Fih Group Regulatory News (FIH)

7 Dec 2009 07:00



7th December 2009

Falkland Islands Holdings plc

("FIH" or "The Group")

Interim Results for the period ended 30th September 2009

Falkland Islands Holdings, the AIM quoted international services Group which owns essential services businesses focused on transport and logistics and which has a major shareholding in AIM quoted oil exploration company Falkland Oil and Gas Limited ("FOGL"), is pleased to announce interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2009.

Financial Highlights

Turnover £13.8 million (H1 2008: £15.8 million)

Reported profit before tax increased to £1.2 million (H1 2008: £1.0 million )

Earnings per share on reported earnings increased to 9.8p (H1 2008: 7.2p) 

Underlying pre tax profit £1,172,000* (H1 2008: £1,220,000)

Earnings per share based on underlying profits 9.3p (H1 2008: 9.5p) 

Group net borrowings of £5.0 million at 30 September 2009 (31 March 2009: £4.2 million)

Liquidity much improved by £3.6 million proceeds from the sale of 3 million FOGL shares in November 2009.

Post sale of 3 million shares, FIH retains 12 million FOGL shares with a historic cost of 16p per share ( 8.2% holding ) 

*Underlying pre-tax profit is defined as profit before tax, amortisation and non-trading items.

Operating Highlights

Falkland Islands - healthy increase in profitability 

Profits of £272,000 from sale of investment property (H1 2008: nil) 

Failed illex squid catch in early 2009 

Retail sales down 2.4% but like for like figures ahead at the end of the period

West Store selling space now increased by 50%

Increased demand expected for support services for oil exploration and de-mining in H2 

Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company continued to perform well 

Momart - activity levels stabilised but well below the record levels of H1 last year. 

Key exhibition highlights included: Damien Hirst in Ukraine, Baroque exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Anish Kapoor at the Royal Academy

Significant progress made at FOGL (in which FIH holds a strategic interest)

FOGL raised £50 million in November 2009 to finance its share of 3 wells and working capital requirements through 2011

Discussions at an advanced stage with Desire to contract a rig to drill on the Toroa prospect in H1 2010

David Hudd, Chairman of Falkland Islands Holdings plc, said: 

"The economic backdrop remains difficult but the Group has three resilient businesses with good cash generative characteristics. With net borrowings of only £5.0 million prior to proceeds of £3.6 million from the FOGL share sale, the Group is securely financed and well placed for the future.

For the second half of the year revenues at the ferry business are expected to remain steady while Momart has established a firm base at lower levels of activity, has a solid order book for the second half and should benefit from any improvement in the art market. FIC looks set to enjoy buoyant trading in the second half as oil exploration gathers momentum and the benefits of the "new" West Store, flow through. 

Looking to the future, the Group draws strength from its well established, and diverse, niche businesses. In addition shareholders have a direct financial exposure to oil exploration in the Falklands through the shareholding in FOGL and an indirect one through FIC's trading businesses in Stanley."

- Ends -

Enquiries:

  Chairman's and Managing Director's Review 

Overall the results for the first half are in line with our expectations. Underlying pre-tax profits, defined as profits before tax, amortisation and non-trading items declined marginally to £1,172,000 (2008: £1,220,000).

Results from the Falkland Islands were impacted by the failure of the illex squid catch but boosted by the inclusion of a profit of £272,000 from the sale of a property. Property development is now a significant part of our business in the Islands so the results of that activity are now included in revenue and reflected in underlying profits.

With the inclusion of non trading items, reported profits before tax rose 21% to £1,224,000 (2008: £1,014,000). Group turnover fell by 13% from £15.8 million to £13.8 million reflecting a return to more sustainable levels of business for Momart and subdued trading in the Falklands.

Non-trading items resulted in a net credit of £52,000 (2008: charge of £206,000) and included in both years a goodwill amortisation charge of £198,000. The other items were the revaluation of the interest rate collar on borrowings (2009: credit of £77,000; 2008 charge of £8,000) and compensation received for the early termination of a lease in the UK of £173,000 (2008: nil).

