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Anglo-Eastern Plantations

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FY2008 Annual Report · Anglo-Eastern Plantations
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a n n u a l

r e p o r

t

2008

 
Contents

Financial Highlights   

Chairman's Statement  

Financial Record 

Estate Areas  

Location of Estates  

Business Review  

Directors' Report  

Directors' Responsibilities  

Directors  

Statement on Corporate Governance  

Directors' Remuneration Report  

Auditors' Report 

Consolidated Income Statement   

Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense   

Consolidated Balance Sheet   

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  

Company Balance Sheet 

Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

Notice of Annual General Meeting  

1

2

5

6

7

8

10

14

15

16

18

20

21

22

23

24

26

47

48

50

Form of Proxy and Attendance Card                                                                                       separate attachment                                                                                          

Company addresses, advisers and website                                                                                 inside back cover

                                            
Anglo-Eastern  Plantations  Plc,  quoted  on  the  London  Stock  Exchange, 
owns,  operates  and  develops  plantations  in  Indonesia  and  Malaysia, 
amounting to some 132,000 hectares producing mainly palm oil and some 
rubber.

Financial Highlights

Revenue 
Profit before tax
- before biological asset (BA) adjustment 
- after BA adjustment 

EPS before BA adjustment 
EPS after BA adjustment 
Dividend (cents) 
Dividend (pence) 

Note: * Based on exchange rate at 7 April 2009 of $1.4751/£

2008 
$ m 

2007
$ m

174.7 

127.9

76.5 
77.9 

52.6
53.6

103.0cts 
105.1cts 
5.0cts 
*3.4p 

77.2cts
78.5cts
14.0cts
7.0p

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



       
       
Chairman’s Statement

Results
I am pleased to report a record profit for 2008 which was largely attributable to both higher average Crude 
Palm Oil (CPO) prices and production volume. Equally important, the group has expanded its total landholding 
to 132,000 ha, a 50% increase in landholding from 2007. Out of this, 40,000 ha are planted and 63,000 ha 
are available for planting. With a measured land clearing and planting programme, the group will be able to 
double its planted area in the next five years.

Group operating profit for 2008, before biological asset (BA) adjustment, was $74.1 million, 41% more than 
2007. Estate fresh fruit bunch (FFB) output for 2008 was 7% above the previous year. The increase is attributed 
by higher overall productivity and larger mature hectarage.

Profit  before  tax  and  after  BA  adjustment  was  $77.9  million,  compared  to  $53.6  million  in  2007.  The  BA 
adjustment  was  a  credit  of  $1.3  million,  compared  to  $1.0  million  in  2007,  reflecting  our  estate  valuations 
referred to in the following “Business Review” section. However, note that the BA adjustment has no bearing 
on cash generation of the group.

Earnings per share before BA adjustment increased by 33% to 103.0 cts, compared to 77.2 cts in 2007.

Financing
Our policy is to fund the group’s operations, capital expenditure and development from internally generated 
funds or from the drawdown of existing bank loans. The group is confident additional loan facilities can be 
obtained, should the necessity arise. For the two acquisitions announced in 2008, described below under 
‘Recent acquisitions’, amounting to $11.4 million, this was mainly funded via internally generated funds. Capital 
expenditure is planned for two new mills at Cahaya Pelita Andhika (CPA), North Sumatra and in Sumindo 
estate, Bengkulu, amounting to $20.5 million. The construction of the mill in Sumindo estate, Bengkulu, has 
started and is expected to be completed by 2010.

During the year, we repaid $4.2 million of our existing borrowings. There were no new borrowings.

The group’s balance sheet remains strong. The group continued to experience strong cash flow generation for 
2008, enabling it to have higher cash reserves and reduce its borrowings. As at 31 December 2008, the group 
had a cash position of US$69.4 million and lower borrowings of $35.6 million, giving it a net cash position of 
$33.8 million, compared to $23.3 million in 2007.

Our policy is to continue seeking to purchase mature and immature land to increase total landholdings.

Recent acquisitions
In 2008, the group acquired a 95% equity interest in PT Riau Agrindo Agung (RAA), an Indonesian company 
owning the rights to 15,000 ha of vacant land in Bengkulu, and a 95% equity interest in PT Empat Lawang 
Agro Perkasa (ELAP) and PT Karya Kencana Sentosa Tiga (KKST); two Indonesian companies which hold 
the rights to 14,100 ha and 16,000 ha respectively in South Sumatra. The total addition of 45,100 ha brings 
the group’s total landholding to 132,000 ha from 86,900 ha in the previous year.  While these new properties 
are all evidenced by official “rights to occupy” (a temporary title which precedes application for and grant of 
a full land title or Hak Guna Usaha (HGU)), they require detailed surveys. In addition to identifying plantable 
areas, this survey involves an assessment of the areas that ought to be set aside for local community use. 
With land available for commercial and private agriculture becoming increasingly scarce in Indonesia, this is 
an important and sensitive issue.

The peak net development cost of the total plantable area of about 63,000 ha, including the above acquisitions, 
is likely to be about $170 million to be spread over a period of five to ten years.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

 
Chairman’s Statement

Directors
The Board had undergone rejuvenation in terms of new appointments to replace long-serving directors.

Mr Peter O’Connor and Mr Ho Soo Ching, two of our long-serving independent non-executive directors, have 
retired subsequent to our twenty third annual general meeting on 31 July 2008. Mr. David Smith resigned on 
4 March 2009. Datuk H Chin Poy-Wu, our long-serving independent non-executive director, will be retiring at 
the forthcoming annual general meeting and will not be seeking re-election. The Board thank these directors 
for their service.

I am pleased to welcome the appointment of Mr. Donald Han Low as Acting Chief Executive Officer with effect 
from 26 August 2008 as well as Mr. Nik Din Nik Sulaiman as an independent non-executive director with effect 
from 1 April 2009. Brief profiles of the directors are set out in a subsequent section of this Annual Report. 
Both Mr. Donald Han Low and Mr. Nik Din Nik Sulaiman are submitting themselves for re-appointment by 
shareholders at the forthcoming annual general meeting.

Madam Lim Siew Kim, our non-executive director, will submit herself for re-election at the forthcoming annual 
general meeting.

I will submit myself for re-appointment by the shareholders at that same annual general meeting.

Outlook
Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) production as of February 2009 has been satisfactory in all estates and comparable 
to the same period in 2008. It is too early to forecast whether the performance can be sustained for the rest 
of the year.

The CPO price opened the year at $962.5/mt and ended the year at $495/mt, averaging $945/mt for the year.  
Since its peak of $1,420/mt achieved in March 2008, CPO price has fallen back sharply and hit a low of $455/
mt in October 2008. This significant price adjustment of a 68% drop from its peak is not unlike the sharp drop 
across the board experienced by other vegetable oil and commodities, especially crude oil.

In response to the sharp fall in CPO price, prevalent in the second half of 2008, the Indonesian government 
has annulled the export tax on CPO to zero with effect from 1 November 2008. The resulting tax saving has 
cushioned the impact of the CPO price decline, and this calming effect can be seen by the CPO price strongly 
supported  around  $460/mt  and  $520/mt  price  band.  Since  January  2009,  CPO  prices  have  been  steadily 
trading in the range of $495/mt and $620/mt. The industry generally feels that a long term sustainable price 
is around $600/mt-$700/mt.

The US dollar appreciated by approximately 25% against the Indonesian Rupiah in 2008, and this had an 
impact in terms of an unrealised exchange loss on the exchange reserve position. The Indonesian Rupiah 
has not experienced adverse fluctuations against the US dollar during early 2009 and we expect a satisfactory 
exchange level to be attainable for the rest of the year. To mitigate exposure to currency exchange volatility, 
the group is managing its cash in dollars and local currencies prudently, taking into consideration its dollar-
denominated borrowings and operational cost currencies requirements.

Prospects for 2009 will be challenging in view of the lower CPO price and the global recession. Market perception 
is that Indonesia will remain economically stable, in spite of the global recession, and this is expected to bode 
well as demand for basic foodstuff, such as cooking oil in the domestic market, may continue to sustain. The 
group is confident that demand for its product will be sustainable and we can expect a satisfactory profit level 
and cash flow for 2009.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



Chairman’s Statement

Dividend
The board is mindful that the group’s development programme will require a considerable capital commitment.  
In this respect, the dividend level needs to be balanced against the planned capital expenditure. The board is 
proposing to declare a final dividend of 5.0 cts in respect of 2008, representing a reduction of 64% from 14.0 
cts in respect of 2007. Shareholders choosing to receive their dividend in sterling will do so at the rate ruling 
on 26 June 2009, when the register closes. Based on the exchange rate at 7 April 2009 of $1.4751/£, the 
proposed dividend would be equivalent to 3.4p, compared to 7.0p declared in respect of 2007.

CHAN TEIK HUAT 
Chairman

15 April 2009



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

Financial Record

Income statement 

Revenue 
Trading profit 
Biological asset (BA) movement 
Exchange profits/(losses) 
Net finance income/(expense) 

Profit before tax 
Tax  
Minority interests 

2008 
IFRS 
$000 

2007 
IFRS 
$000 

2006 
IFRS 
$000 

2005 
IFRS 
$000 

2004
IFRS
$000

174,684  127,898 
52,521 
1,001 
215 
(145) 

74,064 
1,347 
1,503 
959 

79,094 
26,270 
2,312 
368 
90 

64,321 
22,201 
(35) 
(550) 
(196) 

65,676
24,934
1,950
147
(287)

77,873 
(25,891) 
(9,981) 

53,592 
(15,628) 
(6,964) 

29,040 
(9,289) 
(3,277) 

21,420 
(7,097) 
(2,140) 

26,744
(9,034)
(2,901)

Profit attributable to shareholders 

42,001 

31,000 

16,474 

12,183 

14,809

Dividend proposed for year 

(1,973) 

(5,524) 

(4,266) 

(3,514) 

(3,147)

Balance Sheet 

$000 

$000 

$000 

$000 

$000

Fixed assets 
Cash net of short term borrowings 
Long term loans 
Other working capital 
Deferred tax 

Minority interests 

Net worth 

Share capital 
Treasury shares 
Share premium and
  capital redemption account 
Revaluation and exchange reserve 
Profit and loss account 

198,855  187,023  160,823  129,518  127,302
9,357
15,079 
(5,558)
(5,454) 
(4,341)
(1,919) 
(16,698)
(21,152) 

9,091 
(3,940) 
255 
(16,941) 

59,065 
(35,719) 
(8,979) 
(23,052) 

60,803 
(27,025) 
(11,894) 
(28,450) 

192,289  178,338  147,377  117,983  110,062
(19,276)
(25,421) 
(31,558) 

(32,367) 

(20,519) 

160,731  145,971  121,956 

97,464 

90,786

15,504 
(1,785) 

15,504 
(1,785) 

15,495 
(1,387) 

15,481 
(1,387) 

15,424
(1,387)

25,022 
25,022 
46 
(22,083) 
144,073  107,184 

24,991 
2,407 
80,450 

24,955 
(9,121) 
67,536 

24,912
(6,674)
58,511

Equity attributable to shareholders’ funds 

160,731  145,971  121,956 

97,464 

90,786

Ordinary shares  in issue (‘000s) 
Earnings per share before BA adjustment (US cents) 
Earnings per share after BA adjustment (US cents) 
Dividend per share for year (US cents) 
Asset value per share (US cents) 
Earnings per share before BA adjustment (pence equivalent) 
Dividend per share for year (pence) 
Asset value per share (pence equivalent) 
Exchange rates – year end
Rp : $ 
$ : £ 
RM : $ 
Exchange rates – average 
Rp : $ 
$ : £ 
RM : $ 

39,976 
103.0cts 
105.1cts 
5.0cts 
402cts 
55.9p 
3.4p 
285p 

10,950 
1.41 
3.48 

9,735 
1.84 
3.34 

39,976 
77.2cts 
78.5cts 
14.0cts 
370cts 
38.4p 
7.0p 
186p 

9,419 
1.99 
3.31 

9,170 
2.01 
3.43 

39,958 
38.3cts 
41.7cts 
10.8cts 
309cts 
20.6p 
5.5p 
158p 

9,020 
1.96 
3.53 

9,141 
1.86 
3.66 

39,928 
31.0cts 
30.9cts 
8.8cts 
244cts 
17.1p 
5.0p 
142p 

9,830 
1.72 
3.78 

9,751 
1.81 
3.79 

39,804
34.5cts
n/a
8.0cts
228cts
18.7p
4.3p
135p

9,290
1.92
3.80

9,001
1.84
3.80

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



       
       
       
 
 
 
 
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Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review

Commodity Prices
2008 has been an exceptionally volatile year for vegetable oil prices, including CPO. The CPO price opened 
the year at $962.5/mt and continued to creep upwards before hitting its peak of $1,420/mt in March 2008. CPO 
price was steadily high until June 2008, when it fell back sharply and hit a low of $455/mt in October 2008. 
The sharp drop in CPO price is in correlation with falls experienced by other vegetable oil and commodities, 
especially crude oil. The CPO price ended the year at $495/mt, averaging $945/mt for the year. Pricing in 
CPO is the result of a complex relationship between competing oils and meals, oil seed production in both 
hemispheres, and as can be seen correlates to a certain extent with crude oil due to its biodiesel potential.

In the early half of 2008, the Indonesian government, in order to curb commodity-driven inflation, reformulated 
the export taxes on CPO to a scale tax rate ranging from 5% to 25% for Rotterdam CIF prices commencing 
from $650/mt. However, in response to the sharp drop in CPO price, of which Rotterdam CIF price dropped to 
its lowest of $455/mt in October 2008, the Indonesian government annulled the export tax on CPO to zero with 
effect from 1 November 2008. While we do not export CPO, this tax saving is passed back to producers and 
reduces the domestic ex-factory prices directly. The resulting tax saving cushioned the impact of the CPO price 
decline, and this calming effect can be seen by the CPO price trading between $460/mt and $520/mt since.

Rubber prices averaged $2,500/mt for 2008 (2007-$2,100/mt). Our small area of 409 ha of mature rubber 
contributed a pre-tax profit of $2.1 million in 2008. The newly planted 270 ha of rubber is expected to start 
production in 2011.

Valuation
In 2007 the main valuation assumptions were changed to reflect the improving outlook for palm oil and for 
Indonesia, and also to reflect increasing operating costs. In 2008, we have maintained the CPO price assumption 
at $500/mt and the discount rate is unchanged at 12%.

Indonesia
FFB production in North Sumatra, which aggregates the estates of Tasik, Anak Tasik, Labuhan Bilik, Blankahan, 
Rambung, Sungai Musam and CPA, produced 261,000mt in 2008, 1% higher than 2007. The small increase 
is encouraging, considering the mature age of the trees in Tasik, which ordinarily would become less yielding 
as the trees grow older. To counter this, the group has begun a small amount of planting young plants. Tasik 
contributed 60% of the total production in North Sumatra estates. Bought-in crop at 206,000mt was 29% more 
than 2007. The oil extraction rates at Tasik and Blankahan mills were 21.14% (2007: 20.7%) and 21.67% 
(2007: 21.9%) in 2008.

FFB production in Bengkulu (South Sumatra), which aggregates the estates of Puding Mas and Alno as well 
as three newly acquired land of KKST, ELAP and RAA, produced 186,000mt, 9% higher than the previous 
year. The absence of a more pronounced drought effect compared to last year, coupled with the improved 
road infrastructure, contributed to this improved performance. Bought-in crop increased to 128,000mt from 
117,000mt, but extraction rates for Bengkulu mill fell back to 20.5% in 2008 from 20.9% in 2007. The second 
40/60mt/hr oil mill costing $10 million, located at Sumindo estate, one of the outlying estates, is currently under 
construction and once completed it is expected to result in saving in transport costs as well as procuring more 
bought-in crop from smallholders. 

