REG - AVANGARDCO INV - 1st Quarter Results
May 31, 2018
AVANGARDCO INVESTMENTS PUBLIC LIMITED
FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2018
Кyiv, Ukraine - AVANGARDCO INVESTMENTS PUBLIC LIMITED (LSE: AVGR) (the "Company" or "AVANGARDCO IPL"), the largest producer of shell eggs and dry egg products in Ukraine and Europe, today announces its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2018.
Financial Highlights
§ Consolidated revenue amounted to US$41.1 mln, an increase of 21% YoY (Q1 2017: US$34.0 mln).
§ Export revenue from sales of shell eggs and dry egg products rose by 127% YoY and amounted to US$17.3 mln, or 42% of the Company's consolidated revenue (Q1 2017: US$7.6 mln, or 22% of the Company's consolidated revenue).
§ Gross loss amounted to US$3.6 mln (Q1 2017: gross loss of US$1.6 mln).
§ Operating loss was US$12.8 mln (Q1 2017: operating loss of US$3.7 mln).
§ Negative EBITDA was US$9.1 mln (Q1 2017: positive EBITDA of US$0.1 mln).
§ Net loss amounted to US$11.4 mln (Q1 2017: net loss of US$5.3 mln).
Operational Highlights
§ Production of shell eggs totalled 664 mln units, up 39% YoY (Q1 2017: 462 mln units).
§ Sales of shell eggs amounted to 493 mln units, up 37% YoY (Q1 2017: 360 mln units).
§ Export of shell eggs increased sixfold to 200 mln units (Q1 2017: 30 mln units).
§ The average sales price of shell eggs was UAH1.76 per unit, excluding VAT, up 56% YoY (Q1 2017: UAH1.13 per unit, excluding VAT).
§ The average sales price of shell eggs in US dollar terms was US$0.06 per unit, excluding VAT, up 50% YoY (Q1 2017: US$0.04 per unit, excluding VAT).
§ The production of dry egg products amounted to 1,839 tonnes, up 68% YoY (Q1 2017: 1,095 tonnes).
§ Sales of dry egg products totalled 1,651 tonnes, up 39% YoY (Q1 2017: 1,188 tonnes).
§ Export of dry egg products totalled 1,413 tonnes, up 27% YoY (Q1 2017: 1,111 tonnes).
§ The average sales price of dry egg products was US$3.80/kg, down 28% YoY (Q1 2017: US$5.27/kg).
§ As at 31 March 2018, the total poultry flock amounted to 13.3 mln hens, down 5% YoY (31 March 2017: 14.0 mln hens).
§ As at 31 March 2018, the number of laying hens amounted to 9.3 mln hens, down 12% YoY (31 March 2017: 10.6 mln hens).
Important events:
Eurobonds: AVANGARDCO IPL continues to be in discussions with various creditor groups. As part of these discussions, the Company has begun working with an ad hoc committee of bondholders and its advisor on the proposal of the restructuring of its US$200,000,000 10.0% Notes due in 2018 (ISIN: XS0553088708). The Company expects that any restructuring of the Company's debt including the Notes will include a request to restructure the interest payments due under the Notes on 2 May 2018, 2 May 2017 and 30 October 2017. Further updates will be made available as the restructuring develops.
Nataliya Vasylyuk, Chief Executive Officer of AVANGARDCO IPL, commented:
"In Q1 2018, AVANGARDCO reported higher consolidated revenue driven by stronger export sales of shell eggs and dry egg products as its export share grew to a record 42% of the Company's total sales. We also saw further improvements in market conditions, including growth in sales price for shell eggs in both export and domestic markets. However, our gross profit was negatively affected by two main factors: an increase in domestic prices for key feed components (grain and oil crops), accounting for c.68% of the Company's сost of sales of shell eggs, along with weak prices for dry egg products in both Ukraine and globally.
