Final Results

Camellia PLC 25 April 2002 Preliminary Announcement - Year Ended 31st December 2001 Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31st December 2001 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Turnover - continuing operations 174,375 173,450 - acquisitions 5,797 - 180,172 173,450 - discontinued operations 23,175 79,925 203,347 253,375 Cost of sales 156,851 202,036 Gross profit 46,496 51,339 Net operating expenses 34,592 34,372 Operating profit - continuing operations 11,721 16,671 - acquisitions (65) - 11,656 16,671 - discontinued operations 248 296 11,904 16,967 Share of results of associates 5,349 2,996 17,253 19,963 Investment income 1,453 1,087 Profit on disposal of fixed assets 24 1,164 Profit on disposal of fixed asset investments 573 376 Profit on disposal of subsidiary undertaking 424 - Goodwill transferred upon part disposal of a subsidiary 704 - Share of associates profit on disposal of Subsidiaries 2,065 - Loss on disposal of associated Undertaking - (1,701) 22,496 20,889 Net interest payable and similar charges 4,940 5,675 Profit on ordinary activities before 17,556 15,214 taxation Taxation on profit on ordinary activities 6,322 5,722 Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 11,234 9,492 Interest of minority shareholders 2,283 2,538 Profit for the year 8,951 6,954 Dividends 2,303 2,335 Retained profit for the year 6,648 4,619 Earnings per share 327.75p 247.71p Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2001 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed Assets Goodwill: Positive 1,219 1,290 Negative (4,074) (2,529) (2,855) (1,239) Tangible assets 172,574 168,835 Investments 72,219 64,053 241,938 231,649 Current assets Stocks 34,100 32,319 Debtors 55,514 66,291 Cash at banks and in hand 164,493 162,052 254,107 260,662 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 212,562 222,444 Net current assets 41,545 38,218 Total assets less current liabilities 283,483 269,867 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 39,587 36,513 Provisions for liabilities and charges 1,624 1,734 Net assets 242,272 231,620 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 271 277 Share premium account 423 423 Revaluation reserve 38,280 38,901 Profit and loss account 139,812 137,248 Merger reserve 242 242 Equity shareholders' funds 179,028 177,091 Minority shareholders' interest 63,244 54,529 242,272 231,620 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31st December 2001 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net cash flow from operating activities 22,033 22,346 Dividends received from associates 629 869 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 955 828 Interest paid (5,065) (6,028) Income from investments 1,662 1,039 Dividends paid to minority interests (1,632) (2,043) (4,080) (6,204) Taxation UK corporation tax paid (1,548) (274) Overseas tax paid (3,368) (4,636) (4,916) (4,910) Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets (10,869) (11,813) Sale of tangible fixed assets 936 3,790 Purchase of investments (4,338) (2,374) Sale of investments 1,751 1,078 (12,520) (9,319) Acquisitions and disposals Acquisition of business (557) - Disposal of business 2,846 - Purchase of additional Siegfried AG shares (1,439) (705) Purchase of minority interests (542) (473) Disposal of associated undertaking - 6,227 308 5,049 Equity dividends paid (2,267) (2,237) Cash (outflow)/inflow before financing (813) 5,594 Financing Loan repayments (7,614) (7,109) New loans 9,862 5,081 Capital element of finance lease rental payments (279) (312) 1,969 (2,340) Purchase of own shares (1,693) (1,244) (Decrease)/increase in cash in the period (537) 2,010 Reconciliation of Movement in Shareholders' Funds for the year ended 31st December 2001 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 Profit for the year 8,951 6,954 Dividends (2,303) (2,335) Retained profit for the year 6,648 4,619 Currency translation differences on foreign currency net investments (2,817) 3,791 Purchase of own shares (1,860) (1,551) Release of goodwill on disposal of subsidiary undertaking 515 - Release of goodwill on part disposal of subsidiary undertaking (704) - Impairment on previously revalued tangible assets (384) - Share of associates fixed asset revaluation 539 - Net addition in shareholders' funds 1,937 6,859 Opening shareholders' funds 177,091 170,232 Closing shareholders' funds 179,028 177,091 Analysis of turnover, profit and net operating assets Net operating Turnover Operating profit assets 2001 2000 2001 2000 2001 2000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 By activity Parent and subsidiary undertakings Agriculture and horticulture 108,955 101,654 9,557 10,377 141,826 135,954 Trading and agency 29,684 86,053 821 810 3,971 5,956 Food storage and distribution 45,215 46,723 3,076 4,513 30,398 31,930 Engineering 14,478 12,175 1,287 1,095 12,521 11,696 Fine art trading and philately 2,812 4,784 411 2,299 2,288 3,017 Property leasing 2,177 1,959 2,088 1,869 4,204 3,750 Central management and miscellaneous 26 27 (5,501) (5,032) 8,658 8,699 203,347 253,375 11,739 15,931 203,866 201,002 Banking 152 1,026 21,120 20,971 Net interest from group companies 13 10 - - 11,904 16,967 224,986 221,973 Associated undertakings Agriculture and horticulture (34) 13 Pharmaceutical 4,218 1,903 Insurance and leasing 1,165 987 Textile and other manufacturing - 93 Operating profit 17,253 19,963 Chairman's Statement Pre-tax profit for the year ended 31st December 2001 was £17.56 million compared with £15.21million in 2000. Profit attributable to shareholders was £8.95 million compared with £6.95 million in 2000 and earnings increased from 247.71p to 327.75p per share. The major influences on the profit for the year 2001 were the