FFB production in the Riau region, comprising Bina Pitri estates, produced 79,000mt in 2008, 31% higher 
than 2007. The improved performance resulted from productivity arising from a fertilisation and rehabilitation 
programme started in 2005/6, immediately after Bina Pitri was acquired. Bought-in crop reached 109,000mt, 
almost double the 55,000mt bought-in in the previous year, as a result of the new mill operating at higher 
capacity. The extraction rates for Bina Pitri mill decreased slightly to 21.0% in 2008 from 21.2% in 2007, mainly 
due to a higher proportion of bought-in crops.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

 
Business Review

Malaysia
FFB production in 2008, at 40,185mt, was 2% above 2007. This is encouraging after a disappointing 11% 
drop experienced in 2007. The favourable CPO prices in the first half of 2008, enabled the Malaysian estates 
to contribute pre-tax profit of $1.8 million, 22% lower than 2007. By the end of 2008, the Malaysian subsidiary 
had cash of $5.5 million with no external debt.

Existing development
As announced earlier in our interim statements in 2008, two new mills were planned to be built, one at CPA in 
North Sumatra and the other at Sumindo estate in Bengkulu. Construction of the mill for the Sumindo estate is 
progressing well. The construction of a new mill at CPA has been deferred to enable the group to re-prioritise 
its resources and until investment return visibility becomes clearer. 

In North Sumatra, an additional 2,000 ha have been planted in Labuhan Bilik and CPA. In Bengkulu, the 2,000 
ha that were earmarked to be planted in 2008, have been deferred to 2009 by the slow progress caused by 
protracted compensation negotiations with neighbouring villages. It is important these are handled carefully 
and fairly. It is expected the land clearing and planting for Bengkulu will be completed by December 2009.

Land compensation and clearing, which usually takes 1 to 2 years, is progressing smoothly and steadily in 
new areas in Kalimantan.

Acquisitions
As explained in the interim statements in 2008, the group made two further land acquisitions in Indonesia.

1.	

Bengkulu
In January 2008, the group acquired for, a cash consideration of $3.7 million, a 95% interest in PT Riau Agrindo 
Agung (RAA), an Indonesian company owning the rights to 15,000 ha of vacant land in Bengkulu. The balance 
5% interest in RAA is held by the vendor, who is also the minority shareholder of PT Sawit Graha Manunggal 
(SGM), one of the group’s Indonesian subsidiaries. The location is about 120 kilometres south of the group’s 
existing properties in Bengkulu (“old” Bengkulu) and 60 kilometres north of the provincial capital, Bengkulu 
town.  It will therefore make a natural addition to the group’s existing 15,000 planted hectares and, in its early 
years, will have the support of existing nurseries and access to the group’s existing mills.

Terrain on this property is hilly, but better than that of the “old” Bengkulu properties. Soils are good and rainfall 
is suitable for oil palm. Vegetation is scrub and light secondary forest, the original forest having been removed 
some years ago. As for the other properties, the area is zoned for development but contains villages whose 
own development needs must be met. Limited planting began in 2008, with significant planting commencing 
in 2009. This is due for completion by 2013, with production commencing immediately in the same year.

2.	

South	Sumatra
In June 2008 the group acquired a 95% interest in PT Empat Lawang Agro Perkasa (ELAP) and PT Karya 
Kencana Sentosa Tiga (KKST); two Indonesian companies which hold the rights to 14,100 ha and 16,000 ha 
respectively in South Sumatra. Consideration was $7.7 million in cash. The balance 5% interest in both ELAP 
and KKST is held by the vendor, an Indonesian national. The area is  only 125 km from Bengkulu town and 
near enough to our other Bengkulu estates for FFB to be transported there prior to building a mill.

Terrain on this property is quite similar to RAA and better than that of the “old” Bengkulu properties. Soils 
are good and rainfall is suitable for oil palm. Vegetation is scrub and secondary forest. The area is zoned 
for agricultural development but contains small villages to which some land will be allocated for community 
development. The group is currently undertaking assessment of the planting programme.

Conversion of the land rights in Bengkulu and South Sumatra to full HGU titles is likely to take two to three 
years.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report

The directors present their annual report on the affairs of the group, together with the financial statements and 
auditors’ report, for the year ended 31 December 2008.

Principal activity
The  company  is  incorporated  in  the  United  Kingdom  under  the  Companies Act  1985. The  address  of  the 
registered office is on the inside back cover.

The company acts as a holding company and co-ordinates the businesses of its subsidiaries.  At 31 December 
2008 these comprised principally the cultivation of oil palm and rubber in Indonesia and Malaysia. The subsidiary 
undertakings which principally affected the profits or net assets of the group in the year are listed in note 28 
to the consolidated financial statements.

Results and dividends
The audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2008 are set out on pages 21 to 49. The 
group profit for the year on ordinary activities before taxation was $77,873,000 (2007 - $53,592,000) and the 
profit attributable to ordinary shareholders was $42,001,000 (2007 - $31,000,000). No interim dividend was paid. 
The directors recommend a final dividend of 5.0cts (2007 – 14.0cts) to be paid to shareholders on the register 
on 26 June 2009. Shareholders may elect to receive their dividend in sterling as described on page 12.

Business Review
The review of the group’s business is set out in pages 8 to 9. In addition, the principal risks and uncertainties 
of the group’s business are:

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

Unexpected variations in crop, principally caused by unusual weather
Variations in commodity prices
Variations  in  the  rates  of  exchange  of  the  Indonesian  rupiah  and  the  Malaysian  ringgit  against 
the US dollar, which affect directly the local selling prices of the group’s products and the cost of 
imported inputs, as well as the value of financial assets and liabilities as set out in note 25 of the 
consolidated financial statements
Input cost inflation 
Changes in the policy of the Indonesian or Malaysian governments towards the plantation industry 
and towards foreign investment and
Protectionist  tariffs  or  controls  against  CPO  for  either  economic  or  environmental  reasons  by 
importing countries.

The group’s key performance indicators, being revenue, profit after tax, profit before tax production volume, 
commodity prices, extraction rates and yield are set out in “Financial record” on page 5 and in the business 
review on page 8 to 9.

Environmental and corporate responsibility
The group’s management and directors take a serious view of their environmental and social responsibilities 
and are fully committed to the principles developed by “Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil” (RSPO), which 
was founded by a group of growers, processors, retailers and wildlife and conservation groups to codify and 
promote best practices in the industry. The key RSPO principles are set out on page 17 in “Statement on 
Corporate Governance”.

Financial risk
Information  on  financial  instruments  and  other  risks  is  set  out  in  note  25  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.

Biological assets, property, plant and equipment
Information  relating  to  changes  in  these  fixed  assets  is  given  in  note  11  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.

Directors
A full list of directors appears on page 15. Mr. Barnes served during the year until his retirement on 30 April 
2008, whilst both Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Ho served during the year until their retirement after the twenty third 
annual general meeting on 31 July 2008. Datuk Chin will retire at the forthcoming annual general meeting. 
Mr. Smith and Dato’ John Lim, both were appointed as directors on 26 April 2008, whilst Mr. Donald Low was 
appointed as director on 26 August 2008.  All other directors served throughout the year. Madam Lim will be 
submitting herself for re-election while Mr. Donald Low and Mr. Nik Din, will be submitting themselves for the 
first time for re-appointment by shareholders. Mr. Chan will also be submitting himself for re-appointment. Mr. 
Smith resigned as director on 4 March 2009.

0

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

Directors’ Report

Directors’ interests
The interests of the directors together with those of their immediate families in the securities of the company were 
as shown below:

Directors’ beneficial interests at 31 December

Chan Teik Huat 
Donald H Low (appointed on 26 August 2008) 
David W Smith (appointed on 26 April 2008 and resigned
on 4 March 2009) 
Lim Siew Kim 
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan (appointed on 26 April 2008) 
Datuk H Chin Poy-Wu (will retire at the forthcoming
annual general meeting) 
Nik Din Bin Nik Sulaiman (appointed on 1April 2009) 

2008 
Ordinary shares 
– 
– 

2007
Ordinary shares
–
–

– 
20,521,314 
– 

– 
– 

–
20,521,314
–

–
–

The interests disclosed for Madam Lim are held by Genton International Ltd and certain other companies of which 
Madam Lim is the controlling shareholder. 

There have been no changes in the interests of the directors in the securities of the company between 31 December 
2008 and the date of this report. Other than Madam Lim, none of the directors, had any interest in the securities of 
the company between the date of their appointments and the date of this report.

Other than as set out in note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, no director had a material interest in any 
contract of the company subsisting during, or at the end of, the financial year.

Substantial share interests
As at 7 April 2009, the following interests had been notified to the company, being interests in excess of 3% of the 
issued ordinary share capital of the company:

Name of holder 

Genton International Limited 
Alcatel Bell Pension Fund 
S N  Roditi 

Number 

20,521,314 
7,556,900 
1,966,900 

Percentage of voting
rights held
51.33%
18.90%
4.92%

Share  capital,  restrictions  on  transfer  of  shares,  arrangements  affected  by  change  of  control  and  other 
additional information
The company has one class of share capital, ordinary shares.  All the shares rank pari passu. The articles of association 
of the company contain provisions governing the transfer of shares, voting rights, the appointment and replacement 
of directors and amendments to the articles of association. These accord with usual English company law provisions.  
There are no special control rights in relation to the company’s shares. There are no significant agreements to which 
the company is a party which take effect, alter or terminate in the event of a change of control of the company. There 
are no agreements providing for compensation for directors or employees on change of control.

Auditors
All of the current directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any 
information needed by the company’s auditors for the purposes of their audit and to establish that the auditors are 
aware of the information. The directors are not aware of any relevant audit information of which the auditors are 
unaware.

BDO Stoy Hayward LLP has expressed their willingness to continue in office and a resolution to re-appoint them will 
be proposed as Resolution 8 at the forthcoming annual general meeting.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



       
       
       
 
Directors’ Report

Authority to allot shares
At the annual general meeting held on 31 July 2008 shareholders authorised the board under the provisions 
of section 80 of the Companies Act 1985 to allot relevant securities within specified limits for a period of five 
years. Renewal of this authority on similar terms is being sought under Resolution 9 at the forthcoming annual 
general meeting. Such authority will be limited to shares up to a maximum nominal amount of £3,331,356 
which represents 33.3% of the company’s current issued share capital. The authority will last for up to five 
years from the date of the resolution. The directors do not have any present intention of issuing any shares 
under this authority.

A fresh authority is also being sought under the provisions of section 95 of the Companies Act 1985 to enable 
the board to make an issue to existing shareholders without being obliged to comply with certain technical 
requirements of the Companies Act, which create problems with regard to fractional entitlements and overseas 
shareholders. In addition, the authority will give the board power to make issues of shares for cash to persons 
other than existing shareholders up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £499,703 representing 5% 
of the current issued share capital. The section 95 authority will last for up to 15 months from the date of the 
annual general meeting.

Scrip dividends
Resolution 10 to be proposed at the annual general meeting seeks renewal for a further five years of the authority 
under which the directors are able to offer shareholders a scrip dividend alternative. No scrip alternative is 
being offered in respect of the 2008 final dividend.

Acquisition of the company’s own shares and authority to purchase own shares
At 15 April 2009, the directors had remaining authority under the shareholders’ resolution of 31 July 2008, to 
make purchases of 3,997,627 of the company’s ordinary shares. This authority expires on 31 October 2009.

The board will only make purchases if they believe the earnings or net assets per share of the company would 
be  improved  by  such  purchases. All  such  purchases  will  be  market  purchases  made  through  the  London 
Stock Exchange. Companies can hold their own shares which have been purchased in this way in treasury 
rather than having to cancel them. The directors would, therefore, consider holding the company’s own shares 
which have been purchased by the company as treasury shares as this would give the company the flexibility 
of being able to sell such shares quickly and effectively where it considers it in the interests of shareholders 
to do so. Whilst any such shares are held in treasury, no dividends will be payable on them and they will not 
carry any voting rights. 

Resolution 11 to be proposed at the forthcoming annual general meeting seeks renewed authority to purchase 
up to a maximum of 3,997,627 ordinary shares of 25p each on the London Stock Exchange, representing 10% 
of the company’s issued ordinary share capital. The maximum price which may be paid for ordinary shares 
on any exercise of the authority will be restricted to 5% above the average middle market quotations for such 
shares as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days before the 
purchase is made.

The maximum number of shares and the price range are stated for the purpose of compliance with statutory 
requirements in seeking this authority and should not be taken as an indication of the level of purchases, or 
the prices thereof, that the company would intend to make.

Payment of dividends
The group reporting currency is US dollars. However, shareholders can choose to receive dividends in US 
dollars or in sterling. In the absence of any specific instruction up to the date of closing the register, shareholders 
with addresses in the UK are deemed to have elected to receive their dividends in sterling and those with 
addresses outside the UK in US dollars. 

The sterling equivalent dividend will be paid at the exchange rate ruling at the date of closure of the register.

Supplier payment policy
It is the company’s policy to pay suppliers promptly in accordance with agreed terms of payment. The company 
had no trade creditors at 31 December 2008 (2007 – nil).



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

Directors’ Report

Liability insurance for company officers
As permitted by the Companies Act the company has maintained insurance cover for the directors against 
liabilities in relation to the company.

By order of the board
Donald H Low
Director 

15 April 2009

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



Directors’ Responsibilities

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at any time the financial position of the group, for safeguarding the assets of the company, for taking reasonable 
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities and for the preparation of a directors’ 
report and directors’ remuneration report which comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 1985.

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with 
the  Companies Act  1985. The  directors  are  also  required  to  prepare  financial  statements  for  the  group  in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and 
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. The directors have chosen to prepare financial statements for the company in 
accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP).

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company and the group have 
adequate resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Group financial statements
International Accounting Standard 1 requires that financial statements present fairly for each financial year 
the group’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This requires the faithful representation 
of the effects of transactions, other events and conditions in accordance with the definitions and recognition 
criteria for assets, liabilities, income and expenses set out in the International Accounting Standards Board’s 
‘Framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements’. In virtually all circumstances, a fair 
presentation will be achieved by compliance with all applicable International Financial Reporting Standards.  
A fair presentation also requires the Directors to:

• 
• 

• 

consistently select and apply appropriate accounting policies;
present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable 
and understandable information; and 
provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements of IFRS is insufficient 
to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the 
entity’s financial position and financial performance.

Parent company financial statements
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the group and of the profit or loss of the company and 
the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

• 
• 

• 
• 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that 
the company will continue in business;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the financial statements.

Financial statements are published on the group’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other 
jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the group’s website is the responsibility of the directors. The 
directors’ responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

Directors

Chan Teik Huat (Executive Chairman, aged 69) – appointed 29 November 1993
Bachelor  of  Commerce  (Melbourne);  Fellow  of  Institute  of  Chartered Accountants  and  Certified  Public 
Accountants  (Malaysia);  former  managing  director  of  Metroplex  Berhad  until  January  2006;  founder  and 
managing partner of a leading accounting firm, Kassim Chan, Malaysia for some 17 years. The firm has been 
renamed Deloitte Kassim Chan and, subsequently, Deloitte.

Donald Han Low (Acting Chief Executive Officer, aged 44) – appointed 26 August 2008
Chairman of Atech Holdings Limited, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and director of Oriented Media 
Group Berhad, listed on Bursa Malaysia.

Madam Lim Siew Kim (Non-executive director, aged 60) – appointed 29 November 1993
Executive chairman of Metroplex Berhad.

Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan (Senior Independent non-executive director, chairman of audit committee and 
nomination & corporate governance committee, and member of remuneration committee, aged 59) – appointed 
26 April 2008
Chartered Certified Accountant; partner with UHY Hacker Young LLP, London, since 1998; previously he had 
a professional accounting career in Singapore and the UK.

Datuk H Chin Poy-Wu (Independent non-executive director, chairman of remuneration committee, and member 
of audit committee and nomination & corporate governance committee, aged 71) – appointed 1 May 1998 and 
will retire at the forthcoming annual general meeting
Deputy chairman of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad, director of Glenealy Plantations Berhad, both listed on 
the Bursa Malaysia. Board member of University Malaysia, Sabah. Commissioner of Police - Kuala Lumpur, 
retired 1993.

Nik Din Bin Nik Sulaiman (Independent non-executive director and member of audit committee and nomination 
& corporate governance committee, aged 61) – appointed 1 April 2009
Non-executive  director  of  MTD  Capital  Berhad  and  MTD ACPI  Engineering  Berhad,  both  listed  on  Bursa 
Malaysia.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



Statement on Corporate Governance

During 2008 the company has complied with the majority of the requirements of the Combined Code of Corporate 
Governance. Where provisions of the Combined Code were not met during 2008, particular comment is made 
in the statements below and in the Directors’ remuneration report on pages 18 to 19.

The board
The board comprises two executive and four non-executive directors, three of whom are independent. Excluding 
Madam Lim, the remaining three non-executive directors are considered by the board to be independent.  Datuk 
Chin, one of the three independent non-executive directors has served for over nine years, the time limit set 
by the Combined Code to indicate prima facie independence. Datuk Chin will retire at the forthcoming annual 
general meeting.  All three independent non-executive directors have a wide range of business interests beyond 
their position with the company and the rest of the board agree unanimously that they have shown themselves 
to be fully independent. Mr. Chan, who has been both chairman and chief executive since 1998, retired as chief 
executive on 26 August 2008, and remains as executive chairman. Madam Lim, who is a non-executive director, 
is the controlling shareholder of the company. The other members of the board are satisfied that through the 
specific powers reserved for the board, and given the presence of the independent non-executives, there is a 
reasonable balance of influence.  A schedule of duties and decisions reserved for the board and management 
respectively has been adopted. The audit, remuneration and nomination & corporate governance committees 
have written terms of reference.

Unless warranted by unusual matters, the board normally meets three times each year. Otherwise all other 
matters are dealt with by written resolution. During 2008 there were five full meetings, attended by all the 
directors.

All the independent non-executive directors met on their own during 2008 and early 2009. The Chairman met 
all the non-executive directors, in the absence of the other executive directors, twice in 2008.

Dato’ John Lim is the senior independent non-executive director, a position he assumed in June 2008.

Non-executives are appointed for two to three year terms. There have been changes in non-executive directors 
at intervals in 2008 for a variety of reasons. To maintain the vitality of the board, the directors specify fixed 
terms of office for non-executives. However, the board will review the position of each director for the normal 
three yearly re-election under the Articles.

New directors do not receive formal training on the occasion of their appointment to the board as all have 
previous experience of public listed company directorship and/or some of them have worked in financial or 
accounting service industries.

In April 2009 the board conducted a review of its performance by discussion. No major issues arose from this 
review.

The nomination and corporate governance committee currently comprises Dato’ John Lim (Chairman), Mr. Nik 
Din Nik Sulaiman and Datuk Chin. During 2008, Mr. O’Connor (chairman until retirement on 31 July 2008), 
Mr. Ho (until retirement on 31 July 2008) and Mr. Smith (from 26 August 2008 until 3 March 2009) were also 
members of the nomination and corporate governance committee. The committee had three meeting during 
2008, attended by all members, and has met once in 2009 to discuss succession and the appointment of non-
executive director.  The acting Chief Executive Officer has, in the interim, assumed the role and responsibility 
of the Finance Director since the re-designation of Mr. Smith to non-executive director on 26 August 2008.

Relations with shareholders
Company executives and the senior independent non-executive director attempt to contact principal shareholders 
twice a year and at all times are pleased to speak to and meet any shareholder. Given the dispersion of directors 
and shareholders it is not possible for every non-executive director to meet shareholders in the presence of 
management.

A member of the audit and remuneration committees will be available at the 2009 annual general meeting.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

Statement on Corporate Governance

Accountability and audit
The responsibilities of the directors as regards the financial statements are set out on page 14.  A statement 
of going concern is also on page 14.

The audit committee comprises Dato’ John Lim (chairman), Mr. Nik Din Nik Sulaiman and Datuk Chin. Dato’ 
John Lim has current financial experience from his present principal occupations in the accounting services 
profession. During 2008, Mr. Ho (chairman until retirement on 31 July 2008), Mr. O’Connor (until retirement on 
31 July 2008) and Mr. Smith (from 26 August 2008 until resignation on 3 March 2009) were also members of 
the audit committee. The committee met prior to the completion of the 2008 accounts and three times during 
2008. These meetings were attended by all members.

Internal control
The  company  has  followed  the  Combined  Code  provisions  and  Turnbull  Committee  guidance  on  internal 
control since 1999. The board has overall responsibility for the group’s internal control and risk management 
and for reviewing its effectiveness; the audit committee reviews and monitors specific risks and internal control 
procedures  and  reports  to  the  board  where  appropriate.  Executive  staff  and  directors  are  responsible  for 
implementation of control procedures and for identifying and managing business risks. The audit committee 
review is a continuous but sequential process and in any one year does not necessarily cover all risks which 
are significant to the group. The process aims to provide reasonable assurance against material misstatement 
or loss but cannot eliminate the risk of loss. In 2008 and early 2009, for example, the audit committee reviewed, 
among other things, in relation to risk – insurance arrangements, labour law provisions, exchange exposure; 
and, in relation to financial control – bought-in crop pricing, squatter land compensation and capital expenditure 
approval.

The board receives monthly reports from executive management in Indonesia and Malaysia and focuses at each 
meeting on the principal continuing risks to which the group is exposed including, but not limited to, commodity 
price movements, exchange rate movements, political and social change and government legislation.

The group has an internal audit department which visits each operating site in Indonesia and Malaysia twice 
a year and provides a wide ranging report and the work and conclusions of the internal audit department are 
reviewed independently by the audit committee.

Environmental and corporate responsibility
In 2004 a group of growers, processors, retailers and wildlife and conservation groups founded the “Round Table 
for Sustainable Palm Oil”, known as RSPO, to codify and promote best practices in the industry. The group’s 
management and directors take a serious view of their environmental and social responsibilities and are fully 
committed to the principles being developed by RSPO. These principles cover eight headings as follows:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Transparency
Compliance with local laws and regulations
Commitment to long term economic and financial viability
Use of appropriate best practices by growers and millers
Environmental responsibility and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity
Responsible consideration of individuals and communities affected by growers and mills
Responsible development of new plantings
Commitment to continuous improvement in key areas of activity.

Within these headings are 40 detailed principles. Among the most important are:

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

Not to remove primary forest
Not to use fire for clearing areas designated for new or replantings
To follow accepted soil and water conservation practices
To use agrochemicals in ways that do not endanger health or the environment and to promote 
non-chemical methods of pest management
To leave wild areas for wildlife corridors, water catchment and riparian protection
Provide full treatment of mill effluent water
Ensure the wishes of local communities and individuals are taken account of, and
To pay to individuals with residual rights over land only freely agreed compensation, in addition to 
following government land regulations.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



Directors’ Remuneration Report

This report by the remuneration committee has been approved by the board of directors for submission to 
shareholders for their approval at the forthcoming annual general meeting.

Membership
The remuneration committee comprised throughout the year Datuk Chin (chairman) and Dato’ John Lim. Mr. 
Ho (until retirement on 31 July 2008) and Mr. O’Connor (until retirement on 31 July 2008) were also members 
of the remuneration committee. The committee met twice in 2008, attended by all members.

Policy
The  remuneration  committee  makes  recommendations  on  senior  management  pay  and  conditions,  after 
consultation with the executive chairman, and recommends to the board the terms of executive directors.

Non-executive directors’ remuneration is considered by the board as a whole.

The committee recommends remuneration terms by reference to individual performance, market conditions, 
the company’s performance and the need to maintain an economic operation.

Components
Base	salary
Base salaries are reviewed on an annual basis by the remuneration committee or when an individual changes 
responsibilities. Non-executive directors receive no benefits other than a fee.

Bonus
The group operates a bonus scheme for senior executives and managers of operating units, which is generally 
determined by operating performance criteria. Annual bonuses for executive chairman and/or executive directors 
ranging from 0% to 66% of base salary, are determined at the discretion of the board.

Share	options
The UK and overseas executive share option schemes of the company are administered and supervised by 
a committee consisting, in the majority, of non-executive directors. These schemes are limited over their 10 
year life to issuing no more than 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the company from time to time.  
They provide for options to be granted over treasury shares as well as over new shares. To avoid dilution, the 
board intends generally to follow the treasury share route.

Individual grants are phased over three years. The total grant to each holder is determined by seniority and 
total market value at date of grant is normally limited to two times base salary. Exercise of options is only 
permitted three years after grant, provided that they remain employees of the group throughout the period.  
There are no other performance criteria for exercise of options granted so far.

Pensions
There is no company-sponsored pension scheme for executive directors or senior executives and management. 
However, contributions are made to employees personal pension schemes. Senior executives in Indonesia 
who leave after more than five years’ service are entitled to a gratuity of one month’s base salary for each 
year of service.

Service contracts
All directors, executive and non-executive, have formal appointment letters. Those of the non-executives are 
all for two to three year terms with notice periods of one month.  Mr. Chan has a contract dated 26 August 
2008 with a notice period of six months. Mr. Donald Low’s contract is for one year from 26 August 2008. Notice 
periods for all other senior management are generally between three and six months.

Performance graph
The following graph shows the company’s performance, measured by capital return, compared to the Bursa 
Malaysia (KLSE) Plantation Index for the period 2 January 2004 to 1 April 2009. This is the only relevant index 
available in terms of sector but, any comparison should be qualified; many Malaysian plantation companies 
are diversified, as well as not holding as great a proportion of their assets in Indonesia as Anglo-Eastern.

In determining senior management compensation, the remuneration committee is influenced by the operating 
performance of the company and not directly by the share price.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

Directors’ Remuneration Report

A n g l o - E a s t e r n   P l a n t   ( E Q )

K u a l a   L u m p u r   S E / P l a n t a t i o n   I n d e x

h
t

w
o
r
g

e
g
a
t
n
e
c
r
e
P

350.0

300.0

250.0

200.0

150.0

100.0

50.0

0.0

-50.0

2 0 0 4

2 0 0 5

2 0 0 6

2 0 0 7

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 9

P e r i o d   f r o m   1 / 0 1 / 0 4   t o   1 / 0 4 / 0 9

Audited information
Directors’ share options
Share options granted to the directors of the company under the company’s 1994 Executive Share Option 
Scheme and Overseas Share Option Scheme and outstanding at 31 December 2008 were:

Name of Director 

Date of Grant 

Exercise price 

Period of option 

T H Chan 
David W Smith 

30.04.02 
03.06.08 

44.7p 
608p 

30.04.05-29.04.12 
03.06.11-02.06.18 

Note:  * Share option will lapse 6 months after resignation, i.e. on 4 September 2009

No of ordinary shares under option
(Exercised) 
– 
– 

31 Dec 08
30,600
*20,000

1 Jan 08 
30,600 
20,000 

The market price of the shares at 31 December 2008 was 272.50p and the range during 2008 was 237.00p 
to 715.00p.

Directors’ remuneration
The remuneration of all directors who served during the year was:

Name of director 
Executive:
Chan Teik Huat (1) 
Donald H Low (2) 
David W Smith (3) 
R O B Barnes (4) 
Kee Lian Yong (5) 

Non-executive: 
Lim Siew Kim 
Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan (6) 
Datuk H Chin Poy-Wu (7) 
Ho Soo Ching (8) 
Peter E O’Connor (8) 

2008 

2007 

	 Executive	
salary 
$000 

Fees 
$000 

Bonus	 Benefits	
in kind 
$000 

(re 2007) 
$000 

Total 
2008 
$000 

– 
– 
1 
– 
– 

24 
31 
32 
23 
20 

131 

136 

102 
45 
127 
89 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

363 

390 

63 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

63 

157 

221 
45 
128 
117 
– 

24 
31 
32 
23 
20 

641 

56 
– 
– 
28 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

84 

89 

Total 
2007 
$000 

198 
– 
– 
352 
86 

26 
– 
35 
40 
35 

772 

Pension
contribution

2008 
$000 

2007
$000

– 
– 
15 
7 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

22

–
–
–
39
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

39

Notes:
(1)	
(2)	
(3)	
(4)	
(5) 
(6)	
(7) 
(8) 

redesignated	from	executive	chairman/chief	executive	officer	to	executive	chairman	on	26	August	2008
appointed	on	26	August	2008
appointed		on	26	April	2008/	redesignated	as	non-executive	director	on	26	August	2008/	resigned	on	4	March	2009
retired	on	30	April	2008
resigned on 30 September 2007
appointed	on	26	April	2008
will retire at forthcoming annual general meeting
retired on 31 July 2008

On behalf of the board
Datuk H Chin Poy-Wu
Chairman,	remuneration	committee	

15	April	2009

19

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

     
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
	 	 	 	
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditors’ Report

Independent auditors’ report to the shareholders of Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc
We have audited the group and parent company financial statements (the ‘’financial statements’’) of Anglo Eastern Plantations Plc 
for the year ended 31 December 2008 which comprise the consolidated income statement, the consolidated and parent company 
balance sheets, the consolidated cash flow statement, the consolidated statement of total recognised income and expense and 
the related notes. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.

We have also audited the information in the directors’ remuneration report that is described as having been audited.

Respective	responsibilities	of	directors	and	auditors
The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the group financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union, and for preparing the parent company 
financial statements and the directors’ remuneration report in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) are set out in the statement of directors’ responsibilities.  

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited in accordance 
with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and whether the financial statements 
and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 
1985 and whether in addition, the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation.  We also report to you if, in our opinion, the information in the directors’ report is consistent with the financial statements.  
In addition, we report to you if, in our opinion, the company has not kept proper accounting records, we have not received all the 
information and explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law regarding directors’ remuneration and other 
transactions is not disclosed.

We review whether the corporate governance statement reflects the company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the 2006 
FRC Combined Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, and we report if it does not.  
We are not required to consider whether the board’s statements on internal control cover all risks and controls, or form an opinion 
on the effectiveness of the group’s corporate governance procedures or its risk and control procedures.

We read other information contained in the annual report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial statements.  
The other information comprises only the financial summary, the chairman’s statement, financial record, the estate areas and 
location of estates, the business review, the directors’ report, statement on corporate governance and the unaudited parts of the 
directors’ remuneration report. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or 
material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

Our report has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Companies Act 1985 and for no other purpose. No person is 
entitled to rely on this report unless such a person is a person entitled to rely upon this report by virtue of and for the purpose 
of the Companies Act 1985 or has been expressly authorised to do so by our prior written consent. Save as above, we do not 
accept responsibility for this report to any other person or for any other purpose and we hereby expressly disclaim any and all 
such liability.

Basis	of	audit	opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices 
Board.  An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements 
and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and 
judgments made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate 
to the group’s and company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order 
to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements and the part of the directors’ 
remuneration report to be audited are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In 
forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements and the 
part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited.

Opinion
In our opinion:
• 

the group financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, of the 
state of the group’s affairs as at 31 December 2008 and of its profit for the year then ended;
the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and Article 4 of 
the IAS Regulation
the parent company financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice, of the state of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2008; and 
the parent company financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited have been properly 
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985.
the information given in the directors’ report is consistent with the financial statements.