To date, the average sales price for shell eggs is significantly higher when compared to recent years. Looking ahead, if it stays at the current level, it should be sufficient to offset the higher cost of sales and seasonally low sales of shell eggs due to lower domestic demand and higher supply from households during Q2 and Q3. The Company expects that these favourable price and export trends, if continue, will positively contribute to its Q2 performance."
# # #
The management team will not hold an investor and analyst conference call for this set of results due to the ongoing discussions with the ad hoc committee of bondholders.
The press release, presentation and financial statements for the first quarter ended 31 March 2018 will be available on the Company's website at: http://avangardco.ua/en/investor-relations/data-book/annual-reports/interim-reports/
# # #
Financial results overview:
Units
Q1 2018
Q1 2017
Change
Consolidated Revenue
US$ '000
41,099
34,004
21%
Gross Loss
US$ '000
(3,551)
(1,570)
-
Operating Loss
US$ '000
(12,778)
(3,704)
-
EBITDA
US$ '000
(9,058)
100
-
Net Loss
US$ '000
(11,404)
(5,342)
-
In Q1 2017 and Q1 2018, the Company conducted operations on trading grain purchased from an affiliate of Ukrlandfarming PLC at market rates. This was reflected in the 'Other activities' segment.
In the reporting period, the Company's revenues from these operations amounted to US$ 1.1 mln, with a gross profit margin of 4.6% (Q1 2017: revenue of US$ 8.0 mln, with a gross profit margin of 11.0%). Since these operations are of a technical nature and had a minimum margin, they do not affect AVANGARDCO's operating and net profit.
The exchange rates used for the preparation of consolidated financial statements:
Currency
31 March 2018
Weighted average for Q1 ended 31 March 2018
31 March 2017
Weighted average for Q1 ended 31 March 2017
US dollar to Ukrainian Hryvnia
26.544
27.320
26.976
27.061
In Q1 2018, the Company's consolidated revenue increased by 21% YoY to US$41.1 mln (Q1 2017: US$34.0 mln). This was due to the increase in sales of shell eggs and dry egg products amid the higher average sales price for shell eggs; whilst the lower average sales price for dry egg products and a decrease in revenues from grain trading had a negative effect on the Company's revenue.
In Q1 2018, the Company's export revenues rose by 127% YoY to US$17.3 mln (Q1 2017: US$7.6 mln). This was a result of increased export sales of both shell eggs and dry egg products and the higher export price for shell eggs. The share of export revenue in the consolidated revenue reached 42% (Q1 2017: 22%).
In Q1 2018, the cost of sales rose by a mere 1% YoY to US$35.6 mln (Q1 2017: US$35.4 mln). This was despite an increase in the cost of sales of both shell eggs and dry egg products by 6% YoY (per unit in US dollars) and by 8% YoY (per 1 kg in US dollars), respectively, which was largely offset by a lower volume of grain trading operations in the reporting period.
The gross loss amounted to US$3.6 mln (Q1 2017: gross loss of US$1.6 mln) as a result of revaluation of the Company's biological assets at fair value of US$9.1 mln.
In Q1 2018, the loss from operating activities was US$12.8 mln (Q1 2017: operating loss of US$3.7 mln).
Negative EBITDA was US$9.1 mln (Q1 2017: positive EBITDA of US$0.1 mln).
In the reporting period, forex gains largely from the retranslation of long-term bond liabilities were US$8.9 mln.
In Q1 2018, the Company's net loss amounted to US$11.4 mln (Q1 2017: net loss of US$5.3 mln).
Cash flow and debt structure:
As at 31 March 2018, net cash generated from operating activities amounted to US$6.7 mln (31 March 2017: net cash inflow of US$3.0 mln).
Net cash outflow from investing activities amounted to US$0.7 mln (31 March 2017: net cash inflow from investing activities amounted to US$0.4 mln).
In Q1 2017 and Q1 2018, there was no cash used/generated from financing activities.
As a result, net cash inflow amounted to US$6.0 mln (31 March 2017: net cash inflow of US$3.5 mln).
Cash and cash equivalents amounted to US$25.3 mln (31 March 2017: US$19.8 mln).
