crop cycle (a year between harvests). Since the 
launch of H2Copla in 2018, more than 400 cane growers have 
made applications of the product. Demonstration field trials 
conducted in 2016-2019 showed an average yield increase of over 
21%. With these outstanding results, we anticipate strong sales 
growth in 2020 and beyond. The Group expanded sales in 2019 
of Harpin aß	as	a	seed	treatment	in	soybeans	and	as	a	foliar	
application in corn.

Sales	in	North	America	were	$1.7	million	(2018:	$2.1	million)	
In the USA,	Harpin aß	was	launched	into	the	90-million-acre	corn	
market in Q4 2018, through a very strong distribution partner. 
Demonstration trials in 2019 continued to show impressive 
grower benefits, with corn three weeks after planting growing 
taller and healthier than untreated corn. However, the US corn 
market was hammered in 2019, by a combination of the worst 
weather in decades and low commodity prices. Our partner 
estimates that growers treated some 350,000 acres with 
Harpin aß	in	2019,	a	successful	result	under	these	conditions	but	

well short of its target of one million acres. As a result, our partner 
finished the year with substantial inventory (bought in Q4 2018) 
and did not make further purchases in 2019. Sales by the Group 
in 2020	will	depend	on	the	ramp-up	of	sales	to	growers	this	year.

In 2019, the Group signed a new agreement with Wilbur-Ellis, 
one of	the	largest	distributors	in	the	USA,	for	the	exclusive	
distribution	of	Harpin aß	in	speciality	(fruit	and	vegetable)	crops.	
Wilbur-Ellis	had	prior	experience	with	Harpin aß,	having	
previously bought the product through an existing distributor, 
SymAgro. This move to a larger distributor brings national 
coverage	for	Harpin aß	and	is	already	resulting	in	increased	sales.

Sales	in	Mexico	grew	6%	to	$3.3	million	(7%	in	constant	currency).	
Sales	of	Harpin aß	grew	by	15%,	with	entry	into	new	crops.	Sales	
in	Spain	increased	by	17%	to	$0.7	million	(2018:	$0.6	million).	In	
South Africa, sales continued to be hit by drought and the Group 
decided not to make any sales in order to reduce in-market inventory. 

WHAT IS PREtec?
PREtec works by inducing natural defensive and metabolic 
responses in crop plants so they suffer less harm from the 
usual stresses faced during a growing season, such as 
nematodes or disease. This is achieved by designing peptides 
that mimic the active sites of larger naturally occurring 
proteins to which plants have evolved to respond defensively. 
These peptides are generally accepted as being safe to handle 
and having negligible toxicity. They do not leave any detectable 
residue and rapidly degrade so that they do not persist on the 
plant after application. For these reasons, PREtec peptides 
should benefit from regulations in the US and many other 
countries intending to accelerate the commercial approval 
of biological	products.	

The New Technology team discovers and develops novel 
proprietary biological solutions using the Group’s PREtec 
science and technology capabilities (PREtec stands for 
Plant Response Elicitor technology). PREtec is a novel, 
environmentally friendly approach to protecting crops, 
based on peptides derived from natural proteins. 
By activating	the	innate	growth	and	defence	mechanisms	
of plants,	PREtec peptides lead to higher crop yields and 
better protection against disease and environmental 
stresses such as drought. Because of their novel mode 
of action,	PREtec peptides complement standard chemical 
pesticides, improving disease control and yield, while 
being compatible with mainstream agriculture practices 
such as seed treatment and foliar sprays.

After many years of development, the PREtec technology 
platform has resulted in the identification of three 
lead peptides	for	commercial	development,	a	larger	
series of	development	candidates	undergoing	further	
characterisation, and a collection of early-stage peptides 
available for further screening. PREtec generates the 
possibility of many peptide product candidates across 
several platforms; we have so far characterised and 
presented to our partners peptides from four related 
families of peptides: Innatus 3G, T-Rex 3G, Y-Max 3G and 
P-Max 3G. The members of each peptide family share 
certain key agronomic performance attributes and each 
family is a platform for product development.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

11

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

NEW TECHNOLOGY
Plant Health Care’s Plant Response Elicitor Technology (“PREtec”) 
platforms are generating numerous promising products. 
The Group	is	currently	focusing	on	three	products	targeting	
very large	market	opportunities	with	a	value	of	more	than	
$5 billion.	These	products	are	currently	under	evaluation	with	
six potential	commercial	partners.	The	Group	also	continues	
to evaluate further	candidate	products	from	its	robust	pipeline	
of development	candidates	for	additional	crops	and	indications.	

The Group believes PREtec has substantial potential to support 
farmers to increase yields and productivity. Our vision is 
for growers	to	apply	a	PREtec peptide on every hectare of 
agricultural land in combination with conventional agricultural 
products to improve their performance, reduce their 
environmental impact, reduce the development of disease 
resistance to chemical pesticides, and increase yields. 

The lead PREtec peptide product is PHC279, from the Innatus 3G 
platform, which promotes healthy growth of a wide range of 
crops. For example, PHC279 has been shown to promote disease 
control in Brazilian soybeans when applied as a seed treatment. 
It has the potential to reduce substantially the use of toxic fungicides. 

Also progressing rapidly in development is PHC949, from 
the T-Rex	3G	platform,	which	provides	outstanding	control	of	
nematode soil pests in crops including soybeans and vegetables. 
PHC414,	from	the	Y-Max	3G	platform,	promotes	the	quality	and	
yield of fruits and vegetables.

The Group has submitted for registration of PHC279 in the USA 
and Brazil. Earliest regulatory approvals are expected in 2021.

Remarkable progress has been made in developing cost-effective 
production methods for the lead PREtec peptide products. 

During 2019, the Group contracted with Penn State University’s 
CSL Behring Fermentation Facility to scale up manufacturing of 
PHC279. Production efficiency targets have already been 
exceeded, giving the Group confidence that PHC279 will be cost 
effective in the field and provide a competitive advantage over 
other biological products. Preliminary estimates suggest 

Read more about new technology on p. 7

margins for PHC279 could be superior to those which the Group 
currently	enjoys	with	Harpin aß.	

The Group expects to take the lead products to growers through 
distribution agreements with strong distributors. The existing 
relationships	established	in	the	USA	and	Brazil	for	Harpin aß	
provide a strong basis for PREtec peptide product distribution. 
Product launches are expected to take place soon after 
regulatory approvals have been obtained.

FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE
The Group has maintained strict control of cash operating 
expenses (defined as expenses less depreciation, amortisation, 
share-based	payments	and	translational	gains/losses),	which	
finished	the	year	at	$7.4	million	(2018:	$10.4	million);	the	main	
contributors	were	reduced	New	Technology	spend	at	$2.1	million	
(2018:	$3.5	million)	and	reduced	bad	debt	expense	to	$85,000	
(2018:	$0.7	million).	Inventory	($3.0	million),	accounts	receivable	
($3.6	million)	and	payables	($0.8	million)	were	comparable	to	the	
prior	year	($3.0	million,	$3.5	million	and	$1.4	million,	respectively).	

The	Group	ended	2019	with	$2.4	million	(2018:	$4.3	million)	
being the	total	of	both	cash	and	cash	equivalents	and	the	
investment balance. The Group’s cash burn reduced to 
$4.8 million	(2018:	$6.3	million)	primarily	due	to	decreased	
operating costs and reduced inventory purchases. 

*CONSTANT CURRENCY
We evaluate our results of operations on a as reported and 
constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, 
which is a non-IFRS measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations 
in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing 
constant currency information provides valuable supplemental 
information regarding our results of operations, consistent 
with how	we	evaluate	our	performance.	We	calculate	constant	
currency percentages by converting our prior-period local 
currency financial results using the current period exchange 
rates and comparing these adjusted amounts to our current 
period reported results.

OUTLOOK
Agriculture markets were hit in 2019 by the combination of low 
commodity prices and, especially in the USA, severe weather 
and the	trade	war	with	China.	With	more	confidence	returning	for	
exports to China, anticipated plantings for corn and soybeans in 
the US are up to 97 million acres and 85 million acres, respectively. 

We	are	confident	that	Harpin aß	sales	will	continue	to	grow	
with this	market	over	the	medium	term.	However,	sales	in	any	
one period will be subject to seasonal factors such as weather, 
timing	of	registrations	and	requirements	of	distributor	partners.	
Furthermore, we sell our products into our distributors in 
advance of the growing season with the next year’s demand 
in large	part	driven	by	the	conditions	during	that	season.	
As a result,	Group	sales	may	not	follow	a	strictly	linear	trend	
and in some	cases	can	see	short	delays	which	can	switch	sales	
in some	markets	from	one	calendar	year	to	the	next.

In prior years, sales of the Group’s products were heavily 
dependent	on	sales	to	both	the	USA	and	Brazil	in	the	last	quarter	
of the year. The Group is now taking active steps to rebalance 
sales across the year.

12 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

The combination of product launches, on top of growth in existing 
markets, is in our view likely to accelerate our revenue growth 
over the coming years.

We are investing to accelerate the launch of PHC279 into several 
target markets, once regulatory permits have been obtained. 
These launches will be followed by other products over the 
coming years. We expect to generate significant revenue from 
these products. 

Plant Health Care has a clearly defined strategy, which we are 
implementing effectively. 2020 will be a decisive year for the 
Group, which we enter with confidence.

The COVID-19 pandemic has so far had limited impact on our 
business and the Board believes that the business is well 
positioned to navigate through its impact, due to the strong 
balance sheet and net cash position of the Group. 

While the Directors have no reason to believe that customer 
revenues and receipts will decline to the point that the Group no 
longer has sufficient resources to fund its operations, should 
this occur, the Group may need to seek additional funding beyond 
the facilities that are currently available to it, as well as making 
significant reductions in its fixed cost expenses.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION OF PREtec
The Group has designed a very large number of closely 
related peptide variants and filed more than 50 patent 
applications worldwide since 2012 to protect this 
technology. On 12 November 2019, our first US patent for 
PREtec was issued. US Patent No. 10,470,461 claims a large 
number	of	unique	response	elicitor	peptides,	as	well	as	
their use in combination with other agricultural products 
to enhance disease resistance, improve plant growth 
and impart	tolerance	to	both	biotic	stresses	and	abiotic	
stresses such as heat, drought and excess soil salinity.

This is the first of a series of patents that we expect will 
issue shortly in the US and internationally. Plant Health 
Care is carving out a dominant patent position around the 
use of response elicitor peptides in agriculture, which 
will ultimately	cover	a	significant	share	of	the	“space”	
available for using peptides in agricultural production.

TAKING PREtec PRODUCTS TO MARKET, OUT TO 2021

INNATUS 3G

T-REX 3G, Y-MAX 3G + PREtec 4G

2015
•  Signed three evaluation agreements for Innatus 3G 

with major	players

2016–2017
•  PHC	develops	and	tests	product concepts

2016–2017
•  PREtec	peptides	to	potential partners

•  Partners test PREtec and explore	platform	capabilities

•  Complementary	to	Innatus 3G

•  Three additional partners added

•  New partners added focusing on evaluating T-Rex 3G 

2018–2019
•  Three additional partners added by end of 2018

•  Highly efficient manufacturing process of lead 

peptides developed	

and/or	Y-Max	3G

2018–2019
•  Partners initiate large US field testing programmes 
evaluating T-Rex and Y-Max in soy, corn and cotton

•  First partner testing initiated for P-Max peptide 

•  Large testing programme for soybean disease control 

in corn

ongoing in Brazil

•  Application filed with USA EPA for PHC279 biopesticide

•  Regulatory application filed in Brazil for PHC279 biopesticides

2020–2021
•  Regulatory	approval	expected for	first	product

•  Establishment of commercial  

licensing/distribution	arrangements

2020–2021
•  Establishment of commercial  

licensing/distribution	arrangements

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

13

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

OUR PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES

HARPIN aß
Harpin aß	is	an	exceptionally	powerful	biostimulant	of	the	plant’s	
natural defence systems. The result is increased yield and 
quality	and	improved	resistance	to	soil	pests	and	disease.	
Harpin aß	is	a	recombinant	protein,	developed	from	the	original	
research on naturally occurring Harpin proteins by the Group’s 
Chief Science Officer, Dr Zhongmin Wei. 

We	are	now	able	to	sell	Harpin aß	in	nearly	30	countries.	Sales	
were developed initially in a range of fruit and vegetable crops in 
the USA, Mexico, Europe and Africa. The focus over recent years 
has been to enter into larger scale arable or row crops (such as 
corn, soy and sugar cane) with targeted products sold through 
very strong, committed distributors. This approach provides 
much larger sales opportunities, as demand grows over the 
coming years.

After four years of trials, Plant Health Care Brasil launched 
H2Copla	(Harpin aß)	into	sugar	cane	in	Brazil	in	February	2018,	
through Coplacana, the leading sugar cane co-operative, which 
services more than 70% of the sugar cane hectares in Sao Paulo 
State. There are more than eight million hectares of sugar cane 
in Brazil,	of	which	more	than	50%	are	in	Sao	Paulo	State.	Grower	
reaction to the launch has been very positive, with demonstration 
trials showing very substantial yield improvements, with average 
yield increase up to 20%. The adoption cycle in sugar cane is 
prolonged-the crop takes some 12 months to grow to harvest. 
With Coplacana, the Group is focused on demonstrating the 
value of H2Copla on as many farms as possible, especially the 
35 large	processors	which	represent	some	50%	of	the	market	
opportunity. Like many small companies in Brazil, the team has 
experienced teething problems, including the slow authorisation 

of import permits. These issues are being addressed and we do 
not expect such constraints in the future, as grower demand builds.

In	the	USA,	the	Group	launched	Harpin aß	into	corn	in	the	spring	
of	2019.	In	this	case,	Harpin aß	is	sold	as	a	mixture	product	for	
on-farm seed treatment. The product is being sold by a leading 
distributor of inputs to corn growers, which is a leading supplier 
of the 90-million-acre US corn market. Although applications 
of the	product	were	limited	by	the	very	exceptional	weather	
conditions, users reported that their corn crops emerged taller 
and stronger, compared with untreated corn. These promising 
results are expected to lead to acceleration of sales in the 
coming years. The Group now plans to launch the same product 
into soy, starting with the 2020 crop. 

Also in the USA, the Group has reached agreement with 
Wilbur-Ellis,	a	very	large	distributor	with	sales	over	$3.2	billion,	
for	exclusive	distribution	of	Employ	(Harpin aß)	into	fruit	and	
vegetable crops. Wilbur-Ellis has been selling Employ for several 
years, through the smaller distributor SymAgro; this gave 
it experience	with	the	product.	Under	the	new	agreement,	
Wilbur-Ellis aims to extend sales nationwide, through its very 
extensive network. We anticipate that this much stronger 
distribution reach will lead to increased sales into these crops 
over the coming years.

In	Mexico,	Harpin aß	is	now	well	established	as	a	biostimulant	
for vegetables	such	as	bell	peppers,	which	are	grown	in	
greenhouses for export to the USA. The Group is a significant 
player	in	the	application	of	Harpin aß	in	the	bell	pepper	market	in	
the	Sinaloa/Baja	California	area	of	Mexico,	delivering	increased	
yield	of	higher	quality	product.	Sales	of	Harpin aß	in	Mexico	grew	
by	15%	in	2019,	reaching	$0.7	million.

•  There are 8.4 million hectares of sugar cane in Brazil.

•  There are 5.0 million hectares of sugar cane in Sao Paulo State.

•  Coplacana, our distributor, is the largest supplier of inputs 

for sugar cane in Sao Paulo State.

•  Applications	of	H2Copla	(Harpin aß)	have	been	shown	to	

increase sugar cane yield by as much as 20%, resulting in 
a possible	20	times	return	for	the	grower*.

•  Coplacana launched the H2Copla brand in February 2018.

* 

 Yield increase based on Plant Health Care field trials conducted on 
sugar cane in Brazil in 2017; value and ROI based on cost data from 
Agrianual 2016 FNP – Informa report.

14 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

In	Spain,	the	Group	has	been	developing	Harpin aß	to	improve	
the quality	of	citrus	fruits	and	other	crops	over	the	last	five	years.	
Sales	of	Harpin aß	in	Spain	grew	18%	in	2019,	reaching	$0.7	million.	

In Europe, the Group has established a relationship with Origin 
Enterprises, one of the largest distributors in the EU, to 
commercialise	Harpin aß.	In	the	UK,	Origin	is	now	selling	
Harpin aß	into	potatoes.	In	addition,	Origin	companies	are	selling	
the product into the amenity market; both leading golf courses 
and	well-known	soccer	clubs	are	now	using	Harpin aß	to	improve	
the	quality	of	their	turf.

PREtec
PREtec is our core new technology, inspired by harpin proteins 
found	in	nature.	Based	on	our	unique	understanding	of	how	key	
amino	acid	sequences	elicit	a	desired	response	in	target	crops,	
we are able to design families of peptides (chains of amino acids) 
that when applied to crops provide increased growth, disease 
resistance and other benefits for farmers. We have so far 
designed and filed patent applications for four peptide platforms 
from our research, each of which has been named and presented 
to partners. In the chart below, 3G signifies the third-generation 
product candidates (distinct from the second generation 
commercial	Harpin aß	products).	In	addition,	we	have	a	fourth	
generation (“4G”) platform, consisting of the use of custom genes 
within plants and microbes to express the desired PREtec protein.

Since 2012, the Group has made huge progress towards bringing 
the first PREtec products to market. As our experience and 
confidence have built, we have modified our plans from a 
dependence on technology licensing, to targeting direct sales to 
distributors. This change has been particularly welcomed by our 
existing large distribution partners, which are building portfolios 
of proprietary biological products. While trials continue with 
major international agrochemical companies, we believe that 
distributors will bring PREtec peptides to market more rapidly 
than the traditional agrochemical companies.

The Group is targeting product launches in very large markets, 
with	a	combined	opportunity	of	some	$5	billion.	We	aim	to	launch	
products soon after regulatory permits are achieved. 

The peptide PHC279, from the Innatus 3G platform, is likely to be 
the first PREtec peptide to be launched to the market. Extensive 
trials have shown that PHC279 is a versatile and highly effective 
product, in a range of crops. 

In August 2018, the Group submitted an application for registration 
with the US EPA for approval to sell PHC279 as a biopesticide 
and expects	to	receive	approval	during	2021.	In	October	2019,	
the Group	submitted	an	application	for	registration	in	Brazil	as	
a biochemical	product	for	the	control	of	Asian	soybean	rust,	a	
devastating disease of soy. The timing of achieving registrations 
in Brazil is less certain than in the USA.

PREtec: OUR THREE LEADING PLATFORMS

Biopesticides
(HR positive)

Biostimulants
(HR negative)

INNATUS 3G

T-REX 3G

Y-MAX 3G

Broad plant defence and 
growth platform

Nematode defence platform

Yield and growth platform

Value proposition

Yield improvement
Crop protection
Abiotic stress tolerance

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

15

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

OUR PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES CONTINUED

PREtec CONTINUED
Other peptide products are also in the later stages of 
development. PHC949, from the T-Rex platform, is showing 
remarkably strong benefits, with control of nematode worm 
infestations in soil comparable to that of leading chemical 
pesticides. We anticipate registration of PHC949 in the USA in 
2022. PHC414, from the Y-Max platform, is showing promise as 
a biostimulant,	promoting	yield	in	a	range	of	crops.	We	anticipate	
registration of PHC414 in the USA in 2022 or 2023.

As we move towards product launches, our team in Seattle has 
developed laboratory-scale methods for the manufacture of PREtec 
peptides. A particular achievement has been the development of 
both	liquid	and	solid	formulations	of	PREtec peptides, which are 
highly stable and easy to use. Remarkable progress has also been 
made in reducing product cost, with indicative costs of production 
now	substantially	lower	than	those	of	Harpin aß.	During	2019,	we	
started scaling up production of PHC279 at Penn State University’s 
CSL Behring Fermentation Facility. These scale-up trials are 
currently ahead of schedule. We are now searching for toll 
manufacturers to produce PHC279 and other peptides on a 
commercial scale, in time for the first product launches.

IP protection is fundamentally important for the Group. Since 2012, 
numerous patents have been filed around the PREtec platforms. In 
an important landmark, the US Patent and Trademark Office has now 
granted the first of these patents, approving the very wide claims 
sought by the Group. Additional US and foreign patents are expected 
to issue in 2020. Plant Health Care is carving out a dominant patent 
position around the use of response elicitor peptides in agriculture, 
which will ultimately cover a significant share of the “space” available 
for using peptides in agricultural production.

OUR GROWTH STRATEGY
Our future growth will be achieved by focusing on the following 
key areas:

• 

 Substantial increase in market access. We intend to drive 
revenue in the short term by focusing on distribution of 
Harpin aß	by	aligning	with	large	distributors	with	broad	market	
access. We plan to expand sales in broad acre crops where 
Harpin aß	provides	most	benefits	to	farmers,	including	sugar	
cane, corn, soy, citrus, rice, almonds and grapes.

•  Launching peptide products from our PREtec platforms. 

In trials	conducted	by	PHC	and	our	partners	in	2019,	our	lead	
peptide, PHC279, continued to provide impressive levels of 
disease control and improved yield in a variety of crops, including 
soybeans, corn, wheat and lettuces. Our application to sell 
PHC279 in Brazil for the treatment of Asian Soybean Rust was 
accepted by the relevant agencies, and we are anticipating a rapid 
approval process. We anticipate launches from 2021 onwards. 

