2023 Full Year Results

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2 May 2024

 

Iofina plc

(“Iofina”, the “Company” or the “Group”)

(AIM: IOF)

2023 FULL YEAR RESULTS

Revenue up 18.5% to $50 million

Iofina plc, specialists in the exploration and production of iodine and manufacturers of specialty chemical products, announces its audited full-year results for the 12 months to 31 December 2023 (the “Period”).

Higher sales of crystalline iodine drive 18.5% revenue growth, profits resilient despite higher inflation and input costs:

• Revenue of $50.0m (2022: $42.2m); Sixth successive year of revenue growth
• Gross profit of $15.7m (2022: $15.8m)
• Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $10.8m (2022: $11.5m)
• Operating profit of $8.6m (2022: $9.6m)
• Profit before tax of $8.3m (2022: $10.0m)

 

Strong balance sheet and swing to net cash position:

• Cash of $6.5m at year-end up 10.0% (2022: $5.9m)
• Further debt reduction moved the Company into a net cash position of $1.2m

 

Investing for growth:

• Capital investment into chemical and new iodine plants doubled to $6.2m (2022: $3.1m)
• Signed agreement in Q4 2023 for IO#10

 

2024 so far:

• Production of 123.7 MT of crystalline iodine in Q1 from Iofina’s six IOsorb® plants
• The iodine global spot price started around the mid to upper sixties $ per kg and prices are expected to stay at these levels into the second half of 2024
• IO#10 is currently on schedule and expected to be operational in Q3 2024
• Potential sites for IO#11 identified
• Renewal of iodide-rich brine water supply agreements for two IOsorb® plants

 

¹Refer to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for calculation

 

Commenting, President and CEO, Dr. Tom Becker, stated:

“Iofina delivered another strong year across the business, which culminated in record sales of just over $50m. Despite the impact of sustained inflation and higher input costs during 2023, profits remained resilient and were only marginally down on last year. The business has continued to generate cash and further reduced its debt level, moving into a net cash position of $1.2m. We have made important investments for growth, in particular the completion and switch on of IO#9 in June 2023 as well as further R&D within our derivatives business to introduce new products to our customers.

“In Q4 2023, we announced the agreement was signed for IO#10 and we remain on track to have this in operation in Q3 2024. Like IO#9, the new plant is expected to add 100MT-150MT of crystalline iodine per annum. We are also pleased that negotiations are progressing well with several interested parties for IO#11, with potential sites identified. Outside of the construction of new IOsorb® plants, the Board continues to examine other potential growth projects that complement Iofina’s existing skill set and range of products, which may present cross-selling opportunities.

“2024 has started well, with Q1 production up 15.5% year-on-year as recently announced, and iodine prices continue to remain at their higher, favourable levels. We have also confirmed the long-term agreement to supply two IOsorb® plants with iodide-rich brine water with the current supplier. The security in the new agreement ensures the Company can keep on track with its strategy in aiming to increase production from our existing plants and to match the increased production with additional sales.”

Enquiries:

 

Dr. Tom Becker

CEO & President

Iofina plc

Tel: +44 (0)20 3006 3135

 

Nomad & Broker:

Henry Fitzgerald-O’Connor/Harry Rees

Canaccord Genuity Limited

Tel: +44 (0)20 7523 8000

 

Media Contact:

Charles Goodwin/Shivantha Thambirajah/Zara McKinlay

Yellow Jersey PR Limited

Tel: +44 (0)7747 788 221/+44 (0)7983 521 488

About Iofina:

Iofina plc (AIM: IOF) is a vertically integrated company that specialises in the production of Iodine and the manufacturing of specialty chemical products. Iofina is the second largest producer of iodine in North America and operates the manufacturing entities Iofina Resources and Iofina Chemical.

 

LEI: 213800QDMFYVRJYYTQ84

 

ISIN: GB00B2QL5C79

 

Iofina Resources

Iofina Resources develops, builds, owns, and operates iodine extraction plants using Iofina’s WET® IOsorb® technology. Iofina currently operates six producing IOsorb® plants in Oklahoma and is consistently using technology and innovation to improve and expand its operations.

 

Iofina Chemical

Iofina Chemical has manufactured high quality halogen speciality chemicals derived from raw iodine, as well as non-iodine-based products. Iofina Chemical celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2023 as a preeminent halogen-based specialty chemicals company.

 

www.iofina.com

 

 

Contents                                                            

 

COMPANY INFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………….. ..2

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT………………………………………………………………………………………….. ..3

FINANCIAL REVIEW…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ..8

DIRECTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES…… ………………………………………………………………………………………. 10

STRATEGIC REPORT…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

S172 STATEMENT………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….22

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE……………………………………………………………………………………………………………24

DIRECTORS’ REPORT………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 25

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT……………………………………………………………………….. 27

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (“ESG”)…………………………………………………………………34

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF IOFINA PLC………………………………….. 37

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ……………………………………………… 47

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET …………………………………………………………………………………. 48

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY………………………………… 49

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT ……………………………………………………………………… 50

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET ………………………………………………………………………………………… 51

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY……………………………………….. 52

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS………………………………………………….. 53

 

 

COMPANY INFORMATION                          

Directors                                              L J Baller

                                                                T M Becker

W D Bellamy

                                                                M T Lewin

                                                                J F Mermoud

                                                                M Fallin Christensen

 

Secretary                                             Simon Holden

 

Company number                            05393357

 

Registered office                              48 Chancery Lane

                                                                London WC2A 1JF

 

Auditor                                                 UHY Hacker Young LLP

                                                                Quadrant House

                                                                4 Thomas More Square

                                                                London E1W 1 YW

 

Nominated Adviser and Broker  Canaccord Genuity Limited

                                                                88 Wood Street

                                                                London EC2V 7QR 

 

Solicitors                                              Keystone Law Limited

                                                                48 Chancery Lane

                                                                London WC2A 1JF

 

Registrar                                              Link Asset Services (Holdings) Limited

10th Floor, Central Square

                                                                29 Wellington Square

                                                                Leeds LS1 4DL

 

Financial PR                                        Yellow Jersey PR Limited

Thanet House

231-232 Strand

London WC2R 1DA

 

 

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Introduction

 

Iofina delivered another strong performance in 2023 against a backdrop of higher inflation, which saw input costs rise materially across all industries. We achieved increased revenues for the sixth consecutive year of $50.0m, an increase of 19% on the previous year (2022: $42.2m). The Group’s adjusted EBITDA of $10.8m was marginally down from the previous year (2022: $11.5m). Gross profit reduced marginally from $15.8m in 2022 to $15.7m and profit before tax was $8.3m (2022: $10.0m).

Cash started the year at $5.9m and ended $0.6m higher at $6.5m. This included paying off $1.4m of the bank term loan per the borrowing schedule and investing heavily into capital projects. We remain strategically well-positioned to finance our ongoing operational investment program through a strong cash position and availability of bank facilities, which includes $4.0m of currently undrawn loans for new plant construction. The Group’s net debt of $0.9m improved to a net cash position of $1.2m and net cash inflow from operating activities was strong at $8.4m.

Iofina produced 559 metric tonnes (“MT”) of crystalline iodine in 2023, an increase of 8.3% over 2022 (516 MT). Average prices per kilogram achieved for sales of crystalline iodine, based on 100% iodine, decreased 2.8% on the previous year to an average of $69.19 per kg for 2023, whilst non-iodine product sales fell by 25% from $10.8m in 2022 to $8.1m in 2023 due to slowing end market demand.

 

One of the Key Performance Indicators (“KPI’s”) the Company utilises to measure progression showed a healthy bank term debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.50 for year-end 2023. This compared to 0.58 for year-end 2022 (1.19 for year-end 2021). In 2017, we set out to reduce the Group’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio to below one from an unhealthy and unsustainable 15.53 ratio. The debt-to-EBITDA ratio is a leverage metric that measures the amount of income that is available to pay down debt before covering interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation expenses. Industry standards indicate a term debt to EBITDA ratio of below three is standard and acceptable. A debt-to-EBITDA ratio below one indicates that the Group is generating enough cash from operations to cover its debts plus has excess funds for other purposes such as plant expansion. In addition, the Company was able to reduce its net debt position from $0.9m to a net cash position of $1.2m, as stated above, while at the same time doubling capital investments and reinvestments into chemical and iodine plants of $6.2m (2022: $3.1m).

 

Iofina remains committed to the safety of our employees and our communities. We continue to improve upon our robust Environmental Health and Safety (“EH&S”) programs and apply the tenets of these programs in our daily activities. At the end of 2023, the Group has not had a Lost Time Incident (”LTI”) in 993 days has not experienced any LTI’s so far in 2024. Iofina continues to invest heavily in training and software for EH&S and is committed to the highest standards.

 

We have built an excellent business with diversified, low-cost production across a diverse array of IOsorb® plants and a specialty chemicals business, supplying customers globally across several end markets. While many of our KPI’s were encouraging in 2023, overall results were mixed as we tried to maintain a stronger sales margin, giving up lower-margin business, whilst dealing with inflationary pressures, especially on new plant construction.

 

Iofina Chemical (“IC”)

IC operates as the Group’s chemical derivatives manufacturer and processes all product sales. Sales in 2023 exceeded $50m for the first time in the Group’s history. Iodine prices, which remain strong, contributed to this achievement, along with new product offerings. The largest revenue driver was direct sales of Iofina-produced crystalline iodine, which had strong global demand in 2023. Total sales of other iodine and non-iodine derivatives were mixed and declined year-on-year. After recording strong sales of Hydriodic acid (“HI”) and Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (“IPBC”) in 2022, sales of these compounds were down in 2023 versus the prior year. These declines were likely a result of inventory adjustments by customers, with slower demand for HI in agricultural applications, and some consolidation in the IPBC market over the last two years. However, we do expect IPBC sales to bounce back in 2024.  Methyl iodide, which is used in pharmaceutical applications, acetic acid manufacturing and as a methylating agent in organic specialty chemical manufacturing, was a strong performer for IC in 2023. As previously communicated, changes in product mixes year over year are common and we will continue to drive sales of all IC products.

 

IC production and sales of non-iodine halogen derivatives remain a strategic segment of the Group.  These compounds add to the diversity of our offerings and support various applications including biocides and semiconductor etchant uses. Non-iodine sales accounted for 16% of the Group’s total sales in 2023, with overall sales for these non-iodine derivatives falling in 2023. Iofina expects semiconductor demand to be the key driver of sales for our non-iodine derivatives in 2024 as this sector continues to strengthen.

 

IC is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, continuing to meet or exceed our internal KPI’s regarding IC’s quality performance to ensure it is delivering quality compounds timely that meet or exceed customer expectations.

 

In 2023, several plant improvements at IC were authorised, including the installation of a new chiller to support the production of numerous iodine derivatives, process improvements to produce a specialty gas used in semiconductor applications, and equipment replacements in our Sodium Iodide and Methyl Iodide processes. The most significant changes in 2023 affected IPBC, where improvements have resulted in faster reaction times, reduced costs, and increased quality.  Additionally, IC added equipment to produce a new IPBC formulation for the Group.

 

As a specialty chemical manufacturer, IC handles numerous hazardous substances and performs various chemical reactions in large quantities. It is imperative that IC follow a robust safety program and we strive for continual improvement in these safety-related measures. IC is proud to have had no LTI’s in the last 1,181 days as of 31 December 2023 and no LTI’s so far in 2024. Additionally, IC management continues to build, with our employees, a strong culture focused on safety and performance.

 

Research and Development (“R&D”) is critical for IC to meet the Group’s expectations of continued growth. The IPBC improvements, mentioned above, were accomplished due to our R&D efforts. Additionally, the IC research team has focused on the following areas: systems to recover iodine from specific industrial waste streams, the development of iodine compounds used in the agricultural industry which is expected to be produced by IC in 2024, developing of synthetic routes for new iodine compounds for IC, and the development of a new synthesis of a specialty fluorinated gas. The investments that IC continues to make in its R&D facilities and team are expected to enhance future new product opportunities and margins realised by the Group.

 

As Iofina continues its expansion strategy, the Company recognised it needed to add resources to the Group to accomplish our goals. To that end, IC hired a new Sales and Marketing Manager in 2023 who has extensive experience in the specialty chemical industry. In 2024, the Company’s website will go through a restructuring process to drive more traffic and further enhance the capabilities of Iofina. With the increased marketing efforts, we expect to expand our customer base and identify new opportunities for existing offerings. Finally, the Company believes the new strategy will obtain new R&D opportunities, within our core chemistries, to drive additional growth and further new research for our customers growing needs.

 

Iodine Market

The global demand for iodine in 2023 was mixed. Overall, we believe that the consumption of iodine slightly decreased in 2023 versus the previous year. There were areas of strong growth including X-ray contrast media applications, with other segments declining in demand such as automotive uses and some agricultural applications due to end-market production constraints. Additionally, there were likely some inventory corrections, especially at the beginning of 2023, that contributed to the year-over-year decline in iodine demand.

 

Nevertheless, prices remained robust and demand for Iofina’s crystalline iodine was strong among our growing customer base. Spot iodine prices began the year near $70/kg and ended 2023 in the mid to upper sixties per kilogram. At the time of writing, iodine prices are in the same range as year-end 2023 levels.  The largest iodine application, X-ray contrast agents, is expected to continue to grow while the totality of the rest of the iodine derivative market is likely to stabilise or slightly increase in 2024. Barring any unforeseen global recession or any unexpected change in supply, Iofina expects near-term prices to remain relatively steady. The growth of Iofina’s production in 2023 and 2024 is not expected to impact the overall supply and demand equilibrium in the global iodine market, and therefore not negatively impact iodine prices. We believe as Chile modernises to fully incorporate water conservation through desalination and renewable energy, this will begin to protect the fragile ecosystems of the Atacama Desert but will also likely increase the production cost of iodine.

 

Iofina Resources (“IR”)

IR operates as the Group’s iodine manufacturer and conducts exploration efforts for future growth in the extraction of valuable substances, such as iodine, from brine waters. IR has developed its proven technology to obtain iodine from produced water brines, which are a by-product of oil and gas production. IR currently operates six IOsorb® iodine plants in the state of Oklahoma. In 2023, IR continued to execute its growth strategy and switched on its newest plant IO#9 in June 2023. It also began construction of an additional iodine plant, IO#10, in late 2023, which is expected to be completed in Q3 2024. IR produced 559.3 MT of crystalline iodine in 2023, an 8% increase year-on-year. With a full year of production from IO#9, and additional production expected from IO#10, IR expects to produce a record amount of iodine for the Group in 2024.

