Final Results

Monteagle Holdings Société Anonyme (Incorporated in Luxembourg - RC Luxembourg No. B 19600) Registered office 6 rue Adolphe Fischer, 24th December 2003 L-1520, Luxembourg Results for the year ended 30th September 2003 (subject to audit) INTRODUCTION Monteagle's objective is to achieve capital growth and a steadily progressive dividend over the long term through a diversified range of investments. The Company holds portfolios of leading investments in the U.S.A. and Europe and a property in the United States. The Group's import, export and distribution businesses operate internationally, and in Southern Africa we have a property portfolio and interests in agriculture and mining. RESULTS I am pleased to report on a very successful year in which a number of long term development projects have started to have a significant impact. The highlights of the results are: * Group revenue up 74% to US$37 million. * Operating profit up 23% to US$1.3 million. * Dividend income from Zimbabwean investments down 90% to US$53,000 * Exceptional profits realised of US$2.4 million before tax, US$1.3 million after tax and minorities * Basic and fully diluted earnings per share up 108% to 25 US cents * Net assets per share up 13% to US$4.70 of which US$3.21 are held in Europe, the U.S.A. and Australia The factors behind these movements are commented on below. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS The exceptional profit for this year arises mainly from profits realised by a subsidiary on the sale of a significant part of our investment in a Zimbabwean associated company (US$1.2 million), the sale by our mining associate, Falcon, of its iodine project in Chile (US$2.8 million), less a provision to reduce the equity accounted carrying value of our investment in Falcon and its subsidiaries to market value (US$1.3 million). NET ASSETS Net assets per share, taking investments at market value, have increased by 13% to US$4.70 (2002: US$4.15). Net assets held in hard currencies have increased, mainly because of retained operating profits and profits on the exceptional sales referred to above, and now stand at US$20,241,000 compared to US$16,265,000 last year. US$3.21 (2002 - US$2.58) of total net assets of US$4.70 per share relate to assets owned in Europe, the U.S.A. and Australia. Our policy is not to hedge our net asset position against fluctuations in exchange rates and therefore our net asset position will fluctuate as exchange rates move compared to the US dollar, which is our accounting currency. IMPORT & DISTRIBUTION Turnover at our shipping and distribution businesses has increased considerably through organic growth achieved in existing markets, namely South Africa, Japan and Australia. Additional growth has also been achieved from the acquisition of a marketing business in South Africa that trades in related products. The consolidation of a full years' results reflects lower operating margins caused mainly by volatile international currency markets experienced over the period, particularly the strengthening of the South African rand against the US dollar. Our tool import and distribution businesses in South Africa and Australia have achieved solid growth during the year and continue to increase their market share in both countries. The year under review has presented these businesses with tremendous opportunities because of significant price deflation caused by the weakening United States dollar. During the year a company operating in overlapping markets was acquired and this has assisted in increasing market penetration with an expanded product range. Consistent operating margins have been maintained throughout the period. PROPERTY The profit contribution from this division is significantly less than last year, due to the sale of our California office property in August 2002. As reported at the interim stage we continue to look for a suitable multi-tenanted commercial property in California to reinvest the funds realised. In the meantime part of the sale proceeds have been returned to Europe and US$3 million has been invested in US Treasury bills. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS The climate in the investment world has improved during the year, particularly during the second six months when it became clear that the global economy was recovering. The Group has continued to add to its diverse list of quality equities in the major first world markets. FARMING (Conafex) The strategy to reduce the dependence on Zimbabwe and broaden the base through greater regional diversity resulted in the disposal of a significant part of Conafex's investment in a Zimbabwe horticulture business for US$3 million and Conafex is in the process of reinvesting these proceeds, mainly in Southern Africa. This sale generated an exceptional profit of US$1.2 million. Conafex acquired a 50% stake in the Coffee Tea and Chocolate Company ('CTC'), based in Cape Town, at the end of August 2003 for US$871,000. CTC brings a new dimension to Conafex's planned strategy of adding value to raw agricultural products, mainly black and herbal teas and coffee, through packaging, branding and marketing to all the leading supermarket chains in South Africa. In November 2003 Conafex acquired a 17.5% shareholding in Intertrading for US$754,000 with an option to acquire a further 15.6% (for US$713,000) prior to the end of November 2004. Intertrading is a Johannesburg listed trader of South African produced fresh fruit, vegetables and macadamia nuts, marketing this produce internationally via sea and air freight. There will be substantial synergies arising with Conafex and its European associates, who simultaneously acquired 17.5% of Intertrading. The results, for a shortened eleven month accounting