Armadale Capital Plc Interim Results

 
TIDMACP 
 
 

Armadale Capital Plc

('Armadale' the 'Company' or the 'Group')

Interim Results

Armadale, the AIM quoted investment company focused on natural resource projects in Africa, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2016.

William Frewen, Chairman of Armadale, said:

"It gives me great pleasure to provide my inaugural statement as Chairman of Armadale. Joining the Board post period end I am not best placed to provide commentary on the first half of the year, but I wanted to take this opportunity to explain why I joined Armadale at its helm, and where I see the future direction of the Company.

"My career up to this point has been centred on identifying and developing interesting and profitable companies, and it is with this in mind that I was attracted to Armadale with a mandate to drive shareholder value. There are undoubtedly assets with enormous strategic value which are as yet undeveloped in Africa - and I believe Armadale now has the team in place to isolate these, and importantly, execute mining opportunities in a cost-effective and efficient manner in line with the Company's investing policy.

"Central to the Company's immediate future is the Mahenge Liandu Graphite Project in south-east Tanzania, which was acquired post period end. This prospect represents an exciting new investment for Armadale, drawing upon the Company's understanding of the African resource sector, delivering a compelling investment opportunity in the graphite market in order to capitalise on the strong wider macroeconomic outlook for graphite, which is a key element in the burgeoning global battery market. The potential for commercial grade graphite has led the Board to determine that the Mahenge Liandu Graphite Project will increasingly become a focus for Armadale.

"I look forward to providing more news on our investments, particularly regarding the exploration programme now underway at Mahenge Liandu, together with news relating to our additional investments in due course. I would like to thank both our new and existing shareholders, and reiterate my enthusiasm for Armadale's evolving investment story and the tangible opportunities this presents for shareholders."

Directors' Statement

As an investment company, Armadale is constantly looking to identify value accretive assets or businesses, and this strategy was developed towards the end of the period with the acquisition of the Mahenge Liandu Graphite Project ('Mahenge Liandu'). The acquisition of this asset, which was completed post period end, prompted a restructuring of the Board, firstly through the appointment of our new Non-Executive Chairman William Frewen, followed by the appointment of Mr Steve Mahede as a Non-Executive Director, who brings with him exceptional industry experience of resource development projects in Africa, particularly Tanzania. Concurrently with Steve's appointment, Dr Andrew Tunks resigned as Non-Executive Director to pursue a full time role elsewhere, and we thank him for his valuable contribution. Armadale's former Chairman, Peter Marks, has become a Non-Executive Director, and it is expected that his, as well as Justin Lewis's, corporate experience will be retained during this period of transition.

Whilst excitement regarding Mahenge Liandu was building towards the end of the period, the main focus for the majority of the period was the Mpokoto Gold Project located in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo ('Mpokoto'). The key elements of the Definitive Feasibility Study ('DFS'), which forms the basis of the mining plan and which is an essential requirement ahead of making an investment decision, are now largely complete.

Whilst we have undoubtedly added significant tangible value to Mpokoto, and distinguished it as an attractive development asset, the Board are cognisant of the deceleration of activities on site whilst we try to finalise financing discussions with potential partners, African Mining Contracting Services Group ('A-MCS'). These discussions are proving lengthy and to date, unrewarding, and so the Board is assessing alternative potential commercial arrangements through which Armadale could retain an interest in Mpokoto, but would have less exposure to the execution risk and potential dilution at Group level, which may be unavoidable if we were to finance the development of Mpokoto independently.

The Board is also seeking to divest Armadale's interest in Mine Restoration Investments Ltd, as well as some of its portfolio of smaller quoted and non-core investments. Nevertheless, our focus remains on identifying and investing in African resources projects in accordance with our stated investing policy.

Whilst these discussions and divestment plans are on-going, Armadale's focus is set on graphite, and our newly acquired Mahenge Liandu Graphite Project. Mahenge Liandu is situated in a highly prospective zone with proven coarse flake, high grade graphite found in adjacent sites. The potential of this prospect led to a successful GBP825,000 equity raising, as announced on 23 June 2016, to develop this project further and commence the next phase of the drilling programme. To date, electromagnetic surveys together with geological mapping completed by the Company have indicated a substantial potential resource. If all goes to schedule a JORC resource is possible in the near future, which can validate further development work and is a necessary precursor to production.

The publication of a JORC Mineral Resource Estimate will provide investors with a tool through which to value the Company compared to other graphite companies, including neighbouring peers and those listed on the ASX.

The directors would like to take this opportunity to thank Armadale's shareholders, its employees and partners for their on-going support and commitment. We look forward to keeping the market updated through this next, exciting phase of our development.