 

The opening of IO#9 is a significant achievement for IR. This iodine production plant operates with a new brine supply partner in a new core area of production. We note that there were challenges in the timing of the opening of this plant, and the costs associated with the building of IO#9. We have documented and learned lessons that we will apply to the construction of future IOsorb® plants. In late 2023, the Group announced the start of construction of a new plant IO#10 in the same new core area in Oklahoma as IO#9. Once operational, IO#10 is expected to produce 100-150 MT of crystalline iodine annually, with this plant operating with a large new brine supply partner. IR has recently welcomed back our former VP of Operations from a Fortune 100 company into a new role to focus on managing new major business development and overseeing the new construction of IO#10. This project manager was heavily involved in the building of past iodine plants and has extensive experience in iodine recovery and exploration. As previously communicated, IR expects to double its production from 2021 levels in the next few years, and the development of new plants such as IO#9 and IO#10 is part of that process to achieve that goal.

 

To that, the IR team continues to strengthen its business development efforts to increase future production. We have added personnel to our geological team to provide additional capabilities to meet our growth goals and to have adequate resources to explore new areas both inside and outside of our current core production regions. IR continues its intern program in conjunction with an Oklahoma university to provide additional support to our exploration efforts.

 

We continue to make positive progress towards finalising the plans and agreements necessary for our next plant, IO#11. The Directors of Iofina will make the proper business decision regarding the timing of IO#11 based on market and business management factors. The most likely location for IO#11 will be in our new core area in Oklahoma where IO#9 is based, and IO#10 is being developed. IR is exploring other opportunities both in our Oklahoma core areas, as well as in two other states in the US. We are excited about the future growth opportunities outside of our current core areas, which could be a step change in the magnitude of growth for Iofina.

 

Outside of IO#9, IR operates five other IOsorb® iodine production plants. These plants performed as expected in 2023, and we recently announced, on 16 April 2024, a market-rate brine fee agreement with a long-term partner at two of our sites. This agreement will help better align our partner to maximise brine flow to those two plants. These five historic plants are situated in Western Oklahoma, and three different partners supply our plants with produced brine water. We continue to ensure we maintain good relationships with each partner. IR’s focus at these plants in 2023 emphasised working with our partners to maximise brine water inputs and to achieve maximum efficiencies to produce iodine from these plants. As these plants age, it is important to reinvest in these facilities to avoid production downtime and ensure cost controls at these plants are a focus for the Group. To that, our maintenance team continues to improve its preventative maintenance program to be more proactive in our approach to maintaining our facilities rather than reactive.

 

Costs of raw materials to process the brine water into iodine continued to increase in 2023, however, chemical cost increases in 2023 were lower than those of 2022. We have worked with our major raw material suppliers, and have supply agreements in place to minimise the impact of inflation of chemicals used in our process. We will continue to source from various suppliers, and we may explore producing these chemicals ourselves if needed.

 

IR continues to make strides in our safety culture and systems. The Group has invested in software to aid in our EH&S program as well as increase training for our employees. This system has improved IR’s data collection of important EH&S information and enhanced our corrective action program to continually improve how we operate. IR had no LTIs in 993 days as of 31 December 2023 and no LTI’s in 2024 at the time of writing. In late 2023, IR hired an additional dedicated EH&S employee to support our facilities as we continue to build and operate additional iodine plants.

 

Outlook

As we go into 2024, IO#10 currently appears to be in a location of strong brine flows and good iodine content and will be a material addition to the Group. We believe that our current focus area of future plants will be a paradigm shift for the Group, and it will ignite our long-term development plans as we seek to diversify geographically from prior plant locations. In 2023, we were able to provide evidence that Iofina is a highly attractive and profitable Group, and we continued to share our story with global institutional funds, family offices, and retail investors. Our shareholder register expanded in the financial year with the addition of new institutional holdings. We will continue to hold roadshows and investor programs in 2024 under the stewardship of Canaccord Genuity, the Company’s nominated adviser and broker. We have a strategic plan to stabilise costs from inflationary pressures, which will help as we go into the next growth phase.

 

In terms of our expansion, we are squarely focused on growing our current iodine production and specialty chemical businesses, including developing new and exciting chemical compounds through internal research, development, and joint ventures. We are focused on developing strategies to reduce our reliance on our current oil and gas partners and explore new geographic areas in North America.  We continue to analyse all potential business partnerships and product combinations in our chemical Group that could be beneficial to shareholders as a growing halogen chemistry Group, and we always continue to focus on calculated opportunities in our approach to growth.

 

I would like to thank all our shareholders for their continued support. We are looking forward to appraising the excellent developments we are seeing as we move the Company forward in setting continued record years.

 

 

Lance J Baller

Non-Executive Chairman

Iofina plc

1 May 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

Summary 2023 v 2022

• Sixth successive year of record revenue
• Revenue increased by 19% from $42.2m to $50.0m
• Gross profit decreased by 1% from $15.8m to $15.7m
• Adjusted EBITDA declined by 6% from $11.5m to $10.8m
• Profit before tax decreased by 17% from $10.0m to $8.3m
• Net debt of $0.9m became net cash of $1.2m*
• Capital investment into chemical and iodine plants was $6.2m (2022: $3.1m)

*excludes lease liabilities

 

Trading results

 

 

Revenue increased by 19% from $42.2m to $50.0m with the main driver being strong demand for the Company’s crystallised iodine. Volumes sold increased by 92% from 220MT to 423MT, and the average price achieved (based on 100% prilled iodine equivalent) was only 3% below the record levels achieved in 2022, at $69.19 per kg compared to $71.20 per kg.

 

Derivative compounds turnover declined by 21% from $16.3m to $12.9m as some expected demand did not materialise and pricing was an issue for some products. Consequently, resources were shifted towards better opportunities in the raw iodine market.

 

The higher level of iodine sales was facilitated by an increase in production to 559MT from 516MT in 2022, reflecting a contribution of 32MT from the new IO#9 plant that commenced production in July 2023. There was also an efficient conversion of production into sales, with 608MT of crystallised iodine sold in total compared to production of 559MT (2022: 441MT sold compared to 516MT produced).

 

Prilled iodine sales more than doubled from $1.8m to $4.1m, representing further success with iodine sales channels.

 

Non-iodine sales fell back by 25% from $10.8m to $8.1m, reflecting some reduction in demand for the Company’s specialty chemical gases.

 

Gross profit fell slightly by 1% from $15.8m (38% of sales) to $15.7m (31% of sales). Iodine prices showed only a slight decline, but the average cost of iodine production increased by more than 20%. The areas chiefly responsible for the increase in cost were plant chemicals and maintenance. Also, internally produced iodine aside, the sales mix was less favourable for profitability, with a reduction in non-iodine sales.

 

Adjusted EBITDA fell by $0.7m (6%) from $11.5m (27% of sales) to $10.8m (22% of sales). As well as the factors mentioned above, SG&A costs increased somewhat with some investment in personnel and programmes to support the planned expansion of the business.

 

Interest swap derivative asset

The swap contract that pegs interest on 70% of the bank loan to 3.99% continues to deliver benefits in the continuing higher interest rate environment. The swap rebate for 2023 amounted to $152k (2022: $23K). The derivative asset resulting from the swap contract has been revalued at $161k as at 31 December 2023 (31 December 2022: $249K) by reference to market expectations for future SOFR rates, and an amount of $88k has been charged against 2023 income to reflect the unwinding of the benefit (2022 credit: $249k).

Profit before tax

Profit before tax decreased by $1.7m (17%) from $10.0m (2022) to $8.3m (2023). In addition to the   factors set out above there was also an exceptional credit of $0.45m in 2022 (Note 12) with nothing in that category for 2023.

Tax

The Group is utilising previous years’ accumulated US Federal tax losses against current profits that would otherwise be taxable. Based on current projections, the Group expects that US Federal tax will not be payable in respect of 2023, but is likely to become payable in respect of 2024. 

Capital investment

The Group invested $6.2m in capital projects and equipment in the year (2022: $3.1m). Approximately $4m of this 2023 capex relates to the continued construction of the IO#9 plant in Oklahoma, which was completed mid-year and produced 32MT of iodine in the second half, with total costs amounting to $5.8m. A further $0.3m was spent in 2023 on the beginning of construction of IO#10 plant, and a $5m capital commitment for this plant is disclosed in Note 27. Most of the balance of expenditure ($1.2m) relates to new projects, process improvements and replacements at the Iofina Chemical plant.

Cash flow

Cash started the year at $5.9m and ended $0.6m higher at $6.5m, after paying off $1.4m of the bank term loan in accordance with the borrowing schedule and investing $6.2m in capital projects. Net debt of $0.9m improved to net cash of $1.2m. Net cash inflow from operating activities was $8.4m.

Malcolm Lewin

Chief Financial Officer

Iofina plc

1 May 2024

 

DIRECTORS’ BIOGRAPHIES

Lance J. Baller, Non-Executive Chairman

Mr. Baller was co-founder, CEO and President of Iofina Plc prior to his departure for health reasons in June 2013. Mr. Baller was the Group’s Finance Director from 2007 until his appointment as CEO in 2010. Mr. Baller returned as Chairman in April 2014. Mr. Baller currently serves as a director and as sole or principal shareholder of several privately owned businesses, including Baller Enterprises, Inc. (personal holding company), Titan Au, Inc, Empire Leasing LLC, Valdez Au, Inc, Extrac Technologies Limited, Extrac, Inc, Wyoming Sand Company LLC (which all are in gold, sand, rock, SiO2 and gravel mining), Ultimate Investment (personal investment company) and Baller Family Foundation, Inc. (personal family foundation) plus many others that he has founded and successfully sold over the years. He is the former managing partner of Shortline Equity Partners, Inc., a mid-market merger and acquisitions consulting and investment company. Mr. Baller is also the former Managing Partner of Elevation Capital Management, LLC and is the former alternative investment hedge fund manager of the Elevation Fund. He is also a former Vice-President of Corporate Development and Communications of Integrated Biopharma, Inc. and prior to that a vice-president of the investment banking firms UBS and Morgan Stanley. Mr. Baller has been a CEO, interim CEO, Chairman, CFO and secretary of various private and public listed companies throughout his career. He has served as Chairman to various companies and has led successful restructurings. Mr. Baller has had extensive experience in all aspects of corporate finance. Mr. Baller currently is on the board of trustees of Index Fund and Digital Funds where he serves as the chairman of the audit committee and as the audit committee financial expert under Sarbanes-Oxley.

Dr. Thomas M. Becker, Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Becker has served as President/CEO of Iofina plc since 2014 and has led Iofina Chemical since March 2010. Previously, Dr. Becker was the Vice President of Research and Development at H&S/Iofina Chemical. Iofina bought H&S in July 2009. Dr. Becker has conducted extensive research in both inorganic and organic halogen-based chemistry. Dr. Becker has written a magnitude of published technical papers in his career. Prior to H&S Dr. Becker worked as an Oak Ridge Scholar on behalf of the US EPA and for various other chemical manufacturing companies. Dr. Becker earned a BS in Chemistry from Indiana University, and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati. He has extensive experience in scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory to pilot to full scale production. Dr. Becker is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (“SOCMA”).

Dr. William D. Bellamy, Non-Executive Director

Dr. Bellamy is the former Senior Vice President of the Water Business Group at CH2M HILL, Inc. (“CH2M”), a company he has worked at for 30 years until his recent retirement. CH2M is one of the largest consulting engineering companies in the world, providing leadership and strategic direction for the water business and application of technologies worldwide. Dr. Bellamy has participated in energy and sustainability forums, including as a panellist at the World Future Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi, the World Bank Sustainable Cities Symposium and the Future of Water Economic Forum. Dr. Bellamy serves as Professor of Practice at the University of Wyoming, where he teaches graduate courses and is responsible for securing grants and research funding in the areas of water resources, water treatment and sustainable energy development. Dr. Bellamy has a PhD in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University, an MSc in Civil (Environmental) Engineering from the University of Wyoming and a BSc in Electrical (Bio-Medical) Engineering from the University of Wyoming.

Malcolm T. Lewin, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Lewin was named CFO and a director of the Group in November 2016 after having joined Iofina as interim CFO in February 2016.  Mr. Lewin is based in the UK and has over 30 years of experience in finance and accounting for both public and private companies. As well as being a partner in a chartered accounting firm for 11 years, he has acted for various companies listed on AIM and other exchanges. In particular, from 2000 to 2003 he was the Finance Director of Oxford Metrics plc, an AIM company supplying motion capture and visual geometry systems. From 2004 to 2006 he was the Finance Director of Real Estate Investors plc, an AIM property investment company with interests in quality commercial and industrial properties. From 2006 to 2011 he was a Director and CFO of Hunter Bay Minerals plc, a junior mining company listed on the Toronto Venture Exchange with interests in South America and Canada. From 2011 to 2014 he was CFO and Treasurer of VolitionRX Limited, an OTC life sciences company focused on developing blood tests for a broad range of cancer types and other conditions. Mr. Lewin has an MA in Classics from Oxford University and qualified as a chartered accountant with Coopers & Lybrand.

J. Frank Mermoud, Non-Executive Director

Mr. Mermoud has more than 30 years’ experience in international business, facilitating trade and investment in both the public and private sectors. He has held senior international, economic and commercial policy positions within the United States Government having served as the Secretary of State’s Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at U.S. Department of State from 2002 to 2009. Mr. Mermoud is also a Non-Executive Director of Cub Energy Inc. an oil and gas company headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Mary Fallin Christensen, Non-Executive Director

Mary Fallin Christensen has served the State of Oklahoma for over 30 years. She was elected the first female Governor of the State in 2010, and was re-elected for a second term in 2014. Prior to serving as Governor, she held a number of state and federal positions, including serving as US Congresswoman for Oklahoma’s 5th district between 2007-2011 and serving as Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma between 1995-2006.  Mary has been a major contributor to natural resources industries in Oklahoma, and implemented the State’s first comprehensive energy plan as well as its State-wide water plan. She has held several positions, including Chair of the Southern State Energy Board, Chair of the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission, and has served on the natural resource committee of the National Governors Association (NGA). Previously, she also served on the United States House of Representatives Committee on Small Business, was Small Business Chairman on the Republican Policy Committee, and was named the “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business. Mary has also served on numerous Boards of Directors for both commercial organizations and non-profits.