• 

• 

• 

• 

BDO STOY HAYWARD LLP  
Chartered	Accountants	and	Registered	Auditors
55 Baker Street
London W1U 7EU

0

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

15 April 2009

Consolidated Income Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2008

2008 

Result 
before 
BA 

BA 
Notes  adjustment  adjustment 
$000 
$000 

Result
before
BA 
adjustment 
$000 

2007

BA
adjustment 
$000 

Total 
$000 

174,684 
(96,812) 

77,872 

– 
– 
(3,808) 

74,064 
1,503 
3,645 
(2,686) 

– 
– 

– 

1,347 
– 
– 

1,347 
– 
– 
– 

174,684 
(96,812) 

127,898 
(72,297) 

77,872 

55,601 

1,347 
– 
(3,808) 

75,411 
1,503 
3,645 
(2,686) 

– 
566 
(3,646) 

52,521 
215 
1,800 
(1,945) 

– 
– 

– 

1,001 
– 
– 

1,001 
– 
– 
– 

Total
$000

127,898
(72,297)

55,601

1,001
566
(3,646)

53,522
215
1,800
(1,945)

76,526 
(25,487) 

1,347 
(404) 

77,873 
(25,891) 

52,591 
(15,328) 

1,001 
(300) 

53,592
(15,628)

51,039 

943 

51,982 

37,263 

701 

37,964

41,182 
9,857 

819 
124 

42,001 
9,981 

30,485 
6,778 

515 
186 

31,000
6,964

51,039 

943 

51,982 

37,263 

701 

37,964

105.1 cts 
104.8 cts 

78.5 cts
78.4 cts

Continuing operations 

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Biological asset revaluation
  movement (BA adjustment) 
Other income 
Administration expenses 

Operating profit 
Exchange profits 
Finance income 
Finance costs 

Profit before tax 
Tax  

Profit for the year 

Attributable to:
- Equity holders of the parent 
- Minority interests 

Earnings per share
- basic 
- diluted 

2 

3 

4 
4 

5 
8 

9 
9 

Earnings before BA adjustment are shown in note 9. 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated income statement.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



 
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Recognised 
Income and Expense

for the year ended 31 December 2008

Unrealised surplus on revaluation of the estates 
Loss on exchange translation 
Deferred tax on revaluation 

Total recognised income and expense for the year 
Profit for the year 

Notes 

22 
22 
22 

22 

2008 
$000 

5,302 
(29,944) 
(1,128) 

(25,770) 
51,982 

2007
$000

4,823
(5,932)
(1,186)

(2,295)
37,964

Total recognised income and expense for the year 

26,212 

35,669

Attributable to:
  - Equity holders of the parent 
  - Minority interest 

22 
22 

19,872 
6,340 

28,639
7,030

26,212 

35,669

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement of recognised income and expenses.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

       
       
 
 
 
       
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet

as at 31 December 2008

Non-current assets
Biological assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Receivables 

Current assets
Inventories 
Tax receivables 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Current liabilities
Bank loans and other financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Tax liabilities 

Net current assets 

Non- current liabilities
Bank loans and other financial liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Retirement benefits - net liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity
Share capital 
Treasury shares 
Share premium reserve 
Share capital redemption reserve 
Revaluation and exchange reserves 
Retained earnings 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Minority interests 

Total equity 

Notes 

2008 
$000 

2007
$000

11 
11 
12 

13 

14 

15 
16 

15 
17 
18 

19 
19 
22 
22 
22 
22 

22 

38,843 
160,012 
1,677 

38,580
148,443
1,677

200,532 

188,700

4,196 
761 
4,143 
69,442 

4,910
1,875
1,462
66,358

78,542 

74,605

(8,639) 
(10,749) 
(10,428) 

(7,293)
(9,311)
(8,085)

(29,816) 

(24,689)

48,726 

49,916

(27,025) 
(28,450) 
(1,494) 

(35,719)
(23,025)
(1,534)

192,289 

178,338

15,504 
(1,785) 
23,935 
1,087 
(22,083) 
144,073 

15,504
(1,785)
23,935
1,087
46
107,184

160,731 
31,558 

145,971
32,367

192,289 

178,338

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 15 April 2009 and 
were signed on its behalf by 
Donald Han Low
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated balance sheet.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



       
       
 
       
 
 
 
       
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2008

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax 
Adjustments for:
BA adjustment 
Net profit on disposal of current and fixed asset investments 
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets 
Depreciation 
Share based remuneration expense 
Retirement benefit provisions 
Net finance (income)/expense 

Operating cash flow before changes in working capital 
Decrease/(increase) in inventories 
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables 

Cash inflow from operations 
Interest paid 
Overseas tax paid 

Net cash flow from operations 

Investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries 
Property, plant and equipment
- purchase 
- sale 
Interest received 

Net cash used in investing activities 

2008 
$000 

2007
$000

77,873 

53,592

(1,347) 
– 
(53) 
4,902 
– 
40 
(959) 

80,456 
712 
(2,730) 
(3,935) 

74,503 
(2,728) 
(17,898) 

(1,001)
(518)
–
4,264
87
700
145

57,269
(3,125)
142
3,600

57,886
(2,051)
(9,196)

53,877 

46,639

(11,363) 

(14,480)

(19,738) 
489 
3,645 

(12,244)
94
1,800

(26,967) 

(24,830)



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

       
       
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2008

Financing activities
Dividends paid by parent company 
Share options exercised 
Purchase of own shares for treasury 
Repayment of existing long term loans 
Drawdown of new long term loan 
Finance lease (repayment)/drawdown 
Dividends paid to minority shareholders 
Loan to minority shareholder 
Repayment of loan by minority shareholder 
Purchase of portfolio investment 
Receipt from sale of portfolio investment 

Net cash (used in)/from financing activities 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents less overdrafts
At beginning of period 
Foreign exchange 

At end of period 

Comprising,
Cash at end of year 
Overdraft at end of year 

Net cash at end of year 

2008 
$000 

2007
$000

(5,112) 
– 
– 
(4,237) 
– 
(110) 
(2,378) 
– 
48 
– 
– 

(4,266)
40
(398)
(1,694)
34,500
7
(735)
(578)
286
(1,668)
2,234

(11,789) 

27,728

15,121 

49,537

63,357 
(9,036) 

16,823
(3,003)

69,442 

63,357

69,443 
(1) 

66,358
(3,001)

69,442 

63,357

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated cash flow statement.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



       
       
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

1 

Accounting policies
Basis	of	preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS and 
IRFIC interpretations) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as adopted by the EU and with those 
parts of the Companies Act 1985 applicable to companies preparing their accounts under IFRS. The principal accounting 
policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently 
applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Changes	in	accounting	policies
(a) 

New standards effective in 2008 and adopted by the group

No new standards were adopted during the year.

(b) 

Standards effective in 2008 but not relevant to the group

IFRIC  7, Applying  the  restatement  approach  under  IAS  29,  Financial  Reporting  in  Hyperinflationary  Economies 
(effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 March 2006).  

IFRIC 11, IFRS 1 – Group and Treasury Share Transactions (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 
March 2007), which requires share-based payment transactions in which an entity receives services as consideration 
for its own equity instruments to be accounted for as equity settled.  In terms of transactions to date there would be 
no impact on the accounts.

IFRIC 12, Service Concession Arrangements (effective for accounting periods after 1 January 2009).

IFRIC  14,  IAS  19  – The  Limit  on  a  Defined  Benefit Asset,  Minimum  Funding  Requirements  and  their  Interaction 
(effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2008).

(c) 

Standards, not yet effective

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published that are mandatory 
for the group’s accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009 or later periods and which the group has 
decided not to adopt early. These are:

IFRS 8, Operating Segments (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). As this is a 
disclosure standard it will not have any impact on the results or net assets of the group.

IAS 23, Borrowing Costs (revised) (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). This is 
relevant to the group but it is expected there will be no impact on the financial statements.

* IFRIC 13, Customer Loyalty Programmes (effective for accounting periods after 1 July 2008), which is not relevant 
to the group.

Revised IFRS 3, Business Combinations and complementary Amendments to IAS 27, ‘Consolidated and Separate 
Financial Statements’ (both effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009). This revised standard 
and amendments to it is still to be endorsed by the EU. Management is currently assessing the impact of revised 
IFRS 3 and amendments to IAS 27 on the accounts.

Amendment to IFRS 2, Share-based payments; vesting conditions and cancellations (effective for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2009). Management is currently assessing the impact of the amendment on the 
accounts.

* Amendment to IAS 32, Financial Instruments; Presentation and IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements (effective 
for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). This amendment is still to be endorsed by the EU but 
is not relevant to the group.

* Amendments  to  IAS  1,  Presentation  of  Financial  Statements: A  Revised  Presentation  (effective  for  accounting 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009).

* Amendments to IAS 39 and IFRS 7: Reclassification of Financial Instruments (effective for accounting periods after 
1 July 2008).

* Amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 27 Cost of an Investment in a subsidiary, jointly-controlled entity or associate1 
(effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). This amendment is still to be endorsed by 
the EU but is not relevant to the group.

* Amendment to IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement: Eligible Hedged Items (effective for 
accounting periods after 1 July 2009). This amendment is still to be endorsed by the EU but is not relevant to the 
group.

* IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 
January 2009). This amendment is still to be endorsed by the EU but is not relevant to the group.

* IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation (effective for accounting periods after 1 October 2008). 
This amendment is still to be endorsed by the EU but is not relevant to the group.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

1 

Accounting policies - continued

* IFRIC 17 Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners (effective for accounting periods after 1 July 2009). This 
amendment is still to be endorsed by the EU but is not relevant to the group.

Improvements to IFRSs (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). This amendment is 
still to be endorsed by the EU.

* Revised IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of international Financial Reporting Standards (effective for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2009). This amendment is still to be endorsed by the EU but is not relevant to the 
group.

(*) Not yet EU endorsed.

Basis	of	consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the company and entities controlled by the 
company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to 
govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. 

Business	combinations
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the 
consolidated balance sheet, the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised 
at their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisitions of entities that comprise principally land with no active plantation 
business does not represent business combination, in such case, the amount paid for each acquisition is allocated between 
the identifiable assets/liabilities at the acquisition date.  

The results of acquired operations are included in the consolidated income statement from the date on which control is 
obtained.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used 
into line with those used by the group.

All intergroup transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Foreign	currency
The individual financial statements of each subsidiary are presented in the currency of the country in which it operates 
(its functional currency) with the exception of the company and its UK subsidiaries which are presented in US dollars. The 
presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements is also US dollars, chosen because the price of the bulk of 
the group’s products are ultimately denominated in dollars.

On consolidation, the results of overseas operations are translated into US dollars at average exchange rates for the year 
unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly in which case the actual rate is used. All assets and liabilities of overseas 
operations are translated at the rate ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising on re-translating the 
opening net assets at opening rate and the results of overseas operations at actual rate are recognised directly in equity (the 
“foreign exchange reserve”). Exchange differences recognised in the income statement of group entities’ separate financial 
statements on the translation of long-term monetary items forming part of the group’s net investment in the overseas operation 
concerned are reclassified to the foreign exchange reserve if the item is denominated in the presentational currency of the 
group or of the overseas operation concerned.

On disposal of a foreign operation, the cumulative exchange differences recognised in the foreign exchange reserve relating 
to that operation up to date of disposal are transferred to the income statement as part of the profit or loss on disposal.

All other exchange profits or losses are credited or charged to the income statement.

Revenue	recognition
Revenue includes
- 

amounts receivable for produce provided in the normal course of business, net of sales related taxes and levies, 
including export taxes;
amounts received for sales of palm kernel shell, rubber wood and other income of an operating nature.

- 

Sales of CPO and palm kernel are recognised when goods are delivered or allocated to a purchaser. Delivery or allocation 
does not take place until contracts are paid for. Sales of rubber are recognised on signing of sales contract.

Share	based	payments
Outstanding share options are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non market-based vesting conditions) at the 
date of grant. This fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the group’s estimate of 
shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non market-based vesting conditions.

Fair value is measured by use of a binominal model. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on 
management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

Provided that all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions 
are satisfied.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

1 

Accounting policies -continued
Interest	capitalisation
Interest on third party loans directly related to field development is capitalised in the proportion that the opening immature 
area bears to the total planted area of the relevant estate. Interest on loans related to construction in progress (such as an 
oil mill) is capitalised up to the commissioning of that asset. These interest rates are booked at the rate prevailing at the 
time.

Tax
UK and foreign corporation tax is provided at amounts expected to be paid or recovered using the tax rates and laws that 
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Dividends
Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. The company pays only one dividend each year as 
a final dividend which becomes legally payable when approved by the shareholders at the next following annual general 
meeting.

Segment	reporting
Save for a small amount of rubber, all the group’s operations are devoted to oil palm. Therefore the group’s principal segment 
report is by geographical area, as the estates in each specific area tend to be at the same stage of development and each 
area tends to have different agricultural conditions.

Biological	assets,	property,	plant	and	equipment
Estates, which comprise biological assets, and property plant and equipment, are shown at fair values in use, which are 
calculated internally every year and reviewed by an external valuer every five years. Value in use is calculated as the present 
value of the local currency cash flows of each estate over the next twenty years, including replanting where required.

Any surplus or deficit on revaluation of property, plant and equipment is transferred to the revaluation and exchange reserve, 
except that a deficit which is in excess of any previously recognised surplus relating to the same property is charged to the 
income statement. On the disposal or recognition of a provision for impairment of a revalued estate, any related balance 
remaining in the revaluation and exchange reserve is transferred to retained earnings as a movement on reserves.

Oil mills, which are part of property, plant and equipment, are shown at cost less depreciation.

The depreciation charge on Indonesian estates is based on mature values at the beginning of the year and is provided at 
a rate of 2% per annum. Oil mills are depreciated at 5% per annum. The Malaysian leasehold land is depreciated over the 
remaining term of the lease. Mature plantations in Malaysia are depreciated at 5% per annum.  

Within the estate valuations described above the value of biological assets is estimated separately as a proportion of total 
estate value and, as required by IAS41, the movement in valuation surplus of biological assets is charged or credited to the 
income statement for the relevant period (BA adjustment).

Leased	assets
Assets financed by leasing agreements which give rights approximating to ownership (finance leases) are capitalised at 
amounts equal to the original cost of the asset to the lessors and depreciation is provided on the asset over the shorter of 
the lease term or its useful economic life on the basis of group depreciation policy. The capital elements of future obligations 
under finance leases are included as liabilities in the balance sheet and the current year’s interest element is charged to 
the income statement to produce a constant rate of charge on the balance of capital repayments outstanding. There are no 
operating leases.

Impairment
Impairment tests on tangible assets are undertaken annually on 31 December. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds 
its recoverable amount (i.e. the higher of value in use or fair value, less costs to sell), the asset is written down accordingly.  
Impairment charges are included in the administrative expenses line item in the income statement, except to the extent they 
reverse gains previously recognised in the statement of recognised income and expense.

Inventories
Inventories are initially recognised at cost, and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises 
all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and 
condition.

Weighted average cost is used to determine the cost of ordinarily interchangeable items.

All produce inventories are already in processed form as oil or kernel and therefore the requirement under IAS41 to value 
agricultural produce at market value, does not apply.

Financial	assets
All the group’s receivables and loans are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not 
quoted in an active market. They are recognised at fair value at inception and subsequently at amortised cost. No impairment 
provisions have been considered necessary.

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in hand and short term deposits at banks. Bank overdrafts are shown within 
loans and borrowings under current liabilities on the balance sheet.