For and on behalf of the Board

21 September 2016

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2016

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 June 2016

 
                                         Unaudited           Audited 
                                         Six months ended    Year Ended 
                                         30 June  30 June    31 December 
                                         2016     2015       2015 
                                         GBP'000    GBP'000      GBP'000 
Revenue                                  -        -          - 
Cost of sales                            -        -          - 
Gross profit                             -        -          - 
Administrative expenses                  (350)    (307)      (616) 
Impairment of investments                71       -          (316) 
Finance costs                            -        (58)       (59) 
Loss before tax                          (279)    (365)      (991) 
Taxation                                 -        -          - 
Loss after tax attributable to equity    (279)    (365)      (991) 
holders of the parent  company 
                                         Pence    Pence      Pence 
Loss per share attributable 
to equity holders of the 
parent company (note 3)                  (0.29)   (1.05)     (1.91) 
Basic and fully diluted 
Loss after taxation                      (279)    (365)      (991) 
Other comprehensive income 
Items that may be reclassified 
to profit or loss: 
Exchange differences on translating      202      -          93 
foreign entities 
Total comprehensive loss                 (77)     (365)      (898) 
attributable to the 
equity holders of  the parent company 
 
 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

At 30 June 2016

 
                               Unaudited               Audited 
                               30 June 2016  30 June   31 December 2015 
                                             2015 
                               GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000 
Assets 
Non-Current assets 
Exploration and evaluation     5,591         4,074     4,923 
assets 
Property, plant                20            28        24 
and equipment 
Investments                    45            30        56 
                               5,656         4,132     5,003 
Current assets 
Investment                     257           689       323 
Trade and other receivables    423           133       317 
Cash and cash equivalents      614           26        161 
                               1,294         848       801 
Total assets                   6,950         4,980     5,804 
Equity and liabilities 
Equity 
Share capital (note 4)         2,876         2,779     2,824 
Share premium                  17,559        15,174    16,585 
Shares to be issued            286           286       286 
Share option reserve           182           1,610     182 
Foreign exchange reserve       295           -         93 
Retained earnings              (14,830)      (15,353)  (14,551) 
Total equity                   6,368         4,496     5,419 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables       582           342       340 
Loan notes                     -             142       45 
                               582           484       385 
Total equity and liabilities   6,950         4,980     5,804 
 
 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the period ended 30 June 2016

 
                Share    Share Premium  Shares to be  Share Option  Foreign   Retained  Total 
                Capital  GBP'000          Issued        Reserve       Exchange  Earnings 
                GBP'000                   GBP'000         GBP'000         Reserve   GBP'000     GBP'000 
                                                                    GBP'000 
Balance         2,563    14,808         286           1,610         -         (14,988)  4,279 
1 
January 
2015 
Loss for        -        -              -             -             -         (365)     (365) 
the 
period 
Total           -        -              -             -             -         (365)     (365) 
comprehensive 
loss 
for the 
period 
Issue of        216      397            -             -             -         -         613 
shares 
Expenses        -        (31)           -             -             -         -         (31) 
of issue 
Total           216      366            -             -             -         -         582 
other 
movements 
Balance         2,779    15,174         286           1,610         -         (15,353)  4,496 
30 
June 
2015 
Loss for        -        -              -             -             -         (626)     (626) 
the 
period 
Other           -        -              -             -             93        -         93 
comprehensive 
income 
Total           -        -              -             -             93        (626)     (533) 
comprehensive 
loss 
for the 
period 
Issue of        45       1,514          -             -             -         -         1,559 
Shares 
Expenses        -        (103)          -             -             -         -         (103) 
of issue 
Release         -        -              -             (1,428)       -         1,428     - 
on 
expiry 
of 
options 
Total           45       1,411          -             (1,428)       -         1,428     1,456 
other 
movements 
Balance         2,824    16,585         286           182           (93)      (14,551)  5,419 
31 
December 
2015 
Loss for        -        -              -             -             -         (279)     (279) 
the 
period 
Other           -        -              -             -             202       -         202 
comprehensive 
income 
Total           -        -              -             -             202       (279)     (77) 
comprehensive 
loss 
for the 
period 
Issue of        52       1,074          -             -             -         -         1,126 
shares 
Expenses        -        (100)          -             -             -         -         (100) 
of issue 
Total           52       974            -             -             -         -         1,026 
other 
movements 
Balance         2,876    17,559         286           182           295       (14,830)  6,368 
30 
June 
2016 
 
 

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within shareholders' equity:

ReserveDescription and purpose

Share capital Amount subscribed for share capital at nominal value

Share premium Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value, net of allowable expenses

Shares to be issued Value of share capital to be issued in connection with the acquisition of Netcom

Share option reserve Reserve for share options granted but not exercised

Foreign exchange reserve Gains/losses arising on re-translating the net assets of overseas operations into sterling

Retained earnings Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the period ended 30 June 2016

