Interim Results

M.P. EVANS GROUP PLC Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2006 * Profit before taxation £7,906,000 including exceptional gains of £4,762,000 (2005 £3,285,000, including exceptional costs of £625,000) * Interim dividend payment of 2p per share (2005 - 2p); minimum of a further 4.25p per share anticipated as final dividend * Balance sheet remains strong * Palm oil continues to trade at robust levels in response to increased demand, including from the bio-fuels sector * Beef-cattle prices also remain buoyant * Implementation of Group's new strategy well on track - Sale of three Malaysian estates completed (of which two accounted for in first half 2006) for total of £16.1 million - Sale of part (181 hectares) of fourth estate, Perhentian Tinggi, agreed for £2.6 million - 2,000 hectares expected to be planted on new 12,000-hectare Bangka project by end 2006 - Acquisition of new 14,000-hectare project in East Kalimantan - nursery area being established and clearing work expected to commence shortly - A minimum of a further 20,000 hectares, suitable for oil-palm development, being sought in East Kalimantan - Following acquisition of Flinton Station, adjoining Woodlands, further expansion planned for Australian beef-cattle operations Commenting on the results, Richard Robinow, chairman of M.P. Evans Group PLC, said:- "I am delighted to report that the Group's strategy of capitalising on the high real-estate value that has accrued to its Malaysian estates by selling them and re-investing the proceeds, largely in the Indonesian palm-oil sector and partly in the Australian beef-cattle sector, continues apace. We are making good progress within the Group and have great confidence looking forward. The outlook for both palm oil and cattle continues to be favourable in both the near and longer term." Enquiries: M.P. Evans Group PLC Telephone 020 7796 4133 on 19 September only. Thereafter telephone 01892 516333 Peter Hadsley-Chaplin Joint managing director Philip Fletcher Joint managing director Hudson Sandler Andrew Hayes James White An analysts' meeting will be held today at 9:30 a.m. at the offices of Hudson Sandler, 29 Cloth Fair, London EC1A 7NN INTERIM REVIEW The board has pleasure in presenting the interim report for the six months ended 30 June 2006. We have made good progress during the first half as we continue to implement our stated strategy of divesting from Malaysia and investing the proceeds in both Indonesian palm-oil and Australian beef-cattle operations. The period was marked by slightly improved palm-oil prices, lower Group Indonesian crops of oil palm fresh fruit bunches ("f.f.b.") (although higher in the associates), dry conditions in Australia and exceptional profits arising from the disposal of two of the Malaysian estates. Profit before taxation amounted to £7,906,000 (including exceptional gains of £4,762,000) compared with £3,285,000 (exceptional costs £625,000) for the same period last year. The Group generated net operating cash flows of £2,808,000 (2005 £3,901,000). The balance sheet remains strong. The board proposes, as last year, to pay an interim dividend of 2p per share. REVIEW OF THE PERIOD Strategic developments, including new projects The Group's strategy of capitalising on the high real-estate value that has accrued to its Malaysian estates by selling them and re-investing the proceeds, largely in the Indonesian palm-oil sector and partly in the Australian beef- cattle sector, continues apace. The sale of three Malaysian estates for a total of approximately £16.1 million has been completed and, as announced on 13 June 2006, the sale of 181 hectares of Perhentian Tinggi Estate for approximately £2.6 million has been agreed. Both the balance of Perhentian Tinggi Estate (745 hectares) and the whole of Sungei Kruit Estate (828 hectares) continue to be marketed. Following some early delays, significant progress has been made on the development of the new, 12,000-hectare, oil-palm project on Bangka Island, Indonesia. It is currently expected that a total of approximately 2,000 hectares will have been planted by the year end. With regard to the new, 14,000-hectare, East Kalimantan oil-palm project, a nursery area is in the course of being established and substantial clearing work is expected to commence shortly. The board continues to seek a minimum of an additional 20,000 hectares of suitable land for development to oil palm in Indonesia and it is hoped that this may