period to 31st August 2003, reported for our farming operations are significantly worse than last year due to the lack of dividend income from Zimbabwe, the timing of receipt of commission income and the inherent delays in re-investing the proceeds from the sale of Zimbabwean investments in income producing investments outside Zimbabwe. MINING (Falcon) Our mining associate Falcon has sold its iodine project in Chile and expects to receive net proceeds of at least US$4 million. This has generated an exceptional profit, our share of which is US$1.2 million after tax and minorities. Falcon is looking to reinvest these proceeds in a well established and profitable business in a hard currency area. The three remaining gold mines produced 847kg of gold in the year, a considerable decrease (23%) from the 1,093kg produced in the previous year. However, the rise in the price of gold by US$62 (19%) over the year, combined with (i) an improvement in the exchange rate used in converting part of the gold sales into Zimbabwe dollars and (ii) an increase in the proportion of the proceeds paid in US dollars has meant that profits have increased considerably in Zimbabwe dollar terms. ZIMBABWE Our agricultural and mining interests in Zimbabwe have again not been consolidated as the ability of these businesses to remit earnings continues to be very uncertain. Our objective for these operations is to preserve their management infrastructure. GROUP PERSONNEL None of the above achievements would have been accomplished without the continuing efforts of all our management and staff during another challenging year. Most of our employees are based in Southern Africa where the significant strengthening of the South African rand and the uncertain economic climate in Zimbabwe have added extra challenges. DIVIDEND The Directors recommend an increased dividend for the year of 6.0 US cents per share (2002: 5 US cents). PROSPECTS We expect that the diversification by Conafex will enhance earnings and Falcon intends to complete an investment in a well established, profitable operating business in the ensuing year. However, the situation in Zimbabwe makes it impossible to forecast the future for our operations in that country. Our import and distribution businesses continue to grow and expand their range of products. The decline in value of the US dollar will, if sustained, increase the US dollar value of our properties and listed investments outside the United States. Our international investment portfolio remains in 'blue chip' stocks and our balance sheet continues to be liquid. We continue to be optimistic for the year ahead. J. M. Robotham D. C. Marshall Chairman Chief Executive NOTICE OF MEETING AND DECLARATION OF DIVIDEND The Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 26th March 2004 at 4.00 p.m. at the registered office of the Company, 6 rue Adolphe Fischer L-1520 Luxembourg. Last day to trade cum div Thursday, 18 March Shares trade ex dividend on the South African stock exchange Friday, 19 March Shares trade ex dividend on the Luxembourg stock exchange Friday 19 March Record date Friday 26 March Pay Date Friday 23 April Currency conversion date, noon on Wednesday, 10 March No dematerialisation or rematerialisation of share certificates on the South African Register, nor may transfer of shares between the registers in Luxembourg and South Africa take place between Friday 19 March 2004 and Friday 26 March 2004, both days inclusive. Copies of the annual report and accounts will be posted to shareholders in early 2004. Unaudited Consolidated Profit and Loss Account For the year ended 30th September 2003 2002 US$000 US$000 Group revenue 37,046 21,233 Operating costs (35,762) (20,190) Operating profit 1,284 1,043 Share of associated companies results (8) (72) Income from Zimbabwean investments - dividends 53 541 Income from other investments - dividends 256 140 - interest 160 172 Interest paid and similar charges (534) (522) Exchange (22) (136) Profit on ordinary activities before exceptional items 1,189 1,166 and tax Exceptional items 2,451 467 Profit before tax and minority interests 3,640 1,633 Tax (1,316) (514) Profit after tax before minority interests 2,324 1,119 Minority interests (743) (371) Profit attributable to shareholders of the Group 1,581 748 Reconciliation of headline earnings per share Basic and fully diluted earnings per share (US cents) 25 c 12 c Less exceptional item, net of tax and minority interests (20)c (7)c (US cents) Headline earnings per share (US cents) 5 c 5 c Proposed dividend 6.0c 5.0c Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses Exchange differences on translation of the financial 1,214 (55) statements of foreign entities Group share of fair value adjustments 990 (4,711) Net gain/(loss) not recognised in the income statement 2,204 (4,766) Dividend paid for the previous year (315) (536) Net profit for the period 1,581 748 Total recognised profit/(loss) and increase/(decrease) 3,470 (4,554) in shareholders' funds Shareholders' funds brought forward 26,173 30,727 Shareholders' funds carried forward 29,643 26,173 Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet AT 30th SEPTEMBER 2003 2002 US$000 US$000 Assets Non current assets Property, plant and equipment 10,798 9,245 Investments 17,514 16,943 Intangibles 269 - 28,581 26,188 Current assets Inventories 7,264 4,299 Accounts receivable 10,839 5,715 Cash and bank balances 7,710 5,022 25,813 15,036 Current liabilities Accounts payable (falling due within one year) (12,946) (6,177) Net current assets 12,867 8,859 Total assets less current liabilities 41,448 35,047 Non current liabilities Accounts payable (falling due after more than one year) (4,890) (3,487) Deferred taxation 102 117 36,660 31,677 