TIDMZAM

RNS Number : 3460H

Zambeef Products PLC

07 June 2017

7 June 2017

Zambeef Products plc

("Zambeef" or the "Group")

Interim results for the Half Year Ended 31 March 2017

CONTINUED OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENT AGAINST TOUGH MACRO ECONOMIC BACKDROP

Zambeef (AIM: ZAM), the fully integrated cold chain foods and retail business with operations in Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2017.

Key Financial Highlights:

 
                             USD ('000)   USD ('000) 
                              H1 2017      H1 2016 
 
 Revenue                     118,381      98,820 
 
 Gross Profit                38,494       39,287 
 
 Admin Expenses              (34,119)     (28,631) 
 
 Operating Profit            4,502        10,723 
 
 Finance costs               (4,600)      (5,318) 
 
 Exchange Gains              688          1,375 
 
 Profit before tax           590          6,780 
 
 Tax                         (57)         (778) 
 
 Profit from discontinued 
  operations                 -            2,960 
 
 Profit after tax            533          8,962 
 
 EBITDA                      8,897        15,451 
 
 EBITDA Margin               7.51%        15.64% 
 
 Operating Profit Margin     3.80%        13.85% 
 
 Cost to income ratio        25.20%       24.56% 
 

Performance Overview

-- Half year performance characterised by a challenging economic environment in Zambia and a major drop in soft commodity prices significantly impacting the Group's financial performance

   --     Despite this, the Group has delivered a strong top line performance, driven by: 

o Excellent sales and volume growth in the Retail and Cold Chain Food Products division

o Continued aggressive expansion of this retail network

o Robust operational performance from the Farming and Stock feed operations

   --     Two Macro outlets opened with a further eight expected to open this year 

o Aim to open 10-12 new Macro outlets each year

   --     Shoprite rollout of new stores continues 

o Zambia - three more expected in the second half

o Nigeria - three new stores opened

o Ghana - one new store opened in April 2017

   --     Second half of the year expected to see a significant number of key projects 

o Continue to grow the retail network and drive retail sales to help grow CCFP and stock feed operations

o Commission new Copperbelt distribution hub which will increase capacity and improve efficiencies in the Copperbelt and North Western Province operations

o Complete expansion of breeding farm and hatchery to increase day-old chick production from 210,000 to 310,000 birds per week

o Expand broiler processing operations to increase production by 30,000 birds per week

o Commission new stock feed plant at Mpongwe to bring additional stock feed capacity on line

-- Continue to look at ways of strengthening our balance sheet through disposal of non-core assets

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

"The first six months of our financial year have been impacted by the challenging economic environment in Zambia and a major drop in soft commodity prices. Together this has had a significant negative impact on our financial performance in the period.

"Rising inflation, Exchange Rate volatility and rapidly increasing interest rates resulted in the Bank of Zambia being forced to introduce strict control measures in order to stabilise the economy. These measures, which included tight control of the money supply and high interest rates, have resulted in a slowdown in consumer spending. However, as a consequence of these Government actions, inflation has reduced to single digit levels, the Kwacha has stabilised and the high interest rates we saw in the first half are starting to abate.

"As a result of these improving economic indicators, and downward price pressure on certain consumer food products, we expect the business environment and consumer demand to improve in the second six months of this financial year. Against this background, Zambeef is well placed to take advantage of the improving macroeconomic conditions.

"As reported at our 2016 Full Year results in November 2016, the principle focus of Zambeef for the foreseeable future will be on expanding our retailing and distribution footprint and on improving margins and restoring profitability. We will continue to expand the Cold Chain Food Production capacity to meet increasing consumer demand; complete the build out of the new stock feed plant at Mpongwe and continue to strengthen our balance sheet, through the disposal of non-core assets. While undoubtedly it is disappointing to report this first half performance I have full belief that the second half will see a return to more normal trading conditions and a much improved financial performance."

 
 For further information, please contact: 
 
 Zambeef Products plc    Tel: +260 (0) 211 369003 
 Carl Irwin, Joint Chief Executive Officer 
 Francis Grogan, Joint Chief Executive Officer 
 
 Strand Hanson Limited   Tel: +44 (0) 20 7409 3494 
 James Spinney 
 Ritchie Balmer 
 Frederick Twist 
 
 finnCap                 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7220 0500 
 Emily Morris 
 
 Powerscourt             Tel: +44 (0)20 7250 1446 
 Nick Dibden 
 Nick Brown 
 
 

Notes to Editors

The Zambeef Group is one of the largest integrated cold chain food producers in Zambia, involved in the production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, milk, eggs, dairy products, fish, flour and stock feed. The Group also has large cereal row cropping operations (principally maize, soya beans and wheat), with approximately 7,971 hectares of row crops under irrigation, which are planted twice a year and a further 8,623 hectares of rain-fed/dry-land crops available for planting each year. The Group is also expanding its West Africa operations in Nigeria and Ghana.

The Group employed an average of 6,000 employees in the period.

Further information can be found on www.zambeefplc.com

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

THE ENVIRONMENT

The first six months of Zambeef's 2017 financial year have been impacted by the challenging economic environment in Zambia.

As a result of rising inflation, Exchange Rate volatility and rapidly increasing interest rates, the Bank of Zambia was forced to introduce strict control measures, in order to stabilise the economy. These measures, which included tight control of the money supply, and high interest rates, have resulted in a slowdown in consumer spending.

It is pleasing to see that these tough short-term measures are achieving their goal. Inflation has been reduced to single-digit levels, having peaked at 18.9 per cent.; the Zambian Kwacha has stabilised at around ZMW9.66/USD at 31(st) March 2017, having started the period under review at ZMW11.6/USD, and interest rates are starting to fall significantly, having peaked at around 30 per cent.

The period has also seen a material drop in global soft commodity prices, with international soya prices touching ten-year lows. Zambian soya prices have followed international markets, dropping from around USD535/Metric Ton ("M.T"). last year, to USD360/M.T. this year.

Whist a drop in soft commodity prices will be welcomed by consumers, it poses a major challenge to the agricultural sector, which is the prime producer of such soft commodities.

As a result of improving Economic Indicators, and downward price pressure on certain consumer food products, we expect the business environment and consumer demand to improve in the second six months of this financial year.

TRADING RESULTS

Despite the challenging economic conditions mentioned above, it is pleasing to report good operational progress in all four areas of Strategic Focus that were outlined in our Annual Report for the year ended September 2016:

1. Retail and Distribution - The retail footprint comprising our concessions within Shoprite stores in Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana, and the Zambeef-owned Macro stores and Outlets across Zambia has grown during the period under review, by the opening of three Shoprite stores and two Macro Stores. A further 4 Shoprite stores and 8 Macro stores will open in the six months to 30(th) September 2017. Like for like sales in Zambeef's own stores grew by 21 per cent. in ZMW during the period, with new stores adding a further 9.9 per cent. growth in sales, as compared to last year.

2. Cold Chain Food Production - In order to meet the demand for goods to support our rapidly expanding Retail division, Cold Chain Food Production continues to receive strategic focus in terms of Capital Expenditure. This has led to good volume growth across the Cold Chain Food Production division.

3. Stock Feed - Zambeef's stock feed operation, which trades under the brand name Novatek, is recognised as the market leader in Zambia. It produces a wide range of stock feed, for sale to the end users, either direct, or through its Novatek retail outlets, as well as certain Zambeef Macro and Outlet stores. Despite the challenging macroeconomic conditions, Novatek volume sales increased by 2.7 per cent. during the period. The Novatek plant in Lusaka is currently running at full capacity, but the new mill located on Mpongwe Farm, which is due to open in June 2017, will almost double Novatek's production capacity. This will enable Zambeef to supply its own growing divisions which depend on a reliable supply of stock feed, as well as expand its sales into the Zambian and adjacent markets.

4. Arable Farming - Zambeef's cropping focus is centered on its Mpongwe estate, where the microclimate, irrigation facilities and soils allows it to consistently achieve yields comparable to the best farming areas in the world. Yields of the summer crops just harvested were ahead of budget. However, the severe drop in soft commodity prices has had a significant impact on profitability for the period.

Against a backdrop of good operational progress in all four of our areas of strategic focus, the financial results for the period under review have been disappointing, principally as a result of the drop in soft commodity prices.

The negative impact on consumer disposable income from the measures taken by the Bank of Zambia to stabilise the economy put pressure on margins of all retail businesses, including Zambeef. Whilst we have managed to maintain (and in certain areas, grow) market share, this has been at the cost of short-term profit.

Notwithstanding this, Zambeef's Retail and Cold Chain Food Production divisions have delivered a satisfactory EBITDA of ZMW 72.7m versus ZMW 81.1m in the same period last year (USD 7.4m vs USD 7.1m), generating an EBITDA margin of 8.5 per cent.

The material drop in soft commodity prices, and in particular the price of soya, has had a substantial impact on Gross Profit of the Arable Farming division. With the division producing over 40 000MT of soya in the period, the fall in soya prices resulted in a drop in Gross Profit of ZMW26m (USD2.7m) for the period. The division has also suffered a further loss of USD1.5m from a FX translation loss relating to the valuation of inventory on hand as at 31(st) March 2017. The winter wheat crop, which is grown in the next six month period, is normally the most profitable, and it is hoped that this will be reflected in improved results for the next period.

The fall in the price of soya has also had a severe short term impact on the gross profit of the Stock Feed division. All stock feed producers experienced the need to dispose of old soya stock, acquired at the higher price, before the new lower priced soya stock became available. This led to heavy price discounting of stock feed, leading to a drop in Gross Profits of ZMW41m (USD4.2m) during the period under review. The old stock has been worked through Novatek's production system, and consequently margins have recovered since the period end and are expected to normalise over the next six months.

Despite the underlying strength of performance of our Retail and Cold Chain Foods business, the impact of falling commodity prices upon Cropping and Novatek's stock feed profits have resulted in the Zambeef Group Profit After Tax (excluding discontinued operations) reducing in the period from ZMW68m to ZMW5m (USD6m to USD0.5m)

OUTLOOK

The General Election held earlier this year has shown once again that Zambia is a stable democratic state.

The recent actions taken by the Government and the Bank of Zambia to address the challenges faced by the economy bode well for the re-emergence of economic stability and growth. Against this background, Zambeef is well placed to take advantage of the improving macroeconomic conditions.

Given a tough economic backdrop leading to pricing pressures, some cost inflation, operational issues in the Milk and Eggs businesses and the impact of a material drop in agri-commodity prices, the Board anticipates that, despite the strong volume growth across Retail and Cold Chain Food Production, the financial results for the full year ending 30 September 2017 will be materially below previous market expectations.

As reported at our 2016 Full Year results in November 2016, the principle focus of Zambeef for the next six months will be on expanding our retailing and distribution footprint and onon improving margins and restoring profitability.We will continue to: expand the Cold Chain Food Production capacity to meet increasing consumer demand; complete the build out of the new stock feed plant at Mpongwe, and continue to strengthen our balance sheet, through the disposal of non-core assets.

I am extremely proud of Zambeef's entire workforce. They display a commitment, dedication and professionalism in carrying out their duties and remain key to our success.

In order to ensure continuity in the Group at all levels, we have embarked on a Succession Planning process. Linked to this will be a Development Needs and Evaluation system, which aims to identify future leaders in the business, and to ensure that staff at all levels are given the opportunity to progress in the Group, and are provided with the necessary training and development opportunities in order to do so.

I would like to touch on the changes to the composition of the Zambeef Board, which were announced on 18(th) April 2017:

Graham Clark has stepped down as non-executive director, in order to take up the full-time role of CEO of Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd. His extensive business experience has been greatly appreciated, and I would like to thank him for his contribution.

Three new non-executive directors have been appointed, to broaden the depth of experience and diversity on the Board. They are Yollard Kachinda, a Zambian national, who is currently Director General of the National Pension Scheme Authority ("NAPSA"), Margaret Kunda Chalwe-Mudenda, a Zambian lawyer, and Enala Lyson Tembo-Mwase, a prominent Zambian Academic, and currently Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia. I believe that they all bring relevant experience and skills to the Board, which will help support Management in growing the business in the future, and I welcome their appointments.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Executive, all members of staff and my Board colleagues, for their valued contributions during the past period.

Dr Jacob Mwanza

Chairman

6 June 2017

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

JOINT CHIEF EXECUTIVES' REVIEW

Overview

In order to give greater clarity into the performance of the key activities of Zambeef, the results for the key business divisions are for the first time being reported to EBITDA level.

The first six months of the 2017 Financial Year have seen Zambeef continue to focus on the expansion of its Retail business which its Directors believe is the engine room that will continue to drive growth in shareholder value across the business, while also investing in its downstream Cold Chain Foods operations to ensure a secure supply for this retail expansion. It is pleasing to report that in the six month period to 31(st) March 2017, Retail sales increased by 27.4 per cent. in ZMW from ZMW643m to ZMW819m (41.7 per cent. in USD from USD57m to USD83m). Like for like sales in Zambeef Macro and Outlet stores increased by 21 per cent. but this was partially offset by a 5.2 per cent. fall in like for like sales through the Shoprite concessions reflecting increased competition in the premium retail sector from the introduction of new retail chains. This increase has been achieved against the backdrop of a challenging macro environment which has seen the Bank of Zambia reduce the money supply and increase interest rates to bring down inflation which has put pressure on margins across all retail businesses including Zambeef's. Gross profits were also impacted in the period by a combination of operational difficulties within our dairy production unit (which have now been resolved), very weak egg prices and a softening of beef prices. Notwithstanding this, Zambeef 's Retail and Cold Chain Foods business has delivered a satisfactory EBITDA of ZMW72.7m versus ZMW81.1m in the prior period (USD7.4m vs. USD7.1m) generating an EBITDA margin of 8.5 per cent., which compares very favourably with benchmark returns across the Cold Chain foods and retail sectors.

The period has also seen a material drop in global and local soft commodity prices due to rising stocks in producer countries, with international soya prices touching ten year lows. Zambian soya prices have followed international markets dropping from around USD535/M.T. last year to USD360/M.T. this year. This fall has had a significant impact on both our Cropping Division and our Stock Feed Division, Novatek. With Zambeef's cropping operations producing just over 40,000 M.T. of soya during the period, the fall in soya prices has resulted in a drop in farming gross profits of circa ZMW26m (USD2.7m) for the period despite yields being above budget. Cropping also suffered from a FX translation loss of USD1.5m.

In addition, the soya bean price has fallen from around USD600/M.T. to below USD400/M.T. for the new soya crop now being harvested. This rapid drop has resulted in competitor stock feed companies dropping margins in the last four months in order to exit high priced, old season raw material inventory and consequently putting pressure on stock feed margins in this period. In contrast, in the previous season the stock feed industry was operating in a different environment, and Novatek was in the fortunate position of bringing forward soya bean meal at under USD400/M.T. when the new season pricing was around USD600/M.T. Whilst Novatek has maintained its market share and market leadership with volumes increasing by 2.7 per cent. Operating Profit has fallen by 39.4 per cent. in ZMW from ZMW103.6m to ZMW62.8m (USD by 29.8 per cent. from USD9.1m to USD6.4m).

Despite the underlying strength of performance of our Retail and Cold Chain Foods business, the impact of falling commodity prices upon Cropping and Novatek's stock feed profits have resulted in the Zambeef Group Profit After Tax (excluding discontinued operations) reducing in the period from ZMW68m to ZMW5m (USD6m to USD0.5m).

Full details of the individual performance of each division are set out within the Financial Review.

Macroeconomic environment

The economic environment in the period has been challenging. The Bank of Zambia put in strict measures to stabilise the currency, restrict money supply and reduce inflation. These steps created short-term challenges, but are expected to set Zambia up for ongoing long-term sustainable growth.

