Integrated Annual Report 2010
Growth the natural outcome
Financial highlights
Large maize crop contributes to improved results from AFGRI’s grain storage business
16% improvement in AFGRI Foods’ results following 2009 expansion
6%increase in headline earnings per share
AFGRI Financial Services returns to profitability
32% improvementin Group profit
Non-core assets disposed of and further investment in foods sector
R690 millionNet cash at 30 June 2010
Contents
IFC 2010 highlightsIFC AFGRI visionIFC About AFGRI’s integrated annual report
2 Group structure4 Contribution by segment5 Value added statement6 Five-year financial performance7 Key performance indicators8 Material issues summary
12 Group directorate
16 Chairman’s report22 Chief executive officer’s report30 Review of operations
30 AFGRI Financial Services34 AFGRI Agri-Services37 AFGRI Foods40 AFGRI Corporate and discontinued operations
42 Chief financial officers report48 Corporate responsibility60 Awards in 2010
62 Corporate governance70 Remuneration report73 Shareholder’s analysis74 GRI Index78 Audit and Risk Management Committee report
82 Directors’ responsibility for, and approval of, the annual
financial statements82 Certificate by Company Secretary83 Independent auditors’ report84 Directors’ report87 Accounting policies
108 Group balance sheet109 Group income statement110 Group statement of comprehensive income110 Group statement of changes in equity111 Group cash flow statement113 Business segment results118 Notes to the Group annual financial statements158 Appendix A159 Appendix B160 Appendix C160 Appendix D161 Separate Company annual financial statements168 Notice of annual general meeting175 Form of proxyIBC Administration
Group overview
2010 overview
Financial statements
Corporate governance
www.afgri.co.za
“Man, despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication and many accomplishments, owes the fact of his existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains.”
– Anonymous –
About AFGRI’s integrated annual reportThe King Report on Governance for South Africa, 2009 (King III), introduces the concept of integrated reporting and disclosure demanded by the transparency and accountability principles of corporate governance. The principles supporting the ninth and final code of the King Committee’s report relating to integrated reporting and disclosure are:• that the Board should ensure the integrity of the
integrated report; • that sustainability reporting and disclosure are
integrated with a company’s financial reporting; and • that sustainability reporting and disclosure should be
independently assured.
In this, AFGRI’s first integrated report, the Board and management have sought to follow the principles provided for in King III wherever practical and feasible. Management have also adopted the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines for the reporting of sustainability issues during the preparation of the integrated report.
Notwithstanding the progress made in many areas relating to the application of both King III and sustainability reporting practices, management acknowledges that this report and the supporting activities are the beginning of a continuous journey to ensure the sustainability of AFGRI through balancing long-term social, environmental and economic interests with the principle need to maximise the profits of the company, and acting as a responsible corporate citizen.
Our vision To be the leading food and agricultural company
in Africa.
Our mission Focusing on creating ONE AFGRI that supports
the food and agricultural value chain in which
our customers operate.
Our strategy Consolidate and grow our core competencies
in the food and agricultural sector
Focus on the food and agricultural value chain
Provide innovative products and services
to customers in the food and agricultural
value chain
Expand interest in the foods sector
Surpass shareholder expectations
Improve capital base through exiting under-
performing businesses and the disposal of
non-core assets.
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
About AFGRI’s integrated annual report continued
Our valuesPassion
Teamwork
Innovation
Respect
Accountability
Integrity
Service excellence
Creating One AFGRI
The report addresses the need to look
beyond the interests of the Company
and shareholders, taking into account
the concerns and issues of its wider
stakeholder environment.
In particular we acknowledge that in terms of many environmental performance indicators and certain social performance indicators as identified by the GRI, AFGRI has historically ensured legal compliance rather than driving improvements in indicators or targeting ‘best practices’. During the coming year, the Group will identify appropriate performance indicators (applicable to either the Group or individual operations), establish a baseline position for these indicators and set targets for improvements on the baseline position. Therefore, as this report is not exhaustive with regard to sustainability issues or the appropriate performance indicators, we have chosen not to have its content independently assured. Reporting and management systems will continue to be developed in order to improve the application of the GRI principles in future periods.
Despite these shortcomings, the report addresses the need to look beyond the interests of the company and shareholders, taking into account the concerns and issues of its wider stakeholder environment, such as customers, suppliers, employees and broader society. Details of stakeholders, their identification and engagement can be found later in the report.
Eight strategic themes for the Group were identified. These strategic themes are ultimately governed by the Board although various subcommittees of the Board may be accountable for their management. Following the materiality principle of the GRI, these have been further subdivided into 30 issues that are deemed material to the business and its stakeholders. Where possible, GRI indicators relevant to these issues have been applied to measure the Group’s progress towards sustainability.
The King III Report came into effect in March 2010 and companies are required to comply by the end of the first financial year commencing thereafter. AFGRI has made considerable progress with regard to corporate governance over several years but there remains more to do. As such, the Group has not complied with the ‘apply or explain’ philosophy of King III in this report but will do so for the financial year ending 30 June 2011.
This report covers the South African operations of AFGRI Limited and its material subsidiaries, focusing on the business units that contribute most to the Group’s results and its investments in assets. The financial results of the Australian and Zambian subsidiaries are included in this report but comment on corporate responsibility matters is excluded as the impact that these subsidiaries’ have on social and environmental matters is considered immaterial. The governance and risk management practices discussed in this report are applied to foreign subsidiaries. The report covers the period of the financial year ended 30 June 2010. The activities of associate companies and joint ventures are similarly not considered sufficient to warrant inclusion in this report.
This integrated annual report is also available on the AFGRI website at www.afgri.co.za.For questions regarding this report, contact: Peter Harris – General Manager [email protected] 643 8284Niki van Wyk – Company [email protected] 643 8295
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Group structure
AFGRI FINANCIAL SERVICES AFGRI AGRI SERVICES
AFGRI CapitalThe largest business unit within AFGRI Capital is AFGRI Advances
which provides both producer and specialised lending within the
agricultural sector. In addition, the Group’s insurance brokerage
business is reported under the AFGRI Capital division. The division is
also responsible for conducting the Group’s treasury activities.
The business focuses on servicing the farmer through its producer
lending product line and the corporate sector through its specialised
lending business. Products are customised to agriculture in general
and often to meet the requirements of individual clients.
The insurance brokerage provides a diverse range of insurance
products, from crop insurance to life assurance, from homeowners’
to healthcare insurance products.
The above businesses are focused within South Africa’s main, high
producing grain growing regions of the Mpumalanga, North West,
Gauteng and Free State provinces.
As the provision of credit represents the most significant aspect of the
Group’s operations in Zambia, this subsidiary also reports into AFGRI
Capital. The Zambian subsidiary also supplies John Deere equipment
and services, handling and storage of grain and the procurement of
maize and wheat under mandate.
AFGRI BrokingAFGRI Broking provides a derivative broking service to clients based
on the mandated buying and selling of futures and options on the JSE
SAFEX exchange.
AFGRI FINANCIAL SERVICES
AFGRI Agri-Services is the composite of two further, identifiable segments
focused on the primary agricultural sector:
AFGRI RETAIL AND EQUIPMENT (formerly Producer Services) AFGRI RetailAFGRI Retail operates 35 branches branded ‘Town and Country’ and four Farm
City stores. Eleven dedicated John Deere workshop centres are strategically
distributed throughout AFGRI’s region. The entire retail network leverages off a
cost-effective import, wholesale and distribution operation centrally located in
Bethlehem.
The business unit provides an extensive range of farming requisites and home
and garden, DIY and outdoor products, including selected building materials.
The John Deere brand of agricultural mechanisation equipment and after sales
service is provided throughout the AFGRI region.
The Group’s Australian subsidiary, also a retailer of agricultural mechanisation
and vehicles, reports into this division.
Primary inputsPrimary inputs represents the direct delivery operation. Through a network of
agents and in conjunction with manufacturers and wholesalers of farming
requisites such as fertiliser, diesel, seed and chemicals direct on farm deliveries
are made.
Sales in both the Retail and Primary inputs business units are supported
through finance made available by AFGRI Advances.
AFGRI LOGISTICSLogisticsThe logistics division of AFGRI comprises two related business units: Handling
and Storage and Logistics.
The Handling and Storage business consists of 64 grain storage silo
installations, nine vertical bunker storage sites and 13 sites under collateral
management. In total, the division has some 4,3 million tons of storage
capacity. The Logistics business is composed of a relatively small fleet of
vehicles but through a close relationship with the Handling and Storage and
Trading operations is able to expedite efficient logistics services to consumers
of grain.
Once again, the operations are situated throughout the country’s major grain
growing areas.
AFGRI TradingThis subsidiary houses the Group’s physical commodity trading operation
providing a comprehensive grain supply chain management service backed by
tailor made supply and procurement contracts for the short and long term,
making use of innovative price hedging and finance solutions.
This division is also responsible for overseeing the AFGRI Foods’ commodity
procurement.
AFGRI AGRI-SERVICES
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
2010 overview Corporate governanceGroup overview
AFGRI FOODS
Animal Feeds and BroilersThis division comprises both the Group’s animal feeds operation and
AFGRI Poultry, the successor to Daybreak Farms.
The Animal Feeds business unit operates throughout South Africa,
having eight production sites and a variety of strategically placed
distribution depots. Having a production capacity of over 1 million tons
per annum and access to world-class feed technology solutions, this
operation is one of South Africa’s leading animal feed manufacturers.
The expanded Daybreak abattoir and the recent acquisition of Rossgro
chickens have been rebranded AFGRI Poultry after reaching the
weekly capacity milestone of 1 million birds per week. The broiler and
abattoir operations are supported by the wholly owned Midway Chix, a
producer of day-old chicks. AFGRI Poultry’s production operations are
situated in Mpumalanga with Midway Chix’s breeder farms and
hatchery in the Limpopo province. The business unit delivers product
nationally.
Labworld, also included in this division, is a supplier of a wide range of
laboratory equipment used in the agricultural, food and beverage,
mining and petrochemical industries as well as academic institutions.
Oil and ProteinAFGRI’s Oil and Protein division trades under the name Nedan and
comprises soya and cotton oil extraction plants in Mokopane (Limpopo
province). Nedan processes oil and other raw materials into edible oils,
fats and high-protein textured vegetable products for the food
processing and fast food industries. Nedan is the market leader in
texturised soya protein for human consumption and oil cakes for the
animal feed industry. Nedan distributes to industrial food customers
nationally.
AFGRI FOODS
AFGRI value chain
PlanBefore planting, AFGRI Capital provides the farmer with the necessary confidence of finance throughout the growing season by providing seasonal finance. Subsequent to planting and post emergence, AFGRI Insurance is able to provide crop and hail insurance, further providing peace of mind to the farmer.
PlantDuring the planting and growing seasons AFGRI’s Retail and Equipment Services provides the farmer with all the primary inputs necessary for a successful crop. From seed and fertilisers to tractors, planters and combine harvesters. These key inputs can be sourced through the Group’s retail branches or delivered directly from the manufacturer or distributor. Advisory services and mechanisation spares and servicing support the farmer throughout the season.
HarvestThe storage facilities provided by AFGRI’s Handling and Storage division allow both producers and consumers of grain to manage their pricing. Farmers are able to settle their seasonal finance. AFGRI’s advanced logistics management system allows it to more accurately match production and consumption demands in specified locations whilst its Trading subsidiary undertakes physical trades and their execution.
TradeThroughout the year, AFGRI Broking, the single largest trader of agricultural commodities on the JSE SAFEX exchange, buys and sells derivative commodity instruments on behalf of producers and consumers of grain. AFGRI Capital looks for other opportunities to provide finance into the food and agricultural value chain.
SellAFGRI Foods plays a vital role in converting the raw grain, together with other key elements of protein and energy, into balanced feed for the livestock and dairy industries. At AFGRI Poultry, this is taken one step further with the integrated poultry operation producing frozen whole and individually quick frozen (IQF) portions from its own day-old chicks. Nedan processes cotton seed and soya beans into various oils and proteins.
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Contribution by business segment (continuing operations only)
%/R million/number
AFGRI Financial Services
AFGRI Agri-Services
AFGRI Foods
Corporate
* Before corporate and Group eliminations** South African operations only
Revenue* Operating profit* Profit before tax* Total assets* Headcount**
10% R848
52% R4 229
38% R3 083
2009
9% R712
49% R3 643
42% R3 171
2010
39% R463
35% R422
26% R308
2009
31% R332
37% R396
32% R344
2010
(4%) (R18)
65% R280
39% R169
2009
5% R24
52% R237
43% R197
2010
53% R5 335
30% R2 997
17% R1 683
2009
49% R4 019
31% R2 553
20% R1 673
2010
6% 226
64% 2 336
28% 1 019
2% 56
2009
6% 192
56% 1 827
36% 1 187
2% 72
2010
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
2010 overview Corporate governanceGroup overview
Value added statement
Value added 2010: R2 008 million (2009: R2 054 million)
860 994 Employees 810 783
677 484 Capital providers 840 641
64 609 Central and local government 97 810
3 097 CSI 2 382
401 659 Reinvested 302 729
30 June2010
R’000
30 June2009
R’000
Revenue from continuing operations 7 258 840 8 017 223Paid to suppliers for material and services (5 330 066) (6 111 403)Value added 1 928 774 1 905 820Income from investments* 79 069 148 525 Total value created 2 007 843 2 054 345
Value distributionEmployees 860 994 810 783 Capital providers 677 484 840 641 Finance costs 456 071 665 758 Dividends to equityholders of the company 132 173 88 097 Payments to minorities– Agri Sizwe 78 056 84 942 – Other outside shareholders 11 184 1 844
Central and local government 64 609 97 810Company taxation 59 765 80 077 Secondary taxation on companies 249 13 627 Skills development levy 4 595 4 106
Corporate social investment (CSI)** 3 097 2 382Reinvested in Group to maintain and develop operations 401 659 302 729Depreciation 141 842 118 065Retained profit– Equityholders of the Company 172 482 144 976 – Agri Sizwe 51 148 24 891 – Other outside shareholders 22 073 9 179 Deferred taxation 14 114 5 618
2 007 843 2 054 345
Value added ratiosNumber of employees*** 3 575 2 983 Revenue per employee (Rand) 2 030 2 688Value created per employee (Rand) 562 689Corporate social investment – profit after tax (%) 0,7 0,7* Income from investments includes interest received and share of associates profit** CSI includes education, training and social upliftment projects*** Monthly average permanent group employees
2010 2009
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Five-year financial performance
2010Actual
Rm
2009Actual
Rm
2008*Actual
Rm
2007**Actual
Rm
2006**Actual
Rm
Cash flow informationNet cash (utilised in)/generated from operating activities 483,8 831,2 (143,2) 604,6 61,8 Net cash (utilised in)/generated from investing activities 55,2 (410,6) (424,7) (211,8) (214,8)Net cash (utilised in)/generated from financing activities (155,0) (193,5) (366,2) (236,4) 29,2
Increase/(decrease) 384,0 227,1 (201,7) 156,4 (143,8)
Movements in cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year (115,9) (343,0) (141,3) (297,7) (153,9)Increase/(decrease) 384,0 227,1 (201,7) 156,4 (143,8)
End of period 268,1 (115,9) (343,0) (141,3) (297,7)
Income statement information
Total revenue 8 325,7 9 264,1 10 690,5 6 530,1 5 739,0
Profit before income tax 541,2 453,3 308,0 344,1 186,3 Income tax expense (74,1) (99,3) (9,5) (68,4) (14,4)
Profit for the period 467,1 354,0 298,5 275,7 171,9
Profit for the year attributable toEquityholders of the company 304,7 233,1 220,4 189,9 129,1 Minority interest 162,4 120,9 78,1 85,8 42,8
Profit for the period 467,1 354,0 298,5 275,7 171,9
Balance sheet information AssetsNon-current assets 2 080,1 2 121,2 1 803,8 1 477,4 1 255,9 Current assets 6 374,9 7 546,6 7 363,1 5 642,4 4 800,2 Assets of disposal groups classified as held-for-sale 22,6 157,4 7,1 – 86,4
Total assets 8 477,6 9 825,0 9 174,0 7 119,8 6 142,5
Equity and liabilitiesCapital and reserves 1 601,5 1 486,9 1 378,6 1 230,6 1 172,6 Minority interest 683,5 646,3 612,4 588,9 531,1 Non-current liabilities 347,2 328,5 322,0 298,9 233,0 Current liabilities 5 845,4 7 318,6 6 861,0 5 001,4 4 202,9 Liabilities associated with non-current assets held-for-sale – 44,7 – – 2,9
Total equity and liabilities 8 477,6 9 825,0 9 174,0 7 119,8 6 142,5
* 2008 figures have been calculated using the figures for the 16-month period ended 30 June 2008** 2007 and earlier figures are calculated using the 28 February year-end published figures
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
2010 overview Corporate governanceGroup overview
Key performance indicators
2010Actual
2009Actual
2008*Actual
2007**Actual
2006**Restated
Financial ratiosCurrent ratio 1,1 1,0 1,1 1,1 1,1Acid test ratio 0,9 0,9 0,9 0,9 0,9Cash realisation rate 1,6 3,6 1,9 3,8 1,9Total liabilities to shareholders' equity 2,7 3,6 3,6 2,9 2,6Return on shareholders' equity (%) 19,7 16,3 16,9 15,8 11,6Return on total assets (%) 10,2 12,5 11,9 9,9 7,4Net asset value (cents per share) 451,4 463,5 436,5 389,7 370,6Effective tax rate (%) 19,6 29,9 4,1 26,5 10,1Net asset revenue (times) 3,2 4,1 5,3 3,6 3,4Net assets per employee (R’000) 639,1 715,1 527,9 381,5 388,1Revenue per employee (R’000) 2 030,4 2 992,4 2 804,1 1 369 1 307,3Value added (Rm) 1 954,7 2 040,8 1 939,2 1 370,3 1 089,0Earnings per share (cents) 94,7 72,7 69,5 59,9 41,2Headline earnings per share (cents) 78,6 74,4 73,7 65,1 39,3Cash flow per share (cents) 290,2 467,1 130,8 282,9 111,0
Shareholders' returnDividend and capital distribution 41,3 36,40 41,35 30,00 30,23– First interim 24,15 19,70 11,65 10,15 9,05– Second interim – – 21,70 – –– Final proposed 17,15 16,70 8,0 19,85 10,45– Special dividend – – – – 10,73Dividend cover compared to applicable year (times) 2,3 2,0 1,7 2,00 2,1
JSE Limited statisticsVolume of shares traded (m) 113,3 113,6 206,4 138,8 103,5Volume traded as % of number in issue 30,3 30,4 60,5 40,7 30,3Number of transactions 10 824 7 942 13 598 6 670 6 536Value of shares traded (Rm) 668,6 582,8 1 378,6 941,6 545,9Traded prices (cents per share)– last sale in year 625 499 615 650 640– high 710 640 784 780 700– low 400 300 609 490 450– average price per share traded 586 457 668 678 533
Key market performance ratiosEarnings yield (%) 12,2 14,6 11,3 9,2 6,4Dividend yield (%) 6,5 7,3 6,7 4,6 3,0 Price earnings ratio 8,2 6,9 8,5 10,9 15,5
* 2008 figures have been calculated using the figures for the 16-month period ended 30 June 2008** 2007 and earlier figures are calculated using the 28 February year-end published figures
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Material issues summary
Material issue Stakeholders Status Reference
1. New management structure InvestorsEmployeesCustomersSuppliersLenders
The Board of the Group’s operating company was restructured, removing a layer of line managers and introducing functional roles to the Board.
Pages 15, 23, 65
2. Implementation of strategy
– value chain alignment and
expansion into foods sector
In 2009 the Group began to more closely align its operations with the grain value chain and stated its desire to expand into the food sector. The disposal of assets not aligned with the Group’s value chain continued during the year and is now nearly complete. Following on from the expansions at AFGRI Poultry in 2009 the Group continued to expand existing capacities at both Animal Feeds and Nedan. Acquisitive expansion began with the purchase of the remaining minority interests in Midway Chix and the acquisition of Rossgro after year-end.
Pages 23, 24, 31, 34, 35, 37, 38, 40
3. One AFGRI philosophy The philosophy demands the integration of the diverse business units and resources to optimise the provision of seamless products and services across the value chain and the furtherance of a united AFGRI.
Pages 17, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 34, 42, 48, 49
4. Change management The multitude of developments within the Group demands appropriate change management. Management have responded to this requirement in a variety of ways, in particular improving communication and appointing change managers to supervise the IT implementation and the establishment of a Shared Services Centre.
Pages 24, 46, 68
Material issue Stakeholders Status Reference
1. Economic conditions –
internationally and locally
Restrictions on credit have eased although the cost of funding remains high, challenging the profitability of the Financial Services segment. The introduction of Basel III will introduce requirements for raising finance that may result in a further increase in borrowing costs.
Pages 17, 25, 30, 34, 38
2. Agricultural conditions and
prospects
Another good year for primary agriculture resulted in a near record crop and full silos. A small reduction in maize plantings is anticipated in light of the low grain prices. The Group’s expansion into the food sector will dilute the impact that changing climatic conditions have on its results.
Pages 17 – 20, 23, 24, 45
3. Regulation The Group conducts diverse operations in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. This results in greater risks and increased cost of compliance. The introduction of GMO export rules resulted in a decline in maize exports, already hampered by inadequate infrastructure.
Pages 31, 36, 53 – 57
Structuring for growth
External factors
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
2010 overview Corporate governanceGroup overview
Material issue Stakeholders Status Reference
1. Cost controls and cash
management
InvestorsEmployeesCustomersSuppliersLenders
Regrettably retrenchments were necessary in some of the services businesses where the credit crunch and unchecked organic growth had resulted in inefficient staffing levels. Staffing levels will continue to be reviewed to ensure that excellent customer service is achieved at the minimum cost.
Pages 24, 31, 32, 35, 39, 43, 44, 46
2. Business processes review During the coming year, AFGRI will implement a single, Group-wide ERP system to improve IT governance, reduce costs and improved customer service across the Group. A Shared Services Centre for the processing of large volume, recurring transactions will complement the single platform. A Procurement Council, supported by commodity procurement teams, will drive Group costs lower.
Pages 24, 46, 49, 52
3. Gearing and access to
funding
Efforts to improve the Group’s gearing continue, with a reduction in the size of the debtors book and funding more closely aligned with the underlying assets and the Group’s operational requirements. The sale of non-productive properties further improves the Group’s cash position and reduces the future administrative burden and holding costs
Pages 26, 31, 32, 44, 45
Material issue Stakeholders Status Reference
1. Skills development Employees As a precursor to employment equity, skills development will be a focus area in the coming year.
Pages 26, 49, 52
2. Remuneration and benefits A Group-wide grading and salary review was performed during the year. An entry level medical aid scheme was introduced for all staff at Paterson scale grades A and B.
Pages 26, 49, 51
3. Health and safety The Group applies strict health and safety considerations in all of its operations.
Pages 49 – 50, 53 – 55
Profitability and financial position
Human capital
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Material issues summary continued
Material issue Stakeholders Status Reference
1. Ownership InvestorsEmployeesSuppliersLendersGovernmentCivil society
The partnership agreement entered into with our Agri Sizwe partners in 2004 results in AFGRI achieving a score of 16.25 for this element of the BEE scorecard. (Points available: 20)
Pages 26, 51
2. Control Using 2008 information the Group scored a disappointing 1.41 for the control element of the scorecard. Improvements in this area have been made subsequently. (Points available: 10)
Page 51
3. Employment equity In 2008, AFGRI failed to reach the 40% sub-minimum for employment equity. Improvements have been made over the past two years but considerable effort is required before AFGRI achieves its goal. (Points available: 15)
Pages 51 – 53
4. Skills development This is another area in which AFGRI has poorly performed, achieving a 2008 score of 0.19. Significant effort will be invested in skills development in the coming year as a precursor to employment equity. (Points available: 15)
Pages 26, 49, 52
5. Preferential procurement AFGRI achieved a score of 9.70 for preferential procurement and will improve on this, in conjunction with enterprise development in 2011. (Points available: 20)
Page 52
6. Enterprise development Due to the significant investments made in the AFGRI Farming division in 2007 and 2008, the Group earned full points for enterprise development. For 2011, the Group has revised its approach to enterprise development. (Points available: 15)
Page 52
7. Socio-economic development For the socio-economic development element of the BEE scorecard, AFGRI recorded 2.16 points. (Points available: 5)
Page 52
Material issue Stakeholders Status Reference
1. Integrated products across
the value chain
CustomersGovernmentCivil society
The Group’s strategy demands that it provide products and services across the agricultural value chain, from inputs to primary agriculture to grain security for millers and processed primary agricultural products for inclusion in secondary agriculture.
Pages 2 – 3, 23, 27, 32, 36, 39
2. Food safety and ethical
production
The Group is involved with the production of animal feed and animal protein for human consumption. AFGRI strives to ensure the highest quality inputs and products throughout the food chain.
Pages 39, 53 – 55
3. Innovative and high calibre
products and services and
customer satisfaction
In order to entrench its leading position in the animal feed sector AFGRI partners with international leaders in feed technology. Other business units, including Financial Services and Retail and Mechanisation, constantly strive to produce improved and value-adding products and services to customers. AFGRI is committed to measuring the level of customer satisfaction.
Pages 27, 32, 36, 37
Transformation
Products and services
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
2010 overview Corporate governanceGroup overview
Material issue Stakeholders Status Reference
1. Management approach and
policy
GovernmentCommunitiesCivil society
AFGRI modified its environmental approach from one of ‘complying’ to playing an active role in minimising the impact its operations have on the environment. An environmental policy has been adopted and a Group-wide environmental management system is being developed.
Pages 27, 55
2. Identifying areas of impact
and determination of
baseline
In the coming year, baselines for various environmental indicators will be determined for business units which have a material impact on the environment and targets for improvements set. An indicative carbon footprint survey has already been completed.
Pages 27, 56
3. Climate change AFGRI does not contribute significantly to climate change. However, the sector that it serves has a significant impact on the environment and will experience the impact of climate change. For this reason, AFGRI will minimise its emissions and play an active role in publicising climate change.
Pages 19, 27, 56
Material issue Stakeholders Status Reference
1. Application of King III
guidelines
InvestorsGovernment
Changes to the composition of the Board, together with the introduction of various governance structures and strategies have already been implemented. Efforts to ensure AFGRI is in compliance with King III will continue 2011.
Pages 19, 28, 57
2. Risk management Risk management remains a focus of the Group. The identification of risk at all levels and in all business units, together with the integration of the sustainability issues, provide AFGRI with a solid foundation for the conduct of its business.
Pages 46, 62 – 68, 101
3. Competition Commission The Competition Commission has initiated a variety of investigations into agricultural and food sector industry bodies. AFGRI is cooperating fully with the Commission.
Pages 57, 157
4. Group ethics and business
conduct
During the year, senior employees and management committed to seven values, which drive the conduct of AFGRI. An ethics review is planned for the new year.
Pages 28, 57, 66
The environment
Corporate governance
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Group directorate
Non-executive
One AFGRI – a philosophy that drives our strategy and has also revitalised our organisation through streamlining our operations and focusing the group on key growth drivers
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
2010 overview Corporate governanceGroup overview
1. JPR Mbau (59) Positions: Chairman – AFGRI BoardChairman – Nomination CommitteeIndependent director
Qualification: Banking Diploma – Citi Corp CollegeBusiness Management Diploma – Pretoria UniversityExecutive Management Programme – Stellenbosch University
Experience: 21 years (1974 to 1995) of banking experience as vice-president in the corporate banking and investment-banking arena with major financial institutions including Citibank (UK and USA), First National Bank, Nedbank and Investec. In the late 1990s served as senior general manager at the Southern African Enterprise Development Fund, with direct responsibility for Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland, responsible for providing financial advice, deal negotiating and financial structuring. A co-founder of a black consortium which established Real Africa Investments, and serves on the Boards of Dominican Convent School, RSA Market Agents, Regent Insurance and Babcock Engineering. Chairman of the Land Bank from 2002 to 2005.
Four years on AFGRI Board
2. DD Barber (58) Positions: Chairman – Remuneration Committee Member – Audit and Risk Management CommitteeIndependent director
Qualification: FCA (England and Wales) AMP (Harvard)
Experience: Former global chief financial officer of Anglo Coal, a division of the Anglo American plc Group and chief financial officer of Anglo American Corporation of South Africa. Prior to the unbundling of Anglovaal Group, held the position of group chief financial officer. Chairs the audit committee of Murray & Roberts.
First year on AFGRI Board
3. JJ Claassen (60) Positions: Member – Credit Committee
Experience: A long-standing member of the AFGRI Limited Board and is currently the vice-chairman of the Management Committee of the Maize Board. A successful farmer in the Delmas region since 1969 and plays an active role in various industry committees and forums. In 1997 was named Farmer of the Year in the Northern Region, Potato Farmer of the Year in 1999 and has been recognised four times as the I&J Potato Producer of the Year. Former director of ABSA Bank, Mpumalanga.
22 years on AFGRI Board
4. DD de Beer (70)Positions: Chairman – Audit and Risk Management CommitteeChairman – Credit CommitteeMember – Remuneration CommitteeMember – Nomination CommitteeIndependent director
Qualification: CA(SA)
Experience: Qualified as a Chartered Accountant (SA) after studying at the University of the Witwatersrand and joined the Industrial Development Corporation as an investigating accountant after completing his
articles. Spent several years with the Malbak Group in various capacities and thereafter moved into merchant banking, primarily in corporate finance, in the employ of Volkskas Merchant Bank and Rand Merchant Bank. Subsequently moved into the mining industry and eventually retired at the end of 2001 as chief financial officer of Anglovaal Mining. Chairman of Kingfisher Insurance Company and former Chairman of Idion Technology.
Four years on AFGRI Board
5. L de Beer (41) Positions: Independent director
Qualification: CA(SA), MCom (Tax)
Experience: Independent financial reporting and corporate governance advisor and visiting professor in financial accounting at the University of the Witwatersrand. Qualified as a chartered accountant in 1991 and audit and tax manager at KPMG, joined the School of Accountancy at the University of Pretoria and then the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) – Senior Executive: Standards at SAICA until 2007. Subsequently held a position for 18 months as financial director at BEE private investment holding company. Currently a member (chairman elect) of the Consultative Advisory Group of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board; the King Committee on Corporate Governance in South Africa; the Issuer Services Advisory Committee of the JSE and the Committee for Auditing Standards of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors in South Africa. Also involved in directorship development and training.
First year on AFGRI Board
6. JJ Ferreira (57) Positions: Non-independent director
Qualification: BSc (Hons) Civ Eng
Experience: Began farming full-time in 1984 after working as a civil engineer for six years in Pretoria, settling on the farm Grootdraai in Harrismith. An active member of the farming community in the Eastern Free State over the years, holding positions in Vrystaat Landbou, Agri-SA and the Free State Premier’s Economic Advisory Board until 2005. Joined the AFGRI Board following AFGRI’s acquisition of the Sentraal Oos Kooperasie Limited in Bethlehem. Former Vice-chairman of SOK Limited.
12 years on AFGRI Board
7. LM Koyana (42) Positions: Member – Audit and Risk Management CommitteeMember – Remuneration CommitteeMember – Credit CommitteeIndependent director
Qualification: BCom, BCompt (Hons) CTA
Finished articles of clerkship with Coopers and Lybrand in 1992 and joined the University of Transkei as Chief Internal Auditor whilst acting as part time lecturer in Taxation and Auditing at the same institution. Left in 1994 to pursue a career in investments with Syfrets Managed Assets in Cape Town as Investment Analyst where he spent three years. Left Syfrets Managed Assets in 1998 to start Infinity Asset Management where he acted as Managing Director and Investment Analyst looking after the Retail, Food and Beverage Sectors. When Infinity was sold in 2001, he founded Nations Capital Advisors, a boutique
Corporate Finance and Advisory Services firm of which he is currently Chief Executive, bringing the total financial services and investments experience to a total of 16 years. First year on AFGRI Board
8. MM Moloele (54)Positions: Member – Nomination CommitteeDeputy Chairman – AFGRI Operations Limited Board
Qualification: Diploma in Business Management (USA & Damelin)
Experience: As a director of companies, led the development of the first BEE Charter in the Petroleum industry and co-founded the first black-owned petroleum company, Exel. Involved with the establishment and coordination of a strong National Black Fuel Retailers Association. Former directorships include Dudula Shipping, Dudula Freight Bulk, Exel Petroleum and Naledi Oil Holdings.
Six years on AFGRI Board
9. KL Thoka (47) Positions: Non-independent director
Qualification: B & Admin – University of the NorthHons (B&A) – University of Stellenbosch Business SchoolMBA – University of HullSEP – Harvard Business School
Experience: Businesswoman, entrepreneur, director of companies and a councillor of the University of Johannesburg. Previous positions include: managing director of the Courier Freight Group, group executive (HR) at the SA Post Office, general manager for Transformation at the Post Office, senior HR manager for Metrorail and marketing and communications manager for Metrorail.
Six years on AFGRI Board
10. FJ van der Merwe (53) Positions: Non-independent director
Qualification: BA, LLB – University of StellenboschMA (Jurisprudence) – University of Oxford
Experience: Following a period as a practising attorney specialising in commercial law, joined Allan Gray Investment Counsel (now Allan Gray Limited), first as legal adviser and later served as managing director. Continues as a non-executive director of Allan Gray. Over the years has served on a number of listed company boards including Real Africa Holdings Limited (as chairman), Business Connexion Group Limited and Johnnic Communications Limited (now ElementOne Limited as chairman). Other current Board appointments, apart from ElementOne and AFGRI, include Allan Gray Group Limited, Allan Gray Life Limited, Historical Homes of South Africa Limited and KLK Landbou Beperk.
10 years on AFGRI Board
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
Group directorate
Copy to come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come come copy to come
AFGRI is committed to the highest levels of corporate governance. The concepts of transparency, respect, ethics and integrity set the barriers for all aspects of management
Executive
Management1
2 3
4
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
2010 overview Corporate governanceGroup overview
1. CP Venter (42) Positions: Group Chief Executive OfficerMember – Credit CommitteeChairman – AFGRI Operations Limited Board
Qualification: BA, MBA
Experience: Joined Standard Bank in 1992. Obtained valuable merchant banking experience during seven years with Standard Merchant Bank (now Standard Corporate and Investment Bank), involved primarily with the trade and project finance divisions and was appointed as Head of the Export Credit Finance Department during the last two years of his employment with SCIB.
Joined ABSA Corporate and Merchant Bank in 1999 as team leader of the Structured Trade and Commodity Finance team. In 2002 promoted to the position of general manager at ABSA Corporate and Merchant Bank and soon thereafter appointed as head of a newly established Structured Trade and Commodity Finance team based in New York. During three years in New York, focused on expanding the Structured Trade and Commodity Finance business to Latin America.
On returning to South Africa in December 2004 was appointed as head of the Global Structured Trade and Commodity Finance Team.
Joined AFGRI in June 2006 as managing director of AFGRI Financial Services and Insurance and assumed responsibility for the Group’s Treasury division. Appointed to various director positions, including chairman of Agricola and AFGRI Western Cape. Appointed to the Board of AFGRI Operations in July 2007 and appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 October 2008.
Five years with the Group and second year on the Board
2. JA van der Schyff (47) Positions: Group Financial DirectorMember – Credit CommitteeMember – AFGRI Operations Limited Board
Qualification: BCom (Hons), CA(SA)
Experience: After completing articles with Arthur Andersen spent five years with the Central Energy Fund managing the Money Market Investment and Foreign Finance division.
Spent 12 years in the Mondi group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anglo American PLC, holding various senior positions, initially as group treasurer and later as group financial manager. Promoted to the position of commercial manager for Mondi’s flagship, the Mondi Kraft division where responsibilities included Finance, Procurement, Customer Service and Logistics. During the restructuring of Mondi was responsible for centralising business units into a Shared Service Centre and was promoted to the position of Competency Centre Head: Finance & Procurement for Mondi Business Papers South Africa.
Joined AFGRI in March 2007 as Group finance manager and promoted to Group Chief Financial Officer and appointed to
the AFGRI Operations Limited Board. On 15 September 2008 appointed to the AFGRI Limited Board as Group Financial Director.
3 years with the Group and second year on the Board
3. MI Mogari (Dr) (43) Positions: Deputy managing director – AFGRI Animal FeedsNon-independent director
Qualification: MBChB, BSc (Med)(Hons) CPFA EDP MBA
Experience: Began career more than 15 years ago as an entrepreneurial medical practitioner in group practice. On the conversion of the medical group to a healthcare business was appointed as its managing director. After exiting the healthcare company was appointed as chief executive of the SA Medical Association.
Co-founded Agri Sizwe with three partners and played a key role in the AFGRI Agri Sizwe partnership finalisation and joined AFGRI in 2004, fulfilling several roles, including managing director of AFGRI Africa. In February 2008 was appointed as executive director of AFGRI Limited responsible for Corporate Affairs, New Business and Strategic Projects.
In June 2008 elected as deputy chairman of the SA Agricultural Business Chamber. Member of the Executive of the Agricultural Business Chamber and participates in a number of Agri Business working committees, including the Chief Executives Forums, the State Presidential Working Group, the Land Reform and Post Settlement Support Task team.
Five years with the Group and second year on the Board
AFGRI Operations Limited Operating Committee
4. PJP Badenhorst (40) Positions: Group Legal CounselMember – AFGRI Operations Limited Board
Qualification: BCom (Law) (Cum laude) BCom (Hons) LLB (Cum laude)LLM (Banking and Stock Exchange Law) Experience: Commenced candidate attorney training with Couzyn Hertzog & Horak Inc. in January 1995. Joined ABSA Bank Limited in January 1998 fulfilling various roles during the next ten years, including: legal adviser: Absa Corporate and Merchant Bank (1998 – 2000); senior legal adviser: ABSA Corporate and Merchant Bank (2000 – 2002); group legal counsel (S level) Absa Corporate and Merchant Bank (2002 – 2004); legal adviser: Specialised Finance Legal (2004 – 2005); programme manager: Legal Workstream: Barclays/Absa Integration Programme (June 2005 – January 2006); Head: Office of the General Counsel (January 2006 – October 2008); Head: Specialised Finance Legal (December 2006 – November 2008).
In December 2008, joined AFGRI as Group legal counsel and acted as company secretary during the period December 2008 – March 2009. Appointed as an executive director of AFGRI Operations Limited in October 2009.
5. GJ Geel (43) Group Chief Operating OfficerMember – AFGRI Operations Limited Board
Qualification: BCom (Hons) (Acc) CA(SA)
Experience: Appointed as audit manager at PricewaterhouseMeyernel (now PwC) after completing articles. Joined OTK (now AFGRI Operations Limited) in November 1995, fulfilling various senior positions. Joined the Industrial Equipment division of Eqstra Holdings in April 2008 as financial director only to return to AFGRI five months later when appointed as COO of Gro Capital a division of AFGRI in October 2008 and managing director of Deposita, an associate of AFGRI, in February 2009. Appointed to the position of Group Chief Operating Officer in November 2009 and as executive director of AFGRI Operations Limited in October 2009.
14 years with the Group
6. MM Manyama (53) Positions: Group Human Resources ExecutiveMember – AFGRI Operations Limited Board
Qualification: Diploma in Co-operative Management and Administration – University of ZululandPostgraduate Diploma in Co-operative Studies (Finance and Management) – Loughborough UniversityBachelor of Business Administration – Preston UniversityMBA – De Montfort UniversityMember of the South African Board of Personnel Practice (SABPP) and registered as a Chartered Human Resource Practitioner Experience: During the period 1993 – 2000, fulfilled the positions of chief training officer and manager: Training, Communication and Community Development for the Agricultural and Rural Development Corporation (formerly the Lebowa Development Corporation). In 2000, moved to MEEC (formerly the Mpumalanga Development Corporation) as human resources manager and later as human resource executive. Joined AFGRI in 2005 as Human Resources Manager for the Producer Services division and later appointed to the position of Human Resources Director for the Group’s Financial Services division. Appointed as Group executive: Human Resources in 2008 and as an executive director of AFGRI Operations Limited in October 2009.
Five years with the Group
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
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Jethro Mbau, Chairman
I wholly support the One AFGRI vision which aspires to a single, united AFGRI in all aspects of its existence.
IntroductionIn my first report as Chairman of AFGRI Limited, I’m proud to be able to announce such outstanding results for the AFGRI Group. The 32% year-on-year increase in profit from all operations is the combined result of a favourable agricultural year, benefits arising from restructuring and realignment activities and notable contributions by the Group’s management and employees.
With success of the 2010 Soccer World Cup still fresh in all of our minds, it’s also impossible not to be incredibly proud of our beautiful country and to believe that, as a nation, anything is possible. The ability of FIFA, the Local Organising Committee, government, local authorities, corporate South Africa and civil society to deliver on a common goal has been proven beyond doubt. The expectations of the world have been exceeded.
The success of the Soccer World Cup, being the third most attended tournament ever, is even more incredible with it coming less than 18 months after the most serious economic downturn in decades. The resilience of soccer fans mirrors the resilience of international markets and humankind in general. Although surrounded by prophets of doom, the world economy has continued to function and despite early concerns of a ‘double-dip’ recession it now appears that the recovery, although delayed, will take hold.
South African macro-economic policies, both leading up to the economic crisis and during it, have been both measured and conservative, allowing the country to avoid the very worst of the recession’s symptoms. The country has lost a significant number of jobs, witnessed a decline in markets and experienced a tightening of credit, but is a long way from the drastic cuts in public spending being
Chairman’s report
PIC TO
COMEPPPPPICICIC CIC TTTTTO O O OO O
CCOCOOCOCOCOCOMEMEMEMEMEMM
0
3
6
9
12
15
Maize: Production (Tons millions)
10090807
South AfricaAFGRI regions
06
12.7
3.3
11.6
3.3
13.3
3.3
1.8
7.1
1.7
6.6
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
Corporate governance2010 overviewGroup overview
experienced in many European countries, prompted by the threat of sovereign debt defaults.
The agricultural yearOnce again South Africa has experienced a generally favourable agricultural year, recording the second largest maize crop in history at 13.3 million tons. Late rains delayed the harvest of the summer crop and impacted upon the yields and quality of soya, but the overall crop production has been well above average. Although weather conditions play an important role in farming, it is often easy to overlook the competency and hard work of the country’s farmers, whether they practise commercial or subsistence farming. This group of committed people play a fundamental role in both the country’s food security and economy.
Good climatic conditions have not necessarily been mirrored by economic conditions. The worldwide recession together with generally good harvests internationally has resulted in lower grain prices. Although the strong Rand has led to a lowering in many input prices, the current economic scenario of low input and low crop prices is a challenge that the South African farmer may need to face for some time. The country’s limited logistics infrastructure, increasing grain production in the rest of Africa and the recently introduced administrative procedures for the export of GMO products will further test the ability of farmers to turn a profit as prices remain depressed. Many farmers believe that the immediate solution to this challenge is to plant less. However, the long-term sustainable solution to these challenges is economic growth. Positive growth and job creation will increase local consumption of primary and secondary agricultural products.
As sustainability becomes more and more pervasive in our society farmers face further challenges from consumers who demand farming operations that are environmentally friendly and production procedures that follow good farming practice. In the AFGRI area of operation, this is
in stark contrast to the potential damage being done to our environment by the immense coal mining activities necessary to generate the electricity required for economic growth. The loss of topsoil, water and dust pollution, and damage to infrastructure currently necessary to fuel economic growth must be balanced with the future sustainability of the farming industry, the jobs it creates and the food security it provides.
One AFGRIDuring the past two years, the recently appointed executive management team at AFGRI have driven the ‘One AFGRI’ vision. This vision aspires to a single, united AFGRI in all aspects of its existence:
A single, united company providing many diverse products to a wide range of customers within the agricultural and food sectors.
The seamless integration of various business units, sharing experience, customers and knowledge, resulting in the maximum level of service to customers whilst minimising costs.
A single, united workforce that has as its goal the success of AFGRI rather than individual business units.
I wholly support the One AFGRI vision.
