TIDMPAL
RNS Number : 2990W
Equatorial Palm Oil plc
13 November 2017
13 November 2017
EQUATORIAL PALM OIL plc
("EPO" or the "Company")
Audited Results for the period ended 30 September 2017
Equatorial Palm Oil plc (AIM: PAL), the AIM listed palm oil
development and production company with operations in Liberia, West
Africa, announces its audited results for the 12 months ended 30
September 2017.
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of EPO
will be held at the offices of Shakespeare Martineau LLP, 6th
Floor, 60 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0HR on Thursday 18th
January 2017 at 11.30 a.m.
The Company's Annual Report and Notice of Annual General Meeting
will shortly be posted to shareholders and made available on the
Company's website at www.epoil.co.uk.
For further information, please visit www.epoil.co.uk or
contact:
Equatorial Palm Oil plc +44 (0) 20 7016
Geoffrey Brown (Executive Director) 9885
Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated
Adviser) +44 (0) 20 7409
James Harris / James Bellman 3494
Mirabaud Securities LLP (Broker) +44 (0) 20 7484
Peter Krens 3510
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by
the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under
the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ("MAR").
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Introduction
Equatorial Palm Oil's ("EPO" or "the Company") investment
through its 50 percent share in the joint venture company Liberian
Palm Developments Limited ("LPD") continues to make excellent
progress through development of the oil palm estates in Liberia and
we look forward to first production from the new palm oil mill
anticipated for Q3 2018. LPD continues to engage with all
communities and stakeholders in and around our concessions as we
seek consent for all land development as part of the free, prior
and informed consent ("FPIC") process.
Liberia is currently going through the process of electing a new
President which will be the 3(rd) election since the end of the
last civil war. Peaceful and transparent elections are crucial for
the continued development of a country that has faced significant
recent challenges, including Ebola and the downturn in commodity
prices.
We do however very much believe in the country and its people
and we continue to invest significant funds into our Liberia palm
oil operations on the basis that EPO is in this business for the
long term.
Liberian Palm Developments Limited ("LPD")
LPD is a joint venture company that is owned 50:50 by EPO and
KLK Agro Plantations Pte Ltd, a 100% owned subsidiary of Kuala
Lumpur Kepong Behard ("KLK").
- Operational Review
Construction of 60mt/hr Palm Oil Mill Update
The construction of the 60 metric tonnes per hour ("mt/hr") palm
oil mill ("POM") at Palm Bay estate is progressing well. As
announced in April 2016, the POM is being constructed in a modular
fashion with two lines of 30mt/hr each, however, the ground
preparation has been completed for a 60mt/hr POM. The first stage
to be commissioned with a 30mt/hr POM is now likely to be
operational and will deliver first production in Q3 2018 as
announced on 12 October 2017.
Production at the POM can begin immediately upon commissioning,
given the oil palms which were planted in 2011-2013, are now
bearing fruit.
Palm Bay estate is located 24km from the port of Buchanan where
LPD's subsidiary has leased approximately 4.5 acres of land for a
tank farm and an export facility that is in close proximity to the
wharf from which vessels will load oil palm produce for onward
shipment to its customers. Preliminary land infill work is due to
start imminently at the port and tenders are currently being
received for the construction of the tank farm and export facility
which will be completed in conjunction with the commissioning of
the POM.
Funding
On 12 October 2017, EPO announced that LPD entered into a loan
agreement for a facility of up to US$30m with KLK Agro Plantations
Pte Ltd ("KLK Agro"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuala Lumpur
Kepong Berhad ("KLK"), to fund the operations and capital
requirements of LPD (the "Loan").
The Loan will be used to continue with the next phase of growth
of LPD and fund the construction of the first 30mt/hr line of the
POM being built on Palm Bay estate.
The key terms of the Loan, which is unsecured, are as
follows:
-- Amount - up to US$30m
-- Term - 5 years from the date of the Loan Agreement, being 11 October 2017 (the "Term")
-- Interest - 3-months USD LIBOR + 5 per cent per annum
-- Repayment - loan principal (together with all accrued
interest) due on expiry of the Term or such earlier date as LPD may
decide.
The Loan is in addition and on predominantly the same terms
(save that repayment date is 10 October 2022) as the loan of
US$20.5m and $30.0m which EPO announced on 27 January 2015 and 5
September 2016 respectively, both of which have now been fully
drawn down and remain outstanding (both loans falling due on 25
January 2020).
Amendment to Concession Agreements - Extension of Tax and
Duty-Free Periods
On 17 March 2017, the Company announced that LPD's subsidiaries'
(referred to below) tax and duty-free allowance had been extended
for a further five years under the concession agreements granted to
LPD's Liberian subsidiaries for the development of the two existing
oil palm estates at Palm Bay and Butaw (the "Concession
Agreements").
The Concession Agreements became effective on 6 August 2008 and
were granted for a term of 50 years. In accordance with the
Concession Agreements, the LPD's Liberian subsidiaries were granted
certain tax and duty-free status for the first seven years of
operations ("Rehabilitation Term").
As a consequence of factors outside the LPDs control, which
resulted in slower than planned development of the concession
areas, the Government of Liberia, at LPD's request, approved an
amendment to the Concession Agreements for both of LPD's Liberian
subsidiaries being Libinc Oil Palm Inc. (Palm Bay estate) and
Liberia Forest Products Inc (Butaw estate).
The amendments, which were ratified by the Liberian legislature
and authorised by the President of Liberia, extend the
Rehabilitation Term for a further five years from 27 February 2017
for Libinc Oil Palm Inc and from 14 March 2017 for Liberia Forest
Products Inc, which were the dates on which the amendments to the
Concession Agreements became effective. The extension of the
Rehabilitation Term by five years has resulted in the term of the
Concession Agreements also being extended by a similar period and
both shall now end on 6 August 2063 being the fifty-fifth
anniversary of the effective date of the Concession Agreements.
This timely extension to the Rehabilitation Term reinforces the
Government of Liberia's commitment to foreign investors and
EPO.
Palm Bay and Butaw Estates
Since January 2017, LPD has begun making small sales of fresh
fruit bunches ("FFB") from its newly maturing oil palms at Palm Bay
estate to a local oil palm developer who has an existing mill and
also to local farmers in the area. The sales volumes are currently
relatively small, being less than 100 mt of FFB per day, and as
soon as our POM is in operation, these sales of FFB will cease and
LPD will process all of its FFB at the new mill on Palm Bay estate.
Accordingly, at the end of 2016 we started training some 200
workers to become harvesters.
Work has been ongoing at both Palm Bay and Butaw estates to tend
to the already 7,900 ha planted since 2011. Field upkeep continues
to keep the plantation in a good husbandry state.
Human Rights
On 7 November 2017, the Company announced the release of the
Executive Summary of a Human Rights Impact Assessment ("HRIA"). The
HRIA was undertaken by Ms Anna Triponel, who visited the Company's
estates in Liberia, in order that EPO could develop its
understanding of where its human rights risks lie and better
address them.