Inflation started the financial period at 18.9 per cent. and by the 31(st) March 2017 had reduced to 6.7 per cent. The 273 day treasury bills started the period at 24.99 per cent. but with the stabilization of the currency and reduction in inflation the 273 day treasury bill rate was down to 15.25 per cent. at 31(st) March 2017. This period also saw bank interest rates escalate to around 30 per cent. but with inflation under control and the Bank of Zambia reducing interest rates and easing measures to reduce the ZMW in circulation we have seen bank interest rates starting to fall quickly. The Zambian Kwacha started the period at ZMW10.01/USD and has steadily appreciated to ZMW9.66/USD at 31(st) March 2017 and we have seen this gradual appreciation of the currency continue.

The measures implemented by Bank of Zambia, which included high interest rates and tight control on the money supply, put

operating margins under significant pressure over the last six months. It is pleasing to see that these tough short-term measures

have achieved their goals, allowing Bank of Zambia to start easing this policy. The benefits of these measures can be seen, with

Zambia returning to single digit inflation, a stable currency and reducing interest rates. As a result, and having reviewed our sales in April and May, we expect the business environment and consumer demand in the second half of the financial year to improve.

Strategic Focus

To ensure a long-term, sustainable and growing business, Zambeef will continue to be built on the four best-in-class market leading operations of the Group, namely:

   --      Retail and Distribution; 
   --      Cold Chain Food Production; 
   --      Stock Feed; and 
   --      Arable Farming 

Retail and Distribution

As reported at our 2016 Full Year results in November 2016, the main focus of Zambeef for the foreseeable future is on expanding its retailing and distribution footprint comprising of concessions within Shoprite stores across Zambia, Ghana and Nigeria and Zambeef owned Macro Stores and Outlets across Zambia and Nigeria. Expansion of this retail network will consequently drive growth across the Zambeef Cold Chain Foods and stock feed business.

During the period two new Zambeef Macro Stores opened, and a further eight are expected to open before the end of the financial year. In addition, three new Shoprite stores opened in Nigeria, and, following the period end, a new store was opened in Ghana. In the six months to 30(th) September 2017 a further three Shoprite stores are expected to open in Zambia, and the Accra Mall upgrade in Ghana will be completed. Newly opened stores accounted for 10.1 per cent. of the growth.

It is encouraging to report like for like sales through Zambeef's own stores grew by 21 per cent. (in ZMW) with new stores contributing a further 9.9 per cent. of growth (in ZMW) compared to the same period last year. At the same time the amount of stock feed the Group is now retailing through the Macro Stores and Outlets has increased by 123 per cent. in ZMW (158 per cent. in USD). This demonstrates the success of Zambeef's focus on this part of the business, which is driving growth in the Cold Chain Food Products and stock feed operations. This will remain a key focus area of the business both in terms of investment and senior management attention.

The Zambeef retail network is not only increasing its market share but is also gaining a large share of the incremental business from a growing and rapidly urbanising population. In addition, Zambeef's border town outlets are becoming important channels for exporting informally into neighbouring countries.

Cold Chain Food Products

The strong growth in the Zambeef retail network sales has resulted in volume growth across the Cold Chain Food Production divisions, with the following volumes as compared to the same period in 2016:

 
 
                 H1 2017       H1 2016 
                   (kg)          (kg) 
                (Millions)    (Millions)   % Change 
 Beef                 8.51          7.83        8.7 
 Chicken              5.60          5.00       12.0 
 Pork                 5.51          4.60       19.7 
 Fish                 1.49          0.89       66.8 
              ------------  ------------  --------- 
       Total         21.11         13.72       15.2 
 
                Quantity      Quantity 
               (Millions)    (Millions)    % Change 
 Dairy 
  (Litres)            9.32          6.52       42.9 
 Eggs                34.47         17.77       93.9 
              ------------  ------------  --------- 
 

This is a part of the business in which Zambeef believes it is best-in-class. In order to ensure the supply matches the increase in demand Zambeef will continue to invest in these parts of the business where the returns are most attractive. This period has seen the successful completion of the new USD1.5m rotary milking parlour at Kalundu Dairy.

The USD1.2m expansion of the egg laying operations was completed at the start of this period which increased the point-of-lays from 153,000 to 273,000, allowing for strong growth in the egg division sales.

The chicken operations will also benefit from the investment of USD1.7m in the expansion of the hatchery capacity by 46 per

cent., which became fully operational at the end of May 2017. In addition, USD0.7m is being spent on increasing broiler chicken slaughtering capacity by 20 per cent. This is expected to be in full operation by the end of June 2017, and will allow us to better service demand for whole birds and chicken portions.

Stock Feed

Zambeef's stock feed operation, which trades under the brand name Novatek, has firmly established itself as the market leader in the stock feed industry in Zambia and is expanding on the number of countries it is currently exporting to. This business ties in very closely with the chicken business and the retailing expansion of Zambeef. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, Novatek increased volumes by 2.7 per cent. from 71,737 M.T. to 73,679 M.T.

With the soft commodity prices reducing for the new crop being harvested, feedstock prices have come down and it is pleasing to see that Novatek's gross margins in April have normalised. This reduction in stock feed prices will benefit the whole livestock sector and is expected to positively impact the demand for stock feed. The demand for stock feed is expected to increase as a result of:

   --      Reduced feed prices due to lower soft commodities/raw material prices; 

-- Increased demand by the livestock sector from increases in consumption of proteins as protein prices continue to fall;

   --      Increased demand from Zambeef from the expansion of the poultry operations; and 
   --      Export demand 

The Novatek plant in Lusaka is currently operating at full capacity. In order to meet the expected increase in stock feed demand, Zambeef will be commissioning a brand new state-of-the-art mill at Mpongwe Farm in June 2017. This plant will be capable of producing 12,000 M.T. of feed per month, almost doubling the existing Novatek capacity. The plant will be well positioned to service Zambia's Copperbelt and North Western provinces and the Democratic Republic of Congo demand, provide savings in distribution cost as well as secure raw materials competitively from the region. The capex to complete this plant in the current financial year is budgeted at USD2.8m, taking the total project cost to USD8.5m.

Arable Cropping

The Mpongwe arable farming operations remain world-class. The microclimate, irrigation facilities and soils make this farm a unique farming asset which achieves yields comparable with the best farming areas in the world. The directors estimate there is an additional 5,000 ha of land on the Mpongwe estate which could be bought into crop production and as part of a strategic review of all Zambeef farms they are considering how best to achieve this. The unique yields being achieved at Mpongwe have resulted in the Board considering the disposal of some of its other farmland assets to facilitate the expansion of its future farming activities at Mpongwe. Options being considered include the sale of Chiawa and or Sinazongwe farms in the southern Zambezi Valley.

This year has seen soft commodity prices drop severely which has impacted the arable cropping results. Despite yields being ahead of budget and costs being on budget, gross profits are down 213 per cent. in USD in the six month period to 31(st) March 2017, with soya prices having dropped from around USD525/M.T. in 2016 to USD360/M.T. during the period for the new crop. It is disappointing that although the operational performance of the farms has been strong, this is not reflected in the financial performance. Although this drop in soft commodities is disappointing for the farming operations and has materially affected the Zambeef results in this half year, it will be beneficial for the stock feed and livestock sectors going forward with the winter wheat crop normally the most profitable crop grown.

Outlook

Zambeef has a clear strategy which it continues to execute. This includes:

-- Consistent revenue growth through expanding the retail network and addressing supply side constraints in Cold Chain Food Product and stock feed operations;

-- Margin improvements by investing capex in high margin parts of the business while tightly controlling administration costs;

   --      De-risking the business through maintaining acceptable/comfortable gearing levels; and 
   --      Improving cash conversion from strong working capital control and tight control on capex. 

As part of this strategy Zambeef will continue to explore opportunities to dispose of assets in areas where it does not consider itself best-in-class. The resulting cash will be used to reduce gearing further and will be invested in those parts of the business which can best enhance shareholder value.

Despite reporting disappointing results for the period with Profit After Tax down from ZMW65m to ZMW0.5m for the period, it is largely as a result of the significant impact from the major drop in soft commodity prices and consequently falls outside of the Company's control. Against this macro economic backdrop, the operational performance of the business has remained robust. Overheads in the business have been tightly controlled, increasing by only 1.8 per cent. in ZMW over the same period last year.

The Retail, distribution and Cold Chain Food Product operations have performed well in a challenging macroeconomic environment, although margins have been under significant pressure. In addition, the farming and stock feed operations have performed well operationally, but have been impacted by the soft commodity price movements.

With the macroeconomic environment improving and the drop in commodity prices having now been priced in, we are confident that cheaper raw material prices will benefit our stock feed and livestock divisions and lead to increased demand as well as an improvement in gross margins in these businesses in the second half of our financial year. Margins in April were encouraging. Our retail business should benefit from an uplift in consumer spending and also enjoy additional geographic sales growth in the second half of the year from the eight Zambeef and three Shoprite stores expected to open. We anticipate that margins in the dairy products and egg businesses should also improve over the next six months. As the Zambian grains market is fairly illiquid and it is not easy to hedge production through forward sales except at discounted pricing, the Cropping division second half result could be impacted by any further weakness in grain prices.

It has been a very busy period with the construction and fit out of a number of Macro stores and the opening of additional Shoprite concessions, the commissioning of the new dairy parlour, work on completing the second stock feed plant at Mpongwe and the expansion of the broiler breeder farm, hatchery and broiler operations. In addition, the flour milling, pork and beef operations have seen continued volume growth. We feel incredibly proud of the entire Zambeef workforce for the dedication and determination in making this possible. In addition, we would like to thank our Chairman, Dr. Jacob Mwanza, as well as our Board of Directors for their valuable guidance and support.

Carl Irwin/Francis Grogan

Joint CEOs

6(th) June 2017

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The first six months of the 2017 financial year have seen the Zambeef business continue to grow, but margins have remained under significant pressure. Turnover for the Group increased by 3.5 per cent. in ZMW from ZMW1,122 to ZMW1,161m (19.8 per cent. in USD), while Gross Profit margins reduced from 40 per cent. to 33 per cent., resulting in Gross Profits reducing by 15.3 per cent. in ZMW from ZMW446m to ZMW378m (2.02 per cent. in USD).. The Group has tightly controlled its overheads despite the inflation rate starting the period at 18.9 per cent., and overheads increased by only 1.8 per cent. in ZMW (17.7 per cent. in USD). EBITDA margin reduced from 14.1 per cent. to 7.3 per cent., and operating profits decreased by 64 per cent. in ZMW from ZMW122m to ZMW44m (58 per cent. in USD from USD10.7m to USD4.5m).

The ZMW73.3m (USD6.2m) fall in EBITDA is largely driven by the material drop in global and local soft commodity prices with Zambian soya prices dropping from USD535/M.T. at the end of March 2016 to USD360/M.T. at the end of March 2017. Consequently, this has had a negative impact on both the Cropping and the stock feed divisions. Zambeef produced in excess of 40,000 M.T. of soya in this period and therefore the impact of the drop in soya prices on revenue was around USD4m but a strong underlying operational performance by the cropping division has resulted in a net reduction in gross profit of ZMW25.9m (equivalent to USD2.7m). Furthermore,, stock feed margins have been adversely impacted by the fall in stock feed prices as competitors sought to liquidate high priced 2016 old crop stocks of raw materials ahead of the new crop harvest in April/May 2017. Stock feed gross profits fell from ZMW103m to ZMW62m and in USD from USD9.1m to USD6.4m. Gross margins were also impacted by operational difficulties in our Kalundu dairy unit leading which resulted in gross profits from our Dairy products reducing by ZMW10.9m (equivalent to USD1.1m).

Interest costs reduced by 25 per cent. in ZMW (13 per cent. in USD) as a result of lower debt levels although interest rates increased. As a result, Zambeef's PAT excluding discontinued operations reduced from ZMW68m to ZMW5m (USD6m to USD0.5m).

The highlight of this period was the strong 26.1 per cent. (in ZMW) sales growth in the Retail and Cold Chain Food Products division. Zambeef has firmly established itself as best-in-class in terms of its production and distribution of the Cold Chain Food Products delivering a very satisfactory EBITDA margin of 8.5 per cent. which compares favourably with benchmark returns across the cold chain foods and retail sector, in what has been a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The focus for the next six months will be on:

-- Continuing to expand the footprint and sales of the Retail network, which will drive sales of our Cold Chain Food Production business and stock feed operations. (Eight Zambeef Macros and four Shoprite stores are expected to open before the end of the financial year);

-- Commissioning the new Kitwe Cold Chain Food distribution hub which will increase capacity and improve distribution efficiencies in the Copperbelt and North Western Province operations (completion expected September 2017);

-- Completing the expansion of the broiler breeding farms and hatchery to increase day-old chick production from 210,000 birds per week to 310,000 birds per week (completion expected end of May 2017);

-- Expand the broiler processing operations to increase production by 30,000 birds per week to 160,000 birds per week (completion expected end of June 2017); and

-- Commission the new stock feed plant at Mpongwe to bring an additional 140,000 M.T. of stock feed capacity on line (completion expected July 2017).

It will be a busy period but with an improvement in the macroeconomic environment Zambeef can expect to grow the business and improve margins over the next six months.

Exchange rate movements

This period has seen a 3.5 per cent appreciation of the ZMW with the exchange rate, starting the period at 10.01 ZMW/USD and closing the period at 9.66 ZMW/USD. The table below shows the comparative exchange rates over the periods:

 
                                  ZMW/USD 
  Closing Rate 30th September 
   2015                            12.02 
  Closing Rate 31st March 2016     11.16 
  Closing Rate 30th September 
   2016                            10.01 
  Closing Rate 31st March 2017      9.66 
 ------------------------------  -------- 
 
  Average Rate for 6 months 
   to 31st March 2016              11.35 
  Average Rate for 6 months 
   to 31st March 2017               9.81 
  Average Rate for year ended 
   30th September 2016             10.83 
 ------------------------------  -------- 
 

The appreciating currency has impacted the arable farming and stock feed gross profits, as the ZMW value realised for USD priced commodities reduced as the ZMW appreciated. The brought forward commodities at the beginning of the period were:

 
                    USD'000   ZMW'000 
                   --------  --------- 
 Standing Crops       6,031     60,377 
 Stocks (Grains)     35,617    356,529 
-----------------  --------  --------- 
            Total    41,648    416,906 
                   --------  --------- 
 

The 3.5 per cent ZMW currency appreciation has resulted in the value of these commodities in ZMW, reducing by ZMW14.6m (USD1.5m). This is partially offset by the realised and unrealised exchange gains of ZMW6.7m (USD0.7m) on the dollar debt.

The stabilisation of the ZMW during this period following a very volatile period in 2015 and 2016 has been welcomed, and this relative stability is expected to continue.

ADMINISTRATION AND OVERHEAD COSTS

Management has continued to place a strong emphasis on cost control in the business and it is pleasing to report that costs excluding depreciation as a percentage of turnover have again reduced, moving from 25.6 per cent. to 25.2 per cent. These overheads increased in ZMW by 1.8 per cent. (USD17.4 per cent.). This is an excellent achievement when considering:

-- Fuel prices increased by 36 per cent. at the beginning of the period and were later reduced by 6 per cent.;

   --      Staff costs increased by 12 per cent.; 
   --      We have had levy and slaughter fee increases of up to 500 per cent.; and 

-- We are incurring road toll fees which were introduced at the beginning of the financial period but are increasing as more toll gates are opened and are currently running at around ZMW45,000 per day, which will have a bigger impact on the second six months.

Electricity costs have now been increased by 50 per cent. as of 15(th) May 2017, which will impact our overheads in the second six months. A further increase is expected on 1(st) September 2017. As a result, overheads will come under pressure in the second half of the year.

