Interim Results

RNS Number : 6401J
Zambeef Products PLC
16 June 2014
 



 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                16 June 2014

 

 

 

 

Zambeef Products plc

("Zambeef" or the "Group")

 

Unaudited Results for the Six Months Ended 31 March 2014

 

Zambeef (AIM: ZAM), the fully integrated agri-business with operations in Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana, is pleased to announce its results for the six month period ended 31 March 2014.

 

Financial Performance Summary

 

Revenue

Down 9% to USD 140.2m

(2013: USD 153.4m)

 

Gross Profit

Down 18% to USD 45.9m

(2013: USD 55.6m)

 

EBITDA

Down 48.5% to USD 8.5m

(2013: USD 16.5m)

Adjusted Pre Tax Loss

USD 3.2m* loss

(2013: USD 9.3m* profit)

 

Pre Tax Profit/Loss

USD 6.5m loss

(USD 6.4m profit)




Net Cash Inflow

Before Financing

 

USD 4.0m inflow

(2013: USD 2.0m inflow)

* adjusted to exclude unrealised foreign exchange differences

 

 

Key Points

·     Financial performance adversely impacted by macro-economic challenges, increased competition and external events. 

·     Gross margins decreased from 36.3 per cent. for March 2013 to 32.7 per cent. for March 2014.

·     Good performances from the cropping, milk/dairy and West Africa divisions.

·     The two JVs with Rainbow (Zam Chick and Zamhatch) are progressing smoothly and we expect to see the full benefits over the next 12 months, when Zamhatch becomes operational.

·     Export sales grew 27.8 per cent. to ZMW 123.4 million (USD 20.2 million) in H1 - now represent 15.6 per cent. of revenues.

·     Net Cash Inflow Before Financing of ZMW 22.5 million (USD 4.0 million) and administration expenses (excluding depreciation) in USD terms being 1.5 per cent. lower than 2013.

·     Acceleration of longer term strategy to position Zambeef as a regional food producer - to generate geographically diversified revenue streams and leverage significant growth opportunity.

 



Commenting on the results, Chairman Dr. Jacob Mwanza, said:

 

"Our financial performance has been adversely impacted by macro-economic challenges and external events. These factors, together with increased competition, have resulted in the Group recording a loss before tax for the first half of the year.  This is despite tight controls on costs. However, it was encouraging to see a positive net cash inflow before financing of USD 4.0 million. With the operational platform which we have established over the last few years and the demographic drivers for growth in Southern Africa, we believe that Zambeef is well placed to become a regional food player. With this goal in mind, we are actively looking at forging strategic alliances and partnerships with global industry players, as well as unlocking value  from within the Group."

 

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Zambeef Products plc


Francis Grogan, Chief Executive Officer

Tel:  +260 (0) 211 369000

Carl Irwin, Director of Strategy and Development

Tel:  +260 (0) 977 771002



Strand Hanson Limited

Tel:  +44 (0) 20 7409 3494

Angela Hallett


James Spinney




Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited

Tel:  +44 (0) 20 7886 2500

Callum Stewart


Tom Salvesen




Buchanan

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000

Mark Edwards


Sophie McNulty


Clare Akhurst


 

Notes to Editors

The Zambeef Group is one of the largest integrated agri-businesses in Zambia, involved in the primary production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chickens, pork, milk, eggs, dairy products, fish, flour, edible oils and stock feed, throughout Zambia and the surrounding region, as well as Nigeria and Ghana.  The Group is also one of the largest cereal row cropping operations in Zambia, with approximately 8,000 Ha of irrigated land and approximately 8,000 Ha of rain-fed/dry land, available for planting each year.

 

The Group employed an average of 5,500 employees in the period.

 

Further information can be found on www.zambeefplc.com

 

This publication is in line with standard practice for London Stock Exchange.

 



 

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

 

Overview

Our performance during the first half of the financial year has been adversely impacted by macro-economic challenges, increased competition and external influences, which have resulted in the Group announcing an adjusted loss before tax of ZMW 18.2 million (USD 3.2 million) for the first half of the year.  The Board is focused on turning the business around and we are taking decisive action, not only maintaining a tight control of costs but also moving to accelerate our long-term growth strategy to establish Zambeef as a regional food provider.

 

Some of the macro-economic challenges during the period included the depreciation of the Zambian Kwacha by over 15 per cent. versus the US dollar; local ZMW interest rates (Bank of Zambia Policy Rate) increasing from 9.75 per cent. to 12.0 per cent.; and upward pressure on inflation, which increased from 7.0 per cent. to 7.7 per cent.

 

Several external events also affected our performance: the outbreak of African Swine Fever from November 2013 to February 2014; the overhang from last year's imported beef issue; and the continued depressed commodity prices. In addition, margins have come under pressure from increased new entrants into the market.

 

As a result of these challenges, revenue in USD terms was 9.0 per cent. lower than the same period last year (2 per cent. lower in ZMW terms) and gross margins decreased from 36.3 per cent. to 32.7 per cent., resulting in an adjusted loss before tax of ZMW 18.2 million (USD 3.2 million).

 

Despite the above challenges, it was encouraging to see the Group generating a Net Cash Inflow Before Financing Activities of ZMW 22.5 million (USD 4.0 million) which was aided by administration expenses (excluding depreciation) being 1.5 per cent. lower in USD terms than 2013.  Good performances were recorded by the cropping, milk/dairy and West Africa divisions.

 

We believe that there is a significant opportunity to use our established operations to become a leading regional food provider, which will also enable us to balance out the impact of external events and country-specific factors. Exports already account for over 15 per cent. of total revenues and the strategic relationships with Rainbow Chickens Limited ("Rainbow"), one of the largest chicken producers in Sub-Saharan Africa,  which we announced last year is starting to deliver good results.  We intend to build on these foundations to drive Zambeef's regional presence and below we set out in more detail how we aim to achieve this.

 

Strategic Priorities

In order to address the domestic challenges being faced by the Group, we have decided to focus on our strengths, re-aligning and accelerating our medium-to-long term strategy, to diversify the business outside of our core Zambian market. 

 

As indicated above, we have already successfully built exports in the SADC region from USD 5.4 million in 2011 to USD 30.3 million in 2013, and for H1/2014, export sales were USD 20.2 million, accounting for over 15 per cent. of Group revenues.  Outside of the SADC region, our West Africa operations continue to contribute positively to our African growth story, driven by our relationship with Shoprite.  Our West Africa operations now account for more than 5 per cent. of Group revenues. 

 

We intend to build on this early success, with the acceleration of our strategy based on three key priorities:

 

·     Make Zambeef a regional food player rather than just a Zambian business;

·     Forge strategic alliances and partnerships with global industry players; and

·     Unlock value and capital gains from within the Group and reduce debt/gearing.

 

Feeding the region

It is our strategic intention to make Zambeef a regional food player within the Sub-Saharan Africa ("SSA") region, and, specifically, within the 15 member states that make up the Southern Africa Development Community ("SADC") region (comprising Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe), as trade within the SADC region benefits from a number of tax, customs and excise duty benefits. 

 

The SADC region is a net importer of food and the dynamic nature of the region presents significant opportunities for the consumer driven food sector.  With a population of over 280 million, this region is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, with GDP growth (excluding South Africa) averaging over five per cent. over the last four years and expected to grow at over five per cent. over the next three  years.  A rapidly expanding consumer base, fuelled by an emerging middle class, increasing per capita income, rapid population growth and high levels of urbanisation, present significant and tangible opportunities.

 

Zambia is ideally and centrally located within the SADC region and has the potential to expand agricultural production, given its considerable resources in terms of land, labour and water.

 

Within the SADC region, we believe that Zambeef is well placed to become a regional food player, in view of our well diversified and vertically integrated ("farm-to-fork") business model.  In particular, Zambeef's large economies of scale and capacity will allow us to expand regionally, building on the progress which we have made in the last three years with export sales.  We are initially focusing our sales efforts on establishing relationships with the key distributors and importers within the eight SADC countries immediately adjacent to Zambia to maximise the benefits of our existing footprint.

 

By focusing on our position as a regional food player, we will have access to a significant growth opportunities across a broader geographic footprint, generate geographically diversified revenue streams and enable valuable foreign exchange earnings to be achieved, reducing exchange rate risks.  Whilst this should result in higher volumes, it will be at the expense of some margin dilution.

 

Strategic partnerships/alliances

In order to drive forward our regional expansion plan, we believe that it will be beneficial to form strategic alliances and partnerships with global industry players, who can provide both the financial support and technical expertise.

 

This process started in 2013, when we partnered with Rainbow through two joint ventures, Zam Chick Limited and Zamhatch Limited. 