EPO is committed to respecting internationally recognised human
rights throughout our operations, and we use the UN Guiding
Principles on Business and Human Rights ("UN Guiding Principles")
to help the Company assess the relevant policies and processes to
put in place. EPO's sustainability policy commits the Company to
respecting, supporting and upholding fundamental human rights, and
we encourage the application of our policy amongst our business
partners including contractors, suppliers, trading and joint
venture partners.
Human Rights (cont.)
Ms Anna Triponel is a business and human rights expert with
extensive experience in the UN Guiding Principles. Through this
process, we have identified the salient areas where there is the
potential for inadvertent human rights infringements, which should
be prioritised.
EPO's human rights priorities include, as a high-priority, those
related to contractor wages and employment status, accidents on the
estates due to uneven terrain or use of chemicals, the impact of
our use of land on communities, employee housing conditions, the
health and well-being of all our employees, and exercising the
right to freedom of association. These are the impact areas that
the Company is dedicating the most resources to addressing and
strengthening through a range of actions. Other human rights areas
that we are looking at include transportation accidents, ensuring
no child labour, transportation of workers and employee living
wage.
As EPO has made the executive summary of our HRIA work public,
we will be providing updates on the actions we have taken and the
lessons learned on the Company's human rights journey in due
course.
Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR") and Sustainability
During the year, the Company released its Sustainability Report
2016, which is intended to provide an update on EPO's
Sustainability Report 2015. The 2016 publication is an interim
report which provides an update on the Company's community work in
Liberia, illustrating the Company and its subsidiaries' ("the
Group") CSR activities following the detailed report released in
2015. The 2016 report reviews projects to date and details how the
Group has resolved some of the land rights issues experienced in
Liberia. The report can be found at:
http://www.epoil.co.uk/uploads/epo-sustainability-report-2016.pdf
The report also addresses:
-- EPO's commitment to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
("RSPO"), including the key principle of free, prior informed
consent ("FPIC") from communities as essential for land
development;
-- The Company's plans to help make the certified sustainable
palm oil industry the basis of stable, long term economic
development in Liberia;
-- EPO and the World Bank Smallerholder Tree Crop Revitialisation Project;
-- EPO's tax and royalty regime, employment and training policy;
-- "Concession Company of the Year 2016" awarded by The Inquirer newspaper in Liberia;
-- Case study: EPO schools and clinics; and
-- Data outlining all EPO's CSR initiatives for an illustrative time period.
The Sustainability Report not only highlighted all the benefits
of the work that EPO is doing in Liberia for its host communities
but also noted areas where we can add more value, which we are
actively progressing.
EPO has a long term commitment to Liberia and its people, and
such reports will be produced on an annual basis as a record of our
commitment to continuous CSR activities.
In addition to producing an annual sustainability report, EPO's
monthly CSR activities and sustainability progress can be monitored
via the Company's dedicated microsite, which can be found at:
www.csr21.org/company/equatorial-palm-oil
Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR") and Sustainability
(cont.)
Relevant articles, photos and videos are posted and updated,
including information on EPO's reaction to the Ebola crisis.
EPO is committed to ensuring economic and social benefits in
Liberia for the local people and communities in which we operate
and respecting their right to give consent to proposed developments
or conservation through the FPIC process.
RSPO
EPO has consistently adopted best practices and procedures to
ensure that the CPO ("Crude Palm Oil") produced from our new
plantings will meet with international sustainability standards,
thereby enabling our CPO to be labelled "sustainable" palm oil.
EPO has been a member of the RSPO since 2007 and from March
2017, EPO's membership of the RSPO will be retained through KLK's
membership, due to KLK's shareholding in EPO following a recent
change in the RSPO membership rules. KLK has been a member of the
RSPO since 2004, and EPO's status and contribution to the RPSO will
be unaffected by this change.
Sustainability is a long-term objective for all our operations
in Liberia. Our Liberian companies have consistently adopted best
practices and procedures to ensure that the CPO to be produced from
our estates meet international sustainability standards.
Personnel
During the period, we welcomed Mr Lee Guo Zhang to the board of
directors of the Company. Mr Lee works for our JV partner KLK,
which he joined in 2010 as an executive. He has experience across
various departments in KLK and was promoted to his current position
as a Senior Manager in the Plantations Division in 2015. Mr Lee
visits our Liberia estates on a regular basis and we very much
welcome him onto the board.
Our staff members based in Liberia continue to do an outstanding
job in a very challenging environment. Our team in Liberia is ably
led by Mr Sashi Nambiar who, as Country Manager, leads a very
experienced and capable Senior Management team.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for
their continued dedication in supporting the Company's efforts to
further the growth of the business.
Financial Review
The loss of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2017 of
US$2,982,000 (year ended 30 September 2016: US$1,276,000) was in
line with expectations.
Cash held by the Group as at 30 September 2017 was US$182,000
(30 September 2016: US$465,000).
Outlook
As at the time of signing off these accounts, we note that
Liberia is going through its 3(rd) Presidential election since the
last civil war. It is imperative that these elections are peaceful,
transparent and conducted in the right manner as this is extremely
important for foreign investors already in Liberia but also for
those looking to invest in Liberia.
The construction of the palm oil mill at Palm Bay estate is
progressing well and is likely to be commissioned in Q3 2018. This
will be a significant milestone for the Company and is very much
part of the long-term commitments we have made to both Liberia and
its people.
EPO is clearly demonstrating the significant social and economic
benefits that agricultural development can bring to a country like
Liberia, and we are proud to play a part in this process. This is
especially so given the recent setbacks of Ebola and the downturn
in commodities prices.
I would like to thank KLK and all of our shareholders for their
continued support and I look forward to updating you on our
progress in the year ahead.
Michael Frayne
Chairman
STRATEGIC REPORT
Performance and Outlook
The development, performance, financial position and outlook of
the Company are discussed in detail in the Chairman's Statement on
pages 3 to 7.
Key Performance Indicators and Milestones
The key performance indicators and milestones for Equatorial
Palm Oil plc and its subsidiaries (the "Group") for the reported
period include:
-- Additional US$30m funding commitment for LPD from KLK Agro (post year-end)
-- Amendment to Concession Agreements - Extension of Tax and Duty-Free Periods
-- Construction of 60mt/hr Palm Oil Mill Update proceeding on time and budget
-- Completion of Sustainability Report 2016
-- Human Rights Impact Assessment report completed
Business Risks and Uncertainties
Going concern and financial risks are discussed in Note 1 and
Note 8 respectively. Going concern is also set out in the
Directors' Report on page 10.
The Group has identified certain other risks pertinent to its
business, which also apply to its joint venture, including:
Ebola Virus Disease
All of LPDs operational activities are located in Liberia and
the Group is therefore exposed to health & safety risks
associated with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The outbreak was
largely brought under control toward the end of 2015 with some
additional cases of the virus reported in April 2016. On 9 June
2016, after 42 days of surveillance, Liberia was declared
Ebola-free.
The Company is a member of the Ebola Private Sector Mobilisation
Group ("EPSMG") which comprises over 70 companies and 40 public
bodies/NGOs with operations in or near Ebola countries. Like the
Company, these companies have made long term commitments to these
countries and their people and intend to honour these
commitments.
Agricultural risk
As with any agricultural operation, there are risks that crops
may be affected by pests, diseases and weather conditions.
