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Final Results
Final Results.
About this update from M.p. Evans Group Plc
M.P. EVANS GROUP PLC FINAL RESULTS 2024 RECORD PROFITS, RECORD DIVIDENDS, AND WELL PLACED FOR INCREASING RETURNS M.P. Evans Group PLC ("M.P. Evans", "the Group" or "the Company"), a producer of sustainable Indonesian palm oil, announces its results for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Group has achieved record-breaking results for 2024, supported by a year of tight control over operating costs, alongside favourable crude-palm-oil pricing. Revenue, profitability and cash generation are all up substantially on last year. Once again, despite some weather-related challenges seen across Indonesia, the Group was able to process 1.6 million tonnes of crop, almost all in the Group's six efficiently operated palm-oil mills. The Group's 2024 annual report is available on its website at www.mpevans.co.uk . HIGHLIGHTS Financial - Average mill-gate price for Group CPO US$823 per tonne (2023 US$729 per tonne) - Revenue for the year US$352.8 million (2023 US$307.4 million) - Operating profit US$115.7 million (2023 US$75.3 million) - Operating cash generation US$152.6 million (2023 US$103.1 million) - Earnings per share 129.6 pence (2023 - 78.1 pence) - Dividend for the year 52.5p per share (2023 - 45.0p per share) with proposed final dividend of 37.5p per share (2023 - 32.5p per share) Operational - Total crop processed maintained at 1.6 million tonnes - Six certified palm-oil mills in operation throughout year processing 96% of total crop - Further increase in certified sustainable crude palm oil ("CPO"), up to 257,000 (2023 - 233,400 tonnes) - Acquisition of minority interest in Group estates during the year increasing effective ownership by 1,700 hectares - Planting continuing at Musi Rawas, as total area approaches 11,000 hectares, and planting programme started at recently acquired estate at Kota Bangun - Increase in conservation hectarage, particularly mangrove forest at Bumi Mas, and conservation area now 12% of planted land - Actively seeking new strategic acquisitions Commenting on the results, Peter Hadsley-Chaplin, chairman of M.P. Evans, said: " I am delighted that the Group is able to report such an excellent set of results for 2024. Alongside record profits and a 17% increase in dividends for the year, the Group's commitment to responsible operation is as strong as ever. Our planted hectarage increased once again and we continue to plant new areas to support future growth, whilst seeking further new suitable acquisitions." Enquiries: M.P. Evans Group PLC +44 (0)1892 516333 Peter Hadsley-Chaplin Chairman Matthew Coulson Chief executive Luke Shaw Chief financial officer Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Nomad and sole broker) +44 (0)20 7220 0500 Matt Goode, George Lawson (corporate finance) Tim Redfern, Harriet Ward (equity capital markets) Hudson Sandler (Financial PR) +44 (0)20 7796 4133 Charlie Jack, Francis Kerrigan, Francesca Rosser A presentation for analysts will be held today at 9.30am at the offices of Hudson Sandler at 25 Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AE. CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Results The Group achieved a gross profit of US$116.6 million in 2024, almost 50% higher than in the previous year, and an all-time record. This was, in the main, a reflection of the higher crude-palm-oil ("CPO") price, at US$823 per tonne mill-gate, 13% higher than last year, combined with an ongoing focus on maintaining control over operational costs. In addition, the Group harvested 2% more crop from its own areas and those managed on behalf of its associated scheme smallholders during the year, whilst the total crop processed by the Group remained the same as last year at 1.6 million tonnes. Earnings per share were 129.6p, significantly higher than the 78.1p recorded in 2023. The high-price environment benefited the Group during the year, most notably in the second half, along with lower operating costs, including from a continued reduction in fertiliser costs. The Group generated a large amount of operating cash, with net operating cash inflows of US$135.8 million (2023 - US$79.7 million). This was put to good use in returning funds to shareholders, continued capital investment, and eliminating Group net