There are no assets in hedging relationships and no financial assets or liabilities available for sale.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

	
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

1 

Accounting policies -continued
Financial	liabilities
All the group’s financial liabilities are non-derivative financial liabilities.

Bank borrowings and long term development loans are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost, 
which is the total of proceeds received net of issue costs. Finance charges are accounted for on an accruals basis and 
charged in the income statement, unless capitalised according to the policy as set out under Interest capitalisation above.

Trade and other payables are shown at fair value at recognition.

Deferred	tax
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the balance sheet 
differs from its tax base except for differences in the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a 
business combination and at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit.

Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is possible that taxable profit will be available 
against  which  the  difference  can  be  utilised.  Deferred  tax  is  recognised  on  temporary  differences  arising  on  property 
revaluation surpluses.

Deferred tax is determined using the tax rates that are in force at the balance sheet date and are expected to apply in the 
period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, 
except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, such as revaluations, in which case the deferred tax 
is also dealt with in equity; in this case assets and liabilities are offset.

Retirement	benefits
Contributions  to  defined  contribution  pension  schemes  are  charged  to  the  income  statement  in  the  year  to  which  they 
relate.

The group operates a number of defined benefit pension schemes in respect of its Indonesian operations. The pension 
costs of these schemes charged to the income statement comprise the annual payments to the schemes together with any 
provision required for any shortfall in funding as disclosed by annual valuations of the schemes as advised by the schemes’ 
actuaries.

Treasury	shares
Consideration paid or received for the purchase or sale of the company’s own shares for holding in treasury is recognised 
directly in equity, where the cost is presented as the treasury share reserve. Any excess of the consideration received on 
the sale of treasury shares over the weighted average cost of shares sold, is taken to the share premium account.

Any shares held in treasury are treated as cancelled for the purpose of calculating earnings per share.

Critical	accounting	estimates	and	judgements
The preparation of the group financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of estimates and assumptions 
that affect the reported assets and liabilities and reported revenue and expenses. Actual results could differ from those 
estimates and accordingly they are reviewed on an on-going basis. The main areas in which estimates are used are: fair 
value of biological assets, property, plant and equipment, deferred tax and retirement benefits.

Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised or the revision affects only 
that period, or in the period of revision and future periods if the revision affects both and current and future periods.

Assumptions regarding the valuation of biological assets, property, plant and equipment are set out in note 11. The group’s 
policy with regard to impairment of such assets is set out above.

Details on deferred tax are given in note 17 and retirement benefits in note 18.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

2 

Revenue

Sales of produce 
Other income 

3 

Other income

Gains from current asset investments 

4 

Finance income and expense

Finance income 

Finance expense
Interest payable on:
Development loans 
Overdraft 
Finance leases 
Other 
Interest capitalised on loans related to field development and construction in progress 

- (note 15) 
- (note 15) 

Net finance income/(expense) recognised in income statement 

5 

Profit before tax

Profit before tax is stated after charging
Depreciation (including $61,400 (2007 – $56,000) in respect of leased assets) 

Staff costs (note 7) 

Auditors’ remuneration 

- group audit (company $25,000 (2007 $25,000) 
- audit of subsidiaries 
- other services 

- Total 

2008 
$000 
174,175 
509 

2007
$000
127,619
279

174,684 

127,898

2008 
$000 
– 

2007
$000
566

2008 
$000 
3,645 

2,717 
8 
3 
– 
(42) 

2007
$000
1,800

1,873
72
9
97
(106)

2,686 

1,945

959 

(145)

2008 
$000 

2007
$000

4,902 

4,264

14,601 

11,726

77 
62 
– 

139 

96
62
–

158

0

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

       
       
       
   
       
       
   
       
       
       
       
       
     
     
     
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

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D

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

6 

Segment information - continued

Secondary reporting format by crop:

Carrying amount of 
segment assets 

External income 

Profit/(loss)
before tax

By	activity:
Oil palm 
Rubber 

2008 
$000 

2007 
$000 

2008 
$000 

2007 
$000 

2008 
$000 

153,313 
2,963 

146,584 
2,065 

172,367 
2,317 

125,663 
2,235 

75,980 
1,892 

Gross profit 
– 
BA movement 
Administration expenses 
– 
Unallocated assets/income/(expenses)  36,013 
– 
Interest 

– 
– 
29,689 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

77,872 
1,347 
(3,808) 
1,503 
959 

– 
– 
– 
– 

2007
$000

53,791
1,810

55,601
1,001
(3,646)
781
(145)

192,289 

178,338 

174,684 

127,898 

77,873 

53,592

7 

Employees’ and directors’ remuneration

Average numbers employed (primarily overseas) during the year 

- full time 
- casual 

Staff costs (including directors) comprise: 
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Retirement benefit costs (note 18) 
Share based remuneration expense (equity settled) 

2008 
number 
3,582 
5,007 

2008 
$000 
13,873 
195 
533 
– 

2007
number
3,467
4,830

2007
$000
10,300
227
1,112
87

14,601 

11,726

The information required by the Companies Act and the listing rules of the Financial Services Authority is contained in the 
directors’ report on remuneration on pages18 and 19 of which the information on page 19 has been audited.

Directors emoluments 
Pension contributions 

Remuneration expense for key management personnel 

2008 
$000 
641 
22 

663 

533 

2007
$000
772
39

811

675

Executive directors are considered to be the only key management personnel: their remuneration is shown on page 19.

8 

Tax

Foreign corporation tax - current year 
Foreign withholding tax on remittances 
Deferred tax adjustment - current year 

Total tax charge for year 

2008 
$000 
20,552 
4,550 
789 

2007
$000
14,356
499
773

25,891 

15,628

The corporation tax rates in Indonesia and Malaysia, the group’s countries of operation, are close to the 28% standard rate 
of corporation tax in the UK but the charge for the year differs from the standard UK rate of corporation tax for the reasons 
below.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

 
       
 
       
       
       
 
 
 
 
       
       
 
       
 
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
       
       
       
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

8 

Tax - continued

Profit before tax 

Profit before tax multiplied by standard rate of UK corporation tax of 28% (2007 – 30%) 
Effects of:
Rate adjustment relating to overseas profits 
Group accounting adjustments not subject to tax 
Expenses not allowable for tax 
Temporary differences 
Losses not offsetable against fellow subsidiary profits 
Utilisation of tax losses brought forward 

Foreign corporation tax charge for year 
Foreign withholding tax 
Deferred tax adjustments (note 17) 

2008 
$000 

2007
$000

77,873 

53,592

21,804 

16,077

1,129 
(1,080) 
244 
(904) 
55 
(696) 

20,552 
4,550 
789 

(15)
(575)
147
(265)
97
(1,110)

14,356
499
773

Total tax charge for year 

25,891 

15,628

9 

Earnings per ordinary share (EPS)

Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent company before BA adjustment 
Net BA adjustment 

Earnings used in basic and diluted EPS 

Weighted average number of shares in issue in year
- used in basic EPS 
- dilutive effect of outstanding share options 

- used in diluted EPS 

Basic EPS before BA adjustment 
Basic EPS after BA adjustment 

There is no significant difference between basic and diluted EPS.

10 

Dividends

Paid during the year
Final dividend of 14 cts per ordinary share for the year
  ended 31 December 2007 (2006 – 10.8 cts) 

Proposed final dividend of 5.0 cts per ordinary share for the year
  ended 31 December 2008 (2007 – 14 cts) 

2008 
$000 
41,182 
819 

2007
$000
30,485
515

42,001 

31,000

Number 
‘000 

39,976 
101 

Number
‘000

39,480
65

40,077 

39,545

103.0 
105.1 

77.2 cts
78.5 cts

2008 
$000 

2007
$000

5,112 

4,266

1,973 

5,524

The proposed dividend for 2008 is subject to shareholder approval at the forthcoming annual general meeting and has not 
been included as a liability in these financial statements.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



       
       
       
       
       
       
 
       
       
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

11 

Biological assets, property, plant and equipment

Cost or valuation  
At 1 January 2007 
Exchange translations 
Revaluations 
Additions 
Estates acquired at valuation on
  acquisition of a subsidiary 
Disposals 

Non- 
biological 
plantation 
assets 
$000 

111,006 
(3,054) 
2,945 
6,524 

13,870 
(83) 

Total
property
plant and 
equipment 
$000 

131,193 
(3,894) 
2,945 
8,982 

13,870 
(181) 

Mills 
$’000 

20,187 
(840) 
– 
2,458 

– 
(98) 

Biological
assets 
$’000 

33,255 
(670) 
1,006 
3,368 

1,621 
– 

Total
$’000

164,448
(4,564)
3,951
12,350

15,491
(181)

At 31 December 2007 

131,208 

21,707 

152,915 

38,580 

191,495

Exchange translations 
Revaluations 
Additions 
Estates acquired at valuation on
  acquisition of a subsidiary 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2008 

Accumulated depreciation
  and impairment 
At 1 January 2007 
Exchange translations 
Revaluations 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2007 

Exchange translations 
Revaluations 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2008 

Carrying amount 
At 31 December 2007 

At 31 December 2008 

(16,743) 
– 
17,854 

11,363 
(333) 

(2,356) 
– 
1,884 

– 
(75) 

(19,099) 
– 
19,738 

11,363 
(408) 

(5,706) 
5,969 
– 

– 
– 

(24,805)
5,969
19,738

11,363
(408)

143,349 

21,160 

164,509 

38,843 

203,352

– 
– 
2,505 
(2,505) 
– 

– 

– 
3,083 
(3,083) 
– 

– 

(3,625) 
175 
– 
(1,094) 
72 

(4,472) 

177 
818 
(1,047) 
27 

(4,497) 

(3,625) 
175 
2,505 
(3,599) 
72 

(4,472) 

177 
3,901 
(4,130) 
27 

(4,497) 

– 
– 
665 
(665) 
– 

– 

– 
772 
(772) 
– 

– 

(3,625)
175
3,170
(4,264)
72

(4,472)

177
4,673
(4,902)
27

(4,497)

131,208 

143,349 

17,235 

16,663 

148,443 

160,012 

38,580 

38,843 

187,023

198,855

The directors valued the estates (comprising biological assets, non-biological plantation assets, plantation infrastructure 
and oil mills) at 31 December 2008 and 2007 at value in use derived from discounted estimated future cash flows of each 
estate.  Among the principal assumptions underlying the calculations were an assumed CPO selling price CIF Rotterdam 
of $500/mt (2007 - $500/mt) and a discount rate of 12% (2007 – 12%). These values were reviewed at December 2006 
by P.T. Nagadi Ekasakti, Jakarta based consultants, who are familiar with the properties and the necessary assumptions 
underlying the calculations. Biological assets are estimated as a proportion of these calculations. The Indonesian estates 
have been included at values in use.

The assumption of $500/mt price represents the directors’ current estimate of the long term average CPO price based on 
current market expectations. Pricing CPO is the result of a complex relationship between competing oils and mills, oil seed 
production in both hemispheres and, to a certain extent, a correlation with crude oil. Actual experience may therefore differ 
from these estimates and assumptions. A $10 change in the CPO price, at the year-end exchange rate, results in an increase 
or decrease in valuation of $7.3m, but no significant impact on the income statement.

The Malaysian estates were professionally valued by PPC International, Kuala Lumpur based valuers, in December 2006 on 
an open market existing use basis and are included at this valuation less potential sale costs, plus additions during 2007.

The estates include $42,000 (2007: $106,000) of interest and $3,303,000 (2007: $2,144,000) of overheads capitalised during 
the year in respect of expenditure on estates under development.

Original cost and depreciation at historical rates of exchange of the estates at 31 December 2008:

Original cost 
Cumulative depreciation based on original cost 

Estates 
$000 
195,173 
(37,523) 

157,650 

Mills 
$000 
31,218 
(10,901) 

Total
$000
226,391
(48,424)

20,317 

177,967

The Indonesian authorities have granted certain land exploitation rights and operating permits for the estates.  In the case 
of established estates in North Sumatra these rights and permits expire between 2023 and 2026 with rights of renewal 
thereafter for periods from 35 to 60 years.  In the case of estates in Bengkulu land titles were issued between 1993 and 
2002 and the titles expire between 2028 and 2032 with rights of renewal thereafter for two consecutive periods of 25 and 35 
years respectively.  In the case of estates in Riau, land titles were issued in 2003 and expire in 2033; in the case of CPA’s 
estate acquired in 2007 (as set out in note 26) land titles were issued in 1996 to expire in 2029.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

       
 
       
 
       
 
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
       
       
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

11 

Biological assets, property, plant and equipment - continued

In both cases there are subsequent rights of renewal similar to those in Bengkulu. Renewal is subject to compliance with 
the laws and regulations of Indonesia. As described in note 1 the values in use of the Indonesian estates are depreciated 
over a period of fifty years, since the directors expect the renewals will take place. Land acquired during 2007 and 2008 as 
set out in note 26 is held under temporary “rights to occupy”, pending issue of formal land exploitation rights.

The land title of the estate in Malaysia is a long lease expiring in 2084.

12 

Receivables: non-current

Due from minority shareholders 
Due from village smallholder schemes 

2008 
$000 
1,363 
314 

1,677 

2007
$000
1,363
314

1,677

The minority shareholders in PT Alno Agro Utama and PT Cahaya Pelita Andhika have acquired their interests on deferred 
terms  (see  note  25,  Credit  risk).  The  minority  shareholder  in  PT  Mitra  Puding  Mas  repaid  his  debt  of  $286,000  during 
2007.

Amounts due from village smallholder schemes represents expenditure on planting and maintaining to maturity oil palms 
on communal land owned by 21 separate villages neighbouring the group’s estates.

The book values of the amounts due from minority shareholders and village smallholder schemes approximates their fair 
values.

13 

Inventories

Estate and mill consumables 
Processed produce for sale 

14 

Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 
Other receivables 
Accrued interest receivable 
Prepayments 

2008 
$000 
3,510 
686 

4,196 

2008 
$000 
390 
3,402 
156 
195 

4,143 

15 

Bank loans and other financial liabilities

2008 

2007

Bank overdraft (a) 
Bank overdraft (b) 
Long term development loan (c) 
Long term development loan (d) 
Long term development loan (e) 

Total bank loans 
Finance lease obligations (f) 

Total bank loans and lease obligations 

Amounts repayable after more than one year,
  as follows:
  in more than one year but not more than two years 
  in more than two years but not more than five years 
  in more than five years but not more than six years 
  in more than six years but not more than seven years 

under one 
year 
$000 
1 
3,000 
1,250 
400 
2,588 

7,239 
54 

7,293 

under one 
year 
$000 
1 
– 
938 
800 
6,900 

8,639 
– 

8,639 

more than 
one year 
$000 
– 
– 
– 
2,000 
25,013 

27,013 
12 

27,025 

9,437 
11,150 
6,438 
– 

27,025 

2007
$000
3,505
1,405

4,910

2007
$000
343
723
156
240

1,462

more than
one year
$000
–
–
938
2,800
31,912

35,650
69

35,719

8,689
9,442
11,150
6,438

35,719

The carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

(a) 

(b) 

The bank overdraft is secured by a fixed and floating charge over the land titles and assets of the parent company’s 
Malaysian operating subsidiary, Anglo-Eastern Plantations (M) Sdn Bhd (“AEP Malaysia”) as well as over the parent 
company’s shareholding in AEP Malaysia. The parent company has guaranteed the overdraft. Interest is at 2% above 
Malaysian Bank Lending Rate or about 8.75% (2006: 8.75%).