substantially improved results from our associate company, Siegfried AG, offset by lower tea prices and continuing very low coffee prices. On balance climatic conditions were reasonable, although there are indications that we may be moving into an 'El Nino' cycle which, if substantiated, will have a far reaching impact for all our overseas agricultural operations. Dividend The Board is recommending a final dividend of 65p per share which, together with the interim dividend already paid of 20p per share, brings the total distribution for the year to 85p per share compared with 84p per share in 2000. Agriculture and Horticulture Tea India In 2001 the tea industry suffered one of its least profitable years for several decades. Prices, which had started to drop in mid 2000, continued to erode and by year's end were some 10% behind the previous levels. The main reasons for this were lower domestic demand coupled with higher production, lower exports and the effect of cheap product from an ever increasing number of small bought leaf factories in North Bengal and Assam. Darjeeling experienced a difficult market with strong competition from the increasing amount of tea produced in Nepal at a considerably lower cost of production. The Group's profitability has been adversely affected in spite of a continuing emphasis on quality and stringent cost control. Pre-tax profit amounted to £0.8 million compared with £1.26 million the previous year. The Group estates produced 27.18 million kgs compared with 25.45 million kgs in 2000, an increase of 6.8%. Packet tea sales were reasonable although there was growing competition. The instant tea plant continues to operate below capacity and the trial storage facilities in the USA have been discontinued. However, recent developments indicate fresh interest in the instant product. Welfare facilities on all gardens are carefully monitored and improvements continue to be made within budgetary constraints. The law and order situation in all tea districts remains unsettled but fortunately the Group suffered no major problems. Bangladesh The ten Longbourne tea estates produced 11.18 million kgs, which was almost a record crop and 4.6% above the previous year. Market prices remained at similar levels to last year, but even after higher interest charges and expenses, pre-tax profit amounted to £150,000. In August 2001 Longbourne acquired a controlling interest in Eastland Camellia Limited, which owns Chaklapunji Estate. Whilst this estate is small, with a crop of only 300,000 kgs, it produces high quality tea and is adjacent to the Group's other Luskerpore Valley properties. In Chittagong, the tea warehouse operated satisfactorily and extension work is in progress. The newly elected Government, which has a large majority, is now in a position to commence beneficial economic development. Africa Tea production by subsidiary undertakings amounted to 33.6 million kgs, including 3.8 million kgs from our new operations in South Africa. This latter figure is not representative of a full year's production and takes account of only that tea harvested during the eight-month 'off' season. Climatic conditions in Kenya, Malawi and South Africa were reasonable, resulting in production consistent with our expectations. However, prices throughout the year were disappointing and in Kenya were some 23% below the previous year. Economic conditions in Kenya and Malawi remain difficult, with high interest rates and strong local currency. In the case of South Africa, the substantial decline in the value of the rand towards the end of the year resulted in significant exchange losses being charged to reserves. The rand has subsequently strengthened by about 20% from its low point in December. Despite the difficult conditions, the policy of replanting of old seedling tea and improving the welfare of our employees has continued. Nepal Crop from Himalaya Goodricke Private Limited totalled 278,000 kgs compared with 289,000 kgs in 2000. This reduction was due to an early drought and an increasing emphasis on quality, which involved the discontinuance of shear plucking. In line with India, prices were poor and the company recorded a loss of £92,000 as compared with a loss of £46,000 in 2000. The factory has now been partially re-equipped to allow for the manufacture of bought leaf and this extra production should lead to a reduction in overall costs and increased profitability. Coffee Our coffee operations experienced another difficult year with prices continuing to be below cost of production. Whilst prices on the world coffee markets continue at very low levels, it is pleasing to report that there has been a steady increase in the prices paid for the higher quality Kenya arabica coffee and these are now some 40% above the comparable prices at this time last year. Whilst this only takes us to a breakeven position, it nonetheless represents a substantial improvement. We continue to examine further ways of reducing the cost of production without prejudicing the health and vigour of the bushes. The Malawi crop has however not benefited from a similar rise in price and the future of our coffee operations in Malawi must be subject to some considerable doubt. Unless prices improve quickly this operation will be phased out and the land put to alternative use. Citrus Yandilla Park enjoyed a record year with good production combining with reasonable market prices, particularly in the North American market. Our packing operations have attracted significant new business from outside growers as a result of our good reputation and competitive packing charges. To accommodate increasing demand we are upgrading our packing line in Renmark and during the year we acquired a packing operation in the Sunraysia district