 

 

STRATEGIC REPORT

Principal activities and review of the business

Iofina plc (“Iofina” or the “Company”) is the holding company of a group of companies (the “Group”) involved in the exploration and isolation of iodine and the production of specialty chemicals. Iofina Resources, Inc. is the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary which uses proprietary Wellhead Extraction Technology® (WET®) and WET® IOsorb® methods to produce iodine from brine. Large volumes of brine water are sourced from partnerships with oil and gas operators and saltwater disposal (“SWD”) operators in the United States and are used as a raw material to produce iodine at the Group’s multiple IOsorb® plants. The Group’s unique business model isolates a resource, iodine, from a produced waste stream that, without Iofina’s technology, would be lost. The Company’s WET® IOsorb® technology has unique elements that allow Iofina to handle brines which contain residual hydrocarbons and efficiently produce high-quality iodine. The Directors of the Company believe that Iofina’s production process, which utilises brine water from third-party oil and gas production, is advantageous for long-term sourcing of the raw material as well as minimised production and expansion costs. Compounds containing iodine or other specialty chemicals are produced at and sold through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Iofina Chemical, Inc., with the major raw material being the Group’s produced iodine. Additionally, the Group’s crystalline IOflo® iodine is sold directly to other iodine end-users.

Iodine is a rare element that is produced only in a few countries in the world, with approximately 90 per cent of global production coming from Chile (~60 per cent) and Japan (~30 per cent, including recycled waste streams). Iodine and its compounds have many human health-related applications, including X-ray contrast agents, pharmaceuticals, antiseptics, thyroid function, and others. Additional high-volume uses of iodine include LCD screen technology, material heat stabilisation, animal feed additives, biocides, catalysts and more. The Group produces iodine in the United States where the overall global iodine production is approximately six per cent of the world’s total production, but where there is a large consumption of the world’s iodine by various American users. Iofina believes it is the second largest producer of iodine in North America.

The ability of the Group to expand its iodine production quickly, at a low cost, differentiates Iofina from other iodine producers. This has been proven by the expansion of production and opening of new IOsorb® plants such as IO#9, which opened in 2023, and IO#10 which is under construction and scheduled to open in Q3 2024. Additionally, the Directors believe that the Group’s technology to produce iodine is far more environmentally friendly compared to other producers. By using a produced water waste stream from the oil and gas industry to isolate iodine versus isolating iodine from ores, Iofina’s process is considered ecologically efficient in obtaining a valuable product from a waste stream versus the environmentally intensive processes of mining iodine from ores by Chilean producers.

Economically viable iodide-rich brine co-produced during oil and gas production is not common, and the Group’s proprietary geological model to locate and anticipate iodide-rich sources is unique. The Directors of Iofina are committed to producing its products in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, and to improving communications regarding our long-term strategy in respect of Iofina’s sustainable practices and other ESG tenets.

The focus of Iofina’s current business model is the production of iodine from brine and the creation and sales of specialty chemicals through Iofina Chemical. The Directors feel strongly that diversification within the business whilst focusing on our core expertise is important. Iofina Resources diversifies its iodine production through multiple IOsorb® production plants, with multiple brine suppliers in western Oklahoma. The technology the Group has developed, utilising a waste resource already being produced allows Iofina the ability to expand its operations quickly with minimal capital expenditure. Continued prudent growth in the number of IOsorb® plants increases production, profit, and diversification. Continued expansion of the Group’s geological model provides opportunities for Iofina outside of its current core areas.

Iofina Chemical produces a wide range of iodine-based products with applications in various industries including agricultural, pharmaceutical, biocides and others, whilst additional diversification is realised by the production of non-iodine-based products. The demand for various products can change, and Iofina Chemical’s ability to produce a variety of products allows the Group to take advantage of growing markets while not being as affected by temporarily depressed or declining markets.

Iodine prices rose significantly between 2021 through mid-year 2022, exceeding $70/kg by July 2022 and stabilising at these levels through early 2023. Pricing at these levels has not been seen since 2011, when a combination of the Fukushima disaster in Japan and Chilean supply disruptions resulted in a shortage of iodine and a price spike. Supply and demand changes, as well as manufacturing cost increases, are the major factors influencing the iodine price. As an iodine manufacturer, iodine prices have a significant impact on the Group’s gross profit margins.

During 2023, Iofina believes the total global demand for iodine was slightly lower than in 2022, with some inventory corrections at the beginning of the year contributing to this slightly lower demand.  Demand for X-ray contrast media applications, continued to show significant increases, whilst other applications such as automotive and some agricultural applications had weaker demand. Currently, iodine prices remain high versus historical levels, and the range of prices remains larger than typical historical prices. Spot prices peaked above $70/kg during 2022 and have settled into the current range of mid to upper sixties per kilogram. Contracted iodine prices for large customers are generally slightly lower than spot prices. Demand for Iofina’s iodine and iodine derivatives was mixed in 2023, with Iofina Chemical seeing mixed demand for some of its iodine derivatives but strong demand for Iofina’s crystalline iodine. Although it is difficult to predict, we expect demand for iodine to slightly increase versus 2023 levels as most inventory corrections have already occurred and it is now less likely that a global recession will occur. We expect iodine prices to remain steady at least through H1 2024 but we note that any additional Chilean production coming onstream may increase overall global iodine supplies. Inflation in 2023 has remained at high levels but less than in 2022. However, this has resulted in higher costs for Iofina’s raw materials, labour and energy.

The Directors recognised that, as the Company built its IOsorb® plants, it was imperative for Iofina’s iodine production costs to be amongst the lowest in the industry to be competitive. Between 2014 and 2017, numerous initiatives were successfully implemented to optimise Iofina’s technology and lower production costs. Once most of these goals were achieved and iodine market conditions became more favourable, the Directors commenced the next phase of Iofina’s business plan with a focus on growth. In early 2018, the Group’s newest iodine plant at the time, IO#7, was completed. By expanding our operations and building IO#7, the Group successfully lowered its overall iodine production costs with its most efficient plant at that time. The next major growth development occurred in Q2 2019 when the Company performed an equity raise to reduce debt and provide working capital for expansion projects. The result was the construction of IO#8, which began in late 2019 and was completed in early April 2020. The Group has continued its expansion efforts and successfully opened IO#9 in June 2023 and is currently constructing IO#10 which is expected to open in Q3 2024. 

The Group is committed to establishing new routes to growth and is investigating new locations and partnerships to expand iodine production. Lessons learned from past expansion play a role in management’s iodine plant growth. Building of future IOsorb® plants will be done prudently to ensure to the best of our knowledge that Iofina has a long-term, low-cost iodine production. With an expanding iodine market and Iofina’s improved balance sheet, Iofina will likely embark on additional iodine plants after IO#10 completion, although this will only be done with the correct evaluations of potential future sites and market conditions.

The Directors are aware of the risk of declining brine availability if our partners do not maintain or increase their hydrocarbon production in areas that supply the Group’s IOsorb® plants. The Group continues to investigate the economics and the technology to have better control of the iodide-rich brine supplies that feed the current and future plants.

Iofina Chemical continues to be recognised as a world-renowned halogen specialty chemical producer. Vertical integration of the Group’s iodine into iodine derivatives gives Iofina’s customers stability of supply in addition to the long-standing quality and technical support to Iofina’s global customers for the goods sold to them. Additionally, the non-iodine-based halogen derivatives produced by Iofina Chemical give the Group further diversity. Iofina Chemical invested in multiple projects in 2023, and will continue to invest in areas to expand current products and develop new products for Iofina using the Company’s core expertise.

Key Performance Indicators

The Directors review a range of financial indicators to assess and manage the Group’s performance, including the following relating to revenue and iodine production:

 

Commentary on some of the above indicators is to be found in the Chairman’s Statement on pages 3 to 7.

Further commentary on the results for the year and the financial position at the year-end is to be found in the Financial Review on pages 8 to 9.

Objectives

At the end of 2023, the Group had six operating IOsorb® iodine production facilities in the two core areas of Oklahoma and a seventh under construction. While the theoretical capacity of these plants is very high, the practical capacity of the plants is somewhat lower. Practical capacity considers multiple causes of downtime, including weather, repairs and maintenance, inadequate brine (low parts per million of iodine, heavily contaminated brine or little to no supply), power outages and other conditions. As we have proven our technology and continue to improve operations at current facilities, more accurate practical capacity operating targets have been realised as well as improvements for maximising practical capacity.

Iofina Resources’ unique business model allows the Group to determine sites for new iodine production plants utilising existing brine produced from oil and gas production and quickly bring these sites into production. The execution of a prudent growth strategy continued with the start of construction of IO#8 in late 2019, which was completed in April 2020, and we continue to open new iodine plants, including IO#9 which opened in June of 2023. While technology and efficiency improvements at current facilities remain an ongoing priority, the Company continues to explore new iodine production opportunities. This objective of strategic expansion in 2020 and beyond is focused on sites that will continue to improve Iofina’s output with low production costs.  As previously stated, the Group expects to continue its iodine production and expects to double iodine production from 2021 levels in the next few years. In late 2023, the Group began construction on IO#10 with an expectation to complete this plant in Q3 2024.

Brine supply to our IOsorb® plants can be affected by regulatory changes and adjustments to our partners’ saltwater disposal systems and oil production programs. Iofina continues to work with its partners to implement plans to maximise brine input and iodine output at each of our existing sites. The mutually beneficial relationship between Iofina and its brine supply partners, which allows Iofina to create iodine and for the brine suppliers to realise value from a waste stream, is a key component for existing projects and potentially for future sites. Continued efforts by our business development and geological teams have identified numerous further expansion opportunities. The Company will continue to evaluate and potentially execute these with current and new potential brine supply partners when management determines the proper timing for new sites.

The timing of future iodine production growth will be dependent on a series of factors. These include the stability or increase of iodine prices, global demand, availability and cost of production at new sites, partnership agreements, oil prices and production in areas with high iodide content brines, and the regulatory landscape concerning brine injection. Lower oil prices can lead to lower oil production if certain wells become uneconomical, which in turn can affect brine supplies from our partners. Therefore, the Group is increasingly focused on evaluating alternative brine sourcing opportunities to have better control of brine supply at future sites. Whilst the Directors are focused on expanding production capacity in the right manner, it is also important to maintain the Company’s strong balance sheet and cash flow. Expansion in 2024 will occur with the completion of IO#10 and we expect to determine the site for IO#11. The Directors will evaluate market conditions and detailed information on potential future plant sites before spending capital on new IOsorb® plants.

Iofina Chemical has continued its progress to improve current processes, ensure capacity meets demand, and continue R&D efforts to bring new product lines in line with our core chemistries. These include investments in both iodine-based products and other non-iodine specialty chemicals.  Significant capital investment projects in 2023 at Iofina Chemical included ongoing methyl fluoride process improvements and IPBC process enhancements. In 2023, Iofina Chemical hired a new sales manager to support current sales channels as well as develop new sales channels for current products and identify other product opportunities for future growth.  Iofina expects in the second half of 2024 to bring a new iodine compound, used in agricultural applications, to the market. We are also actively pursuing multiple R&D projects aimed at new iodine and halogen-based compounds, many of which are for new applications.  It is also expected that Iofina Resources’ expansion plans over the next few years will result in the need for expansion of our customer base for our products.

Lastly, the Directors are committed to employee retention whilst controlling costs. Employee safety and training are also key objectives for the Group. A key component for the Group is the high operational gearing whereby the Group’s business model allows for the control of administrative and fixed expenses whilst expanding operations.

Principal risks and uncertainties

Iofina plc is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which could have a material effect on its business, operations or future performance, including but not limited to:

Raw Materials: Brine water produced from oil and gas operations is the raw material source for Iofina’s iodine production. The Group continues to evaluate opportunities to integrate its IOsorb® process into produced brine water streams associated with hydrocarbon operations in the USA, as well as other brine stream sources throughout the world. However, there is significant risk and no guarantee as to the volume of commercial quantities of iodide-rich brine available to our current and future IOsorb® plants. Oil and gas prices and demand for these hydrocarbons generally will dictate whether our partners continue to expand their production or possibly reduce hydrocarbon output. Changes in hydrocarbon production by our partners will change the total brine availability to isolate iodine and thus the iodine output of our IOsorb® plants. The salt-water disposal wells that our partners operate may have temporary or permanent issues which would likely affect the brine supply to IOsorb® plants.  In the past, reduction of capital spent by our partners for new drilling and completion of wells in our core area resulted in a decline in total amounts of brine co-produced with oil and gas in our key areas. Current brine volume availability to existing plants is relatively steady but could change. Contract terms regarding brine supply are a risk to our iodine source. Iofina strives to maintain good relationships with our partners who provide the brine water to our existing IOsorb® plants. Maintaining a positive, mutually beneficial relationship with our brine suppliers is a top priority for the Group. By continuing an aggressive water testing program and active exploration utilising geology and data analytics and incorporating reservoir and production engineering, we are constantly evaluating new potential locations for iodine extraction in our core area and other locations.

Iofina Chemical sources raw materials throughout the globe. Understanding the supply chain of these materials is important to minimise supply disruptions. Global supply change disruptions and logistic bottlenecks can adversely affect the ability to obtain key raw materials and may result in increased costs for these materials. Iofina Chemical has long-term relationships with many of its suppliers. Additionally, when possible, Iofina Chemical sources materials from multiple suppliers to reduce risk. Increased regulations can adversely affect availability and cost of materials. Prices of raw materials and energy can change and if increases in these prices are not able to be passed on to our customers, it would negatively affect margins for our products.

Global Crises: Global crises, while rare, can impact businesses significantly. The COVID-19 pandemic was an example of such an event. Similar events in the future could have a negative effect on the markets we serve and on the Group’s profits. For instance, COVID-19 resulted in a global economic slowdown and a reduced demand for many of Iofina’s products. These types of events can also result in delays in shipping, worker limitations, business closures and other challenges which may negatively affect the Group. The diversity of Iofina’s products along with the uses of products in areas like human health applications make Iofina less susceptible than many other businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Iofina quickly implemented many protocols to minimise any negative impacts on the business, but these protocols only reduce risk and cannot eliminate it. COVID-19 or other events such as political unrest, acts of aggression (wars), other health crises, major weather events or others would likely have a negative effect for the Group. 