 

The Zam Chick JV is allowing Zambeef to leverage Rainbow's vast experience and impressive track record in the poultry industry, with a key focus on value added and processed chicken products, where Rainbow has demonstrated significant capabilities in the South African market.

 

The Zamhatch JV to establish a broiler parent stock rearing, laying and hatching operation for the supply of day old chicks enables Zambeef to manage the quality and quantity of supply of day old chicks to its broiler division as well as create opportunities to generate revenue from the sale of day old chicks to third parties.

 

Both JVs are progressing smoothly. The support from Rainbow is proving valuable in helping us to launch new products and improve efficiencies and we expect to see the full benefits of the JVs coming through over the next 12 months as the Zam Hatch operations come on stream.

 

In this vein, we are actively exploring other alliances and partnerships.

 

Realising value

In our 2013 audited accounts, we announced a significant capital gains resulting from the revaluation of our assets. This was a pleasing reflection of the investment we have made over the past few years to establish Zambeef as a leading agricultural producer. 

 

We are actively looking at ways of realising some of this value, which should result in cash inflow.  This will allow us, inter alia, to reduce USD denominated debt, thereby reducing exchange rate risks and interest costs.

 

Our position as a leading Zambian agricultural business represents an attractive proposition for establishing strategic partnerships and as part of this process, there is an opportunity for us to unlock some of this value in order to strengthen our financial position. 

 

 

Board of Directors

As was announced to the market on 28 January 2014, Charles Mpundu was appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from 1 February 2014.  Charles has diverse expertise and a successful track record of achievements in both the private and public sectors.  His experience and relationships with Zambian institutional investors is expected to be of value to Zambeef and we look forward to working with him to further increase shareholder value.

 

Conclusion and outlook

Based on the Group's current trading, the Board anticipates that the second half performance will be broadly similar to that in the first half. 

 

Nevertheless, whilst this has been a challenging six months for the Group, we remain confident that the Group is sufficiently robust and diversified to weather this period of turbulence.  Further, we believe that the positive measures being adopted by the

Board will serve to strengthen the business model and will underpin an improved performance as we move into the 2015 financial year. 

 

 

Dr Jacob Mwanza                                            

Chairman

 

16 June 2014

 



 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW

 

Overview

This has been a challenging six month period for Zambeef, with performance impacted by a number of external factors and events as reported in more detail below.

 

Exchange Rate Volatility

The Zambian Kwacha has depreciated significantly during the period.  Compared to a depreciation of 4.3 per cent. for the whole of 2013, the first six months of this financial year saw the exchange rate depreciate by over 15 per cent.  This has resulted in an escalation in Zambeef's dollar-denominated operating costs, particularly in the edible oils, stock feed and cropping divisions, thus impacting negatively on the Group's financial performance.  The total reduction in the gross profit of these divisions was ZMW 19.7 million (USD 3.2 million).  Group exchange losses for the six months ended 31 March 2014 was ZMW 29.5 million (USD 5.2 million).

 

Increased Competition

Increased competition into a highly price-sensitive market have put further pressure on margins, meaning additional costs, particularly feed and imported raw materials such as chemicals and fertilisers, cannot readily be passed on to consumers.  This has been a particular issue in the edible oils division, where competition has become very intense, exacerbated by the continued flooding of cheap and unregulated oil imports into the country.

 

African Swine Fever

Whilst the Group's animals were not affected by the outbreak of African Swine Fever in Zambia, the government imposed restrictions on the movement of pigs and the sale of pork products, which lasted for approximately three months until mid-February 2014, as a result, Masterpork was closed for three months, which significantly impacted performance at Masterpork, where profits reduced by ZMW 6.1 million (USD 1.0 million).

 

Commodity Prices

With increased soya production in the country, the price of soya beans decreased by ZMW 612 (USD 100) per ton in H1 2014, and this impacted Group profits by ZMW 22.7 million (USD 3.7 million).

 

Imported Beef Products

There is still an "overhang" from the imported beef products issue last year, and in order to regain market share, the beef division has operated in this period at reduced margins, resulting in profits being behind the previous year's results. 

 

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

The two tables below provide a summary of the segmental and divisional performance.

 

Table 1:  Segmental and Divisional Turnover

 

TURNOVER

2014 (USD'000)

2013 (USD'000)

% change

2014 (ZMW'000)

2013 (ZMW'000)

% change

Edible Oils

32,006

38,825

(18)

180,193

204,894

(12)

Beef

30,126

34,146

(12)

169,611

180,201

(6)

Cropping

28,315

23,368

21

159,412

123,321

29

Stock feed

27,566

23,950

15

155,194

126,394

23

Chicken and egg

14,811

16,537

(10)

83,389

87,271

(4)

West Africa

8,757

7,668

14

49,300

40,471

22

Pork

8,749

11,575

(24)

49,256

61,088

(19)

Mill & bakery

6,822

7,457

(9)

38,410

39,353

(2)

Milk & dairy

6,680

5,515

21

37,608

29,105

29

Fish/Zamchick Inn/Leather

4,856

5,564

(13)

27,337

29,362

(7)

Total

168,687

174,605


949,710

921,460


Less:  Intra/Inter Group Sales

(28,457)

(21,254)


(160,214)

(112,164)


Group Total

140,230

153,351

(9)

789,496

809,296

(2)

 

 

 Table 2:  Segmental and Divisional Gross profit

 

GROSS PROFIT

2014 (USD'000)

2013 (USD'000)

% change

2014 (ZMW'000)

2013 (ZMW'000)

% change

Edible oils

6,206

9,232

(33)

34,942

48,723

(28)

Beef

7,535

11,240

(33)

42,421

59,321

(28)

Cropping

13,553

14,972

(9)

76,302

79,011

(3)

Stock feed

4,898

5,840

(16)

27,578

30,819

(11)

Chicken and egg

3,577

4,086

(12)

20,140

21,566

(7)

West Africa

2,486

1,817

37

13,997

9,585

46

Pork

1,130

1,412

(20)

6,364

7,452

(15)

Mill & bakery

1,372

1,863

(26)

7,724

9,830

(21)

Milk & dairy

3,364

3,119

8

18,937

16,463

15

Fish/Zamchick Inn/Leather

1,730

2,021

(14)

9,742

10,666

(9)

Group Total

45,852

55,602

(18)

258,147

293,436

(12)

 

Capital expenditure

During the period, we invested ZMW 41.2 million (USD 7.3 million) of capital in the business. This capital expenditure has primarily been on farm equipment in the cropping division (ZMW 6.6 million / USD 1.1 million), pelleting line at Novatek stock feed (ZMW 5.2 million / USD 0.8 million), cow sheds at Kalundu dairy (ZMW 4.6 million / USD 0.8 million), and the palm project (ZMW 6 million / USD 1.7 million). 

 

DIVISIONAL REVIEW

 

Taking each of our business areas in turn as follows:

               

Edible oils


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

32,006

38,825 

(17.6%)

19%

Gross profit

6,206

9,232 

(32.8%)

13.5%

 

Competition from unregulated imported edible oils has impacted the market, putting pressure on margins that have also been depressed by exchange rate movements and increased competition.  This has resulted in a significant reduction in edible oil margins and therefore lower profits.  In addition, the high cost soya beans bought last year have also affected margins.

 

For the six months to 31 March 2014, Zamanita crushed 25,789 tons of soya beans, compared to 27,133 tons for the same period last year, and expects to crush approximately 65,000 to 70,000 tons in total this year, compared to 60,000 tons last year.  Of this, approximately 38,000 tons of soya beans have been sourced internally within the Group from Zambeef's farming division.

 

Soya meal continues to be in high demand across the region, however, the supply of soya meal into the market has increased significantly. This has put downward pressure on prices and margins.  Currently, 55 per cent. of Zamanita's turnover is derived from soya meal.  Soya meal volume sales increased from 31,632 tons last period to 32,111 tons for this period.

 

 

 

However, edible oil volume sales for this period decreased to 9,378 tons, compared to  10,208 tons for the same period last year.

 

Zamanita has made good progress in driving export sales as it aims to become a regional rather than just a domestic distributor and is now exporting into Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.  Exports now account for 36.2 per cent. of Zamanita's revenue.

 

In view of the increased competition, Zamanita has embarked on expanding its product range.  Currently, Zamanita is one of only three companies in Zambia able to produce Solvent Extracted soya meal and has already begun production of Full Fat soya meal.  We intend to start production of Mechanically Extracted meal in 2014, which will make Zamanita a supplier of all the different varieties of soya meal for use in the manufacture of animal feeds.

