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Final Results

26 Apr 2016 16:00

RNS Number : 3910W
Anglo-Eastern Plantations PLC
26 April 2016
 

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc

("AEP", "Group" or "Company")

 

Preliminary announcement of results for year ended 31 December 2015

 

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc, and its subsidiaries are a major producer of palm oil and rubber with plantations across Indonesia and Malaysia amounting to some 128,600 hectares, has today released its results for the year ended 31 December 2015.

 

Financial Highlights

 

2015

$m

2014

$m

Revenue

196.5

251.3

Profit before tax

- before biological asset ("BA") adjustment

45.0

85.0

- after biological asset adjustment

(19.1)

51.2

EPS before BA adjustment

69.39cts

132.26cts

EPS after BA adjustment

(37.58)cts

77.61cts

Dividend (pence)

1.75p

3.0p

Dividend (cents)

2.5*cts

4.5cts

 

Note: * Based on exchange rate at 22 April 2016 of $1.4409/£

 

 

Enquiries:

 

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc

Dato' John Lim Ewe Chuan

 +44 (0)20 7216 4621

Panmure Gordon & Co.

Andrew Godber

+44 (0)20 7886 2500

 

 

 

Chairman's Statement

 

The Group achieved record production of fresh fruit bunches ("FFB") in 2015. The crop production of 900,400mt, was 5% higher than the previous year (2014: 857,400mt) broadly in line with 9% increase in matured trees. The mills similarly recorded the highest purchase of external FFB in recent years. FFB bought-in from surrounding smallholders in 2015 was 678,200mt (2014: 626,200mt), 8% higher, as the Group offered competitive prices for the external crops. The mills as a result processed 9% more FFB, and increased crude palm oil ("CPO") production by 9% to 321,400mt (2014: 294,200mt).

 

FFB harvest in Kalimantan exceeded expectation and was higher than last year's production by 65% as matured trees increased from 4,650ha to 7,790ha. This made up for the lower production in other established regions in North Sumatera, Riau and Bengkulu which were adversely affected by four months of drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon. The dry spell compounded by the indiscriminate open burning by villagers to clear their land for planting resulted in an unprecedented haze that blanketed parts of Indonesia for months. Sporadic fire from surrounding land encroached onto our plantations resulting in damages of up to 175ha of palm oil in South Sumatera and Kalimantan. The fire burned the ground weeds, cover crops and scorched lower fronds but most of the affected palms will survive and recover. The quick response from our fire patrol teams equipped with proper fire-fighting gear helped to quickly contain the spread of fire. In the aftermath of the forest fires, it was reported that the Indonesian government investigated more than 200 companies and sanctioned 23 companies with suspension to permanent revocation of operating licenses. I am pleased to report that the Group is not involved in open burning and that normal rainfall has since returned.

 

Despite the increase in crop and CPO production, revenue and profitability suffered as CPO prices fell to a 7-year low. The average CPO Rotterdam price in 2015 was 25% lower at $613/mt, compared to $815/mt in 2014. The Group's revenue was lower by 22% at $196.5 million, compared to $251.3 million achieved in 2014. For the year the Indonesian Rupiah depreciated by 13% against the US dollar, the Group's reporting currency, which also partly explains the lower revenue.

 

The Group operating profit for 2015, before the biological asset ("BA") adjustment was $42.7 million, 46% lower compared to $78.8 million achieved in 2014. Earnings per share, before BA adjustment decreased to 69.39cts, from 132.26cts in 2014. The Group suffered an operating loss for 2015 at $21.4 million after a downward BA adjustment of $64.1 million as compared to 2014 operating profit of $45.1 million after a downward BA adjustment of $33.7 million. Profit was eroded by losses from five newly matured plantations in Bengkulu, Bangka and Kalimantan. With the current low CPO prices, it will take another three to four years for these plantations to turn in a profit when the FFB yield reaches its optimum level.

 

At a recent 2015 Indonesian Palm Oil Conference in Bali, vegetable oil analysts forecast that CPO will trade between a moderate price band of $550/mt to $770/mt by middle of 2016. We have seen a pick-up in CPO price in December 2015 to close at $560/mt on concern of lower production arising from the effect of El Nino. Despite this, challenging times are ahead for the Group and the palm oil industry. Earlier this year, the Indian government in its effort to reduce the import of vegetable oil had permitted 100% foreign direct investment in oil palm plantations in India from mid-November 2015. This caused some flutter in the global edible oils industry which is understandable as India is currently the largest consumer of CPO. The slowdown in the Chinese economy and weaker Chinese Yuan continue to hurt the export of CPO. There are however signs that the world's second largest economy and second largest consumer of CPO is stabilizing and clarity on the timing of US interest rate hikes are bolstering speculation that commodities will rebound from the worst year since 2008. China's recent move from a one-child to two-child policy may also bode well for the future of CPO as increased population will drive the demand for vegetable oil.

 

The over production of crude oil remains a major concern as crude oil prices had plunged to recent twelve year low which undermines the competitiveness of CPO as a source of biodiesel.

 

In spite of the challenging market conditions the Board has continued to invest in the development of new assets. The Group planted 3,416ha of oil palms in 2015 of which 1,590ha comprised of replanting. This was less than planned, due primarily to delays in finalising agreements with villagers for land compensation payments in Bengkulu, Bangka and Kalimantan.

 

The 45mt/hr mill in Central Kalimantan built at a cost of $11.2 million has started commercial operation in the third quarter of 2015. At the same time a biogas plant estimated to cost $2.5 million is also being constructed at this mill. Upon completion of the biogas plant by the middle of 2016, it will help reduce the mill reliance on fossil fuel and at the same time reduces the Group's carbon foot print. This will be the second biogas plant within the Group.

 

The Board is mindful that given the anticipated further capital commitments the level of dividend needs to be balanced against the planned expenditure. The Board is also mindful of shareholders' sentiment and therefore declared a final dividend of 1.75p per share in respect of the year to 31 December 2015 (2014: 3.0p). Subject to the approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, the final dividend will be paid on 11 July 2016 to those shareholders on the register on 10 June 2016.

 

Last year I highlighted the introduction of the new Law on Plantation by the Indonesian Government in October 2014. The new law inter-alia mandated the Government to prioritise domestic investments in the plantation business development and restricts foreign investments in the same sector based on types of plantation crops, business scale and conditions of a particular region; and possibly in the future, may set a cap on foreign investments.

 

Following the introduction of the new Law on Plantation by the Indonesian Government in October 2014, the Indonesian Government has recently announced plans to push through a moratorium on new concessions for oil palm plantations in a bid to protect the environment.

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to convey our sincere thanks to our management and all employees of the Group for their dedication, loyalty, resourcefulness, commitment and contribution to the success of the Group.

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank shareholders, business associates, government authorities and all other stakeholders for their continued confidence, understanding and support for the Group.

 

 

Madam Lim Siew Kim

Chairman

26 April 2016

 

 

 

Strategic Report

 

Business Model

The Group will continue to focus on its strength and expertise which is planting more oil palms which includes replanting old palms with low yield, replace old rubber trees with palm trees and building more mills to process the FFB. The Group has over the years created value to shareholders through expansion in a responsible way. We have in the last few years bought and invested in new tracts of land and portions remain to be planted. Good land at reasonable price has become more scarce. The Indonesian government has in 2014 moved to introduce a law to cap the size of new plantations owned by foreign companies. The Group remains committed to use its available resources to develop the land bank in Indonesia as regulatory constraints permit.

The Group's objectives are to provide appropriate returns to investors in the long term from operation as well as expansion of the Group's business, to foster economic progress in the localities of the Group's activities and to develop the Group's operations in accordance with the best corporate social responsibility and sustainability standards.

 

We believe that sustainable success for the Group is best achieved by acting in the long-term interests of our shareholders, our partners and society.

 

Our Strategy

The Group's objectives are to provide an appropriate level of returns to the investors and to enhance shareholders' value. Profitability however is very much dependent on the CPO price which is volatile and determined by supply and demand. In the short term, CPO price remains under pressure due to the abundance of vegetable oil and the falling crude oil prices which undermine the potential of CPO as a source for biodiesel. Nevertheless the Group believes in the long-term viability of palm oil which remains a cheap and the most productive source of vegetable oil in a growing population.

 

The Group's strategies therefore focus on maximising yield per hectare above 22mt/ha, mill production efficiency of 110%, minimising production costs below $300/mt and streamlining estate management. For the year under review, the Group achieved a yield of 18.4mt/ha, 109% mill efficiency and production cost of $250/mt on Indonesia operations. This compared to 2014 yield of 19.1mt/ha, 115% mill efficiency and production cost of $255/mt. Despite stiff competition for external crops from surrounding millers, the Group is committed to purchase more external crops from third parties at competitive, yet fair prices, to maximise the production efficiency of the mills. With higher throughput, the mills achieved economy of scales in production. A mill achieves 100% mill efficiency when it operates 16 hours a day for 300 days per annum.

 

In line with the commitment to reduce its carbon foot prints, the Group plans to construct in stages biogas plants at all its mills to trap the methane gas to generate electrical power and at the same time reduces the consumption of fossil fuel. It plans to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions per metric ton of CPO produced in the next two to three years.

 

The Group will continue to follow-up and offer competitive and fair compensation to villagers so that land can be cleared and planted.

Financial Review

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and its interpretations (IFRS and IFRIC interpretations) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") as adopted by the European Union ("EU") and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies preparing their accounts under IFRS.

 

For the year ended 31 December 2015, revenue for the Group was $196.5 million, 22% lower than $251.3 million reported in 2014 due primarily to the lower CPO price and the weakened of Rupiah against US Dollar. CPO price hit a 7-year low as palm oil inventory reaches new all-time high. The average exchange rate of Rupiah against US Dollar in 2015 was 13,392, 13% lower than 2014 of 11,861.

 

Group operating profit for 2015 before biological asset adjustment was $42.7 million, 46% less than $78.8 million in 2014. With the current low CPO prices, fives subsidiaries with substantial newly matured oil palms incurred losses and are expected to breakeven in about three to four years when the FFB yield reaches the optimum production level.

 

FFB production for 2015 was 900,400mt, 5% higher than the 857,400mt produced in 2014. The yield remains below expectation due to wide spread flooding in North Sumatera at the beginning of the year, followed by 4 months of extreme dry weather between the third and fourth quarters of the year across Indonesia and Malaysia and a higher proportion of young palms. FFB bought-in from local smallholders for 2015 was 678,200mt (2014: 626,200mt), 8% higher compared to 2014. The supply of third party crops was lower in the third and fourth quarters of 2015 due to dry weather. The drought induced tree stress resulted in late ripening of the fruits. During the year, FFB processed by the Group's mills was 1.51 million mt, 9% higher than last year of 1.38 million mt and CPO production was 9% higher at 321,400mt, compared to 294,200mt in 2014.