debt. At the end of the year, the Group had net funds of US$46.4 million (2023 net debt of US$14.8 million). Dividend An interim dividend of 15p per share (2023 - 12.5p per share) was paid on 1 November 2024 and the board is recommending a final dividend of 37.5p per share (2023 - 32.5p per share). The total figure of 52.5p per share (2023 - 45p per share) represents an increase in the annual dividend of 17% and is another step forward in the Group's progressive dividend policy. The Group is proud of its track record, stretching back for more than thirty years, of maintaining or increasing normal dividends. This further, significant, increase in dividend distributions reflects both the step up in profitability achieved in 2024 and the board's continuing confidence in the long-term prospects for the Group. Whilst crop and production in 2024 were similar to the previous year, the Group's ongoing ability to generate substantial cash inflows forms a sound basis for both shareholder returns and further investment for the future. Share buyback Over the course of 2024, the Group maintained its share-buyback programme and, by the end of the year, had deployed US$13.4 million (2023 - US$9.7 million) to purchase, and subsequently cancel, 1,183,398 (2023 - 991,198) of the Company's 10p shares. This represented 2.2% (2023 - 1.8%) of the issued share capital. The buyback programme serves to enhance earnings per share and the shareholder authorisation for it continues until the next annual general meeting. Strategic developments In 2024, the Group was able to continue deploying and developing its strategy of being a producer of certified sustainable Indonesian palm oil. Following a period of extensive capital investment, the Group had, for the first time in 2024, six palm-oil mills in operation for the whole year. More specifically, all six mills were able to produce certified sustainable crude palm oil ("CPO") throughout the year and, as a result, the proportion of the Group's production qualifying as sustainable oil increased from 62% in 2023 to 69% in 2024. The Group's strategy, which will bring financial gains along with other benefits, is to continue increasing this proportion. The Group expects to be able to achieve this in three separate ways: firstly, by increasing the efficient operation of its existing planted areas; secondly, by adding further planted hectarage within the estates it already owns and operates; and, thirdly, by acquiring additional planted hectarage close to the Group's existing milling facilities, and suitable new acquisitions are being actively sought. In furtherance of the Group's strategy, the Group continued to plant new areas during 2024, most significantly at its Musi Rawas project in South Sumatra where a further 500 hectares were planted, bringing the total planted hectarage for the Group and its associated scheme smallholders to 10,800 hectares there. The Group expects to surpass the updated 11,000-hectare target in early 2025 and to continue planting thereafter. Every additional hectare planted will, in due course, provide additional valuable further crop to the Group's on-site mill, increasing the amount of sustainable output, reducing reliance on outside suppliers, and be margin enhancing. During 2024, the Group acquired the 5% minority interest in the majority of its Indonesian subsidiary companies. As a result of this transaction, the Group effectively acquired approximately 1,700 hectares of its own, high-quality planted areas, and now owns 100% of all its Indonesian operations, with the exception of its Bangka estate where there remains a 10% minority partner. The Group paid US$9,000 per planted hectare for this transaction, which compares favourably with the average year-end independent valuation of the Group's majority-held areas of US$18,500 per hectare. Similar to share buybacks, this transaction was immediately earnings enhancing, and concentrates the interests of existing shareholders in the Group's operations. As indicated in previous reports, the Group's recently acquired properties at Kota Bangun will, over time, make a significant crop contribution to the Group's two mills there. Even more encouragingly, after careful analysis, working with the Group's environmental consultants, management have identified some further areas suitable for planting within these