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ZAM Zambeef Products Plc

5.75
-0.25 (-4.17%)
24 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Zambeef Products Plc LSE:ZAM London Ordinary Share ZM0000000201 ORD ZMW0.01
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -0.25 -4.17% 5.75 5.50 6.00 5.75 5.625 5.625 116,084 09:00:12
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Poultry & Poultry Prods-whsl 6.2B 118.61M 0.3946 0.15 17.28M

Zambeef Products PLC Interim Results (4125Q)

06/06/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Zambeef Products (LSE:ZAM)
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TIDMZAM

RNS Number : 4125Q

Zambeef Products PLC

06 June 2018

6 June 2018

Zambeef Products plc

("Zambeef" or the "Group")

Interim results for the Half Year Ended 31 March 2018

RETAIL GROWTH DRIVES IMPROVED VOLUMES AND MARGINS

Zambeef (AIM: ZAM), the fully integrated cold chain foods and retail business with operations in Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2018.

Key Financial Highlights:

 
                            USD ('000)   USD ('000) 
                             H1 2018      H1 2017 
 
 Revenue                    123,847      118,381 
 
 Gross Profit               46,581       38,494 
 
 Operating Profit           6,297        4,502 
 
 Profit before tax          2,758        590 
 
 Profit after tax           1,180        533 
 
 EBITDA                     11,112       8,897 
 
 EBITDA Margin              8.97%        7.51% 
 
 Operating Profit Margin    5.08%        3.80% 
 

Performance Overview

   --     The Group has delivered a solid financial performance, driven by: 

o Strong gross profit and volume growth in the Retail and Cold Chain Food Products division and the Stockfeed division

o Continued aggressive expansion of the retail network

o Robust operational performance from the farming operations

   --     Four Macro outlets opened with a further four expected to open this year 

o Target to open 10 new Macro outlets each year

   --     Shoprite rollout of new stores continues 

o Zambia - three more store openings expected in the second half

o Nigeria - one new store opened

o Ghana - one new store opened and one expected in H2 2018

   --     Second half of the year expected to see a significant number of key projects 

o Continue to grow the retail network and drive retail revenue to increase demand from the CCFP and stock feed operations

o Commission new Copperbelt distribution hub which will increase capacity and improve efficiencies in the Copperbelt and North Western Province operations

o Complete expansion of breeding farm and hatchery to increase day-old chick production from 344,000 to 430,000 birds per week

o Complete new stock feed plant at Mpongwe to ensure additional stock feed capacity

   --     Continue to look at ways of strengthening our balance sheet through 

o Disposal of non-core assets

o Continued focus on debt reduction

Commenting on these results, Chairman Dr. Jacob Mwanza said:

"The volatile economic conditions in Zambia over the previous two years, including sharp depreciation of the Kwacha against the US Dollar and relatively high inflation, presented challenges for the business. I am pleased to say that this period of uncertainty appears to be behind us. We are entering a period of relative stability in the economy, supported by tight fiscal and monetary control by Zambia's Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Zambia."

"Volume and margin growth in the Retail and Cold Chain Food products division and stockfeed division indicates that the worst of the economic hardship has dissipated."

"The Group will maintain its focus on expanding the retailing and distribution footprint and on improving margins and increasing profitability. We will continue to expand the Cold Chain Food Production capacity to meet increasing consumer demand; complete the build out of the new stock feed plant at Mpongwe and continue to strengthen our balance sheet, through the disposal of non-core assets."

 
 For further information, please contact: 
 
 Zambeef Products plc    Tel: +260 (0) 211 369003 
 Francis Grogan, Chief Executive Officer 
 
 Strand Hanson Limited   Tel: +44 (0) 20 7409 3494 
 James Spinney 
 Ritchie Balmer 
 Frederick Twist 
 
 finnCap                 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7220 0500 
 Emily Morris 
 Chris Raggett 
 Powerscourt             Tel: +44 (0)20 7250 1446 
 Nick Dibden 
 Isabelle Saber 
 
 

Notes to Editors

The Zambeef Group is one of the largest integrated cold chain food producers in Zambia, involved in the production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, milk, eggs, dairy products, fish, flour and stock feed. The Group also has large cereal row cropping operations (principally maize, soya beans and wheat), with approximately 7,971 hectares of row crops under irrigation, which are planted twice a year and a further 8,623 hectares of rain-fed/dry-land crops available for planting each year.

Further information can be found on www.zambeefplc.com

The information contained within this announcement is considered to be inside information prior to its release, as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014, and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of those Regulations.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

THE ENVIRONMENT

The volatile economic conditions in Zambia over the previous two years, including sharp depreciation of the Kwacha against the US Dollar and relatively high inflation, presented challenges for the business. I am pleased to say that this period of uncertainty appears to be behind us and we are entering a period of relative stability in the economy, supported by tight fiscal and monetary control by Zambia's Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Zambia.

Volume and margin growth in the Retail and Cold Chain Food products division and stockfeed division indicates that the worst of the economic hardship has dissipated.

GDP grew by 3.9% in 2017, compared with 3.8% in 2016, attributed to a bumper crop harvest in the previous season, rising copper prices and moderating inflation.

The Kwacha strengthened marginally during the period with the exchange rate ending the period at around ZMW9.48/USD, having started the period under review at ZMW9.67/USD. Meanwhile, annual inflation continued its general downward trend and the Bank of Zambia reduced its Monetary Policy Rate by 50 basis points, from 10.25% to 9.75% in February 2018, enabling the Group to negotiate lower interest rates on both ZMW and USD short-term finance facilities.

An outbreak of cholera during the rainy December and January months caused the temporary closure of a number of Zambeef retail stores. The financial impact on the Group was negligible and Zambeef honoured its commitment to support local communities in partnering with the Ministry of Health to mitigate the disease by donating chlorine, other disinfectants and cleaning materials.

An outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease was announced by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on the 6(th) of April 2018. The Group's Kalundu Dairy was affected by the disease resulting in the biological value of the dairy cattle reducing by approximately USD 690,000. Also, the cost of processed milk production will increase by approximately USD 200,000 in H2 of 2018 due to the need to replace approximately 10,000 litres of reduced fresh milk production per day with more expensive reconstituted milk. The total financial impact of the disease has been provided for in the March 2018 results.

TRADING RESULTS

The Group achieved a Profit After Tax (excluding discontinued operations) of ZMW23 million (USD2.3 million) versus ZMW5.2 million (USD0.5 million) in the prior period. Volumes and gross margins have also increased in our core divisions of Retail and Cold Chain Food Products (CCFP) and Stockfeed.

This performance was particularly encouraging given the significant increase in overheads during the period as a result of the Government's move to eliminate subsidies on fuel and electricity. We have also seen an increase in labour costs and costs from road tolls, licence fees and levies on livestock and crops.

Retail and Cold Chain Food Products (CCFP)

Zambeef's chain of 205 retail outlets - both own-brand and within Shoprite supermarkets - remain at the heart of the business, with demand from consumers driving supply throughout the business.

During the period, four new Zambeef Macro retail stores were successfully opened in Zambia, with a further four Macro stores opening in the second half of the year.

The Group closed nine small retail stores as part of its ongoing drive to optimise revenue and efficiencies across the division.

The Retail and Cold Chain Food Products division has delivered a very satisfactory EBITDA of ZMW98.7 million versus ZMW72.8 million in the same period last year (USD9.97 million compared with USD7.4 million), generating an EBITDA margin of 10.5% versus 8.5% last year.

The Group will continue the focus on this division and will continue to drive Cold Chain Food Products volumes through the expanding Retail stores network.

Stockfeed

The new Novatek stockfeed plant in Mpongwe has already reached 42.6% capacity, compared with a target of 30%, and is making a significant contribution to the division's profitability and overall Group performance. The Stockfeed division increased Gross Profit margins from 19.4% to 26.9% compared to the prior period, which resulted in an increase in Gross Profit from ZMW62.8 million to ZMW82.8 million (USD6.4 million to USD8.4 million).

Cropping

The Group is one of the largest cereal row cropping operations in Zambia, with approximately 7,787 hectares of row crops under irrigation, which are planted twice a year, and a further 8,694 hectares of rainfed/dry-land crops available for planting each year. The Mpongwe estate has performed well during the first six months and we expect yields for the summer crop to be ahead of budget.

Soya and maize prices have reduced from USD 430 per ton and USD 230 per ton respectively in March 2017 to USD 415 per ton and USD 165 per ton in March 2018. The soya price in particular is still well below the price achieved in March 2016 of USD 530 per ton. The reduced commodity prices in March 2018 have contributed to the gross profit in 2018 being 2.1% behind the gross profit achieved in March 2017.

Overall, the cropping division has delivered a strong EBITDA of ZMW23.9 million versus ZMW19.4 million in the same period last year (USD2.4 million compared with USD2 million). This is due largely to overheads reducing in March 2018 due to a reduction in manpower costs.

INVESTMENT

Zambeef spent USD7.5 million on capital investment for continuing operations in the first half of the year.

USD2.9 million was spent on the continued roll-out of new modern Macro retail outlets across Zambia, with four stores opened in the six months. The Company plans to open a further four Macro retail outlets in the second half of the year. Heroes Macro

is the first of these and it opened in May 2018.

Outlets in border towns have also flourished, enabling the Company to capitalise on its long-held strategy of meeting growing regional demand.

These new world-class outlets are proving popular, with like-for-like sales increasing from the prior period. Their success has accelerated our review of legacy stores with a view to phasing out poorer performing outlets to optimise marginal contribution. This approach will also help improve efficiencies in distribution and reduce some of the additional overheads mentioned earlier.

In October 2017, Zambeef welcomed the Zambian President, H.E. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, as he formally commissioned the Company's USD30 million hatchery and stockfeed mill at Mpongwe Farm on the Copperbelt. This was the largest agricultural investment in the province to date.

Zambeef completed the sale of 90% of Zambeef's shareholding in its wholly owned subsidiary Zampalm Limited, to the state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for a cash consideration of USD16 million on 6 April 2018, in line with the Group's ongoing strategic focus on reducing Group debt. Zambeef continues to oversee the operation under a management agreement that includes a rollout of an outgrower scheme to develop further the remote rural communities of Muchinga, where the plantation is located.

Group capital expenditure in the full year is budgeted at USD16.0 million, rather than the USD14.5 million originally projected, due to the additional floor space needed at its new Kitwe beef processing plant, which is expected to open in the second half of the 2018 financial year, and several new retail Macro outlets, as set out below.

BOARD CHANGES

Finally, as we enter into a renewed period of growth for Zambeef, I would like to thank Co-founder and former Joint Chief Executive Officer Dr Carl Irwin, who retired from the Group on 31 March 2018 after 23 years of service, during which time he and Francis Grogan grew the Company to the impressive heights it has reached today.

On 24 May 2018, subsequent to the period end, Tim Pollock, Joint Chief Executive Officer announced his resignation from the Board for personal reasons. We wish to thank Tim for his contribution to the Company.

OUTLOOK

Zambia's GDP is expected to grow by 5.5% in 2018. The clearance of government arrears and continued close attention to monetary policy conditions are likely to strengthen the position of the financial sector and spur confidence in consumption and investment lending. Equally, firm international copper prices and improved domestic production from newer and recently refurbished mines are expected to support exports.

We expect this economic strengthening to continue to boost consumer demand across all sectors, with a firm trickle-down to our core target consumers in lower-income markets.

Dr Jacob Mwanza

Chairman

5 June 2018

CHIEF EXECUTIVES' REVIEW

OVERVIEW

In 2014, Zambeef set out a strategy of retail growth in order to drive cold chain food and stockfeed production. We have remained steadfast in this vertical integration approach, capitalising on the previous two years of sluggish economic growth to build a firm foundation from which to project the business on to a new level.

With signs of economic recovery now evident, we are pleased to report that this strategy has started to generate improved returns on the capital investment we have made in recent years.

The Group has achieved a Profit After Tax (excluding discontinued operations) of ZMW23 million (USD2.3 million) versus ZMW5.2 million (USD0.5 million) in the prior period. Volumes and gross margins have increased in our core divisions of Retail and Cold Chain Food Products (CCFP) and Stockfeed, and the Cropping division has performed well operationally.

The pleasing Group performance was achieved in spite of a significant increase in overheads during the period as a result of the Government's move to phase out subsidies on fuel and electricity, with overheads increasing by 18.8% in ZMW (17.7% in USD) during the period We have also seen an increase in manpower costs and costs from road tolls, license fees and levies on livestock and crops.

STRATEGIC FOCUS

Zambeef remains unwavering in its strategic focus on the core operations in which it is best-in-class: retail and cold chain food products, stockfeed and cropping.

As a result, we continued our divestment of non-core assets to reduce our debt further and generate additional cash, concluding the 90% sale of our shareholding in Zampalm Limited to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for a cash consideration of USD16 million during the period, as previously announced.

Retail and Cold Chain Food Products

It is the retail demand that continues to drive Zambeef's production along the value chain, reinforcing our position linking the country's farmers with consumers.

Zambeef's retail operations are growing from strength-to-strength, with four new Macro retail stores and one Shoprite store opening in Zambia and in Nigeria in the first half of the financial year.

This growth emphasises the Group's market-driven approach, through which retail demand drives production along our value chain.

The Macro stores, which sell our full range of cold chain food products, along with Novatek stockfeed, and in some instances Zamleather's Zamshu brand footwear, are bringing world-class standards of hygiene, service, security and affordability to our traditional markets in low- and medium-density urban and peri-urban areas.

Revenue from Macro outlets grew 66% in Kwacha terms (65% in USD) compared with the previous year.

The new outlet in Nakonde is in line with our approach of also targeting border towns to tap into the growing regional demand for our products.

Our Zambeef branded outlets account for 82% of retail sales, while our operation of in store butcheries at all Shoprite supermarkets across Zambia accounts for 18% of retail turnover. This balance has remained relatively unchanged in recent years and ensures a diversification of exposure across retail segments.

The Group closed nine small retail stores during the period in its ongoing drive to optimise its real estate.

The growth in market demand, and associated development of Zambeef's retail chain, continues to drive cold chain food production as we add value and provide linkages between small-scale, emerging and commercial farmers and end consumers.

Cold chain food product volume increased by 6.7%, driven by strong performance in the chicken and beef sectors.

Beef volumes increased by 10.6% from 8.5 million kgs to 9.4 million kgs.

Chicken volumes rose by 14.3% from 5.6 million kgs to 6.4 million kgs, with some 70% of chickens supplied by outgrower farmers. Demand outstrips supply as Zambeef continues to formalise a market that remains largely driven by the informal sector, presenting significant opportunities for growth.

Dairy volumes increased by 9.3% from 9.3 million litres to 10.2 million litres.

Pork volumes declined from 5.5 million kgs to 5.3 million kgs during the period under review.