Currently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the current Middle East conflicts have not directly affected Iofina’s operations. Additional political sanctions or negative impacts on global economies because of these conflicts may adversely impact our business. Iofina does not have any current sales exposure with Russia, Ukraine, or in or around the Middle East. Other geopolitical events could negatively affect the Group.

Environmental:  The Group’s operations are subject to the environmental risks inherent in the exploration and chemical industries. The Group is subject to environmental laws and regulations in connection with all its operations. Although the Group intends to comply in respect of all applicable environmental laws and regulations, there are certain risks inherent to its activities, such as accidental spills, leakages or other circumstances that could expose the Group to extensive liability. Accordingly, the Group promotes wherever possible environmental sustainability in its working practices and seeks to minimise, mitigate, or remedy any harmful effects from the Group’s operations on the environment at each of its operational sites. Regulations on brine injections in the state of Oklahoma into the Arbuckle geological formation in the Group’s core area due to seismic activity were implemented mainly in late 2015 to early 2016 and have affected Iofina’s partners’ brine disposal into this formation near some of our sites. This reduced some brine availability to Iofina at some sites. The Group and its partners have implemented and continue to implement strategies to minimise the effect on the availability of iodine-rich brine to Iofina due to these regulations.  Moving forward the Group and its partners will continue to monitor these risks and act accordingly. While the frequency and intensity of earthquakes have significantly reduced in Oklahoma, and this reduction is likely a result of regulated changes in brine disposal into the Arbuckle formation, there is still a risk of additional earthquakes and regulation moving forward. Changes in laws or regulation of brine streams could affect brine availability or the cost of producing iodine. 

As a specialty chemical manufacturer, new regulations based on chemical uses, adverse human health or environmental impact are a risk and may lead to higher costs or controlled production. Greenhouse Gas (‘GHG’) regulations in the USA have not impacted Iofina’s ability to produce products it currently manufactures, however, if production allocations are reduced in the future, this would likely negatively affect Iofina’s production output. Other environmental regulations that restrict manufacturing of chemicals that Iofina produces would have a negative impact on the Group. The Group has a robust Environmental, Health and Safety program and strives for continual improvement in this area. Additionally, Iofina Chemical is a certified Chemstewards® facility and has obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Changes in Markets and Competition: Iofina is diversified in the markets we serve. As a result, small changes to these markets generally will not materially affect our business. However, major disruptions in key markets that use iodine or the other specialty compounds we manufacture could have a material negative effect on the Group. The current high-interest rate environment implemented by central banks to combat inflation may slow down global economies. A significant contraction in global economies may negatively affect demand and pricing of the Group’s goods. Additionally, increased competition in the markets we serve could negatively impact prices or the ability to sell our goods.  In particular, large increases in iodine production from competitors could negatively affect iodine prices and the Group’s market share. Future planned expansions of iodine production in Chile may change the market’s supply and demand dynamics. However, the exact change is subject to several factors, the scale of expansion, the timing of increased supply and the overall global demand for iodine at the time of new supplies coming onstream.

Iodine Price volatility: Iodine’s price and demand are highly dependent on a variety of factors, including international supply and demand, the level of consumer product demand, the price and availability of alternatives, actions taken by governments and global economic and political developments. Increases in current iodine producers’ production capacities or new iodine producers entering the market could negatively impact prices. Fluctuations in iodine prices and a material decline in the price of iodine would have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial condition and operations. Iodine prices are currently elevated relative to historical trends. After a lull in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for iodine rose significantly in H1 2021. Continued substantial demand for iodine and iodine-incorporated products has continued through today. As a result, iodine prices rose significantly between H1 2021 and mid-year 2022. During H2 2022, iodine prices peaked and have subsequently slowly come off these highs during 2023 and have currently settled in the mid to upper sixties per kilogram.

Key customers: There are a limited number of potential customers who purchase many of the products of the Group’s chemical business, which makes relationships with these customers, as well as the success of those customers’ businesses, critical to the Group’s success. The loss of one or more major customers could harm the business, operating results and financial condition of the Group. Iofina is continuing to diversify its customer base in its Chemical subsidiary. In addition, Iofina works closely with all its customers to develop strong relationships, with a significant focus on ensuring that its products and services meet the needs of its customers and are of the highest quality.  In 2023, 13% of revenue recognised was attributable to one long-term customer and six other customers each contributed to over 5% of sales. Relations with these customers are good. 

Key Partners: Iofina partners with third-party oil and gas producers and saltwater disposal operators to process iodine-rich brine they extract with oil and gas production. Fluctuations of oil and gas prices in the US can affect the financial stability of oil and gas producers. Any changes in operator status or the financial strength of our partners are a risk to brine production and availability. The Group has agreements with our partners to reduce any risk of change in status. Material changes in these brine supply contracts with our partners could negatively affect the Group. In 2023, Iofina executed a new agreement for IO#10 with a new brine supply partner. Post Period, we announced market rate brine fee agreements with a long-term brine supplier for two of our sites.

Regulation and Trade: Iofina’s businesses are subject to various significant international, federal, state, and local regulations currently in effect including but not limited to environmental, health and safety and import/export regulations. These regulations are complex, change frequently, can vary from country to country, state to state and have generally increased over time. Iofina may incur significant expenses to comply with these regulations or to remedy violations of them. The current federal administration in the USA has increased regulations in our industries versus the previous administration. Any new regulation that would increase the cost of raw materials the Group uses, reduces availability of these raw materials or caps production of products the Group produces would likely have a negative effect on margins.

Any failure by Iofina to comply with applicable government regulations could result in non-compliant portions of our operations being shut down, product recalls or impositions of civil and criminal penalties and, in some cases, prohibition from distributing our products or performing our services until the products and services are brought into compliance, which could significantly affect our operations.

The Group closely monitors regulations across its businesses to ensure that it complies with the relevant laws and regulations. While Iofina believes that it is compliant with all laws and regulations, any instances of non-compliance would be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.

Trade relationships between the USA and other areas of the world, particularly China, have become more unstable. Increased tariffs implemented by the USA and retaliatory tariffs imposed by other governments against the USA have the potential to adversely affect both raw material supply and final product sales for Iofina in certain areas of the world. Iofina has been proactive in reducing the impact of tariffs which directly impact the Company’s supply and sales lines.

Inventory Fluctuations: Inventory level changes can cause financial instability. High inventories negatively affect cash flow, while low inventories can negatively affect sales volumes and customer relationships.  In 2021, the Group started the year with larger-than-normal iodine inventories and ended the year with lower-than-normal iodine inventories.  In 2022, the Group ended the year with more normalised iodine inventories and slightly higher than ideal specialty chemical derivative end products and in-process goods. By the end of 2023, the total inventory levels declined slightly from 31 December 2022 levels. Inventories are cyclical within our business and management closely tracks these inventories along with known and anticipated demand for products to maintain appropriate inventories.

Insurance may not cover all material losses: The Group strives to carry standard insurance for our industry that would minimise loss when events occur. However, certain scenarios or events may not be covered by insurance and could have a negative material impact on the Group. For example, cyber-attacks have increased globally and while the Group has increased measures to thwart potential cyber-attacks, we cannot guarantee these measures will prevent a cyber-attack for which we do not carry specific insurance.

Personnel: As a small technical organisation, the loss of key technical or senior management employees could negatively affect the business. Additionally, the USA labour market remains tight. This could result in increased labour costs and a risk of delays or inability to produce products due to labour shortages.

Significant Shareholders: Significant shareholders may have the ability to effect changes that result in a material adverse effect on the organisation, including a change in senior management or control of the Group or its Board of Directors.

Interest Rates and Inflation: As a result of the 2020 debt changes that served to significantly reduce both overall debt and interest rates for the Group, a significant portion of the debt carries variable interest rates. While overall debt has continued to decline, interest rates remain relatively high and have negatively impacted debt costs. The Group adjusted its capital improvement credit line to a $4 million term loan with a drawdown period through to 1 July 2024, to be used for IO#10 plant expenditures and other Capex projects as appropriate. This line carries variable interest rates. 

Inflation in the USA and globally remained relatively high in 2023, but declined compared to 2022.  However, the costs of goods, energy, and labour have increased substantially in the last few years and while inflation is declining, it is still a risk for the Group moving forward. The ability to maintain margins in an increasingly inflationary environment is uncertain.  Additionally, as prices rise, there is a risk that some products the Group sells may be replaced by cheaper alternatives which could result in an adverse effect to the business.

Litigation: While the Group has no pending litigation matters, there are possibilities that future judgements or settlements could result in an adverse effect on our business.

 

 

 

 

 

Going concern

The Group has performed well in 2023 and is performing as anticipated in 2024 and generating cash.  In 2023, the Group achieved a profit before taxation of $8.3m and a net cash inflow from operating activities of $8.4m. Net debt of $0.9m at the end of 2022 improved to net cash of $1.2m as of 31 December 2023. The markets into which the Group sells its products continue to experience good demand. Iofina has obtained appropriate credit facilities to fund current business growth objectives. The Group has prepared forecasts and projections that indicate there are adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Directors consider it appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

On behalf of the Board

 

Dr. Thomas M. Becker

Chief Executive Officer and President

1 May 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 172 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

 

As required by section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, a director of a company must act in a way they consider, in good faith, would most likely promote the success of the company for the benefit of its shareholders. In doing this, the Director must have regard, amongst other matters, to the:

• likely consequences of any decision in the long-term;
• interests of the company’s employees;
• need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers, and others;
• impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment;
• company’s reputation for high standards of business conduct; and
• need to act fairly as between members of the company.

 

As a Board our aim is always to uphold the highest standards of governance and business conduct, taking decisions in the interests of the long-term sustainable success of the Group, generating value for our shareholders and contributing to wider society. We recognise that our business can only grow and prosper over the long term by understanding the views and needs of our stakeholders. Engaging with stakeholders is key to ensuring the Board has informed discussions and factors stakeholder interests into decision-making.

The Directors insist on high operating standards and fiscal discipline and routinely engage with management and employees of the Group to understand the underlying issues within the organization. Additionally, the Board looks outside the organization at macro factors affecting the business.   The Directors consider all known facts when developing strategic decisions and long-term plans, taking into account their likely consequences for the Group. 

The Directors and management are committed to the interests and well-being of Iofina’s employees.  Iofina is committed to the highest levels of integrity and transparency possible with employees and other stakeholders.  Safety initiatives, consistent training, strong benefits packages and open dialogue between all employees are just some of the ways the Group ensures its employees improve skill sets and work hand-in-hand with management to improve all aspects of the Group’s performance.

Other stakeholders include customers, suppliers, lenders, industry associations, government and regulatory agencies, media, local communities and shareholders.  The Board, both individually and together, consider that they have acted in the way they consider would be most likely to promote the success of the Group as a whole. To do this, there is a process of dialogue with stakeholders to understand the issues that they might have. Iofina believes that any supplier/customer relationship must be mutually beneficial, and the Group is known for its commitment to details to its customers.  Communications with the Group’s lenders and shareholders occur on an ongoing basis and as questions arise. The Group also communicates through media interviews and Twitter.

The Directors are committed to positive involvement in the local communities where we operate.  Part of this commitment is our program ’Iofina Gives Back’, where Iofina supports local charities by donating time and goods.  Additionally, Iofina adheres to environmental regulations at its sites and supports sustainability practices where possible.

Integrity is a key tenet for the Directors and the Company’s employees.  The Company believes that any partnership must benefit both parties.  We strive to provide our stakeholders with timely and informative responses and are always striving to meet or exceed customers’ needs.

The Board recognises its responsibilities under section 172 as outlined above and has acted at all times in a way consistent with promoting the success of the Company with regard to all stakeholders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

It is the Chairman’s responsibility, working with Board colleagues, to ensure that good standards of corporate governance are embraced throughout the Group. As a Board, we set clear expectations concerning the Group’s culture, values and behaviours.

In September 2018, the Company adopted the 2018 Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code (the “QCA Code”) in line with the London Stock Exchange’s AIM Rules. The QCA Code was reissued on 13 November 2023 and the Company will be following the principles set out therein for 2024. The three themes for the 2023 QCA Code are: (1) deliver growth; (2) maintain a dynamic management framework; and (3) build trust.

This Statement, in conjunction with the corporate governance statement published on our website (see: https://iofina.com/corporate-governance/) follows  the 10 principles of the 2018 QCA Code and how we have applied it. The following sections of the Corporate Governance Statement explain how the QCA Code is applied by the Company.

The Board comprises six Directors: the Non-Executive Chairman, two full time Executive Directors and three Non-Executive Directors (each of whom is considered by the Board to be independent), reflecting a blend of different experiences and backgrounds. The function of the Chairman is to supervise and manage the Board and to ensure its effective control of the business. The Board believes that its composition brings a desirable range of skills and experience given the Group’s challenges and opportunities as a publicly quoted company, while at the same time ensuring that no individual (or group of individuals) can dominate the Board’s decision-making.

The Board meets regularly to review, formulate and approve the Group’s strategy, budgets, corporate actions and oversee the Group’s progress towards its goals. The Board has established the following committees to fulfil specific functions, each with formally delegated duties and responsibilities (details of which can be found on our website; see: https://www.iofina.com/about/committees): the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee. These committees meet on a regular basis and at least two times a year. The Board has elected not to constitute a dedicated nomination committee, instead retaining such decision making with the Board as a whole. This approach is considered appropriate to enable all Board members to take an active involvement in the consideration of Board candidates and to support the Chair in matters of nomination and succession.

From time to time, separate committees may also be set up by the Board to consider specific issues when the need arises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their report and financial statements for the Group for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Strategic report

Included in the Strategic Report on pages 12 to 21 is the review of the business and principal risks and uncertainties.

Post balance sheet events

Post balance sheet events are set out in Note 28.

Directors’ responsibilities for the preparation of the financial statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Company financial statements for each financial year. The Directors are required by the AIM Rules for Companies (as published by the London Stock Exchange) to prepare Group financial statements in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards, and have elected under company law to prepare the Company financial statements in accordance with International Accounting Standards.

The financial statements are required by law and UK adopted International Accounting Standards to present fairly the financial position of the Group and the Company and the financial performance of the Group. The Companies Act 2006 provides, in relation to such financial statements, that references in the relevant part of that Act to financial statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair presentation.

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 the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

In preparing the Group and Company financial statements, the directors are required to:

1. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
2. make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
3. state whether they have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards; and
4. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the Company will continue in business.

 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s and the Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Iofina plc website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and detailed in the Financial Review.

The directors do not recommend payment of a dividend.