The bank overdraft was made available in June 2007 and is secured by a fixed charge on the land titles of PT Musam 
Utjing. The parent company has guaranteed the overdraft which was fully repaid in January 2008. Interest is at 2.67% 
over the Singapore Interbank Lending Rate (SIBOR) or about 7.7%.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
       
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
       
 
       
 
 
       
       
 
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

15 

Bank loans and other financial liabilities - continued

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

The long term development loan, which is part of an original facility of $5,000,000, was made in July 2004 to, and 
secured by a fixed and floating charge on the land titles and other assets of, PT Bina Pitri Jaya. The parent company 
has guaranteed the loan. Interest was at 4% under the US dollar Indonesian prime rate or about 5.6% (2007: 7.9%).  
The loan is repayable in sixteen quarterly instalments of $312,500 from October 2005 to July 2009.

The long term development loan of $2,800,000 (2007: $3,200,000), to part finance construction of a mill, was made 
in September 2006 to, and secured by a fixed and floating charge on the land titles and other assets of, PT Bina Pitri 
Jaya. This loan bears interest rate at 5.5% below the Bank’s prime lending rate per annum. The loan is repayable in 
sixteen quarterly instalments of $200,000 from July 2008 to April 2012.

The long term development loan of $31,913,000 (2007: $34,500,000) to finance the purchase and development of 
new land or developed estates, was made in June and July 2007. It is secured by a fixed and floating charge on 
the land titles and other assets of PT Alno Agro Utama and of PT Tasik Raja (Tasik) and is guaranteed by Tasik and 
by the parent company. Interest is at 3% over SIBOR up to the month of September 2008. However, interest was 
revised based on DBS’s cost of funds from October 2008 onwards. Interest for 2008 was about 6.2% (2007: 8.3%).  
The loan is repayable from August 2008 over four years in quarterly instalments amounting for each 12 months to 
15%; 25%; 25% and 35% of the loan.

(f) 

Finance lease obligations relate to vehicles and machinery, on which the obligations are secured, in the Malaysian 
subsidiaries. Interest is effectively fixed at 3.0%.

16 

Trade and other payables

Trade creditors 
Other creditors 
Accruals 

17 

Deferred tax liabilities

Year end (liability) relates to 

Revaluation surplus 
Unutilised tax losses 
Other temporary differences 

Movement:
At beginning of year (liability) 
(Charge) to
  - income statement 
  - equity: revaluation and exchange reserve 
Exchange adjustment 

At end of year (liability) 

Details of movement in 2008 
Revaluation surplus 
Accelerated capital allowances 
Employee pension liabilities 
Other temporary and deductible differences 
Available losses 

Details of movements in 2007 
Revaluation surplus 
Accelerated capital allowances 
Employee pension liabilities 
Other temporary and deductible differences 
Available losses 



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

2008 
$000 
1,041 
7,004 
2,704 

10,749 

2008 
$000 
(27,800) 
130 
(780) 

(28,450) 

2007
$000
3,405
3,951
1,955

9,311

2007
$000
(22,652)
95
(468)

(23,025)

(23,025) 

(21,152)

(789) 
(1,128) 
(3,508) 

(773)
(1,186)
86

(28,450) 

(23,025)

(Charged)/ 
credited to 
income 
2008 
$000 
(420) 
(25) 
74 
(473) 
55 

(Charged)/
credited to
reserves
2008
$000
(1,128)
–
–
–
–

(Liability) 
2008 
$000 
(27,800) 
(67) 
363 
(1,076) 
130 

(28,450) 

(789) 

(1,128)

(Charged)/ 
credited to 
income 
2007 
$000 
(300) 
(15) 
200 
(431) 
(227) 

(Charged)/
credited) to
reserves
2007
$000
(1,186)
–
–
–
–

(773) 

(1,186)

Liability 
2007 
$000 
(22,652) 
(52) 
346 
(762) 
95 

(23,025) 

       
       
       
       
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
       
       
       
 
       
 
       
       
       
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

17 

Deferred tax liabilities - continued

A deferred tax asset has not been recognised for the following items:
Unutilised tax losses 

18 

Retirement benefits

2008 
$000 

9,309 

2007
$000

13,181

The group maintains a defined benefit funded pension scheme for some employees in Indonesia.  The scheme is valued 
by an actuary at the end of each financial year.  Any excess of the actuarial liability over the fund assets is provided and 
charged to the income statement.  The major assumptions used by the actuary were:

Inflation 
Rate of increase in wages 
Discount rate 

2008 
10% 
8% 
12% 

2007 
10% 
10% 
12% 

2006 
10% 
10% 
12% 

2005 
10% 
10% 
12% 

2004
10%
10%
12%

The group also operates a non-contributory non-funded retirement plan for staff in Indonesia.  Retirement benefits are paid 
to employees in a single lump sum at the time of retirement.  Retirement benefit is accrued by the group and charged in the 
income statement based on individual employees’ service up to the end of the financial year.

Defined 
benefit 
- funded 
schemes 
2008 
$000 

Reconciliation	to	balance	sheet	
Scheme assets (all cash) 
Scheme (liabilities) 

Net assets/(liabilities) 

Reconciliation	of	scheme	assets	
At beginning of year 
Exchange gain/(loss) 
Contributions by group 
Income 
Benefits paid  
Expenses   

At end of year  

1,241 
(1,408) 

(167) 

1,195 
(195) 
187 
112 
(53) 
(5) 

1,241 

Reconciliation	of	scheme	(liabilities)	
At beginning of year 
Exchange (loss)/gain 
Current service (cost)/write back 
Benefits paid 

(1,408) 
222 
(275) 
53 

At end of year 

(1,408) 

Defined 
benefit – 
unfunded 
schemes 
2008 
$000 

– 
(1,327) 

(1,327) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

(1,321) 
255 
(308) 
47 

(1,327) 

Total 
2008 
$000 

1,241 
(2,735) 

(1,494) 

1,195 
(195) 
187 
112 
(53) 
(5) 

1,241 

(2,729) 
477 
(583) 
100 

(2,735) 

The charge/(credit) for the year for retirement benefit comprises:

Defined benefit funded scheme
  Current service cost 
  Expenses 
  Income 

Defined benefit unfunded scheme
  Current service cost 
Defined contribution schemes
  Contributions 

Defined 
benefit 
- funded 
schemes 
2007 
$000 

1,195 
(1,408) 

(213) 

1,032 
(49) 
192 
92 
(66) 
(6) 

1,195 

(906) 
53 
(621) 
66 

Defined
benefit –
unfunded
schemes 
2007 
$000 

– 
(1,321) 

(1,321) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

(960) 
31 
(535) 
143 

(1,408) 

(1,321) 

2008 
$000 

275 
5 
(112) 

168 

308 

57 

533 

2007 
$000 

621 
6 
(107) 

520 

535 

57 

1,112 

Total
2007
$000

1,195
(2,729)

(1,534)

1,032
(49)
192
92
(66)
(6)

1,195

(1,866)
84
(1,156)
209

(2,729)

2006
$000

134
4
(66)

72

475

48

595

The best estimate of expected contribution in 2009 is $500,000.

19 

Share capital

Authorised 
Number 

Issued and 
fully paid 
Number 

Authorised 
£000 

Issued and 
fully paid 
£000 

Authorised 
$000 

Issued and
fully paid
$000

Ordinary shares of
  25p each
Beginning and end of year  60,000,000 

39,976,272 

15,000 

9,994 

23,865 

15,504

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



       
       
 
       
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
       
       
	
	
	
	
	
       
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
       
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
       
       
       
       
 
 
       
 
 
 
       
       
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

19 

Share capital - continued

Treasury shares
Beginning of year 
Purchased in year 

End of year 

Market value of treasury shares:
Beginning of year (447.5p/share) 
End of year (272.5p/share) 

2008 
Number 

518,000 
– 

2007 
Number 

468,000 
50,000 

2008 
$’000 

(1,785) 
– 

2007
$’000

(1,387)
(398)

518,000 

518,000 

(1,785) 

(1,785)

4,659
1,990

No treasury shares were purchased in 2008 (2007: 50,000 purchased at 386p/share).

20 

Share based payment
Options have been granted under the company’s 1994 Executive Share Option Scheme and Overseas Share Option Scheme 
and the 2005 Unapproved Executive Share Option Scheme to subscribe for ordinary shares of 25p each of the company 
as follows:

Price
Date of grant  per share 
44.7p 
16.04.02 
108.5p 
21.05.03 
181.2p 
13.05.04 
234.0p 
19.05.06 
323.25p 
09.10.06 
360.3p 
21.05.07 
598.0p 
03.06.08 

Period of option 
30.04.05 – 29.04.12 
21.05.06 – 20.05.13 
13.05.07 – 12.05.14 
19.05.09 – 18.05.16 
09.10.09 – 08.10.16 
21.05.10 – 20.05.17 
03.06.11 – 02.06.18 

1 Jan 07  Granted  Exercised 
– 
(18,000) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
78,300 
– 

30,600 
20,400 
30,000 
51,200 
15,500 
– 
– 

31 Dec 07  Granted  Exercised  31 Dec 08
30,600
2,400
30,000
51,200
15,500
78,300
97,700

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
97,700 

30,600 
2,400 
30,000 
51,200 
15,500 
78,300 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

147,700 

78,300 

(18,000) 

208,000 

97,700 

– 

305,700

Exercisable 

51,000 

63,000 

63,000

Options granted to directors, included above, are shown on page 19.

The weighted average contracted life of options outstanding at the end of the year was 7.7 years (2007 – 8 years) and the 
weighted average exercise price was 362p (2007 – 251p). The weighted average exercise price of options exercisable at 
the end of the year was 112p (2007 – 112p).

The weighted average share price at date of exercise of options exercised in prior year was 360p. No options were exercised 
for the year. 97,700 share options were granted in 2008 (2007 - 78,300).  

The aggregate of the estimated fair value of options granted in 2008 was $216,000 (2007: $171,000). The assumptions 
applied in the binomial model used to calculate this fair value were:

Weighted average share price at grant date 
Weighted average exercise price 
Weighted average contracted life 
Weighted average expected period to exercise 

Expected volatility 
Risk Free rate 
Expected dividend yield 

2008 
608p 
N/A 
10 years 
3.5years 

25% 
5% 
2% 

2007
385p
360p
10 years
3.5 years

25%
5%
2%

There are no vesting conditions other than that option holders may exercise their options at any time within three and ten 
years after grant, provided they remain employees of the group for a period of three years from date of grant.

21 

Ultimate controlling shareholder and related party transactions
At 31 December 2008 Genton International Limited, a company registered in Hong Kong, held 20,247,814 (2007 – 20,247,814) 
shares of the company representing 50.6% (2007 – 50.6%) of the issued share capital of the company. Together with other 
deemed interested parties, the company ‘s shareholding totals 20,521,314 or 51.3%. Madam Lim, a director of the company, 
has advised the company that she is the controlling shareholder of Genton International Limited.

During the year a subsidiary of the company managed, for a fee of $21,000 (2007 - $17,000), small plantations owned by 
companies controlled by Madam Lim. This contract is on an arm’s length basis.  At 31 December 2008 the amount due 
under this contract was $1,500 (2007 - $4,000).

During the year the Company engaged UHY Hacker Young, an accounting firm of which Dato’ John Lim Ewe Chuan is a 
partner, to provide company secretarial and taxation services for a fee of $49,502 (2007 - Nil). This contract is on an arm’s 
length basis.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

       
       
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

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Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

22 

Reserves and minority interests - continued

Nature and purpose of each reserve:

Share Capital 

Amount of shares subscribed at nominal value.

Share premium 

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value.

Capital redemption 

Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares.

Treasury shares 

Cost of own shares held in treasury.

Revaluation 

Gains/loses arising on the revaluation of the group’s property.

Foreign exchange 

Gains/losses arising on translating the net assets of overseas operations into dollars.

Retained earnings 

Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated income statement.

23 

Guarantees and other financial commitments

Capital commitments at 31 December
Contracted but not provided 
- 
- 
Authorised but not contracted 
- 

normal estate operations 
normal estate operations 
land acquisition 

2008 
$000 

6,748 
23,554 
– 

2007
$000

70
16,377
6,400

24 

Finance leases
The group leases a few tractors and cars, included under non-biological plantation assets at a net carrying value $Nil (2007 
- $163,000).  Such assets are classified as finance leases as the rental period amounts to the estimated useful economic 
life of the assets concerned and the group has the right to purchase the assets outright at the end of the minimum lease 
term by paying a nominal amount.

Future lease payments are due as follows: 

2008
Nil

2007 
Not later than one year 
Later than one year and not later than five years 

Minimum
lease 
payments 
2007 
$’000 
54 
69 

Interest 
2007 
$’000 
6 
8 

Present
value
2007
$’000
48
61

123 

14 

109

25 

Disclosure of financial instruments and other risks

The group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash, short and long term bank loans, trade receivables and payables 
and receivables from local partners in respect of their investments.

0

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
       
       
 
       
       
       
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

25 

Disclosure of financial instruments and other risks - continued

The group’s accounting classification of each class of financial asset and liability at 31 December 2008 and 2007 were:

2008 
Non-current receivables 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalent 
Borrowings due within one year 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings due after one year 

2007 
Non-current receivables 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalent 
Borrowings due within one year 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings due after one year 

Loans and 
receivables 
$000 
1,363 
4,143 
69,442 
– 
– 
– 

Amortised 
cost 
$000 
– 
– 
– 
(8,639) 
(10,749) 
(27,025) 

Total 
carrying
value and
fair value
$000
1,363
4,143
69,442
(8,639)
(10,749)
(27,025)

74,948 

(46,413) 

28,535

Loans and 
receivables 
$000 
1,363 
1,462 
66,358 
– 
– 
– 

Amortised 
cost 
$000 
– 
– 
– 
(7,293) 
(9,311) 
(35,719) 

Total 
carrying
value and
fair value
$000
1,363
1,462
66,358
(7,293)
(9,311)
(35,719)

69,183 

(52,323) 

16,860

The principal financial risks to which the group is exposed are:
- commodity selling price changes;
- exchange movements; and
which, in turn, can affect financial instruments and/or operating performance.

With the exception described below, the company does not hedge any of its risks. Its trade credit risks are low. There are 
no financial assets or liabilities that are held at fair value through the profit and loss.

The board is directly responsible for setting policies in relation to financial risk management and monitors the levels of the 
main risks through review of regular operational reports.

Commodity	selling	prices
The group does not normally contract to sell produce more than one month ahead.  An exception was made in March 2007 
when, believing the CPO price was already very favourable, and to secure the group’s cash flow for an impending acquisition, 
33% of annual CPO production in Indonesia was sold forward through to December 2007.

A 1% change in the CPO and kernel selling price produces a 1% change in sales revenue less the level of export tax ruling 
at the time. Profit is affected by an equal absolute amount.

Currency	risk
Most of the group’s operations are in Indonesia. The parent company and group accounts are prepared in US dollars which 
is not the functional currency of the operating subsidiaries. The group does not hedge its net investment in its overseas 
subsidiaries  and  is  therefore  exposed  to  a  currency  risk  on  that  investment.  The  historic  cost  of  investment  (including 
intercompany loans) by the parent in its subsidiaries amounted to $79,783,000 (2007: $50,276,000), while the fair value of 
the group’s share of underlying assets at 31 December 2008 amounted to $160,731,000 (2007 - $145,971,000).

All the group’s sales are made in local currency and any trade receivables are therefore denominated in local currency. No 
hedging is therefore necessary.

However, selling prices of the group’s produce are directly related to the US dollar denominated world prices. Appreciation 
of local currencies therefore reduces profits and cash flow of the Indonesian and Malaysian subsidiaries in terms of local 
currency and, to a lesser extent, US dollar consolidated profits – and vice versa.  It is not practical to hedge this currency 
risk.

