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BioGaia

Annual Report Feb 7, 2024

3013_10-k_2024-02-07_b96e7dab-ed1c-41c3-897d-dbc08c889043.pdf

Annual Report

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BioGaia AB

Year-end report January – December 2023

FOURTH QUARTER 2023

Figures in parentheses refer to the corresponding period last year, unless otherwise specified.

Net sales amounted to SEK 297.8 million (274.3), an increase of SEK 23.5 million, or 9% (excluding foreign exchange effects, 7%). Net sales in the Pediatrics segment amounted to SEK 220.0 million (207.4), an increase of 6% (excluding foreign exchange effects an increase of 5%).

Net sales in the Adult Health segment amounted to SEK 76.4 million (64.7), an increase of 18% (excluding foreign exchange effects, an increase of 17%). Operating expenses amounted to SEK 144.9 million (136.9), an increase of SEK 8.0 million (6%). Operating expenses, excluding items affecting comparability, increased by 7% to SEK 144.9 million (135.1). Operating profit increased by 13% to SEK 80.5 million (71.1), which corresponds to an operating margin of 27% (26%). Adjusted operating profit increased by 10% to SEK 80.5 million (72.9), which corresponds to an adjusted operating margin of 27% (27%). Profit after tax amounted to SEK 67.4 million (139.4), a decrease of 52%. Earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.67 (1.38) before and after dilution.1) Cash flow amounted to SEK 100.2 million (89.0). Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2023 amounted to SEK 1,544.2 million (1,488.4 at December 31, 2022).

Key events in the fourth quarter of 2023

16 October. BioGaia announced that results for the third quarter exceeded market expectations.

JANUARY - DECEMBER 2023

Figures in parentheses refer to the corresponding period last year, unless otherwise specified.

Net sales amounted to SEK 1,296.5 million (1,104.0), an increase of SEK 192.5 million, or 17% (excluding foreign exchange effects, 11%). Net sales in the Pediatrics segment amounted to SEK 1,013.5 million (868.4), an increase of 17% (excluding foreign exchange effects, 11%). Net sales in the Adult Health segment amounted to SEK 275.2 million (230.2), an increase of 20% (excluding foreign exchange effects, an increase of 14%). Operating expenses amounted to SEK 507.1 million (440.5), an increase of SEK 66.6 million (15%). Operating expenses, excluding items affecting comparability, increased by 16% to SEK 505.9 million (435.4). Operating profit increased by 23% to SEK 443.1 million (361.5), which corresponds to an operating margin of 34% (33%). Adjusted operating profit increased by 21% to SEK 444.2 million (366.5), which corresponds to an adjusted operating margin of 34% (33%). Profit after tax amounted to SEK 365.4 million (373.8), a decrease of 2%. Earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.62 (3.70) before and after dilution.1) Cash flow amounted to SEK 66.6 million (- 12.8). Cash flow includes paid dividends of SEK 292.8 million (301.3).

In October 2020 BioGaia announced that it had carried out a directed issue of 2.86 million class B shares, raising proceeds of SEK 1.1 billion. Since then, BioGaia has further evaluated several larger potential acquisitions, but could not satisfactorily conclude the viability or strategic fit. For the coming years BioGaia will focus on evaluating smaller and more tactical acquisitions. With this change in acquisition strategy BioGaia has an excess cash position and has therefore decided to increase its future dividends as follows. In addition to the current dividend policy of 50% of the group earnings after tax and after adjustment of non-recurring items, for the coming years BioGaia intends to give extra dividends of 50 to 100% of the group earnings after tax and after adjustment of non-recuring items, provided that the future cash flows are in line with BioGaia's projections. BioGaia will still have sufficient net cash to allow selective acquisitions of considerable size while maintaining sufficient funding to deal with future potential variations of the group earnings. The Board proposes that the upcoming Annual General Meeting on 7 May 2024 approves an ordinary dividend according to policy of SEK 1.90 (1.45) per share, plus an extra dividend of SEK 5.00 (1.45) per share resulting in a total dividend of SEK 6.90 (2.90) per share, corresponding to SEK 696.8 million (292.8).The Board further proposes a provision to the Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance of SEK 4.4 million (4.4).

Key events after the end of the fourth quarter

No key events that are not presented in this year-end report took place after the end of the fourth quarter.

Oct–Dec 2023 Oct–Dec 2022
Net sales, SEK 000s 297,774 274,283
Growth in net sales 9% 33%
Operating profit, SEK 000s 80,530 71,126
Operating margin 27% 26%
Profit after tax, SEK 000s 67,359 139,428
Number of shares, thousands 100,982 100,982
Earnings per share, before and after dilution, SEK 1) 0.67 1.38

1) Key ratio defined according to IFRS. For definitions of other key ratios, see page 17.

This information is information that BioGaia AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The in formation was submitted for publication, through the agency of the CEO, at 08.00 a.m. CET on February 7, 2024.

BioGaia AB (publ.) Year-end Report 2023

The Board of Directors and the CEO of BioGaia AB hereby present the year-end report for the period 1 January – 31 December 2023.

CEO's comments

Another record year

This fourth quarter is my first full quarter as CEO of BioGaia. It has been a successful and eventful quarter - and I have had time to form a view of where we have our opportunities and challenges, and how we should prioritize to drive future continued growth. I am grateful to have been entrusted to lead BioGaia into the next phase of expansion.

As we now round off 2023, we can state that we have managed to maintain strong growth despite all the challenges of the outside world such as war, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. Net sales in 2023 amounted to SEK 1,297 million, an increase of 17% in comparison with last year. Adjusted for currency effects, this increase was 11%. Despite ongoing investments in the expansion of our direct distribution business, we have managed to maintain our high operating margins.

The Pediatric segment, which accounts for most of our sales, increased by 17% compared to the previous year. The Adult segment is growing by 20% compared to previous years. This is a sign of strength as we during the year have focused even more on increasing awareness of our products to adults.

Americas and APAC are developing strongly

At the beginning of the year of 2023, we started direct distribution in Canada after the previous partner distribution agreement with Ferring ended. The decision to start our own direct business has proven to be successful, and we have benefited from the operational synergies we now have with our US direct business.

Americas, which includes the USA, Canada, and Latin America, developed positively during the year. Online sales continue to grow strongly in the US with our direct business. One of our partners, Gerber, a Nestlé company, decided to stop selling their co-branded Gerber/BioGaia products and focus solely on their own products. Despite this, USA continued to outperform with growth of 26% in the fourth quarter.

