George Frangeskides, Exec-Chair at Alba Mineral Resources, discusses grades at the Clogau Gold Mine. Watch the full video here.

Less Ads, More Data, More Tools Register for FREE

Pin to quick picksAgriterra Ld Regulatory News (AGTA)

Share Price Information for Agriterra Ld (AGTA)

London Stock Exchange
Share Price is delayed by 15 minutes
Get Live Data
Share Price: 1.00
Bid: 0.70
Ask: 1.00
Change: 0.00 (0.00%)
Spread: 0.30 (42.857%)
Open: 1.00
High: 1.00
Low: 1.00
Prev. Close: 0.85
AGTA Live PriceLast checked at -

Watchlists are a member only feature

Login to your account

Alerts are a premium feature

Login to your account

Interim Results

17 Nov 2017 07:00

RNS Number : 7707W
Agriterra Ltd
17 November 2017
 

Agriterra Ltd / Ticker: AGTA / Index: AIM / Sector: Agriculture

17 November 2017

Agriterra Ltd ('Agriterra' or the 'Company')

Interim Results

 

 

Agriterra Limited, the AIM listed African agricultural company, announces its results for the six months ended 30 September 2017.

 

Chair's Statement

 

I am pleased to provide an update on our performance in the first half of the 2018 financial year ('H1-2018'). As shareholders will be aware, the Company recently changed its accounting reference date to 31 March (from 31 May, with effect from 31 March 2017), to more effectively co-ordinate the Group's annual report and accounts with the business cycle of the Group's underlying operations. Accordingly, the comparative periods presented in this report are for the six month period ended 30 November 2016 ('H1-2017') and the 10 month period ended 31 March 2017 ('FY-2017').

 

Mozambique overview

 

As previously reported, during FY-2017 we focussed our efforts on our Grain and Beef operations in Mozambique, following the decision to dispose of our interests in the Cocoa operations in Sierra Leone, which was completed in June 2017 (as more fully described below). This focus reflects our assessment of the high growth potential of the Mozambican economy which, in the short to medium term, is expected to be supported by the development of the liquefied natural gas ('LNG') industry in the north of the country. Steps towards the development of the LNG industry have now been taken by the two major consortiums of companies (each of which intend to build their own LNG terminal), led on the one hand by ENI S.p.A and on the other by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. More than US$30 billion is now expected to be invested in Mozambique's LNG sector to build capacity to produce 20 million tonnes per year of LNG, with the first exports, which are destined for Asian markets, due to start in 2021/22. This important development has already started to generate positive economic effects within Mozambique, both on a macro-economic level in terms of positive sentiment regarding the country's return to higher growth rates, as well as at the more granular level of anticipated demand for our products (in particular our beef).

 

In conjunction with these favourable market dynamics, economic conditions have also improved, with a strengthening of the Metical against both the US$ and South African Rand experienced early in the period, followed by a period of relative stability in the exchange rate at c.60 Metical / US$ and c.4.5 Metical / ZAR. Being a net importer of most goods, the effect of this has been to continue to put downward pressure on inflation in Mozambique - the annualised rate to 30 September 2017 was c.11% which compares to c.25% for the 12 months ended 31 December 2016, and 21% for the 12 months ended 31 March 2017. Despite the fall in inflation, interest rates remain high, with Standard Bank's prime metical lending rate remaining at 27.75% (28% at 31 March 2017). This persistently high lending rate has led us to take actions to decrease our outstanding loan and overdraft balances in the period as more fully described below.

 

The political environment has also continued to remain stable during the period, with the cease-fire agreement between FRELIMO and RENAMO remaining in place and an apparent willingness by these parties to arrive at resolutions to their primary discussion points in advance of the municipal elections to be held in October 2018 and the Presidential elections in 2019. Further, with a plentiful agricultural harvest in most agricultural commodities in 2017 (including maize), which is expected to repeat in 2018, poorer households are likely to see an improvement in living conditions.

 

New investment and use of funds

 

During the period the Group secured new investment of c.US$4.3m from Magister Investments Limited ('Magister') in exchange for a 50.01% shareholding in the Company. Full details regarding Magister were provided to shareholders in the Circular to Shareholders and Notice of General Meeting dated 14 August 2017.