Stockfeed

Zambeef's stockfeed operation trades under the brand name Novatek. Its second stockfeed plant was commissioned at Mpongwe Farm on the Copperbelt in October 2017. It has already produced 25,584 tons (42.6% of capacity) of the total of 94,203 tons produced during the six months.

Zambeef is one of the largest buyers of soya beans and maize from local farmers. The Company bought 75,000 tons last year as inputs into the stockfeed operations. We predict that 110,000 tons will be required this year.

20% of the stockfeed production is sold through Zambeef outlets, versus 11% in 2017. The strategy of expanding the Retail infrastructure to increase demand for stockfeed is clearly working. A further 30% of the stockfeed production is consumed in the Company's Zamhatch and Zamchick divisions. The other 50% is sold to third-party distributors. Chicken feed accounts for three quarters of stockfeed production, creating an opportunity for growth linked to the chicken segment.

Cropping

Zambeef's Mpongwe Farm is the heart of the Group's farming operations, and continues to live up to its reputation as one of the best farms in the region.

The Group harvested 44,730 tons of soya beans during the period, versus 43,000 in 2017, with EBITDA increasing by 22.8%.

Zamhatch

Demand for day-old chicks from Zambeef's Zamhatch subsidiary is exceeding supply. This reinforces the fact that Zambeef is an integral part of the nation's agricultural supply chain, with more than half of our chicks sold to small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs who then serve the traditional live-bird market, which still accounts for 75 percent of poultry market share.

Zamhatch incubates 400,000 eggs a week, with an industry-standard 86 percent success rate, producing 344,000 day-old chicks. We are working on increasing capacity to 500,000 eggs per week in 2019 and then 600,000 eggs per week in 2020 in order to meet demand. The cost of this expansion will be approximately USD 2 million per year.

Outlook

Zambeef's clear long-term strategy is translating into improved results. We will remain steadfast in our plans going forward, which include:

-- Consistent revenue growth through expansion of our retail network, driving our cold chain food product and stockfeed operations;

-- Margin improvements leveraged from continued capital investment in high margin areas of the business coupled with stringent control of administration costs;

-- Cash generation through improved margins, cost control, inventory management and prudent capital expenditure;

   --      De-risking the business by maintaining prudent gearing levels; and 
   --      Divestment of non-core assets. 

-- The continued execution of the above strategy, together with capital expenditure being more focused on higher returning segments of the Group, should result in operating free cash flow being generated from 2018, and the Group returning to a policy of paying dividends.

As the macro-economic environment improves, we expect volumes to continue their upward trend. The continued rollout of Macro retail stores should also continue to grow revenue and margins.

Four additional Macro stores are scheduled to open in the second half of the year, including the flagship Heroes Macro in Lusaka, which opened in May 2018. Some 14 sites have been bought and await development, keeping us on target to open 10 new Macro outlets every year.

In addition, Shoprite continues to roll-out new stores, with three expected in Zambia in the second half of 2018. One new store opened in both Nigeria and Ghana, and a further store is planned in Ghana for the second half of the year.

The Mpongwe stockfeed mill continues to perform ahead of expectation. The stockfeed division will undoubtedly continue to increase volumes and contribute materially to the Group.

The Cropping division continues to perform well operationally and is an integral part of the business.

On 6 April 2018, the Zambian Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock announced an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) on farms in the Chisamba and Chibombo districts and imposed movement restrictions upon livestock in these districts. FMD was confirmed on the Group's Kalundu dairy farm in Chisamba district and daily milk output fell sharply. We do not expect this to materially affect the business in the medium to long-term and projected losses have been provided for in the March 2018 financial results.

We have entered the second half of the financial year with a renewed sense of optimism that the difficult times of recent years are behind us. We have used that time productively to establish a solid base from which to move forward now that market conditions have started to improve.

The continued dedication of our management and staff, supported by a strong Board, remain key to this as we progress into an exciting new phase of growth.

Chief Executive Officer

5 June 2018

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The first six months of the 2018 financial year have seen the Zambeef Group continue to grow. Good revenue and strong margin growth have been the main contributors. Revenue for the Group increased by 5.6% in ZMW and 4.6% in USD, while Gross Profit margins increased from 32.5% to 37.6%, resulting in Gross Profits increasing by 22.1% in ZMW from ZMW378m to ZMW461m (21% in USD from USD38m to USD47m). Overheads increased by 18.8% in ZMW (17.7% in USD) from ZMW293m to ZMW348m (USD30m to USD35m). The strong Gross Profit performance enabled the Group to achieve Operating profits of ZMW62m versus ZMW44m (USD6.3m vs USD4.5m) which represents a 41.1% increase in ZMW and a 39.9% increase in USD.

Interest costs reduced by 9.9% in ZMW (10.7% in USD) as a result of lower interest rates, largely due to the reduction in the Bank of Zambia Policy Rate, which decreased our ZMW interest rates significantly compared with the prior period. As a result, Zambeef's PAT excluding discontinued operations increased from ZMW5.2m to ZMW23.0m (USD0.5m to USD2.3m).

The highlights of this period were the 9.9% (in ZMW) revenue growth in the Retail and Cold Chain Food Products (CCFP) division with a strong increase of 28.3% (in ZMW) in gross profits. Gross margins increased from 25.9% in 2017 to 30.3% in 2018. Zambeef continues to establish itself as best-in-class in terms of its production, distribution and retailing of the Cold Chain Food Products delivering a very satisfactory EBITDA margin of 10.5% compared to 8.5% in 2017. In addition the Stockfeed division delivered an excellent gross profit of ZMW82.8m versus ZMW62.8m in the prior period, representing a 31.8% increase.

The focus for the next six months will be on:

-- Consistent revenue growth through expanding the retail network and addressing supply constraints in the

CCFP and stockfeed   operations; 

-- De-risking the business through reducing gearing and dollar debt and E&S/Food Safety strategies; and

-- Improving cash conversion from strong working capital control and tight control on Capex with effective managerial responsibility.

Exchange rate movements

This period has seen a 2% appreciation of the ZMW with the exchange rate, starting the period at 9.67 ZMW/USD and closing the period at 9.48 ZMW/USD. The table below shows the comparative exchange rates over the periods:

 
                                                ZMW/USD 
 --------------------------------------------  -------- 
  Closing Rate 31st March 2017                   9.66 
  Closing Rate 30th September 2017                9.67 
  Closing Rate 31st March 2018                    9.48 
                                               -------- 
 
  Average Rate for 6 months to 31st 
   March 2017                                    9.81 
  Average Rate for year ended 30th September 
   2017                                           9.52 
  Average Rate for 6 months to 31st 
   March 2018                                    9.90 
                                               -------- 
 

The appreciating currency has resulted in the Group reporting realized exchange gains of ZMW4.2m (USD0.4m) for the first 6 months.

ADMINISTRATION AND OVERHEAD COSTS

As mentioned above, overheads have increased by 18.8% (in ZMW). The following are contributing factors:

-- Fuel prices increased from ZMW10.72/l in September 2017 to ZMW11.09/l and again to ZMW12.01/l in January 2018 representing a total increase of 12%;

   --     Electricity tariffs were increased by 50% in May 2017 and a further 15% in September 2017; 

-- With inflation at approximately 7%, an average increase of approximately 10% was agreed for all union workers resulting in higher payroll costs;

   --      Levy and slaughter fees have continued to increase during the year; 

-- Road toll fees, which were introduced in the previous financial period, are increasing as more toll gates are opened; and

-- Repairs and Maintenance costs were incurred in Zambeef Outlets as a result of the outbreak of Cholera in January 2018.

CAPITAL EXPITURE

Total capital expenditure on continuing operations during the period was ZMW74.3 million (USD7.5 million) against a anticipated capital expenditure of ZMW157.3 (USD16m) for the year.

The main capital expenditure during the period included:

   --      USD2.9m on rollout of new Zambeef Macro outlets 
   --      USD1.1m on new Mpongwe stockfeed plant 
   --      USD1.1m on expansion of Zamhatch hatchery and breeder farm 
   --      USD0.9m for expansion of Zam Chick processing plant 
   --      USD0.3m for farming replacement Capex 
   --      USD0.5m on the new processing and distribution hub in Kitwe 

The capex to be incurred in the second half of 2018 is being focused towards:

-- The expansion of the retail network (four Zambeef Macros and three Shoprite stores to open before the end of 2018);

-- The commissioning of the new Copperbelt processing and distribution hub which will increase capacity and

improve efficiencies in   the Copperbelt and North Western Province operations; 

-- Completing the expansion of the breeding farm and hatchery to increase day-old chick production from

344,000 to 430,000 birds   per week; and 
   --      Completing the new stock feed plant at Mpongwe to ensure additional stock feed capacity. 

TERM FINANCE

No additional term finance was sourced during the period under review.

DIVISIONAL PERFORMANCE

Table 1: Segmental Financial summary in ZMW'000s

 
 Division             Revenue       Revenue              Gross          Gross         Overheads          Overheads            EBITDA            EBITDA 
                         2018          2017             Profit         Profit              2018       2017 ZMW'000              2018              2017 
                      ZMW'000       ZMW'000       2018 ZMW'000           2017           ZMW'000                              ZMW'000           ZMW'000 
                                                                      ZMW'000 
 Retail & 
  Cold Chain 
  Foods               941,313       856,793            285,105        222,181         (186,401)          (149,393)            98,705            72,788 
               --------------  ------------  -----------------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Stock Feed           307,598       324,701             82,809         62,830          (37,867)           (20,141)            44,942            42,689 
               --------------  ------------  -----------------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Cropping             110,356       201,901             78,791         79,745          (54,920)           (60,309)            23,871            19,436 
               --------------  ------------  -----------------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Others                65,916        79,009             14,447         12,868           (8,487)           (10,611)             5,960             2,257 
               --------------  ------------  -----------------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 Total              1,425,183     1,462,404            461,152        377,624         (287,675)          (240,454)           173,478           137,170 
               --------------  ------------  -----------------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Less: 
  Intra/Inter 
  Group Sales       (199,100)     (301,086)                  -              -                 -                  -                 -                 - 
               --------------  ------------  -----------------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 less Central 
  Overhead                  -             -                  -              -          (59,995)           (52,199)          (59,995)          (52,199) 
               --------------  ------------  -----------------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 Group Total        1,226,083     1,161,318            461,152        377,624         (347,670)          (292,653)           113,483            84,971 
               --------------  ------------  -----------------  -------------  ----------------  -----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 

DIVISIONAL PERFORMANCE

Table 2: Segmental Financial summary in USD'000s

 
                          Revenue             Revenue                Gross                Gross            Overheads            Overheads           EBITDA           EBITDA 
                             2018                2017               Profit               Profit                 2018                 2017             2018             2017 
 Division                 USD'000             USD'000         2018 USD'000         2017 USD'000              USD'000              USD'000          USD'000          USD'000 
 Retail & 
  Cold Chain 
  Foods                    95,082              87,339               28,799               22,648             (18,828)             (15,229)            9,970            7,420 
 
 Stock Feed                31,071              33,099                8,365                6,405              (3,825)              (2,053)            4,540            4,352 
 
 Crop-Row 
  Crops                    11,147              20,581                7,959                8,129              (5,547)              (6,148)            2,411            1,981 
 
 Others                     6,658               8,054                1,459                1,312                (857)              (1,081)              603              230 
 
 Total                    143,958             149,073               46,582               38,494             (29,057)             (24,511)           17,524           13,983 
 
 Less: 
  Intra/Inter 
  Group Sales            (20,111)            (30,692)                    -                    -                    -                    - 
 less Central 
  Overhead                      -                   -                    -                    -              (6,060)              (5,321)          (6,060)          (5,321) 
 Group Total              123,847             118,381               46,582               38,494             (35,117)             (29,832)           11,464            8,662 
 

RETAIL AND COLD CHAIN FOOD PRODUCTS

 
               2018 ZMW'000  2017 ZMW'000        %  2018 USD'000  2017 USD'000        % 
                                            Change                               Change 
   Revenue          941 313       856 793     9.9%        95 082        87 339     8.9% 
               ------------  ------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
Gross Profit        285 105       222 181    28.3%        28 799        22 648    27.2% 
               ------------  ------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
  Overheads       (186 401)     (149 393)    24.8%      (18 828)      (15 229)    23.6% 
               ------------  ------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
   EBITDA            98 705        72 788    35.6%         9 970         7 420    34.4% 
               ------------  ------------  -------  ------------  ------------  ------- 
 

Revenue in the Retail and Cold Chain Food Products division increased by 9.9% in ZMW and 8.9% in USD. Gross profit grew by 28.3% in ZMW and 27.2% in USD.

Overhead costs increased by 24.8% in ZMW and 23.6 per cent in USD mainly due to rises in transport, energy and employment costs.

EBITDA in ZMW rose 35.6% from ZMW72.8m to ZMW98.7m, whilst in USD it increased by 34.4% from USD7.4m to USD10.0m. The business has generated a pleasing EBITDA margin of 10.5 per cent. (compared to prior year period 8.5%).

The Retail and Cold Chain Food Products division includes the beef, chicken, pork, dairy, egg and fish production and processing activities which primarily supply the Zambeef and Shoprite retail chains.

The division delivered strong volume growth of 6.7% while increasing gross profits.

Highlights:

   -              Good volume Growth 
   -              Strong GP Growth 
   -              Strong EBITDA growth 

Challenges: An outbreak of Cholera in January 2018 led to a number of outlets being closed for a period due to their proximity to the epidemic. The epidemic had a negative effect on the sale of beef heads, bones and offal fat, but overall the financial impact on the Group was immaterial.

RETAIL EXPANSION

During the period four Zambeef Macro outlets were opened with a further four expected to open this year. Fourteen further sites have been purchased and will be developed. Zambeef plans to open 10 new Macro outlets every year.

STOCK FEED (NOVATEK)

 
                  2018 ZMW'000   2017 ZMW'000   % Change       2018       2017   % Change 
                                                            USD'000    USD'000 
 Revenue               307 598        324 701      -5.3%     31 071     33 099      -6.1% 
                 -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Gross Profit           82 809         62 830      31.8%      8 365      6 405      30.6% 
                 -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Overheads            (37 867)       (20 141)      88.0%    (3 825)    (2 053)      86.3% 
                 -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 EBITDA                 44 942         42 689       5.3%      4 540      4 352       4.3% 
                 -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Volume (Tons)          94 203         73 679      27.9% 
                 -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

The Stockfeed division has increased its market share and market leadership with volumes increasing by 27.9% from 73,679 M.T. to 94,203 M.T. Gross profit margins have increased from 19.4% to 26.9% due mainly to low raw material prices from the 2017 crop. We expect the margins to reduce slightly in the second half as a result of the new season raw material prices increasing. However, with the Mpongwe plant continuing to perform ahead of expectation, the stockfeed division is expected to exceed its budget in H2 of 2018.

Overheads increased by 88% due mainly to the new stockfeed plant in Mpongwe.