As at 31 March 2018, the Company's total debt amounted to US$373.7 mln (31 December 2017: US$366.0 mln). Net debt was US$348.4 mln (31 December 2017: US$347.8 mln).
The Company's Eurobond issue, which has a maturity date of 29 October 2018, amounted to 63% of the Company's total debt.
Segment review
Poultry flock management:
Units
As at 31.03.2018
As at 31.03.2017
Change
Total Poultry Flock
Heads (mln)
13.3
14.0
(5%)
Laying Hens
Heads (mln)
9.3
10.6
(12%)
As at 31 March 2018, the total poultry flock amounted to 13.3 mln heads, up by 40% compared to 9.5 mln heads at 31 December 2017 (31 March 2017: 14.0 mln heads); whilst the number of laying hens remained flat at 9.3 mln heads compared to year end (31 March 2017: 10.6 mln laying hens).
Shell Eggs Segment:
Units
Q1 2018
Q1 2017
Change
Total Production
Units (mln)
644
462
39%
Processing
Units (mln)
158
93
70%
Sales
Units (mln)
493
360
37%
Export
Units (mln)
200
30
>100%
Average Sales Price
UAH (excl. VAT)
1.76
1.13
56%
Average Sales Price
US$ (excl. VAT)
0.06
0.04
50%
In Q1 2018, the production volume of shell eggs rose by 39% YoY to 644 mln units (Q1 2017: 462 mln units) due to the replenishment of the laying flock during 2017, which resulted in the flock's greater productivity.
In Q1 2018, the Company increased the volume of shell eggs for processing by 70% YoY to 158 mln units (Q1 2017: 93 mln units) due to the increased domestic demand for dry egg products and a gradual recovery in the Company's export sales to its traditional export markets.
In Q1 2018, sales of shell eggs rose by 37% YoY to 493 mln units (Q1 2017: 360 mln units) driven by a sixfold YoY increase in export sales, amounting to 200 mln units (Q1 2017: 30 mln units). This was due to greater diversification of the Company's export destinations and the resumption of sales to Iraq.
In the reporting period, the share of export sales reached 41% (Q1 2017: 8%), with the Company exporting shell eggs to 15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the CIS region.
In addition to export sales, the Company sold shell eggs through domestic retail and wholesale distributors. The share of retail sales was 45% of total sales (Q1 2017: 71%), whilst the share of sales to the lower margin wholesale channel reduced to 14% (Q1 2017: 21%).
The Company has continued to develop its sales of the value-added packaged eggs under its brand 'Kvochka', including through an integrated marketing campaign. In Q1 2018, sales of the 'Kvochka' packaged eggs increased by 75% YoY to 70 mln units (Q1 2017: 40 mln units).
In Q1 2018, the average sales price of shell eggs grew by 56% YoY to UAH1.76 per unit, excluding VAT (Q1 2017: UAH1.13 per unit, excluding VAT). This price growth was driven by favorable market conditions in Ukraine as the price remained at its Q4 2017 level, rather than going down as it has in previous Q1 periods.
In Q1 2018, the segment's revenue rose by 112% YoY to US$31.8 mln (Q1 2017: US$15.0 mln) as a result of the increased export sales and the higher average sales price. The segment's profit increased by 25% YoY to US$3.4 mln (Q1 2017: net profit of US$2.7 mln).
Dry Egg Product Segment:
Units
Q1 2018
Q1 2017
Change
Dry egg products production
Tonnes
1,839
1,095
68%
Sales volume
Tonnes
1,651
1,188
39%
Export
Tonnes
1,413
1,111
27%
Average Sales Price
US$/Kg
3.80
5.27
(28%)
In Q1 2018, the Company increased the output of dry egg products by 68% YoY to 1,839 tonnes (Q1 2017: 1,095 tonnes).
In Q1 2018, sales of dry egg products increased by 39% YoY to 1,651 tonnes (Q1 2017: 1,188 tonnes) due to higher sales to both domestic and export markets.