Agricultural best practice, if achieved, can to some extent
mitigate the risk of outbreaks of pests and diseases but such risks
cannot be entirely removed. The only significant disease in West
Africa for oil palms is fusarium wilt. All seeds sourced by LPD
have resistance to fusarium wilt. Unusually high levels of rainfall
for the relevant plantation area can disrupt estate operations and
access to the estates. There is the possibility of adverse climatic
conditions including lightning strikes, lack of rainfall, excessive
rainfall and insufficient sunshine. Unusually low levels of
rainfall that lead to water availability falling below the minimum
required for the normal development of the oil palms may lead to a
reduction in subsequent crop levels. Such reduction is likely to be
broadly proportional to the size of the cumulative water
deficit.
Whilst rainfall on our estates are estimated at above 3,000
millimetres per annum, which is well above the level of 2,000
millimetres per annum that is considered to be the minimum for
growth of a palm oil plantation, there can be material variations
from the norm in any individual year.
Commodity and Crude Palm Oil ("CPO") prices
The Group's earnings will be largely dependent on the prices of
the commodities which it will sell. These fluctuate due to factors
beyond the Group's control, including world supply and demand. The
price of vegetable oils depends on the production levels of all
edible oils as many oils, including palm oil, are substitutable by
users to various degrees. In particular, the price of CPO is
volatile and is influenced by factors beyond the Group's control.
These factors include global supply and demand of CPO, petroleum
oil prices, exchange rates, interest rates, inflation rates and
political events. A significant prolonged decline in CPO prices
could impact the viability of some or all of the Group's
activities. Additionally, production from geographically isolated
countries may be sold at a discount to current market prices. To
offset price risk, LPD may, from time to time, enter into hedging
contracts in respect of its future CPO production.
Management attempts to mitigate the risk by modelling the
sensitivity of the Group's earnings to fluctuations in the CPO
price and ensuring the business model remains viable.
Economic and political risks
All of LPDs operational activities are located in Liberia and
LPD is therefore dependent on the political and economic situation
in Liberia. Whilst LPD intends to make every effort to ensure it
has and continues to have robust commercial agreements covering its
activities, there is a risk that LPD's activities and financial
performance are adversely impacted by economic and political
factors such as exchange rates, interest rates, inflation rates,
the imposition of additional taxes and charges, cancellation or
suspension of licences or agreements, expropriation, war,
terrorism, insurrection, strikes and lock outs, and changes to laws
governing the Group's operations including certain outcomes from
HCS study. There is also the possibility that the terms of any
agreement or permit in which the Group holds an interest may be
changed.
Management attempts to mitigate the risk by maintaining good
relations with the Liberian government.
The first round of the Liberian presidential elections took
place on 10 October 2017. No candidate won a majority in the first
round of the presidential vote, so a run-off will be held on a date
yet to be determined.
Relationship with KLK
The Group has a joint venture agreement with KLK Agro which
provides for KLK to manage LPD. There is a risk of a dispute under
the joint venture agreement.
Management attempts to mitigate the risk by maintaining good
relations with KLK through regular monthly meetings and regular
visits to Liberia to meet management and review progress. The
Company's interests are also aligned with KLK's representation on
the Board of EPO.
This report was approved by order of the board on 13 November
2017.
Michael Frayne
Chairman
Directors' Report
The Directors present their report together with the audited
financial statements of Equatorial Palm Oil plc and its
subsidiaries (the "Group") for the year ended 30 September
2017.
Principal Activities
The principal activity of the Group is the cultivation of oil
palms for the production of crude palm oil and associated products
in Liberia.
Results and Dividends
The loss of the Group after taxation for the 12 months ended 30
September 2017 amounted to $2,982,000 (12 months ended 30 September
2016: Loss of $1,276,000).
The Directors do not propose the payment of a dividend (2016:
nil).
Directors
The Directors who served during the year ended 30 September 2017
are as follows:
-- Michael Frayne
-- Geoffrey Brown
-- Lee Oi Hian
-- Teh Sar Moh Nee
-- Yap Miow Kien
-- Lee Guo Zhang - appointed 10 May 2017
Insurance
The Group maintained insurance in respect of its Directors and
Officers against liabilities in relation to the Group.
Financial Instruments
Financial instrument risks are discussed in Note 8.
Events after the Reporting Period
Significant events after the reporting period, being 30
September 2017, but before the approval of these financial
statements, are set out in Note 19.
Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern
basis.
Based upon the Company's current cash balance and forecast
income and expenditure, the Directors consider that the Company
will have sufficient cash to fund the Company's ongoing commitments
for a period of at least a year after the approval of these
financial statements.
Regarding the funding of LPD, subsequent to year end, on 12
October 2017, the Company announced that LPD had entered into a
US$30m loan agreement with KLK Agro (the "Loan Agreement") to fund
the operations of LPD. This is in addition to the US$20.5m loan
granted on 27 January 2015 and $30m loan granted on 2 September
2016. The term of this recent Loan Agreement is 5 years and the
interest rate is 3-months USD LIBOR + 5 percent per annum. To date
the LPD Group has fully drawn on the US$20.5m loan granted 27
January 2015 and the US$30m loan granted 2 September 2016.
Based upon the current financial position of LPD, which held
US$182,000 in cash as at 30 September 2017 and, as mentioned above,
can draw down a further amount of US$30m on the Loan Agreement
announced subsequent to year end, the Directors are satisfied that
LPD is able to fund its activities for a period of at least 12
months from the date of the approval of these financial statements.
KLK have provided a letter of support to LPD, which states that KLK
will provide further funding as necessary in order for LPD to
continue its normal operations.
Employment Policies and Remuneration
The Group is committed to promoting policies which ensure that
high calibre employees are attracted, retained and motivated, to
ensure ongoing success for the business. Employees and those who
seek to work with the Group are treated equally regardless of sex,
marital status, creed, age, colour, race or ethnic origin.
The Company remunerates the Directors at a level commensurate
with the size of the Company and the experience of its Directors.
The Remuneration Committee has reviewed the Directors' remuneration
and believes it upholds the objectives of the Company with regard
to this issue.
Details of Directors' emoluments and payments made for
professional services rendered are set out in Note 4 to the
financial statements.
Health & Safety
The Group's aim is to maintain its record of workplace safety.
In order to achieve this objective, the Group provides training and
support to employees and sets demanding standards for workplace
safety.
Auditors
The auditor, BDO LLP, will be proposed for reappointment in
accordance with Section 485 of the Companies Act 2006. BDO has
signified its willingness to continue in office as auditor.
Corporate Governance
The Directors are committed to maintaining high standards of
corporate governance. Although the Company does not comply with the
UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors have established
procedures, so far as is practicable, given the Company's size, to
comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. The Company has
adopted and operates a share dealing code for Directors and senior
employees in line with EU Market Abuse Regulation.
The Board
The Board meets throughout the year. To enable the Board to
perform its duties, each of the Directors has full access to all
relevant information and to the services of the Company Secretary.
If necessary, the non-executive Directors may take independent
professional advice at the Company's expense. The Board currently
includes four non-executive Directors. The Board has delegated
specific responsibilities to the committees described below.
The Audit Committee
The Company has an Audit Committee, which comprises three
directors: Lee Oi Hian, Yap Miow Kien, and is chaired by Michael
Frayne. The Audit Committee meets at least twice each year and at
any other time when it is appropriate to consider and discuss audit
and accounting related issues. The Audit Committee is responsible
for monitoring the quality of internal controls and for ensuring
that the financial performance of the Company is properly
monitored, controlled and reported on. It reviews a wide range of
matters, including half-year and annual results before their
submission to the Board. It also meets the Company's auditors
without executive Board members being present and reviews reports
from the auditors relating to accounts and internal control
systems.
The Remuneration Committee
The Company has a Remuneration Committee, which comprises three
directors: Yap Miow Kien, Michael Frayne, and is chaired by Lee Oi
Hian. The Remuneration Committee reviews the performance of the
executive Directors and sets the scale and structure of their
remuneration and the basis of their service agreements with due
regard to the interests of Shareholders. In determining the
remuneration of executive Directors, the Remuneration Committee
seeks to enable the Company to attract and retain executives of the
highest calibre. The Remuneration Committee also makes
recommendations to the Board concerning the allocation of share
options, bonus schemes, pension rights and compensation payments.
No Director is permitted to participate in discussions or decisions
concerning their own remuneration.
The Nominations Committee
The Company has a Nominations Committee, which comprises three
Directors, Yap Miow Kien, Michael Frayne and is chaired by Lee Oi
Hian. The Nominations Committee meets at such times during the year
as required. This committee reviews the structure, size and
composition (including the skills, knowledge and experience)
required of the Board compared to its current position and makes
recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes. In
addition, it gives full consideration to succession planning for
Directors and other senior executives, and is responsible for
identifying, evaluating and nominating Board candidates. It also
reviews annually the time required from non-executive
Directors.
Control Procedures
The Board has approved financial budgets and cash forecasts. In
addition, it has implemented procedures to ensure compliance with
accounting standards and effective reporting.
Provision of information to auditors
As far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit
information of which the Company's auditors are unaware. Each
Director has taken appropriate steps to ensure that they are aware
of such relevant information, and that the Company's auditors are
aware of that information.
Annual General Meeting
This report and financial statements will be presented to
shareholders for their approval at an Annual General Meeting
("AGM"). The Notice of the AGM will be distributed to shareholders
together with the Annual Report.
By order of the Board
Michael Frayne
Chairman
13 November 2017
GROUP Statement OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Notes Year ended Year ended
30 September
2017
$'000 30 September
2016
$'000
Revenue 12 167 192
Administrative expenses (739) (847)
Operating loss 2 (572) (655)
Interest income 11 519 504
Other income 12 46 66
Share of loss of associate 9 (2,975) (1,191)
--------------- ---------------
Loss for the year before and
after taxation attributable
to owners of the parent 3 (2,982) (1,276)
--------------- ---------------
Other comprehensive income
Items that will or may be reclassified
to profit or loss
Exchange losses arising on translation
of foreign operations 6 (100)
--------------- ---------------
Total comprehensive income for
the year attributable to owners
of the parent (2,976) (1,376)
--------------- ---------------
Loss per share expressed in
cents per share
- Basic & diluted 7 (0.8) (0.4)
cents cents
Group STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Registered Number 5555087
As at As at
Note 30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investment in associate 9 19,447 22,422
Property, plant and equipment 2 3
Receivables from associate 11 6,736 6,386
26,185 28,811
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 22 121
Cash & cash equivalents 182 465
--------------- ---------------
204 586
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 14 62 94
62 94
Net current assets 142 492
NET ASSETS 26,327 29,303
--------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 15 5,598 5,598
Share premium 46,791 46,791
Foreign exchange reserve 522 516
Retained loss (26,584) (23,602)
--------------- ---------------
Total equity 26,327 29,303
------------------------------- ------- --------------- ---------------
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors
on 13 November 2017 and were signed on its behalf by:
Michael Frayne
Chairman
COmpany STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Registered Number 5555087
As at As at
Notes 30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
------------------------------ -------- --------------- ---------------
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries 9 20,199 23,174
Property Plant and Equipment 2 3
Receivables from associate 11 6,736 6,386
26,937 29,563
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 21 119
Loans to subsidiaries 10 142 137
Cash & cash equivalents 182 465
--------------- ---------------
345 721
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 14 64 94
64 94
Net current assets 281 627
NET ASSETS 27,218 30,190
--------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 15 5,598 5,598
Share premium 46,791 46,791
Foreign exchange reserve (555) (345)
Retained loss (24,616) (21,854)
--------------- ---------------
Total equity 27,218 30,190
------------------------------ -------- --------------- ---------------
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the
profit and loss account of the parent Company has not been
separately presented in these accounts. The parent Company loss for
the year was $2,762,000 (2016: $1,269,000).
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors
on 13 November 2017 and were signed on its behalf by:
Michael Frayne
Chairman
STATEMENT OF Cash FlowS
Group Group Company Company
Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2017 2016 2017 2016
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
----------------------------- ---- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Loss for the year
before and after
taxation (2,982) (1,276) (2,762) (407)
Depreciation 1 1 1 1
Increase in receivables 14 (9) 14 (9)
(Decrease) / increase
in payables (18) 35 (18) 35
Unrealised translation - - (220) -
forex gain
Interest income (519) (504) (519) (504)
Other income (46) (62) (46) (62)
Share of loss of
associate/impairment
of investment 2,975 1,191 2,975 1,191
Net cash outflow
from operating activities (575) (624) (575) 245
Cash flows from investing
activities
Purchase of property,
plant and equipment - (3) - (3)
Funds invested in
and loaned to associate - (5) - (13)
Interest income received 256 172 256 172
Other income received 32 38 32 38
Net cash outflow
from investing activities 288 202 288 194
Cash flows from financing
activities
Issue of ordinary - - - -
share capital
Net cash inflow from - - - -
financing activities
Net decrease in cash
and cash equivalents (287) (422) (287) 439
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 465 987 465 987
Exchange gains on
cash and cash equivalents 4 (100) 4 (961)
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 182 465 182 465
----------------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
GROUP Statement of Changes IN EQUITY
Called Share Foreign Warrant
up share premium exchange and option Retained Total
capital reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
GROUP
------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2015 5,598 46,791 616 108 (22,434) 30,679
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Expiry of warrants
and options - - - (108) 108 -
Loss for the
year - - - - (1,276) (1,276)
Other comprehensive
loss for the
year - - (100) - - (100)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2016 5,598 46,791 516 - (23,602) 29,303
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Loss for the
year - - - - (2,982) (2,982)
Other comprehensive
income for the
year - - 6 - - 6
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2017 5,598 46,791 522 - (26,584) 26,327
------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve
within owners' equity:
Share capital Amount subscribed for share capital
at nominal value.
Share premium Amount subscribed for share capital
in excess of nominal value.
Foreign Foreign exchange differences arising
exchange on translating into the reporting currency.
Warrant Amount representing the cumulative
and option charge recognised under IFRS 2 in respect
of warrants and share options, including
the valuation of warrants issued with
shares.
Retained Cumulative net gains and losses recognised
earnings in the financial statements.
COMPANY Statement of Changes IN EQUITY
Called Share Foreign Warrant
up share premium exchange and option Retained Total
capital reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
COMPANY
------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2015 5,598 46,791 616 108 (21,555) 31,558
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Exercise and
expiry of warrants
and options - - - (108) 108 -
Loss for the
year - - - - (407) (407)
Other comprehensive
loss for the
year - - (961) - - (961)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2016 5,598 46,791 (345) - (21,854) 30,190
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
Loss for the
year - - - - (2,762) (2,762)
Other comprehensive
income for the
year - - (210) - - (210)
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September
2017 5,598 46,791 (555) - (24,616) 27,218
------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. They
have all been applied consistently throughout the period.
Authorisation of financial statements
The consolidated financial statements of Equatorial Palm Oil plc
for the year ended 30 September 2017 were authorised for issue by
the Board of Directors on 13 November 2017 and the statements of
financial position signed on the Board's behalf by Michael
Frayne.
Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared under the
historical cost convention and in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European
Union and IFRIC interpretations and with those parts of the
Companies Act, 2006 applicable to companies reporting under
IFRS.
The accounts have been prepared to the nearest $'000.
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern
basis, as disclosed in the directors' report.
Basis of consolidation
Where the Company has control over an investee, it is classified
as a subsidiary. The Company controls an investee if all three of
the following elements are present: power over the investee;
exposure to variable returns from the investee; and the ability of
the investor to use its power to affect those variable returns.
Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances indicate
that there may be a change in any of these elements of control. The
consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements
of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group"). The financial
statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting
period as the parent Company, using consistent accounting
policies.
All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses and
profits and losses resulting from intra-group transactions, are
eliminated in full.
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of
acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and
continue to be consolidated until the date that such control
ceases.
Foreign currency translation
(i) Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the individual financial statements of each of
the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary
economic environment in which the entity operates ('the functional
currency'). The consolidated financial statements are presented in
US Dollars, which is Equatorial Palm Oil's presentation currency
and differs from its functional currency, Sterling. The Company's
strategy is focused on developing its investment in Liberian oil
palm funded by shareholder equity and other financial assets, which
are principally denominated in Sterling.
(ii) Transactions and balances
Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are translated
into the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date of
the transaction. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are
translated to the functional currency at rates of exchange ruling
at balance date. Gains or losses arising from settlement of
transactions and from translation at year-end exchange rates of
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
are recognised in the income statement for the period.
(iii) Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group entities
that have a functional currency different from the presentation
currency are translated into the presentation currency as
follows:
- assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are
translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance
sheet;
- income and expenses for each income statement are translated
at the average exchange rate; and
- all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the
translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken
to shareholders' equity. When a foreign operation is partially
disposed or sold, exchange differences that were recorded in equity
are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss
on sale.
Investment
The Group interest in LPD is disclosed in Note 9. This
investment in which the Group has significant influence is included
in the financial statements and accounted for using the equity
method. The Group accounts for its share of the net assets of LPD
as an investment within the statement of financial position. The
Group's share of the gains or losses of LPD are included within the
income statement, except for exchange gains and losses on
translation. LPD prepares accounts in accordance with the Group's
accounting policies.
Upon initial transfer of assets and subsidiaries to LPD, the
Group derecognises the assets at their carrying amounts at the date
when control is lost. Initial recognition of the investment in LPD
is at its fair value. Any resulting difference is recognised as a
gain or loss in the statement of comprehensive income.
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less
any provision for impairment in value.
Impairment of non-financial assets
Non-financial assets and identifiable intangibles are reviewed
for impairment at each reporting date and whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not
be recoverable. An impairment review is based on discounted future
cash flows. If the expected discounted future cash flow from the
use of the assets and their eventual disposal is less than the
carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recognised and
measured using the asset's fair value or discounted cash flows.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation is provided on all plant and equipment to write off
the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its
expected useful economic life at the following annual rates:
Straight-Line
Buildings 7%
Plant and Equipment 20% - 33%
Vehicles 20% - 33%
Palm Oil Mill 10%
Assets under construction are carried within a separate category
of property, plant and equipment at cost and are not depreciated
until they are commissioned.
Liberian leasehold (concession) land is depreciated on a
straight-line basis over the term of the agreement being 50
years.
Plantation development comprises all plantation development
costs such as direct materials, labour and an appropriate
proportion of fixed overheads.
Biological Assets
The accounting policies of the Group's associate in respect of
Biological assets are:
Biological assets comprise oil palm trees from initial
preparation of land and planting of seedlings through to maturity
and the entire productive life of the oil palms and are estimated
to have a total life of 25 years.
Oil palms which are not yet harvestable or not producing fresh
fruit bunches ("FFB"), are classified as immature and are valued at
cost.
Oil palms are classified as mature when they are ready for
harvest and are carried at cost less depreciation on a
straight-line basis over the remainder of its useful life.
The FFB on the mature oil palms are carried at fair value.
Plantation development costs comprise of all costs such as
direct materials, labour and an appropriate proportion of overheads
incurred to bring the oil palms to maturity. Once classified as
mature, these costs are recognised through profit and loss.
Loans Receivable
Loans and advances made to third parties and companies which are
not consolidated are recognised when cash is advanced to a
borrower. They are derecognised when either the borrower repays its
obligations, or the loans are sold or written off, or substantially
all the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred. They are
initially recorded at fair value plus any directly attributable
transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortised cost
using the effective interest method, less any reduction for
impairment or uncollectibility.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue represents management fees charged to LPD for
consultancy and administrative services. Revenue is recognised when
services are provided.
Revenue within LPD comprises the fair value of consideration
received upon the sale of crude palm oil and palm kernel oil.
Revenue is recognised when the risks and rewards are transferred
which is when crude palm oil is received by the customer.
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable
and deferred tax. The tax currently payable is based on taxable
profit for the period. The Group's liability for current tax is
calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively
enacted by the reporting date.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in
the computation of taxable profit and is accounted for using the
balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax is calculated at the
tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the
liability is settled or the asset is realised.
Share-based payments
In accordance with IFRS 2 'Share-based payments', the Group
reflects the economic cost of awarding shares and share options to
employees and Directors by recording an expense in the statement of
comprehensive income equal to the fair value of the benefit
awarded. The expense is recognised in the statement of
comprehensive income over the vesting period of the award.
Fair value is measured by use of a Black-Scholes model, which
takes into account conditions attached to the vesting and exercise
of the equity instruments. The expected life used in the model is
adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effects of
non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural
considerations.
Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before
they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured
immediately before and after the modification, is charged to the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income and amortised over
the remaining vesting period.
Where an option or a warrant is issued to a third party the
Directors value the service received at fair value, where this is
not ascertainable the Directors will value the service based on the
fair value of the instruments issued as described above.
Financial Instruments
The Group's financial assets consist of cash and trade and other
receivables.
Trade and other receivables are measured at initial recognition
at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using
the effective interest method. A provision is established when
there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to
collect all amounts due. The amount of any provision is recognised
in the income statement.
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and cash held
on current account or on short-term deposits, with initial maturity
of three months or less at variable interest rates. Any interest
earned is accrued monthly and classified as interest. A breakdown
of the cash held as at 30 September 2017 is as follows:
-- Cash on hand: $75,000.
-- Cash held in 1-month time deposit: $107,000
Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value
and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the
effective interest rate method.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group
are classified in accordance with the substance of the contractual
arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial
liability and an equity instrument. Equity instruments issued by
the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct
issue costs.
Interest bearing bank loans, overdrafts and other loans are
initially recorded at fair value less any directly attributable
costs, with subsequent measurement at amortised cost. Finance costs
are accounted for on an accruals basis in the income statement
using the effective interest method.
Segment information
The Group complies with IFRS 8 Operating Segments, which
requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of
internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly
reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate
resources to the segments and to assess their performance.
In the opinion of the Directors, the operations of the Group
comprise one class of business, being the cultivation of oil palms
for the production of crude palm oil and associated products in
Liberia.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in
conformity with IFRSs requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, income, expenses and related
disclosures. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on
practical experience and various other factors that are believed to
be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form
the basis for making the judgments about carrying values of assets
and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an
ongoing basis. Changes in accounting estimates may be necessary, if
there are changes in the circumstances on which the estimate was
based or as a result of new information. Such changes are amortised
in the period in which the estimate is revised.
The key area where management have made estimates and
assumptions is:
Investment in associate - if there are indicators of impairment,
management undertake an impairment review of the carrying value of
the investment in the associate. The impairment review may contain
critical estimates such as the future yield of the oil palm
plantation, the future price of palm oil and the discount rate
applied.
Critical judgements in applying the Group's accounting
policies
The application of the Group's accounting policies may require
management to make judgements, apart from those involving
estimates, which can have a significant effect on the amounts
amortised in the financial statements. Management judgement is
particularly required when assessing the substance of transactions
that have a complicated structure or legal form.
Adoption of new and amended Accounting Standards
(i) New and amended standards adopted for the first time for the
financial periods beginning on or after 1 October 2015
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and
interpretations are effective or have been early adopted for the
financial year beginning on or after 1 October 2015 and have been
applied in preparing these Financial Statements.
Agriculture: Bearer Plants: Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41
The amendments change the financial reporting for bearer plants,
such as oil palms. It requires that bearer plants should be
accounted for in the same way as property, plant and equipment in
IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment, because their operation is
similar to that of manufacturing. Consequently, the amendments
include them within the scope of IAS 16, instead of IAS 41. The
produce growing on bearer plants will remain within the scope of
IAS 41.
Annual Improvements Cycle 2010-2012
Amendments to IFRS 2 (Share-based payments - Definition of
"vesting condition"), IFRS 3 (Business combinations - accounting
for contingent consideration in a business combination), IFRS 8
(Operating segments - aggregation of operating segments and
reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments' assets to
the entity's assets), IFRS 13 (Fair value measurement - short-term
receivables and payables), IAS 16 (Property, plant and equipment -
revaluation method - proportionate restatement of accumulated
depreciation), IAS 24 (Related party disclosures - key management
personnel), and IAS 38 (Intangible assets - revaluation method -
proportionate restatement of accumulated amortization). Effective 1
February 2015.
Annual Improvements Cycle 2011-2013
Amendments to IFRS 1 (First time adoption of International
Financial Reporting Standards - meaning of effective IFRSs), IFRS 3
(Business combinations - scope of exception for joint ventures),
IFRS 13 (Fair value measurement - scope of paragraph 52 (portfolio
exception)), and IAS 40 (Investment property - clarifying the
inter-relationship of IFRS 3 and IAS 40 when classifying property
as investment property or owner-occupied property). Effective 1
January 2015.
The adoption of these standards had no impact on the financial
statements other than changes to disclosures.
(ii) New standards, amendments and Interpretations in issue but
not yet effective or not yet endorsed and not early adopted
The standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet
effective, up to the date of issuance of the Financial Statements
are listed below. The Company and Group intend to adopt these
standards, if applicable, when they become effective.
Effective
Standard Impact on initial application date
New Standards
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with 1 January
Customers 2018
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 1 January
2018
IFRS 16 Leases 1 January
2019
Amendments to
Existing Standards
IAS 12 Recognition of deferred tax 1 January
assets for unrealised losses 2017
IAS 7 Disclosure Initiatives 1 January
2017
IFRS 15 (Clarification) Revenue from Contracts with 1 January
Customers 2018
IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement 1 January
of Share-based Payment Transactions 2018
IFRS 4 Applying IFRS 9 Financial 1 January
Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance 2018
Contracts
Annual Improvements to IFRSs 1 January
(2014-2016 Cycle) 2017 & 1
January
2018
IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions 1 January
and Advance Consideration 2018
IAS 40 Transfers of Investment Property 1 January
2018
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax 1 January
Treatments 2019
* Subject to EU endorsement
^ Effective date deferred indefinitely
The Group is evaluating the impact of the new and amended
standards above. The introduction of IFRS 9 may have an impact
however an assessment of what the impact may be has not been
undertaken at this stage.
2. Operating Loss
The operating loss is stated after charging:
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
Auditors' remuneration - audit services 32 38
- other services 20 -
Directors' emoluments (Note
4) 185 206
Operating lease charges 77 104
In addition to the above, the Auditors charged $47,000 (2016 -
$45,300) in relation to the associate. The costs were borne by the
associate.
3. Taxation
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
----------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Factors affecting the tax charge
for the year
Loss on ordinary activities
before tax (2,982) (1,276)
Loss on ordinary activities
at the UK standard rate of
19% (2016: 20%) (567) (255)
Effects:
Share of operating loss of
associate not taxable 565 238
Expenses not deductible for
tax purposes - 1
Tax losses carried forward
not recognised 2 16
Total taxation - -
----------------------------------- -------------- --------------
No deferred tax assets have been recognised (2016: nil). The
Group has total carried forward losses of $8,677,829 (2016:
$8,892,954). The taxed value of the unrecognised deferred tax asset
is $1,648,787 (2016: $1,778,591) and these losses do not
expire.
4. Directors' emoluments
Salary Salary
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
---------------------- ---------------- ----------------
Michael Frayne 63 71
Geoffrey Brown 122 135
Lee Oi Hian (1) - -
Teh Sar Moh Nee (1) - -
Yap Miow Kien (1) - -
Lee Guo Zhang (1) - -
---------------- ----------------
Total 185 206
---------------------- ---------------- ----------------
All Directors' remuneration is paid in cash.
(1) KLK representatives not remunerated by the Company
5. Compensation of Key Management Personnel
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Short-term employee benefits 313 347
Social security costs 39 43
Total 352 390
------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Key Management Personnel includes the Directors of the Company
and senior management.
6. Staff Costs (including Directors)
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
Staff Costs
Salaries & Wages 313 347
Social Security Costs 39 43
Total Staff Costs 352 390
------------------------ --------------- ---------------
Company Company
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
Staff Costs
Salaries & Wages 313 347
Social Security Costs 39 43
Total Staff Costs 352 390
------------------------ --------------- ---------------
The Group and Company averaged 3 employees during the year ended
30 September 2017 of which all were involved in administration
activities (30 September 2016: 3).
7. Loss Per Share
The basic loss per share is derived by dividing the loss for the
year attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average
number of shares in issue.
As inclusion of the potential ordinary shares would result in a
decrease in the loss per share they are considered to be
anti-dilutive, as such, diluted earnings per share is equivalent to
basic earnings per share.
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
-------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Loss for the year (2,982) (1,276)
Weighted average number of ordinary 356.3 356.3
shares of 1p in issue million million
Loss per share - basic and diluted (0.8) (0.4)
cents cents
-------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Details of any potentially dilutive shares are included in the
share based payment note, Note 16.
8. Financial Instruments
The Group (including the Company, its subsidiary and its
interest in LPD) is exposed through its operations to the following
risks:
-- Credit risk
-- Liquidity risk
-- Market risk
-- Foreign exchange risk
In common with all other businesses, the Group is exposed to
risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. This note
describes the Group's objectives, policies and processes for
managing those risks and the methods used to measure them. Further
quantitative information in respect of these risks is presented
throughout these financial statements.
Principal financial instruments
The principal financial instruments used by the Group, and
classified as loans and receivables, from which financial
instrument risk arises are as follows:
-- Receivables from associate;
-- Trade and other receivables;
-- Cash and cash equivalents;
-- Loans to associates; and
-- Loans to subsidiaries.
General objectives, policies and processes
The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of
the Group's risk management objectives and policies and, whilst
retaining responsibility for them, it has delegated the authority
for designing and operating processes that ensure the effective
implementation of the objectives and policies to the Group's
finance function. The overall objective of the Board is to set
policies that seek to reduce risk exposure as far as possible
without unduly affecting the Group's competitiveness and
flexibility. Further details regarding these policies are set out
below:
Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk from its cash deposits. The
Group reviews the banks and financial institutions it deals with to
ensure that standards of credit worthiness are maintained.
The Group is also exposed to credit risk from its loans to LPD.
The ability of LPD to repay its debts is supported by a joint
venture agreement between the Company and KLK (refer Note 9) and
the projected future cash flows from the plantation.
The Group does not enter into derivatives to manage credit
risk.
At the reporting date the Group does not envisage any losses
from non-performance of counterparties.
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date from
the Group's financial assets is the carrying value of each
financial asset. The Group does not hold any collateral as
security.
Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to fluctuations of the LIBOR rate on the
interest accrued relating to its receivable due from associate. The
Group measures its risk through a sensitivity analysis considering
10% favourable and adverse changes in the LIBOR rate. At 30
September 2017 a 10% movement of LIBOR would not have resulted in
an increase or decrease in the interest accrued as interest is
accrued at the higher of LIBOR + 4% or 8%.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group's management of working
capital and the finance charges and principal repayments on its
debt instruments. It is the risk that the Group will encounter
difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall
due.
The Group's policy is to ensure that it will always have
sufficient cash to allow it to meet its liabilities when they
become due.
The Directors receive information regarding cash balances on a
monthly basis. As soon as funding shortfalls are identified, the
Directors take action to identify and subsequently secure the
necessary funds from existing or new investors or in the form of
short and long term borrowings. Further disclosure of going concern
is given in Note 1.
Market risk
The most significant component of market risk affecting the
Group is the market price of CPO, which will be determined by local
market prices and demand for CPO and also the Group's access and
route to export sales. There is currently no revenue from CPO.
Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk arises because the Group has operations
located in the UK and Liberia, which enter into transactions in
currencies which are not the same as the functional currency of the
Company. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Group consider
hedging its net investments in overseas operations, as generally it
does not consider that the reduction in foreign currency exposure
warrants the cash flow risk created from such hedging techniques.
Wherever possible in order to monitor the continuing effectiveness
of this policy, the Board, through their approval of capital
expenditure budgets and review of the monthly management accounts,
considers the effectiveness of the policy on an ongoing basis.
Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The Group is mainly exposed to currency rate fluctuations of the
UK Pound versus the US$, and measures its foreign currency risk
through a sensitivity analysis considering 10% favourable and
adverse changes in market rates on exposed monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in UK Pounds. At 30 September 2017 a 10%
revaluation of the Pound against the Dollar would have resulted in
a US $14,200 increase or decrease in the net assets of the Group
(30 September 2016: US$49,200).
Capital management policies
The Group considers its capital to be its ordinary share
capital, share premium, other reserves, retained deficit and
external borrowings. The Board of Directors has established
principles for the management of the Group's capital resources
based on a long-term strategy that continually evaluates and
monitors the achievement of corporate objectives. Specific capital
management policies set forth include the following:
-- Sufficient resources to maintain and develop its concessions
and to maximise discretionary spending on further accelerating its
plantation development;
-- The reinvestment of profits into new and existing assets that
fit the corporate objectives;
-- To identify the appropriate mix of debt, equity and partner
sharing opportunities in order to maintain and comply with its
growth and development plans alongside those commitments of its
concession agreements with a view of generating the highest returns
to shareholders overall with the most advantageous timing of
investment flows;
-- Retain maximum flexibility to allocate capital resources
between new planting and production of CPO enhancing projects based
on available funds and the quality of opportunities.
On a regular basis, management receives financial and
operational performance reports that enable continuous management
of assets, liabilities and liquidity.
The above policies and practices are consistent with strategies
and objectives employed in prior years and are expected to remain
consistent in the extension of future resource allocation
objectives.
9. Investment in associate & subsidiaries
The Company, through its investment in Equatorial Biofuels
(Guernsey) Limited, owns a 50% interest in LPD.
In the period ended 30 September 2014, a Joint Venture Agreement
("JVA") was signed pursuant to which cash and funding commitments
of up to $35.5m were made available to LPD. Under the JVA, the
Company retained a 50% economic and voting interest in LPD. Also
under the JVA, KLK has the power to appoint the Chairman to the
Board of LPD and in the case of a tied vote the Chairman has the
casting vote. For this reason, the Company accounts for its
investment in LPD as an equity investment in which it has
significant influence.
The Group and Company's interest in LPD is as follows:
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
Interest in associate at beginning
of year 22,422 23,613
Share of losses of associate (2,975) (1,191)
Interest in associate at end
of year 19,447 22,422
The consolidated results of Liberian Palm Developments Limited
for the year ended 30 September 2017 were as follows:
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
Non-current assets 103,687 90,143
Current assets 10,758 6,354
Non-current liabilities (73,228) (49,939)
Current liabilities (2,322) (1,714)
TOTAL NET ASSETS 38,895 44,844
Group's share (50%) 19,447 22,422
Income 291 -
Expenses (6,241) (2,382)
Loss after tax (5,950) (2,382)
Group's share (50%) (2,975) (1,191)
Subsidiaries and associates of Equatorial Palm Oil plc
Holding Holding
Country 30 September 30 September Nature of
Company of Registration 2017 2016 business
---------------------------- ------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Direct (subsidiaries)
Equatorial Biofuels Holding
(Guernsey) Limited Guernsey 100% 100% Company
Indirect (associates)
Liberian Palm
Developments Limited Holding
(1) Mauritius 50% 50% Company
EBF (Mauritius) Holding
Limited (2) Mauritius 50% 50% Company
EPO (Mauritius) Holding
Limited (2) Mauritius 50% 50% Company
Equatorial Palm Operating
Oil (Liberia) company
Inc (3) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
Liberia Forest Operating
Products Incorporated company
(4) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
Liberia Agricultural Non-operating
Development Corporation company
(3) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
Operating
LIBINC Oil Palm company
Inc. (4) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
---------------------------- ------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
(1) 50% held by Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey) Limited
(2) 100% held by Liberian Palm Developments Limited
(3) 100% held by EPO (Mauritius) Limited
(4) 100% held by EBF (Mauritius) Limited
The Company's investment in Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey)
Limited is as follows:
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
Investment at beginning of
year 23,174 24,365
Impairment (2,975) (1,191)
Investment at end of year 20,199 23,174
The impairment of the Company's investment reflects the share of
losses incurred during the current and prior year.
10. Loans to Subsidiaries
Company Company
30 September 30 September
2016
2017 $'000
$'000
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey)
Limited 142 137
--------------- ---------------
Total 142 137
--------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
The loan to the subsidiary as set out in Note 10 is interest
free and has no fixed repayment date. They are denominated in UK
Pounds. Repayment of loans is subject to the Directors' assessment
of the Group's requirements and availability of appropriate liquid
resources.
11. Non-current receivables
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2016 2017
2017 $'000 $'000 2016
$'000 $'000
---------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Receivable due from
associate 6,736 6,386 6,736 6,386
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
6,736 6,386 6,736 6,386
---------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
The receivable due from the associate relates to a loan,
denominated in USD, with a five-year term concluding on 6 November
2018, that will accrue interest at a rate of LIBOR + 4% or 8% per
annum, whichever is higher. Interest will accrue on the principal
amount of the loan (including any accrued interest) and is
repayable in full at the end of the five-year term or earlier at
the discretion of LPD. Interest accrued for the year amounted to
$519,000 (2016: $504,000).
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
Receivable due from associate
at beginning of year 6,386 6,054
Interest paid by associate (255) (172)
Interest income accrued 519 504
Management fee paid by associate (81) (192)
Management fee accrued 167 192
Receivable due from associate
at end of year 6,736 6,386
12. Revenue and Other Income
Group Group
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
$'000 $'000
Rental income 46 62
Other - 4
--------------- ---------------
Other Income 46 66
--------------- ---------------
Management fees
income 167 192
--------------- ---------------
Revenue 167 192
------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
13. Trade and other receivables
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2017 2016 2017 2016
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Prepayments 7 8 7 8
VAT receivables 9 6 9 6
Other receivables 6 107 5 105
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
22 121 21 119
-------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
The fair value of all receivables is the same as their carrying
values stated above. As at 30 September 2017 all trade and other
receivables were fully performing. No ageing analysis is considered
necessary as the Group has no trade receivable which would require
analysis to be disclosed under the requirements of IFRS 7.
The carrying amounts of the Group and Company's trade and other
receivables are denominated in the following currencies:
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2017 2016 2017 2016
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
UK Pounds 21 120 21 119
US Dollars 1 1 - -
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
22 121 21 119
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
14. Trade and other payables
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2017 2016 2017 2016
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Trade payables 51 3 51 3
Other payables 11 91 13 91
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
62 94 64 94
----------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
15. Called Up Share Capital
30 September 30 September
2017 2016
Allotted, called up and fully $'000 $'000
paid
------------------------------------ ---- ---- --------------- -----------------
356,277,502 (2016: 356,277,502)
Ordinary shares of 1p each 5,598 5,598
------------------------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
During the year the Group did not issue any shares.
16. Share based payments
During the year ended 30 September 2017, no warrants or options
were issued and there was no share based payment charge.
During the year ended 30 September 2016, no warrants or options
were issued and there was no share based payment charge.
As at 30 September 2017, there were nil warrants to subscribe
for Ordinary shares outstanding:
Share Options
There were no share options outstanding during the period (2016:
nil).
17. Related Party Transactions
KLK
On 11 April 2014, the Company announced that it had entered into
a joint venture agreement ("JVA") with KLK Agro Plantations Pte Ltd
("KLK Agro"), a wholly owned subsidiary of KLK, in relation to the
operations and funding for Liberian Palm Developments Limited
("LPD"). Under the terms of the JVA, KLK Agro and EPO (through its
wholly owned subsidiary Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey) Limited)
each subscribed for US$7,500,000 of new equity in LPD. In addition,
KLK Agro agreed to provide any further funding required by LPD up
to a maximum of US$20,500,000 (the "KLK Funding Commitment") which
may, at the discretion of KLK Agro, be provided by way of debt or
preferential equity finance which will incur interest or
preferential dividend (as appropriate) at USD LIBOR plus a maximum
of 500 basis points. LPD also has the option to obtain financing
from parties other than KLK irrespective of whether or not the KLK
Funding Commitment has been fully invested in LPD and provided that
the terms of such external financing are better than that of KLK's
Funding Commitment.
On 27 January 2015, the Company announced that LPD had entered
into a US$20.5m loan agreement with KLK Agro (the "2015 Loan
Agreement") for the operations and funding for LPD. The term of the
2015 Loan Agreement is 5 years and the interest rate is 3-months
USD LIBOR + 5 percent per annum. As at 30 September 2016, this loan
is fully drawn and no interest has been paid to date.
On 2 September 2016, the Company announced that LPD had entered
into a US$30m loan agreement with KLK Agro (the "2016 Loan
Agreement") to further the operations and funding for LPD. This
loan is in addition to the 2015 Loan Agreement. The term of the
2016 Loan Agreement is 5 years and the interest rate is 3-months
USD LIBOR + 5 percent per annum. As at 30 September 2017, this loan
is fully drawn and no interest has been paid to date.
Recharges between EPO and LPD
For the year ended 30 September 2017, EPO recharged LPD $167,000
(2016: $192,000) with $86,000 outstanding at year end (2016:
$nil).
Loans to Subsidiaries and Receivables from Associates
Details of loans to subsidiaries are disclosed in Note 10 and
receivables from associate in Note 11.
18. Controlling Entity
The parent company and ultimate controlling company is Kuala
Lumpur Kepong Berhad ("KLK"), a company incorporated in Malaysia,
the accounts of which are available from www.klk.com.my. KLK own
and control 62.86% of the Company's share capital as at 30
September 2017 and they are deemed to be the ultimate controlling
entity.
19. Events After the Reporting Period
On 12 October 2017, the Company announced that LPD has entered
in a $30.0m loan agreement with KLK Agro (the "2017 Loan
Agreement") for the operations and funding for LPD. The term of the
2017 Loan Agreement is 5 years and the interest rate is 3-months
USD LIBOR + 5 percent per annum.
20. Availability of accounts
The audited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the
period ended 30 September 2017 will shortly be sent to shareholders
and published at www.epoil.co.uk .
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR KXLBFDFFXFBV
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 13, 2017 05:00 ET (10:00 GMT)
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