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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equatorial Palm Oil Plc | LSE:PAL | London | Ordinary Share | GB00BMF75608 | ORD 0.2P |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00% | 20.00 | 19.50 | 21.00 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMPAL
RNS Number : 1190P
Equatorial Palm Oil plc
14 November 2016
14 November 2016
EQUATORIAL PALM OIL plc
("EPO" or the "Company")
Audited Results for the period ended 30 September 2016
Equatorial Palm Oil plc (AIM: PAL), the AIM listed palm oil development and production company with operations in Liberia, West Africa, announces its audited results for the 12 months ended 30 September 2016.
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of EPO will be held at the offices of Shakespeare Martineau LLP, 6th Floor, 60 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0HR on Thursday 26th January 2017 at 11.00 a.m.
The Company's Annual Report and Notice of Annual General Meeting will shortly be posted to shareholders and made available on the Company's website at www.epoil.co.uk.
For further information, please visit www.epoil.co.uk or contact:
Equatorial Palm Oil plc +44 (0) 20 7016 Geoffrey Brown (Executive Director) 9885 Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated Adviser) +44 (0) 20 7409 James Harris / James Bellman 3494 Mirabaud Securities LLP (Broker) +44 (0) 20 7484 Peter Krens 3510
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Introduction
Our year in review was very much a period of consolidation while we performed studies and assessments for High Carbon Stock (HCS) and also completed a 2-year consultation process with the communities within which we operate, where agreement was sought for land development. During this time there has been no land development. However, we completed the inaugural Sustainability Report 2015, which has set out in detail the way in which the Company deals with its corporate social responsibility, sustainability matters and stakeholders involved in the business. On that basis we continued to invest significant funds into our Liberia palm oil operations on the basis that Equatorial Palm Oil plc ("EPO" or "the Company") is in this business for the long term.
Liberian Palm Developments Limited and its subsidiaries ("LPD Group") - Operational Review
Commitment to New Palm Oil Mill
On 13 April 2016 the Company announced that it will construct a 60 metric tonnes per hour ("mt/hr") palm oil mill ("POM") to be located at Palm Bay estate.
The POM will be constructed in a modular design with two lines of 30mt/hr each, however the ground preparation will be completed for a 60mt/hr POM. The first stage is the commissioning of a 30mt/hr POM, anticipated to be operational in 2018, which will cost approximately US$20m (the "First Phase") and is to be funded by debt finance which our major shareholder and JV partner Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad ("KLK") have arranged and is set out in more detail below. The balance of funding for the second 30mt/hr line will be sought closer to the time of commissioning on a similar debt funded basis.
The construction of this mill is significant for the communities in which we operate and for the Liberian Government. Given the recent downturn in prices for commodities and oil & gas the Liberian Government has put a greater emphasis on agriculture and is providing all necessary assistance to the LPD Group to ensure all imports for "agro-processing" are free of any import duties.
Palm Bay estate is located 24km from the port of Buchanan where the LPD Group has leased approximately 4.5 acres for a tank farm and export facility in close proximity to the wharf from which it is intended that vessels will load LPD Group's produce for onward shipment to customers.
Funding
EPO announced on 5 September 2016 that Liberian Palm Developments ("LPD") entered into a loan agreement for a facility of US$30m with KLK Agro Plantations Pte Ltd ("KLK Agro"), a wholly owned subsidiary of KLK, to fund the operations and capital requirements of LPD (the "Loan").
The Loan will be used to continue with the next phase of growth of the LPD Group and fund the construction of the First Phase of the POM to be built on Palm Bay estate.
The key terms of the Loan, which is unsecured, are as follows:
-- Amount - up to US$30m -- Term - 2 September 2016 to 25 January 2020 (the "Term") -- Interest - 3-months USD LIBOR + 5 per cent per annum
-- Repayment - loan principal (together with all accrued interest) due on expiry of the Term or such earlier date as LPD may decide
The Loan is in addition and on predominantly the same terms as the Loan of US$20.5m which EPO announced on 27 January 2015, which has now been fully drawn down and remains outstanding, falling due on 25 January 2020. The Loan can be drawn down by LPD in line with its operational funding requirements and, as at 30 September 2016, approximately $20m remains to be drawn down under the Loan.
This latest round of funding will drive our operations into production in 2018 and fund the building and commissioning of the First Phase of the POM.
Community Consent for Land Development
Following a 2-year formal consultation process, LPD's Liberian subsidiary ("EPO Liberia"), announced on 5 May 2016, that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with designated community leaders over four key areas on Palm Bay estate to allow the development of oil palm and ancillary activities.
The MOU was signed between EPO Liberia, Community elders, leaders and residents of Tarlo town, Blayah town, Nuhn town and Qlakpojelay (the "Community") who all came to a joint resolution with regard to the planned development of these areas on Palm Bay estate. A group of signatories which represent an accurate cross-section of the Community signed the MOU, including some of the communities not presently in favour of development.
The signing ceremony, which was witnessed by several local and international press organisations, followed a process whereby EPO Liberia and the Community elders jointly mapped the areas which can and cannot be developed for oil palm. This joint mapping exercise was inclusive of the consenting and non-consenting communities of the Phase 1 development at Palm Bay estate and was witnessed by the District Commissioner of District #4 of Grand Bassa County.
The Company disclosed the full details of the agreement, which were as follows:
-- The Company will not develop or plant oil palm on the priority land area where the Community does not want the Company to develop its oil palm plantation.
-- A map was attached to the MOU which illustrated the priority land area where the Community did not want the Company to develop its oil palm plantation.
-- The Company will proceed with its land development in areas ceded by consented communities in the Phase 1 boundary as guided by its Sustainability Policy.
-- The Company will only develop the remainder of the concession land outside of the Phase 1 boundary with adherence to the principles of 'free, prior and informed consent' ("FPIC").
-- The Company is allowed to conduct its FPIC processes within the concession land and will respect the decision of all communities.
The agreement with the Community allows for a process whereby the interests of stakeholders are taken into account and they are actively engaged in order to conclude a pathway forward for sustainable development of our oil palm operations. The MOU with the Community forms the background to allow the LPD Group to move forward in creating a new palm oil industry in Liberia that conforms to the local community's needs, international best practice standards and gives us great confidence for continued expansion.
Palm Bay and Butaw Estates
Work has been ongoing at both Palm Bay and Butaw estates to tend to the already 7,400 ha planted since 2011. LPD Group's Management has reported that these palms are developing well and the palms planted in 2011 and 2012 are now bearing fruit. As has been well documented, no land development or new planting has been undertaken since Q4 2014.