Even though we only took over the distribution in Canada at the beginning of the year, we have had a strong increase in sales of BioGaia products during 2023. This is the result of excellent work by the new Canadian team to establish the BioGaia brand on Amazon, in Costco, and in several retail chains in the country. To increase awareness of our products in Canada, we have invested in training pharmacists and pharmacy staff, as well as increased visibility through influencer collaborations and partnerships with parent sites. In Latin America, sales continue to strongly increase thanks to our committed distribution partners. Above all, Brazil, Mexico, and Guatemala stand out with exceptional results.

The APAC region, especially China, South Korea and the Philippines has had impressive growth during the quarter and the full year. In China, we have had great success with digital marketing and sales via various social platforms, of which TikTok is a great example. In Japan, the dental profession is our main focus, and we have seen strong growth by building even more relationships with dental clinics and participating in important dental congresses.

During the quarter, a Sales and Marketing Conference for regional APAC distribution partners was organized to share our company

strategy and best practices from around the region. This will serve as the foundation for our growth plans for the region for the coming year.

In the fourth quarter our sales in EMEA decreased by 29% which is partly explained by the fact that BioGaia terminated the distribution agreement and stopped supplying the Italian company Nóos S.r.l. in

August 2023 for non-performance. While the matter has gone to arbitration, BioGaia is securing the availability of our products on the Italian market through our previous sub-distributor.

Despite the global economic slowdown, we have impressive and stable sales growth in the Americas and APAC. This confirms our thinking that BioGaia's Protectis drops for infants are resilient even in a downturn and in addition, that consumers will act on their belief in

the importance of a healthy lifestyle and taking probiotic health supplements to prevent health problems.

We continue to raise awareness of BioGaia and superior probiotics

Strengthening BioGaia's brand is always a priority, and we regularly evaluate consumers' views of us. To continue building the brand, we, among other things, ran campaigns targeting different consumer segments in various channels. We are also working to increase knowledge about specific probiotics and therefore during the quarter we have launched a new updated consumer site (www.biogaia.com) where education about probiotics has a prominent role. BioGaia is one of the world leaders in probiotics and as a leader, it is crucial to drive and be part of initiatives that continually propel the industry forward. That is why we are members of organizations such as the International Probiotics Association (IPA), a global non-profit organization committed to advocating for the safe and efficacious use of pre-, pro-, and post-biotics worldwide. Recently, IPA announced me as a new member of the board for the global IPA, and as a new board member, I want to take the opportunity to raise education, sustainability, and lobbying high on the agenda. I strongly believe these are the key factors in successfully advancing the industry.

Milestones in our research

As we prioritize R&D, it is gratifying to see that the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) updated and published new guidelines for probiotics in 2023 where BioGaia's strain is once again mentioned. In the publication, L. reuteri DSM 17938 is the only probiotic strain with level 1 evidence for infant colic. BioGaia's probiotics for adults are also rated among the highest levels of evidence.

Through our newly built pilot facility in Eslöv, we have taken an important step towards developing and scaling up products that will contain next-generation probiotics. The facility handles the production of new strict anaerobic (oxygen-sensitive) strains that require new challenging steps during fermentation, as well as the production of traditional lactobacilli. Furthermore, during the year we have invested in a second production line for BioGaia Protectis Easy Dropper products.

With our research, we lay the foundation for continued innovation for the future and continue to solidify the clinical evidence for our probiotic strains in both existing and new indications.

Entering the next phase of growth

BioGaia is on the journey to continue to grow our sales. BioGaia's Protectis drops for infants continue to meet strong demand, thus showing high resilience during the economic downturn. At the same time, we work continuously to review our costs to continue to manage the unpredictable outside world. In 2024, we will make evidence based targeted significant investments in marketing and sales with the intention of further increasing our growth rate for our pediatric and adult products.

We have a unique competitive advantage where we succeed in combining BioGaia's consumer-adapted product portfolio, our evidence-based research, and our well-functioning omnichannel strategy to meet consumers' needs. In addition, we have talented distribution partners who work diligently to educate the medical and healthcare professionals, as well as retailers, around the world about our products and our scientific research. Based on these strengths, the entire BioGaia team and I, are ready to accelerate growth and take further steps to be the most trusted probiotic brand in the world.

Theresa Agnew President and CEO, BioGaia February 7, 2024

Revenue

SEKm Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Change Jan–Dec Jan–Dec Change
2023 2022 2023 2022
Pediatrics 220.0 207.4 6% 1,013.5 868.4 17%
Adult Health 76.4 64.7 18% 275.2 230.2 20%
Other 1.3 2.1 -40% 7.8 5.4 44%
Total 297.8 274.3 9% 1,296.5 1,104.0 17%
SEKm Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Change Jan–Dec Jan–Dec Change
2023 2022 2023 2022
EMEA 91.7 128.4 -29% 491.8 511.5 -4%
APAC 96.1 60.0 60% 304.1 223.0 36%
Americas 109.9 85.9 28% 500.6 369.5 35%
Total 297.8 274.3 9% 1,296.5 1,104.0 17%
SALES FOURTH QUARTER
-- -- ----------------------

Consolidated net sales amounted to SEK 297.8 million (274.3), which is an increase of SEK 23.5 million, or 9% (excluding foreign exchange effects, 7%).

Sales in EMEA amounted to SEK 91.7 million (128.4), a decrease of 29%, which was due to lower sales in the Pediatrics segment. Sales decreased mainly in Eastern Europe, France, and Italy. BioGaia terminated the distribution agreement and stopped supplying the Italian company Nóos S.r.l. in August 2023 for non-performance. While the matter has gone to arbitration, BioGaia is securing the availability of our products on the Italian market through our previous sub-distributor.

Sales in APAC amounted to SEK 96.1 million (60.0), an increase of 60%, which was due to higher sales in both the Pediatrics and Adult Health segments. Sales increased mainly in China, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Sales in Americas totaled SEK 109.9 million (85.9), up 28% due to increased sales in both the Pediatrics and Adult Health segments. Sales mainly increased in BioGaia USA, Brazil and Canada. One of our partners in the US, Gerber, a Nestlé company, announced that they would stop selling BioGaia's products and focus solely on their own products. Despite this, USA continued to outperform with growth of 26% in the fourth quarter. In Brazil sales was positively impacted by an inventory build-up due to the launch of Easy Dropper in Brazil.

