Final Results
Monteagle Holdings Société Anonyme
(Incorporated in Luxembourg - RC Luxembourg No. B 19600)
Registered office
6 rue Adolphe
Fischer,
24th December 2003 L-1520, Luxembourg
Results for the year ended 30th September 2003
(subject to audit)
INTRODUCTION
Monteagle's objective is to achieve capital growth and a steadily progressive
dividend over the long term through a diversified range of investments. The
Company holds portfolios of leading investments in the U.S.A. and Europe and a
property in the United States. The Group's import, export and distribution
businesses operate internationally, and in Southern Africa we have a property
portfolio and interests in agriculture and mining.
RESULTS
I am pleased to report on a very successful year in which a number of long term
development projects have started to have a significant impact. The highlights
of the results are:
* Group revenue up 74% to US$37 million.
* Operating profit up 23% to US$1.3 million.
* Dividend income from Zimbabwean investments down 90% to US$53,000
* Exceptional profits realised of US$2.4 million before tax, US$1.3 million
after tax and minorities
* Basic and fully diluted earnings per share up 108% to 25 US cents
* Net assets per share up 13% to US$4.70 of which US$3.21 are held in Europe,
the
U.S.A. and Australia
The factors behind these movements are commented on below.
EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
The exceptional profit for this year arises mainly from profits realised by a
subsidiary on the sale of a significant part of our investment in a Zimbabwean
associated company (US$1.2 million), the sale by our mining associate, Falcon,
of its iodine project in Chile (US$2.8 million), less a provision to reduce the
equity accounted carrying value of our investment in Falcon and its
subsidiaries to market value (US$1.3 million).
NET ASSETS
Net assets per share, taking investments at market value, have increased by 13%
to US$4.70 (2002: US$4.15). Net assets held in hard currencies have increased,
mainly because of retained operating profits and profits on the exceptional
sales referred to above, and now stand at US$20,241,000 compared to
US$16,265,000 last year. US$3.21 (2002 - US$2.58) of total net assets of
US$4.70 per share relate to assets owned in Europe, the U.S.A. and Australia.
Our policy is not to hedge our net asset position against fluctuations in
exchange rates and therefore our net asset position will fluctuate as exchange
rates move compared to the US dollar, which is our accounting currency.
IMPORT & DISTRIBUTION
Turnover at our shipping and distribution businesses has increased considerably
through organic growth achieved in existing markets, namely South Africa, Japan
and Australia. Additional growth has also been achieved from the acquisition of
a marketing business in South Africa that trades in related products. The
consolidation of a full years' results reflects lower operating margins caused
mainly by volatile international currency markets experienced over the period,
particularly the strengthening of the South African rand against the US dollar.
Our tool import and distribution businesses in South Africa and Australia have
achieved solid growth during the year and continue to increase their market
share in both countries. The year under review has presented these businesses
with tremendous opportunities because of significant price deflation caused by
the weakening United States dollar. During the year a company operating in
overlapping markets was acquired and this has assisted in increasing market
penetration with an expanded product range. Consistent operating margins have
been maintained throughout the period.
PROPERTY
The profit contribution from this division is significantly less than last
year, due to the sale of our California office property in August 2002. As
reported at the interim stage we continue to look for a suitable multi-tenanted
commercial property in California to reinvest the funds realised. In the
meantime part of the sale proceeds have been returned to Europe and US$3
million has been invested in US Treasury bills.
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS
The climate in the investment world has improved during the year, particularly
during the second six months when it became clear that the global economy was
recovering. The Group has continued to add to its diverse list of quality
equities in the major first world markets.
FARMING (Conafex)
The strategy to reduce the dependence on Zimbabwe and broaden the base through
greater regional diversity resulted in the disposal of a significant part of
Conafex's investment in a Zimbabwe horticulture business for US$3 million and
Conafex is in the process of reinvesting these proceeds, mainly in Southern
Africa. This sale generated an exceptional profit of US$1.2 million.