During the High Carbon Stock ("HCS") study funded by the Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto Group ("the "HCS+"), the LPD Group had committed to use the HCS Approach methodology to avoid clearing HCS areas on its estates. In this respect, the LPD Group had engaged The Forest Trust ("TFT") assistance to assess approximately 1,500ha for new plantings on Palm Bay estate. This exercise has now been completed and the LPD Group has recommenced land development and new planting as further detailed below.
Currently, there are initiatives in place for the convergence of the two methodologies (HCS+ and HCS Approach), which the LPD Group supports in the move towards a single standard for implementation of the 'No Deforestation' commitments. Until this convergence is completed, the LPD Group will adopt the HCS Approach methodology in respect of new oil palm development at its estates.
Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR") and Sustainability
On 24 November 2015, EPO published its first ever Sustainability Report, outlining EPO's work in Liberia, illustrating its CSR projects and detailing how it is addressing land rights issues in Liberia.
The Report, which received favourable feedback from stakeholders, can be found at:
http://www.epoil.co.uk/Sustainability%20Report%202015.aspx
The Report also outlines EPO's involvement with an international study to clearly define what constitutes a HCS forest and establish HCS thresholds for oil palm cultivation that balance environmental concerns with socio-economic and political factors in developing and emerging economies where oil palm is cultivated.
The report also addresses:
-- EPO's commitment to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) including the key principle of FPIC from communities as essential for land development
-- The Company's plans to help make the certified sustainable palm oil industry the basis of stable, long term economic development in Liberia
-- Profiles of EPO's community engagement activities and the community liaison team in Liberia
-- 2013-15 land issues, the Jogbahn Clan (a local community in Liberia), land rights issues and resolutions
-- The Company's environmental measures -- The Company's work on gender equality and empowerment -- EPO's response to the 2013-15 West African outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease -- Data outlining all EPO CSR initiatives for an illustrative time period
The Sustainability Report not only highlighted all the benefits of the work that EPO is doing in Liberia for its host communities but also noted areas where we can add more value which we are actively progressing.
EPO has a long term commitment to Liberia and its people, and such reports will be produced on an annual basis as a record of our commitment to continuous CSR activities.
In addition to producing an annual sustainability report, EPO's monthly CSR activities and sustainability progress can be monitored via the Company's dedicated microsite, which can be found at:
www.csr21.org/company/equatorial-palm-oil
Relevant articles, photos and videos are posted and updated, including information on EPO's reaction to the Ebola crisis.
EPO is committed to ensuring economic and social benefits in Liberia for the local people and communities in which we operate and respecting their right to give consent to proposed developments or conservation through the FPIC process.
Sustainability is a long term objective for all our operations in Liberia. Having become a member of the RSPO in 2007, we have consistently adopted best practices and procedures to ensure that the CPO produced from our estates meet international sustainability standards.
Operational Update
As announced on 24 October 2016, the LPD Group recommenced land development on Palm Bay estate. It is pleasing to recommence land development, not only after detailed HCS assessments but also following a two year consultation process in which the LPD Group actively engaged with stakeholders to consider all interests relating to oil palm development on our estates.
Personnel
Our staff members continue to do an outstanding job in a very challenging environment. Our team in Liberia is ably led by Mr Sashi Nambiar who, as Country Manager, leads a very experienced and capable Senior Management team.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their continued dedication in supporting the Company's efforts to further the growth of the business.
Ebola
EPO is mindful of the significant impact the Ebola virus has had throughout West Africa, with at least 10,000 people having died since the outbreak first began in 2014. Although there has been a significant reduction in the number of instances of infection from the virus, the biggest risk perceived by governments and health organisations is now one of complacency and EPO Liberia is continuing to adhere to stringent preventative and precautionary measures at all our sites in accordance with guidelines set by the Government of Liberia in order to prevent infection and the re-introduction of the disease.
Financial Review
The loss of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2016 of US$1,276,000 (year ended 30 September 2015: US$1,391,000) was in line with expectations.
Cash held by the Group as at 30 September 2016 was US$465,000 (30 September 2015: US$987,000).
Outlook
It is heartening to note that at an operational level the LPD Group has recommenced land development. This, coupled with the signing of the MOU and consent from the communities in which we operate for the development of oil palm, gives us great confidence that we will be a significant West African palm oil producer in the not too distant future.
The feedback to our Sustainability Report 2015 was encouraging and I want to thank all stakeholders for their continued input in this very important and growing area of our business. Through our concessions, we have made long term commitments to Liberia and its people and we intend to honour these commitments in full. We have strong ties to the local communities that depend on our operations.
I would like to thank KLK and all of our shareholders for their continued support and I look forward to updating you on our progress in the year ahead and the creation of value for all stakeholders.
Michael Frayne
Chairman
STRATEGIC REPORT
Performance and Outlook
The development, performance, financial position and outlook of the Company are discussed in detail in the Chairman's Statement on pages 3 to 7.
Key Performance Indicators and Milestones
The key performance indicators and milestones for Equatorial Palm Oil plc and its investments (the "Group") for the reported period include:
-- Completion of Sustainability Report 2015
-- Decision to construct a new 60 metric tonne per hour ("mt/hr") palm oil mill at Palm Bay estate
-- Memorandum of Understanding signed with designated community leaders over four key areas on Palm Bay estate to allow development of oil palm activities
-- Additional US$30.0 million funding commitment for LPD from KLK Agro
Business Risks and Uncertainties
Going concern and financial risks are discussed in Note 1 and Note 8 respectively. Going concern is also set out in the Directors' Report on page 10.
The Group has identified certain other risks pertinent to its business, which also apply to its joint venture, including:
Ebola Virus Disease
All of the Group's operational activities are located in Liberia and the Group is therefore exposed to health & safety risks associated with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The outbreak was largely brought under control toward the end of 2015 with some additional cases of the virus reported in April 2016. On 9 June 2016, after 42 days of surveillance, Liberia was declared Ebola-free.
The Company is a member of the Ebola Private Sector Mobilisation Group ("EPSMG") which comprises over 70 companies and 40 public bodies/NGOs with operations in or near Ebola countries. Like the Company, these companies have made long term commitments to these countries and their people and intend to honour these commitments. The Company has regular meetings with the EPSMG as many of these companies have experiences that we can learn from to prevent this disease from reoccurring.