•  Building further the capability to deliver additional products 

from PREtec. Having now established pilot plant 
manufacturing capabilities at Penn State University’s CSL 
Behring	Fermentation	Facility,	Plant	Health	Care	can	quickly	
scale up production of other PREtec peptides in our pipeline, 
including PHC949 and PHC414.

•  IP protection and ongoing innovation. The Group has an 

extensive library of PREtec peptides, which can be further 
expanded. The Group has now been granted the first patents 
for PREtec peptides by the US PTO; numerous filings are in the 
process of being reviewed around the world, as the Group 
builds its IP portfolio. 

In closing, I would like to thank the entire Plant Health Care team 
for all their hard work during the year. As Chief Executive Officer, 
I am proud of the Group’s impressive team of highly motivated 
professionals, in whom I have the greatest confidence. 

DR CHRISTOPHER RICHARDS
Chief Executive Officer
23 April 2020

PLANT RESPONSE 
ELICITOR TECHNOLOGY

Leading to growth and defense
responses, incl. SAR

16 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

SECTION 172 STATEMENT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

Section	172	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	requires	Directors	
to take into	consideration	the	interests	of	stakeholders	and	
other matters in their decision making. The Directors continue 
to have	regard	to	the	interests	of	the	Group’s	employees	and	
other stakeholders, including the impact of its activities on the 
community, the environment and the Group’s reputation, when 
making decisions. Acting in good faith and fairly between 
members, the Directors consider what is most likely to promote 
the success of the Group for its members in the long term. The 
Directors are fully aware of their responsibilities to ensure that 
the Group is successful in accordance with section 172 of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

STAKEHOLDERS
The Board regularly reviews our principal stakeholders and how 
we engage with them. The Group views its investors, customers, 
employees and suppliers as its principal stakeholders. All 
concerns or thoughts of our stakeholders are brought into the 
boardroom throughout the annual cycle through information 
provided by management and by direct engagement with 
stakeholders themselves. The relevance of each stakeholder 
group may increase or decrease depending on the matter or 
issue	in	question,	so	the	Board	seeks	to	consider	the	needs	and	
priorities of each stakeholder group during its discussions and 
as part of its decision making.

The following table shows how the Group engages with its stakeholders and the outcomes:

Stakeholder

INVESTORS

Type of engagement
•  Investor website.

CUSTOMERS

EMPLOYEES

•  Proactive investor relations.

•  Period investor calls or meetings.

•  Stock exchange announcements 

and press releases.

•  The Board focuses on the needs 
of all customers	with	emphasis	
on assisting	the	customer	with	
sales	of our	products.

•  Direct engagement with customers 

by several Board members.

•  Review of strategy and 

performance monitoring 
throughout the year.

•  Participation in employee 
activities and	global	staff	
meetings are	encouraged.

•  Monthly meetings to encourage 
the sharing	of	ideas	and	views.

•  All-employee bonus and 

options schemes.

Outcomes
•  Investors’ opinions are taken into account when determining strategy, 

operational performance and remuneration policies.

•  Technical support provided to multiple customers through field trial 

support or educating the customer on proper application of our products.

•  Customers’ viewpoints are taken into account as part of the 

decision-making process. 

•  Assist customers with regulatory and registrations issues by country 

in particular	with	sugar	cane	in	Brazil	and	Corn	in	the	US.

•  Improvements were made to the remuneration policy mainly through the 

issuance of a new bonus option schemes. 

•  The Board encouraged senior management to proactively manage career 

development for all employees. The senior management team has 
semi-annual meetings with its staff to access their employees’ interest 
in expanding	the	current	duties	and	responsibilities.

•  Expanded HS&E policies to include enhanced safety training the Seattle 

laboratory, safe driving courses globally and warehouse training.

SUPPLIERS

•  Supply chain risk management.

•  Continued improvement of long-term agreements with manufacturers 

•  Regular engagement with 

our suppliers.

to ensure	that	product	will	still	be	available	to	the	Group.

•  Decreased unit costs and simplified the packaging process by reducing 

•  Continued process improvements.

the number of packagers.

•  Negotiated long-term materials agreements with favourable terms.

The Board has overseen the implementation of measures to 
ensure that stakeholder interests are always considered. Board 
papers prepared by management for Board approval highlight 
relevant stakeholder considerations to be considered as part 
of the	debate	when	making	decisions.	As	required,	the	General	
Counsel and Company Secretary will provide support to the 
Board to help ensure that sufficient consideration is given 
to stakeholder	issues.

RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS
The Board encourages the engagement of our shareholders 
and with	the	capital	markets	more	generally.	Our	Chairman	
takes overall	responsibility	for	ensuring	that	the	views	of	our	
shareholders are communicated to the Board and that our 
Directors are made aware of major shareholders’ issues and 
concerns so these can be fully considered. The Board achieves 
this through:

•  dialogue with shareholders, prospective investors and 
analysts, which is led by the Chief Executive Officer, 
Chief Operating	Officer	and	Chief	Financial	Officer;

•  reports received from analysts to ensure that the Board 

maintains an understanding of the priorities and concerns 
of our	investors;	and

•  regular investor roadshows and meetings with 

major shareholders.

Investors, prospective investors and analysts can contact 
our Chief	Executive	Officer	or	Chief	Financial	Officer	at	any	
time or	access	information	on	our	corporate	website.	The	Board	
believes that appropriate steps have been taken during the 
year so	that	all	members	of	the	Board,	and	in	particular	the	
Non-executive Directors, have an understanding of the views 
of major	shareholders.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

17

BUSINESS MODEL AND STRATEGY

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

HOW WE DO BUSINESS

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

NEW TECHNOLOGY

OUR PARTNERS

Plant	Health	Care	has	so	far	characterised	four platforms:

OUR VALUE PROPOSITIONS:

Corn & soybean Seed Treatment 
Yield Enhancement.

Asian Soybean Rust Disease Control 
and enhanced yield.

Disease control and improved yield 
in sugar cane.

Nematode control in specialty crops.

Fungicide booster.

  INNATUS 3G

  T-REX 3G

Y-MAX 3G

PLANT HEALTH CARE’S LABORATORY IN SEATTLE:
•  Designs peptides from each platform.
•  Screens them for activity in protecting plants from 

stress	such	as	drought	or disease.
•  Selects lead peptides for testing.

FIELD TRIALS
Field trials are run through a network of universities and 
specialist contractors.

COLLABORATING WITH PARTNERS
Partners carry out laboratory, greenhouse and field trials 
on	many	crops	and targets.

MANUFACTURING PROCESS
During 2019, we engaged the CSL Behring Fermentation 
Facility at Pennsylvania State University to scale up 
production of PREtec peptides.

OBTAINING REGULATORY APPROVALS
Regulatory rules vary across the world; Plant Health Care 
is pursuing “fast-track” approvals for PREtec peptides.

COMMERCIALISATION WITH PARTNERS
Based on the strength of the Group’s commercial 
relationship with distributors, some of the products are 
now	expected	to be	commercialised	directly	with	
in-country distribution. 

PRODUCTS

HARPIN aß

MYCONATE

Products sold through specialist distributors.

18 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

OUR GROWTH STRATEGY

Our future growth will be achieved by focusing on the following key areas:

Key area

Achievements

1

Substantial increase in 
market access

We intend to drive revenue in the short term by focusing on 
distribution	of	Harpin aß	by	aligning	with	large	distributors	with	
broad market access. We plan to expand sales in broad acre 
crops	where	Harpin aß	provides	most	benefits	to	farmers,	
including sugar cane, corn, soy, citrus, rice, almonds and grapes.

2

Launching peptide 
products from our 
PREtec platforms

In	trials	conducted	by	PHC	and	our	partners	in 2019,	our	lead	
peptide,	PHC279,	continued	to provide	impressive	levels	of	
disease control and improved yield in a variety of crops, 
including soybeans,	corn,	wheat	and	lettuces.	Our	application	to	
sell PHC279 in Brazil for the treatment of Asian soybean rust was 
accepted by the relevant agencies, and we are anticipating a 
rapid approval process. We anticipate launches from 2021 
onwards. 

3

Building further the 
capability to deliver 
additional products 
from PREtec

Having now established pilot plant manufacturing capabilities at 
Penn State University’s CSL Behring Fermentation Facility, Plant 
Health	Care	can	quickly	scale	up	production	of	other	PREtec 
peptides	in	our	pipeline,	including	PHC949	and PHC414.

4

IP protection 
and ongoing innovation

The Group has an extensive library of PREtec peptides, which can 
be further expanded. The Group has now been granted the first 
patents for PREtec peptides by the US PTO; numerous filings are 
in the process of being reviewed around the world, as the Group 
builds its IP portfolio.

Links to KPIs

•  Revenue

•  Gross profit

•  Gross profit margin

•  Operating loss

•  Revenue

•  Gross profit

•  Gross profit margin

•  Operating loss

•  Revenue

•  Gross profit

•  Gross profit margin

•  Operating loss

•  Revenue

•  Gross profit

•  Gross profit margin

•  Operating loss

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

19

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (“KPIS”)

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS

The Group uses a range of performance measures to monitor and manage the business effectively. These are 
both financial and non-financial. The most significant relate to Group financial performance and to the Group’s 
progress in driving the two pillars of its strategy.

The KPIs for financial performance of the Commercial area and for the Group as a whole include revenue, gross profit and margin. 
These KPIs indicate the volume of work the Group has undertaken, as well as the valuation with which this work has been delivered.

The KPIs for financial performance for the year ended 31 December 2019, with comparatives for the year ended 31 December 2018 
and 2017,	are set	out	below:	

FINANCIAL

REVENUE
($’000)

6,436

GROSS PROFIT
($’000)

3,602

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN
(%)

OPERATING LOSS 
($’000)

56.0

(4,127)

5
8
6
,
7

7
1
0
2

8
2
1
,
8

8
1
0
2

6
3
4

,
6

9
1
0
2

2
3
7
,
4

7
1
0
2

1
7
2

,
5

8
1
0
2

2
0
6
,
3

9
1
0
2

6
.
1
6

7
1
0
2

9
.

4
6

8
1
0
2

0

.
6
5

9
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

)

4
9
0
4

,

(

9
1
0
2

)
7
2
1
,
4

(

)
3
3
0

,
8
(

LINK TO STRATEGY

LINK TO STRATEGY

LINK TO STRATEGY

LINK TO STRATEGY

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

20 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

NON-FINANCIAL

PROPRIETARY PRODUCTS

In addition, an important KPI is the 
movement in revenue and gross 
margin achieved from the sale of 
our proprietary	products.	

The KPIs for non-financial performance 
relate to the Group’s technologies and 
include the number and nature of 
relationships realised with partners, and 
progress along the paths to commercial 
launch of products. 

The Board continues to monitor the 
progress of its research and development 
activities and expenditures. As each 
research project advances, specific 
progress is reported to the Board and 
costs against budget are monitored. 
We anticipate	refining	the	KPIs	for	
research and development (“R&D”) 
as each	project	develops.	

REVENUE
($’000)

972

56+

  Americas	(2018:	$3,244)

2,109

689

  Mexico	(2018:	$606)

GROSS MARGIN
($’000)

635

58+

  Americas	(2018:	$2,563)

1,544

500

  Mexico	(2018:	$440)

  Rest of World	(2018:	$1,185)

  Rest of World	(2018:	$1,731)

GROSS MARGIN PERCENTAGE
(%)

3
7

3
7

5
6

s
a
c

i
r
e
m
A

)

%
9
7
:
8
1
0
2

(

o
c

i

x
e
M

)

%
3
7
:
8
1
0
2

(

)

%
8
6
:
8
1
0
2

(

d

l
r
o
W

f
o
t
s
e
R

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

21

 
 
 
 
 
18
+
26
+
C
19
+
23
+
C
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF PRINCIPAL RISKS 
AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Board is responsible for the systems of risk 
management and internal control and for reviewing 
their effectiveness. The internal controls are 
designed to manage rather than eliminate risk and 
provide reasonable but not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss. Through the 
activities of the Audit Committee, the effectiveness 
of these internal controls is reviewed annually.

The Executive Committee reviews formally at least twice 
annually the Company’s risk register, along with potential causes 
and impact, controls and actions to minimise the probability of 
those risks materialising, and considers new risks and opportunities 
presented to the Group, making recommendations to the Board 
as appropriate at least once annually.

Our business is subject to a number of potential risks and 
uncertainties, including those listed below. The occurrence 
of any	of	these	risks	may	materially	and	adversely	affect	our	
business, financial condition, results of operations and future 
prospects. We manage and mitigate these risks by executing 
the strategy	described	above.

RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Identify risk

Assess risk

Mitigate risk

Update risk register

Review and evaluate risk

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

AUDIT COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

DIVISIONAL & FUNCTIONAL TEAMS

22 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

DESCRIPTION

CAPITAL MARKETS, FINANCIAL AND LIQUIDITY RISK
•  We have a history of losses since inception, and anticipate continuing to incur losses in the future, and may not 

achieve or maintain profitability. The Group believes that the strategic plans that have been established will lead 
to profitability	in	the	coming	years.

•  We	do	not	expect	to	require	additional	financing	in	the	future.	However,	a	shortfall	in	achieving	our	sales	or	working	
capital targets could exhaust our cash reserves. This may compel the Group to seek additional financing. The Group 
may be unable to obtain such financing on favourable terms or at all, which could force us to delay, reduce or 
eliminate our research, development or commercial activities.

•  Our reputation and share price depend on delivering against our stated objectives. If we are unable to meet market 

expectations, our share price may decrease, and we may lose shareholders.

•  Sales in any one period will be subject to seasonal factors such as weather, timing of registrations and third-party 
relations. As a result, Group sales may not follow a strictly linear trend which makes sales forecasting challenging.

COMMERCIALISATION RISK
•  We are subject to risks relating to product concentration due to the fact that we derive substantially all of our 

revenues	from	our	Harpin aß	and	Myconate	product	lines	and	from	the	sale	of	third-party	products.	

•  We have a limited number of sales and marketing personnel and will need to expand our sales and marketing 

capabilities to grow revenues from our commercial products.

•  COVID-19 could adversely affect the Group’s ability to collect from its customers and could have a negative impact 

on the	Group’	ability	to	generate	revenue.

TECHNOLOGY RISK
•  Our PREtec peptide development depends on demonstrating that the products can perform in the field against 
targeted value propositions. Trials can be influenced by weather and other factors, which can result in the trials 
having to be repeated; this can lead to delays of a year in product launches.

•  We are developing new production methods for the commercial manufacture of PREtec peptides. We may 

be unsuccessful	in	achieving	our	targets	for	cost	of	goods.	We	may	not	be	able	to	conclude	agreements	with	
out-sourcing manufacturing partners or we may experience delays in scaling up to full commercial production. 
Our PREtec product launches depend on evaluation and distribution partners converting their declared interest 
into formal	commercial	transactions.

•  While	a	number	of	patents	have	been	filed	to	date,	we	may	be	unable	to	secure	adequate	protection	for	the	

intellectual property covering our New Technology and product candidates, or develop and commercialise these 
product candidates without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties.

REGULATORY AND LEGAL RISK
• 

If	we	are	unable	to	obtain	regulatory	approvals,	or	comply	with	ongoing	and	changing	regulatory	requirements,	
it could	delay	or	prevent	sales	of	our	commercial	products	or	impede	the	development	of	potential	products.	

• 

• 

If we use PREtec in trait development, our technologies and product candidates will face more stringent 
regulatory regimes.	

If we are unable to comply with regulations applicable to our facilities and procedures and those of our third-party 
manufacturers, our research and development or manufacturing activities could be delayed, limited or prevented.

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES
•  Our future growth and ability to compete depend on retaining our key personnel and recruiting additional 

qualified personnel.

•  The success of the Group depends on obtaining and maintaining the appropriate level of skilled resources.
• 

If any of our employees contract the COVID-19 disease, it could negatively impact our ability to meet our 
short and long	term	objectives.

MITIGATION

•  These risks are mitigated 
by being prudent with the 
management of the 
Group’s cash, controlling 
costs and maintaining 
strong investor support.

•  These risks are mitigated 
by continuing to promote 
our products and perform 
regular reviews of our 
commercial business 
plans, and continued 
product development.

•  These risks are mitigated 
by reviewing and refining 
the strategy for 
commercialising our New 
Technology to include 
both technology licensing 
and direct sales 
to distributors.

•  These risks are mitigated 
by conducting regular 
internal reviews to ensure 
our compliance with 
regulatory	requirements.

•  These risks are mitigated 
by keeping employees 
engaged in the strategy 
of the	Group	and	the	
establishing of 
long-term incentives.	

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group uses various financial instruments, including cash, short-term investments of investment grade notes and bonds, and items 
such as trade receivables and trade payables that arise directly from its operations. 

Information on the risks associated with the Group’s involvement in financial instruments is given in Note 19 to the financial statements. 

On behalf of the Board

DR CHRISTOPHER RICHARDS
Chief Executive Officer
23 April 2020

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

23

FINANCIAL REVIEW

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

HOW WE ARE PERFORMING

Through strict control of cash 
operating expenses and managing 
our working capital, our cash burn 
decreased to $4.8 million for 2019.”

JEFFREY HOVEY
Chief Financial Officer

A summary of the financial results for the year ended 
31 December	2019	with	comparatives	for	the	previous	
financial year	is	set	out	below:

Revenue

Gross profit

Operating loss

Finance income (net)

2019
$’000

6,436

3,602

56%

2018
$’000

8,128

5,271

65%

(4,127)

(8,033)

285

89

Net loss for the year before tax

(3,842)

(7,944)

REVENUES
Revenues	in	2019	decreased	by	21%	to	$6.4	million	(2018:	$8.1	million)	
as a result of a delay to sales in Brazil and postponement of sales 
into	the	North	American	corn	market	by our	channel	partner	as	
they respond to working capital pressures. The gross margin 
decreased 9% to 56% (2018: 65%) primarily due to the increased 
proportion	of	third-party	sales	in Mexico	and	increased	tariffs	
imposed on China by the US.

AMERICAS
This segment includes activities in both North and South 
America but is exclusive of Mexico. 

External revenue in the Americas segment decreased 35% 
to $2.1	million	(2018:	$3.3	million).	The	decrease	in	revenue	was	
primarily due to a delay to sales in Brazil and postponement 
of sales	into	the	North	American	corn	market	by	our	channel	
partner as it responds to working capital pressures. Revenue 
in the	Americas	is	predominantly	from	Harpin aß	sales.

MEXICO
A significant portion of the Group’s revenue comes from Mexico. 
Revenue from the Mexican segment increased 6% (7% in local 
currency)	to	$3.3	million	(2018:	$3.1	million).	This	was	due	to	the	
rebound of produce prices in the north-west portion of Mexico. 
Revenue	in	Mexico	includes	sales	of	Harpin aß,	Myconate	and	
third-party products.

REST OF WORLD
External revenue in the Rest of World segment decreased 44% 
(37%	in	constant	currency)	to	$1.0	million	(2018:	$1.7	million).	
The decrease	was	primarily	due	to	channel	stock	remaining	high	
in the South African region partially offset by a sales increase 
of 17%	in	Spain.	Revenue	in	the	Rest	of	World	segment	is	
predominantly	from	Harpin aß	and	some	Myconate	sales.

GROSS MARGIN
Gross margin declined 8.9% to 56.0% (2018: 64.9%). The decline 
is primarily due to the increased proportion of third-party sales 
in Mexico and increased tariffs imposed on China by the US.

OPERATING EXPENSES
The Group has maintained strict control of cash operating 
expenses,	which	decreased	to	$7.4	million	from	$10.4	million	
in 2018.	The	main	contributors	were	reduced	New	Technology	
spend	at	$2.1	million	(2018:	$3.5	million)	and	reduced	bad	debt	
expense	of	$85,000	(2018:	$0.7	million).	

Unallocated	corporate	expenses	decreased	$2.6	million	
to $0.3 million	(2018:	$2.9	million	loss).	The	decrease	was	
attributable to the increase in the value of Sterling loans 
from our	UK	subsidiary	due	to	the	depreciation	of	the	Pound.

Adjusted	LBITDA*,	a	non-GAAP	measure,	decreased	by	$1.6	million	
to	$3.8	million	primarily	due	to	reduced	gross	profit	of	$1.7	million	
offset by decreased spend in New Technology and sales and 
marketing	of	$1.5	million	and	$0.5	million,	respectively	and	
reduced	bad	debt	expense	to	$85,000	(2018:	$0.7	million).

Gross margin

Operating expenses

Depreciation/amortisation

Share-based payment expense

Intercompany foreign exchange 
(losses)/gains

Adjusted LBITDA

2019
$’000

3,602

2018
$’000

5,271

(7,729)

(13,305)

778

318

(783)

3,814

588

797

1,235

5,414

* 

 Adjusted LBITDA: loss before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, 
share-based payments and intercompany foreign exchange.

24 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

BALANCE SHEET
At 31 December 2019 and 2018, investment and cash and cash 
equivalents	were	$2.4	million	and	$4.3	million,	respectively.	
Cash remains	a	primary	focus	for	the	Group.	Cash	burn	
decreased	$1.5	million	to	$4.8	million	(2018:	$6.3	million)	
primarily due	to	reduced	operating	expenses	in	New	Technology	
of	$2.1	million	(2018:	$3.5	million).	Working	capital	decreased	to	
$7.7	million	in	2019	(2018:	$8.6	million).	The	decrease	is	primarily	
due	to	a	decrease	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	offset	by	a	fall	
in accounts	payable.