Earnings per share based on reported earnings were 9.8p (2008: 7.2p). EPS based on underlying profits were 9.3p (2008: 9.5p). 

As in previous years no interim dividend is proposed.

On 30 September 2009 the Group had net borrowings of £5.0 million (31 March 2009: £4.2 million) including cash balances of £2.2 million (31 March 2009: £3.0 million). Subsequently on 30 November 2009 the liquidity position of the Group was strengthened by the sale of 3 million shares in Falkland Oil and Gas Limited (FOGL) which generated net proceeds of £3.6 million. The Group retains 12 million shares in FOGL following the sale.

Operating Review

Falkland Islands (FIC)

Revenues at FIC declined to £5.5 million (2008: £5.8 million) as the absence of illex at the start of the financial year affected both the income of the fishing agency and consumer confidence. However, profits were boosted by the sale of a large un-modernised house from FIC's property portfolio which generated a profit of £272,000 (2008: nil). Retailing turnover was 2.4% lower than the prior year as competition exacerbated the impact of the weak economy and vehicle sales fell sharply as Government agencies reduced capital spending. However, revenues from insurance and travel services remained stable and net income from the residential property portfolio increased as maintenance costs fell. Darwin Shipping continued to perform well with revenues slightly ahead of 2008.

Operating profits for FIC increased to £508,000 compared with £331,000 in 2008. After the allocation of finance charges and interest, FIC's profits before tax was £467,000 (2008: £267,000). 

The September announcement of the first offshore drilling campaign since 1998 has energised the economy. This has been evidenced by increased demand for support services from the oil exploration programme and the positive trend has been helped by the start of the first de-mining contract where FIC are providing a range of services. 

At the same time there has been a substantial improvement in our retail businesses as the benefits of management change have begun to be felt and like for like results moved into positive territory at the end of the half year. Excellent progress was also made with the transformational extension of the West Store complex, which increased retail selling space by 50%. The complex now includes a discrete electrical / home entertainment store, a cafe and for the first time, a car park with trolley access to the newly created  rear entrance. The "new" West Store was opened on 18 November in good time for Christmas trading and the start of the cruise ship season.

During the period work also continued on conversion of the loss making Upland Goose Hotel at Marmont Row into 12 separate, residential properties for sale or rental. Work on four of the properties is nearing completion with a further six expected to be ready for sale or letting within the next few months.

FIC also has a portfolio of properties in Stanley and 3 significant development sites including the former YPF depot in East Stanley and the former butchery in West Stanley both of 2 acres, which have the benefit of established services and work is currently starting on plans for the development of these sites. FIC also owns a further 38 acre site at Dairy Paddock, with planning permission for 350 homes which can be developed over the longer term.

Ferry Services (PHFC) 

The ferry operation at Portsmouth Harbour performed steadily in the half year. As expected, passenger numbers were affected by the economic downturn falling 5% compared to the first half of 2008/9 but the effect of the reduction was largely offset by fare increases in June and consequently ferry revenues for the half year were unchanged at £2.0 million. Effective cost control was helped by lower fuel prices. As a result, operating profits improved slightly to £458,000 (2008: £442,000). After the allocation of finance charges and interest, profits before tax were down slightly at £403,000 (2008: £422,000).

Reliability and safety remains the cornerstone of the ferry's success and in the period only 37 ferry journeys failed to depart on schedule representing a reliability level of 99.9% (2008: 99.8%). Our thanks are once more due to the professionalism and conscientiousness of the staff at Gosport for the safe and effective running of this vital local service.

Discussions have continued with Gosport Borough Council in order to secure a functional, cost effective replacement for the existing pontoon at Gosport which is leased from the Council. Discussions are now progressing well and installation is expected late in 2010.

Momart 

After the difficult trading conditions experienced at the end of the last financial year, Momart, our fine art logistics business, saw activity levels stabilise and the company generated  profits and cash flow ahead of budget  in the period. Notable exhibitions included Damien Hirst in Ukraine, Baroque at the Victoria and Albert Museum and Anish Kapoor at the Royal Academy.  

