Interim Results

Anglo Pacific Group PLC 29 August 2007 Anglo Pacific Group PLC INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30th JUNE 2007 Anglo Pacific Group PLC, the natural resources royalties company, today announces its interim results for the six months ended 30th June 2007. In the half year under review the Group has again produced record results with both earnings and net asset value increasing significantly. Financial Highlights • Cash and strategic investments increase by 77% to £99.8 million (2006: £56.5 million) • Australian coal royalty independent valuation of £59.0 million • Realised profits from mature mining interests increased by 38% to £11.2 million (2006: £8.1 million) • Earnings increased by 26% to 13.90p per share (2006: 11.06p) • Profit before tax increased by 22% to £15,099,000 (2006: £12,411,000) • Profit after tax increased by 27% to £14,151,000 (2006: £11,109,000) • Cash of £12.7 million (2006: £6.3 million) • Coal royalties for the half year of £4.2 million (2006: £5.0 million) Operational Highlights • New royalty package acquired in Canada • Substantial increase in value of strategic quoted interests • Increased cash position • Increased exposure to coal energy and uranium projects • Increase in gold, base metal and PGM projects • The Group remains debt free Commenting on the interim results, Peter Boycott, Chairman of Anglo Pacific, said: 'I am pleased to report record results for the first six months of 2007 and good progress in expanding the Group's resource projects in all sectors. The Board expects steady royalty receipts in the second half of 2007 and with increasing coking coal prices is optimistic about future royalty flows.' 'Recent record high prices for oil and gas confirm the Board's positive stance on uranium and coal energy products. The Board's continued commitment to the resource sector is also reflected in the Group's substantial exposure to base and precious metals.' 'The Group's policy remains to pay a substantial proportion of its earnings as dividends to shareholders. I am delighted to report the recent acquisition of a package of royalties to bolster future cashflows. The Board's strategy remains to increase the Group's royalty flow profile either by acquisition or by organic development from its wide range of resource interests and coal exploration properties.' Enquiries: Brian Wides/Peter Boycott/Matthew Tack Anglo Pacific Group PLC 020 7318 6360 Stephen Scott/James Harris Scott Harris 020 7653 0030 Anglo Pacific Group PLC INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30th JUNE 2007 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Review and Results for six months ended 30th June 2007 During the first half of 2007, the economies of India and China have continued to show strong rates of growth and demand for both metals and energy remained buoyant. The prices of both coking and steaming coal have risen sharply in the last few months. Recent reported sales of spot coking coal have been at considerably higher levels than the long term contract rates of circa US$100 per ton used in the past two years. This price rise is reflected in the Group's coal royalty interests being independently valued at 30th June 2007 at £59 million compared to £48 million at 31st December 2006. During the first six months of 2007 metal prices reached high and in some cases record levels with stockpiles of most metals remaining low. This caused a substantial strengthening of the mining markets, which were further supported by consolidation and takeover activity amongst the mining majors. Junior mining markets reached new highs in the first quarter of the year, although towards the end of the period prices were more subdued. Uranium prices, however, rose substantially, recently reaching US$135 per lb compared to US$46 a year ago. Even after taking account of dollar weakness, gold and PGM prices have remained high and the price of oil continues to hold at near record levels. It is against this background that the Group has realised record capital gains of £11.2 million for the period which together with buoyant royalty receipts has produced record earnings of 13.90p per share for the half year. The Group's private mining interests and quoted stakes in mining projects were valued at 30th June 2007 at £87.1 million compared to £50.2 million a year ago. Furthermore the Group had no borrowings and nearly £13 million of cash in the bank at 30th June 2007. These results again reflect the Group's continuing successful active management of its quoted and private mining interests. Strategy and Progress The Group's overall corporate strategy remains the same. It is to continue to increase the total value of the Group's mining interests in order to maximise shareholder value and develop new royalty flows. In this respect the Group's cash and strategic investments have increased in value by 29% in the last six months. Together with the recent valuation of the Group's coal royalty at £59 million, the Group's total assets are now therefore nearly £160 million with no debt. Furthermore, this does not include any excess over cost attributable to the real value of the Group's substantial private coal and other mining interests in British Columbia and Australia. The return on investment over the last four years is equivalent to a compound rate of over 76% per annum. Anglo Pacific