 

Beef


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

30,126

34,146

(11.8%)

17.9%

Gross profit

7,535

11,240

(33%)

16.4%

 

Beef demand remained stagnant for the first three months of the year, before improving slightly in the second quarter. There is still an "overhang" from the imported beef products issue last year, and in order to regain market share, this division has operated in this period at reduced margins, resulting in profits being behind the previous year's results. 

 

The division slaughtered 30,856 (9,571 commercial and 21,285 traditional) cattle during the period, compared to approximately 50,629 for the whole of last year, and whilst supply of commercial beef was adequate, increasing demand for traditional animals put pressure on supply lines at the satellite abattoirs, necessitating increased purchase pricing.

 

Given the challenging market conditions, including competition for Zambian animals from neighbouring countries, management has adopted a strategy focused on improved efficiencies and closer supplier relationships.  Nevertheless, the pronounced growth of the regional market also presents exciting opportunities for this division.

 

Stock feed (Novatek)


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

27,566

23,950

15.1%

16.3%

Gross profit

4,898

5,840

(16.1%)

10.7%

 

Following the capacity and efficiency enhancements carried out last year, Novatek was able to increase sales volumes, supported by to the wider product offering available to our customers.  For the six months to 31 March 2014, Novatek produced 53,730 tons of animal feed, compared to 45,634 tons for the same period last year, and expects to produce approximately 117,000 tons overall this year, compared to 89,701 tons last year.

 

In May 2014, a second pelleting line was commissioned, which increased Novatek's capacity to produce pelleted feed by 50 per cent.  Pelleted feed is largely used by the poultry industry, which is showing good growth, and we therefore expect Novatek's revenue to increase further during the second half of this financial year.  The increased production capacity for pelleted feed will also underpin our supply chain for Zam Chick and Zamhatch.

 

 

 

Restrictions on the availability of day old broiler chicks in the market had a negative impact on feed sales. However, this should improve during the remainder of the year as recent hatching capacity investments within the industry come on line.

 

A combination of US dollar-denominated inputs and Kwacha-based sales, along with increased competition in the Zambian market, has affected Novatek's margins, as we have not been able to pass on these increased costs to livestock producers, due to competitive pressures.

 

This is being mitigated as the benefits of Zambeef's shift in emphasis towards a more regional market approach begin to be reflected in performance.  Zimbabwe and Namibia are already proving attractive markets for the Company's products; we have also started exporting to Malawi and export earnings now account for 9.0 per cent. of Novatek's turnover. 

 

Cropping


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

28,315

23,368

21.2%

16.8%

Gross profit

13,553

14,972

(9.5%)

29.6%

 

Despite good yields (especially at Mpongwe farm, which continues to achieve market-leading yields), the cropping division has seen a reduction in profits, largely due to a reduction in soya bean prices from USD600/ton to USD500/ton over the last year, whilst input costs, a number of which are US dollar denominated, have increased.

 

Total arable land available for planting in the two cropping seasons was 24,156 Ha; 16,199 Ha for the summer cropping season (November-March) and 8,118 Ha for the winter cropping season (April-September).

 

The summer crops consisted of 11,361 Ha soya beans, which produced 38,627 tons of soya beans at an average yield of 3.4 tons/Ha; 2,890 Ha maize, which produced 26,588 tons of maize at an average yield of 9.2 tons/Ha; and the balance of 1,948 Ha being made up of other crops such as maize silage, pasture and sunhemp, which produced a total of over 23,000 tons of forage.

 

For the winter cropping season, we have planted 6,384 Ha wheat (estimated to produce 44,500 tons at an average yield of 7 tons/Ha); 258 Ha of barley (estimated to produce 2,200 tons at an average yield  of 8.5 tons/Ha); 975 Ha of winter maize (estimated to produce 8,500 tons at an average yield of 8.75 tons/Ha) and a further 175 Ha of pastures (estimated to produce 1,600 tons of forage). 

 

Chicken & Egg


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

14,811

16,537

(10.4%)

8.8%

Gross profit

3,577

4,086

(12.4%)

7.8%

 

A large stock holding position of chicken products in a competitive market resulted in discounted selling prices to move this stock, which caused a drop in revenue and gross profits.

 

However, the division is beginning to see the benefits from its joint venture with Rainbow and has started to expand its value added range.  Since January 2014, following the installation and commissioning of our new Gyro Freezer, market demand has increased considerably due to the launch of our new Individually Quick Frozen portions.

 

 

One of the initial plans agreed with Rainbow was to convert the present broiler houses into a semi-controlled environment, which has the scope to increase production volumes with a reduced cost of production.  The first three broiler houses have been modified into semi-controlled units, which have created a 50 per cent. increase in their stocking capacity with improved efficiencies as compared to the original open sided houses. Conversion of more of the existing open sided houses will continue in the latter half of 2014.

 

For the six months to 31 March 2014, Zam Chick produced 2,907,000 broiler chicks,increased from 2,552,300 for the same period last year, and expects to produce approximately 6,150,000 broiler chicks this year, compared to 5,349,300 last year. 

 

Zamhatch is targeting the supply of day old chicks from our new breeder operation for which construction has already begun and which should be fully operational within the next 12 months.

 

The egg market has continued to expand and following the construction of two new layer houses last year, which increased layers in production from 126,000 to 156,000, the egg division increased egg production from 14,282,040million eggsfor the first six months of last year to 19,112,760 million for the same period this year. We expect to produce approximately 36.5 million eggs this whole year, compared to 33.5 million last year. 

 

Pork


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

8,749

11,575

(24.4%)

5.2%

Gross profit

1,130

1,412

(20%)

2.5%

 

Masterpork had a difficult start to the current financial year, when an outbreak of African Swine Fever ("ASF") was detected in Lusaka Province.  The government banned all movement of live pigs and pork products in and out of Lusaka Province.  This lasted for three months from November 2013 to February 2014.

 

Whilst the Group's animals were not affected by the outbreak of ASF, the government-imposed restrictions on the movement of pigs and the sale of pork products resulted in Masterpork being closed for three months, thus significantly impacting performance.

 

Once the Masterpork plant was re-opened, there was still a restriction in the movement of pigs and pork products, which led to a shortage of pigs, and Masterpork had to use more expensive ingredients as a substitute ingredient in all its processed products.  This significantly affected margins and gross profits of Masterpork.  Margins and gross profitability have also been affected by the depreciating local currency (as this increased the US dollar denominated input costs such as spices and feed) as well the impact of some cheap and unregulated imported pork products entering the market.

 

For the six months to 31 March 2014, Masterpork slaughtered 13,751 pigs, compared to 26,507 for the same period last year, and expects to slaughter approximately 32,000 pigs this year, compared to 54,000 last year. 

Since the ban was lifted in March 2014, we have seen demand and sales increase and we anticipate a return to normal trading and profitability in the second half of the year. 

 

             West Africa


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

8,757

7,668

14.2%

5.2%

Gross profit

2,486

1,817

36.8%

5.4%

 

Zambeef's West Africa operations continue to grow in line with Shoprite's increasing footprint in the region, as the West African operations continue to be driven largely by the roll out of Shoprite stores.  Following the opening of two new Shoprite stores in Kano and Abuja, and two new self-operated retail outlets, there has been a resulting increase in revenue across the operations.  We now have nine Shoprite stores and six self-operated outlets in Nigeria, and three Shoprite stores in Ghana.

 

Shoprite's aim is to continue a programme of opening at least three to four new stores every year. In Nigeria, new stores planned to open in H2/2014 include Ibadan (July 2014) and Apapa/Lagos (August 2014).  Shoprite expects to open four new stores in 2015 and a further five in 2016. In Ghana, Shoprite plans to open two new stores in Accra by December 2014.

 

The abattoir and processing plant in Ikenne (Lagos) and the processing plant in Accra, Ghana, have provided the Group with an enormous advantage and range of value add higher margin products.  In Nigeria, we have now successfully started the feedlotting of cattle, goats and lamb.  This has improved the quality and consistency of supply of meat products.

 

As a result, continued growth is expected in Zambeef's West African operations. 

 

             Milk and Dairy


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

6,680

5,515

21.1%

4.0%

Gross profit

3,364

3,119

7.8%

7.3%

 

Demand for milk and dairy products remains buoyant and we have made good progress with improving our yields, herd health conditions and the number of milking cows, supported by increased sourcing from third party suppliers.  Cows in milk have increased from an average of 731 in 2013 to 800 in 2014 and we expect to have over 900 cows in milk in 2015.

 

The factors contributing to improving yields include the improved feed efficiencies and fodder quality (feeding the cows on home grown Lucerne and silage from Zambeef's farms), strong partnerships with small scale outgrowers and improved herd health management (through construction of two new 320 cow freestall barns).  Conception rates also continue to improve, resulting in increased milk production.