Agricultural risk
As with any agricultural operation, there are risks that crops may be affected by pests, diseases and weather conditions. Agricultural best practice, if achieved, can to some extent mitigate the risk of outbreaks of pests and diseases but such risks cannot be entirely removed. The only significant disease in West Africa for oil palms is fusarium wilt. All seeds sourced by the Company have resistance to fusarium wilt. Unusually high levels of rainfall for the relevant plantation area can disrupt estate operations and access to the estates. There is the possibility of adverse climatic conditions including lightning strikes, lack of rainfall, excessive rainfall and insufficient sunshine. Unusually low levels of rainfall that lead to water availability falling below the minimum required for the normal development of the oil palms may lead to a reduction in subsequent crop levels. Such reduction is likely to be broadly proportional to the size of the cumulative water deficit.
Whilst rainfall on our estates are estimated at above 3,000 millimetres per annum, which is well above the level of 2,000 millimetres per annum that is considered to be the minimum for growth of a palm oil plantation, there can be material variations from the norm in any individual year.
Commodity and Crude Palm Oil ("CPO") prices
The Group's earnings will be largely dependent on the prices of the commodities which it will sell. These fluctuate due to factors beyond the Group's control, including world supply and demand. The price of vegetable oils depends on the production levels of all edible oils as many oils, including palm oil, are substitutable by users to various degrees. In particular, the price of CPO is volatile and is influenced by factors beyond the Group's control. These factors include global supply and demand of CPO, petroleum oil prices, exchange rates, interest rates, inflation rates and political events. A significant prolonged decline in CPO prices could impact the viability of some or all of the Group's activities. Additionally, production from geographically isolated countries may be sold at a discount to current market prices. To offset price risk, the Company may, from time to time, enter into hedging contracts in respect of its future CPO production.
Management attempts to mitigate the risk by modelling the sensitivity of the Group's earnings to fluctuations in the CPO price and ensuring the business model remains viable.
Economic and political risks
All of the Group's operational activities are located in Liberia and the Group is therefore dependent on the political and economic situation in Liberia. Whilst the Company intends to make every effort to ensure the Group has and continues to have robust commercial agreements covering its activities, there is a risk that the Group's activities and financial performance are adversely impacted by economic and political factors such as exchange rates, interest rates, inflation rates, the imposition of additional taxes and charges, cancellation or suspension of licences or agreements, expropriation, war, terrorism, insurrection, strikes and lock outs, and changes to laws governing the Group's operations including certain outcomes from HCS study. There is also the possibility that the terms of any agreement or permit in which the Group holds an interest may be changed.
Management attempts to mitigate the risk by maintaining good relations with the Liberian government.
Relationship with KLK
The Group has a joint venture agreement with KLK Agro which provides for KLK to manage LPD. There is a risk of a dispute under the joint venture agreement.
Management attempts to mitigate the risk by maintaining good relations with KLK through regular monthly meetings and regular visits to Liberia to meet management and review progress.
This report was approved by order of the board on 14 November 2016
Michael Frayne
Chairman
Directors' Report
The Directors present their report together with the audited financial statements of Equatorial Palm Oil plc and its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the year ended 30 September 2016.
Principal Activities
The principal activity of the Group is the cultivation of oil palms for the production of crude palm oil and associated products in Liberia.
Results and Dividends
The loss of the Group after taxation for the 12 months ended 30 September 2016 amounted to $1,276,000 (12 months ended 30 September 2015: Loss of $1,391,000).
The Directors do not propose the payment of a dividend (2015: nil).
Directors
The Directors who served during the year ended 30 September 2016 are as follows:
-- Michael Frayne -- Geoffrey Brown -- Lee Oi Hian -- Teh Sar Moh Nee -- Yap Miow Kien
Insurance
The Group maintained insurance in respect of its Directors and Officers against liabilities in relation to the Group.
Financial Instruments
Financial instrument risks are discussed in Note 8.
Events after the Reporting Period
Significant events after the reporting period, being 30 September 2016, but before the approval of these financial statements, are set out in Note 19.
Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
Based upon the Company's current cash balance and forecast income and expenditure, the Directors consider that the Company will have sufficient cash to fund the Company's ongoing commitments for a period of at least a year after the approval of these financial statements.
Regarding the funding of LPD, on 2 September 2016, the Company announced that LPD had entered into a US$30m loan agreement with KLK Agro (the "Loan Agreement") to fund the operations of LPD. This is in addition to the US$20.5m loan granted on 27 January 2015. The term of the Loan Agreement is 5 years and the interest rate is 3-months USD LIBOR + 5 percent per annum. To date the LPD Group has fully drawn on the US$20.5m loan granted 27 January 2015 and a further US$10m from the US$30m loan granted 2 September 2016.
Based upon the current financial position of LPD, which held US$412k in cash as at 30 September 2016 and, as mentioned above, can draw down a further amount of US$20 million, the Directors are satisfied that LPD is able to fund its activities for a period of at least 12 months from the date of the approval of these financial statements. KLK have provided a letter of support to LPD which states that KLK will provide further funding as necessary in order for LPD to continue its normal operations.
Employment Policies and Remuneration
The Group is committed to promoting policies which ensure that high calibre employees are attracted, retained and motivated, to ensure ongoing success for the business. Employees and those who seek to work with the Group are treated equally regardless of sex, marital status, creed, age, colour, race or ethnic origin.
The Company remunerates the Directors at a level commensurate with the size of the Company and the experience of its Directors. The Remuneration Committee has reviewed the Directors' remuneration and believes it upholds the objectives of the Company with regard to this issue.
Details of Directors' emoluments and payments made for professional services rendered are set out in Note 4 to the financial statements.
Health & Safety
The Group's aim is to maintain its record of workplace safety. In order to achieve this objective the Group provides training and support to employees and sets demanding standards for workplace safety.
Auditors
The auditor, BDO LLP, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with Section 485 of the Companies Act 2006. BDO has signified its willingness to continue in office as auditor.
Corporate Governance
The Directors are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance. Although the Company does not comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors have established procedures, so far as is practicable, given the Company's size, to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. The Company has adopted and operates a share dealing code for Directors and senior employees in line with EU Market Abuse Regulation.
The Board
The Board meets throughout the year. To enable the Board to perform its duties, each of the Directors has full access to all relevant information and to the services of the Company Secretary. If necessary the non-executive Directors may take independent professional advice at the Company's expense. The Board currently includes four non-executive Directors. The Board has delegated specific responsibilities to the committees described below.
The Audit Committee
The Company has an Audit Committee, which comprises three directors, Lee Oi Hian, Yap Miow Kien, and is chaired by Michael Frayne. The Audit Committee meets at least twice each year and at any other time when it is appropriate to consider and discuss audit and accounting related issues. The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the quality of internal controls and for ensuring that the financial performance of the Company is properly monitored, controlled and reported on. It reviews a wide range of matters, including half-year and annual results before their submission to the Board. It also meets the Company's auditors without executive Board members being present and reviews reports from the auditors relating to accounts and internal control systems.