 

This new funding is being deployed to strengthen the Group's position in Mozambique, with an initial investment of US$0.75m and US$0.25m into the Grain and Beef divisions respectively to reduce their outstanding bank financing. This repayment is in addition to an earlier repayment of US$0.4m in the Beef division following the Group's disposal of its Cocoa assets in Sierra Leone. The related saving in interest costs is expected to amount to approximately US$0.38m per annum, assuming interest rates remain at the current level.

 

Review

 

Grain

 

H1-2018 has seen subdued demand for our maize flour, reflecting the relative abundance of maize during this bumper harvest season. The relative weakness in demand has resulted in a fall in sales volume to c.4,800 tonnes of maize flour in H1-2018 (H1-2017: c.12,600 tonnes) and c.7,700 tonnes of all maize products (H1-2017: c.16,500), with revenue decreasing in metical terms from Metical 421.5m to Metical 111.5m and US$ terms from US$5.76m to US$1.81m. EBITDA has therefore fallen to a loss of US$0.15m (H1-2017: profit of US$0.50m). The normal sales pattern is for demand to increase following the harvest, with peak maize flour sales between December and March; our operational team are closely monitoring market developments to ensure we are pricing our products correctly to maximise sales, and we hope to increase sales in the second half of the year.

 

In common with many agricultural products, the working capital requirements in the Grain division are significant, principally due to the natural cycle of maize purchases peaking between April and August, with peak maize flour sales in the latter half of the financial year. During H1-2018 we purchased c.19,900 tonnes of maize (H1-2017: c 24,700 tonnes), with a further c.1,900 tonnes purchased after the period end (H1-2017: c.2,300 tonnes) completing our maize purchasing requirements for the season. The Grain division's working capital is financed by bank facilities provided by Standard Bank which, with a current interest rate of 26.00%, continues to erode the overall profitability of the division. After an interest charge of US$0.40m (H1-2017: US$0.41m), loss before tax for the Grain division was US$0.6m compared to a profit of US$0.09m in H1-2017. In order to mitigate against this high interest cost, the Group has invested US$0.75m during the period in the working capital requirements of the Grain division to reduce its reliance on overdraft financing.

 

A key area for future improvements to the profitability of the Grain division is the commercial sale of animal feed products produced by our animal feed pelletiser (using maize bran, a by-product of the maize milling process). We have developed our own animal feed products which we will shortly begin to sell on a commercial basis to third party customers.

 

Beef

 

In respect of our Beef division, demand remains strong. This is in part supported by the Metical which, despite having strengthened during the period, remains relatively weak, particularly against the South African Rand. Despite this strong demand, we have continued to maintain supply at c.178 tonnes a month of beef products, principally due to our ongoing efforts to improve the productivity in our feedlot where we are focussing on increasing the average stay of our animals to increase their weight. These efforts to improve feedlot productivity are in response to the reduction in internal animal stocks and the fact that traditional sources of supply from the rural community have not fully returned following the cessation of military activity in the country. Once the average stay of animals in the feedlot is increased, we expect to return to supplying approximately 230 tonnes a month of beef products from our existing operations. Due to this reduced supply, revenue has fallen slightly from US$2.64m in H1-2017 to US$2.26m in H1-2018 and operating loss has remained constant at US$0.78m (H1-2017: US$0.78m). After reduced finance costs of US$0.095m (H1-2017: US$0.14m), loss before tax for the Beef division was US$0.87m (H1-2017: US$0.92m).

 

Cocoa 

 

On 1 June 2017 the Group completed the disposal of its Cocoa division operating subsidiaries in Sierra Leone for US$0.5m. The Cocoa division principally comprised a 3,200 hectare cocoa plantation in the Kenema district of Sierra Leone, a 2,000m2 warehouse, and related support infrastructure and vehicles. The purchasers were local Sierra Leone businessmen who have existing cocoa production, purchasing and distribution operations in country. The disposal proceeds were applied to reduce the Group's Beef division borrowing facilities in Mozambique and for general working capital purposes.

 

The Group recorded a profit on the disposal of the Cocoa division of US$0.15m, which was reduced by US$0.13m to US$0.02m following the recycling of translation differences previously reflected in the translation reserve.