Financial instruments and risk management

Note 14 details the risk factors for the Group and how these risks are managed, including the degree to which it is appropriate to use financial instruments to mitigate risks.

 

Directors

The directors who served during the year and subsequently were as follows:

Lance J. Baller, Non-Executive Chairman

Dr. William D. Bellamy, Non-Executive Director

J. Frank Mermoud, Non-Executive Director

Mary Fallin Christensen, Non-Executive Director

Dr. Thomas M. Becker, Chief Executive Officer and President

Malcolm T. Lewin, Chief Financial Officer

 

Statement as to disclosure of information to the auditor

The directors who were in office on the date of approval of these financial statements have confirmed that, as far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor is unaware. Each of the directors has confirmed that they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that it has been communicated to the auditor.

Auditor

UHY Hacker Young were appointed as auditors to the Company and in accordance with Section 485 of the Companies Act 2006 a resolution proposing that they be reappointed will be put to the next Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of the Board

Dr. Thomas M. Becker

Chief Executive Officer and President

1 May 2024

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

The Board ensures that the Group is managed for the long-term benefit of all shareholders with corporate governance being an essential element of this. The Company has adopted the 2018 Quoted Companies Alliance (“QCA”) Corporate Governance Code which is considered appropriate for an AIM quoted company. The Board is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, development and control of the Group in order to achieve its strategic objectives.

The Group is led and controlled by the Board which currently consists of two Executive Directors and four Non-Executive Directors. Board meetings are held on a regular basis and no significant decision is made other than by the Directors. All Directors participate in the key areas of decision making.

Business model, strategy and approach to risk

The Group focuses on the exploration and production of iodine and halogen-based specialty chemical derivatives. We identify, develop, build, own and operate iodine extraction plants, currently focused in North America, based on Iofina’s Wellhead Extraction Technology® (WET®) IOsorb® technology. The Group has complete vertical integration from the production of iodine in the field to the manufacture of the chemical end-products derived from iodine to the consumer, and the recycling of iodine using iodinated side-streams from waste chemical processes. We use patented or proprietary processes throughout all business lines. Together these allow us to be the Technology Leaders in Iodine®. The Group’s strategy is to continue to focus on the exploration and production of iodine and iodine specialty chemical derivatives, delivering growth throughout our operations. Growth is intended to be achieved with the continued upgrading and expanding of our plants, which in turn will boost the level of iodine production.

All the Group’s activities involve an ongoing assessment of risks, and the Group seeks to mitigate such risks where possible. The Board has undertaken an assessment of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity. Further, the Board has considered the longer-term viability of the Group, including factors such as the prospects of the Group and its ability to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. The Board considers that the disclosures outlined in the Strategic Report on pages 12 to 21 are appropriate. The Board considers that these disclosures provide the information necessary for shareholders and other stakeholders to assess the Group’s future viability and potential requirements for further capital to fund its operations.

Having carried out a review of the level of risks that the Group is taking in pursuit of its strategy, the Board is satisfied that the level of retained risk is appropriate and commensurate with the financial rewards that should result from achievement of its strategy.

Board of Directors

As of the date of this Report the Board comprises six Directors in total: the Non-Executive Chairman, two Executive Directors (being the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”)) and three Non-Executive Directors (each of whom are considered by the Board to be independent), reflecting a blend of different experiences and backgrounds. The skills and experience of the Board are set out in their biographical details on pages 10 and 11. The experience and knowledge of each of the Directors give them the ability to challenge strategy constructively and to scrutinize performance.

The Board is responsible to the shareholders for the proper management of the Group. The Board and the Group’s management team are responsible for reviewing and evaluating risk and the Executive Directors meet at least monthly to review ongoing trading performance, discuss budgets and forecasts and new risks associated with ongoing trading. The Board typically meets monthly to set the overall direction and strategy of the Group, review operational and financial performance and advise on management appointments (if necessary). All key operational and investment decisions are subject to Board approval. The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and applicable rules and regulations are complied with. The number of meetings attended by each Director can be found on page 30.

There is a clear separation of the roles of CEO and Non-Executive Chairman. The Chairman is responsible for overseeing the running of the Board, ensuring that no individual or group dominates the Board’s decision making and ensuring the Non-Executive Directors are properly briefed on matters. The CEO has the responsibility for implementing the strategy of the Board and managing the day-to-day business activities of the Group.

Time commitment

On joining the Board, Non-Executive Directors receive a formal appointment letter, which identifies the terms and conditions of their appointment and, in particular, the time commitment expected of them. A potential Director candidate (whether an Executive Director or Non-Executive Director) is required to disclose all significant outside commitments prior to their appointment. The Board is satisfied that both the Chairman and the other Non-Executive Directors can devote sufficient time to the Group’s business.

Independence of Directors

The Directors acknowledge the importance of the principles of the 2018 QCA Code which recommends that a company should have at least two independent Non-Executive Directors. The Board considers it has sufficient independence on the Board and that all the Non-Executive Directors are of sufficient competence and calibre to add strength and objectivity to the Board, and bring considerable experience in industry, operational and financial development of chemical products and companies. Specifically, the Board has considered and determined that since the date of their respective appointments William Bellamy, J. Frank Mermoud and Mary Fallin Christensen are independent in character and judgement, specifically that they:

• have not been employees of the Company within the last five years;
• do not have a material business relationship with the Group;
• have no close family ties with any of the Group’s advisers, Directors or senior employees;
• do not hold cross-directorships or have significant links with other Directors through involvement in other companies or bodies; and
• do not represent any shareholder.

The Board notes that the Independent Non-Executive Directors have received share options in the Company. The Board does not believe the issue of options affects their independence as they are of a modest amount and not deemed material to the individual.

The Company Secretary maintains a register of outside interests and any potential conflicts of interest are reported to the Board.

If they so wish, the Non-Executive Directors have opportunities to meet without Executive Directors being present (including after Board and Committee meetings). Because the Board is spread out geographically, the majority of communications between Directors is conducted by video. However, the Board does convene in person at least once a year, and this presents an opportunity (before, after and between management and operational meetings) for the Non-Executive Directors to meet in person without the Executive Directors being present.

Professional development

Throughout their period in office, the Directors are continually updated on the Group’s business, the competitive and regulatory environments in which it operates, corporate social responsibility matters and other changes affecting the Group and the industry it operates in as whole. The updates are usually provided by way of written briefings and meetings with senior management. Directors are also advised on appointment of their legal and other duties and obligations as a director of an AIM quoted company both in writing and in communications (being face-to-face meetings whenever possible) with the Company’s Nominated Adviser. The Directors also have recourse to the Company Secretary, a qualified and practising solicitor, who is a recognised practitioner within the AIM community.

All the Directors are subject to election by shareholders at the first Annual General Meeting of the Company (“AGM”) after their appointment to the Board. Each Director is required, under the Company’s articles of association, to seek re-election at least once every three years.

Board Committees

There are two committees – the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee. Their full terms of reference are published on the Company’s website at https://iofina.com/committees/.

Audit Committee

During the financial period under review, the members of the Audit Committee were Lance Baller, Dr William Bellamy, J. Frank Mermoud and Mary Fallin Christensen. Mr Baller is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The responsibilities of the committee include the following:

• ensuring that the financial performance of the Group is properly monitored, controlled and reported on;
• reviewing accounting policies, accounting treatment and disclosures in the financial reports;
• meeting the auditors and reviewing reports from the auditors relating to accounts and internal control systems; and
• overseeing the Group’s relationship with external auditors, including making recommendations to the Board as to the appointment or re-appointment of the external auditors, reviewing their terms of engagement, and monitoring the external auditors’ independence, objectivity and effectiveness.

During the year, the committee met to review audit planning and findings. In addition, it reviewed the appointment of auditors, and agreed unanimously to re-elect UHY Hacker Young LLP.

Remuneration Committee

During the financial period under review, the members of the Remuneration Committee were Dr William Bellamy, Lance Baller, Mary Fallin Christensen and J. Frank Mermoud. Dr Bellamy is the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. The responsibilities of the committee include the following:

• reviewing the performance of the Executive Directors and setting the scale and structure of their remuneration with due regard to the interest of shareholders;
• overseeing the evaluation of the Executive Directors; and
• determining the vesting of awards, including the setting of any performance criteria in relation to the exercise of share options, granted under the Company’s share option plan.

During the year, the committee met to discuss remuneration and bonuses for the Executive Directors, and share option awards for the Directors and senior management.

The Directors’ remuneration information is presented on page 32.

Attendance at meetings

The Board meets regularly, typically on a monthly basis, together with further meetings as required. The Audit and Remuneration Committees meet as required, and try to hold a minimum of two meetings each year.

The Directors attended the following meetings during the year:

 

Risk management and internal control

The Board is responsible for the systems of internal controls 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. The Board reviews the effectiveness of these systems annually by considering the risks potentially affecting the Group.

Iofina employs strong financial and management controls within the business. Examples of control procedures include:

• an annual budget set by the Board with regular review of progress;
• regular meetings of Executive Directors and senior management to review management information and follow up on operational issues or investigate any exceptional circumstances;
• clear levels of authority, delegation and management structure; and
• Board review and approval of significant contracts and overall project spend.

The Company’s system of internal control is designed to safeguard the Company’s assets and to ensure the reliability of information used within the business. The system of controls manages appropriately, rather than eliminates, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and provides reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The Group does not consider it necessary to have an internal audit function due to the small size of the administrative function. Instead, there is a detailed monthly review and authorisation of transactions by the CFO and the CEO.

The independent auditors do not perform a comprehensive review of internal control procedures, but do report to the Audit Committee on the outcomes of its annual audit process. The Board confirms that the effectiveness of the system of internal control, covering all material controls including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management systems, has been reviewed during the year under review and up to the date of approval of the Annual Report.

The Group 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 Group. The insured values and type of cover are comprehensively reviewed on a periodic basis.

Board effectiveness and performance evaluation

The Board is mindful that it needs to continually monitor and identify ways in which it might improve its performance and recognises that board evaluation is useful for enhancing a board’s effectiveness.

The individual contributions of each of the members of the Board are regularly assessed to ensure that: (i) their contribution is relevant and effective; (ii) that they are committed; and (iii) where relevant, they have maintained their independence. The Board intends to review the performance of the team as a unit to ensure that the members of the Board collectively function in an efficient and productive manner. As required pursuant to the Company’s articles of association, one-third of the Directors must stand for re-election by shareholders annually in rotation and all Directors must stand for re-election at least once every three years.

The Company considers that the Board and its individual members continue to perform effectively, that the Chairman performs his role appropriately and that the process for evaluation of his performance has been conducted in a professional and rigorous manner.

Corporate Social Responsibility

The Board recognises the growing awareness of social, environmental and ethical matters and it endeavours to take into account the interest of the Group’s stakeholders, including its investors, employees, suppliers and business partners, when operating the business.

Employment

The Group endeavours to appoint employees with appropriate skills, knowledge and experience for the roles they undertake and thereafter to develop and incentivise staff. The Board recognises its legal responsibility to ensure the wellbeing, safety and welfare of its employees and maintain a safe and healthy working environment for them and for its visitors.

Investor Relations

The Board recognises the importance of communication with the Company’s shareholders to ensure that its strategy and performance is understood and that it remains accountable to shareholders. Our website has a section dedicated to investor matters and provides useful information for the Company’s shareholders (see: https://iofina.com/investors/). The Board as a whole is responsible for ensuring that a satisfactory dialogue with shareholders takes place, while the Chairman and the CEO ensure that the views of the shareholders are communicated to the Board as a whole. The Board ensures that the Group’s strategic plans have been carefully reviewed in terms of their ability to deliver long-term shareholder value. Fully audited Annual Reports are published, and Interim Results notified via Regulatory News Service announcements. All financial reports and statements are available on the Company’s website (see: https://iofina.com/investors/financial-results).

There is an opportunity at the Annual General Meeting for individual shareholders to question the Chairman and the Executive Directors. Notice of the meeting is sent to shareholders at least 21 clear days before the meeting. Shareholders are given the opportunity to vote on each separate issue.  The Company counts all proxy votes and indicates the level of proxies lodged on each resolution, after it has been dealt with by a show of hands.

Directors’ remuneration

 

Remuneration provided to each Director was as follows:

 

No pension contributions were paid on behalf of the directors in 2022 or 2023.

 

Directors’ and officers’ insurance is in place on a Group-wide basis.

 

 

 

 

The interests of the Directors in office as at 31 December 2023 in the shares of the Company at the end of the financial year and the beginning of the financial year or date of appointment, if later, were as follows:      

                                                31 December 2023                                              1 January 2023

L J Baller                                                 5,500,000                                                         5,500,000

Dr. T M Becker                                         139,430                                                             139,430

W D Bellamy                                               46,875                                                               46,875

M T Lewin                                                    93,750                                                               93,750

J F Mermoud                                              23,750                                                               23,750

All outstanding options over shares granted to Directors up to 31 December 2023 are set out in the table below. No further options have been granted between 31 December 2023 and the date of signing these financial statements. No Directors exercised options in 2023.

 

 

On behalf of the Board

Dr. Thomas M. Becker

Chief Executive Officer and President

1 May 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental, Social, and Governance (‘ESG’)

The Group has continually maintained a philosophy and commitment to perform its operations in a safe, responsible manner regarding all stakeholders including, but not limited to, staff, shareholders, customers and our communities.

The Group has long applied ESG tenets even before the term ESG became commonplace across global industries. Iofina chose to produce our iodine from a brine water source that is a by-product of the oil and gas industry.  By partnering with oil & gas operators, Iofina produces iodine from this brine water, and this iodine would not be realised if Iofina was not operating its iodine manufacturing plants.  Most of the world’s iodine is manufactured from iodate deposits in ores in Chile through processes we believe are much more negatively intensive to the environment than our WET® IOsorb® technology.  The Group also manufactures specialty chemicals through the Iofina Chemical division. IC has held a long-established business philosophy to develop its processes in aqueous-based chemistries, whenever possible, to reduce the use of organic solvents, with the vast majority of IC’s processes being performed in aqueous media.

The iodine compounds the Group produces have a positive impact on society, with iodine being essential for human and animal health. Whether it is directly through the ingestion of foods containing iodides or fortified salt as a micro-nutrient to ensure proper thyroid function and to stimulate proper human and animal development; or by using iodine-containing compounds in medical uses, such as iodinated X-ray contrast agents, production of pharmaceuticals or the use PVP-I in antiseptic applications, iodine plays many important roles in a healthy society.