However, the Mpongwe plant is operating well ahead of expectation and the division has delivered improved EBITDA of ZMW44.9m compared with ZMW42.7m in the prior period.

The Mpongwe plant produced 25,584 tons of 94,203 tons during the period. This represents approximately 42.6% of the capacity of the plant.

CROPPING

 
              2018 ZMW'000   2017 ZMW'000   % Change       2018       2017   % Change 
                                                        USD'000    USD'000 
 Revenue           110 356        201 901     -45.3%     11 147     20 581     -45.8% 
             -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Gross 
  Profit            78 791         79 745      -1.2%      7 959      8 129      -2.1% 
             -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Overheads        (54 920)       (60 309)      -8.9%    (5 547)    (6 148)      -9.8% 
             -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 EBITDA             23 871         19 436      22.8%      2 411      1 981      21.7% 
             -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

The Cropping division has delivered pleasing results in the first six months. Soya and maize prices have reduced from USD430/M.T. and USD230/M.T. respectively in March 2017 to USD415/M.T. and USD165/M.T. in March 2018. However, yields are predicted to be ahead of budget with over 44,500 M.T. of Soya Beans and 18,000 M.T. of Maize expected to be harvested. This has resulted in gross profit being ahead of budget and slightly behind 2017.

Overheads decreased by 8.9%, mainly as a result of reduced manpower costs. This resulted in EBITDA increasing from ZMW19.4 in 2017 to ZMW23.9 in 2018 (USD2m to USD2.4m).

The winter crop, which has recently been planted, comprises 7,296 Ha of wheat, 451 Ha of winter maize and 50 Ha of Lucerne. The wheat price has increased from USD410/M.T. in September 2017 to approximately USD430/M.T. and the maize price has increased from USD115/M.T. in September 2017 to approximately USD150/M.T.

FINANCIAL REVIEW OTHER BUSINESSES (continued operations current and prior year)

 
              2018 ZMW'000   2017 ZMW'000   % Change       2018       2017   % Change 
                                                        USD'000    USD'000 
 Revenue            65 916         72 933      -9.6%      6 658      7 435     -10.4% 
             -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Gross 
  Profit            14 447         14 019       3.1%      1 459      1 429       2.1% 
             -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Overheads         (8 487)       (11 062)      23.3%      (857)    (1 128)      24.0% 
             -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 EBITDA              5 960          2 957     101.6%        602        301     100.0% 
             -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

The Other divisions delivered an increase in EBITDA of 101.6% from ZMW3m to ZMW6m (USD0.3m to USD0.6m) compared to the prior period.

Flour Milling:

The mill performance was satisfactory with sale volumes stable as Zambeef continues to retail flour through its retail network.

Zamleather:

The shoe division performed well. However, there was a decrease in world-wide hide prices and the market for lower-grade hides is sluggish.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

In compliance with Division 8.3 of the Companies Act, the Directors submit their report on the activities of the Group for the six month period ended 31 March 2018.

   1.            Principal activities 

Zambeef Products PLC and its subsidiaries ("Group") is one of the largest agri-businesses in Zambia. The Group is principally involved in the production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, milk, dairy products, eggs, edible oils, stock feed and flour. The Group also has large row cropping operations (principally maize, soya beans and wheat), with approximately 7,971 Ha of irrigated row crops and 8,623 Ha of rain-fed/dry-land crops available for planting each year. The Group is also in the process of rolling out its West Africa expansion in Nigeria and Ghana.

   2.             The Company 

The Company is incorporated and domiciled in Zambia.

Business address Postal address

Plot 4970, Manda Road Private Bag 17

Industrial Area Woodlands

Lusaka Lusaka

ZAMBIA ZAMBIA

   3.             Share capital 

Details of the Company's authorised and issued share capital are as follows:

 
                                        31 Mar 2018             30 2017 
                                   --------------------  -------------------- 
                                    ZMW'000s   USD'000s   ZMW'000s   USD'000s 
 Authorised 
 700,000,000 ordinary shares 
  of ZMW0.01 each                      7,000        938      7,000        938 
                                   =========  =========  =========  ========= 
 Issued and fully paid 
 Ordinary shares 
 300,579,590 ordinary shares 
  of ZMW0.01 each                      3,006        449      3,006        449 
 Preference shares - convertible 
  redeemable 
 100,057,658 of ZMW0.01 each           1,000        100      1,000        100 
                                   =========  =========  =========  ========= 
 
   4.             Results 

The Group's results are as follows:

                                                                                                    Unaudited                                                              Audited 
 
                                                   6 
                     6 months   6 months      months            6                          Year 
                           to         to          to    months to     Year ended          ended 
                     31 March   31 March    31 March     31 March   30 September   30 September 
                         2018       2018        2017         2017           2017           2017 
 Group               ZMW'000s   USD'000s    ZMW'000s     USD'000s       ZMW'000s       USD'000s 
 Revenue            1,226,083    123,847   1,161,318      118,381      2,435,182        255,796 
 Profit before 
  taxation             27,293      2,758       5,780          590          5,450            572 
 Taxation charge      (4,333)      (438)       (556)         (57)        (1,049)          (110) 
 Profit from 
  discontinued 
  operations         (11,290)    (1,140)           -            -        (1,133)          (119) 
                   ----------  ---------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------- 
 Group profit 
  for the period       11,670      1,180       5,224          533          3,268            343 
                   ----------  ---------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Group profit 
  attributable 
  to: 
 Equity holders 
  of the parent        12,295      1,243       5,519          563          4,037            424 
 Non-controlling 
  interest              (625)       (63)       (295)         (30)          (769)           (81) 
                   ----------  ---------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------- 
                       11,670      1,180       5,224          533          3,268            343 
                   ----------  ---------  ----------  -----------  -------------  ------------- 
 
   5.             Dividends 

There was no dividend paid or proposed for the six month period ended 31 March 2018.

   6.             Management 

The Senior Management team comprise the following:

 
 Francis Grogan           Joint Chief Executive Officer 
 Carl Irwin               Joint Chief Executive Officer (Retired on 
                           March 31, 2018) 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Timothy Pollock          Group Managing Director (Joint Chief Executive 
                           Officer as of April 1, 2018. Resigned on 
                           31 May 2018) 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Walter Roodt             Deputy Managing Director 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Craig Harris             Chief Financial Officer 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Yusuf Koya               Executive Director 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Danny Museteka           Company Secretary 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Mike Lovett              General Manager Farming Division 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Felix Lupindula          Corporate Affairs Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Pravin Abraham           Chief Internal Auditor 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Ebrahim Israel           General Manager - International Retailing 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Murray Moore             General Manager - Beef and Dairy 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 David Mynhardt           General Manager - Sinazongwe Farm 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Robert Hoskins           General Manager - Chiawa Farm 
  Davies 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Francis Mondomona        General Manager - Huntley Farm 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Richard Franklin         General Manager - Zamleather Limited 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Harry Hayden-Payne       General Manager - Zampalm Limited 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Webster Mapulanga        General Manager - Master Pork Limited 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Theo de Lange            Group Technical Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Bartholomew Mbao         Dairy Processing Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Andries Van Rensburg     Piggery Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Johan Swanepoel          Flour Mill Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Charles Milupi           Poultry Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Ivor Chilufya            Group Financial Controller 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Justin Rust              Commercial Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Basil Webber             Commercial Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Christiaan Engelbrecht   Commercial Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Niyaas Dalal             Finance Manager - Zambeef Products Limited, 
                           Zam Chick Limited 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Rory Park                Finance Manager - Master Pork Limited, Zampalm 
                           Limited, Zamhatch Limited 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Simon Nkhata             Finance Manager - Zambeef Retailing Limited 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Baron Chisola            Financial Controller - Group Inventory 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Shadreck Banda           Financial Controller - Group Suppliers 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Samantha Dale            Group Head - Debtors and Credit Control 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Anthony Seno             Head of IT 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Guy Changole             Head of Human Resources 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Mathews Mbasela          Head of Payroll Processing 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 EddieTembo               Chief Security Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Jones Kayawe             Head of Environment, Health and Safety 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Field Musongole          Maintenance Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Justo Kopulande          CSR/PR Manager 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Ernest Gondwe            Regional Manager - Shoprite & Excellent Meats 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Francis Mulenga          Regional Manager - Shoprite 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Noel Chola               Regional Manager - Shoprite 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Rodgers Chinkuli         Regional Manager - Zambeef Outlets 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Deon Conradie            Managing Director - Master Meats Nigeria 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Hillary Anderson         National Retail Manager - Nigeria 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Lufeyo Nkhoma            General Manager - Master Meats Ghana 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 Clement Mulenga          General Manager - Master Meats Nigeria 
                         ----------------------------------------------- 
 
   7.             Directors and Secretary 

The directors in office during the financial period and at the date of this report were as follows:

 
 Dr. Jacob Mwanza    Chairman 
 Dr. Lawrence S. 
  Sikutwa 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 John Rabb 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 Yollard Kachinda 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 Prof. Enala Mwase 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 David Osborne 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 Tim Pollock         Group Managing Director/Joint Chief Executive 
                      Officer (appointed April 1, 2018 and resigned 
                      on 31 May 2018) 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 Francis Grogan      Joint Chief Executive Officer 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 Dr. Carl Irwin      Joint Chief Executive Officer (Retired 
                      on March 31, 2018) 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 Margaret Mudenda 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 Yusuf Koya 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 Danny Museteka      Company Secretary 
                    ----------------------------------------------- 
 
   8.             Directors' interests 

The directors held the following interests in the Company's ordinary shares at the reporting date:

 
                         31 March 2018        30 September 2017 
                    -----------------------  ------------------ 
                        Direct     Indirect              Direct     Indirect 
 DR. Jacob Mwanza    1,100,000            -           1,100,100            - 
 Dr. Carl Irwin          3,763    5,406,445               3,763    5,406,445 
 Francis Grogan        995,000    3,591,631             995,000    3,591,631 
 John Rabb                   -   14,000,000                   -   14,000,000 
 Tim Pollock           100,000            -                   -            - 
 Yusuf Koya            245,482            -             245,482            - 
                     2,444,245   23,003,076           2,344,245   23,003,076 
                    ==========  ===========  ==================  =========== 
 
 
   9.             Directors' fees and remuneration 
 
                                                                                                   Long 
                                                                                                    Term 
                                                                                                 Incentive 
                                            Housing                     Air Fares                   Plan 
   ZMW'000            Salary      Bonus     Allowance   Car Allowance    Allowance   Medicals    2 (Shares) 
 NON-EXECUTIVE 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Jacob Mwanza          825,108         -            -               -            -          - 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Lawrence              360,922         -            -               -            -          - 
  Sikutwa 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 John Rabb             309,360         -            -               -            -          - 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Yollard Kachinda      129,781         -            -               -            -          -             - 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Enala Mwasa           129,309         -            -               -            -          -             - 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Margaret              129,309         -            -               -            -          -             - 
  Mudenda 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Jonathan               52,389         -            -               -            -          -             - 
  Kirby 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 EXECUTIVE 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
                                              Company         Company 
 Francis Grogan      3,849,403     5,000        House             Car      460,800        Yes     6,250,000 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
                                                              Company 
 Timothy Pollock     2,320,080         -            -             Car      289,600        Yes             - 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
                                                              Company 
 Carl Irwin          1,618,442     5,000            -             Car      460,800        Yes     6,250,000 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Yusuf Koya          3,461,651     5,000            -               -      384,000        Yes       275,000 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Danny Museteka      2,434,854   318,600            -               -      384,000        Yes       275,000 
                    ----------  --------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 

In October 2016, the Board approved a retirement package for the Chairman, Dr. Jacob Mwanza of USD330,000. An advance of USD110,000 was paid about the same time, and the full payment will be paid towards the end of 2018.

In addition to the above, all Executive Directors are also entitled to a gratuity of 10 per cent. of their gross basic salary paid over the two-year contract term, less statutory deductions for tax.

The Long Term Incentive Plan 2 ("LTIP 2") has the following key terms/conditions:

a) Structure: market value option shares ("Options");

b) Exercise price: 15 pence;

c) Maximum shares: The annual award base value (number of shares multiplied by the share price on the date of grant plus number of Options multiplied by the exercise price) may not exceed three times the Executive's base salary; and

d) Vesting period: three years from 2015 to 2018; exercisable from 1 March 2018:

e) The Options can only be exercised if Zambeef achieves the following targets:

I. If the share price reaches 40 pence, then 25 per cent. of the Options become exercisable.

II. If the share price reaches 48 pence, a further 25 per cent. of the Options become exercisable.

III. If the share price reaches 56 pence, a further 25 per cent. of the Options become exercisable.

IV. If the share price reaches 65 pence, the final 25 per cent. of the Options become exercisable.

V. Zambeef achieving a debt-to-equity (gearing) ratio of less than 35 per cent. in the audited accounts immediately prior to exercising the options.

VI. Zambeef achieving a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of 1.5 in the audited annual accounts immediately prior to the exercising of the options.

VII. Zambeef generating free cash flow.

VIII. The Zambeef share price triggers set above will be considered achieved if in the 14 days immediately prior to exercising the Options, the shares have traded continuously at not less than these prices for 14 days.

IX. The Options will be exercisable at any time for 2 years after the 3-year period from the issue of the Options have lapsed.

X. The Options can only be exercised if the relevant executives are still employed by the Company.

   10.           Significant Shareholdings 

As at 31 March 2018, the Company has been advised of the following notifiable interests in its ordinary share capital:

 
 Investor Name                        Current Position   % of Shareholding 
 CDC Group Plc                           52,601,435            17.5% 
                                     -----------------  ------------------ 
 M & G Recovery Fund                     46,304,408           12.16% 
                                     -----------------  ------------------ 
 Africa Life                             29,596,678            7.78% 
                                     -----------------  ------------------ 
 National Pension Scheme Authority 
  (Zambia)                               24,979,819            6.56% 
                                     -----------------  ------------------ 
 Sussex Trust                            14,000,000            3.68% 
                                     -----------------  ------------------ 
 

CDC Group Plc. holds 100,057,658 convertible redeemable preference shares.

    11.          Employees 

The Group employed an average number of employees of 7,734 (30 September 2017 - 7,068; 31 March 2017 - 6,854) and total salaries and wages were ZMW197,954 million (USD20 million) for the six month period to 31 March 2018 (30 September 2017 - ZMW357 million [USD28.3 million], 31 March 2017 - ZMW173 million [USD17.7 million]).

The average number of persons employed by the Group in each month of the 6 month period is as follows:

 
 October 2017     7,481 
 November 2017    7,491 
                 ------ 
 December 2017    7,823 
                 ------ 
 January 2018     7,559 
                 ------ 
 February 2018    7,863 
                 ------ 
 March 2018       8,186 
                 ------ 
 
   12.           Safety, Health and Environmental issues 

As part of some of the Group's term loans, the Group signed up to an Environmental and Social Action Plan ("ESAP"), which requires the Group to meet both local Zambian standards as well as international standards relating to the environment.

The Group provides healthcare services to its employees. The Group also supports various community activities in the areas that it operates from.

   13.           Legal matters 

There are no significant or material legal or arbitration proceedings (including to the knowledge of the Directors, any such proceedings which are pending or threatened, by or against the Company or any subsidiary of the Group) which may have or have had during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of this document a significant or material effect on the financial position or profitability of the Company or any member of the Group.

   14.           Gifts and donations 

The Group made donations of ZMW1.5 million (USD0.15 million), (30 September 2017 - ZMW2 million [USD0.2 million], 31 March 2017 - ZMW1.23 million [USD0.13 million]) to a number of activities.

   15.           Export sales 

The Group made exports of ZMW27 million (USD2.8 million) during the period (30 September 2017 - ZMW24.5 million [USD2.6 million], 31 March 2017 - ZMW14 million [USD1.4 million]).

   16.           Property, plant and equipment 

Assets totalling ZMW80.3 million (USD8.1 million) were purchased by the Group during the period (30 September 2017 - ZMW209.4 million [USD22 million], 31 March 2017 - ZMW126.5 million [USD12.9 million]) which included expenditure on the palm plantation development during the period of ZMW6 million (USD0.6 million) (30 September 2017 - ZMW13.8 million [USD1.5 million], 31 March 2017 - ZMW8.8 million [USD0.9 million]).

   17.           Interim report 

The interim report set out below has been approved by the directors.

By order of the Board

Company Secretary

Date: 5 June 2018

6 June 2018

The Directors

Zambeef Products PLC

Plot 4970, Manda Road

Industrial Area

Lusaka

Dear Sirs

INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT OF ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

Introduction

We have been instructed by the Directors of the Company to review the financial information set out on pages 19 to 50 and we have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information.

Directors' responsibilities

The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the Directors. The Listing Rules of the Lusaka Stock Exchange and International Accounting Standard 34 require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual financial statements except where changes, and reasons for them, are disclosed.

Review of work performed

We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in the International Standards on Auditing. A review consists principally of making enquiry of Group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as test of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information.

Review conclusion

On basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial information as presented for the six month period ended 31 March 2018.

Chartered Accountants

Christopher Mulenga (AUD/ F000178)

Name of Partner signing on behalf of the Firm

Lusaka

Date: 5 June 2018

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2018

 
                                                      Unaudited                Audited 
                                              31 Mar 2018   31 Mar 2017   30 Sept 2017 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Group                                Notes      ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Revenue                              5(i)      1,226,083     1,161,318      2,435,182 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Net gain/ (loss) arising 
  from price changes in 
  fair value of biological 
  assets                                8         (4,283)          (91)        (3,491) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Cost of sales                                  (760,648)     (783,603)    (1,633,060) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Gross profit                         5(i)        461,152       377,624        798,631 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Administrative expenses                        (399,546)     (334,707)      (714,746) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Other income                                         731         1,243          2,768 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Operating profit                                  62,337        44,160         86,653 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Exchange losses on translating 
  foreign currency transactions 
  and balances                                      5,619         6,748          6,701 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Finance costs                                   (40,663)      (45,128)       (87,904) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Profit before taxation               5(i)         27,293         5,780          5,450 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Taxation charge                      6(a)        (4,333)         (556)        (1,049) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Group profit for the period 
  from continued operations                        22,960         5,224          4,401 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Loss from discontinued 
  operations                           14        (11,290)             -        (1,133) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total profit/(loss) for 
  the period                                       11,670         5,224          3,268 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Group profit/(loss) attributable 
  to: 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Equity holders of the 
  parent                                           12,295         5,519          4,037 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Non-controlling interest                           (625)         (295)          (769) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                   11,670         5,224          3,268 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Other comprehensive income 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Exchange gains on translating 
  presentational currency                        (10,437)      (10,547)       (31,190) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                                    1,233       (5,323)       (27,922) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 
  for the period attributable 
  to: 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Equity holders of the 
  parent                                            4,299       (4,308)       (27,257) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Non-controlling interest                         (3,066)       (1,015)          (665) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                                    1,233       (5,323)       (27,922) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Earnings per share                                 Ngwee         Ngwee          Ngwee 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Basic and diluted earnings 
  per share from continued 
  operations                            7            7.85          1.84           1.72 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Basic and diluted earnings 
  per share from discontinued 
  operations                            7          (3.76)             -         (0.38) 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total                                  7            4.09          1.84           1.34 
                                     ------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2018

 
                                                   Unaudited             Audited 
                                                31 Mar     31 Mar 
                                                  2018       2017   30 Sept 2017 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Group                                Notes   USD'000s   USD'000s       USD'000s 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Revenue                              5(ii)    123,847    118,381        255,796 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Net gain /(loss) arising 
  from price changes in fair 
  value of biological assets            8        (433)        (9)          (367) 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Cost of sales                                (76,833)   (79,878)      (171,540) 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Gross profit                         5(ii)     46,581     38,494         83,889 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Administrative expenses                      (40,358)   (34,119)       (75,078) 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Other income                                       74        127            291 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Operating profit                                6,297      4,502          9,102 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Exchange losses on translating 
  foreign currency transactions 
  and balances                                     568        688            704 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Finance costs                                 (4,107)    (4,600)        (9,234) 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Profit before taxation               5(ii)      2,758        590            572 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Taxation charge                      6(f)       (438)       (57)          (110) 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Group profit for the period 
  from continued operations                      2,320        533            462 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Loss from discontinued operations     14      (1,140)          -          (119) 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total profit/(loss) for 
  the period                                     1,180        533            343 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Group profit/(loss) attributable 
  to: 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Equity holders of the parent                    1,243        563            424 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Non-controlling interest                         (63)       (30)           (81) 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
                                                 1,180        533            343 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Other comprehensive income 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Exchange losses on translating 
  presentational currency                        4,938      6,617          4,243 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total comprehensive income 
  for the period                                 6,118      7,150          4,586 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 
  for the period attributable 
  to: 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Equity holders of the parent                    6,459      7,282          4,681 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Non-controlling interest                        (341)      (132)           (95) 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
                                                 6,118      7,150          4,586 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 
 Earnings per share                              Cents      Cents          Cents 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Basic and diluted earnings 
  per share from continued 
  operations                            7         0.79       0.19           0.18 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Basic and diluted earnings 
  per share from discontinued 
  operations                            7       (0.38)          -         (0.04) 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 Total                                  7         0.41       0.19           0.14 
                                     ------  ---------  ---------  ------------- 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2018

 
                                                                                                     Total 
                                                                         Foreign              attributable 
                                          Preference                    exchange                 to owners 
                      Share       Share        share   Revaluation   translation   Retained         of the   Non-controlling       Total 
                    capital     premium      capital       reserve       reserve   earnings         parent          interest      equity 
                   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s     ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s          ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
                  ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 At 1 October 
  2016                3,006   1,125,012        1,000       485,765       103,521    417,635      2,135,939           (7,616)   2,128,323 
 Profit for the 
  period                  -           -            -             -             -      5,519          5,519             (295)       5,224 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation            -           -            -       (9,318)             -      9,318              -                 -           - 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Exchange gains 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                -           -            -             -       (9,827)          -        (9,827)             (720)    (10,547) 
                  ---------  ----------               ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period          -           -            -       (9,318)       (9,827)    14,837         (4,308)           (1,015)     (5,323) 
                  ---------  ----------               ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 At 31 March 
  2017                3,006   1,125,012        1,000       476,447        93,694    432,472      2,131,631           (8,631)   2,123,000 
                  ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                  -           -            -             -             -    (1,482)        (1,482)             (474)     (1,956) 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation            -           -            -      (14,100)                   14,100              -                 -           - 
 Revaluation              -           -            -       789,795             -          -        789,795                 -     789,795 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income:                                                                                                                   - 
 Exchange 
  gains/(losses) 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                -           -            -             -      (21,467)          -       (21,467)               824    (20,643) 
                  ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period          -           -            -       775,695      (21,467)     12,618        766,846               350     767,196 
                                                                    ------------                            ---------------- 
 At 30 September 
  2017                3,006   1,125,012        1,000     1,252,142        72,227    445,090      2,898,477           (8,281)   2,890,196 
                  ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                  -           -            -             -             -     12,295         12,295             (625)      11,670 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation            -           -            -      (11,700)             -     11,700              -                 -           - 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Exchange gains 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                -           -            -             -       (7,996)          -        (7,996)           (2,441)    (10,437) 
                  ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period          -           -            -      (11,700)       (7,996)     23,995          4,299           (3,066)       1,233 
                  ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 At 31 March 
  2018                3,006   1,125,012        1,000     1,240,442        64,231    469,085      2,902,776          (11,347)   2,891,429 
                  ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2018

 
                                                                                                    Total 
                                                                        Foreign              attributable 
                                         Preference                    exchange                 to owners 
                      Share      Share        share   Revaluation   translation   Retained         of the   Non-controlling      Total 
                    capital    premium      capital       reserve       reserve   earnings         parent          Interest     equity 
                   USD'000s   USD'000s     USD'000s      USD'000s      USD'000s   USD'000s       USD'000s          USD'000s   USD'000s 
                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 1 October 
  2016                  449    185,095          100        98,763     (144,899)     73,876        213,384             (761)    212,623 
 Profit for the 
  period                  -          -            -             -             -        563            563              (30)        533 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation            -          -            -         (950)             -        950              -                 -          - 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Exchange losses 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                -          -            -             -         6,719          -          6,719             (102)      6,617 
                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period              -          -            -         (950)         6,719      1,513          7,282             (132)      7,150 
                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 31 March 
  2017                  449    185,095          100        97,813     (138,180)     75,389        220,666             (893)    219,773 
                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 Profit for the 
  period                  -          -            -             -             -      (139)          (139)              (51)      (190) 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation            -          -            -       (1,510)             -      1,510              -                 -          - 
 Revaluation              -          -            -        81,675             -          -         81,675                 -     81,675 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income: 
 Exchange losses 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                -          -            -             -       (2,462)          -        (2,462)                88    (2,374) 
                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for 
  the period              -          -            -        80,165       (2,462)      1,371         79,074                37     79,111 
                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 30 September 
  2017                  449    185,095          100       177,978     (140,642)     76,760        299,740             (856)    298,884 
                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                  -          -            -             -             -      1,243          1,243              (63)      1,180 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation            -          -            -       (1,182)             -      1,182              -                 -          - 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Exchange losses 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                -          -            -             -         5,216          -          5,216             (278)      4,938 
                  ---------  ---------               ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                  -          -            -       (1,182)         5,216      2,425          6,459             (341)        6,118 
                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 At 31 March 
  2018                  449    185,095          100       176,796     (135,426)     79,185        306,199           (1,197)    305,002 
                  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION -- 31 MARCH 2018

 
                                                    Unaudited                Audited 
                                           --------------------------  ------------- 
                                    Notes   31 Mar 2018   31 Mar 2017   30 Sept 2017 
                                               ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
 ASSETS 
 Non - current assets 
 Goodwill                                       166,801       166,801        166,801 
 Property, plant and equipment                2,614,680     1,837,941      2,610,488 
 Plantation development 
  expenditure                                         -       100,277              - 
 Biological assets                      8             -        51,541              - 
 Deferred tax assets                 6(e)        43,176        41,013         43,368 
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                              2,824,657     2,197,573      2,820,657 
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Current assets 
 Biological assets                      8       339,358       373,280        167,857 
 Inventories                                    476,843       372,975        516,418 
 Trade and other receivables                    116,269       131,497         90,792 
 Assets held for disposal              14       239,937             -        221,178 
 Amounts due from related 
  companies                                      18,789         2,727         11,422 
 Income tax recoverable              6(c)         8,719         1,569          1,376 
                                              1,199,915       882,048      1,009,043 
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total assets                                 4,024,572     3,079,621      3,829,700 
                                           ============  ============  ============= 
 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
 Capital and reserves 
 Share capital                                    3,006         3,006          3,006 
 Preference share capital                         1,000         1,000          1,000 
 Share premium                                1,125,012     1,125,012      1,125,012 
 Reserves                                     1,773,758     1,002,613      1,769,459 
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                              2,902,776     2,131,631      2,898,477 
 Non-controlling interest                      (11,347)       (8,631)        (8,281) 
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------- 
                                              2,891,429     2,123,000      2,890,196 
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Non - current liabilities 
 Interest bearing liabilities          10       284,352       233,589        328,238 
 Obligations under finance 
  leases                                         24,382        33,433         27,915 
 Amounts due to related 
  companies                                           -             -              - 
 Deferred liability                              17,729        11,037         16,756 
 Deferred taxation                   6(e)         7,318         8,630          7,212 
                                                333,781       286,689        380,121 
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Interest bearing liabilities          10        73,416        77,306         78,080 
 Collateral management agreement       10       136,774        68,008         60,248 
 Obligations under finance 
  leases                                         12,679        22,422         19,916 
 Trade and other payables                       284,165       238,757        291,843 
 Assets held for disposal              14        12,092             -          1,079 
 Amounts due to related 
  companies                                         131             -             81 
 Taxation payable                    6(c)         8,617        12,046          2,988 
 Cash and cash equivalents              9       271,488       251,393        105,148 
                                                         ------------  ------------- 
                                                799,362       669,932        559,383 
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total equity and liabilities                 4,024,572     3,079,621      3,829,700 
                                           ============  ============  ============= 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements. The interim financial statements on pages 19 to 50 were approved by the Board of Directors on 6 June 2018 and were signed on its behalf by

)

) DIRECTORS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION -- 31 MARCH 2018