This vision has given rise to a multitude of initiatives, making the 2010 year a very busy one, for both the Board and employees. Activities designed to promote the achievement of the vision include: approving a new strategy to grow in the food sector; evaluating and approving a single Group-wide ERP system; confirming management’s proposed corporate actions; restructuring the balance sheet to prepare for growth, welcoming new directors onto the AFGRI Limited Board as a response to the King III recommendations relating to director rotation and a balanced Board composition with sufficient independent directors; approving the restructure of the AFGRI Operations Board and the elimination of a superfluous reporting level; restructuring certain business units; revisiting the Group’s empowerment credentials;
Total JSE commodity contracts traded
Jan-08Mar-0
8Feb-08
Apr-08
Jun-08
May-08Jul-0
8
Sept-08
Aug-08Oct-0
8Dec-08
Nov-08Jan-09
Mar-09
Feb-09Apr-0
9Jun-09
May-09Jan-10
Mar-10
Feb-10Apr-1
0Jun-10
May-10Jul-0
9
Sept-09
Aug-09Oct-0
9Dec-09
Nov-09
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commencing our sustainability journey; planning the consolidation of offices; and ensuring preparedness for changes brought about by a variety of new legislation and corporate governance guidelines.
These activities, positive in themselves, have also resulted in the Board having a much closer working relationship with management, a relationship that is both respectful and transparent, and one that builds confidence in AFGRI’s future.
All of these activities, and more, are discussed in greater detail throughout this integrated report, which in itself is a first for AFGRI and again a response to King III. Whilst we embrace these requirements, adoption of all of them will take time. This report will provide the Group with a ‘snapshot’ of its current position in regard to corporate governance and sustainability and provide a roadmap for its future. Although many of the Global Reporting Initiative principles have been followed in this first integrated report, we acknowledge that their application has not been exhaustive or complete. The achievement of this will be one of the challenges for 2011.
Given the busy year, I must mention the high regard the Board has for all of the employees: a diverse group of people who through their positive work ethic contribute greatly to the Group on a daily basis. Their performance and morale make AFGRI a successful company. They remain our single biggest asset and over the course of the year a variety of initiatives have been adopted to further fulfil the aspirations of our workforce.
Transformation in South African agricultureThe farming sector and communities face many and varied challenges, including: climate change; climatic uncertainty; environmental management; globalisation of markets; competition for arable land; local economics; and crime. Added to these challenges is the national imperative of
transformation, together with all other sectors of the South African economy. Such transformation should include the redistribution of land to the previously disadvantaged, but must be supported through engagement with all stakeholders and address dignified working conditions, appropriate employment conditions and remuneration, skills transfer and development, appropriate compensation for land and access to resources.
The haphazard approach to land reform, the lack of adequate training and funding for post-settlement communities, the in-fighting amongst beneficiaries and the manipulation of the ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ concept to inflate land prices must all be addressed if reforms in the sector are to be successful.
The South African farming community supports food security, jobs, families and communities in areas away from the urban sprawl. These communities must continue to thrive in order to support the greater economic good. The destruction of farms and infrastructure will lead to the destruction of communities and drive an ever-increasing number of jobseekers to the cities whilst undermining the South African economy.
All members of South Africa’s farming community must be committed to the transformation of the agricultural sector in South Africa. Only through a committed partnership between landowners and employers, communities and employees, can such transformation be successful. Transformation cannot be forced, nor should it be resisted. The equitable access to resources is fundamental to the concept of the long-term sustainability of any economy, community or country.
AFGRI itself is committed to its own transformation journey and in 2009 established an AFGRI Operations Sustainability Committee. The committee reports to the Management’s Risk and Assurance Committee, which in turn reports to the
Chairman’s report continued
Total maize area planted and production
1980/81
1982/83
1981/82
1983/84
1986/87
1985/86
1987/88
1990/91
1988/89
1991/92
1993/94
1992/93
1994/95
1996/97
1995/96
1997/98
1999/00
1998/99
2006/07
2008/09
2007/08
2009/10
2000/01
2002/03
2001/02
2003/04
2005/06
2004/05
‘000 tons ‘000 Ha
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
Group’s Audit and Risk Management Committee. One responsibility of this committee is improving the Group’s empowerment credentials. Besides striving towards a ‘transformed AFGRI’, we welcome the opportunity to apply our skills, knowledge and infrastructure to contributing to the transformation of the industry and agricultural communities it strives to serve.
SustainabilitySustainability and transformation has taken route in AFGRI over the past year. The establishment of the AFGRI Operations Sustainability Committee will formalise the approach the Group adopts towards its investments in socio-economic development and enterprise development. This committee, in conjunction with the Board will also manage the Group’s BEE scorecard performance, an area in which the Group has performed poorly in the past.
Sustainability and transformation is not restricted to managing elements of the BEE Scorecard. The introduction of a clear strategy for the Group, to increase the proportion of earnings from the food sector to 60% is just one of a variety of initiatives to ensure the Group, having established a solid foundation, now goes from strength to strength.
Other traditional aspects of sustainability such as the environmental impact and environmental management will also be addressed by the committee. It has already begun the process of establishing a baseline to measure future improvements and it is hoped that by 2011 we will have introduced targets to many of the Group’s more ‘industrial’ business units. However, efforts to reduce emissions and energy usage have already begun.
Overall we anticipate that our environmental impact will be significantly lower than many observers would anticipate of a company involved in agriculture. It is for this reason that we must constantly reinforce the nature of AFGRI as a services and products provider to the agricultural sector and a food company rather than a farming operation.
The traditional ‘Sustainability’ report is missing from this year’s integrated annual report as management take the bold initiative of integrating ‘Material issues’ throughout, demonstrating the permanence and presence of sustainability in all that we do.
Corporate governanceAFGRI is fully committed to the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability and the Board recognises that it is primarily responsible for corporate governance. In this respect the Board has begun preparing an action plan to ensure compliance with all of the King III requirements by 30 June 2011. Progress towards achieving this goal is noted throughout this report.
Already the Board constantly compares its activities with the principles included in King III. I’d like to especially thank the Board and Company Secretary for their dedication to good corporate governance at AFGRI.
ProspectsThe past agricultural year provides AFGRI with a solid foundation for 2011. The large maize crop has resulted in there being nearly two million tons stored in AFGRI’s silos at 30 June 2010. However, the large maize crop and the lower crop prices pose a threat to the Group’s retail and mechanisation operations in 2011 should individual farmers decide to reduce their plantings. A 5% – 10% reduction in maize plantings is anticipated in the AFGRI area, although plantings of wheat and soya will most likely increase.
The recently adopted strategy for AFGRI is to grow the business into the foods sector, so diluting the impact that the cyclical nature of the Group’s traditional agriculturally focused operations has on its overall results. The recent disposal of the Lowveld and Natal regional retail stores and the Tsunami chemical business also focuses the Group’s remaining agricultural activities towards the grain value chain in a clearly demarcated region.
Changes were needed in the management and staffing levels in certain business units during the year, regrettably resulting in retrenchments. The changes were necessary to align the businesses more closely with the strategy and to ensure that costs are proportional to the business unit’s future activities. Further restructuring and alignment is anticipated during the current year and whilst job losses are always regrettable, the changes will not detract from the services and products offered by AFGRI nor undermine its investment proposition.
Corporate governance2010 overviewGroup overview
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
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Chairman’s report continued
AppreciationMr Dave de Beer stood down as Chairman of the Board with effect from 1 January 2010. Mr De Beer retained his role as Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee. On behalf of all at AFGRI, I would like to thank Dave for the contribution made during his four years on the Board. Mr De Beer will retire at the annual general meeting and I wish him a long and fulfilled retirement.
I would also like to welcome Messrs Dave Barber and Lwazi Koyana who were appointed as independent non-executive directors with effect from 10 January 2010. Both have already made considerable contributions to the functioning of the Board.
Ms Linda de Beer was appointed as an independent non-executive director with effect from 19 May 2010 and we look forward to the contribution that this hugely experienced individual will bring to the Group.
Mr Clive Apsey resigned as a director with effect from 1 January 2010 due to ill health. Messrs Koot Claassen, Kiewiet Ferreira and Francois van der Merwe will retire
at the Company’s annual general meeting in October. Between them, these individuals have served AFGRI for more than 40 years and we would like to truly thank them for their considerable contributions during their long and loyal service.
I would like to extend my appreciation to the Group’s executive management, especially Messrs Chris Venter and Jan van der Schyff; my fellow non-executive directors; the executive directors of AFGRI Operations Limited; all of the Group’s employees; and its customers and suppliers; for making my first six months as Chairman both enjoyable and rewarding.
Jethro MbauChairman
31 August 2010
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
Group overview Corporate governance
COPY TO
COME
2010 overview
I am driven to constantly and consistently meet and exceed expectations of all stakeholders
I live my dreams (Goals are dreams with a deadline)
I perform my tasks with enthusiasm
I am an ambassador for AFGRI in all aspects
I courageously take on new opportunities. The wave of passion can become an unstoppable force
22
AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
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Chris Venter, Chief Executive Officer
Chief executive officer’s report
Good results are not produced solely by a good maize crop or low interest rates, but by the hard work of our dedicated employees, the loyal support of our customers and the cooperation of our suppliers and financiers.
IntroductionFor AFGRI, as for South Africa, 2010 has been a momentous year. The third successive year of favourable agricultural conditions has contributed to a significantly improved performance from the Group. However, good results are not produced solely by a good maize crop or low interest rates, but by the hard work of our dedicated employees, the loyal support of our customers and the cooperation of our suppliers and financiers.
Almost as important as the results is the considerable progress made in implementing the One AFGRI strategy and philosophy. The disposal of five identifiable non-core business units (Seed, Tsunami, the Lowveld and Natal region’s retail stores, and the Western Cape debtors’ book) represents real progress towards aligning the Group with the stated aim to operate throughout the grain value chain in high production areas. The Group is also committed to growing its investment in the foods sector. A start was made in 2009 with the expansion of Daybreak Farms, increasing its capacity well beyond that of the business purchased in 2007, earning its new branding as AFGRI Poultry. This division was added to in 2010 with the buy-out of the remaining minorities in Midway Chix and the acquisition of Rossgro, subsequent to year-end.
A journey of a different kind began with the approval by the Board of a single, Group-wide ERP system. This will bring efficiencies and synergies otherwise impossible for a diverse operation such as AFGRI. The Group plans to ‘go-live’ with SAP in the fourth quarter of 2010. The rationalisation of six corporate and divisional offices into a single site in Centurion in October will contribute to the building of the One AFGRI culture and allow for the smooth transition to a ‘shared services’ centric organisation.
AFGRI silo capacity (Thousand tons)
1009080706
112222 297
5824
223
276 276
179179
AFGRI managed facilitiesAFGRI bunker facilitiesAFGRI silo facilities
3 938 3 938 3 9373 9383 938
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
Group overview Corporate governance2010 overview
Structuring for growth
Historically, the Board of AFGRI Operations Limited, the operating and investment
holding company of the AFGRI Group was composed of the senior operational
managers of the Group. These included the managing directors of AFGRI’s pillars
– Financial Services, Agri Services and Foods. In turn, these operational managers
were supported by divisional managing directors. In order to eliminate a layer of
unnecessary bureaucracy and to improve the functioning of the AFGRI
Operations’ Board, the Board was restructured. In some cases, the pillar managing
directors left AFGRI and others accepted roles as divisional managing directors.
All divisional managing directors now report directly to the Group Chief Executive
Officer. The AFGRI Operations Board is composed of the Group Chief Executive
Officer, the Group Financial Director, the Group’s Legal Council, the Group’s
Human Resources Executive, the Group Chief Operating Officer and two
non-executive directors appointed by Agri Sizwe. The executive directors of
AFGRI Operations manage the day-to-day operations of AFGRI, as the Operating
Committee.
This restructuring has improved the functioning of the AFGRI Operations Board by
allowing it to focus on strategic matters, having the correct functional inputs from
its members. It has eliminated the divisive nature of the pillar structure, clearly
demarcated responsibilities and shortened reporting lines, and provides me with
a direct line to the management of the individual business units. Many of the
year’s acquisitions and disposals have been managed by the Operations
Committee in conjunction with the relevant business unit managing director.
The Group’s mission, to “focus on creating One AFGRI that supports the food and
agricultural value chain in which our customers operate” has driven all of this
year’s restructuring of operations. Key elements of the strategy that support this
mission are “to focus on the food and agricultural value chain”, “expand interest
in the foods sector” and to “improve the capital base through exiting under-
performing businesses and the disposal of non-core assets”.
The Group’s areas of activity in the agricultural value chain have been focused
more clearly in the high grain producing areas of South Africa, namely the
Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North West and Free State provinces. Regional focus was
achieved through the disposal of the Lowveld and Natal regions retail stores
(resulting in improved profitability ratios for the remaining Retail and Equipment
stores) and the disposal of the Western Cape debtors book (reducing debt
requirements and operating costs for the Group).
The Group’s functional involvement in the agricultural value chain has been
limited to the provision of inputs, requisites, equipment and services by the
disposal of the Seed and Tsunami business units. The lead time and investment
required to produce varieties of seeds is beyond the scope of what AFGRI wishes
to achieve. The pre-season investment and the associated risks of the agricultural
chemical sector is an area that AFGRI believes is too volatile.
History has shown that crop production in South Africa is subject to significant
fluctuations due to the vagaries of the weather. This introduces an element of
cyclicality to an agricultural products and services business. The Group’s strategy
of greater focus on the high yielding areas of South Africa, in conjunction with
quality assets and a diverse range of products and services, is designed to
minimise AFGRI’s exposure to the normal and expected variances in weather
patterns. In order to increase further the stability of earnings, AFGRI has
embarked on its expansion into the food sector, with the stated goal to increase
its proportion of profits before tax from this sector to 60%.
AFGRI market share: Tractors and combine harvesters (%)
Combine harvestersTractors
3135
2932
28
4744
383834
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
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Chief executive officer’s report continued
The expansion of the Daybreak Farms’ abattoir in 2009 has been a great success.
With the additional capacity and further efficiencies introduced this operation is
now processing nearly 700 000 broilers a week. Only the disappointing price of
chicken, resulting from the economic downturn and felt by the entire industry,
undermined what should have been an exceptional result from the rebranded
AFGRI Poultry. Already a vertically integrated business, having a breeder farm
producing day-old chicks, its own and contract grower grow-out farms, and the
abattoir, the immediate goal is to increase the production capacity to more than
one million birds per week. The recently announced purchase of the Rossgro
abattoir will allow the operation to meet and exceed this target, introduce
efficiencies and synergies between the two operations, and provide a second
processing location for the introduction of additional products. In time, the
additional feed volumes consumed by the combined operation will benefit the
Group’s animal feeds unit.
The operational footprint of AFGRI Animal Feeds was also grown during 2010 with
the acquisition of a feed mill in Pietermaritzburg and the opening of several
depots throughout the country.
Besides the disposals and acquisitions of business units and the expansion of
existing operations, the Group remains committed to building One AFGRI: a vision
of a single agricultural and foods business, the integration of which benefits
customers, shareholders and employees alike. The restructuring of the AFGRI
Operations Board was a first step in changing the culture to one that encourages
and rewards cooperation across business units, prioritises customer service and
maximises value.
When a group the size of AFGRI, with more than 4 000 full time and temporary
employees, embarks on a path to restructure for growth, there will, unfortunately,
be some casualties. During the year the Group retrenched a total of 57 employees
in various business units. These were all loyal and committed employees and we
are sorry to see them go. I wish them luck with their future endeavours. This
element, more than any other, highlights the need for proper change
management when exposing the Group to a multitude of corporate actions,
initiatives and restructurings. The current year’s restructuring has been managed
well by the Group’s Human Resources department.
The planned single ERP system initiative and the establishment of a Group Shared
Services Centre are being managed by a dedicated team of consultants, into
which many AFGRI staff members have been integrated. The consultants have
adopted an approved change control methodology so that the impact that this
initiative will have on all affected stakeholders is properly advised and managed.
Appropriate steps are planned to address customer, supplier and employee
issues. In particular, the creation of a Shared Service Centre within the new
Centurion building may result in a limited number of administrative job
redundancies. Staff attrition is anticipated prior to the relocation of certain
administrative functions to Centurion and alternate positions will be sort for
the remainder of the affected posts. The resulting redundancies will hopefully
be the last for some time.
World food production and security may be a reason to expand into Africa but
African food production and security is an even greater reason if one believes
that Africa’s time has come. The African continent presents many opportunities
for AFGRI to expand its operations through its skills base. The Group is committed 0
1
2
3
4
5
Average yields per ton: RSA vs AFGRI
1009080706
4.54
4.91
4.78 4.
97
4.86
4.76
2.712.79
3.984.
14
RSAAFGRI regions
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Group overview Corporate governance2010 overview
to its existing Zambian operation and the search for
opportunities throughout the rest of Africa. Over the past
two years much effort has been invested into the search
for these opportunities by the individual business units. The
current non-executive chairman of the Zambian board has
now been tasked with the responsibility for coordinating
these efforts and of driving an AFGRI strategy for the rest
of Africa.
External factors
Climatic conditions for agriculture in South Africa have
generally been good for the past three years. However, in
an ever-changing globalised world, local climatic conditions
are not enough to guarantee prosperity for South Africa’s
farmers. Crop production elsewhere in the world, exchange
rates and economic conditions all impact on the
profitability of the country’s farmers. The response to the
third consecutive year of a good maize crop and the
resultant decline in prices is to plant less, to reduce the
carry over stock in 2011 and encourage a price recovery.
This is a short-term view. For as long as South African
farmers can produce grain they should produce as much
as possible. It is for the government and other sectors of
the economy to generate new markets and higher
consumption through improved export infrastructure and
economic growth, while efforts are made to eliminate
world crop surpluses arising from subsidised production.
The recently introduced controls on the export of GMO
products placed a further restriction on South Africa’s
ability to access new markets. These short notice
restrictions and their very small analytical tolerances,
together with the unpreparedness of counterparties in
foreign countries halted the export of grain crops from
South Africa for a period of nearly three months.
AFGRI remains aware of the challenges faced by South
African farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole and
manages the risk through ongoing interaction with
customers and sector bodies.
On a smaller scale the coal mining activities in the
Mpumalanga province are beginning to have an impact on
the agricultural sector and the farming community’s way of
life. Arable land, once mined can never be reclaimed, it is
lost forever. The quantum of the lost arable land at present
is relatively small; it is the peripheral impacts that threaten
agriculture, such as water and air pollution, increased wage
demands and the deterioration of arterial roads, vital for
the transport of agricultural products. A balance must be
found between the destruction of arable land and farming’s
goal of maximising nature’s gifts. The respective parties
must contribute fairly to the infrastructure they share in
proportion to the damage that they do.
The impact of higher electricity charges has already been
felt by AFGRI’s more industrial business units – silos, animal
feed factories, oil crushing plants and the abattoir. These
increases in administered prices (both past and planned)
will also impact on the farming community. The recently
negotiated above inflation state sector wage increases will
also impact the Group and the agricultural sector
negatively, driving wage demands and higher inflation.
Profitability and financial position
Extensive comment is made throughout this report
regarding the Group’s and the individual business units’
results. The results of the individual businesses are very
satisfying with the exception of the grain trading subsidiary.
This operation continues to produce very volatile results
as it is impacted upon by agricultural conditions,
infrastructure challenges, execution cost increases and
the valuation of significant quantities of grain. A complete
review of the products and services of this subsidiary,
together with its processes and personnel has already
commenced.
The more traditional, agriculturally focused businesses of
grain handling and storage and the retail and equipment
divisions once again made a significant contribution to the
results. The results of the Logistics division, including the
grain handling and storage business unit, are underpinned
by successive high maize crops in the AFGRI area, and even
improved upon by the lower local consumption and
exports, resulting in higher stock levels, stored for longer
periods. The Retail and Equipment business unit, despite
seeing a drop in tractor sales met the recession and the
declining agricultural sales cycle head-on, improving
margins and cutting costs to ensure that it equalled its
2009 performance. Sales of non-productive property
assets in this division, and the disposal of 23 stores in the
Lowveld and Natal regions also contributed positively to
the Group’s cash flow.
The Foods sector of the business made an increased
contribution to the Group’s results through improved profits
at AFGRI Poultry and a repeat of the 2009 profits of the
Animal Feeds business unit. Both of these business units
have embarked on a growth strategy for 2011 with the
commissioning of a feed mill in Pietermaritzburg and the
acquisition of Rossgro chickens. The Oil and Protein
division, which trades as Nedan, produced considerably
improved results during 2010 and also has plans to expand
its product offering in the new year.
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Chief executive officer’s report continued
The pleasing results for 2010 have been complemented by
the improved financial position of the Group. The greater
alignment of financing facilities with the assets funded and
the Group’s operational requirements, together with the
disposal of non-core business units and non-productive
property assets have contributed to a stronger balance
sheet – one which can support AFGRI’s growth into the
future.
With a proven track record, including five consecutive years
of profit growth (in both pre- and post-tax profits), the
improved balance sheet and a clear vision of the future
which includes the grain value chain, expansion into the
Foods sector and Africa, AFGRI has met the challenges of
poor agricultural years, management changes and the
global recession to emerge a stronger and more aligned
business dedicated to benefitting all stakeholders.
Human capital
AFGRI recognises the importance of its human capital and
adopts human resources management practices which are
geared towards building a community of inspirational
people, having a common purpose. The One AFGRI principle
is a cornerstone towards the building of that community.
Management acknowledge that, unlike business projects,
the management of human capital requires a constant
ongoing focus to ensure that appropriately skilled
employees consider AFGRI as their second home where
they are rewarded for applying those skills in a safe and
pleasant environment.
After the regretful retrenchment of a small proportion of
AFGRI’s employees during the year, it continues to employ
over 4 000 (full and part time) employees in South Africa
alone. A further 215 persons are employed in Zambia and
Australia. Each and every one of these 4 258 employees
represents an asset to this business.
Various initiatives were embarked upon during the past
year, some were completed and others will be a focus of
2011. A Group-wide review of job descriptions and grading
completed just before the year-end has allowed us to
clearly understand the composition of the workforce across
all of the individual business units. This will be a key input
into future recruitment and hiring policies.
An initiative that I am particularly proud of is the extension
of medical aid cover to all of AFGRI’s employees. Through
the medical aid division of AFGRI Insurance brokers, the
Group has provided all A and B Paterson scale grade
employees with medical aid membership benefits. Although
these benefits come at a cost to the Group, I believe the
goodwill generated and the improved health of the
workforce will pay handsome dividends in the future.
To address the need to improve skills development the
Human Resources department has created a dedicated
training and development position. This position is expected
to be filled before the end of September.
Transformation
I was shocked and disappointed when, in September 2009,
EmpowerDEX issued the Group’s BEE rating for 2008. AFGRI
had slipped from a level 6 to a level 7 contributor, missing
the level 6 required score by 0,29 points. Anticipating little
improvement during the 2009 year, the verification for this
period was scrapped and a thorough analysis of the 2008
scorecard undertaken.
AFGRI entered into a black empowerment structure with
our partners Agri Sizwe in 2004 and has been proud to
think of itself as one of the most empowered companies
in agriculture. The Group has even received awards in
this regard.
Despite being empowered AFGRI has struggled to
transform, especially in areas of employment equity and
skills development. But the BEE score becomes irrelevant
when one considers the disservice we are doing to
ourselves and our employees. In a rapidly transforming
society we cannot afford to be without an appropriately
skilled and diverse workforce.
I have little doubt that the Group will return to contributor
level 6 when the 2010 verification is performed. I also
appreciate the challenge of improving to a level 5. That’s
why AFGRI has prioritised skills development for 2011 as
a precursor to achieving significant employment equity
in later years.
The Agri Sizwe partners and structure have served the
Group well for nearly six years. The Company recently
approached shareholders to approve a restructuring of the
original transaction, providing for the exit of the original
founding members of Agri Sizwe, allowing them to exit with
the increase in value created during their involvement
through selling their future entitlements to Izitsalo (Pty)
Limited, the Company representing the interests of the
employee and employee charitable trusts. This transaction
was approved by shareholders on 27 August 2010 and has
an effective date of 31 May 2010. Although the Group’s
empowerment credentials do not change, a large number
of beneficiaries will benefit more from AFGRI’s future
growth.
As with our goal of seamless service to customers across
the value chain, the One AFGRI philosophy is the foundation
for a single, but culturally diverse AFGRI.
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Products and services
AFGRI is committed to serving all participants in the value
chain which underlies its strategy. Its Financial Services and
Agri-Services segments develop products for producers
and consumers of the primary agricultural products grown
in its areas of operations. It provides finance, inputs,
insurance, mechanisation equipment, secure storage and
broking products to farmers and finance, insurance, secure
storage and broking services to consumers such as millers.
The Group’s retail stores service customers beyond the
primary producer, reaching members of the rural and
peri-urban communities.
AFGRI constantly reviews its product offerings, from its
retail store shelves to its insurance and broking services in
order to address the variety of customer needs. In many
instances, products are developed to accommodate
individual customer needs.
The One AFGRI philosophy, together with strategically
aligned performance management programmes,
encourages all employees to maximise the service levels
and available product offerings to customers, even though
these may be offered by a different business unit. Thus,
storage customers will be supported with finance,
insurance and broking solutions.
Where possible, the services offered by the Financial
Services and Agri-Services segments of AFGRI are extended
to AFGRI Foods and the customers in the Foods sector.
In order to ensure customer satisfaction, AFGRI
concentrates on its core competencies, adopts world-class
practices driving continuous improvement and reviews its
product range regularly. A key aspect of the product range
review is having a comprehensive knowledge of our
customers’ needs and rating their satisfaction.
Each business unit is responsible for its product range,
customer engagement and satisfaction ratings. However,
the commonality of customers across the many business
units allows the Group to be alerted at an early stage to a
poorly performing product or business unit. In addition,
many customers interact with the Group’s Financial
Services division during the process of credit granting and
credit reviews. This allows for regular contact with
customers and an opportunity to gain valuable feedback.
At AFGRI Foods, product innovation is driven through
relationships with international leaders in technology and
processing and academic institutions. In particular, at
Animal Feeds, product development focuses on improving
the conversion of animal feed, mainly composed of
vegetable-based raw materials, to animal protein – eggs,
poultry meat, milk, etc. Improvements in product
specifications can be made through a variety of techniques,
including improving digestibility and absorption of nutrients
through improved formulations and manufacturing
processes.
The environment
As a company with its roots in agriculture, we have an
enormous respect for the environment and the gift that is
nature. The Group has always recognised its environmental
responsibilities under the law and more recently has begun
to identify opportunities whereby it can lessen its impact
on the environment, often saving costs or becoming more
efficient in the process.
The phenomenon of climate change has driven
environmental awareness and reporting requirements to
new heights. AFGRI is committed to improving the overall
quality and extent of its reporting, including environmental
and climate change matters. In compiling this integrated
annual report it has followed the Global Reporting Initiative
process, and has taken the first steps to enable it to
monitor its impact on the environment, and the setting
of targeted improvements. Few baselines had been
established at year-end but this will be a priority for 2011.
The Group has adopted an Environmental Policy and is
currently developing an Environmental Management
System for use throughout its operations. The Group’s
environmental shortcomings have been identified through
the conduct of a gap analysis and remedial action will be
prioritised in the new year.
Climate change has the potential to damage the productive
qualities of the regions in which AFGRI operates. As such,
although the Group believes it does not significantly
contribute to climate change itself, it will extend efforts to
reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases and also
promote awareness of climate change issues.
Corporate governance
AFGRI is committed to the highest levels of corporate
governance. The concepts of transparency, respect, ethics
and integrity set the barriers for all aspects of management,
whether it is reporting to investors, engaging in corporate
actions, employee relationships or interaction with
colleagues. The release of King III and its requirements is
viewed by management as an opportunity to further define
and formalise the Group’s corporate governance structures.
We believe that compliance with the requirements of
King III by 30 June 2011 will provide AFGRI with considerable
benefits, not least of which will be a Board consisting of a
greater number of independent non-executive directors
and the skills these persons will introduce to the Group.
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Chief executive officer’s report continued
The Group already substantially complies with the
requirements of King II and both the Board and
management constantly refer to King III regarding their
conduct. However, we are well aware of the history of weak
reporting when dealing with stakeholders, especially the
investment community. Efforts to address this began in
2009 with the early adoption of selected IFRS standards
and the introduction of a more ‘user friendly’ segment
statement. In 2010 training in the Global Reporting Initiative
was provided to staff members.
Subsequent to its release, this integrated annual report will
receive an independent review to identify a complete list of
shortcomings and omissions so that a more comprehensive
integrated report can be produced in 2011.
Appreciation
In an exciting year for a changing AFGRI I’d like to thank the
AFGRI Limited Board for their continued support and
dedication. Many of the Board members have been called
upon to participate beyond the expected Board and
committee meetings, which in themselves have been more
numerous this year than in previous years.
In particular, I’d like to express my appreciation to
Messrs Dave de Beer and Jethro Mbau, previous and
incumbent Chairmen of the AFGRI Limited Board who have
steered the Group with wisdom and insight.
To the many directors who are retiring at the annual
general meeting, thank you for staying the course with
AFGRI. To the new members of the Board: “welcome”,
I look forward to a productive relationship with you all.
My fellow directors on the AFGRI Operations Board have
been an invaluable source of guidance and debate for
which I am truly thankful.
Finally, to the more than 4 000 employees that are One
AFGRI – thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
Chris Venter
Chief executive officer
31 August 2010
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I can achieve more as a team member, combining our expertise to achieve our common objectives
I realise I cannot do everything on my own
I understand and accommodate the different personalities in the team, respect them and know that diverse teams are effective
I commit to the ONE AFGRI philosophy
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The results of the individual businesses are very satisfying with the exception of the grain trading subsidiary
Review of operations
AFGRI FINANCIAL SERVICES
AFGRI Financial ServicesAFGRI Advances provides both producer and specialised lending
within the agricultural sector through the wholly owned subsidiary
Gro Capital Financial Services (Pty) Ltd. In addition, this segment
of the Group’s operations provides insurance and commodity broking
services to both producers and consumers of primary agricultural
products.
The Group’s Treasury and Zambian operations are also included in this
segment.
External factors
Whilst the collapse of the US subprime market seems like a distant
memory its impact on the global economy continues to be felt.
In many European countries severe austerity plans to restrict
government spending by cutting public services have been
introduced. These cuts were made necessary by the huge debt
burdens which arose from the enormous sums invested in bailout
and stimulus programmes at the height of the credit crunch. These
measures may go some way to addressing the risk of sovereign debt
default and have averted the collapse of the Euro, but they will delay
and slow economic recovery, especially in the Euro-zone.
Domestically there have been some positive contributors to South
Africa’s economic growth including a lowering of interest rates, the
easing of credit criteria, wage increases above inflation, infrastructure
spend, and last but not least the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup™.
Despite these positive domestic factors, credit providers have
increased collateral requirements, priced aggressively for committed
facilities in line with regulatory requirements, and generally repriced
credit. These factors impacted on the operations of AFGRI Capital.
The large maize crop resulted in a lowering of crop values and lower
crop insurance income for AFGRI’s Insurance Broking division. The
division was also affected by a decline in sales of life assurance
products as the economic conditions resulted in ‘grudge purchases’
being the first to be cut from monthly expenditure.
The Zambian operation experienced difficult trading conditions due to
the lower crop prices in a poorly regulated market. Combined with a
restriction in funding by the holding company following the strict
application of country risk principles, a decline in volumes traded by
this subsidiary was recorded during the year. AFGRI Zambia provides
most of the products and services provided by the AFGRI operations
in South Africa, including John Deere equipment, input and asset
finance, storage and collateral management and grain sourcing and
procurement.
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Depressed agricultural commodity prices (maize, wheat and
soya) arising from good worldwide harvests and lower
demand due to the recession resulted in a decline in
commodity trading activities on both the supply and
demand side. In South Africa, farmers financed silo
certificates in the hope that prices would improve while
millers waited for a further lowering of prices.
AFGRI Capital is perhaps the most regulated business unit
within the Group, and certainly has the greatest need for
compliance. The domestic regulators to which this
operation is responsible include the National Credit
Regulator, the Financial Services Board and the Reserve
Bank. Although Gro Capital is not an accountable
institution, the introduction of Basel III may lead to further
increases in borrowing costs.
Regulators dictate the majority of the business unit’s
compliance activities once a product and a customer have
been matched. The National Credit Regulator dictates the
approach to credit granting, marketer conduct, reporting
and customer communication practices, including the
ability to communicate in four official languages. To address
these compliance challenges AFGRI Capital employs
11 dedicated compliance officers.
Despite the number of regulators and the extent of the
compliance team, AFGRI Capital benefits greatly from these
regulations, not only by satisfying many of the Group’s risk
management requirements but often also satisfying
lenders’ concerns.
Structuring for growth
With the introduction in 2009 of the One AFGRI philosophy
and the alignment of the AFGRI Group to the maize value
chain various initiatives were adopted to reduce the
Group’s credit exposure to regions and commodities
outside of this value chain.
This resulted in the producer lending business divesting
in AFGRI Western Cape, reducing the debtors book by
R230 million and a concomitant year-on-year reduction
in profit of R4,3 million. The producer lending business
otherwise maintained its client base and managed to
increase margins through the repricing of its products in
line with the increase in funding costs. Going forward the
Group’s exit from the Lowveld and Natal regions may result
in a further reduction of the debtors book.
The specialised lending book was reduced through the
withdrawal from certain product lines, notably its debtors
discounting book, and through the strong performance of
the underlying debtors which led to the settlement of
facilities and the concomitant reduction in the book’s
concentration risk.
In total, the debtors book reduced year-on-year by more
than R1 billion.
Profitability and financial position
With the reduction in the debtors book and the drive to
improve AFGRI Capital’s cost to income ratio, 19 employees
were retrenched towards the end of 2009 at a cost of
R1,2 million but resulting in annual savings of over
R5 million. It is always regrettable when loyal staff members
are asked to leave a company and AFGRI considered this
decision carefully. AFGRI Capital secured alternate positions
for a further three employees.
AFGRI Capital also houses the Group’s treasury activities
where day-to-day cash management is undertaken. These
activities not only include the distribution of daily cash
positions to senior management but also ensure the most
efficient utilisation of facilities. Throughout the Group a
variety of funding requirements are met by AFGRI Capital,
securing debtors’ funding (which is both ringfenced and
focused), general banking facilities and specialist lending
products for commodities.
In line with an earlier adopted strategy to grow the debtors
book and in response to the 2008 credit crunch, the Group
finalised certain long-term funding arrangements to ensure
liquidity. By June 2009, AFGRI Capital had secured
R5,4 billion of long tenure debtors’ facilities necessary to
meet its obligations to customers. These facilities were
arranged with several lenders, thus managing its liquidity
and pricing risk.
Now, with the reduction in the debtors book and an easing
of credit, the Group finds itself with surplus capacity. Facility
utilisation averaged 63% for the year. Whilst liquidity was
secured, the excess capacity came at a cost of R6,9 million
to the business. Efforts are already under way to
restructure the various facilities to bring them in line with
the Group’s requirements.
Interest income declined by 34% in line with the reduced
debtors book and lower interest rates whilst finance costs
declined by 39%, resulting in a much improved margin for
AFGRI Advances and a return to profitability.
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Sales of goods and services for this segment include
insurance and commodity broking commission income,
fee income for AFGRI Advances, and sales of goods and
services in Zambia. The increase of 23% is the result of a
33% increase in fee income earned by AFGRI Advances,
a doubling of commodity broking commissions and a
17% increase in the Zambian subsidiary’s turnover.
The reduction in other operating income is the result of the
unwinding of a preference share investment structure
with a client. This is also reflected in the approximate
R100 million reduction in non-current assets and liabilities
in the segment’s balance sheet. Refer to note 8 of the
annual financial statements.
Increased depreciation and amortisation is the result of
amortisation on the Treasury administrative software
implemented in 2009 and the intellectual property right,
trademark and patent on automated banking machines
acquired in 2009. Refer to note 4 of the annual financial
statements.
Careful margin management, improved non-interest
income and cost-cutting measures resulted in the AFGRI
Advances division returning to profitability in 2010. A
considerable improvement from the Broking division and
an increase in profitability of the Treasury division resulted
in the segment reporting a profit before tax of R23,9 million,
an increase of R41,8 million.
Despite an increase in cash collateral percentages
demanded from financiers, the overall reduction in the
utilisation of facilities resulted in a reduction in cash and
cash equivalents and cash collateral deposits of over
R140 million.
The large maize crop and the resulting decline in prices,
and therefore insured values, resulted in a reduction in
crop insurance commissions. Also, the challenging
economic climate resulted in a reduction in the sales of life
assurance products. Notwithstanding these factors, AFGRI
Insurance maintained its earnings level through improved
sales of employee benefits and general insurance products.
The Zambian operation experienced lower international
grain trading volumes, resulting in a 54% reduction in profit
before tax.
Review of operations continued
Products and services
The One AFGRI philosophy encourages business units
across the value chain to cooperate in an effort to provide
a complete service to common customers. In this regard
AFGRI Capital provides various financial services to
customers of many of the other business units, including
AFGRI Retail and Mechanisation, AFGRI Trading, AFGRI
Animal Feeds (for capital funding), AFGRI Handling and
Storage and AFGRI Broking.
The business continued to focus on servicing the farmer
through its producer lending product line and the corporate
sector through its specialised lending business. Products
are customised to agriculture in general and often to meet
the requirements of individual clients.
During the year, AFGRI Capital’s treasury arm secured the
right to act as agents for customers wishing to transact in
foreign exchange, allowing it to enter into this profitable
market and provide additional services and products to its
existing clients and target new customers.
Similarly, AFGRI Zambia secured a non-deposit taking
banking licence from the Zambian Central Bank. This
licence will be housed in a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Zambian company and will allow the operation to expand
its current finance product offerings.
AFGRI’s Financial Services division fosters long-term quality
relationships with its clients through a branch network
embedded in rural areas, supporting customer visits by
marketers. Marketers also attend regularly scheduled
farmer forums organised by the other business units,
notably the Retail and Equipment division. The knowledge
gained at such forums is invaluable in identifying customer
needs and product opportunities.
All customers of the Financial Services division complete a
financial needs analysis, further targeting the specific needs
of a customer. These analyses are conducted well ahead of
the planting season, making available ‘preapproved’ credit,
allowing the client to concentrate on his core business.
Staff training is given to ensure regulatory compliance and
to ensure high levels of customer service.
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I always strive for continuous improvement
I encourage new and challenging ideas
I embrace cutting-edge technology
I constantly challenge the status quo
I am committed to an environment of creativity and innovation
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AFGRI Agri-ServicesThe Agri-Services business of the AFGRI Group comprises
the Retail and Equipment (formally Producer Services) and
the Logistics Services divisions. Both divisions focus on
serving the primary agricultural production sector within
AFGRI’s geographical area. This area, including the
Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North West and Free State
provinces are South Africa’s key grain growing areas,
especially for maize and wheat but also include
soya and sunflower.
Retail and Equipment, consisting of the Retail (including
equipment) and Primary Inputs business units provide
farming inputs, requisites and John Deere equipment to
farmers, and through its expanding Farm City network, the
general public. The division operates 35 branches branded
‘Town and Country’ and four Farm City stores. Eleven
dedicated John Deere workshop centres are strategically
distributed throughout AFGRI’s region. The entire retail
network leverages off a cost-effective import, wholesale
and distribution operation centrally located in Bethlehem.
Retail sales are further supported by the availability of
credit from AFGRI Financial Services in the stores. Over
70% of Town and Country store sales are on credit.
The Logistics Services division is composed of the Group’s
grain Handling and Storage business unit, the associated
Logistics business, and AFGRI’s grain trading arm. The
Handling and Storage business consists of 64 grain storage
silo installations, nine vertical bunker storage sites and
13 sites under collateral management. In total, the division
has some 4,3 million tons of storage capacity. The Logistics
business is composed of a relatively small fleet of vehicles
but through a close relationship with the Handling and
Storage and Trading operations is able to expedite efficient
logistics services to consumers of grain.
External factors
The operations and results of both divisions’ of AFGRI
Agri-Services are driven by agricultural conditions within
AFGRI’s region, often in a counter-cyclical manner. A large
maize crop in one year may lead to fuller silos and longer
storage periods in the next. However, a large crop is often
followed by lower grain prices and reduced plantings. This
counter-cyclicality is never exact as farmers rotate crops
and more recently trade ‘paper’.
AFGRI AGRI SERVICES
The South African maize crop in 2010 will be the second
largest ever, at 13,3 million tons. The all-time record for
South African maize production of 14 million tons in 1983
was achieved on a planted area of 4,3 million hectares at
an average yield of 3,3 tons/ha. The current year’s crop will
have been produced on 2,7 million hectares at an average
yield of nearly 5 tons/ha. This increase in yield has been
driven by a variety of factors, including cultivars (including
GMO), reduced plantings on marginal lands, and much
improved farming practices.
South Africa has now experienced three very good crop
growing years and a considerable surplus of maize is
available in the market (the carry-over stock is estimated at
between 3 and 3,5 million tons). This has depressed prices
to approximate export parity and may lead to a reduction in
the area to be planted for the 2011 crop. In addition, there
is every indication of relatively good grain crops in
neighbouring countries, reducing the demand for regional
exports. Early indications are that maize plantings in the
AFGRI area may be reduced by between 5% and 10%,
although soya may be planted in its place.
Deep sea exports of grain were restricted by legislation,
national infrastructure limitations and the sharp fall in
international freight costs. The recently introduced
Genetically Modified Organisms Amendment Act, No 23 of
2006 has resulted in a reduction in the number of countries
to which South Africa can export grain. Inefficiencies within
Transnet and the resultant poor rail delivery service and
reduced rail capacity for grains has resulted in the industry
increasing deliveries by road, resulting in higher execution
costs.
Reduced exports and the larger crop had a positive impact
on the Handling and Storage business.
After the exceptional price increases in agricultural inputs
during 2008 and 2009, the agricultural economy now finds
itself in a period of deflation. Farmers respond quickly to
international prices and exchange rates and anticipate
price increases. Farmers also defer purchases during a
period of declining prices. As such, the Retail and
Equipment division finds itself exposed to even greater
volatility in sales, with key selling periods becoming ever
shorter during the planting and growing seasons.
Structuring for growth
The Retail and Equipment business unit disposed of 23 of
its retail operations during the year. This disposal of stores
in the Lowveld and Natal regions further aligned the
business unit with the One AFGRI philosophy, more closely
focusing efforts on South Africa’s key grain growing areas.
The disposal of these stores reduced the business unit’s
headcount by more than 30% whilst reducing its retail area
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by some 33%. The disposal of these branches led to the
overall trade density per square metre in the retail stores
increasing by 4,8% and in the spares areas by 14,4%.
The Handling and Storage division increased its available
capacity by 104 000 tons during the year, or 2%. This growth
was achieved through the construction of three new
permanent bunker facilities in the traditional grain storage
area. A total of 2 000 tons of storage capacity was lost
when a silo was broken down following the sale of the land
under a land claims settlement.
AFGRI also manages a further 276 000 tons of storage on
behalf of clients. The target for the 2011 financial year is to
increase the Group’s storage capacity by an additional
100 000 tons through the construction of three more
permanent bunker installations. In addition, the silo facilities
at the recently acquired Pietermaritzburg animal feed
factory provide access to a further 18 000 tons of storage
capacity in this area.
AFGRI’s reputation for quantity and quality control ensures
that it is strategically positioned to act as collateral manager
of Food Security actions in conjunction with banks,
investors, non-governmental organisations and government.
AFGRI Trading introduced a new administrative and
accounting system during the year. This in turn resulted
in greater automation of processes, leading to the
redundancy of 16 positions and a saving of approximately
R2 million per annum in personnel costs. In light of the
challenges faced by the trading operation it has committed
to a review of its trading model. Competition remains fierce
and a change to the current logistical environment does
not seem likely. The business must adopt a more
streamlined approach, reducing the costs and stock levels
to mitigate market influences. The division will adopt an
ALCO (assets and liabilities committee) model in the
coming months.
