Vitrolife Group makes an impairment charge of SEK 4.3 billion relating to Igenomix and provides preliminary financials for the fourth quarter 2023
- Non-cash impairment of SEK 4.3 billion in the fourth quarter 2023, relating to the impairment of goodwill attributed to the acquisition of Igenomix in 2021.
- Igenomix, now known as the business area Genetic Services, remains a core part of the new corporate strategy for the Vitrolife Group, however we have challenges to navigate in the short term.
- Vitrolife Group also announces preliminary figures for Q4, with sales of SEK 904 million, corresponding to 6% growth in SEK, gross margin of 56.9% and EBITDA margin of 32.5%.
Non-cash impairment charge
Vitrolife Group (NASDAQ: VITR) has today decided that, in accordance with IFRS accounting standards, it will record a non-cash impairment charge of SEK 4.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. The impairment represents 31% of the total amount of the accounted goodwill and other intangible assets attributed to the acquisition of Igenomix. The impairment will be reported as Other operating expenses outside the ordinary segment reporting.
The impairment is partially caused by inflated goodwill, through appreciation of the share price between signing and the issuance of new shares during the deal transaction of Igenomix in 2021. This was in accordance with IFRS. The growth required to balance the book value is increasingly challenged in the short term, however the Vitrolife Group remains confident in the longer-term growth prospects of Genetic Services. We have also increased the discount factor (WACC).
Business area Genetic Services is a key component of the new corporate strategy for the Vitrolife Group. We continue to take actions to improve the top and bottom-line performance of the business and execute towards achieving our long- term financial objectives for the company.
Update on Q4 2023
| Preliminary non-audited earnings SEK (millions) |
Q4 | Q4 | FY | FY |
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Net Sales | 904 | 855 | 3,512 | 3,234 |
| Of Americas | 290 | 303 | 1,160 | 1,144 |
| Of EMEA | 343 | 316 | 1,286 | 1,163 |
| Of APAC | 271 | 236 | 1,066 | 927 |
| Gross Margin (%) | 56,9% | 54,2% | 56,3% | 55,0% |
| Impairment charge | 4,300 | 4,300 | ||
| EBITDA | 294 | 273 | 1,136 | 1,050 |
| EBITDA Margin (%) | 32,5% | 31,9% | 32,3% | 32,5% |
| Operating Cash Flow | 171 | 166 | 757 | 636 |
Sales growth for the fourth quarter was 6% in SEK and 5% in local currencies. Market region Americas declined by 8%, EMEA and APAC grew 6% and 5% respectively in local currencies.
The full year growth in SEK was 9% and 10% excluding discontinued business. In local currencies the growth was 4% and excluding discontinued business, 5%. In local currencies and excluding discontinued business, market region Americas declined by 3%, EMEA and APAC grew 6% and 16% respectively.
Vitrolife Group will, as previously communicated, announce our full report for the fourth quarter 2023 on the 2nd of February.
This disclosure contains information that Vitrolife AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person below, on 23-01-2024 20:00 CET.