The Remuneration Committee
The Company has a Remuneration Committee, which comprises three directors, Yap Miow Kien, Michael Frayne, and is chaired by Lee Oi Hian. The Remuneration Committee reviews the performance of the executive Directors and sets the scale and structure of their remuneration and the basis of their service agreements with due regard to the interests of Shareholders. In determining the remuneration of executive Directors, the Remuneration Committee seeks to enable the Company to attract and retain executives of the highest calibre. The Remuneration Committee also makes recommendations to the Board concerning the allocation of share options, bonus schemes, pension rights and compensation payments. No Director is permitted to participate in discussions or decisions concerning their own remuneration.
The Nominations Committee
The Company has a Nominations Committee, which comprises three Directors, Yap Miow Kien, Michael Frayne and is chaired by Lee Oi Hian. The Nominations Committee meets at such times during the year as required. This committee reviews the structure, size and composition (including the skills, knowledge and experience) required of the Board compared to its current position and makes recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes. In addition, it gives full consideration to succession planning for Directors and other senior executives, and is responsible for identifying, evaluating and nominating Board candidates. It also reviews annually the time required from non-executive Directors.
Control Procedures
The Board has approved financial budgets and cash forecasts. In addition, it has implemented procedures to ensure compliance with accounting standards and effective reporting.
Provision of information to auditors
As far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditors are unaware. Each Director has taken appropriate steps to ensure that they are aware of such relevant information, and that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.
Annual General Meeting
This report and financial statements will be presented to shareholders for their approval at an Annual General Meeting ("AGM"). The Notice of the AGM will be distributed to shareholders together with the Annual Report.
By order of the Board
Michael Frayne
Chairman
14 November 2016
GROUP Statement OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Hot Features
Premium
Note Year ended Year ended
30 September
2016
$'000 30 September
2015
$'000
Revenue 12 192 -
Administrative expenses (847) (925)
Operating loss 2 (655) (925)
Interest income 11 504 470
Other income 12 66 62
Share of loss of associate 9 (1,191) (998)
--------------- ---------------
Loss for the year before and
after taxation attributable to
owners of the parent 3 (1,276) (1,391)
--------------- ---------------
Other comprehensive income
Items that will or may be reclassified
to profit or loss
Exchange losses arising on translation
of foreign operations (100) (93)
--------------- ---------------
Total comprehensive income for
the year attributable to owners
of the parent (1,376) (1,484)
--------------- ---------------
Loss per share expressed in cents
per share
- Basic & diluted 7 (0.4) (0.4)
cents cents
Group STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Registered Number 5555087
As at As at
Note 30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investment in associate 9 22,422 23,613
Property, plant and equipment 3 -
Receivables from associate 11 6,386 6,054
28,811 29,667
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 121 89
Cash & cash equivalents 465 987
--------------- ---------------
586 1,076
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 14 94 64
94 64
Net current assets 492 1,012
NET ASSETS 29,303 30,679
--------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 15 5,598 5,598
Share premium 46,791 46,791
Warrant and option reserve 16 - 108
Foreign exchange reserve 516 616
Retained loss (23,602) (22,434)
--------------- ---------------
Total equity 29,303 30,679
------------------------------- ------- --------------- ---------------
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 14 November 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:
COmpany STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at As at
Note 30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
------------------------------ ------- --------------- ---------------
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries 9 23,174 24,365
Property Plant and Equipment 3 -
Receivables from associate 11 6,386 6,054
29,563 30,419
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 119 88
Loans to subsidiaries 10 137 128
Cash & cash equivalents 465 987
--------------- ---------------
721 1,203
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 14 94 64
94 64
Net current assets 627 1,139
NET ASSETS 30,190 31,558
--------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 15 5,598 5,598
Share premium 46,791 46,791
Warrant and option reserve 16 - 108
Foreign exchange reserve (345) 616
Retained loss (21,854) (21,555)
--------------- ---------------
Total equity 30,190 31,558
------------------------------ ------- --------------- ---------------
STATEMENT OF Cash FlowS
Group Group Company Company
Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2016 2015 2016 2015
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
----------------------------- ---- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Loss for the year
before and after
taxation (1,276) (1,391) (407) (1,380)
Depreciation 1 - 1 -
Increase in receivables (9) (22) (9) (21)
(Decrease) / increase
in payables 35 (49) 35 (49)
Interest income (504) (470) (504) (470)
Other income (62) (62) (62) (62)
Share of loss of
associate/impairment
of investment 1,191 998 1,191 998
Net cash outflow
from operating activities (624) (996) 245 (984)
Cash flows from investing
activities
Purchase of property,
plant and equipment (3) - (3) -
Funds invested in
and loaned to associate (5) (51) (13) (63)
Interest income received 172 3 172 3
Other income received 38 26 38 26
Net cash outflow
from investing activities 202 (22) 194 (34)
Cash flows from financing
activities
Issue of ordinary - - - -
share capital
Net cash inflow from - - - -
financing activities
Net decrease in cash
and cash equivalents (422) (1,018) 439 (1,018)
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 987 2,061 987 2,061
Exchange gains on
cash and cash equivalents (100) (56) (961) (56)
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 465 987 465 987
----------------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
GROUP Statement of Changes IN EQUITY
Called Share Foreign Warrant
up share premium exchange and option Retained Total
capital reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
GROUP
------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2014 5,598 46,791 709 729 (21,664) 32,163
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Expiry of warrants
and options - - - (621) 621 -
Loss for the
year - - - - (1,391) (1,391)
Other comprehensive
income for the
year - - (93) - - (93)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2015 5,598 46,791 616 108 (22,434) 30,679
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Expiry of warrants
and options - - - (108) 108 -
Loss for the
year - - - - (1,276) (1,276)
Other comprehensive
income for the
year - - (100) - - (100)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2016 5,598 46,791 516 - (23,602) 29,303
------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within owners' equity.
Share capital Amount subscribed for share capital
at nominal value.
Share premium Amount subscribed for share capital
in excess of nominal value.
Foreign Foreign exchange differences arising
exchange on translating into the reporting currency.
Warrant Amount representing the cumulative
and option charge recognised under IFRS2 in respect
of warrants and share options, including
the valuation of warrants issued with
shares.
Retained Cumulative net gains and losses recognised
earnings in the financial statements.
