Final Results
Camco International Ltd
08 March 2007
Camco International Limited
8th March 2007
Preliminary report for the period from the date of incorporation on
8 February 2006 to 31 December 2006
Camco International Limited ('Camco') a market leader in the origination,
co-development and placement of carbon credits is pleased to announce its maiden
preliminary results for the period ended 31 December 2006.
Highlights as at 31 December 2006
• Admitted to AIM in April 2006 raising £24.90 million (€37.07 million)
Volume:
• 102.9 million tonnes under exclusive contract in portfolio, up from 71.0
million tonnes or 45% since IPO
Operational delivery:
• 43.0 million tonnes have received Host Country Letters of Approval, up
from 1.4 million tonnes since IPO
• 34.1 million tonnes have been validated, up from 2.2 million tonnes at
IPO
• 2.8 million tonnes have been submitted for registration, up from 0.7
million tonnes at IPO
Value:
• Camco has rights to acquire 22.1 million tonnes of carbon credits
• 35.8 million tonnes have Emission Reduction Purchase Agreements ('ERPA')
signed
• 0.9 million Voluntary Emission Reduction ('VER') credits commercialised
. Verification of first CERs
• Two milestone deals for the global carbon market with delivery commencing
in 2007:
• The world's largest clean energy project to date: Yangquan Coal Mine
Methane (17.8 million tonnes)
• One of the world's largest clean energy projects to date, Jinan Iron and
Steel Group (12.3 million tonnes)
Financials:
• Revenue of €0.83 million
• Loss before tax of €3.97 million
• Cash position at the end of the year of €24.72 million
Operations:
• Acquired MCF Finance and Consulting Co Ltd in Russia
• Established operations in South Africa
Highlights post 31 December 2006
• 6 new projects are under exclusive contract, representing a net increase
in the contracted portfolio of 1.5 million additional tonnes, after prudential
adjustments
• 34.2 million tonnes are in late stage negotiation. This excludes projects
in the pipeline
• 11.3 million tonnes have received Host Country Letters of Approval.
• 30.6 million tonnes have been submitted for registration
• Issuance of first CERs
Commenting on the results, David Potter, Chairman said:
'This has been a good first year where we have seen strong growth in our
portfolio, from 71.5 at IPO to 102.9 million tonnes. We have ensured that our
portfolio is of the highest quality so that carbon credits will be reliably
delivered during the 2008 to 2012 Kyoto Commitment Period. Our local presence in
carbon origination markets and proven expertise in managing the delivery of
carbon credits should secure maximum value for investors.'
Tristan Fischer, Chief Executive, commenting on carbon market, said:
'There has been a significant increase in the amount of interest in the carbon
credit market over the past year, with a strong political push to achieve a low
carbon economy as evidenced by the tightening of regulations in the European
Union and new policies in the USA. At the same time, the lack of political
clarity surrounding the post 2012 Kyoto regulatory framework is being
counteracted by a growth in the voluntary market in developed countries,
including the USA.'
For further information please contact:
Camco International Limited +44 (0) 1534 834 600
Tristan Fischer, Chief Executive Officer
Scott McGregor, Chief Financial Officer
Press
Gavin Anderson
Ken Cronin/Kate Hill/Janine Brewis +44 (0) 20 7554 1400
About Camco
Camco works with companies in the developing world to identify and develop
greenhouse gas emission reduction projects, managing the entire process from
project initiation to the delivery of carbon credits for sale in the
international market. Camco is a market leader in China and Russia - two of the
largest potential markets for Carbon Credits - as well as in Eastern Europe and
Africa.
Our strategy is to utilise our expertise in managing and delivering carbon
credits on a local basis in an international arena. By doing this our aim is to
increase our overall carbon portfolio in terms of both volume and value.
Chairman's Statement
A year ago Camco International was established to acquire, develop and sell the
carbon assets derived from the long standing activities of our founder sponsors:
Clearworld Energy, Energy for Sustainable Development and KWI.
We have come a long way in the ensuing year.
We commenced assembling a management team in January 2006, we floated on AIM in
April and we now have the pleasure of reporting our maiden annual results to
you.
