Interim Results

Anglo-Eastern Plantations PLC 13 September 2004 ANGLO-EASTERN PLANTATIONS - INTERIM ANNOUNCEMENT A record result expected Anglo-Eastern Plantations, which owns approximately 30,000 ha of plantations, primarily of oil palm in Indonesia, announces that the record performance of 2003 continued into the first half of 2004, thanks to higher CPO (crude palm oil) prices and improved production. 2004 2003 Increase Turnover ($'000) 33,296 20,390 63.3% Operating profit ($'000) 12,125 7,408 63.7% Pre-tax profit ($'000) 12,031 7,150 68.3% Basic earnings per share (cts) 17.4 10.0 74.0% • In sterling terms, the pre-tax profit was a record £6,610,000, up 48.9% on 2003's £4,441,000, whilst basic EPS was 54.8% higher at 9.6p (2003: 6.2p). • The average CPO price for 2004 H1 of $502 was 20% higher than the $420 for 2003 H1 and 14% higher than the $441 for 2003 FY. • Production of oil palm FFB (fresh fruit bunches) from the group's own estates totalled 184,260 mt, an increase of 7% on 2003's 171,491 mt. • Bought-in FFB, for processing at the group's mills at Puding Mas (Bengkulu, southern Sumatra) and Tasik (North Sumatra), increased by 80% to 120,763 mt, and further capacity is being brought into production at Puding Mas and Blankahan (North Sumatra). • Rehabilitation of the Bina Pitri estate, in Riau province in central Sumatra, which the group purchased for $10m in March 2004, is proceeding satisfactorily and the group is pleased with this acquisition. Mr T H Chan, Chairman and Chief Executive, stated 'The CPO price is currently at around $430/mt. Average CPO prices in the second half are not expected to be as high as the average price of $502/mt recorded in the first half. However, we expect FFB crops in the second half to show a moderate increase over the first half. The amount of bought in crops is also expected to be steady. Provided the CPO price stays at around current levels and in the absence of unforeseen adverse circumstances, the group can expect to report a record turnover and profit for the full year.' Enquiries: Anglo-Eastern Plantations plc 020-7236 2838 Rollo Barnes (Financial Director) Bankside Consultants Limited Charles Ponsonby 020-7444 4166 INTERIM STATEMENT I am happy to report that the group recorded a profit before tax of $12.0 million for the six months to 30 June 2004, an improvement of 68% over the same period in 2003. Turnover for the period under review amounted to $33.3 million compared to $20.4 million in the corresponding period in 2003. This improved performance was a result of favourable CPO (crude palm oil) prices and higher FFB (fresh fruit bunch) production at our Indonesian estates. Higher bought in crops at our mills, both at Tasik in North Sumatra and at Puding Mas in Bengkulu, southern Sumatra, as well as favourable rubber prices, also contributed significantly to the excellent performance. Earnings per share for the six months were 17.4cts compared to 10.0cts for the same period in 2003. As in previous years, no interim dividend is being declared. Rehabilitation of the Bina Pitri estate, in Riau province in central Sumatra, which we purchased for $10 million in March 2004, is proceeding satisfactorily and we are pleased with this acquisition. Notwithstanding that purchase, plus capital expenditure on the development of our Bengkulu estates, the expansion of the Puding Mas mill, and the construction of the new mill at Blankahan in North Sumatra, together amounting to a further $4.5 million, the group had only $1 million borrowings net of cash at the end of June 2004 compared to net cash balances of $7.0 million at the end of 2003. With favourable commodity prices and higher crop production, the group is in the position to generate sufficient cash flows for its immediate capital expenditure programme. Production and Sales 2004 2003 2003 6 months 6 months year to to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) mt mt mt Oil palm production FFB - own estates 184,260 171,491 372,290 - bought in or processed for third parties 120,763 66,978 170,948 Saleable CPO 54,258 40,147 94,523 Saleable kernel 13,025 9,207 22,306 Oil palm sales CPO 55,953 37,923 91,238 Kernel 12,545 9,125 22,302 FFB sold outside 43,406 44,606 52,574 Other crops production Rubber 729 737 1,800 Cocoa 80 80 141 Overall, the group's FFB production showed an increase of 7% over the same period in the previous year. Production in the first half of 2003 included an unusually early peak which we expect to see in the more normal second half of 2004. Our North Sumatra estates recorded a decrease in FFB production of 3,794 mt as compared to the previous