Translation of the results of foreign subsidiaries for inclusion 
within the consolidated Group results resulted in an exchange 
loss	of	$0.8	million	recorded	within	other	comprehensive	income	
and	foreign	exchange	reserves	(2018:	gain	of	$1.1	million).	

CASH FLOW AND LIQUIDITY
Net	cash	used	in	operations	was	$4.4	million	(2018:	$6.3	million).	

Net	cash	provided	by	investing	was	$0.1	million	in	2019	
(2018: $0.9 million).	The	Group	holds	surplus	cash	in	several	
bond and	money	market	funds.	The	movement	in	these	funds	
was used to further invest in the New Technology business and 
fund the Commercial business.

Net	cash	provided	by	financing	activities	was	$2.6	million	for	2019	
(2018:	$6.7	million).	The	reduction	of	$3.0	million	(net	of	costs)	is	
due	to	the	2019	equity	raise	compared	to	the	prior	year	equity	raise.

GOING CONCERN
In assessing whether the going concern basis is appropriate for 
preparing the 2019 Annual Report, the Directors have utilised the 
Group’s detailed forecasts, which take into account its current 
and	expected	business	activities,	its	cash	and	cash	equivalents	
balance	and	investments	of	$2.4	million.	The	principal	risks	and	
uncertainties the Group faces and other factors impacting the 
Group’s future performance were considered. Analysis of the 
going position is detailed in the CEO’s report on pages 10 – 16 
of the Strategic	Report,	the	Directors’	Report	and	Note	2	to	the	
financial statements.

JEFFREY HOVEY
Chief Financial Officer
23 April 2020

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  STRATEGIC REPORT

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

25

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

STRONG EXPERIENCED 
LEADERSHIP

DR CHRISTOPHER G J RICHARDS

DR RICHARD H WEBB

MR JEFFREY HOVEY

Chief Executive Officer

DATE OF APPOINTMENT
August 2012

Non-Executive Chairman

DATE OF APPOINTMENT
September 2013

Chief Financial Officer

DATE OF APPOINTMENT
November 2019

A

R

Richard Webb joined the Company in 
September 2013 as a Non-executive Director. 
In January 2015, he was appointed an 
Executive Director, responsible for leading 
the New	Technology	strategy	and	licensing.	
In January	2019	he	became	a	Non-executive	
again. Early in his career he held various 
positions at Imperial Chemical Industries, 
including responsibilities for managing 
laboratory discovery and field development 
programmes for its public health pesticide 
business. Thereafter he worked as a 
consultant mostly with life sciences 
businesses. It was in this capacity that he 
was originally	engaged	by	the	Company	
between 2012 and 2013 to work on the 
development of its new business strategy. 
His doctorate,	in	pest	biology,	was	from	the	
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Jeffrey Hovey joined the Company as 
Chief Financial	Officer	in	September	2013.	
He became	an	Executive	Director	in	November	
2019. Jeffrey Hovey drove restructuring 
and cost	reduction	for	the	Company	in	2014.	
He has over	25	years’	financial	management	
experience and is a CPA with IFRS and GAAP 
experience. Jeffrey has held numerous senior 
financial and accounting roles in private and 
publicly listed retail, life sciences and 
technology companies. While with a regional 
office supply company, Jeffrey led the 
accounting and financial due diligence effort 
which ultimately led to the sale of the company 
to an international office supply company.

Dr. Christopher Richards joined the Company 
as Non-executive Chairman in August 2012. 
He became	Executive	Chairman	in	April	2015	to	
take on a more active role in investor relations 
and in developing strategy, particularly the 
focus on New Technology. Following the 
departure of Paul Schmidt in November 2016, 
Christopher became the Interim Chief 
Executive Officer. Christopher spent 20 years 
at Syngenta and its predecessor companies 
in various	strategic	management	positions	in	
South America, Europe and Asia. In November 
2003, he was appointed COO of Arysta 
LifeScience, and he served as CEO from 2004 
until 2010, leading Arysta LifeScience’s 
transformation into a global agrochemical 
company	with	sales	above	$1.6	billion.	He	also	
served as a Director of Arysta LifeScience 
from 2003 to 2015. He serves on the Board of 
Directors of Origin Enterprises plc, a service 
provider to farmers for food production 
solutions, and is Chairman of Nanoco Group 
plc, a nanomaterials technology company 
carrying out research, development and 
commercialisation of products based on 
heavy metal-free	quantum dots.	

COMMITTEE KEY:

A

Audit

R

Remuneration

Chairman

26 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

MR JEFFREY TWEEDY

MR GUY VAN ZWANENBERG

MR WILLIAM M LEWIS

Chief Operating Officer

DATE OF APPOINTMENT
November 2019

Non-executive Director

DATE OF APPOINTMENT
November 2019

Non-executive Director

DATE OF APPOINTMENT
April 2015

A

R

R

A

Jeffrey Tweedy joined the Company as 
Commercial Head, Americas in October 2017 
and has held the position of Chief Operating 
Officer since 2018. He became an Executive 
Director in November 2019. He leads all 
Commercial activities for the Company globally 
as well as the PREtec product launches for 
the New	Technology	segment	of	the	business.	
Jeffrey has over 28 years of experience in 
sales and	business	development	in	the	US	and	
internationally. He has held senior commercial 
North America and global roles in Syngenta, 
Arysta LifeScience and Horizon Ag.

William Lewis joined the Company as a 
Non-executive Director in April 2015. He also 
currently serves as Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee and as a member of the Audit 
Committee. Since June 2014, William has 
served as President and CEO of Summit 
Agro USA,	LLC,	a	joint	venture	agrochemicals	
business between Sumitomo Corporation and 
ISK Biosciences. He previously held senior 
roles within Arysta LifeScience, Syngenta Crop 
Protection	and	Zeneca/ICI.	William	has	also	
been	an	owner/operator	of	two	John	Deere	
dealerships in GA where he improved the overall 
operations and value of the business, which led 
to the successful sale of the businesses.

Guy van Zwanenberg joined the Board in 
November 2019 as a Non-executive Director. 
He is the Chairman of the Audit Committee, 
a member	of	the	remuneration	committee	
and the	Senior	Independent	Director.	Guy	has	
more than 40 years’ experience in industry 
and practice.	He	qualified	as	a	Chartered	
Accountant with Grant Thornton and then 
spent three years working with James Gulliver. 
Guy	subsequently	moved	to	become	UK	
Finance Director of an American computer 
accessory company which was taken public 
in 1989.	In	1991,	he	established	his	own	interim	
financial management business and has since 
been involved in a number of SME businesses 
providing strategic and financial help. Guy 
joined Gamingking plc in 1998 (when listing on 
AIM) on a part-time basis as Finance Director 
and became Company Secretary and 
Non-executive Director in 2006, remaining 
until May 2013, during which time he helped to 
acquire	several	businesses	and	to	reverse	the	
company into Sceptre Leisure plc, which was 
then delisted. He joined Quixant plc as a 
Non-executive in March 2013 as part of the 
float team. In 2015 he joined as a Non-executive 
at Coms plc and was part of the team which 
transformed the business into the Saas 
business Smartspace plc and became its 
Chairman in July 2018. Guy is both a Fellow of 
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales and a Chartered Director.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

27

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

Disclosures recommended by the QCA Code to be included on the 
Company’s website, and not in its Annual Report, being principles 
2, 3 and 9, may be found on the Company’s website. For more 
details regarding Corporate Governance, including the Company’s 
compliance with the ten principles of the QCA Code, please see 
the Company’s Corporate Governance Statement located at 
https://www.planthealthcare.com/investors/corporate-governance. 
Consideration of the remaining seven principles is 
described below.	

In assessing its compliance with the QCA Code, the Company’s 
Board of Directors (the “Board”) is mindful that in some areas it 
may not fully comply with the QCA Code. Such non-compliance 
reflects the size of the Company, its stage of development and 
the	complex	scientific/specialist	nature	of	certain	of	its	activities.	
The Board is alert to the potential risks this may create and has 
therefore provided the following background and explanation.

Messrs Lewis and van Zwanenberg chair the Company’s two 
key Committees	and	also	meet	with	the	Chairman	separately	
on a regular	basis.	Board	meetings	have	appropriately	robust	
agendas and are held face to face in the US or UK five times a year. 
The US is the main centre of activity and management of the 
Company. Each Board meeting also includes involvement of the 
key Executive leadership not on the Board. Messrs Lewis and van 
Zwanenberg are satisfied that the current Board has the right 
mix of skills that are relevant to the Company’s current position 
and stage of development. They are also satisfied that they 
present effective challenges to the Executive Directors and 
management team.

•  the Board and the Committees have the appropriate balance 
of skills,	experience,	independence	and	knowledge	of	the	
Company to enable them to discharge their respective duties 
and responsibilities effectively;

•  the Board establishes a formal and transparent arrangement 
for considering how it applies the corporate reporting, risk 
management and internal control principles and for maintaining 
an appropriate relationship with the Company’s auditors;

•  there is a dialogue with shareholders based on the mutual 

understanding of objectives; and

•  all aspects of the Company are run in a robust and responsible way.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

INTRODUCTION
Plant Health Care plc (the “Company”) is committed to 
maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance 
throughout its operations and to ensuring that all of its practices 
are conducted transparently, ethically and efficiently. The 
Company believes that continual review of all aspects of its 
business and reflecting, analysing and improving its procedures 
will result in the continued success of the Company and improve 
shareholder value. Therefore, and in compliance with the 
updated AIM Rules for Companies, the Company has chosen to 
formalise its governance policies by complying with the UK’s 
Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Guidelines 
for Small	and	Mid-Size	Quoted	Companies	(the	“QCA	Code”).

The Company has followed the QCA Code’s recommendations 
in terms	of	disclosures	to	be	made	on	its	website	and	in	this	
Annual Report. Specifically, the QCA Code has ten principles, being:

 Establish a strategy and business model which promote 
long-term value for shareholders

 Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs 
and expectations

 Take into account wider stakeholder and social 
responsibilities and their implications for long-term success

 Embed effective risk management, considering both 
opportunities and threats, throughout the organisation

 Maintain the board as a well-functioning, balanced team led 
by the chair

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

 Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values 
and behaviours

 Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit 
for purpose and support good decision-making by the board

10.   Communicate how the company is governed and is 

performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and 
other relevant stakeholders

28 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

 Ensure that between them the directors have the necessary 
up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities

The Company has established specific Committees and 
implemented certain policies and practices to ensure that:

 Evaluate board performance based on clear and relevant 
objectives, seeking continuous improvement

•  it is led by an effective Board which is collectively responsible 

for the long-term success of the Company;

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company’s overall strategic objective is to be a leading 
provider of proprietary biological products. The Company’s 
strategy and business model, and amendments thereto, are 
developed by the Executive Committee and approved by the 
Board. The Executive Committee, led by the Chief Executive 
Officer, is responsible for implementing the strategy and managing 
the business at an operational level. A comprehensive budgeting 
process is completed once a year and is reviewed and approved 
by the Board. The Company’s results, compared with the budget, 
are reported	to	the	Board	at	least	five	times	per	year.	The	full	
strategy and business operations of the Company are set out 
in the	Strategic	Report	section	of	this	Annual	Report	on	pages	1	to	25.

The Company’s business is subject to a number of potential 
risks and	uncertainties.	The	occurrence	of	any	of	these	risks	
may materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, 
financial condition, results of operations and future prospects. 
The Company manages and mitigates these risks by executing 
its strategy	and	operational	plans	as	described	above.

The Board is responsible for the systems of risk management 
and internal control and for reviewing their effectiveness. The 
internal controls are designed to manage rather than eliminate 
risk and provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against 
material misstatement or loss. Through the activities of the 
Audit Committee, the effectiveness of these internal controls 
is reviewed	annually.	The	Company	maintains	appropriate	
insurance cover in respect of actions taken against the Directors 
because of their roles, as well as against material loss or claims 
against the Company. The insured values and type of cover are 
comprehensively reviewed on a periodic basis.

A summary of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the 
Company are set out on pages 22 and 23 of this Annual Report. 
The Executive	Committee	meets	at	least	twice	annually	to	
review the Company’s risk register, along with potential causes 
and impact, controls and actions to minimise the probability 
of those	risks	materialising,	and	consider	new	risks	and	
opportunities presented to the Company, making recommendations 
to the Board as appropriate at least once annually.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is responsible for the proper management 
of the Company by formulating, reviewing and approving the 
Company’s strategy, budgets and corporate actions. In order to 
achieve its objectives, the Board adopts the ten principles of the 
QCA Code. Through successfully implementing these principles, 
the Company believes it is able to deliver long-term growth for 
shareholders and maintain a flexible, efficient and effective 
management framework within an entrepreneurial environment.

It is important that the Board itself contains the right mix of skills 
and experience in order to deliver the strategy of the Company. 
As such, the Board is currently comprised of:

•  Dr Richard H Webb, Non-executive Chairman;

•  Dr Christopher G J Richards, Executive Director and 

Chief Executive	Officer;

•  Mr Jeffrey Hovey, Executive Director and 

Chief Financial Officer;

•  Mr Jeffrey Tweedy, Executive Director and 

Chief Operating Officer;

•  Mr Guy van Zwanenberg, Senior Independent Director; and

•  Mr William M Lewis, an independent Non-executive Director.

The backgrounds and relevant experience of these Directors 
are set	out	on	the	website.

Additionally, the Group has appointed a professional Group 
Secretary who is also the Group’s General Counsel who assists 
the Chairman and Committee Chairmen in preparing for and 
running effective Board meetings and Committee meetings, 
including the timely dissemination of appropriate information 
prior to meetings and minutes following the meetings. The 
Company Secretary provides advice and guidance to the extent 
required	by	the	Board	on	the	legal	and	regulatory	environment.

Each Director serves on the Board from appointment until 
the next	annual	general	meeting	at	which	he	or	she	stands	
for election.	Thereafter	he	or	she	stands	for	re-election	in	
accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association which 
is no	less	than	once	every	three	years.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

29

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

COMMITTEES
In compliance with UK best practice, the Board has established 
the following Committees.

AUDIT COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Audit Committee is to monitor the integrity 
of the	financial	statements	of	the	Company.

Some of the Audit Committee’s duties include:

•  reviewing the Group’s accounting policies and reports 
produced by internal and external audit functions;

•  considering whether the Company has followed appropriate 
accounting standards and made appropriate estimates and 
judgements, taking into account the views of the external auditor;

•  reporting its views to the Board of Directors if it is not 

satisfied with	any	aspect	of	the	proposed	financial	reporting	
by the Company;

•  reviewing	the	adequacy	and	effectiveness	of	the	Company’s	

internal financial controls and internal control;

•  reviewing	the	adequacy	and	effectiveness	of	the	Company’s	

anti-money laundering systems and controls for the prevention 
of bribery and receiving reports on non-compliance; and

•  overseeing the appointment of and the relationship with the 

external auditor.

The Audit Committee has two members, each of whom is an 
independent Non-executive Director and at least one member 
who has recent and relevant financial experience. The current 
members of the committee are Guy van Zwanenberg as the 
Chairman and William Lewis.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Remuneration Committee is to determine and 
agree with the Board regarding the framework or broad policy for 
the remuneration of the Company’s Chairman and the Executive 
Directors as well as the composition of the Board itself.

Some of the Remuneration Committee’s duties include:

•  reviewing the pay and employment conditions across the 

Company, including the Executives on the Board;

•  approving targets and performance related pay schemes 

operated by the Company and all share incentive plans and 
pension arrangements;

•  regularly reviewing the structure, size and composition 

(including the skills, knowledge, experience and diversity) 
of the	Board	and	making	recommendations	to	the	Board	with	
regard to any changes, succession planning and vacancies; and

•  identifying suitable candidates from a wide range of 

backgrounds to be considered for positions on the Board.

The Remuneration Committee has two members, each of 
whom is	an	independent	Non-executive	Director.	The	current	
members of the committee are William Lewis as the Chairman 
and Guy van Zwanenberg.

In light of the current composition of the Executive leadership 
and the Board, the Board as a whole has retained overall 
responsibility for the review of the overall risk management 
processes and principles. The Board as a whole constitutes 
the Nomination	Committee	and	will	appoint	a	subcommittee	
if considered	appropriate;	the	Board	also	determines	
remuneration for the Non-executive Directors. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Company’s Executive Committee is the main decision-making 
body	of	the	Company	and	ensures	that	key	decisions	are made	in	
a	timely	manner	with	the	best	information	available.	The Executive	
Committee meets on a monthly basis and has six members: 
Christopher Richards chairs the Executive Committee and is 
joined by Zhongmin Wei (Chief Science Officer), Jeffrey Tweedy 
(Chief Operating Officer), Jeffrey Hovey (Chief Financial Officer), 
Christine Mazzone (General Counsel and Company Secretary) and 
Mark Turner (Director, Technology Licensing).

BOARD COMPOSITION
The Company’s Board is currently comprised of 
three Non-executive Directors	and	three	Executive	Directors.	
The Chairman	is	non-independent.

Each Director serves on the Board from appointment until 
the next	Annual	General	Meeting	at	which	he	or	she	stands	
for election.	Thereafter	he	or	she	stands	for	re-election	in	
accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, which 
is no	less	than	once	every	three	years.

Directors’ biographies are set out on pages 26 and 27. The Board 
is responsible to its shareholders for the proper management 
of the	Company	and	meets	at	least	five	times	a	year	to	set	
the overall	direction	and	strategy	of	the	Company,	to	review	
scientific, commercial, operational and financial performance 
and to advise on management appointments. All key operational 
and investment decisions are subject to Board approval. 
A summary	of	Board	and	Committee	meetings	held	in	the	
year ended	31	December	2019,	and	Directors’	attendance	
records, is set out on page 37.

30 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

PERFORMANCE OF THE BOARD
The Board has a process for evaluation of its own performance, 
and that of its Committees and individual Directors, including the 
Chairman. This process is conducted on a regular basis and last 
took place in January 2020, with no substantive issues arising. 
Evaluation criteria include Board Composition, Strategy, Board 
Meetings, Training and Development, Governance, Risk, 
Company Secretary and Leadership. The Board may utilise the 
results	of	the	evaluation	process	when	considering	the	adequacy	
of the composition of the Board and for succession planning.

CORPORATE CULTURE
The Board seeks to maintain the highest standards of integrity 
and ethics in the conduct of the Company’s operations. These 
values are exhibited in the written policies and working practices 
adopted by all employees in the Company. An open culture is 
encouraged within the Company, with regular communications 
to staff regarding progress and staff feedback regularly sought. 
Employees are expected to behave and to execute the Company’s 
strategy and objectives in an ethical, compliant manner as well 
as	to	ask	questions	and	raise	concerns	openly.	The	Chief	Executive	
Officer and senior management team monitor the Company’s 
cultural environment and seek to address any concerns that may 
arise, escalating these to Board level as necessary.

GUY VAN ZWANENBERG
Senior Independent Director
23 April 2020

The Board considers itself to be sufficiently independent. 
The QCA	Code	suggests	that	a	board	should	have	at	least	two	
independent non-executive directors. Two of the Non-executive 
Directors who currently sit on the Board of the Company are 
regarded as independent under the QCA Code’s guidance for 
determining such independence. Non-executive Directors 
receive their fees in the form of a basic cash fee. 

Concerns relating to the Executive management of the Group or 
the performance of the Directors can be raised in confidence by 
contacting the Senior Independent Director, Guy van Zwanenberg, 
through the Company Secretary.

BOARD EXPERIENCE
The Board considers that all of the Non-executive Directors are 
of sufficient competence and calibre to add strength and objectivity 
to its activities, and bring considerable experience in scientific, 
commercial, operational and financial development of products 
and companies.

The Board regularly reviews the composition of the Board to 
ensure that it has the necessary breadth and depth of skills 
to support	the	ongoing	development	of	the	Company.

The Chairman, in conjunction with the Company Secretary, ensures 
that the Directors’ knowledge is kept up to date on key issues and 
developments pertaining to the Company and its operational 
environment and to the Directors’ responsibilities as members of 
the Board. During the course of the year, Directors receive updates 
from the Company Secretary and various external advisers on a 
number of corporate governance matters. Furthermore, the key 
Commercial executives and the New Technology team regularly 
present at Board meetings and attend dinners with Board 
members. Also the Board periodically visits the research and 
development centre in Seattle and is briefed by the team.

Directors’ service contracts or appointment letters make provision 
for a Director to seek personal advice in furtherance of his or her 
duties and responsibilities, normally via the Company Secretary.

The Board seeks advice from its external advisers as needed 
in the	ordinary	course	of	business	and	for	exceptional	
circumstances, including its Nominated Adviser and outside 
counsel in the UK and USA as well as globally. There is an agreed 
procedure for Directors to take independent professional advice, 
if necessary, at the Company’s expense. This is in addition to 
the access	which	every	Director	has	to	the	Company	Secretary,	
who is	charged	by	the	Board	with	ensuring	that	Board	
procedures are followed. Directors’ service contracts or 
appointment letters make provision for a Director to seek 
personal advice in furtherance of his or her duties and 
responsibilities, normally via the Company Secretary.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

31

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

INTERNAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
The Audit Committee considered the performance of the internal 
accounting	function	and	the	resource	requirements	available	
taking into account the size and complexity of the Group’s 
activities. Given the small size of the Board, the Board as a whole 
reviews the internal budgets and they are formally approved by 
the Board. The Board has concluded as a whole that these 
budgets are both properly prepared and based upon realistic 
assessments of the market opportunities in the context of the 
Group’s ambitions.