Environmental

The Group is committed to minimising its energy consumption and waste generation. Energy use and environmental impacts are key criteria when ordering and replacing equipment at our manufacturing sites. As an example, Iofina Resources is continuing to progress in a long-term initiative to replace some large older blowers with more efficient units. Iofina Chemical improved a process to remove a raw material input and reduce the time to create a batch of the material, which will improve the overall environmental impact of production. Iofina continues to implement strategies to reduce the environmental impacts of current operations, as well as continually evaluating the minimisation of emissions from new plants and processes. Upgrades and new processes undergo a review which comprises evaluations to minimise energy use and environmental impact.

The Group’s total energy consumption at our manufacturing facilities in 2023 was:

Electricity (kWh) 11,404,278; Natural gas (CCF) 67,281; for the 1267 MT of goods produced in 2023 by the Group. In 2022, consumption was: Electricity (kWh) 11,390,576; Natural gas (CCF) 70,945; for the 1496 MT of goods produced in 2022 by the Group.

The Company is continuing to develop metrics to measure the Group’s environmental impact.

Company and Group information

Iofina plc is a company incorporated in England and Wales; company number 05393357, with a registered office at 48 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1JF (c/o Keystone Law, Attn: Simon Holden).  SECR is prepared for the Group’s UK activities and reported below.

Streamlined energy and carbon reporting (SECR)

Group’s greenhouse gas emission data

 

Reporting Period

The reporting period for SECR data is 1 January 2023 through 31 December 2023.

Methodology and Discussion

We have followed the 2019 UK Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines and have calculated emissions based on 2023 UK Government Conversion Factors.  The SECR data lists 2023 levels and 2023 will be considered the ‘base year’ for future reporting as 2023 is the first year that Iofina was required to communicate this SECR information. Scope 3 emissions are listed as required in the reporting guidelines. We have chosen to report the ratio of CO2e per $m of income, as this is a reasonable reflection of the business activities.  The Scope 3 emissions reported only reflect the impact on UK travel activities.  The company is committed to reduce environmental impacts, as discussed in the previous section of this report, as well as minimise the impact of UK travel.  Some initiatives to reduce impacts due to UK travel include taking direct flights when available and affordable, holding virtual meetings with stakeholders to minimise frequency of trips to the UK from Iofina’s USA based employees, and using public transportation in the UK whenever possible.

Targets

Iofina continues to prioritise the minimisation of environmental impacts of our UK operations by minimising any trips to and from the UK and holding virtual meetings when appropriate.  We will continue to utilise public transportation in the UK on trips whenever practical.   We feel that our current travel actions in the UK are appropriate and will continue to maintain these policies. We expect that the Group’s total Scope 3 emissions per $m of income to reduce by 10% over the next five years.

Social 

Health and Safety

The safety and health of Iofina’s employees is the top priority for the Group.  This also extends to our contractors, visitors, and communities.  Processing and creating specialty chemicals have inherent risks.  Through engineering designs, extensive training and procedures, and PPE to name a few, our culture insists that as a group we work together to ensure everyone’s safety.  We are proud of our safety record but recognize that continual improvement is always necessary as we evolve.  Iofina is proud to report that in 2023 there were zero Lost Time Incidents (‘LTI’) for the Group. In fact, the Group has not experienced a LTI in over three years.

Iofina Lost Time Incidents

Lost Time Incidents (‘LTIs’) are incidents where the person is unable to work the next day of the incident.  Incident rate is the number of LTIs per 200,000 hrs. worked.

Many other health and safety metrics are evaluated, and corrective actions performed to continually improve our systems in order to reduce incident occurrences and severity.   These health and safety matrices are routinely reviewed and discussed with upper management.

Community

Iofina is committed to being a socially responsible organization.  Our program, ‘Iofina Gives Back’, is an employee-driven program designed to support our local communities. Some of the program’s initiatives include the donation of items and funds for disaster relief, local schools, toy/food drives, and sponsorships that benefit first responder equipment and STEM scholarships.

Additionally, for many years, Iofina Resources has partnered with Northwestern Oklahoma State University and the OCAST Intern Partnership Program, which is designed to advance science and technology opportunities and provide experience and educational opportunities for undergraduate students.  Multiple students involved in these internships with Iofina have gone on to achieve advanced level science degrees.

Diversity

Iofina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment decisions at Iofina are based on individual qualifications, particular job responsibilities, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, or any other status protected by laws where we operate.  A culture of respect at Iofina is our commitment to all our employees and we demand that our team treats our fellow workers and business partners in a professional and non-discriminatory manner. Historically, the job applicants that Iofina receives tend to underrepresent minorities and females when compared to the general population.  Iofina continues to investigate ways to find a more diverse pool of job applicants.

Governance

The following are summaries of some of Iofina’s Governance data and practices.  Corporate policies are reviewed by the Board.

 

• The Group has adopted the QCA Corporate Governance Code
• The Group has adopted several policies including but not limited to:
  • Whistleblowing Policy
  • Anti-Fraud Policy
  • Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy
  • Share Dealing Code
  • AIM Rules Compliance Policy

Further detail regarding Corporate Governance practices can be found on pages 22 and 24 of this report.

 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Iofina PLC

 

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Iofina PLC (the ‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the Company Balance Sheet, the Company Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and notes to the financial statements, including the significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group’s financial statements is applicable law and UK adopted International Accounting Standards. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent Company’s financial statements is FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (“FRS 101” or “UK GAAP”) and in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

 

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 2023 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
• the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards;
• the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with FRS 101 and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and
• the Group 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 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.

 

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the director’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statement is appropriate.

 

Our evaluation of the director’s assessment of the entity’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included:

 

 

 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

 

Our approach to the audit

 

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain.

 

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 an understanding of the structure of the Company and the Group, their activities, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate. Our planned audit testing was directed accordingly and was focused on areas where we assessed there to be the highest risk of material misstatement.

 

Our Group audit scope includes all of the group companies. At the Parent Company level, we also tested the consolidation procedures. The audit team communicated regularly throughout the audit with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in order to ensure we had a good knowledge of the business of the Group. During the audit we reassessed and re-evaluated audit risks and tailored our approach accordingly.

 

The audit testing included substantive testing on significant transactions, balances and disclosures, the extent of which was based on various factors such as our overall assessment of the control environment, the effectiveness of controls and the management of specific risk.

 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during the audit.

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, 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.

 

 

 

Our application of materiality

The scope and focus of our audit was influenced by our assessment and application of materiality. We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements on our audit and on the financial statements.

 

We define financial statement materiality as the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions taken on the basis of the financial statements by reasonable users.

 

In order to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that any misstatements exceed materiality, we use a lower materiality level, 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.

 

 

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report.  Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves.

 

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

 

 

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 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 by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
• the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; 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.

 

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities set out on page 25, 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 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.

 

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

 

Based on our understanding of the Group and the industry in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to the use of regulated chemicals, tax legislation, employment and health and safety regulations, anti-bribery, corruption and fraud and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, UK adopted International Accounting Standards and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting manual journal entries to manipulate financial performance, management bias through judgements and assumptions in significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to revenue recognition, and significant one-off or unusual transactions.

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to those identified risks, including non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) and the QCA’s Code on Corporate Governance and fraud that are material to the financial statements. Our audit procedures included but were not limited to:

• Review of the financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
• Review of reports from the regulators, including correspondence with SOCMA (Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates), DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), US tax authorities and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration);
• Review of correspondence with legal advisors;
• Discussing with management their policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations;
• Enquiries of management and review of internal audit committee reports in so far as they related to the financial statements;
• Enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims;
• Review of relevant legal or professional costs within the accounting records for any evidence of previously un-detected or un-reported instances of non-compliance;
• Communicating identified laws and regulations throughout our engagement team and remaining alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout our audit; and
• Considering the risk of acts by the company which were contrary to the applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.

 

Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to:

• Making enquiries of the management on whether they had knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
• Gaining an understanding of the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud;
• Substantively testing of revenue and testing of journals to identify unusual transactions and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the Directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud;
• Performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
• Assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias;
• Investigated the rationale behind any significant or unusual transactions;
• Discussing amongst the engagement team the risks of fraud; and
• Addressing the risks of fraud through management override of controls by performing journal entry testing.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at 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 part 3 of Chapter 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.

 

 

 

Colin Wright

(Senior Statutory Auditor)

 

For and on behalf of UHY Hacker Young

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

 

UHY Hacker Young

4 Thomas More Square

London E1W 1YW

 

1 May 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

 

All activities are classed as continuing.

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

The financial statements on pages 47 to 81 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and were signed on its behalf on 1 May 2024.

Dr. Thomas M. Becker – Chief Executive Officer and President

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.                             Company number 05393357

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT  

 

 

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

 

The directors have taken advantage of the exemption offered by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present a separate statement of comprehensive income for the parent company.

The parent company has also taken advantage of certain disclosure exemptions conferred by FRS 101 and has not provided a Cash Flow Statement.

The loss for the financial year dealt with in the financial statements of the parent company was $1,002k (2022 loss $911k).

 

The financial statements on pages 47 to 81 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and were signed on its behalf on 1 May 2024

Dr. Thomas M Becker

Chief Executive Officer and President

Company number: 05393357

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Accounting policies

The Company is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Company is listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange.

The registered office is located at 48 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1JF. The principal activities of the Company have been and continue to be investment in subsidiaries engaged in the production of iodine and iodine derivatives, including the arrangement of finance for and the provision of management services to subsidiaries.

1. a) Statement of compliance

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards (‘IFRS’) and IFRS Interpretations Committee (‘IFRIC’) and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The accounts of the parent company, Iofina plc, have been prepared in accordance with FRS101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (FRS 101). The company has taken advantage of certain disclosure exemptions conferred by FRS101, including not presenting a Company Cash Flow Statement.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

1. b) New standards, interpretations and amendments

Management continues to evaluate standards, amendments and interpretations which are applicable and effective for reporting periods beginning after the date of these financial statements and have not been adopted early, including:

• IFRS16 Amendments (Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback)
• IAS1 Amendments (Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current)
• IAS1 Amendments (Non-current Liabilities with Covenants)
• IAS7 Amendments (Supplier Finance Arrangements)

 

Implementation of the above is not expected to have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements in the future.

1. c) Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss.

The financial statements are presented in US Dollars, which is also the Group’s functional currency.

Amounts are stated in thousands of US Dollars, unless otherwise stated.

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the parent company’s income statement has not been included in these financial statements.

 

1. d) Revenue recognition

 

Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services, and is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied under the terms of contracts with our customers. A performance obligation is deemed to be satisfied when transfer of benefit of the product or service is transferred to our customer. The transaction price of a contract, or the amount we expect to receive upon satisfaction of all performance obligations, is determined by reference to the contract’s terms and includes adjustments, if applicable, for any variable consideration, such as customer rebates or commissions, although these adjustments are generally not material. Costs incurred to obtain contracts with customers are expensed immediately.

 

Revenue consists of sales of iodine derivatives, iodine, chemicals and ancillary products. All of our revenue is derived from contracts with customers, and almost all of our contracts with customers contain one performance obligation for the transfer of goods where such performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time. Transfer of benefit of a product is deemed to be transferred to the customer upon shipment or delivery. Significant portions of our sales are sold free on board shipping point or on an equivalent basis, while delivery terms of other transactions are based upon specific contractual arrangements. Our standard terms of delivery are generally included in our contracts of sale, order confirmation documents and invoices, while the timing between shipment and delivery generally ranges between 1 and 45 days. Costs for shipping and handling activities, whether performed before or after the customer obtains control of the goods, are accounted for as fulfilment costs.

 

1. e) Research and development expenditures

Expenditure on research (or the research phase of an internal project) is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. Costs that are directly attributable to the development phase of a new customised chemical manufacturing process or development of a new iodine project are recognised as intangible assets provided they meet the following recognition requirements:

• completion of the intangible asset is technically feasible so it will be available for use or sale;
• the Group intends to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;
• the Group has the ability to use or sell the intangible asset;

• the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits;
• there are adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset; and
• the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development can be measured reliably.

 

Among other things, this requires that there is a market for the output from the intangible asset or for the intangible asset itself, or, if it is to be used internally, the asset will be used in generating such benefits.

Development costs not meeting these criteria for capitalisation are expensed as incurred. In 2023, all research and development expenditures were expensed as incurred.

1. f) Going concern

The Group considers that it is now well placed financially in light of recent reductions in debt, generation of profits and sustained upwards trends in iodine pricing. On that basis the Group has prepared forecasts and projections that indicate there are adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. However, the Group recognises that there can be no certainty where these predictions are concerned. After due consideration of the foregoing, the Directors consider it appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

1. g) Basis of consolidation and investments in subsidiary undertakings

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries made up to 31 December 2023. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the power to control the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from their activities. The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the purchase of subsidiaries by the Group. On acquisition, the subsidiary’s assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value, reflecting their condition at the date of acquisition.

The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date control commences until the date control ceases.

Intra-Group balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-Group transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements, unless the losses provide an indication of impairment of the assets transferred.

Amounts reported in the financial statements of the subsidiaries are adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the Group.

Investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated in the parent company balance sheet at cost less provision for any impairment losses.

1. h) Business combinations and goodwill

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The acquisition method involves the recognition of the acquiree’s identifiable assets and liabilities, including contingent liabilities, regardless of whether they were recorded in the financial statements prior to acquisition. On initial recognition, the assets and liabilities of the acquired subsidiary are included in the consolidated balance sheet at their fair values, which are also used as the basis for subsequent measurement in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration payable in a business combination over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree at the date of acquisition. Any excess of identifiable net assets over the fair value of consideration is recognised in profit or loss immediately after acquisition.

As described in Note 1m) below, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually.

1. i) Foreign currency

The vast majority of the Group’s business is denominated in U.S. Dollars, which is the functional currency of the main operating subsidiaries. U.S. Dollars is the presentational currency for the Group financial statements.

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date the fair value was determined.

Any exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from those at which they were initially recorded are recognised in profit and loss in the period in which they arise. Exchange differences on non-monetary items are recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent that they relate to a gain or loss on that non-monetary item taken to the statement of changes in equity, otherwise such gains and losses are recognised in profit and loss.