to pack our own and outside growers' fruit from that area. The citrus operations in Chile are performing well and those in California and South Africa are proceeding towards maturity. The prospects for these operations remain encouraging. Edible Nuts Our new macadamia processing factory in Malawi is performing well and the production from our estates is such that expansion of processing facilities is required. The marketing of this produce continued to be most satisfactory and our macadamia operations on the newly acquired estates in South Africa have also performed well. In California our edible nut operations experienced a poor year, with production of pistachios considerably reduced due to the alternate bearing cycle of this crop. Although almond production was reasonable, prices for both pistachios and almonds were poor, resulting in a loss. Other Horticulture The pineapple joint venture with Del Monte was again profitable, but canned pineapples experienced another difficult year in world markets. The comparative strength of the Kenya shilling is a difficult factor as far as the Kenyan industry is concerned. Passion fruit remains disappointing, but the newly planted avocado areas are beginning to make a good contribution to profitability. Wine grape production in Australia was reasonable, although below that of the previous year. Prices are under pressure with wineries demanding higher quality at lower prices. There appears to be continuing over-production of most varieties in Australia, although this operation makes a very worthwhile contribution towards profits. A substantial amount of our production in South Africa has been sold as bulk rather than as bottled wine. It is difficult to compete with large scale producers at the lower end of the market and we continue to concentrate our efforts on the premium sector. It is encouraging to report that our Linton Park '99 vintage Chardonnay was one of only two South African Chardonnays to be awarded five stars by the prestigious 'Decanter' magazine. Table grape production in South Africa was encouraging, although prices were again disappointing. There are still large areas of immature plantings on our properties in South Africa and Chile. Rubber production in Bangladesh continues to progress and reached budgeted targets, contributing to estate profits. It is pleasing to report that our farm in Brazil produced a modest profit in 2001. Considerable operational changes have been implemented over the last two years and prospects are now much improved. Trading and Agency Duncan Products Limited had a poor year due to increased competition for bottled water and packet tea. A reorganisation of the marketing operations is in hand and new personnel are being recruited. In May, Highland Fuels was sold to its management, who were backed by institutional investors and a European fuel distribution company. The company had performed well in the period of Group ownership in 2001, but was not in a strong strategic position and should benefit from an association with a business operating within the same sector. British Traders and Shippers increased sales but only broke even in the year. Redundancy costs were incurred as a result of the decision to subcontract the physical distribution of the company's chemical products. Significant training costs were committed to improve communication with Japan. Food Storage and Distribution Associated Cold Stores and Transport had a disappointing year, reporting profits 18% below 2000, largely due to reductions in transport revenues at the Gloucester and Wolverhampton sites. Reduced demand for storage was experienced towards the end of the year at Wolverhampton. The food service consolidation and case picking business in Grimsby performed well, as did the transport operation at Scarborough. The senior management of the company has been reorganised from a functional to a geographic basis at the beginning of 2002. A major project has been instigated to enhance information technology systems in the business in order to improve customer service via the internet and to centralise administration. Associated Cold Stores and Transport faces a substantial increase in insurance premiums for 2002 as a result of the insurance industry's decision to impose penal rates on buildings constructed from composite panels. W.G.White had an extremely disappointing year as a result of a substantial reduction in sales of caviar to airlines and due to the costs of the wine sales team formed to take the company into a new market. An increase in the cost of caviar and the reduction of passenger traffic following September 11th led to reduced servings of the product on a number of airlines. The smaller number of tourists in London also had a negative impact on the market. Although sales of wine improved by 50% in 2001, they were insufficient to cover the costs of the sales team. A wider range of wines has been selected for sales to commence in 2002. Affish, one of the Group's two companies in the Netherlands, improved profitability despite a reduction in sales of prawns during a period of poor commodity prices. Wylax improved sales particularly to institutional caterers, but higher labour costs offset an otherwise improved margin. Engineering Following the fire in 2000, Abbey Metal Finishing returned to full production capability in May 2001 and has continued to rebuild its business. The company has regained important customer approvals and turnover in 2001 exceeded budget. AJT Engineering, AKD Engineering and the divisions of British Metal Treatments involved in oil and gas engineering support all improved turnover and profitability in a buoyant market for repair and new manufacture for the North Sea and other international offshore and