This report was approved by the Audit Committee and presented 
on its behalf by:

GUY VAN ZWANENBERG
Chairman of Audit Committee
23 April 2020

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee is a formally constituted sub-committee 
of the	Board.	

The Audit Committee comprises Guy van Zwanenberg as 
chairman and William Lewis. The Committee meets separately 
with the external auditors without management present. The 
Secretary to the Committee is the Company Secretary

MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee meets formally three times a year: 
in September,	it	reviews	and	considers	the	half	year	results	
announcement; in December, together with the external 
auditors, it considers and approves the nature and scope of the 
annual audit; and then in late March or April, it receives reports 
from the external auditors on the conduct of their audit, and their 
review of the accounts, including accounting policies and areas 
of judgement, and their comments on risk management and control 
matters. The external auditors also present their fee proposals 
for the forthcoming annual audit at the December meeting.

INDEPENDENCE OF EXTERNAL AUDITORS
Both the Board and the external auditors have safeguards in 
place to avoid the possibility that the auditors’ objectivity and 
independence could be compromised. The policy in respect 
of services	provided	by	external	auditors	is	as	follows:

•  Audit-related services - the external auditors are invited to 

provide services which, in their position as auditors, they must 
or are best placed to undertake. This includes formalities 
relating to shareholders and other circulars or any other 
regulatory	reports	or	work	in	respect	of	acquisitions	or	disposals.

•  Tax consulting - in cases where they are best suited, we will 

use the external tax advisers.

•  General consulting - recognising the public concern over the 

issue of auditors’ independence, our policy is that the external 
auditors would not be used for general consulting work.

32 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Remuneration Committee has two members, each of whom 
is an independent Non-executive Director. The current members 
of the committee are William Lewis as the Chairman and Guy van 
Zwanenberg. The Committee is responsible for determining the 
contract terms, remuneration and other benefits of the Executive 
Directors including the Executive Chairman, and for monitoring 
the remuneration of first-line executive management. The 
Committee	may	call	on	outside	compensation	experts	as	required.

REMUNERATION POLICY
It is Group policy to set Directors’ remuneration levels to attract, 
incentivise	and	retain	the	quality	of	individuals	that	the	Group	
requires	to	succeed	in	its	chosen	objectives.	It	is	also	Group	
policy to ensure that there is a strong link between the level of 
Executive Directors’ remuneration and the performance of the 
Group in achieving its goals. 

ELEMENTS OF REMUNERATION – EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The following comprised the principal elements of the Group’s 
Executive Directors’ remuneration during 2019:

•  basic salary and benefits;

•  annual bonus (performance-related and discretionary);

•  long-term share-based incentives; and

•  pension contributions

In lieu of additional salary for his role as Interim Chief Executive 
Officer, Christopher Richards was granted share options in 2019 
which were tied to certain performance conditions.

(A) 2004 UNAPPROVED SHARE OPTION SCHEME
In July 2004, the Board adopted the Plant Health Care plc 
Unapproved Share Option Scheme 2004. Under this scheme, 
the Board	could	grant	options	at	an	exercise	price	of	not	less	
than the market value of a share on the date of award. Options 
may normally be exercised between three and ten years from 
grant.	In most	cases,	vesting	is	also	dependent	upon	the	option	
holder remaining an eligible employee. In 2014, the scheme 
reached	the tenth	anniversary	of	its	approval	by	shareholders;	
no further options may be granted. The Company was authorised 
to award options and shares under these plans up to the greater 
of 3% of its issued share capital or such number as, when 
aggregated with any outstanding options converted from the 
Plant Health Care, Inc. option plans from 1996 and 2001, amounts 
to no more than 10% of the issued share capital of the Company.

(B) 2015 EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION PLAN
On 16 June 2015, the Company adopted the Plant Health Care plc 
2015 Employee Share Option Plan, or the EMI Plan, which 
provides	for	the	grant	of	options	to	acquire	the	Company’s	
ordinary shares. Under the EMI Plan, the Company may grant 
enterprise management incentive options, known as EMI 

options,	to	eligible	bona	fide	employees	who	qualify	under	
applicable United Kingdom (“UK”) tax law, as well as options 
that do	not	qualify	as	EMI	options,	or	NQOs.	Vesting	of	options	is	
subject to the performance conditions set out in the applicable 
option agreement and pursuant to the EMI Plan. The Board has 
the discretion and authority to set and measure the satisfaction 
of the performance conditions, which under the EMI Plan must 
be linked to the achievement of challenging financial performance 
over a period of at least three years, but no more than ten years, 
from the date of grant and the enhancement of shareholder 
value. Performance conditions may be amended, relaxed or 
waived	by the	Board	provided	that	any	varied	performance	
conditions would be a fairer measure of performance than the 
original performance conditions and are no more or no less 
difficult to satisfy than prior to the amendment. At any time, 
the total	market	value	of	the	shares	that	can	be	acquired	upon	
the exercise of all EMI options under the EMI Plan may not 
exceed £3	million.	

As part of the EMI Plan, the Board has adopted rules governing 
options awarded to the Company’s US employees, or the US 
Sub-plan to the EMI Plan. The US Sub-plan to the EMI Plan 
provides	for	grants	of	both	incentive	stock	options	qualifying	
under section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as 
amended, and non-statutory stock options. The term of an 
incentive stock option may not exceed ten years (subject to 
certain limitations with respect to any employee who owns more 
than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Company’s 
outstanding ordinary shares). In the event the option holder 
ceases to be an employee before he or she exercises the vested 
portion of the option for any reason other than death, disability 
or by the employer for cause, the option shall expire three 
months after the date on which the option holder ceases to be an 
employee.	In the	event	the	option	holder	ceases	to	be	an	
employee because of death or disability, the option holder, or his 
or her personal representative in the event of death, may 
exercise the vested portion of the option during the 12-month 
period following the date the option holder ceases to be an 
employee. In the event that the option holder’s employment is 
terminated for cause by the employer, the option will expire 
immediately upon the date employment is terminated.

On 16 June 2015, the Company also adopted the Plant Health Care 
plc 2015 Non-Employee Share Option Plan, or the Non-Employee 
Option	Plan,	that	provides	for	the	grant	of	options	to	acquire	
ordinary shares to eligible option holders who are not employees. 
As part of the Non-Employee Option Plan, the Board has adopted 
rules governing options awarded to individuals who are not 
employees, or the US Sub-plan to the Non-Employee Option Plan. 
This sub-plan provides for grants of non-statutory stock options. 
As of 31 December 2018, no awards were outstanding under the 
Non-Employee Option Plan or the US Sub-plan to the Non-Employee 
Option Plan.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

33

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

ELEMENTS OF REMUNERATION – EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 
CONTINUED
(C) 2017 EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION PLAN
On 19 May 2017, the Company adopted the Plant Health Care plc 
2017 Employee Share Option Plan, or the 2017 ESOP, which provides 
for	the	grant	of	options	to	acquire	the	Company’s	ordinary	
shares. Under the 2017 ESOP, the Company may grant enterprise 
management incentive options, known as EMI options, to eligible 
bona	fide	employees	who	qualify	under	applicable	United	Kingdom	
(“UK”)	tax	law,	as	well	as	options	that	do	not	qualify	as	EMI	options,	
or NQOs. Vesting of options is subject to any performance 
conditions set out in the applicable option agreement and 
pursuant to the EMI Plan. At any time, the total market value 
of the	shares	that	can	be	acquired	upon	the	exercise	of	all	
EMI options	under	the	2017	ESOP	may	not	exceed	£3	million.	

As part of the 2017 ESOP, the Board has adopted rules governing 
options awarded to the Company’s US employees, or the US 
Sub-plan to the 2017 ESOP. The US Sub-plan to the 2017 ESOP 
provides	for	grants	of	both	incentive	stock	options	qualifying	
under section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as 
amended, and non-statutory stock options. The term of an 
incentive stock option may not exceed ten years (subject to 
certain limitations with respect to any employee who owns more 
than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Company’s 
outstanding ordinary shares). 

(D) OPTIONS GRANTED OUTSIDE OPTION SCHEMES
The	Company	has	granted	options	to	acquire	shares	pursuant	
to separate	unapproved	option	agreements	to	William	Lewis	
and Richard	Webb.	Generally,	the	options	may	only	be	exercised	
while the option holder is a service provider to the Company. In 
the event that the option holder ceases to be a service provider 
as a result of injury, ill health or disability, upon the company for 
which the option holder works ceasing to be a member of the 
Group, or the transfer of the business that employs the option 
holder to a person that is not in the Group, the option may be 
exercised during the six-month period beginning on the date 
upon which the option holder is no longer a service provider to 
the	Company.	Shares	allotted	under	these	options	rank	equally	
with all other shares in the same class in issue at the date of 
allotment. If and for so long as the allotted shares are listed 
or traded	on	any	stock	exchange,	the	Company	shall	apply	for	
the shares	allotted	under	these	options	to	be	admitted	to	the	
relevant exchange. In the event of any capitalisation issue, 
rights issue,	consolidation,	sub-division,	reduction	or	other	
variation of the Company’s share capital, the number and 
description of the shares subject to each option or the exercise 
price of each option shall be varied as the Board determines, 
provided that it considers such adjustment to be fair and 
appropriate. Limitations apply to the extent to which any such 
adjustment may reduce the price at which shares may be 
purchased pursuant to the exercise of an option and the exercise 
price for a share to be newly issued on the exercise of an option 
shall not be reduced below its nominal value.

PENSION BENEFIT 
United States employees were entitled to participate in the Plant 
Health Care, Inc. 401(k) Plan. This is a defined contribution plan 
approved by the US Internal Revenue Service. The main features 
of the plan are:

•  participation is open to all US-based employees who have 
completed a probationary period after initial employment;

•  employees may contribute a percentage of salary to the plan 

through a payroll withholding scheme;

•  in 2019, the Group continued to match contributions up to 3%. 

In 2018, the Group made matching contributions of 3%;

•  beginning in 2014, Group contributions vest immediately; and

•  the plan is subject to various statutory non-discrimination tests 
to ensure that it does not favour highly compensated employees.

ELEMENTS OF REMUNERATION – NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
During 2018 and 2019, the remuneration for non-executive 
Directors consisted of stock options under the 2017 Employee 
Share Option Plan scheme and fees for their services in connection 
with the Board and Board Committees. The Non-executive 
Directors receive their fees wholly in cash.

SERVICE CONTRACTS
During 2018 and 2019, the Company had service contracts with 
all Executive	and	Non-executive	Directors.

Provisions in the service contracts of other Executive Directors 
(including	the	Executive	Chairman/Interim	Chief	Executive	
Officer) include:

•  termination may be initiated by the Company or the Director 

at any	time	with	three	months’	written	notice;	

•  the Company may also terminate the agreement with 

immediate	effect	by	paying	a	sum	in	lieu	of	notice	equal	to	
the basic	fixed	salary	the	Director	would	have	been	entitled	
to receive	during	the	notice	period;	and

•  the Company may also terminate the agreement with 

immediate effect at any time without notice or payment 
in lieu of	notice	for	certain	circumstances	including	gross	
misconduct affecting the business.

Provisions in the service contracts of Non-executive 
Directors include:	

•  each Director’s appointment may be terminated with no less 

than three months’ prior written notice; and

•  each Director’s appointment may also be terminated with 

immediate effect for certain circumstances including serious 
breach or repeated breach of any obligations to the Company; 
any act of fraud or dishonesty; or a declaration of bankruptcy. 

34 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019, the table below sets forth the audited compensation paid to the Directors.

Base salary
and fees
$’000

Performance- 
related
bonus
$’000

Other
benefits
$’000

Share
option
benefit
$’000

Executive:

Dr C Richards

J Hovey***

J Tweedy***

Non-executive:

M Higgins**

Dr R Webb*

W Lewis

G van Zwanenberg***

128

200

260

58

45

32

8

731

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

26

10

—

—

—

—

36

Total
2019
$’000

159

264

331

58

67

32

8

Total
2018
$’000

406

385

436

60

351

33

—

31

38

61

—

22

—

—

152

919

1,671

*  

 Dr Webb, who was previously Executive Director for New Technology, reverted to a Non-Executive role with effect from 1st January 2019 and became 
Chairman from 1 October 2019.

**   M Higgins’ appointment terminated on 30 September 2019.

***  G van Zwanenberg, J Hovey and J Tweedy were appointed on 1 November 2019.

OTHER BENEFITS
In	2019,	the	Group	incurred	$36,000	(2018:	$19,000)	of	medical,	dental	and	life	insurance	expense	on	behalf	of	two	Directors.

OTHER INFORMATION
During the year, the Company’s share price on AIM ranged between 4.80 and 9.95p. At 31 December 2019, the share price was 8.3p. 
At 23	April	2020,	the	last	working	day	prior	to	the	approval	of	this	annual	report,	the	share	price	was	6.28p.	

This report was approved by the Remuneration Committee and presented on its behalf by:

WILLIAM LEWIS
Chairman of Remuneration Committee
23 April 2020

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

35

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

The Directors present their annual report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. See 
Note	19	for	discussion	of	financial	risk	management	objectives	and	policies,	and	exposure	to	price,	credit,	liquidity	and	cash	flow	risk.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
The	results	of	the	Group	for	the	year	are	set	out	on	page	45	and	show	a	loss	for	the	year	of	$3,684,000	(2018:	loss	of	$7,692,000).

The Directors recommend that no dividend be paid at this time (2018: nil). 

DIRECTORS
The beneficial interests of the Directors in the ordinary share capital of the Company and options to purchase ordinary shares of the 
Company as of 31 December 2019 were as follows:

Dr. C. Richards

Dr. R. Webb

J Tweedy

J Hovey

W Lewis

At 31 December 2019

Shares

Options

2,233,015 *

3,363,777

1,015,264

2,073,727

17,904

2,652,068

—

1,849,663

436,620

—

* 

Includes a beneficial interest of William Richards, a minor child of Dr. Christopher Richards, of 34,578 ordinary shares.

None of the Directors have any holding in any subsidiary company, nor any material interest in the transactions of the Group.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS
On 23 April 2020, the Directors are aware of the following persons who, directly or indirectly, are interested in 3% or more of the 
Company’s existing ordinary share capital:

Name

Richard Griffiths

Ospraie AG Science

1798 Volantis

Boulder River Capital Corporation and its affiliates

Spreadex Limited

*  The percentages shown are based on the most recent share register analysis or notification.

Shares held

64,697,432

64,154,361

27,901,547

15,365,253

12,200,000

% of issued 
share capital *

25.68

25.46

11.07

6.10

4.84

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Group continues to invest in R&D activities with an emphasis on the improvement of existing technologies, the formulation 
of products	to	meet	specific	customer	needs	and	the	development	of	proprietary	Group’s	biostimulants	based	on	the	Company’s	
Harpin platform technology. For further details of the Group’s R&D activities, see the Chairman’s statement and Strategic report 
on pages	8	to	25.	

BUSINESS REVIEW
For a discussion of the Group’s 2019 performance and future developments, see the Chairman’s statement and Strategic report on 
pages	8 to	25.

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
For detail on post balance sheet events, see note 24 on page 71.

36 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

BOARD MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE
The following table shows the attendance of Directors at meetings of the Board, Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee held 
during the 2019 financial year:

Number of meetings held

Dr. C. Richards

Dr. R. Webb

M Higgins

W Lewis

G van Zwanenberg

J Tweedy

J Hovey

Board

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

6

6

6

6

6

1

1

1

3

—

1

3

3

1

1

1

5

4

1

4

5

1

—

1

AUDITOR
All of the Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any information needed by 
the Company’s	auditor	for	the	purposes	of	its	audit	and	to	ensure	that	the	auditor	is	aware	of	that	information.	The	Directors	are	not	
aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditor is unaware. 

GOING CONCERN
In consideration of the Group’s current resources and review of financial forecasts and projections, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation	that	the	Group	has	adequate	resources	to	continue	in	operational	existence	for	at	least	12	months	from	the	approval	of	
the Annual Report. Various sensitivity analyses have been performed to reflect possible downside scenarios (for further details see 
pages 10 – 11 of the Strategic Report). 

The COVID-19 pandemic has so far had limited impact on our business and the Board believes that the business is able to navigate through the 
impact of COVID-19 due to the strength of its customer proposition, its balance sheet and net cash position of the Group. This is supported by 
the	Company	successfully	completing	an	equity	raise	which	generated	$4.6	million	(net	of	costs)	from	new	and	existing	investors	in	March	2020.	
The	Company	issued	44,602,188	ordinary	shares	at	8p	per	share,	directly	attributable	costs	of	$150,000	were	incurred.

However, the rapid emergence of the coronavirus pandemic has caused significant disruption to many businesses where the 
implementation of social distancing measures is not practical or deemed ineffective and this had implications for the wider global economy 
and specifically to the supply chain of which we reside within – be it our customers willingness to purchase volumes planned prior to the 
pandemic or where customers will have the ability to settle their debts to the value of sales already recorded and to the originally agreed 
settlement terms. In many countries agricultural processes and procedures has been protected from more general worker restrictions and 
we expect this to remain to be the case throughout the pandemic. In addition our products support human subsistence, by enhancing crop 
yields and crop robustness, which flow into the wider food production process. However, there is a risk that the Group will be impacted by 
decisions further up the supply chain leading to delays in contract negotiations and cancelling of anticipated sales. If sales and settlement 
of existing debts are not in line with cash flow forecasts, the directors have identified costs savings associated with the reduction in 
revenues	and	have	the	ability	to	identify	further	cost	savings	if	necessary,	then	additional	funding	may	be	required.	

While the Directors have no reason to believe that customer revenues and receipts will decline to the point that the Group no longer has 
sufficient resources to fund its operations, should this occur, the Group may need to seek additional funding beyond the facilities that are 
currently available to it through a placement of shares or source other funding, as well as making significant reductions in its fixed 
cost expenses.

The Directors have concluded that the circumstances set forth above represent a material uncertainty, which may cast significant 
doubt about the Company and Group’s ability to continue as going concerns and therefore that they may be unable to realise assets 
and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would be 
required	if	the	Company	and	the	Group	were	unable	to	continue	as	a	going	concern.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
At the forthcoming annual general meeting of the Company, resolutions will be put forward to re-elect Dr. Christopher Richards, 
Guy van	Zwanenberg,	Jeffrey	Hovey	and	Jeffrey	Tweedy	as	Directors	and	to	re-appoint	BDO	LLP	as	the	auditor	of	the	Company.	

By order of the Board

CHRISTINE MAZZONE
Company Secretary
23 April 2020

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

37

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

STATEMENT OF 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	
have elected to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRSs”), as adopted by the European Union, and the Company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). 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 Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. The Directors are also 
required	to	prepare	financial	statements	in	accordance	with	the	rules	of	the	London	Stock	Exchange	for	companies	
trading securities on AIM. 

In	preparing	these	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 the Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs, as adopted by the 
European Union, and the Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable UK 
Accounting Standards, 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. 

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 the 
Group	and	enable	them	to	ensure	that	the	financial	statements	comply	with	the	requirements	of	the	Companies	Act	2006.	
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable 
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

WEBSITE PUBLICATION
The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial statements are made available on a website. 
Financial statements are published on the Company’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. 
The maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website is the responsibility of the Directors. The Directors’ responsibility 
also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.

38 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

40 
45 

46 

47 

 Independent auditor’s report
 Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income
 Consolidated statement of 
financial position
 Consolidated statement of changes 
in equity

48  Consolidated statement of cash flows
 Notes forming part of the Group 
49 
financial statements
 Company statement of financial position
 Company statement of changes in equity
 Notes forming part of the Company 
financial statements
IBC Directors and advisers

72 
73 
74 

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

39

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the members of Plant Health Care plc

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

OPINION 
We	have	audited	the	financial	statements	of	Plant	Health	Care	Plc	(the	‘Parent	Company’)	and	its	subsidiaries	(the	‘Group’)	for	the	
year ended	31	December	2019	which	comprise	the	consolidated	statement	of	comprehensive	income,	the	consolidated	statement	
of financial	position,	the	consolidated	statement	of	changes	in	equity,	the	consolidated	statement	of	cash	flows,	the	Company	
statement	of	financial	position,	Company	statement	of	changes	in	equity	and	notes	to	the	financial	statements,	including	a	summary	
of significant accounting policies. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. 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	Financial	Reporting	Standard	102	‘The	Financial	Reporting	Standard	in	the	United	Kingdom	and	Republic	
of Ireland	(United	Kingdom	Generally	Accepted	Accounting	Practice)’.

In our opinion:

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 

2019 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;

•  the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 

Accounting Practice; and

•  the	financial	statements	have	been	prepared	in	accordance	with	the	requirements	of	the	Companies	Act	2006.