COMPANY Statement of Changes IN EQUITY
Called Share Foreign Warrant
up share premium exchange and option Retained Total
capital reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
COMPANY
------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2014 5,598 46,791 709 729 (20,796) 33,031
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Exercise and
expiry of warrants
and options - - - (621) 621 -
Loss for the
year - - - - (1,380) (1,380)
Other comprehensive
income for the
year - - (93) - - (93)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2015 5,598 46,791 616 108 (21,555) 31,558
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Exercise and
expiry of warrants
and options - - - (108) 108 -
Loss for the
year - - - - (407) (407)
Other comprehensive
income for the
year - - (961) - - (961)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2016 5,598 46,791 (345) - (21,854) 30,190
------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Notes to financial statements
For the year ended 30 September 2016
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. They have all been applied consistently throughout the period.
Authorisation of financial statements
The consolidated financial statements of Equatorial Palm Oil plc for the year ended 30 September 2016 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 14 November 2016 and the statements of financial position signed on the Board's behalf by Michael Frayne.
Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union and IFRIC interpretations and with those parts of the Companies Act, 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as disclosed in the directors' report.
Basis of consolidation
Where the Company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The Company controls an investee if all three of the following elements are present: power over the investee; exposure to variable returns from the investee; and the ability of the investor to use its power to affect those variable returns. Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances indicate that there may be a change in any of these elements of control. The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group"). The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent Company, using consistent accounting policies.
All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses and profits and losses resulting from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in full.
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases.
Foreign currency translation
(i) Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the individual financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ('the functional currency'). The consolidated financial statements are presented in US Dollars, which is Equatorial Palm Oil's presentation currency and differs from its functional currency, Sterling. The Company's strategy is focused on developing its investment in Liberian oil palm funded by shareholder equity and other financial assets which are principally denominated in Sterling.
(ii) Transactions and balances
Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency at rates of exchange ruling at balance date. Gains or losses arising from settlement of transactions and from translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement for the period.
(iii) Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:
- assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet;
- income and expenses for each income statement are translated at the average exchange rate; and
- all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken to shareholders' equity. When a foreign operation is partially disposed or sold, exchange differences that were recorded in equity are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale.
Investment
The Group interest in LPD is disclosed in Note 9. This investment in which the Group has significant influence is included in the financial statements and accounted for using the equity method. The Group accounts for its share of the net assets of LPD as an investment within the statement of financial position. The Group's share of the gains or losses of LPD are included within the income statement, except for exchange gains and losses on translation. LPD prepares accounts in accordance with the Group's accounting policies.
Upon initial transfer of assets and subsidiaries to LPD, the Group derecognises the assets at their carrying amounts at the date when control is lost. Initial recognition of the investment in LPD is at its fair value. Any resulting difference is recognised as a gain or loss in the statement of comprehensive income.
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less any provision for impairment in value.
Impairment of non-financial assets
Non-financial assets and identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment at each reporting date and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment review is based on discounted future cash flows. If the expected discounted future cash flow from the use of the assets and their eventual disposal is less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recognised and measured using the asset's fair value or discounted cash flows.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation is provided on all plant and equipment to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful economic life at the following annual rates:
Straight-Line
Buildings 7% Plant and Equipment 20% - 33% Vehicles 20% - 33% Palm Oil Mill 30%
Declining Balance
Heavy Machinery 30% Light Machinery 40%
Assets under construction are carried within a separate category of property, plant and equipment at cost and are not depreciated until they are commissioned.
Liberian leasehold (concession) land is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement being 50 years.
Plantation development comprises all plantation development costs such as direct materials, labour and an appropriate proportion of fixed overheads.
Biological Assets
Biological assets comprise oil palm trees from initial preparation of land and planting of seedlings through to maturity and the entire productive life of the oil palms.
Oil palms which at the accounting date are not yet harvested or not producing fresh fruit bunches ("FFB"), are valued at cost.
Mature oil palms which are being harvested are carried at cost.
The FFB on the mature oil palms are carried at fair value.
Plantation development costs comprise all plantation development costs such as direct materials, labour and an appropriate proportion of fixed overheads.
Loans Receivable
Loans and advances made to third parties and companies which are not consolidated are recognised when cash is advanced to a borrower. They are derecognised when either the borrower repays its obligations, or the loans are sold or written off, or substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred. They are initially recorded at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any reduction for impairment or uncollectibility.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue represents management fees charged to LPD for consultancy and administrative services. Revenue is recognised when services are provided.
Revenue within LPD comprises the fair value of consideration received upon the sale of crude palm oil and palm kernel oil. Revenue is recognised when the risks and rewards are transferred which is when crude palm oil is received by the customer.
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax. The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the period. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised.
Share-based payments
In accordance with IFRS 2 'Share-based payments', the Group reflects the economic cost of awarding shares and share options to employees and Directors by recording an expense in the statement of comprehensive income equal to the fair value of the benefit awarded. The expense is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period of the award.
Fair value is measured by use of a Black-Scholes model, which takes into account conditions attached to the vesting and exercise of the equity instruments. The expected life used in the model is adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.
Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and amortised over the remaining vesting period.
Where an option or a warrant is issued to a third party the Directors value the service received at fair value, where this is not ascertainable the Directors will value the service based on the fair value of the instruments issued as described above.
Financial Instruments
The Group's financial assets consist of cash and trade and other receivables.
Trade and other receivables are measured at initial recognition at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. A provision is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due. The amount of any provision is recognised in the income statement.
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and cash held on current account or on short-term deposits with initial maturity of three months or less at variable interest rates. Any interest earned is accrued monthly and classified as interest. A breakdown of the cash held as at 30 September 2016 is as follows:
-- Cash on hand: $108,492. -- Cash held in 1-month time deposit: $356,895
Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group are classified in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.
Interest bearing bank loans, overdrafts and other loans are initially recorded at fair value less any directly attributable costs, with subsequent measurement at amortised cost. Finance costs are accounted for on an accruals basis in the income statement using the effective interest method.
Segment information
The Group complies with IFRS 8 Operating Segments, which requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance.
In the opinion of the Directors, the operations of the Group comprise one class of business, being the cultivation of oil palms for the production of crude palm oil and associated products in Liberia.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income, expenses and related disclosures. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on practical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Changes in accounting estimates may be necessary, if there are changes in the circumstances on which the estimate was based or as a result of new information. Such changes are amortised in the period in which the estimate is revised.
The key area where management have made estimates and assumptions is:
Investment in associate - if there are indicators of impairment, management undertake an impairment review of the carrying value of the investment in the associate. The impairment review may contain critical estimates such as the future yield of the oil palm plantation, the future price of palm oil and the discount rate applied.
Critical judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies
The application of the Group's accounting policies may require management to make judgements, apart from those involving estimates, which can have a significant effect on the amounts amortised in the financial statements. Management judgement is particularly required when assessing the substance of transactions that have a complicated structure or legal form.