 

Loss before tax and after BA adjustment for the Group was $19.1 million, 137% lower compared to a profit of $51.2 million in 2014. The BA adjustment was a debit of $64.1 million, compared to a debit of $33.7 million in 2014. The CPO price for 2015 remained weak. It ended the year at $560/mt far lower than the 10-year average CPO price at $750/mt, which is normally used in the calculation of BA. Therefore a benchmarking exercise was made to ensure the directors' best estimate of the price sustainable over the longer term is being used. The directors adopted the recommendation of the valuer who has suggested applying a ratio of 70% of the current CPO price and 30% of the historical price (10-year average) given the assumption to calculate CPO price over the past 10 years is no longer considered to be appropriate. As a result, the directors adopted the CPO price of $625/mt which falls within the valuer's recommended range of $600/mt to $650/mt and the World Bank forecast of CPO price for 2016 at $600/mt. The lower biological value was due to the weakening of Rupiah against US Dollar and also was due to a higher discount rate applied in the determination of biological assets from 16.4% to 16.8%. The higher discount rate is a reflection of the increased sovereign risks in Indonesia. However, this is the last year bearer plants will be fair valued given the change to the IAS 41 which is effective on 1 January 2016.

 

The average CPO price for 2015 was $613/mt, 25% lower than 2014 of $815/mt.

 

Due to the material fluctuation of Rupiah and Malaysia Ringgit against US Dollar, a simulation was conducted on the 2014 income statement's major items by applying year 2015 average rate onto these major items. The simulation enabled comparison on a like for like basis eliminating the exchange element. The result is exhibited in the table below:

 

2015

$000

2014

$000

Difference

$000

Revenue

196,451

222,322

(25,871)

Cost of sales

(145,897)

(145,697)

(200)

Gross profit

50,554

76,625

(26,071)

BA adjustment

(64,121)

(29,759)

(34,362)

Operating profit before BA adjustment

42,728

69,663

(26,935)

Loss before tax after BA adjustment

(19,074)

45,443

(64,517)

 

With the elimination of the exchange element, the revenue for 2015 was lower as a result of the lower CPO price. Despite the increase in production tonnage, the cost of sales for 2015 only increased marginally. The difference of BA adjustment between 2015 and 2014 was greater after the elimination of exchange element.

 

Earnings per share before BA adjustment decreased by 48% to 69.39cts compared to 132.26cts in 2014. Earnings per share after BA adjustment fell from 77.61cts to (37.58)cts.

 

Going Concern

The Group's balance sheet remains strong notwithstanding an unrealised exchange loss on translation of foreign subsidiaries of $54.6 million compensated by a land revaluation gain of $3.7 million net of deferred tax. As at 31 December 2015, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of $104.6 million and borrowings of $34.6 million, giving it a net cash position of $70.0 million, compared to $91.0 million in 2014. Net Group's borrowings in the year reduced to $34.6 million (2014: $34.9 million). For these reasons, the Group adopts a going concern basis of accounting and believe the Group will continue operation and meet its liabilities for the foreseeable future.

 

Business Review

Indonesia

FFB production in North Sumatera, which aggregates the estates of Tasik, Anak Tasik, Labuhan Bilik, Blankahan, Rambung, Sg Musam and Cahaya Pelita ("CPA"), produced 325,200mt in 2015 (2014: 342,900mt), 5% lower than 2014. In January 2015, CPA experienced heavy rainfall that inundated over 2,000ha of the plantation. The evacuation of FFB was not possible until the flood receded. A larger budget will be allocated to build canals and water gates as part of its flood mitigation program at CPA. In October 2015, strong wind in Rambung estate damaged nearly 6,500 matured rubber trees covering an area of 13ha. The area affected will be replanted with oil palms. Dry weather for a period of four months in between the third and fourth quarters of 2015 interrupted the ripening of FFB in Tasik, Anak Tasik and Labuhan Bilik. Over 1,400ha of ageing oil palm was replanted in Tasik in 2015. Replanting was necessary due to declining yield as workers find it difficult to harvest the palm trees which were about 30 years old as they have reached an average height of 16 to 18 metres tall.

 

Ganoderma fungus and Upper Stem Rot which attacks the productive palms in Anak Tasik, Blankahan and Rambung remains a threat. Water management, good sanitation and high standards of agronomic practices remain the main priority to avoid spreading of the diseases. This includes proper disposal of severely diseased palms after detection. Soil mounding on infected palms was carried out to lengthen the economic life span of oil palms. Replanting is scheduled in 2016 at Anak Tasik due to significant decline in yield attributed to Ganoderma attack. There was no serious insect damage by Oryctes beetle, other leaf eating pests, wild animals and rats.

 

FFB production in Bengkulu and South Sumatera, which aggregates the estates of Puding Mas, Alno, KKST, ELAP and RAA produced 317,400mt (2014: 304,200mt), 4% higher than 2014. With the dry weather in Bengkulu, about 165km of roads were resurfaced with gravel and laterite soil while another 550km of roads were graded and compacted to improve transport of FFB. As most of the estates are situated close to forest reserves, wild boars and herds of elephants continued to damage palm trees. Deep trenches and fencing provide temporary relief. The protracted negotiation with the villagers over land compensation will have an effect on the future planting in Bengkulu and South Sumatera. CPO production in Alno increased significantly by 27% due to higher purchase of FFB from smallholders and marginally higher own crop production.

 

FFB production in the Riau region, comprising Bina Pitri estates, produced 122,500mt in 2015 (2014: 116,700mt), 5% higher than 2014. This was achieved despite the region experiencing severe drought and haze resulting from indiscriminate open burning by farmers from July to September 2015 when rainfall averaged below 100mm per month. CPO production improved by 10% due to the higher purchase of FFB from smallholders, despite the competitiveness for external crops from millers. Our mill offered higher prices for external crops raising the mill utilization rate at the expense of a lower operating margin.

FFB production in Kalimantan which comprises of the Sawit Graha Manunggal estates produced 108,100mt in 2015 (2014: 65,700mt) mainly from newly matured oil palm area of 7,792ha. FFB yield has surpassed expectation, despite the sandy soil condition. FFB yield from young trees averaged 14mt/ha. As in other regions in Indonesia, the low rainfall over a four month period of 2015 is likely to affect the FFB production in 2016. A comprehensive soil and water conservation management including applying empty fruit bunch ("EFB") mulching, fronds cut placement, proper drain maintenance have been conducted in sandy soil to minimise early decline in palm trees population due to soil erosion.

 

Overall bought-in crops for Indonesian operations were 8% higher at 678,200mt for the year 2015 (2014: 626,200mt). The average oil extraction rate from our mills was 21.2% in 2015 (2014: 21.3%).

 

Malaysia

FFB production in 2015 was 3% lower at 27,200mt, compared to 28,000mt in 2014. The Malaysian operations faced severe shortage in workers due to difficulty in recruiting foreign workers hampering harvesting and estate work. New incentives and increase in monthly wages were also not sufficient to retain workers after their initial two-year contract expired. In 2015, the Malaysian plantations had $0.7 million pre-tax profit after BA adjustment compared to a pre-tax loss of $0.9 million in 2014.

 

Commodity Prices

The CPO CIF Rotterdam price started the year at $700/mt (2014: $890/mt) and reached a peak of $707/mt in March 2015 before retreating to a 7-year low in August 2015. It staged a slight recovery due to larger imports after price drop to record low and on concern of lower production in 2016. It ended the year at $560/mt (2014: $700/mt), averaging $613/mt for the year (2014: $815/mt).

 

The soft demand for palm oil due to the abundance of soya oil is likely to curb a quick recovery of the CPO price. The depressed crude oil prices for much of 2015 did not help to boost the competitiveness of CPO as a source of biodiesel. It is widely reported that the El Nino weather phenomenon which brought severe drought across Indonesia and Malaysia for four months in 2015 is likely to cause moisture stress in palm trees. Furthermore, the region was blanketed by haze reducing the sunlight required for photosynthesis process in palms and will likely result in reduced crop production in 2016. A lower production will most likely lead to a gradual increase in CPO price. The successful efforts of Indonesia and Malaysia to introduce higher mandatory blending of biodiesel for industrial and commercial purposes likewise could provide some price support.

 

Rubber prices averaged $1,269/mt for 2015 (2014: $1,616/mt). Our small area of 502ha of mature rubber contributed a revenue of $1.1 million in 2015 (2014: $1.8 million).

 

Corporate Development

In 2015, the Group opened up new land and planted 1,826ha of oil palm mainly in Kalimantan, boosting planted area including Plasma by 3% to 65,100ha (2014: 63,500ha). This excludes the replanting of 1,423ha of oil palm in North Sumatera. Another 166ha of ageing rubber trees were replanted with oil palm. New plantings remain behind schedule due to delays in finalising settlement of land compensation with villagers in Bengkulu, Bangka and Kalimantan. The villagers seek compensation beyond what the Group considered fair and reasonable resulting in protracted negotiations. The progress of new planting in Kalimantan was interrupted by prolonged dry weather during a four month period.

The mill construction in Central Kalimantan was completed in the second quarter of 2015. It began commercial operation in the third quarter with an initial capacity to process FFB at a rate of 45mt/hr. There is sufficient space to add a new processing line in the mill to expand the processing capacity to 90mt/hr when the need arises.

 

Negotiation to sell the surplus power estimated at 5.75 million kwh per year to the Indonesian National Electricity Company from its new biogas plant in North Sumatera is pending approval from authority after completion of a feasibility study. Upon approval, the Company will install electric cables, transformer and switchgears estimated to cost $300,000 to link the biogas plant to the national grid.

 

The Group has started construction of a second biogas plant in Kalimantan which is expected to be completed by end of next year. This project would contribute to the Group's reduction of carbon footprint.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR") is an integral part of corporate self-regulation incorporated into our business model. Our Group embraces responsibility for the impact of its activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere. In engaging the social dimension of CSR, the Group's business has taken cognizance of the contribution and further enrichment of its employees while continuing to make contributions to improve the well-being of the surrounding community.

 

The majority of employees and their dependents in the plantations and mills are housed in self-contained communities built by the Group. The employees and their dependents are provided with free housing, clean water and electricity. The Group also builds, provides and repairs places of worship for workers of different religious faiths as well as schools and sports facilities in these communities. Over the years, the Group has built a total of 71 mosques and 16 churches in all its estates. In 2015, the Group spent $399,500 to build additional facilities and to maintain these amenities. This includes construction of a new classroom in a school in Bengkulu while a new elementary school in Labuhan Bilik was built and handed over to the local government.

 

Staff and selected employees are given the opportunity to be trained and to attend seminars to enhance their working skills and capability. In 2015 the Group's Head Agronomist completed his PhD in Soil Science with summa cum laude from the University of North Sumatera. The Group provides free education for all employees' children in the local plantations and communities where they work. In 2015, scholarships amounting to $32,300 were provided to children in surrounding villages and selected employees' children to further their tertiary education in collaboration with universities in Riau and Bengkulu. In total 95 scholarships were given out. Selected under graduates were given opportunities for industrial training during semester breaks. In addition the Group provides funding to construct educational facilities including laboratories, libraries, and computers. The salaries of teachers in the estates and the cost of school buses to transport employees' children to the schools are provided by the Group. Over the years a total of 34 schools have been built with 121 teachers currently employed within our Group estates. In 2015, the Group spent some $552,500 on running the schools. The Group bought a new school bus in Kalimantan taking the tally of school buses operated by the Group in 2015 to 32 vehicles.