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 FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our 
other	ethical	responsibilities	in	accordance	with	these	requirements.	We	believe	that	the	audit	evidence	we	have	obtained	is	sufficient	
and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

MATERIAL UNCERTAINTY RELATING TO GOING CONCERN
We draw attention to note 2 in the financial statements, which refers to the potential impact of COVID-19 on the going concern of	the	
group	and	parent	company,	specifically	its	impact	on	the	ability	of	the	group	and	the	parent	company	to	achieve	adequate	level	of sales in 
order to maintain sufficient working capital to support its activities, and its accounts receivable balances being settled in line with their 
payment terms. These events or conditions, along with the other matters as set forth in note 2, indicate the existence of a	material	
uncertainty	that	may	cast	significant	doubt	about	the	parent	company	and	group’s	ability	to	continue	as	a	going	concern.	Our opinion is 
not modified in respect of this matter.

The directors’ assessment of going concern involves a number of highly subjective judgements, materially amplified taking account of 
the current COVID-19 pandemic. We have therefore spent significant audit effort in assessing the appropriateness of the assumptions 
involved, and as such this has been identified as a Key Audit Matter. 

Our audit procedures included the following:

• Review of the internal forecasting process to confirm the projections are prepared by an appropriate level of staff that is aware of the	
detailed	figures	included	in	the	forecast	but	also	has	a	high	level	understanding	of	the	entity’s	market,	strategy	and	changes in the 
customer base, and the potential impact that COVID -19 might have on these projections.

• Review	of	the	forecasts	prepared	and	challenge	of	the	key	assumptions,	critiquing	supporting	documentation,	and	inputs	within 

the model	to	determine	whether	there	is	adequate	support	for	the	assumptions	underlying	the	forecasts.

• The Directors have applied downwards sensitivities to the more variable aspects of the forecasts and also modelled a number 

of mitigating	cash	saving	initiatives.	

• We have considered the appropriateness of the sensitivities applied in respect of the potential impact of COVID -19 and confirmed that 
they have suitably addressed the inputs, which are most susceptible to change. We have also considered the feasibility, taking account 
of our knowledge of the company, of each of the possible expenditure reductions identified.

• Review of post year end management accounts, specifically comparing the cash position against that budgeted. 

• Made inquiries of management as to their knowledge of events or conditions beyond the period of their assessment that may cast 

significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

40 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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) we identified, including 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.

Key audit matter

How the key audit matter was addressed in our audit

Revenue Recognition
The Group’s revenue is primarily earned from sale of goods, of 
both third party and proprietary products, to external customers. 
Details of the group’s revenue streams and accounting policies 
applied during the period are given in note 2 and note 4 on pages 51 
and 54, respectively.

The key audit matters related to revenue recognition are as follows:

1)

2)	

 The risk of material misstatement in relation to revenue 
recognition concerns the inappropriate or incorrect 
recognition of revenue where the Group makes sales under 
specific terms and conditions within their sales agreements 
and contracts. These sales agreements and contracts differ to 
‘normal’	product	sales,	in	that	there	are	additional	contractual	
obligations; and

	The	3rd	party	sales	agreements	will	frequently	have	several	
components such as extended payment terms, multiple 
performance	conditions	and	other	rebate	/	support	payments	
and financing components which need to be suitably 
considered and accounted for so as to ensure revenue is not 
recorded	inaccurately	/	recognised	prematurely	and	to	ensure
the appropriate application of IFRS 15 has been applied. 

With regards to the risk of material misstatement related to the 
inappropriate or incorrect recognition of revenue we have 
performed the following specific testing:

•  A sample of sales agreements and contracts subject to 
additional contractual terms transacted during the year 
were reviewed	in	conjunction	with	management’s	proposed	
accounting treatment and BDO assessed whether the terms 
of the	contract	had	been	fulfilled	as	described	(e.g.	checked	
to service	delivery)	and	the	revenue	appropriately	recognised.

•  Testing samples of invoices raised in December 2019 and 
January 2020 to check revenue has been recorded, with 
reference to sales agreements, within the correct period. 

With regards to the audit of the components attached to certain 
sales agreements:

•  Where the contracts are inclusive of a significant financing 
component,	rebates	/	marketing	support	payments,	BDO	
have tested	a	sample	and	agreed	the	estimations	made	
by management	to	supporting	information	(historical,	
current and	forecast)	to	check	that	the	amount	of	revenue	
recognised is	appropriate.

We assessed whether the revenue recognition policies 
adopted by	the	Group	comply	with	IFRS	as	adopted	by	the	
European Union and Industry Standard. The relevant IFRS 
is International	Financial	Reporting	Standard	15	Revenue	
from Contracts	with	Customers.	

Key observations:
Based on the work performed we consider that revenue has 
been recognised	appropriately	and	in	accordance	with	the	
group’s revenue recognition accounting policy and the 
accounting standards.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

41

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT CONTINUED
to the members of Plant Health Care plc

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

KEY AUDIT MATTERS CONTINUED

Key audit matter

Recoverability of trade receivables 
The Group has significant trade receivable balances at the 
year-end,	which	are	frequently	provided	credit	terms	in	excess	
of 90	days,	extending	in	some	instances	to	greater	than	12	months.	
Details of the group’s accounting policies applied during the period 
are given in note 2 and note 16 on pages 55 and 64, respectively. 

As the Group has continued selling into new markets and is working 
with new distributers, which have limited payment history this 
makes assessment of the expected credit losses, as defined by IFRS 
9, particularly judgemental taking account that the Group is	required	
to	consider	both	current	conditions	and	forward	looking information 
to estimate said expected credit losses.

How the key audit matter was addressed in our audit

For a sample of trade receivable balances where funds have 
been collected post year end we have reviewed evidence of the 
bank receipts and for balances subject to payment plans we have 
checked that receipts are in accordance with these plans.

In instances where balances are not yet due or have deviated 
from their payment plan we have reviewed management’s 
impairment assessment, which included review of historical 
payment patterns, and consideration of both the 12 month 
expected credit losses and lifetime expected credit losses 
as appropriate.

We	completed	sensitivity	analysis	(e.g	including	quantum	of	and	
timing of payment) over the key variables within the expected 
credit loss provision calculated by management. 

We have reviewed the enhanced financial statement disclosures 
to	check	that	they	are	in	accordance	with	the	requirements	
of the	standard.

Key observations:
Based on the procedures performed, we concur with management’s 
judgements around the recoverability of trade receivables.

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements. 
We consider	materiality	to	be	the	magnitude	by	which	misstatements,	including	omissions,	could	influence	the	economic	decisions	
of reasonable	users	that	are	taken	on	the	basis	of	the	financial	statements.	In	order	to	reduce	to	an	appropriately	low	level	the	
probability that any misstatements exceed materiality, we use a lower materiality, performance materiality, to determine the extent 
of testing needed. Importantly, misstatements below these levels will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take 
account of the nature of identified misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating their 
effect on	the	financial	statements	as	a	whole.	

LEVEL OF MATERIALITY APPLIED AND RATIONALE
We	determined	materiality	for	the	financial	statements	as	a	whole	to	be	$280,000	(2018	-	$270,000)	which	represents	5%	of	the	
average loss before tax of the last three years, excluding non-recurring items (2018 – 5% loss before tax for FY18 only). We used 
loss before	tax	as	a	benchmark	as	this	is	a	primary	KPI	used	to	address	the	performance	of	the	business	by	the	Board.	The	change	
to three	year	average	loss	before	tax	determinant	in	2019	is	to	account	for	the	volatility	in	the	losses,	both	historically	and	on	a	
forward looking	basis.

Materiality	for	the	parent	company	was	set	at	$140,000	(2018	-	$150,000),	which	represents	50%	of	group	materiality	
(2018 50% of group	materiality).

Individual component audits were carried out using component materialities of between 5 - 50% of overall financial statement materiality.

Performance materiality is the application of materiality at the individual account or balance level set at an amount to reduce 
to an appropriately	low	level	the	probability	that	the	aggregate	of	uncorrected	and	undetected	misstatements	exceeds	materiality	
for the	financial	statements	as	a	whole.	Performance	materiality	was	set	at	75%	(2018	–	75%)	of	materiality.	In	setting	the	level	of	
performance materiality, we considered a number of factors including the expected total value of known and likely misstatements 
(based on past experience and other factors) and management’s attitude towards proposed adjustments. 

We	agreed	with	the	Audit	Committee	that	misstatements	in	excess	of	$14,000	(2018:	$13,500),	which	are	identified	during	the	audit,	
would	be	reported	to	them,	as	well	as	smaller	misstatements	that	in	our	view	must	be	reported	on	qualitative	grounds.

42 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements 
as a whole, taking into account the geographic structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry 
in which	the	Group	operates.	

In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we assessed the audit significance of each reporting unit in the Group by 
reference to both its financial significance and other indicators of audit risk, such as the complexity of operations and the degree 
of estimation	and	judgement	in	the	financial	results.	

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPONENTS
The Group is comprised of 2 UK companies (including Plant Health Care Plc) and 4 significant international components.

BDO LLP completed a full scope statutory audit for the parent company and the UK subsidiary. 

BDO Mexico were engaged to perform a full scope audit for group reporting purposes of the financial information of Plant Health Care 
de Mexico. We instructed BDO Mexico as to the scope and timing of their work on the financial information for group reporting 
purposes; we met with the audit team to review their audit documentation and findings and visited the Mexican entity’s facility. 

Work on the remaining components was completed by BDO LLP. This was inclusive of visits to both the US and Spanish locations 
so as to	ensure	we	obtained	a	full	understanding	of	the	operational	activities,	met	with	management	and	appropriately	scoped	risks.	
Our work	on	the	Brazilian	component	was	completed	remotely.

We ensured that audit teams both at group and at component level have the appropriate skills and competences which are needed 
to perform	the	audit.

OTHER INFORMATION
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual 
Report and Financial Statements, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we 
are	required	to	determine	whether	there	is	a	material	misstatement	in	the	financial	statements	or	a	material	misstatement	of	the	
other information. 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.

OPINIONS ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY 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.

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent Company and its environment obtained in the course 
of the	audit,	we	have	not	identified	material	misstatements	in	the	strategic	report	or	the	Directors’	report.

We	have	nothing	to	report	in	respect	of	the	following	matters	in	relation	to	which	the	Companies	Act	2006	requires	us	to	report	
to you if,	in	our	opinion:

•  adequate	accounting	records	have	not	been	kept,	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; or

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

•  we	have	not	received	all	the	information	and	explanations	we	require	for	our	audit.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

43

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT CONTINUED
to the members of Plant Health Care plc

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 38, 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.

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 Financial Reporting Council’s 
website:	www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.	This	description	forms	part	of	our	auditor’s	report.

USE OF OUR REPORT
This report is made solely to the Parent 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	Parent	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 Parent Company and the Parent Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this 
report, or for the opinions we have formed.

IAIN HENDERSON (SENIOR STATUTORY AUDITOR)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutory Auditor
London UK
23 April 2020

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

44 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Research and development expenses

Sales and marketing expenses

Administrative expenses

Operating loss

Finance income

Finance expense

Loss before tax

Income tax credit

Loss for the year attributable to the equity holders of the parent company

Other comprehensive income

Items which will or may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Exchange	(loss)/gain	on	translation	of	foreign	operations

Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to the equity holders of the parent company 

Basic and diluted loss per share

The notes on pages 49 to 71 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

Note

4

5

10

10

11

2019
$’000

6,436

2018
$’000

8,128

(2,834)

(2,857)

3,602

5,271

(2,775)

(4,090)

(3,144)

(3,655)

(1,810)

(5,559)

(4,127)

(8,033)

323

(38)

90

(1)

(3,842)

(7,944)

158

252

(3,684)

(7,692)

(792)

1,120

(4,476)

(6,572)

12

$(0.02)

$(0.05)

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

45

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
at 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property,	plant	and	equipment

Right-of-use assets

Trade and other receivables

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Tax receivable

Investments

Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Short-term lease liabilities

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Long-term lease liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total net assets

Share capital

Share premium

Foreign exchange reserve

Accumulated deficit

Total equity

Note

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

13

14

18

16

15

16

11

19

17

18

18

22

1,649

1,692

475

416

150

701

—

140

2,690

2,533

2,960

3,412

335

1,964

457

9,128

11,818

1,406

353

1,759

107

107

1,866

9,952

3,030

2,975

3,357

400

1,825

2,459

11,016

13,549

2,404

—

2,404

—

—

2,404

11,145

2,586

88,647

86,126

(61)

731

(81,664)

(78,298)

9,952

11,145

The consolidated financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 23 April 2020.

CHRISTOPHER RICHARDS
Director

Registered no: 05116780 (England and Wales)

The notes on pages 49 to 71 form part of these consolidated financial statements. 

46 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Balance at 1 January 2018

Loss for the year

Exchange difference arising on translation of foreign operations

Total	comprehensive	income/(loss)

Shares issued net of issue costs 

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2018

Loss for the year

Exchange difference arising on translation of foreign operations

Total comprehensive loss

Shares issued net of issue costs

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2019

Share 
capital
$’000

Share 
premium
$’000

Foreign
exchange
reserve
$’000

Accumulated 
deficit
$’000

Total 
$’000

2,237

79,786

(398)

(71,403)

10,231

—

—

—

349

—

—

—

—

6,340

—

—

(7,692)

(7,692)

1,120

1,120

—

—

—

1,120

(7,692)

(6,572)

—

797

6,689

797

2,586

86,126

731

(78,298)

11,145

—

—

—

444

—

—

—

—

2,521

—

—

(3,684)

(3,684)

(792)

(792)

—

—

—

(792)

(3,684)

(4,476)

—

318

2,965

318

3,030

88,647

(61)

(81,664)

9,952

The notes on pages 49 to 71 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

47

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Amortisation of intangibles

Share-based payment expense

Finance income

Finance expense

Foreign	exchange	(loss)/gain

Income taxes credit

Decrease in trade and other receivables

Gain/(loss)	on	disposal	of	fixed	assets

Decrease/(increase)	in	inventories

Decrease in trade and other payables

Income taxes received

Net cash used in operating activities

Investing activities

Purchase	of	property,	plant	and	equipment

Sale	of	property,	plant	and	equipment

Finance income

Purchase of investments

Sale of investments

Net cash (used)/provided by investing activities

Financing activities

Finance expense

Payment of lease liability

Issue of ordinary share capital

Repayment of finance lease principal

Net cash provided by financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

The notes on pages 49 to 71 form part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Note

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

(3,684)

(7,692)

14

18

13

10

10

14

10

10

358

373

43

318

(323)

38

(824)

(158)

155

—

15

(941)

223 

382

—

206

797

(90)

1

1,120

(252)

961

(7) 

(1,439)

(475) 

216

(4,407)

(6,272)

(132)

20

56

(115)

7 

90

(1,940)

(3,994)

1,859

4,887

(137)

875

(3)

(420)

(1) 

—

2,965

6,689

—

(7)

2,542

(2,002)

2,459

6,681

1,284

1,175

457

2,459

48 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Plant	Health	Care	plc	(the	‘‘Company’’)	is	a	public	limited	company	incorporated	in	England	and	Wales.	The	address	of	its	registered	
office	is	1	Scott	Place,	2	Hardman	Street,	Manchester	M3	3AA.	The	Company	and	its	subsidiaries	(together,	the	‘‘Group’’)	is	a	leading	
provider of proprietary agricultural biological products and technology solutions focused on improving crop performance by 
activating a growth response and bolstering plant defence mechanisms against both abiotic and biotic stresses. The principal 
markets of the Company and its subsidiaries are described in Note 9.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
REPORTING CURRENCY
The financial statements are presented in thousands of US Dollars. The exchange rates used to convert British Pounds to US Dollars 
at 31 December 2019 and 2018 were 1.3185 and 1.2734, respectively, and the average exchange rates for the years then ended were 
1.2767 and 1.3348, respectively. The exchange rates used to convert Mexican Pesos to US Dollars at 31 December 2019 and 2018 were 
0.0529 and 0.0509, respectively, and the average exchange rates for the years then ended were 0.0519 and 0.0521, respectively. The 
exchange rates used to convert Euros to US Dollars at 31 December 2019 and 2018 were 1.1215 and 1.1444, respectively, and the average 
exchange rates for the years then ended were 1.1194 and 1.1809, respectively.

The functional currency of the parent company is US Dollars primary due to the US being the country whose competitive forces and 
regulations impact this business.

BASIS OF PREPARATION
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, 
International Accounting Standards and Interpretations (collectively, “IFRSs”) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 
(“IASB”) and as adopted by the European Union and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 which apply to companies preparing their 
financial statements under IFRSs.

Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated.

GOING CONCERN
In assessing whether the going concern basis is an appropriate basis for preparing the 2019 Annual Report, the Directors have utilised 
its	detailed	forecasts	which	take	into	account	its	current	and	expected	business	activities,	its	cash	and	cash	equivalents	balance	and	
investments	of	$2.4	million	as	shown	in	its	balance	sheet	at	31	December	2019,	the	principal	risks	and	uncertainties	the	Group	faces	
and other factors impacting the Group’s future performance.

Various sensitivity analyses have been performed to reflect a variety of possible cash flow scenarios, taking into account the 
COVID-19 pandemic, where the Group achieves significantly reduced revenues for the twelve months following the date of this 
Annual Report.	Overall,	the	Directors	have	prepared	cash-flow	forecasts	covering	a	period	of	at	least	twelve	months	from	the	date	
of approval	of	the	financial	statements,	which	foresee	that	the	Group	will	be	able	to	operate	within	its	existing	facilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has so far had limited impact on our business and the Board believes that the business is able to navigate 
through the impact of COVID-19 due to the strength of its customer proposition, its balance sheet and net cash position of the Group. 
This	is	supported	by,	the	Company	successfully	completed	an	equity	raise	which	generated	$4.6	million	(net	of	costs)	from	new	and	
existing investors in March 2020. The Company issued 44,602,188 ordinary shares at 8p per share, directly attributable costs of 
$150,000	were	incurred.

However, the rapid emergence of the coronavirus pandemic has caused significant disruption to many businesses where the 
implementations of social distancing measures is not practical or deemed ineffective and this had implication for the wider global 
economy and specifically to the supply chain of which we reside within – be it our customers willingness to purchase volumes planned 
prior to the pandemic or where customers will have the ability to settle their debts to the value of sales already recorded and to the 
originally agreed settlement terms. In many countries agricultural processes and procedures has been protected from more general 
worker restrictions and we expect this to remain to be the case throughout the pandemic. In addition, our products support human 
subsistence, by enhancing crop yields and crop robustness, which flow into the wider food production process. However, there is a 
risk that the Group will be impacted by decisions further up the supply chain leading to delays in contract negotiations and cancelling 
of anticipated sales. If sales and settlement of existing debts are not in line with cash flow forecasts, the directors have identified 
cost savings associated with the reduction in revenues and have the ability to identify further cost savings if necessary, then 
additional	funding	may	be	required.	While	the	Directors	have	no	reason	to	believe	that	customer	revenues	and	receipts	will	decline	
to the	point	that	the	Group	no	longer	has	sufficient	resources	to	fund	its	operations,	should	this	occur,	the	Group	may	need	to	seek	
additional funding beyond the facilities that are currently available to it through a placement of shares or source other funding, 
as well as	making	significant	reductions	in	its	fixed	cost	expenses.

The directors have concluded that the circumstances set forth above represent a material uncertainty, which may cast significant 
doubt about the Company and Group’s ability to continue as going concerns and therefore that they may be unable to realise assets 
and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would be 
required	if	the	Company	and	the	Group	were	unable	to	continue	as	a	going	concern.

BASIS OF MEASUREMENT
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for financial instruments designated 
at fair	value	through	the	profit	and	loss.

The principal accounting policies are set out below. The policies have been applied consistently to all the years presented and on 
a going	concern	basis.	

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

49

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED STANDARDS 
New standards impacting the Group that have been adopted in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019, 
and which have given rise to changes in the Group’s accounting policies are:

•  IFRS 16 “Leases” 

Details of the impact of this standard is set out below. A number of other new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing 
standards have been adopted by the Group, but have not been listed, since they have no material impact on the financial statements. 
None of the other new standards, amendments and interpretations in issue but not yet effective are expected to have a material 
effect on the financial statements. 

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 “Leases” with a date of initial application of January 2019. IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17 “Leases” and 
related interpretations. 

IFRS 16 introduces a single, on-balance sheet accounting model for lessees. As a result, the Group, as a lessee, has recognised 
right-of-use assets representing its rights to use the underlying assets and lease liabilities representing its obligation to make lease 
payments. Lessor accounting remains similar to previous accounting policies.

(A)  TRANSITION METHOD AND PRACTICAL EXPEDIENTS UTILISED
The Group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective transition approach (option 1, asset = liability), with recognition of 
transitional adjustments on the date of initial application (1 January 2019), without restatement of comparative figures.

Previously, the Group determined at the inception of a contract whether an arrangement was or contained a lease under IFRIC 4 
“Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease”. The Group now assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease based 
on the	new	definition	of	a	lease.	Under	IFRS	16,	a	contract	is,	or	contains,	a	lease	if	the	contract	conveys	a	right	to	control	the	use	of	
an identified	asset	for	a	period	of	time	in	exchange	for	consideration.	

In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the Group has used the following practical expedients permitted by the standard: 

•  excluded initial direct costs for the measurement of the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application; and

•  applied the exemption not to recognise right-of-use assets and liabilities for leases with less than 12 months of lease term 

remaining as of the date of initial application.