year. The Malaysian estates at Cenderung continued to disappoint, recording a FFB production decrease of 3,966 mt for the first six months. These shortfalls were more than made up by the increase in production of 16,629 mt at our Bengkulu estates together with the addition of Bina Pitri, which produced 3,900 mt for three months to June. CPO sales in the first six months of 2004 showed a larger increase of 47% which was mainly the result of an increase in the volume of bought in crops at both our mills, which are currently operating at full capacity. Produce Prices The favourable CPO prices of the second half of 2003 continued through to April 2004, reaching a peak of $550/mt (cif Rotterdam). However, the prices retracted sharply in May and June to around $430/mt. Nonetheless, the average CPO price for the first half was $502/mt compared to $420/mt for the same period of 2003 and $441/mt for 2003 as a whole. Rubber prices remained high for the first half of the year and cocoa prices fell some 20% during the first half of 2004. Development The group's planted areas are as follows: Mature Immature Total Ha ha Ha North Sumatra 9,877 279 10,156 Bengkulu 8,888 2,969 11,857 Riau 3,862 - 3,862 --------- -------- ------- 22,627 3,248 25,875 Malaysia 3,230 549 3,779 --------- -------- ------- Total: 30 June 2004 25,857 3,797 29,654 --------- -------- ------- Total: 31 December 2003 20,907 4,572 25,479 --------- -------- ------- Total: 30 June 2003 21,897 2,096 23,993 --------- -------- ------- We plan to plant about 1,700 ha at Bengkulu for the current year, leaving a reserve of 2,600 ha which we hope to complete planting by the end of 2006. The total plantable area at Bina Pitri amounts to 4,188 ha of which 326 ha will require replanting. Therefore, we show a planted area of 3,862 ha in the above table. We are negotiating to acquire rights to a further 800 ha of land adjoining the estate. Construction of the new 20 mt/hr oil mill at Blankahan is facing some delay but we are hopeful of commissioning it by the end of 2004. The extension of the Puding Mas mill from 40mt/hr to 60mt/hr is expected to be completed on time in October/November 2004; this increase in capacity is needed to process our own increasing FFB production as well as bought in crops. International Accounting Standards Under EU regulations, all listed companies will be required to apply International Accounting Standards (IAS) to their consolidated financial statements for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2005. Comparative figures for 2004 will have to be amended accordingly. Therefore, the results included in this interim report will change when shown as comparatives in the 2005 interim report. A review of the main effects of applying IAS to the group has been undertaken. The principal impact relates to the requirement to: (1) value our estates at market value and charge or credit the changes in an accounting period to profit and loss account (IAS 41); and (2) provide deferred taxation on all property valuation surpluses even if there is no intention to dispose of those properties. This will reduce the reported net asset value of the group. Outlook The CPO price is currently at around $430/mt. Average CPO prices in the second half are not expected to be as high as the average price of $502/mt recorded in the first half. However, we expect FFB crops in the second half to show a moderate increase over the first half. The amount of bought in crops is also expected to be steady. Provided the CPO price stays at current levels and in the absence of unforeseen adverse circumstances, the group can expect to report a record turnover and profit for the full year. Chan Teik Huat Chairman and Chief Executive 10 September 2004 CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT US DOLLARS STERLING 2004 2003 2003 2004 2003 2003 6 months 6 months year to 6 months 6 months year to to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) Note $'000 $'000 $'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Turnover 33,296 20,390 48,519 18,294 12,665 29,495 ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ======== Profit before exchange and revaluation provisions 12,110 7,423 19,732 6,654 4,610 11,995 Exchange profits/(losses) 1 15 (15) 262 8 (9) 159 -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Operating profit 12,125 7,408 19,994 6,662 4,601 12,154 Interest - receivable 108 60 156 59 37 95 - payable (243) (385) (693) (134) (239) (421) - capitalised 41 67 130 23 42 79 --------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Profit before taxation 12,031 7,150 19,587 6,610 4,441 