FINANCE COSTS

The finance costs for the Group have decreased in ZMW by 25 per cent. from ZMW60m to ZMW45m (13 per cent. in USD from USD5.3m to USD4.6m). This decrease was as a result of a large reduction in gearing over the same period in the previous year. The lower gearing was partially offset by an increase in interest rates. The table below shows the movement in the average interest rates incurred by Zambeef over the period:

 
 
               Average   Average 
                 Rate      Rate 
                (USD)     (ZMW) 
              --------  -------- 
 March 2015       4.0%     15.6% 
 September 
  2015            4.4%     16.7% 
 March 2016       6.5%     28.1% 
 September 
  2016            6.6%     27.6% 
 March 2017       7.0%     24.1% 
------------  --------  -------- 
 

We are expecting our ZMW rates to drop below 20 per cent. again, which will materially reduce interest charges. In terms of the USD debt the increase in rates has arisen from the rise in LIBOR rate.

Gearing has reduced from 57 per cent. at H1/2016 to 32 per cent. at H1/2017.

CAPITAL EXPITURE

Total capital expenditure during the period was ZMW135.3 million (USD13.8 million) against a budgeted capital expenditure of ZMW 221m (USD21m) for the year.

The main capital expenditure during the period is as follows:

   --      USD2.2m on the rollout of new Zambeef Macro outlets; 
   --      USD1.8m on new Kalundu Dairy rotary milking parlour and upgrades to milk processing plant; 
   --      USD1.2m on the new Mpongwe stock feed plant; 
   --      USD1.5m on the expansion of the Zamhatch hatchery and breeder farm; 
   --      USD0.6m for the expansion of the Zam Chick processing plant; 
   --      USD0.4m on the new Kitwe Processing Plant 
   --      USD0.9m for the Zampalm palm project; and 
   --      USD2.8m for farming replacement capex. 

This capex is being focused towards the expansion of the retail network as well as putting extra capacity into the Cold Chain Food Product and stock feed divisions to meet the increased demand. Capex will continue to be targeted at high return parts of the business with the view to increase margins in the business.

TERM FINANCE

In order to finance the remainder of the capital expenditure to be incurred in the year, a loan of USD15m was drawn down from DEG on 17(th) May 2017. This loan is repayable over six years with semi-annual payments of USD1.25m starting in March 2018. The interest rate is six month USD LIBOR plus 5.75 per cent.

In the first six months of the year term debt totalling USD5.8m was repaid. A further USD5.1m will be paid in the next six months. Debt servicing will then reduce to USD8.0m in 2018.

DIVISIONAL PERFORMANCE

In order to give more clarity into the performance of the key activities of Zambeef, the results for the key business divisions are now being reported to EBITDA level. The directors have elected to consolidate the reporting of the Retail and Cold Chain Food Processing activities given that in the period 94.2 per cent. (prior period 93.1 per cent.) of Cold Chain Food Processing's sales were made on an inter-company basis to the Zambeef Retail Division.

Tables 1 and 2 below provide a summary of the performance of the key business units:

Table 1: Segmental Financial summary in ZMW'000s

 
                                                               Gross                Gross 
                      Revenue             Revenue              Profit               Profit             Overheads            Overheads            EBITDA            EBITDA 
                        2017                2016                2017                 2016                 2017                 2016                2017              2016 
 Division             ZMW'000             ZMW'000              ZMW'000              ZMW'000              ZMW'000              ZMW'000            ZMW'000           ZMW'000 
--------------  ------------------  ------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 Retailing                 818,963             642,885 
 CCFP                      653,811             536,662 
 
   Less 
   Intra/Inter 
   Group                 (615,981)           (499,849) 
                ------------------  ------------------ 
 
   Retail 
   & Cold 
   Chain 
   Foods                   856,793             679,698              222,181              220,905            (149,392)            (139,741)            72,788            81,164 
 
 Stock 
  Feed                     324,701             364,169               62,831              103,603             (20,141)             (28,269)            42,690            75,334 
 
 Cropping                  201,901             129,404               79,745              105,667             (60,309)             (56,597)            19,436            49,070 
 
 Others                     79,009             107,364               12,868               15,737             (10,612)              (9,015)             2,256             6,722 
 
 Total                   1,462,404           1,280,636              377,624              445,912            (240,454)            (233,622)           137,170           212,290 
 
 Less: 
  Intra/Inter 
  Group 
  Sales                  (301,086)           (159,031)                    -                    -                    -                    - 
 less Central 
  Overhead                       -                   -                    -                    -             (52,199)             (53,951)          (52,199)          (53,951) 
 Group 
  Total                  1,161,318           1,121,605              377,624              445,912            (292,653)            (287,573)            84,971           158,339 
--------------  ------------------  ------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 

Table 2: Segmental Financial summary in USD'000s

 
                                                                 Gross                Gross 
                      Revenue              Revenue               Profit               Profit             Overheads            Overheads             EBITDA            EBITDA 
                        2017                 2016                 2017                 2016                 2017                 2016                2017               2016 
 Division              USD'000              USD'000              USD'000              USD'000              USD'000              USD'000             USD'000           USD'000 
--------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -----------------  ---------------- 
 Retailing                   83,482               56,642 
 CCFP                        66,647               47,283 
 
   Less 
   Intra/Inter 
   Group                   (62,791)             (44,040) 
                -------------------  ------------------- 
 Retail 
  & Cold 
  Chain 
  Foods                      87,339               59,885               22,648               19,463             (15,229)             (12,004)              7,420             7,459 
                                  -                    -                    -                    -                    -                    - 
 Stock 
  Feed                       33,099               32,085                6,405                9,128              (2,053)              (2,491)              4,352             6,637 
                                  -                    -                    -                    -                    -                    - 
 Crop-Row 
  Crops                   20,581               11,401                 8,129                9,310              (6,148)              (4,414)               1,981              4,896 
                                  -                    -                    -                    -                    -                    - 
 Others                       8,054                9,459                1,312                1,386              (1,082)              (1,675)                230               289 
                                  -                    -                    -                    -                    -                    - 
--------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -----------------  ---------------- 
 Total                      149,073              112,831               38,494               39,287             (24,511)             (20,583)             13,983            18,704 
                                  -                    -                    -                    -                    -                    - 
 Less: 
  Intra/Inter 
  Group 
  Sales                    (30,692)             (14,012)                    -                    -                    -                    - 
 less Central 
  Overhead                        -                    -                    -                    -              (5,321)              (4,753)            (5,321)           (4,753) 
 Group 
  Total                     118,381               98,820               38,494               39,287             (29,832)             (25,337)              8,662            13,951 
--------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -------------------  -----------------  ---------------- 
 

DIVISIONAL REVIEW

Taking each of our key business areas in turn as follows:

RETAIL AND COLD CHAIN FOOD PRODUCTION

 
                                                  Gross          Gross 
                   Revenue        Revenue         Profit         Profit       Overheads      Overheads        EBITDA          EBITDA 
                     2017           2016           2017           2016           2017           2016            2017            2016 
 Division           ZMW'000        ZMW'000        ZMW'000        ZMW'000        ZMW'000        ZMW'000        ZMW'000         ZMW'000 
--------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Retailing            818,963        642,885 
 CCFP                 653,811        536,662 
 
   Less 
   Intra/Inter 
   Group            (615,981)      (499,849) 
                -------------  ------------- 
 Retail 
  & Cold 
  Chain 
  Foods               856,793        679,698        222,181        220,905      (149,392)      (139,741)          72,788          81,164 
--------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

RETAIL & COLD CHAIN FOODS- SUMMARY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:

Following the September 2016 year end the Directors announced their decision to simplify the presentation of the financial reporting of the business and to report EBITDA for each of the Zambeef Group's key business areas. In the six month period to 31(st) March 2017, 94.2 per cent. (prior period 93.1 per cent) of Cold Chain Food Processing's sales were made on an inter-company basis to the Zambeef Retail Division and therefore the Directors have elected to consolidate the EBITDA reporting of the Retail and Cold Chain Food Processing activities.

Net Sales in the Combined Retail and Cold Chain Food Processing business increased by 26.1 per cent. in ZMW and 45.8 per cent. in USD. Gross profit grew by 0.6 per cent. in ZMW and 16.4 per cent in USD. Growth in gross profit was impacted principally because of operational difficulties within our dairy production unit, weak egg prices, a decision to grow market share leading to some margin contraction in the premium formal retail sector and a fall in beef prices. Further details are set out in the analysis of the performance of each product line.

Overhead costs increased by 6.9 per cent in ZMW and 23.7 per cent in USD mainly due to rises in transport, energy and employment costs.

EBITDA in ZMW fell 10.3 per cent. from ZMW81.1m to ZMW72.8m, whilst in USD, it increased from USD7.1m to 7.4m. The business has generated a satisfactory EBITDA margin of 8.5 per cent. (compared to prior year period of 11.9 per cent.)

RETAIL DISTRIBUTION

The Retail business has grown strongly during the period with revenue up 27.4 per cent. in ZMW and 47.4 per cent. in USD. Like for like sales in Zambeef Macro and Outlet stores increased by 21 per cent. but this was partially offset by a 5.2 per cent. fall in like for like sales through the Shoprite concessions reflecting increased competition in the premium retail sector from new retail chains. During the period two Zambeef Macro outlets were opened and three new Shoprite stores were opened in Nigeria.

The pace of our retail store roll out will accelerate over the next six months with eight Zambeef Macro outlets, three Shoprite stores in Zambia and one Shoprite store in Ghana all expected to open in this period. This expansion of the retailing operations is expected to continue to create demand for our Cold Chain Food Products and our stock feed. A total of 70.5 per cent. of Zambeef's turnover is now through its retail operations.

COLD CHAIN FOOD PRODUCTION

The Cold Chain Food Production operations include the beef, chicken, pork, fish, dairy and egg production and processing activities which primarily supply the Zambeef and Shoprite retail chains. Whilst sales across all product lines have all grown strongly during the period with turnover increasing by 21.8 per cent. in ZMW (41.0 per cent. in USD)margin fell principally as a result of operational difficulties within our dairy production unit, weak egg prices and margin contraction in the formal retail sector due to a challenging economic environment seen during the period (as described in the Joint CEOs' report).

The Cold Chain Food Product performance is analysed in more detail below.

   a)    Beef (Zambeef) 

Beef volumes increased by 8.7 per cent and revenue by 4.2 per cent. Beef remains the largest product line within the Cold Chain Food Product operations, accounting for 36 per cent. of the turnover.

However, beef margins were squeezed with Gross Profit reducing from 22.3 per cent. to 20.5 per cent principally because of a decline in beef prices in the Zambeef retail network. This was driven by consumers looking for cheaper protein in this challenging macroeconomic period.

   b)    Chicken (Zam Chick and Zamhatch) 

Turnover of our poultry business increased by a very satisfactory 35.2 per cent in ZMW over the prior period. The Zam Chick and Zamhatch operations account for 23 per cent. of the turnover of the Cold Chain Food Products division, making it the second biggest part of the Cold Chain Food Product operations, following beef. Margins were slightly down from 21.6 per cent. to 20.6 per cent as we maintained export volumes despite the strength of the ZMW.

Zam Chick processed volumes increased by 12 per cent. from 5 million kgs to 5.6 million kgs. Zamhtach increased volumes by 24.6 per cent. from 4.5 million day-old-chicks to 5.6 million during the period.

We have invested USD0.6m to increase our slaughter processing capacity by circa 23 per cent. from 130,000 to 160,000 birds per week. This upgrade should be commissioned by the end of June 2017. Demand for day-old chicks outstrips supply and as a result a further expansion of the Zamhatch operations will bring a further 100,000 on line from the end of May 2017 increasing total capacity to 315,000 day-old chicks per week. We expect the benefits of this additional volume to through to operating profit in the second half of the year.

   c)    Pork (Masterpork) 

Masterpork has shown strong growth during the period with volumes increasing by 19.7 per cent., turnover by 21.8 per cent. in ZMW (41 per cent. in USD) and Gross Profits by 134 per cent. in ZMW (171 per cent. in USD).

Masterpork accounts for 19.3 per cent. of the Cold Chain Food Products turnover. making it the third largest product line within the Cold Chain Food Products division. Gross Profit margins increased from 7.6 per cent to 14.5 per cent. in this period, but this remains the second lowest margin of the Cold Chain Food Product operations and we continue to look at how to maximise returns from this product line.

   d)    Milk and dairy products (Zammilk) 

The milk products business has shown strong growth in this period, with turnover up 34.2 per cent. Sales volumes increased by 42.9 per cent. from 6.52 million litres to 9.32 million litres. Despite this strong volume growth, operational difficulties in our Kalundu dairy unit led to a drop in milk output and a rise in the cost of goods as cows were culled and liquid milk was acquired from third parties to replace the shortfall in our own volumes. This has resulted in Gross Profits reducing by ZMW10.9m (USD1.1m) or 40.9 per cent. in ZMW versus the prior year (31.7 per cent. in USD). Following a change of management in February 2017, milk output and culling rates at Kalundu dairy have started to improve reducing Zammilk's cost of production.

   e)    Fish 

Fish is gaining popularity as a cheaper source of protein. Volumes grew by 66.9 per cent. from 0.9 million kgs to 1.49 million kgs. Changes in product mix, resulted in a 26.2 per cent. increase in ZMW turnover but a 13 per cent. decline in gross profit contribution. Fish accounts for only 4.7 per cent. of turnover within the Cold Chain Food Products division.

   f)     Eggs (Zamegg) 

The egg operations, trading under the brand name Zamegg, increased volumes by 94.0 per cent. However gross profit fell by ZMW2m with egg prices coming down sharply due to the difficulties in the Katanga Province of the DRC. This resulted in large volumes of eggs, which are normally exported into the DRC, being discarded in Zambia. This situation appears to have normalised and consequently, egg margins are now recovering. This is the smallest division within the Cold Chain Food Products accounting for 4.4 per cent. of turnover.

STOCK FEED (NOVATEK)

 
                   2017        2016                   2017       2016 
                  ZMW'000     ZMW'000    % Change    USD'000    USD'000   % Change 
                ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue           324,701     364,169     -10.8%     33,099     32,085       3.2% 
-------------- 
 Gross Profit       62,831     103,603     -39.4%      6,405      9,128     -29.8% 
 Overheads        (20,141)    (28,269)     -28.8%    (2,053)    (2,491)       0.0% 
 Operating 
  Profit            42,690      75,334     -43.3%      4,352      6,637     -34.4% 
--------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

Novatek has maintained its market share and market leadership with volumes increasing by 2.7 per cent. from 71,737 M.T. to 73,679 M.T. This has been a good performance in a challenging macroeconomic environment with sluggish demand. However, margins have been adversely impacted by the fall in feed prices as competitors sought to liquidate high priced 2016 old crop stocks of raw materials ahead of the new crop harvest in April/May 2017. The last three months have seen Zambian soya beans move from USD535/M.T. for the old crop to well below USD400/M.T for new crop. Whilst, Operating Profit has fallen by 39.4 per cent. in ZMW from ZMW103.6m to ZMW62.8m (29.8 per cent. in USD from USD9.1m to USD6.4m), Novatek has performed well in difficult circumstances. It should be noted that margins in the comparable prior year period were enhanced by a favourable raw material forward soya book

Following the fall in raw material prices, Novateks's stock feed margins have returned to more usual levels in March and April. Lower market prices and an improving macroeconomic environment are expected to stimulate demand for stock feed.

Novatek will be commissioning a second stock feed plant at Mpongwe in June 2017. The existing Lusaka plant is currently working at capacity, and we look forward to the new Mpongwe plant providing an additional 140,000 M.T. of capacity. The Mpongwe plant is well placed to supply the Copperbelt, the North Western Province and the DRC markets, and the Group will benefit from saving in transport costs.

Novatek continues to explore new markets in the region and is now exporting to Zimbabwe, Angola, DRC, Rwanda, Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique.

With margins normalising and the second stock feed plant coming on line in June 2017, Novatek is expected to grow revenues and profitability over the next six months.