 
                            Six Months ended 
                            30 June 2016  30 June 2015  31 December 2015 
                            GBP'000         GBP'000         GBP'000 
Cash flows from operating 
activities 
Loss before taxation        (279)         (365)         (991) 
Depreciation                6             6             13 
Unrealised foreign          8             (2)           49 
exchange 
differences 
Loan note accretion         -             34            34 
Impairment of investments   (71)          -             316 
Loss on sale of             85            -             24 
investments 
Loan note interest          -             1             2 
accrued 
Shares issued in            110           -             165 
settlement 
of liabilities 
                            (141)         (326)         (388) 
Changes in working 
capital 
Receivables                 (240)         50            - 
Payables                    327           189           60 
Net cash used               (54)          (87)          (328) 
in operating 
activities 
Cash flows from investing 
activities 
Expenditure on              (560)         (478)         (1,158) 
exploration 
and evaluation assets 
Purchase of listed          -             -             (8) 
investments 
Sale of listed              62            -             8 
investments 
Net cash used               (498)         (478)         (1,158) 
in investing 
activities 
Cash flows from financing 
activities 
Proceeds from issue         1,105         404           1,503 
of shares 
Issue costs                 (100)         (31)          (133) 
Proceeds from issue         -             200           120 
of loan notes 
Repayment of loan notes     -             (220)         (81) 
Net cash from financing     1,005         353           1,409 
activities 
Net increase in cash        453           (212)         (77) 
and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents   161           238           238 
at 1 January 2016 
Cash and cash equivalents   614           26            161 
at 30 June 2016 
 
 

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

For the period ended 30 June 2016

1.Incorporation and principal activities

Country of incorporation

Armadale Capital Plc was incorporated in the United Kingdom as a public limited company on 19 August 2005. Its registered office is 55 Gower Street, London WC1E 6HQ.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the Group during the period was that of an investment company.

2.Accounting policies

1.Statement of compliance

The financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2016 and 30 June 2015 is unreviewed and unaudited and does not constitute the Group's statutory financial statements for those periods within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The comparative financial information for the year ended 31 December 2015 has been derived from the Annual Report and Accounts, which were approved by the Board of Directors on19 May 2016 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the Auditors on those accounts was unqualified and did not contain any statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

This condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the European Union. This condensed set of financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 as described in those annual financial statements.

2.2.Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as, in the opinion of the Directors, there is a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

2.3.Exploration and evaluation assets

These assets are recorded at cost and are amortised over their expected useful life on a pro rata basis of actual production for the period to expected total production.

2.4.Investments

Investments are stated at cost less provision for impairment.

3.Loss per share

The calculation of basic loss per share is based on a loss of GBP279,000 (2015, GBP365,000) and on 95,438,033 (2015, 34,819,494) Ordinary Shares, being the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the period.

There is no difference between basic loss per share and diluted loss per share as the Group reported a loss for the period.

Share capital

During the period, the company placed a total of 45,000,000 Ordinary Shares in the capital of the Company to raise GBP970,000 (GBP870,000 after expenses) with institutional and other investors.

During the period, GBP46,243 of convertible loan notes including accrued interest was converted into 1,541,434 Ordinary Shares in the capital of the company.

During the period, payment was made for services costing GBP110,000 supplied to the Company by the issue of 6,250,000 Ordinary Shares in the company.

For further information, please visit www.armadalecapitalplc.com, follow us on Twitter @ArmadaleCapital, or contact:

**S**

 
Enquiries: 
Armadale Capital Plc                        [phone] 
William Frewen, Chairman                    [phone] 
Charles Zorab, Company Secretary 
Nomad and broker: finnCap Ltd               [phone] 
Christopher Raggett / Simon Hicks 
Joint Broker: Beaufort Securities Limited   [phone] 
Jon Belliss 
PR & IR: St Brides Partners Ltd             [phone] 
Susie Geliher / Charlotte Page 
 
 

Notes

Armadale Capital Plc is focused on investing in and developing a portfolio of investments, targeting the natural resources and/or infrastructure sectors in Africa. The company, led by a team with operational experience and a strong track record in Africa, has a strategy of identifying high growth businesses where it can take an active role in their advancement.

The Company owns the Mahenge Liandu graphite project in south-east Tanzania. The project is located in a highly prospective region with proven coarse flake, high grade graphite resources - ASX listed Kibaran and Black Rock have both identified and are developing significant proven and valuable graphite projects immediately adjacent to Mahenge Liandu. A mineralised trend about 1.6km in strike length and up to 500m wide has been identified at the project, which remains open at depth. Armadale geologists have mapped and sampled the graphite schist, with results from seven previous samples ranging from 12.8% - 24.0% TGC. Exploration drilling completed at the project in December 2015 has further confirmed the mineral potential of the license area, with results including 10mt at 6.54% TGC, 24mt at 12.9% TGC and 5mt at 21.5% TGC. Armadale is targeting a maiden resource estimation in late 2016.

In addition, Armadale is developing of the Mpokoto Gold project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in which it owns an 80% interest. Mpokoto has a current Total Mineral Resource of 678,000oz gold ('Au') from 14.58mt @ 1.45g/t Au at a cut-off grade of 0.5g/t. The company has recently announced the results of a feasibility study for Mpokoto which demonstrated a pre-tax net present value of US$43m based upon a discount rate of 5% and a gold price of US$1,250/oz. The project is subject to four mining licenses which are valid for an initial term of 30 years from 30 September 2014.

Armadale has a portfolio other quoted investments.

More information can be found on the website www.armadalecapitalplc.com.

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September 22, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)