Net sales bridge fourth quarter

SEKm Change
2022 274.3
Foreign exchange 3.3 1.2%
Organic growth 20.2 7.4%
2023 297.8 8.6%
Jan-Dec Jan-Dec Change
2023 2022
1,013.5 868.4 17%
275.2 230.2 20%
7.8 5.4 44%
1,296.5 1,104.0 17%
Jan-Dec Jan-Dec Change
2023 2022
491.8 511.5 $-4%$
304.1 223.0 36%
500.6 369.5 35%

SALES JANUARY-DECEMBERConsolidated net sales

amounted to SEK 1,296.5 million (1,104.0), which is an increase of SEK 192.5 million, or 17% (excluding foreign exchange effects, 11%).

Sales in EMEA amounted to SEK 491.8 million (511.5), a decrease of 4%, which was due to lower sales in the Pediatrics segment. Sales in EMEA declined mainly in Italy and France.

Sales in APAC totaled SEK 304.1 million (223.0), up 36% due to increased sales in both the Pediatrics and Adult Health segments. Sales increased primarily in China, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Sales in Americas totaled SEK 500.6 million (369.5), up 35% due to increased sales in both the Pediatrics and Adult Health segments. Sales mainly increased in BioGaia USA, Canada and Brazil.

Net sales bridge January-December

SEKm Change
2022 1,104.0
Foreign exchange 67.2 6.1%
Organic growth 125.4 11.4%
2023 1,296.5 17.4%

Pediatrics

The Pediatrics segment accounts for approximately 80% of BioGaia's total sales. BioGaia Protectis drops remain the most sold product and are sold in more than 100 countries. Other key products within the Pediatrics segment include Protectis tablets, oral rehydration sol ution as well as cultures to be used as ingredients in licensee products.

SEKm Oct–Dec 2023 Oct–Dec 2022 Change Jan–Dec 2023 Jan–Dec 2022 Change
Pediatrics 220.0 207.4
2022
6% 1,013.5 868.4
2022
17%

SALES FOURTH QUARTER

Sales in the Pediatrics segment amounted to SEK 220.0 million (207.4), an increase of 6% (excluding foreign exchange effects 5%).

Sales of BioGaia Protectis drops decreased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales decreased mainly in EMEA and slightly in Americas while sales in APAC increased. Sales decreased mainly in Eastern Europe, France and Spain.

Sales of BioGaia Protectis tablets within Pediatrics increased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales increased in APAC and Americas, mainly in the Philippines and Canada.

SALES JANUARY-DECEMBER

Sales in the Pediatrics segment amounted to SEK 1,013.5 million (868.4), an increase of 17% (excluding foreign exchange effects, 11%).

Sales of BioGaia Protectis drops increased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales increased in the Americas, primarily in the USA and Canada, and in APAC, mainly in China. Sales decreased in EMEA, mainly in Italy and France.

Sales of BioGaia Protectis tablets within the Pediatrics segment increased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales increased in Americas and APAC, mainly in Brazil and Canada.

Adult Health

The Adult Health segment accounts for approximately 20% of BioGaia's total sales. Sales mainly comprise BioGaia Protectis, Bi oGaia Gastrus, BioGaia Prodentis, BioGaia Osfortis, as well as cultures as an ingredient in a licensee's dairy products and Nutraceutics' own products.

SEKm Oct–Dec 2023 Oct–Dec 2022 Change Jan–Dec 2023 Jan–Dec 2022 Change
Adult Health 76.4 64.7
2022
18% 275.2 230.2
2022
20%

SALES FOURTH QUARTER

Sales in the Adult Health segment amounted to SEK 76.4 million (64.7), an increase of 18% (excluding foreign exchange effects, 17%).

Sales of BioGaia Protectis tablets increased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales increased in APAC and EMEA, mainly in Singapore and Thailand.

Sales of BioGaia Gastrus increased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales increased in all regions.

Sales of BioGaia Prodentis increased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales increased in all regions, mainly in South Korea and the USA.

SALES JANUARY-DECEMBER

Sales in the Adult Health segment amounted to SEK 275.2 million (230.2), an increase of 20% (excluding foreign exchange effects, 14%).

Sales of BioGaia Protectis tablets increased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales increased in EMEA and APAC, mainly in Hong Kong.

Sales of BioGaia Gastrus increased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales increased in all regions, mainly in the USA.

Sales of BioGaia Prodentis increased compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales increased in APAC and Americas, mainly in Japan and the USA.

Earnings

Fourth quarter

Gross margin

The total gross margin amounted to 76% (76%).

The gross margin for the Pediatrics segment amounted to 78% (77%) and for the Adult Health segment to 68% (72%).

Operating expenses and operating profit

Operating expenses amounted to SEK 144.9 million (136.9), an increase of SEK 8.0 million (6%). Operating expenses, excluding items affecting comparability, increased by 7% to SEK 144.9 million (135.1).

Selling expenses amounted to SEK 97.4 million (88.5), an increase of 10%, mainly due to higher costs for sales and marketing activities.

R&D expenses amounted to SEK 28.6 million (31.4), a decrease of 9%.

Administrative expenses amounted to SEK 10.2 million (13.4), a decrease of 24%.

Other operating expenses refers to exchange losses/gains on receivables and liabilities of an operating nature and amounted to SEK 8.6 million (3.5).

Operating profit amounted to SEK 80.5 million (71.1), an increase of 13%. The operating margin was 27% (26%).

Adjusted operating profit amounted to SEK 80.5 million (72.9), an increase of 10%. The adjusted operating margin was 27% (27%).

Net financial items amounted to SEK 7.7 million (81.3). Net financial items were impacted by the adjustment of the value of the earn-out in relation to Nutraceutics in the amount of SEK -12.8 (76.0) million.

Profit after tax and earnings per share

Profit after tax amounted to SEK 67.4 million (139.2), a decrease of 52%. The effective tax rate was 24% (9%). Profit after tax is impacted by a non-taxable financial expense or income from the adjustment of the value of the additional purchase price. The effective tax rate in the same quarter last year was lower due to the financial income from the value adjustment.

Earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.67 (1.38). There are no dilutive effects.

January-December

Gross margin

The total gross margin amounted to 73% (73%).

The gross margin for the Pediatrics segment amounted to 75% (74%) and for the Adult Health segment to 67% (67%).

Operating expenses and operating profit

Operating expenses amounted to SEK 507.1 million (440.5), an increase of SEK 66.6 million (15%). Operating expenses, excluding items affecting comparability, increased by 16% to SEK 505.9 million (435.4). Items affecting comparability primarily include restructuring costs for personnel and costs related to terminating rental premises in Lund.

Selling expenses amounted to SEK 363.3 million (320.8), an increase of 13%, mainly due to higher costs for sales and marketing activities.

R&D expenses amounted to SEK 106.8 million (106.8), an increase of 0%.