 

Board and senior management changes

 

As a result of the investment by Magister, the Group re-structured the Board with the appointments of Mr. H Rudland, Mr. G Smith and Mr. B Scott. Mr. A Groves stepped down from the Board to focus on his other business interests.

 

Subsequent to the period end, Mr. D Cassiano-Silva announced his intention to step down from his position as Finance Director with effect from 31 December 2017. Mr. Cassiano-Silva will remain a Non-Executive Director of the Company thereafter. In order to ensure a period of smooth transition, the Company is in the final stages of agreeing terms with a candidate to assume responsibility for the Company's financial function during an interim period whilst the Company looks to hire a full time Mozambique based group finance director. In addition, in November 2017 Mr. B Scott took on the position of acting Chief Executive Officer ('CEO') to support the local management team as they seek to implement the Company's development strategies; the Company intends to hire a permanent CEO (also based in Mozambique) in the coming months, at which point Mr. Scott will revert to his current position of Chief Operating Officer, Mozambique.

 

I would like to once again take this opportunity to thank Dan and Andrew for their considerable input into the development of the Company and wish Brendan the best in his new role.

 

Conclusion

 

The recent investment from Magister marks a new period for the Group during which we hope to benefit from the experience and connections of our new Board members in the wider Sub-Saharan Africa region. As we look to capitalise on the growth that will inevitably come from the development of the LNG industry in Mozambique, we hope to see improvements in the profitability of the Group and its ability to provide a positive return to shareholders.

 

 

CSO Havers

Chair

17 November 2017

 

 

For further information please VISIT www.agriterra-ltd.com or contact:

Daniel Cassiano-Silva

Agriterra Ltd

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7408 9200

David Foreman

Cantor Fitzgerald Europe

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7894 7000

Callum Butterfield

Cantor Fitzgerald Europe

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7894 7000

Susie Geliher

St Brides Partners (Financial PR)

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7236 1177

 

 

Consolidated income statement

6 months

ended

30 September

2017

6 months

ended

30 November

2016

`

10 months ended

31 March

2017

Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited

Note

$000

$000

$000

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenue

3

3,781

8,106

12,807

Cost of sales

(3,194)

(7,290)

(11,915)

Gross profit

587

816

892

Increase in value of biological assets

306

417

487

Operating expenses

(3,105)

(2,315)

(4,532)

Other income

9

26

29

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment and adjustments to the carrying value of assets classified as held for sale

79

288

439

Operating loss

(2,124)

(768)

(2,685)

Investment revenues

6

7

12

Other gains and losses

-

(16)

(16)

Finance costs

4

(501)

(548)

(927)

Loss before taxation

(2,619)

(1,325)

(3,616)

Taxation

(4)

(22)

(22)

Loss for the period from continuing operations

3

(2,623)

(1,347)

(3,638)

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Loss for the period from discontinued operations

5

(35)

(20)

(136)

Loss for the period attributable to owners of the Company

(2,658)

(1,367)

(3,774)

 

LOSS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations

(0.23)

(0.13)

(0.35)

Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing and discontinued operations

(0.23)

(0.13)

(0.36)

No.

No.

No.

Weighted average number of shares outstanding for the purposes of calculating basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations, and basic and diluted loss from continuing and discontinued operations

1,148,887,600

1,061,818,478

1,061,818,478

 

 

Consolidated Statement of comprehensive income

6 months

ended

30 September

2017

Unaudited

6 months

ended

30 November

2016

Unaudited

10 months ended

31 March

2017

Audited

$000

$000

$000

Loss for the period

(2,658)

(1,367)

(3,774)

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Foreign exchange translation differences

543

(1,778)

(1,119)

Items reclassified to profit or loss in the period:

Foreign exchange differences on disposal, liquidation or winding-up of subsidiary companies

158

-

-

Other comprehensive income for the period

701

(1,778)

(1,119)

Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to owners of the Company

(1,957)

(3,145)

(4,893)

 

 