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

• assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;
• income and expenses for each statement of profit or loss and statement of comprehensive income are translated at average exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions); and
• all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

On disposal of a foreign operation for which the presentational and functional currencies were different in previous periods, the cumulative translation differences are transferred to profit and loss as part of the gain or loss on disposal. The US Dollar/Pounds Sterling exchange rate averaged 1.2436 in 2023 (2022 1.2334), and at 31 December 2023 was 1.273 (2022: 1.209).

 

 

1. j) Intangible assets

Undeveloped leasehold costs

Undeveloped leasehold costs relate to the costs of acquiring brine leases in respect of the surface and mineral rights of landowners in areas of interest outside of those currently connected to the Group’s operating plants.

These costs are capitalised as exploration and evaluation assets and are carried at historical cost less any impairment losses recognised. If areas leased provide brine to operating plants, the related costs are transferred to the relevant plants and amortized over the lives of those plants.

Other intangible assets

Other identifiable intangible assets arose from the acquisition of H&S Chemical in 2009. These assets were valued by an external, independent valuation firm. Based on the type of asset, the useful life of each asset was estimated. The value of each identifiable intangible asset is amortised evenly over its useful life. The following useful lives are applied:

• WET® patent: 15 years
• Customer relationships: 10 years
• Patent portfolio: 8 years
• EPA registrations: 2 years

 

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration in a business combination over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

1. k) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Cost includes purchase price and costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management, such as costs relating to construction, site preparation, installation and testing.

Costs relating to assets put into service at a later date are accumulated as construction in progress, and depreciation only commences once such assets are put into use.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the depreciable amount of each asset on a straight line basis over its expected useful life, as follows:

• Buildings: 2.5 percent per annum
• Office lease: term of the lease (28 months)
• Vehicle finance leases: term of the leases (57 months)
• Equipment and machinery: 
  •    IOsorb® plants – 5 percent per annum
  •    Other plant and equipment – 5 to 7 years
  •    Vehicles and office equipment – 20 percent per annum
  •    Computer equipment – 33 percent per annum                                                     

Reviews of the estimated remaining lives and residual values of individual assets are made at least semi-annually, and adjustments are made where appropriate. Construction in progress is also reviewed for impairment. 

Freehold land and construction in progress are not depreciated.

1. l) Financial instruments

• Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

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

Loan notes

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities.

Interest-bearing loans are recorded initially at their fair value, net of direct transaction costs. Such instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost and finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement, redemption or conversion, are recognised in profit or loss over the term of the instrument using the effective rate of interest.

• Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents represent short term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity of fewer than three months that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. At the end of 2023 and 2022, all cash amounts were in 100 percent liquid accounts.

The Group uses the ‘simplified method of expected credit losses’. Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less provision for expected credit losses. Expected credit losses are based on the Group’s historical credit losses experienced, then adjusted for current and forward looking information on factors affecting the Group’s customers.

1. m) Impairment

Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, that asset is reviewed for impairment. An asset’s carrying value is written down to its estimated recoverable amount (being the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use) if that is less than the asset’s carrying amount.

Goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of the related business combinations and represent the lowest level within the Group at which management monitors goodwill.

Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s or cash generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. To determine the value in use, management estimates expected future cash flows from each cash-generating unit and determines a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The data used for impairment testing procedures are directly linked to the Group’s latest approved budget, adjusted as necessary to exclude the effects of future reorganisations and asset enhancements. Discount factors are determined individually for each cash-generating unit and reflect their respective risk profiles as assessed by management.

Impairment losses for cash-generating units reduce first the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to that cash-generating unit. Any remaining impairment loss is charged pro rata to the other assets in the cash-generating unit. With the exception of goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist. An impairment charge is reversed if the cash-generating unit’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount.

The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk.

For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the receivables. Intercompany loans due to the parent company from its subsidiaries are tested for impairment as part of the overall investment in those subsidiaries, by reference to the present values of estimated future cash flows of the subsidiaries, as further described in Note 2d.

1. n) Equity

Equity comprises the following:

• “Share capital” represents the nominal value of equity shares.
• “Share premium” represents the excess over nominal value of the fair value of consideration received for equity shares, net of expenses for the share issue.
• “Share-based payment reserve” represents the cumulative fair value of options and warrants issued by the Company and recognised in profit and loss.
• “Retained losses” represents accumulated losses.
• “Foreign currency reserve” represents the cumulative differences arising from translation of foreign operations.

 

1. o) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes all expenses directly attributable to the manufacturing process as well as suitable portions of related production overheads, based on normal operating capacity. Costs of ordinarily interchangeable items are assigned using the first in, first out cost formula. Cost excludes unrealised gains arising from intra-Group transactions. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less any applicable selling expenses. When inventory is sold the cost is included in Cost of Sales on the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

1. p) Taxation

Tax expense recognised in profit or loss is the tax currently payable based on taxable profit for the year and deferred tax not recognised directly in equity.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax is generally provided on the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting profit. Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries is not provided if reversal of these temporary differences can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future. In addition, tax losses available to be carried forward, as well as other income tax credits to the Group, are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets according to the likelihood of their recoverability in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the underlying deductible temporary differences will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in profit or loss, except where they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to equity.

1. q) Leases

The Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease, at inception of the contract. The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost. This comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date and an estimate of any costs to restore the underlying asset to the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received.

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use-asset or the end of the lease term. Amounts relating to such assets are disclosed separately in note 12. In addition, the Group assesses the right-of-use asset for impairment when such indicators exist.

At the commencement date, the lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments discounted using the Group’s incremental borrowing rate at the date of transition as the interest rate implicit in the lease could not be readily determined. Interest is charged at the same discount rate used to calculate the present value of the lease.

The lease liability is re-measured if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. When the lease liability is re-measured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount for the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.

The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low value operating value. These are charged to profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. At 31 December 2023 the Group had four leases, one for office space and three for vehicles.

1. r) Share-based payments

The cost of equity settled transactions is measured at fair value at the grant date as measured by use of the Black Scholes model. If vesting periods or other vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. Any cumulative adjustment prior to vesting is recognised in the current period. No adjustment is made to any expense recognised in prior periods if share options ultimately exercised are different to those estimated on vesting.

Charges made to profit or loss, in respect to share-based payments, are credited to the share-based payment reserve.

1. s) Segment reporting (Note 3)

 

In identifying its operating segments, management follows the Group’s service lines, which represent the main products provided by the Group and are based on the information presented to the chief operating decision maker, which is the Board.

 

2. Significant judgements and estimates

 

Judgements and estimates are regularly evaluated based on historical experience, current circumstances and expectations of future events.

The critical estimates made in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. The resulting accounting estimate may not equal the related actual result, and management must also make judgements about current circumstances and expectations of future events. Significant judgements made by management include:

7. Intangible and tangible assets are tested for impairment where there is an indication that they may be impaired. In accordance with IAS 36 – Impairment of Assets, an intangible or tangible asset is considered impaired when its carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount on an individual cash generating unit basis. The recoverable amounts of relevant cash generating units are based on value in use calculations using management’s best estimate of future business performance. For this purpose management regards all the iodine production plants as a single cash generating unit given their mutual dependence on centralised management, financial, maintenance and sales and marketing functions. In carrying out impairment testing, management makes a number of significant estimates in relation to the assumptions incorporated into their calculations. These will include factors such as growth rates and discount rates. Cash flow projections over the next five years were used and a discount rate of 7.43% was applied. Details and carrying values of intangible assets, goodwill and property, plant and equipment are provided in notes 10, 11 and 12.
8. Management reviews the useful lives of depreciable and amortisable assets at each reporting date. The carrying amounts are analysed in notes 10 and 12. Management’s estimate of the useful lives of plant and equipment as detailed in note 1k are common life expectancies for the industry. In particular, the expected useful life attributed to each IOsorb® plant is 20 years. Changes in the expected level of usage or other technological developments could impact the life and residual value of these assets. 
9. Management applies the accounting polices set out in Note 1o) Inventories to determine the carrying value of raw materials, work in progress and finished goods (Note 13). Based on historical experience and current market intelligence, judgements are made as regards net realisable value, which may include but are not limited to obsolescence, usage in alternative formulations, production needs, market demand, costs to complete production, condition, regulatory requirements and limitations, and allocations of production overheads to the cost of work in progress and finished goods. Based on these assessments no requirement for provisions against the carrying value of inventories was identified.
10. The carrying amount of the parent company’s investment in its subsidiaries of $36.4m (2022: $37.3M) has been evaluated for impairment. The investment amounts include debts due from subsidiaries of $19.2m (2022 $20.1m). For this purpose the two operating subsidiaries have been treated as one unit, given the vertical integration of the Group’s operating activities. The carrying amount of the parent company’s investment of $36.4m (2022: $37.3M) compares to carrying amounts of the subsidiaries’ net assets, excluding loans from the parent company, of $44.5m (2022: $38.0m). An assessment has been made of the present values of the future cash flows related to the operating activities of the subsidiaries to determine whether any impairment losses should be recognised. The assessment took into account cash flow projections of the subsidiaries over the next five years, and applied a discount rate of 7.43%. The Group has concluded that no impairment provision is required.
11. The deferred tax asset balance of $240k (Note 23) includes the tax benefit of prior years US Federal tax losses not yet recovered of $2.6m (31 December 2022 $9.2m). This assumes that these tax losses can be recovered in the near term against taxable income. Management concurs with this treatment in light of the continuing level of profitability being achieved by the Group.

 

3. Segment reporting

 

1. Business segments – The Group’s operations comprise the exploration and production of iodine with complete vertical integration into its specialty chemical halogen derivatives business, and are therefore considered to fall within one business segment.

 

1. Geographical segments – The Group reports by geographical segment. The Group’s activities are related to exploration for, and development of, iodine in certain areas of the USA and the manufacturing of specialty chemicals in the USA with support provided by the UK office. In presenting information on the basis of geographical segments, segment assets and the cost of acquiring them are based on the geographical location of the assets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Segment reporting (continued)

 

1. Significant customers – in 2023 Iofina Chemical had seven customers in excess of 5% of sales (2022 six customers). 2023 percentages were 13%, 8%, 8%, 8%, 6%, 6%, 6% (2022 percentages were 11%, 8%, 7%, 7%, 6%,6%). The amounts in excess of 10% of sales for individual customers were: 2023 $6,448,680 (13%) and 2022 $4,665,925 (11%).
2. Profit before taxation

Profit before taxation is stated after charging:

 

 

 

4. Profit before taxation (continued)

Cost of sales – analysis by nature

 

Administrative expenses – analysis by nature

 

Research and development expenses recognised during the period were $237k (2022: $237k), and are included in administrative expenses above.

5. Staff numbers and costs

The average number of Group employees, including executive directors, and their costs were:

 

1. Staff numbers and costs (continued)

 

Of the total staff costs above, $6,746k (2022: $5,600k) is included within cost of sales and $2,946k (2022: $2,765k) is included within administrative expenses.

 

Payments to executive directors and senior officers of subsidiaries (considered to be key management personnel) for their services during the year were as follows:

 

Included within wages and salaries above is $331k (2022: $309k) in respect of the highest paid director. No options were exercised by a director in 2023 (2022 Nil).

1. Finance expense

 

1. Finance income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Taxation

 

As previously disclosed, the Group has accumulated US Federal tax losses that are expected to be deductible from US Federal taxable profits subject to agreement with the relevant tax authorities. As of 31 December 2023 these losses were estimated to be approximately $2.6 million (2022: $9.2 million). To the extent US Federal tax losses are not utilised to offset current income taxes they will begin to expire in 2035.

1. Earnings per share

The calculation of earnings per ordinary share is based on the profit after tax attributable to shareholders of $6,564k (2022 profit $7,865k) and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding of 191,858,408 (2022: 191,858,408). After including the weighted average effect of dilutive share options of 5,000,400 (2022: 4,186,203) the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding was 196,858,808 (2022 196,044,611).

 

 

 

 

 

10. Intangible assets (Group)

Details of intangible assets are set out below:

 

Intangible assets were acquired in the acquisition of H&S Chemical in 2009.

WET® Patent

The WET® Patent technology employs two different iodine extraction methods depending on brine chemistry for optimal efficiency. We utilised a with and without analysis, a variation of the discounted cash-flow method, to estimate the fair value of a WET® Patent at date of acquisition. The methodology compared the cash flow generating capacity of Iofina Chemical assuming it was operating without the benefit of the WET® Patent to the projected cash flow with the benefit of the patent. The contractual life of the patent is in excess of 20 years; however, the useful life of the patent was estimated at 15 years based on the following:

• Management’s expectation for the expected viability of the technology
• Management’s expectations regarding the timing of significant substitute technology
• The lack of comparable substitute technologies as of the valuation date
• The remaining amortization period is 0.5 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Goodwill (Group)

 

Goodwill arose on the acquisition of H&S Chemical in 2009 and is wholly allocated to Iofina Chemical  Goodwill impairment testing is conducted annually, based on projected cash flow to be generated.

The Chemical business has been in operation for 40 years, and much of its products and customer base are long established. For impairment testing, a long term growth rate of 1.00% per annum was applied to budgeted and projected cash flows over the next five years and a discount rate of 7.43% per annum was used. On this basis the net present value of cash flow exceeded the goodwill amount of $3,087k.

Sensitivity analysis

Projections based on the above assumptions show headroom of $14.2m between the value in use of the business of $22.5m and the carrying value of $8.3m, comprising goodwill of $3.1m, other intangible assets of $0.1m, and fixed assets of $5.1m. In order for the value in use to equal the carrying value it would be necessary for the discount rate to rise to 20.5% or the long term growth rate to be 38.0% negative or projected EBITDA to be lower by 48.0%. Based on the results of this impairment testing management are satisfied that a reasonably possible change in assumptions would not lead to an impairment. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. Property, plant and equipment (Group)

 

Right-of-use assets

 

Right-of-use assets relate to the Group’s lease on office premises in Denver, Colorado, which expires in April 2026. Liabilities for future payments are shown in Note 18.

Release of plant acquisition accrual

In 2023 an accrual balance of $0.45m relating to the acquisition of #IO2 plant was no longer considered to be required, and was therefore transferred to income. No claims have been made and the period of validity for such claims has expired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. Inventories

 

At year end, there were no provisions against the carrying value of inventories (2022: nil). During the year, the cost of inventories recognised as expense and included in ‘cost of sales’ amounted to $33,044k (2022: $25,334k).