be achieved in the vicinity of the 14,000-hectare site in East Kalimantan. As far as Australian developments are concerned, it is planned that, further to the acquisition of the 7,586-hectare Flinton Station, adjoining Woodlands, in March 2006, the Group will add to its beef-cattle activities in the area of the Woodlands aggregation, thereby affording even greater economies of scale. During the period the Group acquired a further 229,988 shares (1.37%) in The North Australian Pastoral Company Pty Limited ("NAPCo") at a cost of A$7 per share, bringing the total holding to 29.29%. The palm-oil market The palm-oil price remained within the US$400 to US$450 per tonne bracket during the first half of 2006. The average was US$432, some 4% higher than the US$415 for the first half of 2005. Although world production and stocks of palm oil are at historically high levels, continued robust demand, underpinned by increasing requirements for bio-fuels, has resulted in upward pressure on the price, particularly since the end of June 2006. The price is currently in excess of US$500. Palm oil remains competitively priced compared with the other major vegetable oils. The beef-cattle market Despite the unseasonally dry weather that was experienced in many parts of Australia, cattle prices remained at reasonably buoyant levels throughout the first half. This was no doubt helped by the continuing higher-than-usual demand for Australian beef from Japan as a result of its ban on US beef imports following BSE concerns. Some welcome June rains, which were not, however, completely widespread throughout Australia, led to a further increase in prices in July. Although this was followed by a slight easing in prices, partly as a result of the lifting of the Japanese ban on US beef imports, the market has continued to trade at firm levels. Dividend In respect of the dividend relating to 2006, it is the board's intention at least to maintain the 6.25p-per-share dividend paid in respect of 2005 (2.00p interim plus 4.25p final). As referred to above and in note 4), an interim dividend of 2.00p in respect of 2006 is proposed to be paid on 3 November 2006. RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD Gross profit Indonesia and Malaysia Production, crop and selling-price details for the majority-owned estates were as follows:- 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 Tonnes Tonnes Tonnes 1) Crops - f.f.b. Indonesia 67,500 73,100 156,200 Malaysia 35,700 34,100 66,500 ------- ------- ------- 2) Production - Indonesia Crude palm oil 10,300 9,400 21,600 Palm kernels 2,600 2,100 5,009 ------- ------- ------- 3) Selling prices Rotterdam cif - average per tonne US$432 US$415 US$420 Pangkatan sales fob - average per tonne Rp3,400,000 Rp3,300,000 Rp3,410,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- F.f.b. crops in Indonesia were lower than expected in the first half as a result of a cyclical downturn and some 8% lower than for the same period last year. Inflationary pressures were experienced on costs, mainly arising from the increase in oil prices, the removal of fuel subsidies and resulting wage inflation. The Malaysian f.f.b. crop was in line with both budget and last year. The rubber areas on the Indonesian estates continued to be phased out during 2006 and replanted with oil palms. As a result of this replanting programme, some rubber tappers had to be retrenched. The costs associated with this in the first half of the year amounted to £96,000 (2005 £43,000). Australia The area in which the Group's cattle-fattening property is located in Southern Queensland again experienced unusually dry conditions which adversely affected the amount of feed (both forage crops and pastures) that could be grown. Accordingly, the numbers that could be fattened and turned off were below expectations and a loss was experienced. 