Adoption of new and amended Accounting Standards
(i) New and amended standards adopted for the first time for the financial periods beginning on or after 1 October 2015
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective or have been early adopted for the financial year beginning on or after 1 October 2015 and have been applied in preparing these Financial Statements.
Agriculture: Bearer Plants: Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41
The amendments change the financial reporting for bearer plants, such as oil palms. It requires that bearer plants should be accounted for in the same way as property, plant and equipment in IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment, because their operation is similar to that of manufacturing. Consequently, the amendments include them within the scope of IAS 16, instead of IAS 41. The produce growing on bearer plants will remain within the scope of IAS 41.
Annual Improvements Cycle 2010-2012
Amendments to IFRS 2 (Share-based payments - Definition of "vesting condition"), IFRS 3 (Business combinations - accounting for contingent consideration in a business combination), IFRS 8 (Operating segments - aggregation of operating segments and reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments' assets to the entity's assets), IFRS 13 (Fair value measurement - short-term receivables and payables), IAS 16 (Property, plant and equipment - revaluation method - proportionate restatement of accumulated depreciation), IAS 24 (Related party disclosures - key management personnel), and IAS 38 (Intangible assets - revaluation method - proportionate restatement of accumulated amortization). Effective 1 February 2015.
Annual Improvements Cycle 2011-2013
Amendments to IFRS 1 (First time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards - meaning of effective IFRSs), IFRS 3 (Business combinations - scope of exception for joint ventures), IFRS 13 (Fair value measurement - scope of paragraph 52 (portfolio exception)), and IAS 40 (Investment property - clarifying the inter-relationship of IFRS 3 and IAS 40 when classifying property as investment property or owner-occupied property). Effective 1 January 2015.
The adoption of these standards had no impact on the financial statements other than changes to disclosures.
(ii) New standards, amendments and Interpretations in issue but not yet effective or not yet endorsed and not early adopted
The standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Financial Statements are listed below. The Company and Group intend to adopt these standards, if applicable, when they become effective.
Effective
Standard Impact on initial application date
IAS 1 (Amendments) Presentation of Financial Statements: Disclosure Initiative 1 January
2016
IAS 7 (Amendments) Disclosure Initiative *1 January
2017
IAS 12 (Amendments) Recognition of Deferred Tax *1 January
2017
IAS 16 (Amendments) Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation 1 January
2016
IAS 27 (Amendments) Equity method in Separate Financial Statements 1 January
2016
IFRS 2 (Amendments) Classification and Measurement of Share-based payments *1 January
2018
IAS 38 (Amendments) Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Amortisation 1 January
2016
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments *1 January
2018
IFRS 10 (Amendments) Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture *^1 January
2016
IFRS 11 (Amendments) Joint Arrangements: Accounting for Acquisitions of 1 January
2016
Interests in Joint Operations
IFRS 12 (Amendments) Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception *1 January
2016
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers *1 January
2018
IFRS 16 Leases *1 January
2019
Annual Improvements 2012 - 2014 Cycle 1 January
2016
* Subject to EU endorsement
^ Effective date deferred indefinitely
The Group is evaluating the impact of the new and amended standards above. The introduction of IFRS 9 may have an impact however an assessment of what the impact may be has not been undertaken at this stage.
2. Operating Loss
The operating loss is stated after charging:
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
Auditors' remuneration - audit services 38 33
- other services - 8
Directors' emoluments (Note
4) 206 207
Operating lease charges 104 117
In addition to the above, the Auditors charged $45,300 (2015 - $44,000) in relation to the associate. The costs were borne by the associate.
3. Taxation
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
----------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Factors affecting the tax charge
for the year
Loss on ordinary activities
before tax (1,276) (1,391)
Loss on ordinary activities
at the UK standard rate of
20% (2015: 21%) (255) (278)
Effects:
Share of operating loss of
associate not taxable 238 200
Expenses not deductible for
tax purposes 1 1
Tax losses carried forward
not recognised 16 77
Total taxation - -
----------------------------------- -------------- --------------
No deferred tax assets have been recognised (2015: nil). The Group has total carried forward losses of $9,790,065 (2015: $7,325,887). The taxed value of the unrecognised deferred tax asset is $1,958,013 (2015: $1,465,177) and these losses do not expire.
4. Directors' emoluments
Salary Salary
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
---------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Michael Frayne 71 77
Geoffrey Brown 135 130
Lee Oi Hian (1) - -
Teh Sar Moh Nee (1) - -
Yap Miow Kien (1) - -
---------------- ----------------
Total 206 207
---------------------- ---------------- ----------------
All Directors' remuneration is paid in cash.
(1) KLK representatives not remunerated by the Company
5. Compensation of Key Management Personnel
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Short-term employee benefits 347 434
Social security costs 43 48
Total 390 482
------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Key Management Personnel includes the Directors of the Company and senior management.
6. Staff Costs (including Directors)
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
Staff Costs
Salaries & Wages 347 434
Social Security Costs 43 48
Total Staff Costs 390 482
------------------------ --------------- ---------------
The Group and Company averaged 3 employees during the year ended 30 September 2016 of which all were involved in administration activities (30 September 2015: 4).
7. Loss Per Share
The basic loss per share is derived by dividing the loss for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of shares in issue.
As inclusion of the potential ordinary shares would result in a decrease in the loss per share they are considered to be anti-dilutive, as such, diluted earnings per share is equivalent to basic earnings per share.
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
-------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Loss for the year (1,276) (1,391)
Weighted average number of ordinary 356.3 356.3
shares of 1p in issue million million
Loss per share - basic and diluted (0.4) (0.4)
cents cents
-------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Details of any potentially dilutive shares are included in the share based payment note, Note 17.
8. Financial Instruments
The Group (including the Company, its subsidiary and its interest in LPD) is exposed through its operations to the following risks:
-- Credit risk -- Liquidity risk -- Market risk -- Foreign exchange risk
In common with all other businesses, the Group is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. This note describes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks and the methods used to measure them. Further quantitative information in respect of these risks is presented throughout these financial statements.
Principal financial instruments
The principal financial instruments used by the Group, and classified as loans and receivables, from which financial instrument risk arises are as follows:
-- Receivables from associate; -- Trade and other receivables; -- Cash and cash equivalents; -- Loans to associates; and -- Loans to subsidiaries.