 

The Group continues to provide free comprehensive health care for all its workers as we believe that every employee and their dependents should have easy access to health services. We have established 22 clinics operated by qualified doctors, nurses and hospital assistants in the estates. In addition, the Group organised fogging to prevent spread of dengue mosquitoes. In isolated locations, the Group drill tube wells to provide clean water. Related healthcare expenses for 2015 were $550,800.

 

A strong commitment to CSR has a positive impact on employees' attitudes and boosts employee recruitment. The Group realizes that employees are valuable assets in order to run an efficient, effective, profitable and sustainable business and operations.

 

The Group also recognises its obligations to the wider farming communities in which it operates. The Indonesian authorities have established that not less than 20% of the new planted areas acquired from 2007 onwards are to be reserved for the benefit of smallholder cooperative scheme, known as Plasma, and the Group is integrating such smallholder developments alongside its estates. In order to aid the development of Plasma scheme, a subsidiary provided a corporate guarantee to a local bank in excess of $16 million to cover loans raised by the cooperative. The plasma development has commenced in stages for its estates in Sumatera and Kalimantan.

 

The Board supported Kas Desa smallholder village development programme to supplement the livelihood of the villages. The Group has to-date financed, developed and managed 22 smallholder village schemes across four companies.

 

In addition to education and healthcare which includes the construction of schools, provision of scholarships, books, the Group also develops infrastructure such as construction and repair of 3 bridges and maintain 680km of external roads in 2015. The Group also provides initial aid and seed capital to villagers such as fruit seedlings, fish fries, cattle and ducks to start community sustainable programs.

 

Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil

The ISPO certification is legally mandatory for all plantations in Indonesia. In March 2012, ISPO, which is fundamentally aligned to RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) principles, has become the mandatory standard for Indonesian planters.

 

A Steering Committee was established to work out a roadmap to support the ISPO implementation at mills and estates. Workshops and training sessions on occupational safety and healthcare were carried out to inculcate a safety culture in workplaces at the estates and mills in North Sumatera, Riau, Bengkulu and Kalimantan. During the year the Group continued to upgrade its agricultural chemical stores and diesel fuel storage tanks in various plantations and mills to meet safety and environmental standards. Standard operating procedures were refined and documented based on sustainable oil palm best practices. The Group also conducts internal audits using an audit checklist adopted from the above practices to determine the level of compliance. The Group worked closely with appointed certification consultants in the implementation of ISPO standard. In addition to three subsidiaries which were ISPO certified, another subsidiary has been approved for ISPO certification in December 2015. Six companies are at the second stage of ISPO audit while one company is at first stage of certification.

 

Care For The Environment and Sustainable Practices

As a Group, we highlight the importance of creating awareness and implementation of good environmental management practices throughout the organisation. The Group has been consistently practising good agricultural practices such as zero burning, integrated pest management, land terracing and recycling of biomass. When it comes to replanting, old palms felled are chipped and left to decompose at site. This mitigates the greenhouse gas emissions commonly associated with open burning when land is cleared through the traditional method of slash-and-burn. It also enriches the organic matter in the soil. Where the land is undulating, we build terraces for planting which helps to prevent landslides, conserve the water and nutrients effectively and provide better accessibility for employees. Legume cover crops are planted to minimise soil erosion and preserve the soil moisture. In mature areas, fronds and EFB are placed inter-rows to allow the slow release of organic nutrients while minimising soil erosion and degradation.

 

Effluent discharged from some mills is initially treated in lagoons before being applied to trenches located between rows of palm trees. Once the effluent dries up, it becomes organic fertilizer for the oil palm and reduces the application and buying of inorganic fertilizers. In some estates, EFB are applied to land where it biodegrades to fertilizers. Through the application of a combination of EFB, organic fertilisers from mill by-products and inorganic fertilisers, the Group is able to raise the fertility of sandy soil in Kalimantan plantations.

 

The Group's first biogas and biomass project in North Sumatera completed last year will enhance the waste management treatment in the mill and at the same time mitigate greenhouse biogas emissions. The methane gas trapped will be used to generate and supply power to its biomass plant without dependency on fossil fuel. Another biogas plant is being constructed at the new mill in Kalimantan. Further similar undertakings for the Group's mills are planned and shall be implemented in stages. The Group intends to sell surplus power generated to the National Grid.

 

The Group is committed to implementing good agricultural practices as spelled out in its standard operating procedures for the planting of oil palm. Integrated Pest Management has been adopted to control pests and to improve biological balance.

 

Barn Owls were introduced to control rats. Beneficial plants of Turnerasp, Cassia cobannesis and Antigononleptosus were planted to attract natural predators for biological control of bagworms and leaf-eating caterpillars. Weeds are controlled selectively by using more environmental friendly herbicide such as Glyphosate.

 

The usage of Paraquat herbicide and chemicals has been reduced and minimized to control weeds and vermins. The sprayers are also trained in safety and spraying techniques. The chemicals are kept in designated storage and examined at regular intervals. Employees who handled the use of chemicals undergo medical examination. Natural vegetation on uncultivable land such as deep peat, very steep areas and riparian zones along watercourses are maintained to preserve biodiversity and wildlife corridors.

 

Two mills in the Bengkulu region have been installed with Extended Aeration to enhance the treatment of the mill effluent by mechanical aeration.

 

All our mills utilize the waste mesocarp fibre from the oil palm fruits as fuel to generate steam from boilers to eventually produce power from steam turbines. The power generated drives all of the processing equipment in mills and estate housing. This helps to reduce reliance on fossil fuel such as diesel in our milling operations.

 

The Group continues to comply and preserve the High Conservative Value ("HCV") areas recognised by the Department of Forestry.

 

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Group's business involves risks and uncertainties of which the Directors currently consider the following to be material. There are or may be other risks and uncertainties faced by the Group that the Directors currently deem immaterial, or of which they are unaware, that may have a material adverse impact on the Group. The Board carries out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group on an annual basis.

 

Nature of the risk and its origin

The likelihood and impact of the risk and the circumstances under which the risk might be most relevant to the Company

Mitigating or other relevant considerations

Country and regulatory

 

The Group's operations are located substantially in Indonesia and therefore significantly rely on economic and political stability in Indonesia.

 

Political upheaval and deterioration in security situation may cause disruption on operation and consequently financial loss.

 

The country has recently benefited from a period of relative political stability, steady economic growth and stable financial system. But during the Asian financial crisis in late 1990 there were civil unrest attributed to ethnic tensions in some parts of Indonesia. But the Group operations were not interrupted by the regional security problems.

 

 

Introduction of measures to rein in the country's fiscal deficits. This included the exchange controls and restriction on repatriation of profit through payment of dividend.

 

Transfer of profit from Indonesia to UK will be restricted affecting servicing of UK obligations and payment of dividends to shareholders.

 

The Board is not aware of any attempt by the government to impose exchange controls that would restrict the transfer of profits from Indonesia to the UK. The Board perceives that the Group will be able to continue to extract profits from its subsidiaries in Indonesia for the foreseeable future.

 

 

The Group acquires the land exploitation rights ("HGU") after paying land acquisition and HGU processing costs. These costs are capitalized as land asset costs since the asset characteristics fulfill the recognition criteria. The Group holds its land under 25 or 35 year renewable leases.

 

 

Any changes in law and regulations relating to land tenure could have negative impact on the Group's activities.

 

There are several more years before the first HGU is due for renewal in 2023. There are no reasons for the Directors to believe that the HGU will not be renewed upon expiration by complying with existing law and regulations.

 

Changes in land legislation. Based on National Land Agency Law 2 / 1999, mandatory restriction to land ownership by non-state plantation companies and companies not listed in Indonesia to 20,000ha per province and a total of 100,000ha in Indonesia.

 

Mandatory reduction of foreign ownership in Indonesian plantations. Forced divestment of interests in Indonesia at below market values.

 

The Group realize that there is a possibility that foreign owners may be required over time to partially divest ownership of Indonesia oil palm operations but has no reason to believe that such divestment would be anything other than at market value.

 

 

Group failure to meet the standards expected in relation to bribery and corruption.

 

Reputational damage and criminal sanctions.

 

The Group continues to maintain strong controls in this area as Indonesia has been classified as relatively high risk by the International Transparency Corruption Perceptions index.

 

Exchange rates

 

CPO is a US Dollar denominated commodity and a significant proportion of revenue costs in Indonesia (such as fertiliser and fuel) and development costs (such as heavy machinery and mills equipment) are imported and are US Dollar related.

 

 

Adverse movements of Rupiah against US Dollar can have a negative effect on the operating costs and raise funding cost.

 

The Board has taken the view that these risks are inherent in the business and feels that adopting hedging mechanisms to counter the negative effects of foreign exchange volatility are both difficult to achieve and would not be cost effective.

Weather and natural disasters

 

Oil palms rely on regular sunshine and rainfall but these weather patterns can vary and extremes such as unusual dry periods or, conversely, heavy rainfall leading to flooding in some locations can occur.

 

Dry periods, in particular, will affect yields in the short and medium terms. Drought induces moisture stress in palm trees. High levels of rainfall can disrupt estate operations and result in harvesting delays with loss of oil palm fruits or deterioration in fruit quality. Any delay in collection of harvested FFB during the rainy season could raise the level of free fatty acid ("FFA") in the CPO. CPO with higher level of FFA will be sold at a discount to market prices. Low level of sunshine could result in delay in formation of FFB resulting in potential loss of revenue.

 

Where appropriate, bunding is built around flood prone areas and canals/drainage constructed and adapted either to evacuate surplus water or to maintain water levels in areas quick to dry out. Where practical, natural disasters are covered by insurance policy. Certain risks (including the risk of crop loss through fire, earthquake, flood and other perils potentially affecting the planted areas on the Group's estates) if they materialise could dent the potential revenues, for which insurance cover is either not available or would in the opinion of the Directors be disproportionately expensive, are not insured. These risks of floods or haze are mitigated by the geographical spread of the plantations but an occurrence of an adverse uninsured event could result in the Group sustaining material losses.

 

Cultivation risks

 

The Group's plantations may be affected by pests and diseases like ganoderma fungus and white rot. Crop damages by oryctes beetles, nettie caterpillar, termites, vermins, elephants and wild boars are common.

 

 

Loss of crops or reduction in the quality of harvest resulting in loss of potential revenue.

 

Agricultural best practice and husbandry can to some extent mitigate these risks but they cannot be entirely eliminated. The spread of majority of the plantations over Sumatera and Kalimantan mitigates the risks affecting the entire Group.