Administrative expenses amounted to SEK 39.2 million (39.8), a decrease of 1%.

Other operating expenses refers to exchange losses/gains on receivables and liabilities of an operating nature and amounted to SEK -2.2 million (-27.0).

Operating profit amounted to SEK 443.1 million (361.5), an increase of 23%. The operating margin was 34% (33%).

Adjusted operating profit amounted to SEK 444.2 million (366.5), an increase of 21%. The adjusted operating margin was 34% (33%). Items affecting comparability primarily include restructuring costs for personnel and costs related to terminating rental premises in Lund.

Net financial items amounted to SEK 25.7 million (86.2). Net financial items were impacted by the adjustment of the value of the earn-out in relation to Nutraceutics in the amount of SEK -15.0 (80.0) million.

Profit after tax and earnings per share

Profit after tax amounted to SEK 365.4 million (373.8), a decrease of 2%. The effective tax rate was 22% (16%).

Earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.62 (3.70). There are no dilutive effects.

Parent Company

The Parent Company's net sales amounted to SEK 1,015.8 million (945.3) and profit before tax was SEK 406.7 million (316.0). The financial net includes dividend amounting to 50.0 million. The financial performance of the Parent Company is in all material respects aligned with that of the Group. In the fourth quarter 2023 MetaboGen AB was merged into the parent company. The material impact on the parent company includes a merger result of SEK -23.6 million, intangible assets of SEK 45.9 million and deferred tax liability of SEK 9.4 million.

Balance sheet and cash flow

Balance sheet December 31, 2023

Total assets amounted to SEK 2,333.2 million (2,214.0) at December 31, 2023.

Goodwill from the acquisition of Nutraceutics was adjusted for currency translation. The financial liability for the additional purchase price was value adjusted. For more information, see Note 3.

Compared with the preceding year, payables and inventories increased while receivables decreased.

During the year the lease agreement for the Group headquarters was renewed, thereby increasing right-of-use assets and liabilities by SEK 22.6 million respectively.

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2023 amounted to SEK 1,544.2 million (SEK 1,488.4 million at December 31, 2022).

Cash flow fourth quarter

Cash flow amounted to SEK 100.2 million (89.0).

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 121.8 million (94.2). The increase in cash flow in operations compared with the year-earlier period was mainly due to higher operating profit and interest received and a positive change in working capital.

Investments amounted to SEK 13.9 million (2.6). The increase was primarily attributable to investments in production capacity in BioGaia Production.

Cash flow January-December

Cash flow amounted to SEK 66.6 million (-12.8). The cash flow includes a dividend payment of SEK 292.8 million (301.3).

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 426.0 million (318.9). The increase in cash flow in operations compared with the year-earlier period was mainly due to higher operating profit and interest received despite a negative change in working capital.

Investments amounted to SEK 50.9 million (18.1). The increase was primarily attributable to investments in production capacity in BioGaia Production.

Other disclosures

Employees

The number of employees in the Group at December 31, 2023 totaled 210 (212 at December 31, 2022).

The company has an incentive program for all employees based partly on the company's sales and profit and partly on qualitative targets. The maximum bonus is equal to 12% of annual salary. In addition to this program, BioGaia has also implemented a subscription warrants program as resolved by the 2021 Annual General Meeting.

Future outlook

BioGaia's goal is to create strong value growth and a good return for its shareholders. This will be achieved through a greater emphasis on the BioGaia brand, online sales, increased sales to both existing and new customers and a controlled cost level.

The long-term financial target is an operating margin (operating profit in relation to sales) of at least 34% with continued strong growth and increased investments in research, product development, brand building and the sales organisation. BioGaia's dividend policy is to pay a shareholder dividend equal to 50% of profit after tax in the Group excluding non-recurring items.

In view of the company's strong portfolio consisting of an increased number of innovative products that are sold predominantly under the BioGaia brand, successful clinical trials and a strong distribution network that covers a large share of key markets for BioGaia, BioGaia's future outlook remains bright.

Significant risks and uncertainties – Group and Parent Company

Significant risks and uncertainties are described in the administration report of the annual report for 2022 on pages 92 and 93 and in Notes 27 and 28. No significant changes in these risks and uncertainties are assessed to have taken place at December 31, 2023.

Related party transactions

The Parent Company owns 100% of the shares in BioGaia Probiotics Canada Inc, BioGaia UK Ltd, BioGaia Finland Oy, BioGaia Invest AB, BioGaia Biologics Inc. USA, BioGaia Japan Inc, BioGaia Production AB, CapAble AB and Tripac AB. The Parent Company also owns 96% of the shares in BioGaia Pharma AB and 80% of the shares in Nutraceutics Inc.

Annwall & Rothschild Investment AB owns 3,703,340 class A shares and 500,000 class B shares, corresponding to 4.2% of the share capital and 27.9% of the voting rights in BioGaia AB. Annwall & Rothschild Investment AB is owned by Peter Rothschild and Jan Annwall. Peter Rothschild is Chairman of the Board of BioGaia AB and receives a director's fee of SEK 730,000 per year. During the quarter, Peter Rothschild received additional remuneration for significant working duties, in addition to his assignment on the Board, of SEK 150,000 in accordance with the decision of the Annual General Meeting and the Board of Directors.

Key events in the fourth quarter of 2023

Launches in the fourth quarter of 2023

Distributor Country Product
Sued Dominican
Republic
BioGaia Gastrus
Nestlé Spain,
Portugal
NanCare B.lactis drops 5 ml
Ewopharma Slovakia BioGaia Gastrus
Ewopharma Romania BioGaia Gastrus
Ewopharma Czech
Republic
BioGaia Gastrus
BioGaia UK BioGaia Pharax 5 ml
BioGaia China BioGaia BioGaia Protectis Prodentis mint and apple
tablets strawberry
Abbott
Singapore
Singapore BioGaia Protectis tablets with vitamin D
MTC Pharma Vietnam BioGaia Prodentis lozenges with new
taste (apple)
Abbott/Zuellig
Pharma
Cambodia BioGaia Protectis minipack

BioGaia announced third quarter results. On October 16, BioGaia announced that results for the third quarter exceeded market expectations.

Key events after the end of the fourth quarter of 2023

No key events that are not presented in this year-end report took place after the end of the fourth quarter.

Accounting policies

This year-end report has been prepared for the Group in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, and for the Parent Company in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. Disclosures according to IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting are provided both in notes and elsewhere in the year-end report. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and interpretations from the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) that have been approved by the European Commission for application in the EU. The accounting policies applied by the Group and the Parent Company are consistent with the accounting policies applied in preparation of the most recent annual report. The Parent Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with RFR 2 Accounting for Legal Entities, and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, and applies the same accounting policies and valuation methods as in the most recent annual report.