It has also been a year in which there have been huge strides in both the
awareness of climate change as a real issue and of the commercial business
response.
The almost universal acceptance of the scientific evidence that global warming
is a serious issue is a large step forward. Whilst there may still be
disagreement about the pace of this change and the appropriate response, it has
moved to centre stage with policy makers, opinion formers, the public and
politicians. What is particularly interesting is the way in which public opinion
and the business community have reacted by 'trying to do something'. This will
inevitably have a political reverberation. Governments and politicians naturally
move slowly, but it would seem that even they too have generally realised that
things are changing, need focusing on and that the voters are beginning to
demand action. I would anticipate significant political movement in the coming
year, especially from the USA.
Whilst it is still too early to see what will happen post the current Kyoto
period, I believe we can safely say that Camco occupies a business space with
enormous potential. However, it should be noted that there are a large number of
public and private companies in this arena with a plethora of business models.
There are also large amounts of investment funds seeking to capitalise on the
business potential.
The lesson of previous high growth sectors show us three things. Firstly, that
the fundamental vision is correct: computers, technology and dotcoms, for
instance. Secondly, that for early entrants the key issue is to create a soundly
managed and profitable business in an environment often characterised by huge
media and market attention with the attendant risks of over-hyping and
overheated stock prices. Thirdly, new companies in new markets take time to
fulfil their ambitions. All of this underlines the need to be responsive to a
new market as it develops.
In our first eight months as a public company we have tried to take these
lessons to heart in building a business with sound management, reporting and
control systems. In the meantime, we have endeavoured to maintain an
entrepreneurial approach whilst developing our pipeline of new business and
starting to broaden our footprint.
During the year we expanded in other locations, by acquisition in Russia and by
the establishment of an office in South Africa. At the same time we have
increased our resources in China, which remains our principal source of
business.
The contracted tonnes in our portfolio have grown from 71 m to 103m at the end
of 2006. The cost base required to achieve all of this has been larger than
anticipated at the time of the IPO. Obviously, the ultimate revenues from our
activities, which as indicated at the time of the IPO will start to flow in 2008
and beyond, are dependent on the carbon price which has been volatile in 2006.
Whilst such volatility can be expected to continue in 2007, the strategic
environment points to a higher carbon price in the medium term. This, coupled
with the potential for growth in the Voluntary Emission Reduction market,
enables your Board to face the future with a degree of confidence informed by
the need for tight management, a conservative approach to the valuation of our
pipeline and the political risk in some of the countries in which we operate.
I want to pay tribute to our management team and staff in all our locations for
their hard work and dedication, to our founder partners for their support and
co-operation and finally to our clients and business partners.
David Potter
Chairman, Camco International
8th March 2007
Business overview and strategy
Camco identifies potential greenhouse gas reduction projects within industrial
companies and utilities, produces carbon credits from these reductions and then
facilitates the sale of these carbon credits to international buyers.
Greenhouse gas emissions are released locally, but the impact is global. As
such, the market is influenced by policy decisions at a global and local level.
Camco's business is linked to the regulated Kyoto Protocol market and the
mechanisms that operate under it, such as the Clean Development Mechanism and
Joint Implementation.
Increased public awareness of the threat of global warming has resulted in new
market opportunities for Camco in voluntary markets, including the USA and
Australia.
Camco's strategy is to maximise volume, operational delivery and value of carbon
credits.
• Camco identifies potential clients through origination teams located in
the largest carbon markets
• Camco maximises delivery of carbon credits by operating on an 'at risk'
basis, under the same incentives as both the project sponsor and the buyer
• Camco is uniquely positioned to create value through its large network
of carbon credit buyers
April 25th 2006 December 31st 2006 % change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volume of Projects under exclusive contract ( million tonnes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China 66.4 79.1 19%
EMEA 5.1 23.9 368%
Total CADAs 71.5 103.0 45%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations (million tonnes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PDD complete 49.3 77.9 58%
Host nation Letter of 1.4 43.0 3044%
Approval
Validated 2.2 34.1 1472%
Registered 0.7 2.8 325%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value (in tonnes of carbon credits)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ERPAs signed - 35.8
VERs commercialised - 0.9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China
With one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies, energy and the
environment are two critical themes in China's development planning for the 21st
Century. The country's strong dependence on coal and on other fossil fuels to
feed this growth mean that it is predicted that by 2009 China will be the
world's number one source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Camco has led the market in these sectors in China through the development of
new CDM Methodologies for projects in the cement industry and in coal mine
methane utilisation. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these
projects contribute significantly to China's sustainable development objectives
by increasing the efficiency of resource utilisation, improving energy security,
lowering local air pollution and promoting the transfer of technology.