 

For the six months to 31 March 2014, the dairy farm sold 3,263,175 litres of milk, compared to 2,772,646 litres for the same period last year, and expects to sell 6,350,000 litres this year, compared to six million litres last year. 

 

In November 2013 Zambeef trebled its milk processing capacity with the opening of a new plant.  This division is performing very well and ahead of management expectations. 

 

With the commissioning of the new milk processing plant in November 2013, which increased milk processing capacity from 25,000 litres per day to 65,000 litres per day, we expect this division to continue on its positive growth trend. 

 

Mill and Bakery


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

6,822

7,457

(8.5%)

4.0%

Gross profit

1,372

1,863

(26.4%)

3.0%

 

This is a highly competitive sector and in order to retain our market share, we had to reduce our biscuit flour prices, which accounts for 75 per cent. of our flour business.

 

 

 

The Zambeef retail framework will allow us to continue being a national distributor of flour.

 

We also took the decision to close our bakery in October 2013, as transporting a perishable product over long distances in a highly competitive market was not viable.

 

Other Divisions (Fish, Zamchick Inn & Leather)


Six months to 31 March 2014

USD'000s

Six months to 31 March 2013

USD'000s

% change

% of Group (2014)

Revenue

4,856

5,564

(12.7%)

2.9%

Gross profit

1,730

2,021

(14.3%)

3.8%

 

Fish:

Turnover decreased by 32 per cent., gross margins increased from 29.9 per cent. to 30.8 per cent. and gross profits decreased by 30 per cent.

 

Fish continues to be an attractive substitute for meat protein, however, the key to success lies in a good supply base, an efficient distribution network and a quality product.  Despite sustained demand, this sector's performance has previously been hampered by poor supply from our existing suppliers. In the first half, we have started new relationships with two additional suppliers, whose contracts provide more competitive pricing linked to bulk purchases, as well as the potential to expand into other fish and seafood offerings, across both our existing sales channels and the retail chains.

 

Zamchick Inn:

Turnover decreased by 3.8 per cent., gross margins decreased from 53.6 per cent. to 45.6 per cent. and gross profits decreased by 18.1 per cent. 

 

We now have seven Zamchick Inns, having closed one outlet during the period.  There is enormous competition in this sector and as such, our aim is to maintain market share, revenues and margins through improving quality and efficiency. 

 

Zamleather:

Turnover increased by 6.2 per cent., gross margins decreased from 35.4 per cent. to 34.8 per cent. and gross profits increased by 4.4 per cent.

 

Wet blue leather production and sales increased by over 10 per cent., however, there was a drop in demand and sales for finished leather from the regional market.

 

Zamleather is now tanning an average of 7,800 hides per month (compared to 7,000 hides per month last year), owing to an increase in supply of raw hides from both Zambeef and from third party suppliers.  However, higher hide prices and contract tanning resulted in a slight dilution of margins. 

 

Zampalm 

The palm project, which was commenced in 2009, is making good progress.  Zampalm currently has 326,600 palms planted over an area of 2,132 Ha in the main plantation, with another 108,000 seedlings in the main and pre-nurseries.

 

The intention is to plant another 700 Ha in 2015, taking the total plantation size to 2,832 Ha, and construct a crushing mill.  The first mill will be established in 2014/15 and an additional mill will be established in 2017.  The total investment to date is c.USD 16million.

 

Conclusion and outlook

Our business performance has been negatively impacted by a number of factors, many of which have been outside our control.  The sudden and unexpected volatility in the Zambian Kwacha, together with an outbreak of disease, has had a considerable impact on Zambeef's business.  Whilst competitive pressures remain for a number of our divisions, we believe that our focus on developing our offering, and value-added products in particular, will help to underpin our long-term performance. 

 

In addition, we believe that our platform, with established operations and capacity,  will enable Zambeef to take advantage of the significant growth opportunities presented by the region, rather than Zambia alone. Therefore, we look forward to making continued progress towards our strategic aim of becoming a major regional food producer.

 

 

Francis Grogan

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Date:     16 June 2014



 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTHS PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

 



Unaudited


Audited



Mar 2014


Mar 2013


Sept 2013

Group

Notes

USD'000s


USD'000s


USD'000s

Revenue

5

140,230


153,351


300,388

Net gain/ (loss) arising from price changes in fair value of biological assets

9

(2,761)


900


448

Cost of sales


(91,617)


(98,649)


(196,734)

Gross profit

5

45,852


55,602


104,102

Administrative expenses


(43,228)


(42,892)


(89,300)

Other income


77


14


97

Operating profit


2,701


12,724


14,899

Exchange losses on translating foreign currency transactions and balances


(5,239)


(2,888)


(2,955)

Impairment


-


-


(134)

Finance costs


(3,999)


(3,430)


(7,699)

Profit/(loss) before taxation

5

(6,537)


6,406


4,111

Taxation credit/(charge)

6(f)

(259)


184


(1,091)

Group profit/(loss) for the period


(6,796)


6,590


3,020








Group profit/(loss) attributable to:







Equity holders of the parent


(7,275)


6,626


2,593

Non-controlling interest


479


(36)


427



(6,796)


6,590


3,020

Other comprehensive income







Exchange losses on translating presentational currency


(31,259)


(10,041)


(7,816)

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period


(38,055)


(3,451)


(4,796)








Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period attributable to:







Equity holders of the parent


(38,080)


(3,445)


(4,755)

Non-controlling interest


25


(6)


(41)



(38,055)


(3,451)


(4,796)








Earnings/(loss) per share


Cents


Cents


Cents

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share

7

(2,93)


2.67


1.05

 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHS PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

 


Share capital

Share premium

Revaluation reserve

Foreign exchange

translation reserve

Retained earnings

Non-controlling Interest

Total equity


USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

At 1 October 2012

61

123,283

16,657

(36,755)

44,370

147,616

(161)

147,455

Transactions with owners

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(Loss)/profit for the period

-

-

-

-

6,626

6,626

(36)

6,590

Arising during the period

-

-

4,671

-

-

4,671

1,488

6,159

Transfer of surplus depreciation

-

-

(235)

-

235

-

-

-

Other comprehensive income









Exchange (losses)/gains on translating presentational currency

-

-

-

(10,071)

-

(10,071)

30

(10,041)

Total comprehensive income for the period

-

-

4,436

(10,071)

6,861

1,226

1,482

2,708

Transactions with owners









Gain on disposal of non controlling interest

-

-

-

-

13,082

13,082

-

13,082


-

-

-

-

13,082

13,082

-

13,082

At 31 March 2013

61

123,283

21,093

(46,826)

64,313

161,924

1,321

163,245

Gain on disposal of non controlling interest

-

-

-

-

(80)

(80)

-

-

Transactions with owners

-

-

-

-

(80)

(80)

-

(80)

Profit/(loss) for the period

-

-

-

-

(4,033)

(4,033)

463

(3,570)

Arising during the period

-

-

90,169

-

-

90,169

2,359

92,528

Transfer of surplus depreciation

-

-

(8,440)

-

8,440

-

-

-

Other comprehensive income:

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Exchange gains/(losses) on translating presentational currency

-

-

-

2,724

-

2,724

(499)

2,225

Total comprehensive income for the period



81,729

2,724


88,780

2,323

91,103

At 30 September 2013

61

123,283

102,822

(44,102)

68,640

250,704

3,644

254,348

Profit/(loss) for the period

-

-

-

-

(7,275)

(7,275)

479

(6,796)

Arising during the period

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Transfer of surplus depreciation

-

-

(240)

-

240

-

-

-

Other comprehensive income

-

-







Exchange (losses)/gains on translating presentational currency

-

-

-

(30,805)

-

(30,805)

(454)

(31,259)

Total comprehensive income

-

-

(240)

(30,805)

(7,035)

(38,080)

25

(38,055)

At 31 March 2014

61

123,283

102,582

(74,907)

61,605

212,624

3,669

216,293


 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION ‑ 31 MARCH 2014



Unaudited


Audited



31 Mar 2014


31 Mar 2013


30 Sept 2013


Notes

USD '000s


USD '000s


USD '000s

ASSETS







Non - current assets







Goodwill


2,565


2,901


2,951

Property, plant and equipment


236,875


169,433


262,371

Plantation development expenditure


9,376


8,317


9,654

Investment

8

1


-


-

Biological assets

9

3,254


2,035


2,229

Deferred tax asset

6(j)

3,928


1,028


3,080



255,999


183,714


280,285

Current assets 







Biological assets

9

34,852


36,653


21,396

Inventories


48,023


68,641


88,927

Trade and other receivables


18,927


40,636


11,614

Amounts due from related companies


2,813


1,560


340

Income tax recoverable

6(h)