11,907 Taxation Foreign corporation tax (3,040) (2,389) (5,552) (1,670) (1,484) (3,375) Foreign withholding tax (171) (144) (321) (94) (89) (195) Deferred tax adjustment (636) 127 (268) (349) 79 (163) -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Profit after taxation 8,184 4,744 13,446 4,497 2,947 8,174 Minority interests (all equity interests) (1,306) (825) (2,201) (718) (513) (1,338) -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Profit attributable to shareholders 6,878 3,919 11,245 3,779 2,434 6,836 Dividend - - (2,375) - - (1,444) -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- 6,878 3,919 8,870 3,779 2,434 5,392 Earnings per share 17.4cts 10.0cts 28.6cts 9.6p 6.2p 17.4p - basic - diluted 17.3cts 9.9cts 28.4cts 9.5p 6.1p 17.3p Dividend per share 5 - - 6.0cts - - 3.27p Av. shares in issue ('000) 39,581 39,347 39,379 39,581 39,347 39,379 NOTES 1. At 30 June 2004, there was an exchange translation (deficit) of $(130,000) (30 June 2003: surplus $199,000) arising on net third party US dollar borrowings by two Indonesian subsidiaries; in view of the unpredictability of the rupiah/ dollar exchange rate, this has been held in exchange reserves at 30 June 2004 pending determination of the final profit or loss at 31 December 2004. 2. The unaudited accounts for the six months ended 30 June 2004 were approved by the board of directors on 10 September 2004 and have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards in the United Kingdom. The accounting principles applied, including the valuation of fixed assets, are those set out in the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2003 together with any subsequent requirements thereafter. 3. The results for the year ended 31 December 2003 are extracted from the group's full statutory accounts for that year. 4. The financial information in this statement does not constitute full statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. Full statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2003 incorporating an unqualified auditors' report have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. 5. The final and only dividend in respect of 2003 was paid on 8 June 2004. 6. Copies of the interim statement of results are available from the company's registered office at 6/7 Queen Street, London EC4N 1SP and from the company's website: www.angloeastern.co.uk. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET US DOLLARS STERLING Notes 2004 2003 2003 2004 2003 2003 6 months 6 months year to 6 months 6 months year to to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) $'000 $'000 $'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Tangible assets 117,275 105,917 105,096 64,793 64,192 58,712 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Current assets Stocks 2,230 1,526 1,713 1,232 925 958 Debtors 4,171 3,965 2,736 2,303 2,403 1,528 Investments 355 290 313 196 176 175 Cash at bank and in hand 6,127 9,268 15,127 3,385 5,617 8,450 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- 12,883 15,049 19,889 7,116 9,121 11,111 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Current liabilities Creditors: falling due within one year Borrowings 7 (3,641) (2,041) (2,060) (2,012) (1,237) (1,150) Other creditors (7,813) (8,592) (9,439) (4,316) (5,207) (5,273) -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- (11,454) (10,633) (11,499) (6,328) (6,444) (6,423) -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Net current assets 1,429 4,416 8,390 788 2,677 4,688 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Total assets less current liabilities 118,704 110,333 113,486 65,581 66,869 63,400 Non-current assets/ liabilities Creditors: falling due after more than one year Borrowings (3,450) (7,073) (6,108) (1,906) (4,286) (3,412) Deferred taxation 316 1,442 1,013 175 873 566 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Net assets 115,570 104,702 108,391 63,850 63,456 60,554 ======== ========= ======== ========= ========= ======== Capital and reserves Called-up share capital 15,319 15,249 15,319 9,895 9,856 9,895 Share premium account 23,679 23,610 23,679 15,395 15,353 15,395 Share capital redemption reserve 1,087 1,087 1,087 663 663 663 Revaluation and exchange reserve 5,003 7,381 5,375 (1,043) 2,811 (556) Profit and loss account 50,580 38,638 43,702 27,944 23,417 24,415 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Shareholders' funds - all equity interests 95,668 85,965 89,162 52,854 52,100 49,812 Minority interests - all equity interests 19,902 18,737 19,229 10,996 11,356 10,742 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Total