 

Other operational factors

 

The Group's plantation productivity is dependent upon necessary inputs, including, in particular fertiliser, spare-parts, chemicals and fuel.

 

With the removal of fuel subsidy by the Indonesian government in January 2015, diesel will be priced in accordance to global oil prices. When global oil prices rise, it will put pressure on production inputs which include cost of electricity to the mills and the transportation of FFB. Group's operations could be materially disrupted should such shortages occur over an extended period. Increase in prices would significantly increase production costs.

 

 

Whilst the Directors have no reason to anticipate shortages of such inputs, the Group's investment in biogas plants will reduce reliance on fossil fuel for the mill operations.

 

The Group has bulk storage facilities located within its mills which are adequate to meet the Group's requirements for CPO storage. Nevertheless, delays in collection of CPO sold could result in CPO production exceeding the available CPO storage capacity.

 

 

This would likely force a temporary halt in FFB processing resulting in loss of crop and revenue.

 

The Group bulk storage facilities have substantial capacity. Furthermore these facilities have always being adequate for the mills production storage in the past.

 

Substantial increases in governmental directed minimum wage levels in Indonesia.

 

Regional hikes in minimum wages for 2016 averaged 10.4%. The Group pays no less than the minimum wage and the increase will result in a significant rise in Group's employment costs. Higher wages will erode the profitability as it forms a substantial part of the production costs.

 

 

The Group endeavours to improve productivity of field workers to justify the increase in wages. Field workers are employed on part-time basis.

Produce prices

 

CPO is a primary commodity and is affected by the world economy, levels of inflation, availability of alternative soft oils such as soya oils. CPO price also moves in tandem with crude oil prices which determines the competitiveness of CPO as a source of biodiesel.

 

This may lead to significant price swings. The profitability and cash flow of the plantation operations depend upon world prices of CPO and upon the Group's ability to sell CPO at price levels comparable with world prices.

 

Directors believe that such swings should be moderated by continuous demand in economies like China, India and Indonesia. Larger export would lead to lower inventory of CPO which augurs well for future produce price.

 

Imposition of import controls or taxes in consuming and exporting countries. The Indonesian government in July 2015 imposes a $50/mt export levy to fund biodiesel subsidies. It also introduced a simpler export tax system expressed in US dollar instead of a percentage of CPO price.

 

 

Reduced revenue and reduction in cash flow and profit. When CPO price is below $750/mt, the export tax levy will impact upon the Group's profit. When CPO price recovers to above $750/mt, the effective tax rate will be lower providing some relief to planters.

 

The Indonesian government allows free export of CPO but applies a sliding scale of duties on exports which allows producers economic margins. The export levy may be regarded as a measure to support CPO producers through increase in biodiesel consumption.

 

Environmental and governance practices

 

The ISPO which fundamentally aligns with RSPO principles became the mandatory standard for all Indonesian planters in March 2012.

 

Environment pollutions and criticism by environmental activists resulting in reputational and financial damage.

 

The Directors take seriously their environmental and social responsibilities. Management follows industry best-practice guidelines and abides by Indonesian law with regard to such matters as health and safety. The Group uses EFB for mulching in the estates which is a form of fertiliser and reduces the consumption of inorganic fertilisers. The liquid effluent from the mills after treatment is applied to trenches in the estates as a form of fertiliser. The biogas plant in North Sumatera will mitigate emissions of biogas. Environmental impact assessment is undertaken by an independent consultant for its new project.

 

Expansion

 

The Group is planning to plant more oil palm. In areas where the Group holds the land compensation rights (or Izin lokasi), the settlers and land owners are compensated before land is cleared for planting.

 

The Group compensates the settlers and land owners in a transparent and fair way. The negotiation for compensation can, however involve a considerable number of local individuals with similar ownership claims and this can cause difficulties in reaching agreement with all affected parties. Such disruptions have in the past caused delays to the planting programmes and consequently financial loss.

 

 

It is rather difficult to foresee with reliable accuracy what area will be available for planting out of the total area covered by land rights. Much depends upon the success of negotiations with settlers and land owners and satisfactory resolution of land title issue. The Group has to-date mixed success in managing such periodic delays and disruptions especially in South Sumatera, Bengkulu, Bangka and Kalimantan.

 

 

The Directors believe that when the land becomes available for planting, the development programmes can be funded from available Group cash resources and future operational cash flows, supplemented with external debt funding. Profitability of new sizable plantations requires a period of between six and seven years before cash flow turns positive. Because oil palms do not begin yielding significantly until four years after planting, this development period and the cash requirement is affected by changes in commodity prices.

 

 

Should land or cash availability fall short of expectations and the Group is unable to secure alternative land or funding, the Group's continued growth may be delayed or curtailed. This may lead to reduction of reported profit and adverse market perceptions as to the value of the Company's shares.

 

The Group has fair amount of cash holding to fund planting exercise. The Group aims to manage its finances conservatively to ensure that it is able to fund the planned planting programme.

Hedging risk

 

The Group's subsidiaries have borrowing in US Dollar.

 

The Group could face significant exchange losses in the event of depreciation of their local currency (i.e. Strengthening of US Dollar) - and vice versa.

 

Risk is partially mitigated by US Dollar denominated cash balances. It also considers the average interest rate on Rupiah deposits which is 7.47% higher than on US Dollar deposits whereas interest rate for Rupiah borrowing is about 6.65% higher as compared to US Dollar borrowing.

 

Social, community and human rights issues

 

Any material breakdown in relations between the Group and the host population in the vicinity of the operations could disrupt the Group's operations. The plantations hire large numbers of people and have significant economic importance for local communities in the areas of the Group's operations.

 

Communication breakdown would cause disruption on operation and consequently financial loss.

 

The Group endeavours to mitigate this risk by liaising regularly with representatives of surrounding villages and by seeking to improve local living standards through mutually beneficial economic and social interaction with the local villages. In particular, the Group, when possible, gives priority to applications for employment from members of the local population and supports specific initiatives to encourage local farmers and tradesmen to act as suppliers to the Group, its employees and their dependents. The Group spends considerable sums of money constructing new roads and bridges and maintaining existing roads used by villagers. The Group also provides technical and management expertise to villagers to develop oil palm plots or Kebun Kas Desa (village's scheme) and plasma schemes surrounding the operating estates. The returns from these plots are used to improve villages' community welfare.

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Group's surplus cash and its borrowings are subject to variable interest rates.

 

The Group had net cash throughout 2015, so the effect of variations in borrowing rates is more than offset. A 1% change in the borrowing or deposit interest rate would not have a significant impact on the Group's reported results.

 

 

There is no policy to hedge interest rates, partly because of the net cash position and because the net interest is relatively small proportion of the Group profits.

 

Gender diversity

The AEP Plc Board is composed of three men and one woman with extensive knowledge in their respective fields of experience. The Board has taken note of the recent legislative initiatives with regard to the representation of women on the boards of Directors of listed companies and will make every effort to conform to its composition based on legislative requirement.

 

2015 average employed during the year

Group Headcount

Women

Men

Total

Board

2

14

16

Senior Management (GM and Above)

-

8

8

Managers & Executives

30

369

399

Full Time

314

5,095

5,409

Part-time Field Workers

4,745

6,235

10,980

Total

5,091

11,721

16,812

%

30%

70%

100%

 

2014 average employed during the year

Group Headcount

Women

Men

Total

Board

2

14

16

Senior Management (GM and Above)

-

8

8

Managers & Executives

23

363

386

Full Time

168

4,944

5,112

Part-time Field Workers

3,005

6,682

9,687

Total

3,198

12,011

15,209

%

21%

79%

100%

 

Although the Group provides equal opportunities for female workers in the plantations, the male workers make up a majority of the field workers due to the nature of work and the remote location of plantations from the towns and cities. Nevertheless the percentage of women workforce within the Group increased from 21% in 2014 to 30% in 2015.

 

Employees

In 2015, the number of full time workforce averaged 5,832 (2014: 5,522) while the part-time labour averaged 10,980 (2014: 9,687).

 

The Group has formal processes for recruitment particularly key managerial positions, where psychometric testing is conducted to support the selection and hiring decisions. Exit interviews are also conducted with departing employees to ensure that management can address any significant issues.

The Group has a programme for recruiting graduates from Indonesian universities to join existing employees selected on regular basis to training programmes organised by the Group's training centre that provides grounding and refresher courses in technical aspects of oil palm estate and mill management. The training centre also conducts regular programmes for all levels of employees to raise the competency and quality of employees in general. These programmes are often supplemented by external management development courses including attending industry conferences for technical updates. A wide variety of topics are covered including work ethics, motivation, self-improvement, company values, health and safety.

 

A large workforce and their families are housed in the Group's housing across the Group's plantations. The Group further provides at its own cost water and electricity and a host of other amenities including places of worship, schools and clinics. On top of competitive salaries and bonuses, extensive benefits and privileges help the Group to retain and motivate its employees.

 

The Group promotes a policy for creation of equal and ethnically diverse employment opportunities including with respect to gender.

 

The Group has in place key performance linked indicators to determine increment and bonus entitlements for its employees.

 

The Group promotes and encourages employee involvement in every aspect wherever practical as it recognises employees as a valuable asset and is one of the key contributions to the Group's success. The employees contribute their ideas, feedback and voice out their concerns through formal and informal meetings, discussions and annual performance appraisal. In addition, various work related and personal training programmes are carried out annually for employees to promote employee engagement and interaction.

 

Although the Group does not have a specific policy on employment of disabled persons, it however employs disabled persons as part of its workforce. The Group welcomes disabled persons joining the Group based on their suitability.

 

Outlook

FFB production for three months to March 2016 was 9% higher against the same period in 2015 mainly due to the increase in production from Kalimantan region. It is too early to forecast whether the production will be better for the rest of the year.

 

The CPO CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) Rotterdam price opened the year 2016 at $570/mt and prices are expected to be in the range of $500/mt to $750/mt for the first half of 2016. CPO price is likely to recover if a significant drop in crop production materialises due to the effects of El Nino in 2015.

 

It was reported that the US Dollar appreciated by approximately 11% (2014: +2%) against the Indonesian Rupiah in 2015 in anticipation of an interest rate hike in the United States and the weak emerging economies. The Rupiah has since strengthened by 4% in 2016 which makes palm oil more expensive for importers.

 

The continuing rise in income levels and population growth in China, India and Indonesia would expect to drive the consumption of CPO and likely lead to a gradual recovery in CPO prices. The Indonesian and Malaysian government efforts to rein in fiscal deficits by introducing higher mandatory blending of biodiesel could provide some price support.

 

The rising material costs and wages in Indonesia are expected to increase the overall production cost in 2016. Indonesia's minimum wage has increased at an average rate of between 8% and 15% per annum over the last few years. The Indonesian government recently announced regional hikes in 2016 minimum wage ranging from 7% in Bengkulu to 12% in South Sumatera. These wage hikes will raise overall estate costs and erode profit margins. A depreciating Rupiah would also mean that imports of fertilisers and equipment for the mills and estates will be more costly.