CROPPING

 
                   2017        2016                   2017       2016 
                  ZMW'000     ZMW'000    % Change    USD'000    USD'000   % Change 
                ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue           201,901     129,404      56.0%     20,581     11,401      80.5% 
-------------- 
 Gross Profit       79,745     105,667     -24.5%      8,129      9,310      -2.0% 
 Overheads        (60,309)    (56,597)       6.6%    (6,148)    (4,987)      23.3% 
 Operating 
  Profit            19,436      49,070     -60.4%      1,981      4,323     -42.2% 
--------------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

This has been a tough period for our cropping division with global and local commodity prices declining following a significant build-up of stocks in most major production areas with international soya prices touching ten year lows. Furthermore, the ZMW appreciation of 3.5 per cent over the past six months has resulted in a ZMW14.6m (USD1.5m) reduction in income derived from the biological assets and inventory held at 30(th) September 2016.

The cropping division planted 12,005 Ha of soya, 2,185 Ha of maize and 500 Ha of silage for the summer season. These crops are coming off ahead of budget with over 40,000 M.T. of soya, 21,000 M.T. of maize and 24,000 M.T. of maize silage expected.

Unfortunately, the decline in soya price from USD500/M.T. the previous year to under USD400/M.T. for the current crop has resulted in a circa USD4m reduction in dollar income on the 40,000 M.T. produced in the period as the Zambian forward market is generally illiquid making hedging very difficult. However a strong underlying operational performance by the cropping division has resulted in a net reduction in gross profit of ZMW25.9m (equivalent to USD2.7m).

Cropping operations have performed operationally very well, with yields ahead of last year and variable costs on budget. Overhead costs increased by 6.6 per cent reflecting the rise in energy, repair and labour costs. The winter crop, which has just been planted, is made up of 6,374 Ha of wheat, 1,004 Ha of winter maize, 75 Ha of seed maize and 193 Ha of Lucerne. Wheat prices are expected to be similar to last year at this stage, hence we expect the cropping division to deliver a better performance in the next six months provided there is no further softening of maize or wheat prices.

OTHER BUSINESSES

 
                   2017        2016                  2017       2016 
                  ZMW'000     ZMW'000   % Change    USD'000    USD'000   % Change 
                ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Revenue            79,009    107,364      -26.4      8,054      9,459      -14.9 
-------------- 
 Gross Profit       12,868     15,737      -18.2      1,312      1,386       -5.4 
 Overheads        (10,612)    (9,015)      +17.7    (1,082)    (1,675)       -5.4 
 Operating 
  Profit             2,256      6,722     --66.4        230      (289)     -179.6 
--------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

Flour Milling: The milling operations have performed well with flour sale volumes increasing by 23.5 per cent. as we made the decision to increase volumes by selling more flour through our retail network. This strategy has worked well with retail sales in Zambeef's own retail network increasing by 163 per cent. and representing 29 per cent. of overall flour sales (13 per cent). The aim is to increase flour sales further by continuing to drive sales through Zambeef's own retail network.

Zamleather: This division has had a difficult six months, with world hide prices dropping and the market for lower grade hides being very sluggish. The number of hides processed fell by 23.7 per cent. to 43,492 hides. In addition, shoe sales decreased by 21.3 per cent. to 30,594, with purchases from the mines being slow in the period. The next six months are not expected to see any material improvements in the leather industry.

Edible oil: Following the sale of Zambeef's edible oil operations, Zamanita Ltd, to Cargill in 2015, Zambeef has continued to retail edible oil through its retail network. These sales have reduced over the last eighteen months but the Zambeef palm project started producing crude palm oil during this period. Crude palm oil output will increase as planted areas progressively come into production. The edible oils operations are not material to Zambeef's operations.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

In compliance with Division 8.3 of the Companies Act, the Directors submit their report on the activities of the Group for the six month period ended 31 March 2017.

   1.            Principal activities 

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 and flour. The Group also has large row cropping operations (principally maize, soya beans and wheat), with approximately 7,971 Ha of irrigated row crops and 8,623 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.

   2.            The Company 

The Company is incorporated and domiciled in Zambia.

Business address Postal address

Plot 4970, Manda Road Private Bag 17

Industrial Area

Woodlands

Lusaka Lusaka

ZAMBIA ZAMBIA

   3.            Share capital 

Details of the Company's authorised and issued share capital are as follows:

 
                                                       30 September 
                                 31 March 2017              2016 
                             --------------------  -------------------- 
                              ZMW'000s   USD'000s   ZMW'000s   USD'000s 
 Authorised 
 700,000,000 ordinary 
  shares of ZMW0.01 
  each                           7,000        938      7,000        938 
                             =========  =========  =========  ========= 
 Issued and fully paid 
 Ordinary shares 
 300,579,630 ordinary 
  shares of ZMW0.01 
  each                           3,006        449      3,006        449 
 Preference shares 
  - convertible redeemable 
 100,057,658 of ZMW0.01 
  each                           1,000        100      1,000        100 
                             =========  =========  =========  ========= 
 
   4.             Results 

The Group's results are as follows:

                                                                                    Unaudited                                                                     Audited 
 
                     6 months    6 months    6 months   6 months 
                           to          to          to         to      Year ended     Year ended 
                     31 March    31 March    31 March   31 March    30 September   30 September 
                         2017        2017        2016       2016            2016           2016 
 Group               ZMW'000s    USD'000s    ZMW'000s   USD'000s        ZMW'000s       USD'000s 
 Revenue            1,161,318     118,381   1,121,605     98,820       2,376,148        219,404 
 Profit before 
  taxation              5,780         590      76,954      6,780         134,592         12,427 
 Taxation charge        (556)        (57)     (8,827)      (778)        (10,798)          (997) 
 Profit from 
  discontinued 
  operations                -           -      33,592      2,960          33,592          3,101 
                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  ------------- 
 Group profit 
  for the period        5,224         533     101,719      8,962         157,386         14,531 
                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  ------------- 
 
 Group profit 
  attributable 
  to: 
 Equity holders 
  of the parent         5,519         563      90,285      7,955         137,103         12,659 
 Non-controlling 
  interest              (295)        (30)      11,434      1,007          20,283          1,872 
                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  ------------- 
                        5,224         533     101,719      8,962         157,386         14,531 
                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------------  ------------- 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)

   5.             Dividends 

There was no dividend paid or proposed for the six month period ended 31 March 2017.

   6.             Management 

The Senior Management team comprise the following:

                Francis Grogan                -         Joint Chief Executive Officer 
               Carl Irwin                         -         Joint Chief Executive Officer 
               Yusuf Koya                      -         Executive Director 
               Craig Harris                      -        Chief Financial Officer 
               Danny Museteka               -        Company Secretary 
               Mike Lovett                      -        General Manager Farming Division 
               Felix Lupindula                 -        Corporate Affairs Manager 
               Pravin Abraham                -        Chief Internal Auditor 
               Ebrahim Israel                   -        General Manager - International Retailing 
               Murray Moore                   -        General Manager - Beef and Dairy 
               David Mynhardt                -        General Manager - Sinazongwe Farm 
               Robert Hoskins Davies     -        General Manager - Chiawa Farm 
               Francis Mondomona         -        General Manager - Huntley Farm 
               Richard Franklin                -        General Manager - Zamleather Limited 
               Walter Roodt                     -        General Manager - Stock Feed 
               Harry Hayden-Payne         -        General Manager - Zampalm Limited 
               Webster Mapulanga           -       General Manager - Master Pork Limited 
               Theo de Lange                   -       Group Technical Manager 
               Bartholomew Mbao           -       Dairy Processing Manager 
               Andries Van Rensburg       -       Piggery Manager 
               Samson Lungu                   -       Flour Mill Manager 
               Charles Milupi                    -       Poultry Manager 
               Ivor Chilufya                      -       Group Financial Controller 
               Justin Rust                          -       Commercial Manager 
               Basil Webber                      -       Commercial Manager 
               Christiaan Engelbrecht       -       Commercial Manager 
               Niyaas Dalal                       -       Finance Manager - Zambeef Products Limited, Zam Chick Limited 
              Rory Park                           -       Finance Manager - Master Pork Limited, Zampalm Limited, Zamhatch Limited 
              Simon Nkhata                     -       Finance Manager - Zambeef Retailing Limited 
               Baron Chisola                     -       Financial Controller - Group Inventory 
              Shadreck Banda                  -       Financial Controller - Group Suppliers 
              Samantha Dale                   -        Group Head - Debtors and Credit Control 
              Anthony Seno                    -        Head of IT 
              Guy Changole                    -        Head of Human Resources 
              Mathews Mbasela               -        Head of Payroll Processing 
              EddieTembo                      -        Chief Security Manager 
              Jones Kayawe                     -        Head of Environment, Health and Safety 
              Field Musongole                 -       Maintenance Manager 
              Justo Kopulande                 -       CSR/PR Manager 
              Ernest Gondwe                  -       Regional Manager - Shoprite & Excellent Meats 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)

   6.             Management (continued) 
                Francis Mulenga                -        Regional Manager - Shoprite 
                Noel Chola                        -        Regional Manager - Shoprite 
                Rodgers Chinkuli               -        Regional Manager - Zambeef Outlets 
                Deon Conradie                  -        Managing Director - Master Meats Nigeria 
               Hillary Anderson                -        National Retail Manager - Nigeria 
                Lufeyo Nkhoma                 -       General Manager - Master Meats Ghana 
                Clement Mulenga               -       General Manager - Master Meats Nigeria 
   7.             Directors and Secretary 

The directors in office during the financial period and at the date of this report were as follows:

                Dr. Jacob Mwanza                    -        Chairman 

Dr. Lawrence S. Sikutwa

John Rabb

               Graham Clarke                        (Resigned 18(th) April 2017) 

David Osborne

Tim Pollock

               Francis Grogan                       -        Joint Chief Executive Officer 
               Dr. Carl Irwin                         -        Joint Chief Executive Officer 
               Yusuf Koya                             -        Executive Director 
               Danny Museteka                     -        Company Secretary 
   8.             Directors' interests 

The directors held the following interests in the Company's ordinary shares at the reporting date:

 
                         31 March 2017         30 September 
                                                   2016 
                    -----------------------  -------------- 
                        Direct     Indirect          Direct     Indirect 
 Dr. Jacob Mwanza    1,100,000            -       1,100,000            - 
 Dr. Carl Irwin          3,763    5,406,445           3,763    5,406,445 
 Francis Grogan        995,000    3,591,631         995,000    3,591,631 
 John Rabb                   -   14,000,000               -   14,000,000 
 Graham Clark                -    1,000,000               -    1,000,000 
 Yusuf Koya            245,482            -         245,482            - 
                     2,344,245   23,998,076       2,344,245   23,998,076 
                    ==========  ===========  ==============  =========== 
 
 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)

   9.             Directors' fees and remuneration 
 
                                                                                             Long 
                                                                                              Term 
                                                                     Air                   Incentive 
                                         Housing        Car          Fares                    Plan 
   ZMW'000         Salary      Bonus     Allowance    Allowance    Allowance   Medicals    2 (Shares) 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 NON-EXECUTIVE 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Jacob              825,514      -          -            -            -           - 
  Mwanza 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Lawrence           359,779      -          -            -            -           - 
  Sikutwa 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 John Rabb          308,380      -          -            -            -           - 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Graham             359,771      -          -            -            -           - 
  Clark 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 EXECUTIVE 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Francis                                 Company      Company 
  Grogan          2,978,684    5,000       House         Car       480,462       Yes       6,250,000 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
                                                      Company 
 Carl Irwin       3,151,825    5,000        -            Car       480,462       Yes       6,250,000 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Yusuf 
  Koya            3,371,278    5,000        -            -         400,385       Yes        275,000 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 Danny 
  Museteka        2,368,759   257,518       -            -            -          Yes        275,000 
---------------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ------------ 
 

In addition to the above, all Executive Directors are also entitled to a gratuity of 10 per cent. of their gross basic salary paid over the two-year contract term, less statutory deductions for tax.

The Long Term Incentive Plan 2 ("LTIP 2") has the following key terms/conditions:

a) Structure: market value option shares ("Options");

b) Exercise price: 15 pence;

c) Maximum shares: The annual award base value (number of shares multiplied by the share price on the date of grant plus number of Options multiplied by the exercise price) may not exceed three times the Executive's base salary; and

d) Vesting period: three years from 2015 to 2018; exercisable from 1 March 2018:

e) The Options can only be exercised if Zambeef achieves the following targets:

I. If the share price reaches 40 pence, then 25 per cent. of the Options become exercisable.

II. If the share price reaches 48 pence, a further 25 per cent. of the Options become exercisable.

III. If the share price reaches 56 pence, a further 25 per cent. of the Options become exercisable.

IV. If the share price reaches 65 pence, the final 25 per cent. of the Options become exercisable.

V. Zambeef achieving a debt-to-equity (gearing) ratio of less than 35 per cent. in the audited accounts immediately prior to exercising the options.

VI. Zambeef achieving a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of 1.5 in the audited annual accounts immediately prior to the exercising of the options.

VII. Zambeef generating free cash flow.

VIII. The Zambeef share price triggers set above will be considered achieved if in the 14 days immediately prior to exercising the Options, the shares have traded continuously at not less than these prices for 14 days.

IX. The Options will be exercisable at any time for 2 years after the 3-year period from the issue of the Options have lapsed.

X. The Options can only be exercised if the relevant executives are still employed by the Company.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)

   10.           Significant Shareholdings 

As at 31 March 2017, the Company has been advised of the following notifiable interests in its ordinary share capital:

 
 Investor Name              Current Position   % of Shareholding 
-------------------------  -----------------  ------------------ 
 CDC Group Plc                132,648,561           34.85% 
-------------------------  -----------------  ------------------ 
 M & G Recovery Fund           46,304,408           12.16% 
-------------------------  -----------------  ------------------ 
 National Pension Scheme 
  Authority (Zambia)           24,979,819            6.56% 
-------------------------  -----------------  ------------------ 
 Rhodora                       25,379,180            6.67% 
-------------------------  -----------------  ------------------ 
 SQM Frontier Management       15,489,554            4.07% 
-------------------------  -----------------  ------------------ 
 Sussex Trust                  14,000,000            3.68% 
-------------------------  -----------------  ------------------ 
 

.

   11.           Employees 

The Group employed an average number of employees of 6,854 (30 September 2016 - 6,253; 31 March 2016 - 6,200) and total salaries and wages were ZMW173 million (USD17.7 million) for the six month period to 31 March 2017 (30 September 2016 - ZMW307 million [USD28.3 million], 31 March 2016 - ZMW139.3 million [USD12.3 million]).

The average number of persons employed by the Group in each month of the 6 month period is as follows:

 
 October 
  2016         6,754 
------------  ------ 
 November 
  2016         6,900 
------------  ------ 
 December 
  2016         7,023 
------------  ------ 
 January 
  2017         6,826 
------------  ------ 
 February 
  2017         6,756 
------------  ------ 
 March 2017    6,864 
------------  ------ 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)

   12.           Safety, Health and Environmental issues 

As part of some of the Group's term loans, the Group signed up to an Environmental and Social Action Plan ("ESAP"), which requires the Group to meet both local Zambian standards as well as international standards relating to the environment.

The Group provides healthcare services to its employees. The Group also supports various community activities in the areas that it operates from.

   13.           Legal matters 

There are no significant or material legal or arbitration proceedings (including to the knowledge of the Directors, any such proceedings which are pending or threatened, by or against the Company or any subsidiary of the Group) which may have or have had during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of this document a significant or material effect on the financial position or profitability of the Company or any member of the Group

   14.           Gifts and donations 

The Group made donations of ZMW1.23 million (USD0.13 million), (30 September 2016 - ZMW2.2 million [USD0.2 million], 31 March 2016 - ZMW1.27 million [USD0.11 million]) to a number of activities.

   15.           Export sales 

The Group made exports of ZMW14 million (USD1.4 million) during the period (30 September 2016 - ZMW90.7 million [USD8.6 million], 31 March 2016 - ZMW59.3 million [USD5.2 million]).