However, revenues at Momart were some 21 % lower than the record levels seen in the first half of 2008 with double digit falls seen in both Exhibitions (20%) and Gallery Services (28%). Storage revenues which accounted for 12% of sales were at the same level compared to the prior period. Operating profit before amortisation and non-trading items for the period amounted to £476,000, down on the record level achieved in the prior year of £703,000. After the allocation of interest charges and finance costs of £174,000 (2008: £172,000), underlying profits before tax were £302,000 (2008: £531,000).

FOGL  

The Group continues to hold a major stake in the AIM listed oil and gas exploration company, Falkland Oil and Gas Limited (FOGL). The market value of the Group's holding of 15 million shares at 30 September 2009 was £18.9 million (126p per share) (2008: £11.9 million; 79p per share) compared to a historic cost of 16p per share (£2.5 million).

During the period BHP Billiton the operator which has a 51% interest in the licences completed detailed site surveys and submitted Environmental Impact Assessments for 4 prospects.

FOGL announced on 26 November 2009 that discussions were at an advanced stage with Desire Petroleum to contract the Ocean Guardian rig to drill a well in the first half of 2010 on the Toroa prospect. The Toroa prospect is located approximately 100km south of the Fakland Islands and could contain very large quantities of oil. On the same day FOGL announced that £50 million, before expenses, had been raised by the placing of 43.7 million shares at 115p to finance the company's share of costs for its two licence commitment wells, possible other discretionary wells and working capital requirements through 2011. 

Following these announcements the FIH Board determined that it would be prudent to diversify the risk profile of the Group and therefore on 30 November 2009 sold 3 million FOGL shares, reducing the group's shareholding to 12 million shares (8.2%).The sale generated net proceeds of £3.6 million and a profit after tax of £3.1 million. The proceeds of sale will be used to reduce borrowings and provide the Group with the financial flexibility to take advantage of investment opportunities in operating activities. The Board has no current intention of selling any further shares in FOGL and has given a specific undertaking in this regard that no further share sales will be made in advance of completion of the drilling of the Toroa prospect 

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow 

During the half year the Group invested £1.0 million in the Falkland Islands principally on the West Store extension and the Marmont Row development. After depreciation of £0.4 million the net book value of property plant and equipment increased from £7.7 million to £8.3 million at 30 September 2009. Working capital investment in inventories and trade receivables increased in line with seasonal factors. 

Interest bearing loans and liabilities at 30 September 2009 were unchanged at £7.2 million (31 March 2009: £7.2 million) and the Group had cash balances of £2.2 million (31 March 2009: £3.0 million) leaving net borrowings of £5.0 million (31 March 2009: £4.2 million). 

Of the Group's £7.2 million of borrowings, £4.2 million is covered by interest rate collars which in accordance with IFRS are re-valued for accounting purposes at each period end, requiring a release of provision of £77,000 at 30 September 2009. This accounting charge has no impact on cash flow.

People

Sir Harry Solomon (72), a Non-Executive Director since 1999, has indicated that he wishes to retire from the Board and will do so on 31 December 2009. Sir Harry has been an invaluable source of advice and counsel over the last 10 years as he has helped guide the Group's growth from its Falkland origins. We thank him for his very considerable contribution and wish him well. With the addition to the Board in September of Jeremy Brade we have no immediate plans to replace Sir Harry.

Outlook

The economic backdrop remains difficult but the Group has three resilient businesses with good cash generative characteristics. With net borrowings of only £5.0 million prior to proceeds of £3.6 million from the FOGL share sale, the Group is securely financed and well placed for the future.

For the second half of the year revenues at the ferry business are expected to remain steady while Momart has established a firm base at lower levels of activity, has a solid order book for the second half and should benefit from any improvement in the art market. FIC looks set to enjoy more buoyant trading in the second half as oil exploration gathers momentum and the benefits of the "new" West Store flow through.