1,593 head were sold compared with 1,077 in the first half of last year. As a result of all of the above, the gross profit for the first half of 2006, which relates entirely to the Group's majority-owned operations, amounted to £1,759,000, compared with £2,409,000 for the same period in 2005. The following is a breakdown between the various areas of activity:- Six months ended 30 June 2006 Gross Cost of profit/ Turnover sales (loss) £'000 £'000 £'000 Plantations Indonesia 3,104 (1,912) 1,192 Malaysia 1,446 (815) 631 ------ ------ ------ Total plantations 4,550 (2,727) 1,823 Cattle - Australia 568 (737) (169) Manufacturing - Thailand * 1,536 (1,442) 94 Other - UK 11 - 11 ------ ------ ------ Group total 6,665 (4,906) 1,759 ------ ------ ------ Six months ended 30 June 2005 Gross Cost of profit/ Turnover sales (loss) £'000 £'000 £'000 Plantations Indonesia 3,341 (1,816) 1,525 Malaysia 1,484 (823) 661 ------ ------ ------ Total plantations 4,825 (2,639) 2,186 Cattle - Australia 404 (261) 143 Manufacturing - Thailand 613 (532) 81 Other - UK - (1) (1) ------ ------ ------ Group total 5,842 (3,433) 2,409 ------ ------ ------ Year ended 31 December 2005 Cost of Gross Turnover sales profit £'000 £'000 £'000 Plantations Indonesia 7,222 (3,573) 3,649 Malaysia 2,957 (1,787) 1,170 ------ ------ ------ Total plantations 10,179 (5,360) 4,819 Cattle - Australia 840 (665) 175 Manufacturing - Thailand 1,139 (1,075) 64 Other - UK 24 - 24 ------ ------ ------ Group total 12,182 (7,100) 5,082 ------ ------ ------ * Very high rubber prices impacted on both turnover and cost of sales in Thailand. The Thai rubber factory buys unprocessed rubber from smallholders, processes it and sells it on the open market. Associated companies Indonesia The Group's share of its Indonesian associated companies' operating profits for the period, compared with the first half of 2005 and the whole of 2005, are set out below:- 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 PT Agro Muko (31.53%) 827 743 1,759 PT Kerasaan Indonesia (36.00%) 258 306 605 ------ ------ ------ 1,085 1,049 2,364 ------ ------ ------ Crops and production were as follows:- 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 Tonnes Tonnes Tonnes F.f.b. crops - PT Kerasaan Indonesia 26,000 27,600 55,700 PT Agro Muko - own 140,100 123,200 266,300 - outgrowers 31,000 31,100 78,700 -------- -------- -------- 197,100 181,900 400,700 -------- -------- -------- Production - (PT Agro Muko) - crude palm oil 35,900 32,300 71,200 - palm kernels 8,200 7,300 16,500 -------- -------- -------- Rubber crops - (PT Agro Muko) - own 1,066 1,152 1,904 - outgrowers 912 676 933 -------- -------- -------- 1,978 1,828 2,837 -------- -------- -------- After an unexpectedly long downturn in PT Agro Muko's f.f.b. crop during 2005, the anticipated improvement occurred in the first half of 2006. With regard to rubber, the company's own production was slightly lower than last year but bought-in raw material from outside sources increased markedly. With rubber prices at very high levels, the company reported improved profits from this source compared with the first half of 2005. PT Kerasaan Indonesia achieved f.f.b. crops in line with expectations but slightly below those for the same period last year. With a similar selling price and cost inflation, referred to above under "Gross profit", the result for the period was lower. Malaysia The Group's share of its Malaysian associated companies' operating profits/(losses) for the period, compared with the first half of 2005 and the whole of 2005 are set out below:- 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Bertam Properties Sdn. Bhd. (40.00%) 419 84 395 Kennedy, Burkill & Co. Bhd. (20.01%) 48 79 134 Asia Green Environmental Sdn. Bhd (30.00%) (19) (23) 16 ------ ------ ------ 448 140 545 ------ ------ ------ The f.f.b. crop on Bertam Estate (owned by Bertam Properties Sdn. Bhd.) was as follows:- 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 Tonnes Tonnes Tonnes Bertam Estate 8,500 8,000 12,800 ------ ------ ------ The sale of some 9 hectares of land, at a price of RM7.50 per square foot, by Bertam Properties Sdn. Bhd. for a hotel development was completed in the first half of 2006 and realised a profit before tax of approximately £635,000, of which the Group's 40% share amounted to £254,000. This, together with profits released from the company's housing developments, gave rise to a marked increase in the overall profit for the period. Australia The Group's share of its Australian associated company's operating profit for the period compared with the first half of 2005 and the whole of 2005 is set out below:- 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 NAPCo (29.29%) 641 843 885 ------ ------ ------ NAPCo's first-half earnings were above expectations but lower than for the same period last year when exceptionally dry conditions prevailed and significant numbers of cattle had to be sold earlier in the season than usual. The reason for the strong first-half results for 2006 was twofold: first, the selling price of cattle was higher than had