Company Announcements

Argo 2024 Interim Results

Source: RNS
RNS Number : 8895B
Argo Blockchain PLC
28 August 2024
 

Press Release

28 August 2024

Argo Blockchain plc

("Argo" or "the Company")

 

Interim Half Year Results 2024

Argo Blockchain plc, a global leader in cryptocurrency mining (LSE: ARB; NASDAQ: ARBK), is pleased to announce its results for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

Highlights

●    Revenues of $29.3 million for H1 2024 compared to $24.0 million for H1 2023, an 18% increase, driven primarily by an increase in Bitcoin price. Revenue in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023 increased despite the Bitcoin halving and  a decrease in the number of Bitcoin mined. The total number of Bitcoin ("BTC") mined during H1 2024 was 507, a 46% decrease from H1 2023 of  947. This is primarily due to the increase in the global hashrate and the reduction in the bitcoin denominated hash price.

●    Mining margin of $11.5 million or 39% for H1 2024, compared to $10.2 million or 42% for H1 2023.

●    On 8 January 2024, Argo raised gross proceeds of $9.9 million through the issue of 38,064,000 ordinary shares at a price per share of £0.205 to certain institutional investors.

●     On 28 March 2024, the Company closed the sale of its five megawatt data centre located in Mirabel, Quebec for total consideration of $6.1 million. The Company relocated the mining machines from the Mirabel Facility to its facility in Baie Comeau, Quebec, and the Company expects this consolidation to reduce its non-mining operating expenses by $0.7 million per year.

●    Reduced the Galaxy loan by $18.2 million from $23.5 million at 1 January 2024 to $5.3 million at 30 June 2024. In August 2024, the Galaxy loan was repaid in full.

●    Recorded a $22 million impairment on its mining machines reflecting current mining economics.

●    Net loss was $32.7 million for H1 2024, compared to a net loss of $18.6 million in H1 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was $5.7 million for H1 2024 compared to $2.8 million in H1 2023.

●    The Company ended June 2024 with $4.0 million of cash and 11 Bitcoin equivalent. On 31 July 2024, the Company raised $8.3 million of gross proceeds from the issuance of 57.8 million shares and 57.8 million warrants through a private share placement with an institutional investor. The shares were issued at £0.1125 and the warrants have an exercise price of £0.1125.

Management Commentary

Thomas Chippas, CEO at Argo Blockchain said: "Argo's focus on financial discipline and operational efficiency enabled us to pay off our $35 million debt obligation to Galaxy, significantly deleveraging our balance sheet. This positions us well to explore investing in growth and strategic initiatives that can drive long-term value for our shareholders."

 


Non-IFRS Measures 

 

The following table shows a reconciliation of mining margin percentage to gross margin, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, for the six month periods ended 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2023.

 


Period ended

Period ended


30 June 2024

30 June 2023


(unaudited)

(unaudited)


$'000

$'000


 


Gross margin

1,792

(1,371)

Gross margin percentage

6%

(6%)

Depreciation of mining equipment

9,667

12,047

Change in fair value of digital currencies

27

(489)




Mining margin

11,486

Mining margin percentage

39%

42%

 

 

The following table shows a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) / income, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, for the six month periods ended 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2023.

 

 


Period ended

Period ended


30 June 2024

30 June 2023


(unaudited)

(unaudited)


$'000

$'000


 


Net Loss

(32,734)

(18,563)

Interest expense

4,296

6,335

Income tax expense

340

-

Depreciation and amortisation

10,114

12,698

Restructuring and transaction related fees

1,399

Foreign Exchange

(292)

(1,403)

Share based payment

3,594

1,889

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

22,012


Loss on sale of tangible assets

429


Gain on sale of assets held for sale

(3,397)