onshore installations. The British Metal Treatments' divisions at East Kilbride and Great Yarmouth both improved their results as a consequence of investment in improved plant towards the end of the previous year and at the beginning of 2001. General Utilities did not match the results achieved in 2000 due to the quiet general engineering market for profile cutting and precision grinding. British Metal Treatments' division at Hove was closed in December and the full costs of this have been included in results for 2001. The sale of the site is proceeding satisfactorily and is expected to be completed in 2002. Fine Art Trading Lumley Cazalet Limited produced a good result although not up to the levels enjoyed in the previous year. The gallery closed in early February 2002 and the remaining stock is now being disposed of in an orderly fashion. It is expected that the operations of Lumley Cazalet will be finally wound up during this year. Property Leasing Further rent reviews were carried out in 2001 leading to increased profits. Banking Duncan Lawrie Limited experienced a difficult year in 2001. Lower interest rates prevailing throughout the year resulted in decreased margins on the Bank's lending business and the fall in the Stock Markets and lack of new investment resulted in lower fees being earned on the Bank's investment management operations. During the year the Bank invested heavily in new computer systems which will enable it to improve the services offered to customers. Since the end of the year Duncan Lawrie Unit Management Limited, which managed the Duncan Lawrie Smaller Companies Fund unit trust, has been sold to Exeter Investment Group plc. Pharmaceutical The Siegfried Group increased its earnings after tax to 31 million Swiss Francs from 9.3 million in the previous year. Our share of these profits amounted to £4,145,000. The pharmaceutical operations increased their sales, particularly as a result of increased investment in Switzerland leading to higher output. The plant in Pennsville, USA, successfully completed its inspection by the US Food and Drug Administration and performed above expectations in the second half of the year. The medicinal and herbal tea division has been restructured and the packing of these teas has been contracted to a specialised German company, resulting in the closure of their operation in Bremen. Other Associated Undertakings and Investments The United Leasing Company Limited, in spite of difficult economic circumstances, produced a record profit of £2.24 million. The United Insurance Company Limited had a reasonable year with a profit of £311,000 compared with £328,000 in 2000. The Surmah Valley Tea Company Limited, which has three estates and is owned by United Insurance, reported a profit of £59,000. Our investments in Bermuda have fared well during the year and continue to make a positive contribution to Group profits. Development The Group continues to carry out the capital developments necessary to enable its operations to remain competitive. Specific capital projects are presently being undertaken in Yandilla's citrus packing shed, the Malawian nut processing facility and at AKD Engineering. Development of our immature planting continues in all the countries in which we operate. Prospects for 2002 It is as usual too early to give any reliable forecast of the outcome of the current year, however as stated at the beginning of this report, there are indications that we may be moving into an 'El Nino' cycle and there are indications of drought in Australia, East and South Africa. The price of tea has shown some indications of rising as a result of lower production anticipated in producing countries, but there is little indication of any further improvement in the price of coffee. Staff On behalf of the Board I would like to extend my thanks to all employees throughout the Group in contributing to satisfactory results in a very difficult year. Notes 1. The directors have decided to recommend a final dividend of 65p per ordinary share payable on 3rd July 2002 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 14th June 2002. The total dividend for the year of 85p per ordinary share compares with 84p per ordinary share paid in the previous year. 2. Earnings per share have been calculated by dividing profit after tax and minority interests of £8,951,000 (2000 - £6,954,000) by the weighted average number of shares in issue at 31st December 2001 of 2,731,019 (2000 - 2,807,325). 3. Taxation on profits on ordinary activities includes overseas taxation of £3.44 million (2000 - £3.73 million), U.K. corporation tax of £2.39 million (2000 - £2.77 million) and share of associated undertakings tax of £2.35 million (2000 - £0.82 million). 4. The Annual General Meeting is to be held on Thursday, 30th May 2002. 5. The above figures are an abridged statement from the Group's accounts for the year ended 31st December 2001. The audit report on these accounts was unqualified. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31st December 2000 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for the year ended 31st December 2001 will be delivered after the Annual General Meeting. 6. The Directors Report and Statement of Accounts will be posted to shareholders on 30th April 2002 on which date copies can be obtained from the company's registrars:- Capita IRG Plc, Balfour House, 390/398 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1NQ or from the company's registered office:- Wrotham Place, Wrotham, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 7AE Press enquiries to:- Mr. M.C. Perkins Telephone No. 01622 746655 P.E. Hill Company Secretary This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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