properties, and a planting programme began just before the end of 2024. Whilst there was only a small amount completed before the end of the year, management have set a target to achieve in excess of 1,000 hectares of new planting there before the end of 2025. The smallholder plantings which form part of the areas managed and harvested by the Group remain an integral part of the Group's activities, and the Group is committed to working in close partnership with all the smallholder co-operatives at each of its estates. The Group purchases crop from the smallholders at a fair price, and the Group and its associated smallholders succeed and thrive together. The newest smallholder areas are connected to the Group's estates in North Sumatra and Aceh and, over recent years, approximately 1,600 hectares have been established, with over 250 hectares planted during 2024. The Group provides initial funding to ensure that planting can be done efficiently and without creating a financial burden for the smallholder. Sustainability The production of certified sustainable output is a core part of the Group's strategy, and throughout the year all six of the Group's mills have been certified to sell sustainable CPO in accordance with the requirements of the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification ("ISCC") scheme, enabling it to receive additional sustainability income at all locations. In addition, as a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil ("RSPO"), the Group is committed to obtaining RSPO accreditation for all six of its mills. By the end of 2024, five mills had received accreditation, with the Musi Rawas mill being certified in the early part of the year. The RSPO audit took place at the Bumi Mas mill in the latter part of 2024, and the Group aims to complete the accreditation process during 2025. In addition, the Group took the decision in 2024 to process only crop from Group-managed areas at its Bumi Permai mill at Kota Bangun and, as a result, that mill has been certified to process 'identity preserved' CPO by the RSPO. This may, in due course, lead to increased sustainability premia being available at that location. The Group is also committed to compliance with the upcoming EUDR which are due to be implemented from the start of 2026. The Group is satisfied that the areas it manages will be in compliance, and is already working with a key customer in advance of the implementation of the new standards. The Group is committed to increasing the amount of sustainability-based disclosures it provides and, over the course of the last year, has published separate TCFD and ESG reports. The Group has published a carbon balance sheet, and measured carbon intensity based on emissions per tonne of CPO produced. Targets have been set for carbon reduction, with an ultimate objective of achieving net zero by 2050 and, by 2024, the Group has achieved a 36% reduction in total emissions from its baseline year of 2021. Carbon intensity has reduced from 8.9 in 2021 to 4.8 in 2024. Operational developments The total crop processed by the Group in 2024 was 1,608,900 tonnes, down by 1% on the 1,622,900 tonnes in 2023. This reflected an increase in crop harvested from areas managed by the Group, but this was more than offset by a decrease in purchases from independent suppliers. 2024 Increase/ (decrease) 2023 Tonnes % Tonnes Crop Own crops Kota Bangun 284,000 14 249,900 Bangka 137,400 (1) 138,200 Pangkatan group 168,600 (9) 185,000 Bumi Mas 144,800 (7) 156,400 Musi Rawas 136,100 6 128,900 Simpang Kiri 66,100 2 64,500 937,000 2 922,900 Scheme-smallholder crops Kota Bangun 105,500 5 100,500 Bangka 81,400 (4) 85,200 Pangkatan group 5,200 100 2,600 Bumi Mas 29,200 (2) 29,700 Musi Rawas 64,000 6 60,200 Simpang Kiri 600 100 300 285,900 3 278,500 Independent crops purchased Kota Bangun 144,200 9 132,000 Bangka 91,400 (16) 108,600 Pangkatan group 37,200 (29) 52,600 Bumi Mas 39,800 (33) 59,500 Musi Rawas 73,400 7 68,800 386,000 (8) 421,500 Total crop 1,608,900 (1) 1,622,900 With six mills in operation throughout the year for the first time, the focus is now on maximising their profitable utilisation and continued operational excellence. The Group achieved the highest ever mill throughput of Group-harvested crop during 2024, and its strategy is to continue increasing utilisation from the Group's own areas. As