Consolidated statement of financial position

30 September

2017

Unaudited

30 November

2016

Unaudited

31 March

 2017

Audited

Note

$000

$000

$000

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

6,381

6,009

6,094

Interests in associates

4

4

4

6,385

6,013

6,098

Current assets

Biological assets

1,048

1,066

746

Inventories

3,187

3,381

1,253

Trade and other receivables

828

1,319

1,557

Assets classified as held for sale

19

477

573

Cash and cash equivalents

4,447

3,371

2,425

9,529

9,614

6,554

Total assets

15,914

15,627

12,652

Current liabilities

Borrowings

6

4,673

3,754

2,730

Trade and other payables

536

774

634

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

-

127

128

5,209

4,655

3,492

Net current assets

4,320

4,959

3,062

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

6

-

798

734

Total liabilities

5,209

5,453

4,226

Net assets

10,705

10,174

8,426

Share capital

8

3,373

1,960

1,960

Share premium

151,442

148,622

148,622

Share based payments reserve

1,988

1,985

1,985

Translation reserve

(16,800)

(18,160)

(17,501)

Accumulated losses

(129,298)

(124,233)

(126,640)

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

10,705

10,174

8,426

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Agriterra Limited for the 6 months ended 30 September 2017 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 17 November 2017. Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors:

 

 

CSO Havers

Chair

 

 

Consolidated cash flow statement

Note

6 months ended

30 September

2017

Unaudited

6 months ended

30 November

2016

Unaudited

10 months ended

31 March

2017

Audited

$000

$000

$000

Loss before tax for the period from continuing operations

(2,619)

(1,325)

(3,616)

Adjustments for:

Depreciation

247

265

445

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(79)

(288)

(460)

Adjustments to the carrying value of assets classified as held for sale

-

-

21

Share based payment expense

3

5

5

Foreign exchange loss

79

54

104

Increase in value of biological assets

(306)

(417)

(487)

Finance costs

501

548

927

Investment revenues

(6)

(7)

(12)

Decrease in fair value of quoted investments

-

16

16

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital

(2,180)

(1,149)

(3,057)

Increase in inventories

(1,829)

(2,526)

(151)

Decrease / (increase) in trade and other receivables

824

(175)

(729)

(Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables

(180)

143

(13)

Net decrease in biological assets held for slaughter purposes

53

982

1,454

Net cash used in operating activities by continuing operations

(3,312)

(2,725)

(2,496)

Corporation tax paid

(4)

(22)

(22)

Finance costs

4

(501)

(548)

(927)

Interest received

6

7

12

Net cash used in operating activities by continuing operations

(3,811)

(3,288)

(3,433)

Net cash used in operating activities by discontinued operations

(47)

-

(48)

Net cash used by operating activities

(3,858)

(3,288)

(3,481)

Cash flows from investing activities

Disposal of subsidiaries

7

474

-

-

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment, net of expenses incurred

202

538

927

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

(11)

(182)

(204)

Net cash from investing activities by continuing operations

665

356

723

Net cash from investing activities in discontinued operations

21

-

33

Net cash from investing activities

686

356

756

Cash flow from financing activities

Proceeds from the issue of new Ordinary Shares

8

4,317

-

-

Expenses incurred in the issue of new Ordinary Shares

(85)

-

-

Net draw down of overdraft

1,766

2,513

1,145

Net repayment of loans

(851)

(1)

(110)

Net cash from financing activities from continuing operations

5,147

2,512

1,035

Net cash from financing activities from discontinued operations

-

-

-

Net cash from financing activities

5,147

2,512

1,035

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

1,975

(420)

(1,690)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents including discontinued operations

47

(264)

60

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

2,425

4,055

4,055

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

4,447

3,371

2,425

 

 

1. General information

 

Agriterra Limited ('Agriterra' or the 'Company') and its subsidiaries (together the 'Group') is focussed on the agricultural sector in Africa. Agriterra is a non-cellular company limited by shares incorporated and domiciled in Guernsey, Channel Islands. The address of its registered office is Richmond House, St Julians Avenue, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 1GZ.

 

The Company's Ordinary Shares are quoted on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange ('AIM').

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in US Dollars ('US$' or '$') as this is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates.

 

2. Basis of preparation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group for the 6 months ended 30 September 2017 (the 'H1-2018 financial statements'), which are unaudited and have not been reviewed by the Company's auditor, have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'), as adopted by the European Union, accounting policies adopted by the Group and set out in the report for the 10 month period ended 31 March 2017 (available at www.agriterra-ltd.com). The Group does not anticipate any significant change in these accounting policies for the year ended 31 March 2018. References to 'IFRS' hereafter should be construed as references to IFRSs as adopted by the EU.