-

Impairment of intangible assets

226

-

Equity accounting loss from associate

-

458

Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

Inside Information and Forward-Looking Statements  This announcement contains inside information and includes forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current views, interpretations, beliefs or expectations with respect to the Company's financial performance, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations. These statements include forward-looking statements both with respect to the Company and the sector and industry in which the Company operates. Statements which include the words "remains confident", "expects", "intends", "plans", "believes", "projects", "anticipates", "will", "targets", "aims", "may", "would", "could", "continue", "estimate", "future", "opportunity", "potential" or, in each case, their negatives, and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events that may or may not occur in the future, the Company may be unable to secure sufficient additional financing to meet its operating needs, and the Company may not generate sufficient working capital to fund its operations for the next twelve months as contemplated in note 3 below. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, prospects and performance to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. In addition, even if the Company's actual results, prospects and performance are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this document, those results may not be indicative of results in subsequent periods. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Subject to any obligations under the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Market Abuse Regulation, the Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and except as required by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), the London Stock Exchange, the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers or applicable law and regulations, the Company undertakes no obligation publicly to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For a more complete discussion of factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those described in this announcement, please refer to the filings that Company makes from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the FCA, including the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F.

For further information please contact:

Argo Blockchain


Investor Relations

ir@argoblockchain.com

Tennyson Securities


Corporate Broker

Peter Krens

+44 207 186 9030

Fortified Securities

 

Joint Broker

Guy Wheatley, CFA

+44 74930989014

guy.wheatley@fortifiedsecurities.com

Tancredi Intelligent Communication

UK & Europe Media Relations

argoblock@tancredigroup.com

About Argo:

Argo Blockchain plc is a dual-listed (LSE: ARB; NASDAQ: ARBK) blockchain technology company focused on large-scale cryptocurrency mining. With mining operations in Quebec and Texas, and offices in the US, Canada, and the UK, Argo's global, sustainable operations are predominantly powered by renewable energy. In 2021, Argo became the first climate positive cryptocurrency mining company, and a signatory to the Crypto Climate Accord. For more information, visit www.argoblockchain.com.

 

 


Interim Management Report

 

Since the appointment of Thomas Chippas as CEO on 27 November 2023 and Jim MacCallum earlier as CFO on 5 April 2023, the Company has focused on three key pillars: financial discipline, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships for growth.

Financial Discipline

The focus for Argo in 2023 and the first half of 2024 has been to reduce its debt obligations and strengthen its balance sheet. The $35 million debt owed to Galaxy began amortising at $1.1 million per month in May 2023. I am pleased to report that Argo has repaid the full amount of this loan to Galaxy as announced by the Company on August 12th. This Galaxy debt was repaid over four months ahead of the current schedule, and nearly 18 months ahead of the original repayment schedule. The early repayment reflects the Company's focus on strengthening its balance sheet, reducing its financial liabilities, and focusing on operational excellence.  Repayment was made possible by using cash flow generated from operations, cash generated from equity raises and cash generated through the sale of non-core assets without any meaningful impact to Argo's hash rate.  Repaying the Galaxy loan is a significant milestone for Argo.

Mining economics continue to be challenging for Bitcoin miners and as a result the Company recorded a $22 million impairment charge on its mining machines and updated its going concern disclosure in its financial statements to reflect current conditions. 

Operational Excellence

The sale of the Mirabel facility was completed with no meaningful loss to Argo's hash rate.  The significant reduction in operating expenses in the first half of 2024 compared to 2022 and 2023, and the strong mining margin percentage despite the Bitcoin halving are indications of Argo's strong performance.

The Mirabel sale enabled the Company to de-lever the balance sheet with minimal impact to the Company's hash rate. Following the sale, Argo relocated the majority of the mining machines at Mirabel to its Baie Comeau facility and sold certain prior generation machines representing approximately 140 PH/s. The sale allowed the Company to streamline its operations by locating all self-mining machines at its Baie Comeau facility. Additionally, the sale of Mirabel reduces the Company's non-mining operating expenses by $0.7 million annually.