 

Nevertheless barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Group is confident that CPO demand will be sustainable in the long term on the backdrop of global economic recovery and we can expect a satisfactory profit level and cash flow for 2016.

 

 

On behalf of the Board

Dato' John Lim Ewe Chuan

Executive Director, Corporate Finance and Corporate Affairs

26 April 2016

 

 

 

Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2015

 

2015

2014

Continuing operations

 

 

Note

Result before

BA adjustment

 

BA adjustment

 

 

Total

Result before

BA adjustment

 

BA adjustment

 

 

Total

 

$000

 

$000

 

$000

 

$000

 

$000

 

$000

Revenue

2

196,451

-

196,451

251,258

-

251,258

Cost of sales

(145,897)

-

(145,897)

(164,666)

-

(164,666)

Gross profit

50,554

-

50,554

86,592

-

86,592

Biological asset revaluation movement

-

(64,121)

(64,121)

-

(33,718)

(33,718)

Administration expenses

(7,826)

-

(7,826)

(7,747)

-

(7,747)

Operating profit / (loss)

42,728

(64,121)

(21,393)

78,845

(33,718)

45,127

Exchange (losses) / gains

(2,354)

-

(2,354)

852

-

852

Finance income

3

6,683

-

6,683

7,276

-

7,276

Finance expense

3

(2,010)

-

(2,010)

(2,019)

-

(2,019)

Profit / (Loss) before tax

4

45,047

(64,121)

(19,074)

84,954

(33,718)

51,236

Tax expense

(10,385)

16,030

5,645

(20,967)

8,429

(12,538)

Profit / (Loss) for the year

34,662

(48,091)

(13,429)

63,987

(25,289)

38,698

Attributable to:

- Owners of the parent

27,505

(42,402)

(14,897)

52,422

(21,660)

30,762

- Non-controlling interests

7,157

(5,689)

1,468

11,565

(3,629)

7,936

34,662

(48,091)

(13,429)

63,987

(25,289)

38,698

Earnings per share for profit / (loss) attributable to the owners of the parent during the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- basic

7

(37.58)cts

77.61cts

- diluted

7

(37.58)cts

77.53cts

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2015

 

2015

$000

2014

$000

Profit / (Loss) for the year

(13,429)

38,698

 

Other comprehensive income / (expense):

Items may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Loss on exchange translation of foreign operations

(54,595)

(12,019)

 

Net other comprehensive expense may be reclassified to profit or loss

 

(54,595)

 

(12,019)

Items not to be reclassified to profit or loss:

Unrealised gain on revaluation of leasehold land

4,902

386

Deferred tax on revaluation of leasehold land

(1,226)

(96)

Remeasurement of retirement benefits plan

445

(680)

Deferred tax on retirement benefits

(111)

170

Net other comprehensive income / (expense) not being reclassified to profit or loss

 

4,010

 

(220)

Total other comprehensive expenses for the year, net of tax

(50,585)

(12,239)

Total comprehensive (expense) / income for the year

 

(64,014)

 

26,459

 

 

Attributable to:

- Owners of the parent

(56,016)

21,188

- Non-controlling interests

(7,998)

5,271

(64,014)

26,459

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2015

 

Note

2015

$000

2014

$000

Non-current assets

Biological assets

9

179,010

251,374

Property, plant and equipment

9

219,990

227,380

Receivables

3,655

3,007

Deferred tax assets

8,021

3,982

410,676

485,743

Current assets

Inventories

6,693

7,846

Tax receivables

16,679

9,231

Trade and other receivables

4,704

8,807

Cash and cash equivalents

104,614

125,937

132,690

151,821

Current liabilities

Loans and borrowings

(1,750)

(313)

Trade and other payables

(17,406)

(21,010)

Tax liabilities

(5,917)

(10,752)

Dividend payables

-

(20)

(25,073)

(32,095)

Net current assets

107,617

119,726

Non- current liabilities

Loans and borrowings

(32,875)

(34,625)

Deferred tax liabilities

(28,932)

(48,350)

Retirement benefits - net liabilities

(4,528)

(4,445)

(66,335)

(87,420)

Net assets

451,958

518,049

Issued capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent

Share capital

15,504

15,504

Treasury shares

(1,171)

(1,171)

Share premium

23,935

23,935

Capital redemption reserve

1,087

1,087

Revaluation reserves

59,594

57,029

Exchange reserves

(234,490)

(190,503)

Retained earnings

504,892

521,355

369,351

427,236

Non-controlling interests

82,607

90,813

Total equity

451,958

518,049

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2015

 

Share capital

Treasury shares

Share premium

Capital redemption reserve

Revaluation reserve

Foreign exchange reserve

Retained earnings

Total

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Balance at 31 December 2013

15,504

(1,171)

23,935

1,087

56,767

(181,107)

493,031

408,046

85,964

494,010

Items of other comprehensive income

-Unrealised gain on revaluation of leasehold land, net of tax

-

-

-

-

262

-

-

262

28

290

-Remeasurement of retirement benefit plan, net of tax

-

-

-

-

-

-

(440)

(440)

(70)

(510)

-Loss on exchange translation of foreign operations

-

-

-

-

-

(9,396)

-

(9,396)

(2,623)

(12,019)

Total other comprehensive income / (expenses)

-

-

-

-

262

(9,396)

(440)

(9,574)

(2,665)

(12,239)

Profit for the year

-

-

-

-

-

-

30,762

30,762

7,936

38,698

Total comprehensive income and expenses for the year

-

-

-

-

262

(9,396)

30,322

21,188

5,271

26,459

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,998)

(1,998)

(422)

(2,420)

Balance at 31 December 2014

15,504

(1,171)

23,935

1,087

57,029

(190,503)

521,355

427,236

90,813

518,049

Items of other comprehensive income

-Unrealised gain on revaluation of leasehold land, net of tax

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,565

 

-

 

-

 

2,565

 

1,111

 

3,676

-Remeasurement of retirement benefit plan, net of tax

-

-

-

-

-

-

303

303

31

334

-Loss on exchange translation of foreign operations

-

-

-

-

-

(43,987)

-

(43,987)

(10,608)

(54,595)

Total other comprehensive income / (expenses)

-

-

-

-

2,565

(43,987)

303

(41,119)

(9,466)

(50,585)

(Loss) / Profit for the year

-

-

-

-

-

-

(14,897)

(14,897)

1,468

(13,429)

Total comprehensive income and expenses for the year

-

-

-

-

2,565

(43,987)

(14,594)

(56,016)

(7,998)

(64,014)

Dividends paid

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,869)

(1,869)

(208)

(2,077)

Balance at 31 December 2015

15,504

(1,171)

23,935

1,087

59,594

(234,490)

504,892

369,351

82,607

451,958

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2015

 

2015

$000

2014

$000

Cash flows from operating activities

(Loss) / Profit before tax

(19,074)

51,236

Adjustments for:

BA adjustment

64,121

33,718

(Profit) / Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets

(111)

36

Depreciation

6,768

6,833

Retirement benefit provisions

973

951

Net finance income

(4,673)

(5,257)

Unrealised loss / (gain) in foreign exchange

2,354

(852)

Property, plant and equipment written off

1,708

135

Operating cash flow before changes in working capital

52,066

86,800

 Decrease in inventories

341

451

 Decrease in non-current, trade and other receivables

4,425

664

(Decrease) / Increase in trade and other payables

(1,623)

5,929

Cash inflow from operations

55,209

93,844

Interest paid

(2,010)

(2,019)

Retirement benefit paid

(103)

(61)

Overseas tax paid

(27,856)

(17,756)

Net cash flow from operations

25,240

74,008

Investing activities

Property, plant and equipment

- purchase

(38,555)

(49,754)

- sale

979

156

Interest received

6,683

7,276

Net cash used in investing activities

(30,893)

(42,322)

Financing activities

Dividends paid by Company

(1,869)

(1,998)

Finance lease repayment

-

(20)

Dividends paid to minority shareholders

(228)

(402)

Repayment of existing long term loans

(313)

(63)

Net cash (used in) / from financing activities

(2,410)

(2,483)

(Decrease) / Increase in cash and cash equivalents

(8,063)

29,203

Cash and cash equivalents

At beginning of year

125,937

98,738

Foreign exchange

(13,260)

(2,004)

At end of year

104,614

125,937

Comprising:

Cash at end of year

104,614

125,937

 

 

 

Notes

 

1 Accounting policies

 

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc ("AEP") is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The registered office of AEP is located at Quadrant House, 6th Floor, 4 Thomas More Square, London E1W 1YW, United Kingdom. The principal activity of the Group is plantation agriculture.

 

The financial information set out below does not constitute the company's statutory accounts for 2015 or 2014. Statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 have been reported on by the Independent Auditors. The Independent Auditors' Reports on the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the years ended 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 were unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2014 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015 will be delivered to the Registrar in due course.

 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented, except as detailed in the following paragraph.

 

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and its interpretations (IFRS and IFRIC interpretations) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") as adopted by the European Union ("EU") and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies preparing their accounts under IFRS as adopted by the EU.

 

Changes in accounting standards

a) The following amendment is effective for the first time in these financial statements but does not have a material effect on the Group's financial statements:

IAS 19 Amendments - Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2014)

 

b) New standards, interpretations and amendments not yet effective.

 

The following new standards, interpretations and amendments are effective for periods beginning after 1 January 2016 and have not been applied in these financial statements:

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018)*

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018)*

IFRS 16 Leases (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)*

IAS 16 Amendments - Property, Plant and Equipment (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016)*

IAS 41 Amendments - Agriculture (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016)*

\* These standards and interpretations are not endorsed by the EU at present.

 

None of the above new standards, interpretations and amendments are expected to have a material effect on the Group's future financial statements except for IAS 16 and IAS 41. The amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41 change the accounting requirements for biological assets that meet the definition of bearer plants. Biological assets that meet the definition of bearer plants are required to account for as bearer plants in accordance with IAS 16 using either cost model or revaluation model. The produce growing on bearer plants will remain within the scope of IAS 41 measured at fair value less costs to sell.

 

The biological assets of the Group fall within the definition of bearer plants. With effect from 1 January 2016, immature plantations will be recognised at cost and accumulated until maturity whereas mature plantations will be recognised at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Immature plantations are subject to impairment reviews. The FFB, which is agricultural produce under the revised IAS 41, will be recognised at fair value less cost to sell at the point of harvest, with changes recognised in profit or loss. However, the Company has yet to reach a decision as to the measurement of the unharvested produce at balance sheet date.