1,559


228


289



106,174


147,718


122,566

Total assets


362,173


331,432


402,851








EQUITY AND LIABILITIES







Capital and reserves







Share capital


61


61


61

Share premium


123,283


123,283


123,283

Reserves


89,280


38,580


127,360



212,624


161,924


250,704

Non-controlling interest


3,669


1,321


3,644



216,293


163,245


254,348

Non - current liabilities







Interest bearing liabilities

11

61,248


 62,387


62,993

Obligations under finance leases


1,404


 2,554


1,588

Deferred liability


1,227


 1,327


1,277

Deferred tax liability

6(j)

3,772


 893


2,868



67,651


 67,161


68,726

Current liabilities







Interest bearing liabilities

11

11,384


 7,268


16,992

Collateral management agreement

11

14,440


30,790


22,550

Obligations under finance leases


1,405


 1,583


1,727

Trade and other payables


30,961


 31,516


29,210

Amounts due to related companies


-


 292


296

Taxation payable

6(h)

1,485


 659


691

Cash, cash equivalents

10

18,554


  28,918


8,311



78,229


 101,026


79,777

Total equity and liabilities


362,173


331,432


402,851

 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements. The interim financial statements on pages 19 to 48 were approved by the Board of Directors on and were signed on its behalf by

                                                                                )

                                                                                )

                                                                                )   DIRECTORS

                                                                                )



 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2014

 


Unaudited


Audited


6 months to


6 months to


Year to


31 Mar 2014


31 Mar 2013


30 Sept 2013


USD'000s


USD'000s


USD'000s

Cash inflow from operating activities






Profit/(loss) before taxation

(6,537)


6,406


4,111

Finance costs

3,998


3,430


7,699

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(214)


-


(8)

Depreciation

5,234


4,383


9,465

Impairment on property, plant and equipment

-


-


134

Fair value price adjustment

2,761


(900)


(448)

Net unrealised foreign exchange losses

3,302


3,238


1,545

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

8,544


16,557


22,498

(Increase)/decrease in biological assets

(21,860)


(13,960)


80

Decrease in inventory

31,829


30,429


6,057

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

(9,601)


(15,116)


310

(Increase)/decrease in amount due from related companies

(2,735)


(1,102)


99

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

6,054


(6,168)


(6,929)

(Decrease)/increase in amount due to related companies

(279)


212


219

Increase/(decrease) in deferred liability

127


241


(178)

Income tax paid

(816)


(326)


(1,687)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

11,263


10,767


20,469







Investing activities






Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(6,244)


(7,144)


(11,626)

Expenditure on plantation development

(1,070)


(1,661)


(2,278)

Proceeds from disposal of investment

-


-


14,250

Purchase of investment

(1)


-


-

Proceeds from sale of assets

49


-


244

Net cash (outflow)/inflow (on)/in investing activities

(7,265)


(8,805)


590

Net cash inflow before financing

3,998


1,962


21,059

Financing  






Long term loans repaid

(3,558)


(3,121)


(5,744)

Receipt from long term loans

-


375


7,019

(Repayment)/receipt of short term funding

(6,205)


(1,290)


1,220

Lease finance

(79)


(542)


(1,173)

Finance costs

(3,998)


(3,430)


(7,699)

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing

(13,840)


(8,008)


(6,377)

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

(9,842)


(6,046)


14,682

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

(8,311)


(19,324)


(19,324)

Effects of exchange rate changes on the balance of






  cash held in foreign currencies

(401)


(3,548)


(3,669)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

(18,554)


(28,918)


(8,311)

Represented by:






Cash in hand and at bank

10,095


9,005


20,101

Bank overdrafts

(28,649)


(37,923)


(28,412)


(18,554)


(28,918)


(8,311)



 

 

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ‑ 31 MARCH 2014

 

1.            The Group

Zambeef Products PLC and its subsidiaries ("Group") is one of the largest agri-businesses in Zambia. The Group is principally involved in the production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, milk, dairy products, eggs, edible oils, stock feed, flour and bread. The Group also has large row cropping operations (principally maize, soya beans and wheat), with approximately 8,350 Ha of irrigated row crops and 8,650 Ha of rain-fed/dry-land crops available for planting each year. The Group is also in the process of rolling out its West Africa expansion in Nigeria and Ghana, as well as a palm project within Zambia.

 

2.            Principal accounting policies

The principal accounting policies applied by the Group in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

(a)           Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the parent Company and its subsidiary companies made up to the end of the financial year.  The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date of their acquisition or up to the date of their disposal.  Intercompany transactions and profits are eliminated on consolidation and all income and profit figures relate to external transactions only.

 

Non-controlling interests, presented as part of equity, represent the portion of a subsidiary's profit or loss and net assets that is not held by the Group.  The Group attributes total comprehensive income or loss of subsidiaries between the owners of the parent and the non-controlling interests based on their respective ownership interests.  Losses incurred are allocated to the non-controlling interest in equity until this value is nil, at which point any subsequent losses are allocated against the interests of the parent.

 

(b)          Going Concern

At the balance sheet date the current portion of long term loan amounts repayable amount to ZMW166.6 million (USD27.2 million) [30 September 2013: ZMW219.6 million (USD41.3 million)]. After reviewing the available information including the Group's strategic plans and continuing support from the Group's working capital funders, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. All current liabilities will be settled from the continued liquidation of stock and expected increase in income from the capital expenditure carried out.

               

(c)           Basis of presentation

The alphabetic currency code, ZMK, is no longer in use effective 1 January 2013 and hence the financial statements are presented in the new alphabetic currency code for the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). The comparatives have been rebased by dividing the nominal value of the existing currency by a multiplicand of 1,000 and are also presented in the new alphabetic currency code for the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).

 

The information for the period ended 31 March 2014 and 31 March 2013 do not constitute statutory accounts.  The figures for the year ended 30 September 2013 have been extracted from the 2013 statutory financial statements. The auditors' report on those financial statements was unqualified.

 

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  The financial statements are presented in accordance with IAS 1 "Preparation of financial statements" (Revised 2007). The Group has elected to present the "Statement of Comprehensive income" in one statement namely the "Statement of Comprehensive Income".

 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of property, plant and equipment, and financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 3.

 

 (d)         Foreign currencies

 

          (i)           Presentational and functional currency

Zambeef Products PLC as a company has ten operating branches of which nine have a historical functional currency of Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) and one (the Mpongwe Farm Branch) has a functional currency of United States Dollars (USD) being an operational branch set up during the financial year ended 30 September 2012. Management have chosen a variant on the functional currency of Mpongwe due to the following factors:

§   the majority of farm input costs (fertilizer, farming chemicals, agricultural machinery spares, etc.), which are primarily sourced from overseas, are driven by USD to ZMW exchange rate due to origin prices being USD;

§   the pricing of Mpongwe's principal outputs (wheat, soya and maize) are significantly influenced by world USD denominated grainprices;

§   the capital raised attached to the acquisition of the Mpongwe assets was denominated in foreign currency;

§   the Mpongwe assets were purchased in USD;

§   upon admission and dual listing on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), Zambeef was required to report in USD inaddition to reporting in ZMW for the LuSE listing; and

§   majority of financial liabilities associated with working capital funding and capital expenditure are sourced in USD and repayablein USD, with a substantial portion of the Company's term liabilities secured on the assets of Mpongwe.

 

In light of this, Mpongwe's assets and liabilities are translated to ZMW and consolidated with other branches of the Company for reporting and tax purposes in Zambia, with any differences arising out of translation posted as a capital reserve item and a non-distributable reserve.

 

The Group's reporting currency in Zambia is ZMW and the presentation of financial statements to Non-Zambian shareholders and for the purposes of being listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange also necessitate the presentation of the financial statements in United States Dollars (USD).

 

(ii)          Basis of translating presentational currency to USD for the purposes of supplementary information

                Statement of comprehensive income items have been translated using the average exchange rate for the period as an approximation to the actual exchange rate.  Assets and liabilities have been translated using the closing exchange rate. Any differences arising from this process have been recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the foreign exchange reserve in equity.

 

Equity items have been translated at the closing exchange rate.  Exchange differences arising on retranslating equity items and opening net assets have also been transferred to the foreign exchange reserve within equity.

 

The following exchange rates have been applied:

 

ZMW:USD                                                                          Average                             Closing

                                                                                    exchange rate               exchange rate

 

6 months ended 31 March 2013                                         5.277                              5.410

Year ended 30 September 2013                                         5.31                                 5.32

6 months ended 31 March 2014                                         5.63                                 6.12

 

All historical financial information, except where specifically stated, is presented in Zambian Kwacha rounded to the nearest ZMW'000s and United States Dollars rounded to the nearest USD'000s.

 

                (iii)         Basis of translating transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the rates of exchange prevailing at the date of transactions.  Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in statement of comprehensive income.