The group’s subsidiaries which are borrowing in US dollars, as set out under Liquidity Risk below could face significant 
exchange  losses  in  the  event  of  depreciation  of  their  local  currency  –  and  vice  versa.  This  risk  is  mitigated  by  dollar 
denominated cash balances in those subsidiaries. While the company was in a position to match dollar cash balances with 
dollar financial liabilities throughout 2007 and 2008, policy has been for only a partial but increasing match because interest 
rates on local currency deposits were some 6.22% higher than on dollar deposits and about the same as dollar borrowing 
costs. The unmatched balance at 31 December 2008 is represented by the $16,034,000 shown in the table below (2007: 
$24,258,000). If the group’s net cash position continues to improve then dollar cash balances will continue to be increased 
through 2009 – eventually to match dollar liabilities.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



 
       
 
 
       
 
 
       
       
       
       
 
 
       
 
 
       
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

25 

Disclosure of financial instruments and other risks - continued
Currency	risk	-	continued
A 1% change in the rupiah:dollar exchange rate would have caused a gain or less on exchange of $160,340 at 31 December 
2008 (2007: $242,000).

The table below shows the net monetary assets and liabilities of the group at 31 December 2008 and 2007 that were not 
denominated in the operating or functional currency of the operating unit involved.

Functional currency of group operation 
2008
Indonesian rupiah 
US dollar 

Total  

2007 
Indonesian rupiah 
US dollar 

Total  

Net foreign currency assets/(liabilities)

US dollar 
$000 

Ringgit 
$000 

Sterling 
$000 

Total
$000

(16,034) 
– 

(16,034) 

$000 
(24,258) 
– 

– 
(26) 

(26) 

$000 
– 
(26) 

– 
(549) 

(16,034)
(575)

(549) 

(16,609)

$000 
– 
(62) 

$000
(24,258)
(88)

(24,258) 

(26) 

(62) 

(24,346)

Liquidity	risk
Development to profitability of new sizable plantations requires a period of between six and seven years before cash flow 
turns positive. Because oil palms do not begin yielding significantly until four years after planting, this period and the cash 
requirement is little affected by changes in commodity prices.

The group attempts to ensure that it is likely to have either self-generated funds or further loan/equity capital to complete 
its development plans and to meet loan repayments. Long term forecasts are updated about twice a year for review by the 
board. In the event that falling commodity prices reduce self-generated funds below expectations and to a level where group 
resources may be insufficient, further new planting may be restricted. Consideration is given to the funds continued to be 
required to bring existing immature plantings to maturity.

The group’s trade and tax payables are all due for settlement within a year.  At 31 December 2008 the group had the following 
loans and facilities.

Malaysia: 

ringgit denominated
- overdraft 
Indonesia:  US dollar denominated
- overdraft 
- long term loan 

Borrowings 
$000 

Facilities 
$000

Repayable

1 

907 

on demand

– 
35,650 

3,000 
39,888 

on demand
2008 - 2012 (note 15)

The Indonesian overdraft was repaid in full in January 2008. The facility remained in place and will be reviewed monthly 
through 2008. The Malaysian overdraft facility is reviewed annually. The total long term loan facilities of $35,651,000 together 
with interest at current rates is repayable as follows:

Principal 
Interest 

Total  

2009 
$000 
8,638 
2,569 

2010 
$000 
9,424 
1,829 

2011 
$000 
11,150 
985 

11,207 

11,253 

12,135 

2012
$000
6,439
264

6,703

In the event of a prolonged adverse movement in the CPO price the group would consider refinancing these borrowings 
into a longer term loan stock.

Forecasts prepared in December 2008 indicate that the group has sufficient funds to meet its development plans and financial 
commitments through 2009.

All the long term loans include varying covenants covering minimum net worth and cash balances, dividend and interest 
cover and debt service ratios.

Interest	rate	risk
Both the group’s surplus cash and its borrowings are subject to variable interest rates. The group had net cash throughout 
2008, so the effect of variations in borrowing rates is more than offset.  A 1% change in the borrowing or deposit interest 
rate would not have a significant impact on the groups’ reported results. The rates on borrowings are set out in note 15.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



	
 
 
 
       
	
 
 
 
     
 
     
 
     
     
     
 
       
       
 
 
 
	
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

25 

Disclosure of financial instruments and other risks - continued
Interest	rate	risk	-	continued
There is no policy to hedge interest rates, partly because of the net cash position and partly because net interest is a relatively 
small proportion of group profits.

Interest rate profiles of the group’s financial assets (comprising non current receivables, tax receivables, trade and other 
receivables and cash) at 31 December 2008 were:

2008 
Sterling 
US dollar 
Rupiah 
Ringgit 

Total  

2007 
Sterling 
US dollar 
Rupiah 
Ringgit 

Total  

Total 
$000 
691 
21,290 
47,763 
6,279 

76,023 

$000 
104 
22,982 
45,392 
2,894 

71,372 

Fixed rate  Variable rate 
$000 
1 
19,907 
43,745 
5,789 

$000 
– 
1,363 
– 
– 

No interest
$000
690
20
4,018
490

1,363 

$000 
– 
1,363 
– 
– 

1,363 

69,442 

$000 
60 
21,598 
42,220 
2,479 

66,357 

5,218

$000
44
21
3,172
415

3,652

Long  term  receivables  of  $1,363,000  (2007  -  $1,363,000)  comprise  dollar  denominated  amounts  due  from  minority 
shareholders as described in note 12 on which interest is due at a fixed rate of 6%.

Average  US  dollar  deposit  rates  in  2008  were  4.23%  (2007  –  4.5%)  and  rupiah  deposit  rates  were  10.45%  (2007 
– 8.1%).

Interest rate profiles of the group’s financial liabilities (comprising bank loans and other financial liabilities, trade and other 
payables, tax liabilities and retirement benefit liabilities) at 31 December were:

2008 
Sterling 
US dollar 
Rupiah 
Ringgit 

Total  

2007 
Sterling 
US dollar 
Rupiah 
Ringgit 

Total  

Total 
$000 
(142) 
(35,664) 
(10,992) 
(1,097) 

(47,895) 

$000 
(166) 
(44,010) 
(8,654) 
(1,028) 

(53,858) 

Fixed rate  Variable rate 
$000 
– 
(35,651) 
– 
(1) 

$000 
– 
– 
– 
– 

No interest
$000
(142)
(13)
(10,992)
(1,096)

– 

(35,652) 

(12,243)

$000 
– 
– 
– 
(123) 

(123) 

$000 
– 
(42,888) 
– 
(1) 

$000
(166)
(1,122)
(8,654)
(904)

(42,889) 

(10,846)

Weighted average interest rate on variable rate borrowings was 6.12% in 2008 (2007: 8.1%).

Credit	risk
CPO and kernel amounting to 97% of group revenue are not despatched unless payment has been received in advance.  
Remaining sales are on credit for about 30 days. No provisions were considered necessary at 31 December 2008 (2007 
– nil).

All cash is deposited with licensed banks. The list of the principal banks used by the group is given on the inside of the back 
cover of this report.

Amounts receivable from local partners, amounting to $1,363,000, in relation to their investments in operating subsidiaries 
are secured on those investments and are repayable from their share of dividends from those subsidiaries. Amounts due 
from village smallholder schemes are unsecured and are to be repaid from FFB supplied.

Capital	
The group defines its Capital as Share capital and Reserves, shown in the consolidated balance sheet as “Equity attributable 
to equity holders of the parent” and amounting to $160,731,000 at 31 December 2008. (2007: $145,971,000)

Group policy is presently to attempt to fund development from self-generated funds and loans and not from issue of new 
share capital. At 31 December 2008 (2007: Nil) the group had no net borrowings but, depending market conditions, the 
board is prepared for the group to have net borrowings.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



	
 
 
       
 
 
 
       
 
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

26 

Acquisitions 

For each of the acquisitions below, since they were not active plantations, the directors consider that they have obtained 
control of an entity that is not a business and accordingly have not accounted for these acquisitions as business combinations.  
Instead, the amount paid for each acquisition has been allocated between individual identifiable assets and liabilities in the 
entity based on their fair values at the acquisition date.

2008

(1) 

 PT Riau Agrindo Agung

In January 2008, the group acquired a 95% interest in PT Riau Agrindo Agung (RAA) for a cash consideration of 
$3,676,000. RAA has no assets or liabilities other than the right to a land title over 15,000 ha near the group’s existing 
estates in Bengkulu. Plantable area is approximately 70%. The assets and liabilities and their fair value adjustment 
were assessed as follows:

Fixed assets only acquired 

Group share (95%) 

Book value 
$000 
1,369 

Revaluation to fair value 
$000 
2,501 

Fair value
$000
3,870

3,676

RAA was inactive throughout 2008 and therefore the group’s share of any profit or loss from the date of acquisition 
to the end of 2008 was nil.

(2) 

PT Karya Kencana Sentosa Tiga

In June 2008, the group acquired a 95% interest in PT Karya Kencana Sentosa Tiga (KKST) for a cash consideration 
of $4,086,000. KKST has no assets or liabilities other than the right to a land title over 16,000 ha near the group’s 
existing estates in Bengkulu. Plantable area is approximately 70%. The assets and liabilities and their fair value 
adjustment were assessed as follows:

Fixed assets only acquired 

Group share (95%) 

Book value 
$000 
913 

Revaluation to fair value 
$000 
3,388 

Fair value
$000
4,301

4,086

KKST was inactive throughout 2008 and therefore the group’s share of any profit or loss from the date of acquisition 
to the end of 2008 was nil.

(3) 

PT Empat Lawang Agro Perkasa

In July 2008, the group acquired a 95% interest in PT Empat Lawang Agro Perkasa (ELAP) for a cash consideration 
of $3,601,000. ELAP has no assets or liabilities other than the right to a land title over 14,100 ha near the group’s 
existing estates in Bengkulu. Plantable area is approximately 70%. The assets and liabilities and their fair value 
adjustment were assessed as follows:

Fixed assets only acquired 

Group share (95%) 

Book value 
$000 
913 

Revaluation to fair value 
$000 
2,877 

Fair value
$000
3,790

3,601

ELAP was inactive throughout 2008 and therefore the group’s share of any profit or loss from the date of acquisition 
to the end of 2008 was nil.

(4)  Other Acquisitions – Land Rights 

Also in January 2008 the group’s subsidiary PT Hijau Pryan Perdana acquired for a consideration of $600,000 the 
right to a land title over a further 2,379 ha of land contiguous to its existing rights over 3,715 ha.

In March 2008 the group’s subsidiary PT Cahaya Pelita Andhika was able to restore, at minimal cost, a previously 
lapsed right to a land title over a further 1,300 ha of land contiguous to its existing confirmed land title of 4,469 ha.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
       
       
     
 
 
 
       
       
 
 
 
 
       
       
     
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

26 

Acquisitions - continued

2007

(1) 

PT Cahaya Pelita Andhika

In June 2007 the group acquired a 90% interest in PT Cahaya Pelita Andhika (CPA) for a cash consideration of 
$5,198,000 and settled a loan of $1,045,000 due by CPA. CPA owns a partly planted oil palm estate of 4,470 ha in 
the province of North Sumatra. The assets and liabilities and their fair value adjustment were assessed as follows:

Fixed assets 
Current borrowings 
Other net current (liabilities) 

Net assets acquired 

Group share (90%) 

Book value 
$000 
1,279 
(1,045) 
– 

Revaluation to fair value 
$000 
5,542 
– 
– 

Fair value
$000
6,821
(1,045)
–

234 

5,542 

5,776

5,198

The group’s share of the loss of CPA from acquisition to the end of 2007 was $276,000 which included rehabilitation 
expenditure. Prior to acquisition CPA was not trading.

(2) 

PT Bangka Malindo Lestari

In December 2007 the group acquired a 95% interest in PT Bangka Malindo Lestari (BML) for a cash consideration 
of $1,451,000.  BML had no assets or liabilities other than the right to acquire a land title over 7,000 ha on the island 
of Bangka.  The assets and their fair value adjustment were assessed as follows:

Fixed assets only acquired 

Group share (95%) 

Book value 
$000 
913 

Revaluation to fair value 
$000 
614 

Fair value
$000
1,527

1,451

BML was inactive throughout 2007 and therefore the group’s share of any profit or loss from the date of acquisition 
to the end of 2007 was nil.

(3) 

PT Sawit Graha Manunggal

In December 2007 the group acquired a 95% interest in PT Sawit Graha Manunggal (SGM) for a cash consideration 
of  $6,786,000.  SGM  had  no  assets  or  liabilities  other  than  the  right  to  acquire  a  land  title  over  26,000  ha  in  the 
province of Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. The assets and their fair value adjustment were assessed 
as follows:

Fixed assets only acquired 

Group share (95%) 

Book value 
$000 
3,771 

Revaluation to fair value 
$000 
3,372 

Fair value
$000
7,143

6,786

SGM was inactive throughout 2007 and therefore the group’s share of any profit or loss from the date of acquisition 
to the end of 2007 was nil.

27 

Post Balance Sheet Events

No major events or transactions occurred between the balance sheet and the date of this report.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



 
 
       
       
     
 
 
 
 
       
       
     
 
 
 
 
       
       
     
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements

28 

Subsidiary companies

The principal subsidiaries of the company all of which have been included in these consolidated financial statements are 
as follows:

Percentage holding of
ordinary shares

Principal United Kingdom sub-holding company 
  Anglo-Indonesian Oil Palms Limited 

UK management company 
  Indopalm Services Limited 

Malaysian operating companies 
  Anglo-Eastern Plantations (M) Sdn Bhd 
  Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Sdn Bhd 

Indonesian operating companies 
  PT Alno Agro Utama  
  PT Anak Tasik   
  PT Bangka Malindo Lestari 
  PT Bina Pitra Jaya 
  PT Cahaya Pelita Andhika 
  PT Empat Lawang Agro Perkasa 
  PT Hijau Pryan Perdana 
  PT Karya Kencana Sentosa Tiga 
  PT Mitra Puding Mas  
  PT Musam Utjing 
  PT Riau Agrindo Agung 
  PT Sawit Graha Manunggal 
  PT Simpang Ampat 
  PT Tasik Raja 
  PT United Kingdom Indonesia Plantations 

100

100

55
100

90
100
95
80
90
95
80
95
90
75
95
95
100
80
75

The principal United Kingdom sub-holding company and UK management company are registered in England and Wales 
and are direct subsidiaries of the company. Details of United Kingdom subsidiaries which are not significant have been 
omitted. The  Malaysian  operating  companies  are  incorporated  in  Malaysia  and  are  direct  subsidiaries  of  the  company.  
The Indonesian operating companies are incorporated in Indonesia and are direct subsidiaries of the principal sub-holding 
company. The principal activity of the operating companies is plantation agriculture.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

 
       
       
 
 
Company Balance Sheet (UK GAAP)

as at 31 December 2008

Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries 

Current assets
Debtors 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Current liabilities
Other creditors 

Net current assets 

Net assets 

Equity
Share capital 
Treasury shares 
Share premium reserve 
Share capital redemption reserve 
Exchange reserve 
Retained earnings 

Shareholders’ funds 

Notes 

2008 
$000 

2007
$000

2 

77,948 

50,276

77,948 

50,276

3 

690 
311 

1,001 

43
2,062

2,105

5 

(168) 

(192)

833 

1,913

78,781 

52,189

15,504 
(1,785) 
23,935 
1,087 
3,872 
36,168 

15,504
(1,785)
23,935
1,087
3,872
9,576

78,781 

52,189

6 
6 
7 
7 
7 
7 

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 15 April 2008 and 
were signed on its behalf by Donald H Low

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this balance sheet.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



       
       
 
       
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
Notes to the
Company Financial Statements

1 

Accounting policies
Basis	of	accounting
The separate financial statements of the company are presented as required by the Companies Act 1985. They have been 
prepared under the historical costs convention and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards 
and law. The principal accounting policies are summarised below.