Conafex acquired a 50% stake in the Coffee Tea and Chocolate Company ('CTC'),
based in Cape Town, at the end of August 2003 for US$871,000. CTC brings a new
dimension to Conafex's planned strategy of adding value to raw agricultural
products, mainly black and herbal teas and coffee, through packaging, branding
and marketing to all the leading supermarket chains in South Africa. In
November 2003 Conafex acquired a 17.5% shareholding in Intertrading for
US$754,000 with an option to acquire a further 15.6% (for US$713,000) prior to
the end of November 2004. Intertrading is a Johannesburg listed trader of South
African produced fresh fruit, vegetables and macadamia nuts, marketing this
produce internationally via sea and air freight. There will be substantial
synergies arising with Conafex and its European associates, who simultaneously
acquired 17.5% of Intertrading.
The results, for a shortened eleven month accounting period to 31st August
2003, reported for our farming operations are significantly worse than last
year due to the lack of dividend income from Zimbabwe, the timing of receipt of
commission income and the inherent delays in re-investing the proceeds from the
sale of Zimbabwean investments in income producing investments outside
Zimbabwe.
MINING (Falcon)
Our mining associate Falcon has sold its iodine project in Chile and expects to
receive net proceeds of at least US$4 million. This has generated an
exceptional profit, our share of which is US$1.2 million after tax and
minorities. Falcon is looking to reinvest these proceeds in a well established
and profitable business in a hard currency area.
The three remaining gold mines produced 847kg of gold in the year, a
considerable decrease (23%) from the 1,093kg produced in the previous year.
However, the rise in the price of gold by US$62 (19%) over the year, combined
with (i) an improvement in the exchange rate used in converting part of the
gold sales into Zimbabwe dollars and (ii) an increase in the proportion of the
proceeds paid in US dollars has meant that profits have increased considerably
in Zimbabwe dollar terms.
ZIMBABWE
Our agricultural and mining interests in Zimbabwe have again not been
consolidated as the ability of these businesses to remit earnings continues to
be very uncertain. Our objective for these operations is to preserve their
management infrastructure.
GROUP PERSONNEL
None of the above achievements would have been accomplished without the
continuing efforts of all our management and staff during another challenging
year. Most of our employees are based in Southern Africa where the significant
strengthening of the South African rand and the uncertain economic climate in
Zimbabwe have added extra challenges.
DIVIDEND
The Directors recommend an increased dividend for the year of 6.0 US cents per
share (2002: 5 US cents).
PROSPECTS
We expect that the diversification by Conafex will enhance earnings and Falcon
intends to complete an investment in a well established, profitable operating
business in the ensuing year. However, the situation in Zimbabwe makes it
impossible to forecast the future for our operations in that country.
Our import and distribution businesses continue to grow and expand their range
of products. The decline in value of the US dollar will, if sustained, increase
the US dollar value of our properties and listed investments outside the United
States. Our international investment portfolio remains in 'blue chip' stocks
and our balance sheet continues to be liquid. We continue to be optimistic for
the year ahead.
J. M. Robotham D. C. Marshall
Chairman Chief Executive
NOTICE OF MEETING AND DECLARATION OF DIVIDEND
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 26th March 2004 at 4.00 p.m.
at the registered office of the Company, 6 rue Adolphe Fischer L-1520
Luxembourg.
Last day to trade cum div Thursday, 18 March
Shares trade ex dividend on the South African stock exchange Friday, 19 March
Shares trade ex dividend on the Luxembourg stock exchange Friday 19 March
Record date Friday 26 March
Pay Date Friday 23 April
Currency conversion date, noon on Wednesday, 10 March
No dematerialisation or rematerialisation of share certificates on the South
African Register, nor may transfer of shares between the registers in
Luxembourg and South Africa take place between Friday 19 March 2004 and Friday
26 March 2004, both days inclusive.
Copies of the annual report and accounts will be posted to shareholders in
early 2004.