Profitability and financial position
Retail and Equipment recorded a 16% decline in turnover
(after adjusting for the disposal of the Lowveld and Natal
retail stores). A significant portion of this decline can be
attributed to the 25% to 40% reductions in fertiliser and
animal feed retail prices. Sales volumes for the division’s
retail lines remained in line with the prior year but bulk
store sales (fertilisers etc) and direct sales reported
volumes lower than 2009.
In anticipation of a slower sales cycle an increased focus
was placed on stock management, reducing large orders of
high value items, and cost control. Operating expenses for
the division were reduced by 4% during the year whilst
margins were improved despite declining prices.
Productivity in workshops was increased from 80% to 85%
and this in turn led to an improvement in the Customer
Satisfaction Index (CSI) from 86% to 88%, well above the
national average.
The Equipment division sold 418 tractors (2009: 641) at
a regional market share of 31% (2009: 35%) and 40 combine
harvesters (2009: 48) at a regional market share of
47% (2009: 44%). The decline in new equipment sales had
a marked impact on the division’s results that was partly
offset by higher spares sales which reflected a year-on-year
increase of 7%.
Only the more urban located Farm Cities disappointed as
consumer spending was restricted by economic conditions.
Failure to grow market share in these stores however did
not mean a deterioration in results, as cost-cutting
measures and improved margins saw a reduction in the
loss made by these businesses to R4,2 million
(2009: R11,8 million).
The import, wholesale and distribution operation in
Bethlehem reported pleasing results as it grew market
share and margins. The operation services other
cooperatives throughout the country and has recently
secured the distribution rights for John Deere clothing and
novelties.
Despite the decline in commodity prices and the resulting
reduction in turnover, the Retail and Equipment division
improved its operating margin during the year through
proactive cost management. In terms of International
Financial Reporting Standards, once assets are classified as
held-for-sale, no further depreciation should be provided on
them. This resulted in a reduction in the division’s
depreciation charge for the year.
The Australia subsidiary, whose results are included with
those of the Retail business unit, reported a 13% reduction
in profit before tax due to lower margins in a very
competitive sales environment following the introduction of
state subsidies for the purchase of new equipment.
When considering the overall profitability of the Retail and
Equipment division, it is important to consider the
significant once-off items included in both the 2009 and
2010 results. In 2009 the Group reported a R29,6 million
pre-tax gain due to negative goodwill arising on the
acquisition of the share in a tobacco associate. During 2010
the division sold non-productive properties, realising capital
profits of approximately R12,6 million. The comparative
capital profits figure for 2009 was R29,1 million. These
capital and once-off items must be eliminated from both
the current and prior years’ results for the purposes of
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drawing comparisons. Other capital profits were realised by
the division through the sale of business units and
subsidiaries but these are reported under the results of
discontinuing operations.
The Retail and Equipment division reported a profit before
tax of R86,3 million including capital profits. After adjusting
both the current and prior year for capital profits and
once-off items, the division achieved a 5,4% increase in
profit before tax (after a reduced allocation of corporate
costs), a satisfactory result given the market conditions.
AFGRI’s Handling and Storage business unit once again
produced an excellent year. High opening stock levels and
increased storage periods of up to 15% supported a fine
performance where efficiency improvements and cost
containment also make valuable contributions. However,
longer storage periods also mean fewer dispatches and a
reduction in handling revenue. The net effect of the higher
stock levels and lower dispatches approximates
R20 million.
Despite only a 9% increase in revenue, the combined
Handling and Storage and Logistics business units reported
a profit before tax of R184,3 million, an increase of 33% on
2009.
The grain trading division sold some 2,8 million tons of
grain, of which 65% was sold on a delivered basis. Poor rail
delivery service resulted in only 10% of these commitments
being executed by rail, with the remaining balance
delivered by road. The impact of this is severe, with an
increase in delivery costs and time delays experienced
across the supply chain. Stock holding costs increased as
stock, acquired for export, was held for longer periods until
it could be utilised locally. A shortage of stock in certain key
locations resulted in higher procurement premiums being
incurred in order to meet obligations.
Turnover declined by 35% compared to 2009, which
included substantial maize exports to east Africa. Sales
commission percentages also decreased in 2010. More
importantly, execution costs (transport and carry or holding
costs) increased due to poor rail infrastructure, lower
exports and strikes.
A variety of once-off costs, including a loss of R3,8 million
on a soya shipment (due to the introduction of GMO export
legislation), an increase of R11 million in transport costs
due to the rail strike and transport impairments and
retrenchment costs negatively impacted on the operation.
The introduction of the long awaited new administration
system, whilst improving the division’s reporting
capabilities, came at a price – higher software amortisation.
Higher net assets throughout the year and the daily
calculation of balances by the newly introduced treasury
software resulted in a substantial increase in the business
unit’s internal interest charge.
Overall the Group’s trading subsidiary reported a loss
before tax of R33,9 million (2009: profit before tax
R12,5 million).
Products and services
For the Retail and Equipment division, customer service
begins with knowing all of the customers in the stores
‘catchment’ area and regular farm visits and attendance at
farmer forums. Floor staff in the stores is trained in
customer service and product awareness. Similarly, point of
sale staff is trained to offer friendly and efficient service.
On the equipment side, prospective John Deere technicians
attend a training academy whilst receiving practical training
in the division’s workshops. The division participates in the
John Deere international Customer Satisfaction Index and
constantly strives to improve its score.
As farms become bigger and more independent of
agri-businesses it is vital to engage with customers at a
senior level to ensure that AFGRI adds value to these large
operations. Top clients of AFGRI are visited on a regular
basis by senior executives of the Group to obtain feedback
on customer service and satisfaction, ensure the products
and services meet the customers’ needs, identify product
enhancement possibilities and note any product, service or
personnel complaints.
The primary responsibility of Handling and Storage is to
guarantee the quality and quantity of grain under its
management. The provision of excellent service is vital to
the division’s future. Service excellence is achieved through
proper customer engagement and staff training. Contact
with customers is achieved through formal meetings such
as farmer union meetings and forum meetings as well as
personal visits by senior silo personnel. All staff members
at Handling and Storage are formally qualified through
attendance at relevant industry courses.
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AFGRI FoodsThe AFGRI Foods segment consists of the Animal Protein
and the Oil and Protein divisions. The Animal Protein
division is represented by AFGRI Animal Feeds, AFGRI
Poultry (formally Daybreak) and Labworld.
AFGRI Animal Feeds boasts an annual manufacturing
capacity of over one million tons, ranging from poultry
to dairy to dogfood to fish and prawn feed. With
manufacturing operations in six provinces and several
strategically located depots, high quality livestock feed is
available throughout South Africa.
AFGRI Poultry, a vertically integrated broiler production and
processing business, having a capacity of over 675 000
birds per week produces individually quick frozen (IQF)
products for both wholesale and retail customers.
Labworld is a supplier of a wide range of laboratory
equipment used in the agricultural, food and beverage,
mining and petrochemical industries as well as academic
institutions.
AFGRI’s Oil and Protein division trades under the name
Nedan and comprises soya and cotton oil extraction plants
in Mokopane. Nedan processes the oil and other raw
materials into edible oils, fats and high-protein textured
vegetable products for the food processing and fast food
industries. Nedan is the market leader in texturised soya
protein for human consumption and oil cakes for the
animal feed industry.
Structuring for growth
The sustainability and growth of AFGRI Animal Feeds is
underpinned by its mission to be a world-class supplier
of technologically advanced products and value-added
services. As such, there is a drive to constantly improve
efficiencies and expand production capacity. This division
began the financial year operating six traditional animal
feed mills in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State, Eastern
and Western Cape.
During 2010 the division has invested R56 million on
expanding production capacity. The most significant
investment was the acquisition of an additional feed mill in
Pietermaritzburg. In the Western Cape, a roughage plant
was commissioned and the capacity of the rendering plant
in Mpumalanga was increased.
AFGRI FOODS
In addition to the capacity expansions an additional
R32 million was expended on increasing efficiencies and
investments in new technologies. Certain of these
investments contribute to a more environmentally friendly
AFGRI Animal Feeds, through reductions in coal and
electricity consumption.
The division has also enhanced its distribution channels
through the opening of new depots in Bloemfontein,
George and Swellendam, providing the business access
to additional sales volumes of 60 000 tons per annum.
The division continues with its international expansion drive
through the Watertown, New York (USA) joint venture. The
resulting plant affords AFGRI access to the United States
dairy market, estimated at over nine million cows. The
plant, for which environmental clearance has been
obtained, will produce Aminomax and have a capacity of
48 000 tons per annum.
The division also has a small presence in the United
Kingdom through a joint venture.
During 2010 the AFGRI Poultry operation bedded down
the 2009 expansion to the Daybreak abattoir and began
further expansion. Efficiencies in the factory increased
throughput to 675 000 birds per week and plans currently
exist to increase this to 770 000 birds by the addition of a
weekend shift. Also during the year, the business acquired
the rights to the Hubbard breed, a bird bred specifically for
South African conditions and which will be introduced
throughout the AFGRI Poultry operation over the next
18 months.
AFGRI Poultry’s day-old chicks are produced by Midway
Chix which, with egg production from two farms allows the
hatchery to produce 875 000 chicks per week. During the
year AFGRI Poultry acquired the remaining interest in
Midway Chix. Surplus chicks are sold to third parties.
Eclipsing all of these expansion activities was the
acquisition by AFGRI Poultry after year-end of Rossgro, a
poultry abattoir located near to the original Daybreak
operation and having a capacity of 350 000 birds per week
and the secured supply of birds from contract growers. This
acquisition elevates AFGRI Poultry to a capacity in excess
of 1 million birds per week, a milestone for marketing and
distribution in this competitive industry.
During 2010, AFGRI Poultry increased its feed volumes
taken from Animal Feeds by 26,7% and is likely to repeat
this in 2011.
The completion of the abattoir expansion in 2009 allowed
the Group access to the retail market. Sales commenced to
three of South Africa’s large retail chains after passing
quality and food safety audits.
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At the two Nedan plants the focus has been the restoration
of the plants to their original design capacities and process
improvements. During the year, between 40 and
50 improvement initiatives have been implemented at
the plants, ranging from refurbishment of the extraction
plants to improving the oil packing line process flow.
Plans for the 2011 financial year include the introduction of
a continuous bleaching process within the soya refinery
and the crushing of sunflower seed at the existing cotton
plant.
The possibility of erecting a bunker storage facility on the
neighbouring site was investigated in conjunction with
Handling and Storage. The project was approved and the
site acquired.
These initiatives will enable Nedan to process a significant
portion of the local soya bean and sunflower seed crops.
Nedan is the only entity in the country that can process
cotton seed. The initiatives will also contribute to yield and
efficiency improvements and a reduction in consumables
usage.
Many of the current and future initiatives also address
operational risk and environmental issues which are
discussed elsewhere in this report.
External factors
The key external drivers impacting on AFGRI Foods is GDP
growth and consumer spending. Both of these factors have
negatively impacted upon the foods sector in the current
year although AFGRI Foods has reported improved results
overall.
A notable symptom of the poor economic conditions was
the price of poultry products which declined by an average
of 9,7% year-on-year. This was, in part, offset by lower raw
material ingredient prices. Selling prices were also driven
down by capacity expansion within the local industry.
Imported poultry products had less of an impact on prices
than in previous years.
Although the foods sector is not subject to the same
volatility as the agricultural sector these operations
represent a significant investment in assets (59% of the
Group’s fixed assets) and a commitment to maintenance
and fixed costs. Growth in this sector will be dictated by
improvements in per capita GDP. As disposable incomes
increase in line with an overall improvement in living
conditions, consumption moves away from vegetable
products to animal protein.
AFGRI Foods, together with the Group’s Handling and
Storage operations, consume significant quantities of
electricity, the availability and price of which impacts
directly on the results of these operations.
Municipal and provincial infrastructure poses a challenge
to the ability of these business units to operate and impacts
on the costs of doing business. In Mpumalanga and the
Free State, the conditions of roads have already led to an
increase in fleet maintenance costs. Availability of water
and the functioning of sewage systems have impacted
operations in both the Limpopo and Eastern Cape
provinces.
Profitability and financial position
Animal Feeds’ volumes increased by 3,6% during the year
driven in the main by the expansion at AFGRI Poultry in
2009. Despite declining prices, margins were maintained
through improved manufacturing techniques and managed
procurement. Noteworthy is the additional R7,9 million
electricity cost, a factor of tariff increases, and representing
nearly 70% of the current year’s increase in costs.
Broiler feed prices declined by 7,1% during the year but
failed to offset the 9,7% decline in poultry selling prices.
Based on volumes, a R0,50 improvement in the net sales
value at AFGRI Poultry would have contributed an
additional R42 million to the Group’s operating profit.
On farm performance and abattoir efficiencies resulted in
AFGRI Poultry producing an improved result, contrary to
others in the industry. During April the farms exceeded a
PEF ratio (a ratio combining various aspects of farm
performance) of 300 although this has subsequently
declined slightly. For the year, farms’ performance averaged
a PEF of 271.
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AFGRI Poultry also experienced the impact of significant
electricity tariff hikes, with this line item exceeding the
budgeted cost by 36%.
Higher volumes counteracted lower feed and chicken
selling prices, leading to a 2% increase in turnover for the
combined Animal Feeds and Broiler division. The division
improved its operating margin from 10,8% to 11,5% through
greater manufacturing efficiencies, feed formulation and
cost control. Higher depreciation and internal interest
charges are the result of investments made in the prior and
current years.
In total, the division reported a profit before tax of
R171,2 million, an increase of 11% on 2009’s R153,7 million.
Nedan’s results were driven by a 28% increase in sales
volumes and a 33% improvement in its gross margin
percentage, achieved through product mix variations –
a factor of unusual market conditions. In total, the Oil and
Protein division reported a 69% increase in profit before
tax, achieving R25,3 million (2009: R15,0 million).
Products and services
For the foods sector businesses, customer satisfaction is
determined by product quality.
AFGRI Animal Feeds’ mission is to supply technologically
driven feeds and value-added services to clients to improve
the efficiencies and performances at farm level. This is
achieved through a sound scientific approach, focusing on
feed and food safety and quality, value addition to clients
through a process of training and empowering of highly
skilled technical advisers. Technology agreements with the
Dutch (Nutreco) and American (Agricultural Modelling and
Training Systems) companies play an important role in this
regard.
The broiler feed trial facility at AFGRI Poultry is an important
element in the success of AFGRI’s broiler feeds. As a
company that focuses on the newest technology, the
facilities are used to research various products and aspects
that can lead to reduced feed costs and improved
performance. The research of the last 18 months produced
two Master of Science theses, an indication of the quality of
research undertaken.
In the dairy sector, AFGRI Animal Feeds has become a
leading brand. The introduction of a revolutionary feeding
system, known as Kempen, has further entrenched the
business as an industry leader.
Considerable effort is also invested in the optimisation and
improvement of feed production processes in
manufacturing facilities to improve feed quality, animal
performance, and to supply ‘Safe Feed for Safe Food’. New
formulation strategies through highly skilled people are
employed to improve food performance and profitability.
AFGRI Poultry produces individually quick frozen (IQF)
chicken portions for a range of customers, ranging from
small independent wholesalers to the country’s large
retailers. After food safety and product quality, customer
service hinges on providing the optimal product mix
through efficient distribution channels.
At Nedan, customer service is focused around service
delivery out of model stocks and in line with product
specifications. Regular customer visits are undertaken to
ensure the divisions product range meets customer
expectations. Key initiatives are also undertaken to develop
specific products that meet customers’ functional
requirements.
All of the foods business units have product complaint
monitoring systems that ensure that all product complaints
are logged and followed up. Remedial action is taken where
necessary.
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AFGRI CorporateThe AFGRI Corporate office performs a variety of tasks for
the individual business units, as well as housing the Group’s
executive office. Besides the traditional accounting and
secretarial services provided to Group divisions and
subsidiaries, the Corporate office also provides legal
counsel and corporate finance services, performs the
central HR and payroll functions. The strategic elements of
Information Technology, in terms of both services and
infrastructure, are also centralised in the Corporate office.
Profitability and financial position
The Corporate office also collects a significant number of
business unit costs. Where these costs can be directly
attributed to individual businesses, they are recharged.
During 2010 a new model for the recovery of IT
infrastructure related costs was introduced, resulting in
an increase in the charges to the business units and a
reduction of unallocated costs attributed to the Corporate
office. In the Group’s segment report, these unallocated
costs are apportioned to the business units on a basis
consistent with prior years.
In addition, AFGRI Limited unwound its HY Investments
2B (Pty) Limited Preference Share investment (refer to the
note 2 of the company annual financial statements). This
led to a reduction in other operating income and a similar
reduction in finance costs.
The 2009 results include a R58,6 million surplus due to the
apportionment of the Group’s pension fund surplus.
The more complete charging to business units of directly
attributable costs resulted in reduction in the corporate
costs allocated on the segment report, from R142,9 million
to R105,9 million.
Discontinued operations Structuring for growth
During the year the Group disposed of the following
operating units as going concerns:
AFGRI Seed to Klein Karoo Seed Marketing (Pty) Limited
Retail branches in the Lowveld region to MGK Operating
Company (Pty) Limited
Retail branches in the Natal region to TWK Industries
(Pty) Limited
The assets and business of Tsunami Crop Care (Pty)
Limited and Tsunami Plant Protection (Pty) Limited to
Arysta Life Science South Africa
The debtors book and business of Capital Harvest (Pty)
Limited, the Western Cape operation of AFGRI Advances,
to management.
Profitability and financial position
A summary of the results of the individual business units
disposed of during the year appears in note 29 of the
annual financial statements. Included in the results are
pre-tax capital profits realised on the disposal of these
businesses and their associated assets of R37 million.
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I acknowledge and respect diversity, promote equal opportunity and fairness
I respect and care about the environment and the community
I listen, consider and respect other people’s point of view
I appreciate other people’s strengths and weaknesses
I am on time for appointments and arrive prepared
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Jan van der Schyff, Chief Financial Officer
AFGRI will remain committed to South African agriculture whilst its growth into Africa and the foods sector will benefit all of its stakeholders, from investors, to customers, to employees.
IntroductionThe Group’s 32% increase in after tax profit follows on from the 19% improvement reported in 2009 and represents the fifth consecutive year in which AFGRI has reported a growth in profits. Underlying this performance are the individual results on the business units, detailed in the “Review of operations” appearing on pages 30 to 40 of this report.
Many years of restructuring have preceded this year’s results. AFGRI has historically been beset with poorly performing business units, some inherited as the result of debt default by the previous owners and others through an exposure to the cyclical nature of the agricultural sector in which AFGRI predominantly operates.
Restructuring continued this year with the disposal of business units outside of the value chain or region that AFGRI wishes to serve – businesses outside of the vision of One AFGRI. But, for the first time since 2005 the discontinued line reflects an after tax profit as opposed to the losses made in previous years. This indicates that the disposal of underperforming businesses has reached, or nearly reached, its conclusion. With one or two minor exceptions, future corporate activity at AFGRI will be more positively focused on growing the business.
In the current year’s results, it is only the grain trading business that disappointed. In a difficult year for AFGRI Trading in which execution costs increased and export volumes declined steps have already been taken to rationalise the operations of this business unit. Despite its name, AFGRI Trading does not actively assume open positions and merely manages the procurement and delivery against predefined contract terms. This operation’s losses are the result of increased
Chief financial officer’s report
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Pre-tax profit (R million)
100908*0706
541,
2
453,
3
308,
0
344,
1
186,
3
0
2 000
4 000
6 000
8 000
10 000
12 000
Total revenue (R million)
100908*0706
8 32
5,7
9 26
4,110
690
,5
6 53
0,1
5 73
9,0
*16 month period
*16 month period
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Group overview Corporate governance2010 overview
costs; changes in the valuation model applied to stock and certain once-off items,
and not from trading losses.
The return to profitability of AFGRI Capital is perhaps the most pleasing aspect of
this year’s result. After the credit crunch and the liquidity constraints which
peaked in December 2008, it is both satisfying and a relief, to see that the steps
taken in the midst of the crisis have enabled this business unit to continue to
provide finance to both producers and processors of food for the nation. The
smaller debtors book allows a greater focus on cost control and service levels.
During the current year this came at a cost – that related to unutilised facilities.
The ongoing alignment of the Group’s funding with its financing needs will
improve this situation.
The grain handling and storage division often does not receive the credit it
deserves. The consecutive years of good agricultural conditions have almost
made good performances from this division the expected norm. Partly these
ongoing results have been the result of a diversification of the business into other
products and services which complement the handling and storage of grain. In
order to ensure these results into the future the division will need to diversify
further, extending its footprint (both regionally and by product) through the
promotion of the use of bunker storage facilities.
Finally, the Group’s stated strategy to expand into the foods sector has been
endorsed not only by the satisfying results from the Animal Feeds and Poultry
division but the significant improvement in results from the Oil and Protein
division. The Oil and Protein results were, in part, due to an unusual year of oil and
seed prices, although exciting plans for the Mokopane operation will see this
division move from strength to strength. With the capacity of AFGRI Poultry now
surpassing the one million birds per week target a return to strong economic
growth should see the segment’s contribution to the Group increase significantly.
Group performanceDuring the year ended 30 June 2010, the Group’s revenue from continuing
operations declined by 9% to R7,3 billion. This decline was driven by lower
commodity prices (fertiliser and animal feeds) at the retail and primary inputs
businesses and a decrease in interest income due to lower interest rates and a
reduction in the size of AFGRI Capital’s debtors book.
The disposal of the Lowveld and Natal retail branches and the Tsunami chemical
subsidiaries saw the allocation of approximately R1,1 billion (2009: R1,2 billion) of
revenue to discontinued operations.
The Group’s gross profit of R2,2 billion reflects a decline of 3% or R61 million on
the 2009 result after the restatement of discontinuing operations. This is not due
to a deteriorating gross profit but rather is the result of the Group’s practice of
disclosing interest income for the AFGRI Capital business unit as turnover whilst
the interest costs associated with this business unit’s debtors’ funding activities
are reported under “Finance costs”. In total, the interest income for AFGRI Capital
declined by R196 million.
Other operating income from continuing operations of R79 million
(2009: R116 million) has reduced due to the unwinding of two preference share
investments in both AFGRI Capital and AFGRI Limited. This resulted in a reduction
in preference dividends earned, but also a reduction in finance costs.
Selling and administration costs, which include other operating costs, for the
Group’s continuing operations of R1,37 billion (2009: R1,25 billion) reflect a
0
100
200
300
400
500
Net asset value (cents per share)
1009080706
451
430
404
361
355
0
100
200
300
400
500
Profit for the year (R million)
100908*0706
467,
1
354,
0
298,
5
275,
7,1
171,
9
0
5
10
15
20
Return on shareholders equity (%)
100908*0706
19,7
0
16,3
0
16,9
0
15,8
0
11,7
0
*16 month period
*16 month period
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Chief financial officer’s report continued
10% increase. Key elements driving this increase include:
increased volumes and headcount at AFGRI Poultry arising
from the 2009 expansion; higher distribution costs arising
from increased AFGRI Poultry volumes and also increased
fleet maintenance due to the poor conditions of certain
roads; redundancy costs of approximately R15 million; the
amortisation of the intellectual property intangible asset
acquired in 2009; the depreciation of various capital items
commissioned in 2009 (especially at AFGRI Poultry and
Animal Feeds); increases in administered prices (notably
electricity) and a swing of approximately R29 million of
foreign exchange differences across the Group.
The decline in finance costs from R666 million to
R456 million is the result of lower interest rates, a reduction
in the Group’s average debtors book and a greater
alignment between facilities and the Group’s funding
needs, reducing the overall cost of debt.
The profit before tax from continuing operations of
R453,7 million reflects a decrease of 8,5% on the 2009
result. However, the 2009 result includes the once-off
results arising from the apportionment of the Group’s
Pension Fund surplus of R58,6 million and the negative
goodwill arising from the acquisition of a share in the
Group’s tobacco associate of R29,6 million. Adjusting for
these two factors, the current year’s result represents an
11% increase in pre-tax profit from continuing operations.
In terms of the partnership agreement between AFGRI
Operations Limited and Agri Sizwe, the Group’s BEE partner,
the allocation of profits between the partners takes place at
the income before tax level of AFGRI Operations Limited.
Any profit or loss in AFGRI Limited is excluded from the
profit apportionment calculation. The unwinding of the
preference share investment by AFGRI Limited during the
year resulted in a once-off R9 million loss in AFGRI Limited,
resulting in the proportion of the Group’s pre-tax profit
(from both continuing and discontinuing operations) being
apportioned to Agri Sizwe, decreasing from 24,1% in 2009
to 23,9% during the current year.
After subtracting the Agri Sizwe profit share and the other
minorities, the effective tax rate for the AFGRI group of
companies during 2010 amounted to 19,6%. The reduction
in the Group’s average tax rate compared to the legislated
rate of 28% is the result of various factors, including a once-
off STC credit of approximately R26 million arising from the
unwinding of the preference share investment in AFGRI
Limited, capital profits on the disposal of assets, the
remaining tax benefits of the preference share investment
held in Gro Capital, and the derecognition of deferred tax
asset in a foreign subsidiary. The Group does not expect
to be able to maintain such a low tax rate and future tax
charges should approximate the legislated rate.
Overall, AFGRI recorded a profit for the period from
continuing operations of R392,5 million, a decrease of 2,7%.
Once again, adjusting for the once-off items in 2009, a more
correct indicator of the Group’s performance suggests a
growth of 24,5% in continuing operations’ profits.
The contribution to the Group’s profit before tax from
continuing operations from the foods segment of
R196,5 million represents 43% (2009: 34%) of the total
pre-tax profit from continuing operations. It is the stated
intention to expand into the foods sector with the goal of
increasing its contribution to 60%.
Details of the results from AFGRI’s discontinuing operations
can be found in note 29 of the annual financial statements.
In summary the Group disposed of mainly profitable
operations, at a profit, but which did not meet with the
Group’s strategy.
Profit for the period from all operations of R467,1 million
represents an increase of 32%. This amounts to earnings
per share of 94,7 cents per share (2009: 72,70 cents per
share). After considering the reinvestment of cash realised
from the disposal of non-core businesses, and the Group’s
policy of declaring a dividend that would be covered
between two and three times by earnings, the Board of
Directors have declared a final dividend of 17,15 cents
per share (2009: 16,70 cents per share), bringing the
total dividend for the year to 41,3 cents per share
(2009: 36,40 cents per share), a 13% increase.
Group position and cash flowsOne of the material issues running through this year’s
integrated annual report is ‘Structuring for Growth’. A great
deal of this restructuring has focused on value chain and
regional alignment, non-productive assets and achieving
balanced staffing levels. All of these aspects contribute to a
stronger balance sheet – one in which the Group has
increased interest cover through the greater alignment of
the funding needs of the different elements of the diverse
AFGRI group.
During 2009 the Group entered into agreements with
financiers specifically to secure funding for the debtors
book which had a long tenure. Once the future of the
lending activities of the Group had been secured, greater
attention was paid to funding the balance of the Group’s
activities, ensuring as little cross-funding as possible. At
AFGRI we clearly differentiate between the funding
requirements of AFGRI Capital and the remainder of the
business.
AFGRI Capital fundamentally uses 100% debt, less the
equity advanced to financiers as cash collateral deposits, to
fund its lending activities. This equity contribution, funded
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by the Group, is charged to the division on the same basis
as equity applied in the Group’s other business activities,
on the basis of a 30% interest-free loan and a 70%
interest-bearing loan. The alignment of the debtors book
with the Group’s targeted value chain saw significant
reductions in the Group’s debtors book over the past
18 months, from R4,9 billion at 31 December 2008 and
R5,0 billion at 30 June 2009 to the current level of
R3,9 billion. Despite cash collateral requirements being
increased by the funders of AFGRI Capital during this
period, the cash collateral deposits, or equity invested
in AFGRI Capital has reduced from R702 million at
31 December 2008 to R422 million at 30 June 2010 as
a consequence of the reduced debtors book.
The improved understanding AFGRI Capital has with
its lenders, the longer tenure of the debt and the
restructuring of the business in general has allowed the
division to return to profitability during the current year.
Negotiations are ongoing to further match the division’s
funding requirements with the facilities arranged, ensuring
a higher facility utilisation rate and the reduction in
undrawn facility fees.
The improved financial position of AFGRI Capital has also
resulted in other benefits, including a reduction in the cost
of general banking facilities. Some of these facilities are
now cheaper than the debtors specific funding. As such,
the Group has employed more general banking facilities to
finance trade debtors, resulting in an increase in “trade and
other receivables” not financed by banks and a further
reduction in cash collateral deposits.
Overall the Group’s gearing has improved from 78% to 73%
and its interest cover from 1,7 times to 2,0 times.
By excluding the debtors’ lending activities of AFGRI Capital
from the Group’s financial statements it is possible to
determine the gearing and debt position of the remainder
of the business. Although there are a few minor exceptions
to the rule, traditionally the Group has not used long-term
funding to finance any assets. The balance of AFGRI’s
operations are funded by short-term overdrafts and loans,
matching the short-term nature of the Group’s assets if one
assumes that the Group’s equity finances the property,
plant and equipment. The Group’s calculated “natural
gearing”, after excluding the balance sheet of the debtors
lending business unit, has improved from 70% to 67%
during the year. However, the interest cover for the
continuing operations of the Group excluding the financed
debtors book has deteriorated slightly from 5,25 times to
4,80 times. In part this is a function of the reclassification
of Tsunami to discontinuing operations.
Growth into the foods sector was achieved during 2009
and 2010 by adding to existing operations, in the form of
expanding the AFGRI Poultry abattoir capacity, acquiring the
remaining minority interests in the Midway Chix business
and, subsequent to year-end, acquiring the processing and
marketing elements of Rossgro, a poultry operation situated
close to the existing operations in Sundra, Mpumalanga.
Besides an insignificant amount of long-term debt raised
to finance the expansion at AFGRI Poultry’s abattoir, the
balance of this expansion has been paid for with cash.
Improved cash management, the disposal of non-core
business units (Tsunami and retail branches in the Lowveld
and Natal regions) and the sale of non-productive property
assets all contributed to the Group’s improved cash position.
The current year’s acquisitions will have a positive effect on
the Group’s earnings through the introduction of synergies
and will more importantly, increase the proportion of
earnings from the foods sector, considered less cyclical
than the primary agriculture sector. However, they
represent a small beginning when considering the Group’s
greater aim – to increase the proportion of earnings from
the foods sector to 60%. All things being equal, this would
require a R185 million increase in the food segment’s
profits in the current year. Acquiring new business that will
provide the potential to achieve the Group’s goals will
require the introduction of additional funding to AFGRI
– funding that, contrary to the AFGRI’s record of not making
use of long-term debt, may well be founded on the Group’s
quality fixed assets.
As already alluded to, the Group’s cash position improved
through a combination of improved funding terms,
increased profitability and a greater alignment to the
targeted value chain. Another critical element of AFGRI’s
cash management during the year includes the realisation
of R140 million of cash from the sale of surplus, non-
productive assets. Combined with the R104 million realised
in 2009, the Group is now only R6 million from its target of
R250 million. The sale of Tsunami and the retail branches
resulted in a further R270 million of cash funds.
A significant proportion of the cash generated by, and
utilised in working capital is represented by the changes to
the financed debtors and the bank funding arranged for this
purpose. The movement in the unfunded debtors’ balance
from R483 million to R545 million arises because of an
improvement in the cost of general banking facilities as
opposed to specific borrowings against debtors.
The Group invested some R356 million in fixed and
intangible assets during the year. Major items included in
this spend are the feed mill in Pietermaritzburg, an
optimiser at the Isando feed factory, a roughage plant in the
Klipheuwel feed factory and a fat coater at the Bethlehem
feed factory, various items of equipment at AFGRI Poultry’s
abattoir, five additional grain storage bunkers throughout
the country and the capitalisation of costs associated with
the planned SAP implementation.
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Financial risks and AFGRI’s responseAFGRI has always implemented strong risk management, internal controls and internal audit processes to minimise the risk of loss through a structured approach driven by a bi-directional (top-down and bottom-up) approach to risk identification. The Group has substantially complied with all of the requirements of the King II Report on Corporate Governance. AFGRI is committed to further strengthening the Group’s management of risk through compliance with King III, thereby extending the Group’s risk management framework. More details regarding AFGRI’s risk management is provided in the Corporate Governance report beginning on page 62. Details of the Group’s management of financial risks are provided in the Financial Risk Management Accounting Policy on page 101.
Several initiatives were undertaken during the year to reduce underlying cost structures and to increase efficiencies throughout the business. The most regrettable of these was the retrenchment of employees in several of AFGRI’s business units. The disposal of the Lowveld and Natal regions retail stores and non-productive properties also resulted in a permanent reduction in overhead costs. Regular prizes are awarded for implemented cost-saving suggestions and the annual Chairman’s award for exceptional contributions to the Group also encourages efficiency drives throughout AFGRI.
Perhaps the initiative that will have the most significant and lasting impact on the Group’s cost structure, which began in 2010, is the planned implementation of SAP across a significant portion of AFGRI’s operating units and the establishment of a centralised Shared Services Centre for the processing of repetitive transactions, such as debtor receipts processing, creditor invoice capturing and payments, fixed asset and cash book management. The software and the re-engineering of processes will allow for improved internal controls and segregation of duties, the application of common policies and procedures across the Group, faster reporting and greater visibility of cost line items across AFGRI’s business units.
In addition to the Shared Services Centre, definitive Centres of Excellence, some of which already exist, will be established for Human Resources and Payroll, Taxation, Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting and Legal and Secretarial Services. The Centres of Excellence and the Shared Services Centre will all be located in the new AFGRI building in Centurion, introducing a level of efficiency never before possible.
With a debtors book of more than R3,5 billion, funded approximately 88% by financial institutions, credit control is perhaps the most significant financial risk facing AFGRI. Details of the credit control process are provided in the Financial Risk Management Accounting Policy on page 101.
The efficacy of these procedures and controls is reflected in AFGRI’s enviable bad debt history. During 2010 AFGRI Financial Services wrote off only 0,5% of the average debtors book value. The division’s impairment allowance was increased by R4,3 million to R128,5 million (2009: R124,2 million).
The global credit crunch towards the end of 2008 highlighted AFGRI’s exposure to the credit markets, in particular liquidity and interest rate risks. Early in 2009 management began a process to reduce this exposure and employed a variety of tactics to achieve this. Firstly, existing credit customers were repriced as soon as agreements allowed. New credit applications were priced according to the Group’s cost of funding. Reducing the size of the debtors book became an imperative for AFGRI and this was achieved through the alignment of the book with the value chains and regions in which AFGRI wishes to conduct business. Finally, existing and new financiers were approached to provide funding that had a longer tenure and improved terms. The diversification of lenders and the careful matching of the funded assets with the funding has mitigated AFGRI’s exposure to the credit markets and reduced the overall cost of funding for the Group. At present, surplus funding capacity exists, resulting in undrawn facility fees. This is currently being addressed with the Group’s lenders.
ConclusionAs the Group nears the completion of its restructuring programme, the remaining core operations provide it with a diversity of products and services and a broad and loyal customer base. AFGRI will remain committed to South African agriculture whilst its growth into Africa and the foods sector will benefit all of its stakeholders, from investors, to customers, to employees.
Jan van der SchyffChief financial officer
31 August 2010
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I take full responsibility for my actions
I enforce discipline
I act and behave in a disciplined manner
I embrace my job function and execute it to the best of my ability
I adhere to Group policies and procedures
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As with our goal of seamless service to customers across the value chain, the One AFGRI philosophy is the foundation for a single, but culturally diverse AFGRI.
IntroductionThe previous chapters of this integrated annual report have, to a great
extent, focused on AFGRI’s commercial operations and the results of
these operations. AFGRI recognises that its diverse businesses do not
operate in isolation from the broader society nor are they able to
operate without committed and skilled employees. For this reason
AFGRI has, in its first integrated report, identified material issues that
are fundamental to its long-term sustainability and that have been,
and will continue to be, cornerstones of AFGRI’s operations.
Although the business units themselves are responsible for
implementing many of the activities discussed in this chapter, all are
driven by AFGRI’s Operating Committee, a subcommittee of the AFGRI
Operations Limited Board.
StakeholdersSpecific stakeholders were identified for each individual business unit
and through ongoing stakeholder engagement at business unit level
potential issues relating to these stakeholders were listed. Through
the application of GRI principles specific stakeholders were grouped
together and then prioritised in terms of their influence on AFGRI and
AFGRI’s influence on them. Stakeholders were prioritised as follows:
Shareholders and the wider investor community
Employees
Customers
Lenders
Suppliers
Regulators, including government departments
Civil society.
Corporate responsibility
Committed to
the ONE AFGRI philosophy
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Again, using the various principles of the GRI, including
materiality, inclusiveness and sustainability context the
material issues as tabled on pages 8 to 11 were selected
for inclusion in this integrated report.
Engagement with stakeholders takes a variety of forms, a
summary of which appears below:
Investor
community
Bi-annual results presentations, roadshows, annual report, bi-annual investor surveys, one-on-one meetings, annual open days, ad hoc JSE SENS.
Employees Divisional meetings, monthly newsletter and quarterly CEO letter, union and workplace representatives, collective bargaining council negotiations, functional committees.
Customers One-on-one business dealings, forums, physical and electronic correspondence, annual credit reviews, customer surveys, farmers’ days and other events.
Lenders Various reports as dictated by facility letters, one-on-one business dealings, written correspondence.
Suppliers Supplier appraisals, one-on-one business dealings, correspondence.
Regulators Formal and informal meetings, reporting, correspondence.
Civil society Consultations with communities, workshops, conferences and CSI activities.
Human capital
AFGRI employs over 4 000 full time and temporary
employees, with the vast majority in South Africa, and is
committed to fair employment practices. The relationship
between employer and employee is governed by a recently
revised set of human resources policies and procedures.
The current year’s review of these policies and procedures
was undertaken to ensure compliance with South African
legislation on labour practices and involved extensive
consultation with employees across the Group.
AFGRI’s labour turnover for 2010 is calculated at 8,4%.
During the current year the Group reported an overall
decline in headcount of 426 employees. This decline was
driven in the main by the disposal of non-core businesses
and the non-renewal of contracts for part-time (seasonal
and casual) employees. Altogether 276 employees resigned
during the year and a further 68 retired or passed away.
A total of 57 employees were retrenched.
Included with the human resources policies and
procedures are grievance and disciplinary policies and
procedures. These policies and procedures exist purely to
Stakeholder grouping Forms of engagement
ensure fairness when dealing with grievances and
disciplinary matters. During 2010, 276 disciplinary actions
were taken. Of these actions 140 resulted in the employee’s
dismissal. Only one grievance against the Company was
lodged during the period. Two employees were dismissed
for racism.
Collective bargaining agreements exist with FAWU and
SATAWU and apply to less than 10% of the Group’s
workforce. The Group complies with the Labour Relations
Act and its requirements for operational changes.
During the financial year 2 126 or 50% of AFGRI employees
received some form of training or skills development.
White employees, who comprise 34% of the workforce,
represented a disproportionate 922 or 43% of the
employees trained. Whilst AFGRI recognises the importance
of ensuring all employees are adequately trained, future
training and development focus will be predisposed to
black employees, in order to meet the Group’s obligations
for skills development and, in time, employment equity.
To this end, all training and development endeavours have
been centralised as part of driving the One AFGRI principle,
and enabling the monitoring and recording of all training.
Succession plans for each business unit’s key positions are
reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the Group has
an adequate depth of experience and skills. Employment
equity is also considered during divisional and Group
succession planning. During the year 40 employees
participated in in-house Management Development
Programmes.
AFGRI’s philosophy is to remunerate its employees
equitably and to reward based on individual performance.
During the year a Group-wide review of job descriptions
and job grades was completed. In November 2009 all A and
B graded staff were awarded an above inflation increase in
order to address discrepancies that had developed over
time. With the completion of the grading exercise review,
a full review of compensation and benefits for each grade
and position will be undertaken in the new year.
Performance management systems exist throughout the
Group and are used to determine annual increases and,
where applicable bonuses, for individual employees.
The centralisation of the presently decentralised human
resources administrators, planned for October 2010, will
allow for greater consistency between these systems and
move the Group closer to its One AFGRI goal.
AFGRI Capital engaged in a restructuring exercise in
October 2009. The Trading and Logistics restructuring
was completed before 30 June 2010. The restructuring
exercise will continue with Financial Services and
throughout the administrative functions of the Group
with the establishment of a Shared Services Centre. It is
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Corporate responsibility continued
AFGRI Poultry provides mentorship to poultry contract growers
Sinamuva is a broiler farm situated between Delmas and Bronkhorstspruit.
The three chicken houses on the farm are subsidised by the Mpumalanga
Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs. The chicken houses came into
production during May 2009. Ownership of the farm is in the form of a trust and
11 black workers on the farm are trustees.
Sinamuva has a contract with AFGRI Poultry to produce 120 000 broilers per cycle.
They receive day-old chicks from AFGRI’s Midway Chix and broiler feed from
AFGRI Animal Feeds. The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs approached AFGRI Poultry to identify
a BEE partner to manage the farm. Through various consultation processes, Sinamuva was subsequently selected.
AFGRI Poultry provides management, technical and financial support and mentoring including business administration,
house preparation, placement of chickens and cleaning of houses. The support and knowledge from AFGRI Poultry,
coupled with the state-of-the-art equipment installed in the houses has enabled Sinamuva to produce superior quality
broilers. The trustees also work diligently, contributing to a good working spirit.
The manager and the trustees admit that one of the main challenges is disease control and maintaining bio-security at
all times. This is what they had to say: “Contract growers should not compromise on the infrastructure of quality
chicken houses. A quality controlled environment minimises human error. In the broiler industry, broilers are bred to
reach certain standards at specific ages. For this reason, the birds are extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations
and ventilation. Above all, one needs to be a good observer of chicks’ behaviour and be able to implement necessary
changes to ensure perfect conditions for the birds. Lastly, it is possible to have a successful and prosperous BEE
project and we would like to be rolemodels for other partnership projects like this”.
(The literal translation of Sinamuva in this context means that those who were disadvantaged before are now being
empowered to move forward.)
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envisaged that this process will be complete by the end
of September 2010.
The Group is committed to the provision of a safe and
healthy working environment for its employees. All
workplaces comply with the requirements of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act. AFGRI utilises the
services of an external service provider to conduct
operational risk audits. During the year 76 incidents
(2009: 48) were reported resulting in time lost due to
injuries. No incidents of permanent disability were
reported (2009: 1).
Management acknowledges that more can be done to
minimise injuries at the workplace. One of the initiatives for
2011 will be to retrain Safety and Health representatives,
including supervisors.
Transformation
AFGRI employs the services of EmpowerDEX Economic
Empowerment Rating Agency to verify its B-BBEE generic
scorecard (the scorecard) rating. The latest verification
report was issued on 18 September 2009 but is based on
information for the 2008 financial year. Because of the
delay in issuing this report, management have decided not
to prepare a scorecard based on the 2009 financial year
and to delay the verification of the 2010 scorecard until the
finalisation of the 2010 integrated annual report.
As such, many of the scores discussed below are outdated
and will be revised before the end of October 2010 (the
target date to complete the next verification exercise).
Where management believe there has been a material
change to the scorecard based on recently introduced
internal ‘shadow’ rating reports, this is noted.
OwnershipAFGRI’s transformation journey began in 2004 when it
concluded the disposal of a 26,77% undivided interest in
the business of AFGRI Operations Limited to the Agri Sizwe
Empowerment Trust. AFGRI Operations Limited and the
trust are co-owners of the entire business undertaking
conducted as a going concern by AFGRI Operations Limited
and AFGRI Operations Limited continues to manage the
entire business undertaking in a partnership.
Included as beneficiaries of the Agri Sizwe Empowerment
Trust are trusts formed for the benefit of historically
disadvantaged employees of the AFGRI Group and a trust
to establish a fund for charitable and educational purposes
for the benefit of historically disadvantaged employees
earning below an annually predetermined wage, retired
employees and the immediate dependants of employees.
This ownership structure results in AFGRI Operations
Limited recording 16,25 points in the ownership element of
the scorecard.