 
                                                       Unaudited            Audited 
                                              --------------------------  ---------- 
                                                                             30 Sept 
                                               31 Mar 2018   31 Mar 2017        2017 
                                       Notes     USD '000s     USD '000s   USD '000s 
 ASSETS 
 Non - current assets 
 Goodwill                                           17,595        17,267      17,249 
 Property, plant and equipment                     275,810       190,263     269,958 
 Plantation development expenditure                      -        10,381           - 
 Biological assets                         8             -         5,336           - 
 Deferred tax asset                     6(j)         4,554         4,246       4,485 
                                              ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                                   297,959       227,493     291,692 
                                              ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Current assets 
 Biological assets                         8        35,797        38,642      17,359 
 Inventories                                        50,300        38,610      53,404 
 Trade and other receivables                        12,265        13,613       9,390 
 Assets held for disposal                           25,309                     22872 
 Amounts due from related 
  companies                                          1,982           282       1,181 
 Income tax recoverable                 6(h)           920           162         142 
                                                   126,573        91,309     104,348 
                                              ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Total assets                                      424,532       318,802     396,040 
                                              ============  ============  ========== 
 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
 Capital and reserves 
 Share capital                                         449           449         449 
 Preference share capital                              100           100         100 
 Share premium                                     185,095       185,095     185,095 
 Reserves                                          120,555        35,022     114,096 
                                              ------------  ------------  ---------- 
                                                   306,199       220,666     299,740 
 Non-controlling interest                          (1,197)         (893)       (856) 
                                                   305,002       219,773     298,884 
                                              ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Non - current liabilities 
 Interest bearing liabilities             10        29,995        24,181      33,944 
 Obligations under finance 
  leases                                             2,572         3,461       2,887 
 Deferred liability                                  1,870         1,143       1,733 
 Deferred tax liability                 6(j)           772           893         746 
                                                    35,209        29,678      39,310 
                                              ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Interest bearing liabilities             10         7,744         8,003       8,074 
 Collateral management agreement          10        14,428         7,040       6,230 
 Obligations under finance 
  leases                                             1,337         2,321       2,060 
 Trade and other payables                           29,975        24,716      30,179 
 Assets held for disposal                 14         1,276                       111 
 Amounts due to related companies                       14             -           9 
 Taxation payable                       6(h)           909         1,247         309 
 Cash and cash equivalents                 9        28,638        26,024      10,874 
                                                    84,321        69,351      57,846 
                                              ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 Total equity and liabilities                      424,532       318,802     396,040 
                                              ============  ============  ========== 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements. The interim financial statements on pages 19 to 50 were approved by the Board of Directors on 6 June 2018 and were signed on its behalf by

)

) DIRECTORS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2018

 
                                 Unaudited                                     Audited 
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------- 
                                                    6 months      6 months 
                                                          to            to          Year to 
                                                 31 Mar 2018   31 Mar 2017     30 Sept 2017 
                                                    ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s         ZMW'000s 
 Cash (outflow)/inflow (on)/from 
  operating activities 
 Profit before taxation                               27,293         5,780            5,450 
 Finance costs                                        40,663        45,128           87,904 
 Profit on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                (1,358)             -            (974) 
 Depreciation                                         51,474        40,810           83,301 
 Profit/(loss) on discontinued operations           (11,290)             -          (1,133) 
 Fair value price adjustment                           4,283            91            3,491 
 Net unrealised foreign exchange 
  (gains)/losses                                     (1,394)       (4,525)          (4,410) 
                                                ------------  ------------  --------------- 
 Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 
 and amortisation                                    109,671        87,284          173,629 
 Increase in biological assets                     (171,501)     (189,315)           19,169 
 Decrease in inventory                                39,575       171,764           28,321 
 Decrease /(increase) in trade and 
  other receivables                                 (25,477)      (18,346)           22,503 
 Decrease in amount due from related 
  companies                                          (7,367)         7,816          (1,158) 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade and 
  other payables                                     (7,678)      (83,378)         (33,308) 
 Increase in amount due to related 
  companies                                               50         (313)            4,113 
 Increase in deferred liability                          973           595            6,314 
 Cash outflow from assets held for 
  disposal                                           (7,746)             -         (14,226) 
 Income tax paid                                     (5,749)       (4,368)         (17,329) 
                                                ------------ 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow (on)/from 
  operating activities                              (75,249)      (28,261)          188,028 
                                                ------------  ------------  --------------- 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant and 
  equipment                                         (74,257)     (117,613)        (195,610) 
 Expenditure on plantation development                     -       (8,848)         (13,805) 
 Movement in investments                                   -       (8,879)          (8,879) 
 Proceeds from sale of assets                         19,949             -               - 
 Net cash (outflow)/ inflow (on)/ 
  from investing activities                         (54,308)     (135,340)        (218,294) 
                                                ------------  ------------  --------------- 
 Net cash (outflow)/ inflow before 
  financing                                        (129,557)     (163,601)         (30,266) 
                                                ------------  ------------  --------------- 
 
 Financing 
 Long term loans repaid                             (48,550)      (57,096)        (104,768) 
 Receipt of long term loans                                -             -          140,100 
 (Repayment)/ receipt of short term 
  funding                                             76,526      (47,410)         (55,292) 
 Lease finance (repaid)/ obtained                   (10,770)         4,965          (3,551) 
 Finance costs including discontinued 
  operations                                        (40,663)      (45,128)         (87,904) 
 Net cash outflow from financing                    (23,457)     (144,669)        (111,415) 
                                                ------------  ------------  --------------- 
 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents             (153,014)     (308,270)        (141,681) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of year                                          (105,148)        64,806           64,806 
 Effects of exchange rate changes 
  on the balance of 
 cash held in foreign currencies                    (13,326)       (7,929)         (28,273) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of year                                          (271,488)     (251,393)        (105,148) 
                                                ============  ============  =============== 
 Represented by: 
 Cash in hand and at bank                           (61,857)        56,416           62,518 
 Bank overdrafts                                   (333,345)     (307,809)        (167,666) 
                                                   (271,488)     (251,393)        (105,148) 
                                                ============  ============  =============== 
 
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2018

 
                                                     Unaudited        Audited 
                                               --------------------  --------- 
                                                6 months   6 months 
                                                      to         to    Year to 
                                                  31 Mar     31 Mar    30 Sept 
                                                    2018       2017       2017 
                                                USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Cash (outflow)/inflow (on)/from operating 
  activities 
 Loss before taxation                              2,758        590        572 
 Finance costs                                     4,107      4,600      9,234 
 Profit on disposal of property, plant 
  and equipment                                    (137)          -      (102) 
 Depreciation                                      5,199      4,160      8,750 
 Profit/(loss) on discontinued operations        (1,107)          -      (119) 
 Fair value price adjustment                         433          9        367 
 Net unrealised foreign (gains)/ exchange 
  losses                                           (141)      (461)      (463) 
                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 
  and amortisation                                11,112      8,898     18,239 
 Increase in biological assets                  (18,438)   (19,298)      2,014 
 Decrease in inventory                             3,104     17,509      2,975 
 Decrease /(increase) in trade and 
  other receivables                              (2,875)    (1,870)      2,363 
 Decrease in amount due from related 
  companies                                        (801)        797      (122) 
 (Decrease)/ increase in trade and 
  other payables                                   (204)    (8,499)    (3,499) 
 Increase in amount due to related 
  companies                                            5       (32)        432 
 Increase in deferred liability                      137         61        663 
 Cash outflow from assets held for 
  disposal                                       (1,272)          -    (1,494) 
 Income tax paid                                   (581)      (445)    (1,820) 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow (on)/from 
  operating activities                           (9,813)    (2,879)     19,751 
                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment       (7,501)   (11,989)   (20,547) 
 Expenditure on plantation development                 -      (902)    (1,450) 
 Movement in investments                               -      (905)      (933) 
 Proceeds from sale of assets                      2,098          -          - 
 Net cash outflow on investing activities        (5,403)   (13,796)   (22,930) 
                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Net cash outflow before financing              (15,216)   (16,675)    (3,179) 
                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Financing 
 Long term loans repaid                          (4,279)    (5,820)   (11,005) 
 Receipt of long term loans                            -          -     15,000 
 (Repayment)/ receipt of short term 
  funding                                          8,198    (4,833)    (5,808) 
 Lease finance                                   (1,038)        506      (373) 
 Finance costs including discontinued 
  operations                                     (4,107)    (4,600)    (9,234) 
 Net cash outflow from financing                 (1,226)   (14,747)   (11,420) 
                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents          (16,442)   (31,422)   (14,599) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of year                                       (10,874)      6,474      6,474 
 Effects of exchange rate changes on 
  the balance of 
  cash held in foreign currencies                (1,322)    (1,076)    (2,749) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of 
  year                                          (28,638)   (26,024)   (10,874) 
                                               =========  =========  ========= 
 Represented by: 
 Cash in hand and at bank                          6,525      5,840      6,465 
 Bank overdrafts                                (35,163)   (31,864)   (17,339) 
                                                (28,638)   (26,024)   (10,874) 
                                               =========  =========  ========= 
 

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2018

   1.             The Group 

Zambeef Products PLC and its subsidiaries ("Group") is one of the largest agri-businesses in Zambia. The Group is principally involved in the production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, milk, dairy products, eggs, edible oils, stock feed and flour. The Group also has large row cropping operations (principally maize, soya beans and wheat), with approximately 7,787 Ha of irrigated row crops and 8,694 Ha of rain-fed/dry-land crops available for planting each year. The Group is also in the process of rolling out its West Africa expansion in Nigeria and Ghana, as well as a palm project within Zambia.

   2.             Principal accounting policies 

The principal accounting policies applied by the Group in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.

   (a)            Basis of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the parent Company and its subsidiary companies made up to the end of the financial year. The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date of their acquisition or up to the date of their disposal. Intercompany transactions and profits are eliminated on consolidation and all income and profit figures relate to external transactions only.

Non-controlling interests, presented as part of equity, represent the portion of a subsidiary's profit or loss and net assets that is not held by the Group. The Group attributes total comprehensive income or loss of subsidiaries between the owners of the parent and the non-controlling interests based on their respective ownership interests. Losses incurred are allocated to the non-controlling interest in equity until this value is nil, at which point any subsequent losses are allocated against the interests of the parent.

   (b)           Going Concern 

At the reporting date the current portion of long term loan amounts repayable amount to ZMW222.9 million (USD23.5million) [30 September 2017: ZMW158.2 million (USD16.4 million)]. After reviewing the available information including the Group's strategic plans and continuing support from the Group's working capital funders, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. All current liabilities will be settled from the continued liquidation of stock and expected increase in income from the capital expenditure carried out.

   (c)            Basis of presentation 

The information for the 6 months period ended 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017 do not constitute statutory accounts. The figures for the year ended 30 September 2017 have been extracted from the 2017 statutory financial statements. The auditors' report on those financial statements was unqualified.

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The financial statements are presented in accordance with IAS 1 "Preparation of financial statements" (Revised 2007). The Group has elected to present the "Statement of Comprehensive income" in one statement namely the "Statement of Comprehensive Income".

The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of property, plant and equipment, and financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 3.

   (d)           Foreign currencies 
             (i)           Presentational and functional currency 

Zambeef Products PLC as a company has ten operating branches of which nine have a historical functional currency of Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) and one (the Mpongwe Farm Branch) has a functional currency of United States Dollars (USD) being an operational branch set up during the financial year ended 30 September 2012. Management have chosen a variant on the functional currency of Mpongwe due to the following factors:

-- the majority of farm input costs (fertilizer, farming chemicals, agricultural machinery spares, etc.), which are primarily sourced from overseas, are driven by USD to ZMW exchange rate due to original prices being USD;

-- the pricing of Mpongwe's principal outputs (wheat, soya and maize) are significantly influenced by world USD denominated grain prices;

-- the capital raised attached to the acquisition of the Mpongwe assets was denominated in foreign currency;

   --      the Mpongwe assets were purchased in USD; 

-- upon admission and dual listing on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), Zambeef was required to report in USD in addition to reporting in ZMW for the LuSE listing; and

-- majority of financial liabilities associated with working capital funding and capital expenditure are sourced in USD and repayable in USD, with a substantial portion of the Company's term liabilities secured on the assets of Mpongwe.

In light of this, Mpongwe's assets and liabilities are translated to ZMW and consolidated with other branches of the Company for reporting and tax purposes in Zambia, with any differences arising out of translation posted as a capital reserve item and a non-distributable reserve.

The Group's reporting currency in Zambia is ZMW and the presentation of financial statements to Non-Zambian shareholders and for the purposes of being listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange also necessitate the presentation of the financial statements in United States Dollars (USD).

(ii) Basis of translating presentational currency to USD for the purposes of supplementary information

Statement of comprehensive income items have been translated using the average exchange rate for the period as an approximation to the actual exchange rate. Assets and liabilities have been translated using the closing exchange rate. Any differences arising from this process have been recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the foreign exchange reserve in equity.

Equity items have been translated at the closing exchange rate. Exchange differences arising on retranslating equity items and opening net assets have also been transferred to the foreign exchange reserve within equity.

The following exchange rates have been applied:

ZMW:USD Average Closing

                                                                                          exchange rate                   exchange rate 

6 months ended 31 March 2017 9.81 9.66

Year ended 30 September 2017 9.52 9.67

6 months ended 31 March 2018 9.90 9.48

All historical financial information, except where specifically stated, is presented in Zambian Kwacha rounded to the nearest ZMW'000s and United States Dollars rounded to the nearest USD'000s.

                   (iii)          Basis of translating transactions and balances 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the rates of exchange prevailing at the date of transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income.

Non-operating foreign exchange gains and losses mainly arise on fluctuations of the exchange rate between United States Dollars and Zambian Kwacha. Due to the instability of the exchange rate, which may result in significant variances of foreign exchange related assets and liabilities, these gains and losses have been presented below operating profit in the statement of comprehensive income.

   (iv)          Basis of translating foreign operations 

In the consolidated financial statements, the financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries originally presented in their local currency have been translated into Zambian Kwacha. Assets and liabilities have been translated into Zambian Kwacha at the exchange rates ruling at the period end. Statement of comprehensive income items have been translated at an average monthly rate for the period. Any differences arising from this procedure are taken to the foreign exchange reserve.

The following exchange rates have been applied:

 
 ZMW: Nigeria Naira                Average          Closing 
                             exchange rate    exchange rate 
 6 months ended 31 
  March 2017                         31.74            32.32 
                           ---------------  --------------- 
 Year ended 30 September 
  2017                               36.55            36.79 
                           ---------------  --------------- 
 6 months ended 31 
  March 2018                         36.09            37.66 
                           ---------------  --------------- 
 
 ZMW: Ghana Cedi                   Average          Closing 
                             exchange rate    exchange rate 
                           ---------------  --------------- 
 6 months ended 31 
  March 2017                          0.44             0.44 
                           ---------------  --------------- 
 Year ended 30 September 
  2017                                0.36             0.40 
                           ---------------  --------------- 
 6 months ended 31 
  March 2018                          0.45             0.47 
                           ---------------  --------------- 
 
   (e)            General information and basis of preparation 

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements are for the six months ended 31 March 2018 and are presented in Zambian Kwacha and United States Dollars. They have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. They do not include all of the information required in annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2017.

   (f)            Significant accounting policies 

The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies adopted in the Group's last annual financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2017.

   3.             Critical accounting estimates and judgements 

The Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

In the process of applying the Group's accounting policies, management has made judgements in determining:

   (a)           the classification of financial assets; 
   (b)           whether assets are impaired; 
   (c)           estimation of provision and accruals; 
   (d)           recoverability of trade and other receivables; and 
                  (e)           valuation of biological assets and inventory. 
   4.             Significant events and transactions 

The Group's management believes that the Group is well positioned in an improving economy. Factors contributing to the Group's strong position are:

   (a)            Growth in the Zambian economy leading to higher disposable incomes. 
   (b)           Increase in the retail foot print of the Group. 

(c) Increase in production facilities of the Group leading to higher volumes available for retail.

(d) Improvements in the management team across various areas of the Group leading to positive

reinforcement of strong   operational synergies. 