   16.           Property, plant and equipment 

Assets totalling ZMW126.5 million (USD12.9 million) were purchased by the Group during the period (30 September 2016 - ZMW178.8 million [USD16.5 million], 31 March 2016 - ZMW84 million [USD7.4 million]) which included expenditure on the palm plantation development during the period of ZMW8.8 million (USD0.9 million) (30 September 2016 - ZMW12.2 million [USD1.1 million], 31 March 2016 - ZMW6.5 million [USD0.57 million]).

   17.           Interim report 

The interim report set out below has been approved by the directors.

By order of the Board

Company Secretary

Date: 6 June 2017

6 June 2017

The Directors

Zambeef Products PLC

Plot 4970, Manda Road

Industrial Area

Lusaka

Dear Sirs

INDEPENT REVIEW REPORT OF ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

Introduction

We have been instructed by the Directors of the Company to review the financial information set out on pages 21 to 52 and we have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information.

Directors' responsibilities

The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the Directors. The Listing Rules of the Lusaka Stock Exchange and International Accounting Standard 34 require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual financial statements except where changes, and reasons for them, are disclosed.

Review of work performed

We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in the International Standards on Auditing. A review consists principally of making enquiry of Group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as test of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information.

Review conclusion

On basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial information as presented for the six month period ended 31 March 2017.

Chartered Accountants

Christopher Mulenga (AUD/ F000178)

Name of Partner signing on behalf of the Firm

Lusaka

Date: 6 June 2017

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                              Unaudited             Audited 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------------------  ------------ 
                                         Mar 2017    Mar 2016     Sept 2016 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Group                          Notes    ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 Revenue                        5(i)    1,161,318   1,121,605     2,376,148 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Net gain/ (loss) 
  arising from price 
  changes in fair 
  value of biological 
  assets                          8          (91)      17,430        13,257 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Cost of sales                          (783,603)   (693,123)   (1,513,459) 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Gross profit                   5(i)      377,624     445,912       875,946 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Administrative expenses                (334,707)   (324,966)     (690,047) 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Other income                               1,243         763         1,694 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Operating profit                          44,160     121,709       187,593 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Exchange losses 
  on translating foreign 
  currency transactions 
  and balances                              6,748      15,602        58,345 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Finance costs                           (45,128)    (60,357)     (111,346) 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Profit before taxation         5(i)        5,780      76,954       134,592 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Taxation charge                6(a)        (556)     (8,827)      (10,798) 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Group profit) for 
  the period from 
  continued operations                      5,224      68,127       123,794 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Profit from discontinued 
  operations                                    -      33,592        33,592 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Total profit/(loss) 
  for the period                            5,224     101,719       157,386 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 Group profit/(loss) 
  attributable to: 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Equity holders of 
  the parent                                5,519      90,285       137,103 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Non-controlling 
  interest                                  (295)      11,434        20,283 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
                                            5,224     101,719       157,386 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Other comprehensive 
  income 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Exchange gains on 
  translating presentational 
  currency                               (10,547)    (52,198)      (86,511) 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the period                   (5,323)      49,521        70,875 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income/(loss) for 
  the period attributable 
  to: 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Equity holders of 
  the parent                              (4,308)      36,692        52,292 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Non-controlling 
  interest                                (1,015)      12,829        18,583 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
                                          (5,323)      49,521        70,875 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Earnings per share                         Ngwee       Ngwee         Ngwee 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Basic and diluted 
  earnings per share 
  from continued operations       7          1.84       22.86         41.38 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Basic and diluted 
  earnings per share 
  from discontinued 
  operations                      7             -       13.55         13.42 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 Total                            7          1.84       36.41         54.80 
-----------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                              Unaudited          Audited 
------------------------------  ------  --------------------  ---------- 
                                         Mar 2017   Mar 2016   Sept 2016 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Group                           Notes   USD'000s   USD'000s    USD'000s 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Revenue                         5(ii)    118,381     98,820     219,404 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Net gain /(loss) arising 
  from price changes 
  in fair value of biological 
  assets                           8          (9)      1,536       1,224 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Cost of sales                           (79,878)   (61,069)   (139,747) 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Gross profit                    5(ii)     38,494     39,287      80,881 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Administrative expenses                 (34,119)   (28,631)    (63,716) 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Other income                                 127         67         156 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Operating profit                           4,502     10,723      17,321 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Exchange losses on 
  translating foreign 
  currency transactions 
  and balances                                688      1,375       5,387 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Finance costs                            (4,600)    (5,318)    (10,281) 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Profit before taxation          5(ii)        590      6,780      12,427 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Taxation charge                 6(f)        (57)      (778)       (997) 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Group profit for the 
  period from continued 
  operations                                  533      6,002      11,430 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Profit from discontinued 
  operations                                    -      2,960       3,101 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Total profit/(loss) 
  for the period                              533      8,962      14,531 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Group profit/(loss) 
  attributable to: 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Equity holders of 
  the parent                                  563      7,955      12,659 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Non-controlling interest                    (30)      1,007       1,872 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
                                              533      8,962      14,531 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Other comprehensive 
  income 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Exchange losses on 
  translating presentational 
  currency                                  6,617      4,973      16,909 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the period                     7,150     13,935      31,440 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Total comprehensive 
  income/(loss) for 
  the period attributable 
  to: 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Equity holders of 
  the parent                                7,282     12,528      29,473 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Non-controlling interest                   (132)      1,407       1,967 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
                                            7,150     13,935      31,440 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 
 Earnings per share                         Cents      Cents       Cents 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Basic and diluted 
  earnings per share 
  from continued operations        7         0.19       2.02        3.82 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Basic and diluted 
  earnings per share 
  from discontinued 
  operations                       7            -       1.19        1.24 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 Total                             7         0.19       3.21        5.06 
------------------------------  ------  ---------  ---------  ---------- 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                                                                                      Total 
                                                                          Foreign              attributable 
                                           Preference                    exchange                 to owners 
                       Share       Share        share   Revaluation   translation   Retained         of the   Non-controlling       Total 
                     capital     premium      capital       reserve       reserve   earnings         parent          interest      equity 
                    ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s     ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s          ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 At 1 October 
  2015                 2,480     506,277            -       504,671       188,332    239,449      1,441,209            34,083   1,475,292 
 Profit for the 
  period                   -           -            -             -             -     90,285         90,285            11,434     101,719 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation             -           -            -       (6,278)             -      6,278              -                 -           - 
 Consolidation of 
  Zamhatch 
  Limited                  -           -            -             -             -          -              -            24,800      24,800 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Exchange gains 
  on 
  translating 
  presentational 
  currency                 -           -            -             -      (53,593)          -       (53,593)             1,395    (52,198) 
                   ---------  ----------               ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                   -           -            -       (6,278)      (53,593)    96,563          36,692            37,629      74,321 
                   ---------  ----------               ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 At 31 March 2016      2,480     506,277            -       498,393       134,739    336,012      1,477,901            71,712   1,549,613 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                   -           -            -             -             -     46,818         46,818             8,849      55,667 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation             -           -            -      (12,628)                   12,628              -                 -           - 
 Removal of 
  Zamhatch 
  Limited                  -           -            -             -             -          -              -          (24,800)    (24,800) 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income:                                                                                                                    - 
 Exchange 
  gains/(losses) 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                 -           -            -             -      (31,218)          -       (31,218)           (3,095)    (34,313) 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                   -           -            -      (12,628)      (31,218)     59,446         15,600          (19,046)     (3,446) 
                                                                     ------------                            ---------------- 
 Transactions 
 with 
 owners 
 Non-controlling 
  interest 
  shares acquired          -           -            -             -             -     22,177         22,177          (60,282)    (38,105) 
 Shares issued           526     618,735        1,000             -             -          -        620,261                 -     620,261 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners            526     618,735        1,000             -             -     22,177        642,438          (60,282)     582,156 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 At 30 September 
  2016                 3,006   1,125,012        1,000       485,765       103,521    417,635      2,135,939           (7,616)   2,128,323 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                   -           -            -             -             -      5,519          5,519             (295)       5,224 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation             -           -            -       (9,318)             -      9,318              -                 -           - 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Exchange gains 
  on 
  translating 
  presentational 
  currency                 -           -            -             -       (9,827)          -        (9,827)             (720)    (10,547) 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income for the 
  period                   -           -            -       (9,318)       (9,827)     14,837        (4,308)           (1,015)     (5,323) 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 At 31 March 2017      3,006   1,125,012        1,000       476,447        93,694    432,472      2,131,631           (8,631)   2,123,000 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ---------- 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                                                                                     Total 
                                                                         Foreign              attributable 
                                          Preference                    exchange                 to owners 
                       Share      Share        share   Revaluation   translation   Retained         of the   Non-controlling      Total 
                     capital    premium      capital       reserve       reserve   earnings         parent          Interest     equity 
                    USD'000s   USD'000s     USD'000s      USD'000s      USD'000s   USD'000s       USD'000s          USD'000s   USD'000s 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 1 October 
  2015                   396    123,283            -       100,509     (161,712)     57,424        119,900             2,836    122,736 
 Profit for the 
  period                   -          -            -             -             -      7,955          7,955             1,007      8,962 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation             -          -            -         (553)             -        553              -                 -          - 
 Consolidation of 
  Zamhatch 
  Limited                  -          -            -             -             -          -              -             2,185      2,185 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Exchange losses 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                 -          -            -             -         4,573          -          4,573               400      4,973 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period           -          -            -         (553)         4,573      8,508         12,528             3,592     16,120 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 31 March 2016        396    123,283            -        99,956     (157,139)     65,932        132,428             6,428    138,856 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 Profit for the 
  period                   -          -            -             -             -      4,704          4,704               865      5,569 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation             -          -            -       (1,193)             -      1,193              -                 -          - 
 Consolidation of 
  Zamhatch 
  Limited                  -          -            -             -             -          -              -           (2,185)    (2,185) 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income: 
 Exchange losses 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                 -          -            -             -        12,240          -         12,240             (304)     11,936 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period           -          -            -       (1,193)        12,240      5,897         16,944           (1,624)     15,320 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Transactions 
 with owners 
 Non-controlling 
  interest 
  shares acquired          -          -            -             -             -      2,047          2,047           (5,565)    (3,518) 
 Shares issued            53     61,812          100             -             -          -         61,965                 -     61,965 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with 
  owners                  53     61,812          100             -             -      2,047         64,012           (5,565)     58,447 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 At 30 September 
  2016                   449    185,095          100        98,763     (144,899)     73,876        213,384             (761)    212,623 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Profit for the 
  period                   -          -            -             -             -        563            563              (30)        533 
 Transfer of 
  surplus 
  depreciation             -          -            -         (950)             -        950              -                 -          - 
 Other 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 Exchange losses 
  on translating 
  presentational 
  currency                 -          -            -             -         6,719          -          6,719             (102)      6,617 
                   ---------  ---------               ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -          -            -         (950)         6,719      1,513          7,282             (132)        7,150 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 At 31 March 2017        449    185,095          100        97,813     (138,180)     75,389        220,666             (893)    219,773 
                   ---------  ---------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ---------  -------------  ----------------  --------- 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION -- 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                              Unaudited           Audited 
                                       ----------------------  ---------- 
                                           31 Mar      31 Mar     30 Sept 
                                Notes        2017        2016        2016 
                                         ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 ASSETS 
 Non - current assets 
 Goodwill                                 166,801      15,699     157,922 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                             1,837,941   1,820,210   1,769,966 
 Plantation development 
  expenditure                             100,277      87,336      94,302 
 Biological assets                  8      51,541      34,619      48,480 
 Deferred tax assets             6(e)      41,013      24,569      28,366 
                                       ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                        2,197,573   1,982,433   2,099,036 
                                       ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Current assets 
 Biological assets                  8     373,280     370,285     187,026 
 Inventories                              372,975     277,809     544,739 
 Trade and other receivables              131,497     138,408     113,151 
 Amounts due from 
  related companies                         2,727       5,569      10,543 
 Income tax recoverable          6(c)       1,569       1,467       1,759 
 Cash and cash equivalents          9           -           -      64,806 
                                          882,048     793,538     922,024 
                                       ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total assets                           3,079,621   2,775,971   3,021,060 
                                       ==========  ==========  ========== 
 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
 Capital and reserves 
 Share capital                              3,006       2,480       3,006 
 Preference share 
  capital                                   1,000           -       1,000 
 Share premium                          1,125,012     506,276   1,125,012 
 Reserves                               1,002,613     969,145   1,006,921 
                                       ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                        2,131,631   1,477,901   2,135,939 
 Non-controlling interest                 (8,631)      71,712     (7,616) 
                                       ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                        2,123,000   1,549,613   2,128,323 
                                       ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Non - current liabilities 
 Interest bearing 
  liabilities                      10     233,589     379,957     261,734 
 Obligations under 
  finance leases                           33,433      17,582      31,485 
 Amounts due to related 
  companies                                     -      64,187           - 
 Deferred liability                        11,037       9,366      10,442 
 Deferred taxation               6(e)       8,630       7,243       4,039 
                                          286,689     478,335     307,700 
                                       ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Interest bearing 
  liabilities                      10      77,306      94,927     116,223 
 Collateral management 
  agreement                        10      68,008      75,788     118,849 
 Obligations under 
  finance leases                           22,422       9,222      19,697 
 Trade and other payables                 238,757     292,930     322,133 
 Amounts due to related 
  companies                                     -           -         313 
 Taxation payable                6(c)      12,046       5,037       7,822 
 Cash and cash equivalents          9     251,393     270,119           - 
                                                   ----------  ---------- 
                                          669,932     748,023     585,037 
                                       ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total equity and 
  liabilities                           3,079,621   2,775,971   3,021,060 
                                       ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements. The interim financial statements on pages 21 to 52 were approved by the Board of Directors on 6 June 2017 and were signed on its behalf by

)

) DIRECTORS

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION -- 31 MARCH 2016

 
                                               Unaudited          Audited 
                                        ----------------------  ---------- 
                                            31 Mar      31 Mar     30 Sept 
                                              2017        2016        2016 
                                 Notes   USD '000s   USD '000s   USD '000s 
 ASSETS 
 Non - current assets 
 Goodwill                                   17,267       1,407      15,776 
 Property, plant and 
  equipment                                190,263     163,101     176,820 
 Plantation development 
  expenditure                               10,381       7,826       9,421 
 Biological assets                   8       5,336       3,102       4,843 
 Deferred tax asset               6(j)       4,246       2,202       2,834 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                           227,493     177,638     209,694 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Current assets 
 Biological assets                   8      38,642      33,180      18,684 
 Inventories                                38,610      24,893      54,419 
 Trade and other receivables                13,613      12,402      11,304 
 Amounts due from related 
  companies                                    282         499       1,053 
 Income tax recoverable           6(h)         162         131         176 
 Cash and cash equivalents           9           -           -       6,474 
                                            91,309      71,105      92,110 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total assets                              318,802     248,743     301,804 
                                        ==========  ==========  ========== 
 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
 Capital and reserves 
 Share capital                                 449         396         449 
 Preference share capital                      100           -         100 
 Share premium                             185,095     123,283     185,095 
 Reserves                                   35,022       8,749      27,740 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                           220,666     132,428     213,384 
 Non-controlling interest                    (893)       6,428       (761) 
                                           219,773     138,856     212,623 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Non - current liabilities 
 Interest bearing liabilities       10      24,181      34,046      26,147 
 Obligations under 
  finance leases                             3,461       1,575       3,145 
 Amounts due to related 
  companies                                      -       5,752           - 
 Deferred liability                          1,143         839       1,043 
 Deferred tax liability           6(j)         893         649         403 
                                            29,678      42,861      30,738 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Interest bearing liabilities       10       8,003       8,506      11,611 
 Collateral management 
  agreement                         10       7,040       6,791      11,873 
 Obligations under 
  finance leases                             2,321         826       1,968 
 Trade and other payables                   24,716      26,248      32,179 
 Amounts due to related 
  companies                                      -           -          31 
 Taxation payable                 6(h)       1,247         451         781 
 Cash and cash equivalents           9      26,024      24,204           - 
                                            69,351      67,026      58,443 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total equity and liabilities              318,802     248,743     301,804 
                                        ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements. The interim financial statements on pages 21 to 52 were approved by the Board of Directors on 6 June 2017 and were signed on its behalf by