As a lessee, the Group previously classified leases as operating or finance leases based on its assessment of whether the lease 
transferred substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership. Under IFRS 16, the Group recognises right-of-use assets and 
lease liabilities	for	most	leases.	However,	the	Group	has	elected	not	to	recognise	a	right-of-use	asset	and	lease	liability	in	our	Brazil	
subsidiary due to the low value of the asset. The Group recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense 
on a	straight-line	basis	over	the	lease	term.	

At the commencement date of property leases the Group determines the lease term non-cancellable period of the lease. Leases are 
regularly reviewed and will be revalued if it becomes likely that an option to extend the lease will be exercised.

(B)  RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS
The Group recognises a right-of-use asset at the lease commencement date. The right-of- use assets are measured at an amount 
equal	to	the	lease	liability,	adjusted	by	the	amount	of	any	prepaid	or	accrued	lease	payments	–	the	Group	applied	this	approach	to	all	
leases.	Subsequent	to	measurement,	right-of-use	assets	are	amortised	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	remaining	term	of	the	lease	
or over the remaining economic life of the asset if this is judged to be shorter.

LEASE LIABILITIES

(C) 
The lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the incremental borrowing 
rate applicable to each lease as at 1 January 2019. The Group’s incremental borrowing rate is the rate at which a similar borrowing 
could	be	obtained	from	an	independent	creditor	under	comparable	terms	and	conditions.	Judgement	is	required	to	determine	an	
approximation, calculated based on US Government treasury bill rates of an appropriate duration and adjusted by an indicative credit 
premium and a lease specific adjustment. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities was 5.00%. 

Subsequently,	the	lease	liability	is	increased	by	the	interest	cost	on	the	lease	liability	and	decreased	by	the	lease	payment	made.	It	is	
remeasured if there is a modification, a change in lease term or a change in the fixed lease payments.

IMPACTS ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(D) 
The table below shows a reconciliation from the total operating lease commitment as disclosed at 31 December 2018 to the total lease 
liabilities recognised in the accounts immediately after transition:

For the period

Operating lease commitment at 31 December 2018 as disclosed in the Group’s consolidated financial statements

** Operating lease commitment prior period omission error 

Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at 1 January 2019

Recognition	exemption	for	lease	of	low-value	assets/short-term	leases

Total lease liabilities recognised at 1 January 2019

1 January 
2019
$’000

812

44

(47)

(3)

806

50 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED STANDARDS CONTINUED
(D) 
The implementation of IFRS 16 affected the following items on the balance sheet:

IMPACTS ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

Right-of-use assets

Lease liabilities

Accrued expense

Increased by $750K

Increased by $806K

Decreased by $57K

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
These consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Group and the entities controlled by the Group. 
Control exists when the Group has: (i) power over the investee; (ii) exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the 
investee; and (iii) the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns. The financial statements 
of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control 
ceases. All significant intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses have been eliminated.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the 
consolidated	statement	of	financial	position,	the	acquiree’s	identifiable	assets,	liabilities	and	contingent	liabilities	are	initially	
recognised	at	their	fair	values	at	the	acquisition	date.	The	results	of	acquired	operations	are	included	in	the	statement	of	
comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.

REVENUE
The Group recognises revenue at the fair value of consideration received or receivable. Sales of goods to external customers are 
at invoiced	amounts	less	value-added	tax	or	local	tax	on	sales.	The	Group	currently	generates	revenue	solely	within	its	Commercial	
business through the sale of its proprietary and third-party products. Credit terms provided to customers also affect the recognition 
of revenue where a significant financing component is considered to exist. 

The majority of the Group’s revenue is derived from selling goods with revenue recognised at a point in time when control of the goods 
has transferred to the customer. This is generally when the goods are delivered to the customer. However, for some sales, control 
might also be transferred when delivered either to the port of departure or port of arrival, depending on the specific terms of the 
contract with a customer. There is minimal judgement needed in identifying the point control passes to the customer: once physical 
delivery of the products to the agreed location has occurred, the Group no longer has physical possession, usually will have a present 
right	to	payment	(as	a	single	payment	on	delivery)	and	retains	none	of	the	significant	risks	and	rewards	of	the	goods	in	question.

In the limited situations where the Group offers a product rebate to the customer, it records the fair value of the product rebate as a reduction 
to product	revenue.	An	accrued	liability	for	these	product	rebates	is	estimated	and	recorded	at	the	time	the	revenues	are	recorded.

Sales support payments to customers are considered a reduction in transaction price and are recognised as a reduction to revenue 
as incurred.	

GOODWILL
Goodwill	is	measured	as	the	excess	of	the	cost	of	an	acquisition	over	the	net	fair	value	of	the	identifiable	assets,	liabilities	and	
contingent	liabilities,	plus	any	direct	costs	of	acquisition	for	acquisitions.	For	business	combinations	completed	on	or	after	
1 January 2010,	direct	costs	of	acquisition	are	recognised	immediately	as	an	expense.

Goodwill is capitalised as an intangible asset with any impairment in carrying value being charged to administrative expenses in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The Group performs annual impairment tests for goodwill at the financial year end.

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Externally-acquired	intangible	assets	are	initially	recognised	at	cost	and	subsequently	amortised	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	their	
useful economic lives. The amortisation expense is included within administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income. Internally generated intangibles expenses includes costs that are directly attributable to making the asset 
capable of operating as intended.

Intangible	assets	are	recognised	on	business	combinations	if	they	are	separable	from	the	acquired	entity	or	give	rise	to	contractual	
or other	legal	rights,	and	are	initially	recognised	at	their	fair	value.

Expenditure on internally-developed intangible assets (development costs) is capitalised if it can be demonstrated that:

•  it is technically feasible to develop the product for it to be sold;

•  adequate	resources	are	available	to	complete	the	development;

•  there is an intention to complete and sell the product;

•  the Group is able to sell the product;

•  sale of the product will generate future economic benefits; and 

•  expenditure on the project can be measured reliably.

Development expenditure not satisfying the above criteria and expenditure on the research phase of internal projects are recognised 
in profit or loss.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

51

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED
Capitalised development costs are amortised over the periods of the future economic benefit attributable to the asset. The amortisation 
expense is included within administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The Group has not 
capitalised any development costs to date.

The significant intangibles recognised by the Group and their estimated useful economic lives are as follows:

Licences  
Registrations  

— 
— 

12 years  
5–10 years

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Impairment tests on goodwill are undertaken annually at the financial year end. Other non-financial assets are subject to impairment 
tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Where the carrying 
value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount (that is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell), the asset is written 
down accordingly.

Impairment charges are included within administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 
An impairment	loss	recognised	for	goodwill	is	not	reversed.

FOREIGN CURRENCY
Foreign currency transactions of individual companies are translated into the individual company’s functional currency at the rate 
on the	date	the	transaction	occurs.	

At the year end, non-functional currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the year-end rate with the differences 
being recognised	in	the	profit	or	loss.

On consolidation, the results of operations that have a functional currency other than US Dollars are translated into US Dollars at rates 
approximating to those ruling when the transactions took place. Statements of financial position are translated at the rate ruling at 
the end of the financial period. Exchange differences arising on translating the opening net assets at opening rate and the results 
of operations	that	have	a	functional	currency	other	than	US	Dollars	at	average	rate	are	included	within	other	comprehensive	income	
in the	consolidated	statement	of	comprehensive	income	and	taken	to	the	foreign	exchange	reserve	within	capital	and	reserves.

OPERATING SEGMENTS
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Group’s chief operating decision 
maker (“CODM”). The CODM, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, 
has been	identified	as	the	Chief	Executive	Officer.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Trade receivables collectible within one year from the date of invoicing are recognised at invoice value less provision for expected 
credit losses. Trade receivables collectible after more than one year from the date of invoicing are initially recognised at fair value, 
and	subsequently	carried	at	amortised	cost	using	the	effective	interest	rate	method,	less	provision	for	impairment.	

Investments comprise short-term investments in notes and bonds having investment grade ratings. Investments are designated as at 
fair value through profit and loss upon initial recognition when they form part of a group of financial assets which is actively managed 
and evaluated by key management personnel on a fair value basis in accordance with the Company’s documented investment strategy 
that seeks to improve the rate of return earned by the Company on its excess cash while providing unrestricted access to the funds. 
The	Company’s	investments	are	carried	at	fair	value	as	determined	by	quoted	prices	on	active	markets,	with	changes	in	fair	values	
recognised through profit or loss.

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	comprise	cash	on	hand,	demand	deposits	and	other	short-term	highly	liquid	investments	that	are	readily	
convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.

Trade	and	other	payables	are	initially	recognised	at	fair	value	and	subsequently	carried	at	amortised	cost	using	the	effective	interest	method.

The Group applies both the simplified and general approaches under IFRS 9 to measure expected credit losses using a lifetime 
expected credit loss provision for trade receivables. Under the simplified approach, expected credit losses on a collective basis, trade 
receivables are grouped based on credit risk and ageing. Under the general approach, trade receivables that have payment terms over 
180 days are reviewed. 

The expected loss rates are based on the Group’s historical credit losses experienced over the three year period prior to the period 
end. The historical loss rates are then adjusted for current and forward-looking information on factors affecting the Group’s customers.

Equity	instruments	issued	by	the	Company	are	recorded	at	the	proceeds	received,	net	of	direct	issue	costs.	The	Group’s	ordinary	
shares	are	classified	as	equity	instruments.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Group maintains a number of defined contribution pension schemes for certain of its employees; the Group does not contribute 
to any	defined	benefit	pension	schemes.	The	amount	charged	to	profit	or	loss	represents	the	employer	contributions	payable	to	the	
schemes for the financial period.

The expected costs of all short-term employee benefits, including short-term compensated absences, are recognised during the 
period the employee service is rendered.

52 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
EQUITY-SETTLED SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The	Group	operates	a	number	of	equity-settled,	share-based	payment	plans,	under	which	it	receives	services	from	employees	and	
non-employees	as	consideration	for	the	Group’s	equity	instruments,	in	the	form	of	options	or	restricted	stock	units	(‘‘awards’’).	The	
fair value of the award is recognised as an expense, measured as of the grant date using the binomial option pricing and Monte Carlo 
models. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of instruments granted, excluding the impact of 
any service and non-market performance vesting conditions. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the 
number of options that are expected to vest. The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is typically the period over 
which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be met.

LEASED ASSETS: LESSEE
The Group has changed its accountancy policy for leases where the Group is the lessee as a result of IFRS 16. This replaces the 
existing guidance in IAS 17, “Leases”. The standard sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and 
disclosure of leases and the Group adopted this new standard front effect from 1 January 2019.

Prior to the 2019 financial year, the Group classified its leases as either finance or operating leases. Payments made under operating 
leases were charged to the profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. 

IFRS	16	changes	the	previous	guidance	in	IAS	17	that	requires	lessees	to	recognise	a	lease	liability	that	reflects	the	net	present	value	
of future lease payments and a corresponding “right of use asset” in all lease contracts, although lessees may not elect to recognise 
lease liabilities and right-of-use assets in respect of short term leases or leases of assets of low value.

IFRS 16 also changes the definition of a “lease” and the manner of assessing whether a contract contains a lease. At inception of a 
contract, the group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on whether the contract conveys the right to control 
the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. 

The group recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability at the lease commencement date. The lease liability 
is initially	measured	at	the	present	value	of	the	following	lease	payments:

•  fixed payments;

•  variable payments that are based on index or rate;

•  the exercise price of any extension or purchase option if reasonably certain it can be exercised; and

•  penalties for terminating the lease, if relevant.

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, 
the group’s	incremental	borrowing	rate.	

The right-of-use assets are initially measured based on initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at 
or before	the	commencement	date,	plus	any	initial	direct	costs.	The	right-of-use	assets	are	depreciated	over	the	period	of	the	lease	
term using the straight-line method. The lease term includes periods covered by the option to extend, if the group is reasonably 
certain to exercise that option. In addition, right-of–use assets may during the lease term be reduced by any impairment losses, 
if any, or	adjusted	for	certain	remeasurements	of	the	lease	liability.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Items	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	are	initially	recognised	at	cost.	Cost	includes	the	purchase	price	and	costs	directly	
attributable to bringing the asset into operation. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, less estimated residual values, 
of all property,	plant	and	equipment	over	their	expected	useful	lives.	

It is calculated at the following rates:

— 
Production machinery 
—	
Office	equipment	
Vehicles   
— 
Leasehold improvements  — 

10–20% per annum 
20–33%	per	annum 
20% per annum 
25% per annum

INVENTORIES
Inventories	are	initially	recognised	at	cost,	and	subsequently	at	the	lower	of	cost	and	net	realisable	value.	Cost	is	based	upon	a weighted	
average cost method. The Group compares the cost of inventory to its net realisable value and writes down inventory to its net realisable 
value, if lower than its cost. Cost comprises all costs of purchase and all other costs of conversion. Net realisable value is the estimated 
selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses. The inventory provision is based on which 
products have been determined to be obsolete.

TAXATION
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income arising in the period reported on, calculated using tax rates relevant 
to the	financial	period.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

53

	
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
DEFERRED TAX
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the statement of financial 
position differs from its tax base, except for differences on:

•  the initial recognition of goodwill;

•  the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction 

affects neither accounting nor taxable profit; and

•  investments in subsidiaries and joint arrangements where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the difference 

and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profit will be available against 
which the difference can be utilised.

The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the 
financial	period	and	are	expected	to	apply	when	the	deferred	tax	liabilities/(assets)	are	settled/(recovered).

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when 
they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX
Companies	within	the	Group	may	be	entitled	to	claim	special	tax	allowances	in	relation	to	qualifying	research	and	development	
expenditure (e.g. R&D tax credits). The Group accounts for such allowances as tax credits which means they are recognised when it is 
probable that the benefit will flow to the Group and that the benefit can be reliably measured. R&D tax credits reduce current tax expense 
and to the extent the amounts are due in respect of them and not settled by the balance sheet date, reduce current tax payable.

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
In preparing its financial statements, the Group makes certain estimates and judgements regarding the future. Estimates and 
judgements are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that 
are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from estimates and assumptions. 
The estimates and judgements that have a risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
within the next financial year are discussed below.

REVENUE
The Group recognises revenue at the fair value of consideration received or receivable. Sales of goods to external customers are 
at invoiced	amounts	less	value-added	tax	or	local	tax	on	sales.	The	Group	currently	generates	revenue	solely	within	its	Commercial	
business	through	the	sale	of	its	proprietary	and	third-party	products.	When	the	Group	makes	product	sales	under	contracts/
agreements	these	will	frequently	be	inclusive	of	rebate/support	payments	or	a	financing	component	where	judgement	can	be	
required	in	the	assessment	of	the	transaction	price.

RECOVERABILITY OF TRADE RECEIVABLES
The Group applies both the simplified and general approaches under IFRS 9 to measure expected credit losses using a lifetime 
expected credit loss provision for trade receivables. Under the simplified approach, expected credit losses on a collective basis, 
trade receivables	are	grouped	based	on	credit	risk	and	ageing.	Given	the	Group	has	a	low	history	of	default,	limited	judgement	is	
required	for	trade	receivables	in	this	grouping.

The Group then separately reviews those receivables with payment terms over 180 days using the general approach. Under this approach 
judgements	are	required	in	the	assessment	of	the	risk	and	probability	of	credit	losses	and	the	quantum	of	the	loss	in	the	event	of	a	default.	The	
Group	has	debtors	with	a	gross	value	(before	provisioning	but	after	the	assessment	of	financing	components)	of	$1.6	million	within	this	grouping.

4. REVENUE

Revenue arises from:

Proprietary products

Third-party products

Total

2019
$’000

3,770

2,666

6,436

2018
$’000

5,581

2,547

8,128

The following table gives an analysis of revenue according to sales with payment terms of less than or more than 180 days

YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2019

Segment

Mexico

Americas

Rest of World

54 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

Sales contracts 
with payment 
terms less 
than 180 days
$’000

Sales contracts 
with payment 
terms greater 
than 180 days
$’000

Total
$’000

3,330

1,394

848

5,572

—

3,330

737

127

864

2,131

975

6,436

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 20194. REVENUE CONTINUED
YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2019 CONTINUED

Timing of transfer of goods

Point in time (delivery to port of departure)

Point in time (delivery to port of arrival)

YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2018

Segment

Mexico

Americas

Rest of World

Timing of transfer of goods

Point in time (delivery to port of departure)

Point in time (delivery to port of arrival)

Financing component of sales contracts

At 1 January 2019

Financing components recognised

Financing components unwound to the income statement

At 31 December 2019

5. OPERATING LOSS

Operating	loss	is	arrived	at	after	charging/(crediting):

Share-based payment charge 

Depreciation 

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Amortisation of intangibles

Operating lease expense

Gain	on	disposal	of	property,	plant	and	equipment

Impairment of trade receivables

Employee termination costs

Foreign	exchange	(losses)/gains

Auditor’s remuneration:

Amounts for audit of parent company and consolidation

Amounts for audit of subsidiaries

Total auditor’s remuneration

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Sales contracts 
with payment 
terms less 
than 180 days
$’000

Sales contracts 
with payment 
terms greater 
than 180 days
$’000

5,536

36

5,572

737

127

864

Sales contracts 
with payment 
terms less 
than 180 days
$’000

Sales contracts 
with payment 
terms greater 
than 180 days
$’000

3,127

3,270

769

7,166

—

—

962

962

Sales contracts 
with payment 
terms less 
than 180 days
$’000

Sales contracts 
with payment 
terms greater 
than 180 days
$’000

7,079

87

7,166

282

680

962

Total
$’000

6,273

163

6,436

Total
$’000

3,127

3,270

1,731

8,128

Total
$’000

7,361

767

8,128

$’000

335

67

(267)

135

Note

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

8

14

18

13

318

358

373

43

41

(20) 

85

63

797

382

—

206

420

(7)

174

308

(784) 

1,485

101

44

145

95

41

136

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

55

 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

6. STAFF COSTS
Staff costs for all employees, including Executive Directors, comprise:

Wages and salaries

Social security and payroll taxes

Defined contribution pension costs

Medical and other benefits

Redundancy 

Share-based payments charge

The average number of employees of the Group during the year, including Executive Directors, was as follows:

Research

Administration

Sales and marketing

2019
$’000

3,424

287

71

177

63

2018
$’000

4,082

363

71

260

308

4,022

5,084

318

4,340

797

5,881

2019

2018

8

8

16

32

9

8

20

37

7. DIRECTORS’ AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL REMUNERATION
Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling activities 
of the	Group,	and	include	only	the	Directors	of	the	Company.	Further	disclosures	on	the	remuneration	of	each	individual	Director	
are included	in	the	Directors’	remuneration	section	of	the	Remuneration	Committee	report	on	pages	33	to	35.

Base salary, fees and bonuses

Other short-term employee benefits

Share-based payments

Social security and taxes

2019
$’000

731

37

152

45

965 

2018
$’000

442

19

389

56

906

No Executive Directors who served during the year were eligible to participate in the Group’s 401(k) retirement plan (2018: nil).

The	highest-paid	Director	earned	$260,000	(2018:	$234,000)	consisting	of	an	annual	salary,	no	bonus	payout	(2018:	$16,000)	and	other	
benefits	of	$10,500	(2018:	$19,000).	

8. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The	Company	operates	three	equity-settled,	share-based	remuneration	schemes	for	employees:	a	share	option	scheme	and	two	
employee share option plans, as described in the “Elements of remuneration” section for Executive Directors within the Remuneration 
Committee report on pages 33 to 35.

(A) SHARE OPTIONS
In	June	2004,	the	Company	approved	the	2004	Unapproved	Share	Option	Scheme	(the	‘‘Option	Plan’’).	The	Option	Plan	provides	for	the	
issuance of options for ordinary share capital of the Group to all eligible employees.

In 2014, the scheme reached the 10th anniversary of its approval by shareholders and no further options may be granted under the 
Option Plan.

In addition, in limited instances, the Company has granted options to certain management for ordinary share capital of the Company 
under separate unapproved option agreements.

56 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS CONTINUED
(B) 2015 EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION PLAN
In	June	2015,	the	Board	approved	the	2015	Employee	Share	Option	Plan	and	the	2015	Non-Employee	Share	Option	Plan	(the	‘‘Plans’’).	
The Plans provide for the issuance of options for ordinary share capital of the Company to both employees and non-employees. The 
2015	Employee	Share	Option	Plan	provides	for	the	grant	of	both	enterprise	management	incentive	(“EMI“)	options	as	well	as	non-qualifying	
options (“NQOs”). No share options were granted under this scheme in 2019.

(C) 2017 EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION PLAN
In May 2017, the Board approved the 2017 Employee Share Option Plan. The plan provides for the issuance of options for ordinary share 
capital of the Company to both employees and non-employees. The 2017 Employee Share Option Plan provides for the grant of both 
enterprise	management	incentive	(“EMI“)	options	as	well	as	non-qualifying	options	(“NQOs”).