AFGRI issued a SENS announcement on 13 May 2010, which was renewed on 25 June 2010, advising shareholders that it was in discussions regarding the potential restructuring of this empowerment shareholding. More recently the Group distributed a circular to shareholders describing a planned restructure of this empowerment shareholding. This restructuring was approved by shareholders at a special general meeting held on 27 August 2010. This restructuring will not reduce AFGRI’s empowerment credentials in terms of the scorecard.
ControlAt the end of June 2008 the AFGRI Limited Board of ten members included three black males and one black female. The Board of AFGRI Operations Limited reflected only a single black male in its composition of eight members. These Board compositions resulted in AFGRI Operations Limited only achieving a score of 1,41 points in the control element of the scorecard.
During the current financial year key changes have been made, especially to the AFGRI Operations Limited Board, which now includes three black males out of a total membership of seven, a 43% representation. As such, management believe that the points achieved for the management element of the scorecard will improve for 2010.
The restructuring of the empowerment shareholding discussed above, together with the retirement of several members of the AFGRI Limited Board at the forthcoming annual general meeting will result in changes to both the AFGRI Limited and AFGRI Operations Limited boards. Preference will be given to the appointment of independent black directors to both boards in order to at least maintain the improved score for this element.
Employment equityManagement and the Board acknowledge that the Group has failed to transform its workforce to even a minimum level. At 30 June 2008 AFGRI did not reach any of the sub-minimum targets for employment equity dictated by the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice. As such it failed to score any points for this element of the scorecard.
Although some progress has been made, it is expected that this situation will recur for the year ended 30 June 2010.
The Group’s Human Resources department has invested considerable effort during the year in finalising job descriptions, completing a full re-grading exercise and reviewing levels of pay for the lowest paid members of staff. The re-grading exercise, together with knowledge about staff turnover will form the basis of the Group’s employment equity plan for the next five years. In order to achieve the sub-minimum targets at all three levels of management by June 2011 this plan will need to be uncompromising and will be supported by an extensive skills development plan.
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Skills developmentAFGRI’s poor performance in employment equity is
mirrored by, and partly the result of, its poor performance in
the area of skills development. Achieving a score of only
0,19 for this element of the scorecard, skills development,
together with employment equity, have been elevated to
the top of the Group’s priorities for 2011 and 2012. Senior
management’s key performance areas have been
expanded to include skills and employment transformation
within individual business units.
A Group Training Manager will be appointed to drive the
workplace skills plan and manage the appropriation of a
significant budget in the coming years.
Preferential procurementThe Group had more success in targeting its procurement
towards empowered entities. In 2008 AFGRI recorded
9,70 points in this element of the scorecard.
2010 saw the introduction of a Procurement Council to the
Group. Besides the introduction of commodity buying
teams, centralising procurement of consumables and
services and the assessment of suppliers, this council will
manage the Group’s procurement practices, including the
introduction of a Procurement Policy which dictates that
preference will be given to level 4 and higher contributors.
Enterprise developmentThe Group invested considerable sums in an enterprise
development strategy known as AFGRI Farming in the
2007/2008/2009 financial years. The programme called for
the utilisation of AFGRI’s farming inputs (seed and fertiliser
etc) to commercially farm in partnership with communities
in rural areas having access to either communal agricultural
land or land obtained through the government’s land
reform programmes. For various reasons, not least of which
being a lack of appropriate skills and management, the
farming of dry lands, and unchecked expansion to
thousands of hectares, the various partnership projects
failed and the entire programme was closed towards the
end of 2008.
These efforts and the funds invested directly into these
communities allowed AFGRI to achieve full points for the
enterprise development element of the scorecard. As
enterprise development spend is measured cumulatively,
it is estimated that the Group does not need to invest any
more funds during the coming year in order to repeat this
achievement.
In the current year, AFGRI’s enterprise development efforts
were restricted to proving a model for irrigated, two crop
farming on small parcels of land. This was done in
conjunction with a black farmer in the Brits area and
several farming input companies who provided technical
advice on irrigation, land preparation, planting, fertilisation
and pest control. Two junior farm technicians are also
employed to obtain the necessary experience to act as
extension or training officers should the project prove to be
successful and rolled out to other areas.
During the 2011 financial year, AFGRI will revisit its
objectives regarding enterprise development. A proposal
has been submitted to the Board recommending that future
projects be focused on the Group’s core expertise and not
restricted to primary agricultural production, that projects
be undertaken in conjunction with individual business units
ensuring the creation of a market (either demand or
supply), that projects are supported by a budget and
measureable outcomes, appropriately scaled and managed.
Socio-economic developmentAFGRI’s CSI (Corporate Social Investment) Manager is
responsible for the success of the Group’s socio-economic
development activities. With spend focused on a restricted
Corporate responsibility continued
Male
Occupational levels African Coloured Indian White
Top management 2 – – 4
Senior management – – – 19
Middle management – professionally qualified and specialists 8 1 4 183
Junior management – academic qualified and skilled technicians 145 22 17 494
Semi-skilled and discretionary decision making 558 27 5 95
Unskilled and defined decision making 801 10 1 12
Total permanent workforce 1 514 60 27 807
At 30 June 2010, the racial and gender profiles of the Group’s permanent South African workforce were:
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Female Total SA
work-force
% black
representation
% black
female representationAfrican Coloured Indian White
– – – – 6 33 –
– – – – 19 – –
1 2 2 23 224 8 2
31 9 5 249 972 24 5
126 23 11 231 1 076 70 15
150 6 – 1 981 99 16
308 40 18 504 3 278 60 11
number of projects in the areas of: agriculture and food
security; education; the environment; and poverty
alleviation and welfare, AFGRI strives to have a meaningful
impact on communities closely associated with its
activities.
At June 2008 AFGRI recorded a score of 2,16 points for the
SED element of the scorecard. In 2010 the Group spent
some R3,1 million on socio-economic development
projects (approximately 0,7% of its profit after tax) and
therefore expects its points for this element to increase
when the 2010 verification exercise is complete.
Contributor statusIn total, AFGRI recorded a score of 44,71 points at 30 June
2008 resulting in its classification as a level seven
contributor. It is disappointing that the Group missed the
classification as a level six contributor by 0,29 points.
Management are confident that the 2010 rating verification
will confirm AFGRI’s status as a level six contributor and are
developing plans for employment equity; skills
development; and preferential procurement which should
see AFGRI achieve classification as a level five contributor
by June 2012.
Products and services
Food safety and ethical productionWithin AFGRI’s grain Handling and Storage division a focus
on guaranteeing quantity and quality has always
underpinned the service of secure storage to clients. All but
two of the Group’s 67 silo installations have been certified
as complying with the Agricultural Product Standards Act.
The two outstanding silos are scheduled for audits by the
PPECB (Perishable Products Export Control Board) in
November 2010, following which they will be certified as
export facilities. All of the division’s bunker facilities are also
HACCP certified except for the three that were completed
in the second quarter of 2010.
As AFGRI targets expansion into the food sector, its record
of food safety and ethical production within its existing
operations provides investors, customers and society in
large with a degree of comfort, as it demonstrates
commitment to these critical aspects of food production.
Employees at the eight AFGRI Animal Feeds installations
live by the motto ‘Safe Feed for Safe Food’. Various quality
control and feed safety systems have been introduced,
ranging from compliance with the guidelines included in
Act 36 of 1947 (Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural
Remedies and Stock Remedies Act) to ISO 9000 certification
and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
principles. AFGRI was the first company in South Africa to
be awarded Platinum status by the industry body AFMA
(Animal Feeds Manufacturers Association) for its ‘Safe Feed
for Safe Food’ production standards.
The division also applies good manufacturing practices
(GMP) including a supplier approval process based on
selective audits, selected suppliers’ production plant
certifications (ISO, HACCP or GMP), legal requirements and
AFGRI specific demands. This ensures that the raw
materials used are of the highest standard. Feed inputs are
then managed using a centrally controlled set of quality
parameters that meet the need for customer preferences
and ideal animal performance. Quality control parameters
include testing for physical, chemical and microbiological
contamination.
AFGRI Animal Feeds ISO 9000 certification is provided by an
EU accredited company. ISO 9000 is a management system
based on the quality of the manufactured product and
introduces a culture of continuous improvement of quality
and business processes.
By the third quarter of 2011 AFGRI Animal Feeds hopes to
be ISO 22000 certified. ISO 22000 is an accepted food safety
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Corporate responsibility continued
Buhle Farmers’ Academy – a recipient of AFGRI CSI funds
Located in Delmas, Buhle Farmers’ Academy (BFA) was established during 2000
to empower emerging farmers to establish themselves in viable farming
businesses through effective training and support programmes. BFA’s approach
provides aspirant farmers with a sound theoretical knowledge base, hands-on
practical production skills, training in farm business management and lifeskills.
Courses offered include livestock, vegetable, poultry and crop production.
Supplementary courses include nutrition and project management. Over
100 courses have been run since inception and over 2 000 potential farmers
trained. A total of 43% of past students are women.
The importance of a viable and sustainable black commercial farming sector is of relevance for the long-term
sustainability of national agricultural, economic growth and food security. AFGRI recognises its responsibility as an
active participant in support of skills development in the sector. For this purpose AFGRI has established a dedicated
poultry training facility comprising six houses with 400 chickens each. Each student is responsible for maintaining
100 chickens.
AFGRI’s intervention has:
Greatly improved the production tasks and learning conditions for trainers and students alike as both are
together in one area
Ventilation is improved and manageable, reducing mortality rates
Facilities adhere to the basic principles of broiler production and provide students with a working example of
a unit that can easily be constructed on their farms.
In addition to the poultry training facility, AFGRI sponsored a furnished student centre which was officially opened
in June 2010. While the students live and work on the training farm, learning and performing all the practical work
required for skills development, it also means that they remain on the farm after hours and over weekends. The AFGRI
student centre has provided an attractive venue in which to socialise and relax, which helps to provide an improved
learning environment.
Morongwa Mokola completed a Poultry Course at BFT in 2003 but then struggled to secure funding to work the land
allocated to her. In 2005 the Moretele Municipality cleared the piece of land and assisted her to drill a borehole, erect
and equip poultry houses and obtained the first batch of 2 500 chickens and feed through the National Department of
Agriculture Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP). She has trained her own staff and is now about to
expand the number of chicken houses to five as demand for chicken increases. Morongwa also provides Adult Basic
Education & Training (ABET) classes to her community, sponsored by the Department of Education.
standard but is also applicable to the animal feeds industry
in many instances. One of the focuses of obtaining the
ISO 22000 certification will be the improvement of
traceability and recall practices and minimising the risk of
medication residues in feed entering the food chain.
AFGRI prides itself on producing animal feeds that
contribute to the well being of livestock by reducing the
incidence of disease and increasing the longevity for
certain animals through improving their productive ability.
The Daybreak operation of AFGRI Poultry employs a
Hygiene Management System (certified by the Provincial
Executive Officer of the Department of Agriculture) which
identifies all potential biological, physical and chemical
hazards throughout the abattoir.
Hygiene Management Programmes (HMP) monitor
production for hazards and deviations and demand
immediate corrective action and ensure compliance with
the Meat Safety Act, the Health Act and the Foodstuffs,
Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act. Programmes are
implemented at many points throughout the production
process, including ante mortem and meat inspections.
Programmes also exist for the personal hygiene and the
medical fitness of employees, continuous cleaning, water
quality, vermin control, waste disposal, maintenance and
thermo-control.
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A detailed sampling programme exists for constant
verification of in-process and final product microbiology.
Product quality is assured through inspections against
documented specifications. Special attention is given to
barcode quality and label information quality to assist with
traceability. Traceability of product back to the farm of origin
is achieved through load certificates. Forward traceability is
to be improved with the anticipated introduction of a new
production recording system.
The HMP establish a sound platform for the prerequisite
programmes required for the implementation of HACCP,
AFGRI Poultry’s next phase of its ‘Safe Food’ focus.
The development of a master training programme for
processing employees through all aspects of production,
from hygiene to product quality, has been developed and
will be introduced throughout the abattoir in the new year.
During the year, AFGRI Poultry’s processes and procedures
were successfully audited by a large retail group, increasing
its opportunities to improve its market penetration.
Good farming practices are applied at all of the division’s
29 broiler production units with the clear objective of
supplying the healthiest product to the abattoir through a
focus on disease management and bio-security. In order to
obtain an SADC export licence each production unit was
visited by the Mpumalanga state veterinarian. Disease
control is achieved through the vaccination of breeders and
day-old chicks at Midway Chix and broilers at Daybreak.
Bio-security has been strengthened during the year by the
erection of ablution facilities and improved physical
security at all farms.
Overcrowding and poor handling during harvests contribute
to poor quality product delivered to the abattoir. Both
practices are avoided and growing conditions in the
houses, such as ventilation and water, are constantly
monitored and managed in order to achieve the highest
quality of broilers.
Nedan, the Group’s oil and protein operation, supplies oil
to a large fast food franchise which applies strict quality
control to all of its suppliers. Nedan is committed to
exceeding the requirement of this Supplier Tracking
Assessment and Recognition (STAR) programme, a rating
system that enjoys international recognition and which
exceeds ISO 9000 and HACCP standards.
Nedan is often awarded ‘preferred’ and ‘approved’ supplier
status following other large multinational FMCG customer
audits.
An integrated approach to safety and quality has been
adopted but the singular requirements of independent
audit systems food safety initiatives are easily
accommodated, being incorporated into a dynamic food
safety and quality assurance system.
Nedan has its own supplier management programme
which sets specific measurable requirements for
prospective suppliers of raw materials, ingredients, packing
material or processing chemicals. Supplier performance
against these requirements is constantly monitored.
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are documented
and designed to ensure compliance with the demanding
standards of human food production and address all
aspects of production.
The environment
The Group’s approach to the environment is currently
governed by the combined Risk Management Philosophy
and Environmental Policy adopted in 2008. This states that
AFGRI is strongly committed to a Risk Management
Programme that maintains the highest health and safety,
environmental and other risk control standards.
The Group has begun the process of separating its
management of operational risk and environmental
responsibilities by developing a standalone Environmental
Policy to be finalised in the coming year. The adoption of
the Group Environmental Policy will be closely followed and
supported by the approval of an Environmental
Management System, including Best Practices Guidelines.
Under the existing Risk Management philosophy Alexander
Forbes conducts operational risk audits at all of AFGRI’s
installations on a predetermined cycle. Individual audit
templates exist for factories, silos, stores and abattoirs.
Each template addresses six disciplines of risk control:
Risk control organisation
Fire defence
Site security
Emergency planning
Occupational health and safety
Motor vehicle risk control.
For all six disciplines the templates consider legal
compliance and Group best practices, being accepted risk
control standards.
The environmental issues addressed by the risk audits
(eg major hazardous installations, the handling and storage
of hazardous waste), together with insurance underwriter
inspections, is the extent of AFGRI’s active environmental
management. During 2011, environment specific templates
will be developed for the conduct of environmental audits.
During 2009 the Group completed an environmental gap
analysis in order to identify shortcomings and risks
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associated with its interaction with the environment. The
five most significant issues that need to be addressed are:
Oil management and disposal at workshops and wash
bays
Hazardous waste disposal, including fluorescent lights
and fumigation toxins
General waste management, including the separation
and separate disposal
Dust filters at grain intake pits
Water consumption and recycling at AFGRI Poultry.
A more complete study will be performed on each of the
above areas in 2011 in order to determining the extent of
the impact on the environment, the financial risk to AFGRI
and the cost to resolve the matter. The issues will then be
prioritised and a plan of action presented in next year’s
integrated annual report.
AFGRI business units, especially those in the foods sector,
have already commenced various initiatives in order to
minimise the impact they have on the environment. These
initiatives include:
The introduction of variable start motors and
modifications to the pellet presses to reduce peak
electricity consumption at Animal Feeds
The automation of boilers at the Isando and Kinross feed
factories to optimise coal and electricity consumption
The use of boiler steam to heat water for the factories
ablution blocks
The introduction of CO2 scrubbers on all Animal Feed
boilers
Reducing the water consumed per bird at AFGRI Poultry
to 11 litres, a reduction of 27% on the industry average
A reduction in the amount of solid and blood waste in
the effluent water at AFGRI Poultry dispatched to the
settling dams
R0,6 million invested in an investigation to introduce
water treatment to the extent that water effluent can be
used for irrigation purposes
The approval of capital expenditure to install a cyclonic
burner and back-up boiler at Nedan which will utilise
sunflower hulls as fuel, reducing coal usage and
emissions.
The Group is aware of the potential impact climate change
could have on the agricultural sector underlying a
significant portion of its business activities. Besides
adopting a responsible environmental policy and
minimising its own emissions, AFGRI will support, through
its CSI activities, a climate change information project, and
also include climate change on its agendas when meeting
farmer groups. Opportunities to address climate change
issues will be identified and assessed on an ongoing basis.
AFGRI commissioned Alexander Forbes to prepare an
indicative carbon footprint study by assessing emissions at
selected installations of its various divisions (factories, silos,
Corporate responsibility continued
Fundisisa Combined School
Fundisisa Combined School is situated in the Dryden
area and was established by a local farmer 17 years
ago for farmworkers’ children. The school has a
current enrolment of approximately 200 learners,
ranging from 5 to 17 years old. AFGRI has sponsored
an infrastructural upliftment initiative, providing the
school with a new entrance gate, renovation of nine
classrooms ablution blocks, library, a netball court,
new desks and chairs, computer and a security
perimeter wall. In addition, a vegetable garden has
been established to supplement the school’s
nutritional programme.
As a result of AFGRI’s assistance, the school’s
headmaster won the first prize of the Regional
Teacher Award in the Primary School Leadership
category at a function held during August 2009.
He acknowledged that this achievement was as
a result of AFGRI improving the school’s working
and learning environment. Not only has AFGRI’s
intervention provided pleasant premises and
improved the teaching and learning environment;
learners are respected as human beings and their
right to learn is acknowledged and recognised.
In addition to the infrastructural improvements made
to the school, AFGRI continues to provide
management support through mentoring and site
visits. AFGRI celebrated 2009 World Aids Day at the
school in order to sensitise the learners on the need
to battle the stigma, fear and shame regarding the
pandemic and to continually empower themselves
with information.
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retail stores). The results of this survey are expected to be
presented at the end of August 2010.
Corporate governance
Management acknowledges their position as interim
trustees of the assets and resources of the Company and
recognise the shareholders as the owners of the Company.
Management embraces good corporate governance as it
provides guidance and oversight of the activities of the
Company, its directors, managers and employees. It
provides a sound foundation, supporting the establishment
of One AFGRI. Directors and managers are guided by the
King Report series, including both King II and now King III.
A programme to ensure that the Group is fully compliant
with the requirements of King III by June 2011 is currently
being prepared by the Board. Full disclosure of AFGRI’s
compliance with the King III requirements, or reasons for
its deviating from them, will be provided in the 2011
integrated annual report.
The Board has satisfied itself that AFGRI has complied
throughout the period in all material aspects with King II as
well as the Listings Requirements of the JSE. The corporate
governance report is set out on pages 62 to 68 of this
integrated annual report.
The Board of Directors is accountable for risk management.
The AFGRI Limited Board Charter outlines the directors’
responsibilities for the management of risk within the
Group. These responsibilities can be summarised as:
the total process of risk management, as well as for
forming its own opinion on the effectiveness of the
process (management is accountable to the Board for
designing, implementing and monitoring the process of
risk management)
the disclosure of how it satisfied itself that risk
assessments, responses and interventions are effective;
identify and fully appreciate the business risk issues and
key performance indicators affecting the ability of the
Group to achieve its strategic purpose and objectives
ensure that management establish appropriate systems
to manage the identified risks, measure the impact and
to proactively manage it, so that the Group’s assets and
reputation are suitably protected.
The Board can delegate some of these responsibilities to
the Audit and Risk Management Committee, but retains
overall accountability. For more information on corporate
governance and risk management refer to the corporate
governance report on pages 62 to 68.
The existing AFGRI code of ethics, gifts and entertainment
policy details the Group’s position on corruption, bribery
and ethics. Offering, giving, soliciting or accepting any form
of bribe is prohibited. All business units are required to
have written codes of conduct and a complaints procedure.
An independent and confidential ‘tip-offs anonymous”
hotline facility is available to all employees for the purposes
of reporting suspected breaches in the Group’s codes of
behaviour.
The Board of Directors requested that a review and survey
of the Group’s ethics be conducted. This review is being
managed by an independent contractor and is based on
employee questionnaires distributed throughout AFGRI.
The results will be presented at the next meeting of the
Audit and Risk Management Committee.
During a facilitated management workshop earlier in the
year, senior managers of AFGRI identified seven values,
defining what it meant to work for AFGRI. Each of these
seven values has been expanded upon throughout this
report. The managers attending the workshop committed
to these values and the communication of them to all levels
of the business. More and more, these values are referred
to during day-to-day activities and are becoming central
to everything we do. They are: Integrity; Passion,
Accountability; Respect; Teamwork; Innovation; Service
Excellence.
The Competition Commission, as part of its larger focus on
the food and agricultural industries has investigated or is
investigating various industry bodies in these industries.
AFGRI, as a member of the Grain Storage Industry (GSI);
Animal Feeds Manufacturers Association (AFMA); the South
African Poultry Association (SAPA); and the South African
Oil and Protein Association (SAOPA), has cooperated freely
and fully with the Commission in such investigations.
AFGRI is committed to complying with the provisions of
the Competition Act No 89 of 1998 in respect of all its
business activities. To this end, the Group has introduced
a Competition Law Compliance Programme, in terms of
which each division must continuously receive training on
the relevant provisions of the act.
In addition, a Competition Law Compliance Manual has
been developed and distributed throughout the Group.
All relevant employees are required to attest that they are
familiar with the provisions of the Compliance Manual and
annually attest that they have complied with all applicable
provisions of the Competition Act.
AFGRI is committed to cooperating with the Competition
Commission regarding any possible contravention of the
Competition Act.
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Corporate responsibility continued
AFGRI Cup 2010
In celebration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South
Africa, AFGRI held its own soccer tournament during
May 2010. This was the first Group-wide social
interaction in AFGRI’s history and the winners were
allowed to apply R80 000 of the Group’s CSI budget
to a deserving cause of their choice. Various soccer
activities were held as a build-up to the tournament.
A total of 16 teams from the various business units
participated in the male tournament, while six
groups took part in women exhibition matches. The
AFGRI management team also played the “beautiful
game” at kick-off. After the quarter and semi-finals
were played, the final was contested by the Superior
Boys (AFGRI Poultry) and Bethlehem Warriors
(Animal Feeds). The winners of the tournament,
Superior Boys, selected Siyonqoba Care Centre for
the Disabled as their charity of choice. Sheri
‘Shadow’ Ndaule was chosen ‘Man of the
Tournament’ and walked away with an Ivolve
(AFGRI’s personal computer supplier) sponsored
computer.
AFGRI Animal Feeds Driver of the Year Competition
Since 2008, AFGRI Animal Feeds, in association with
Driving Sense, has run a ‘Driver of the Year’
competition to recognise their drivers. Driving Sense
is a company with more than 15 years’ experience
in skills development with transport related
industries.
The division always views their drivers as key to
its success. Each one of them is in fact a key
accounts manager with a company car worth
more than R1 million. Contestants are selected
from six factories: Eloff, Klipheuwel, Paterson,
Isando, Kinross and Bethlehem. These contestants
are individually judged on different practical driving
skills. Michael Ralinala (Isando factory) won the 2010
driver of the year award, followed by James Mavuso
(Eloff factory) and third place went to Jannie
Pretorius (Paterson factory).
Project Bright Spark
During 2009, AFGRI embarked on ‘Project Bright Spark’ across the Group. The
purpose of the project was to encourage and motivate all AFGRInites to identify
and implement ideas and initiatives to improve cost saving throughout the Group.
The project was particularly relevant in the economic climate at the time.
Innovative ideas and initiatives were identified and implemented and winners
were announced and awarded prizes per category of idea. The final winner was
revealed at a function held during October 2009. Rick Cloete won the annual prize
– a trip to Mauritius!
Rick is a supervisor at the ‘Water Works’, AFGRI Poultry’s water treatment plant. The feather pump used in the feather
pit at the factory ensures that discarded water is pumped away. Wood and metal can cause blockage, resulting in the
failure of the pump’s motors. The motor would then have to be rewound and eventually replaced. This caused
downtime in the factory. Rick installed a funnel at the pump’s intake which ensured that the pump sucks water from
slightly above the floor thus preventing the intake of particles on the floor. This prolongs the pump’s lifespan. The pit is
cleaned over weekends. An annual saving of R738 000 was attributable to Rick’s simple but innovative idea.
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PIC TO
COME
2010 overview
I am always honest and behave ethically
I do not promote self-interest or nepotism
I declare conflicting interests as they arise
I maintain fair business practices
I am reliable and dependable
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Awards in 2010
AFGRI Poultry
July 2009: Passed the SAFSIS audit in order to be listed as a Pick n Pay supplier and subsequently listed as a SPAR supplier.
October 2009: Obtained Export Certification.
October 2009: Documented Hygiene Management System certified by Provincial Executive Officer of Mpumalanga.
March 2010 and June 2010: Passed the National Abattoir Rating Scheme (NARS) audit with 83% and 89% respectively, aiming to be the provincial winner for 2010.
Nedan
Official vegetable oil supplier to Yum International (KFC) South Africa, and awarded with:
Star Audit Achievers Award, with audit results above 85%.
Breakthrough Results Award.
Insurance
The division was awarded the Top Agri Insurance Broker nationally, with Bethal and Standerton branches obtaining second and third positions respectively.
Animal Feeds
The division received the AFRI Compliance Platinum certification and Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) Code of Conduct Award for all of its commissioned factories.
AFRI Compliance has developed a unique protocol for animal feed plants in Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, which ensures compliance with local regulatory requirement certification. This protocol deals with specific legal technical risks which are not addressed by existing certification programmes. Approximately 120 companies in the food and agricultural related sectors in South Africa are currently supporting the AFRI Compliance certification programme.
AFRI Compliance Platinum certification was awarded after an extensive audit was conducted at all AFGRI Animal Feeds plants which included a loco inspection and a 150 point audit control.
The AFMA Award is presented to individuals or organisations that have made an exceptional contribution to the feed manufacturing industry.
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I am committed to service excellence
I am proud about AFGRI when engaging with the client/customer
I listen to my client/customer and keep my promises
I will admit when I am wrong and correct my mistakes
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The AFGRI Limited Board The AFGRI Limited Board has a unitary board structure that
is in control of the affairs of the Company. The Board
consists of 13 members. Of these, five directors are
classified as independent non-executive directors. Three
are executive directors and another three directors
represent the interest of AFGRI’s BEE partners, Agri Sizwe.
Of the independent non-executive directors, two are black
and one is female.
The Board is chaired by Jethro Mbau, an independent
director. A register of directors’ interests is maintained and
updated at Board meetings.
On 1 January 2010, Mr Clive Apsey retired as a non-
executive director after five years of service. Mr Apsey
retired due to ill health.
On 10 January 2010, Messrs Dave Barber and Lwazi Koyana
were appointed to the AFGRI Board; further strengthening
the skills base of the Board. Both these directors are
independent non-executive directors.
On 20 May 2010 Linda de Beer was appointed to the AFGRI
Board. Linda is also an independent non-executive director.
The Board at its meeting on 31 August 2010 adopted a
Board Charter setting out its roles and responsibilities.
In terms of this charter, an evaluation of the Board, its
committees and individual directors, including the
chairman, must be performed annually.
Management acknowledges the rights of AFGRI’s
shareholders as the real owners of the Company and
understands its own role as trustees on behalf of the
shareholders. Corporate governance provides guidance
and oversight as the Company seeks to find balance
between conformance with governance principles and
superior performance in terms of a sustainable return on
shareholders’ investments. AFGRI’s journey towards
sustainability has been guided by the King Report series,
including both King II, which created an open environment
for institutional activism in 2002, and now King III, requiring
the application of an inclusive range of governance
principles, or reasons for deviating from these principles.
What follows is a brief overview of the roles and
responsibilities of the AFGRI Board and its committees,
including important developments for the year under review.
Corporate governance
The AFGRI governance structure can be illustrated as follows:
AFGRI Operations
Limited Board
OPCO
External audit
Internal audit
CEOAudit and Risk Management Committee
Credit Committee
Remuneration Committee
Nomination Committee
AFGRI Limited Board
Sustainability Committee
Country Risk Committee
Group Risk and Assurance
Committee
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Board committees
The Board established various committees on which
non-executive directors play important roles. Terms of
reference have been drafted for all these committees. All
terms of reference are in the process of being reviewed to
ensure that they meet the requirements contained in
King III. All committees are chaired by independent
non-executive directors.
The terms of reference of the committees are available
from the AFGRI Group Company Secretary on request.
Members of the various Board committees are re-elected
at the first meeting after the annual general meeting,
generally in November of every year.
In view of the fact that the Audit Committee will become
a statutory committee once the new Companies Act
becomes law and in terms of the recommendations set out
in King III, shareholders will now be required to elect the
members of the AFGRI Audit and Risk Management
Committee at the Company’s 2010 annual general meeting.
Audit and Risk Management Committee
The Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Board
has a dual role and fulfils the duties of an Audit Committee
as well as a Risk Management Committee.
The Audit and Risk Management Committee reviews the
effectiveness of the risk management process and internal
control in the Group with reference to the findings of both
the internal and external auditors. Other areas covered
include the review of important accounting issues,
including specific disclosures in the financial statements, a
review of the major audit recommendations and all matters
required in terms of legislation.
The internal and external auditors have direct access to the
Audit and Risk Management Committee and are invited to
all meetings of the committee.
The committee meets four times per annum. Members of
the Operating Committee who are ultimately responsible
for risk management attend these meetings as attendees
but are not allowed to vote.
The committee is chaired by an independent non-executive
director. The committee consists of two additional
members and both of these are independent non-executive
directors as required by the new Companies Act. The
composition of the committee was changed during the
year under review to ensure that the committee consists of
only independent non-executive directors. Members of the
committee are Dave de Beer (Chairman), Dave Barber and
Lwazi Koyana.
The functions of the committee include:
Overseeing integrated reporting
Managing risk
Reviewing the annual financial statements
Considering the sustainability of the Group
Appointing external auditors
Overseeing the internal audit function
Ensuring the application of the combined assurance
model
Implementing a whistle-blowing mechanism
Monitoring Group ethics
Monitoring the relationship with the Group’s external
auditor
Approving the internal audit plan
Approving and monitoring a policy for non-audit services
Considering environmental and social issues
Monitoring country risk
Board meetings and attendance Five Board meetings and two strategy sessions took place during the year under review. Details of attendance at these
meetings are as follows:
Board member 1 Sept 2009
23 Nov 2009*
24 Nov 2009
22 Feb 2010*
23 Feb 2010
7 May 2010**
18 May 2010
C Apsey*** √ Apology √JPR Mbau √ √ √ √ √ √ √JJ Claassen Apology √ √ √ √ Apology √DD Barber**** Apology √ √ √DD De Beer √ √ √ √ √ √ √L De Beer*****JJ Ferreira √ √ √ √ √ Apology √LM Koyana**** √ √ √ √ √MI Mogari √ √ √ √ √ √ Apology MM Moloele √ √ √ √ √ √ √KL Thoka √ √ √ √ √ √ √FJ van der Merwe √ Apology √ √ √ Apology √JA van der Schyff √ √ √ √ √ √ √CP Venter √ √ √ √ √ √ √
* Strategic sessions ** Special meeting *** Retired on 1 January 2010 **** Appointed on 10 January 2010 ***** Appointed on 19 May 2010
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Attendance at meetings:
Name of member 27 Aug
2010 18 Nov
2009 17 Feb
2010 12 May
2010
JPR Mbau* √ √ Apology
DD De Beer √ √ √ √
LM Koyana** √ √
DD Barber** √ √
JJ Claassen* √ √ √
FJ van der Merwe* √ Apology √
* Not reappointed to the committee with effect from 22 February 2010 ** Appointed with effect from 22 February 2010
Corporate governance continued
Remuneration Committee The Remuneration Committee of AFGRI is concerned with executive remuneration. The members of the committee are Dave Barber (Chairman), Dave de Beer and Lwazi Koyana.
The Remuneration Committee met three times during the year under review, and the main task of the committee in 2009/2010 was to recommend a new executive reward scheme as the previous EVA scheme was terminated in 2009.
The committee was assisted by independent advisors.
Attendance at meetings:
Name of member 7 Dec 2009
22 Feb 2010
2 Jun2010
DD Barber* √
DD De Beer √ √ √
LM Koyana* √
C Apsey** √
JPR Mbau*** √ √
* Appointed as committee member with effect from 22 February
2010
** Retired 1 January 2010
*** Stepped down as member of Remuneration Committee with
effect from 22 February 2010
The functions of this committee include: Ensuring that the Company remunerates fairly and responsibly
Ensuring that remuneration is disclosed in accordance with legislation
Overseeing the establishment and implementation of remuneration policies in relation to non-executive directors, executive directors and other executives’ remuneration
Reviewing the outcomes of the implementation of these policies as to whether they promote the achievement of strategic objectives and encourage individual performance
For further details on the remuneration of AFGRI’s executive and non-executive directors, as well as AFGRI’s
remuneration philosophy and policies, see the
Remuneration Report on pages 70 to 72 of this integrated
annual report.
Nomination Committee
The appointment of directors is a transparent and formal
procedure governed by the Nomination Committee’s
mandate and terms of reference as well as by the Board
Charter. This mandate and terms of reference were
updated earlier this year to align them with the
requirements of King III. Factors influencing the selection
process include skills, knowledge and qualifications, and
are examined against the backdrop of specific areas of
responsibility including:
Ensuring the Board has the appropriate composition
for it to execute its duties effectively
Ensuring directors are appointed through a formal
process
Ensuring the induction and ongoing training and
development of directors
Ensuring that formal succession plans for the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and senior management
appointments are in place
Considering availability, the number of external Board
appointments, diversity, demographics and experience
in relevant sectors
The Chairman of the Nomination Committee is also the
Chairman of the Board as required in terms of the JSE
Listings Requirements. The other members of the
committee are Dave de Beer and Moses Moloele.
The Credit Committee
The committee consists of three non-executive directors
(two being independent) and two executive directors. The
Credit Committee is responsible for the development and
implementation of credit policy and procedures throughout
the Group.
The members of the Credit Committee are Dave de Beer
(Chairman), Koot Claassen, Lwazi Koyana, Jan van der
Schyff and Chris Venter.
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The committee meets at least quarterly to review the Group’s
credit exposure and to ensure that the necessary procedures
are in place to limit credit risk to both existing and prospective
customers. More detail regarding the management of credit
risk is provided in the accounting policies under “Financial risk
management”. Refer to page 101.
The main functions of the Credit Committee are:
Credit applications in excess of R100 million must be
referred to the AFGRI Limited Board for noting. All
facilities in excess of R500 million must be referred to
the AFGRI Limited Board for approval
Review and approve all operational credit policies
The AFGRI Operations Limited Board has a number of
subcommittees namely the Operating Committee, the
Sustainability Committee, the Country Risk Committee and
the Risk and Assurance Committee.
Operating Committee (OPCO)
This committee is responsible for the operating activities of
the Group, developing strategy and policy proposals for
consideration by the Board and implementing the Board’s
directives.
The committee is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer
and consists of the following members:
Chris Venter (CEO), Pieter Badenhorst (Group Legal
Director), Johan Geel (COO), Mulco Manyama (Group HR
Director) and Jan van der Schyff (FD).
Review and monitor large exposures (the Chairman of
the committee, Group Chief Executive Officer and Group
Financial Director may approve exposures greater than
R50 million)
Monitor management actions and decisions, ensure
compliance to facilities and guidelines
Evaluate the overall quality of the debtors book and
lending activities and to take corrective action where
necessary
To conduct meetings as a governance tool
Monitor problematic accounts with exposures above
R50 million or other amount as decided on from time to
time
The committee meets weekly. The purpose of OPCO is
to assist the Chief Executive Officer in the fulfilment of
his duties that include:
Meeting the Company’s financial and operating goals
and objectives
Ensuring day-to-day business affairs are properly
managed
Developing long-term strategy and creating added value
for and positive relations with stakeholders
Maintaining positive and constructive work climate to
attract, retain and motivate employees at all levels
Ensuring a corporate culture that promotes sustainable
ethical practices, encourages individual integrity and
fulfils social responsibility objectives and imperatives
Developing strategy
Preparing the budget
AFGRI Operations Limited BoardThe Board of AFGRI Operations Limited consists of Chris Venter (CEO), Moses Moloele, Pieter Badenhorst
(Group Legal Director), Johan Geel (COO), Mulco Manyama (Group HR Director), Jan van der Schyff (FD) and Moji Mogari.
The Board met four times during the period under review.
The main focus areas of this Board are to implement the strategy as approved by the AFGRI Limited Board and meeting the
governance obligations of AFGRI Operations Limited.
Name of Board member 18 Aug 2009 10 Nov 2009 9 Feb 2010 4 May 2010
CP Venter √ √ √ √
JA van der Schyff √ √ √ √
PJP Badenhorst* √ √ √
MM Manyama* √ √ √
GJ Geel* √ √ √
MM Moloele* √ √ Apology
MI Mogari √ √ √ Apology
HD Bloem** √
WW Mentz** √
LTS Smit** √
L Wolthers** √
* Appointed 22/10/2009 ** Resigned 22/10/2009
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Corporate governance continued
Ensuring compliance
Setting the ethical leadership tone
Group Risk and Assurance Committee
The Group Risk and Assurance Committee is a
management committee formed for the purpose of
implementing the combined assurance model. More detail
on the management of risk is provided below.
Sustainability Committee
The Sustainability Committee of AFGRI is a management
committee. The committee reports to the Chief Executive
Officer and drives the AFGRI sustainability strategy across
the Group. The committee’s current focus is on the
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act Codes
of Good Practice in order to improve the Group’s
transformation, the verification of the Group’s BEE
credentials, the Group’s impact on the environment and
determining an indicative carbon footprint.
Country Risk Committee
Investments (including credit facilities) in countries outside
South Africa have to be authorised by the Country Risk
Committee. The Country Risk Committee is a management
committee that reports to the Audit and Risk Management
Committee. Investments should comply with the limits set
for the Group as a whole and should take into account the
country risk profile.
Company Secretary To enable the Board to function effectively, all directors
have full and timely access to all information that may be
relevant to the proper discharge of their duties and
obligations. This includes information such as agenda items
for Board meetings, corporate announcements, investor
communications and any other developments, which may
affect AFGRI or its operations.
The office of the Group Company Secretary is responsible
for facilitating this access. Counsel and guidance is
provided to the Board on their powers and duties,
individually and collectively, by the Group Company
Secretary who is also responsible for the development of
director training. All new directors are appropriately
inducted to AFGRI by the Group Company Secretary as well
as induction visits to Group operations around South Africa.
The Group Company Secretary is not a director of any of
the AFGRI Group’s operations and accordingly maintains an
arm’s length relationship with the Board and its directors.
In addition to reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and
having a direct channel of communication to the Chairman,
the Group Company Secretary interacts with the Chairman
before Board and general meetings to prepare for and
discuss important issues and agree on the agenda.
Furthermore, the Group Company Secretary assists the
Chairman of the Board and committee chairmen in the
drafting of work plans.
The Group Company Secretary is responsible for the
functions specified in section 268(G) of the Companies
Act of 1973 (as amended) (the Act). All meetings of
shareholders, directors and Board subcommittees are
properly recorded as per the requirements of section 242
of the Act. The removal of the Group Company Secretary
would be a matter for the Board as a whole.
Risk managementRisk management policy and framework
In terms of the risk management philosophy statement
issued by the Chief Executive Officer and Financial Director
and endorsed by the Board of Directors, the Group is
committed to developing and maintaining an integrated risk
management programme to manage operational, insurable
and business risks and opportunities in the interest of all
stakeholders.
The Group has established a culture of managing risk. A
significant number of embedded processes, resources and
structures are in place to address risk management needs.
These range from internal audit systems, insurance and risk
finance, IT security, compliance processes, quality
management and a range of other line management
interventions.
The risk management framework adopted by the Group
sets out a structured and consistent approach for
implementing a systematic process to manage risk across
the Group.
Risk governance structure
A number of committees and forums identify and manage
risk at both a business unit level and at a group level. These
committees and forums operate together with Group Risk
Management and are mandated by the Board. A diagram of
the governance structure is provided on the next page.
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Risk management process
The risk management process requires management to
identify, analyse and evaluate the risks associated with
activities under their control, mitigate and control these
risks, take corrective actions, accept and monitor the risks.
This acts to stimulate and reinforce accountability. The
context of all the risk management activities is always the
achievement of the business plan and strategic objectives.
The Group (top-down) and each business unit and
subsidiary (bottom-up) have undergone an objective
process of business risk assessment during the period
under review, facilitated by Group Risk Management and
external consultants. These risk assessments highlighted
areas where further control action was required and which
is now being undertaken.
The management of operational and insurable risks covers
many diverse dimensions such as security, health and
safety, risk control organisation, emergency planning,
vehicle fleet, fire defence. Comprehensive programmes
are in place to identify and evaluate operational risks,
implement process improvements and monitor the status
of key risks. The Board of Directors has appointed external
consultants to audit these programmes. The audits are
completed on a predetermined basis as set out in the
formal Group policy relating to operational risks. Certain
business units are audited annually while others are on a
rotation basis which can either be every second/third/fifth
year. Standards are based on applicable legal requirements
and best practice principles for each risk and form the
basis for external and internal audits. Detailed audit reports
are made available to each site. Summarised reports of the
material findings including comments on controls and
systems are made to the Risk and Assurance Committee,
while an executive summary is presented to the Audit
and Risk Management Committee.
Risk governance structure
Integrated report
Board of Directors
(AFGRI Limited)
Audit and Risk Management Committee
(AFGRI Limited)
• AFGRI Group risks• Risk policy, framework and plan• Appetite and tolerance level
• AFGRI Group risks• Material risks per business unit• Risk plan, policy, framework, appetite
and tolerance level
• Operational risk review reports• Risk plan, policy, framework, appetite and
tolerance level
Business units/subsidiaries
Risk and Assurance Committee
Business risks Insurable risks
• Strategic and operational risks per business unit
• Insurers• Risk control organisation• Fire and defence• Security• Emergency planning• Health and safety• Motor fleet• Environmental
• AFGRI Group risks• Risk dashboards and top five • Summary of management options
Other management committees
• Country Risk• Credit Risk• Sustainability Risk
Role players
• Risk management• Internal audit• Management• External audit • Insurance brokers• Other third parties
Bottom-up risk review per business unit/subsidiary
• At least once per annum (internally)• Externally every second year
Top-down risk identification for the Group
• Performed on an annual basis
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The Group has comprehensive risk and loss control
procedures in place, which form an integral part of a
sophisticated self-insurance programme. The layered
structure of the programme allows the Group to cost-
effectively protect itself from major losses through
local insurance.
An overview of key risks
In its ordinary course of business the Group faces a
number of risks that could affect business operations.
The top ten risks, as identified during May 2010 are:
Information technology
Regulatory and legal non-compliance
Global and local economic environment
Changing socio-political environment
Increased market volatility
Change management
Access to affordable funding without excessive
concentration
Credit risk
Inability to attract and retain staff in key positions
Competitive environment
Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to
the Group or that the Group deem immaterial may in future
also impair business operations. The business, financial
condition or results of operations could be adversely
affected by any of these risk factors.
Combined assurance
AFGRI’s combined assurance plan provides a framework for
the various sources of assurance (assurance providers) to
work together to provide assurance to the Board, via the
Audit and Risk Management Committee, that key risks are
managed and that assurance activities are coordinated in
the most efficient and effective manner.
The combined assurance plan consists of three ‘levels of
defence’ wherein the assurance on the risk management
and related controls in the Group is reported. The three
layers of defence are management, corporate functions
and independent assurance providers. The level of
assurance required by the Board, and who should provide
that assurance, varies depending on the risk.
A graphical representation of the assurance process and
the assurance providers appears below.
Donations to political parties During the year under review, AFGRI did not make any
donations to political parties.