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 9,450 9,450 Other reserves 8,056 6,268 Retained earnings 12,137 10,455 Shareholders' funds 29,643 26,173 Minority interests 7,017 5,504 36,660 31,677 Unaudited Consolidated Cash Flow Statement FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER 2003 2002 US$000 US$000 Operating activities Cash generated/(absorbed) by operations 240 (877) Interest paid (534) (522) Taxation paid (694) (451) Net cash outflow from operating activities (988) (1,850) Investment activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets (388) (285) Acquisition of investments (1,860) (5,158) Disposal of tangible fixed assets 12 3,287 Disposal of investments 3,478 834 Interest received and other investment income 416 312 Dividends received from Zimbabwean investments 53 541 Net cash inflow /(outflow) from investment activities 1,711 (469) Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing 723 (2,319) Financing activities Net increase in long term debt 1,403 3 Dividend paid - group (315) (536) - minority shareholders (28) (112) Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities 1,060 (645) Net increase/(decrease) in funds 1,783 (2,964) Net funds at 1st October 4,531 7,495 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes - Net funds at 30th September 6,314 4,531 Notes: 1. As described in the Chairman's Review, the earnings, assets and liabilities of Zimbabwean subsidiaries and associated companies have not been consolidated. Investments have been reflected in accordance with IAS 39. These preliminary results for the year ended 30th September 2003 and the balance sheet at that date, which are unaudited, have otherwise been prepared on the basis of accounting policies adopted for the year ended 30th September 2002. The results are unaudited. 2. Group capital expenditure in the year was US$388,000 (2002 - US$285,000). There were no capital expenditure commitments at 30th September 2003 (2002 - nil). 3. Bank loans and overdrafts of US$1,396,000 (2002 - US$491,000) are included in current liabilities. Group long term finance is secured on various local properties and bears interest at local commercial rates. SEGMENTAL REPORTING Primary reporting format - business segments The Group is organised on a worldwide basis into four main business segments: Import and tool import and non-perishable food exports in South Africa distribution and exports to Japan and Australia. Farming commercial agriculture and horticulture interests in Zimbabwe held through Conafex. Gold mining three gold mines in Zimbabwe. One is owned 33.33% by the Group and 66.67% by our associated company, Falcon, and two are owned by Falcon through its 57.1% subsidiary, Falcon Gold Zimbabwe Limited. Property investment properties in California and South Africa. Other operations of the Group mainly comprise transactions relating to the share portfolios, profits on disposals of tangible and intangible fixed assets and local head office costs. There are no sales or other transactions between business segments. Segment assets consist of property, plant and equipment, inventories and receivables and exclude cash balances. Segment liabilities are operating liabilities and exclude items such as taxation and borrowings. Capital expenditure comprises additions to property, plant and equipment. Unallocated assets and liabilities are cash balances, taxation and borrowings. 2003 2002 Segmental analysis of results US$000 US$000 Revenue Result Revenue Result Import and distribution 34,962 2,065 19,342 1,628 Property 1,107 181 1,519 508 Farming 738 (356) 192 13 Gold mining - 53 - 57 Other operations 239 * 1,337 180 * 109 37,046 3,280 21,233 2,315 Share of revenue of associates and dividend income Farming 500 11 422 229 Gold mining - 883 - (389) 37,546 21,655 Interest paid and similar charges (534) (522) Profit before tax 3,640 1,633 * Other revenue excludes dividend income and the proceeds of sales of investments and tangible assets, the profits of which are included in the result of this segment. The analysis for the year ended 30th September 2002 has been restated to re-allocate property sale profits and sundry income items previously reported under Property into Other operations. Assets Liabilities Net assets/ Capital Depreciation (liabilities) Expenditure charge US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 Segmental analysis of net assets 30th September 2003 Import and distribution 16,690 8,877 7,813 309 113 Property 10,016 424 9,592 56 12 Farming - Group 10,581 1,540 9,041 23 31 - Associates 360 - 360 - - Gold mining - Associates 1,338 - 1,338 - - Other 7,654 330 7,324 - 8 Unallocated * 7,857 6,665 1,192 - - Consolidated total 54,496 17,836 36,660 388 164 Segmental analysis of net assets 30th September 2002 Import/distribution 8,868 4,565 4,303 170 54 Property 8,923 314 8,609 115 34 Farming - Group 8,570 432 8,138 - - - Associates 2,339 - 2,339 - - Gold mining - Associates 565 - 565 - - Other 6,973 331 6,642 - 8 Unallocated * 5,103 4,022 1,081 - - Consolidated total 41,341 9,664 31,677 285 96 Revenue Net Assets Expenditure Revenue Net Assets Expenditure 2003 2002 US$000 US$000 Group Total Capital Group Total Capital US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 US$000 South Africa 23,197 7,958 309 13,018 4,925 118 Zimbabwe - 8,460 - - 10,487 - Australia 2,241 1,197 - 1,890 775 53 United States 884 7,430 56 1,334 7,313 114 Jersey 9,986 4,190 - 4,751 4,635 - Other 738 7,425 23 240 3,542 - European countries 37,046 36,660 388 21,233 31,677 285 * Unallocated assets and liabilities are cash balances taxation and borrowings. The segmental analyses for 2002 have been restated following a re-assessment of allocations between sectors for 2003.
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