Camco has 34 projects in China under exclusive contract projected to reduce 79
million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions to the end of 2012.
In November 2006 Camco facilitated an Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreement
('ERPA') for two clean energy projects implemented by the Yangquan Coal Industry
(Group) Company in Shanxi Province. These CDM projects are expected to produce
17.8 million tonnes of carbon credits to the end of 2012.
The project involves the capture and utilisation of methane currently released
to the atmosphere. The captured methane will be utilised to generate power and
as a fuel source for a new industrial facility.
In addition, Camco successfully facilitated an ERPA for the sale of carbon
credits for the Jinan Iron and Steel Group Corporation. The project is expected
to produce 12.3 million tonnes of carbon credits from 2007 to the end of 2012.
The project is one of the largest Clean Development Mechanism ('CDM') energy
efficiency projects developed in China and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
through the capture and utilisation of waste gasses from the steelworks.
Russia
The establishment of procedures in Russia has recently been boosted by the
agreement by five Russian government ministries that the Joint Implementation
('JI') is a key source of sustainable foreign direct investment.
Camco is a leader in Russia, with a portfolio of 18.8 million tonnes from a
diverse group of investment projects at 19 Russian projects, including two
monopolies in the power and cement sector, two large pulp & paper mills, an
important steel mill, and numerous sawmills.
Camco is currently working with one of the leading steel producers in Russia
located in the Orenburg region to modernise electric-ark furnaces and installing
continuous casting machines. This will result in a more sustainable form of
steel production, reduction of carbon intensive inputs and an overall reduction
of 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
South Africa
South Africa is expected to become Camco's third largest market and is our most
recently developed region. Energy efficiency projects and the mining sector are
forecast to lead in the creation of the world's fifth largest generator of
carbon credits. Nevertheless, South African projects represent less than 1% of
the total global Clean Development Mechanism ('CDM') projects registered with
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In December 2004 the Designated National Authority was established within the
Department of Minerals and Energy of South Africa and given a legal mandate to
oversee the CDM process. Uptake of CDM opportunities in South Africa has been
slow, as only the World Bank and a limited number of multinational companies
were pursuing opportunities. Since 2006, there has been a rapid increase as
local companies react to the CDM opportunity.
Technology
Camco's diverse portfolio covers multiple technology types, including renewable
energy, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing emissions from industrial and
organic waste streams.
Sale of carbon credits
Most of Camco's business is linked to the heavily regulated Kyoto Protocol
market and the flexible mechanisms that operate under it. Increasing public
awareness of the threat of global warming, caused by greenhouse gas emissions,
has resulted in new market opportunities for Camco in the voluntary, VER
markets, including those in the USA and Australia.
During the second half of the year Camco saw a significant increase in the
number of buyers seeking to purchase carbon credits from its projects. The most
interesting new entrants were from Australia and the USA. Since neither have
ratified the Kyoto Protocol nor have a compliance need to buy credits, their
involvement is an important development.
Camco's portfolio consists of some of the largest projects in the industry and
therefore benefits from industry-leading margins, particularly in the areas of
technology that Camco is strongest in, such as energy efficiency, coal mine
methane and renewables.
Outlook
With the current Kyoto Protocol running from 2008 until 2012 and no tangible
progress towards establishing a global successor, the industry has started to
experience a slowdown in the development of new greenhouse gas reducing
projects. This is because projects that come on stream post 2008 have less time
in which to generate sufficient revenues to payback the capital invested in the
GHG reducing equipment. Thus, despite the strong growth in Camco's portfolio by
63 million tonnes in 2006, it is unlikely that this level of growth will be
maintained in 2007. In the event that an effective post 2012 agreement is
reached in 2007, this would have a material impact on Camco's ability to develop
new projects.