Unaudited Consolidated Profit and Loss Account
For the year ended 30th September 2003 2002
US$000 US$000
Group revenue 37,046 21,233
Operating costs (35,762) (20,190)
Operating profit 1,284 1,043
Share of associated companies results (8) (72)
Income from Zimbabwean investments - dividends 53 541
Income from other investments - dividends 256 140
- interest 160 172
Interest paid and similar charges (534) (522)
Exchange (22) (136)
Profit on ordinary activities before exceptional items 1,189 1,166
and tax
Exceptional items 2,451 467
Profit before tax and minority interests 3,640 1,633
Tax (1,316) (514)
Profit after tax before minority interests 2,324 1,119
Minority interests (743) (371)
Profit attributable to shareholders of the Group 1,581 748
Reconciliation of headline earnings per share
Basic and fully diluted earnings per share (US cents) 25 c 12 c
Less exceptional item, net of tax and minority interests (20)c (7)c
(US cents)
Headline earnings per share (US cents) 5 c 5 c
Proposed dividend 6.0c 5.0c
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses
Exchange differences on translation of the financial 1,214 (55)
statements of foreign entities
Group share of fair value adjustments 990 (4,711)
Net gain/(loss) not recognised in the income statement 2,204 (4,766)
Dividend paid for the previous year (315) (536)
Net profit for the period 1,581 748
Total recognised profit/(loss) and increase/(decrease) 3,470 (4,554)
in shareholders' funds
Shareholders' funds brought forward 26,173 30,727
Shareholders' funds carried forward 29,643 26,173
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet
AT 30th SEPTEMBER 2003 2002
US$000 US$000
Assets
Non current assets
Property, plant and equipment 10,798 9,245
Investments 17,514 16,943
Intangibles 269 -
28,581 26,188
Current assets
Inventories 7,264 4,299
Accounts receivable 10,839 5,715
Cash and bank balances 7,710 5,022
25,813 15,036
Current liabilities
Accounts payable (falling due within one year) (12,946) (6,177)
Net current assets 12,867 8,859
Total assets less current liabilities 41,448 35,047
Non current liabilities
Accounts payable (falling due after more than one year) (4,890) (3,487)
Deferred taxation 102 117
36,660 31,677
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 9,450 9,450
Other reserves 8,056 6,268
Retained earnings 12,137 10,455
Shareholders' funds 29,643 26,173
Minority interests 7,017 5,504
36,660 31,677
Unaudited Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER
2003 2002
US$000 US$000
Operating activities
Cash generated/(absorbed) by operations 240 (877)
Interest paid (534) (522)
Taxation paid (694) (451)
Net cash outflow from operating activities (988) (1,850)
Investment activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (388) (285)
Acquisition of investments (1,860) (5,158)
Disposal of tangible fixed assets 12 3,287
Disposal of investments 3,478 834
Interest received and other investment income 416 312
Dividends received from Zimbabwean investments 53 541
Net cash inflow /(outflow) from investment activities 1,711 (469)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing 723 (2,319)
Financing activities
Net increase in long term debt 1,403 3
Dividend paid - group (315) (536)
- minority shareholders (28) (112)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities 1,060 (645)
Net increase/(decrease) in funds 1,783 (2,964)
Net funds at 1st October 4,531 7,495
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes -
Net funds at 30th September 6,314 4,531
Notes:
1. As described in the Chairman's Review, the earnings, assets and
liabilities of Zimbabwean subsidiaries and associated companies have not
been consolidated. Investments have been reflected in accordance with IAS
39. These preliminary results for the year ended 30th September 2003 and
the balance sheet at that date, which are unaudited, have otherwise been
prepared on the basis of accounting policies adopted for the year ended
30th September 2002. The results are unaudited.