Overall, the Group is in a strong position and has sufficient capital and liquidity to service its operating activities and debt. The Group's objectives and policies for managing capital credit risk and liquidity risk should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2017.

   5.             Segmental reporting 

An operating segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Group's Board of Directors ('BoD') to make decisions about the allocation of resources and assessment of performance about which discrete financial information is available. Gross margin information is sufficient for the BoD to use for such purposes. The BoD reviews information regarding the operating divisions which match the main external revenues earned by the Group, and management information regarding the operating assets and liabilities of the main business divisions within the Group.

During the six month period to 31 March 2018, there have been no changes from prior periods in the measurement methods used to determine operating segments and reported segment profit or loss.

The revenues and gross profit generated by each of the Group's operating segments and segment assets are summarised as follows:

Period ended 31 March 2018

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
 Segment                               Revenue   Gross Profit 
                                      ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
 Retailing - Zambia                    774,680         91,331 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)                 49,410          9,165 
 Master Meats (Ghana)                   16,289          5,116 
 Retailing West Africa                  65,699         14,281 
 Total Retailing                       840,379        105,612 
 
 Beef                                  233,937         63,402 
 Chicken                               167,865         57,377 
 Pork                                  115,236         16,234 
 Milk and dairy                         90,659         28,784 
 Fish                                   26,505          5,714 
 Eggs                                   31,041          7,982 
 Total Cold Chain Food Production      665,243        179,493 
 
 Stock Feed                            307,598         82,809 
 Crops - row crops                     110,356         78,791 
 
 Mill and bakery                        48,635          9,161 
 Leather and shoe                       17,281          5,286 
 Edible oils                                 -              - 
 Total Other                            65,916         14,447 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 Total                               1,989,492        461,152 
 Less: intra/inter group Sales       (763,409) 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 Group total                         1,226,083        461,152 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 
 Central operating costs                            (398,815) 
                                                ------------- 
 Operating profit                                      62,337 
 Foreign exchange gains                                 5,619 
 Finance costs                                       (40,663) 
 Profit before tax                                     27,293 
                                                ------------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                                             Master 
                                     Zambeef   Retailing       Pork      Other       Total 
                                    ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 Property, plant and equipment     1,893,247     189,483     86,541    445,412   2,614,680 
 Biological assets and 
  inventories                        581,047      56,883     25,114    153,157     816,201 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (181,614)   (103,769)      (696)     14,591   (271,488) 
 

Period ended 31 March 2018

                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
 Segment                               Revenue   Gross Profit 
                                     USD '000s      USD '000s 
 Retailing - Zambia                     78,251          9,225 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)                  4,991            926 
 Master Meats (Ghana)                    1,645            517 
 Retailing West Africa                   6,636          1,443 
 Total Retailing                        84,887         10,668 
 
 Beef                                   23,630          6,404 
 Chicken                                16,956          5,796 
 Pork                                   11,640          1,640 
 Milk and dairy                          9,157          2,907 
 Fish                                    2,677            577 
 Eggs                                    3,135            806 
 Total Cold Chain Food Production       67,195         18,130 
 
 Stock Feed                             31,071          8,365 
 Crops - row crops                      11,147          7,959 
 
 Mill and bakery                         4,913            925 
 Leather and shoe                        1,746            534 
 Edible oils                                 -              - 
 Total Other                             6,659          1,459 
 Total                                 200,959         46,581 
 Less: intra/inter group sales        (77,112) 
                                                ------------- 
 Group total                           123,847         46,581 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 
 Central operating costs                             (40,284) 
                                                ------------- 
 Operating profit                                       6,297 
 Foreign exchange gains                                   568 
 Finance costs                                        (4,107) 
                                                ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                      2,758 
                                                ------------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                    Zambeef   Retailing   Master Pork      Other      Total 
                                   USD'000s    USD'000s      USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Property, plant and equipment      188,422      19,987         9,129     58,272    275,810 
 Biological assets and 
  inventories                        61,292       6,000         2,649     16,156     86,097 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (19,158)    (10,946)          (73)      1,539   (28,638) 
 

Period ended 31 March 2017

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
 Segment                               Revenue   Gross Profit 
                                      ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
 Retailing - Zambia                    731,070         61,432 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)                 73,857         13,053 
 Master Meats (Ghana)                   14,036          3,706 
 Retailing West Africa                  87,893         16,759 
 Total Retailing                       818,963         78,191 
 
 Beef                                  232,432         66,568 
 Chicken                               149,472         32,562 
 Pork                                  126,417         18,584 
 Milk and dairy                         86,378         16,859 
 Fish                                   30,482          5,737 
 Eggs                                   28,630          3,680 
 Total Cold Chain Food Production      653,811        143,990 
 Stock Feed                            324,701         62,830 
 Crops - row crops                     201,901         79,745 
 
 Mill and bakery                        59,578         10,429 
 Leather and shoe                       13,355          3,590 
 Edible oils                             6,076        (1,151) 
 Total Other                            79,009         12,868 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 Total                               2,078,385        377,624 
 Less: intra/inter group Sales       (917,067)              - 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 Group total                         1,161,318        377,624 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 
 Central operating costs                            (333,464) 
                                                ------------- 
 Operating profit                                      44,160 
 Foreign exchange gains                                 6,748 
 Finance costs                                       (45,128) 
 Profit before tax                                      5,780 
                                                ------------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                                             Master 
                                     Zambeef   Retailing       Pork    Zampalm      Other       Total 
                                    ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 Property plant and 
  equipment and plantation 
  development expenditure          1,105,237     212,287     65,705    149,980    405,009   1,837,941 
 Biological assets 
  and inventories                    565,505      45,835     21,651     51,541    113,264     797,796 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (207,229)    (82,828)      4,195        432     34,037   (251,393) 
 

Period ended 31 March 2017

                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
 Segment                               Revenue   Gross Profit 
                                     USD '000s      USD '000s 
 Retailing - Zambia                     74,523          6,262 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)                  7,529          1,331 
 Master Meats (Ghana)                    1,431            378 
 Retailing West Africa                   8,960          1,709 
 Total Retailing                        83,483          7,971 
 
 Beef                                   23,693          6,786 
 Chicken                                15,237          3,319 
 Pork                                   12,887          1,894 
 Milk and dairy                          8,805          1,719 
 Fish                                    3,107            585 
 Eggs                                    2,918            375 
 Total Cold Chain Food Production       66,647         14,678 
 
 Stock Feed                             33,099          6,395 
 Crops - row crops                      20,581          8,139 
 
 Mill and bakery                         6,073          1,062 
 Leather and shoe                        1,361            366 
 Edible oils                               619          (117) 
 Total Other                             8,053          1,311 
 Total                                 211,863         38,494 
 Less: intra/inter group sales        (93,482)              - 
                                                ------------- 
 Group total                           118,381         38,494 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 
 Central operating costs                             (33,992) 
                                                ------------- 
 Operating profit                                       4,502 
 Foreign exchange gains                                   688 
 Finance costs                                        (4,600) 
                                                ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                        590 
                                                ------------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                    Zambeef   Retailing   Master Pork    Zampalm      Other      Total 
                                   USD'000s    USD'000s      USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Property plant and 
  equipment and plantation 
  development expenditure           114,414      21,976         6,802     15,526     41,926    200,644 
 Biological assets 
  and inventories                    58,541       4,745         2,241      5,336     11,725     82,588 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (21,452)     (8,574)           434         45      3,523   (26,024) 
 

Period ended 30 September 2017

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
 Segment                                 Revenue   Gross Profit 
                                        ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
 Retailing - Zambia                    1,440,784        164,450 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)                  137,759         25,139 
 Master Meats (Ghana)                     26,415          7,459 
 Retailing West Africa                   164,174         32,598 
 Total Retailing                       1,604,958        197,048 
 
 Beef                                    415,963        103,725 
 Chicken                                 297,340         65,686 
 Pork                                    243,491         36,980 
 Milk and dairy                          172,516         49,338 
 Fish                                     55,438         10,591 
 Eggs                                     57,729          7,049 
 Total Cold Chain Food Production      1,242,477        273,369 
 
 Stock Feed                              662,068        166,884 
 Crops - row crops                       505,738        134,556 
 
 Mill and bakery                         117,504         19,827 
 Leather and shoe                         31,571          7,260 
 Edible oils                              12,312          (313) 
 Total Other                             161,387         26,774 
                                    ------------  ------------- 
 Total                                 4,176,628        798,631 
 Less: intra/inter group Sales       (1,741,446)              - 
                                    ------------  ------------- 
 Group total                           2,435,182        798,631 
                                    ------------  ------------- 
 
 Central operating costs                              (711,978) 
                                                  ------------- 
 Operating profit                                        86,653 
 Foreign exchange gains                                   6,701 
 Finance costs                                         (87,904) 
 Profit before tax                                        5,450 
                                                  ------------- 
 

Operating assets/(liabilities)

 
                                    Zambeef   Retailing   Master Pork      Other       Total 
                                   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 Property, plant and equipment    1,915,758     167,854        85,779    441,097   2,610,488 
 Biological assets and 
  inventories                       561,928      47,624        22,837     51,886     684,275 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (24,435)    (96,578)         1,108     14,757   (105,148) 
 

Period ended 30 September 2017

                   (i)            in US Dollars 
 
 Segment                               Revenue   Gross Profit 
                                      USD'000s       USD'000s 
 Retailing - Zambia                    151,343         17,273 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)                 14,470          2,641 
 Master Meats (Ghana)                    2,775            784 
 Retailing West Africa                  17,245          3,425 
 Total Retailing                       168,588         20,698 
 
 Beef                                   43,694         10,895 
 Chicken                                31,233          6,900 
 Pork                                   25,577          3,884 
 Milk and dairy                         18,121          5,183 
 Fish                                    5,823          1,113 
 Eggs                                    6,064            740 
 Total Cold Chain Food Production      130,512         28,715 
 
 Stock Feed                             69,545         17,530 
 Crops - row crops                      53,124         14,134 
 
 Mill and bakery                        12,343          2,083 
 Leather and shoe                        3,316            763 
 Edible oils                             1,293           (33) 
 Total Other                            16,952          2,813 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 Total                                 438,721         83,890 
 Less: intra/inter group Sales       (182,925)              - 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 Group total                           255,796         83,890 
                                    ----------  ------------- 
 
 Central operating costs                             (74,788) 
                                                ------------- 
 Operating profit                                       9,102 
 Foreign exchange gains                                   704 
 Finance costs                                        (9,234) 
 Profit before tax                                        572 
                                                ------------- 
 

Operating assets/(liabilities)

 
                                   Zambeef   Retailing   Master Pork      Other      Total 
                                  USD'000s    USD'000s      USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Property, plant and equipment     198,114      17,358         8,871     45,615    269,958 
 Biological assets and 
  inventories                       58,110       4,925         2,362      5,366     70,763 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (2,630)     (9,987)           115      1,628   (10,874) 
 

The Group's revenue from external customers and its geographic allocation of non-current assets may be summarised as follows:

 
                      31 Mar 2018               31 Mar 2017              30 Sept 2017 
               ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
                            Non-current               Non-current               Non-current 
                 Revenues        assets    Revenues        assets    Revenues        assets 
                 ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s 
 Zambia         1,133,060     2,811,187   1,059,419     2,178,848   2,246,553     2,795,711 
 West Africa       65,699        13,470      87,893        18,725     164,174        24,946 
 Rest of 
  world            27,324             -      14,006             -      24,455             - 
                1,226,083     2,824,657   1,161,318     2,197,573   2,435,182     2,820,657 
               ----------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 
                      31 Mar 2018              31 Mar 2017              30 Sept 2017 
                -----------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
                            Non-current              Non-current              Non-current 
                 Revenues        assets   Revenues        assets   Revenues        assets 
                 USD'000s      USD'000s   USD'000s      USD'000s   USD'000s      USD'000s 
  Zambia          114,451       296,538    107,993       225,555    235,983       289,112 
  West Africa       6,636         1,421      8,960         1,938     17,245         2,580 
  Rest of 
   world            2,760             -      1,428             -      2,568             - 
                  123,847       297,959    118,381       227,493    255,796       291,692 
                ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
   6.             Taxation 
 
                                      31 Mar     31 Mar 
                                        2018       2017   30 Sept 2017 
 Income tax expense                 ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
 (a)    Tax charge 
        Current tax: 
  Tax charge                           4,035      8,612         12,878 
        Deferred tax: 
  Deferred taxation (note 
   6(e))                                 298    (8,056)       (11,829) 
  Tax charge/(credit) for 
   the period                          4,333        556          1,049 
                                   =========  =========  ============= 
 
 
                                                   31 Mar     31 Mar 
                                                     2018       2017   30 Sept 2017 
                                                 ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
 (b)    Reconciliation of tax charge 
   Profit/(loss) before taxation                   27,293      5,780          5,450 
   Taxation on accounting profit                  (2,998)      2,243        (6,872) 
         Effects of: 
        Permanent differences: 
   Disallowable expenses                            1,283      2,372          1,191 
        Timing differences: 
   Capital allowances and depreciation           (10,405)    (3,643)          1,763 
   Livestock and crop valuations 
    adjustment                                    (2,123)      2,166          3,283 
   Other income                                     1,045        (4)            (5) 
   Unrealised exchange gains/(losses)                  69        527          1,581 
   Unrealised tax loss                             17,164      4,951         11,937 
   Tax charge for the period                        4,035      8,612         12,878 
                                                =========  =========  ============= 
 
 (c)    Movement in taxation account 
  Taxation payable at 1 October                     1,612      6,063          6,063 
  Charge for the period                             4,035      8,612         12,878 
        Under provision in prior period                 -        170              - 
  Taxation paid                                   (5,749)    (4,368)       (17,329) 
  Taxation payable/(recoverable) 
   at the end of the period                         (102)     10,477          1,612 
                                                =========  =========  ============= 
 
  Taxation payable                                  8,617     12,046          2,988 
  Taxation recoverable                            (8,719)    (1,569)        (1,376) 
  Taxation payable as at 30 September               (102)     10,477          1,612 
                                                =========  =========  ============= 
 

(d) Income tax returns have been filed with the ZRA for the tax year ended 31 December 2016. Quarterly tax returns for the period were made on the due dates.