 

The directors have quantified the financial impact that would have on the Group with the adoption of the amended IAS 16 and IAS 41. The Group would have been reported a profit for the year ended 31 December 2015 of US$24.9 million rather than a loss for the year of US$13.4 million. Included in the adjusted loss for the year was an impairment loss on bearer plants of US$34.1 million. The Group's reported net assets as at 31 December 2015 would have been US$324.5 million rather than US$369.4 million. The impacts on the financial position of the Group are disclosed below:

 

Reported as at

Financial position

31 Dec 2015

Adjustments

after adjustments

$000

$000

$000

Non-current assets

Biological assets

179,010

(179,010)

-

Property, plant and equipment

219,990

124,644

344,634

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

(28,932)

2,314

(26,618)

Issued capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent

Retained earnings

(504,892)

44,847

(460,045)

Non-controlling interests

(82,607)

7,205

(75,402)

 

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. The Company controls a subsidiary if all three of the following elements are present; power over the subsidiary, exposure to variable returns from the subsidiary, and the ability of the investor to use its power to affect those variable returns. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date control ceases.

Business combinations

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the consolidated statement of financial position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisitions of entities that comprise principally land with no active plantation business do not represent business combinations, in such cases, the amount paid for each acquisition is allocated between the identifiable assets/liabilities at the acquisition date.

 

Foreign currency

The individual financial statements of each subsidiary are presented in the currency of the country in which it operates (its functional currency) with the exception of the Company and its UK subsidiaries which are presented in US Dollar. The presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements is also US Dollar, chosen because, as internationally traded commodities, the price of the bulk of the Group's products are ultimately link to the US Dollar.

 

On consolidation, the results of overseas operations are translated into US Dollar at average exchange rates for the year unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly in which case the actual rate is used. All assets and liabilities of overseas operations are translated at the rate ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising on re-translating the opening net assets at opening rate and the results of overseas operations at actual rate are recognised directly in equity (the "foreign exchange reserve"). Exchange differences recognised in the income statement of Group entities' separate financial statements on the translation of long-term monetary items forming part of the Group's net investment in the overseas operation concerned are reclassified to the foreign exchange reserve if the item is denominated in the presentational currency of the Group or of the overseas operation concerned.

 

On disposal of a foreign operation, the cumulative exchange differences recognised in the foreign exchange reserve relating to that operation up to date of disposal are transferred to the income statement as part of the profit or loss on disposal.

 

All other exchange profits or losses are credited or charged to the income statement.

 

Revenue recognition

Revenue includes

- amounts receivable for produce provided in the normal course of business, net of sales related taxes and levies, including export taxes;

- amounts received for sales of palm kernel shell, rubber wood, biomass products and other income of an operating nature.

 

Sales of CPO, palm kernel, shell nut, biomass products and rubber slab are recognised when goods are delivered or allocated to a purchaser. Delivery or allocation does not take place until contracts are paid for. Sales of latex are recognised on signing of sales contract, this being the point at which the significant risks and rewards of ownership are passed over to the buyer. Other income mainly consists of amounts received from sales of nut shell, which is recognised when the goods are delivered.

 

Share based payments

Share options are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. This fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non market-based vesting conditions.

 

Fair value is measured by use of a binomial model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

 

Provided that all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied.

 

Capitalisation on development activities

Interest capitalisation

Interest on third party loans directly related to field development is capitalised in the proportion that the opening immature area bears to the total planted area of the relevant estate. Interest on loans related to construction in progress (such as an oil mill) is capitalised up to the commissioning of that asset. These interest rates are booked at the rate prevailing at the time.

 

Plantation development

Plantation development comprises cost of planting and development on oil palm and other plantation crops. Costs of new planting and development of plantation crops are capitalised from the stage of land clearing up to the stage of maturity or subject to certificate of Land Exploitation Rights (HGU) being obtained, whichever is earlier. The costs of immature plantations consist mainly of the accumulated cost of land clearing, planting, fertilising and maintaining the plantation, borrowing costs and other indirect overhead costs up to the time the trees are harvestable and to the extent appropriate.

 

Tax

UK and foreign corporation tax is provided at amounts expected to be paid or recovered using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

 

The directors consider that the carrying amount of tax receivables approximates its fair value.

 

Dividends

Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. The Company pays only one dividend each year as a final dividend which becomes legally payable when approved by the shareholders at the next following annual general meeting.

 

Fair value measurement

A number of assets and liabilities included in the Group's financial statements require measurement at, and/or disclosure of, fair value. The fair value measurement of the Group's financial and non-financial assets and liabilities utilises market observable inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in determining fair value measurements are categorised into different levels based on how observable the inputs used in the valuation technique utilised are (the 'fair value hierarchy'):

Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly;

Level 3 - unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

 

The classification of an item into the above levels is based on the lowest level of the inputs used that has a significant effect on the fair value measurement of the item. Transfers of items between levels are recognised in the period they occur.

 

The Group measures the following assets at fair value:

Biological assets (note 9)

Revalued land - Property, plant and equipment (note 9)

 

For more detailed information in relation to the fair value measurement of the items above, please refer to the applicable notes.

 

Property, plant and equipment

All items of property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. After initial recognition, all items of property, plant and equipment except land and construction in progress, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

 

The Indonesian authorities have granted certain land exploitation rights and operating permits for the estates. The land rights are usually renewed without significant cost subject to compliance with the laws and regulations of Indonesia. Therefore, the Group has classified the land rights as leasehold land and accounted for as an indefinite finance lease. The leasehold land is recognised at cost initially and is not depreciated. The land is subsequently carried at fair value, based on periodic valuations on an open market basis by a professionally qualified valuer. These revaluations are made with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the end of the reporting period. Changes in fair value are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the revaluation reserve except to the extent that any decrease in value in excess of the credit balance on the revaluation reserve, or reversal of such a transaction, is recognised in income statement. On the disposal of a revalued estate, any related balance remaining in the revaluation reserve is transferred to retained earnings as a movement in reserves.

 

Construction in progress is stated at cost. The accumulated costs will be reclassified to the appropriate class of assets when construction is completed and the asset is ready for its intended use. Construction in progress is also not depreciated until such time when the asset is available for use.

 

Buildings and oil mills are depreciated using the straight-line method. All other property, plant and equipment items are depreciated using the double-declining-balance method. The yearly rates of depreciation are as follows:

 

Buildings - 5% to 10% per annum

Oil Mill - 5% per annum

Estate plant, equipment & vehicle - 12.5% to 50% per annum

Office plant, equipment & vehicle - 25% to 50% per annum

 

Biological assets

Biological assets comprise oil palm trees and nurseries. The biological process commences with the initial preparation of land and planting of seedlings and ceases with the delivery of crop in the form of fresh fruit bunches ("FFB") to the manufacturing process in which crude palm oil and palm kernel are extracted from the FFB.

 

Biological assets are carried at fair value less costs to sell determined on the basis of the net present value of cash flows arising in producing FFB. No account is taken in the valuation of future replanting. Biological assets are valued at each accounting date based upon a valuation of the planted areas using a discounted cash flow method by reference to the FFB expected to be harvested over the full remaining productive life of the trees up to 20 years. Areas are included in the valuation once they are planted. However oil palm which are not yet mature at the accounting date, and hence are not producing FFB, are valued on a similar basis but with the discounted value of the estimated cost to complete planting and to maintain the assets to maturity being deducted from the discounted FFB value. Movement in valuation surplus of biological assets is charged or credited to the income statement for the relevant period (BA adjustment).

 

Leased assets

Assets financed by leasing agreements which give rights approximating to ownership (finance leases) are capitalised at amounts equal to the original cost of the asset to the lessors and depreciation is provided on the asset over the shorter of the lease term or its useful economic life in accordance with Group depreciation policy for those held at cost. Land rights are held at fair value and revalued at the balance sheet date. The capital elements of future obligations under finance leases are included as liabilities in the balance sheet and the current year's interest element is charged to the income statement to produce a constant rate of charge on the balance of capital repayments outstanding. There are no operating leases.

 

Impairment

Impairment tests on tangible assets are undertaken annually on 31 December. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount (i.e. the higher of value in use or fair value, less costs to sell), the asset is written down accordingly. Impairment charges are included in the administrative expenses in the income statement, except to the extent they reverse gains previously recognised in the statement of recognised income and expense.

 

Inventories 

FFB harvested from the biological assets are stated at fair value less costs to sell at the point of harvest. The fair value gain arising on the initial recognition of harvested produce is the result of the FFB weight produced multiplied by the FFB price adjusted for transportation costs to sell. There is an active market for FFB and the price is based on statistics provided by the government for each region.

 

The gain/(loss) arising on the initial recognition at the point of harvest is recognised in the income statement within the biological asset revaluation. The FFB is transferred to the mill, processed in to CPO and sold within 24 hours so the write off of the FFB is netted off against the initial recognition within the biological asset revaluation.

 

All other inventories are initially recognised at cost, and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realisable value. In the case of processed produce for sale which comprises palm oil and kernel, cost represents the monthly weighted-average cost of production, and appropriate production overheads. Estate and mill consumables are valued on a weighted average cost basis.

 

Financial assets

All the Group's receivables and loans are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are recognised at fair value at inception and subsequently at amortised cost. No impairment provisions have been considered necessary.

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in hand and short term deposits at banks with an original maturity of not exceeding three months. Bank overdrafts are shown within loans and borrowings under current liabilities on the balance sheet.

 

There are no assets in hedging relationships and no financial assets or liabilities available for sale.

 

Financial liabilities

All the Group's financial liabilities are non-derivative financial liabilities.

 

Bank borrowings and long term development loans are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost, which is the total of proceeds received net of issue costs. Finance charges are accounted for on an accruals basis and charged in the income statement, unless capitalised according to the policy as set out under Interest capitalisation above.

 

Trade and other payables are shown at fair value at recognition and subsequently at amortised cost.

 

Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the balance sheet differs from its tax base except for differences in the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit.

 

The Group recognises deferred tax liabilities arising from taxable temporary differences on investments in subsidiaries, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 

Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is possible that taxable profit will be available against which the difference can be utilised.

 

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences arising on property revaluation surpluses.

 

Deferred tax is determined using the tax rates that are enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, such as revaluations, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity; in this case assets and liabilities are offset.

 

Retirement benefits

Defined contribution schemes

Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are charged to the consolidated income statement in the year to which they relate.

 

Defined benefit schemes

The Group operates a number of defined benefit schemes in respect of its Indonesian operations. These schemes' surpluses and deficits are measured at:

The fair value of plan assets at the reporting date; less

Plan liabilities calculated using the projected unit credit method discounted to its present value using yields available on high quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the liabilities; plus

Unrecognised past service costs; less

The effect of minimum funding requirements agreed with scheme trustees.

 

Remeasurements of the net defined obligation are recognised directly within equity. The remeasurements include:

Actuarial gains and losses;

Return on plan assets (interest exclusive);

Any asset ceiling effects (interest inclusive).

 

Service costs are recognised in comprehensive income, and include current and past service costs as well as gains and losses on curtailments.

 

Net interest expense / (income) is recognised in comprehensive income, and is calculated by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation / (asset) at the beginning of the annual period to the balance of the net defined benefit obligation / (asset), considering the effects of contributions and benefit payments during the period.