 

 

14. Financial instruments

The Board of directors determines, as required, the degree to which it is appropriate to use financial instruments to mitigate risks. The main risks for which such instruments may be appropriate are interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk, investment risk, liquidity risk and commodity risk. The Group’s principal financial asset is cash, which is invested with major banks. The Group has a term loan and no other borrowings currently drawn (see Note 19).

Financial assets and liabilities

 

 

14. Financial instruments (continued)

 

The interest rate swap liability at fair value is valued on the basis of Level 2 inputs as defined in IFRS 13.

Interest rate risk

Surplus funds are held within the Group’s checking and savings accounts. The benefit of fixing rates for the longer term is kept under review, having regard to forecast cash requirements and the levels of return available. Given the short-term nature of Iofina’s surplus funds, the Group has limited interest rate risk. As of 31 December 2023, all surplus funds were invested in checking and savings accounts that had no terms and were 100% liquid. Bank facilities have variable interest rate terms and therefore there is an exposure to increases in interest rates. This is mitigated by the use of an interest rate swap to fix the rate on the majority of the term loan. Also the interest on the revolving credit facility (if drawn) is reduced by arrangements to sweep surplus funds into that account.

Foreign currency risk

The Group has potential transactional currency exposure in respect of items denominated in foreign currencies relating to the Group’s administration in the UK. The balance of cash held in foreign currency was $179k (GBP £141k) as of year-end, and provides a hedge against GBP denominated UK expenses.

Sales transactions are denominated in US Dollars, which is the operating currency. Other impacts of foreign currency risk are not deemed material to these financial statements.

 

 

14. Financial instruments (continued)

Credit risk

The maximum exposure is reflected by the carrying amount of financial assets. Because the counterparties to Iofina’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents are prime financial institutions, Iofina does not expect any counterparty to fail to meet its obligations. Additionally, the Group is exposed to marginal credit risk in the form of receivables for product sales. Credit risk in this regard is mitigated through long-term customer payment history, insurance of certain foreign receivables, extensive credit analysis of large purchasers, use of letters of credit, and the requirement for partial or total payment prior to shipment for some customers.

Liquidity risk

The Group raises funds as required on the basis of forecast expenditure and cash inflows over the next 12 months. When necessary, the scope and rate of activity are adjusted to take account of the funds available. There is a risk that the Group may not be able to raise sufficient funds to repay loans at their maturity.

The following table sets out the contractual maturities (representing undiscounted contractual cash flows) of financial liabilities:

 

Commodity risk

The Group is exposed to movements in the price of raw iodine. Sales of iodine based products were

$41,940k (2022: $31,422k). The effects of changes in the price of iodine on 2023 revenue and profits are set out in the Financial Review on pages 8 to 9. Iodine is produced internally and is the most significant cost component for iodine based products.

 

 

15. Trade and other receivables

Group

Company            

 

All receivables and prepayments are short term in nature. The carrying values are considered a reasonable approximation of fair value. There are no expected credit losses. 

The Group and the Company have not received a pledge of any assets as collateral for any receivable or asset.

 

16. 16. Cash and cash equivalents

 

Group

 

Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17. Trade and other payables

 

 

Company

All trade and other payables are considered short term. The carrying values are considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Except as regards the bank facilities described in Note 19, the Group and Company have not pledged any assets as collateral for any liabilities or contingent liabilities.

18. Lease liabilities

 

 

Lease liabilities relate to:

• The Group’s lease on office premises in Denver, Colorado, which runs till 30 April 2026;
• The acquisition of vehicles on credit terms over the five years to 15 September 2028 for use at the Group’s Oklahoma plants.

 

19. Term loans and other facilities

 

The above bank facilities, with First Financial Bank of Ohio, are fully secured by fixed and floating charges and the principal terms are:

Term loan

5. a) The term loan balance of $5.4m (20221 $6.8m) relates to a $10.0m loan drawn down in September 2020 and repayable in full by equal monthly instalments over the seven years to 30 September 2027. The interest rate on $7 million of the loan has been fixed to maturity by a swap contract at 3.99%, and the interest rate on the balance is variable monthly at 2.50% above the one month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), subject to a minimum SOFR rate of 1.00%. Repayment of all or part of the loan may be made at any time without penalty.

Revolving loan facility

6. b) The revolving loan facility is for $6.0m over the period to September 2025, and may be drawn and repaid in variable amounts at the Group’s discretion. Amounts that may be drawn are subject to a borrowing base of sufficient eligible discounted monthly values of receivables and inventory, and compliance on a quarterly basis with trailing 12 months financial covenant ratios of 1) a maximum multiple of 2.5 total debt to EBITDA, and 2) a minimum multiple of 1.2 EBITDA net of capital expenditure to the total of principal and interest payments on the total debt. The interest rate is variable monthly at 2.11% above SOFR, subject to a minimum SOFR rate of 1.00%. No amounts were drawn and outstanding at 31 December 2023.

Project loan facilities

2. c) There is a $4 million term loan with a drawdown period through to 1 July, 2024 to be used for IO#10 plant expenditures and other Capex projects as appropriate. A seven-year term begins from 1 July, 2024 with interest payable during the drawdown period. The interest rate is 2.11% plus SOFR (1 month Secured Overnight Financing Rate) subject to a minimum of 1%. No drawings have as yet been made on this loan.

 

 

 

19. Term loans and Revolving loan facility (continued)

 

Swap contract

1. d) The derivative asset resulting from the swap contract described above has been revalued at $161k as at 31 December 2023 (2022: $249k) by reference to market expectations for future SOFR rates, and included in the balance sheet. An amount of $88k has been charged to comprehensive income (2022 credit $249k). During the year the swap contract generated a net reduction of interest otherwise payable of $152k (2022: $23k).
2. Net debt

Net debt excludes lease liabilities totalling $482k (2022 $410k) and is made up as follows:

 

 

21. Share capital

 

There was no change in share capital or share premium in 2023.

 

22. Share based payments

 

On 27 April 2023 options over 1,196,700 ordinary shares of the Company, representing 0.62% of the Company’s issued share capital at that date, were granted to directors and key management personnel. The options are exercisable at the closing share price on 27 April 2023 of 31.75p per share, with 50% vesting after one year on 27 April 2024 and 50% vesting after two years on 27 April 2025. The options expire ten years from the date of grant.

 

The above options were valued using the Black Scholes model and the exercise price of 31.75p, an expected term of 5.75 years, historical volatility of 69.07% and a risk free rate of 3.59%. The resulting valuation of $300,355 is being amortised over the vesting periods, and $152,709 has been charged as an expense in respect of the period from 27 April 2023 to 31 December 2023. The total options expense for 2023 was $214,199, and also included $61,590 in respect of options granted as of 9 March, 2022.

 

22. Share based payments (continued)

 

No options lapsed or were forfeited or exercised during the year. There were 6,197,100 total options outstanding at 31 December 2023, representing 3.23% of shares in issue.

 

Options granted to directors and key employees and outstanding at 31 December 2023 are as follows:

The weighted average contractual life of options outstanding at 31 December 2023 was 6.7 years (2022 7.1 years).

 

Exercise prices for 2023 shown in USD are based on the US Dollar/Pounds Sterling exchange rate at 31 December 2023 of 1.27 (2022 1.21). Options outstanding at 31 December 2023 expire the earlier of ten years from grant date or 90 days after the termination of service to the Company.

 

Movements in the Share-based payment reserve were as follows:

23. Deferred tax

 

24. Related party transactions

Transactions between group companies were as follows:

 

In both 2022 and 2023 all iodine produced by Iofina Resources was sold to Iofina Chemical.

Additional related party transactions with directors, who are considered to be key management personnel, are set out in the Corporate Governance Statement on page 32. Option grants as described in note 22 are to employees and Directors.

The Company has entered into a number of unsecured related party transactions with its subsidiary undertakings. The most significant transactions carried out between the Company and its subsidiary undertakings are financing.

 

 

 

 

25. Capital management

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, to provide returns for shareholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. The Group defines capital as being share capital plus reserves as shown in the balance sheet. The Directors continue to monitor the level of capital as compared to the Group’s commitments and adjust the level of capital as is determined to be necessary by issuing new shares. Iofina plc is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. The Directors consider the capital of the Group to be the total equity attributable to the equity holders of the parent of $44.8      million as at 31 December 2023 (2022: $38.0 million).

26. Subsidiary undertakings

Investment in subsidiaries

 

Due from subsidiaries

 

The Group’s debt arrangements are on a joint and several basis with all Group companies excluding dormant subsidiaries. The principal beneficiary of these arrangements is Iofina Resources, Inc., and therefore the debt is accounted for in that company and in the consolidated balance sheet, and does not appear in the balance sheet of Iofina Plc.  

 

 

 

 

26. Subsidiary undertakings (continued)

Iofina, Inc. was established in February 2006 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Iofina plc. Iofina, Inc. owns the whole of the issued share capital of Iofina Resources, Inc., Iofina Chemical, Inc. and IofinaEX, Inc. Other entities are subsidiaries of Iofina Resources, Inc., the iodine production company.

 

The registered offices of the above companies are as follows:

 

 

27. Capital commitments

At 31 December 2023 the Group had capital commitments amounting to approximately $5m in respect of the construction of #IO10 plant.

 

28. Post balance sheet events

There were no significant post balance sheet events.

29. Contingent liabilities

The Group considers that a contingent liability exists in respect of overdue interest on amounts that may be due in relation to certain iodine related property rights. The theoretical exposure is estimated at approximately $600k, but in light of considerable past experience the Company believes that amounts actually paid will be a very small proportion of that amount.

 

30. Ultimate controlling party

There is no ultimate controlling party of the Group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iofina and the environment

Iofina promotes, wherever possible, environmental sustainability in its working practices and seeks to minimise, mitigate, or remedy any harmful effects from the Group’s operations on the environment at each of its operational sites. To continue that effort through all aspects of business, this report has been produced to minimise its effect on the environment by using thinner paper, fewer pages, smaller type set, and non‐colour printing as much as possible. As part of this effort Iofina is trying to move attention to its online annual reports available at www.iofina.com. By being a better steward of the environment, Iofina saves valuable shareholder funds instead of producing glossy magazine pages throughout the whole document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements.

 

Download Full Message Here

 

16 April 2024 

Iofina plc

(“Iofina”, the “Company” or the “Group”)

(AIM: IOF)

 

Q1 2024 Corporate Update

IO#10 on Track

Renewal of Iodide Rich Brine Water Supply Agreements

 

Iofina plc, specialists in the exploration and production of iodine and manufacturers of specialty chemical products, today provides a brief update to the market regarding its activities during Q1 2024 (the “Period”).

 

The Company continued to perform as expected during the Period, with Iofina Resources producing 123.7 metric tonnes (‘MT’) of crystalline iodine from its six IOsorb® iodine plants in Oklahoma. This was an increase of 15.5% from Q1 2023 (107.1 MT). Demand for Iofina’s iodine remained strong throughout the Period and was supported by a further expansion in the customer base. The iodine spot price has remained steady in the mid to upper sixties per kg and prices are expected to remain at these levels in Q2 2024. The Company’s sales channels remain robust, which is encouraging as it executes its production expansion plans.

 

Iofina’s newest build, IO#10, is on track and progressing well. Dirt and concrete work are complete. Major components have been ordered, including the tower system which was sourced from an additional manufacturer to ensure ample supply from multiple vendors. The final steps for completion will focus on the tower installation, assembling buildings, plumbing, electricals and tying into our partner’s brine system, which will happen during the early summer months. The Company continues to work on other growth projects and is in advanced dialogue with multiple partners for the next plant, IO#11. 

 

Additionally, Iofina has signed new multi-year agreements for the supply of brine water to two of Iofina Resources’ current IOsorb® plants. The new agreed terms, with one of Iofina’s existing oil & gas partners, is an important milestone in maintaining consistent iodine production at both plants, whilst enabling our partners to maximise the supply of brine to these plants. The expectation remains that Iofina Resources will produce 275-295 MT of crystalline iodine during H1 2024 from its six existing plants (H1 2023: 241.5 MT). Iofina recognises that previous brine water supply fees for these two plants were lower than the standard market rates due to the historical nature of the contracts. Consequently, the new contracts carry higher fees than the previous agreements. The higher fee payments, which are effective 1 January 2024, will reduce EBITDA, and the Board expects FY 2024 EBITDA to be in the range of $8.5-$9.0 million. 

 

On the current timetable, IO#10 should make a healthy additional contribution for the H2 period and once operating, IO#10 is expected to produce 100-150MT of crystalline iodine per annum. The Company notes that it expects to publish its 2023 full-year financial results to the market in the coming weeks and hold its AGM in June 2024. 

 

Commenting, President and CEO, Dr. Tom Becker, stated:

“The Group has made a strong start to the year across its operations. We have experienced consistent iodine production with output meeting our targeted range and demand for our products continues to be strong. The construction of IO#10 is also on track and is expected to be completed in Q3 2024 on the current trajectory.

 

“It is important to have signed new agreements with our partner and secured future water supply to two IOsorb® plants. Guaranteeing this security means that Iofina can continue its future growth plans with confidence in our partners and focus on the development of new plants and products.”

 

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

 

Enquiries:

 

Dr. Tom Becker

CEO & President

Iofina plc

Tel: +44 (0)20 3006 3135

 

Nomad & Broker:

Henry Fitzgerald-O’Connor/Harry Rees

Canaccord Genuity Limited

Tel: +44 (0)20 7523 8000

 

Media Contact:

Charles Goodwin/Shivantha Thambirajah

Yellow Jersey PR Limited

Tel: +44 (0)7747 788 221/+44 (0)7983 521 488

About Iofina:

Iofina plc (AIM: IOF) is a vertically integrated company that specialises in the production of Iodine and the manufacturing of specialty chemical products. Iofina is the second largest producer of iodine in North America and operates the manufacturing entities Iofina Resources and Iofina Chemical.

 

LEI: 213800QDMFYVRJYYTQ84

 

ISIN: GB00B2QL5C79

 

Iofina Resources

Iofina Resources develops, builds, owns, and operates iodine extraction plants using Iofina’s WET® IOsorb® technology. Iofina currently operates five producing IOsorb® plants in Oklahoma and is consistently using technology and innovation to improve and expand its operations.

 

Iofina Chemical

Iofina Chemical has manufactured high quality halogen speciality chemicals derived from raw iodine, as well as non-iodine-based products.  Iofina Chemical celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2023 as a preeminent halogen-based specialty chemicals company.

 

www.iofina.com