   (e)                Deferred taxation 
 
                                    31 Mar     31 Mar 
                                      2018       2017   30 Sept 2017 
                                  ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
  Represented by: 
  Biological valuation              12,099     14,423         11,005 
  Accelerated tax allowances        41,974     39,827         39,213 
  Provisions                       (4,140)    (4,624)        (6,974) 
  Tax loss                        (85,791)   (82,009)       (79,400) 
                                  (35,858)   (32,383)       (36,156) 
                                 =========  =========  ============= 
  Analysis of movement: 
  Asset as at 1 October           (36,156)   (24,327)       (24,327) 
  Charge to profit and loss 
   account (note 6(a))                 298    (8,056)       (11,829) 
  (Asset)/liability as at the 
   end of the period              (35,858)   (32,383)       (36,156) 
                                 =========  =========  ============= 
  Deferred tax asset              (43,176)   (41,013)       (43,368) 
  Deferred tax liability             7,318      8,630          7,212 
                                  (35,858)   (32,383)       (36,156) 
                                 =========  =========  ============= 
 
 
                                                  31 Mar     31 Mar    30 Sept 
        Income tax expense                          2018       2017       2017 
                                                USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s 
 (f)    Tax charge 
 
        Current tax: 
  Tax charge                                         408        878      1,353 
        Deferred tax: 
  Deferred taxation (note 
   6(j))                                              30      (821)    (1,243) 
  Tax (credit)/charge for 
   the period                                        438         57        110 
                                               =========  =========  ========= 
 
 (g)    Reconciliation of tax charge 
   Profit/(loss) before taxation                   2,758        590        572 
   Taxation on accounting 
    profit                                         (303)        229      (722) 
         Effects of: 
        Permanent differences: 
   Disallowable expenses                             130        242        126 
        Timing differences: 
   Capital allowances and 
    depreciation                                 (1,051)      (371)        185 
   Livestock and crop valuations 
    adjustment                                     (215)        219        345 
   Other income                                      106          -        (1) 
   Unrealised exchange (gains)/losses                  7         54        166 
   Unrealised tax loss                             1,734        505      1,254 
                                                                     --------- 
   Tax charge for the period                         408        878      1,353 
                                               =========  =========  ========= 
 
 (h)     Movement in taxation account 
  Taxation payable at 1 October                      167        605        605 
  Charge for the year                                408        878      1,353 
  Taxation paid                                    (581)      (445)    (1,820) 
  Foreign exchange                                   (5)         47         29 
  Taxation payable as at the 
   end of the period                                (11)      1,085        167 
                                               =========  =========  ========= 
 
  Taxation payable                                   909      1,247        309 
  Taxation recoverable                             (920)      (162)      (142) 
  Taxation payable as at 30 
   September                                        (11)      1,085        167 
                                               =========  =========  ========= 
 

(i) Income tax returns have been filed with the ZRA for the year 31 December 2016. Quarterly tax returns for the period were made on the due dates.

 
                                          31 Mar     31 Mar 
                                            2018       2017   30 Sept 2017 
 (j)    Deferred taxation               USD'000s   USD'000s       USD'000s 
        Represented by: 
  Biological valuation                     1,276      1,493          1,138 
  Accelerated tax allowances               4,429      4,123          4,055 
  Provisions                               (437)      (479)          (721) 
  Tax loss                               (9,050)    (8,490)        (8,211) 
                                         (3,782)    (3,353)        (3,739) 
                                       =========  =========  ============= 
        Analysis of movement: 
  Liability as at 1 October              (3,739)    (2,431)        (2,431) 
  Charge to profit and loss 
   account (note 6(f))                        30      (821)        (1,243) 
  Foreign exchange                          (73)      (101)           (65) 
  (Asset)/liability as at the 
   end of period                         (3,782)    (3,353)        (3,739) 
                                       =========  =========  ============= 
 
  Deferred tax asset                     (4,554)    (4,246)        (4,485) 
  Deferred tax liability                     772        893            746 
                                         (3,782)    (3,353)        (3,739) 
                                       =========  =========  ============= 
 
   7.             Earnings per share 

Basic and diluted earningsper share have been calculated in accordance with IAS 33 which requires that earnings should be based on the net profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share is shown below:

 
                                     31 Mar 2018           31 Mar 2017           30 Sept 2017 
                                 ZMW'000s   USD'000s   ZMW'000s   USD'000s   ZMW'000s   USD '000s 
  Basic earnings per share 
 Profit for the period             12,295      1,243      5,519        563      4,037         424 
 
 Weighted average number 
  of ordinary shares for 
  the purposes of basic 
  and diluted earnings 
  per share                       300,579    300,579    300,579    300,579    300,579     300,579 
                                =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  ========== 
 
 Basic and diluted earnings 
  per share (Ngwee & US 
  Cents)                             4.09       0.41       1.84       0.19       1.34        0.14 
 From continued operations           7.85       0.79       1.84       0.19       1.72        0.18 
 From discontinued operations      (3.76)     (0.38)          -          -     (0.38)      (0.04) 
 
   8.             Biological assets 
                   (a)         31 March 2018 

Biological assets comprise standing crops, feedlot and standing cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and palm oil plantation. At 31 March 2018 there were 14,178 cattle (10,615 feedlot cattle, nil standing cattle and 3,563 dairy cattle) and 518,518 chickens (314,498 layers and 204,020 broilers), and 4,553 pigs. A total of 16,445 feedlot cattle, 586 dairy cattle, 4,083 pigs and 3,687,624 chickens were culled during the period.

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
                                                                                Decrease 
                                            Gains arising   Gains arising         due to 
                                                from fair       from fair 
                                 Increase           value           value       harvest/ 
                                             attributable    attributable 
                        As at      due to              to              to    transferred   As at 31 
                                                 physical 
                   1 Oct 2017   purchases         changes   price changes   to inventory   Mar 2018 
                     ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s        ZMW'000s        ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s 
 Standing 
  Crops                45,796     146,682         138,126         (4,377)      (112,384)    213,843 
 Feedlot cattle        46,507      94,975          41,436               -      (127,372)     55,546 
 Dairy Cattle          45,074      14,363           2,593               -       (21,402)     40,628 
 Pigs                   3,688       3,723           1,755              94        (5,231)      4,029 
 Chickens              26,792     131,925          33,820               -      (167,225)     25,312 
 Total                167,857     391,668         217,730         (4,283)      (433,614)    339,358 
                  ===========  ==========  ==============  ==============  =============  ========= 
 
                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
                                                           Gains arising      Gains arising 
                                                               From fair          from fair        Decrease 
                                                                   value              value          due to 
                                              Increase      attributable       attributable     to harvest/      As at 
                      As at 1     Foreign       due to       to physical           to price     transferred     31 Mar 
                     Oct 2017    exchange    purchases           changes            changes    to inventory       2018 
                     USD'000s    USD'000s     USD'000s          USD'000s           USD'000s        USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Standing Crops         4,736         847       14,816            13,952              (442)        (11,352)     22,557 
 Feedlot cattle         4,811         135        9,593             4,185                  -        (12,866)      5,858 
 Dairy Cattle           4,660          75        1,451               262                  -         (2,162)      4,286 
 Pigs                     381          10          376               177                  9           (528)        425 
 Chickens               2,771          49       13,326             3,416                  -        (16,891)      2,671 
 Palm Plantation        6,488         167          813                15                  -             (9)      7,474 
                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------------  -----------------  --------------  --------- 
 Total                 17,359       1,116       39,562            21,992              (433)        (43,799)     35,797 
                   ==========  ==========  ===========  ================  =================  ==============  ========= 
 
                   (b)         31 March 2017 

Biological assets comprise standing crops, feedlot and standing cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and palm oil plantation. At 31 March 2017 there were 9,255 cattle (6,865 feedlot cattle, nil standing cattle and 2,390 dairy cattle) and 618,235 chickens (343,184 layers and 275,051 broilers), and 4,668 pigs. A total of 9,307 feedlot cattle, 315 dairy cattle, 4,812 pigs and 3,463,400 chickens were culled during the period. The palm plantation is in developmental stage with current plantation size of 2,911 hectares.

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
                                                   Gains/(losses)      Gains arising 
                                                     arising from          from fair 
                                                       fair value              value           Decrease 
                        As at                        attributable       attributable    due to harvest/ 
                        1 Oct           Increase      to physical           to price        transferred          As at 
                         2016   due to purchases          changes            changes       to inventory    31 Mar 2017 
                     ZMW'000s           ZMW'000s         ZMW'000s           ZMW'000s           ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
                    ---------  -----------------  ---------------  -----------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 Standing Crops        60,377            137,602          266,533                  -          (201,901)        262,611 
 Feedlot cattle        52,871             68,858           28,648                  -          (114,831)         35,546 
 Dairy Cattle          46,103             12,670            1,570                  -           (16,659)         43,684 
 Pigs                   4,034              5,029            1,440               (91)            (6,570)          3,842 
 Chickens              23,641            141,464            7,910                  -          (145,418)         27,597 
 Palm Plantation       48,480              3,061                -                  -                  -         51,541 
 Total                235,506            368,684          306,101               (91)          (485,379)        424,821 
 Less: non-current 
  biological 
  assets             (48,480)            (3,061)                -                  -                  -       (51,541) 
 Total                187,026            365,623          306,101               (91)          (485,379)        373,280 
                    =========  =================  ===============  =================  =================  ============= 
 
                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
                                                        Gains/(losses)     Gains arising 
                                                          arising from         from fair 
                                                            fair value             value           Decrease 
                       As at                 Increase     attributable      attributable    due to harvest/      As at 
                       1 Oct     Foreign       due to      to physical          to price        transferred     31 Mar 
                        2016    exchange    purchases          changes           changes       to inventory       2017 
                    USD'000s    USD'000s     USD'000s         USD'000s          USD'000s           USD'000s   USD'000s 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ---------------  ----------------  -----------------  --------- 
 Standing 
  Crops                6,031         539       14,027           27,170                 -           (20,581)     27,186 
 Feedlot cattle        5,282         164        7,019            2,920                 -           (11,705)      3,680 
 Dairy Cattle          4,606         163        1,292              160                 -            (1,698)      4,523 
 Pigs                    403          14          513              147               (9)              (670)        398 
 Chickens              2,362          92       14,420              806                 -           (14,825)      2,855 
 Palm Plantation       4,843         180          313                -                 -                  -      5,336 
 Total                23,527       1,152       37,584           31,203               (9)           (49,479)     43,978 
 Less: 
  non-current 
  biological 
  assets             (4,843)       (180)        (313)                -                 -                  -    (5,336) 
 Total                18,684         972       37,271           31,203               (9)           (49,479)     38,642 
                   =========  ==========  ===========  ===============  ================  =================  ========= 
 
                   (c)            30 September 2017 

Biological assets comprise standing crops, feedlot and standing cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and palm oil plantation. At 30 September 2017 there were 13,076 cattle (10,620 feedlot cattle and 2,456 dairy cattle) and 565,666 chickens (526,403 layers and 39,263 broilers), and 4,300 pigs. A total of 22,733 feedlot cattle, 1,358 dairy cattle, 9,295 pigs and 7,425,578 chickens were culled during the year.

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
                                            Gains/(losses)                            Decrease 
                                                   arising   Gains arising              due to 
                                                 from fair       from fair 
                               Increase              value           value            harvest/ 
                                              attributable    attributable 
                    As at 1      due to                 to              to         transferred    As at 30 
                   Oct 2016   purchases   physical changes   price changes        to inventory   Sept 2017 
                   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s           ZMW'000s        ZMW'000s            ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 Standing Crops      60,377     297,156            197,453         (3,452)           (505,738)      45,796 
 Feedlot Cattle      52,871     257,178            141,884               -           (405,426)      46,507 
 Dairy Cattle        46,103      60,922            110,529               -           (172,480)      45,074 
 Pigs                 4,034       9,588              2,221            (39)            (12,116)       3,688 
 Chickens            23,641     280,441             16,011               -           (293,301)      26,792 
 Total              187,026     905,285            468,098         (3,491)         (1,389,061)     167,857 
                  =========  ==========  =================  ==============  ==================  ========== 
 
                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
                                                     Gains/ (losses)      Gains arising 
                                                        arising from          from fair 
                                                          fair value              value          Decrease 
                    As at                 Increase      attributable       attributable    due to harvest 
                    1 Oct     Foreign       due to       to physical           to price     / transferred     As at 30 
                     2016    exchange    purchases           changes            changes      to inventory    Sept 2017 
                 USD'000s    USD'000s     USD'000s          USD'000s           USD'000s          USD'000s     USD'000s 
 Standing 
  Crops             6,031         237       31,214            20,741              (363)          (53,124)        4,736 
 Feedlot 
  Cattle            5,282         197       27,015            14,904                  -          (42,587)        4,811 
 Dairy Cattle       4,606         163        6,399            11,610                  -          (18,118)        4,660 
 Pigs                 403          15        1,007               233                (4)           (1,273)          381 
 Chickens           2,362          78       29,458             1,682                  -          (30,809)        2,771 
 Total             18,684         690       95,093            49,170              (367)         (145,911)       17,359 
                =========  ==========  ===========  ================  =================  ================  =========== 
 
   9.             Cash and cash equivalents 
 
                         31 Mar 2018            31 Mar 2017            30 Sept 2017 
                    ---------------------  ---------------------  --------------------- 
                      ZMW'000s   USD'000s    ZMW'000s   USD'000s    ZMW'000s   USD'000s 
                    ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Cash in hand and 
  at bank               61,857      6,525      56,416      5,840      62,518      6,465 
 Bank overdrafts     (333,345)   (35,163)   (307,809)   (31,864)   (167,666)   (17,339) 
                     (271,488)   (28,638)   (251,393)   (26,024)   (105,148)   (10,874) 
                    ==========  =========  ==========  =========  ==========  ========= 
 
   (a)            Banking facilities 

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW74.6 million (2017: ZMW35.137 million) and USD5 million (2017: USD5.1 million) with Citibank Zambia Limited. The Citibank overdrafts bear interest rates of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 5 per cent. for the Kwacha facility and 6 month USD LIBOR rate plus 4.25 per cent. for the USD facility.

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW30 million (2017: ZMW30 million) and USD2 million (2017: USD2 million) with Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc. The Standard Chartered Bank overdrafts bear interest rates of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 5 per cent. on the Kwacha facilities and 1 month USD LIBOR rate plus 4 per cent on the USD facilities.

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW98.3 million (2017: ZMW98.3 million) with Zanaco Bank Plc. The Zanaco Bank overdraft bears an interest rate of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 5 per cent. on the Kwacha facility.

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW57.5 million (2017: ZMW54.7 million) and USD2 million (2017: USD6.3 million) with Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited. The Stanbic Bank overdrafts bear interest rate of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 5 per cent. on the Kwacha facility and 3 month USD LIBOR rate plus 4 per cent. on the USD facility.