 

Non-operating foreign exchange gains and losses mainly arise on fluctuations of the exchange rate between United States Dollars and Zambian Kwacha.  Due to the instability of the exchange rate, which may result in significant variances of foreign exchange related assets and liabilities, these gains and losses have been presented below operating profit in the statement of comprehensive income.

 

(iv)         Basis of translating foreign operations

In the consolidated financial statements the financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries originally presented in their local currency have been translated into Zambian Kwacha.  Assets and liabilities have been translated into Zambian Kwacha at the exchange rates ruling at the period end. Statement of comprehensive income items have been translated at an average monthly rate for the period.  Any differences arising from this procedure are taken to the foreign exchange reserve.

 

The following exchange rates have been applied:

 

                                                                                               Average                                 Closing

ZMW:Nigeria Naira                                            exchange rate                   exchange rate

6 months ended 31 March 2013                                       29.72                                     29.02

Year ended 30 September 2013                                      29.76                                     30.08

6 months ended 31 March 2014                                       28.51                                     26.63

 

                                                                                               Average                                 Closing

ZMW:Ghana Cedi                                               exchange rate                   exchange rate

6 months ended 31 March 2013                                       0.366                                     0.357

Year ended 30 September 2013                                      0.412                                     0.377

6 months ended 31 March 2014                                       0.425                                     0.441

 

(e)          General information and basis of preparation

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements are for the six months ended 31 March 2014 and are presented in Zambian Kwacha and United States Dollars.  They have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.  They do not include all of the information required in annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2013.

 

(f)           Significant accounting policies

The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies adopted in the Group's last annual financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2013.

 

 

3.            Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

In the process of applying the Group's accounting policies, management has made judgements in determining:

(a)          the classification of financial assets;

(b)          whether assets are impaired;

(c)           estimation of provision and accruals;

(d)          recoverability of trade and other receivables; and

                (e)          valuation of biological assets and inventory.

 

4.            Significant events and transactions

The Group's management believes that the Group is well positioned in an improving economy. Factors contributing to the Group's strong position are:

 

(a)          Growth in the Zambian economy leading to higher disposable incomes.

(b)          High copper prices leading to higher inflow of foreign exchange and trickle-down effect to end consumers.

(c)           Increase in the retail foot print of the Group.

(d)          Increase in production facilities of the Group leading to higher volumes available for retail.

(e)          Improvements in the management team across various areas of the Group leading to positive reinforcement of strong operational synergies.

 

Overall, the Group is in a strong position and has sufficient capital and liquidity to service its operating activities and debt. The Group's objectives and policies for managing capital credit risk and liquidity risk should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2013.

 

5.            Segmental reporting

An operating segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Group's Board of Directors ('BoD') to make decisions about the allocation of resources and assessment of performance about which discrete financial information is available.  Gross margin information is sufficient for the BoD to use for such purposes.  The BoD reviews information regarding the operating divisions which match the main external revenues earned by the Group, and management information regarding the operating assets and liabilities of the main business divisions within the Group.

 

                During the six month period to 31 March 2014, there have been no changes from prior periods in the measurement methods used to determine operating segments and reported segment profit or loss.

 

                The revenues and gross profit generated by each of the Group's operating segments and segment assets are summarised as follows:

 



                Period ended 31 March 2014

                (ii)          in US Dollars

 

Segment

Revenue

Gross Profit


USD '000s

USD '000s

Beef

30,125

7,534

Chicken

12,065

2,615

Pork

8,749

1,130

Crops - row crops

28,315

13,553

Stock feed

27,566

4,898

Eggs

2,747

963

Fish

1,665

512

Milk

6,680

3,364

Zamchick Inn

1,002

457

Edible oils

32,006

6,206

Bakery & flour

6,822

1,372

Leather/shoe

2,188

762

Master Meats (Nigeria)

7,172

2,036

Master Meats (Ghana)

1,585

450

Total

168,687

45,852

Less: intra/inter group sales

(28,457)


Group total

140,230

45,852




Central operating costs


(43,152)

Operating profit


2,700

Foreign exchange losses


(5,239)

Finance costs


(3,998)

Profit before tax


(6,537)

 

Operating assets/(liabilities)









Zambeef

Retailing

Zamanita

Master Pork

Zampalm

Other

Total


USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

Property plant and equipment and plantation development expenditure

142,323

24,923

32,327

6,598

17,497

22,583

246,251

Biological assets and inventories

54,111

7,378

16,596

2,517

3,254

2,272

86,129

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts

(11,731)

(2,826)

(6,234)

252

28

1,957

(18,554)



 

                Period ended 31 March 2013

                (ii)          in US Dollars

 


Revenue

Gross Profit

Segment

USD'000s

USD'000s

Beef

34,146

11,240

Chicken

14,516

3,270

Pork

11,575

1,412

Crops - row crops

23,368

14,972

Stock feed

23,950

5,840

Eggs

2,021

816

Fish

2,461

733

Milk

5,515

3,119

Zamchick Inn

1,042

558

Edible oils

38,825

9,232

Bakery & flour

7,457

1,863

Leather/shoe

2,061

730

Master Meats (Nigeria)

6,165

1,408

Master Meats (Ghana)

1,503

409

Total

174,605

55,602

Less: intra/inter group sales

(21,254)


Group total

153,351

55,602




Central operating costs


(42,878)

Operating profit


12,724

Foreign exchange losses


(2,888)

Finance costs


(3,430)

Loss before taxation


6,406

 

 

Operating assets/(liabilities)









Zambeef

Retailing

Zamanita

Master Pork

Zampalm

Other

Total


USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

Property plant and equipment and plantation development expenditure

107,460

18,500

21,551

6,156

11,802

12,281

177,750

Biological assets and inventories

72,696

8,289

18,103

2,553

2,035

3,653

107,329

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts

(19,639)

(3,539)

(6,727)

(324)

(9)

1,320

(28,918)

 



 

                Year ended 30 September 2013

                (ii)          in US Dollars

Segment

Revenue

Gross Profit


USD'000s

USD'000s

Beef

60,998

19,633

Chicken

25,437

5,080

Pork

21,749

2,458

Crops

78,173

29,125

Stock feed

49,757

11,120

Eggs

4,638

1,687

Fish

4,428

1,672

Milk

11,563

4,962

Zamchick Inn

2,263

1,082

Edible oils

69,764

19,202

Bakery & flour

14,840

3,002

Leather/shoe

4,159

1,298

Master Meats (Nigeria)

13,047

2,921

Master Meats (Ghana)

3,040

860

Total

363,856

104,102

Less: intra/inter group sales

(63,468)


Group total

300,388

104,102




Central operating costs


(89,337)

Operating profit


14,765

Foreign exchange gains


(2,955)

Finance costs


(7,699)

Profit before tax


4,111

 

Operating assets/(liabilities)









 Zambeef

 Retailing

Zamanita

Master Pork

Zampalm

Other

Total


USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

Property plant and equipment

166,212

26,884

38,011

7,713

19,072

14,133

272,025

Biological assets and inventories

56,958

8,969

39,485

1,869

2,229

3,042

112,552

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts

(4,457)

185

(7,093)

25

65

2,964

(8,311)



 

The Group's revenue from external customers and its geographic allocation of non-current assets may be summarised as follows:

 


31 Mar 2014


31 Mar 2013


30 Sept 2013


Revenues

Non-current assets


Revenues

Non-current assets


Revenues

Non-current assets


USD'000s

USD'000s


USD'000s

USD'000s


USD'000s

USD'000s

 Zambia

109,550

252,327


129,924

179,629


255,163

276,245

 West Africa

8,757

3,672


7,668

4,085


16,086

4,040

 Rest of world

21,923

-


15,759

-


29,139

-


140,230

255,999


153,351

183,714


300,388

280,285

 

 

6.            Taxation

 

 


Income tax expense


March 2014

March 2013

September 2013



USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

(f)

Tax charge












Current tax:






Tax charge


315

407

1,753


Deferred tax:






Deferred taxation (note 6(j))


(56)

(591)

(662)


Tax (credit)/charge for the period


259

(184)

1,091







(g)

Reconciliation of tax charge






 Profit/(loss) before taxation


(6,537)

6,406

4,111


 Taxation on accounting profit


(383)

1,171

355


 Effects of:






Permanent differences:






 Disallowable expenses


375

294

737


 Loss on sale of assets


-

-

-


Timing differences:






 Capital allowances and depreciation


(1,946)

(2,565)

(843)


 Livestock and crop valuations adjustment


66

(461)

(293)


 Overprovision in prior years


-

-

-


 Other income


(20)

(358)

(19)


 Unrealised exchange gains


274

(114)

(348)


 Unrealised tax loss


1,925

2,440

2,166


 Foreign exchange


24

-

-


 Tax charge for the period


315

407

1,753







(h)

 Movement in taxation account






Taxation payable at 1 October


402

375

375


Charge for the year


315

407

1,730


Overprovision in the prior year


-

-

-


Arising on consolidation


-

-

-


Taxation paid


(816)

(326)

(1,687)


Foreign exchange


25

(25)

(16)


Taxation payable as at the end of the period


(74)

431

402








Taxation payable


1,485

659

691


Taxation recoverable


(1,559)

(228)

(289)


Taxation payable as at 30 September


(74)

431

402

 

(i)         Income tax assessments have been agreed with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) up to and including the year ended 30 September 2006. Income tax returns have been filed with the ZRA for the years ended 30 September 2013. Quarterly tax returns for the year ended 30 September 2014 were made on the due dates during the period.