 

Gains or losses arising from changes to scheme benefits or scheme curtailment are recognised immediately in comprehensive income.

 

Settlements of defined benefit schemes are recognised in the period in which the settlement occurs. 

 

Treasury shares

Consideration paid or received for the purchase or sale of the Company's own shares for holding in treasury is recognised directly in equity, where the cost is presented as the treasury share reserve. Any excess of the consideration received on the sale of treasury shares over the weighted average cost of shares sold, is taken to the share premium account.

 

Any shares held in treasury are treated as cancelled for the purpose of calculating earnings per share.

 

Financial guarantee contracts

Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts and guarantees the indebtedness of other companies within the Group, the Company considers these to be insurance arrangements and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee contract as a contingent liability until such time that it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under the guarantee.

 

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of the Group financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported assets and liabilities and reported revenue and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates and accordingly they are reviewed on an on-going basis. The main areas in which estimates are used are: fair value of biological assets, property, plant and equipment, deferred tax and retirement benefits.

 

Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised or the revision affects only that period, or in the period of revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

 

Assumptions regarding the valuation of biological assets, property, plant and equipment are set out in note 9. Assumptions regarding the valuation of agricultural produce at the point of harvest less costs to sell are set out in the inventories accounting policy. The Group's policy with regard to impairment of such assets is set out above.

 

2 Revenue

2015

$000

2014

$000

Sales of produce:

- CPO

193,364

247,868

- Rubber

1,075

1,836

- Shell nut

1,685

1,554

- Biomass products

327

-

196,451

251,258

 

3 Finance income and expense

2015

$000

2014

$000

Finance income

Interest receivable on:

Credit bank balances and time deposits

6,683

7,276

Finance expense

Interest payable on:

Development loans

(2,010)

(2,019)

Net finance income recognised in income statement

4,673

5,257

 

4 Profit before tax

 

 

2015

$000

2014

$000

Profit before tax is stated after charging

Depreciation (note 9)

6,768

6,833

Exchange losses / (gains)

2,354

(852)

Operating lease expense

- Property

523

574

Professional fees

1,086

441

Staff costs (note 6)

29,007

28,881

Remuneration received by the group's auditor or associates of the group's auditor:

- Audit of parent company

5

6

- Audit of consolidated financial statement

157

159

- Audit related assurance service

7

7

- Audit of UK subsidiaries

13

-

Total audit services

182

172

Audit of overseas subsidiaries

- Malaysia

19

22

- Indonesia

66

75

Total audit services

85

97

Total auditors' remuneration

267

269

 

5 Segment information

 

Measurement of operating segment profit or loss, assets and liabilities

The Group evaluates segmental performance on the basis of profit or loss from operations calculated in accordance with IFRS but excluding non-recurring losses, such as share based payments.

 

Inter-segment transactions are made based on terms mutually agreed by the parties to maximise the utilisation of Group's resources at a rate acceptable to local tax authorities. This policy was applied consistently throughout the current and prior period.

 

The Group's assets are allocated to segments based on geographical location.

 

North Sumatera

Bengkulu

South Sumatera

Riau

Bangka

Kalimantan

Total Indonesia

Malaysia

UK

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

2015

Total sales revenue (all external)

- CPO

67,978

73,661

37

37,129

1

11,426

190,232

3,132

-

193,364

- Rubber

1,075

-

-

-

-

-

1,075

-

-

1,075

- Biomass products

327

-

-

-

-

-

327

-

-

327

Other income

513

812

10

225

38

87

1,685

-

-

1,685

Total revenue

69,893

74,473

47

37,354

39

11,513

193,319

3,132

-

196,451

Profit/(Loss) before tax

18,947

17,427

(1,146)

15,637

13

(4,555)

46,323

(233)

(1,043)

45,047

BA movement

(30,717)

(11,582)

(16,575)

(1,128)

(549)

(3,482)

(64,033)

(88)

-

(64,121)

Loss for the year before tax per consolidated income statement

 

(11,770)

 

5,845

 

(17,721)

 

14,509

 

(536)

 

(8,037)

 

(17,710)

 

(321)

 

(1,043)

(19,074)

Depreciation

(2,262)

(2,098)

(325)

(636)

(26)

(1,229)

(6,576)

(192)

-

(6,768)

Inter-segment transactions

3,546

(2,169)

(765)

(624)

-

(1,427)

(1,439)

1,157

282

-

Income tax

370

(158)

5,518

(3,586)

137

3,517

5,798

(48)

(105)

5,645

Total Assets

165,722

133,247

42,413

71,883

10,288

94,496

518,049

21,023

4,294

543,366

Non-Current Assets

113,390

100,318

41,327

37,288

10,133

89,944

392,400

17,083

1,193

410,676

Non-Current Assets - Additions

8,973

3,627

4,219

2,658

1,012

17,925

38,414

141

-

38,555

2014

Total sales revenue (all external)

- CPO

95,299

95,886

102

44,912

-

7,416

243,615

4,253

-

247,868

- Rubber

1,836

-

-

-

-

-

1,836

-

-

1,836

Other income

813

697

3

37

-

2

1,552

2

-

1,554

Total revenue

97,948

96,583

105

44,949

-

7,418

247,003

4,255

-

251,258

Profit/(Loss) before tax

36,631

30,795

(552)

19,477

(57)

(1,226)

85,068

255

(369)

84,954

BA movement

(11,092)

(1,886)

(5,255)

694

(627)

(13,449)

(31,615)

(2,103)

-

(33,718)

Profit for the year before tax per consolidated income statement

 

25,539

 

28,909

 

(5,807)

 

20,171

 

(684)

 

(14,675)

 

53,453

 

(1,848)

 

(369)

51,236

Depreciation

(2,385)

(2,228)

(411)

(572)

(33)

(958)

(6,587)

(246)

-

(6,833)

Inter-segment transactions

3,446

(2,331)

(257)

(671)

-

(1,443)

(1,256)

962

294

-

Income tax

(8,731)

(5,775)

1,968

(4,589)

171

4,268

(12,688)

437

(287)

(12,538)

Total Assets

202,675

153,730

58,922

84,371

13,093

95,096

607,887

25,398

4,279

637,564

Non-Current Assets

149,581

121,483

57,452

39,864

12,859

84,477

465,716

18,834

1,193

485,743

Non-Current Assets - Additions

10,214

4,845

5,492

1,224

930

26,932

49,637

117

-

49,754

 

In year 2015, revenue from 4 customers of the Indonesian segment represent approximately $107.2m (2014: $152.1m) of the Group's total revenue. An analysis of these revenue is provided as below. Although Customer 1 to 4 are over 10% of the Group total revenue, there is no over reliance on these Customers as tenders are performed on a monthly basis. Three of the top four customers are the same as in the prior year.

North Sumatera

Bengkulu

South Sumatera

Riau

Bangka

Kalimantan

Total Indonesia

Malaysia

UK

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

2015

Customer 1

-

35,069

-

-

-

-

35,069

-

-

35,069

Customer 2

19,544

-

-

13,088

-

-

32,632

-

-

32,632

Customer 3

2,654

15,193

-

2,004

-

-

19,851

-

-

19,851

Customer 4

19,633

-

-

-

-

-

19,633

-

-

19,633

41,831

50,262

-

15,092

-

-

107,185

-

-

107,185

 

 

2014

Customer 1

-

47,941

-

-

-

-

47,941

-

-

47,941

Customer 2

32,935

-

-

12,557

-

-

45,492

-

-

45,492

Customer 3

7,137

24,501

-

1,839

-

-

33,477

-

-

33,477

Customer 4

13,447

-

-

11,721

-

-

25,168

-

-

25,168

53,519

72,442

-

26,117

-

-

152,078

-

-

152,078

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

2015

Customer 1

-

17.9

-

-

-

-

17.9

-

-

17.9

Customer 2

9.9

-

-

6.7

-

-

16.6

-

-

16.6

Customer 3

1.4

7.7

-

1.0

-

-

10.1

-

-

10.1

Customer 4

10.0

-

-

-

-

-

10.0

-

-

10.0

21.3

25.6

-

7.7

-

-

54.6

-

-

54.6

 

 

2014

Customer 1

-

19.1

-

-

-

-

19.1

-

-

19.1

Customer 2

13.1

-

-

5.0

-

-

18.1

-

-

18.1

Customer 3

2.8

9.8

-

0.7

-

-

13.3

-

-

13.3

Customer 4

5.4

-

-

4.7

-

-

10.1

-

-

10.1

21.3

28.9

-

10.4

-

-

60.6

-

-

60.6

 

Save for a small amount of rubber, all the Group's operations are devoted to oil palm. The Group's report is by geographical area, as each area tends to have different agricultural conditions.

 

 

6 Employees' and Directors' remuneration

2015

Number

2014

number

Average numbers employed (primarily overseas) during the year:

- full time

5,832

5,522

- part-time field workers

10,980

9,687

16,812

15,209

2015

$000

2014

$000

Staff costs (including Directors) comprise:

Wages and salaries

26,691

26,725

Social security costs

880

939

Retirement benefit costs

- Indonesia

1,378

1,150

- Malaysia

58

67

29,007

28,881

 

2015

$000

2014

$000

Directors emoluments

240

248

Remuneration expense for key management personnel

2,289

2,273

 

The Executive Director, Non-Executive Directors and senior management (general managers and above) are considered to be the key management personnel.

 

7 Earnings per ordinary share (EPS)

2015

$000

2014

$000

Profit for the year attributable to owners of the Company before BA adjustment

 

27,505

 

52,422

Net BA adjustment

(42,402)

(21,660)

Earnings used in basic and diluted EPS

(14,897)

30,762

Number

Number

'000

'000

Weighted average number of shares in issue in year

- used in basic EPS

39,636

39,636

- dilutive effect of outstanding share options

-

43

- used in diluted EPS

39,636

39,679

Basic EPS before BA adjustment

69.39cts

132.26cts

Basic EPS after BA adjustment

(37.58)cts

77.61cts

Dilutive EPS before BA adjustment

69.39cts

132.12cts

Dilutive EPS after BA adjustment

(37.58)cts

77.53cts

 

8 Dividends

2015

$000

2014

$000

Paid during the year

Final dividend of 3.0p per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2014 (2013: 3.0p)

 

1,869

 

1,998

Proposed final dividend of 1.75p per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2015 (2014: 3.0p)

 

1,028

 

1,854

 

 

The proposed dividend for 2015 is subject to shareholders' approval at the forthcoming annual general meeting and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements.