New accounting standards

Management's assessment is that new and amended standards and interpretations that came into force in 2023 have not had a material effect on the Group's financial statements. Management's assessment is that new and amended standards and interpretations that have not yet come into effect will not have a material effect on the Group's financial statements for the period of initial application.

Summary consolidated statements of comprehensive income

(Amounts in SEK 000s) Oct-Dec
2023
Oct-Dec
2022
Jan–Dec
2023
Jan–Dec
2022
Net sales (Note 1) 297,774 274,283 1,296,506 1,103,957
Cost of sales -72,381 -66,291 -346,316 -302,028
Gross profit 225,393 207,992 950,190 801,929
Selling expenses -97,397 -88,538 -363,256 -320,798
Administrative expenses -10,174 -13,423 -39,249 -39,818
Research and development expenses -28,646 -31,431 -106,776 -106,805
Other operating income/expenses -8,646 -3,474 2,194 26,951
Operating profit 80,530 71,126 443,103 361,459
Financial income 20,868 81,428 41,532 91,540
Financial expenses -13,207 -105 -15,801 -5,386
Profit before tax 88,191 152,449 468,834 447,613
Tax -20,832 -13,021 -103,482 -73,840
Profit for the period 67,359 139,428 365,352 373,773
Gains/losses arising on translation of the statements of foreign
operations
-22,288 -15,846 -9,762 25,722
Comprehensive income for the period 45,071 123,582 355,590 399,495
Profit for the period attributable to: Owners of the Parent
Company
67,359 139,428 365,352 373,773
Non-controlling interests
67,359 139,428 365,352 373,773
Comprehensive income for the period attributable to:
Owners of the Parent Company
45,071 123,582 355,590 399,495
Non-controlling interests
45,071 123,582 355,590 399,495
Earnings per share
Earnings per share before dilution, (SEK) *) 0.67 1.38 3.62 3.70
Earnings per share after dilution, (SEK) *) 0.67 1.38 3.62 3.70
Number of shares (thousands) 100,982 100,982 100,982 100,982
Average number of shares before dilution, (thousands) *) 100,982 100,982 100,982 100,982
Average number of shares after dilution, (thousands) *) 100,982 100,982 100,982 100,982

*) In view of the 5:1 share split, which took place in May 2022, historical key ratios based on the number of shares have bee n restated.

Consolidated balance sheets

Summary (amounts in SEK 000s) Dec 31
2023
Dec 31
2022
Assets
R&D projects in progress 46,230 46,075
Goodwill 165,174 171,517
Right-of-use assets 36,156 13,557
Property, plant and equipment 177,172 144,168
Financial assets 28,013 25,793
Deferred tax assets 5,964 15,325
Deposits 48 50
Total non-current assets 458,757 416,485
Current assets excl. cash and cash equivalents 330,240 309,115
Cash and cash equivalents 1,544,192 1,488,366
Total current assets 1,874,432 1,797,481
Total assets 2,333,189 2,213,966
Equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company 2,030,342 1,972,416
Non-controlling interests 2 2
Total equity 2,030,344 1,972,418
Deferred tax liability 15,179 12,552
Non-current liabilities 91,932 64,005
Current liabilities 195,734 164,991
Total liabilities and equity 2,333,189 2,213,966

Consolidated cash flow statements

Summary (amounts in SEK 000s) Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Jan–Dec Jan–Dec
2023 2022 2023 2022
Operating activities
Operating profit 80,530 71,126 443,103 361,459
Depreciation/amortisation 7,063 6,640 25,281 23,890
Other non-cash items 73 2,945 -1,478 -9,103
Taxes -7,565 1,760 -80,294 -54,910
Interest received and paid 20,223 5,137 40,461 2,248
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working
capital 100,324 87,608 427,073 323,584
Changes in working capital 21,457 6,601 -1,108 -4,641
Cash flow from operating activities 121,781 94,209 425,965 318,943
Purchase of property, plant and equipment -13,862 -2,373 -48,568 -17,916
Purchase of intangible assets -49 -225 -146 -225
Purchase of financial assets - - -2,221 -
Cash flow from investing activities -13,911 -2,598 -50,935 -18,141
Dividend - - -292,849 -301,331
Repayment of lease liability -3,226 -2,603 -10,755 -9,143
Provision to Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance -4,400 - -4,400 -2,900
Repurchase of warrants -8 -417 -214
Cash flow from financing activities -7,626 -2,611 -308,421 -313,588
Cash flow for the period 100,244 89,000 66,609 -12,786
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 1,452,528 1,402,409 1,488,366 1,484,680
Exchange difference in cash and cash equivalents -8,580 -3,043 -10,783 16,472
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 1,544,192 1,488,366 1,544,192 1,488,366

Summary consolidated statement of changes in equity

Jan–Dec Jan–Dec
(Amounts in SEK 000s) 2023 2022
Opening balance 1,972,418 1,877,367
New issue and repurchase of warrants -417 -214
Dividend -292,849 -301,331
Provision to Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance -4,400 -2,900
Comprehensive income for the period 355,590 399,495
Closing balance 2,030,344 1,972,418

Note 1. Reporting by segment – Group

Executive Management has analysed the Group's internal reporting and determined that the Group's operations are monitored and evaluated based on the following segments:

- Pediatrics segment (drops, gut health tablets, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and cultures to be used as ingredients in licensee products (such as infant formula).

Adult Health segment (gut health tablets, oral health lozenges and cultures as an ingredient in a licensee's dairy products, Nutraceutics own products as well as royalty revenues for Adult Health products). – Other segment (smaller segments such as royalty from packaging solutions).

For the above segments BioGaia reports revenue and gross profit, which are monitored regularly by the CEO (who is regarded as the chief operating decision maker) together with the Executive Management. There is no monitoring of the company's total assets and liabilities against the segments' assets and liabilities.