In contrast, the Voluntary Emission Reduction market may become one of the
fastest growing carbon credit commodities traded in 2007, particularly in the
USA. Camco is well-placed to capitalise on this, as underlined by achieving a
large VER commercialisation project in 2006.
Financial review
Revenue for the period was €0.83 million and came from the sale of carbon
credits. Camco takes a conservative approach to revenue recognition and these
sales are from contracts which have verified carbon credits.
Administrative expenses of €5.52 million and loss before tax of €3.97 million
are broadly in line with expectations and are a result of operating and
expanding the business. Camco operates a project development business which
requires an outlay of administrative costs and working capital in the initial
years of a project's development, followed by revenues during the First
Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol, between 2008-2012.
Proceeds from IPO were €37.07 million, of which €3.07 million was capitalised as
costs attributable to the IPO process. Carbon Development Contract assets of
€12.25 million include €10.71 million due to assets capitalised on the
acquisition of ClearWorld Energy's carbon projects, CAMCO GmbH and MCF Finance
and Consulting Co Ltd. Camco maintains a conservative policy on cost
capitalisation and only capitalises costs directly attributable to its projects.
Camco has cash reserves of €24.72 million at 31 December 2006. The Group is
currently highly liquid, with significant cash resources available to develop
the business. Treasury policy is to hold this reserve in low risk cash deposits.
The Group is entirely funded by equity which is considered appropriate given the
status of the market and political risks faced by the business.
Abbreviated financial statements for the period from the date of incorporation
on 8 February 2006 to 31 December 2006
Consolidated income statement for the period from the date of incorporation on
8 February 2006 to 31 December 2006
Continuing
operations
2006
€'000
Revenue 830
Cost of sales (673)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 157
Administration expenses (5,522)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss from operations (5,365)
Finance income 1,450
Finance expense (58)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before tax (3,973)
Taxation (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss after tax attributable to equity holders (3,975)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic and diluted loss per share (Cents) (3.42)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense
for the period from the date of incorporation on
8 February 2006 to 31 December 2006
2006
€'000
Loss for the period (3,975)
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (22)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total recognised income and expense for the period (3,997)
attributable to equity holders
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analysed in reserves as:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings (3,975)
Net expense recognised directly in equity - translation (22)
reserve
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3,997)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2006
2006
€'000
Assets
Non-current assets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment 304
Goodwill on acquisition 1,156
Carbon development contracts 12,249
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total non-current assets 13,709
Current assets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade and other receivables 1,608
Cash and cash equivalents 24,719
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 26,327
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 40,036
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade and other payables (2,117)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities (2,117)
Non-current liabilities
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred consideration (3,312)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total non-current liabilities (3,312)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities (5,429)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets 34,607
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share capital 1,299
Share premium 36,909
Share-based payment reserve 577
Retained earnings (3,975)
Translation reserve (22)
Own shares (181)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total equity 34,607
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These financial statements were approved by the Board of directors on 6 March
2007 and were signed on its behalf by Scott McGregor, Chief Financial Officer.
Consolidated cash flow statement for the period from the date of incorporation
on 8 February 2006 to 31 December 2006
2006
€'000
Cash flow from operating activities
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash receipts under carbon development contracts 313
Cash paid to suppliers and employees (6,231)
Interest received 565
Income tax paid (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flow from operating activities (5,354)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow from investing activities
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment for acquisition of subsidiaries (366)
Repayment of loan notes issued for acquisition of (3,150)
subsidiary
Cash acquired with subsidiaries 248
Payment for purchase of carbon development contracts (896)
Payment for purchase of property, plant and equipment (330)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flow from investing activities (4,494)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow from financing activities
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proceeds from the issue of loan notes 5,000
Repayment of loan notes (5,000)
Proceeds from issuance of shares 37,074
Costs of raising capital (3,069)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash flow from financing activities 34,005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in cash and cash equivalents 24,157
Cash and cash equivalents at date of incorporation -
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 562
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 24,719
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abbreviated notes to the financial statements
1 Abbreviated accounting policies
A Basis of preparation
The abbreviated financial statements are presented in Euros, the functional
currency of Camco International Limited (the 'Company'), rounded to the nearest
thousand Euros.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the
application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income
and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical
experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements
about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent
from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the
estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period
of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and
future periods. The most significant techniques for estimation are described in
the accounting policies.