Group PLC INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30th JUNE 2007 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT The Group's quoted equity interests disclosed on the LSE, ASX and TSX, where initial equity stake disclosure levels are 3%, 5% and 10% respectively, amount to £63 million in nineteen different holdings. The balance of quoted holdings of £22 million is made up of a further thirty incubator investments. The split of the Group's strategic interests by commodity is now on the Group's website at www.anglopacificgroup.com where all the equity disclosures can also be accessed. This Group's policy of maintaining a substantial level of liquidity will enable it to provide finance for smaller early-stage mining developments when required. These opportunities will be at more attractive levels when credit availability in the international financial markets is tighter than usual. On 23rd August 2007 the Group announced the acquisition of a package of uranium royalty interests in the Athabasca Basin in Canada. The properties covered by the royalty interests total approximately 4.8 million acres and are currently operated by a number of listed Canadian companies. The Athabasca Basin is considered to be highly prospective for uranium exploration and production and currently hosts large, high grade uranium mines and deposits. The Group is issuing 3.125 million new shares in consideration for these assets. The group's strategy of paying a substantial proportion of its earnings as dividends to shareholders continues. On 3rd August 2007 a final dividend of 3.75p per share for the year ended 31st December 2006 was paid. Shareholders owning 27.5% of the issued share capital opted to take further shares in the Company under the scrip dividend alternative. The Directors increased their investment in the Group by opting to take shares rather than cash on a substantial proportion of their holdings. As in previous years the Group will announce its interim dividend for the year ending 31st December 2007 in November 2007, when a scrip dividend alternative will again be available to shareholders. Outlook The Group expects steady royalty flows in the second half of 2007 and is confident that the recent increases in underlying coking coal prices will be maintained for some time. Following the recent turmoil in the equity markets the outlook for the mining sector is dependent on the demand for metals driven by the continued expansion of the emerging Chinese and Indian economies. The Board remains confident that opportunities will continue to arise for the further profitable development of the Group's current and future mining interests. P.M.Boycott Chairman 29th August 2007 Anglo Pacific Group PLC CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30th JUNE 2007 Six months Six months Year ended ended 30th ended 30th 31st December June 2007 June 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Royalty income 4,176 5,047 10,472 Other operating income 80 145 266 Profit on sale of mining and exploration 11,202 8,107 13,322 interests Finance income 204 93 232 15,662 13,392 24,292 Net operating expenses (563) (981) (2,183) Profit before tax 15,099 12,411 22,109 Tax (948) (1,302) (2,811) Profit attributable to equity holders 14,151 11,109 19,298 Basic earnings per share 13.90p 11.06p 19.12p Fully diluted earnings per share 13.90p 10.98p 19.11p Anglo Pacific Group PLC CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30th JUNE 2007 30th June 2007 30th June 2006 31st December 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Non-current assets Property plant and equipment 835 842 838 Coal royalties (at valuation) 59,012 52,661 47,868 Mining and exploration 87,081 50,240 67,317 interests 146,928 103,743 116,023 Current assets Trade and other receivables 2,659 3,146 1,834 Cash at bank 12,726 6,266 9,836 15,385 9,412 11,670 Total assets 162,313 113,155 127,693 Current liabilities Taxation 720 538 1,414 Trade and other payables 629 588 255 Dividends payable 3,818 3,264 - 5,167 4,390 1,669 Non-current liabilities Deferred tax 18,641 14,356 14,530 18,641 14,356 14,530 Total liabilities 23,808 18,746 16,199 Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders Share capital 2,037 2,008 2,032 Share premium 12,427 11,575 12,112 Coal royalty revaluation 41,583 39,893 35,403 reserve Investment revaluation reserve 37,371 13,741 27,078 Share based payment reserve 33 18 27 Foreign currency translation 591 (1,410) (1,930) reserve Special reserve 632 632 632 Retained Earnings 43,831 27,952 36,140 138,505 94,409 111,494 Total equity and liabilities 162,313 113,155 127,693 Anglo Pacific Group PLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30th JUNE 2007 Share Share Coal Investment Share Foreign Special Retained Total based capital premium royalty revaluation payment currency reserve earnings equity revaluation reserve reserve translation reserve reserve £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Balance at 1st January 2006 2,005 11,338 41,211 5,180 12 1,321 632 22,361 84,060 Coal Royalties: Royalties valuation - - (965) - - (3,089) - - (4,054) movement taken to equity Deferred tax on valuation - - (353) - - 734 - - 381 Available-for-sale investments: Valuation movement taken - - - 10,655 - (300) - - 10,355 to equity Deferred tax on valuation - - - (505) - 3 - - (502) Transferred to income - - - (1,589) - - - - (1,589) statement on disposal Foreign currency translation - - - - - (79) - - (79) Net income recognised direct - - (1,318) 8,561 - (2,731) - - 4,512 into equity Profit for the period - - - - - - - 11,109 11,109 Total recognised income and - - (1,318) 8,561 - (2,731) - 11,109 15,621 expenses Dividends paid - - - - - - - (5,518) (5,518) Scrip Dividend 3 237 - - - - - - 240 Equity share options issued - - - - 6 - - - 6 Balance at 30th June 2006 2,008 11,575 39,893 13,741 18 (1,410) 632 27,952 94,409 Coal Royalties: Royalties valuation - - (4,827) - - 35 - - (4,792) movement taken to equity Deferred tax on valuation - - 337 - - (8) - - 329 Available-for-sale investments: Valuation movement taken - - - 17,694 - (276) - - 17,418 to equity Deferred tax on valuation - - - (877) - (66) - - (943) Transferred to income - - - (3,480) - - - - (3,480) statement on disposal Foreign currency translation - - - - - (205) - - (205) Net income recognised direct - - (4,490) 13,337 - (520) - - 8,327 into equity Profit for the period - - - - - - - 8,188 8,188 Total recognised income and - - (4,490) 13,337 - (520) - 8,188 16,515 expenses Dividends paid - - - - - - - - - Issue of share capital on 18 194 - - - - - - 212 exercise of options Scrip Dividend 6 343 - - - - - - 349 Equity share options issued - - - - 9 - - - 9 Balance at 31st December 2006 2,032 12,112 35,403 27,078 27 (1,930) 632 36,140 111,494 Anglo Pacific Group PLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30th JUNE 2007 Share Share Coal Investment Share Foreign Special Retained Total based capital premium royalty revaluation payment currency reserve earnings equity revaluation reserve reserve translation reserve reserve £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Balance at 1st January 2007 2,032 12,112 35,403 27,078 27 (1,930) 632 36,140 111,494 Coal Royalties: Royalties valuation - - 8,600 - - 2,545 - - 11,145 movement taken to equity Deferred tax on valuation - - (2,420) - - (680) - - (3,100) Available-for-sale investments: Valuation movement taken - - - 17,972 - 606 - - 18,578 to equity Deferred tax on valuation - - - (781) - 23 - - (758) Transferred to income - - - (6,898) - - - - (6,898) statement on disposal Foreign currency translation - - - - - 27 - - 27 Net income recognised direct - - 6,180 10,293 - 2,521 - - 18,994 into equity Profit for the period - - - - - - - 14,151 14,151 Total recognised income and - - 6,180 10,293 - 2,521 - 14,151 33,145 expenses Dividends paid - - - - - - - (6,460) (6,460) Scrip Dividend 5 315 - - - - - - 320 Equity share options issued - - - - 6 - - - 6 Balance at 30th June 2007 2,037 12,427 41,583 37,371 33 591 632 43,831 138,505 Anglo Pacific Group PLC CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30th JUNE 2007 Six months Six months Year ended ended 30th ended 30th 31st December June 2007 June 2006 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cashflows from operating activities Profit before taxation 15,099 12,411 22,109 Adjustments for: Interest received (204) (93) (232) Unrealised foreign currency (gain) / loss 27 84 (284) Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 6 5 10 (Gain) on disposal of mining and exploration (11,202) (8,107) (13,322) interests Share based payments 6 6 15 3,732 4,306 8,296 (Increase) / Decrease in trade and other (826) (597) 715 receivables Increase / (Decrease) in trade and other 374 (6) (340) payables Cash generated from operations 3,280 3,703 8,671 Income taxes paid (1,388) (1,798) (2,990) Net cash from operating activities 1,892 1,905 5,681 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds on disposal of mining and exploration 21,485 17,637 30,024 interests Purchase of mining and exploration interests (18,366) (16,911) (27,180) Interest received 204 93 232 Net cash used in investing activities 3,323 819 3,076 Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of share capital - - 212 Dividends paid (2,325) (2,255) (4,930) Net cash used in financing activities (2,325) (2,255) (4,718) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 2,890 469 4,039 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 9,836 5,797 5,797 period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 12,726 6,266 9,836 Anglo Pacific Group PLC NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 1. Basis of preparation The interim, condensed consolidated financial statements of Anglo Pacific Group PLC have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Group's latest annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2006. These accounting policies are drawn up in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted by the European Union (EU). The interim financial statements do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial statements have been reviewed by the Company's auditors. The comparative figures for the year ended 31 December 2006 were derived from the statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. Those accounts received an unqualified audit report which did not contain statements under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The interim review report is set out on page 12. 