capital employed 115,570 104,702 108,391 63,850 63,456 60,554 ======== ========= ======== ========= ========= ======== Notes 7. Element of borrowings falling due within one year which relate to repayment of long term (3,621) (2,020) (2,023) (2,000) (1,224) (1,130) loan ======== ========= ======== ========= ========= ======== CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT US DOLLARS STERLING 2004 2003 2003 2004 2003 2003 6 months 6 months year to 6 months 6 months year to to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) $'000 $'000 $'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 13,582 9,299 22,142 7,333 5,637 12,604 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 108 60 156 59 37 95 Interest (243) (385) (693) (134) (239) (421) paid Dividends paid to minority (637) - (620) (350) - (377) shareholders -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- (772) (325) (1,157) (425) (202) (703) -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Taxation Foreign tax paid (4,350) (3,173) (5,364) (2,390) (1,971) (3,261) UK tax paid (23) (7) - (13) (4) - -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- (4,373) (3,180) (5,364) (2,403) (1,975) (3,261) -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Capital expenditure Payment to acquire tangible fixed (4,475) (2,496) (5,715) (2,459) (1,550) (3,474) assets Payments to acquire land - - (40) - - (24) Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed 7 18 116 4 11 70 assets -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- (4,468) (2,478) (5,639) (2,455) (1,539) (3,428) -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Acquistions Purchase of subsidiary (9,575) - - (5,261) - - Equity dividends paid Parent (2,375) (1,571) (1,571) (1,305) (976) (955) company -------- --------- -------- --- --------- --------- -------- Cash (outflow)/ inflow before (7,981) 1,745 8,411 (4,516) 945 4,257 financing -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Financing Employee share option - 118 257 - 73 156 subscription (Repayment) of long term (1,011) (1,011) (2,023) (555) (628) (1,230) loans Finance lease repayments (9) (14) 47 5 (9) 29 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- (1,020) (907) (1,719) (550) (564) (1,045) -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- (Decrease)/ increase in cash and cash (9,001) 838 6,692 (5,066) 381 3,212 equivalents ======== ========= ======== ========= ========= ======== Cash in hand and at bank less short term borrowings Opening 15,108 8,416 8,416 8,439 5,227 5,227 Closing 6,107 9,254 15,108 3,373 5,608 8,439 -------- --------- -------- --------- --------- -------- Net (outflow)/ inflow (9,001) 838 6,692 (5,066) 381 3,212 ======== ========= ======== ========= ========= ======== RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES US DOLLARS 2004 2003 2003 6 months 6 months year to to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) $'000 $'000 $'000 Operating profit 12,125 7,408 19,994 Depreciation and amortisation 1,475 1,293 2,493 (Profit) on sale of fixed assets (6) (12) (25) Movement in market value of investments (41) (56) (79) (Increase) in stocks (517) (599) (785) (Increase) in debtors (1,610) (287) (268) Increase in creditors 2,664 1,417 378 Foreign exchange (508) 135 434 -------- --------- -------- Net cash flow from operating activities 13,582 9,299 22,142 ======== ========= ======== STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES US DOLLARS 2004 2003 2003 6 months 6 months year to to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) $'000 $'000 $'000 Profit for the period 6,878 3,919 11,245 Surplus on deemed disposal of interest in subsidiary - - 113 Unrealised surplus/(deficit) on revaluation of the estates 7,547 (4,568) (5,126) (Loss)/profit on exchange translation (7,919) 5,363 3,915 --------- --------- -------- Total recognised gains 6,506 4,714 10,147 ========= ========= ======== RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS US DOLLARS 2004 2003 2003 6 months 6 months year to to 30 June to 30 June 31 Dec (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) $'000 $'000 $'000 Total recognised gains 6,506 4,714 10,147 Dividend - - (2,375) Issue of shares on exercise of employee options - 118 257 --------- --------- -------- Net increase in shareholders' funds 6,506 4,832 8,029 Shareholders' funds at beginning of period 89,162 81,133 81,133 --------- --------- -------- Shareholders' funds at end of period 95,668 85,965 89,162 ========= ========= ======== This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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