been expected and, second, expenses were below budget owing to the late start to the season. Exceptional items The exceptional gains arose primarily from the sale of the two Malaysian estates, Sungei Reyla (660 hectares) and Beradin (1,085 hectares) for RM31.38 million (approximately £4.6 million) and RM53.22 million (approximately £7.8 million) respectively. Both sales were subject to Malaysian Real Property Gains Tax of 5%. The proceeds from the sale of Sungei Reyla Estate were received in the period and from Beradin Estate were received after the period end. In the second half of the year, the sale of the 195-hectare Lendu Estate (for RM26.00 million - approximately £3.70 million at the current rate of exchange) was completed. The profit before tax of approximately £3.2 million arising from this transaction will be brought into account in the second half of 2006. Sennah Estate lawsuit It is hoped that the hearing by the Supreme Court in Jakarta of the appeal by DR Rahmat Shah will be heard before the end of 2006. The Group continues to contest this appeal. Prospects F.f.b. crops in Indonesia are, as in previous years, expected to be higher in the second half of the year than the first but, despite this, may, on the majority-owned estates, be a little lower than that achieved for 2005. Crops from the estates of the associated companies, particularly PT Agro Muko, are expected to be substantially higher for 2006 as a whole, compared with 2005. With the sale of Sungei Reyla and Beradin Estates having been completed in the first half and that of Lendu Estate early in the second half of 2006, the Malaysian crops will be markedly lower than for 2005. With continuing strong demand for palm oil both for traditional human consumption, particularly in China, and from the bio-fuel industry, the palm-oil price has strengthened since the half year to around the US$500-per-tonne level. The prospect of further significant expansion of bio-diesel production capacity in Europe and South East Asia appears to be underpinning the price. The Australian beef-cattle market remains at historically buoyant levels, with demand for high-quality beef continuing to grow in Australia's principal market, namely Asia. Accordingly, the board remains optimistic, in the short term, of an improvement in trading results in the second half and, in the long term, about prospects for palm oil and beef cattle. 19 September 2006 CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT For the six months ended 30 June 2006 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 as restated as restated (see note 2) (see note 2) £'000 £'000 £'000 Turnover Continuing operations 6,010 5,200 10,791 Discontinued operations 655 642 1,391 ------ ------ ------ 6,665 5,842 12,182 Cost of sales (4,906) (3,433) (7,100) ------ ------ ------ Gross profit 1,759 2,409 5,082 ------ ------ ------ Foreign-exchange (losses)/gains (94) (16) 234 Other administrative expenses (634) (574) (1,227) ------ ------ ------ Total administrative expenses (728) (590) (993) ------ ------ ------ Group operating profit Continuing operations 786 1,605 3,588 Discontinued operations 245 214 501 ------ ------ ------ 1,031 1,819 4,089 Share of operating profit in associates 2,174 2,032 3,794 ------ ------ ------ Total operating profit 3,205 3,851 7,883 Exceptional items (note 3) 4,762 (625) (525) ------ ------ ------ Profit on ordinary activities before interest 7,967 3,226 7,358 Interest receivable and similar income 158 200 318 Interest payable (219) (141) (283) Income from other fixed-asset investments - - 89 ------ ------ ------ Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 7,906 3,285 7,482 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (1,032) (1,228) (2,617) ------ ------ ------ Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 6,874 2,057 4,865 Minority interests (157) (208) (499) ------ ------ ------ Profit on ordinary activities attributable to the members of M.P. Evans Group PLC 6,717 1,849 4,366 ------ ------ ------ Basic earnings per 10p share 13.23p 3.67p 8.67p ------ ------ ------ Diluted earnings per 10p share 12.72p 3.54p 8.38p ------ ------ ------ CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET At 30 June 2006 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 as restated as restated (see note 2) (see note 2) £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Goodwill 285 - 292 Negative goodwill (843) (935) (889) ------ ------ ------ (558) (935) (597) Tangible