 

This interim report has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange (the 'AIM Rules'). In preparing this report, the Group has adopted the guidance in the AIM Rules for interim accounts which do not require that the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting'. While the financial figures included in this report have been computed in accordance with IFRSs applicable to interim periods, this report does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as that term is defined in IFRSs.

 

The financial information contained in this report also does not constitute statutory accounts under the Companies (Guernsey) Law 2008, as amended. The financial information for the 10 month period ended 31 March 2017 is based on the statutory accounts for the period then ended. The auditors reported on those accounts. Their report was unqualified and did not include any statements of emphasis of matter.

 

The H1-2018 financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the IFRS principles applicable to a going concern, which contemplate the realisation of assets and liquidation of liabilities during the normal course of operations. Having carried out a going concern review in preparing the H1-2018 financial statements, the Directors have concluded that there is a reasonable basis to adopt the going concern principle.

 

3. Segment information

 

The Executive Committee of the Group consider that the Group's operating activities during the period comprised the segments of Grain, Beef and Cocoa, all undertaken in Africa. In addition, the Group has certain other unallocated expenditure, assets and liabilities, either located in Africa or held as support for the Africa operations.

 

The following is an analysis of the Group's revenue and results by operating segment:

 

6 months ended 30 September 2017 - Unaudited

 

Grain

Beef

Cocoa

Unallo-cated

Discon-tinued(3)

Elimina-tions

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Revenue

External sales(2)

1,520

2,261

9

-

(9)

-

3,781

Inter-segment sales(1)

289

-

-

-

-

(289)

-

1,809

2,261

9

-

(9)

(289)

3,781

Segment results

- Operating (loss) / profit

(194)

(777)

13

(1,153)

(13)

-

(2,124)

- Interest (expense) / income

(404)

(95)

-

4

-

-

(495)

(Loss) / profit before tax

(598)

(872)

13

(1,149)

(13)

-

(2,619)

Income tax

(2)

(2)

-

-

-

-

(4)

(Loss) / profit for the period from continuing operations

(600)

(874)

13

(1,149)

(13)

-

(2,623)

 

 

 

 

6 months ended 30 November 2016 - Unaudited

 

Grain

Beef

Cocoa

Unallo-cated

Discon-tinued(3)

Elimina-tions

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Revenue

External sales(2)

5,470

2,636

21

-

(21)

-

8,106

Inter-segment sales(1)

287

-

-

-

-

(287)

-

5,757

2,636

21

-

(21)

(287)

8,106

Segment results

- Operating profit / (loss)

494

(784)

(20)

(478)

20

-

(768)

- Interest (expense) / income

(409)

(139)

-

7

-

-

(541)

- Other gains and losses

-

-

-

(16)

-

-

(16)

Profit / (loss) before tax

85

(923)

(20)

(487)

20

-

(1,325)

Income tax

(6)

(1)

-

(15)

-

-

(22)

Profit / (loss) for the period from continuing operations

79

(924)

(20)

(502)

20

-

(1,347)

 

10 months ended 31 March 2017 - Audited

Grain

Beef

Cocoa

Unallo-cated

Discon-tinued(3)

Elimina-tions

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Revenue

External sales(2)

8,468

4,339

25

-

(25)

-

12,807

Inter-segment sales(1)

446

-

-

-

-

(446)

-

8,914

4,339

25

-

(25)

(446)

12,807

Segment results

- Operating (loss) / profit

(204)

(1,346)

(136)

(1,135)

136

-

(2,685)

- Interest (expense) / income

(686)

(241)

-

12

-

-

(915)

- Other gains and losses

-

-

-

(16)

-

-

(16)

(Loss) / profit before tax

(890)

(1,587)

(136)

(1,139)

136

-

(3,616)

Income tax

(6)

(1)

-

(15)

-

-

(22)

(Loss) / profit for the period from continuing operations

(896)

(1,588)

(136)

(1,154)

136

-

(3,638)

 

(1)

Inter-segment sales are charged at prevailing market prices.