Foreign	currency
The functional currency of the company is US dollars, chosen because the price of the bulk of the group’s products are 
ultimately denominated in dollars. Transactions in sterling are translated to US dollars at the actual exchange rate and 
exchange losses recognised in profit and loss. Sterling denominated assets and liabilities are converted to US dollars at 
the rate ruling at the balance sheet date.

Investments	
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less provision for any permanent diminution in value. 

Dividends
In accordance with FRS21 equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable.  

Share	based	payments
As set out under group accounting policies on page 27.

Deferred	tax
A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in relation to brought forward tax losses of $1.6m (2007: $1.8m) because it 
is not certain those losses can be utilised.

Treasury	shares
Consideration paid or received for the purchase or sale of the company’s own shares for holding in treasury is recognised 
directly in equity, where the cost is presented as the treasury share reserve.  Any excess of the consideration received on 
the sale of treasury shares over the weighted average cost of shares sold, is taken to the share premium account. Any 
shares held in treasury are treated as cancelled for the purpose of calculating earnings per share.

Financial	guarantee	contracts
Where the company enters into financial guarantee contracts and guarantees the indebtedness of other companies within 
the group, the company considers these to be insurance arrangements and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the 
company treats the guarantee contract as a contingent liability until such time that it becomes probable that the company 
will be required to make a payment under the guarantee.

2 

Investments in subsidiaries

At beginning of year 
Movements in year 

At end of year 

Investments in 
subsidiary 

Loans to
subsidiary
undertakings  undertakings 
$000 
42,531 
27,672 

$000 
7,745 
– 

7,745 

70,203 

Total
$000
50,276
27,672

77,948

Loans to and from subsidiary companies do not have fixed repayment terms and are repayable on demand. In practice they 
are effectively long term in nature and therefore classified with investments in subsidiaries. The investment of preference 
shares in subsidiaries of $6.146m is due for redemption in 2012.  

The principal subsidiaries of the company are listed in note 28 to the consolidated financial statements on page 46.

3 

Debtors

Prepayments and accrued income 

4 

Dividends

Paid during the year
Final dividend of 14.0 cts for the year ended 31 December 2007 (2006 – 10.80cts) 

Proposed final dividend of 5.0 cts for the year ended 31 December 2008 (2007 – 14.0cts) 

2008 
$000 

690 

2008 
$000 

5,112 

1,973 

2007
$000

43

2007
$000

4,266

5,524

The proposed dividend for 2008 is subject to shareholder approval at the forthcoming annual general meeting and has not 
been included as a liability in these financial statements.



Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

	
	
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
       
       
       
       
 
 
       
       
       
       
 
Notes to the
Company Financial Statements

2008 
$000 
168 
– 

168 

2007
$000
176
16

192

Authorised 
Number 

Issued and 
fully paid 
Number 

Authorised 
£000 

Issued and 
fully paid 
£000 

Authorised 
$000 

Issued and
fully paid
$000

60,000,000 

39,976,272 

15,000 

9,994 

23,865 

15,504

5 

Other creditors

Accruals 
Other creditors 

6 

Share capital

Ordinary shares of
  25p each
Beginning and end
  of year 

Treasury shares
Beginning of year 
Purchased in year 

End of year 

2008 
Number 

518,000 
– 

518,000 

2007 
Number 

468,000 
50,000 

518,000 

2008 
$000 

(1,785) 

(1,785) 

2007
$000

(1,387)
(398) 

(1,785)

4,659
1,990

Market value of treasury shares
Beginning of year (447.5p/share) 
End of year (272.5p/share) 

The treasury shares purchased in 2007 were purchased in September at 386p.

Details of share based payments are set out in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements on page 38.

7 

Reserves
Company balance sheet

Beginning of year 
Profit for the financial year  
Dividend paid 

End of year 

Share 
premium 
account 
$000 
23,935 
– 
– 

23,935 

Treasury 
shares 
$000 
1,785 
– 
– 

Share 
capital 
redemption 
$000 
1,087 
– 
– 

Profit and
loss
account
(distributable)
$000
9,576
31,704
(5,112)

Exchange 
reserve 
$000 
3,872 
– 
– 

1,785 

1,087 

3,872 

36,168

As permitted by section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, a separate profit and loss account dealing with the results of the 
company has not been presented. The profit before tax of the company for the year was $36,254,000 (2007 - $4,318,000) 
and profit for the year was $31,704,000 (2007 – $4,285,000).

8 

Employees’ and directors’ remuneration

Average numbers employed during the year 

- directors 
- staff 

Staff costs
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Retirement benefit costs 
Share based remuneration expense 

2008 
number 
6 
2 

2008 
$000 

1,280 
10 
22 
– 

1,312 

2007
number
6
2

2007
$000

968
67
57
87

1,179

The information required by the Companies Act and the listing rules of the Financial Services Authority is contained in the 
directors’ report on remuneration on pages 18 to 19 of which the information on page 19 has been audited.

Directors’ emoluments 
Pension contributions 

2008 
$000 
641 
22 

663 

2007
$000
772
39

811

9 

Guarantees and other financial commitments
The company has provided guarantees for loans and overdrafts to subsidiaries totalling $35,650,000 (2007 -$42,889,000) 
as set out in note 15 of the consolidated financial statements.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



       
       
       
       
 
 
 
       
       
       
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
       
       
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
       
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
       
       
       
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the twenty-fourth Annual General Meeting of Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc will be held 
at the offices of Withers LLP, 16 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EG on 19 June 2009 at 11.00 a.m. for the following 
purposes:

As Ordinary Business

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

To receive and consider the company’s annual report for the year ended 31 December 2008.

To declare a dividend.

To approve the directors’ remuneration report for the year ended 31 December 2008.

To re-appoint Mr. Nik Din Nik Sulaiman, independent non-executive director.

To re-appoint Mr. Donald H Low, a director.

To re-appoint Mr. Chan Teik Huat, a director.

To re-elect Madam Lim Siew Kim, a non-executive director, who has served more than nine years.

To appoint BDO Stoy Hayward LLP as auditors and to authorise the directors to fix their remuneration.

As Special Business

9 

To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolution as special resolution:

That

(a) 

(b) 

the directors be generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to and in accordance with section 80 
of the Companies Act 1985 (“the Act”) to exercise for the period ending on 18 June 2014 all the powers 
of the company to allot relevant securities up to an aggregate nominal amount equal to one-third of the 
issued share capital at the date of this resolution;

during the period expiring on the date of the next Annual General Meeting or on 18 September 2010 
(whichever shall be earlier) the directors be empowered to allot equity securities for cash pursuant to the 
authority conferred under paragraph (a) above or by way of sale of treasury shares (within the meaning 
of section 162A of the Act):

(i) 

in connection with a rights issue; and

(ii) 

up  to  an  aggregate  nominal  amount  of  £499,703,  otherwise  than  in  connection  with  a  rights 
issue; 

as if section 89 (1) of the Act did not apply to any such allotment;

(c) 

by such authority and power the directors may during such periods make offers or agreements which 
would or might require the making of allotments after the expiry of such periods; and

(d) 

for the purposes of this resolution:

(i) 

“rights issue” means an offer of equity securities open for acceptance for a period fixed by the 
directors to holders of equity securities (other than the company) on the register on a fixed record 
date in proportion to their respective holdings of such securities or in accordance with the rights 
attached thereto (but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the directors may deem 
necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems under 
the laws of, or the requirements of any recognised regulatory body or any stock exchange in, any 
territory);

0

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

(ii) 

the nominal amount of any securities shall be taken to be, in the case of rights to subscribe for or 
convert any securities into shares of the company, the nominal amount of such shares which may 
be allotted pursuant to such rights; and

(iii)  words and expressions defined in or for the purposes of part IV of the Act shall bear the same 

meanings herein.

10 

To consider and if thought fit to pass the following resolution as a special resolution:

That the directors be and they are hereby authorised

(i) 

(ii) 

to exercise the powers contained in the Articles of Association of the company so that, to the extent 
determined by the directors, the holders of ordinary shares be permitted to elect to receive new ordinary 
shares in the capital of the company, credited as fully paid, instead of all or part of any interim or final 
dividend or dividends which may be declared or paid at any time or times prior to 18 June 2014; and

to capitalise the appropriate nominal amount of additional ordinary shares, falling to be allotted pursuant 
to elections made as aforesaid, out of the amount standing to the credit of any reserves of the company, 
to apply such sum in paying up such ordinary shares and pursuant to section 80 of the Act to allot such 
ordinary shares up to a maximum nominal value of an aggregate nominal amount equal to the company’s 
authorised but unissued share capital at the date of this resolution to members of the company validly 
making such elections at any time or times prior to 18 June 2014 as if sub-section (1) of section 89 of 
the said Act did not apply thereto and so that this authority shall be without prejudice and additional to 
the authority conferred by resolution no 9.

11 

To consider and if thought fit to pass the following as a special resolution:

That the company is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised to make market purchases (within the 
meaning of section 163 of the Act) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the company provided 
that:

(a) 

the maximum number of ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased is 3,997,627 (representing 
10% of the issued ordinary share capital);

(b) 

the minimum price which may be paid for each ordinary share is 25p;

(c) 

(d) 

the maximum price which may be paid for each ordinary share is an amount equal to 105% of the average 
of the middle market quotations for such share as derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock 
Exchange plc for the five business days immediately preceding the date of purchase; and

the authority hereby conferred shall expire  on 18 September 2010  or, if earlier, at the conclusion of 
the next Annual General Meeting of the company save that the company may before the expiry of this 
authority make a contract of purchase which will or may be executed wholly or partly after such expiry 
and may make a purchase of shares pursuant to any such contract.

By order of the board
CETC (Nominees) Limited
Company Secretary 

Notes:

30 April 2009

1. 

2. 

A member of the company entitled to attend and vote at the meeting may appoint one or more proxies to attend, speak 
and vote at a meeting. Where more than one proxy is appointed, each proxy must be appointed for different shares. You 
may not appoint more than one proxy to exercise rights attached to any one share. A proxy need not be a member of the 
Company. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at the office of the registrars not less than forty-eight hours 
before the time appointed for holding the meeting (or any adjournment thereof).

Pursuant to regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, the Company has specified that only those 
shareholders on the register of members of the company at 11.00 a.m. on 17 June 2009 shall be entitled to attend and vote 
at the meeting in respect of the number of shares registered in their name at that time. Changes to the register of members 
after 11.00 a.m. on 17 June 2009 or, if the meeting is adjourned, in the register of members at 6.00 p.m. on the day which 
is two days before the day of any adjourned meeting shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend 
and vote at the meeting.

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008



 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

3. 

4.  

In the case of joint holders, where more than one of the joint holders purports to appoint a proxy, only the appointment 
submitted  by  the  most  senior  holder  will  be  accepted.  Seniority  is  determined  by  the  order  in  which  the  names  of  the 
joint holders appear in the Company’s register of members in respect of the joint holding (the first-named being the most 
senior).

As at 15 April 2009, the Company’s issued share capital comprised 39,976,272 Ordinary Shares of 25p each. Each share 
carries  one  vote  except  518,000  shares  held  as  treasury  shares  and  therefore  the  total  number  of  voting  rights  in  the 
Company as at 9.00 am on 15 April 2009 is 39,458,272.

5.  

In order to facilitate voting by corporate representatives at the meeting, arrangements will be put in place at the meeting so 
that:

(i) 

(ii) 

if a corporate member has appointed the Chairman of the meeting as its corporate representative with instructions 
to vote on a poll in accordance with the directions of all the other corporate representatives for that member at the 
meeting, then, on a poll, those corporate representatives will give voting directions to the Chairman and the Chairman 
will vote (or withhold a vote) as corporate representative in accordance with those directions; and

if more than one corporate representative for the same corporate member attends the meeting but the corporate 
member has not appointed the Chairman of the meeting as its corporate representative, a designated corporate 
representative will be nominated, from those corporate representatives who attend, who will vote on a poll and the 
other corporate representatives will give voting directions to that designated corporate representative.

Corporate members are referred to the guidance issued by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators on 
proxies and corporate representatives – www.icsa.org.uk – for further details of this procedure. The guidance includes a 
sample form of representation letter to appoint the Chairman as a corporate representative as described in 5(i) above.

The right to appoint a proxy does not apply to persons whose shares are held on their behalf by another person and who 
have been nominated to receive communication from the Company in accordance with section 146 of the Companies Act 
2006 (“nominated persons”). Nominated persons may have a right under an agreement with the registered shareholder who 
holds shares on their behalf to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy. Alternatively, if nominated 
persons do not have such a right, or do not wish to exercise it, they may have a right under such an agreement to given 
instructions to the person holding the shares as to the exercise of voting rights.

The register of directors’ interests, showing any transactions of directors and of their families in the securities of the company, 
and the service agreements of directors, will be available for inspection at the registered office during usual business hours 
and for15 minutes prior to the meeting and at the meeting.

Shares held in uncertified form (i.e. CREST) may be voted through the CREST Proxy Voting Service in accordance with 
procedures set out in the CREST manual.

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10.  You  may  submit  your  proxy  electronically  using The  Share  Portal  service  at  www.capitashareportal.com.  If  not  already 

registered for The Share Portal, you will need your Investor Code which can be found on your share certificate.

11. 

12. 

If you are in any doubt as to any aspect of Resolutions 9 to 11 or as to the action you should take, you should immediately 
seek your own advice from a stockbroker, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial adviser authorised under the 
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.  The Board believes that these Resolutions are in the best interests of the company 
and shareholders as a whole.

If you have sold or otherwise transferred all your shares in the company, please hand this document and the accompanying 
form of proxy to the purchaser or transferee, or to the bank, stockbroker or other agent through whom the sale or transfer 
was effected, for transmission to the purchaser or transferee.  If you sell or have sold or otherwise transferred only part of 
your holding of existing shares please consult the bank, stockbroker or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was 
effected.

52

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc   I   Annual Report 2008

Company addresses

Malaysian Office

Secretary and Registered Office

Anglo-Eastern Plantations (M) Sdn Bhd

Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc (Number 1884630)

7th Floor

Wisma Equity

150 Jalan Ampang

50450 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Tel: +60 (3) 2162 9808

Fax: +60 (3) 2164 8922

Indonesian Office

P T United Kingdom Indonesia Plantations 

Wisma HSBC

Jalan Diponegoro, Kav 11

Medan 20152

North Sumatra

Indonesia

Tel: +62 (0)61 4528683

Fax: +62 (0)61 4520029

Company advisers

(Registered in England and Wales)

CETC (Nominees) Limited

Quadrant House

Floor 6

17 Thomas More Street

Thomas More Square

London E1W 1YW

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)20 7216 4600

Fax: +44 (0)20 7767 2602

Company website

www.angloeastern.co.uk

Principal Bankers

Auditors

National Westminster Bank Plc

BDO Stoy Hayward LLP

15 Bishopsgate

London EC2P 2AP

United Kingdom

55 Baker Street

London W1U 7EU

United Kingdom

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking

Registrars

Corporation Limited

Wisma HSBC

Jalan Diponegoro, Kav 11

Medan 20152

North Sumatra

Indonesia

PT Bank DBS Indonesia

Uniplaza Building

Capita Registrars

Northern House

Woodsome Park 

Fenay Bridge

Huddersfield

West Yorkshire HD8 0LA

United Kingdom

Sponsor/Broker

Jalan Letjen MT Haryonon A-1

Charles Stanley Securities

Medan 20231

North Sumatra

Indonesia

Malayan Banking Corporation Bhd

Menara Promenade

100 Jalan Tun Razak

50050 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

25 Luke Street

London EC2A 4AR

United Kingdom

Solicitors

Withers LLP

16 Old Bailey

London EC4M 7EG

United Kingdom