The valuation of the awards granted under the 2017 Employee Share Option Plan during the years ended 31 December 2018 and 
31 December	2019	were	as	follows:

Share options granted

Weighted average fair value

Assumptions used in measuring fair value:

Weighted average share price

Exercise price

Risk-free rate

Expected vesting period (years)

Option life (years)

Expected volatility

Expected dividend rate

25 May 
2018

12 November 
2019

14 November
 2019

5,627,716

74,000

5,471,388

12p

24p

24p–50p

0.98%

1.0-3.0

10.0

60.0%

0.0%

4p

8p

8p

4p

9p

9p

0.54%

0.47%

1.0–3.0

1.0–3.0

10.0

60.0%

0.0%

10.0

60.0%

0.0%

The valuation of the share options granted during the year ended 31 December 2019 was as follows:

•  the weighted average share price and the expected volatility were determined by reference to the share price of Plant Health Care plc 

on AIM and the historical share price of Plant Health Care plc on AIM for the applicable expected vesting period, respectively; and

•  the expected vesting period reflects performance conditions for these options. 

Additional details of share-based payments are provided in note 21.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

57

 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

9. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Group’s CODM views, manages and operates the Group’s business segments according to its strategic business focuses—
Commercial and New Technology. The CODM further analyses the results and operations of the Group’s Commercial business on 
a geographical	basis,	and	therefore	the	Group	has	presented	separate	geographic	segments	within	its	Commercial	business	below:	
Commercial — Americas (North and South America, other than Mexico); Commercial — Mexico; and Commercial — Rest of World. The 
Rest of World segment includes the results of the United Kingdom and Spanish subsidiaries, which together operate across Europe 
and South Africa. The Group’s Commercial segments are focused on the sale of biological products and are the Group’s only revenue 
generating segments. The Group’s New Technology segment is focused on the research and development of the Group’s PREtec platform.

Below is information regarding the Group’s segment loss information for the year ended:

2019

Revenue*

Proprietary product sales

Third-party product sales

Inter-segment product sales

Total revenue 

Group consolidated revenue

Cost of sales

Research and development

Sales and marketing

Administration 

Non-cash expenses:

Depreciation

Amortisation

Share-based payment

Americas
$’000

Mexico
$’000

Rest of 
World
$’000

Elimination
$’000

Total
Commercial
$’000

New
Technology
$’000

2,109

22

844

2,975

2,975

689

2,641

972

3

—

—

3,770

2,666

—

368

(1,212)

—

3,330

3,330

1,343

1,343

(1,212)

6,436

(1,212)

6,436

(1,583)

(1,704)

(759)

1,212

(2,834)

—

—

—

—

—

—

Total
$’000

3,770

2,666

—

6,436

6,436

(2,834)

—

(1,530)

(651)

(97)

(38)

(62)

—

(883)

(233)

(87)

—

—

—

(731)

(153)

(11)

(5)

(32)

(348)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(2,031)

(2,031)

(3,144)

(1,037)

—

(3,144)

(193)

(1,230)

(195)

(540)

(43)

(94)

—

(188)

(735)

(43)

(282)

(911)

(2,952)

(3,863)

(1,026)

762 

(4,127)

323

(38)

(3,842)

Segment operating (loss)/profit

(986)

423

Corporate expenses:**

Wages and professional fees

Administration***

Operating loss

Finance income

Finance expense

Loss before tax

*	

	Revenue	from	one	customer	within	the	Americas	segment	totalled	$675,000,	or	10%	of	Group	revenues.	
Revenue	from	one	customer	within	the	Mexico	segment	totalled	$1,243,000	or	19%	of	Group	revenues.

**   These amounts represent public company expenses for which there is no reasonable basis by which to allocate the amounts across the Group’s segments.

***	 	Includes	net	share-based	payment	expense	of	$36,000	attributed	to	corporate	employees	who	are	not	affiliated	with	any	of	the	Commercial	or	New	

Technology segments.

OTHER SEGMENT INFORMATION

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Capital expenditure

Americas
$’000

7,367

967

78

 Mexico
 $’000

1,915

434

38

Rest of 
World
 $’000

1,972

137

—

Eliminations
$’000

Total
 Commercial
$’000

New
Technology
$’000

—

—

—

11,254

1,538

116

564

328

16

Total
$’000

11,818

1,866

132

58 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
9. SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED

2018

Revenue*

Proprietary product sales

Third-party product sales

Inter-segment product sales

Total revenue

Group consolidated revenue

Cost of sales

Research and development

Business development

Sales and marketing

Administration**

Non-cash expenses:

Depreciation

Amortisation

Share-based payment

Segment operating (loss)/profit

Corporate expenses:***

Wages and professional fees

Administration****

Operating loss

Finance income

Finance expense

Loss before tax

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Americas
$’000

Mexico
$’000

Rest of 
World
$’000

Elimination
$’000

Total
Commercial
$’000

New
Technology
$’000

3,244

26

1,539

4,809

4,809

606

2,521

—

3,127

3,127

1,731

—

67

1,798

1,798

—

—

(1,606)

(1,606)

(1,606)

5,581

2,547

—

8,128

8,128

(2,242)

(1,574)

(647)

1,606

(2,857)

—

—

—

—

—

—

Total
$’000

5,581

2,547

—

8,128

8,128

(2,857)

—

(478)

(1,302)

(786)

(25)

(201)

(17)

(242)

—

—

—

—

(805)

(250)

(1,047)

(1,001)

(51)

—

—

(4)

(5)

(61)

447

(967)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(3,487)

(3,487)

(478)

(3,154)

(2,037)

(80)

(206)

(78)

(23)

—

(501)

(3,154)

(193)

(2,230)

(302)

—

(395)

(382)

(206)

(473)

(762)

(4,400)

(5,162)

 (1,334)

(1,537)

(8,033)

90

 (1)

(7,944)

*		

**	

	Revenue	from	one	customer	within	the	Americas	segment	totalled	$1,611,000,	or	20%	of	Group	revenues.	
Revenue	from	one	customer	within	the	Mexico	segment	totalled	$1,089,000	or	14%	of	Group	revenues.
Revenue	from	one	customer	within	the	Rest	of	World	segment	totalled	$1,100,000	or	14%	of	Group	revenues		

	The	Administration	expense	for	the	Rest	of	World	segment	includes	a	charge	of	$600,000	for	the	write-off	of	receivables.	During	2018,	the	Group	transferred	
stock from our original distributor to a new distributor in South Africa in order to strengthen its sales position in this region. This transfer of stock has been 
accounted	for	by	the	Group	recording	a	write-off	of	receivables	with	the	original	distributor	of	$600,000.

***  These amounts represent public company expenses for which there is no reasonable basis by which to allocate the amounts across the Group’s segments.

****	 	Includes	net	share-based	payment	expense	of	$324,000	attributed	to	corporate	employees	who	are	not	affiliated	with	any	of	the	Commercial	or	

New Technology segments.

OTHER SEGMENT INFORMATION

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Capital expenditure

Americas
$’000

8,369

1,630

14

 Mexico
	$ ’000

2,103

414

58

Rest of 
World
	$ ’000

2,501

168

—

Eliminations
$’000

Total
 Commercial
$’000

New
Technology
$’000

—

—

—

12,973

2,212

72

576

192

43

Total
$’000

13,549

2,404

115

Segment assets include all operating assets used by a segment and consist principally of operating cash, receivables, inventories, 
property,	plant	and	equipment	and	intangible	assets,	net	of	allowances	and	provisions.	Segment	liabilities	include	all	operating	
liabilities and consist principally of trade payables and accrued liabilities.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

9. SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Group operates in three principal countries - the United Kingdom (country of domicile), the United States and Mexico.

The Group’s revenues from external customers by location of operation are detailed below:

United Kingdom

United States

Mexico

All other

Total

The Group’s non-current assets by location of assets are detailed below:

United Kingdom

United States

Mexico

All other

Total

10. FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE

Finance income

Interest on deposits and investments

Financing component of revenue contracts

Finance expense

Interest on finance leases

Other interest

11. TAX CREDIT

Current tax on loss for the year

Deferred tax – origination and reversal of timing differences

Total tax credit

Year ended
31 December 2019

Year ended
31 December 2018

Amount
$’000

271

1,715

3,330

1,120

6,436

%  

Amount
$’000

4

27

52

17

100

1,126

2,101

3,127

1,774

8,128

%

14

26

38

22

100

Year ended
31 December 2019

Year ended
31 December 2018

Amount
$’000

11

2,430

209

40

%  

—

90

8

2

Amount
$’000

16

2,307

201

9

%

1

91

8

—

2,690

100

2,533

100

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

56

267

323

(35)

(3)

2019
 $’000

(167)

9

(158)

70

20

90

—

(1)

 2018
	$ ’000

(239)

(13)

(252)

60 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11. TAX CREDIT CONTINUED
The reasons for the difference between the actual tax charge for the year and the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK applied 
to profits	for	the	year	are	as	follows:

Loss before tax 

Expected tax credit based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19.0% (2018: 19.0%)

Effect on tax rates in foreign jurisdictions

Disallowable expenses

Share-based payment expense per accounts

Prior period R&D credit

Losses available for carryover

Losses utilised in the year

Capital allowances in excess of amortisation

Other temporary differences

Actual tax credit

Deferred tax asset

At 1 January 2019

Credited to the profit and loss account

At 31 December 2019 (note 16)

 2019
 $’000

 2018
	$ ’000

(3,842)

(7,944)

(730)

(1,509)

(12)

204

60

(326)

654

(3)

(79)

74

48

7

151

(419)

1,365

—

(79)

184

(158)

(252)

 Deferred 
taxation
	$ ’000

79

9

88

The deferred tax asset comprises sundry timing differences.

At	31	December	2019,	the	Group	had	a	potential	deferred	tax	asset	of	$18,749,361	(2018:	$18,456,752)	which	includes	tax	losses	available	
to carry	forward	of	$17,972,737	(2018:	$17,793,692)	(being	actual	federal,	foreign	and	state	losses	of	$98,263,971	(2018:	$98,786,744))	
arising	from	historical	losses	incurred	and	other	timing	differences	of	$776,624.	

The	tax	receivable	of	$335,000	(2018:	$400,000)	represents	money	owed	from	HMRC	for	the	Research	and	Development	tax	relief	
offered to small and mid-sized companies.

12. LOSS PER SHARE
Basic	loss	per	ordinary	share	has	been	calculated	on	the	basis	of	the	loss	for	the	year	of	$3,684,000	(2018:	loss	of	$7,692,000)	and	the	
weighted average number of shares in issue during the period of 178,031,230 (2018: 168,850,278). 

Equity	instruments	of	18,098,134	(2018:	14,098,057),	which	includes	share	options,	the	2015	Employee	Share	Option	Plan	and	the	2017	
Employee Share Option Plan, as shown within Note 21, that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future have been 
considered but not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they are anti-dilutive for the periods presented. 
This is due to the Group incurring a loss on operations for the year.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

61

 
13. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Cost

Balance at 1 January 2018

Additions	–	externally	acquired

Balance at 31 December 2018

Additions	–	externally	acquired

Balance at 31 December 2019

Accumulated amortisation

Balance at 1 January 2018

Amortisation charge for the year

Balance at 31 December 2018

Amortisation charge for the year

Balance at 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 1 January 2018

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

Goodwill
$’000

Licences and
registrations
$’000

Trade name 
and customer
 relationships
$’000

1,620

3,342

—

—

1,620

3,342

—

—

1,620

3,342

—

—

—

—

—

1,620

1,620

1,620

3,064

206

3,270

43

3,313

278

72

29

159

—

159

—

159

159

—

159

—

159

—

—

—

Total
$’000

5,121

—

5,121

—

5,121

3,223

206

3,429

43

3,472

1,898

1,692

1,649

The intangible asset balances have been tested for impairment using discounted budgeted cash flows of the relevant cash generating 
units. For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2019, cash flows are projected over a five-year period with a residual growth rate 
assumed at 0%. For the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2019, pre-tax discount factors of 14.9% and 14.9% have been used over 
the forecast	period.

GOODWILL
Goodwill	comprises	a	net	book	value	of	$1,432,000	related	to	the	2007	acquisition	of	the	assets	of	Eden	Bioscience	and	$188,000	
related	to	an	acquisition	of	VAMTech	LLC	in	2004.	The	entire	amount	is	allocated	to	Harpin,	a	cash	generating	unit	within	the	
Commercial - Americas segment. No impairment charge is considered necessary, and no reasonably possible change in key 
assumptions used would lead to an impairment in the carrying value of goodwill. 

LICENCES AND REGISTRATIONS
These	amounts	represent	the	cost	of	licences	and	registrations	acquired	in	order	to	market	and	sell	the	Group’s	products	
internationally across a wide geography. These amounts are amortised evenly according to the straight-line method over the term of 
the licence or registration. Impairment is reviewed and tested according to the method expressed above. Licences and registrations 
have a weighted average remaining amortisation period of three years. No impairment charge is considered necessary, and no 
reasonably possible change in key assumptions used would lead to an impairment in the carrying value of licences and registrations.

62 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Production
 machinery 
$’000

Office 
equipment	
$’000

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Vehicles
	$ ’000

Total 
$’000

Cost

Balance at 1 January 2018

Additions

Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2018

Additions

Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2019

Accumulated depreciation

Balance at 1 January 2018

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2018

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

Balance at 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 1 January 2018

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2019

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,106

53

—

1,159

95

—

1,254

874

171

—

1,045

140

—

1,185

232

114

69

815

4

—

819

—

—

819

206

167

—

373

136

—

509

609

446

310

360

2,281

58

(7)

411

37

(56)

115

(7)

2,389

132

(56)

392

2,465

233

44

(7)

1,313

382

(7)

270

1,688

82

(56)

358

(56)

296

1,990

127

141

96

968

701

475

The	net	book	value	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	includes	an	amount	of	$nil	(2018:	$nil)	in	respect	of	assets	held	under	finance	
leases.	Depreciation	expense	includes	an	amount	of	$nil	(2018:	$nil)	in	respect	of	assets	held	under	finance	leases.

15. INVENTORIES

Raw materials

Finished goods and goods for resale

2019
$’000

323

2,637

2,960

2018
$’000

114

2,861

2,975

The	inventory	provision	amount	reversed	during	the	year	was	nil	(2018:	reversal	of	$4K).	In	2019,	raw	materials	and	finished	goods	
for resale	included	in	cost	of	sales	was	$2.6	million	(2018:	$2.7	million).

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Current

Trade receivables 

Less: provision for impairment

Trade receivables, net 

Other receivables and prepayments

Current trade and other receivables

Non-current

Other receivables

Deferred tax asset (see note 11)

Non-current trade and other receivables

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

3,497

3,366

(264)

(186)

3,233

179

3,412

62

88

150

3,180

177

3,357

61

79

140

3,562

3,497

The trade receivable current balance represents trade receivables with a due date for collection within a one-year period. The other 
receivable non-current balance represents lease deposits. 

The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses for sales contracts with 180 days or fewer 
payment terms. To measure expected credit losses on a collective basis, trade receivables and contract assets are grouped based 
on similar	credit	risk	and	ageing.	The	expected	loss	rates	are	based	on	the	ageing	of	the	receivable,	past	experience	of	credit	losses	
with customers	and	forward-looking	information.	An	allowance	for	a	receivable’s	estimated	lifetime	expected	credit	losses	is	first	
recorded	when	the	receivable	is	initially	recognised,	and	subsequently	adjusted	to	reflect	changes	in	credit	risk	until	the	balance	
is collected.	In	the	event	that	management	considers	that	a	receivable	cannot	be	collected,	the	balance	are	written	off.

Sales contract receivables provided on terms greater than 180 days are at first discounted to recognise the financing component 
of the	transaction	and	then	assessed	using	the	“general	approach”.	Under	this	approach,	the	Group	models	and	probability	weights	
a number	of	scenarios	based	on	its	assessment	of	the	credit	risk	and	historical	expected	losses.

Trade receivables

Expected credit loss assessed

Considered under 
the simplified
 approach
$’000

Considered under
 the general 
approach 
$’000

1,508

(10)

1,498

1,989

(254)

1,735

The receivables considered under the general approach relate to two customers in the Americas segment and one customer in the 
Rest of World segment. The key considerations in the assessment of the provision were the probability of default, expected loss in the 
event of default and the exposure at the point of default.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of each class of receivables set out above.

Movements on the provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows:

Balance at the beginning of the year

Provided

Receivables written off as uncollectible

Foreign exchange

Balance at the end of the year

2019
$’000

186

161

(85)

2

264

2018
$’000

52

775

(641)

—

186

The	net	value	of	trade	receivables	for	which	a	provision	for	impairment	has	been	made	is	$1.6	million	(2018:	$1.3	million).

64 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES CONTINUED
The following is an analysis of the Group’s trade receivables, both current and past due, identifying the totals of trade receivables 
which are not yet due and those which are past due but not impaired.

Current

Past due:

Up to 30 days

31 to 60 days

61 to 90 days

Greater than 90 days

Total

17. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Current

Trade payables

Accruals

Taxation and social security

Income tax liability

2019
$’000

2,401

2018
$’000

2,608

—

9

11

812

3,233

1

82

24

465

3,180

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

826

527

52

1

1,434

918

50

2

1,406

2,404

18. LEASES: RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS AND LEASE LIABILITIES 
The recognised right-of-use assets relate to the following types of assets:

Real estate leases

Vehicles

REAL ESTATE LEASES
Buildings	are	leased	for	office/warehouse	space	under	leases	which	typically	run	for	a	period	of	three	and	five	years	and	lease	
payments are at fixed amounts. Some leases include extension options exercisable for a period of one year before the end of the 
cancellable lease term.

VEHICLES
The group leases a vehicle for an employee with a standard lease term of three years with fixed payments. The group does not 
purchase or guarantee the future value of lease vehicles.

RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

At 1 January 2019

Additions

Amortisation

At 31 December 2019

LEASE LIABILITIES

At 1 January 2019

Additions

Interest expense

Lease payments

At 31 December 2019

Real estate 
lease
$’000

Vehicles
$’000

750

—

(363)

387

—

39

(10)

29

Real estate 
lease
$’000

Vehicles
$’000

806

—

32

(408)

430

—

41

1

(12)

30

2019
$’000

387

29

Total
$’000

750

39

(373)

416

Total
$’000

806

41

33

(420)

460

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

65

 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

18. LEASES: RIGHT OF USE ASSETS AND LEASE LIABILITIES CONTINUED
LEASE LIABILITIES CONTINUED
The maturity of the lease liabilities is as follows:

2019

Leased buildings

Leased vehicle

Total

 Carrying 
amount

Undiscounted
contractual
cash flows

430

30

460

445

31

476

Less than
one year

One to
two years

Two to
five years

353

14

367

85

14

99

7

3

10

The	current	and	non-current	portions	of	the	leases	were	$353,000	and	$107,000	as	at	31	December	2019,	respectively.

19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(A) CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Group manages its capital to ensure that all entities in the Group will be able to continue as going concerns, while maximising 
shareholder	value	through	the	optimisation	of	its	debt	and	equity	structure.	The	capital	structure	of	the	Group	consists	of	cash	and	
cash	equivalents	and	equity	attributable	to	equity	holders	of	the	parent,	comprising	issued	capital,	reserves	and	accumulated	deficit	
as disclosed in Note 22. 

(B) CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Financial assets

Trade and other receivables

Investments

Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Current financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Accrued liabilities

Lease liability

Fair value through  
profit or loss

Amortised cost  
(loans and receivables)

Notes

2019
$’000

2018
$’000  

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

16

19

—

—  

3,233

3,180

1,964

1,825  

—

—  

—

457

1,964

1,825

3,690

—

2,459

5,639

Amortised cost

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

826

580

353

1,681

723

—

1,759

2,404

The amounts disclosed for all of the above financial assets and financial liabilities approximate fair value in all material respects.

(C) INVESTMENTS
2019 — INVESTMENTS

Description

PNC Money Market Fund

PNC Ultra Short Bond Fund 

2018 — INVESTMENTS

Description

PNC Money Market Fund

PNC Ultra Short Bond Fund 

Classification

Government

Mutual fund

Classification

Government

Mutual fund

2019
Value
$’000

1

1,963

1,964

2018 
Value
$’000

77

1,748

1,825

The above instruments are Level 1 in the IFRS 13 fair value measurements hierarchy.

The Group limits its investments to instruments with maturities of less than five years having a rating at or exceeding investment 
grade	in	order	to	limit	credit	and	liquidity	risk.	These	investments	are	managed	by	an	investment	adviser	and	the	portfolio’s	
performance is reviewed by key management personnel. The aim of the portfolio includes both capital preservation and a rate of 
return that exceeds the rate available through the purchase of money market securities.

66 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED
(D) LIQUIDITY RISK
The	Group	manages	liquidity	risk	by	maintaining	adequate	reserves	and	banking	facilities,	by	reference	to	continuously	monitored	
forecast and actual cash flows. As part of its monitoring, the Group ensures that the financial liabilities due to be paid can be met by 
existing	cash	and	cash	equivalents.	Cash	equivalents	are	composed	of	short-term	investment	grade	securities	and	are	readily	
marketable and convertible to cash. The Group does not currently generate sufficient cash from its operations to meet its annual 
funding needs. In consideration of the Group’s current resources and review of financial forecasts and projections, the Directors have 
a	reasonable	expectation	that	the	Group	has	adequate	resources	to	continue	in	operational	existence	for	at	least	12	months	from	the	
approval of the financial statements.

(E) FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
The Group invests its surplus cash in bank deposits denominated in US Dollars and British Pounds, which earn interest at money market 
rates, and in short-term investments comprised of notes and bonds with maturities of less than five years and having investment 
grade ratings. In doing so, the Group exposes itself to fluctuations in money market interest rates and market price fluctuations. 

(F) MARKET RISK
The Group is exposed to risk from movements in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and market prices that affect its 
assets, liabilities and anticipated future transactions. 