The abbreviated accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently
to the period presented in these abbreviated consolidated financial statements.
The accounting policies have been consistently applied across the Company and
its subsidiaries (together the 'Group') for the purposes of producing these
abbreviated consolidated financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.
B Accounting for Carbon Development Contracts ('CDCs')
The Group enters into CDCs with clients from which carbon credits are produced.
Carbon credits, also known as Certified Emission Reductions ('CERs') or Emission
Reduction Units ('ERUs') are generated through the highly regulated Carbon
Development Mechanism ('CDM') and Joint Implementation ('JI') processes. These
follow a number of steps including the approval of the project methodology and
monitoring procedures, project design, project approval by the Designated
National Authority, project validation by a Designated Operational Entity or
equivalent ('DOE'), project acceptance by the host country, registration,
verification and certification by a DOE. Verification of carbon credit
production will take place at least once a year during this period. The Group
works with the client at all stages of the process using proprietary knowledge
and experience to negotiate this complex process.
Revenue recognition
Revenue from CDCs is recognised at the point that the carbon credit has been
verified by a DOE and the risk of delivery into the final CDM registry or
equivalent (the 'registry') is minimal. The Company expects that the
verification, and delivery into the registry would take place within six months
following the carbon credit production taking place. Where the Company takes
ownership rights in carbon credits from CDCs, revenue will be recognised when
verification, delivery and sales contracts for delivery are complete.
Voluntary Emission Reductions ('VERs') and other carbon credit revenue may be
generated from carbon credit projects not operating under CDM or JI processes.
The regulation criteria are agreed between all parties and generally revenue is
recognised from VERs when all acceptance and confirmation notices have been
issued by the relevant parties and the significant risks and rewards of
ownership have been transferred.
The CDCs are scheduled to deliver the majority of carbon credits over the
2008-2012 phase of the Kyoto Protocol.
Treatment of CDC costs
CDCs acquired by the Group are recorded initially at cost (or fair value if
through business combination).
Subsequently, the directly attributable costs are added to the carrying amount
of CDCs. These costs are only carried forward to the extent that they are
expected to be recouped through the successful completion of the contracts. The
costs comprise consultancy fees, license costs, technical work and directly
attributable administrative costs. All other costs are expensed as incurred.
Most of the Group's CDCs have not yet reached the stage at which income can be
recognised. Once the income recognition criteria on these contracts are met (as
described above), the CDC costs will be expensed on the basis of carbon credits
delivered as a proportion of total expected carbon credit production over the
contract period. Most of the contracts are expected to be terminated in 2012.
2 Administration expenses
Administration expenses are analysed below.
2006
€'000
Share-based payments 577
Exceptional item - discretionary M&A expense 439
Other administration expenses 4,506
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administration expenses 5,522
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Loss per share
Loss per share attributable to equity holders of the Company is calculated
as follows.
2006
Cents per share
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic and diluted loss per share (3.42)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
€'000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss used in calculation of basic and diluted loss per (3,975)
share
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average number of shares used in calculation 116,307,918
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Carbon development contracts
2006
€'000
Cost at 8 February 2006 -
Acquisitions 10,708
Carbon development contract costs capitalised 1,681
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost at 31 December 2006 12,389
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utilisation and write-down at 8 February 2006 -
Amount charged to cost of sales in the period (68)
Write-down of CDC costs previously capitalised (72)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utilisation and write-down at 31 December 2006 (140)
Net book value at 8 February 2006 -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net book value at 31 December 2006 12,249
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The write-down was recognised following a review of the carrying amounts of
CDCs. Where the discounted future cash flows on the contract were deemed
insufficient to support the recoverability of the asset a write-down to the
lower value was made.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange