TIDMPAL
RNS Number : 1067H
Equatorial Palm Oil plc
12 November 2018
12 November 2018
EQUATORIAL PALM OIL plc
("EPO" or the "Company")
Audited Results for the period ended 30 September 2018
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 2018.
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 24th
January 2019 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
2018 has been a milestone year for the Company, with the recent
commissioning of our 30 metric tonnes per hour ("mt/hr") palm oil
mill ("POM") at the Palm Bay estate. We continue our engagement
with all the communities in and around our concessions as we seek
consent for all land development as part of the free, prior and
informed consent ("FPIC") process.
On 22 January 2018, Liberia successfully and peacefully elected
George Manneh Weah as President of Liberia. There has been a
relatively smooth transfer of power and our team on the ground are
working with the new government in order to assist and support the
development of our oil palm estates in Liberia.
It is now just over 10 years since the Company was granted its
concessions in Liberia. Today, EPO remains as committed as it was
in 2008 to continue its good work in working with the communities
to develop a sustainable oil palm development that will benefit the
people of Liberia in order to reduce the abject poverty that is so
prevalent in the rural communities.
Liberian Palm Developments Limited ("LPD")
Joint Venture
EPO and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Behard ("KLK") (through its wholly
owned subsidiary KL-Kepong International Limited) each currently
holds 50 per cent of the issued share capital of LPD and KLK
(through its wholly owned subsidiary KL-Kepong International
Limited) also holds ordinary shares in EPO representing
approximately 62.86 per cent. of the issued share capital of the
Company.
Commissioning of the 30mt/hr Palm Oil Mill
The POM at Palm Bay estate has now been commissioned and is
producing crude palm oil ("CPO") and palm kernels, which are being
stored on site awaiting shipment to customers.
The POM is constructed in a modular fashion, with two lines of
30 metric tonnes per hour ("mt/hr"). As announced on 27 September
2018, the first of these 30 mt/hr lines has now been completed and
is in operation following completion of initial test
production.
The POM incorporates the latest advancements in mill technology,
including a kernel crushing plant ("KCP") and a biogas plant. These
are both due for completion in the first half of 2019 and will be
the first of their kind in Liberia.
The resulting products from the KCP will be palm kernel oil
("PKO") and palm kernel cake ("PKC"). PKO can be sold for
industrial uses in oleochemical applications and PKC is primarily
used as a high protein ingredient for animal feedstock. Until such
time as the Company has sufficient quantities of PKC for export, it
will be used to fuel the boiler in the POM.
The biogas plant as a renewable energy source captures methane
emitted from the POM effluent to generate electricity for use in
the POM and surrounding office and residential buildings. As a
result, the POM is considered to be a highly efficient mill, in
that there is minimal waste or residue.
Several experts in the different operational elements of palm
oil mills from Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad ("KLK") have been sent to
Liberia on short term contracts to work as trainers and support our
Liberian workforce in the POM. The first 30 mt/hr line of the POM
is expected to process initially between 2,000mt and 2,500mt of
fresh fruit bunches per month, however we expect this to increase
in the coming months as more workers complete training and generate
practical experience in using the mill and harvesting the fresh
fruit bunches.
Bulking Station and Export Facility
Construction work has begun at the bulking station and export
facility at the port of Buchanan, where EPO has leased
approximately 4.5 acres of land that is in close proximity to the
wharf from which vessels will load EPO's oil palm produce for
onward shipment to its customers. Palm Bay estate is located 24km
from the port of Buchanan.
Initial land development work has completed and construction
work on a 3,000 mt storage tank facility is in progress with
completion due to take place by end of March 2019in line with
proposed first shipments to customers. Also planned at this site is
an office complex and storage facility.
Shipment of oil palm products at this facility is not expected
to take place until the end of March 2019, when sufficient
quantities of CPO will be available for onward shipment via parcel
tankers. The early volumes of CPO will be shipped to customers
using flexibags. Flexibags sit inside shipping containers, each
holding approximately 20 mt of CPO, and will be shipped out of the
main port in Monrovia on conventional cargo ships.
Palm Bay and Butaw Estates
Work has been ongoing at both Palm Bay and Butaw estates to tend
to the already 7,900 ha planted since 2011.
At the Palm Bay estate, we have 6,470 ha planted of which 3,126
ha are now mature and the fresh fruit bunches ("FFB") are being
processed in the POM. Management are building up the expertise of
the workforce especially in harvesting. FFB produced in the first
month of the POM was 2,000 MT which was within expectations. As the
harvesters get more experience and as we are coming to the end of
the wet season we expect this FFB production to increase to 2,500
MT of FFB per month.
At the Butaw estate, of the 1,418 ha planted only 682 ha are
mature. As there is no mill to process the FFB at the Butaw estate,
the FFB is being sold to another developer. Recent studies and
assessments continue in order for LPD to understand the total
available for land development.
Funding
EPO announced on 12 October 2017 that LPD had entered into a
loan agreement for a facility of US$30m with KLK Agro Plantations
Pte Ltd ("KLK Agro"), a wholly owned subsidiary of KLK, to fund the
operations and capital requirements of LPD (the "Loan").
The Loan will be used to continue with the next phase of growth
of LPD and also to fund the construction of the first 30mt/hr line
of the POM which has now been commissioned on Palm Bay estate.
The key terms of the loan are as follows:
-- Amount - up to $30.0m which is unsecured
-- Term - 5 years from the date of the Loan Agreement, being 11 October 2017
-- Interest - 3-months USD LIBOR + 5 per cent per annum
-- Repayment - Loan principal (together with all accrued Interest due) on expiry of the Term
The Loan is in addition to, and on predominantly the same terms
as, the loans of US$20.5m and US$30.0m provided by KLK Agro,
announced on 27 January 2015 and 5 September 2016 respectively (the
"Existing Loans"), save for the date of maturity being 11 October
2022. The Existing Loans, which have now been fully drawn down and
remain outstanding, fall due on 25 January 2020.
EPO and LPD entered into a Loan Agreement for US$2m announced on
7 November 2013 ("EPO Loan"). The maturity date for the EPO Loan,
for which US$2,938,656 including accrued interest is outstanding
has been extended from 7 November 2018 to 6 November 2023 (the
"Loan Extension") as announced by the Company on 5 November
2018.
The key terms of the loan are as follows:
-- Term - additional 5 years expiring on 6 November 2023
-- Interest - USD LIBOR + 4 per cent per annum or 8 per cent per
annum, whichever is the higher
-- Repayment - Loan principal (together with all accrued
Interest due) on expiry of the Term
The total liabilities owed by LPD to EPO as at 1 November 2018
amount to US$6,192,676.04.
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 performed by leading human rights consultant Ms Anna
Triponel who visited our estates in Liberia so that EPO can
understand where our human rights risks lie so that we can better
address them.
http://www.epoil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/humanrightsimpactassessment-executivesummary2017.pdf
Through this process, EPO identified the salient human rights
issues on which it should focus as a priority in seeking to ensure
that human rights are respected throughout its operations.
Once the HRIA was completed, EPO set about creating an action
plan to act on its recommendations. A meeting of senior management
was held in EPO's Buchanan office in March 2018, at which it was
agreed to establish measurable, time bound commitments for detailed
reviews of and/or action in the areas listed in the HRIA.
As updated to the market on 17 August 2018, EPO set out the
on-going steps taken to address its salient human rights issues as
follows:
-- Contractor wages and employment status: EPO has established
new criteria based on productivity to evaluate when a contract
worker can be converted to an employee. This is aimed at increasing
the Company's employee to contract worker ratio and will result in
the reduced dependency of contract workers. For those who remain
contract workers, efforts have been made to ensure that they are
appropriately paid for the work provided. For instance, guidelines
have been created which demonstrate the necessary pay on the part
of EPO for specific tasks to ensure a certain wage level is met. At
a minimum, contractors are asked to ensure that they pay their
workers the amount contained in the Decent Work Act (Liberia) and
this is being monitored on a monthly basis by EPO to ensure its
head contractors pay to its contractors the appropriate amount. The
Company also conducts meetings every three months between
management and contractors to discuss any comments, concerns or
issues contractors may have.
-- Accidents in the estates due to holes: EPO has strengthened
its procedures when it comes to the terrain of the estate,
including levelling the harvesters' path, which is where workers
walk to perform their duties when in the field. The Company has
strengthened how patients injured on site and treated in clinics
are recorded and monitored, and how that information is passed on
to the Company.
-- Accidents in the estates due to chemical usage: EPO has
strengthened its procedures to ensure that workers are aware of why
the Personal Protective Equipment ("PPE") is so critical to their
health and to compel their wearing of it. A checklist has been
created which enables supervisors to monitor the use of adequate
PPE by both employees and contractors depending on the task at
hand, and conditions their payment on the proper usage of PPE. A
chemical health risk assessment is planned to be conducted in 2019
upon the building of a new facility for housing chemicals.
-- Impact of use of land on communities: The team responsible
for community relations has been provided additional support to
enable them to maintain and build new community relationships. A
new committee has been created, called the Joint Monitoring
Committee, which brings together community representatives and EPO,
as well as governmental stakeholders, to discuss the implementation
of free, prior and informed consent ("FPIC"). This process includes
site visits at various sites as well as the opportunity for
community members to raise concerns with the implementation of
FPIC. Consequently, community members have asked for increased data
to be provided to them and longer periods of time in which to
conduct monitoring exercises in the future - both of which EPO has
agreed to. Finally, a clear flowchart of the Company's standard
operating procedures related to FPIC has now been published and is
available to all interested stakeholders.
-- Employee housing conditions: EPO is currently discussing
plans to provide additional electrified housing with the relevant
trade union, and a new generator has been approved. Housing
allowances continue to be provided for non-electrified and shared
housing.
-- Exercising the right to freedom of association: All meetings
between the union and EPO management are now documented, which
helps to ensure that issues raised are addressed on a timely basis.
These meetings now occur every 6 months. The Company is in the
process of negotiating the renewal of the collective bargaining
agreements with trade unions.
-- Transportation accidents: EPO's transportation policy is
being finalised, which seeks to prevent accidents through a range
of measures, including by limiting the Company's use of night
driving. The Company has provided training (including outsourced
training) for tractor operators and intends to display copies of
both the transportation policy and emergency response plan in all
vehicles, including tractors, once the policy is finalised.
-- Child labour: If a child is not at school, this is
immediately notified to management to avoid children being utilised
in the fields by parents. The new checklist for supervisors
includes ensuring that workers are not bringing their children to
the fields, whether they are employees or contractors.
-- Transportation of pregnant women: Women who are pregnant are
now provided light duty work around the office and camps. This
ensures that they do not need to take Company transportation and
fulfil tasks that are less physical in nature. A list of pregnant
women is now sent systematically by the clinic to management to
enable this to take place. A Gender Committee has been set up by
women workers that meets every 3 months to discuss measures to
further enhance their rights while working for the Company.
The Company is committed to the ongoing human rights due
diligence process and will continually monitor and evaluate
processes and procedures to ensure that it respects human rights
throughout its operations. In this regard, the Company will next
update stakeholders on its progress in this very important area of
our business in 2019.
Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR") and Sustainability
On 26 June 2018 the Company released its Sustainability Report
2017 which describes the Company's ongoing community work in
Liberia, illustrating its corporate social responsibility ("CSR")
policies. The report also reviews projects to date and details how
the Company commissioned and reported on an independent HRIA.
The Sustainability Report 2017 can be found at the link
below:
http://www.epoil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Sustainability-Report-2017.pdf
The Sustainability Report 2017 also outlines EPO's long-term
policies on sustainability, the place of sustainable palm oil in
Liberia, EPO's commitment to 'no-deforestation', land use
commitments and buffer zones.
Key highlights:
-- Disclosure of EPO's taxation and financial contributions in Liberia
-- Employment statistics in relation to gender and remuneration
-- Case studies: Building Liberian careers
-- EPO's commitment to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
(RSPO), including the key principle of FPIC from communities as
essential for land development
-- EPO's new palm oil mill, on the Palm Bay estate, and its
context within EPO's sustainable palm oil operations
-- EPO and the World Bank Smallholder Tree Crop Revitalization Support Project
-- Protocols and procedures relating to safety and workplace operations
-- Data detailing 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.
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 produced from our estates will meet with
international sustainability standards, thereby enabling our CPO to
be labelled "sustainable" palm oil.
EPOs membership of the RSPO is retained through KLK's
membership. KLK has been a member of the RSPO since 2004.
Personnel
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.
In addition, I would like to thank our KLK colleagues for the
outstanding assistance we received in the commissioning of the new
mill at Palm Bay estate. Our colleagues were ably assisted by our
oil palm mill contractor, Ecoscience Manufacturing and Engineering
Sdn Bhd which is now assisting in the construction of the Bulking
Station and Export Facility at the port of Buchanan.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff and
contractors 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 2018 of
US$4,334,000 (year ended 30 September 2017: US$2,982,000). The
majority of the loss comprised the Company's share of the loss in
associate LPD of $4,357,000, which was still in development stage
during the year. It is anticipated that LPD will record first sales
from its oil palm products of during the 2019 financial year.
Cash held by the Group as at 30 September 2018 was US$138,000
(30 September 2017: US$182,000).
Outlook
It was heartening to witness the relatively smooth transfer of
power for the election of a new government and for George Manneh
Weah as the President of Liberia. It is very important that these
elections were conducted in the right manner both for the people of
Liberia and for foreign investors and those looking to invest in
Liberia.
As a reminder to us all and in one of the President's first
foreign visits in February 2018 he stated in Paris that: "large
scale agriculture provides food security, alleviates poverty,
provides employment, contributes to GDP and strengthens trade
balances."
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 our part in this process.
With this in mind we are delighted to have commissioned the palm
oil mill at Palm Bay estate. This is 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.
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, in order to create value for all
stakeholders.
Michael Frayne
CHAIRMAN
12 November 2018
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:
-- Commissioning of 30mt/hr palm oil mill
-- Commencement of construction at the Bulking Station at the port of Buchanan
-- Additional US$30m funding commitment for LPD from KLK Agro
-- Completion of Sustainability Report 2017
-- Human Rights Impact Assessment action plan
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. There was an
outbreak that 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, 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.
Production risks
A slowdown in collection or processing of FFB crops including
where FFB crops become rotten or over-ripe leading either to a loss
of CPO production (and hence revenue) or to the production of CPO
that has an above average free fatty acid content and is saleable
only at a discount to normal market prices. The Group has trained
up over 300 harvesters and is using trainers from south-east Asia
to ensure that suitable FFB crops is delivered to the mill for
processing.
Environmental, social and governance
Failure by the agricultural operations to meet the standards
expected of which include the new planting procedures, studies and
assessments including Free, Prior and Informed Consent, High
Conservation Value and High Carbon Stock Approach. This may lead to
reputational and nancial damage. The Group has established standard
practices designed to ensure that it meets its obligations,
monitors performance against those practices and investigates
thoroughly and acts to prevent recurrence in respect of any
failures identi ed.
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, claims, strikes and lock outs, and changes
to laws governing the Group's. 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.
George Manneh Weah was elected as President of Liberia in
January 2018 for a 5-year term.
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 12 November
2018.
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
2018.
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 2018 amounted to US$4,334,000 (12 months ended 30
September 2017: Loss of $2,982,000).
The Directors do not propose the payment of a dividend (2017:
nil).
Directors
The Directors who served during the year ended 30 September 2018
are as follows:
-- Michael Frayne
-- Geoffrey Brown
-- Lee Oi Hian
-- Teh Sar Moh Nee
-- Yap Miow Kien
-- Lee Guo Zhang
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 2018, 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.
Based upon the current financial position of LPD, which held
US$1,078,000 (2017: 302,000) in cash as at 30 September 2018 and,
has available funds to draw down in the amount of US$9m pursuant to
the Loan Agreement as at 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.
There are loan amounts due from LPD to KLK, the earliest of which
is due in January 2020, as disclosed in note 17. 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. The Directors have established procedures, so
far as is practicable given the Company's size, to comply with the
QCA Corporate Governance Code (the "QCA Code"). The Board
recognises the principles of the QCA Code, which focus on the
creation of medium to long-term value for shareholders without
stifling the entrepreneurial spirit in which small to medium sized
companies, such as EPO, have been created. The specific areas of
the QCA Code with which the Company does not apply are set out
below, and the Company will provide annual updates on its
compliance with the QCA Code in its Annual Report.
The Company has adopted and operates a share dealing code for
Directors and senior employees on substantially the same terms as
the Model Code, which is appended to the Listing Rules of the
UKLA.
The Board
The Board holds regular meetings and is responsible for
formulating, reviewing and approving EPO's strategy, budgets and
corporate actions and overseeing the Company's progress towards its
goals. 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 five Non-Executive Directors.
Full biographies for each Director are as follows:
Mr Michael Frayne
Non-Executive Chairman
Michael Frayne has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in
accounting and finance, a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in
Geology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Finance and
Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia. He is a
Chartered Accountant and a member of the Australian Institute of
Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Frayne was previously employed at major
international accounting firm, Ernst & Young, and consulted to
a number of resource and commodity companies. He then worked
directly in the resource industry including Great Central Mines Ltd
(now part of Newmont Ltd). He then joined the corporate team of
Minara Resources Ltd (formerly Anaconda Nickel Ltd), the majority
owner of the Murrin Murrin Nickel Cobalt Project in Western
Australia whose major investors were Anglo American Group and
Glencore International. Since 2002, Michael has provided corporate
management and advice to the resource, commodity and energy
sectors, successfully listing several companies with projects in
Australia, Southern Africa, Asia, North and South America, onto AIM
and the Australian Stock Exchange. Michael also founded and was the
joint managing director of Asia Energy plc. Michael is one of the
founders of the Company.
Mr Geoffrey Brown
Executive Director
Geoffrey Brown has over 55 years' experience in the plantation
sector. He joined Harrisons & Crosfield plc in Malaysia in 1962
where he was employed on various estates growing oil palm and
rubber. He moved to Indonesia in 1976 and was made responsible for
Harrisons & Crosfield's interests in that country. He was
appointed Executive Chairman of London Sumatra Indonesia in 1982
and remained Managing Director of this large Indonesian plantation
company until 1998. In 1990, he was appointed an Executive Director
of Harrisons & Crosfield Plc, responsible for the plantation
division. Harrisons & Crosfield Plc owned and managed
plantations of rubber, oil palms, cocoa, coffee and tea in
Indonesia, and oil palm and coffee in Papua New Guinea. He remained
an Executive Director of Harrisons & Crosfield Plc until the
company divested itself of its plantation interests in 1994. In
1999 and 2000, he co-ordinated the expansion of oil palm
plantations belonging to the Musim Mas Group in Indonesia and then
became a consultant specialising in plantation management. In 2006
he joined the EPO group of companies and has been an Executive
Director of Equatorial Palm Oil plc since the company was listed on
the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in in 2010.
Mr Lee Oi Hian
Non-Executive Director
Mr Lee Oi Hian has been the Chief Executive Officer of KLK since
2001. He joined the Company in 1974 as an executive and was
appointed to the Board of KLK in 1985. In 1988, he was appointed as
Managing Director and became Chairman of KLK Group in 1993. He
subsequently held the post of joint Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer until 2008, when he relinquished his role as Chairman,
remaining as Chief Executive Officer of the Group. He has served in
various positions in the plantations industry, including the
Malaysian Palm Oil Council, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board and the
Malaysian Cocoa Board. He is also currently the Chairman of Batu
Kawan Berhad, and a trustee of several charitable organisations. Mr
Lee Oi Hian is also an Honorary Fellow of the Malaysian Oil
Scientists' and Technologies' Association (MOSTA) and Honorary
Fellow of the Incorporated Society of Planters (FISP).
Mr Teh Sar Moh Nee
Non-Executive Director
Mr Teh Sar Moh Nee started his planting career in 1976 in Sime
Darby Plantation Berhad before joining the KLK Group in 1984. He
serves as Regional Director (Peninsular Malaysia) of the KLK Group
and has also held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Ladang
Perbadanan-Fima Berhad since May 2008. He is a Council Member and
2nd Deputy President of the Malaysian Agricultural Producers
Association ("MAPA") and also sits on MAPA's Finance/Executive
Committee and Negotiating Committee. Mr Teh Sar Moh Nee attended
the Senior Management Programme at Harvard Business School and
Senior Executive Programme at Stanford University Business
School.
Ms Yap Miow Kien
Non-Executive Director
Ms Yap Miow Kien joined KLK in 2002 and is currently its Company
Secretary and Senior General Manager (Legal and Secretariat). Prior
to joining KLK, Ms Yap was a partner in a law firm. She is an
Associate of the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and
Administrators. She was called to the bar at Middle Temple and
completed a Bachelor of Law (Hons) at the University of Leeds.
Mr Lee Guo Zhang
Non-Executive Director
Mr Lee Guo Zhang graduated with a bachelor's degree in Medicinal
& Biological Chemistry from the University of Nottingham in
2009. He joined KLK in 2010 as an executive and has experience
across various departments in the Company. He is currently a Senior
Manager in the Plantations Division.
The Group's day-to-day operations are managed by the Executive
Director. All Directors have access to the Company Secretary and
any Director needing independent professional advice in the
furtherance of his/her duties may obtain this advice at the expense
of the Group.
The Board is satisfied that it has a suitable balance between
independence on the one hand, and knowledge of the Company on the
other, to enable it to discharge its duties and responsibilities
effectively, and that all Directors have adequate time to fill
their roles.
The role of the Chairman is to provide leadership of the Board
and ensure its effectiveness on all aspects of its remit to
maintain control of the Group. In addition, the Chairman is
responsible for the implementation and practice of sound corporate
governance. The Chairman is considered to be an independent
Non-Executive in terms of the QCA guidelines and has adequate
separation from the day-to-day running of the Group.
The Board has delegated specific responsibilities to the
committees, with clearly defined terms of reference which are set
out by the Board, as described below.
The Audit Committee
The Company has established an Audit Committee, which comprises
three Directors, Mr Lee Oi Hian, Ms Yap Miow Kien, and is chaired
by Mr 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 the executive Board members present and reviews reports
from the auditors relating to accounts and internal control
systems.
The Remuneration Committee
The Company has established a Remuneration Committee, which
comprises three Directors, Mr Michael Frayne, Ms Yap Miow Kien, and
is chaired by Mr 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.
Further, when formulating the scale and structure of remuneration,
the Remuneration Committee takes account of a number of different
factors including market practise and external market data of the
level of remuneration offered to Directors of similar type and
seniority in other companies whose activities and size are similar.
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 established a Nominations Committee, which
comprises three Directors, Mr Michael Frayne, Ms Yap Miow Kien, and
is chaired by Mr Lee Oi Hian. 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.
Application of the QCA Code
In the spirit of the QCA Code, it is the Board's job to ensure
that the Group is managed for the long-term benefit of all
shareholders and other stakeholders with effective and efficient
decision-making. Corporate governance is an important part of that
job, reducing risk and adding value to the Group. The Board will
continue to monitor the governance framework of the Group as it
grows.
The Company remains committed to listening to, and communicating
openly with, its shareholders to ensure that its strategy, business
model and performance are clearly understood. The AGM is a forum
for shareholders to engage in dialogue with the Board. The results
of the AGM will be published via RNS and on the Company's website.
In addition, the Board organises update meetings with both the
shareholders and the Company's broker. Progress reports are also
made via RNS and the point of contact is Geoffrey Brown, Executive
Director - enquires@epoil.co.uk.
EPO maintains close relationships with all its stakeholders. EPO
is continually seeking consent and feedback from the communities in
which it operates. Furthermore, the Company is committed to the
ongoing human rights due diligence process and will continually
monitor and evaluate processes and procedures it operates to ensure
that it respects human rights throughout its operations.
EPO's senior management maintains a close dialogue with local
communities and its workforce. Where issues are raised, the Board
takes the matters seriously and, where appropriate, steps are taken
to ensure that these are integrated into the Company's
strategy.
Particular attention is given to the way in which EPO goes about
its operations. Sustainability is a key facet of EPO's operations
and EPO produces a separate Sustainability Report each year to
describe EPO's long-term policies on sustainability, the place of
sustainable palm oil in Liberia and EPO's commitment to
'no-deforestation',
Both the engagement with local communities and the performance
of all activities in an environmentally and socially responsible
way are closely monitored by the Board and ensure that ethical
values and behaviours are recognised.
The Directors are responsible for EPO's system of internal
controls and reviewing its effectiveness. Although, no system of
internal control can completely eliminate the risk of failure to
achieve business objectives or provide absolute assurance against
material misstatement or loss, the Company's controls are designed
to provide reasonable assurance over the reliability of financial
information and EPO's assets.
Departure from the QCA Code:
In accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies, EPO departs from
the QCA Code in the following ways:
Principle 5 - "Maintain the board as a well-functioning,
balanced team led by the chair"
The QCA Code recommends that the Board has two independent
Non-Executive Directors. Michael Frayne is the only independent
non-executive director of the Company. The Board operates to foster
an attitude of independence of character and judgement. An example
of this is where there is a related party transaction - such as a
loan from a company related to KL-Kepong International Limited, the
Company's JV partner and a subsidiary of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad
("KLK"), to Liberian Palm Developments Limited (JV company). In
this instance a detailed Working Paper is drawn up for the
Non-Related Directors to ensure that the loan is fair and
reasonable in all respects. Both the Company's lawyers and the
Nomad are also consulted as part of the Non-Related Directors'
deliberations.
The QCA Code recommends the Remuneration Committee should be
comprised of independent directors. The Company's Remuneration
Committee is currently made up of one independent director and two
directors from KLK. Given the size and nature of EPO, the Company
believes it has the necessary expertise on the Remuneration
Committee.
Principle 7 - "Evaluate board performance based on clear and
relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement"
EPO's Board is small and extremely focussed on implementing the
Company's strategy. However, given the size and nature of EPO, the
Board does not consider it appropriate to have a formal performance
evaluation procedure in place, as described and recommended in
Principle 7 of the QCA Code. The Board will closely monitor the
need for formal performance evaluation, in light of Principle 7 of
the QCA Code, as the Company develops.
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
12 November 2018
GROUP Statement OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Notes Year ended Year ended
30 September
2018
$'000 30 September
2017
$'000
Revenue 12 176 167
Administrative expenses (721) (739)
Operating loss 2 (545) (572)
Interest income 11 535 519
Other income 12 33 46
Share of loss of associate 9 (4,357) (2,975)
--------------- ---------------
Loss for the year before and after taxation
attributable to owners of the Company 3 (4,334) (2,982)
--------------- ---------------
Other comprehensive income
Exchange (losses) / gains arising on translation
of foreign operations (4) 6
--------------- ---------------
Total comprehensive loss for the year
attributable to owners of the Company (4,338) (2,976)
--------------- ---------------
Loss per share expressed in cents per
share
- Basic & diluted 7 (1.2) cents (0.8) cents
Group STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Registered Number 05555087
As at As at
Notes 30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investment in associate 9 15,090 19,447
Property, plant and equipment 3 2
Receivables from associate 11 6,789 6,736
21,882 26,185
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 22 22
Cash & cash equivalents 16 138 182
--------------- ---------------
160 204
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 14 53 62
53 62
Net current assets 107 142
NET ASSETS 21,989 26,327
--------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 15 5,598 5,598
Share premium 46,791 46,791
Foreign exchange reserve 518 522
Retained loss (30,918) (26,584)
--------------- ---------------
Total equity 21,989 26,327
------------------------------- -------- --------------- ---------------
COmpany STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Registered Number 05555087
As at As at
Notes 30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
------------------------------ -------- --------------- ---------------
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries 9 15,842 20,199
Property Plant and Equipment 3 2
Receivables from associate 11 6,789 6,736
22,634 26,937
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 21 21
Loans to subsidiaries 10 150 142
Cash & cash equivalents 16 138 182
--------------- ---------------
309 345
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 14 53 64
53 64
Net current assets 256 281
NET ASSETS 22,890 27,218
--------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital 15 5,598 5,598
Share premium 46,791 46,791
Foreign exchange reserve (742) (555)
Retained loss (28,757) (24,616)
--------------- ---------------
Total equity 22,890 27,218
------------------------------ -------- --------------- ---------------
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the
profit and loss account of the Company has not been separately
presented in these accounts. The Company loss for the year was
$4,141,000 (2017: $2,762,000).
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors
on 12 November 2018 and were signed on its behalf by:
GROUP AND COMPANY STATEMENT OF Cash FlowS
Group Group Company Company
Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2018 2017 2018 2017
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
---------------------------------------- ----- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Cash flows from operating
activities
Loss for the year before
and after taxation (4,334) (2,982) (4,141) (2,762)
Depreciation 1 1 1 1
Increase in receivables (4) 14 (4) 14
(Decrease) in payables (9) (18) (9) (18)
Unrealised translation
forex gain - (193) (220)
Interest income (535) (519) (535) (519)
Other income (31) (46) (31) (46)
Share of loss of associate/impairment
of investment 4,357 2,975 4,357 2,975
Net cash outflow from operating
activities (555) (575) (555) (575)
Cash flows from investing
activities
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (2) - (2) -
Net receipt of funds from
/ loaned to associate 34 - 34 -
Interest income received 448 256 448 256
Other income received 35 32 35 32
Net cash outflow from investing
activities 515 288 515 288
Cash flows from financing
activities
Issue of ordinary share - - - -
capital
Net cash inflow from financing - - - -
activities
Net decrease in cash and
cash equivalents (40) (287) (40) (287)
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 182 465 182 465
Exchange gains on cash
and cash equivalents (4) 4 (4) 4
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 138 182 138 182
----------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
GROUP Statement of Changes IN EQUITY
Called Share Foreign
up share premium exchange Retained Total
capital reserve reserve earnings equity
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
GROUP
------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
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
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Loss for the year - - - (4,334) (4,334)
Other comprehensive loss
for the year - - (4) - (4)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September 2018 5,598 46,791 518 (30,918) 21,989
------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
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 exchange Foreign exchange differences arising on translating
into the reporting currency.
Retained earnings Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the
financial statements.
COMPANY Statement of Changes IN EQUITY
Called Share Foreign
up share premium exchange Retained Total
capital reserve reserve earnings equity
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
COMPANY
------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
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
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
Loss for the year - - - (4,141) (4,141)
Other comprehensive loss
for the year - - (187) - (187)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
As at 30 September 2018 5,598 46,791 (742) (28,757) 22,890
------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
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 exchange Foreign exchange differences arising on translating
into the reporting currency.
Retained earnings Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the
financial statements.
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, a company registered in England and Wales with registered
address being 6th Floor 60 Gracechurch Street, London, United
Kingdom, EC3V 0HR, for the year ended 30 September 2018 were
authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 12 November 2018
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, which is 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 US dollars.
(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's 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.
Palm oil trees before maturity are measured at accumulated cost,
and depreciation commences upon reaching maturity.
Oil palms which are not yet harvestable or not producing fresh
fruit bunches ("FFB"), are classified as immature and are valued at
cost. This is comprised 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.
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%
Palm Oil Trees 4%
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 55
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:
The FFB on the mature oil palms are carried at fair value less
cost to sell. Fair value of FFB is determined using the income
approach which considers the net cash flow that would be generated
from the unharvested FFB. To arrive at the fair value, management
has considered the oil content of unharvested FFB is highest 15
days prior to harvest, those unharvested FFB more than 15 days
prior to harvest are excluded from the valuation as their oil
content is considered immaterial
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 and palm kernel oil are 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.
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.
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.
The impairment of the Company's investment reflects the share of
losses incurred during the current and prior year
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 January 2017
Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2014 - 2016 Cycle)
Amendments to IFRS 12 (Disclosure of Interests in Other
Entities), Amendments to IFRS 1 (First time adoption of
International Financial Reporting Standards) and IAS 28
(Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures)
IAS 12 Income Taxes (Amendment - Recognition of Deferred Tax
Assets for Unrealised Losses)
The amendments are intended to clarify the requirements on
recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses on debt
instrument financial assets measured at fair value.
IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows (Disclosure Initiative
Amendments)
The amendments are intended to improve information provided to
users of financial statements about changes in liabilities arising
from an entity's financial activity.
There were no new standards or interpretations effective for the
first time for periods beginning on of after 1 January 2017 that
had a significant effect on the Group's financial statements.
(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 for
period beginning
Standard Impact on initial application after
New Standards
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 1 January 2018
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 1 January 2018
IFRS 16 Leases 1 January 2019
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts 1 January 2021
Amendments to Existing
Standards
IFRS 15 (Clarification) Revenue from Contracts with Customers 1 January 2018
IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of 1 January 2018
Share-based Payment Transactions
IFRS 4 Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 1 January 2018
with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts
Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2014-2016 1 January 2017
Cycle) & 1 January
2018
IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and 1 January 2018
Advance Consideration
IAS 40 Transfers of Investment Property 1 January 2018
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments 1 January 2019
IFRS 9 Prepayment Features with Negative 1 January 2019
Compensation
The Group is evaluating the impact of the new and amended
standards above. The introduction of IFRS 9 is not expected to have
any material financial impact.
2. Operating Loss
The operating loss is stated after charging:
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
Auditors' remuneration - audit services 34 32
- other services 8 20
Directors' emoluments (Note 4) 195 185
Operating lease charges 80 77
In addition to the above, the Auditors charged $55,000 (2017 -
$47,000) in relation to the associate. The costs were borne by the
associate.
3. Taxation
Group Group
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
-------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Factors affecting the tax charge for
the year
Loss on ordinary activities before tax (4,334) (2,982)
Loss on ordinary activities at the UK
standard rate of 19% (2017: 19%) (824) (567)
Effects:
Share of operating loss of associate
not taxable 828 565
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes - -
Utilisation of previous unrecognized 4 -
tax losses carried forward
Tax losses carried forward not recognised - 2
Total taxation - -
-------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
No deferred tax assets have been recognised (2017: nil). The
Group has total carried forward losses of $8,186,000 (2017:
$8,677,829). The taxed value of the unrecognised deferred tax asset
is $1,555,340 (2017: $1,648,787) and these losses do not
expire.
4. Directors' emoluments
Salary Salary
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
---------------------- --------------- ---------------
Michael Frayne 67 63
Geoffrey Brown 128 122
Lee Oi Hian (1) - -
Teh Sar Moh Nee (1) - -
Yap Miow Kien (1) - -
Lee Guo Zhang (1) - -
--------------- ---------------
Total 195 185
---------------------- --------------- ---------------
All Directors' remuneration is paid in cash.
(1) KLK representatives not remunerated by the Company
5. Compensation of Key Management Personnel
Group & Group & Company
Company
Year ended
Year ended 30 September
30 September 2017
2018 $'000
$'000
------------------------------- --------------- -----------------
Short-term employee benefits 330 313
Social security costs 41 39
Total 371 352
------------------------------- --------------- -----------------
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
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
Staff Costs
Salaries & Wages 330 313
Social Security Costs 41 39
Total Staff Costs 371 352
------------------------ --------------- ---------------
Company Company
Year ended Year ended
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
Staff Costs
Salaries & Wages 330 313
Social Security Costs 41 39
Total Staff Costs 371 352
------------------------ --------------- ---------------
The Group and Company averaged 3 employees during the year ended
30 September 2018 of which all were involved in administration
activities (30 September 2017: 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
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
--------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Loss for the year (4,334) (2,982)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
of 1p in issue 356.3 million 356.3 million
Loss per share - basic and diluted (1.2) cents (0.8) cents
--------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
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. As at 30
September 2018 a movement in the LIBOR by 10% would not result 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.
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 2018 a 10%
revaluation of the Pound against the Dollar would have resulted in
a US $10,599 increase or decrease in the net assets of the Group
(30 September 2017: US$14,200).
Capital management policies
The Group considers its capital to be its ordinary share
capital, share premium, other reserves, and retained deficit. 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
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
Interest in associate at beginning of
year 19,447 22,422
Share of losses of associate (4,357) (2,975)
-------------- ---------------
Interest in associate at end of year 15,090 19,447
-------------- ---------------
The consolidated results of Liberian Palm Developments Limited
for the year ended 30 September 2018 were as follows:
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
Non-current assets 122,266 103,687
Current assets 7,833 10,758
Non-current liabilities (99,230) (73,228)
Current liabilities (689) (2,322)
-------------- --------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS 30,180 38,895
-------------- --------------
Group's share (50%) 15,090 19,447
Income 606 291
Expenses (9,320) (6,241)
-------------- --------------
Loss after tax and total comprehensive
income (8,714) (5,950)
-------------- --------------
Group's share (50%) (4,357) (2,975)
Subsidiaries and associates of Equatorial Palm Oil plc
Holding Holding
Country 30 September 30 September
Company of Registration 2018 2017 Nature of business
------------------------------- ------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------------
Direct (subsidiaries)
Equatorial Biofuels
(Guernsey) Limited Guernsey 100% 100% Holding Company
Indirect (associates)
Liberian Palm Developments
Limited (1) Mauritius 50% 50% Holding Company
EBF (Mauritius) Limited
(2) Mauritius 50% 50% Holding Company
EPO (Mauritius) Limited
(2) Mauritius 50% 50% Holding Company
Equatorial Palm Oil Operating company
(Liberia) Inc (3) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
Liberia Forest Products Operating company
Incorporated (4) Liberia 50% 50% in Liberia
Liberia Agricultural Non-operating
Development Corporation company in
(3) Liberia 50% 50% Liberia
LIBINC Oil Palm Inc. Operating company
(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
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
Investment at beginning of year 20,199 23,174
Impairment (4,357) (2,975)
-------------- --------------
Investment at end of year 15,842 20,199
-------------- --------------
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
2017
2018 $'000
$'000
----------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
Equatorial Biofuels (Guernsey) Limited 150 142
--------------- ---------------
Total 150 142
----------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
The loan to the subsidiary 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
2017 2018
2018 $'000 $'000 2017
$'000 $'000
-------------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Receivable due from associate 6,789 6,736 6,789 6,736
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
6,789 6,736 6,789 6,736
-------------------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
The receivable due from the associate relates to a loan,
denominated in USD, with a five-year term concluding on 6 November
2018 (refer Note 19 for subsequent event), 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 $535,000 (2017:
$519,000).
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
Receivable due from associate at beginning
of year 6,736 6,386
Interest paid by associate (448) (255)
Interest income accrued 535 519
Management fee paid by associate (210) (81)
Management fee accrued 176 167
Receivable due from associate at end
of year 6,789 6,736
12. Revenue and Other Income
Group Group
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
Rental income 31 46
Other 2 -
----- ----- --------------- ---------------
Other Income 33 46
--------------- ---------------
Management fees income 176 167
--------------- ---------------
Revenue 176 167
--------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
13. Trade and other receivables
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2018 2017 2018 2017
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Prepayments 8 7 8 7
VAT receivables - 9 - 9
Other receivables 14 6 13 5
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
22 22 21 21
-------------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
The fair value of all receivables is the same as their carrying
values stated above. 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
2018 2017 2018 2017
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
UK Pounds 21 21 21 21
US Dollars 1 1 - -
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
22 22 21 21
------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
14. Trade and other payables
Group Group Company Company
30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September
2018 2017 2018 2017
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Trade payables 50 51 50 51
Other payables 3 11 3 13
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
53 62 53 64
----------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
15. Called Up Share Capital
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
Allotted, called up and fully paid $'000 $'000
------------------------------------------- ----- ----- --------------- -----------------
356,277,502 (2017: 356,277,502) Ordinary
shares of 1p each 5,598 5,598
--------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
During the year the Group did not issue any shares.
16. Cash
The Group and Company's breakdown of cash held is as
follows:
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
$'000 $'000
Cash on hand 78,000 75,000
Cash held in 1-month deposit 60,000 107,000
-------------- ----------------
138,000 182,000
-------------- ----------------
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 2018, 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 2018, this loan
is fully drawn and no interest has been paid to date.
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.
Recharges between EPO and LPD
For the year ended 30 September 2018, EPO recharged LPD $176,000
(2017: $167,000) with $52,000 outstanding at year end (2017:
$86,000).
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 2018 (2017: 62.86%) and they are deemed to be the
ultimate controlling entity.
19. Events After the Reporting Period
Subsequent to year end, the Company extended the maturity of its
US$2,00,000 loan to its 50 per cent. owned joint venture company,
Liberian Palm Developments Limited ("LPD"), announced on 7 November
2013 for the funding or LPD's operations (the "Loan"). The maturity
date for the Loan, for which US$2,938,656 including accrued
interest is outstanding, will be extended from 7 November 2018 to 6
November 2023 (the "Loan Extension"). The Loan Extension has been
effected by a deed of amendment and all other terms of the Loan
remain unchanged.
The key terms of the loan are as follows:
-- Term - 5 years expiring on 6 November 2023
-- Interest - USD LIBOR + 4 per cent per annum or 8 per cent per annum, whichever is the higher
-- Repayment - Loan principal (together with all accrued
Interest due) on expiry of the Term or earlier at the election of
LPD
20. Availability of accounts
The audited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the
period ended 30 September 2018 will shortly be sent to shareholders
and published at www.epoil.co.uk .
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
FR QLLFFVFFXFBE
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