(Amounts in SEK 000s) Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Jan–Dec Jan–Dec
Revenue by segment 2023 2022 2023 2022
Pediatrics 220,037 207,391 1,013,522 868,355
Adult Health 76,449 64,749 275,230 230,205
Other 1,288 2,144 7,753 5,398
Total 297,773 274,283 1,296,506 1,103,957
Gross profit by segment
Pediatrics 171,800 159,059 760,128 643,607
Adult Health 52,304 46,912 183,136 153,298
Other 1,288 2,022 6,925 5,025
Total 225,392 207,992 950,189 801,929
Selling, administrative, R&D expenses -136,217 -133,392 -509,281 -467,421
Other operating expenses/income -8,646 -3,474 2,191 26,951
Operating profit 80,530 71,126 443,103 361,459
Net financial items 7,661 81,323 25,731 86,154
Profit before tax 88,191 152,449 468,834 447,613
Sales by geographical market
Sales by geographical market
APAC
Pediatrics 59,116 28,008 176,797 118,684
Adult Health 36,147 30,484 121,999 100,226
Other 877 1,502 5,289 4,074
Total APAC 96,139 59,994 304,085 222,983
EMEA
Pediatrics 73,740 112,962 424,930 450,159
Adult Health 17,574 14,844 65,275 60,190
Other 384 608 1,575 1,126
Total EMEA 91,698 128,415 491,781 511,475
Americas
Pediatrics 87,181 66,420 411,795 299,512
Adult Health 22,728 19,421 87,955 69,788
Other 27 34 889 198
Total Americas 109,936 85,875 500,640 369,499
Total 297,773 274,283 1,296,506 1,103,957
Date of recognition
Performance obligations met on specific date
(Product sales)
Oct–Dec
2023
Oct–Dec
2022
Jan–Dec
2023
Jan–Dec
2022
Pediatrics 220,037 207,391 1,013,522 867,503
Adult Health 74,299 62,452 266,030 213,360
Other 955 1,630 6,392 4,488
Total 295,291 271,473 1,285,944 1,085,352
Performance obligations met over time (Royalty)
Pediatrics - - - 852
Adult Health 2,150 2,296 9,201 16,844
Other 333 514 1,361 909
Total 2,483 2,810 10,561 18,606
Total 297,773 274,283 1,296,506 1,103,957

Note 2. Largest shareholders at December 31, 2023 (source: Vantage by Euroclear)

A shares B shares Share capital No. of votes Capital Votes
1 Annwall & Rothschild Investments AB 3,703,340 500,000 840,668 37,533,400 4.16% 27.94%
2 EQT 11,164,630 2,232,926 11,164,630 11.06% 8.31%
3 Fjärde AP-fonden 7,750,182 1,550,036 7,750,182 7.67% 5.77%
4 Premier Miton Investors 4,306,888 861,378 4,306,888 4.26% 3.21%
5 Cargill Inc 3,000,000 600,000 3,000,000 2.97% 2.23%
6 TIN Fonder 3,000,000 600,000 3,000,000 2.97% 2.23%
7 Tredje AP-fonden 2,380,915 476,183 2,380,915 2.36% 1.77%
8 Juno Selection Fund 1,977,135 395,427 1,977,135 1.96% 1.47%
9 Handelsbanken Fonder AB 1,939,411 387,882 1,939,411 1.92% 1.44%
10 AMF Fonder & Pension 1,862,368 372,474 1,862,368 1.84% 1.39%
Other shareholders 59,397,441 11,879,488 59,397,441 58.82% 44.22%
Total 3,703,340 97,278,970 20,196,462 134,312,370 100% 100%

Note 3. Fair value

Financial liabilities

BioGaia has a financial liability relating to the additional purchase price in business acquisitions that is measured at fair value through profit or loss. The additional purchase price is due to the acquisition of Nutraceutics and is based on sales in Nutraceutics in 2026 or 2027. The amount, which will be settled in April 2027 or 2028, may also be adjusted if the agreed budget for marketing costs is exceeded.

Revaluation took place during the fourth quarter of 2023 and BioGaia's best assessment of fair value of the financial liability related to the additional purchase price at December 31, 2023 was therefore adjusted to SEK 46.5 million. Estimates of fair value are based on Level 3 of the hierarchy for fair value, which means fair value is determined using valuation models where significant inputs are based on unobservable data. T he measurement was based on anticipated future cash flows discounted with a market-based interest rate. The value adjustment is recognised as a financial expense of SEK 15.0 million (-80.0) during the twelve-month period. The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) amounted to 10.41% (11.21% at December 31, 2022). The main impact for the value adjustment was a more positive outlook on sales at the end of the earnout period.

(Amounts in SEK 000s) Jan–Dec Jan–Dec
2023 2022
Opening balance 33,627 100,591
Value adjustment 14,992 -80,013
Exchange differences -2,090 13,049
Closing balance 46,529 33,627

Financial assets

BioGaia owns shares in the companies Boneprox AB and Skinome AB through BioGaia Invest. These financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Estimates of fair value are based on Level 3 of the hierarchy for fair value, which means fair value is determined using valuation models where significant inputs are based on unobservable data.

The fair values of other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, trade payables and other liabilities are estimated to be equ al to their carrying amounts (amortised cost) due to the short maturities.

Consolidated key ratios

Jan–Dec 2023 Jan–Dec 2022
Net sales, SEK 000s 1,296,506 1,103,957
Growth of net sales 17% 41%
Operating profit, SEK 000s 443,103 361,459
Adjusted operating profit, SEK 000s 444,247 366,526
Profit after tax, SEK 000s 365,352 373,773
Return on equity 18% 19%
Return on capital employed 24% 23%
Capital employed, SEK 000s 2,045,523 1,984,779
Number of shares, thousands 100,982 100,982
Average number of shares before dilution, thousands 1) 100,982 100,982
Average number of shares after dilution, thousands 1) 100,982 100,982
Earnings per share before dilution, SEK 1) 3.62 3.70
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 1) 3.62 3.70
Equity per share, SEK 20.11 19.53
Equity/assets ratio 87% 89%
Operating margin 34% 33%
Adjusted operating margin 34% 33%
Profit before tax margin 36% 41%
Average number of employees 213 203

1) Key ratio defined according to IFRS.

A list of definitions of key ratios reported in the consolidated financial statements is provided on page 121 of BioGaia's annual report for 2022. In this report, BioGaia reports information used by Executive Management to assess the Group's development. Some of the key ratios presented are not defined according to IFRS. The company is of the opinion that these metrics provide valuable complementary information to stakeholders and the company's management since they contribute to evaluation of relevant trends and the company's performance. Since not all companies calculate

key ratios in the same manner, these are not always comparable to metrics used by other companies. These key ratios should therefore not be seen as a replacement for metrics defined according to IFRS. ESMA's guidelines on alternative performance measures are applied, which means extended disclosure requirements regarding key ratios not defined according to IFRS. A reconciliation of key ratios that BioGaia considers relevant according to these guidelines is provided below.