a result, 96% of the 1.6 million tonnes of total crop was processed in a Group mill. Increase/ 2024 (decrease) 2023 Production - crude palm oil Tonnes % Tonnes Group mills Kota Bangun 123,500 10 112,000 Bangka 70,200 (9) 76,800 Pangkatan group 47,200 (13) 54,500 Bumi Mas 51,300 (12) 56,800 Musi Rawas 64,000 6 60,200 356,200 (2) 362,100 Third-party mills Kota Bangun 1,000 400 200 Musi Rawas - - 1,600 Simpang Kiri 15,000 3 14,600 16,000 (2) 16,400 372,200 (2) 378,500 Production - palm kernels Group mills Kota Bangun 27,200 12 24,200 Bangka 17,800 (6) 19,000 Pangkatan group 10,900 (12) 12,400 Bumi Mas 9,600 (7) 10,300 Musi Rawas 12,500 10 11,400 78,000 1 77,300 Third-party mills Kota Bangun 300 - - Musi Rawas - - 400 Simpang Kiri 3,000 3 2,900 3,300 - 3,300 81,300 1 80,600 Extraction rates - crude palm oil % % % Group mills Kota Bangun - Bumi Permai 24.3 - 24.4 Kota Bangun - Rahayu 22.1 4 21.3 Bangka 22.6 (2) 23.1 Pangkatan group 22.4 (1) 22.7 Bumi Mas 24.0 - 23.9 Musi Rawas 23.4 (3) 24.1 23.2 (1) 23.4 Third-party mills Kota Bangun 18.3 (9) 20.0 Musi Rawas - - 20.5 Simpang Kiri 22.5 - 22.5 Extraction rates - palm kernels Group mills Kota Bangun - Bumi Permai 5.6 2 5.5 Kota Bangun - Rahayu 4.5 5 4.3 Bangka 5.7 - 5.7 Pangkatan group 5.2 - 5.2 Bumi Mas 4.5 7 4.2 Musi Rawas 4.6 2 4.5 5.1 2 5.0 Kota Bangun 4.9 9 4.5 Musi Rawas - - 4.7 Simpang Kiri 4.4 (2) 4.5 Alongside its ambition to expand by purchasing further planted hectarage close to its existing estates, the Group continued to grow by planting additional areas, in a sustainable manner, in its existing properties, to ensure that yields can be maximised and that the Group is doing all it can to supply Group-harvested crop into its own milling facilities. In all cases, agreed land compensation was paid to members of the local community before any planting took place, based on the principles of free, prior and informed consent. Furthermore, planting only took place on environmentally suitable land, monitored by the Group's sustainability team, and in full compliance with the principles set out by the RSPO. At the Musi Rawas estate in South Sumatra, the Group was able to plant a further 500 hectares during 2024 for itself and for the scheme smallholders, bringing the total planted area to over 10,800 hectares. The Group expects to surpass the revised 11,000-hectare target in 2025, and will continue planting thereafter. As previously reported, when the Group acquired an additional 2,100 hectares at Simpang Kiri in 2023, it was based upon the expectation of replanting approximately half the acquired area to support the estate's long-term crop growth. By the end of 2023, the Group had replanted approximately 1,000 hectares. Whilst this replanted area will take time to start yielding and thereafter to reach full maturity, this investment puts the Simpang Kiri estate in a strong position to achieve future growth. Also in 2023, the Group acquired over 8,000 planted hectares in East Kalimantan which have now become part of the enlarged Kota Bangun project. Since acquisition, management has been working with the Group's environmental consultants to determine whether further planting may be possible in the acquired areas. Towards the end of 2024, several environmentally suitable areas were identified, and a planting programme began just before the end of the year. The Group aims to complete 1,000 hectares of additional planting before the end of 2025. In North Sumatra, routine replanting in the mature plantations around the Pangkatan mill continues, with a further 250 hectares replanted in the year. In addition, in northern Sumatra (both at Pangkatan and Simpang Kiri), the Group has continued to support the formation and planting to oil palm of additional smallholder schemes, with a further 250 hectares planted in the year bringing the total to 1,600 hectares. This, relatively new, project is starting to 'bear fruit' with a total crop of 6,000 tonnes in 2024 and an acceleration in production is expected in the coming years as more areas come into maturity. Current trading and prospects The Group experienced good cropping levels from the areas managed for itself and on behalf of its associated scheme smallholders during the first two months of 2025, and almost all locations are ahead of the same period in 2024. Total crop harvested from Group-owned areas was up 5%, and