In Q1 2018, the export of dry egg products rose by 27% YoY to 1,413 tonnes (Q1 2017: 1,111 tonnes) as a result of a gradual recovery of sales to the EU, the Far East and Middle East as well as a greater diversification of the Company's export markets.
In the reporting period, the Company sold dry egg products to 16 countries in the EU, the Far East, the MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa and the CIS. The Company continued to grow sales of its dry egg products to the EU, which amounted to 54% of its total dry egg product exports, selling to Denmark and Italy.
In Q1 2018, the average sales price of dry egg products decreased by 28% YoY to US$3.80/kg (Q1 2017: US$5.27/kg) as import restrictions in H1 2017 and stronger competition in the Company's export markets forced it to sell its dry egg products at lower prices to maintain its market positions.
In Q1 2018, despite a weaker sales price for dry egg products, the segment's revenue was up by 0.3% YoY to US$6.3 mln (Q1 2017: US$6.3 mln). The segment's loss was US$5.3 mln (Q1 2017: net loss of US$5.0 mln) and was attributed to a negative margin in the 'Dry Egg Product' segment due to the higher cost of sales against the average sales price.
- Ends -
For investor inquiries:
Valeriya Nikitina
AVANGARDCO IPL
Investor Relations Manager
phone: +38 044 393 40 50
mob.: +38 067 223 46 88
e-mail: ir@avangardco.ua
FTI Consulting London
Elena Kalinskaya
phone: +44 (0) 20 3727 1000
e-mail: avangard@fticonsulting.com
# # #
Information for editors
AVANGARDCO IPL is one of the largest agro-industrial companies in Ukraine, specialising in the production of shell eggs and dry egg products. As at 31 December 2017, the Company holds a 29% share of the industrial shell egg market and a 63% share of the dry egg product market in Ukraine. The Company's laying hens flock is one of the largest in Europe.
AVANGARDCO IPL has a vertically integrated production cycle. The Company's facilities are located in 14 regions of Ukraine and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The Company has 19 laying farms, 3 hatcheries, 10 rearing farms, 6 feed mills, 3 long-term storage facilities and the Imperovo Foods egg processing plant, which is one of the most technologically-advanced facilities for processing eggs in Europe.
The Company exports its products to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Far East, the CIS and the EU.
The Company's shares, in the form of Global Depositary Receipts, have been trading on the London Stock Exchange since May 2010. The Eurobond issue for approximately US$200 mln with a maturity on 29 October 2018 was included in the official list of the UK Listing Authority (UKLA) and admitted to trading on a regulated market of the London Stock Exchange on 1 November 2010.
# # #
Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of AVANGARDCO IPL. You can identify forward looking statements by terms such as "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "will," "could," "may" or "might", the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. We do not intend to update these statements to reflect events and circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Many factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, general economic conditions, our competitive environment, risks associated with operating in the Company's geographical locations, rapid technological and market changes in our industry, as well as many other risks specifically related to AVANGARDCO IPL and its operations.
Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
AS AT 31 MARCH 2018
(in USD thousand, unless otherwise stated)
31 March 2018
31 December 2017
ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment
349,297
334,640
Non-current biological assets
2,124
3,732
Deferred tax assets
9,160
8,662
Held to maturity investments
1,414
2,840
Other non-current assets
5
5
Non-current assets
362,000
349,879
Inventories
49,864
56,301
Current biological assets
15,768
16,160
Trade accounts receivable, net
46,100
45,376
Prepaid income tax
39
35
Prepayments and other current assets, net
9,537
8,939
Taxes recoverable and prepaid
19,740
17,849
Cash and cash equivalents
25,338
18,242
Current assets
166,386
162,902
TOTAL ASSETS
528,386
512,781
EQUITY
Share capital
836
836
Share premium
201,164
201,164
Reserve capital
115,858
115,858
Retained earnings
846,890
857,723
Effect of translation into presentation currency
(1,089,899)
(1,099,825)
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
74,849
75,756
Non-controlling interests
9,807
8,765
Total equity
84,656
84,521
LIABILITIES
Long-term loans
43,478
42,750
Deferred tax liabilities
326
308
Deferred income
1,036
1,002
Dividends payable
29,542
29,542
Non-current liabilities
74,382
73,602
Short-term bond liabilities
233,747
231,612
Current portion of non-current liabilities
96,564
91,760
Trade payables
2,043
2,298
Other accounts payable
36,994
28,988
Current liabilities
369,348
354,658
TOTAL LIABILITIES
443,730
428,260
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
528,386
512,781
Condensed consolidated statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2018
(in USD thousand, unless otherwise stated)
for the 3 months ended
31 March 2018
31 March 2017
Revenue
41,099
34,004
Loss from revaluation of biological assets at fair value
(9,063)
(209)
Cost of sales
(35,587)
(35,365)
GROSS LOSS
(3,551)
(1,570)
General administrative expenses
(2,208)
(1,930)
Distribution expenses
(1,876)
(1,597)
Income from government grants and incentives
22
22
Other operating (expenses)/income
(5,165)
1,371
LOSS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(12,778)
(3,704)
Finance income
365
572
Finance costs
(7,835)
(7,897)
Gains/(losses) on exchange
8,859
5,724
NET FINANCE INCOME/(COSTS)
1,389
(1,601)
LOSS BEFORE TAX
(11,389)
(5,305)
Income tax credit
(15)
(37)
LOSS FOR THE PERIOD
(11,404)
(5,342)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Effect from translation into presentation currency
11,539
(3,651)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
135
(8,993)
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Owners of the Company
(10,833)
(4,903)
Non-controlling interests
(571)
(439)
(11,404)
(5,342)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:
Owners of the Company
(907)
(8,789)
Non-controlling interests
1,042
(204)
135
(8,993)
Loss per share
Basic and diluted (USD)
(2)
(1)
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2018
(in USD thousand, unless otherwise stated)
for the 3 months ended
31 March 2018
31 March 2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Loss before income tax
(11,389)
(5,305)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
3,689
3,774
Change in allowance for irrecoverable amounts
5,193
(1,969)
(Profit)/loss on disposal of current assets
(1)
206
(Profit)/loss on disposal of non current assets
(21)
2
Impairment of current assets
31
34
Effect of fair value adjustments on biological assets
9,063
209
Gains realised from accounts payable written-off
2
(15)
Amortization of deferred income on government grants
(22)
(22)
Discount bonds amortization
690
566
Discount on VAT government bonds amortization
(207)
(294)
Interest income
(158)
(278)
Interest payable on loans and bonds
7,130
7,353
Gains on exchange
(4,256)
(5,724)
Operating profit/(loss) before working capital changes
9,744
(1,463)
(Increase)/decrease in trade receivables
(3,322)
14,151
Decrease in prepayments and other current assets
498
1,694
Decrease/(increase) in taxes recoverable and prepaid
910
(324)
Decrease in inventories
9,365
434
Decrease in deferred income
(1)
(1)
Decrease in trade payables
(378)
(561)
Increase in biological assets
(7,063)
(8,516)
Decrease in finance leases
-
(1)
Decrease in other accounts payable
(2,934)
(1,147)
Cash generated from operations
6,819
4,266
Interest paid
(91)
(1,223)
Income tax paid
(29)
(11)
Net cash generated from operating activities
6,699
3,032
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments and receipts - property, plant and equipment
(1,185)
(348)
Interest received
491
783
Net cash generated/(used in) investing activities
(694)
435
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows (cont.)
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2018
(in USD thousand, unless otherwise stated)
for the 3 months ended
31 March 2018
31 March 2017
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of loans
-
-
Net cash used in financing activities
-
-
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
6,005
3,467
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
18,242
12,570
Effect from translation into presentation currency
1,091
3,719
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March
25,338
19,756
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.ENDQRFSDEEFSFASEDI
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