assets 36,472 36,604 40,500 Investments 32,976 28,970 31,789 ------ ------ ------ 68,890 64,639 71,692 ------ ------ ------ Current assets Stocks 1,644 1,052 1,622 Debtors 9,256 3,285 3,516 Investments 1,297 6,568 2,790 Cash at bank and in hand 6,231 1,546 3,006 ------ ------ ------ 18,428 12,451 10,934 ------ ------ ------ Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Bank loans and overdrafts 5,950 2,379 2,755 Trade creditors 826 1,444 839 Amounts owed to associated undertakings 109 124 72 Other creditors including taxation and social security 2,801 2,379 3,356 ------ ------ ------ 9,686 6,326 7,022 ------ ------ ------ Net current assets 8,742 6,125 3,912 ------ ------ ------ Total assets less current liabilities 77,632 70,764 75,604 Creditors - amounts falling due after more than one year (529) (833) (536) Provisions for liabilities (670) (727) (779) Minority interests (3,421) (2,998) (3,319) ------ ------ ------ 73,012 66,206 70,970 ------ ------ ------ Capital and reserves Called-up share capital 5,078 5,060 5,078 Share premium account 10,317 10,185 10,317 Revaluation reserve 13,329 19,852 20,372 Capital redemption reserve 2,139 2,139 2,139 Merger reserve (4,099) (4,099) (4,099) Other reserve 264 184 231 Share of associated companies' reserves 6,150 2,857 5,093 Profit and loss account 39,834 30,028 31,839 ------ ------ ------ Total shareholders' funds (note 5) 73,012 66,206 70,970 ------ ------ ------ CONSOLIDATED CASH-FLOW STATEMENT For the six months ended 30 June 2006 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 as restated as restated (see note 2) (see note 2) £'000 £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 2,808 3,901 5,499 Dividends from associated undertakings 225 361 1,180 Returns on investments and servicing of finance (note 6) (67) (68) (327) Taxation (note 6) (1,826) (1,225) (1,838) Capital expenditure and financial investment (note 6) 218 (1,026) (4,199) Acquisitions (note 6) (687) (4,102) (4,276) Dividend paid (2,158) (3,035) (4,049) ------ ------ ------ Net cash outflow before management of liquid resources and financing (1,487) (5,194) (8,010) Management of liquid resources Decrease/(increase) in short-term deposits 1,399 (1,727) 2,151 Financing (note 6) (333) (205) (214) ------ ------ ------ Decrease in cash (421) (7,126) (6,073) ------ ------ ------ Reconciliation of total operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities Total operating profit 3,205 3,851 7,883 Exchange differences (136) 328 27 Depreciation and amortisation of goodwill and negative goodwill (103) (150) (184) Share-based payments 33 48 94 Share of associated undertakings' operating profits (2,174) (2,032) (3,794) Increase in stocks (70) (139) (516) Decrease in debtors 1,531 883 1,169 Increase in creditors 522 1,112 820 ------ ------ ------ Net cash inflow from operating activities 2,808 3,901 5,499 ------ ------ ------ NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENTS For the six months ended 30 June 2006 1. STATUTORY INFORMATION The financial information for the six-month periods ended 30 June 2006 and 2005 has been neither audited nor reviewed by the Group's auditors and does not constitute accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2005 is abridged from the statutory accounts and restated in accordance with the requirements of FRS 20 Share-Based Payments. The 31 December 2005 statutory accounts have been reported on by the Group's auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors thereon was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES These interim accounts have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies as set out in the annual financial statements at 31 December 2005 other than as noted below. Share-based payments The Company has issued equity-settled, share-based payments to certain directors and employees, which are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company's estimate of shares that will eventually vest. The impact of this is a charge, which has been included in the profit and loss account, with a corresponding adjustment to reserves. The Group has taken advantage of the transitional provisions of FRS 20 in respect of equity-settled awards and has applied FRS 20 only to equity-settled awards granted after 7 November 2002. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the options are exercised. As a result of this change of policy, administrative expenses have been increased by £33,000 (June 2005 £48,000, December 2005 £94,000). 3. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Continuing operations Loss on sale of tangible fixed assets (27) - (72) Gain on sale of fixed-asset investments 4 - 95 Previously unrealised profit on sale of land to associated undertaking released to the profit and loss account on sale of land by associated undertaking to third party 57 - 33 Re-organisation expenses - (625) (590) Share of associated undertakings' exceptional items (4) - 9 ------ ------ ------ 30 (625) (525) Discontinued operations Profit on sale of discontinued operations 4,732 - - ------ ------ ------ 4,762 (625) (525) ------ ------ ------ 4. DIVIDENDS 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 2004 final dividend - 6.00p per 10p share - 3,035 3,035 2005 interim dividend - 2.00p per 10p share - - 1,014 2005 final dividend - 4.25p per 10p share 2,158 - - ------ ------ ------ 2,158 3,035 4,049 ------ ------ ------ Subsequent to 30 June 2006, the board has declared an interim dividend of 2.00p per 10p share. The dividend will be paid on or after 3 November 2006 to those shareholders on the register at the close of business on 29 September 2006. 5. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 as restated as restated (see note 2) (see note 2) £'000 £'000 £'000 Profit attributable to members of the Company 6,717 1,849 4,366 Dividend (note 4) (2,158) (3,035) (4,049) ------ ------ ------ 4,559 (1,186) 317 Issue of shares - 5,367 5,525 Share-based payments 33 48 94 Other recognised gains and losses relating to the period (2,550) 2,143 5,200 ------ ------ ------ Net addition to shareholders' funds 2,042 6,372 11,136 Opening shareholders' funds 70,970 59,834 59,834 ------ ------ ------ Closing shareholders' funds 73,012 66,206 70,970 ------ ------ ------ 6. ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENTS IN CASH FLOW 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Other dividends received - - 89 Interest received 158 200 318 Interest paid (219) (141) (283) Dividends paid to minorities (6) (127) (451) ------ ------ ------ Net cash outflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance (67) (68) (327) ------ ------ ------ Taxation Corporation tax paid (1,826) (1,225) (1,838) ------ ------ ------ Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets (4,954) (1,085) (4,409) Sale of tangible fixed assets 5,165 59 62 Sale of fixed-asset investments 7 - 148 ------ ------ ------ Net cash inflow/(outflow) from capital expenditure and financial investment 218 (1,026) (4,199) ------ ------ ------ Acquisitions Re-organisation expenses - (625) (640) Net overdraft acquired with subsidiary undertaking - (1,722) (1,722) Investment in subsidiary undertaking - - (36) Investment in associated undertaking (687) (1,755) (1,878) ------ ------ ------ (687) (4,102) (4,276) ------ ------ ------ Financing Repayment of loan (333) (205) (458) Issue of shares - - 244 ------ ------ ------ (333) (205) (214) ------ ------ ------ 7. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW AND MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Decrease in cash in the period (421) (7,126) (6,073) (Decrease)/increase in liquid resources (1,399) 1,727 (2,151) Movements in loans 333 205 458 Exchange differences 32 266 444 ------ ------ ------ Movements in net funds (1,455) (4,928) (7,322) Net funds at 1 January 2,508 9,830 9,830 ------ ------ ------ Net funds at 30 June/31 December 1,053 4,902 2,508 ------ ------ ------ 8. EXCHANGE RATES 6 months 6 months Year ended ended ended 30 June 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 £1 = Indonesian Rupiah - average 16,476 17,640 17,653 - period end 17,132 17,494 16,893 ------ ------ ------ US$1 = Indonesian Rupiah - average 9,205 9,420 9,712 - period end 9,263 9,760 9,840 ------ ------ ------ £1 = US$ - average 1.79 1.87 1.82 - period end 1.85 1.79 1.72 ------ ------ ------ £1 = Malaysian Ringgit - average 6.60 7.12 6.89 - period end 6.80 6.81 6.49 ------ ------ ------ £1 = Australian Dollar - average 2.41 2.47 2.39 - period end 2.49 2.35 2.34 ------ ------ ------ 9. DISTRIBUTION The interim report for the six-month period ended 30 June 2006 will be despatched to shareholders on 25 September 2006 and copies thereof will be available from the Company at 3 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1HQ on and after that date. By order of the board J F Elliott Secretary 19 September 2006
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