)

) DIRECTORS

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                           Unaudited                              Audited 
 -------------------------------------------------------------  ---------- 
                                          6 months    6 months        Year 
                                                to          to          to 
                                            31 Mar      31 Mar     30 Sept 
                                              2017        2016        2016 
                                          ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 Cash inflow from operating 
  activities 
 Profit before taxation                      5,780     110,546     134,592 
 Finance costs                              45,128      60,357     111,346 
 Loss on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                            -           -       1,124 
 Depreciation                               40,810      36,630      77,784 
 Profit on discontinued operations               -           -      33,592 
 Fair value price adjustment                    91    (17,430)    (13,257) 
 Net unrealised foreign exchange 
  (gains)/losses                           (4,525)    (14,738)    (28,626) 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Earnings before interest, 
 tax, depreciation and amortisation         87,284     175,365     316,555 
 Increase in biological assets           (189,315)   (205,546)    (46,308) 
 Decrease in inventory                     171,764     124,271   (132,500) 
 Decrease /(increase) in 
  trade and other receivables             (18,346)      47,830      97,078 
 Decrease in amount due from 
  related companies                          7,816           -     (1,650) 
 (Decrease)/increase in trade 
  and other payables                      (83,378)    (63,694)    (50,200) 
 Increase in amount due to 
  related companies                          (313)      11,891    (44,165) 
 Increase in deferred liability                595         112       1,188 
 Income tax paid                           (4,368)     (2,371)     (8,850) 
                                        ---------- 
 Net cash inflow from operating 
  activities                              (28,261)      87,858     131,148 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                          (117,613)    (77,533)   (166,513) 
 Expenditure on plantation 
  development                              (8,848)     (6,512)    (12,259) 
 Movement in investments                   (8,879)           -           - 
 Proceeds from sale of assets                    -         623           - 
 Proceeds from the issue 
  of shares                                      -           -     620,262 
 Purchase of shares                              -           -   (175,075) 
 Net cash (outflow)/ inflow 
  (on)/ from investing activities        (135,340)    (83,422)     266,415 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net cash (outflow)/ inflow 
  before financing                       (163,601)       4,436     397,563 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Financing 
 Long term loans repaid                   (57,096)    (56,420)   (110,289) 
 (Repayment)/ receipt of 
  short term funding                      (47,410)     (9,492)      26,997 
 Lease finance obtained                      4,965         656      16,249 
 Finance costs including 
  discontinued operations                 (45,128)    (60,357)   (111,346) 
 Net cash outflow from financing         (144,669)   (125,613)   (178,389) 
                                        ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 (Decrease)/ increase in 
  cash and cash equivalents              (308,270)   (121,177)     219,174 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of year                      64,806   (190,648)   (190,648) 
 Effects of exchange rate 
  changes on the balance of 
 cash held in foreign currencies           (7,929)      41,706      36,280 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of year                         (251,393)   (270,119)      64,806 
                                        ==========  ==========  ========== 
 Represented by: 
 Cash in hand and at bank                   56,416      67,740      95,747 
 Bank overdrafts                         (307,809)   (337,859)    (30,941) 
                                         (251,393)   (270,119)      64,806 
                                        ==========  ==========  ========== 
 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIODED 31 MARCH 2017

 
                                             Unaudited        Audited 
                                       --------------------  --------- 
                                        6 months   6 months       Year 
                                              to         to         to 
                                          31 Mar     31 Mar    30 Sept 
                                            2017       2016       2016 
                                        USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Cash inflow from operating 
  activities 
 Loss before taxation                        590      9,740     12,427 
 Finance costs                             4,600      5,318     10,281 
 Loss on disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                          -          -        104 
 Depreciation                              4,160      3,227      7,182 
 Profit on discontinued operations             -          -      3,101 
 Fair value price adjustment                   9    (1,536)    (1,224) 
 Net unrealised foreign (gains)/ 
  exchange losses                          (461)    (1,299)    (2,643) 
                                       ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Earnings before interest, 
  tax, depreciation and amortisation       8,898     15,450     29,228 
 Increase in biological assets          (19,298)   (18,110)    (4,276) 
 Decrease in inventory                    17,509     10,949   (12,235) 
 Decrease /(increase) in 
  trade and other receivables            (1,870)      4,214      8,949 
 Decrease in amount due from 
  related companies                          797          -      (137) 
 (Decrease)/ increase in 
  trade and other payables               (8,499)    (5,612)    (4,636) 
 Increase in amount due to 
  related companies                         (32)      1,048    (4,078) 
 Increase in deferred liability               61         10        110 
 Income tax paid                           (445)      (209)      (817) 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow 
  (on)/from operating activities         (2,879)      7,740     12,108 
                                       ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant 
  and equipment                         (11,989)    (6,831)   (15,376) 
 Expenditure on plantation 
  development                              (902)      (574)    (1,132) 
 Movement in investments                   (905)          -          - 
 Proceeds from sale of assets                  -         55          - 
 Proceeds from the issue 
  of shares                                    -          -     57,273 
 Purchase of shares                            -          -   (16,166) 
 Net cash (outflow)/ inflow 
  (on)/ from investing activities       (13,796)    (7,350)     24,599 
                                       ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow 
  before financing                      (16,675)        390     36,707 
                                       ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Financing 
 Long term loans repaid                  (5,820)    (4,971)   (10,184) 
 (Repayment)/ receipt of 
  short term funding                     (4,833)      (851)      2,493 
 Lease finance                               506         58      1,500 
 Finance costs including 
  discontinued operations                (4,600)    (5,318)   (10,281) 
 Net cash outflow from financing        (14,747)   (11,082)   (16,472) 
                                       ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Decrease in cash and cash 
  equivalents                           (31,422)   (10,692)     20,235 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at beginning of year                     6,474   (15,861)   (15,861) 
 Effects of exchange rate 
  changes on the balance of 
  cash held in foreign currencies        (1,076)      2,349      2,100 
 Cash and cash equivalents 
  at end of year                        (26,024)   (24,204)      6,474 
                                       =========  =========  ========= 
 Represented by: 
 Cash in hand and at bank                  5,840      5,783      9,565 
 Bank overdrafts                        (31,864)   (29,987)    (3,091) 
                                        (26,024)   (24,204)      6,474 
                                       =========  =========  ========= 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017

   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 and flour. The Group also has large row cropping operations (principally maize, soya beans and wheat), with approximately 7,971 Ha of irrigated row crops and 8,623 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 reporting date the current portion of long term loan amounts repayable amount to ZMW167.7 million (USD17.4 million) [30 September 2016: ZMW254.8 million (USD25.5 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 information for the period ended 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2016 do not constitute statutory accounts. The figures for the year ended 30 September 2016 have been extracted from the 2016 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.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   2.             Principal accounting policies (continued) 
   (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 original prices being USD;

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

-- 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 in addition 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 repayable in 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 2016 11.35 11.16

Year ended 30 September 2016 10.83 10.01

6 months ended 31 March 2017 9.81 9.66

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.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   2.             Principal accounting policies (continued) 
                   (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 the 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 2016 17.92 17.62

Year ended 30 September 2016 29.09 31.47

6 months ended 31 March 2017 31.74 32.32

                                                                                                  Average                                 Closing 

ZMW:Ghana Cedi exchange rate exchange rate

6 months ended 31 March 2016 0.35 0.35

Year ended 30 September 2016 0.36 0.40

6 months ended 31 March 2017 0.44 0.44

   (e)            General information and basis of preparation 

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements are for the six months ended 31 March 2017 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 2016.

   (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 2016.

   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.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   3.             Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued) 

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)           Increase in the retail foot print of the Group. 

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

(d) 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 2015.

   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 2017, 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:

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   5.             Segmental reporting (continued) 

Period ended 31 March 2017

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
 Segment                      Revenue   Gross Profit 
                             ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s 
 Retailing - Zambia           731,070         61,432 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)        73,857         13,053 
 Master Meats (Ghana)          14,036          3,706 
 Retailing West Africa         87,893         16,759 
 Total Retailing              818,963         78,191 
 Beef                         232,432         66,568 
 Chicken                      149,472         32,562 
 Pork                         126,417         18,584 
 Milk                          86,378         16,859 
 Fish                          30,482          5,737 
 Eggs                          28,630          3,680 
 Total Cold Chain Food 
  Production                  653,811        143,990 
 Stock Feed                   324,701         62,830 
 Crops - row crops            201,901         79,745 
 Mill                          59,578         10,429 
 Leather                       13,355          3,590 
 Edible oils                    6,076        (1,151) 
 Total Other                   79,009         12,868 
                           ----------  ------------- 
 Total                      2,078,385        377,624 
 Less: intra/inter group    (917,067)              - 
  Sales 
                           ----------  ------------- 
 Group total                1,161,318        377,624 
                           ----------  ------------- 
 
 Central operating costs                   (333,464) 
                                       ------------- 
 Operating profit                             44,160 
 Foreign exchange gains                        6,748 
 Finance costs                              (45,128) 
 Profit before tax                             5,780 
                                       ------------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                                             Master 
                                     Zambeef   Retailing       Pork    Zampalm      Other       Total 
                                    ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 Property plant 
  and equipment 
  and plantation 
  development expenditure          1,105,237     212,287     65,705    149,980    405,009   1,938,218 
 Biological assets 
  and inventories                    565,505      45,835     21,651     51,541    113,264     797,796 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (207,229)    (82,828)      4,195        432     34,037   (251,393) 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   5.             Segmental reporting (continued) 

Period ended 31 March 2017

                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
 Segment                      Revenue       Gross 
                                           Profit 
                            USD '000s   USD '000s 
 Retailing - Zambia            74,523       6,262 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)         7,529       1,331 
 Master Meats (Ghana)           1,431         378 
 Retailing West Africa          8,960       1,708 
 Total Retailing               83,483       7,971 
 Beef                          23,693       6,786 
 Chicken                       15,237       3,319 
 Pork                          12,887       1,894 
 Milk                           8,805       1,719 
 Fish                           3,107         585 
 Eggs                           2,918         375 
 Total Cold Chain Food 
  Production                   66,647      14,678 
 Stock Feed                    33,099       6,395 
 Crops - row crops             20,581       8,139 
 Mill                           6,073       1,062 
 Leather                        1,361         366 
 Edible oils                      619       (117) 
 Total Other                    8,053       1,311 
 Total                        211,863      38,494 
 Less: intra/inter group     (93,482)           - 
  sales 
                                       ---------- 
 Group total                  118,381      38,494 
                           ----------  ---------- 
 
 Central operating costs                 (33,992) 
                                       ---------- 
 Operating profit                           4,502 
 Foreign exchange gains                       688 
 Finance costs                            (4,600) 
                                       ---------- 
 Profit before tax                            590 
                                       ---------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                                            Master 
                                    Zambeef   Retailing       Pork    Zampalm      Other      Total 
                                   USD'000s    USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Property plant 
  and equipment 
  and plantation 
  development expenditure           114,414      21,976      6,802     15,526     41,926    200,644 
 Biological assets 
  and inventories                    58,541       4,745      2,241      5,336     11,725     82,588 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (21,452)     (8,574)        434         45      3,523   (26,024) 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   5.             Segmental reporting (continued) 

Period ended 31 March 2016

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
                           Revenue       Gross 
                                        Profit 
 Segment                  ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
----------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Beef                      249,347      89,293 
 Chicken                   118,135      36,153 
 Pork                      109,369      19,993 
 Crops - Row Crops         129,404     105,667 
 Stock feed                364,176     104,846 
 Eggs                       15,672       6,275 
 Fish                       24,267       9,229 
 Milk and dairy             60,114      31,301 
 Edible oils                40,380      23,149 
 Mill                       49,768      11,456 
 Leather and shoe           17,298       3,688 
 Master Meats Nigeria       90,894      21,736 
 Master Meats Ghana         17,597       4,660 
                        ----------  ---------- 
 Total                   1,286,421     467,446 
 Less: intra/inter 
  group Sales            (164,816) 
                        ----------  ---------- 
 Group total             1,121,605     467,446 
                        ----------  ---------- 
 
 Central operating 
  costs                              (312,145) 
                                    ---------- 
 Operating profit                      155,301 
 Foreign exchange 
  losses                                15,602 
 Finance costs                        (60,357) 
                                    ---------- 
 Profit before 
  taxation                             110,546 
                                    ---------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                                             Master 
                                     Zambeef   Retailing       Pork    Zampalm      Other       Total 
                                    ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 Property plant 
  and equipment 
  and plantation 
  development expenditure          1,235,271     182,986     48,330    134,474    306,485   1,907,546 
 Biological assets 
  and inventories                    518,925      71,296     17,858     34,619     40,015     682,713 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (214,158)    (77,747)         70        359     21,357   (270,119) 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   5.             Segmental reporting (continued) 

Period ended 31 March 2016

                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
                             Revenue      Gross 
                                         Profit 
 Segment                    USD'000s   USD'000s 
-------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Beef                         21,970      7,866 
 Chicken                      10,408      3,185 
 Pork                          9,636      1,761 
 Crops - row crops            11,401      9,310 
 Stock feed                   32,086      9,238 
 Eggs                          1,381        553 
 Fish                          2,138        813 
 Milk and dairy                5,296      2,758 
 Edible oils                   3,558      2,041 
 Mill                          4,385      1,009 
 Leather and shoe              1,524        325 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)        8,008      1,915 
 Master Meats (Ghana)          1,550        411 
                           ---------  --------- 
 Total                       113,341     41,185 
 Less: intra/inter 
  group sales               (14,521) 
                                      --------- 
 Group total                  98,820     41,185 
                           ---------  --------- 
 
 Central operating 
  costs                                (27,502) 
                                      --------- 
 Operating profit                        13,683 
 Foreign exchange losses                  1,375 
 Finance costs                          (5,318) 
                                      --------- 
 Profit before taxation                   9,740 
                                      --------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                                            Master 
                                    Zambeef   Retailing       Pork    Zampalm      Other      Total 
                                   USD'000s    USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Property plant 
  and equipment 
  and plantation 
  development expenditure           110,687      16,397      4,331     12,049     27,463    170,927 
 Biological assets 
  and inventories                    46,499       6,389      1,600      3,102      3,585     61,175 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts              (19,190)     (6,967)          6         33      1,914   (24,204) 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   5.             Segmental reporting (continued) 

Year ended 30 September 2016

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
                              Revenue       Gross 
 Segment                                   Profit 
                             ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 Beef                         476,102     169,591 
 Chicken                      245,101      51,744 
 Pork                         223,810      43,934 
 Milk and dairy               126,585      65,913 
 Fish                          48,319      18,385 
 Eggs                          35,837      14,345 
 Total Cold Chain Food 
  Products                  1,155,754     363,912 
 Zamhatch                      54,464      32,341 
 Stock feed                   697,572     146,291 
 Crops                        413,391     251,860 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)       182,825      39,421 
 Master Meats (Ghana)          33,710       9,406 
 Total West Africa            216,535      48,827 
 Mill and bakery               89,243      20,571 
 Leather and shoes             33,037       9,216 
 Edible oils                   92,008       2,928 
 Total other                  214,288      32,715 
 Total                      2,752,004     875,946 
 Less: intra/inter group 
  Sales                     (375,856) 
 Group total                2,376,148     875,946 
                           ----------  ---------- 
 
 Central operating costs 
  and other income                      (688,353) 
                                       ---------- 
 Operating profit                         187,593 
 Foreign exchange gains                    58,345 
 Finance costs                          (111,346) 
 Profit before tax                        134,592 
                                       ---------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                                              Master 
                                     Zambeef    Retailing       Pork    Zampalm      Other       Total 
                                    ZMW'000s     ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 Property plant 
  and equipment                    1,161,484      192,846     62,521     46,159    306,956   1,769,966 
 Biological assets 
  and inventories                    521,212       85,922     20,414     48,480    104,649     780,677 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts                 37,193        7,991        232        738     18,652      64,806 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   5.             Segmental reporting (continued) 

Year ended 30 September 2016

                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
                             Revenue      Gross 
 Segment                                 Profit 
                            USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Beef                         43,960     15,658 
 Chicken                      22,632      4,778 
 Pork                         20,666      4,057 
 Milk and dairy               11,688      6,086 
 Fish                          4,462      1,698 
 Eggs                          3,309      1,325 
 Total Cold Chain Food 
  Products                   106,717     33,602 
 Zamhatch                      5,029      2,986 
 Stock feed                   64,411     13,508 
 Crops                        38,171     23,256 
 Master Meats (Nigeria)       16,881      3,640 
 Master Meats (Ghana)          3,113        869 
 Total West Africa            19,994      4,509 
 Mill and bakery               8,240      1,899 
 Leather and shoes             3,051        851 
 Edible oils                   8,496        271 
 Total other                  19,787      3,021 
 Total                       254,109     80,881 
 Less: intra/inter group 
  sales                     (34,705) 
 Group total                 219,404     80,881 
                           ---------  --------- 
 
 Central operating costs               (63,560) 
                                      --------- 
 Operating profit                        17,321 
 Foreign exchange gains                   5,387 
 Finance costs                         (10,281) 
 Profit before tax                       12,427 
                                      --------- 
 
 
 Operating assets/(liabilities) 
                                                             Master 
                                    Zambeef    Retailing       Pork    Zampalm      Other      Total 
                                   USD'000s     USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Property plant 
  and equipment                     116,032       19,265      6,246      4,612     30,665    176,820 
 Biological assets 
  and inventories                    58,360        8,584      2,039      4,843      4,120     77,946 
 Cash, cash equivalents 
  and bank overdrafts                 3,716          798         23         74      1,863      6,474 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   5.             Segmental reporting (continued) 

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

 
                       31 Mar 2017               31 Mar 2016              30 Sept 2016 
                ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
                             Non-current               Non-current               Non-current 
                  Revenues        assets    Revenues        assets    Revenues        assets 
                  ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s      ZMW'000s 
  Zambia         1,059,419     2,178,848     953,826     1,953,114   1,977,148     2,081,055 
  West Africa       87,893        18,725     108,491        29,319     306,296        17,981 
  Rest of 
   world            14,006             -      59,288             -      92,704             - 
                 1,161,318     2,197,573   1,121,605     1,982,433   2,376,148     2,099,036 
                ----------  ------------  ----------  ------------  ----------  ------------ 
 
 
                      31 Mar 2017              31 Mar 2016              30 Sept 2016 
                -----------------------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
                            Non-current              Non-current              Non-current 
                 Revenues        assets   Revenues        assets   Revenues        assets 
                 USD'000s      USD'000s   USD'000s      USD'000s   USD'000s      USD'000s 
  Zambia          107,993       225,555     84,037       175,011    182,562       207,898 
  West Africa       8,960         1,938      9,559         2,627     28,282         1,796 
  Rest of 
   world            1,428             -      5,224             -      8,560             - 
                  118,381       227,493     98,820       177,638    219,404       209,694 
                ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------ 
 
   6.             Taxation 
 
                                   March      March   September 
                                    2017       2016        2016 
 Income tax expense             ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
 (a)    Tax charge 
        Current tax: 
  Tax charge                       8,612      8,924      17,896 
        Deferred tax: 
  Deferred taxation 
   (note 6(e))                   (8,056)       (97)     (7,098) 
  Tax charge/(credit) 
   for the period                    556      8,827      10,798 
                               =========  =========  ========== 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   6.             Taxation (continued) 
 
                                                   March      March   September 
                                                    2017       2016        2016 
                                                ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
        Reconciliation of tax 
 (b)     charge 
   Profit/(loss) before 
    taxation                                       5,780    110,546     134,592 
   Taxation on accounting 
    profit                                         2,243     16,389      19,210 
         Effects of: 
        Permanent differences: 
   Disallowable expenses                           2,372      2,478       4,304 
        Timing differences: 
   Capital allowances and 
    depreciation                                 (3,643)    (6,223)       (167) 
   Livestock and crop valuations 
    adjustment                                     2,166    (1,123)     (3,174) 
   Other income                                      (4)      (701)       2,907 
   Unrealised exchange gains/(losses)                527    (1,102)     (6,999) 
   Unrealised tax loss                             4,951      (794)       1,815 
   Tax charge for the period                       8,612      8,924      17,896 
                                               =========  =========  ========== 
 
 (c)    Movement in taxation account 
  Taxation payable at 1 
   October                                         6,233    (2,983)     (2,983) 
  Charge for the period                            8,612      8,924      17,896 
        Arising on discontinued 
         operation                                     -          -           - 
  Taxation paid                                  (4,368)    (2,371)     (8,850) 
  Taxation payable/(recoverable) 
   at the end of the period                       10,477      3,570       6,063 
                                               =========  =========  ========== 
 
  Taxation payable                                12,046      5,037       7,822 
  Taxation recoverable                           (1,569)    (1,467)     (1,759) 
  Taxation payable as at 
   30 September                                   10,477      3,570       6,063 
                                               =========  =========  ========== 
 

(d) Income tax returns have been filed with the ZRA for the tax year ended 31 December 2015. Quarterly tax returns for the period were made on the due dates.

   (e)                Deferred taxation 
 
                                    March      March   September 
                                     2017       2016        2016 
                                 ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
  Represented by: 
  Biological valuation             14,423      8,278       9,792 
  Accelerated tax allowances       39,827     39,587      39,295 
  Provisions                      (4,624)    (3,122)     (4,580) 
  Tax loss                       (82,009)   (62,069)    (68,834) 
                                 (32,383)   (17,326)    (24,327) 
                                =========  =========  ========== 
  Analysis of movement: 
  Asset as at 1 October          (24,327)   (17,229)    (17,229) 
  Charge to profit and 
   loss account (note 
   6(a))                          (8,056)       (97)     (7,098) 
  (Asset)/liability as 
   at the end of the period      (32,383)   (17,326)    (24,327) 
                                =========  =========  ========== 
  Deferred tax asset             (41,013)   (24,569)    (28,366) 
  Deferred tax liability            8,630      7,243       4,039 
                                 (32,383)   (17,326)    (24,327) 
                                =========  =========  ========== 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   6.             Taxation (continued) 
 
                                       March      March   September 
        Income tax expense              2017       2016        2016 
                                    USD'000s   USD'000s    USD'000s 
 (f)    Tax charge 
 
        Current tax: 
  Tax charge                             878        786       1,652 
        Deferred tax: 
  Deferred taxation 
   (note 6(j))                         (821)        (8)       (655) 
  Tax (credit)/charge 
   for the period                         57        778         997 
                                   =========  =========  ========== 
 
        Reconciliation of 
 (g)     tax charge 
   Profit/(loss) before 
    taxation                             589      9,740      12,427 
   Taxation on accounting 
    profit                               229      1,444       1,774 
         Effects of: 
        Permanent differences: 
   Disallowable expenses                 242        220         397 
        Timing differences: 
   Capital allowances 
    and depreciation                   (371)      (548)        (15) 
   Livestock and crop 
    valuations adjustment                219       (99)       (293) 
   Other income                            -       (62)         268 
   Unrealised exchange 
    (gains/losses                         54       (99)       (646) 
   Unrealised tax loss                   505       (70)         167 
                                                         ---------- 
   Tax charge for the 
    period                               878        786       1,652 
                                   =========  =========  ========== 
 
         Movement in taxation 
 (h)      account 
  Taxation payable at 
   1 October                             605      (248)       (248) 
  Charge for the year                    878        786       1,652 
  Taxation paid                        (445)      (209)       (817) 
  Foreign exchange                        47        (9)          18 
  Taxation payable as 
   at the end of the 
   period                              1,085        320         605 
                                   =========  =========  ========== 
 
  Taxation payable                     1,247        451         781 
  Taxation recoverable                 (162)      (131)       (176) 
  Taxation payable as 
   at 30 September                     1,085        320         605 
                                   =========  =========  ========== 
 

(i) Income tax returns have been filed with the ZRA for the year 31 December 2015. Quarterly tax returns for the period were made on the due dates.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   6.             Taxation (continued) 
 
                                          March      March   September 
                                           2017       2016        2016 
 (j)    Deferred taxation              USD'000s   USD'000s    USD'000s 
        Represented by: 
  Biological valuation                    1,493        742         978 
  Accelerated tax allowances              4,123      3,547       3,926 
  Provisions                              (479)      (280)       (458) 
  Tax loss                              (8,490)    (5,562)     (6,877) 
                                        (3,353)    (1,553)     (2,431) 
                                      =========  =========  ========== 
        Analysis of movement: 
  Liability as at 1 October             (2,431)    (1,433)     (1,433) 
  Charge to profit and 
   loss account (note 
   6(f))                                  (821)        (8)       (655) 
  Foreign exchange                        (101)      (112)       (343) 
  (Asset)/liability as 
   at the end of period                 (3,353)    (1,553)     (2,431) 
                                      =========  =========  ========== 
 
  Deferred tax asset                    (4,246)    (2,202)     (2,834) 
  Deferred tax liability                    893        649         403 
                                        (3,353)    (1,553)     (2,431) 
                                      =========  =========  ========== 
 
   7.             Earnings per share 

Basic and diluted earningsper 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 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 2017              Mar 2016             Sept 2016 
                                                                                     USD 
                          ZMW'000s   USD'000s   ZMW'000s   USD'000s   ZMW'000s     '000s 
  Basic earnings 
   per share 
 Profit for the 
  period                     5,519        563     90,285      7,955    137,103    12,659 
 
 Weighted average 
  number of ordinary 
  shares for the 
  purposes of basic 
  and diluted earnings 
  per share                300,580    300,580    247,978    247,978    250,170   250,170 
                         =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  ======== 
 
 Basic and diluted 
  earnings per share 
  (Ngwee & US Cents)          1.84       0.19      36.41       3.21      54.80      5.06 
 From continued 
  operations                  1.84       0.19      22.86       2.02      41.38      3.82 
 From discontinued 
  operations                     -          -      13.55       1.19      13.42      1.24 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   8.             Biological assets 
                   (a)            31 March 2017 

Biological assets comprise standing crops, feedlot and standing cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and palm oil plantation. At 31 March 2017 there were 9,255 cattle (6,865 feedlot cattle, nil standing cattle and 2,390 dairy cattle) and 618,235 chickens (343,184 layers and 275,051 broilers), and 4,668 pigs. A total of 9,307 feedlot cattle, 315 dairy cattle, 4,812 pigs and 3,463,400 chickens were culled during the period. The palm plantation is in developmental stage with current plantation size of 2,911 hectares.

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
                                   Increase 
                                        due                          Gains       Decrease      As at 
                          As at          to   Gains arising        arising         due to         31 
                      1 October                   from fair      from fair 
                           2016   purchases           value          value       harvest/   Mar 2017 
                                               attributable   attributable 
                                                         to             to    transferred 
                                                   physical          price 
                                                    changes        changes   to inventory 
                       ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s        ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s 
 Standing 
  Crops                  60,377     137,602         266,533              -      (201,901)    262,611 
 Feedlot 
  cattle                 52,871      68,858          28,648              -      (114,831)     35,546 
 Dairy Cattle            46,103      12,670           1,570              -       (16,659)     43,684 
 Pigs                     4,034       5,029           1,440           (91)        (6,570)      3,842 
 Chickens                23,641     141,464           7,910              -      (145,418)     27,597 
 Palm Plantation         48,480       3,061               -              -              -     51,541 
 Total                  235,506     368,684         306,101           (91)      (485,379)    424,821 
 Less: non-current 
  biological 
  assets               (48,480)     (3,061)               -              -              -   (51,541) 
 Total                  187,026     365,623         306,101           (91)      (485,379)    373,280 
                     ==========  ==========  ==============  =============  =============  ========= 
 
                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
                                                                  Gains           Gains 
                                                                arising         arising 
                                                              From fair       from fair        Decrease 
                         As at                 Increase           value           value          due to 
                             1                      due    attributable    attributable     to harvest/     As at 
                       October     Foreign           to     to physical        to price     transferred    31 March 
                          2016    exchange    purchases         changes         changes    to inventory      2017 
                      USD'000s    USD'000s     USD'000s        USD'000s        USD'000s        USD'000s   USD'000s 
 Standing 
  Crops                  6,031         539       14,027          27,170               -        (20,581)    27,186 
 Feedlot 
  cattle                 5,282         164        7,019           2,920               -        (11,705)     3,680 
 Dairy Cattle            4,606         163        1,292             160               -         (1,698)     4,523 
 Pigs                      403          14          513             147             (9)           (670)      398 
 Chickens                2,362          92       14,420             806               -        (14,825)     2,855 
 Palm Plantation         4,843         180          313               -               -               -     5,336 
 Total                  23,527       1,152       37,584          31,203             (9)        (49,479)    43,978 
 Less: non-current 
  biological 
  assets               (4,843)       (180)        (313)               -               -               -    (5,336) 
 Total                  18,684         972       37,271          31,203             (9)        (49,479)    38,642 
                     =========  ==========  ===========  ==============  ==============  ==============  ========== 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2016 (CONTINUED)

   8.             Biological assets (continued) 
                   (b)           31 March 2016 

Biological assets comprise standing crops, feedlot and standing cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and palm oil plantation. At 31 March 2016 there were 8,235 cattle (6,027 feedlot cattle, nil standing cattle and 2,208 dairy cattle) and 289,955 chickens (204,316 layers and 85,639 broilers), and 4,694 pigs. A total of 14,784 feedlot cattle, 514 dairy cattle, 4,471 pigs and 3,313,494 chickens were culled during the period. The palm plantation is in developmental stage with current plantation size of 2,623 hectares.

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
                                                                            Gains 
                                                   Gains/(losses)         arising 
                                                          arising       from fair        Decrease 
                                                        from fair           value          due to 
                         As at     Increase    value attributable    attributable        harvest/       As at 
                         1 Oct       due to           to physical        to price     transferred    31 March 
                          2015    purchases               changes         changes    to inventory        2016 
                      ZMW'000s     ZMW'000s              ZMW'000s        ZMW'000s        ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s 
                     ---------  -----------  --------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Standing 
  Crops                 38,940      140,645               244,298         (5,596)       (148,784)     269,503 
 Feedlot 
  cattle                53,189       60,761                21,868               -       (104,349)      31,469 
 Dairy Cattle           50,361       14,010                 (760)               -        (14,821)      48,790 
 Pigs                    3,383        5,038                 1,036               -         (5,687)       3,770 
 Chickens                9,319       98,832                 2,187          23,026       (116,611)      16,753 
 Palm Plantation        34,006          613                     -               -               -      34,619 
 Total                 189,198      319,899               268,629          17,430       (390,252)     404,904 
 Less: non-current 
  biological 
  assets              (34,006)        (613)                     -               -               -    (34,619) 
 Total                 155,192      319,286               268,629          17,430       (390,252)     370,285 
                     =========  ===========  ====================  ==============  ==============  ========== 
 
                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
                                                                                     Gains 
                                                                                   arising 
                                                            Gains/(losses)            from 
                                                                   arising            fair        Decrease 
                                                                 from fair           value          due to 
                       As at                 Increase   value attributable    attributable        harvest/       As at 
                       1 Oct     Foreign       due to          to physical        to price     transferred    31 March 
                        2015    exchange    purchases              changes         changes    to inventory        2016 
                    USD'000s    USD'000s     USD'000s             USD'000s        USD'000s        USD'000s    USD'000s 
                   ---------  ----------  -----------  -------------------  --------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Standing 
  Crops                3,239         596       12,392               21,524           (493)        (13,109)    24,149 
 Feedlot 
  cattle               4,425         309        5,353                1,927               -         (9,194)     2,820 
 Dairy 
  Cattle               4,190         320        1,234                 (67)               -         (1,306)     4,372 
 Pigs                    282          22          444                   91               -           (501)      338 
 Chickens                775          71        8,708                  193           2,029        (10,274)     1,501 
 Palm Plantation       2,829         219           54                    -               -               -     3,102 
 Total                15,740       1,537       28,185               23,668           1,536        (34,383)    36,282 
 Less: 
  non-current 
  biological 
  assets             (2,829)       (219)         (54)                    -               -               -    (3,102) 
 Total                12,911       1,318       28,131               23,668           1,536        (34,383)    33,180 
                   =========  ==========  ===========  ===================  ==============  ==============  ========== 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   8.             Biological assets (continued) 
                   (c)            30 September 2016 

Biological assets comprise standing crops, feedlot and standing cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and palm oil plantation. At 30 September 2016 there were 12,536 cattle (10,191 feedlot cattle and 2,345 dairy cattle) and 628,633 chickens (418,316 layers and 210,317 broilers), and 4,784 pigs. A total of 32,015 feedlot cattle, 679 dairy cattle, 9,065 pigs and 6,935,909 chickens were culled during the year. The palm plantation is in developmental stage with current plantation size of 2,765 hectares.