Argo has taken aggressive action on its cost structure and non-mining operating expenses. As compared to the second half of fiscal 2022, the Company has reduced its operating expenses by over 70% to $5.8 million. As compared to the first half of 2023, the Company has reduced its operating expenses by over 25%.

Despite the Bitcoin halving and the lower hash price realised since then, the Company has maintained strong mining margins and its mining margin percentage has remained consistent with the first half of 2023. Lower mining margin and a lower mining margin percentage are expected for the second half of 2024 as Bitcoin economics have deteriorated since the Bitcoin halving in April 2024.

Growth and strategic partnerships

The strengthened balance sheet and repayment of the Galaxy debt gives Argo more flexibility to pursue strategic opportunities moving forward. The Company continues to explore opportunities where mining can be paired with stranded or wasted energy. There is tremendous potential for energy generators to utilise mining as a balancing and optimization tool, particularly in the energy transition where limitations currently exist in the ability to store renewable energy. Argo is evaluating several projects with companies across the energy value chain.

For the remainder of 2024, the Company will continue to focus on its three pillars - financial discipline, operational excellence and growth and strategic partnerships. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of our shareholders and stakeholders. We remain committed to optimising our capital structure and driving long-term value for our shareholders.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Matthew Shaw

Chairman of the Board

 

Responsibility Statement

 

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

 

●    the Interim Report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards 34, Interim Financial Reporting;

●    gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit/loss of the Group;

●    the Interim Report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the set of interim financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year.

●    the Interim Report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being the information required on related party transactions.

 

The Interim Report was approved by the Board of Directors and the above responsibility statement was signed on its behalf by:

 

Matthew Shaw

Chairman of the Board

 


 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS 



Period ended

Period ended



30 June 2024

30 June 2023



(unaudited)

(unaudited)


Note

$'000

$'000


 



Revenues

 

29,255

23,996

Power/Hosting Costs

 

(19,189)

(15,093)

Power credits

 

1,420

1,284

Mining margin

 

11,486

10,187

Depreciation of mining equipment

 

(9,667)

(12,047)

Gain (loss) in fair value of digital currencies

9

(27)

489

Gross margin

 

1,792

(1,371)


 



Operating costs and expenses

 

(5,809)

(7,863)

Restructuring and transaction related fees

 

(1,118)

(1,399)

Foreign exchange gain

 

292

1,403

Depreciation

 

(448)

(651)

Loss on Hedging

 

(397)


Share based payment

 

(3,594)

(1,889)

Operating loss

 

(9,282)

(11,770)


 



Gain on sale of assets held for sale

14

3,397

-

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

(429)

-

Finance cost

 

(4,296)

(6,335)

Other Income

 

453

-

Equity accounted loss from associate

 

-

(458)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

7

(22,012)

-

Impairment of Intangible assets

6

(226)

-


 



Loss before taxation

 

(32,394)

(18,563)


 



Tax expense

5

(340)

-


 



Net Loss

 

(32,734)

(18,563)

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

Items which may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:

 

 

 

-     Currency translation reserve

 

(641)

(1,330)


 



Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

(641)

(1,331)


 



Total comprehensive loss attributable to the equity holders of the company

 

(33,375)

(19,893)


 



Weighted average shares outstanding 000's

 

575,721

477,825

Basic/diluted loss per share

 

(0.06)

(0.04)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION



As at

As at



30 June 2024

31 December 2023



(unaudited)

(audited)


Note

$'000

$'000


 



ASSETS

 



Non-current assets

 



Investments at fair value through income and loss

 

400

400

Intangible assets

6

521

888

Property, plant and equipment

7

26,171

59,728

Total non-current assets

 

27,092

61,016


 



Current assets

 



Trade and other receivables

8

1,581

2,480

Prepaids

 

503

1,355

Digital assets

9

170

385

Cash and cash equivalents

 

3,985

7,443

Assets held for sale

 

-

3,261

Total current assets

 

6,239

14,924


 



Total assets

 

33,331

75,940


 



EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

 



Equity

 



Share capital

10

764

712

Share premium

10

219,635

209,779

Share based payment reserve

 

13,087

12,166

RSU Reserve

10

2,113


Foreign currency translation reserve

 

(30,771)

(30,129)

Accumulated deficit

 

(225,104)

(192,370)

Total equity

 

(20,276)

158


 



Current liabilities

 



Trade and other payables

11

8,194

11,175

Loans and borrowings

12

5,790

14,320

Corporation tax

5

444

-

Liabilities held for sale

 

-

2,090

Total current liabilities

 

14,428

27,585


 



Non - current liabilities

 



Issued debt - bond

12

38,484

38,170

Loans and borrowings

12

695

10,027

Total liabilities

 

53,607

75,782


 



Total equity and liabilities

 

33,331

75,940

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

 


Share capital

Share premium

Currency translation reserve

Share based payment reserve

Accumulated deficit

Total


$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

Balance at 1 January 2024

712

209,779

(30,129)

12,166

(192,370)

158

Loss for the period

-

-

-

-

(32,734)

(32,734)

Other comprehensive income

-

-

(642)

-

-

(642)

Share capital Issued

48

9,300

-

-

-

9,348

Stock based compensation charge

-

-

-

3,594

-

3,594

Share RSUs vested

4

556

-

(560)

-

-

Balance at 30 June 2024

764

219,635

(30,771)

15,200

(225,104)

(20,276)



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY  


Share capital

Share premium

Currency translation reserve

Share based payment reserve

Accumulated surplus/ (deficit)

Total


$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

Balance at 1 January 2023

634

202,103

(29,350)

8,528

(157,337)

24,578

Loss for the period

-

-

-

-

(18,563)

(18,563)

Other comprehensive income

-

-

(1,331)

-

-

(1,331)

Foreign exchange movement

-

-

-

(28)

-

(28)

Stock based compensation charge

-

-

-

1,889

-

1,889

Balance at 30 June 2023

634

202,103

(30,681)

10,389

(175,900)

6,545


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS   



Period ended

Period ended



30 June 2024

30 June 2023



(unaudited)

(unaudited)


Note

$'000

$'000

Cash flows from operating activities

 



Loss before tax

 

(32,394)

(18,563)

Adjustments for:

 



Depreciation/Amortisation

 

10,114

12,698

Foreign exchange movements

 

(290)

(1,403)

Finance cost

 

4,296

6,335

Fair value change in digital assets

 

25

-

Realised gain in digital assets

 

-

(489)

Revenue from digital assets

 

(29,255)

(23,996)

Proceeds from sale of digital assets

 

29,443

24,439

Share of loss from associate

 

-

458

Gain on disposal of assets held for sale

 

(3,397)

-

Impairment of intangible digital assets

 

226

-

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

 

22,012

-

Interest income

 

(273)

-

Loss on hedging

 

397

-

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

 

429

-

Share based payment expense

 

3,595

1,889

Working capital changes:

 



Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

8

1,341

(892)

Decrease in trade and other payables

11

(2,782)

(973)

Net cash flow (used in)/from operating activities

 

3,487

(497)


 



Investing activities

 



Proceeds from sale of intangibles/assets held for sale

 

6,119

989

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

7

-

(1,301)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

894

-

Interest received

 

273

-

Net cash used in investing activities

 

7,286

(312)


 



Financing activities

 



Proceeds from borrowings

16

-

811

Loan repayments

 

(19,881)

(3,381)

Interest paid

 

(3,362)

(5,247)

Proceeds from shares issued

 

9,349

-

Net cash from (used in)/from financing activities

 

(13,894)

(7,817)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(3,121)

(8,626)

Effect of foreign exchange changes in cash

 

(337)

(2,318)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

7,443

20,092

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

3,985

9,148

 

 



 

 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.         COMPANY INFORMATION

 

Argo Blockchain plc ("the Company") is a public company, limited by shares, and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Eastcastle House, 27/28 Eatcastle Street, London, England, W1W 8DH. The Company was incorporated on 5 December 2017 as GoSun Blockchain Limited.

 

On 21 December 2017, the Company changed its name to Argo Blockchain Limited and re-registered as a public company, Argo Blockchain plc.

On 12 January 2018, Argo Blockchain plc acquired a 100% subsidiary, Argo Innovation Labs Inc. , incorporated in Canada. 

On 22 November 2022, the Company formed Argo Holdings US Inc., a 100% subsidiary incorporated in Delaware, United States, and Argo US Holdings Inc. formed Argo US Operating LLC, a limited liability company incorporated in Delaware, United States (together, the "Group")

On 21 December 2022, Argo Innovation Facilities (US) Inc became Galaxy Power LLC. On 28 December 2022, the Group sold Galaxy Power LLC.

 

The principal activity of the Group is Bitcoin mining.

 

The ordinary shares of the Company are listed under the trading symbol ARB on the London Stock Exchange.  The American Depositary Receipts of the Company are listed under the trading symbol ARBK on Nasdaq.  The Company bond is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol ARBKL.

 

2.         BASIS OF PREPARATION

 

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2024 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and presented in US dollars which is further described in Note 3. They do not include all the information required in annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB. The report of the auditors on those financial statements was unqualified.

 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the measurement to fair value certain financial and digital assets and financial instruments.

 

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

 

3.         ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those of the previous financial year, except the change in presentational currency from British Pounds to US Dollars and recognition of power credits within Mining Margin in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.  The Group changed its presentational currency to US Dollars with effect from 1 January 2023 due to the fact its revenues, direct costs, capital expenditures and debt obligations are now predominantly denominated in US Dollars.

 

In order to satisfy the requirements of IAS 8 and IAS 21 with respect to a change in the presentation currency, the statutory financial information as previously reported in the Group's Annual Reports have been restated from GBP into US Dollars using the procedures outlined below:

●    Assets and liabilities were translated to US Dollars at the closing rates of exchange at each respective balance sheet date

●    Share capital, share premium and other reserves were translated at the historic rates prevailing at the dates of transactions

●    Income and expenses were translated to US Dollars at an average rate at each of the respective reporting years on a monthly basis. This has been deemed to be a reasonable approximation to exchange rates at the date of the transactions.

●    Differences resulting from the retranslation were taken to currency translation reserve within equity

●    All exchange rates used were extracted from the Group's underlying financial records

 

Power credits: The Group recognized power credits in relation to selling power back to the power grid.  The hosting facility sells some of the Group's power back to the power grid when economically feasible.

 

Going Concern

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires an assessment on the validity of the going concern assumption. Mining economics since the halving in April 2024 have been challenging due to the reduced reward not being offset by a reduction in overall network hash rate. We have benefited from lower power prices at Helios which has allowed us to sustain mining margin percentages, albeit on a lower revenue base. However, based on mining economics as of the date of this report, our mining margin percentage is expected to decline in the second half of 2024.

 

During 2024, the Company has continued to focus on strengthening its balance sheet. Subsequent to 30 June 2024, the Company issued 57.8 million shares and raised gross proceeds of $8.3 million. This allowed the Company to repay the remaining Galaxy debt in August 2024.

 

Paying off the Galaxy debt is a significant milestone for the Company. However,  material uncertainties exist that may cast significant doubt regarding the Group's ability to continue as a going concern and meet its liabilities as they come due. The significant uncertainties are:

 

1) In addition to the Galaxy debt which was repaid in August 2024, the Company also has interest payments of  approximately $3.5 million annually on its unsecured bonds which mature in November 2026.

2) The Group's exposure to Bitcoin prices, power prices, and hashprice, each of which have shown volatility over recent years and have a significant impact on the Group's future profitability. The Group may have difficulty meeting its liabilities if there are significant declines to the hashprice assumption or significant increases to the power price, particularly where there is a combination of both factors. Current mining economics are challenging for Bitcoin miners and as a result the Group recorded a $22 million impairment charge during the period. The Directors' assessment of going concern includes a forecast drawn up to 31 August 2025 using the Group's estimate of the forecasted hashprice. These include estimates of a renewed hosting agreement with Galaxy beginning in January 2025.

3) The Company may not be able to extend its hosting agreement with Galaxy on terms that are acceptable to the Company. In addition, finding acceptable alternatives may be challenging given that the miners hosted by Galaxy are an older fleet and in immersion fluid.

Offsetting these potential risks to the Group's cash flow are the Group's current cash balance, the Group's ability to generate additional funds by issuing equity for cash proceeds and selling certain non-core Group assets.

 

Based on information from Management, the Directors have considered the period to 31 August 2025, as a reasonable time period given the variable outlook of cryptocurrencies. Based on the above considerations, the Board believes it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the Financial Statements. However, the Board notes that the significant debt service requirements, the volatile economic environment and uncertainty over the Galaxy renewal at Helios renewal  indicate the existence of material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt regarding the applicability of the going concern assumption. The auditors also made reference to this in their audit report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

 

 

 

4.         ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

 

The Group has adopted all recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of IFRS, including any new and revised standards and Interpretations of IFRS, in effect for annual periods commencing on or after 1 January 2024. The adoption of these standards and amendments did not have any material impact on the financial results or position of the Group.

Standards which are in issue but not yet effective:

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretation, which have not yet been applied in these financial statements, were in issue but not yet effective.

Standard or Interpretation

Description

Effective date for annual accounting period beginning on or after

IFRS 18

Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements

1 January 2026

 

The Group has not early adopted any of the above standards and intends to adopt them when they become effective.

 

No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of tax losses carried forward on the basis that there is insufficient certainty over the level of future profits to utilise against this amount.

Income tax expense

The tax on the Group's profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities as follows:

 

5.            TAXATION

 

 


Period ended 

30 June 2024 (unaudited) 

Period ended 

30 June 2023 (unaudited) 


$'000 

$'000 

Taxation charge in the financial statements 

340

-

 



Period ended

30 June 2024 (unaudited)

Period ended

30 June 2023 (unaudited)

 

 

$'000

$'000





Loss before taxation


(32,394)

(18,563)

 

Expected tax recovery based on a weighted average of 25% (2023 - 25%) (UK, US and Canada)

 

(8,099)

(4,641)


 



Effect of expenses not deductible in determining taxable profit

 

5,465

3

Temporary differences

 

3,433

3,485

Other tax adjustments

 

191

(52)

Unutilised (utilised) tax losses carried forward

 

(650)

1,205

Taxation charge in the financial statements

 

-

 

6.         INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Group

 

Goodwill

Digital assets

2024 Total

 

 

$'000

$'000

$'000

Cost

 

 

 

 

At 1 January 2024


112

5,441






Foreign exchange movements



(29)

Disposals


(112)


(112)

At 30 June 2024


-






Amortisation and impairment





At 1 January


-

Impairment


226

At 30 June 2024


-

Balance at 1 January 2024


112

776

888

Balance At 30 June 2024

-

521

521

 

 

Intangible digital assets are cryptocurrencies owned but not mined by the Group.  The Intangible digital assets are recorded at cost on the day of acquisition. Changes in fair value are recorded in the fair value reserve in other comprehensive income.