Corporate governance continued
Assurance process
Risk assessm
ents
Risks
Co
ntro
ls
Co
rrective action
s
Rep
ortin
g
Assurance providers
Management
Reviews
KPIs
CSA
Sign-offs
Central functions
Bu
siness p
lans
Tax
Legal
HR and payroll
Risk managem
ent
Finance
Independent assurance
Internal audit
External audit
Specialists
Insurance
Com
pliance
Other third-party assurance
Assurance plans
Combined assurance
Communication
Organ
isation
al structu
re
IT
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Remuneration report
Annual bonusThe EVA bonus which had been in place since 2004 was
terminated during 2009. During the course of the year, the
Remuneration Committee has discussed various options
and requirements for a replacement scheme in conjunction
with executive management and external consultants. The
result of these discussions is the proposal for a new,
combined bonus and share incentive scheme. The salient
points of this proposed scheme appear in the notice of
annual general meeting on pages 168 to 174, and at which
shareholder approval for the scheme will be sought.
Share incentive schemeUntil 2009, executive directors and members of Group
management participate in the AFGRI Limited Share
Incentive Scheme. The options, which were allocated at the
average market price for the 90 days prior to the date of
allocation, are exercised immediately and vest after
stipulated periods. The number of share options granted
was based on a multiple of total cost to company divided
by the ruling share price, prior to the grant. With the
proposed, combined bonus and share incentive scheme,
the existing deferred share incentive scheme will be
allowed to run out over the next four years and no more
share options will be awarded.
Other benefitsExecutives are remunerated on a cost-to-company basis
and as part of their package are entitled to a car allowance,
medical insurance, death and disability insurance and
reimbursement of reasonable business expenses.
Non-executive directorsThe Remuneration Committee recommends fees payable
to the non-executive chairman and directors for approval
by the shareholders. Fees are approved for an annual
period commencing on 1 November each year. The revised
fees of the non-executive directors will be submitted to the
shareholders for approval at the next annual general
meeting on 15 October 2010.
The proposed fees for non-executive directors for the
period 1 November 2010 to 31 October 2011 are based on
best practice and market information and comprise a
combination of a retainer as well as a deduction for
non-attendance of meetings.
A non-executive is required to retire at the end of the year
in which the director turns 70.
Details of the proposed fees are set out in the notice of the annual general meeting appearing on pages 168 to 170 of this report.
The Remuneration CommitteeThis committee operates under the delegated authority of
the AFGRI Limited Board. The function of the committee is
to approve a broad remuneration strategy for the Group
and to ensure that directors and senior executives are
adequately remunerated for their contribution to AFGRI’s
operating and financial performance.
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for
considering and making recommendations to the Board on:
significant changes in personnel policy
approval of remuneration and benefits of executive
directors
remuneration and incentives of directors and other
employees of subsidiaries
significant changes to the Group pension and provident
funds and medical aid schemes
share incentive schemes and recommending significant
changes
executive succession and
increases in non-executive directors’ fees
At 30 June 2010, the membership of this committee was:
DD Barber – Independent director (Chairman)
DD de Beer – Independent director
LM Koyana – Independent director
The committee met three times during the period of this
report.
Principles of directors’ fees and remunerationAFGRI’s remuneration policy is formulated to attract and
retain high-calibre executives and motivate them to
develop and implement the Company’s business strategy
in order to optimise long-term shareholder value creation.
The purpose of remuneration is to ensure that executive
directors and senior managers receive remuneration that is
appropriate to their scope of responsibility and contribution
to the Group’s operating and financial performance, taking
into account industry norms and external market
benchmarks.
Elements of executive remunerationExecutive director and management remuneration
comprises the following four principal elements:
• Basic salary
• Annual financial performance
• Share incentive scheme, and
• Other benefits.
Basic salaryThe basic salary is subject to annual review and is set with
reference to the individual’s responsibilities, performance
and experience and the external market practice.
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Directors’ emolumentsThe tables below provide an analysis of the emoluments paid to non-executive and executive directors for the year ended 30 June 2010 and 30 June 2009.
30 June 2010Non-executive directors
Board member
(Rands)
Audit and Risk
Committee(Rands)
RemunerationCommittee
(Rands)
CreditCommittee
(Rands)Other*
(Rands)Total
(Rands)
CA Apsey 66 627 – 4 583 – – 71 210
DD Barber 65 935 23 167 27 833 – – 116 935
JJ Claassen 357 083 44 897 – 54 384 – 456 364
DD de Beer 269 297 203 857 32 375 63 717 – 569 246
L de Beer 11 583 – – – – 11 583
JJ Ferreira 136 127 – 20 799 – – 156 926
L Koyana 65 935 23 167 18 500 18 500 – 126 102
J Mbau 383 083 44 897 18 542 53 909 – 500 431
MM Moloele 136 127 – 20 799 – 825 241 982 167
KL Thoka 136 127 – 20 799 – – 156 926
FJ van der Merwe 136 127 44 897 31 214 – – 212 238
Total 1 764 051 384 882 195 444 190 510 825 241 3 360 128
* Deputy Chairman of the AFGRI Operations Limited Board and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee.
Executive directorsBasic
salary andallowances
(Rands)Bonuses*
(Rands)
Share-basedpayments
(Rands)
Expenseallowances
(Rands)
Companycontributions
(Rands)Total
(Rands)
CP Venter 2 690 015 4 513 106 – 23 539 647 325 7 873 985
JA van der Schyff 1 913 606 3 243 404 – 27 281 478 410 5 662 701
MI Mogari 1 575 458 1 926 630 – 44 111 391 264 3 937 463
Total 6 179 079 9 683 140 – 94 931 1 516 999 17 474 149
* During 2009 the EVA bonus scheme was terminated, resulting in the distribution of all accumulated bonus amounts to participants of the scheme. The AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme will be proposed to the shareholders at the annual general meeting and if approved will replace both the EVA bonus scheme and the Deferred Scheme Incentive scheme. No options were awarded under the Deferred Share Incentive Scheme during the current financial year.
30 June 2009Non-executive directors
Board member
(Rands)
Audit andRisk
Committee(Rands)
RemunerationCommittee
(Rands)
AcquisitionCommittee*
(Rands)
CreditCommittee
(Rands)Total
(Rands)
CA Apsey 127 920 – – 31 119 – 159 039
JJ Claassen 335 790 63 960 – 20 746 51 168 471 664
DD de Beer 383 760 191 880 – – 51 168 626 808
JJ Ferreira 127 920 – 51 168 – – 179 088
J Mbau 335 790 63 960 – – 76 752 476 502
MM Moloele 127 920 – 51 168 20 746 – 199 834
KL Thoka 127 920 – 51 168 20 746 – 199 834
FJ van der Merwe 127 920 63 960 76 752 20 746 289 378
Total 1 694 940 383 760 230 256 114 103 179 088 2 062 147
* The Acquisitions Committee was disbanded in September 2008.
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Executive directorsBasic
salary andallowances
(Rands)Bonuses
(Rands)
Share-basedpayments
(Rands)
Expenseallowances
(Rands)
Companycontributions
(Rands)Total
(Rands)
CP Venter 1 875 447 – – 24 184 394 448 2 294 079
JA van der Schyff 1 670 100 138 297 – 23 984 389 359 2 221 740
MI Mogari 1 352 772 127 467 – 60 138 352 166 1 892 543
Total 4 898 319 265 764 – 108 306 1 135 973 6 408 362
Directors’ service contracts and restraint of tradeCP Venter, MI Mogari and JA van der Schyff are subject to written employment agreements. The employment agreements
regulate the duties, remuneration, allowances, restraints, leave and notice periods of these executives. None of the service
contracts exceed a three-year period.
Share incentive optionsDetails of directors’ share options for the year ended 30 June 2010, were as follows and no share options have been granted
to the directors since that date:
Under contract 1 July 2009CP Venter JA van der Schyff MI Mogari
18/11/2005: 538 cents 350 000 – 145 600
17/11/2006: 666 cents 228 200 – 193 000
13/11/2007: 643 cents 181 000 – 153 000
11/12/2008: 462 cents 384 700 502 000 229 200
Total 1 143 900 502 000 720 800
Share options granted and exercised during the yearNo share options were granted and exercised during the year under review.
Implemented during the yearNo share options were implemented during the year under review.
Share options forfeited during the yearNone of the current executive directors forfeited any of their share options during the year.
Under contract at 30 June 2010CP Venter JA van der Schyff MI Mogari
18/11/2005: 538 cents 350 000 – 145 600
17/11/2006: 666 cents 228 200 – 193 000
13/11/2007: 643 cents 181 000 – 153 000
11/12/2008: 462 cents 384 700 502 000 229 200
Total 1 143 900 502 000 720 800
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Shareholder analysisNo of
shareholdings %No of
shares %
SHAREHOLDER SPREAD
1 – 1 000 shares 2 219 45,60 779 414 0,21
1 001 – 10 000 shares 1 906 39,17 6 822 486 1,83
10 001 – 100 000 shares 476 9,78 14 855 321 3,97
100 001 – 1 000 000 shares 196 4,03 65 801 311 17,60
1 000 001 shares and over 69 1,42 285 535 468 76,39
Totals 4 866 100,00 373 794 000 100,00
DISTRIBUTION OF SHAREHOLDERS
Banks 31 0,64 8 210 547 2,20
Close Corporations 130 2,67 961 432 0,26
Endowment Fund 13 0,27 933 306 0,25
Individuals 3 908 80,31 32 000 258 8,56
Insurance Companies 38 0,78 29 069 594 7,78
Investment Company 7 0,14 1 352 398 0,36
Medical Schemes 6 0,12 569 299 0,15
Mutual Fund 128 2,63 160 801 932 43,02
Nominees & Trusts 293 6,02 5 002 861 1,34
Other Corporations 20 0,41 485 529 0,13
Private Companies 134 2,75 2 896 223 0,77
Public Companies 4 0,08 228 370 0,06
Retirement Funds 152 3,12 82 450 549 22,06
Share Trust 1 0,02 29 831 956 7,98
Treasury Shares 1 0,02 18 999 746 5,08
Totals 4 866 100,00 373 794 000 100,00
PUBLIC/NON-PUBLIC SHAREHOLDERS
Non-public shareholders 5 0,10 48 974 353 13,10
Directors of the company 3 0,06 142 651 0,04
Share Trust – AFGRI Limited Trust 1 0,02 29 831 956 7,98
Treasury Shares – OTK Investment House 1 0,02 18 999 746 5,08
Public shareholders 4 851 99,90 324 819 647 86,90
Totals 4 866 100,00 373 794 000 100,00
No of shares %
BENEFICIAL SHAREHOLDERS HOLDING 5% OR MORE
Allan Gray Life Limited (policy holder portfolios) and Allan Gray Trust Funds 39 376 412 10,53
Old Mutual 34 888 641 9,33
Sanlam 32 422 292 8,67
AFGRI Limited Trust 29 831 956 7,98
Government Employees Pension Fund 26 551 004 7,10
OTK Investment House 18 999 746 5,08
Totals 182 070 051 48,71
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GRI index
Section G3 indicator
Description Reference
Strategy 1.1 Statement from senior decision-maker about the relevance and importance of sustainability to AFGRI, the overall vision and strategy for the short term, medium term and long term, particularly with regard to managing the key challenges associated with economic, environmental and social performance
Pages 19, 22 – 28
1.2 Description of key impact, risk and opportunities IFC, 1, 8 – 11, 48 – 58
Organisational profile
2.1 Name of the organisation Front cover
2.2 Primary products, brands and/or services 2 – 3, 30 – 40
2.3 Operational structure of the organisation 2 – 3, 23, 62 – 68
2.4 Head office location IBC
2.5 Number of countries where AFGRI operates, and names of countries with major operations relevant to the sustainability issues covered in this report
2 – 3
2.6 Nature of ownership 51, 73, 158 – 160
2.7 Market served 2 – 3, 22 – 28
2.8 Scale of reporting organisation including: number of employees net sales total capitalisation broken down in terms of debt and equity quantity of products or services provided
4 – 7, 30 – 40, 42 – 46, 52 - 53
2.9 Significant changes in the reporting organisation during period under review
22 – 28, 40, 42 – 45
2.10 Awards received during the reporting period 60
Report scope and boundary
3.1 Reporting period IFC, 1
3.2 Date of most recent previous report 30 June 2009
3.3 Reporting cycle 1
3.4 Contact details for further information about this report 1
3.5 Process for determining materiality process for prioritising topics in the report identifying stakeholders expected to use this report
48 – 49
3.6 Report boundary IFC, 1
3.7 Limitations on the scope or boundary of the report IFC, 1
3.8 Basis for reporting on joint ventures, subsidiaries, leased facilities and outsourced operations
IFC, 1
3.9 Data measurement techniques and the bases of calculations, including assumptions and techniques underlying estimations applied to the compilation of the indicators and other information in the report
IFC, 1
3.10 Explanation of the effect of any restatements of information provided in earlier reports, and the reasons for such restatement
Not applicable
3.11 Significant changes from previous reporting periods in the scope, boundary, or measurement methods applied in the report
IFC, 1
3.12 GRI table 73 – 75
3.13 Policy and current practice with regard to seeking external assurance for the report
IFC, 1, 28
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Group overview 2010 overview Corporate governance
Section G3 indicator
Description Reference
Governance 4.1 Governance structure of the organisation 62 – 68
4.2 Indicate whether the chairman is also an executive officer and, reasons for this arrangement
12 – 13, 62
4.3 Number of independent and/or non-executive members 12 – 13, 62 – 68
4.4 Mechanisms for shareholders and employees to provide recommendations or directions to the Board
49
4.5 Linkage between compensation for members of the highest governance body, senior managers and executives
64, 69 – 71
Governance (continued)
4.6 Processes in place for the highest governance body to ensure conflicts of interest are avoided
62
4.7 Process for determining the qualifications and expertise of the members of the highest governance body for guiding the organisation’s strategy on economic, environmental, and social topics
64
4.8 Internally developed statements of missions or values, codes of conduct, and principles relevant to economic, environmental, and social performance, and the status of their implementation
IFC, 1, 27, 51, 53, 55, 57
4.9 Procedures of the highest governance body of overseeing the organisation’s identification and management of economic, environmental and social performance, including relevant risks and opportunities, and adherence to or compliance with internationally agreed standards, codes of conduct and principles
63, 66 – 68
4.10 Processes for evaluating the highest governance body’s own performance, particularly with respect to economic, environmental and social performance
62
4.11 Explanation of whether and how the precautionary approach or principles are addressed by the organisation
Not addressed
4.12 Externally developed economic, environmental and social charters, principles, or other initiatives to which the organisation subscribes or endorses
None
4.13 Memberships in associations (such as industry associations) and/or national/international advocacy organisations in which the organisation:
has positions in governance bodies; participates in projects or committees; provides substantive funding beyond routine membership dues; or
views membership as strategic.
57
4.14 List of stakeholder groups engaged by the organisation 49
4.15 Basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to engage
49
4.16 Approaches to stakeholder engagement, including frequency of engagement by type and by stakeholder group
49
4.17 Key topics and concerns that have been raised through stakeholder engagement, and how the organisation has responded to those key topics and concerns, including through its reporting
8 – 11
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GRI index continued
Section G3 indicator
Description Reference
Disclosures on management approach
DMA EC The disclosures on management approach relate to the individual aspects reported on, including:EC1 – Direct economic value generated and distributedEC2 – Impacts of climate changeEC6 – Spending on locally based suppliersEC7 – Local hiring, including at senior management levelEC8, EC9 – Economic impacts
527 – 28, 5652Not addressed48 – 58
DMA EN The disclosures on management approach for all environmental aspects reported on
IFC, 1, 55
DMA LA The disclosures on management approach relating to labour practices and decent work reported on
49
DMA HR The disclosures on management approach relating to human rights reported on
Not addressed
DMA SO The disclosures on management approach relating to society reported on
48, 52
DMA PR The disclosures on management approach relating to individual aspects reported on:PR1, PR2 – Product health and safety impactsPR4, PR5, PR8 – Customer satisfaction and privacy of data and non-compliance with regulations
53 – 55
Performance indicators
EC1 Direct economic value generated and distribution, including revenue, operating cost, employment compensation, donation and other community investments, retained earnings and payments to capital providers and governments
5
EC6 Policy, practices and proportion of spending on locally based suppliers at significant locations of operations
52
EC8 Development and impact of infrastructure investments and services provided primarily for public benefit through commercial, in kind, or pro bono engagement
48 – 58
EC9 Understanding and describing significant indirect economic impacts, including the extent of impacts
Not addressed
EN2 Percentage of materials used that are recycled input materials Not addressed
EN3 Direct energy consumption by source Not addressed
EN8 Total water withdrawal by source Not addressed
EN12 Description of significant impacts of activities, and services on biodiversity in protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas
Not addressed
EN16 Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight Not addressed
EN22 Total weight of waste by type and disposal method Not addressed
EN23 Total number and volume of significant spills None
EN26 Initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts of products and services and extent of impact mitigation
56
EN27 Percentage of products sold and their packaging materials that are reclaimed by category
Not addressed
EN28 Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations
None
LA1 Total workforce by employment type, employment contract and region
52 – 53
LA4 Percentage of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements
49
LA5 Minimum notice period(s) regarding operational changes, including whether it is specified in collective agreements
49
LA7 Rates of injury, occupational diseases, last days and absenteeism, and total number of work-related fatalities by region
49
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Group overview 2010 overview Corporate governance
Section G3 indicator
Description Reference
LA8 Education, training, counselling, prevention and risk control programmes in place to assist workforce members, their families or community members, regarding serious diseases
49
LA11 Programmes for skills management and lifelong learning that support the continued employability of employees and assist them in management career endings
49, 52
LA13 Composition of governance bodies in terms of diversity and breakdown of employees per category according to gender and other relevant indicators of diversity
12 – 15
SO3 Percentage of employees trained in organisation’s anti-corruption policies and procedures
Not addressed
SO7 Total number of legal actions for anti-competitive behaviour, anti-trust, and monopoly practices and their outcomes
57
PR4 Total number of incidents of non-compliance with regulations and voluntary codes concerning product and service information and labelling, by type of outcomes
Not addressed
PR5 Practices related to customer satisfaction, including results of surveys measuring customer satisfaction
32, 35, 39, 53 – 55
HR4 Total number of incidents of discriminations and actions taken 49
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Audit and risk management committee report
We are pleased to present our report for the financial year
ended 30 June 2010.
AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCEThe AFGRI Limited Audit and Risk Management Committee
(the Committee) has adopted a formal Terms of Reference
that has been approved by the Board of Directors. The
Committee has conducted its affairs in compliance with
these Terms of Reference and has discharged its
responsibilities contained therein. The Terms of Reference
are available from the Group Company Secretary on request.
AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGSThe composition of the Committee was changed during the
year under review to ensure compliance with the
requirements of the new Companies Act. The Committee
consists of three independent, non-executive directors and
meets at least four times per annum as per the Committee
Terms of Reference. The Group chief executive, Group
financial director, AFGRI Operations‘ COO, AFGRI Operations’
legal director and AFGRI Operations‘ HR director, Internal
Audit, external auditor and other assurance providers of
AFGRI attend all meetings by invitation.
During the year under review four meetings were held.
Name of member 27 August 2009
18 November2009
17 February 2010
12 May 2010
JPR Mbau* Banking Diploma, Business
Management Diploma, Executive
Management Programme √ √ Apology
DD de Beer CA(SA) √ √ √ √
LM Koyana** BCom, BCompt (Hons) √ √
DD Barber** FCA (England and Wales) √ √
JJ Claassen* √ √ √
FJ van der Merwe* BA LLB MA √ Apology √
** Appointed with effect from 22 February 2010 * Not reappointed to the Committee with effect from 22 February 2010
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe Committee’s role and responsibilities include its
statutory duties as per the Corporate Laws Amendment Act,
2006, and the responsibilities assigned to it by the Board.
Statutory duties
In the conduct of its duties, the Committee has performed
the following statutory duties:
• Nominated for appointment as external auditor of the
Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc a registered
auditor who, in the opinion of the Committee, is
independent of the Company;
• Determined the fees to be paid to the external auditor
and his terms of engagement;
• Ensured that the appointment of the external auditor
complies with the Corporate Laws Amendment Act, 2006
and any other legislation relating to the appointment of
auditors;
• Determined the nature and extent of any non-audit
services that the external auditor may provide to the
Company (and the AFGRI Limited Group); and
• Pre-approved any proposed agreement with the external
auditor for the provision of non-audit services to the
company (and the AFGRI Limited Group).
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Group overview 2010 overview Corporate governance
Financial statements (including accounting practices)
The Committee has reviewed the financial statements of the
Company and the AFGRI Limited Group and is satisfied that
they comply with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Going concern
The Committee reviewed a documented assessment by
management of the going-concern premise of the Company
and the AFGRI Limited Group before concluding to the Board
that the Company, as well as the AFGRI Limited Group will be
a going concern in the foreseeable future.
Expertise and experience of financial director and finance
function
The Committee has satisfied itself that the financial director
of AFGRI Limited has appropriate expertise and experience.
The Committee has considered, and has satisfied itself of the
appropriateness of the expertise and adequacy of resources
of the AFGRI Limited Group’s finance function and
experience of the senior members of management
responsible for the financial function.
Duties assigned by the Board
The Committee fulfils an oversight role regarding the
Company’s integrated annual report and the reporting
process, including the system of internal financial control. It
is responsible for ensuring that the Company and the AFGRI
Limited Group’s internal audit function is independent and
has the necessary resources, standing and authority within
the organisation to enable it to effectively discharge its
duties. Furthermore, the Committee oversees co-operation
between the internal and external auditors, and serves as a
link between the Board of Directors and these functions.
During the year under review, the Committee met with the
external auditor and with the head of internal audit without
management being present. The Committee is satisfied that
it has complied with its legal, regulatory and other
responsibilities.
External auditor
The Committee has satisfied itself that the external auditor,
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. was independent of the
Company, as set out in section 270A (5) of the Corporate
Laws Amendment Act, 2006, which includes consideration
of compliance with criteria relating to independence or
conflicts of interest as prescribed by the Independent
Regulatory Board for Auditors. Requisite assurance was
sought and provided by the external auditor that internal
governance processes within PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.
support and demonstrate their claim to independence.
The Committee, in consultation with executive management,
agreed to the engagement letter, terms, audit plan and
budgeted audit fees for the 2009/2010 financial year. All
non-audit services provided by the external auditor must be
approved by the Chairman of the Committee. The Committee
ratified the nature and extent of non-audit services that the
external auditor provided.
The Committee has nominated, for approval at the annual
general meeting, PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. as the
external auditor and Mr JL Roos as the designated auditor,
for the 2010/2011 financial year. It has further satisfied itself
that the audit firm and designated auditor are accredited to
appear on the JSE List of Accredited Auditors.
Internal financial controls
Based on the reports provided to the Committee by internal
audit of the reviews conducted by them during the year and,
in addition, considering information and explanations
provided by management plus discussions held with the
external auditor on the results of their audit, the Committee
is of the opinion that the AFGRI Limited Group’s system of
internal financial controls is effective and forms a basis for
the preparation of reliable financial statements.
A formal documented review of the design, implementation
and effectiveness of the AFGRI Limited Group’s system of
internal financial controls will be conducted by internal audit
during the 2010/2011 financial year.
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Audit and risk management committee report continued
Risk management
The Board has assigned oversight of the Company’s
(including the AFGRI Limited Group’s) risk management
function to the Audit and Risk Management Committee. The
Committee fulfils an oversight role regarding financial
reporting risks, internal financial controls, fraud risk as it
relates to financial reporting and information technology
risks as it relates to financial reporting.
Internal audit
Internal audit function’s annual audit plan was approved by
the Committee. The internal audit function has been
outsourced to KPMG and has responsibility for reviewing and
providing assurance on the adequacy of the internal control
environment across all of the AFGRI Limited Group’s
operations. Internal audit is responsible for reporting the
findings of the internal audit work against the agreed internal
audit plan to the Committee on a regular basis. Internal audit
has direct access to the Committee, primarily through its
Chairman.
Whistle-blowing
The Committee is satisfied that instances of whistle-blowing
were appropriately dealt with during the period under review.
Recommendation of the integrated annual report for
approval by the Board
The Committee recommended the annual financial
statements for approval by the Board of Directors on
31 August 2010.
The responsibility of the Audit and Risk Management
Committee has recently been extended to include
governance over the integrity of the integrated annual
report. This is the first year in which AFGRI has prepared
such a report and the Committee has considered the broad
process under which the report has been prepared. In the
forthcoming year, the Committee will introduce further
processes to enable it to evaluate the non-financial
information provided therein.
DD de Beer
Chairman
AFGRI Limited Audit and Risk Management Committee
31 August 2010
Financial statements
82 Directors’ responsibility for, and approval of, the annual
financial statements
82 Certificate by Company Secretary
83 Independent auditors’ report
84 Directors’ report
87 Accounting policies
108 Group balance sheet
109 Group income statement
110 Group statement of comprehensive income
110 Group statement of changes in equity
111 Group cash flow statement
113 Business segment results
118 Notes to the Group annual financial statements
158 Appendix A
159 Appendix B
160 Appendix C
160 Appendix D
161 Separate Company annual financial statements
Financial statements
82 Directors’ responsibility for, and approval of, the annual
financial statements
82 Certificate by Company Secretary
83 Independent auditors’ report
84 Directors’ report
87 Accounting policies
108 Group balance sheet
109 Group income statement
110 Group statement of comprehensive income
110 Group statement of changes in equity
111 Group cash flow statement
113 Business segment results
118 Notes to the Group annual financial statements
158 Appendix A
159 Appendix B
160 Appendix C
160 Appendix D
161 Separate Company annual financial statements
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Directors’ responsibility for, and approval of, the annual financial statements
The directors are responsible for the preparation, integrity
and fair presentation of the financial statements of AFGRI
Limited and its subsidiaries. The financial statements
presented on pages 84 to 167 have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards and in the manner required by the Companies
Act of South Africa, and include amounts based on
judgements and estimates made by management. The
directors also prepared the other information included in
the annual report and are responsible for both its accuracy
and its consistency with the financial statements.
The going-concern basis has been adopted in preparing
the financial statements. The directors have no reason to
believe that the Group or any Company within the Group
will not be going concerns in the foreseeable future based
on forecasts and available cash resources. These financial
statements support the viability of the Company and the
Group.
The financial statements have been audited by the
independent auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Incorporated, who were given unrestricted access to
all financial records and related data, including minutes
of all meetings of shareholders, the Board of Directors
and committees of the Board. The directors believe
that all representations made to the independent
auditors during their audit are valid and appropriate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Incorporated audit report is
presented on page 83.
The financial statements were approved by the Board
of Directors on 31 August 2010 and are signed on its
behalf by:
JPR Mbau
Chairman
CP Venter
Chief Executive Officer
JA van der Schyff
Group Financial Director
Centurion
31 August 2010
In my capacity as Company Secretary, I hereby confirm that the Company has lodged with the Registrar of Companies all such
returns as are required of a public company in terms of section 268 G(d) of the Companies Act, 1973, as amended and that
such returns are true, correct and up to date.
N van Wyk
Company Secretary
Centurion
31 August 2010
Certificate by Company Secretary
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the
risks of material misstatement of the financial statements,
whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk
assessments, the auditor considers internal control
relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of
the financial statements in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the
purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used
and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation
of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit
opinion.
OpinionIn our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated and separate financial
position of AFGRI Limited as at 30 June 2010, and its
consolidated and separate financial performance and its
consolidated and separate cash flows for the year then
ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards and in the manner required by the Companies
Act of South Africa.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc Director: JL Roos
Registered Auditor
Pretoria
31 August 2010
We have audited the Group annual financial statements
and annual financial statements of AFGRI Limited, which
comprise the consolidated and separate balance sheets as
at 30 June 2010, and the consolidated income statement,
the consolidated and separate statements of
comprehensive income, the consolidated and separate
statements of changes in equity and consolidated and
separate cash flow statements for the year then ended,
and a summary of significant accounting policies and other
explanatory notes, and the directors’ report, as set out on
pages 84 to 167.
Directors’ responsibility for the financial statementsThe Company’s directors are responsible for the
preparation and fair presentation of these financial
statements in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards and in the manner required by the
Companies Act of South Africa. This responsibility includes:
designing, implementing and maintaining internal control
relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial
statements that are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying
appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting
estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.
Auditors’ responsibilityOur responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our
audit in accordance with International Standards on
Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with
ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial
statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit
evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. The procedures selected depend on
Independent auditors’ reportTO THE MEMBERS OF AFGRI LIMITED
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Directors’ report
To the members of AFGRI Limited (“AFGRI” or “the Company”)The directors have pleasure in submitting the annual financial statements of AFGRI Group for the year ended 30 June 2010.
NATURE OF BUSINESSAFGRI offers a wide range of world-class products and services to South African agriculture, focused on the grain value chain in high production areas and has extensive investments in secondary agriculture, including animal feeds, oil pressing and poultry production.
FINANCIAL RESULTS AFGRI reported revenue from continuing operations for the year ended 30 June 2010 of R7,258 billion (2009: R8,017 billion). Profit before tax from continuing operations amounted to R453,7 million (2009: R495,6 million). The income tax expense relating to continuing operations amounted to R61,2 million (2009: R91,9 million), resulting in a profit for the period from continuing operations of R392,5 million (2009: R403,6 million).
For the year, AFGRI realised an after tax profit from discontinued operations of R74,6 million (2009: after tax loss of R49,7 million).
The Group’s profit from all operations for the year amounted to R467,1 million (2009: R353,9 million).
DIVIDENDSThe following dividends were declared in respect of the year ended 30 June 2010:• Interim dividend No 20 of 24,15 cents per share paid
on 14 May 2010• Final dividend No 21 of 17,15 cents per share payable
on 22 November 2010
SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATE COMPANIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTSParticulars of the principal subsidiaries of the AFGRI Group are given on page 158, whilst particulars of the associate companies, joint ventures and other investments are provided in Appendices B and C on pages 159 and 160.
The attributable interest of the Group in the profits and losses of its subsidiaries for the year ended 30 June 2010 is available in the financial statements, please refer to page 141.
CORPORATE ACTIVITY DURING THE YEAROn 26 January 2010 the Group concluded the sale agreement of the Tsunami business unit with Oninamix
(Pty) Limited trading as Arysta Life Science South Africa.
Certain of the business unit’s assets will only be transferred
over the next 12 months and are therefore disclosed under
assets of disposal groups classified as held-for-sale.
The trading results are included with the results from
discontinued operations. These assets contributed
R645 million (2009: R438 million) to the Group’s revenue
and R70 million (2009: R31 million) to the Group’s profit
before tax. More details regarding this transaction were
published on SENS on 1 February 2010.
On 4 February 2010, the Group entered into a sale
agreement with Capital Harvest to sell the Western Cape
debtors book owned by Gro Capital and the assets and
liabilities of the AFGRI Western Cape business unit. These
assets contributed R29 million (2009: R39 million) to the
Group’s revenue and R4 million (2009: R10 million) to the
Group’s profit before tax. More details regarding this
transaction were published on SENS on 5 February 2010.
During the year the Group concluded a sale agreement
with MGK Operating Company (Pty) Limited regarding the
sale of 10 of its retail stores in the Lowveld region. The
Group further concluded a sale agreement to dispose of
13 of its retail branches in the Natal region to TWK Landbou
Limited. These combined assets contributed R393 million
(2009: R694 million) to the Group’s revenue and R13 million
(2009: R20 million) to the Group’s profit before tax.
The trading results of the Tsunami business unit, the
Lowveld and Natal retail stores and Capital Harvest are
disclosed as discontinuing operations. The comparative
reclassification between continuing and discontinuing
operations in the income statement and business segment
results has been made.
On 1 June 2010 the Group acquired the remaining minority
interest in Midway Chix (Pty) Limited as part of its
expansion into the foods sector.
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
CORPORATE ACTIVITY AFTER THE BALANCE
SHEET DATE
Subsequent to 30 June 2010 the Group concluded
discussions regarding the restructuring of its black
economic empowerment interest. Izitsalo Employee
Investments (Pty) Limited, one of the current beneficiaries
of the Agri Sizwe Empowerment Trust with an undivided
interest of 19,9% in relation to distributions of capital and
interest by the Agri Sizwe Trust will, by agreement, acquire
the 80,1% Agri Sizwe Trust beneficiary interests of all of
the remaining beneficiaries of the Agri Sizwe Trust.
As part of its growth strategy the Group entered into a
purchase agreement on 6 August 2010 to obtain the
business of Rossgro Chickens (Pty) Limited as a going
concern. The transaction is pending approval by the
South African competition authorities.
SHARE CAPITALFull details of the authorised, issued and unissued share
capital of the Company at 30 June 2010 are contained in
note 15 to the financial statements.
Particulars relating to AFGRI’s share incentive schemes are
set out in notes 17 and 18 to the financial statements.
At the date of this report, a total of 7 547 444 ordinary
shares remain reserved for the purposes of the Company’s
various employee share incentive schemes.
The remaining unissued ordinary shares are the subject
of a general authority granted to the directors in terms of
section 221 of the Companies Act, 1973, as amended, and
which authority remains valid only until the next annual
general meeting which will be held on Friday 15 October
2010. At that meeting, shareholders will be asked to place the
unissued ordinary share capital under the control of the
directors. Shareholders will be asked to place the unissued
share capital under the control of the directors to enable
them to allot and issue ordinary shares which may be
allocated during the year to certain employees and directors
in terms of employee share schemes to a maximum of 10%
of issued share capital.
DIRECTORATEMr DD de Beer stood down as Chairman of the Board
with effect from 1 January 2010 and was replaced by
Mr JPR Mbau.
Mr CA Apsey resigned as a director with effect from
1 January 2010 due to ill health and Messrs DD Barber and
LM Koyana were appointed as independent non-executive
directors with effect from 10 January 2010.
Ms L de Beer was appointed as an independent non-
executive director with effect from 19 May 2010.
SECRETARYMs N van Wyk acts as Secretary to the Company. The
secretary’s business and postal addresses appear on the
inside back cover of this integrated annual report.
SEGMENTAL REPORTINGRefer to the financial statements on pages 113 to 116.
DIRECTORS’ INTERESTSDetails of beneficial shares held per individual director are listed below.
Name of director Direct beneficial Indirect beneficial
CP Venter – 113 251
Biuma Trade CC (c/o) KL Thoka – 19 400
GJ Geel – 6 000
Details of share options of executive directors of the Company appear in the Remuneration report on pages 70 to 72.
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Directors’ report continued
SPECIAL RESOLUTIONSThe Company passed and registered one special resolution
on 16 October 2009, authorising the Board by way of a
renewable general authority contemplated in sections 85 to
89 of the Companies Act to acquire shares in the Company.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCEThe Board has previously endorsed the Code of Good
Corporate Practices and Conduct as contained in the King II
Report on Corporate Governance (“the Code”) and
endorses the contents of the King Report on Governance
for South Africa, 2009 (“King III”), as well as the King Code
of Governances Principles for South Africa, 2009.
Details of the Group’s borrowing facilities are provided in
note 40 of the annual financial statements. In terms of the
Company’s articles of association, the Group’s borrowing
powers are unlimited, but certain limits on borrowing levels
have been fixed by the Board of Directors.
AUDITORSPricewaterhouseCoopers Inc has expressed their
willingness to continue in office and resolutions proposing
their reappointment will be submitted at the forthcoming
annual general meeting.
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
Accounting policies
including time value in the one-sided hedged
risk when designating options as hedges.
• IFRS 3 (Revised) Business Combinations: The
revision continues to apply the acquisition method
to business combinations, with some significant
changes. For example, all payments to purchase
a business are to be recorded at fair value at the
acquisition date, with some contingent payments
subsequently remeasured at fair value through
profit or loss. Goodwill may be calculated based
on the parent’s share of net assets or it may
include goodwill related to the minority interest.
All transaction costs will be expensed.
• IAS 27 (Revised) Consolidated and Separate
Financial Statements: The revision requires the
effects of all transactions with non-controlling
interests to be recorded in equity if there is no
change in control. These transactions will no longer
result in goodwill or gains and losses. The standard
also specifies the accounting treatment when
control is lost. Any remaining interest in the entity
is remeasured to fair value and a gain or loss is
recognised in profit or loss.
• IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign
Operation: The interpretation provides guidance on
identifying the foreign currency risks that qualify as
a hedged risk (in the hedge of a net investment in a
foreign operation). Secondly, it provides guidance
on where, within a group, hedging instruments that
are hedges of a net investment in a foreign
operation can be held to qualify for hedge
accounting. Thirdly, it provides guidance on how an
entity should determine the amounts to be
reclassified from equity to profit or loss for both the
hedging instruments and the hedged item.
• IFRIC 17 Distributions of Non-cash Assets to
Owners: The interpretation applies to the
distributions of non-cash assets (commonly
referred to as dividends in specie) to the owners of
an entity. The interpretation clarifies that: a dividend
payable should be recognised when the dividend is
appropriately authorised and is no longer at the
discretion of the entity; an entity should measure
the dividend payable at the fair value of the net
assets to be distributed; and an entity should
recognise the difference between the dividend paid
and the carrying amount of the net assets
distributed in profit or loss.
The principal accounting policies adopted in the
preparation of these consolidated annual financial
statements are set out below and are consistent with those
of the previous year, except where indicated otherwise.
1 BASIS OF PREPARATION
These consolidated financial statements of AFGRI
Limited have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
These consolidated financial statements have been
prepared under the historical cost convention, as
modified by the revaluation of available-for-sale
financial assets, financial assets and financial
liabilities (including derivative instruments) and
biological assets at fair value through profit or loss.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with IFRS requires the use of certain critical
accounting estimates. It also requires management to
exercise its judgement in the process of applying the
Company’s and Group’s accounting policies. The
areas involving a higher degree of judgement or
complexity, or areas where assumptions and
estimates are significant to the consolidated financial
statements are disclosed in note 1 (Critical
accounting estimates and judgements).
New standards, interpretations and
amendments to published standards effective
in 2010 and adopted by the Group
• IFRS 7 (Amendment) Financial Instruments:
Disclosures. The amendment requires enhanced
disclosures about fair value measurement and
liquidity risk. In particular, the amendment requires
the disclosure of fair value measurements by level
of a fair value hierarchy.
• IFRS 2 (Amendment) Share-based Payment: The
amendment deals with two matters. It clarifies that
vesting conditions are service conditions and
performance conditions only. Other features of a
share-based payment are not vesting conditions. It
also specifies that all cancellations, whether by the
entity or by other parties, should receive the same
accounting treatment.
• IAS 39 (Amendment) Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement: The amendment
prohibits both designating inflation as a hedgeable
component of a fixed rate debt instrument and
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Accounting policies continued
• AC 504 – IAS 19 The Limit on a Defined Benefit
Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their
Interaction in the South African Pension Fund
Environment: The interpretation provides guidance
on the application of IFRIC 14 in South Africa in
relation to defined benefit pension obligations
(governed by the Pension Funds Act, 1956) within
the scope of IAS 19.
New standards, interpretations and
amendments to published standards effective
in 2011 and relevant to the Group
• IFRS 2 (Amendment) Group Cash-Settled Share-
Based Payment Transactions (effective from
1 January 2010): The amendment clarifies the
accounting for Group cash-settled share-based
payment transactions. The entity receiving the
goods or services shall measure the share-based
payment transaction as equity-settled only when
the awards granted are its own equity instruments,
or the entity has no obligation to settle the
share-based payment transaction. The entity
settling a share-based payment transaction when
another entity in the Group receives the goods or
services recognises the transaction as equity-
settled only if it is settled in its own equity
instruments. In all other cases, the transaction is
accounted for as cash-settled.
• IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with
Equity Instruments (effective from 1 July 2010): The
interpretation clarifies the accounting when an
entity renegotiates the terms of its debt with the
result that the liability is extinguished through the
debtor issuing its own equity instruments to the
creditor. A gain or loss is recognised in the profit
and loss account based on the fair value of the
equity instruments compared to the carrying
amount of the debt.
New standards, interpretations and
amendments to published standards effective
2011 but not relevant for the Group’s
operations
• IAS 32 (Amendment) Classification of Rights Issues
(effective from 1 February 2010): The amendment
clarifies the accounting treatment when rights
issues are denominated in a currency other than
the functional currency of the issuer. The
amendment states that if such rights are issued pro
rata to an entity’s existing shareholders for a fixed
amount of currency, they should be classified as
1 BASIS OF PREPARATION (continued)
New standards, interpretations and
amendments to published standards, effective
in 2010 but not relevant to the Group’s
operations
• IAS 32 (Amendment) Financial Instruments:
Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial
Statements – Puttable Financial Instruments and
Obligations Arising on Liquidation: The
amendments require entities to classify the
following types of financial instruments as equity,
provided they have particular features and meet
specific conditions: (a) puttable financial
instruments (for example, some shares issued by
cooperative entities); (b) instruments, or
components of instruments, that impose on the
entity an obligation to deliver to another party a pro
rata share of the net assets of the entity only on
liquidation (for example, some partnership interests
and some shares issued by limited life entities).
Additional disclosure is required about the
instruments affected by the amendments.
• AC 503 (Revised) Accounting for Black Economic
Empowerment Transactions: The Accounting
Practices Committee has revisited AC 503 in light of
the amendments to IFRS 2. As a result of these
amendments, paragraphs 18 to 25 and the related
Illustrative Examples and Basis for Conclusions of
AC 503 have been revised to take into account the
amended definition of vesting conditions and the
accounting treatment of non-vesting conditions.
• IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers: The
interpretation clarifies the accounting treatment for
the transfers of property, plant and equipment
received from customers. This interpretation
applies to agreements with customers in which the
entity receives cash from a customer when that
amount of cash must be used only to construct or
acquire an item of property, plant or equipment and
the entity must then use the item of property, plant
or equipment either to connect the customer with
ongoing access to a supply of goods and services
or do both.
• IFRIC 15 Agreement for the Construction of Real
Estate: The interpretation addresses diversity in
accounting for real estate sales. It clarifies how to
determine whether an agreement is within the
scope of IAS 11 Construction Contracts or IAS 18
Revenue and when revenue from construction
should be recognised. The guidance replaces
example 9 in the appendix to IAS 18.
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• IAS 23 Borrowing Costs: The definition of borrowing
costs is revised to align with IAS 39 by referring to
the use of an effective interest rate, as described
by IAS 39, as a component of borrowing costs.
• IAS 41 Agriculture: The amendment replaces the
term “pre-tax” discount rate with “market-
determined” discount rate, clarifying that a fair
value measurement should take into account all
attributes, including tax attributes, that a market
participant would consider when pricing an asset
or liability. The standard also allows the
consideration of additional biological
transformation when determining the fair value.
• IAS 18 Revenue: New guidance accompanies the
standard to determine whether an entity is acting
as a principal or as an agent. The features to
consider are whether the entity:
– Has primary responsibility for providing the
goods or service
– Has inventory risk
– Has discretion in establishing prices
– Bears the credit risk.
Other amendments resulting from the improvements
to IFRS project to the following standards did not have
any impact on the accounting policies, financial
position or performance of the Group:
• IFRS 2 Share-based Payment
• IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held-for-Sale and
Discontinued Operations (issued May 2008)
• IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures
• IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Change in Accounting
Estimates and Errors
• IAS 10 Events after the Reporting Period
• IAS 18 Revenue (issued May 2008)
• IAS 19 Employee Benefits
• IAS 20 Accounting for Government Grants and
Disclosures of Government Assistance
• IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary
Economies
• IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting
• IAS 38 Intangible Assets
• IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and
Measurement
• IAS 40 Investment Property
• IFRIC 9 Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives
• IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign
Operation.
equity regardless of the currency in which the
exercise price is denominated.
• IFRIC 14 (Amendment) Prepayments of a Minimum
Funding Requirement (effective from 1 January
2011): This amendment will have a limited impact
as it applies only to companies that are required to
make minimum funding contributions to a defined
benefit pension plan. It removes an unintended
consequence of IFRIC 14 (AC 447) related to
voluntary pension prepayments when there is a
minimum funding requirement.