(2)

Revenue represents sales to external customers and is recorded in the country of domicile of the group company making the sale. Sales from the Grain and Beef divisions are principally for supply to the Mozambican market. There were no sales from the Cocoa division in the 6 month period ending 30 September 2017. Sales from the Cocoa division in the 6 month period ending 30 November 2016 and the 10 month period ending 31 March 2017 were supplied within Sierra Leone.

(3)

Amounts reclassified to discontinued operations in all periods presented relate to the Cocoa division activities - refer to note 5.1.

 

The segment items included within continuing operations in the consolidated income statement for the periods are as follows:

 

6 months ended 30 September 2017 - Unaudited

Grain

Beef

Cocoa

Unallo-cated

Discon-tinued

Elimina-tions

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Depreciation

79

168

-

-

-

-

247

 

6 months ended 30 November 2016 - Unaudited

Grain

Beef

Cocoa

Unallo-cated

Discon-tinued

Elimina-tions

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Depreciation

70

195

-

-

-

-

265

 

10 months ended 31 March 2017 - Audited

Grain

Beef

Cocoa

Unallo-cated

Discon-tinued

Elimina-tions

Total

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

$000

Depreciation

123

322

-

-

-

-

445

 

 

4. Finance Costs

6 months ended

30 September

2017

Unaudited

6 months ended

30 November

2016

Unaudited

10 months ended

31 March

2017

Audited

$000

$000

$000

Interest expense:

Bank borrowings

501

548

927

 

 

5. Discontinued operations

 

The loss after tax arising on discontinued operations during the period is analysed by business operation as follows:

 

 

 

6 months ended

30 September

2017

6 months

ended

30 November

2016

10 months ended

31 March

2017

Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited

$000

$000

$000

Cocoa activities

(5)

(20)

(136)

Group re-organisation

(30)

-

-

Net loss after tax attributable to discontinued operations  

(35)

(20)

(136)

 

5.1. Cocoa activities

 

Since September 2014, the Group's Cocoa division in Sierra Leone focussed its efforts on maintaining its cocoa plantation assets, while undertaking revenue generating logistics activities, principally providing assistance in the Ebola relief efforts. Sierra Leone was declared Ebola free in the year ended 31 May 2016; consequently, the logistics activities which were being undertaken to provide cash support for the Cocoa division reduced in scale such that the available income from these activities no longer substantially covered the costs of the Cocoa division.

 

Given the impact of Ebola on the West African region as a whole and the lack of investment appetite from traditional finance sources, the Board formed the view, after due investigations and careful consideration that the Group would be unlikely to be able to raise the finance to continue with the development of the cocoa plantation in the foreseeable future. In this context, the Board therefore believed that it was in the best interests of the Group to sell the Cocoa division to bolster the Group's cash reserves and to enable the Cocoa division to access other finance sources, such as dedicated development and sustainability funds.

 

As more fully described in the Chair's statement, the Cocoa division's operating companies were sold on 1 June 2017. Further details on the disposal of these subsidiaries are provided in note 7.

 

The Cocoa activities represented a business segment of the Group and accordingly the results of the Cocoa activities are presented as discontinued operations within the consolidated income statement. The amounts recorded in the consolidated income statement related to the Cocoa activities were as follows:

 

 

 

6 months ended

30 September

2017

6 months

ended

30 November

2016

10 months ended

31 March

2017

Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited

$000

$000

$000

Revenue

9

21

25

Cost of sales

-

(3)

(3)

Gross profit

9

18

22

Operating expenses

(51)

(38)

(188)

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment

15

-

30

Loss before taxation

(27)

(20)

(136)

Taxation

-

-

-

Loss after tax and net loss attributable to the discontinued Cocoa activities in the period (attributable to owners of the Company)

(27)

(20)

(136)

Profit on disposal of the Cocoa activities (Note 7)

22

-

-

(5)

(20)

(136)

 

5.2. Group re-organisation

 

During the period, the Group initiated a group rationalisation programme; companies which are no longer necessary in the Group structure are being liquidated or wound up. As a result, the balance included within the Translation reserve relating to those Group companies of $30,000 (6 month period ended 30 November 2016 and 10 month period ended 31 March 2017: $nil) has been reclassified to the result from discontinued operations in the period.