                   (i)            in Zambian Kwacha 
 
                                  Increase 
                         As at         due   Gains/(losses)          Gains       Decrease      As at 
                             1          to          arising        arising         due to         30 
                       October                    from fair      from fair                      Sept 
                          2015   purchases            value          value       harvest/       2016 
                                               attributable   attributable 
                                                         to             to    transferred 
                                                   physical          price 
                                                    changes        changes   to inventory 
                      ZMW'000s    ZMW'000s         ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s       ZMW'000s   ZMW'000s 
 Standing 
  Crops                 38,940     267,586          121,993         12,587      (380,729)     60,377 
 Feedlot 
  Cattle                53,189     166,603           45,850              -      (212,771)     52,871 
 Dairy Cattle           50,361      29,208          (1,638)              -       (31,828)     46,103 
 Pigs                    3,383      10,138            1,523            670       (11,680)      4,034 
 Chickens                9,319     240,274           81,741              -      (307,693)     23,641 
 Palm oil 
  plantation            34,006      15,340                -              -          (866)     48,480 
                     ---------  ----------  ---------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total                 189,198     729,149          249,469         13,257      (945,567)    235,506 
 Less: Non-current 
  biological 
  assets              (34,006)    (15,340)                -              -            866   (48,480) 
 Total                 155,192     713,809          249,469         13,257      (944,701)    187,026 
                     =========  ==========  ===============  =============  =============  ========= 
 
                   (ii)           in US Dollars 
 
                                                                 Gains/           Gains 
                                                               (losses)         arising 
                                                                arising            from       Decrease 
                                                              from fair            fair         due to 
                                                                  value           value        harvest 
                      As at                    Increase    attributable    attributable              /           As at 
                  1 October     Foreign             due     to physical        to price    transferred    30 September 
                       2015    exchange    to purchases         changes         changes   to inventory            2016 
                   USD'000s    USD'000s        USD'000s        USD'000s        USD'000s       USD'000s        USD'000s 
 Standing 
  Crops               3,239         813          24,708          11,264           1,162       (35,155)           6,031 
 Feedlot 
  Cattle              4,425         886          15,383           4,234               -       (19,646)           5,282 
 Dairy 
  Cattle              4,190         809           2,697           (151)               -        (2,939)           4,606 
 Pigs                   282          61             936             141              62        (1,079)             403 
 Chickens               775         264          22,186           7,548               -       (28,411)           2,362 
 Palm oil 
  plantation          2,829         678           1,416               -               -           (80)           4,843 
 Total               15,740       3,511          67,326          23,036           1,224       (87,310)          23,527 
 Less: 
  Non-current 
  biological 
  assets            (2,829)       (678)         (1,416)               -               -             80         (4,843) 
 Total               12,911       2,833          65,910          23,036           1,224       (87,230)          18,684 
                ===========  ==========  ==============  ==============  ==============  =============  ============== 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   9.             Cash and cash equivalents 
 
                         March 2017             March 2016             September 
                                                                          2016 
                   ---------------------  ---------------------  -------------------- 
                     ZMW'000s   USD'000s    ZMW'000s   USD'000s   ZMW'000s   USD'000s 
                   ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Cash in hand 
  and at bank          56,416      5,840      64,539      5,783     95,747      9,565 
 Bank overdrafts    (307,809)   (31,864)   (334,658)   (29,987)   (30,941)    (3,091) 
                    (251,393)   (26,024)   (270,119)   (24,204)     64,806      6,474 
                   ==========  =========  ==========  =========  =========  ========= 
 
   (a)            Banking facilities 

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW35.137 million (2016: ZMW35.137 million) and USD5.1 million (2016: USD5.1 million) with Citibank Zambia Limited. The Citibank overdrafts bear interest rates of 2.5 per cent. above the 182 day Treasury Bill for the Kwacha facility and 1 year USD LIBOR rate plus 5.5 per cent. for the USD facility.

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW30 million (2016: ZMW30 million) and USD2 million (2016: USD2 million) with Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc. The Standard Chartered Bank overdrafts bear interest rates of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 12 per cent. on the Kwacha facilities and 1 month USD LIBOR rate plus 6 per cent on the USD facilities.

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW98.3 million (2016: ZMW98.3 million) and no USD facility (2016: USDnil million) with Zanaco Bank Plc. The Zanaco Bank overdraft bears an interest rate of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 11.5 per cent. on the Kwacha facility.

The Group has overdraft facilities totalling ZMW54.7 million (2016: ZMW42 million) and USD6.3 million (2016: USD6.3 million) with Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited. The Stanbic Bank overdrafts bear interest rate of Bank of Zambia Policy rate plus 13.5 per cent. on the Kwacha facility and 3 month USD LIBOR rate plus 5.92 per cent. on the USD facility.

                   (b)           Bank overdrafts 
 
                             March 2017             March 2016             September 
                                                                              2016 
                       ---------------------  ---------------------  -------------------- 
                         ZMW'000s   USD'000s    ZMW'000s   USD'000s   ZMW'000s   USD'000s 
 Bank overdrafts 
  represented by: 
 Zanaco Bank PLC         (85,398)    (8,840)    (96,032)    (8,604)   (14,753)    (1,474) 
 Citibank Zambia 
  Limited                (71,690)    (7,422)    (85,402)    (7,653)    (1,999)      (200) 
 Stanbic Bank Zambia 
  Limited               (100,942)   (10,449)   (108,120)    (9,688)   (14,189)    (1,417) 
 Standard Chartered 
  Bank Zambia PLC        (49,779)    (5,153)    (45,104)    (4,042)          -          - 
                        (307,809)   (31,864)   (334,658)   (29,987)   (30,941)    (3,091) 
                       ==========  =========  ==========  =========  =========  ========= 
 

(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 million), Citibank Zambia Limited (USD10 million and ZMW 8 million), Zanaco Bank Plc (USD4 million and ZMW58 million), and Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited (ZMW112.5 million).

All overdrafts are annual revolving facilities.

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   10.           Interest bearing liabilities 
 
                                                                                    30 September 
                                      31 Mar 2017            31 Mar 2016                2016 
                                  ZMW'000s    USD'000s   ZMW'000s    USD'000s   ZMW'000s    USD'000s 
                                 ----------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
 DEG - Deutsde Investitious 
  GUD Entwicklungsgesellschift 
  MBH (note (a))                     99,643     10,315     171,473     15,365     128,228     12,810 
 Zanaco Bank Plc (note 
  (b))                               26,571      2,751      33,214      2,975      33,214      3,318 
 International Finance 
  Corporation (note (d))            184,681     19,118     256,463     22,981     216,515     21,630 
 Standard Chartered 
  Bank Zambia PLC (note 
  (c))                               68,008      7,040      89,522      8,022     118,849     11,873 
                                    378,903     39,224     550,672     49,343     496,806     49,631 
                                 ==========  =========  ==========  =========  ==========  ========= 
 Less: short term portion 
  of long term funding 
  (repayable within next 
  12 months)                      (145,314)   (15,043)   (170,715)   (15,297)   (235,072)   (23,484) 
                                    233,589     24,181     379,957     34,046     261,734     26,147 
 
 
   (a)        (i)        DEG Term Loan 2 

The Group has a loan facility of USD1.795 million (2016: USD5.365 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. R/E 5063 and Lot No. 8409/M (Chiawa farm).

   (ii)       DEG Term Loan 3 

The group obtained a loan facility of USD8.25 million (2016: USD:10 million and original amount of USD10 million). 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. R/E 5063 and Lot No. 8409/M (Chiawa farm).

   (b)           Zanaco Bank Plc 

The Group has a loan facility of ZMW33.2 million (2016: ZMW33.2 million) with Zanaco Bank Plc. Interest on the loan is 13.5 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).

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   10.           Interest bearing liabilities (continued) 
   (c)            Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc 

The Group has structured agricultural facilities with an annual revolving limit totalling USD20 million (2016: USD15 million) with Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc. The purpose of the facilities is the financing of wheat, soya beans, and maize under collateral management agreements and is for 270 days. The balance on the facilities at period end was USD7.04 million (2016: USD6.79 million). Interest on the facilities is 3 month USD LIBOR rate plus 5.5 per cent. per annum calculated on the daily overdrawn balances.

   (d)           International Finance Corporation Loan 
                   (i)            International Finance Corporation Loan 1 

The Group has a loan facility of USD2.76 million (USD0.636 million in Zambia and USD0.284 million in Nigeria) [2016: USD1.909 million in Zambia and USD0.851 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.

                   (ii)          International Finance Corporation Loan 2 

The company has a loan facility of USD14.483 million and ZMW35.917 (2016: USD17.241 million in USD and ZMW42.759 million). 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).

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   11.           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.

   12.           Fair value measurement 

Fair value measurement of financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in the statement of financial position are grouped into three Levels of a fair value hierarchy. The three Levels are defined based on the observability of significant inputs to the measurement, as follows:

   --      Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities 

-- Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

   --      Level 3: unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. 

The following table shows the Levels within the hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at 31 March 2017 and 30 September 2016.

 
                                                    Level 1   Level 2    Level 3     Total 
  31 March 2017                                      ZMW'000   ZMW'000   ZMW'000    ZMW'000 
Financial Assets 
 
Other forwards exchange contracts inventory (CMA)       -       68,008       -      68,008 
Total Assets                                           -       68,008       -       68,008 
 
Financial Liabilities 
US-dollar loans                                        -         -      (245,825)  (245,825) 
Total Liabilities                                      -         -      (245,825)  (245,825) 
 
Net fair value                                         -       68,008   (245,825)  (177,817) 
 
 
                                                    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3     Total 
  30 September 2016                                  ZMW'000   ZMW'000    ZMW'000    ZMW'000 
Financial Assets 
 
Other forwards exchange contracts inventory (CMA)       -       118,849       -      118,849 
Total Assets                                           -       118,849       -       118,849 
 
Financial Liabilities 
US-dollar loans                                        -          -      (377,957)  (377,957) 
Total Liabilities                                      -          -      (377,957)  (377,957) 
 
Net fair value                                         -       118,849   (377,957)  (259,108) 
 
 
                                                    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3    Total 
  31 March 2017                                      USD'000   USD'000   USD'000   USD'000 
Financial Assets 
 
Other forwards exchange contracts inventory (CMA)       -       7,040       -       7,040 
Total Assets                                           -       7,040       -       7,040 
 
Financial Liabilities 
US-dollar loans                                        -         -      (25,448)  (25,448) 
Total Liabilities                                      -         -      (25,448)  (25,448) 
 
Net fair value                                         -       7,040    (25,448)  (18,408) 
 

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   12.           Fair value measurement (continued) 
 
                                                    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3    Total 
  30 September 2016                                  USD'000   USD'000   USD'000   USD'000 
Financial Assets 
 
Other forwards exchange contracts inventory (CMA)       -       11,873      -      11,873 
Total Assets                                           -       11,873      -       11,873 
 
Financial Liabilities 
US-dollar loans                                        -         -      (37,758)  (37,758) 
Total Liabilities                                      -         -      (37,758)  (37,758) 
 
Net fair value                                         -       11,873   (37,758)  (25,885) 
 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 in 2017 or 2016.

Measurement of fair value of financial instruments

The Group's finance team performs valuations of financial items for financial reporting purposes, including Level 3 fair values, in consultation with third party valuation specialists for complex valuations. Valuation techniques are selected based on the characteristics of each instrument, with the overall objective of maximising the use of market-based information. The finance team reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and to the audit committee.

Valuation processes and fair value changes are discussed among the audit committee and the valuation team at least every year, in line with the Group's reporting dates. The valuation techniques used for instruments categorised in Levels 2 and 3 are described below:

Foreign currency forward contracts (Level 2)

The Group's foreign currency forward contracts are not traded in active markets. These have been fair valued using observable forward exchange rates and interest rates corresponding to the maturity of the contract. The effects of non-observable inputs are not significant for foreign currency forward contracts.

US-dollar loans (Level 2)

The fair values of the US-dollar loans are estimated using a discounted cash flow approach, which discounts the contractual cash flows using discount rates derived from observable market interest rates of similar loans with similar risk. The interest rate used for this calculation is 4.81% (2016: 4.81%).

Contingent consideration (Level 3)

The group did not have any contingent consideration during the year.

Fair value measurement of non-financial assets

The following table shows the Levels within the hierarchy of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at 31 March 2017 and 30 September 2016:

ZAMBEEF PRODUCTS PLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- 31 MARCH 2017 (CONTINUED)

   13.           Fair value measurement (Continued) 
 
                                     Level 1   Level 2   Level 3    Total 
  31 March 2017                       ZMW'000   ZMW'000   ZMW'000   ZMW'000 
Property, plant and equipment: 
Land held for production in Zambia      -      397,316      -      397,316 
Office building in Zambia               -       28,091      -       28,091 
 
                                     Level 1   Level 2   Level 3    Total 
  30 September 2016                   ZMW'000   ZMW'000   ZMW'000   ZMW'000 
Property, plant and equipment: 
Land held for production in Zambia      -      397,060      -      397,060 
Office building in Zambia               -       18,666      -       18,666 
 
                                     Level 1   Level 2   Level 3    Total 
  31 March 2017                       USD'000   USD'000   USD'000   USD'000 
Property, plant and equipment: 
Land held for production in Zambia      -       41,130      -       41,130 
Office building in Zambia               -       2,908       -       2,908 
 
                                     Level 1   Level 2   Level 3    Total 
  30 September 2016                   USD'000   USD'000   USD'000   USD'000 
Property, plant and equipment: 
Land held for production in Zambia      -       39,666      -       39,666 
Office building in Zambia               -       1,865       -       1,865 
 
 

Fair value of the Group's main property assets is estimated based on appraisals performed by independent, professionally-qualified property valuers. Fairworld Properties Limited. The significant inputs and assumptions are developed in close consultation with management. The valuation processes and fair value changes are reviewed by the Board of Directors and audit committee at each reporting date.

Further information is set out below.

Land held for production in Zambia (Level 2)

Land has been valued using the direct comparison method. This method has been adopted as the most appropriate for the purpose of this valuation as there are enough comparisons available on the open market for land. The land was revalued on 30 September 2013.

The significant unobservable input is the adjustment for factors specific to the land in question. The extent and direction of this adjustment depends on the number and characteristics of the observable market transactions in similar properties that are used as the starting point for valuation. Although this input is a subjective judgement, management considers that the overall valuation would not be materially affected by reasonably possible alternative assumptions.

The fair values of the office buildings are estimated by using the direct comparison method. This method has been adopted as the most appropriate for the purpose of this valuation as there are enough comparisons available on the open market for buildings.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR DQLFBDQFZBBX

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June 07, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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