Key ratio Definition/calculation Purpose
Return on equity Profit attributable to the owners of the Parent
Company divided by average equity attributable to
the owners of the Parent Company.
Return on equity is used to measure profit generation, over
time, given the resources attributable to the owners of the
Parent Company.
Return on capital
employed
Profit before net financial items plus financial
income as a percentage of average capital employed.
Return on capital employed is used to analyse profitability,
based on the amount of capital used.
Gross margin Gross profit as a percentage of net sales. The gross margin is used to measure profitability.
Equity per share Equity attributable to the owners of the Parent
Company divided by the average number of shares.
Equity per share measures the company's net value per share
and indicates whether a company will increase the
shareholders' wealth over time.
Average number of
shares
Time-weighted number of outstanding shares during
the year taking bonus issue elements into account.
Used to calculate equity and earnings per share.
Adjusted operating
margin
Adjusted operating margin excluding items affecting
comparability.
The adjusted measure provides enhanced understanding of the
performance of operations.
Adjusted operating
profit
Operating profit (earnings before financial items and
tax) excluding items affecting comparability.
The adjusted measure provides enhanced understanding of the
performance of operations.
Items affecting
comparability
Expenses in conjunction with restructuring,
impairment, changes in provisions for share-based
long-term incentive programs and other items of a
nature that affect comparability.
The separate recognition of items that affect comparability
between different periods provides enhanced understanding of
the company's financial performance.
Earnings per share Profit for the period attributable to owners of the
Parent Company divided by the average number of
shares (definition according to IFRS).
EPS measures how much of net profit is available for payment
to the shareholders as dividends per share.
Operating margin
(EBIT margin)
Operating profit expressed as a percentage of net
sales.
The operating margin is used to measure operational
profitability.
Equity/assets ratio Shareholders' equity at the end of the period as a
percentage of total assets.
A traditional metric to show financial risk expressed as the
share of total assets financed by the shareholders. Shows the
company's stability and ability to withstand losses.
Capital employed Total assets less interest-free liabilities. Capital employed measures the company's ability, in addition to
cash and liquid assets, to meet the requirements of business
operations.
Growth Sales for the period less sales for the year-earlier
period divided by sales for the year-earlier period.
Breakdown by foreign exchange, organic growth and
acquisitions.
Shows the company's realised sales growth over time.
Profit before tax
margin
Profit before tax as a percentage of net sales. This key ratio makes it possible to compare profitability
regardless of the corporate income tax.

Key ratio

Return on equity, SEK 000s Jan–Dec 2023 Jan–Dec 2022
Profit attributable to owners of the Parent Company (A) 365,352 373,773
Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company 2,030,342 1,972,416
Average equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company (B) 2,001,379 1,924,891
Return on equity (A/B) 18% 19%
Return on capital employed
Operating profit
443,103 361,459
Financial income 41,532 91,540
Profit before net financial items + financial income (A) 484,635 452,999
Total assets 2,333,190 2,213,966
Interest-free liabilities -287,666 -229,187
Capital employed 2,045,523 1,984,779
Average capital employed (B) 2,015,151 1,938,193
Return on capital employed (A/B) 24% 23%

Key ratio

(Amounts in SEK 000s) Dec 31 Dec 31
Equity/assets ratio 2023 2022
Equity (A) 2,030,344 1,972,418
Total assets (B) 2,333,189 2,213,966
Equity/assets ratio (A/B) 87% 89%
Operating margin
Operating profit (A)
443,103 361,459
Net sales (B) 1,296,506 1,103,957
Operating margin (A/B) 34% 33%
Profit before tax margin
Profit before tax (A) 468,834 447,613
Net sales (B) 1,296,506 1,103,957
Profit before tax margin (A/B) 36% 41%
Equity per share
Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company (A)
2,030,342 1,972,416
Average number of shares (B) 100,982 100,982
Equity per share (A/B) 20.11 19.53

Change in sales by segment (including and excluding foreign exchange effects)

Pediatrics Adult
Health
Other Total
(Amounts in SEK 000s) Oct–Dec
2023
Jan–Dec
2023
Oct–Dec
2023
Jan–Dec
2023
Oct–Dec
2023
Jan–Dec
2023
Oct-Dec
2023
Jan–Dec
2023
A Description
Previous year's net sales
according to the average rate
207,391 868,355 64,749 230,205 2,144 5,398 274,284 1,103,958
B Net sales for the year according
to the average rate
220,037 1,013,522 76,449 275,230 1,288 7,753 297,773 1,296,505
C Recognised change (B-A) 12,646 145,167 11,700 45,026 -857 2,354 23,489 192,547
Percentage change (C/A) 6% 17% 18% 20% -40% 44% 9% 17%
D Net sales for the year according
to the previous year's average
rate
217,608 959,766 75,610 261,799 1,288 7,753 294,504 1,229,318
E Foreign exchange effects (B–D) 2,429 53,756 839 13,432 0 0 3,269 67,187
Percentage change (E/A) 1% 6% 1% 6% 0% 0% 1% 6%
F Organic change (C–E) 10,217 91,411 10,861 31,594 -857 2,354 20,220 125,359
Organic change, % (F/A) 5% 11% 17% 14% -40% 44% 7% 11%
Average key exchange rates Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Jan–Dec Jan–Dec
2023 2022 2023 2022
EUR 11.55 10.91 11.48 10.58
USD 10.81 10.86 10.61 10.03
JPY 0.0722 0.0764 0.0760 0.0771
Closing date key exchange rates Dec 31 Dec 31
2023 2022
EUR 11.10 11.13
USD 10.04 10.44
JPY 0.0710 0.0792
Pledged assets and contingent liabilities Group
(Amounts in SEK 000s) Dec 31 Dec 31
2023 2022
Floating charges 0 0
Contingent liabilities None None
Adjusted operating profit Group
(Amounts in SEK 000s) Oct –Dec Oct –Dec Jan–Dec Jan–Dec
2023 2022 2023 2022
Operating profit 80,530 71,126 443,103 361,459
Adjustments - 1,797 1,144 5,067
Adjusted operating profit 80,530 72,923 444,247 366,526

Parent Company income statement

(Amounts in SEK 000s) Jan–Dec
2023
Jan–Dec
2022
Net sales 1,015,763 945,327
Cost of sales -385,989 -327,060
Gross profit 629,774 618,267
Selling expenses -173,785 -178,974
Administrative expenses -37,285 -37,562
Research and development expenses -100,260 -89,792
Other operating income/expenses 1,844 27,314
Operating profit 320,288 339,253
Impairment loss on shares in subsidiaries -3,974 -27,540
Net financial items 90,352 4,321
Profit before tax 406,666 316,034
Tax -73,139 -67,871
Profit for the period 333,527 248,163