General objectives, policies and processes
The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Group's risk management objectives and policies and, whilst retaining responsibility for them, it has delegated the authority for designing and operating processes that ensure the effective implementation of the objectives and policies to the Group's finance function. The overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce risk exposure as far as possible without unduly affecting the Group's competitiveness and flexibility. Further details regarding these policies are set out below:
Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk from its cash deposits. The Group reviews the banks and financial institutions it deals with to ensure that standards of credit worthiness are maintained.
The Group is also exposed to credit risk from its loans to LPD. The ability of LPD to repay its debts is supported by a joint venture agreement between the Company and KLK (refer Note 9) and the projected future cash flows from the plantation.
The Group does not enter into derivatives to manage credit risk.
At the reporting date the Group does not envisage any losses from non-performance of counterparties.
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date from the Group's financial assets is the carrying value of each financial asset. The Group does not hold any collateral as security.
Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to fluctuations of the LIBOR rate on the interest accrued relating to its receivable due from associate. The Group measures its risk through a sensitivity analysis considering 10% favourable and adverse changes in the LIBOR rate. At 30 September 2016 a 10% movement of LIBOR would not have resulted in an increase or decrease in the interest accrued as interest is accrued at the higher of LIBOR + 4% or 8%.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group's management of working capital and the finance charges and principal repayments on its debt instruments. It is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due.
The Group's policy is to ensure that it will always have sufficient cash to allow it to meet its liabilities when they become due.
The Directors receive information regarding cash balances on a monthly basis. As soon as funding shortfalls are identified, the Directors take action to identify and subsequently secure the necessary funds from existing or new investors or in the form of short and long term borrowings. Further disclosure of going concern is given in Note 1.
Market risk
The most significant component of market risk affecting the Group is the market price of CPO, which will be determined by local market prices and demand for CPO and also the Group's access and route to export sales. There is currently no revenue from CPO.
Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk arises because the Group has operations located in the UK and Liberia, which enter into transactions in currencies which are not the same as the functional currency of the Company. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Group consider hedging its net investments in overseas operations, as generally it does not consider that the reduction in foreign currency exposure warrants the cash flow risk created from such hedging techniques. Wherever possible in order to monitor the continuing effectiveness of this policy, the Board, through their approval of capital expenditure budgets and review of the monthly management accounts, considers the effectiveness of the policy on an ongoing basis.
Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Group is mainly exposed to currency rate fluctuations of the UK Pound versus the US$, and measures its foreign currency risk through a sensitivity analysis considering 10% favourable and adverse changes in market rates on exposed monetary assets and liabilities denominated in UK Pounds. At 30 September 2016 a 10% revaluation of the Pound against the Dollar would have resulted in a US $49,200 increase or decrease in the net assets of the Group (30 September 2015: US$101,106).
Capital management policies
The Group considers its capital to be its ordinary share capital, share premium, other reserves, retained deficit and external borrowings. The Board of Directors has established principles for the management of the Group's capital resources based on a long-term strategy that continually evaluates and monitors the achievement of corporate objectives. Specific capital management policies set forth include the following:
-- Sufficient resources to maintain and develop its concessions and to maximise discretionary spending on further accelerating its plantation development;
-- The reinvestment of profits into new and existing assets that fit the corporate objectives;
-- To identify the appropriate mix of debt, equity and partner sharing opportunities in order to maintain and comply with its growth and development plans alongside those commitments of its concession agreements with a view of generating the highest returns to shareholders overall with the most advantageous timing of investment flows;
-- Retain maximum flexibility to allocate capital resources between new planting and production of CPO enhancing projects based on available funds and the quality of opportunities.
On a regular basis, management receives financial and operational performance reports that enable continuous management of assets, liabilities and liquidity.
The above policies and practices are consistent with strategies and objectives employed in prior years and are expected to remain consistent in the extension of future resource allocation objectives.
9. Investment in associate & subsidiaries
The Company, through its investment in Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey) Limited, owns a 50% interest in LPD.
In the period ended 30 September 2014, a Joint Venture Agreement ("JVA") was signed pursuant to which cash and funding commitments of up to $35.5m were made available to LPD. Under the JVA, the Company retained a 50% economic and voting interest in LPD. Also under the JVA, KLK has the power to appoint the Chairman to the Board of LPD and in the case of a tied vote the Chairman has the casting vote. For this reason, the Company accounts for its investment in LPD as an equity investment in which it has significant influence.
The Group and Company's interest in LPD is as follows:
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
Interest in associate at beginning
of year 23,613 24,611
Share of losses of associate (1,191) (998)
Interest in associate at end
of year 22,422 23,613
The consolidated results of Liberian Palm Developments Limited for the year ended 30 September 2016 were as follows:
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
Non-current assets 90,143 75,657
Current assets 6,354 5,757
Non-current liabilities (49,939) (30,355)
Current liabilities (1,714) (3,834)
TOTAL NET ASSETS 44,844 47,225
Group's share (50%) 22,422 23,613
Income - -
Expenses (2,382) (1,996)
Loss after tax (2,382) (1,996)
Group's share (50%) (1,191) (998)
Subsidiaries and associates of Equatorial Palm Oil plc
Holding Holding
Country 30 September 30 September Nature of
Company of Registration 2016 2016 business
---------------------------- ------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Direct (subsidiaries)
Equatorial Biofuels Holding
(Guernsey) Limited Guernsey 100% 100% Company
Indirect (associates)
Liberian Palm
Developments Limited Holding
(1) Mauritius 50% 50% Company
EBF (Mauritius) Holding
Limited (2) Mauritius 50% 50% Company
EPO (Mauritius) Holding
Limited (2) Mauritius 50% 50% Company
Operating
company
EPO Liberia (3) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
Liberia Forest Operating
Products Incorporated company
(4) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
Liberia Agricultural Non-operating
Development Corporation company
(3) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
Operating
LIBINC Oil Palm company
Inc. (4) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
---------------------------- ------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
(1) 50% held by Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey) Limited
(2) 100% held by Liberian Palm Developments Limited
(3) 100% held by EPO (Mauritius) Limited
(4) 100% held by EBF (Mauritius) Limited
The Company's investment in Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey) Limited is as follows:
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
Investment at beginning of
year 24,365 25,363
Impairment (1,191) (998)
Investment at end of year 23,174 24,365
The impairment of the Company's investment reflects the share of losses incurred during the current and prior year.
10. Loans to Subsidiaries
Company Company
30 September 30 September
2015
2016 $'000
$'000
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey)
Limited 137 128
Total 137 128
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
The loans to subsidiaries are interest free and have no fixed repayment date. They are denominated in UK Pounds. Repayment of loans is subject to the Directors' assessment of the Group's requirements and availability of appropriate liquid resources.