crop from associated scheme smallholders up 16%, on the first two months of 2024. Rainfall levels have been encouraging in most locations, although dry weather did continue in the latter part of 2024 and into early 2025 in some areas of East Kalimantan. As is always the case, the Group's geographic diversity across much of Sumatra and East Kalimantan will continue to be of benefit, particularly when it comes to the variability of weather patterns. Continuing the trend observed in 2024, the Group purchased a lower level of crop from outside suppliers in the first two months of 2025, down by 33%, once again reflecting both the cost and quality constraints. At the same time, this was consistent with the Group's plans to manage the mix of crop being processed in its mills, and to take considered steps to manage and enhance Group margins. Overall, total crop processed in the first two months of 2025 was 239,600 tonnes. Details are set out in the following table: 2 months ended Increase/ 2 months ended 28 February 2025 (decrease) 29 February 2024 Tonnes % Tonnes Own crops 150,100 5 143,600 Scheme-smallholder crops 50,000 16 43,200 Independent crops purchased 39,500 (33) 58,900 239,600 (2) 245,700 As reported above, the Group achieved an average mill-gate price for its CPO of US$823 per tonne in 2024, which was 13% higher than in the previous year. Whilst prices fell somewhat in the early part of 2025 from their elevated levels seen towards the end of 2024, pricing has remained strong, and the Group continues to receive mill-gate prices higher than the average achieved for 2024. The average tender price for the Group's CPO in the first two months of 2025 was US$870 per tonne. The Group is continuing to plant new hectares, both for itself and for scheme smallholders, in Sumatra and East Kalimantan, in early 2025. It is taking steps towards further planting as the year progresses, including agreeing land compensation, preparing areas for planting, and readying planting material in on-site nurseries. As a result, the total planted area managed by the Group will increase once again during 2025. Alongside these efforts, the Group is actively seeking further planted areas through acquisition, and the Group's healthy balance sheet and significant net funds puts it in a strong position. Based on the encouraging start to 2025, the immediate and longer-term prospects, the board remains firmly of the view that sustainable palm oil, as a high-yield and low-cost product, will continue to be in demand and offer attractive returns, and that, as a result, the prospects for the Group remain very positive. Peter Hadsley-Chaplin Chairman CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT For the year ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 US$'000 US$'000 Continuing operations Revenue 352,839 307,368 Cost of sales (236,249) (228,915) Gross profit 116,590 78,453 Gain on biological assets 1,847 551 Foreign-exchange loss (23) (1,188) Other administrative expenses (5,930) (5,443) Other income 3,211 2,923 Operating profit 115,695 75,296 Finance income 1,236 1,348 Finance costs (3,441) (3,810) Profit before tax 113,490 72,834 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (25,213) (18,826) Profit after tax 88,277 54,008 Share of associated companies' profit after tax 2,355 2,390 Profit for the year 90,632 56,398 Attributable to: Owners of M.P. Evans Group PLC 87,851 52,487 Non-controlling interests 2,781 3,911 90,632 56,398 US cents US cents Continuing operations Basic earnings per 10p share 165.9 97.6 Diluted earnings per 10p share 165.1 97.2 Pence Pence Basic earnings per 10p share Continuing operations 129.6 78.1 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2024 Company number: 1555042 2024 2023 US$'000 US$'000 Non-current assets Goodwill 17,083 17,083 Other intangible assets 852 1,012 Property, plant and equipment 480,983 486,915 Investments in associates 10,524 10,003 Investments 61 59 Deferred-tax asset 1,808 1,138 Trade and other receivables - 8,875 511,311 525,085 Current assets Biological assets 5,635 3,788 Inventories 22,788 24,155 Trade and other receivables 20,847 23,853 Current-tax asset 7,777 8,673 Current-asset investments 214 270 Cash and cash equivalents 79,223 39,324 136,484 100,063 Total assets 647,795 625,148 Current liabilities Borrowings 12,953 21,009 Trade and other payables 