Parent Company balance sheet

Summary (amounts in SEK 000s) Dec 31 Dec 31
2023 2022
ASSETS
R&D projects in progress 46,230 225
Property, plant and equipment 10,098 3,315
Shares in Group companies 247,575 328,808
Deferred tax assets 721 -
Total non-current assets 304,624 332,348
Current assets excl. cash and cash
equivalents
260,382 285,783
Cash and cash equivalents 1,291,037 1,280,710
Total current assets 1,551,419 1,566,493
TOTAL ASSETS 1,856,043 1,898,841
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity 1,671,949 1,659,718
Deferred tax liability 9,445 -
Interest-free current liabilities 174,649 239,123
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 1,856,043 1,898,841

Parent Company cash flow statement

Jan–Dec Jan–Dec
2023 2022
Summary (amounts in SEK 000s)
Operating activities
Operating profit 320,288 339,253
Depreciation/amortisation 2,444 3,667
Other non-cash items -820 -11,999
Paid tax -57,676 -39,284
Interest received and paid 40,352 4,320
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in 304,588 295,957
working capital
Changes in working capital -36,299 -55,573
Cash flow from operating activities 268,289 240,384
Purchase of intangible assets -146 -225
Purchase of property, plant and equipment -1,688
Sale of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of financial assets -6,767 -9,117
Sale of financial assets
Repayment of loans from subsidiaries 10,835
Dividend received 50,000
Cash flow from investing activities 41,399 1,493
Dividend -292,849 -301,331
Provision to Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance -4,400 -2,900
Repurchase of warrants -417 -214
Cash flow from financing activities -297,666 -304,445
Cash flow for the period 12,022 -62,568
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 1,280,710 1,333,570
Exchange difference in cash and cash equivalents -1,695 9,709
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 1,291,037 1,280,710

Summary Parent Company statement of changes in equity

Jan–Dec Jan–Dec
2023 2022
(amounts in SEK 000s)
Opening balance 1,659,718 1,716,000
Dividend -292,849 -301,331
Provision to Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance -4,400 -2,900
Merger results -23,631
New issue warrants -417 -214
Comprehensive income for the period 333,527 248,163
Closing balance 1,671,949 1,659,718

Financial calendar

23 JUL 2024

22 OCT 2024

8:00 a.m. CET Interim report 1 January – 30 June 2024

8:00 a.m. CET Interim management statement 1 January – 30 September 2024

Stockholm, February 6, 2024

Peter Rothschild Board Chairman

Bénédicte Flambard Member of the Board

Vesa Koskinen Member of the Board

Theresa Agnew CEO

David Dangoor Board Vice Chairman

Barbro Fridén Member of the Board

Vanessa Rothschild Member of the Board Outi Armstrong Member of the Board

Anthon Jahreskog Member of the Board

Auditor's review report

Introduction

We have reviewed the year-end report of BioGaia AB (publ), for the period January 1 –December 31, 2023. The Board of Directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this year-end report in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this year-end report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagements ISRE 2410, Review of Interim Fina ncial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity. A review consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons r esponsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review has a different focus and is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and other generally accepted auditing practices. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain a level of assurance that would make us aware of all significant matters that might be id entified in an audit. Therefore, the conclusion expressed based on a review does not give the same level of assurance as a conclusion expressed based on an audit.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the year-end report is not, in all material respects, prepared for the Group in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act, and for the Parent Company in accordance with the Annual Acc ounts Act.

Stockholm, February 6, 2024

Deloitte AB

Jenny Holmgren

Authorised Public Accountant

BioGaia AB

The company

BioGaia is a Swedish world-leading probiotic company that has been at the forefront of microbiome research for more than 30 years with a vision of becoming the world's most trusted probiotic brand. BioGaia develops, markets, and sells probiotic products mainly for gut and oral health with documented health effects. The products are primarily based on different strains of the lactic acid bacterium Limosilactobacillus reuteri (formerly Lactobacillus).

The class B shares of the Parent Company BioGaia AB are quoted on the Mid Cap List of Nasdaq Stockholm.

Business model

BioGaia stands on two strategic legs – sales through distribution partners and direct distribution to end consumers. The business model is based on long-term collaboration with international networks within research, production, and distribution.

BioGaia's revenue comes mainly from the sale to distributors of drops, tablets and capsules for gut health, oral rehydration solution (ORS), lozenges for oral health and capsules for bone health. Revenue is also earned from the sale of bacterial cultures to be used in licensee products (such as infant formula and dairy products), as well as royalties for the use of L. reuteri in licensee products.

The products are sold in more than 100 countries through distribution partnerships with nutrition and pharmaceutical companies and through direct distribution. BioGaia's direct distribution extends across six countries (Sweden, Finland, the UK, USA, Canada, and Japan).

BioGaia holds patents for the use of certain strains of L. reuteri and certain packaging solutions in all major markets. At the end of 2023, BioGaia held more than 600 approved patents for various bacteria strains and territories.

The BioGaia brand

BioGaia launched its own consumer brand in 2006. Today, a number of BioGaia's distribution partners sell finished products under the BioGaia brand in a number of markets. One important element of BioGaia's brand strategy is to increase the percentage of sales under the BioGaia brand. Of products (drops, tablets for gut and oral health, oral rehydration, etc.) sold in 2023, 90% (86%) were sold under the BioGaia brand including co-branding.

Some of BioGaia's distributors sell finished consumer products under their own brand names. On these products, the BioGaia brand is shown on the consumer package since BioGaia is both the manufacturer and licensor.

BioGaia's licensees add L. reuteri culture to their products and sell these under their own brand names. On these products, the BioGaia brand is most often shown on the package as the licensor/patent holder.

Research and clinical studies

BioGaia's strains of L. reuteri are among the most studied in the world, in particular studies in young children, with strong pre-clinical and clinical evidence. As of December 2023, over 260 clinical studies with BioGaia's various strains of L. reuteri have been performed. These studies involved more than 22,000 individuals of all ages.

Over the years, BioGaia has performed studies in the following areas:

  • Functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as infantile colic, functional abdominal pain and constipation
  • Immune modulation and prevention of infections
  • Acute gastroenteritis
  • Antibiotic-associated side effects, such as diarrhea
  • Adjuvant therapy for H. pylori eradication
  • Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (tooth loss)
  • Bone health (Osteopenia)
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Urinary tract infection

BioGaia AB Box 3242 SE-103 64 STOCKHOLM Street address: Kungsbroplan 3, Stockholm Telephone: +46 8 555 293 00, Corporate identity no. 556380-8723, www.biogaiagroup.com

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