 

 




March 2014

March 2013

September 2013

(j)

Deferred taxation


USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s


Represented by:






Biological valuation


942

372

1,154


Accelerated tax allowances


9,629

597

8,838


Unrealised exchange losses


(5,470)

-

-


Tax loss


(5,257)

(1,104)

(10,204)




(156)

(135)

(212)


Analysis of movement:






Liability as at 1 October


(212)

468

468


Charge to profit and loss account (note 6(f))


(56)

(591)

(662)


Foreign exchange


112

(12)

(18)


(Asset)/liability as at the end of period


(156)

(135)

(212)








Deferred tax asset


(3,928)

(1,028)

(3,080)


Deferred tax liability


3,772

893

2,868




(156)

(135)

(212)

                                                                               

7.            Earnings/(loss) per share

Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share have been calculated in accordance with IAS 33 which requires that earnings should be based on the net profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.

 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share is shown below:

 


Mar 2014


Mar 2013


Sept 2013


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD '000s

 Basic earnings per share









 Profit/(loss) for the period

(40,960)

(7,275)


34,968

6,626


13,766

2,592










 Weighted average number of ordinary shares  for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share

247,978,195

247,978,195


247,978,195

247,978,195


247,978,195

247,978,195








 Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (Ngwee & US Cents)

(0.1652)

(2.93)


14.10

2.67


0.0555

1.05

 

 



 

 

8.            Investments

 


Mar 2014


Mar 2013


Sept 2013


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD '000s

Zamhatch Limited

 

5

1


-

-


-

-

                                                                                                                             

 

Zambeef Products Limited ("Zambeef") owns 49% of the issued share capital of Zamhatch Limited ("Zamhatch"). At the period end Zamhatch was still in the initial stages of development. Zambeef had advanced Zamhatch ZMW7.7 million (USD1.26 million) for initial capital expenditure as at March 2014. The total net asset value of Zamhatch was ZMW10,000. Further investment by the shareholders has been made subsequent to year end. Zamhatch also purchased property, plant and equipment from Zambeef for ZMW2.050 million (USD0.335 million) subsequent to year end.

 

 

9.            Biological assets

 

                (a)          31 March 2014

Biological assets comprise standing crops, feedlot and standing cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and palm oil plantation. At 31 March 2014 there were 8,696 cattle (4,730 feedlot cattle, 1,862 standing cattle and 2,104 dairy cattle) and 392,482 chickens (188,109 layers and 204,373 broilers), and 3,765 pigs. A total of 11,540 feedlot cattle, 120 dairy cattle, 3,137 pigs and 982,116 chickens were culled during the year. The palm plantation is in developmental stage with current plantation size of 2,302 hectares.

               

               


As at 1

Foreign

Increase due to

Gains arising

Gains arising

Decrease due to

As at 31


October 2013

exchange

purchases

from fair value

from fair value

harvest/

Mar 2014





attributable to

attributable to

transferred






physical changes

price changes

to inventory



USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

Standing Crops

5,951

(2,397)

15,026

26,560

(2,761)

(18,601)

23,778

Feedlot cattle

9,566

(1,007)

7,305

2,087

-

(12,431)

5,520

Dairy Cattle

3,930

(552)

1,556

996

-

(2,073)

3,856

Pigs

432

(60)

2

662

-

(621)

415

Chickens

1,517

(196)

13,217

1,024

-

(14,280)

1,282

Palm Plantation

2,229

(406)

1,431

-

-

-

3,254

Total

23,625

(4,618)

38,537

31,329

(2,761)

(48,006)

38,106

Less: non-current biological assets

(2,229)

406

(1,431)

-

-

-

(3,254)

Total

21,396

(4,212)

37,106

31,329

(2,761)

(48,006)

34,852



 

 

 

                (b)          31 March 2013

                Biological assets comprise standing crops, feedlot and standing cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and palm oil plantation.  At 31 March 2013 there were 7,186 cattle (3,765 feedlot cattle, 1,449 standing cattle and 1,972 dairy cattle) and 322,603 chickens (161,352 layers and 161,251 broilers), and 3,271 pigs.  A total of 9,609 feedlot cattle, 273 dairy cattle, 3,252 pigs and 1,088,898 chickens were culled during the period. The palm plantation is in developmental stage with current plantation size of 1,938 hectares.

               

 


As at 1 Oct 2012

Foreign exchange

Increase due to purchases

Gains/(losses) arising from fair value attributable to physical changes

Gains arising from fair value attributable to price changes

Decrease due to harvest/ transferred to inventory

As at 31 March 2013


USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

Standing Crops

10,445

(562)

10,939

17,091

679

(12,416)

26,176

Feedlot cattle

7,640

(328)

6,447

1,824

174

(10,954)

4,803

Dairy Cattle

3,695

(203)

1,365

657

-

(1,782)

3,732

Pigs

422

(20)

426

151

47

(645)

381

Chickens

1,246

(38)

9,464

1,702

-

(10,813)

1,561

Palm Plantation

1,280

(94)

849

-

-

-

2,035

Total

24,728

(1,245)

29,490

21,425

900

(36,610)

38,688

Less: non-current biological assets

(1,280)

94

(849)

-

-

-

(2,035)

Total

23,448

(1,151)

28,641

21,425

900

(36,610)

36,653

 

 



 

 

 

                (c)           30 September 2013

Biological assets comprise standing crops, feedlot and standing cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and palm oil plantation. At 30 September 2013 there were 12,398 cattle (8,348 feedlot cattle, 1,897 standing cattle and 2,153 dairy cattle) and 372,394 chickens (181,323 layers and 191,071 broilers), and 3,562 pigs. A total of 14,510 feedlot cattle, 503 dairy cattle, 6,391 pigs and 2,108,423 chickens were culled during the year. The palm plantation is in developmental stage with current plantation size of 1,996 hectares.

               

 


As at 1

Foreign

Increase due to

Gains/(losses) arising

Gains arising

Decrease due to

As at 30


October 2012

exchange

purchases

from fair value

from fair value

harvest/

Sept 2013





attributable to

attributable to

transferred






physical changes

price changes

to inventory



USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

USD'000s

Standing Crops

10,445

(424)

24,165

15,475

13

(43,723)

5,951

Feedlot Cattle

7,640

(321)

19,081

3,814

178

(20,825)

9,567

Dairy Cattle

3,695

(154)

3,197

1,064

-

(3,872)

3,930

Pigs

422

(18)

780

40

507

(1,299)

432

Chickens

1,246

(52)

19,543

4,966

(250)

(23,937)

1,517

Palm oil plantation

1,280

(55)

1,004

 -

 -

 -

2,229

Total

24,728

(1,024)

67,770

25,539

448

(93,656)

23,625

Less: Non-current biological assets

(1,280)

55

(1,004)

 -

 -

 -

(2,229)

Total

23,448

(969)

66,766

25,359

448

(93,656)

21,396



 

                                                                                                                                                

               

10.          Cash and cash equivalents

 


March 2014


March 2013


September 2013


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD'000s

Cash in hand and at bank

61,781

10,095


48,719

9,005


106,935

20,101

Bank overdrafts

(175,330)

(28,649)


(205,164)

(37,923)


(151,151)

(28,412)


(113,549)

(18,554)


(156,445)

(28,918)


(44,216)

(8,311)

 

(a)          Banking facilities

 

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW35.137 million (2013: ZMW35.137 million) and USD5.1 million (2013: USD5.1 million) with Citibank Zambia Limited. The Citibank overdrafts bear interest rates of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 4.15 per cent. for the Kwacha facility and 3 month USD LIBOR rate plus 3.5 per cent. for the USD facility.

 

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW24.5 million (2013: ZMW24.5 million) and USD7 million (2013: USD7 million) with Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc. The Standard Chartered Bank overdrafts bear interest rates of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 2.25 per cent. (ZMW20 million for Zamanita Limited) and Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 2.25 per cent. (ZMW4.5 million for Zambeef Products PLC) on the Kwacha facilities and 1 month USD LIBOR rate plus 3.6 per cent. (USD4 million for Zamanita Limited) and 1 month USD LIBOR rate plus 3.6 per cent. (USD3 million for Zambeef Products PLC) on the USD facilities.

 

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW22.5 million (2013: ZMW22.5 million) and USD4 million (2013: USD4 million) with Zanaco Bank Plc. The Zanaco Bank overdrafts bear interest rate of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 3 per cent. on the Kwacha facility and 3 month USD LIBOR plus 4.25 per cent. on the USD facility.

 

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW42 million (2013: ZMW42 million) and USD1 million   (2013: USD1 million) with Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited. The Stanbic Bank overdrafts bear interest rate of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 2.15 per cent. on the Kwacha facility and 3 month USD LIBOR rate plus 3.75 per cent. on the USD facility.

 

 



 

 

                (b)          Bank overdrafts


March 2014


March 2013


September 2013


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD'000s

Bank overdrafts represented by:









Zanaco Bank PLC

(45,025)

(7,358)


(42,519)

(7,859)


(28,328)

(5,325)

Citibank Zambia Limited

(23,312)

(3,809)


(61,481)

(11,365)


(37,631)

(7,074)

Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited

(44,860)

(7,330)


(47,712)

(8,819)


(39,013)

(7,333)

Standard Chartered Bank Zambia PLC

(62,133)

(10,152)


(53,452)

(9,880)


(46,179)

(8,680)


(175,330)

(28,649)


(205,164)

(37,923)


(151,151)

(28,412)

 

 

(i)           The Zambeef Products Plc Company bank overdrafts are secured by a first floating charge/ debenture over all the assets of the Company. The floating charge/ debenture ranks pari passu between Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc (USD5.2 million), Citibank Zambia Limited (USD12.5 million), Zanaco Bank Plc (USD4 million and ZMW22.5 million), Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited (USD1 million and ZMW42 million)  and DEG (USD5 million).

(ii)          The Zamanita facility is secured by a first ranking legal mortgage over stand 5960 and 5001 Mumbwa Road, Lusaka and a floating charge/ debenture over all other Zamanita assets.

 

All overdrafts are annual revolving facilities.

 



 

 

 

11.          Interest bearing liabilities

 


31 Mar 2014


31 Mar 2013


30 September 2013


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD'000s


ZMW'000s

USD'000s

DEG - Deutsche Investitions

UND Entwicklungsgesellschaft MBH (note (a))

118,391

19,345


96,011

17,747


114,624

21,546



Zanaco Bank Plc (note (b))

46,500

7,598


46,500

8,595


46,500

8,741

International Finance Corporation (note (d))

212,996

34,803


202,596

37,449


196,818

36,996

Standard Chartered Bank Zambia PLC (note (c))

154,994

25,326


198,300

36,654


187,546

35,252


532,881

87,072


543,407

100,445


545,488

102,535

Less: short term portion of long term funding (repayable within next 12 months)

(158,043)

(25,824)


(205,893)

(38,058)


(210,364)

(39,542)


374,838

61,248


337,514

62,387


335,124

62,993










                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

(a)       (i)        DEG Term Loan 1

The Group has a loan facility of USD0.840 million (2013: USD1.256 million and original amount USD5 million) from DEG. Interest on the loan is 2.75 per cent. above the 6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum payable six-monthly in arrears. The principal is repayable in 12 bi-annual instalments of USD416,000 commencing April 2009 and expiring in October 2014.

 

The DEG loan is secured by a floating charge/debenture of USD5 million ranking pari passu with Citibank Zambia Limited (USD12.5 million), Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc (USD5.2 million) and Zanaco Bank Plc (USD4 million and ZMW22.5 million) and Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited (USD1 million and ZMW42 million).

 

(ii)       DEG Term Loan 2

The Group has a loan facility of USD12.505 million (2013: USD14.29 million and original amount of USD25 million) from DEG. Interest on the loan is 4.55 per cent. above the 6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum payable six-monthly in arrears. The principal is repayable in 14 bi-annual instalments of USD1,785,000 commencing November 2010 and expiring in May 2017.

 

The USD25 million DEG term loan is secured by:

•    First ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 4906, Lot No. 18835/M and Lot No. 18836/M (Sinazongwe farm); and

•    First ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 10097, Farm No. 5063 and Lot No. 8409/M (Chiawa farm).

 

(iii)     DEG Term Loan 3

During the previous year the group obtained a loan facility of USD10 million for the palm project from DEG. USD6 million was drawn down during September 2013 which is still the balance as at 31 March 2014. Interest on the loan is 4.25 per cent. above the  6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum payable 6 monthly in arrears. The capital is repayable in 14 biannual instalments of USD710,000 commencing May 2016 and expiring in November 2022.

 

The USD10 million DEG term loan is secured by:

•    Second ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 4906, Lot No. 18835/M and Lot No. 18836/M (Sinazongwe farm); &

•    Second ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 10097, Farm No. 5063 and Lot No. 8409/M (Chiawa farm).

 

(b)          Zanaco Bank Plc

The Group has a loan facility of ZMW46.5 million (2013: ZMW46.5 million) with Zanaco Bank Plc.  Interest on the loan is 4 per cent. above the Bank of Zambia policy rate per annum payable monthly in arrears. The principal is repayable in 7 annual instalments of ZMW6,642,857 commencing December 2014 and expiring in December 2020.

 

The loan is secured by a first ranking legal mortgage over Stand No. 4970, Industrial Area, Lusaka (Head Office).

 

(c)           Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc

The Group has a loan facility of USD6.1 million (2012: USD6.7 million and original amount of USD8 million) from Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc. Interest on the loan is 4.75 per cent. above the 3 month USD LIBOR rate per annum payable monthly in arrears. The principal is repayable in amounts of USD300,000 on a quarterly basis commencing April 2013 to December 2013 and thereafter 11 quarterly payments of USD566,667 commencing March 2014 and expiring in January 2017.

 

The loan is secured by a first ranking legal mortgage relating to stands 5960 and 5001 Mumbwa Road, Lusaka, (Zamanita premises) and floating debenture over all other assets of Zamanita.

 

The Group has structured agricultural facilities with an annual revolving limit totalling USD59 million (2013: USD59 million) with Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc. The purpose of the facilities is the financing of wheat, soya beans, maize and barley under collateral management agreements/facilities against warehouse receipts and is for 365 days. The balance on the facilities at period end was USD14.44 million (2013: USD22.55 million). Interest on the facilities is 1 month USD LIBOR rate plus 3.15 per cent. per annum (for the USD34 million Zambeef CMA) and 3 month USD LIBOR rate plus 4 per cent. (for the USD24 million Zamanita CMA) calculated on the daily overdrawn balances.

 

(d)          (i)           International Finance Corporation Loan 1

The Group has a loan facility of USD6.44 million (USD4.455 million in Zambia and USD1.985 million in Nigeria) [2013: USD5.091 million in Zambia and USD2.269 million in Nigeria and original amount of USD10 million] from IFC. Interest on the loan is 4.75 per cent. above the 6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum payable six-monthly in arrears. The principal is repayable in 11 equal bi-annual instalments of USD636,364 (Zambeef) and USD283,634 (Nigeria) commencing June 2012 and expiring in June 2017.

 

The portion of the loan attributable to Zambia is secured through a first ranking legal mortgage over Plot 9070, 9071 and 9074, off Mumbwa Road, Lusaka, (Novatek stock feed premises) and the portion of the loan attributable to the Nigerian operations is secured by a floating charge over all assets of Master Meat and Agro Production Co of Nigeria Limited and a parental guarantee from Zambeef Products PLC.

 

(d)          (ii)          International Finance Corporation Loan 2

The company has a loan facility of USD30 million (USD20 million in USD and USD10 million in ZMW). Interest on the loan is 4.75 per cent. above the 6 month USD LIBOR rate per annum for the USD facility and 4.45 per cent. above the 91 day Treasury Bill rate plus a variable swap margin for the Kwacha facility payable quarterly in arrears. The principal is repayable in 29 equal quarterly instalments of USD689,655 and ZMW1,710,345 commencing June 2015 and expiring in June 2022.

 

The loan is secured through a first ranking legal mortgage over Farm No. 4450, 4451 & 5388 (Mpongwe farm).

 

12.          Events subsequent to reporting date

There has not arisen since the end of the 6 months period any item, transaction or event of a material and unusual nature likely, in the opinion of the directors of the Company, to affect substantially the operations of the economic entity, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the economic entity in the subsequent financial years.

 

               


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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