33,122 27,547 Current-tax liability 13,029 6,279 59,104 54,835 Net current assets 77,380 45,228 Non-current liabilities Borrowings 20,074 33,413 Deferred-tax liability 22,007 19,398 Retirement-benefit obligations 13,141 12,429 55,222 65,240 Total liabilities 114,326 120,075 Net assets 533,469 505,073 Equity Share capital 8,922 9,062 Other reserves 53,887 53,263 Retained earnings 462,938 422,748 Equity attributable to the owners of MP Evans Group PLC 525,747 485,073 Non-controlling interests 7,722 20,000 Total equity 533,469 505,073 CONSOLIDATED CASH-FLOW STATEMENT For the year ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 US$'000 US$'000 Net cash generated by operating activities 135,800 79,674 Investing activities Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired - (34,516) Purchase of property, plant and equipment (21,630) (38,282) Purchase of intangible assets (24) (25) Interest received 1,050 600 Repayment of loans made to smallholder co-operatives 2,291 738 New loans to smallholder co-operatives (1,608) (2,931) Bank deposits treated as current-asset investments 44 (266) Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 548 6,997 Net cash used by investing activities (19,329) (67,685) Financing activities Acquisition of non-controlling interest (6,000) - New borrowings 637 - Repayment of borrowings (21,145) (17,405) Dividends paid to Company shareholders (32,339) (28,188) Dividends paid to non-controlling interest (3,145) (155) Issue of Company shares 107 - Buyback of Company shares (13,367) (9,678) Net cash used by financing activities (75,252) (55,426) Net increase/(decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 41,219 (43,437) Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 39,324 82,503 Effect of foreign-exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (1,320) 258 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 79,223 39,324 Note - certain 2023 cash flows relating to balances with smallholder co-operatives have been amended above for consistency with the current year treatment. Notes 1. Dividends paid and proposed 2024 2023 US$'000 US$'000 2024 interim dividend - 15p per 10p share (2023 interim dividend 12.5p) 10,448 8,153 2023 final dividend - 32.5p per 10p share (2022 final dividend 30p) 21,891 20,035 32,339 28,188 Following the year, the board has proposed a final dividend for 2024 of 37.5p per 10p, amounting to US$24.5 million. The dividend will be paid on or after 19 June 2025 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 25 April 2025. 2024 2023 Ex-dividend date 24 April 2025 25 April 2024 Record date 25 April 2025 26 April 2024 Dividend payable on or after 19 June 2025 19 June 2024 2. Basic and diluted earnings per share The calculation of earnings per 10p share is based on:- 2024 2032 2024 Number 2023 Number US$'000 of shares US$'000 of shares Profit for the year attributable to the owners of M.P. Evans Group PLC 87,851 52,487 Average number of shares in issue 52,962,578 53,753,331 Diluted average number of shares in issue* 53,223,589 53,981,990 *The difference between the number of shares in issue and the diluted number of shares relates to unexercised share options held by directors and key employees of the Group. 3. Financial information The financial information has been derived from the Company's audited accounts but does not itself constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2024 have been reported on by the Group's auditors, BDO LLP, and will be filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors thereon was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006, nor did it contain any matters to which the auditors drew attention without qualifying their audit report. 4. International Accounting Standards This announcement is based on the Group's financial statements which were prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards. 5. Distribution timetable The Group's 2024 annual report is available on the Group's website and will be despatched to shareholders on or before 11 April 2025. Printed copies of the Group's 2024 annual report will be available from the Company, 3 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1HQ. The annual general meeting will be held on Friday 13 June 2025. By order of the board Katya Merrick Company secretary
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