The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk from transactions and from translating the monetary net assets of overseas entities 
denominated in currencies other than functional currency. Transaction exposure arises because affiliated companies undertake 
transactions in foreign currencies. The Group does not use forward foreign exchange rate contracts to hedge exchange rate risk.

The US Dollar carrying amounts of the Group’s material foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the 
reporting date are as follows:

Euro

Pound

Mexican Peso

Brazilian Real

Assets

Liabilities

2019
$’000

127

2018
$’000  

152  

1,344

1,849  

1,147

398

1,262

772  

2019
$’000

53

68

445

134

2018
$’000

46

122

413

120

If the exchange rate on uncovered exposures were to move significantly there would be foreign exchange differences on the 
retranslation of financial assets and liabilities and an impact on the Group’s gross profit. A significant depreciation in the Mexican 
Peso or British Pound could have a negative impact on the Group’s gross profit. 

A hypothetical 10% change (positive or negative) in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to our business would have the 
following effect (increase or decrease) on revenue:

Mexican Peso

Pound Sterling

Brazilian Real

Spain Euro

2019
$’000

333

27

42

70

A hypothetical 10% change (positive or negative) in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to our business would have the 
following effect (increase or decrease) on expenses:

Mexican Peso

Pound Sterling

Brazilian Real

Spain Euro

2019
$’000

293

52

89

63

2018
$’000

313

113

117

60

2018
$’000

268

593

101

56

(G) PRICE RISK
The Group is exposed to price risk on its investments. To manage the price risk arising from investments in securities, the Group limits 
its portfolio to include only investment grade securities on active exchanges having maturities of less than five years.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

67

 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED
(H) INTEREST RATE RISK
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash and investment balances. To manage the interest rate risk, the Group limits 
its portfolio	to	cash	and	investment	grade	securities	on	active	exchanges	having	maturities	of	less	than	five	years.

If interest rates were to move significantly, finance revenues could be affected. However, this impact would not be material 
to the Group’s	financial	statements	and,	therefore,	no	analysis	of	the	sensitivities	has	been	presented.

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash deposits, which earn interest at a variable rate of interest.

The Group’s borrowings comprise finance leases, which are at fixed rates. 

The Group does not utilise any hedging instruments to address interest rate risk.

(I) CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT
The Group’s principal credit risk relates to the recovery of trade receivables. In order to manage credit risk, the Group sets limits for 
customers based on a combination of payment history and third-party credit references. Credit limits are reviewed on a regular basis in 
conjunction with debt ageing and collection history. Balances that are beyond agreed upon terms are actively followed up to ensure collection. 

The Group sells to a large number of customers across international locations within the US, Europe, South Africa and Mexico. 

Further details on trade receivables, including analysis of bad debts and ageing, are given in Note 16.

The Group manages the credit risk on its investments by limiting investments to notes and bonds with maturities of less than five 
years having investment grade ratings.

The	Group	believes	the	credit	risk	on	liquid	funds,	being	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	is	limited	because	the	counterparties	are	banks	
with high-credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies. However, the concentration of credit risk by counterparty 
does	exceed	10%	of	the	overall	cash	and	cash	equivalent	balance.

The maximum exposure to credit risk on cash balances at the reporting date is the carrying value of the cash balances. The Group 
ensures	that	its	investments	are	maintained	in	high	quality	investment	grade	securities	to	limit	credit	risk.

20. SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
The following were subsidiary undertakings of the Company at 31 December 2019:

Name

Plant Health Care, Inc.

Plant Health Care, Inc.

Plant Health Care de 
Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V.

Registered addresses

701 S. Carson Street
Suite 200
Carson City, NV 89701

Bodega 26
Avenida Ceylan 959
Colonia Industrial Vallejo
2300 Ciudad de Mexico
CDMX, Mexico

Country of incorporation 
or registration

United States 
(Nevada)

United States 
(Pennsylvania)

Mexico

Proportion of voting 
rights and ordinary 
share capital held

100%

Nature of business

Holding 
company

100%*

Sales

100%*

Sales

Plant Health Care (UK) Limited 1 Scott Place

United Kingdom

100%*

Sales

Plant Health Care España

2 Hardman Street
Manchester M3 3AA

CL. Serrano, 76
28.612, Madrid

Plant Health Care Brasil

Rua Dr Antonio Cento 560 – cj 708
São Paulo – SP CEP 04750-001

VAMTech, LLC

*  Held indirectly.

2711 Centerville Road
Suite 400
Wilmington, DE 19808

Spain

Brazil

United States 
(Delaware)

100%*

Sales

100%*

Sales

100%*

Sales

For all undertakings listed above, the country of operation is the same as its country of incorporation or registration.

68 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21. SHARE CAPITAL
(A) ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL

Allotted, called-up and fully paid share capital:

207,387,381 (2018: 172,822,881) ordinary shares at £0.01 each

(B) MOVEMENT IN SHARE CAPITAL
The movements on issued share capital are as follows:

In issue at 1 January 2018

Shares issued

In issue at 31 December 2018

Shares issued

In issue at 31 December 2019

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

3,030

2,586

Ordinary shares of
Plant Health Care plc

Number

147,822,881

25,000,000

$’000

2,237

349

172,822,881

2,586

34,564,500

444

207,387,381

3,030

During the year ended 31 December 2019, the following fully paid £0.01 ordinary shares in the Company were issued:

i.	

	34,564,500	new	ordinary	shares	with	net	proceeds	of	$2,965,000	(directly	attributable	costs	of	$35,000)	were	issued	pursuant	
to an	equity	placing	at	£0.068	per	share.

(C) OTHER EQUITY INSTRUMENTS
The	Company	had	the	following	other	equity	instruments	in	issue	at	31	December	2019	and	2018:

Share awards under the 2004 plan

Share awards under the 2015 plan

Share awards under the 2017 plan

2019
Number

2018
Number

301,852

414,538

3,087,763

3,511,635

14,708,519

10,171,884

18,098,134 14,098,057

(D) SHARE OPTIONS
(I) 2004 EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION PLAN
The Company has issued share options to certain employees under the Plant Health Care plc Unapproved Share Option Scheme 2004. 
In 2014, the scheme reached the 10th anniversary of its approval by shareholders; no further options may be granted. At the time of 
its admission	to	AIM,	the	Company	also	agreed	to	honour	outstanding	options	under	the	Plant	Health	Care,	Inc.	2001	Equity	Incentive	
Plan. No further options have been or will be issued under that plan. In addition, in limited instances, the Company has granted options 
to certain management for ordinary share capital of the Company under separate unapproved option agreements.

The movements on share options are as follows:

Outstanding at 1 January 2018

Awarded

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 December 2018

Awarded

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 December 2019

Options over ordinary shares

Directors 
and
 former 
Directors

Other

Total

Weighted 
average 
exercise
 price

535,538

270,550

806,038

131p

—

—

—

—

—

—

(200,000)

(191,500)

(391,500)

335,538

79,000

414,538

—

—

—

—

—

—

(89,686)

(23,000)

(391,500)

245,852

56,000

301,852

—

—

168p

96p

—

—

131p

83p

Of the total number of options outstanding at 31 December 2019, 301,852 (2018: 414,538) had vested and were exercisable. 
The weighted	average	exercise	price	was	83p	(2018:	96p).

The options outstanding at 31 December 2019 have a weighted average remaining life of 3.22 years (2018: 3.17 years) and the range 
of exercise	prices	is	53p	to	225p	(2018:	53p	to	245p).

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21. SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED
(D) SHARE OPTIONS CONTINUED
(II) 2015 EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION PLAN

Outstanding at 1 January 2018

Awarded 

Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 December 2018

Awarded

Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

Directors

Other

Total

— 4,359,212

4,359,212

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(847,577)

(847,577)

3,511,635

3,511,635

—

—

(423,872)

(423,872)

— 3,087,763

3,087,763

Weighted
average
exercise price

24p

—

27p

23p

—

49p

20p

Of the total number of options outstanding at 31 December 2019, nil (2018: 177,500) had vested and were exercisable.

The options outstanding at 31 December 2019 have a weighted average remaining life of 1.0 year (2018: 2.0 years) and the exercise 
price was 20p (2018: 20p to 89p).

(III) 2017 EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION PLAN

Outstanding at 1 January 2018

Awarded 

Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 December 2018

Awarded

Forfeited

Directors

Other

Total

2,981,657

1,562,511

4,544,168

2,327,642 3,300,074

5,627,716

—

—

—

5,309,299 4,862,585

10,171,884

— 5,545,388

5,545,388

—

—

—

Outstanding at 31 December 2019

5,309,299 9,399,220 14,708,519

Weighted
average
exercise price

25p

29p

—

28p

8p

—

21p

Of the total number of options outstanding at 31 December 2019, 9,163,131 (2018: 5,627,716) had vested and were exercisable.

The options outstanding at 31 December 2019 have a weighted average remaining life of 8.47 years and the range of exercise prices is 8p to 50p.

22. RESERVES
The	following	describes	the	nature	and	purpose	of	each	reserve	within	owners’	equity:

Reserve

Share capital

Description and purpose

Amount subscribed for share capital at nominal value.

Share premium

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value.

Foreign exchange reserve Gains/losses	on	retranslating	the	net	assets	of	overseas	operations.

Accumulated deficit

Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated income statement. During the year 
ended 31 December 2014, the Company transferred the amounts in the share-based payment 
reserve	and	reverse	acquisition	reserve	into	retained	earnings.

70 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

NOTES FORMING PART OF THE GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUEDfor the year ended 31 December 2019 
 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

23. PENSIONS
The	Group	does	not	maintain	any	defined	benefit	pension	plans.	The	Group	does	maintain	a	retirement	plan	qualified	under	section	401(k)	of	
the United States Internal Revenue Code. This plan covers all US employees. In 2019, the Group’s pension expense under the scheme 
was	$53,661	(2018:	$61,296).	Mexico	has	a	government-run	pension	plan	to	which	our	operations	there	must	contribute.	In	2019,	the	expense	
for	this	plan	was	$3,497	(2018:	$2,083).	Several	United	Kingdom	employees	receive	contributions	to	their	pension	plans.	The	expense	
for	this	was	$8,003	(2018:	$7,808).	A	Spain	employee	receives	contributions	to	their	pension	plan.	The	expense	for	this	was	$5,763	(2018:	$nil).	
Total	pension	expense	for	the	year	was	$70,925	(2018:	$71,188).

24. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
In	March	of	2020,	the	Company	successfully	completed	an	equity	raise	which	generated	$4.6	million	(net	of	costs)	from	new	and	existing	
investors.	The	Company	issued	44,602,188	ordinary	shares	at	8p	per	share,	directly	attributable	costs	of	$150,000	were	incurred.	

The rapid emergence of the coronavirus pandemic has caused significant disruption to many businesses where the implementation 
of social	distancing	measures	is	not	practical	or	deemed	ineffective.	This	has	had	implications	for	the	wider	global	economy	and	
specifically to the supply chain. The pandemic could affect our customers willingness to purchase volumes planned prior to the 
pandemic or where customers will have the ability to settle their debts according to the originally agreed settlement terms. 

In many countries agricultural processes and procedures has been protected from more general restrictions on worker travel and we 
expect this to remain to be the case throughout the pandemic. In addition, our products support human subsistence, by enhancing crop 
yields and crop robustness, which flow into the wider food production process. However, there is a risk that the Group will be impacted by 
decisions further up the supply chain leading to delays in contract negotiations and cancelling of anticipated sales, which could impact 
the Group’s working capital. The coronavirus pandemic wasn’t a condition in existence at the year-end date therefore, it is being a regarded 
as	a	non-adjusting	subsequent	event.

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

71

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
at 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

Fixed assets

Fixed asset investments

Current assets

Debtors

Cash at bank and in hand

Total current assets

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Capital and reserves

Called-up share capital

Share premium

Accumulated deficit

Shareholders’ funds

Note

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

31

13,874

16,381

33

34

28

28

28

18

51

69

(65)

4

27

392

419

(312)

107

13,878

16,488

3,030

2,586

88,647

86,126

(77,799)

(72,224)

13,878

16,488

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 23 April 2020.

DR CHRISTOPHER RICHARDS
Director

Registered no: 05116780 (England and Wales)

The	Company	has	taken	advantage	of	the	exemption	allowed	under	section	408	of	the	Companies	Act	2006	and	has	not	presented	its own	
profit	and	loss	in	these	financial	statements.	The	Group’s	loss	for	the	year	includes	loss	after	tax	of	$5,893,000	(2018:	loss	of	$9,956,000),	
which is dealt with in the financial statements of the parent company. 

The notes on pages 74 to 76 form part of these financial statements.

72 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

 
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Balance at 1 January 2018

Shares issued

Share-based payment

Loss in the year

Balance at 31 December 2018

Shares issued

Share-based payment

Loss in the year

Balance at 31 December 2019

The notes on pages 74 to 76 form part of these financial statements. 

Share
capital
$’000

2,237

Share
 premium
$’000

Accumulated 
deficit
$’000

Total
$’000

79,786

(63,065)

18,958

349

6,340

—

—

—

—

—

797

6,689

797

(9,956)

(9,956)

2,586

86,126

(72,224)

16,488

444

2,521

—

—

—

—

—

318

2,965

318

(5,893)

(5,893)

3,030

88,647

(77,799)

13,878

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

73

 
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

25. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial 
Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”. The principal accounting policies, which have been applied 
consistently, are set out below. 

The	preparation	of	financial	statements	in	compliance	with	FRS	102	requires	the	use	of	certain	critical	accounting	estimates.	It	also	
requires	management	to	exercise	judgement	in	applying	the	Company’s	accounting	policies.	See	Note	26.

In preparing the separate financial statements of the parent company, advantage has been taken of the following disclosure 
exemptions available in FRS 102:

•  only one reconciliation of the number of shares outstanding at the beginning and end of the period has been presented as the 

reconciliations for the Group and the parent company would be identical;

•  no cash flow statement has been presented for the parent company;

•  disclosures	in	respect	of	the	parent	company’s	financial	instruments	have	not	been	presented	as	equivalent	disclosures	have	been	

provided in respect of the Group as a whole;

•  disclosures	in	respect	of	the	parent	company’s	share-based	payment	arrangements	have	not	been	presented	as	equivalent	

disclosures have been provided in respect of the Group as a whole; and

•  no disclosure has been given for the aggregate remuneration of the key management personnel of the parent company as their 

remuneration is included in the totals for the Group as a whole.

INVESTMENTS
Fixed asset investments comprise investments by the Company in the shares of subsidiary undertakings and loans to Group 
undertakings. At the end of each financial period, the Directors review the carrying amount of the Company’s investments with 
reference to forecast discounted future cash flows and related estimates and judgements to determine whether there is any 
indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. They are stated at cost less any provision where, in the opinion of the 
Directors, there has been impairment.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The	Company	operates	a	number	of	equity-settled,	share-based	payment	plans,	under	which	it	receives	services	from	employees	and	
non-employees	as	consideration	for	the	Company’s	equity	instruments,	in	the	form	of	options	or	restricted	stock	units	(‘‘awards’’).	
The fair	value	of	the	award	is	recognised	as	an	expense,	measured	as	of	the	grant	date	using	a	binomial	option	pricing	and	Monte	Carlo	
models. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of instruments granted, excluding the impact 
of any	service	and	non-market	performance	vesting	conditions.	Non-market	vesting	conditions	are	included	in	assumptions	about	
the number of options that are expected to vest. The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is typically the period 
over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be met.

The Company grants share options and shares under its share-based payment plans directly to employees of its subsidiaries. 
In accordance	with	the	provisions	of	the	plan,	the	cost	of	the	share-based	payments	will	be	recorded	by	each	subsidiary	as	an	
expense,	with	a	corresponding	increase	in	equity	as	a	contribution	from	the	parent.	The	Company,	over	whose	shares	options	are	
issued, recognises an increase in the investment in the related subsidiary and a credit to accumulated deficit.

DEFERRED TAXATION
Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet 
date. However, where there is uncertainty over the timing of their realisation, deferred tax assets are not recognised. 

26. JUDGEMENT IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors have made the following judgements:

•  At the end of the financial period, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its fixed asset investments to determine whether 
there is any indication that those assets have suffered any impairment loss. The recoverable amount is determined based on a 
value-in-use	calculation.	The	use	of	this	method	requires	the	estimation	of	future	cash	flows	and	the	choice	of	a	discount	rate	in	
order to calculate the present value of the cash flows. Actual outcomes may vary. More details are included in Note 31.

27. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
See Note 21 of the Group financial statements.

74 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019  /  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

28. RESERVES
See	Note	22	of	the	Group	financial	statements	for	a	description	of	the	nature	and	purpose	of	each	reserve	within	owners’	equity.

29. DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
The Directors’ remuneration for the Company is disclosed in Note 7 of the Group financial statements.

30. STAFF COSTS
Staff costs for all employees, including Executive Directors, comprise: 

Wages and salaries

Social security and payroll taxes

Share-based payments charge

The average number of employees of the Group during the year, including Executive Directors, was four (2018: four).

2019
$’000

271

22

293

53

346

2018
$’000

246

46

292

289

581

Total
$’000

Shares in 
Group
undertakings
$’000

Loans to
Group
undertakings
$’000

16,915

64,152

81,067

—

6,836

6,836

16,915

70,988

87,903

—

5,606

5,606

16,915

76,594

93,509

(16,915)

(45,134)

(62,049)

—

(9,473)

(9,473)

(16,915)

(54,607)

(71,522)

—

(8,113)

(8,113)

(16,915)

(62,720)

(79,635)

—

—

16,381

16,381

13,874

13,874

31. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Cost

Cost at 1 January 2018

Additions, net of repayments

Cost at 31 December 2018

Additions, net of repayments

Cost at 31 December 2019

Impairments

Impairments at 1 January 2018

Charge

Impairments at 31 December 2018

Charge

Impairments at 31 December 2019

Net book value

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2019

The fixed asset investment balances have been tested for impairment using discounted budgeted cash flows, a pre-tax discount rate 
of	14.9%	(2018:	14.9%),	and	performance	projections	over	five	years.	The	calculated	net	present	value	in	this	review	is	$13,874,000	
(2018:	$16,381,000),	which	resulted	in	an	impairment	of	$8,113,000	in	2019	(2018:	$9,473,000).

PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

75

 
 
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
for the year ended 31 December 2019

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2019

32. SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
The subsidiary undertakings of the Company are disclosed in Note 20 of the Group financial statements.

33. DEBTORS

Prepayments

All amounts fall due within one year.

34. CREDITORS

Trade creditors

Accruals

Totals

2019
$’000

18

 2018
	$’000	

27

2019
$’000

38

27

65

 2018
	$’000	

117

195

312

35. SHARE CAPITAL
The share capital of the Company is disclosed in Note 21 of the Group financial statements.

36. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed by Financial Reporting Standard 102 “Related Party Transactions” not 
to disclose	any	transactions	with	its	wholly-owned	subsidiary	companies	as	these	are	included	within	the	consolidated	financial	
statements of the Group.

37. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
The post balance sheet events is disclosed in Note 24 of the Group financial statements.

76 PLANT HEALTH CARE PLC

 
 
DIRECTORS AND ADVISERS

DIRECTORS
DR CHRISTOPHER G J RICHARDS 
Chief Executive Officer

DR RICHARD H WEBB 
Chairman and Non-executive Director

GUY VAN ZWANENBERG
Non-executive Director

WILLIAM M LEWIS 
Non-executive Director

JEFFREY TWEEDY
Executive Director

JEFFREY HOVEY
Executive Director

COMPANY SECRETARY
Christine Mazzone

REGISTERED OFFICE
1 Scott Place  
2 Hardman Street  
Manchester M3 3AA

COMPANY NUMBER
05116780

NOMINATED ADVISER AND BROKER
ARDEN PARTNERS PLC
125 Old Broad Street  
London EC2N 1AR

AUDITOR
BDO LLP
55 Baker Street  
London W1U 7EU

COMPANY SOLICITOR
DWF LLP
1 Scott Place  
2 Hardman Street  
Manchester M3 3AA 

REGISTRAR
NEVILLE REGISTRARS LIMITED
Neville House  
18 Laurel Lane  
Halesowen  
West Midlands B63 3DA

In this document, references to “the Company” are to Plant Health Care plc. References to “Plant Health Care”, “the Group”, “we” or “our” 
are	to	Plant	Health	Care	plc	and	its	subsidiaries	and	lines	of	business,	or	any	of	them	as	the	context	may	require.	The	Plant	Health	Care	
name and logo, Myconate, ProAct, N-Hibit, InnatusTM	3G	and	other	names	and marks	appearing	herein	and	on	Company	literature	are	
trademarks or trade names of Plant Health Care. All other third-party trademark rights are acknowledged.

Plant Health Care plc’s commitment to environmental issues is reflected in this 
Annual Report, which has been printed on Amadeus Silk, an FSC® certified 
material. This document was printed by Pureprint Group using its environmental 
print technology, with 99% of dry waste diverted from landfill, minimising the 
impact of printing on the environment. The printer is a CarbonNeutral® 
company. Both the printer and the paper mill are registered to ISO 14001.

Plant Health Care plc 
2626 Glenwood Avenue 
Suite 350 
Raleigh 
NC 27608 
USA

Phone:  919-926-1600 
Email: 

info@planthealthcare.com

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