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Argo Blockchain PLC Announces 1st Quarter Results

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Argo Blockchain plc (LSE:ARB, NASDAQ:ARBK), a global leader in cryptocurrency mining, has released its unaudited financial results for Q1 2024, ending March 31, 2024. The company reported a revenue increase of 4% to $16.8 million compared to Q4 2023. Argo mined 319 Bitcoin, averaging 3.5 BTC per day, with a mining margin of 38%, up from 34% in the previous quarter. The company reduced its debt by $12.4 million, ending the quarter with $12.4 million in cash and 11 BTC. A gain of $3.0 million was recorded from the sale of the Mirabel facility. Despite these positives, Argo reported a net loss of $3.2 million for the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA stood at $3.8 million.

Positive
  • Revenue increased by 4% to $16.8 million compared to Q4 2023.
  • Debt reduced by $12.4 million, a 19% reduction from December 31, 2023.
  • Mining margin improved to 38%, up from 34% in Q4 2023.
  • Gain of $3.0 million from the sale of the Mirabel facility.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $3.8 million.
Negative
  • Net loss of $3.2 million reported for the quarter.

The Q1 2024 financial results for Argo Blockchain plc reveal several critical numbers that investors should consider. First, the company's revenue increased by 4% compared to Q4 2023, reaching $16.8 million. While this growth indicates a positive trend, the net loss of $3.2 million remains a concern. The reduction in debt by $12.4 million (a 19% decrease from December 31, 2023) is a significant positive sign, showing financial discipline and better debt management.

The increase in the mining margin from 34% to 38% suggests improved operational efficiency. However, the adjusted EBITDA of $3.8 million must be compared to previous quarters to understand its relative performance fully. The $3.0 million gain from the sale of the Mirabel facility positively impacts the balance sheet, yet it is essential to recognize this as a one-time gain, not a recurring revenue stream.

For retail investors, the debt reduction and increased revenue are positive signs for the company's short-term health. However, the net loss indicates that there are still challenges to profitability. The company's cash position of $12.4 million and holding of 11 Bitcoin provide some cushion, but market volatility in cryptocurrency prices could impact their value.

From a market perspective, Argo Blockchain's Q1 2024 report shows both strengths and vulnerabilities. The 3.5 BTC per day mining rate and the total of 319 BTC mined in the quarter are critical metrics for evaluating operational performance. Despite market volatility in Bitcoin prices, Argo's ability to maintain a consistent mining rate is a positive operational indicator.

The sale of the Mirabel facility and the resulting gain of $3.0 million demonstrate strategic asset management. This move to streamline Quebec operations could signal a shift towards more efficient and strategically focused operations, which may benefit long-term growth. However, investors should be cautious as this sale is not a recurring event and cannot be relied upon for future earnings.

Investors should also consider the broader market environment, particularly Bitcoin's price trends, regulatory changes and competition in the cryptocurrency mining sector. Argo's ability to adapt to these external factors will be important in sustaining its growth and profitability.

Q1 2024 Results (Unaudited)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / May 23, 2024 / Argo Blockchain plc (LSE:ARB)(NASDAQ:ARBK), a global leader in cryptocurrency mining, is pleased to announce its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 31 March 2024. All $ amounts are in United States Dollars ("USD") unless otherwise stated.

Q1 2024 Financial Results

● The Company ended the quarter with cash of $12.4 million and held 11 Bitcoin ("BTC") or Bitcoin Equivalent

● Reduced debt by $12.4 million during the quarter, a 19% reduction of the December 31, 2023 balance

● Revenue of $16.8 million, an increase of 4% compared to Q4 2023

● Total BTC mined in the quarter was 319, or 3.5 BTC per day

● Mining margin percentage for the quarter was 38% an increase on the 34% mining margin percentage achieved in Q4 2023

● Gain on sale of Mirabel facility of $3.0 million, net of tax

● Net loss of $3.2 million

● Adjusted EBITDA of $3.8 million

Management Commentary

Thomas Chippas, Chief Executive Officer of Argo, said: "The Argo team's continued focus on financial discipline and operational excellence can be seen in this quarter's results. Q1 was strong in terms of revenue and earnings, both of which increased compared to Q4 2023. We exited the Bitcoin halving with cash of over $12 million, Q1 debt reduction of over $12 million and streamlined Quebec operations resulting from the sale of Mirabel. We are enthusiastic about Argo's future growth and development, and are dedicated to delivering value to our shareholders."

Earnings Conference Call

Argo will host a conference call to discuss its results at 10:00 ET / 15:00 BST today, Thursday 23 May 2024. The live webcast of the call can be accessed via the Investor Meet Company platform.

Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company and add Argo Blockchain via the following link: https://www.investormeetcompany.com/argo-blockchain-plc/register-investor

Investors already following Argo Blockchain on the Investor Meet Company platform will be invited automatically.

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, including the risk that the Company may receive the benefits contemplated by its transactions with Galaxy, 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. 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 and Transparency Rules and except as required by the FCA, the London Stock Exchange, the City Code 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 United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, including the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Non-IFRS Measures

Bitcoin and Bitcoin Equivalent Mining Margin and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures not defined by IFRS. We believe Bitcoin and Bitcoin Equivalent Mining Margin and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools. In particular, Bitcoin and Bitcoin Equivalent Mining Margin excludes the depreciation of mining equipment and so does not reflect the full cost of our mining operations, and it also excludes the effects of fluctuations in the value of digital currencies and realized losses on the sale of digital assets, which affect our IFRS gross profit. Further, Adjusted EBITDA removes such effects of our capital structure, asset base and tax consequences, but additionally excludes any unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses, stock-based compensation charges and other one-time impairments and costs that are not expected to be repeated in order to provide greater insight into the cash flow being produced from our operating business, without the influence of extraneous events. These measures should not be considered as an alternative to gross margin or net income/(loss), as applicable, determined in accordance with IFRS, or other IFRS measures. These measures are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider these measures in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, our gross margin or net income/(loss), as applicable, as determined in accordance with IFRS.

GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Figures in '000 except per share
Three Months Ended March 31,
2024
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023

$ $

Revenues
16,840 11,264
Direct costs
(10,439) (6,058)
Mining margin
6,401 5,206
Depreciation of mining equipment
(4,833) (6,015)
Change in fair value of digital currencies
293 (77)
Gross profit (loss)
1,861 (886)

Operating costs and expenses
(3,152) (3,558)
Restructuring and transaction related fees
(561) (797)
Foreign exchange
192 634
Loss on hedging
(397) -
Depreciation/amortisation
(232) (319)
Share based compensation
(1,911) (984)
Operating profit (loss)
(4,200) (5,910)

Gain on sale of subsidiary (Mirabel)
3,397 -
Gain on disposal of fixed assets
75 -
Finance costs
(2,317) (3,283)
Other income
230 1
Profit/(loss) before taxation
(2,815) (9,192)

Tax credit / (expense)
(340) -

Profit/(loss) after taxation
(3,155) (9,192)

Other comprehensive income
Items which may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:
Currency translation reserve
728 (401)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
728 (401)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to the equity holders of the Company
(2,426) (9,593)
Earnings per share attributable to equity owners
Basic loss per share
$(0.01) $(0.02)
Diluted loss per share
$(0.01) $(0.02)

The income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION


As at March 31,
2024
As at December 31,
2023
Figures in '000
$ $

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investments at fair value through profit or loss
400 400
Investments accounted for using the equity method
- -
Intangible fixed assets
1,044 888
Property, plant and equipment
53,771 59,728
Right of use assets
- -
Total non-current assets
55,215 61,016

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
12,444 7,443
Trade and other receivables
2,214 3,835
Assets held for sale
- 3,261
Digital assets
810 385
Total current assets
15,468 14,924

Total assets
70,683 75,940

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Share Capital
763 712
Share Premium
219,522 209,779
Share based payment reserve
12,680 11,844
Currency translation reserve
(30,858) (30,129)
RSU/PSU Reserve
1,156 322
Accumulated surplus / (deficit)
(195,525) (192,370)
Total equity
7,738 158

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
10,670 11,175
Loans and borrowings
12,680 14,320
Corporation Tax
449 -
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
- 2,090
Total current liabilities
23,799 27,585
Non-current liabilities
Issued debt - bond
38,346 38,170
Loans
800 10,027
Total liabilities
62,945 75,782

Total equity and liabilities
70,683 75,940

GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


Three Months Ended March 31,
2024
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023
Figures in '000
$ $
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss before tax
(2,815) (9,192)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation/Amortisation
5,065 6,334
Foreign exchange
(192) (634)
Fair value change in digital assets through profit or loss
(293) 78
Revenue from digital assets
(16,840) (11,438)
Loss on hedging
397 -
Finance cost
2,317 3,283
Gain on disposal of fixed assets
(75) -
Proceeds from sale of digital assets
16,423 11,783
Share based compensation
1,911 984
Gain on sale of subsidiary
(3,397) -
Cash flow from operating activities before working capital changes
2,500 1,197

Working capital changes:
Increase in trade and other receivables
1,086 (514)
Decrease in trade and other payables
(307) (3,359)
Income taxes paid
- (213)
Net cash used in operating activities
3,279 (2,889)

Investing activities
Interest received
126 -
Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets
894 -
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary and investment
6,119 -
Net cash used in investing activities
7,139 -

Financing activities
Lease payments
- -
Loan repayments
(12,617) (245)
Interest paid
(1.966) (2,424)
Proceeds from shares issued - net of issue costs
9,349 -
Net cash generated used in financing activities
(5,234) (2,669)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
5,185 (5,558)
Effect of foreign exchange on cash
(184) 16
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
7,443 20,092
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
12,444 14,550

The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net income/(loss), the most directly comparable IFRS measure, for the three months ended 31 March 2024 and three months ended 31 March 2023.


Three Months Ended March 31,
2024
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023
Figures in '000
$ $

Net income/(loss)
(3,155) (9,192)

Interest expense
2,317 3,283
Depreciation / amortisation
5,065 6,334
Income tax (credit) / expense
340 -
EBITDA
4,567 425
Restructuring and transaction related fees
561 797
Foreign exchange gain
(192) (634)
Share based payment charge
1,911 984
Gain on sale of investment
(3,397) -
Loss on hedging
397 -
Adjusted EBITDA
3,847 1,572

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 facilities in Quebec, mining operations in 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.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Argo Blockchain PLC



View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What were Argo Blockchain's Q1 2024 revenues?

Argo Blockchain reported Q1 2024 revenues of $16.8 million, a 4% increase from Q4 2023.

How much debt did Argo Blockchain reduce in Q1 2024?

Argo Blockchain reduced its debt by $12.4 million in Q1 2024, a 19% reduction from December 31, 2023.

What was Argo Blockchain's mining margin in Q1 2024?

Argo Blockchain's mining margin was 38% in Q1 2024, an improvement from 34% in Q4 2023.

How much Bitcoin did Argo Blockchain mine in Q1 2024?

Argo Blockchain mined a total of 319 Bitcoin in Q1 2024, averaging 3.5 BTC per day.

What was Argo Blockchain's net loss in Q1 2024?

Argo Blockchain reported a net loss of $3.2 million in Q1 2024.

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