New standards, interpretations and
amendments to published standards not yet
effective
• IAS 24 (Amendment) Related Party Disclosures
(effective from 1 January 2011): This amendment
provides partial relief from the requirement for
government-related entities to disclose details of
all transactions with the government and other
government-related entities. It also clarifies and
simplifies the definition of a related party.
• IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 January
2013): This IFRS is part of the IASB’s project to
replace IAS 39. IFRS 9 addresses classification and
measurement of financial assets and replaces the
multiple classification and measurement models
in IAS 39 with a single model that has only
two classification categories: amortised cost
and fair value.
Improvements to IFRS
In May 2008 and April 2009 the International
Accounting Standards Board issued an omnibus of
amendments to its standards, primarily with a view to
removing inconsistencies and clarify wording. There
are separate transitional provisions for each standard.
The adoption of the following amendments resulted
in changes to accounting policies but did not have
any impact on the financial position or performance
of the Group:
• IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: Assets
and liabilities classified as held-for-trading in
accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement are not
automatically classified as current in the statement
of financial position.
• IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment: The
amendment replaces the term “net selling price”
with “fair value less costs to sell”.
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Accounting policies continued
interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value as
at the acquisition date directly through profit or loss.
The Group applies a policy of treating transactions
with minority interests as transactions with equity
owners of the Group. For purchases of additional
interests in subsidiaries from minorities, the
difference between any consideration paid and the
relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net
assets of the subsidiary is added to, or deducted
from, equity. For disposals of minority interests,
differences between any proceeds received and the
relevant share of minority interests are also recorded
in equity.
Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised
gains on transactions between Group companies are
eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated
unless the transaction provides evidence of an
impairment of the asset transferred.
Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been
changed where necessary to ensure consistency with
the policies adopted by the Group.
2.2 Associates
Associates are all entities over which the Group has
significant influence but not control, generally
accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and
50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates
are accounted for under the equity method of
accounting and are initially recognised at cost.
The Group’s investment in associates includes
goodwill identified on acquisition.
The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition
profits or losses is recognised in profit or loss, and its
share of post-acquisition movements in reserves is
recognised in other comprehensive income. The
cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted
against the carrying amount of the investment.
When the Group’s share of losses in an associate
equals or exceeds its interest in the associate,
including any other unsecured receivables, the Group
does not recognise further losses, unless it has
incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of
the associate.
1 BASIS OF PREPARATION (continued)
Improvements to IFRS (continued)
The amendments to the following standards are not
yet effective and management is assessing the
impact on the accounting policies of the Group:
• IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held-for-Sale and
Discontinued Operations (issued April 2009)
• IFRS 8 Operating Segments
• IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements
• IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows
• IAS 17 Leases
• IAS 36 Impairment of Assets
• IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and
Measurement.
2 INTERESTS IN GROUP ENTITIES
2.1 Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities (including special purpose
entities) over which the Group has the power to
govern the financial and operating policies. The
existence and effect of potential voting rights that are
currently exercisable or convertible are considered
when assessing whether the Group controls another
entity.
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on
which control is transferred to the Group. They are
deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
The cost of an acquisition is measured as the
aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured
at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any
minority interest in the acquiree. For each acquisition,
the acquirer measures the minority interest in the
acquiree either at fair value or at the proportionate
share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.
Acquisition costs incurred are recognised directly in
profit or loss. Any contingent consideration to be
transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair
value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to
the fair value of the contingent consideration which is
deemed to be an asset or liability, will be recognised
in accordance with IAS 39 either directly in profit or
loss or in other comprehensive income. If the
contingent consideration is classified as equity, it shall
not be remeasured until it is finally settled within
equity.
If the acquisition is achieved in stages, the acquisition
date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity
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appropriate, only when it is probable that future
economic benefits associated with the item will flow
to the Group and the cost of the item can be
measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance
expenditures are charged to profit or loss during the
financial period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line
method to allocate the cost of each asset to its
residual value over its estimated useful life as follows:
• Buildings 25 – 100 years
• Plant and machinery 5 – 100 years
• Equipment and motor vehicles 5 – 50 years
• Land is not depreciated
Major renovations are depreciated over the remaining
useful life of the related asset or to the date of the
next major renovation, whichever is the earlier. Grain
silos are maintained annually to a fixed programme.
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are
reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate. An
asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately
to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying
amount is greater than its estimated recoverable
amount.
Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any
qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of
time that is required to complete and prepare the
asset for its intended use. Other borrowing costs are
expensed.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by
comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These
are included in profit or loss. When revalued assets
are sold, the amounts included in other reserves are
transferred to retained earnings.
4 GOODWILL
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an
acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of
the net identifiable assets, of the acquired business/
subsidiary/associate or joint venture at the date of
acquisition, and liabilities assumed. Goodwill on
acquisitions of associates is included in investments
in associates. Goodwill is tested annually for
impairment and carried at cost less accumulated
impairment losses and is not amortised.
Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group
and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the
Group’s interest in the associates. Unrealised losses
are also eliminated unless the transaction provides
evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Accounting policies of associates have been changed
where necessary to ensure consistency with the
policies adopted by the Group.
2.3 Joint ventures
The Group’s interests in jointly controlled entities are
accounted for by proportionate consolidation.
The Group combines its proportionate share of each
of the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the
joint venture with similar items, line by line, in the
Group’s financial statements.
The Group recognises the portion of gains or losses
on the sale of assets by the Group to the joint venture
that is attributable to the other ventures. The Group
does not recognise its share of profits or losses from
the joint venture that result from the Group’s
purchase of assets from the joint venture until it
resells the assets to an independent party. However, a
loss on the transaction is recognised immediately if
the loss provides evidence of a reduction in the net
realisable value of current assets, or an impairment
loss.
Accounting policies of joint ventures have been
changed where necessary to ensure consistency with
the policies adopted by the Group.
3 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and buildings comprise mainly factories, retail
outlets and offices. All property, plant and equipment
are shown at cost, less subsequent depreciation and
impairment, except for land, which is shown at cost
less impairment.
Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable
to the acquisition of the items. Cost may also include
transfers from equity of any gains/losses on qualifying
cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of
property, plant and equipment.
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying
amount or recognised as a separate asset, as
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and that will probably generate economic benefits
exceeding costs beyond one year, are recognised as
intangible assets. Direct costs include the software
development employee costs and an appropriate
portion of relevant overheads.
Computer software development costs recognised as
assets are amortised using the straight-line method
over their estimated useful lives (not exceeding
five years).
5.3 Trademarks, licences and other intellectual
property
Trademarks and licences are recognised at historical
cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.
Trademarks and licences with finite useful lives are
amortised on a straight-line basis over the estimated
useful lives. Other intellectual property acquired as
part of a business combination such as know-how or
customer lists is recognised at fair value. These
intangible assets have a finite useful life and are
carried at cost less accumulated amortisation.
Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful life of the assets.
The amortisation method and estimated remaining
useful lives are reviewed at least annually.
Amortisation rates applied are provided on pages 123
to 125.
6 IMPAIRMENTS OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS
Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite
useful life are not subject to amortisation and are
tested annually for impairment. Assets that are
subject to amortisation or depreciation are reviewed
for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may
not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised
for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount
exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable
amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs
to sell and value in use.
For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are
grouped at the lowest levels for which there are
separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating
units). Non-financial assets other than goodwill that
were previously impaired are reviewed for possible
reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.
4 GOODWILL (continued)
Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity, other
than goodwill in associates, include the carrying
amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. If, on a
business combination, the fair value of the Group’s
interest in the identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities exceeds the cost of the
acquisition, the excess is recognised in profit or loss
immediately.
Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the
purpose of impairment assessment. The allocation is
made to those cash-generating units or groups of
cash-generating units that are expected to benefit
from the business combination in which goodwill
arose. AFGRI allocates goodwill to each operating
segment in each country in which it operates.
5 OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
5.1 Research and development
Research expenditure is recognised in profit or loss
as incurred. Costs incurred on development projects
are recognised as intangible assets when it is
probable that the project will be a success,
considering its commercial and technological
feasibility, and costs can be measured reliably. Other
development expenditures are recognised in profit or
loss as incurred. Development costs previously
recognised as an expense are not recognised as an
asset in a subsequent period. Development costs that
have a definite useful life and have been capitalised
are amortised from the commencement of
commercial production of the product on a straight-
line basis over the period of its expected benefit (not
exceeding 10 years).
5.2 Computer software
Acquired computer software licences are capitalised
on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and
bring to use the specific software. These costs are
amortised using the straight-line method over their
estimated useful lives. Amortisation rates applied are
provided on pages 123 and 125.
Costs associated with developing or maintaining
computer software programmes are recognised in
profit or loss as incurred. Costs that are directly
associated with the production of identifiable and
unique software products controlled by the Group,
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include financial receivables (excluding held-to-
maturity investments), trade and other receivables
(excluding prepayments), trade receivables financed
by banks, cash collateral deposits and cash and cash
equivalents.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand,
deposits held at call with banks and other short-term,
highly liquid investments with original maturities of
three months or less. Bank overdrafts are shown with
borrowings. Loans and receivables are included in
current assets, except for financial receivables having
maturities greater than 12 months after the balance
sheet date. These are classified as non-current assets.
Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives
that are not classified in any of the other categories.
They are included in non-current assets unless
management intends to dispose of the investment
within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
7.2 Measurement
Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are
recognised on trade date – the date on which the
Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.
Financial assets are initially measured at fair value
plus transaction costs. However, transaction costs in
respect of financial assets classified as at fair value
through profit or loss are expensed to profit or loss
immediately. Transaction costs are incremental costs
that are directly attributable to the acquisition of a
financial asset i.e. those costs that would not have
been incurred had the asset not been acquired.
The fair values of quoted investments are based on
current bid prices. If the market for a financial asset
is not active (and for unlisted securities), the Group
establishes fair value by using valuation techniques.
These include the use of recent arm’s-length
transactions, reference to other instruments that are
substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis,
and option pricing models refined to reflect the
issuer’s specific circumstances.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset where the
Group currently has a legally enforceable right to
offset the recognised amounts and intends to settle
on a net basis.
7 FINANCIAL ASSETS
A financial asset is any asset that is cash, an equity
instrument of another entity, a contractual right to
receive cash or another financial asset from another
entity or to exchange financial assets or financial
liabilities with another entity under conditions that are
potentially favourable.
7.1 Classification
The classification depends on the purpose for which
the financial assets were acquired. Management
determines the classification of its financial assets at
initial recognition. The Group classifies its financial
assets in the following categories:
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are
financial assets held-for-trading and financial assets
designated upon initial recognition at fair value
through profit or loss. A financial asset is classified as
held-for-trading if acquired principally for the purpose
of selling in the short term. This category includes
derivatives (refer to note 13) unless they are
designated as hedges. Assets in this category are
classified as current if they are expected to be
realised within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
The Group enters into various OTC (over-the-counter)
forward purchases and sales contracts for the
purchase and sale of commodities. Although certain
of these contracts are settled by taking or making
physical delivery in the normal course of business,
the OTC contracts are regarded as financial
instruments and are accounted for at fair value under
IAS 39, where the Group has a substantive past
practice of net settlement (either with the
counterparty or by entering into offsetting contracts).
Held-to-maturity investments
Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative
financial assets with fixed or determinable payments
and fixed maturities where there is a positive
intention and ability to hold them to maturity.
Held-to-maturity investments are included with
financial receivables on the face of the balance sheet.
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial
assets with fixed or determinable payments that are
not quoted in an active market. Loans and receivables
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Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair
value with unrealised gains or losses being recognised
in other comprehensive income. Fair value, for this
purpose, is the quoted price if listed or a value arrived
at by using appropriate valuation models if unlisted.
7.3 Impairment
The Group assesses at each balance sheet date
whether there is objective evidence that a financial
asset or a group of financial assets is impaired.
Objective evidence would include, but not be limited
to: a decline in the financial asset’s ability to generate
future cash flows, deterioration in the counterparty’s
credit profile, the ability to collect all amounts due
according to the original terms, or the anticipated
non-performance on a contract.
If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale
financial assets, the cumulative loss – measured as
the difference between the acquisition cost and the
current fair value, less any impairment loss on that
financial asset previously recognised in profit or loss
– is removed from other comprehensive income
and recognised in profit or loss. Impairment losses
recognised in profit or loss on equity instruments are
not reversed through profit or loss, increases in their
fair value after impairment are recognised directly in
other comprehensive income.
In the case of equity investments classified as
available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in
the fair value of the security below its cost is also
evidence that the assets are impaired.
8 FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
A financial liability is a contractual obligation to
deliver cash or another financial asset to another
entity or to exchange financial assets or financial
liabilities with another entity under conditions that are
potentially unfavourable; or a contract that may be
settled in the entity’s own equity instruments and is
a non-derivative for which the entity is or may be
obliged to deliver a variable number of the entity’s
own equity instruments or a derivative (refer to
note 13) that will or may be settled other than by the
exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another
financial asset for a fixed number of the entity’s own
equity instruments.
7 FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)
7.2 Measurement (continued)
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to
receive cash flows from the investments have expired
or have been transferred and the Group has
transferred substantially all risks and rewards of
ownership.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are
measured at fair value with gains or losses being
recognised in profit or loss. Fair value, for this
purpose, is the quoted price if listed or a value arrived
at by using the discounted cash flow valuation model
if unlisted.
Over-the-counter contracts are initially recognised in
the balance sheet at fair value and are subsequently
remeasured to their fair value. These derivative
transactions, while providing effective economic
hedges under the Group’s risk management policies,
do not qualify for hedge accounting under the
specific rules in IAS 39. Changes in the fair value of
any derivative instruments that do not qualify for
hedge accounting under IAS 39 are recognised
immediately in profit or loss.
Held-to-maturity investments
Financial assets classified as held-to-maturity
financial assets are measured at amortised cost less
any impairment losses recognised in profit or loss to
reflect irrecoverable amounts.
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables (including those financed by
the Land Bank) are recognised initially at fair value
and subsequently measured at amortised cost using
the effective interest method, less provision for
impairment. The amount of the provision is the
difference between the asset’s carrying amount and
the present value of estimated future cash flows,
discounted at the original effective interest rate. The
carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the
use of an allowance account, and the amount of the
loss is recognised in profit or loss. When a loan or
receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the
allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of
amounts previously written off are credited to profit
or loss.
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settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after
the balance sheet date.
Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value
and subsequently measured at amortised cost using
the effective interest rate method.
9 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND
HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the
date on which a derivative contract is entered into
and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value.
The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss
depends on whether the derivative is designated as
a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item
being hedged. The Group designates certain
derivatives as either: (1) hedges of the fair value of
recognised assets or liabilities or a firm commitment
(fair value hedge); (2) hedges of highly probable
forecast transactions (cash flow hedges); or
(3) hedges of net investments in foreign operations.
The Group documents at the inception of the
transaction the relationship between hedging
instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk
management objective and strategy for undertaking
various hedge transactions. The Group also documents
its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an
ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used
in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting
changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.
The fair values of various derivative instruments are
disclosed in note 13 (Derivative financial instruments).
Movements on the hedging reserve in shareholders’
equity are shown in note 18 (Fair value and other
reserves). The full fair value of a hedging derivative is
classified as a non-current asset or liability when the
remaining hedged item is more than 12 months; it is
classified as a current asset or liability when the
remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than
12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as a
current asset or liability if they are expected to be
realised within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
(a) Fair value hedge
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are
designated and qualify as fair value hedges are
recorded in the income statement, together with any
changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or
liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.
A financial liability at fair value through profit or loss is
a financial liability that is classified as held-for-trading
or is designated as such on initial recognition. A
financial liability held-for-trading is one that is incurred
as part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments
that are managed together and for which there is
evidence of a recent actual pattern of short-term
profit-taking or a derivative (except for a derivative
that is a designated and effective hedging
instrument).
Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value
plus transaction costs. However, transaction costs in
respect of financial liabilities classified as at fair value
through profit or loss are expensed immediately.
Transaction costs are those costs that are directly
attributable to the issue of a financial liability, i.e.
those that would not have been incurred if the liability
had not been issued.
Financial liabilities that are not classified or
designated on initial recognition as financial liabilities
at fair value through profit or loss are measured at
amortised cost.
Financial liabilities that are classified or designated on
initial recognition as financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss are measured at fair value, with
changes in fair value being recognised in profit or loss.
Preference shares, which are mandatorily
redeemable on a specific date, are classified as
liabilities. The dividends on these preference shares
are recognised in the income statement as interest
expense.
Derivative liabilities are measured at fair value, with
changes in fair value being recognised in profit or loss
other than those designated as cash flow hedges.
Borrowings (including call loans and bank overdrafts)
are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction
costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at
amortised cost; any difference between proceeds
(net of transaction costs) and the redemption value
is recognised in profit or loss over the period of the
borrowings using the effective interest rate method.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless
the Group has an unconditional right to defer
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Accounting policies continued
10 INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net
realisable value. Cost is determined using the first-in
first-out (FIFO) method. The cost of finished goods
and work in progress comprises design costs, raw
materials, direct labour, other direct costs and related
production overheads (based on normal operating
capacity). It excludes borrowing costs.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price
in the ordinary course of business, less applicable
variable selling expenses.
11 BIOLOGICAL ASSETS
A biological asset is a living animal or plant and an
agricultural activity is the biological transformation of
biological assets for sale, into agricultural produce or
into additional biological assets.
Biological assets are recognised at fair value less
estimated costs to sell. Fair value is measured with
reference to an active market adjusted for its present
location and condition. Fair value changes are
recognised in profit or loss. All the expenses incurred
in establishing and maintaining the assets is
recognised in profit or loss. Finance charges are not
capitalised.
12 SHARE CAPITAL
Ordinary shares are classified as equity.
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue
of new shares or options are shown in equity as a
deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
Where any Group company purchases the Company’s
equity share capital (treasury shares), the
consideration paid, including any directly attributable
incremental costs (net of income taxes), is deducted
from equity attributable to the Company’s
equityholders until the shares are cancelled, reissued
or disposed of. Where such shares are subsequently
sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of
any directly attributable incremental transaction costs
and the related income tax effects, and are included in
equity attributable to the Company’s equityholders.
Shares in the Company are held by the AFGRI Limited
Trust. The cost price of these shares is deducted from
equity attributable to the Company’s equityholders
9 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND
HEDGING ACTIVITIES (continued)
(b) Cash flow hedge
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of
derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash
flow hedges are recognised in other comprehensive
income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective
portion is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled in the
income statement in the periods when the hedged
item will affect profit or loss (for instance when the
forecast sale that is hedged takes place). However,
when the forecast transaction that is hedged results
in the recognition of a non-financial asset (for
example, inventory) or a liability, the gains and losses
previously deferred in equity are transferred from
equity and included in the initial measurement of the
cost of the asset or liability.
When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or
when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge
accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in
equity at that time remains in equity and is
recognised when the forecast transaction is
ultimately recognised in profit or loss. When a
forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur,
the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in
equity is immediately transferred to profit or loss.
(c) Net investment hedge
Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are
accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any gain
or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the
effective portion of the hedge is recognised as other
comprehensive income in equity; the gain or loss
relating to the ineffective portion is recognised
immediately in profit or loss.
Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included
in profit or loss when the foreign operation is
disposed of.
(d) Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge
accounting
Certain derivative instruments do not qualify for
hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of any
derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge
accounting are recognised immediately in profit
or loss.
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Deferred income tax assets are only recognised to
the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will
be available against which temporary differences can
be utilised, unless specifically exempted.
Deferred income tax is recognised on temporary
differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and
associates, except where the timing of the reversal of
the temporary difference is controlled by the Group
and it is probable that the temporary difference will
not reverse in the foreseeable future.
15 FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
15.1 Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of
the Group’s entities are measured using the currency
in which the business operates (the functional
currency). The consolidated financial statements are
presented in Rand, which is the Company’s and
Group’s functional and presentation currency.
15.2 Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into
the functional currency using the exchange rates
prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign
exchange gains and losses resulting from the
settlement of such transactions and from the
translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are recognised in profit or loss, except
when deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow
hedges and qualifying net investment hedges.
Translation differences on financial assets held at fair
value through profit or loss are reported as part of the
fair value gain or loss. Translation differences on
financial assets classified as available-for-sale
financial assets are included in the fair value reserve
in equity.
15.3 Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group
entities (none of which has the currency of a
hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional
currency different from the presentation currency are
translated into the presentation currency as follows:
• assets and liabilities are translated at the closing
rate at the date of the balance sheet;
• the opening equity is translated at the historical
rate;
(incentive trust shares). The AFGRI Limited Trust is
consolidated as if it were a wholly owned subsidiary.
13 BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
TRANSACTION
AFGRI’s black economic empowerment transaction
includes the following:
• Initial disposal of a 26,77% undivided interest in the
business of AFGRI Operations Limited to the Agri
Sizwe Empowerment Trust.
• AFGRI Operations Limited and the Trust are
co-owners of the entire business undertaking
conducted as a going concern by AFGRI Operations
Limited.
• AFGRI Operations Limited continues to manage the
entire business undertaking in a partnership.
The transaction is not treated as a disposal of assets.
The partnership is consolidated as a whole and the
BEE share is disclosed as a minority interest on the
balance sheet. The portion of the income before tax
is disclosed as minority interest in the income
statement and credited to minority interest on the
balance sheet.
AFGRI Operations Limited has the right to call on the
Trust to sell to AFGRI Operations Limited its undivided
interest in the entire business of AFGRI Operations
Limited. The call option price will be settled in cash or
by allotting and issuing of new AFGRI Operations
Limited shares or new AFGRI shares.
14 DEFERRED INCOME TAX
Deferred income tax is provided using the liability
method on all temporary differences at the reporting
date arising between the tax bases of assets and
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the
consolidated financial statements. However, if the
deferred income tax arises from initial recognition
of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a
business combination that at the time of the
transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable
profit nor loss, it is not accounted for.
Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates
(and laws) that have been enacted or substantially
enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected
to apply when the related deferred income tax asset
is realised or the deferred income tax liability is
settled.
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representative of the time pattern of the user’s
benefit.
Contingent rentals are recognised in profit or loss as
they accrue.
16.3 In the capacity of a lessee
Finance leases are recognised as assets and liabilities
at the lower of the fair value of the asset and the
present value of the minimum lease payments at the
date of acquisition, being payments over the lease
term, excluding contingent rent, costs for services
and taxes to be paid by and reimbursed to the lessor
including any amounts guaranteed by the Company
or by a party related to the Company.
Finance costs represent the difference between the
total leasing commitments and the fair value of the
assets acquired.
Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the
term of the lease at interest rates applicable to the
lease on the remaining balance of the obligations.
Rentals payable under operating leases are
recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis
over the term of the relevant lease or another basis
if more representative of the time pattern of the
user’s benefit.
Contingent rentals are recognised in profit or loss as
they accrue.
17 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
17.1 Pension obligations
Group companies operate various defined
contribution pension schemes. A defined contribution
plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays
fixed contributions into a separate entity. The Group
has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further
contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient
assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to
employee service in the current and prior periods.
The Group pays contributions to publicly or privately
administered pension insurance plans on a
mandatory and contractual basis. The Group has no
further payment obligations once the contributions
have been paid. The contributions are recognised as
employee benefit expense when they are due.
15 FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION (continued)
15.3 Group companies (continued)
• income and expenses for each profit or loss are
translated at average exchange rates (unless this
average is not a reasonable approximation of the
cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the
transaction dates, in which case income and
expenses are translated at the dates of the
transactions); and
• all resulting exchange differences are recognised
as a separate component of equity.
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from
the translation of the net investment in foreign
entities, and of borrowings and other currency
instruments designated as hedges of such
investments, are taken to shareholders’ equity. When
a foreign operation is sold, such exchange differences
are recognised in profit or loss as part of the gain or
loss on sale.
16 LEASES
16.1 Classification
A finance lease is a lease that transfers substantially
all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an
asset. Title may or may not eventually be transferred.
An operating lease is a lease other than a finance
lease.
Leases are classified as finance leases or operating
leases at the inception of the lease.
16.2 In the capacity of a lessor
Amounts due from a lessee under a finance lease are
recognised as receivables at the amount of the net
investment in the lease, being the gross investment in
the lease discounted at the interest rate implicit in the
lease, which includes initial direct costs. The gross
investment in a lease is the aggregate of the
minimum lease payments receivable and any
unguaranteed residual value. The minimum lease
payments exclude contingent rent and costs for
services and includes any residual value guarantees
by the lessee, a party related to the lessee or a third
party unrelated to the lessor.
Rental income from operating leases is recognised in
profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of
the relevant lease or another basis if more
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whenever an employee accepts voluntary
redundancy in exchange for these benefits.
The Group recognises termination benefits when it
is demonstrably committed to either: terminating the
employment of current employees according to a
detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal;
or providing termination benefits as a result of an
offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy.
Benefits falling due more than 12 months after
balance sheet date are discounted to present value.
17.4 Short-term benefits
The cost of short-term employee benefits, such as
salaries, leave pay, bonuses, medical aid and other
contributions, is recognised during the period in
which the employee renders the service.
18 PROVISIONS
Provisions are recognised when:
• the Group has a present legal or constructive
obligation as a result of past events;
• it is more likely than not that an outflow of
resources will be required to settle the obligation;
and
• the amount has been reliably estimated.
Restructuring provisions comprise lease termination
penalties and employee termination payments.
Provisions are not recognised for future operating
losses.
Where there are a number of similar obligations –
for example, in the case of product warranties – the
likelihood that an outflow will be required in
settlement is determined by considering the class
of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognised
even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to
any one item included in the same class of
obligations may be small.
Provisions are measured at the present value of the
expenditures expected to be required to settle the
obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current
market assessments of the time value of money and
the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the
provision due to passage of time is recognised as
interest expense.
Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to
the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the
future payments is available.
17.2 Share-based payment
The Group operates two equity-settled share-based
compensation plans. The AFGRI Share Incentive
Scheme allows senior employees the option to
acquire shares in AFGRI Limited over a prescribed
period at a specific strike price. The AFGRI Restricted
Share Incentive Scheme remunerates senior
employees with AFGRI Limited shares partially for
services rendered, and partially for future services
and performance conditions.
AFGRI Share Incentive Scheme
These options are settled by means of the issue of
shares by AFGRI Limited or through the acquisition of
shares in the open market by the AFGRI Limited Trust.
The fair value of the employee services received in
exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as
an expense. The total amount to be expensed over
the vesting period is determined by reference to the
fair value of the options granted, excluding the impact
of any non-market vesting conditions. Non-market
vesting conditions are included in assumptions about
the number of options that are expected to vest. It
recognises the impact of the revision, if any, in profit
or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.
Fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing
model.
AFGRI Restricted share incentive scheme
The fair value of the employee services received in
exchange for the issue of the shares is recognised as
an expense. The total amount to be expensed over
the vesting period is determined by reference to the
fair value of the shares issued, excluding the impact
of any non-market vesting conditions. Non-market
vesting conditions are included in assumptions about
the number of restricted shares that are expected to
vest as unrestricted shares. It recognises the impact
of the revision, if any, in profit or loss, with a
corresponding adjustment to equity. Fair value is the
quoted price of the shares on grant date.
17.3 Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment
is terminated before the normal retirement date, or
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Accounting policies continued
21 REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue comprises the fair value for the sale of
goods and services, net of value added tax, rebates
and cash and settlement discounts and after
eliminated sales within the Group. The Group
assesses its revenue arrangements in order to
determine if it is acting as principal or agent.
The Group recognises revenue when the amount of
revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that
future economic benefits will flow to the entity and
specific criteria have been met for each of the
Group’s activities as described below.
The amount of revenue is not considered to be
reliably measurable until all contingencies relating to
the sale have been resolved. The Group bases its
estimates on historical results, taking into
consideration the type of customer, the type of
transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.
21.1 Sales of goods
Sales of goods are recognised when a Group entity
has delivered products to the customer, the customer
has accepted the products and collectibility of the
related receivables is reasonably assured.
21.2 Rendering of services
Rendering of services is recognised in the accounting
period in which the services are rendered, by
reference to completion of the specific transaction
assessed on the basis of the actual service provided
as a proportion of the total services to be provided.
21.3 Interest income
Interest income is recognised on a time-proportion
basis using the effective interest rate method. When
a receivable is impaired, the Group reduces the
carrying amount to its recoverable amount – being
the estimated future cash flow discounted at original
effective interest rate of the instrument – and
continues unwinding the discount as interest income.
Interest income on impaired loans is recognised
either as cash is collected or on a cost-recovery basis
as conditions warrant.
21.4 Royalty income
Royalty income is recognised on an accruals basis in
accordance with the substance of the relevant
agreements.
19 NON-CURRENT ASSETS OR DISPOSAL GROUPS
HELD-FOR-SALE AND DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
Non-current assets or disposal groups are classified
as held-for-sale if their carrying amount will be
recoverable principally through a sale transaction, not
through continuing use. The condition is regarded as
met only when the sale is highly probable and the
asset is available for immediate sale in its present
condition.
These assets may be a component of an entity, a
disposal group or an individual non-current asset.
Upon initial classification as held-for-sale, non-current
assets and disposal groups are recognised at the
lower of carrying amount and fair values less cost
to sell.
A discontinued operation is a significant
distinguishable component of the Group’s business
that is abandoned or terminated pursuant to a single
formal plan, and which represents a separate major
line of business or geographical area of operation.
Classification as a discontinued operation occurs
upon disposal or when the operation meets the
criteria to be classified as held-for sale. A disposal
group that is to be abandoned may also qualify
as a discontinued operation, but not as assets
held-for-sale.
The profit or loss on sale or abandonment of a
discontinued operation is determined from the
formalised discontinuance date. Discontinued
operations are separately recognised in the financial
statements once management has made a
commitment to discontinue the operation without a
realistic possibility of withdrawal which should be
expected to qualify for recognition as a completed
sale within one year of classification.
20 CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
Transactions are classified as contingencies where
the Group’s obligation depends on uncertain future
events.
Items are classified as commitments where the Group
commits itself to future transactions or if the items
will result in the acquisition of assets.
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25 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
25.1 Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of
financial risks:
(a) Market risk (including foreign exchange risk, cash
flow and fair value interest rate risk, equity and
commodity price risks);
(b) Credit risk;
(c) Liquidity risk; and
(d) Capital risk.
The Board provides written principles for overall risk
management, as well as written policies covering
specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, credit
risk, use of derivative financial instruments and
non-derivative financial instruments, and investing
excess liquidity.
The Group’s overall financial risk management
programme focuses on the unpredictability of
financial markets and seeks to minimise potential
adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance.
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to
hedge certain risk exposures. These derivative
financial instruments are used exclusively as hedging
instruments and not for trading or other speculative
purposes.
(a) Market risk
The management of those market risks not related to
commodity prices is performed by a central treasury
department (Group treasury) under policies approved
by the Board of Directors. Group treasury identifies,
evaluates and hedges financial risks in close
cooperation with the Group’s operating units.
(i) Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to
foreign exchange risk arising from various currency
exposures, primarily with respect to the US Dollar,
Euro, Sterling and Japanese Yen.
Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial
transactions, recognised assets and liabilities and net
investments in foreign operations which are
denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s
functional currency.
21.5 Dividend income
Dividend income is recognised when the right to
receive payment is established.
22 DIVIDENDS PAYABLE
Dividends payable and the related tax thereon to the
Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability
in the Group’s financial statements in the period in
which the dividends are declared by the Company’s
shareholders.
23 INCOME TAX
The income tax charge for current tax is on net
income before tax for the year as adjusted for income
that is exempt and expenses that are not deductible
using enacted tax rates.
Deferred tax is recognised for all temporary
differences, unless specifically exempt, at the tax
rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted
at the balance sheet date.
24 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
Reportable segments are operating segments or
aggregations of operating segments that represent at
least 10% of Group revenues, profit before tax or
gross assets or, at the discretion of management,
represent a separately identifiable line of business.
Operating segments are the components of the
Group about which separate financial information is
available and that is evaluated regularly by the
Group’s executive management in deciding how to
allocate resources and in assessing performance.
The Group identifies its operating segments on the
basis of products and services offered, the dominant
customer basis and the economic sector in which they
operate. Geographical areas in which the operating
segments operate are of secondary concern.
Head office expenses are allocated to the operating
segments based on a combination of sales, operating
profit and time spent by executive management,
except where information technology costs can be
directly allocated. Internal treasury interest is levied
on approximately two-thirds of the operating
segment’s internal debt and is disclosed within
finance costs in the segment report. Treasury interest
is charged at the Group’s weighted average cost of
capital plus a margin to recover treasury costs.
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Accounting policies continued
Although variable, the basis on which interest is
earned or incurred may differ between advances and
borrowings (e.g. JIBAR versus prime). As such the
Group is exposed to interest rate basis risk. The
Group’s cash flow and interest rate risk is managed
using an ALCO model under the supervision of an
ALCO Committee.
A principal function of the ALCO Committee’s
management of interest rate risk is to monitor the
sensitivity of projected net interest income under
varying interest rate scenarios. The Group aims to
mitigate the impact of prospective interest rate
movements which could reduce future net interest
income, whilst balancing the cost of such hedging
activities on the current net revenue stream.
(iii) Equity price risk
The Group is not exposed to material equity securities
price risk.
(iv) Commodity price risk
Commodity price risk arises from the Group’s
significant consumption of agricultural commodities,
its trading in physical agricultural commodities and its
use of derivative financial instruments linked to
underlying agricultural commodity prices. The Group
may suffer financial loss when a fluctuating price
contract obligation is entered into and the commodity
price increases or when a fixed price agreement is
entered into and the commodity price falls.
Commodity price risk arises from fluctuating supply
conditions, weather, economic conditions and other
factors. The management of the Group’s market risk
related to commodity prices is undertaken by AFGRI
Trading (Pty) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of
AFGRI Operations Limited, through the application
of policies and guidelines approved by the Board
of Directors.
The strategic raw materials acquired by the Group for
its operations include maize, wheat, cotton seed,
soya-oil cake and fishmeal. The procurement of
strategic commodities for utilisation by the Group’s
subsidiaries and divisions is subject to a 100%
hedging policy and uses financial instruments such as
commodity futures, option contracts, and other
derivative instruments to reduce the volatility of input
prices of these raw materials and therefore mitigate
against market risk.
25 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
25.1 Financial risk factors (continued)
(a) Market risk (continued)
(i) Foreign exchange risk (continued)
To manage its foreign exchange risk arising from
future commercial transactions, recognised assets
and liabilities, entities in the Group use forward
contracts, transacted with Group treasury. Group
treasury is responsible for managing the net position
in each foreign currency by using external forward
foreign exchange contracts. These external forward
foreign exchange contracts are designated at Group
level as hedges of foreign exchange risk on specific
assets, liabilities or future transactions on a Group
basis. The Group’s risk management policy is to
hedge 100% of all committed transactions in each
major currency.
The Group has certain investments in foreign
operations whose net assets are exposed to foreign
currency translation risk. The currency risk resulting
from the translation of foreign operations into the
Group’s reporting currency is not hedged. A monetary
item that is receivable from or payable to a foreign
operation and for which settlement is neither planned
nor likely in the foreseeable future is considered as
part of the Group’s net investment in that foreign
operation. These monetary items are not hedged.
Monetary items receivable from or payable to a
foreign operation, made on commercial terms, are
subject to the same hedging policy as other
commercial transactions and are hedged using
forward foreign exchange contracts.
The Audit and Risk Committee has issued investment
guidelines for any additional investments in foreign
countries. Country risk is monitored on a monthly
basis by the Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO
Committee).
(ii) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk
The Group’s income and operating cash flows are
substantially independent of changes in market
interest rates. Financial assets and liabilities at
variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest
rate risk. The Group raises only short-term debt at
variable rates to match the interest and capital
repayment by clients. The Group is not exposed to fair
value interest rate risk as all material borrowings are
at variable rates.
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The AFGRI Financial Services division, where the bulk
of credit exposure arises, supported by the credit and
compliance department, manages Group credit
exposures and in conjunction with the Credit
Committee oversees the development and
application of credit risk mitigating practices
throughout the Group. Similarly, the validity and
financial stability of counterparties must be
determined by AFGRI Financial Services before
forward purchase contracts are entered into.
Key elements of the control environment established
to manage credit risk include:
• the establishment of mandates for the Credit
Committee and senior line managers within AFGRI
Financial Services
• divisional and subsidiary credit policies
• evaluation and scoring models, allowing for the
categorisation of credit applications into pre-
defined risk categories
• predefined security requirements and Group
guidelines for the valuation of collateral
• compliance with both the NCA and FICA
• where applicable, farmer debtors are covered by
credit life insurance
• the individual credit management of both
individually large and corporate customers
• documented procedures to elevate “out of
mandate” decisions
• controlling cross-border exposures
• regular reviews of performance and effectiveness
of divisions’ and subsidiaries’ credit approval
processes
• a workout and recovery unit to avoid default
wherever possible.
The Credit Committee meets quarterly and is
provided with the following reports to enable it to
assess the Group’s exposure to credit risk and the
effectiveness of the control environment:
• overview of risk concentrations
• customer portfolio exposure
• large-customer-group exposures
• impairment allowance balances
• impairment charges to the income statement
• new credit facilities approved
• individual reports on significant facilities
• recommended changes to credit policies
• divisional and subsidiary credit balances and age
analysis
The Group’s agricultural commodity trading activities
include the procurement of product from producers
and the marketing of this product to consumers of
agricultural commodities. A timing difference arises
between the procurement and the supply of the
product. During this period both the procurement and
supply positions are fully hedged.
The monitoring and management of the positions and
corresponding hedges is performed on a daily basis
by the AFGRI Trading management team. It is the
responsibility of the MD: AFGRI Trading to ensure that
all trades are within the approved exposure limits and
also conform to the agreed strategies on a daily basis.
The Group offers brokerage services to producers
and consumers of agricultural commodities such as
wheat, sunflower, maize and soya. This offering
generates no exposure to market risk due to the
back-to-back nature of the transactions.
(b) Credit risk
The Group is exposed to the agricultural and food
industries and has concentrations of credit risk in this
regard. Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a
customer or counterparty fails to meet an obligation
under a contract and arises principally from trade
(current), seasonal, capital goods financing, and
forward purchase contracts for agricultural
commodities.
The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk can be
considered to be the sum of the following financial
assets:
• Financial receivables
• Trade and other receivables including those
financed by banks, (excluding prepayments)
• Cash and cash equivalents and cash collateral
deposits
• Derivative financial instruments.
The Group has policies and procedures in place to
ensure that sales of products are made to customers
after an appropriate credit assessment. The Board
delegates the responsibility for the management of
credit risk to the Credit Committee. Line managers
within the Group are awarded mandates in terms of
divisional credit policies in order to manage the
day-to-day credit decisions necessary to conduct
business.
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Accounting policies continued
Counterparty performance is also encouraged
through the deployment of compliance teams during
harvesting periods.
Broking clients are required to make upfront cash
deposits within the predetermined minimum levels
prescribed by SAFEX, for initial margin plus two day’s
market movement. The client is also required to make
cash deposits for the minimum variation margin
requirement and/or the amount exceeding the
trading limit by midday of the following business day.
Failure to meet these requirements results in the
client’s position being closed immediately.
The Group also has guidelines that limit the amount
of credit exposure to any financial institution.
Divisions and subsidiaries are required to implement
guidelines on the acceptability of specific classes of
collateral for credit risk mitigation, and determine
suitable valuation parameters. Such parameters are
expected to be conservative, reviewed regularly and
supported by empirical evidence such as the
realisable value in case of default. Security structures
and legal covenants are required to be subject to
regular review to ensure that they continue to fulfil
their intended purpose and remain in line with local
market practice. The principal types of collateral are
as follows:
• mortgages over agricultural and residential
properties, and charges over movable assets and
debtors in the personal sector; and
• charges over business assets such as premises,
inventory (including agricultural produce) and
debtors in the corporate sector.
The Group’s credit grading systems are designed
to highlight exposures which require closer
management attention because of their greater
probability of default and potential loss. Risk ratings
are reviewed regularly and amendments, where
necessary, are implemented promptly.
The credit quality of unimpaired loans and receivables
is assessed by reference to the grading system. Loans
and receivables are treated as impaired as soon as
there is objective evidence that an impairment loss
has been incurred. The criteria used by the Group to
25 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
25.1 Financial risk factors (continued)
(b) Credit risk (continued)
• the number and value of debtors refinanced
through external financiers.
The Group categorises its trade receivables into three
classes, namely current, seasonal and capital goods.
Current represents those trade receivables which are
offered on normal trading terms such as 30, 60 and
90 days. Seasonal includes trade receivables which
have been provided to finance primary producers’
crops during a given season. Capital goods represent
credit offered to purchase capital agricultural goods
such as tractors.
All three classes of credit are available to both
primary producers and corporate customers, bearing
in mind that many primary production activities are
conducted by incorporated entities.
It is the Group’s policy to ensure that loans and
receivables are within the customer’s capacity to
repay. Loans are only granted if they can be secured.
Depending on the customer’s standing and the type
of product, receivable facilities may be unsecured.
This will typically relate to clients with high net worth
and proven repayment ability. Nevertheless, collateral
is an important mitigant of credit risk.
To mitigate against credit risk in the commodity trading
environment, the validity and financial stability of all
counterparties is determined by AFGRI Financial
Services in terms of the Group’s credit policy. In
addition, a regular comparison is performed between
AFGRI Trading (Pty) Limited’s forward contract book
and the handed-over-for-legal-collection list maintained
by the workout and recoveries department.
Counterparty performance is monitored throughout
the crop season in order to identify at an early stage
potential default. In addition, management reviews
the Group’s concentration of risk in terms of market
sector, geographic region and agricultural commodity,
especially maize. The Group’s policy requires that
plant, emergence and crop estimate reports are
obtained at regular intervals and default risk be
communicated to management at an early stage.
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
when they fall due or that such resources will only
be available at excessive costs. This risk arises from
mismatches in the timing of cash flows. Funding risk
(a particular form of liquidity risk) arises when the
necessary liquidity to fund illiquid asset positions
cannot be obtained at the expected terms when
required.
Prudent liquidity risk management implies
maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities,
the availability of funding through an adequate
amount of committed credit facilities and the ability
to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic
nature of the underlying businesses, Group treasury
aims to maintain flexibility in funding by keeping
committed credit lines available.
The objective of the Group’s liquidity and funding
management is to ensure that all foreseeable funding
commitments can be met when due, and that funding
market access is coordinated and cost effective. It is
the Group’s objective to maintain a diversified and
stable funding base comprised of retail and
institutional funding facilities with the objective of
enabling the Group to respond quickly and smoothly
to any unforeseen liquidity requirements.
The Group strives to maintain a strong liquidity
position and to manage the liquidity profile of its
assets, liabilities and commitments with the objective
of ensuring that cash flows are appropriately
balanced and all obligations are met when due.
The management of liquidity and funding is
performed centrally by Group Treasury in accordance
with practices and limits set by the Board and the
process includes:
• projecting cash flows and establishing the level of
liquidity facilities necessary
• monitoring balance sheet liquidity ratios against
internal requirements
• maintaining a diverse range of funding sources
• managing the concentration and profile of debt
maturities
• maintaining debt financing plans
• monitoring lender concentrations in order to avoid
undue reliance on individual lenders and ensuring a
satisfactory overall funding mix
• maintaining liquidity and funding contingency plans.
determine that there is such objective evidence
include, inter alia:
• known cash flow difficulties experienced by the
borrower
• overdue contractual payments of either principal
or interest
• breach of loan covenants or conditions
• the probability that the borrower will enter
bankruptcy or other financial realisation
• a downgrading in credit rating by an external credit
rating agency.
The Group’s policy is that each division and subsidiary
makes allowances for impaired loans and receivables
promptly and on a consistent basis.
Loans and receivables are assessed for impairment
on an individual basis. In determining allowances on
individually assessed accounts, the outstanding credit
amounts are compared with the recoverable
securities. Security values are adjusted for the time
value of money excluding all securities realised within
12 months and bonds.
Group policy requires the level of impairment
allowances on individual facilities that are above a
materiality threshold be reviewed at least semi-
annually, and more regularly when individual
circumstances require.