2. Non-current Assets (a) Coal Royalty Investments The Company's coal royalty investments comprise the Kestrel and Crinum coal royalties in Queensland, Australia. The Company commissioned a valuation of the coal royalties in June 2007, based on a net present value of the pre-tax cashflow discounted at a rate of 7%, which produced a valuation of A$139.3 million (£59 million). At present the net royalty income is taxed in Australia at a rate of 30%. Were the coal royalties to be realised at the revalued amount there are £6 million (A$14.3 million) of capital losses potentially available to offset against taxable gains. These losses have been included in the deferred tax computation. In addition, the Company has UK capital tax losses in the region of £7 million available for offset against capital gains. (b) Mining and Exploration Interests The investments in securities included above represent investments in listed and unlisted equity securities which present the Group with opportunity for returns through dividends and gains on sale. These investments are acquired as part of the Group strategy to acquire new royalties and are not held for the purpose of trading. Gains may be realised where it is deemed appropriate by the Investment Committee. The fair values of these securities are based on quoted market prices for listed securities and cost for unlisted securities. During the period to 30 June 2007 a number of opportunities arose which allowed the Group to increase its investment holdings, particularly in listed securities. The market value of the quoted Mining and Exploration Interests at 30th June 2007 was £85,518,000. The directors' valuation of the unquoted Mining and Exploration Interests was £1,922,000. 3. Earnings per ordinary share The earnings per ordinary share is calculated on the Company's profit after tax of £14,151,000 and 101,806,482 shares. Fully diluted earnings per shares is calculated on a profit after tax of £14,151,000 and 101,823,220 shares. 4. This statement will be sent to shareholders and will be available at the Company's registered office at 1st Floor Sentinel House, Brent Street, London NW4 2EP. Anglo Pacific Group PLC NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 5. Segment Information Six months ended 30th June 2007 Royalty Mining Unallocated Total Interests £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Revenue 4,176 - 80 4,256 Operating profit 4,176 - (478) 3,698 Profit on sale of mining and exploration - 11,202 - 11,202 interests Interest received - - 204 204 Depreciation - - (5) (5) Tax - - (948) (948) Segment Result 4,176 11,202 (1,227) 14,151 Segment Assets 59,012 87,081 16,220 162,313 Segment Liabilities (18,641) - (5,167) (23,808) Net Segment Assets 40,371 87,081 11,053 138,505 Capital Expenditure - - 1 1 Six months ended 30th June 2006 Royalty Mining Unallocated Total Interests £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Revenue 5,047 - 145 5,192 Operating profit 5,047 - (831) 4,216 Profit on sale of mining and exploration - 8,107 - 8,107 interests Interest received - - 93 93 Depreciation - - (5) (5) Tax - - (1,302) (1,302) Segment Result 5,047 8,107 (2,045) 11,109 Segment Assets 52,661 50,240 10,254 113,155 Segment Liabilities (14,356) - (4,390) (18,746) Net Segment Assets 38,305 50,240 5,864 94,409 Capital Expenditure - - - - Anglo Pacific Group PLC NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 5. Segment Information (continued) Year ended 31st December 2006 Royalty Mining Unallocated Total Interests £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Revenue 10,472 - 266 10,738 Operating profit 10,472 - (1,907) 8,565 Profit on sale of mining and exploration - 13,322 - 13,322 interests Interest received - - 232 232 Depreciation - - (10) (10) Tax - - (2,811) (2,811) Segment Result 10,472 13,322 (4,496) 19,298 Segment Assets 47,868 67,317 12,508 127,693 Segment Liabilities (14,530) - (1,669) (16,199) Net Segment Assets 33,338 67,317 10,839 111,494 Capital Expenditure - - 1 1 Anglo Pacific Group PLC INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO ANGLO PACIFIC GROUP PLC Introduction We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2007 which comprises the consolidated income statement, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of changes in equity, consolidated cash flow statement and the related notes 1 to 5 set out on pages 9 to 11. We have read the other information contained in the interim report which comprises the Chairman's statement and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information. This report is made solely to the company in accordance with guidance contained in APB Bulletin 1999/4 'Review of Interim Financial Information'. Our review work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to them in a review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusion we have formed. Directors' responsibilities The interim report including the financial information contained therein is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. They are responsible for preparing the interim report and that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 'Review of Interim Financial Information' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and, based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Standards of Auditing (UK & Ireland) and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 30 June 2007. GRANT THORNTON UK LLP CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS London 29th August 2007 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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