                   (b)           Bank overdrafts 
 
                                    31 Mar 2018            31 Mar 2017             30 Sept 2017 
                               ---------------------  ---------------------  ------------------------ 
                                 ZMW'000s   USD'000s    ZMW'000s   USD'000s      ZMW'000s    USD'000s 
 Bank overdrafts represented 
  by: 
 Zanaco Bank PLC                 (97,189)   (10,252)    (85,398)    (8,840)      (96,245)     (9,953) 
 Citibank Zambia Limited        (119,293)   (12,583)    (71,690)    (7,422)      (56,930)     (5,887) 
 Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited     (74,236)    (7,831)   (100,942)   (10,449)      (10,201)     (1,055) 
 Standard Chartered Bank 
  Zambia PLC                     (42,627)    (4,497)    (49,779)    (5,153)       (4,290)       (444) 
                                (333,345)   (35,163)   (307,809)   (31,864)     (167,666)    (17,339) 
                               ==========  =========  ==========  =========  ============  ========== 
 

(i) The Zambeef Products Plc Company bank overdrafts are secured by a first floating charge/ debenture over all the assets of the Company. The floating charge/ debenture ranks pari passu between Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc (USD5 million), Citibank Zambia Limited (USD14 million and ZMW 8 million), Zanaco Bank Plc (USD4 million and ZMW98.3 million), and Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited (ZMW78.5 million).

All overdrafts are annual revolving facilities.

   10.           Interest bearing liabilities 
 
                                          31 Mar 2018            31 Mar 2017            30 Sept 2017 
                                      ZMW'000s    USD'000s   ZMW'000s    USD'000s   ZMW'000s    USD'000s 
                                     ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
 DEG - Deutsche Investitions 
  und Entwicklungsgesellschaft 
  MBH (note (a))                        197,658     20,850      99,643     10,315     220,573     22,810 
 Zanaco Bank Plc (note (b))              19,929      2,102      26,571      2,751      26,571      2,748 
 International Finance Corporation 
  (note (d))                            140,181     14,787     184,681     19,118     159,174      6,230 
 Standard Chartered Bank Zambia 
  PLC (note (c))                        136,774     14,428      68,008      7,040      60,248     16,460 
                                        494,542     52,167     378,903     39,224     466,566     48,248 
                                     ==========  =========  ==========  =========  ==========  ========= 
 Less: short term portion of 
  long term funding (repayable 
  within next 12 months)              (210,190)   (22,172)   (145,314)   (15,043)   (138,328)   (14,304) 
                                        284,352     29,995     233,589     24,181     328,238     33,944 
                                     ==========  =========  ==========  =========  ==========  ========= 
 
 
   (a)        (i)        DEG Term Loan 2 

The Group had a loan facility of USDnil (2017: USD1.795 million and original amount of USD25 million) from DEG. Interest on the loan was 4.55 per cent. above the 6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum payable six-monthly in arrears. The principal was repayable in 14 bi-annual instalments of USD1,785,000 commencing November 2010 and expired in May 2017.

The USD25 million DEG term loan was secured by:

-- First ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 4906, Lot No. 18835/M and Lot No. 18836/M (Sinazongwe farm); and

-- First ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 10097, Farm No. R/E 5063 and Lot No. 8409/M (Chiawa farm).

   (ii)       DEG Term Loan 3 

The group has a loan facility of USD7.1 million (2017: USD:8.25 million and original amount of USD10 million). Interest on the loan is 4.25 per cent. above the 6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum payable 6 monthly in arrears. The capital is repayable in 14 biannual instalments of USD710,000 commencing May 2016 and expiring in November 2022.

The USD10 million DEG term loan is secured by:

-- First ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 4906, Lot No. 18835/M and Lot No. 18836/M (Sinazongwe farm); and

-- First ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 10097, Farm No. R/E 5063 and Lot No. 8409/M (Chiawa farm).

   (iii)     DEG Term Loan 4 

The group has a loan facility of USD13.75 million (2017: USD:nil million and original amount of USD15 million). Interest on the loan is 5.75 per cent. above the 6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum payable quarterly in arrears. The capital is repayable in 12 quarterly instalments of USD1,250,000 commencing March 2018 and expiring in March 2023.

The USD15 million DEG term loan is secured by:

-- Second ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 4906, Lot No. 18835/M and Lot No. 18836/M (Sinazongwe farm); and

-- Second ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 10097, Farm No. R/E 5063 and Lot No. 8409/M (Chiawa farm).

   (b)           Zanaco Bank Plc 

The Group has a loan facility of ZMW19.929 million (2017: ZMW33.2 million) with Zanaco Bank Plc. Interest on the loan is 5 per cent. above the Bank of Zambia policy rate per annum payable monthly in arrears. The principal is repayable in 7 annual instalments of ZMW6,642,857 commencing December 2014 and expiring in December 2020.

The loan is secured by a first ranking legal mortgage over Stand No. 4970, Industrial Area, Lusaka (Head Office).

   (c)            Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc 

The Group has structured agricultural facilities with an annual revolving limit totalling USD20 million (2017: USD20 million) with Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc. The purpose of the facilities is the financing of wheat, soya beans, and maize under collateral management agreements and is for 180 days. The balance on the facilities at period end was USD14.4 million (2017: USD7.04 million). Interest on the facilities is 3 month USD LIBOR rate plus 3.25 per cent. per annum calculated on the daily overdrawn balances.

   (d)           International Finance Corporation Loan 
                   (i)            International Finance Corporation Loan 1 

The Group had a loan facility of USDnil (USDnil in Zambia and USDnil in Nigeria) [2017: USD0.636 million in Zambia and USD0.284 million in Nigeria and original amount of USD10 million] from IFC. Interest on the loan was 4.75 per cent. above the 6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum payable six-monthly in arrears. The principal was repayable in 11 equal bi-annual instalments of USD636,364 (Zambeef) and USD283,634 (Nigeria) commencing June 2012 and expired in June 2017.

The portion of the loan attributable to Zambia was secured through a first ranking legal mortgage over Plots 9070, 9071 and 9074, off Mumbwa Road, Lusaka, (Novatek stock feed premises) and the portion of the loan attributable to the Nigerian operations is secured by a floating charge over all assets of Master Meat and Agro Production Co of Nigeria Limited and a parental guarantee from Zambeef Products PLC.

                   (ii)          International Finance Corporation Loan 2 

The company has a loan facility of USD11.724 million and ZMW29.076 (2017: USD14.483 million in USD and ZMW35.917 million). Interest on the loan is 4.75 per cent. above the 6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum for the USD facility and 4.45 per cent. above the 91 day Treasury Bill rate plus a variable swap margin for the Kwacha facility payable quarterly in arrears. The principal is repayable in 29 equal quarterly instalments of USD689,655 and ZMW1,710,345 commencing June 2015 and expiring in June 2022.

The loan is secured through a first ranking legal mortgage over Farm No.s 4450, 4451 & 5388 (Mpongwe farm).

   12.           Contingent liabilities 

Certain legal cases are pending against the Company in the Courts of Law. In the opinion of the Directors, and the Company lawyers, none of these cases will result in any material loss to the Company for which a provision is required.

   13            Fair value measurement 

Fair value measurement of financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position are grouped into three Levels of a fair value hierarchy. The three Levels are defined based on the observability of significant inputs to the measurement, as follows:

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

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

   --     Level 3: unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. 

The following table shows the Levels within the hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at 31 March 2018 and 30 September 2017.

 
                             Level 1     Level 2    Level 3      Total 
   31 March 2018             ZMW'000     ZMW'000     ZMW'000    ZMW'000 
 Financial Assets 
                           ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Other forwards exchange 
  contracts inventory 
  (CMA)                                  136,774                136,774 
                                       ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Total Assets                            136,774                136,774 
                                       ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Financial Liabilities 
                           ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 US-dollar loans                        (308,803)              (308,803) 
                                       ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Total Liabilities                      (308,803)              (308,803) 
                                       ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Net fair value                         (172,029)              (172,029) 
                                       ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 
                             Level 1     Level 2    Level 3      Total 
   30 September 2017         ZMW'000     ZMW'000     ZMW'000    ZMW'000 
 Financial Assets 
                           ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Other forwards exchange 
  contracts inventory 
  (CMA)                          -        60,248        -       60,248 
                           ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Total Assets                   -        60,248        -        60,248 
                           ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Financial Liabilities 
                           ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 US-dollar loans                -       (347,279)      -       (347,279) 
                           ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Total Liabilities              -       (347,279)      -       (347,279) 
                           ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Net fair value                 -       (287,031)      -       (287,031) 
                           ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 
                             Level 1    Level 2    Level 3     Total 
   31 March 2018             USD'000     USD'000    USD'000    USD'000 
 Financial Assets 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Other forwards exchange 
  contracts inventory 
  (CMA)                          -        14,428       -       14,428 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Total Assets                   -        14,428       -        14,428 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Financial Liabilities 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 US-dollar loans                -       (32,574)      -       (32,574) 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Total Liabilities              -          -          -          - 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Net fair value                 -       (18,146)      -       (18,146) 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
                             Level 1    Level 2    Level 3     Total 
   30 September 2017         USD'000     USD'000    USD'000    USD'000 
 Financial Assets 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Other forwards exchange 
  contracts inventory 
  (CMA)                          -        6,230        -       6,230 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Total Assets                   -        6,230        -        6,230 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Financial Liabilities 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 US-dollar loans                -       (35,913)      -       (35,913) 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Total Liabilities              -       (35,913)      -       (35,913) 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Net fair value                 -       (29,683)      -       (29,683) 
                           ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 in 2018 or 2017.

Measurement of fair value of financial instruments

The Group's finance team performs valuations of financial items for financial reporting purposes, including Level 3 fair values, in consultation with third party valuation specialists for complex valuations. Valuation techniques are selected based on the characteristics of each instrument, with the overall objective of maximising the use of market-based information. The finance team reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and to the audit committee.

Valuation processes and fair value changes are discussed among the audit committee and the valuation team at least every year, in line with the Group's reporting dates. The valuation techniques used for instruments categorised in Levels 2 and 3 are described below:

Foreign currency forward contracts (Level 2)

The Group's foreign currency forward contracts are not traded in active markets. These have been fair valued using observable forward exchange rates and interest rates corresponding to the maturity of the contract. The effects of non-observable inputs are not significant for foreign currency forward contracts.

US-dollar loans (Level 2)

The fair values of the US-dollar loans are estimated using a discounted cash flow approach, which discounts the contractual cash flows using discount rates derived from observable market interest rates of similar loans with similar risk. The interest rate used for this calculation is 4.81% (2017: 4.81%).

Contingent consideration (Level 3)

The group did not have any contingent consideration during the year.

Fair value measurement of non-financial assets

The following table shows the Levels within the hierarchy of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at 31 March 2018 and 30 September 2017:

 
                               Level 1     Level 2    Level 3      Total 
   31 March 2018               ZMW'000     ZMW'000     ZMW'000    ZMW'000 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment: 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Land held for production 
  in Zambia                       -       1,185,976      -       1,185,976 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Office building in Zambia        -        39,407        -        39,407 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
                               Level 1     Level 2    Level 3      Total 
   30 September 2017           ZMW'000     ZMW'000     ZMW'000    ZMW'000 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment: 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Land held for production 
  in Zambia                       -       1,178,526      -       1,178,526 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Office building in Zambia        -        39,407        -        39,407 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
                               Level 1     Level 2    Level 3      Total 
   31 March 2018               USD'000     USD'000     USD'000    USD'000 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment: 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Land held for production 
  in Zambia                       -        125,103       -        125,103 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Office building in Zambia        -         4,157        -         4,157 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
                               Level 1     Level 2    Level 3      Total 
   30 September 2017           USD'000     USD'000     USD'000    USD'000 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment: 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Land held for production 
  in Zambia                       -        121,874       -        121,874 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 Office building in Zambia        -         4,075        -         4,075 
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 

Fair value of the Group's main property assets is estimated based on appraisals performed by independent, professionally-qualified property valuers, Fairworld Properties Limited. The significant inputs and assumptions are developed in close consultation with management. The valuation processes and fair value changes are reviewed by the Board of Directors and audit committee at each reporting date.

Further information is set out below.

Land held for production in Zambia (Level 2)

Land has been valued using the direct comparison method. This method has been adopted as the most appropriate for the purpose of this valuation as there are enough comparisons available on the open market for land. The land was revalued on 30 September 2017.

The significant unobservable input is the adjustment for factors specific to the land in question. The extent and direction of this adjustment depends on the number and characteristics of the observable market transactions in similar properties that are used as the starting point for valuation. Although this input is a subjective judgement, management considers that the overall valuation would not be materially affected by reasonably possible alternative assumptions.

The fair values of the office buildings are estimated by using the direct comparison method. This method has been adopted as the most appropriate for the purpose of this valuation as there are enough comparisons available on the open market for buildings.

Level 3 fair value measurement

The Group did not have any financial instruments classified within level 3(30 September 2017: ZMW nil: 31 March 2017: ZMW nil) therefore no reconciliation of balances is required.

   14.           Assets held for sale 

During the previous period management decided to sell 90% of a 100% owned subsidiary, Zampalm Limited (Zampalm). The sale was concluded on 6 April 2018. As such the assets and liabilities of Zampalm are disclosed in accordance with IFRS 5.

The income generated by assets held for sale was generated as follows:

 
                                      March 2018   March 2018 
                                         ZMW'000      USD'000 
 Revenue                                      86            9 
                                     -----------  ----------- 
 Cost of sales                           (6,244)        (631) 
                                     -----------  ----------- 
 Administration costs                    (4,804)        (485) 
                                     -----------  ----------- 
 Operating loss                         (10,962)      (1,107) 
                                     -----------  ----------- 
 Depreciation                              (328)         (33) 
                                     -----------  ----------- 
 Loss from discontinued operations 
  before tax                            (11,290)      (1,140) 
                                     -----------  ----------- 
 Tax (expense)/credit                          -            - 
                                     -----------  ----------- 
 Loss for the period                    (11,290)      (1,140) 
                                     -----------  ----------- 
 

The assets and liabilities of the unit held for sale are as follows:

 
                                       March 2018   March 2018 
                                          ZMW'000      USD'000 
 Property, plant and equipment             48,317        5,097 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Plantation development expenditure       115,443       12,177 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Biological assets                         70,856        7,474 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Total non-current assets                 234,616       24,748 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 
 Inventories                                4,136          436 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Trade and other receivables                  558           59 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                    627           66 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Total current assets                       5,321          561 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Assets classified as held for sale       239,937       25,309 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 
 Interest bearing liabilities                   -            - 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Deferred liability                             -            - 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Deferred income tax                            -            - 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Total non-current liabilities                  -            - 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 
 Trade and other payables                  12,092        1,276 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Total current liabilities                 12,092        1,276 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 Liabilities classified as held for 
  sale                                     12,092        1,276 
                                      -----------  ----------- 
 

The cash flow effects of the unit held for sale are as follows:

 
                                          March 2018   March 2018 
                                             ZMW'000      USD'000 
 
 Cash inflow from operating activities      (11,290)      (1,140) 
                                         -----------  ----------- 
 
   11.           Events subsequent to reporting date 

There has not arisen since the end of the 6 months period any item, transaction or event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the directors of the Company, to affect substantially the operations of the economic entity, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the economic entity in the subsequent financial years.

On 6 April 2018, Zambeef completed the sale of 90% of Zambeef's shareholding in its wholly owned subsidiary Zampalm Limited, to the state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for a cash consideration of USD16 million.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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June 06, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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