 

The Intangible digital assets held are detailed in the table below:

 

 

As at 30 June 2024

Coins/tokens

Fair value

Crypto asset name

 

$'000

Polkadot - DOT

16,554

103

Alternative coins

405,248

418

At 30 June 2024

421,802

521


7.         PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Group

Mining and Computer Equipment

Data Centres

Equipment

Total


$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

Cost





At 1 January 2024

168,149

6,281

4,034

178,464

Foreign exchange movement

16

(53)

(21)

(58)

Disposals

(1,322)

-

-

(1,322)

At 30 June 2024

166,843

6,228

4,012

177,084

Depreciation and impairment





At 1 January 2024

(116,992)

(1,537)

(206)

(118,735)

Foreign exchange movement

-

(18)

(33)

(51)

Impairment in asset

(22,012)

-

-

(22,012)

Depreciation charged during the period

(9,667)

(324)

(124)

(10,115)

At 30 June 2024

(148,671)

(1,879)

(363)

(150,913)

Carrying amount





At 1 January 2024

51,158

4,743

3,827

59,729

At 30 June 2024

18,172

4,349

3,649

26,171


The Group determined that there were indicators of impairment at 30 June 2024. The reduction in fair market values of mining equipment, which has accelerated since the Bitcoin halving in April 2024, and the deterioration of mining economics resulting from the lower hashprice since the Bitcoin halving, are the primary factors.  In assessing value in use of Mining and Computer Equipment, the estimated future cash flows over the useful life of the mining machines were discounted using a pre-tax discount rate of 13.97%. As a result of the analysis, an impairment charge of $22.0 million was recorded.


8.         TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 

As at

30 June 2024 (unaudited)

As at                31 December 2023 (audited)

 

$'000

$'000

Trade and other receivables

873

1,131

Other taxation and social security

708

1,349

Total trade and other receivables

1,581

2,480

 

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables is equal to their fair value.

 

9.         DIGITAL ASSETS  

Group

Period ended

30 June 2024

(unaudited)

$'000

Year ended

    31 December 2023

(audited)

$'000

Opening Balance

385

443

Additions

 

 

Foreign exchange movement

-

24

Crypto assets mined

29,255

50,558

Total additions

29,255

50,582

Disposals

 

 

Crypto assets sold

(29,497)

(51,378)

Total disposals

(29,497)

(51,378)

Fair value movements

 

 

Gain/(loss) on crypto asset sales

27

738

Total fair value movements

27

738

Closing Balance    

170

385

 

 

 

 

The Group mined crypto assets during the period, which are recorded at fair value on the day of acquisition. Movements in fair value are recorded in change in fair value of digital currencies on the statement of comprehensive loss.

 

10.       ORDINARY SHARES   

The Group had 578,397,673 Ordinary shares outstanding at 30 June 2024 and 536,963,471 31 December 2023.

Subsequent to June 30, 2024, the Group issued 57,500,000 ordinary shares and 57,500,000 warrants for net proceeds of $7.7M.

The Group has in issue 7,273,585 warrants and options at 30 June 2023 (2022: 10,544,406).

The Group granted 7,273,995 restricted stock units (RSUs) in 2024.  The RSUs vest over 3 years from grant date.  The grant price of the RSUs was £0.15.

 

11.       TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES  

 

As at

30 June 2024 (unaudited)

As at

31 December 2023 (audited)

 

$'000

$'000

Trade payables

820

2,336

Accruals and other payables

5,812

7,153

Other taxation and social security

1,562

1,686

Total trade and other creditors

8,194

11,175

 

The directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other payables is equal to their fair value.

 

12.       LOANS AND BORROWINGS  


 

 

Non-current liabilities

As at

30 June 2024 (unaudited)

$'000

As at

31 December 2023  (audited)

$'000

Issued debt - bond

38,484

38,170

Long term loan

-

9,230

Mortgages

695

797

Total

39,179

48,197

 

Current liabilities

 

 

Loans*

5,351

13,444

Mortgages

439

600

Other loans

-

276

Total

5,790

14,320

 

The mortgage is secured against the building at Baie Comeau and is repayable over periods of 30 months at an interest rate of lender prime + 0.5%.     

*The Galaxy loan was fully repaid subsequent to quarter end.