Looking to the future, the Group draws strength from its well established, and diverse, niche businesses. In addition shareholders have a direct financial exposure to oil exploration in the Falklands through the shareholding in FOGL and an indirect one through FIC's trading businesses in Stanley.

David Hudd John Foster

Chairman  Managing Director 

  Falkland Island Holdings plc

Interim Report 2009

Condensed Interim Consolidated Income Statement

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2009

See note 5 for an analysis of earnings per share on underlying profit (defined as profit after tax before amortisation and non-trading items).  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2009

  Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2009

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2009

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2009

Notes to the Unaudited Interim Statements

1. Basis of preparation

This interim financial information comprises the condensed consolidated balance sheets at 30 September 2009, 30 September 2008 and 31 March 2009 and condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the periods then ended and related notes of Falkland Islands Holdings plc (hereinafter 'the interim financial information').

The interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the Group's 2009 financial statements with the exception noted in the paragraph below. As permitted, these interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with AIM rules and not in accordance with IAS34 'Interim Financial Reporting'.

The management and development of the Group's property portfolio in the Falkland Islands is now a significant part of the Group's trading activity. Accordingly the Board has decided prospectively to report receipts from the disposal of investment property and rents received from its portfolio of residential and commercial properties as a trading activity within turnover. Associated gains and losses on the disposal of rental properties are accordingly recognised within gross profit. Prior year comparatives have been amended accordingly.

The adopted International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') that will be effective (or available for early adoption) in the annual financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2010 are still subject to change and to additional interpretations and therefore cannot be determined with certainty. Accordingly, the accounting policies for that annual period will be determined finally only when the annual financial statements are prepared for the year ending 31 March 2010.

IFRS8 'Operating Segments', has been adopted from 1 April 2009 and reflected in the comparative figures. The Standard introduces a management approach to segment reporting and segment information is consistent with internal management reporting.

The Interim Report was approved by the Board on 6 December 2009.

Section 240 Statement

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 March 2009 are not the Company's full statutory accounts for that financial year. 

Those accounts have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.

2. Segmental revenue and profit analysis

2. Segmental revenue and profit analysis (continued)

3. Finance income and expense

4. Taxation

The taxation charge has been estimated to be 28.5% (2008: 29.5%)

5. Earnings per share

Earnings per share has been calculated on profit after tax of £883,000 (6 months to September 2008 : £649,000; year to 31 March 2009 Loss: -£1,153,000) based on the weighted average number of shares in issue, excluding shares held in the Employee Share Ownership Plan, of 9,027,084 (6 months to 30 September 2008: 9,024,584; year to 31 March 2009: 9,024,297). The diluted earnings have been further adjusted to assume the full exercise of share options in issue, to the extent that they are dilutive.

Earnings per share on underlying profit

To provide a comparison of earnings per share on underlying performance, the table below sets out basic and diluted earnings per share based on profits after tax before amortisation and non-trading items ('underlying profit after tax'):

6. Financial assets - available for sale equity securities

(a) At fair value

The Group has an investment of 15,000,000 shares in the AIM quoted company Falkland Oil and Gas Limited ('FOGL').

An unrealised gain of £8,010,000 (2008: loss of £6,600,000) has been recognised in the period and transferred to the Financial assets fair value reserve as a component of shareholders' funds.

Subsequent to the half year end, on 30 November 2009 the Group sold 3,000,000 FOGL shares at 120.0p per share, generating net proceeds of £3.58 million and a profit on disposal of £3.1 million. The Group holding after disposal is 12,000,000 shares.

Financial assets - available for sale equity securities (continued)

6(b) At cost

7. Employee benefits

The Company has elected to follow the precedent established at 30 September 2008 and decided not to revalue its pension obligations at the half-year end. The Group's principal pension obligation, the Falkland Islands Company Limited Pension Scheme, is unfunded and therefore not subject to valuation volatility as a result of stock market fluctuations. At 31 March 2009 the Group's other pension fund, The Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company Plc (1975) Retirement Scheme, showed a net deficit of £172,000.

8. Analysis of change in debt