When impairment losses occur, the Group reduces
the carrying amount of loans and receivables and
held-to-maturity financial investments through the
use of an allowance account. When impairment of
available-for-sale financial assets occurs, the carrying
amount of the asset is reduced directly.
Management regularly evaluates the adequacy of
the established allowances for impaired loans and
receivables by conducting a detailed review of the
portfolio, comparing performance and delinquency
statistics with historical trends and assessing the
impact of current economic conditions. Any
calculated shortfall between the total individual
impairment allowance account and the estimated
portfolio impairment is adjusted for.
(c) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group has insufficient
financial resources to meet its obligations as and
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Accounting policies continued
25 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
25.1 Financial risk factors (continued)
(d) Capital risk
The Group manages its capital (being the capital
and reserves attributable to the Company’s
equityholders) centrally in terms of rates of returns
(either ROCE or RONA) established for each of the
Group’s various operating segments. Operating
segments are re-geared annually, allocating Group
equity equitably.
The Group monitors its level of borrowings and
anticipates future requirements through the
application of an ALCO model. The ALCO Committee
meets regularly and advises management and the
Board. The committee also confirms the Group’s
weighted average cost of capital, a key consideration
when setting return targets for operating segments.
In the main, the Group funds its operations through a
combination of equity and short-term debt. The
utilisation of long-term debt is minimised, and is
usually only raised against individual capital projects.
Short-term borrowings, including trade payables, are
matched with the current assets of the Group, being
in the main, trade receivables and stock balances.
Historically, the Group has not raised debt against its
non-current core assets. Trade receivables resulting
from the Group’s lending activities are financed with
specific facilities which have been negotiated for fixed
or extended periods of time.
In terms of certain funding agreements, the Group is
obliged to meet various capital ratios and levels of
unencumbered assets. Compliance with these
covenants is checked on a regular basis. A registered
member on SAFEX must have, at all times, own funds
equal to the greater of either R400 000 or 13 weeks of
operating costs plus position, settlement, large
exposure and foreign exchange risk requirements.
AFGRI Broking (Pty) Limited submits monthly capital
returns demonstrating compliance with this
requirement.
During the year the Group was in compliance with all
the financial covenants relating to its material
borrowings.
25.2 Fair value estimation
The fair value of financial instruments traded in active
markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, and
trading and available-for-sale securities) is based on
quoted market prices at the balance sheet date.
The fair value of financial instruments that are not
traded in an active market (for example, over-the-
counter derivatives) is determined by using
appropriate valuation techniques. Such valuation
techniques include the discounted cash flow method
with assumptions that are based on market
conditions existing at each balance sheet date.
The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts
is determined using quoted forward exchange market
rates at the balance sheet date.
The carrying amount (net of impairment where
relevant) of trade receivables and payables is
assumed to approximate their fair values. The fair
value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is
estimated by discounting the future contractual cash
flows at the current market interest rate that is
available to the Group for similar financial
instruments.
Fair value estimations are classified into the following
hierarchies, based on the method use to determine
fair value:
• Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active
markets.
• Level 2 – valuation techniques using market
observable inputs.
• Level 3 – valuation techniques for which not all
inputs are market observable prices or rates.
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
26 GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND ASSISTANCE
Grants from the government are recognised at their
fair value where there is reasonable assurance that
the grant will be received and the Group will comply
with all attached conditions.
Government includes government agencies and
similar bodies whether local, national or international.
Government assistance is action by government
designed to provide an economic benefit specific to
an entity or range of entities qualifying under certain
criteria. A government grant is assistance by
government in the form of transfers of resources.
When the conditions attaching to government grants
have been met and have been received, they are
recognised in profit or loss on a systematic basis over
the periods necessary to match them with the related
costs. When they are for expenses or losses already
incurred, they are recognised in profit or loss
immediately. The unrecognised portion at the balance
sheet date is presented as deferred income (as a
deduction from the asset to which it relates). No value
is recognised for government assistance.
27 COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Comparative figures are restated in the event of a
change in accounting policy, prior period error or
reclassification.
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Group balance sheetat 30 June 2010
Note
30 June2010
R’000
30 June2009
R’000
ASSETS
Non-current assets 2 080 119 2 121 209
Property, plant and equipment 2 1 394 815 1 346 428
Goodwill 3 36 592 37 676
Other intangible assets 4 241 409 237 547
Investments in associates 5 35 983 35 615
Other financial assets 6/7 51 978 40 973
Financial receivables 6/8 203 298 265 857
Deferred income tax assets 21 116 044 157 113
Current assets 6 374 871 7 546 384
Inventories 9 900 086 1 022 572
Biological assets 10 57 422 53 130
Trade and other receivables 6/11 544 696 483 283
Trade receivables financed by banks 6/11/12 3 898 425 5 014 819
Derivative financial instruments 6/13 49 689 107 426
Income tax assets 28 065 20 981
Cash and cash equivalents and cash collateral deposits 6 896 488 844 173
Cash collateral deposits 14 421 852 597 342
Cash and cash equivalents 14 474 636 246 831
Assets of disposal groups classified as held-for-sale 29 22 634 157 357
Total assets 8 477 624 9 824 950
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equityholders 1 601 479 1 486 866
Share capital 15 4 4
Treasury shares 16 (90 456) (90 456)
Incentive trust shares 17 (170 918) (191 587)
Fair value and other reserves 18 42 457 47 103
Retained earnings 19 1 820 392 1 721 802
Minority interest 683 461 646 478
Total equity 2 284 940 2 133 344
Non-current liabilities 347 248 328 479
Borrowings 6/20 173 412 127 643
Deferred income tax liabilities 21 173 836 200 836
Current liabilities 5 845 436 7 318 392
Trade and other payables 6/22 1 563 728 1 797 057
Derivative financial instruments 6/13 72 029 89 746
Income and other tax liabilities 2 305 6 171
Short-term borrowings 6/23 105 742 58 662
Call loans and bank overdrafts 6/14 206 515 362 741
Borrowings from banks to finance trade receivables 6/12 3 895 117 5 004 015
Liabilities of disposal groups classified as held-for-sale 29 – 44 735
Total liabilities 6 192 684 7 691 606
Total equity and liabilities 8 477 624 9 824 950
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
Group income statementfor the year ended 30 June 2010
Note
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
Sales of goods and rendering of services 6 876 013 7 438 155
Interest on trade receivables financed by banks 332 311 476 904
Interest on other trade receivables 50 516 102 164
Total revenue 24 7 258 840 8 017 223
Cost of sales (5 059 570) (5 756 925)
Gross profit 2 199 270 2 260 298
Other operating income 78 711 115 783
Selling and administration expenses (1 368 562) (1 247 494)
Operating profit 25 909 419 1 128 587
Finance costs 26 (456 071) (665 758)
Share of profit of associates 358 32 742
Profit before income tax 453 706 495 571
Income tax expense 28 (61 158) (91 980)
Profit for the year from continuing operations 392 548 403 591
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations 29 74 568 (49 662)
Profit for the year 467 116 353 929
Profit for the year attributable to:
Equityholders of the Company 304 655 233 073
Minority interest
– Agri Sizwe partners 129 204 109 833
– Other outside shareholders’ interest 33 257 11 023
Profit for the year 467 116 353 929
Earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to the equityholders of the Company during the year (cents per share) 77,7 84,0
Profit/(loss) per share form discontinued operations attributable to the equityholders of the Company during the year (cents per share) 17,0 (11,3)
Earnings per share from all operations attributable to the equityholders of the Company during the year (cents per share) 30 94,7 72,7
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to the equityholders of the Company during the year (cents per share) 70,5 77,9
Diluted profit/(loss) per share from discontinued operations attributable to the equityholders of the Company during the year (cents per share) 15,4 (10,6)
Diluted earnings per share from all operations attributable to the equityholders of the Company during the year (cents per share) 31 85,9 67,3
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Group statement of comprehensive incomefor the year ended 30 June 2010
Group statement of changes in equityfor the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
Profit for the year 467 116 353 929
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 3 180 (52 605)
Cash flow hedges (16 409) 11 967
Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income – –
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax (13 229) (40 638)
Total comprehensive income for the year 453 887 313 291
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Equityholders of the Company 291 426 192 435
Minority interest
– Agri Sizwe partners 129 204 109 833
– Other outside shareholders’ interest 33 257 11 023
453 887 313 291
R’000Share
capital
Fair value
and other
reservesRetainedearnings
Treasuryshares
In-centive
trustshares
Total share-
holdersequity
AgriSizwe
partners
Otheroutsideshare-
holders’interest
Totalequity
Balance 30 June 2008 4 80 493 1 577 636 (155 371) (124 111) 1 378 651 593 289 19 119 1 991 059
Total comprehensive income for the year – (40 638) 233 073 – – 192 435 109 833 11 023 313 291
Payment to minorities – – – – – – (84 942) (1 844) (86 786)
Share-based payments – 7 248 – – – 7 248 – – 7 248
Dividends paid – – (88 907) – – (88 907) – – (88 907)
Transfer of Group shares – – – 64 915 (64 915) – – – –
Purchase of incentive shares – – – – (2 561) (2 561) – – (2 561)
Balance
30 June 2009 4 47 103 1 721 802 (90 456) (191 587) 1 486 866 618 180 28 298 2 133 344
Total comprehensive income for the year – (13 229) 304 655 – – 291 426 129 204 33 257 453 887 Payment to minorities – – – – – – (78 056) (11 184) (89 240)Share-based payments – 8 583 – – – 8 583 – – 8 583 Dividends paid – – (132 173) – – (132 173) – – (132 173)Purchase of minority interest in subsidiaries – – (60 625) – – (60 625) – (36 238) (96 863)Recognition of option agreement with minorities – – (13 267) – – (13 267) – – (13 267)Disposal of incentive shares – – – – 20 669 20 669 – – 20 669
Balance
30 June 2010 4 42 457 1 820 392 (90 456) (170 918) 1 601 479 669 328 14 133 2 284 940
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
Group cash flow statementfor the year ended 30 June 2010
Note
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
Operating activities
Cash generated from operations 35.1 933 641 1 497 983
Finance costs (456 071) (720 162)
Interest received 77 171 106 568
Income tax paid 35.3 (70 964) (53 227)
Net cash generated from operating activities 483 777 831 162
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 35.4 (282 195) (384 447)
Purchase and acquisition of intangible assets (73 797) (91 007)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 35.5 140 463 104 364
Financial receivables granted – (100 542)
Financial receivables repaid 62 559 –
Dividends from investments 40 980 65 576
Purchase of other financial assets (11 005) (4 475)
Purchase of minorities' share of subsidiary (91 863) –
Proceeds from disposal of business – net of cash disposed 35.6 270 087 –
Net cash generated from/(utilised in) investing activities 55 229 (410 531)
Financing activities
Profit share paid to Agri Sizwe partners (78 056) (84 942)
Dividends paid 35.2 (132 173) (88 907)
Payments made to minorities (11 184) –
Acquisition of shares by incentive trust – (64 915)
Proceeds from disposal of treasury shares – 64 915
Proceeds from disposal of incentive trust shares 20 669 (2 562)
Proceeds/(repayment of) from borrowings 45 769 (17 129)
Net cash utilised in financing activities (154 975) (193 540)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 384 031 227 091
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year (115 910) (343 001)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 14 268 121 (115 910)
Cash collateral deposits 421 852 597 342
Cash and cash equivalents and cash collateral deposits 689 973 481 432
AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
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Business segment resultsfor the year ended 30 June
AFGRI FINANCIAL SERVICES
Capital Broking
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
Gross segment revenue 693 310 838 556 18 574 9 066
– Sales of goods and services 310 483 259 488 18 574 9 066
– Interest 382 827 579 068 – –
Operating profit (before Corp Costs) 324 215 456 600 8 194 6 041
Other amounts included in operating profit 6 821 35 541 (3 496) (4 717)
– other operating income 60 180 80 775 – (1)
– pension fund surplus – – – –
– depreciation and amortisation (28 893) (12 221) (1) –
– allocation of corporate costs (24 466) (33 013) (3 495) (4 716)
Operating profit (after Corp Costs) 331 036 492 141 4 698 1 324
Other items of profit and loss – – – –
Fair value adjustment to disposal group assets – – – –
Share of profit on associates – – – –
Profit before finance costs 331 036 492 141 4 698 1 324
Finance costs (314 498) (511 744) 2 622 372
Profit before income tax 16 538 (19 603) 7 320 1 696
Income tax expense
Profit after income tax
Capital Broking
Assets 4 017 869 5 333 830 1 497 1 449
Non-current assets 215 315 328 445 97 174
Other current assets 43 762 91 145 – 172
Trade and other receivables 3 321 539 4 337 900 372 388
Cash and cash equivalents and cash collateral deposits 437 253 576 340 1 028 715
Liabilities 3 273 779 4 627 367 1 150 1 036
Non-current liabilities 12 790 113 815 – –
Other current liabilities 319 145 399 670 1 150 1 036
Borrowings to finance trade receivables 2 937 097 4 113 882 – –
Call loans and bank overdrafts 4 747 – – –
Capital expenditure 29 861 168 163 9 –
Basis of organisation AFGRI Capital houses the Group’s Advances, Insurance Broking, Treasury and Africa businesses. The Africa division includes its own Advances division as well as Handling and Storage and John Deere equipment divisions located in Zambia. Inter-Africa grain trading results are included under the Trading division.
AFGRI Broking represents the Group’s derivative broking operation.
Products and services provided The division provides tailor made financial solutions and insurance products, including structured, corporate and producer lines of credit. Insurance products include crop and hall insurance, credit life and other personal insurance requirements. The division also provides treasury services to customers whilst managing the Group’s capital requirements and treasury functions.
Mandated buying and selling of futures and options of JSE SAFEX exchange.
Customers Farmers, processors and consumers of agricultural commodities as well as members of the public.
Farmers, agricultural commodity processors and in-house AFGRI Trading and AFGRI Foods.
Geographical area South Africa and Zambia. South Africa.
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
AFGRI AGRI SERVICESRetail and Equipment Logistic Services
Primary Inputs Retail Logistics Trading
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
419 885 658 683 2 651 094 2 983 291 469 379 430 779 102 089 156 645
419 885 658 683 2 651 094 2 983 291 469 379 430 779 102 089 156 645
– – – – – – – –
14 762 13 515 149 312 173 941 237 504 207 479 (6 031) 26 562
(6 612) (8 921) (27 976) (38 497) (40 470) (47 233) (10 728) (9 432)
– – – – – 29 – –
– – – – – – – –
– – (10 545) (14 977) (16 427) (14 820) (3 738) –
(6 612) (8 921) (17 431) (23 520) (24 043) (32 442) (6 990) (9 432)
8 150 4 594 121 336 135 444 197 034 160 246 (16 759) 17 130
– – – 31 492 358 1 250 – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – 31 492 358 1 250 – –
8 150 4 594 121 336 166 936 197 392 161 496 (16 759) 17 130
(737) (998) (42 455) (41 896) (13 078) (22 601) (17 160) (4 597)
7 413 3 596 78 881 125 040 184 314 138 895 (33 919) 12 533
Primary Inputs Retail Logistics Trading
147 969 254 542 1 393 950 1 557 190 461 455 389 762 549 021 795 757
796 57 539 216 473 284 616 364 725 321 690 80 496 39 377
78 375 122 074 730 362 945 393 44 307 8 885 103 554 172 156
53 452 59 346 434 840 303 914 52 118 58 881 292 997 526 514
15 346 15 583 12 275 23 267 305 306 71 974 57 710
84 604 146 152 728 898 889 545 72 669 54 360 481 100 486 951
962 3 371 2 394 4 850 20 140 299 – –
83 642 142 781 726 504 884 695 52 529 54 061 481 100 486 951
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
5 754 13 628 27 458 38 359 56 658 25 898 2 781 3 443
AFGRI Primary inputs includes the direct delivery operation of AFGRI Retail and Equipment.
AFGRI Retail encompasses the Group’s 35 retail stores, including the four new concept Farm City stores. The Group’s John Deere agency, operating through 11 centres of excellence is also included here. The Group’s Australia subsidiary is also reported here.
AFGRI Logistics houses the Group’s Handling and Storage and Logistics division. Having 64 silo complexes and nine strategically placed bunker facilities, the Handling and Storage division has in excess of four million tons of storage capacity. The Logistics division represents the Group’s third and fourth party logistics operations.
AFGRI Trading represents the Group’s physical agricultural commodity trading house.
Through a network of agents and in conjunction with primary producers, AFGRI Primary Inputs sources and supplies diesel, fertiliser, seed and agricultural chemicals.
Fundamentally a provider of farming requisites, the AFGRI Retail stores offer an extensive range of agricultural, home and garden, outdoor and DIY products, including selected building materials. John Deere mechanisation equipment sales and services are offered through regional structures.
Secure grain handling and storage Logistics. Collateral management.
A comprehensive grain supply chain management service backed by tailor-made supply and procurement contracts for the short and long term, making use of innovative price, hedging and finance solutions. This division’s responsibilities also include managing the Group’s commodity procurement.
Farmers and primary agricultural producers. Farmers and members of the general public. Agricultural industry: producers, processors and traders. Farmers, agricultural commodity processors and in-house AFGRI Foods.
Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and North West Provinces.
Mpumalanga, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces and Australia.
Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces and Zambia.
Operations extend throughout Africa with origination from Africa and other international markets.
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AFGRI FOODS OTHER
Animal Feeds and Broilers Oil and Protein Corporate Inter-group eliminations
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
2 626 916 2 582 104 544 436 501 441 947 2 562 (267 790) (145 904)
2 626 916 2 582 104 544 436 501 441 947 2 562 (267 790) (145 904)
– – – – – – – –
301 226 277 965 42 722 30 105 (105 269) (129 796) – –
(74 557) (73 115) (13 831) (14 241) 113 633 226 790 – –
– – – – 18 531 34 980 – –
– – – – – 58 615 – –
(58 039) (50 827) (7 471) (5 659) (10 813) (9 719) – –
(16 518) (22 288) (6 360) (8 582) 105 915 142 914 – –
226 669 204 850 28 891 15 864 8 364 96 994 – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
226 669 204 850 28 891 15 864 8 364 96 994 – –
(55 515) (51 171) (3 546) (909) (11 704) (32 214) – –
171 154 153 679 25 345 14 955 (3 340) 64 780 – –
Animal Feeds and Broilers
Oil and Protein Corporate Inter–group eliminations
1 523 199 1 429 711 150 031 253 552 736 215 548 077 (503 582) (738 920)
881 694 811 550 77 425 104 082 257 709 173 736 (14 611) –
240 461 263 763 26 136 67 242 48 993 103 092 (258 054) (412 456)
395 031 346 938 46 208 78 131 77 481 112 554 (230 917) (326 464)
6 013 7 460 262 4 097 352 032 158 695 – –
674 746 662 040 76 801 121 652 1 276 395 1 400 804 (477 458) (698 301)
252 531 141 099 6 688 8 972 66 354 56 073 (14 611) –
422 215 520 941 70 113 112 680 50 253 91 857 (462 847) (698 301)
– – – – 958 020 890 133 – –
– – – – 201 768 362 741 – –
145 531 212 535 21 130 3 506 66 810 9 922 – –
The Animal Protein segment includes AFGRI Animal Feeds and AFGRI Poultry operations. The Animal Feeds division has a production capacity of approximately 1,2 million tons at eight installations. The Integrated AFGRI Poultry has a capacity of approximately 675 000 birds per week.
The Oil and Protein segment includes the Nedan division. The Corporate office houses certain of the Group’s financing structures, CSI, secretarial, compliance and internal audit functions, treasury and incentive shares, and incubates new projects. Corporate costs are allocated to the divisions where appropriate.
Intergroup eliminations comprise the elimination of inter segment revenues as well as inter segment accounts receivables and accounts payables.
Animal feed technology, formulation and production for most species, including poultry, dairy cows, beef cattle, pigs, dogs, ostriches, horses, game and aquatic animals.
Day old chicks, frozen whole birds and IQF portions.
Nedan is a bulk supplier of edible oils and fats, soya and cotton protein for animal feed, high protein defatted soya flour and texturised soya protein for human consumption.
Livestock farmers, dairy producers, feedlots. fish and prawn farms, wholesalers and retailers.
Industrial food manufacturers. Laboratories in many varied industries.
AFGRI Animal Feeds has production facilities in the Mpumalanga, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces from where it distributes throughout South Africa.
AFGRI Poultry is situated in Sundra near the Gauteng market.
Nedan’s production facilities are situated in the Limpopo province from where it distributes nationally.
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TOTAL TOTAL
Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations All Operations
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
7 258 840 8 017 223 1 066 817 1 246 898 8 325 657 9 264 121
6 876 013 7 438 155 1 040 381 1 219 124 7 916 394 8 657 279
382 827 579 068 26 436 27 774 409 263 606 842
966 635 1 062 412 123 836 96 262 1 090 471 1 158 674
(57 216) 66 175 (3 724) (6 812) (60 940) 59 363
78 711 115 783 2 191 3 030 80 902 118 813
– 58 615 – – – 58 615
(135 927) (108 223) (5 915) (9 842) (141 842) (118 065)
– – – – – –
909 419 1 128 587 120 112 89 450 1 029 531 1 218 037
358 32 742 – (47 190) 358 (14 448)
– – – (46 213) – (46 213)
358 32 742 – (977) 358 31 765
909 777 1 161 329 120 112 42 260 1 029 889 1 203 589
(456 071) (665 758) (32 574) (84 580) (488 645) (750 338)
453 706 495 571 87 538 (42 320) 541 244 453 251
(61 158) (91 980) (12 970) (7 342) (74 128) (99 322)
392 548 403 591 74 568 (49 662) 467 116 353 929
8 477 624 9 824 950 8 477 624 9 824 950
2 080 119 2 121 209 2 080 119 2 121 209
1 057 896 1 361 466 1 057 896 1 361 466
4 443 121 5 498 102 4 443 121 5 498 102
896 488 844 173 896 488 844 173
6 192 684 7 691 606 6 192 684 7 691 606
347 248 328 479 347 248 328 479
1 743 804 1 996 371 1 743 804 1 996 371
3 895 117 5 004 015 3 895 117 5 004 015
206 515 362 741 206 515 362 741
355 992 475 454 355 992 475 454
AFGRI’s stated intention is to focus on its core businesses and as such the Group embarked on the sale of non-core assets and underperforming businesses.
AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
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Notes to the Group annual financial statementsfor the year ended 30 June 2010
1 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTSEstimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, rarely equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
1.1 Impairment of debtorsA provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.
Management considers the following when estimating the provision to be recognised in the income statement:
• Identification of specific non-performing debtors The provision for individual debtors only takes the difference between total debt less security available into
account. Security required was initially established as part of the credit granting policy and the risk profile of the debtor.
• Time value of security available from specific non-performing debtors The recovery period after identifying a specific non-performing debt is assessed. Based on experience,
management discounts the security that will eventually be obtained to its current value. As a result, the value of the security is reduced. These in turn result in a top-up portion being provided for to accrue for the time value shortfall.
• Review of the recovery history of securities Management assesses the recoverability of securities based on past experience and may adjust the security
downward. The shortfall would result in an increase in the provision required.
1.2 Estimates of assets’ lives, residual values and depreciation methodsProperty, plant and equipment are depreciated over their useful lives taking into account residual values. Useful lives and residual values are assessed annually. Useful lives are affected by technology innovations, maintenance programmes and future productivity. Depreciation is calculated on a straight line which may not represent the actual usage of the asset.
1.3 Impairment assessments of assets and intangiblesImpairment assessments on property, plant and equipment are only performed once there are impairment indicators. Goodwill and other intangible assets are assessed for impairment annually. Future cash flows are based on management’s estimate of future market conditions. Such cash flow projections are then discounted and compared to the current carrying value, and if lower the assets are impaired to the present value of the cash flows. Impairment assessments are based on information available at the time and these conditions may change after year-end.
1.4 Recognition and de-recognition of deferred tax assetsThe recognition of deferred tax assets is appraised semi-annually. Future cash flows are based on management’s estimate of future market conditions. The tax impact of such cash flow projections are compared to the carrying value, and if lower the deferred tax assets, the assets are derecognised. These assessments are based on information available at the time and these conditions may change after year-end.
1.5 Inventory net realisable values and impairment assessmentsInventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Assessments are performed semi-annually and are based on management’s estimates of future market conditions.
1.6 Valuation of financial instrumentsFinancial instruments are fair valued at balance sheet date. The value of financial instruments are subject to material fluctuations and therefore disclosed amounts may differ from the value ultimately realised.
1.7 Valuation of share-based paymentsThe Group has a share incentive scheme. The fair value of the scheme is determined on inception based on assumptions of market conditions, discount rates and share price volatility. The market conditions at inception may differ significantly from the eventual outcome. A new, restricted share incentive scheme has been proposed by the Remuneration Committee and shareholder approval will be sought at the annual general meeting for this scheme. These financial statements have been prepared on the basis that this approval will be forthcoming.
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Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
2 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
2.1 Cost 1 930 314 1 835 576
Land 55 118 63 262
Buildings and improvements 780 557 720 961
Machinery and equipment 903 643 882 548
Vehicles 190 996 168 805
2.2 Accumulated depreciation and impairments (535 499) (489 148)
Buildings and improvements (171 022) (154 172)
Machinery and equipment (306 083) (280 364)
Vehicles (58 394) (54 612)
2.3 Net carrying value 1 394 815 1 346 428
Land 55 118 63 262
Buildings and improvements 609 535 566 789
Machinery and equipment 597 560 602 184
Vehicles 132 602 114 193
2.4 The registers of land and buildings are available for inspection at the registered offices of the respective companies.
2.5 Included in buildings and improvements are silo facilities with a book value of R192,3 million (2009: R196,1 million). These silo facilities are a major income generating asset of the Group. The replacement value of these facilities is estimated at R3 991,3 million (2009: R3 765,4 million).
2.6 Refer to note 39.1 for the Group’s commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment.
2.7 Included in machinery and equipment and vehicles are leased assets to the value of R220,9 million (2009: R35,1 million). These assets serve as security for finance leases (refer note 20.3).
2.8 Movements for the yearOpening carrying value 1 346 428 1 175 375
Land 63 262 71 393
Buildings and improvements 566 789 578 787
Machinery and equipment 602 184 423 363
Vehicles 114 193 101 832
Additions at cost 282 195 384 447
Land 10 746 –
Buildings and improvements 89 173 50 449
Machinery and equipment 144 411 293 854
Vehicles 37 865 40 144
Transfers – –
Land 5 710 (1 098)
Buildings and improvements 43 783 (1 531)
Machinery and equipment (51 153) 3 994
Vehicles 1 660 (1 365)
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
2 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)
2.8 Movements for the year (continued)
Exchange differences 963 (9 396)
Land 267 (1 608)
Buildings and improvements 529 (4 381)
Machinery and equipment 20 (2 464)
Vehicles 147 (943)
Disposals at book value (101 788) (72 101)
Land (22 409) (2 299)
Buildings and improvements (50 232) (10 804)
Machinery and equipment (27 110) (55 431)
Vehicles (2 037) (3 567)
Depreciation charge (98 550) (86 500)
Buildings and improvements (23 665) (19 005)
Machinery and equipment (57 615) (52 129)
Vehicles (17 270) (15 366)
Disposal of business (14 588) –
Land (136) –
Buildings and improvements (9 517) –
Machinery and equipment (2 979) –
Vehicles (1 956) –
Assets classified as held-for-sale (17 198) (38 847)
Land (2 322) (3 042)
Buildings and improvements (4 678) (23 897)
Machinery and equipment (10 198) (9 880)
Vehicles – (2 028)
Impairment charge (2 647) (6 550)
Land – (84)
Buildings and improvements (2 647) (2 829)
Machinery and equipment – 877
Vehicles – (4 514)
Closing carrying value 1 394 815 1 346 428
Land 55 118 63 262
Buildings and improvements 609 535 566 789
Machinery and equipment 597 560 602 184
Vehicles 132 602 114 193
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Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
3 GOODWILL
3.1 Cost 53 955 55 039
3.2 Impairments (17 363) (17 363)
3.3 Net carrying value 36 592 37 676
3.4 Movement for the year
Opening carrying value 37 676 44 682
Transfer to other intangibles (1 526) (4 270)
Exchange differences 442 (2 736)
Closing carrying value 36 592 37 676
3.5 Impairment assessments for goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units identified according to operating segments.
3.5.1 A segment-level summary of the goodwill allocation is presented below:
Financial Services: 8 584 10 110
Insurance 8 584 10 110
Agri-Services: 18 675 18 233
Producer Services (retail) 1 707 1 707
Australia 16 968 16 526
Foods: 9 333 9 333
Animal protein 4 200 4 200
Oil and protein 5 133 5 133
Group 36 592 37 676
The recoverable amount of an operating segment is determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using estimated growth rates stated below. The growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for the business segment in which the operating segment operates.
3.5.2 Key assumptions used for value-in-use
calculations
Gross margin1 Growth rate2 Discount rate3
Financial Services 100,0% 6,0% 21,8%
Agri-Services 28,6% 8,0% 11,7%
Foods 20,6% 6,0% 12,6%
These assumptions have been used for the analysis of each cash-generating unit within the business segment.
1 Budgeted gross margin.2 Weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the budget period.3 Pre-tax discount rate applied to the cash flow projections.
Management determined the budgeted gross margin based on past performance and its expectations for market development. The weighted average growth rates used are consistent with the forecasts included in industry reports. The discount rates used are pre-tax and reflect the risks.
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
4 OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS4.1 Cost 355 456 349 944
Trademarks and patents 163 026 194 690Computer software 119 044 146 447Other 73 386 8 807
4.2 Accumulated amortisation and impairments (114 047) (112 397)
Trademarks and patents (40 515) (31 320)Computer software (66 086) (72 270)Other (7 446) (8 807)
4.3 Net carrying value 241 409 237 547
Trademarks and patents 122 511 163 370Computer software 52 958 74 177Other 65 940 –
4.4 Movement for the yearOpening carrying value 237 547 219 741
Trademarks and patents 163 370 134 720 Computer software 74 177 77 085 Other – 7 936
Additions at cost 73 797 91 007
Trademarks and patents 3 754 71 558 Computer software 4 103 19 028 Other 65 940 421
Transfers 1 526 4 270
Trademarks and patents 1 526 2 261 Computer software – 1 634 Other – 375
Amortisation charge (43 292) (31 565)
Trademarks and patents (17 986) (13 629) Computer software (25 306) (17 411) Other – (525)
Disposals of business (28 146) –
Trademarks and patents (28 146) –Exchange differences 9 33
Trademarks and patents (7) (36) Computer software 16 69Impairment charge (32) (22 601)
Trademarks and patents – (8 166) Computer software (32) (6 228) Other – (8 207)
Assets classified as held-for-sale – (23 338)
Trademarks and patents – (23 338)
Closing carrying value 241 409 237 547
Trademarks and patents 122 511 163 370 Computer software 52 958 74 177 Other 65 940 –
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30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
4 OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (continued)
4.5 Included under trademarks and patents are the following:
Financial Services
Capital 61 647 68 744
SAP licences having a useful life of five years and a remaining useful life of two years 1 563 2 233
Intellectual property right, trademark and patent on automated banking machines registered as “Deposita” having a useful life of ten years and a remaining useful life of nine years 56 430 62 700
Insurance customer lists having useful lives of between three and five years and remaining useful lives of between three years and one year 3 654 3 811
Broking – –
61 647 68 744
Retail and Equipment
Primary inputs – 26 183
Chemical trademark registrations had a useful life of ten years. These trademark registrations were sold during the year with the sale of the Tsunami business unit – 26 183
Retail – –
– 26 183
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
4 OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (continued)
4.5 Included under trademarks and patents are the following (continued):
Foods
Animal protein 60 864 68 443
Animal Feeds bypass protein technology having a useful life of ten years with a remaining useful life of seven years and eight months 2 337 3 336
Daybreak Superior trademark having a useful life of 30 years and a remaining useful life of 25 years 58 496 60 884
Daybreak customer relations list having a useful life of five years. The list was fully amortised during the year – 4 150
Labworld patent registrations 31 73
Oil and protein – –
60 864 68 443
Group 122 511 163 370
4.6 Included under computer software are the following:
Financial Services
Capital 13 949 18 667
SAP software having a useful life of five years and a remaining useful life of two years 10 951 14 528
Trading software (Zambia) 252 532
Insurance administrative software 337 526
Treasury operations software 2 409 3 081
Broking – –
13 949 18 667
Logistic Services
Logistics 6 950 6 068
Handling and storage operations software 6 083 4 907
Logistics operations software 867 1 161
Trading 10 688 11 645
Trading and administrative software, both purchased and internally developed, commissioned during 2009 and having useful lives of between five and eight years. 10 688 11 645
17 638 17 713
Retail and Equipment
Primary inputs – –
Retail 6 392 9 009
Internally developed computer software having a useful life of five years and a remaining useful life of two years 6 392 9 009
6 392 9 009
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30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
4 OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (continued)
4.6 Included under computer software are the following (continued):
Foods
Animal protein 1 964 4 322
Internally developed computer software for the Animal Feeds division having a useful life of five years and a remaining useful life of eight months 1 625 3 703
Daybreak administrative software 339 619
Oil and protein – –
1 964 4 322
Other
Corporate 13 015 24 466
Group internally developed computer software having a useful life of five years and a remaining useful life of less than one year 12 105 23 640
Group consolidation software 910 826
13 015 24 466
Group 52 958 74 177
4.7 Included under other are the following:
Foods
Animal protein 417 –
Afgri Poultry 417 –
Oil and protein – –
417 –
Other
Corporate 65 523 –
Licence fees, capitalised development and implementation costs, and maintenance costs associated with the Group’s planned implementation of SAP. Amortisation will only commence once the system has been commissioned, at which time the asset will be transferred into the software category 65 523 –
–
Group 65 940 –
Total 241 409 237 547
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
5 INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES
5.1 Shares in unlisted associates (refer Appendix C)
Opening carrying amount 35 615 2 873
Exchange differences 10 –
Share of profit after income tax and minority interest 358 32 742
Closing carrying amount 35 983 35 615
On 25 September 2008 the Group acquired a 45% shareholding in LTP Holdings Limited for nil consideration. The associate company’s underlying assets, consisting of property, plant and equipment, were fair valued and negative goodwill of R29,6 million (after tax) identified. The fair value includes a notional liability for an onerous lease contract over the property.
The Group has not recognised losses amounting to R9,1 million (2009: R34,8 million) for Deposita Systems (Pty) Ltd. The accumulated losses not recognised were R43,9 million. During the 2009 financial year the Group bought the intellectual property rights, trademark and patent on automated banking machines registered as “Deposita” from Deposita Systems (Pty) Ltd for an amount of R62,7 million (refer note 4.5). The Group also issued a financial guarantee in favour of the associate’s bankers to the value of R33,5 million.
5.2 The summarised financial information of associates, is as follows:
Assets 233 392 243 017
Liabilities (155 109) (145 214)
Sales 132 155 109 105
Loss for the year (21 420) (23 104)
There are no contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s and Company’s interest in the associates. – –
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6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY
30 June 2010R’000
Loans andreceivables
Assets atfair value
throughprofit
or loss
Derivativesdesignated as hedges
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity Total
Assets as per balance sheet
Other financial assets – 11 013 – 40 965 – 51 978
Financial receivables 100 979 – – – 102 319 203 298
Derivative financial instruments – 32 723 16 966 – – 49 689
Trade and other receivables 437 522 – – – – 437 522
Trade receivables financed by banks 3 898 425 – – – – 3 898 425
Cash and cash equivalents 896 488 – – – – 896 488
Total 5 333 414 43 736 16 966 40 965 102 319 5 537 400
R’000
Liabilities at fair value
through profit
or loss
Derivativesdesignated as hedges
Other financial liabilities Total
Liabilities as per balance sheet
Borrowings – – 173 412 173 412
Derivative financial instruments 50 485 21 544 – 72 029
Trade and other payables – – 1 563 728 1 563 728
Short-term borrowings – – 105 742 105 742
Call loans and bank overdrafts – – 206 515 206 515
Borrowings from banks to finance trade receivables – – 3 895 117 3 895 117
Total 50 485 21 544 5 944 514 6 016 543
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY (continued)
30 June 2009R’000
Loans andreceivables
Assets atfair value
throughprofit
or loss
Derivativesdesignated as hedges
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity Total
Assets as per balance sheet
Other financial assets – – – 40 973 – 40 973
Financial receivables 61 740 – – – 204 117 265 857
Derivative financial instruments – 88 725 18 701 – – 107 426
Trade and other receivables 361 607 – – – – 361 607
Trade receivables financed by banks 5 014 819 – – – – 5 014 819
Cash and cash equivalents and cash collateral deposits 844 173 – – – – 844 173
Total 6 282 339 88 725 18 701 40 973 204 117 6 634 855
R’000
Liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss
Derivativesdesignated as hedges
Other financial liabilities Total
Liabilities as per balance sheet
Borrowings – – 127 643 127 643
Derivative financial instruments 77 301 12 445 – 89 746
Trade and other payables – – 1 797 056 1 797 056
Short-term borrowings – – 58 662 58 662
Call loans and bank overdrafts – – 362 741 362 741
Borrowings from banks to finance trade receivables – – 5 004 015 5 004 015
Total 77 301 12 445 7 350 117 7 439 863
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Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
7 OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS
7.1 Available-for-sale financial assets
7.1.1 Interest in unlisted investments (refer Appendix D) 40 965 40 973
40 965 40 973
7.1.2 For fair value determination, refer to note 38.
7.1.3 The registers of investments are available for inspection at the registered offices of the respective companies.
7.2 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (excluding derivatives)
7.2.1 Listed investments 11 013 –
11 013 –
7.2.2 An investment in the Barak Structured Trade Finance Fund, managed by Barak Fund Management Ltd, a company listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. The fund is market neutral, providing asset backed debt in agricultural trade finance transactions. The fund is dollar-denominated and does not take proprietary positions. The fund’s assets allocation by commodity is mainly white maize, and wheat (83%) but has a smaller allocation to coffee, rice, and cash (27%). The fund operates mainly in Africa. The investment is designated as a financial asset at fair value through profit or loss; this designation provides more relevant information as it eliminates the recognition mismatch that would otherwise arise from recognising the gains and losses on such assets and liabilities on a different basis. The investment is classified as long term, as management have no intention of selling it in the near future.
51 978 40 973
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
8 FINANCIAL RECEIVABLES
Loans to unlisted joint ventures 1 082 1 054
Loans to unlisted associates (refer Appendix C) 4 233 5 839
Other loans to unlisted investments (refer Appendix D) 4 168 9 059
Held-to-maturity investments 103 883 204 117
Loans and receivables investments 99 839 60 590
Total financial receivables 213 205 280 659
Impairment of loans to unlisted investments (refer Appendix D) (2 893) (2 478)
Short-term portion of held-to-maturity investments (refer note 11) (1 564) (1 877)
Short-term portion of interest-free loans (refer note 11) (5 450) (10 447)
203 298 265 857
8.1 Loans to unlisted joint ventures, associates and unlisted investments
These loans have no fixed terms of repayment and are interest free. All are considered to be fully performing, except as indicated in Appendix C and D and against which an impairment has been recorded.
8.2 The held-to-maturity investments are:
8.2.1 A preference share investment at Depfin Investments (Pty) Ltd of R100 million. The preference shares earn dividends at a variable rate of 65% of the prime lending rate (currently 10,5%) payable semi-annually on 31 March and 30 September. The final redemption date is 24 February 2024. These preference shares have been ceded to the Land and Agricultural Development Bank in terms of the Agri Sizwe transaction. The dividends received of R6,9 million (2009: R0,8 million) are in turn placed with the Land and Agricultural Development Bank as additional security.
8.2.2 A preference share investment at National Cereal Holdings Limited of R100 million. These preference shares earn dividends at variable rates linked to prime bank rate and payable quarterly. The preference share was originally redeemable on 9 July 2010 but was repaid by the issuer on 25 May 2010.
8.3 Loans and receivables investments
8.3.1 A preference share investment at Premier Foods Limited of R50 million. The preference shares earn dividends at variable rates linked to the prime bank rate and payable quarterly. The investment has no fixed redemption date. None of the preference dividends is in arrears and the overall credit risk associated with the investment is considered to be low. The carrying amount is considered to approximate the fair value.
8.3.2 Amount owing from Boereportefeulje Bestuurs Maatskappy (Pty) Ltd as a result of the renegotiation of repayment terms with this debtor. This loan carries interest at a fixed rate of 12% and is repayable in 10 annual instalments of R9,2 million each. Final payment is due on 28 February 2020.
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30 June2009
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9 INVENTORIES
Merchandise 696 954 693 108
Raw materials 129 367 148 514
Finished goods 65 502 172 248
Consumable goods 8 263 8 702
900 086 1 022 572
9.1 Included in merchandise is R108,1 million (2009: R147,8 million) for purchases financed on a floor plan basis, which serve as security for such trade payables. (Refer note 22.1)
9.2 The following inventory is valued at net realisable value:
Merchandise 57 883 108 941
Raw materials 2 558 1 523
Consumable goods 1 134 239
61 575 110 703
9.3 An amount of R9,1 million (2009: R13,2 million) of inventory was written off and recognised as an expense during the year. This related to stock count variances and physical obsolescence in various business segments.
10 BIOLOGICAL ASSETS
Opening carrying amount 53 130 61 270
Increase due to feed and production costs 338 635 301 409
Decrease due to sales (334 343) (309 549)
Closing carrying amount 57 422 53 130
10.1 The biological assets consist of live breeding chicken birds and live broilers in various phases of growth. The fair value is based on market prices less selling expenses.
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Yearended
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Yearended
30 June2009
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11 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
11.1 Trade receivables (financed and not financed by banks)
11.1.1 Trade receivables not financed by banks 609 647 557 336
– Current 419 516 358 572
– Season 178 967 141 469
– Capital goods 11 164 57 295
Trade receivables financed by banks 3 898 425 5 014 819
– Current 1 222 327 2 140 987
– Season 1 973 720 2 292 916
– Capital goods 702 378 580 916
Prepayments 107 174 121 676
Short-term portion of held-to-maturity investments (refer note 8) 1 564 1 877
Short-term portion of interest free loans (refer note 8) 5 450 10 447
Total receivables 4 622 260 5 706 155
Less: Impairments (179 139) (208 053)
4 443 121 5 498 102
11.1.2 Quality per category
Past due 376 562 412 059
– Current 133 274 212 897
– Seasonal 216 088 150 979
– Capital 27 200 48 183
Impaired 279 802 272 983
– Current 69 338 104 957
– Seasonal 128 263 109 317
– Capital 82 201 58 709
The determination of the above categorisation is consistent with the Group’s credit risk management.
11.1.3 Estimated collateral held as security
Past due 229 092 194 035
– Current 9 624 8 806
– Seasonal 188 767 139 145
– Capital 30 701 46 084
Impaired 148 525 97 809
– Current 12 137 17 171
– Seasonal 81 001 53 141
– Capital 55 387 27 497
The abovementioned collateral consists of mortgage, notarial and special notarial bonds, cessions and credit life insurance.
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11 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (continued)
11.1 Trade receivables (financed and not financed by banks) (continued)
11.1.4 Trade receivables that were neither past due nor impaired
The credit quality of the portfolio of trade receivables that were neither past due nor impaired can be assessed by reference to the Group’s standard credit grading system, as described in Financial Risk Management accounting policy. The following information is based on that system.
Trade receivables
Satisfactory risk 3 733 221 4 802 349
– Current 1 434 794 2 171 785
– Seasonal 1 741 623 2 145 706
– Capital 556 804 484 858
Elevated risk 118 487 84 764
– Current 4 437 9 920
– Seasonal 66 713 28 383
– Capital 47 337 46 461
Collateral in the form of mortgages, notarial and special notarial bonds, cessions and credit life assurance, between 0% and 100% of their fair value, depending on the risk profile and term of the facility of these trade receivables is held by the Group.
3 851 708 4 887 113
11.1.5 Carrying amount of trade receivables that would otherwise be past due or impaired, whose terms have been renegotiated.