 

6. Borrowings

 

30 September 2017

30 November 2016

31 March

2017

Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited

$000

$000

$000

Non-current

Bank loans

-

798

734

Current

Bank loans

208

210

264

Bank overdraft

4,465

3,544

2,466

4,673

3,754

2,730

4,673

4,552

3,464

 

Grain division

 

At the end of all periods presented, the Group had an overdraft facility of 300,000,000 Metical (being approximately $4,909,000 at the 30 September 2017 Metical to US$ exchange rate) to provide working capital funding for its grain operations in Mozambique, principally for the purchase of maize and related operating expenditure. It is secured by a fixed charge against certain of the Group's property, plant and equipment, and a floating charge against all of the maize inventory and finished maize products, and trade receivables. Interest is charged at the counterparty bank's Mozambique prime rate less 1.75%. As at the date of this report, the interest rate on these borrowings is 26.00%. Unless it is cancelled by either party, the facility renews annually on 25 March. On 30 March 2017, the Facility was renewed on a short term basis until 5 May 2017 in order for the formal renewal process to be completed. This process was completed on 27 April 2017 and the Facility was renewed on the terms described above.

 

As at the period end the Group had undrawn overdraft borrowing facilities for the Grain division of $560,000 at the 30 September 2017 Metical to US$ exchange rate.

 

Beef division

 

As at 31 March 2017 and 30 November 2016, the Group had lending facilities totalling 105,000,000 Metical to continue financing its beef operations in Mozambique. The facilities comprised 75,000,000 Metical of term loans and a 30,000,000 Metical overdraft. The term loans, which had been fully drawn as at 30 November 2016, carried interest at the bank's prime lending rate plus 0.25% (currently 28.00%). Capital repayments on these loans commenced during H1-2017 in accordance with their terms. The overdraft renewed annually and carried interest at the bank's prime lending rate (being 27.75% at the date of this report). The lending facilities were secured by a fixed charge against the Group's abattoir in Chimoio and, by a floating change over all cattle and meat inventories, and trade receivables.

 

On 27 April 2017, the Group and Standard Bank agreed to modify the terms of these borrowing facilities as follows:

 

1. a new overdraft facility was provided on the same terms as the previous overdraft facility, other than for its renewal date, which was revised to 25 March 2018; and

2. the term loans were replaced by a single loan, with a twelve month term, repayable in equal monthly instalments commencing in May 2017. The balance outstanding on the term loans at that date was 39,133,000 Metical.

All other terms remained unchanged. The restructuring was required due to the change in the nature of the Company's business following the decision to close and de-stock the cattle farms.

 

As at the period end, the Group had undrawn overdraft borrowing facilities for the Beef division of $375,000 at the 30 September 2017 Metical to US$ exchange rate under the overdraft facility.

 

7. Disposal of SUBSIDIARIES

 

On 1 June 2017, the Group completed the disposal of Tropical Farms Limited and Tropical Farms Plantation (SL) Limited, the Sierra Leone companies which comprised the operating companies in the Group's Cocoa division. The purchasers were local Sierra Leone businessmen who have existing cocoa production, purchasing and distribution operations in country. The disposal was effected in order to generate cash flow for the repayment of borrowing facilities in the Group's Beef division and for general working capital purposes.

 

The net assets of these subsidiaries at the date of disposal, and the calculation of the profit on disposal were as follows:

 

1 June

2017

Unaudited

$000

Property, plant and equipment

362

Trade and other receivables

89

Cash at bank and in hand

6

Trade and other payables

(127)

330

Foreign exchange gains and losses recycled to profit and loss on disposal

128

Expenses incurred in connection with the disposal

20

478

Gain on disposal (included within loss from discontinued operations - refer to note 5.1)

22

Total consideration

500

 

The net cash inflow on disposal was:

Consideration received

500

Less:

Expenses incurred in connection with the disposal

(20)

Cash and cash equivalents disposed of

(6)

Total consideration

474

 

There were no disposals of subsidiaries in the comparative periods.