 

·

9 Biological assets, property, plant and equipment

 

Biological

assets

Mill

 Leasehold

Land

Buildings

Estate plant,

equipment & vehicle

Office plant,

equipment & vehicle

Construction

 in progress

PPE

Total

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2014

265,835

39,563

149,871

34,736

14,643

1,296

2,077

242,186

508,021

Exchange translations

(4,420)

(1,252)

(3,494)

(894)

(378)

(45)

(79)

(6,142)

(10,562)

Reclassification

-

-

-

5,356

1

-

(5,357)

-

-

Decrease due to harvest

(26,021)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(26,021)

Revaluations

(7,697)

-

386

-

-

-

-

386

(7,311)

Additions

85

13,305

4,219

64

1,840

158

6,057

25,643

25,728

Development costs capitalised

23,592

112

-

-

-

-

322

434

24,026

Disposal / Written off

-

(72)

-

(219)

(591)

(207)

-

(1,089)

(1,089)

At 31 December 2014

251,374

51,656

150,982

39,043

15,515

1,202

3,020

261,418

512,792

Exchange translations

(24,611)

(5,596)

(16,936)

(4,331)

(1,721)

(166)

(268)

(29,018)

(53,629)

Reclassification

-

(11)

-

7,477

11

-

(7,477)

-

-

Decrease due to harvest

(25,221)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(25,221)

Revaluations

(38,900)

-

4,902

-

-

-

-

4,902

(33,998)

Additions

63

11,161

1,727

32

702

58

5,402

19,082

19,145

Development costs capitalised

18,733

-

14

-

-

-

663

677

19,410

Disposals / Written off

(790)

(298)

-

(119)

(353)

(6)

-

(776)

(1,566)

Conversion of rubber to oil palm

(1,638)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,638)

At 31 December 2015

179,010

56,912

140,689

42,102

14,154

1,088

1,340

256,285

435,295

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

At 1 January 2014

-

11,552

-

7,185

9,171

936

-

28,844

28,844

Exchange translations

-

(312)

-

(255)

(275)

(35)

-

(877)

(877)

Charge for the year

-

2,697

-

2,244

1,723

169

-

6,833

6,833

Disposal / Written off

-

(53)

-

(99)

(438)

(172)

-

(762)

(762)

At 31 December 2014

-

13,884

-

9,075

10,181

898

-

34,038

34,038

Exchange translations

-

(1,496)

-

(1,066)

(1,187)

(134)

-

(3,883)

(3,883)

Reclassification

-

(11)

-

-

11

-

-

-

-

Charge for the year

-

2,931

-

2,270

1,432

135

-

6,768

6,768

Disposal / Written off

-

(277)

-

(60)

(285)

(6)

-

(628)

(628)

At 31 December 2015

-

15,031

-

10,219

10,152

893

-

36,295

36,295

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2013

265,835

28,011

149,871

27,551

5,472

360

2,077

213,342

479,177

At 31 December 2014

251,374

37,772

150,982

29,968

5,334

304

3,020

227,380

478,754

At 31 December 2015

179,010

41,881

140,689

31,883

4,002

195

1,340

219,990

399,000

Net loss arising from changes in fair value of biological assets

At 31 December 2014

(33,718)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(33,718)

At 31 December 2015

(64,121)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(64,121)

The fair value less costs to sell of FFB harvested during the period, determined at the point of harvest is exhibited below:

2015

2014

Fair value of FFB

Crop production and yield - FFB (mt)

900,000

857,000

Fair value of FFB ($000)

101,019

132,342

Fair value of FFB less costs to sell ($000)

90,924

121,850

 

The gain arising on the fair value of FFB at the point of harvest is recognised in the income statement within the biological asset revaluation. A reconciliation of the amount included within the income statement and the biological asset has been included below:

2015

$000

2014

$000

Harvest included in the biological asset valuation from estimated production and pricing assumptions less costs to sell in the prior year

25,221

 

26,021

Gain from actual production and pricing

65,703

95,829

Fair value of FFB harvested from own production

90,924

121,850

 

The decrease of $25,221,000 (2014: $26,021,000) from harvest was included in the prior year valuation for the current year and is therefore deducted from biological asset valuation in the current year as the FFB is harvested. The actual fair value of harvested FFB varies to forecast due to the changes in actual production, actual FFB price and actual costs incurred. The gain on fair value of the harvested FFB is written off as the FFB is processed in to CPO.

 

The biological asset revaluation movement included within the income statement is calculated as follows:

2015

$000

2014

$000

Decrease due to harvest

(25,221)

(26,021)

Revaluations

(38,900)

(7,697)

Net loss arising in the income statement from changes in fair value of biological assets

(64,121)

(33,718)

 

The Group engaged Muttaqin Bambang Purwanto Rozak Uswatun & Rekan (MBPRU) with its head office located in Jakarta, Indonesia to undertake the valuation of biological assets for both financial years ended 31 December 2014 and 2015. Except for an adjustment on discount rate, CPO price and the measurement of the notional rent which are determined by the Directors, the valuation was carried out independently by MBPRU who has the appropriate professional qualifications and recent experience in the location and category of the properties being valued. Further information of MBPRU can be obtained from 'www.kjpp-mbpru.com'.

 

MBPRU was also engaged to undertake the land valuation for the Group. For the year ended 31 December 2015, valuation was done on land of nine subsidiaries. The increase per hectare obtained by comparing the current valuation against the year 2014's carrying amount were then applied to the 2014 land value of the remaining companies in the same geographical location to derive the fair value of land in 2015. In the year 2014, independent land valuation was undertaken for 11 subsidiary companies in Indonesia. The increase per hectare obtained by comparing the year 2014 valuation against the valuation undertaken in year 2013 were then applied to the 2013 land value of the remaining subsidiary companies in the same geographical location to derive the fair value of land in 2014. Unplantable land was excluded in this exercise since it has zero value. Land is valued on a rotational basis and all land is valued by qualified valuers every two years. Had the revalued land been measured on a historical cost basis, their net book value would have been $42,993,000 (2014: $47,317,000).

 

The methodology of the biological asset valuations was using discounted cash flow ("DCF") over the expected 20-year economic life of the asset. The assumption applied in the valuation were, inter alia, an assumed CPO selling price of $625/mt (2014: $700/mt), discount rate of 16.8% (2014: 16.4%) and notional rent equivalent to 9% (2014: 9%) of the value of planted land. The discount rates were determined by the Directors based on their assessment of various risks including financial, business and country risk of where the plantations are located as well as taking into account the Company's weighted average cost of capital. The CPO price is normally based on the 10-year average (2014: 10-year average) rounded to the nearest $25 based on historical widely-quoted commodity price for CPO and represents the Directors' best estimate of the price sustainable over the longer term. However the CPO price for 2015 remained weak. It ended the year at $560/mt far lower than the 10-year average CPO price at $750/mt, therefore a benchmarking exercise was made to ensure the directors' best estimate of the price sustainable over the longer term is being used. The directors adopted the recommendation of the valuer who has suggested applying a ratio of 70% of the current CPO price and 30% of the historical price (10-year average) given the assumption to calculate CPO price over the past 10 years is no longer considered to be appropriate. As a result, the directors adopted the CPO price of $625/mt which falls within the valuer's recommended range of $600/mt to $650/mt and the World Bank forecast of CPO price for 2016 at $600/mt. An inflation rate of 3.4% (2014: 4.0%) was applied to the second to sixth years of the DCF. The notional rent charge is based on key capital market and property indicators in the countries and regions of operations.

 

Details of the information about the fair value hierarchy in relation to biological assets and land at 31 December are as follows:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

$000

$000

$000

$000

At 31 December 2015

Biological assets

-

-

179,010

179,010

Land

-

-

140,689

140,689

At 31 December 2014

Biological assets

-

-

251,374

251,374

Land

-

-

150,982

150,982

 

There were no items classified under Level 1 and Level 2 and thus there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year.

 

The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in determining the fair value measurement of biological assets and land, as well as the inter-relationship between key unobservable inputs and fair value, are set out in the table below:

 

Item

Valuation approach

Inputs used

Inter-relationship between key unobservable inputs and fair value

 

Land

Selling prices of comparable land in similar location adjusted for differences in key attributes. The valuation model is based on price per hectare.

Selling prices of comparable land

 

 

Location, legal title, land area, land type and topography

 

The higher the selling price, the higher the fair value

 

These are qualitative inputs which require significant judgement by professional valuer, MBPRU

 

Biological assets

 

Discounted cash flow over the expected 20-year economic life of the asset

CPO selling price

 

 

Discount rate

 

 

Notional rent

 

 

Yield

 

 

Overhead cost

 

The higher the CPO selling price, the higher the fair value

 

The higher the discount rate, the lower the fair value

 

The higher the notional rent, the lower the fair value

 

The higher the yield, the higher the fair value

 

The higher the overhead cost, the lower the fair value

 

 

There were no changes to the valuation techniques during the period.

 

The fair value measurement is based on the above items' highest and best use, which does not differ from their actual use.

 

The following table exhibits the sensitivity of the Group's biological assets to the fluctuation in CPO price, discount rate, notional rent, CPO yield and overhead cost:

 

2015

$000

2014

$000

A change of $50 in the price assumption for CPO

-$50 in the price assumption

(56,647)

(54,021)

+$50 in the price assumption

56,670

53,993

A change of 1% in the discount rate

-1% in the discount rate

8,900

14,182

+1% in the discount rate

(8,207)

(13,043)

A change of notional rent equivalent to 1% of the value of planted land

-1% in the value of planted land

4,849

5,191

+1% in the value of planted land

(4,848)

(5,190)

A change of 1% in the CPO yield

-1% in the CPO yield

(23,117)

(28,863)

+1% in the CPO yield

23,140

28,835

A change of 1% in the overhead cost

-1% in the overhead cost

6,272

7,468

+1% in the overhead cost

(6,249)

(7,496)

 

The estates include $483,000 (2014: $1,321,000) of interest and $4,909,000 (2014: $5,623,000) of overheads capitalised during the year in respect of expenditure on estates under development.

 

The Indonesian authorities have granted certain land exploitation rights and operating permits for the estates. In the case of established estates in North Sumatera these rights and permits expire between 2023 and 2038 with rights of renewal thereafter. As of estates in Bengkulu land titles were issued between 1994 and 2008 and the titles expire between 2028 and 2034 with rights of renewal thereafter for two consecutive periods of 25 and 35 years respectively. In Riau, land titles were issued in 2004 and expire in 2033. In the case of PT Cahaya Pelita Andhika's estate acquired in 2007 land titles were issued in 1996 to expire in 2029.

 

Subject to compliance with the laws and regulations of Indonesia, land rights are usually renewed. The cost of renewing the land rights is not significant.

 

The land title of the estate in Malaysia is a long-term lease expiring in 2084.

 

10 Posting of annual financial report

 

The Annual Financial Report will be posted to shareholders on or before 26 May 2016. Copies of the Annual Financial Report will then be available from the offices of the Company Secretary, CETC (Nominees) Limited, Quadrant House, 6th Floor, 4 Thomas More Square, London E1W 1YW and on the Company's website at www.angloeastern.co.uk.

 

Copies of this announcement are available from the offices of the Company Secretary, CETC (Nominees) Limited, Quadrant House, 6th Floor, 4 Thomas More Square, London E1W 1YW and on the Company's website.

 

 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
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