2. Group capital expenditure in the year was US$388,000 (2002 - US$285,000).
There were no capital expenditure commitments at 30th September 2003 (2002
- nil).
3. Bank loans and overdrafts of US$1,396,000 (2002 - US$491,000) are included
in current liabilities. Group long term finance is secured on various
local properties and bears interest at local commercial rates.
SEGMENTAL REPORTING
Primary reporting format - business segments
The Group is organised on a worldwide basis into four main business segments:
Import and tool import and non-perishable food exports in South Africa
distribution and exports to Japan and Australia.
Farming commercial agriculture and horticulture interests in
Zimbabwe held through Conafex.
Gold mining three gold mines in Zimbabwe. One is owned 33.33% by the
Group and 66.67% by our associated company, Falcon, and two
are owned by Falcon through its 57.1% subsidiary, Falcon
Gold Zimbabwe Limited.
Property investment properties in California and South Africa.
Other operations of the Group mainly comprise transactions relating to the
share portfolios, profits on disposals of tangible and intangible fixed assets
and local head office costs.
There are no sales or other transactions between business segments. Segment
assets consist of property, plant and equipment, inventories and receivables
and exclude cash balances. Segment liabilities are operating liabilities and
exclude items such as taxation and borrowings. Capital expenditure comprises
additions to property, plant and equipment.
Unallocated assets and liabilities are cash balances, taxation and borrowings.
2003 2002
Segmental analysis of results US$000 US$000
Revenue Result Revenue Result
Import and distribution 34,962 2,065 19,342 1,628
Property 1,107 181 1,519 508
Farming 738 (356) 192 13
Gold mining - 53 - 57
Other operations 239 * 1,337 180 * 109
37,046 3,280 21,233 2,315
Share of revenue of associates and
dividend income
Farming 500 11 422 229
Gold mining - 883 - (389)
37,546 21,655
Interest paid and similar charges (534) (522)
Profit before tax 3,640 1,633
* Other revenue excludes dividend income and the proceeds of sales of
investments and tangible assets, the profits of which are included in the
result of this segment.
The analysis for the year ended 30th September 2002 has been restated to
re-allocate property sale profits and sundry income items previously reported
under Property into Other operations.
Assets Liabilities Net assets/ Capital Depreciation
(liabilities) Expenditure charge
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
Segmental analysis of net assets 30th September 2003
Import and distribution 16,690 8,877 7,813 309 113
Property 10,016 424 9,592 56 12
Farming - Group 10,581 1,540 9,041 23 31
- Associates 360 - 360 - -
Gold mining - Associates 1,338 - 1,338 - -
Other 7,654 330 7,324 - 8
Unallocated * 7,857 6,665 1,192 - -
Consolidated total 54,496 17,836 36,660 388 164
Segmental analysis of net assets 30th September 2002
Import/distribution 8,868 4,565 4,303 170 54
Property 8,923 314 8,609 115 34
Farming - Group 8,570 432 8,138 - -
- Associates 2,339 - 2,339 - -
Gold mining - Associates 565 - 565 - -
Other 6,973 331 6,642 - 8
Unallocated * 5,103 4,022 1,081 - -
Consolidated total 41,341 9,664 31,677 285 96
Revenue Net Assets Expenditure Revenue Net Assets Expenditure
2003 2002
US$000 US$000
Group Total Capital Group Total Capital
US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000
South Africa 23,197 7,958 309 13,018 4,925 118
Zimbabwe - 8,460 - - 10,487 -
Australia 2,241 1,197 - 1,890 775 53
United States 884 7,430 56 1,334 7,313 114
Jersey 9,986 4,190 - 4,751 4,635 -
Other 738 7,425 23 240 3,542 -
European
countries
37,046 36,660 388 21,233 31,677 285
* Unallocated assets and liabilities are cash balances taxation and
borrowings.
The segmental analyses for 2002 have been restated following a
re-assessment of allocations between sectors for 2003.