 

 

 

 

 

13.       FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

As at

30 June 2024 (unaudited)

$'000

As at

31 December 2023 (audited)

$'000

Carrying amount of financial assets

 

 

Measured at amortised cost    



-     Trade and other receivables

1,581

1,131

-     Cash and cash equivalents

3,985

7,443

Measured at fair value - Digital Assets

170

400

Total carrying amount of financial assets

5,736

8,974




Carrying amount of financial liabilities



Measured at amortised cost



-     Trade and other payables

8,193

7,501

-     Short term loans

-

280

-     Long term loans

-     Issued Debt - bonds

6,484

25,599

38,484

38,170

Total carrying amount of financial liabilities

53,161

71,550

 

Fair Value Estimation

Fair value measurements are disclosed according to the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

-     Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1)

-     Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices), or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (Level 2)

-     Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (Level 3). This is the case for unlisted equity securities.

 

The following table presents the Group's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023.

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss





Equity holdings

-

-

400

400

Intangible assets - crypto assets

-

521

-

521

Digital assets

-

170

-

170

Total at 30 June 2024

-

691

400

1,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss





Equity holdings

-

-

400

400

Intangible assets - crypto assets

-

888

-

888

Digital assets

-

385

-

385

Total at 31 December 2023

-

1,273

400

1,673

All financial assets are in listed/unlisted securities and digital assets.

There were no transfers between levels during the period.

The Group recognises the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss relating to unlisted investments at the cost of investment unless:

-     There has been a specific change in the circumstances which, in the Group's opinion, has permanently impaired the value of the financial asset. The asset will be written down to the impaired value;

-     There has been a significant change in the performance of the investee compared with budgets, plans or milestones;

-     There has been a change in expectation that the investee's technical product milestones will be achieved or a change in the economic environment in which the investee operates;

-     There has been an equity transaction, subsequent to the Group's investment, which crystallises a valuation for the financial asset which is different to the valuation at which the Group invested. The asset's value will be adjusted to reflect this revised valuation; or

-     An independently prepared valuation report exists for the investee within close proximity to the reporting date.

 

14.       SALE OF SUBSIDIARY

In March 2024, the Group sold 9366-5320 Quebec Inc. for approximately $6.2 million.  The gain on the sale was $3.4 million. A tax provision of $443k was recorded for the capital gain.

15.       COMMITMENTS

The Group's material contractual commitments relate to the hosting services agreement with Galaxy Digital Qualified Opportunity Zone Business LLC, which provides hosting, power and support services at the Helios facility. This agreement has a term ending December 28, 2024 and renewal discussions are in progress. It is impracticable to determine monthly commitments due to large fluctuations in power usage and as such a commitment over the contract life has not been determined. The agreement is for services with no identifiable assets, therefore, there is no right of use asset associated with the agreement.

 

As the Company disclosed on February 8, 2023, it is currently subject to a class action lawsuit. The case, Murphy vs Argo Blockchain plc et al, was filed in the Eastern District of New York on 26 January 2023. The Company refutes all of the allegations and believes that this class action lawsuit is without merit. The Company is vigorously defending itself against the action. We are not currently subject to any other material pending legal proceedings or claims.

 

16.       RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS  

Key management compensation - all amounts in $000's

 

Key management includes Directors (executive and non-executive) and senior management. The compensation paid to related parties in respect of key management for employee services during the period was made only from Argo Blockchain PLC, amounting to:

●    $68k (2023 - $68k) to Webslinger Advisors Inc. in respect of fees of Matthew Shaw (Non-executive director)

●    $63k (2023 - $63k) in respect of fees for Maria Perrella (Non-executive director)

●    $68k (2023 - $71k) in respect of fees for Raghav Chopra (Non-executive Director)

 

Total director fees and remuneration, paid directly and indirectly, totalled $541k (2023: $280k). 

 

17.       SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In July 2024, the Company issued 57,500,000 ordinary shares and 57,500,000 warrants for net proceeds of $7.7 million.

In August 2024, the Company repaid the $5.4 million remaining on the Galaxy loan balance.

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