11. Non-current receivables
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2015 2016
2016 $'000 $'000 2015
$'000 $'000
---------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Receivable due from
associate 6,386 6,054 6,386 6,054
6,386 6,054 6,386 6,054
---------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
The receivable due from the associate relates to a loan, denominated in USD, with a five-year term concluding on 6 November 2018, that will accrue interest at a rate of LIBOR + 4% or 8% per annum, whichever is higher. Interest will accrue on the principal amount of the loan (including any accrued interest) and is repayable in full at the end of the five year term or earlier at the discretion of LPD. Interest accrued for the year amounted to $504,000 (2015: $470,000).
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
Receivable due from associate
at beginning of year 6,054 5,537
Funds loaned to associate - 51
Interest paid by associate (172) -
Interest income accrued 504 466
Receivable due from associate
at end of year 6,386 6,054
12. Revenue and Other Income
Group Group
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
$'000 $'000
Rental income 62 62
Other 4 -
Other Income 66 62
--------------- ---------------
Management fees 192 -
income
--------------- ---------------
Revenue 192 -
------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
13. Trade and other receivables
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2016 2015 2016 2015
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Prepayments 8 2 8 2
VAT receivables 6 16 6 16
Other receivables 107 71 105 70
121 89 119 88
-------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
The fair value of all receivables is the same as their carrying values stated above. As at 30 September 2016 all trade and other receivables were fully performing. No ageing analysis is considered necessary as the Group has no trade receivable which would require analysis to be disclosed under the requirements of IFRS 7.
The carrying amounts of the Group and Company's trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2016 2015 2016 2015
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
UK Pounds 120 88 119 88
US Dollars 1 1 - -
121 89 119 88
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
14. Trade and other payables
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2016 2015 2016 2015
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Trade payables 3 - 3 -
Other payables 91 64 91 64
94 64 94 64
----------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
15. Called Up Share Capital
30 September 30 September
2016 2015
Allotted, called up and fully $'000 $'000
paid
------------------------------------ ---- ---- --------------- -----------------
356,277,502 (2015: 356,277,502)
Ordinary shares of 1p each 5,598 5,598
------------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
During the year the Group did not issue any shares.
16. Share based payments
During the year ended 30 September 2016, no warrants or options were issued and there was no share based payment charge.
During the year ended 30 September 2015, no warrants or options were issued and there was no share based payment charge.
Under IFRS 2 'Share Based Payments', the Company determines the fair value of options and warrants issued to Directors and employees as remuneration and recognises the amount as an expense in the income statement with a corresponding increase in equity, with a similar treatment being applied to consultants.
The assessed fair value of the warrants granted during the year ended 31 December 2013 was determined using the Black-Scholes model that takes into account the exercise price, the term of the option, the share price at grant date, the expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the option.
The following inputs to the model were used for the warrants issued in the year ended 31 December 2013:
Expected volatility 51% Risk-free interest rate 0.24% - 0.58% Share price at grant date 6.00p - 6.75p Fair value per option 0.4p - 1.5p
The expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of the Company and a basket of comparable companies, and reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome.
Warrants
Details of the warrants outstanding during the period are as follows:
Weighted
average
Number exercise
of warrants price
Outstanding and exercisable
at 1 October 2014 18,965,347 9.6p
Expired during the period (14,148,757) 9.5p
Outstanding and exercisable
at 30 September 2015 4,816,590 10.0p
Outstanding at 30 September 4,816,590 10.0p
2015
Expired during the year (4,816,590) 10.0p
Outstanding and exercisable nil nil
at 30 September 2016
As at 30 September 2016, there were no warrants to subscribe for Ordinary shares outstanding:
Share Options
Details of the options outstanding during the period are as follows:
Weighted
Number average
of share exercise
options price
Outstanding at 1 October - -
2015 - -
Expired during the period
Outstanding and exercisable - n/a
at 30 September 2016
17. Related Party Transactions
KLK
On 11 April 2014, the Company announced that it had entered into a joint venture agreement ("JVA") with KLK Agro Plantations Pte Ltd ("KLK Agro"), a wholly owned subsidiary of KLK, in relation to the operations and funding for Liberian Palm Developments Limited ("LPD"). Under the terms of the JVA, KLK Agro and EPO (through its wholly owned subsidiary Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey) Limited) each subscribed for US$7,500,000 of new equity in LPD. In addition, KLK Agro agreed to provide any further funding required by LPD up to a maximum of US$20,500,000
(the "KLK Funding Commitment") which may, at the discretion of KLK Agro, be provided by way of debt or preferential equity finance which will incur interest or preferential dividend (as appropriate) at USD LIBOR plus a maximum of 500 basis points. LPD also has the option to obtain financing from parties other than KLK irrespective of whether or not the KLK Funding Commitment has been fully invested in LPD and provided that the terms of such external financing are better than that of KLK's Funding Commitment.
On 27 January 2015, the Company announced that LPD had entered into a US$20.5m loan agreement with KLK Agro (the "2015 Loan Agreement") for the operations and funding for LPD. The term of the 2015 Loan Agreement is 5 years and the interest rate is 3-months USD LIBOR + 5 percent per annum. As at 30 September 2016, this loan is fully drawn and no interest has been paid to date.
On 2 September 2016, the Company announced that LPD had entered into a US$30m loan agreement with KLK Agro (the "2016 Loan Agreement") to further the operations and funding for LPD. This loan is in addition to the 2015 Loan Agreement. The term of the 2016 Loan Agreement is 5 years and the interest rate is 3-months USD LIBOR + 5 percent per annum. As at 30 September 2016, US$10 million has been drawn down on this loan and no interest has been paid to date.
Recharges between EPO and LPD
For the year ended 30 September 2016, EPO recharged LPD $191,929 (2015: $nil) with no amount outstanding at year end (2015: $nil).
Loans to Subsidiaries and Receivables from Associates
Details of loans to subsidiaries are disclosed in Note 10 and receivables from associate in Note 11.
18. Controlling Entity
The parent company and ultimate controlling company is Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad ("KLK"), a company incorporated in Malaysia, the accounts of which are available from www.klk.com.my. KLK own and control 62.86% of the Company's share capital as at 30 September 2016 and they are deemed to be the ultimate controlling entity.
19. Events After the Reporting Period
There have been no material events after the end of the reporting period.
20. Profit and Loss Account of the Parent Company
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss account of the parent Company has not been separately presented in these accounts. The parent Company comprehensive loss for the year was $1,269,000 (2015: $1,380,000).
21. Availability of accounts
The audited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period ended 30 September 2016 will shortly be sent to shareholders and published at www.epoil.co.uk.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR DMMMMZDGGVZM
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 14, 2016 07:45 ET (12:45 GMT)
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