 

8. Share capital

 

30 September 2017

30 November 2016

30 March

 2017

Unaudited

Unaudited

Audited

Allotted and fully paid

2,124,061,769 (31 March 2017 and 30 November 2016: 1,061,818,478) Ordinary Shares of £0.001 each

3,135

1,722

1,722

155,000,000 Deferred Shares of £0.001 each

 

238

238

238

3,373

1,960

1,960

 

On 15 September 2017, the Company issued 1,062,243,291 new Ordinary Shares at the issue price of 0.4064 US cents per Ordinary Share (the 'Magister Subscription price') to Magister Investments Limited pursuant to a share subscription agreement dated 14 August 2017, raising gross proceeds of $4,317,000 and net proceeds, after expenses, of $4,232,000. The transaction was subject to shareholder approval, which was granted at the general meeting of the Company held on 14 September 2017. The Magister Subscription price was fixed in US$. No other ordinary shares were issued in the current or preceding periods.

 

 

**ENDS**

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
IR GGGQPGUPMPUQ
Date   Source Headline
9th Jan 20243:00 pmRNSResult of AGM
29th Dec 202310:30 amRNSHalf-year Report
12th Dec 202311:00 amRNSNotice of Annual General Meeting
1st Dec 20233:37 pmRNS2023 Annual Results and Trading Restoration
1st Dec 20233:30 pmRNSRestoration - Agriterra Limted
15th Nov 20237:00 amRNSNew Term Loan and Related Party Transaction
26th Oct 20232:30 pmRNS2023 Annual Accounts Timetable Update
2nd Oct 20237:30 amRNSSuspension - Agriterra Limited
11th Sep 20233:30 pmRNS2023 Annual Accounts Timetable
18th Aug 20237:00 amRNSNew Trade Finance Package and RPT
14th Jun 202311:30 amRNSDebt facility and Related Party Transaction
30th Mar 202311:30 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
30th Mar 202311:30 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
30th Mar 202310:32 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
28th Mar 20238:00 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
23rd Mar 202310:40 amRNSFurther Debt Conversion and TVR
23rd Mar 20238:00 amRNSHolding(s) in Company
22nd Mar 202311:40 amRNSResult of Broker Option and TVR
20th Mar 20234:40 pmRNSSecond Price Monitoring Extn
20th Mar 20234:35 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
20th Mar 20237:45 amRNSPlacing, Broker Option and PILOW Instrument
23rd Feb 20233:00 pmRNSHolding(s) in Company
9th Jan 20237:00 amRNSChange of Registered Office
21st Dec 20224:40 pmRNSSecond Price Monitoring Extn
21st Dec 20224:35 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
14th Dec 202210:00 amRNSInterim Results
7th Dec 20224:17 pmRNSResult of AGM
10th Nov 20229:30 amRNSNotice of Annual General Meeting
30th Sep 20229:00 amRNSPosting of 2022 Annual Accounts
30th Sep 20227:00 amRNSAnnual Financial Report
29th Jul 20223:00 pmRNSDebt Refinancing and Working Capital Loan
20th Jul 202211:16 amRNSAppointment of Broker
20th Jun 20221:15 pmRNSBoard Changes
31st Mar 20227:00 amRNSTrading Update
15th Dec 20212:30 pmRNSHY-2022 Interim Results
12th Nov 20212:00 pmRNSChair of Agriterra recognised in Chairperson Award
1st Nov 20214:35 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
1st Nov 20217:00 amRNSFinal Results
30th Sep 20214:41 pmRNSSecond Price Monitoring Extn
30th Sep 20214:36 pmRNSPrice Monitoring Extension
29th Sep 202110:30 amRNSTrading Update and 2021 Annual Accounts Timetable
15th Jul 20211:45 pmRNSUS$6.1m refinancing and Related Party Transaction
21st May 202112:00 pmRNSTrading Update
21st Apr 202110:45 amRNSAppointment of CEO and Board Changes
29th Jan 20212:30 pmRNSResult of AGM
29th Jan 20217:00 amRNSInterim Results
31st Dec 202011:00 amRNS2020 Annual Report Posting & Notice of AGM
24th Dec 20201:15 pmRNSAnnual Results for Year Ended 31 March 2020
27th Nov 202012:10 pmRNS2020 Annual Accounts Timetable Update
19th Oct 20202:15 pmRNS2020 Annual Accounts Timetable Update

Due to London Stock Exchange licensing terms, we stipulate that you must be a private investor. We apologise for the inconvenience.

To access our Live RNS you must confirm you are a private investor by using the button below.

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.

Quickpicks are a member only feature

Login to your account

Don't have an account? Click here to register.