156 998 452 001
– Current – 399 817
– Seasonal 156 998 52 184
– Capital – –
156 998 452 001
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Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
11 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (continued)
11.1 Trade receivables (financed and not financed by banks) (continued)
11.1.6 Trade receivables which were past due but not impaired
Past due to 90 days 45 981 44 257
– Current 40 323 42 397
– Seasonal 3 937 –
– Capital 1 721 1 860
Past due from 91 days to one year 43 787 12 145
– Current 12 859 12 145
– Seasonal 15 998 –
– Capital 14 930 –
Exceeding one year but not two years 17 341 278 301
– Current 14 543 80 999
– Seasonal 719 150 979
– Capital 2 079 46 323
Exceeding two years 269 453 77 356
– Current 65 549 77 356
– Seasonal 195 434 –
– Capital 8 470 –
376 562 412 059
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11 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (continued)
11.1 Trade receivables (financed and not financed by banks) (continued)
11.1.7 Allowance for impairment of trade receivables
TotalR’000
CurrentR’000
SeasonalR’000
CapitalR’000
At 1 July 2009 (208 053) (102 125) (68 065) (37 863)
Amounts written off 47 177 23 934 14 904 8 339
Recoveries of amounts provided 2 696 522 1 394 780
Current year charge to income statement (32 464) (4 881) (16 778) (10 805)
Reversal of prior year charge to income statement 10 167 10 167 – –
Exchange and other movements 1 338 946 392 –
At 30 June 2010 (179 139) (71 437) (68 153) (39 549)
At 1 July 2008 (170 235) (71 756) (98 479) –
Amounts written off 24 049 8 037 10 267 5 745
Recoveries of amounts provided 303 155 148 –
Current year charge to income statement (73 833) (36 711) (23 804) (13 318)
Reversal of prior year charge to income statement (2 537) (2 537) – –
Exchange and other movements 14 200 687 43 803 (30 290)
At 30 June 2009 (208 053) (102 125) (68 065) (37 863)
11.2 Accounts for the financing of capital goods can be paid over periods of more than 12 months. The underlying capital goods serve as security for the debt. The total amount expected to be paid over periods of more than 12 months is R542,8 million (2009: R525 million).
11.3 Season and capital goods accounts bear interest at rates varying between prime bank rate less 2% and prime bank rate plus 5,5%.
11.4 The amortised cost of trade and other receivables approximates the fair value because of the short period to maturity of those instruments and market related interest being charged.
11.5 The average effective interest rate charged on trade receivables not financed by banks is 8,6% (2009: 12,8%).
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for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
12 TRADE RECEIVABLES FINANCED BY BANKS
12.1 Asset
12.1.1 Trade receivables financed by banks 3 898 425 5 014 819
12.2 Liability
12.2.1 Borrowings from banks to finance trade receivables 3 895 117 5 004 015
12.3 Any difference between the amounts is due to the daily set-off and timing differences on the last day of the month.
12.4 The amortised cost of these trade receivables as well as the related liability approximates the fair value because of the short term to maturity of those instruments and market related interest being charged.
12.5 The average effective interest charged on the interest-bearing trade receivables is 9,7% (2009: 13,7%).
12.6 The only security for the liability is the trade receivables themselves, and in certain cases, additional cash collateral deposits or cash trade receivables of between 10% and 15% and/or cash trade receivables of up to 20% of the facility. The Group carries the risk of loss on these trade receivables. The total value of additional debtors encumbered for these facilities is R305 million (2009: R250 million).
13 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
13.1 Derivative financial instruments
Assets
– Forward purchase contracts – 58 832
– Forward sale contracts 31 316 48 130
– Options – –
– Interest rate swaps – 185
– Foreign currency futures 18 373 279
49 689 107 426
Liabilities
– Forward purchase contracts 34 516 86 655
– Forward sale contracts – 3 083
– Options 7 000 –
– Interest rate swaps 4 181 –
– Foreign currency futures 26 332 8
72 029 89 746
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13 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
13.2 Forward purchase and sale contractsThe forward purchase contracts represent contracts with producers for the procurement of physical commodities in the future. The forward sale contracts represent contracts with millers and other clients for the sale of physical commodities in the future.
13.3 OptionsOptions represent derivative financial instruments receivable from farmers which are recovered on physical delivery of commodities. Also included in the current financial year is the option contract with minorities as a result of the transaction with the minority shareholders in Tsunami.
13.4 Foreign currency futuresThe fair value adjustment on foreign currency futures is included in equity to the extent that these derivatives are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, and are effective (refer note 18.3). Where foreign currency futures do not qualify for hedge accounting, the fair value adjustment is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
The hedged cash flows are expected to occur at various dates during the 12 months following the balance sheet date. Gains and losses recognised in the revaluation reserve for cash flow hedges (refer note 18.3) as of balance sheet date are recognised in the income statement in the period or periods during which the hedged forecast transaction affects the income statement. This is generally within 12 months from the balance sheet date unless the gain or loss is included in the initial amount recognised for the purchase of fixed assets, in which case recognition is over the lifetime of the asset (five to ten years). During the current year a significant export transaction was cancelled due to the introduction of new GMO legislation. Without the underlying transaction, the R5,9 million loss on the foreign exchange contract has been recognised in profit and loss, as the hedge was no longer effective (2009: Rnil).
Outstanding foreign currency futures at balance sheet date comprised the following:
30 June 2010 30 June 2009
R’000Contract
valueMarket
valueFair
valueContract
valueMarket
valueFair
value
Sold
Euro 8 444 8 149 (295) – – –
Pound Sterling 470 475 5 – – –
Japanese Yen 12 526 13 034 508 – – –
US Dollar 248 733 249 104 371 199 905 181 204 (18 701)
Australian Dollar 1 782 1 752 (30) – – –
271 955 272 514 559 199 905 181 204 (18 701)
Purchased
Euro 10 10 – 10 295 9 379 916
Pound Sterling – – – – – –
Japanese Yen 343 366 (23) 7 083 5 432 1 651
US Dollar 790 532 798 619 (8 087) 105 437 95 576 9 861
Australian Dollar – – – 1 154 1 136 18
790 885 798 995 (8 110) 123 969 111 523 12 446
Net fair value (7 551) (6 255)
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for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
14 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND CASH COLLATERAL DEPOSITS
Cash on hand 210 355 7 309
Bank balance 264 281 239 522
474 636 246 831
Short-term borrowings and bank overdrafts (206 515) (362 741)
Short-term borrowings (206 515) –
Bank overdrafts – (362 741)
Cash and cash equivalents 268 121 (115 910)
Cash collateral deposits 421 852 597 342
Balance at end of year 689 973 481 432
14.1 Cash and cash equivalents are the same for cash flow statement purposes.
14.2 The cash collateral deposits consist of cash deposits at financial institutions and serve as security for bad debts, up to a maximum of 15% (2009: 15%) of the debtors administered on behalf of third parties by AFGRI or debtors financed by the banks (refer note 12). The deposits bear interest at market-related cash deposit rates. The average interest earned on cash collateral deposits is 6,3% (2009: 9,7%). The deposits bear interest at market-related cash deposit rates.
14.3 The short-term borrowings and bank overdrafts bear interest at a variable rate of 8,5% (2009: 9,8%). All amounts are repayable within the next 12 months.
15 SHARE CAPITAL
Number ofshares
Ordinaryshares Total
Balance at 30 June 2008 373 794 000 4 4
Changes during the year – – –
Balance at 30 June 2009 373 794 000 4 4
Changes during the year – – –
Balance at 30 June 2010 373 794 000 4 4
15.1 The total authorised number of ordinary shares is 515 million shares with a par value of 0,001 cents per share. All issued shares are fully paid.
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16 TREASURY SHARES
The treasury shares are purchased by a subsidiary, OTK Investment House (Pty) Limited. Treasury shares are disclosed as a reduction of equity in the statement of changes in equity.
The following shares were sold in terms of a general authorisation:
Number Number
Beginning of year 18 999 746 32 608 635
During the year – (13 608 889)
Balance end of year 18 999 746 18 999 746
Average price of shares sold during the year – R4,77
Average purchase price of all shares R4,76 R4,76
Total number of shares held as a percentage of total issued shares 5,1% 5,1%
17 INCENTIVE TRUST SHARES
In terms of the AFGRI Limited Deferred Share Incentive Scheme, a maximum of 10% of the issued share capital can be issued to the deferred delivery scheme. Shares for deferred options exercised have been issued to AFGRI Limited Trust, which administers the AFGRI Deferred Share Incentive Scheme. Registration in the name of the employee is deferred until future dates and will be transferred after payment of the subscription price. At 30 June 2010 a total number of 29 831 956 – 8% (2009: 33 986 684 – 9,1%) shares are held in trust for the Deferred Share Incentive Scheme. The 7 547 444 (2009: 3 392 716) unissued shares which have been reserved for the AFGRI Limited Deferred Share Incentive Scheme, are under the control of the directors.
The Board of AFGRI Limited approved the implementation of the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme which will replace the Deferred Share Incentive Scheme. The AFGRI Deferred Share Incentive Scheme will be allowed to run out over the next four years. Further approval for the AFGRI Executive Share Award Share Incentive Scheme has been obtained from the JSE. Shareholder approval for the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme will be sought at the Company’s annual general meeting.
No shares for the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme had been purchased or issued at 30 June 2010 as shareholder approval for the Scheme is pending. Should the Scheme be approved, shares will be purchased or issued and awarded to the employees as restricted shares. Kagiso Securities Limited (Pty) Ltd will administer the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme and will manage the status of shares (restricted and unrestricted) over the vesting period per the vesting conditions. Had approval for the Scheme been finalised at 30 June 2010 a total number of 1 729 742 shares would have been awarded to employees of which 1 729 742 shares would have been restricted. All restricted shares are reflected as a reduction of equity.
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for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
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Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
18 FAIR VALUE AND OTHER RESERVES
18.1 Share-based equity valuation reserve
Opening balance 32 490 25 242
Movement for the year 8 583 7 248
Closing balance 41 073 32 490
The AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme was approved by the Board and the JSE during the year. Shareholder approval for the Scheme will be sought at the annual general meeting. For purposes of preparing the annual financial statements, it has been assumed that shareholder approval was obtained.
The AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme contains both a cash portion payable immediately and an equity portion. Vesting conditions include both service and performance elements. The fair value of shares that would have been granted had shareholder approval been obtained, was determined using the market value of the shares on grant date. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined using the fair value on grant date, adjusted for the number of shares expected to vest as unrestricted shares. Fair value determined on grant date was R10,8 million with a vesting period of five years (including the current financial year). This resulted in an amount of R2,1 million recognised as staff costs in the current financial year. R8,7 million will be recognised over the remaining vesting period of four years.
As a result of the introduction of the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme of senior personnel, no new options have been granted during the year under the AFGRI Deferred Share Incentive Scheme. The fair value of options granted during the prior year determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model was R12,8 million. The significant inputs into the model were a share price of R3,78, at the grant date, standard deviation of expected share price returns of 42,7%, dividend yield of 6%, option life of two – five years and annual risk-free interest of 7,5%. The volatility measured at the standard deviation of expected share price returns is based on statistical analysis of daily share prices over the last three years.
18.2 Foreign currency translation reserve
Opening balance 2 646 55 251
Exchange differences on translating of foreign operations 3 180 (52 605)
Closing balance 5 826 2 646
18.3 Revaluation reserve for cash flow hedges
Opening balance 11 967 –
Fair value (losses)/gains (16 409) 11 967
Closing balance (4 442) 11 967
Total 42 457 47 103
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30 June 2009
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19 RETAINED EARNINGS
Comprises
Company 19 126 14 650
Subsidiaries 1 771 131 1 678 285
Joint ventures 781 (129)
Associates 29 354 28 996
Balance end of year 1 820 392 1 721 802
20 BORROWINGS
20.1 Interest-bearing loans 6 543 108 788
Depfin Investments (Pty) Ltd – 100 000
Balance – 100 000
Short-term portion – –
MHA Broking Services (Pty) Ltd 5 845 5 845
Balance 5 845 5 845
Short-term portion – –
Stanbic – 1 281
Balance 1 731 3 649
Short-term portion (1 731) (2 368)
Iskhus Financing (Pty) Ltd 75 279
Balance 264 399
Short-term portion (189) (120)
Stannic 623 1 383
Balance 1 379 1 971
Short-term portion (756) (588)
20.1.1 The Depfin preference share borrowing was settled early on 25 May 2010.
20.1.2 The MHA Broking Services (Pty) Limited preference shares borrowing is denominated in SA Rand and is cumulative, convertible or redeemable on 31 May 2013 and bears interest at a variable rate linked to the performance of the underlying business acquired. The loan is not secured.
20.1.3 The Stanbic loan is denominated in US Dollars and is not hedged. The loan is repayable in annual instalments of R1 730 996 (2009: R1 806 367). The last payment is due in April 2011. Interest is charged at variable rates and is currently 12% per annum. The loan is secured by account receivables with a carrying value of R1,8 million (2009: R11,3 million).
20.1.4 The Iskhus loan is denominated in SA Rand and secured by property, plant and equipment with a carrying value of R0,1 million. The loan is repayable in monthly instalments of R15 694. The last payment is due in March 2012. Interest is charged at variable rate of 10,0% per annum.
20.1.5 The Stannic loan is denominated in SA Rand and secured by property, plant and equipment with a carrying value of R2,0 million. The loan is repayable in monthly instalments of R63 015. The last payment is due in June 2012. Interest is charged at variable rate of 9,75% per annum.
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for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June 2009
R’000
20 BORROWINGS (continued)
20.2 Interest-free loans
Other loans 70 000 50 000
Short-term portion of interest-free loans (70 000) (50 000)
– –
20.3 Finance leases
20.3.1 Finance lease included under borrowings
Minimum lease payments 166 869 18 855
– Not later than one year 51 416 8 412
– Later than one year and not later than five years 203 585 20 409
255 001 28 821
Future finance charges on finance leases (55 066) (4 380)
Present value of finance lease liabilities 199 935 24 441
Short-term portion of finance leases (33 066) (5 586)
20.3.2 The leases consist of computer hardware, machinery and equipment and vehicles and all the assets will be returned at the end of the lease term.
20.3.3 The finance leases are repayable in monthly instalments varying from R4 555 to R1 397 722 (2009: R1 596 to R385 796) and bear interest at rates varying between 9,5% and 10,75% (2009: 10% and 12%). Finance leases are secured by machinery and equipment and vehicles with a carrying value of R220,9 million (2009: R35,1 million) under commercially accepted terms and conditions (refer note 2.7)
Total borrowings 173 412 127 643
21 DEFERRED INCOME TAX
21.1 Movement in deferred income tax
Balance beginning of year 43 723 33 145
Purchase of subsidiaries – –
Tax rate adjustment – –
Income statement debit 14 114 5 618
Foreign currency differences (17) 9 385
Other (28) (4 425)
End of year 57 792 43 723
21.2 Analysis of deferred income tax
Deferred income tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment 148 949 166 570
Trade and other receivables 20 403 33 660
Biological assets 4 484 606
Total 173 836 200 836
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30 June 2009
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21 DEFERRED INCOME TAX (continued)
Deferred income tax assets
Property, plant and equipment (4 044) (1 676)
Provisions (48 147) (76 297)
Trade and other receivables (1 527) (184)
Income tax losses (47 875) (36 888)
Other (14 451) (42 068)
Total (116 044) (157 113)
21.3 All deductible temporary differences, unused tax losses and used tax credits and temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, branches and associates and interests in joint ventures have been recognised for deferred tax.
22 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Trade accounts payable 1 364 558 1 475 369
Other payables and accruals 199 170 321 688
1 563 728 1 797 057
22.1 Included in trade accounts payable is R108,1 million (2009: R147,8 million) for purchases financed on a floor plan basis. These payables are secured by merchandise included in note 9.1.
23 SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
Short-term portion of borrowings
– interest-bearing loans 2 676 3 076
– finance leases 33 066 5 586
– interest-free loans 70 000 50 000
105 742 58 662
24 REVENUE
Revenue from continuing operations 7 258 840 8 017 223
Sale of goods 6 360 597 6 927 928
Services rendered 515 416 510 227
Interest income-debtor financing 382 827 579 068
Revenue from discontinued operations
Sale of goods 1 066 817 1 246 898
Gross revenue from operations 8 325 657 9 264 121
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for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
25 OPERATING PROFITThe operating profit is stated after taking into account the following:
25.1 Net profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 38 675 32 263
25.2 Payments to non-employeesManagerial, technical, administrative and secretarial fees (6 482) (6 920)
Outsourcing of IT, personnel and internal audit functions (50 090) (39 481)
(56 572) (46 401)
25.3 Impairment of trade and other receivables 27 576 (37 818)
25.4 Fair value gains/(losses) on derivative financial instruments– Forward purchase contracts 74 831 47 593
– Forward-sale contracts (96 992) (81 940)
(22 161) (34 347)
25.5 DepreciationBuildings and improvements (23 665) (19 005)
Machinery and equipment (57 615) (52 129)
Vehicles (17 270) (15 366)
(98 550) (86 500)
25.6 Impairments of property, plant and equipment and intangible assetsLand – (84)
Buildings and improvements (2 647) (2 829)
Machinery and equipment – 877
Vehicles – (4 514)
Trademarks and patents – (8 166)
Computer software (32) (6 228)
Other intangibles – (8 207)
(2 679) (29 151)
25.7 Amortisation of intangible assetsTrademarks and patents (17 986) (13 629)
Computer software (25 306) (17 411)
Other – (525)
(43 292) (31 565)
25.8 Foreign currency profits (4 825) 51 717
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
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30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
25 OPERATING PROFIT (continued)
25.9 Auditors’ remuneration– current period (7 631) (7 351)
– previous year (2 116) (513)
Other services and expenses (170) (1 082)
(9 917) (8 946)
25.10 Operating lease payments– Buildings (53 179) (45 813)
– Plant and machinery (439) (437)
– Motor vehicles (438) (1 628)
– Equipment (6 652) (8 927)
(60 708) (56 805)
25.11 Share-based payment expense (8 583) (7 248)
26 FINANCE COST
Continuing operations
Interest paid to banks for trade receivables financing (366 422) (533 581)
Interest paid to financial institutions (65 444) (97 327)
Independent third parties (20 071) (31 712)
Interest paid on leases (4 134) (3 138)
Finance cost for continuing operations (income statement) (456 071) (665 758)
Discontinued operations
Interest paid to financial institutions (32 574) (84 580)
Total finance cost (488 645) (750 338)
27 STAFF COSTS
Salaries and wages 808 589 766 056
Pension costs – defined contribution plans 43 917 38 643
Termination benefits 8 488 6 084
860 994 810 783
Number
Average monthly number of employees employed by the Group during the year:
Full-time 3 575 2 983
Part-time 1 506 1 486
5 081 4 469
South Africa 4 865 4 267
Other African countries 104 101
Australia 112 101
5 081 4 469
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for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
28 INCOME TAX EXPENSE28.1 Income tax expense
South African normal income tax (59 765) (80 077) Current year (74 287) (71 482) Previous year over/(under)provision 14 522 (8 595)Deferred income tax (14 114) (5 618) Current year (22 606) (5 116) Previous year over/(under)provision 8 492 (502)Secondary tax on companies (249) (13 627)Income tax charge (74 128) (99 322)Continuing operations (61 158) (91 980)Discontinued operations (12 970) (7 342)Income tax charge (74 128) (99 322)
28.2 Reconciliation of income tax rate Profit before Agri Sizwe partners share 507 986 442 228Agri Sizwe partners share (129 204) (109 833)Profit before income tax, all operations, before other minorities 378 782 332 395Income tax for the year as a percentage of income before income tax 20 30Income tax effect of:Non-deductible expenditure (3) (17)Dividends received 3 6Prior year overprovision 6 7Difference in tax rates – 1Income tax losses (reversed)/raised 2 1Standard rate 28 28
28.3 Secondary tax on companies – STC on dividends to shareholders that were proposed or declared
before the financial statements were authorised for issue, but are not recognised as a liability in the financial statements. 927 5 341
29 HELD-FOR-SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS29.1 Assets and liabilities of disposal groups classified as held-for-sale
On 26 January 2010 the Group concluded the sale agreement of the Tsunami business unit with Oninamix (Pty) Ltd trading as Arysta Lifescience South Africa. Certain of the business units assets will only be transferred over the next 12 months and are therefore disclosed as held-for-sale.Assets of disposal groups classified as held-for-saleProperty, plant and equipment 17 198 38 847Intangible assets – 23 338Inventory – 92 376Other current assets 5 436 2 796
Total assets 22 634 157 357Liabilities of disposal groups classified as held-for-saleTrade and other payables – 44 735Other current liabilities – –Provisions – –
Total liabilities – 44 735
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Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
29 HELD-FOR-SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (continued)
29.2 Analysis of the results of discontinued operations and the results recognised on the remeasurement of assets of disposal groups, is as follows:
During the year the Group disposed of the following operating units as going concerns:– AFGRI Seed to Klein Karoo Seed Marketing (Pty) Ltd– Retail branches in the Lowveld region to MGK Operating Company (Pty)
Ltd.– Retail branches in the Natal region to TWK Industries (Pty) Ltd– The assets and business of Tsunami Crop Care (Pty) Ltd and Tsunami
Plant Protection (Pty) Ltd to Arysta Life Sciences– The debtors book and business of Capital Harvest (Pty) Ltd, the Western
Cape operation of AFGRI Credit, to management
The results from these business units are included in the profit from discontinued operations of R74,6 million (2009: loss of R49,6 million)
Revenue 1 066 817 1 246 898
Expenses (979 279) (1 243 005)
Profit before tax of discontinued operations 87 538 3 893
Tax (12 970) (9 950)
Profit/(loss) after tax of discontinued operations 74 568 (6 057)
Pre-tax loss recognised on the remeasurement of assets of disposal groups
– (46 213)
Tax – 2 608
After-tax loss on the remeasurement of assets of disposal groups – (43 605)
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations 74 568 (49 662)
Lowveld and Natal branches 14 733 15 706
Tsunami 56 441 22 644
Capital Harvest 3 394 8 201
Citrifruit – (1 263)
Snacks & Redo’s – (12 387)
Seed – (61 636)
Deposita – (977)
Cotton – (1 918)
Farming – (18 032)
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations 74 568 (49 662)
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
30 EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year after taking the treasury shares and the share incentive trust shares into account.
Profit attributable to equityholders of the Company 304 655 233 073
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands) 321 721 320 721
Earnings per share (cents) 94,7 72,7
31 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that would occur when all of the Group’s outstanding share incentive contracts were implemented. The number of shares outstanding is adjusted to show the potential dilution if employee share option contracts are implemented and are no longer reduced on consolidation of the AFGRI Limited Trust. No adjustments were made to reported earnings attributable to shareholders in the computation of diluted earnings per share.
Number of shares
2010 2009
Weighted average number of shares 321 721 320 721
Potential dilutive effect of outstanding share option contracts 33 073 25 350
Diluted weighted average number of shares 354 794 346 071
Diluted earnings per share (cents) 85,9 67,3
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
32 HEADLINE EARNINGS PER SHAREThe headline earnings per share has been calculated on profit of R252 764 million (2009: R238 495 million) and weighted average issued shares of 321 721 357 (2009: 320 720 839) at 30 June.
Profit beforeincome tax
Minorityinterest
Incometax Headline earnings
R’000 2010 2009
Profit per financial statements 541 244 (162 461) (74 128) 304 655 233 073
Financial Services
Capital 29 (8) (8) 13 3 120
Net loss on disposal of businesses and assets 29 (8) (8) 13 55
Net profit on disposal of investment – – – – (1 920)
Loss on discontinued operations – – – – 4 540
Impairment of assets – – – – 445
Agri ServicesLogistic services (631) 169 46 (416) 26 528
Net profit on disposal of business and assets (631) 169 46 (416) –
Loss on discontinued operations – – – – 24 366
Impairment of assets – – – – 2 162
Producer services (73 593) 19 701 9 908 (43 984) (39 551)
Net profit on disposal of business and assets (85 203) 22 809 10 653 (51 741) (17 639)
Negative goodwill on acquisition of associate – – – – (23 062)
Impairment of assets 11 610 (3 108) (745) 7 757 1 150
Foods (443) 119 221 (103) 16 145
Net loss/(profit) on disposal of business and assets (443) 119 221 (103) 12 259
Impairment of assets – – – – 3 886
Other (10 560) 2 827 332 (7 401) (820)
Net profit on disposal of business and assets (10 586) 2 834 332 (7 420) (1 820)
Impairment of assets 26 (7) – 19 1 000
Group (85 198) 22 808 10 499 (51 891) 5 422
Net profit on disposal of business and assets (96 834) 25 923 11 244 (59 667) (7 145)
Net profit on disposal of investment – – – – (1 920)
Negative goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries – – – – (23 062)
Loss on discontinued operations – – – – 28 906
Impairment of assets 11 636 (3 115) (745) 7 776 8 643
Headline earnings 252 764 238 495
Headline earnings per share (cents) 78,6 74,4
Diluted headline earnings per share (cents) 71,2 68,9
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
Year ended 30 June 2010 Year ended 30 June 2009
Beforetax
amount
Tax(expense)
benefit
Net oftax
amount
Beforetax
amount
Tax(expense)
benefit
Net of tax
amount
33 TAX EFFECTS RELATING TO EACH COMPONENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 3 180 – 3 180 (52 605) – (52 605)
Cash flow hedges (16 409) – (16 409) 11 967 – 11 967
Other comprehensive income for the year (13 229) – (13 229) (40 638) – (40 638)
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
34 DIVIDENDS
Final of 16,70 cents per share for 2009 year 53 693 –
Special of 8,0 cents per share for 2008 period – 25 665
First interim of 24,15 cents per share for 2010 (2009: 19,7 cents per share) 78 480 63 242
132 173 88 907
35 NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
35.1 Cash generated from operations
Profit before income tax 541 243 442 228
Adjusted for:
Depreciation 98 550 86 500
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 2 647 6 550
Amortisation of intangible assets 43 292 31 565
Impairment of intangible assets 32 22 601
Dividends from investments (40 980) (65 576)
Interest received (77 171) (106 568)
Finance cost 456 071 720 162
Net profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment (38 675) (32 263)
Profit on the sale of business (65 095) –
Pension fund surplus – (58 615)
Negative goodwill arising on acquisition of share of associate – (31 492)
Share of profit of associate (358) (1 250)
Adjustment for other non-cash items (19 382) (7 150)
Working capital changes:
Inventories (10 521) (12 742)
Biological assets (4 292) 8 140
Decrease/(increase) in collateral guarantee deposits1 175 490 (43 832)
Trade, other receivables and financial assets 922 437 (701 827)
Trade, other payables and financial liabilities (1 049 647) 1 241 552
933 641 1 497 9831 The comparative has been reclassified from investing activities.
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Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
35 NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT (continued)
35.2 Dividends paid
Prior year final dividend paid (53 693) (25 665)
Interim dividends paid (78 480) (63 242)
(132 173) (88 907)
35.3 Income tax paidUnpaid amounts beginning of year 14 810 55 287Normal income tax charges for year (59 765) (80 077)Secondary tax on companies charged for year (249) (13 627)Capital gains tax charged for year – –Unpaid amounts at end of year (25 760) (14 810)
(70 964) (53 227)
35.4 Purchase of property, plant and equipment Land (10 746) –Buildings and improvements (89 173) (50 449)Machinery and equipment (144 411) (293 854)Vehicles (37 865) (40 144)
(282 195) (384 447)
35.5 Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipmentBook value 101 788 72 101Profit on disposal 38 675 32 263
140 463 104 364
35.6 Disposal of business – net of cash disposedProperty, plant and equipment 14 588 –Intangible assets 28 146 –Inventories 155 674 –Trade and other receivables 184 844 –Trade and other payables (268 215) –Assets held-for-sale 89 955 –Profit on disposal 65 095 –
Total proceeds on disposal 270 087 –Cash and cash equivalents – –
Net cash flow on acquisition 270 087 –
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
36 MATURITY PROFILE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSThe maturities of financial assets are based on carrying amounts (excluding projected future interest cash inflows) at balance sheet date and have been disclosed to demonstrate the Group’s management of liquidity risk. The maturities of financial liabilities include both the contractual principle and interest cash outflows. The cash inflows associated with non-financial assets (inventory and biological assets) are not reflected in the table below.
The maturity profile of financial assets and liabilities is summarised as:
R’000 <90 days <1 year 1 – 4 years >4 years Total
30 June 2010Financial assetsFinancial receivables 375 6 639 38 977 157 307 203 298 Derivative financial instruments – hedge accounted (designated as hedges) 16 966 – – – 16 966 Derivative financial instruments – not hedge accounted (held for trading) 22 673 10 050 – – 32 723 Trade and other receivables 186 923 90 003 159 209 1 387 437 522 Trade receivables financed by banks 1 436 603 1 566 527 430 517 464 777 3 898 424 Cash and cash equivalents 896 488 – – – 896 488
2 560 028 1 673 219 628 703 623 471 5 485 421
Financial liabilitiesBorrowings– Interest-bearing loans 237 711 6 745 – 7 693 – Finance lease 1 076 50 340 181 920 21 665 255 001 Derivative financial instruments – hedge accounted (designated as hedges) 21 544 – – – 21 544Derivative financial instruments – not hedge accounted (held for trading) 43 671 6 814 – – 50 485Trade and other payables 1 593 216 76 254 – – 1 669 470 Call loans and bank overdrafts 206 515 – – – 206 515 Borrowings from banks to finance trade receivables 1 301 041 159 519 2 735 746 – 4 196 306
3 167 300 293 638 2 924 411 21 665 6 407 014
30 June 2009Financial assetsFinancial receivables 2 548 55 182 105 887 102 240 265 857Derivative financial instruments – hedge accounted (designated as hedges) 18 623 78 – – 18 701Derivative financial instruments – not hedge accounted (held for trading) 86 577 2 148 – – 88 725Trade and other receivables 47 252 104 135 188 549 21 671 361 607Trade receivables financed by banks 2 020 871 2 098 601 371 172 524 175 5 014 819Cash and cash equivalents 844 173 – – – 844 173
3 020 044 2 260 144 665 608 648 086 6 593 882
Financial liabilitiesBorrowings– Interest-bearing loans 240 720 101 872 23 845 126 677– Finance lease 1 771 6 641 19 549 860 28 821Derivative financial instruments – hedge accounted (designated as hedges) 8 422 4 023 – – 12 445Derivative financial instruments – not hedge accounted (held for trading) 92 288 (14 987) – – 77 301Trade and other payables 1 868 835 5 837 3 523 8 077 1 886 272Call loans and bank overdrafts 362 741 – – – 362 741Borrowings from banks to finance trade receivables 1 818 705 – 3 940 828 – 5 759 533
4 153 002 2 234 4 065 772 32 782 8 253 790
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37 SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
The absence of proprietary commodity trading in the Group results in no exposure to commodity price risk.
The Group’s sensitivity to changes in foreign exchange rates is considered insignificant.
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as it borrows funds at variable rates. The majority of this interest rate risk is hedged as the borrowings are related to variable rate advances. This provides a natural hedge and any residual risk relates to basis risk, as a portion of the borrowings is at JIBAR whilst the advances are at prime. The impact of this basis risk is reflected in the table below:
Impact of basis risk year-on-year analysis
Yearended
30 June2010
Decreasingrate cycle
Yearended
30 June 2009
Increasingrate cycle
Average facilities related to one month JIBAR (R’000) 521 197 778 336
Average one month JIBAR (%) 10,36 10,65
Average prime (%) 10,43 10,81
Benefit/(loss) due to basis risk (%) 0,07 0,16
Benefit/(loss) due to basis risk (R’000) 357 1 393
Interest rate risk also arises as the timing of the potential repricing of borrowings is mismatched with the repricing of advances. During the current financial year, given the market conditions, liquidity was at a premium and the Group’s borrowings were repriced. Due to the nature of the contractual terms with our clients, the repricing of advances could only be effected at the end of the season. The result of the mismatch in the timing of repricing was a reduction in profit of R5,3 million.
Further, an interest rate sensitivity was performed based on the average exposure to interest rates for the reporting period with the stipulated change in interest rates having taken place for the entire year. A 50 basis point change in interest rates would increase/decrease a net profit by R1 million (2009: decrease/increase by R1 million).
38 FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY DISCLOSURES38.1 Hierarchy of financial instruments carried at fair value
R’000 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
30 June 2010Financial assets as per balance sheetAvailable-for-sale financial assets – – 40 965 40 965Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss 11 013 – – 11 013Derivative financial instruments
– Forward purchase contracts – 31 316 – 31 316– Forward sale contracts – – – –– Options – – – –– Interest rate swaps – – – –– Foreign currency futures – 18 373 – 18 373
Total 11 013 49 689 40 965 101 667
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
38 FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY DISCLOSURES (continued)
38.1 Hierarchy of financial instruments carried at fair value (continued)
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Financial liabilities as per balance sheetDerivative financial instruments
– Forward purchase contracts – 34 516 – 34 516– Forward sale contracts – – – –– Options – – 7 000 7 000– Interest rate swaps – 4 181 – 4 181– Foreign currency futures – 26 332 – 26 332
Total – 65 029 7 000 72 029
38.2 Reconciliation of Level 3 financial assets carried at fair valueDerivative financial
instrumentsFinancial assets at fair value
through profit or lossAvailable-for-sale financial assets1
30 June2010
30 June2009
30 June2010
30 June2009
30 June2010
30 June2009
Fair value at the beginning of the year – – – – 40 973 36 498
Purchases – – – – – 4 475
Sales – – – – (8) –
Fair value at the end of the year – – – – 40 965 40 973
38.3 Reconciliation of Level 3 financial liabilities carried at fair value
Derivative financial instruments2
30 June2010
30 June2009
Fair value at the beginning of the year – –
Purchases 13 267 –
Total gain/(loss) recognised in the income statement (6 267) –
Fair value at the end of the year 7 000 –
1 Includes investments in non-public entities. The fair value is determined using appropriate valuation methodologies which, dependent on the nature of the investment, may include discounted cash flow analysis and enterprise value comparisons with similar companies. For each investment the relevant methodology is applied consistently over time.
2 Option contract relates to the transaction with Tsunami minorities during the year. Fair value determined using the present value of the amount necessary to settle the liability.
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30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
39 COMMITMENTS
39.1 Capital commitments
Contracted for additions to property, plant and equipment and intangibles 54 458 47 642
Authorised but not yet contracted for additions to property, plant and equipment 8 479 30 897
62 937 78 539
The abovementioned capital commitments will be financed by net cash flows from operations and the utilisation of cash and borrowings within the accepted gearing ratio of the Group.
The Group’s proportionate share of the capital expenditure commitments of joint ventures included in the above commitments is Rnil (2009: Rnil).
39.2 Operating lease commitments
39.2.1 The future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating vehicle, equipment and building leases are as follows:
Not later than one year 15 895 3 291
Later than one year and not later than five years 99 020 4 226
Later than five years 132 759 552
247 674 8 069
39.2.2 General terms of operating leases
Operating leases consist of leases for buildings, plant and machinery, motor vehicles and equipment. Most of the operating leases have the option to renew and extend the period of the lease.
For some of the plant and machinery and equipment leases, the leased asset can be purchased at a nominal amount at the end of the lease.
40 GROUP BORROWING FACILITIES
40.1 Borrowing facilities
General banking facilities 787 930 1 037 107
Guarantee facilities 19 539 31 030
Term facilities, including foreign facilities 1 078 307 447 063
1 885 776 1 515 200
In terms of the Company’s articles of association, the Group borrowings are unlimited, but certain limits on borrowing levels have been fixed by the Board of Directors.
40.2 Unutilised borrowing facilities
Total facilities 1 885 776 1 515 200
Utilisation – general banking (310 930) (220 792)
– short-term borrowings (46 679) (258 842)
– guarantees (19 539) (19 030)
1 508 628 1 016 536
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Notes to the Group annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
Year ended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
41 AGENCY AGREEMENTS
The following financial assets are administered on behalf of third parties
41.1 Debtors
The Group manages agri debtors on behalf of the following third parties:
Wesbank 1 181 422 1 235 245
1 181 422 1 235 245
Management fees are paid by third parties and the Group is liable for bad debts up to a maximum of between 10% and 15% of the value of debtors administered.
41.2 Commodities
The following value of commodities were handled, stored and managed on behalf of third parties:
Rand Merchant Bank 665 699 868 106
Other commodity users 669 632 1 544 112
Producers 1 592 031 1 053 369
2 927 362 3 465 587
AFGRI receives a fee for the handling, grading, storing and administration of these commodities. AFGRI has contractual right of first refusal to purchase R559 million (2009: R617 million) of the commodities at market value.
42 RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Group provides access to defined contribution retirement funds as a benefit to all permanent employees principally through the AFGRI Staff Pension Fund, the AFGRI Retirement Fund and the AFGRI Provident Fund. These funds are governed by the Pension Funds Act of 1956.
The funds are administered by several service providers. The rules of the funds ensure that the assets of the funds always equal or exceed the liabilities and all death and disability benefits are fully reinsured.
In terms of legislation these funds are required to complete a surplus apportionment exercise. Both the AFGRI Staff Pension Fund and the AFGRI Retirement Fund received approval from the Financial Services Board for their Surplus Apportionment Schemes during the prior financial year. In terms of these schemes a proportion of the surplus in these funds was allocated to AFGRI. The total surplus so allocated amounted to R58,6 million at 30 June 2009.
The contributions to retirement funds in which AFGRI participates, are and will be charged against income as and when incurred.
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Year ended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
43 GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENT LIABILITY
43.1 Guarantees 19 539 19 030
Performance guarantees given to banks and other third parties
43.2 Contingent liability 13 800 –
43.2.1 Competition Commission – –
In March 2009 the Competition Commission initiated an investigation into the common use of a grain storage tariff by grain storage companies, the "Safex" rate. AFGRI is cooperating fully with the Competition Commission in their ongoing investigation. Whilst AFGRI denies any intentional contravention of the Competition Act, there remains the possibility that the Competition Tribunal could impose a fine of not more than 10% of the affected business (Logistics division) turnover.
43.2.2 Subordinate loans 13 800 –
Included in trade receivables financed by banks is a loan to an associate Deposita Systems (Pty) Ltd of R47,5 million. This loan has been subordinated in favour of other creditors to the extent of R13,8 million. The loan bears interest at the prime lending rate and is repayable in monthly instalments, maturing in 2014. The loan has no collateral. The loan has not been impaired and its recoverability is considered certain based on the cash flow projections of Deposita Systems (Pty) Ltd.
44 RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The salary costs of key personnel as identified by management are as follows:
– Cost to company 91 254 50 289
– Share-based payments 8 583 7 248
During the ordinary course of business the Company has advanced loans to directors and managers of the Group on an arm’s-length basis. At 30 June the amounts owing to AFGRI totalled R80,4 million.
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Appendix AInterest in unlisted subsidiaries
Issued capitalAmounts owed by/(to)
subsidiariesInterest
in subsidiaries
Nature of business
Country ofincorporation
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010%
2009%
Subsidiaries of AFGRI LimitedAFGRI Operations Ltd H South Africa 6 000 6 000 733 818 977 229 100 100OTK Investments House (Pty) Ltd W South Africa – – (15 216) (7 462) 100 100Subsidiaries of AFGRI Operations LtdACIB Administrators (Pty) Ltd A South Africa – – – – 76 76AFGRI Animal Feeds Eastern Cape (Pty) Ltd B South Africa – – 72 185 13 601 100 100AFGRI Animal Feeds Western Cape (Pty) Ltd B South Africa – – 43 748 42 807 100 100AFGRI Broking (Pty) Ltd J South Africa 1 1 (25 620) (10 625) 100 100AFGRI Corporation Ltd E Zambia 79# 79# 263 485 233 208 76 76AFGRI DHP Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd L South Africa 1 1 12 700 12 700 76 76AFGRI Equipment (Pty) Ltd F South Africa – – 125 917 170 361 100 100AFGRI Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd C South Africa – – (12 365) 4 623 76 76AFGRI Lab (Pty) Ltd K South Africa – – – – 100 100AFGRI Limited Trust G South Africa – – 98 663 121 817 100 100AFGRI Tobacco (Pty) Ltd I South Africa – – 166 (53 115) 100 100AFGRI Trading (Pty) Ltd J South Africa 500 500 (5 029) (546 020) 100 100AFGRI Western Cape (Pty) Ltd AA South Africa – 1 – (26) 100 100Basfour 711 (Pty) Ltd R South Africa – – – – 100 100Clark Cotton Zambia Ltd J Zambia 2 000# 2 000# – – 100 100Cotton Seed Processors (Pty) Ltd N South Africa – 500 – – 100 100Daybreak Farms (Pty) Ltd O South Africa – – 224 886 249 413 100 100Daybreak Properties Springs (Pty) Ltd P South Africa – – – – 100 100Daybreak Superior Marketing (Pty) Ltd Q South Africa – – – – 100 100Deposita Rentals (Pty) Ltd D South Africa – – – 5 024 100 100Dormanko Dertig (Pty) Ltd R South Africa 1 – 797 1 344 100 100Farm City Holdings (Pty) Ltd P South Africa – – 50 1 043 100 100Golf Car World (Pty) Ltd S South Africa – – – – 100 100Gro Capital Financial Services (Pty) Ltd AA South Africa – – 665 776 1 463 422 100 100Labworld (Pty) Ltd T South Africa – 1 – (8 713) 100 100Laeveld Korporatiewe Beleggings Ltd E South Africa 14 757 14 757 (149 804) (149 884) 100 100Main Street 301 (Pty) Ltd U South Africa – – – (3 496) 100 100Midway Chix (Pty) Ltd V South Africa – – 5 821 – 100 65Mila Nutri (Pty) Ltd D South Africa 1 1 (1) (1) 100 100Natalse Landboukoöperasie E South Africa 20 20 (130 517) (137 257) 100 100Nedan (Pty) Ltd M South Africa 10 10 50 490 8 417 100 100Nedan Oil Mills (Pty) Ltd M South Africa – 40 – – 100 100Nolko (Pty) Ltd B South Africa – 38 – (29 389) 100 100Partmaster (Pty) Ltd R South Africa 14 735 14 735 21 383 47 295 100 100RNV Operational Risk Management (Pty) Ltd AB South Africa 1 – (5 583) (3 517) 100 100Superior Foods (Pty) Ltd Q South Africa – – – – 100 100T & H Walton Stores (Pty) Ltd X Australia 10 200* 10 200* 42 844 37 034 100 100Techniland (Pty) Ltd Y South Africa – – – – 100 100Telsek Investments 1001 (Pty) Ltd P South Africa – – – – 100 100Tsunami Crop Care (Pty) Ltd Z South Africa 1 1 25 941 108 485 82,5 82,5Tsunami Plant Protection (Pty) Ltd Z South Africa 1 1 – – 82,5 82,5Waltmerwe Park (Pty) Ltd P South Africa – – – – 100 65
The Group’s consolidated interest in the audited results of the subsidiaries is included in the Group’s results. The year-end of the companies is June.
# Zambian Kwacha* Australian Dollar
ABCDEFGH
IJKLM
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
Insurance broker administrationManufacturing of animal feedsInsurance brokerageRental of cash collection equipmentAgricultural services Retail sales and servicing of mechanised agricultural equipmentShare incentive trustAgricultural services and financial services, further processing of agricultural products, holding companyBuyer and primary processor of tobaccoCommodity procurement and marketingProcurement and distribution of veterinary productsInsurance investment holding companyProcessing and marketing of cotton, soya and sunflower products
NO P QRSTUVWXYZAAAB
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Processing and marketing of cotton seed oil Broiler farm and abattoir Property holding company Broiler marketingProcurement and distribution of spare partsAssembly and distribution of golf carts and spare partsScientific services to farmersFinancial investment companyChicken hatcheryHolding vehicle of treasury sharesJohn Deere agency in AustraliaTechnical services via satellite photographyManufacture and marketing of agricultural chemical productsFinancial services providerCollateral management services
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Appendix BInterest in unlisted joint ventures
Year-end
Year ended
30 June2010
%
Yearended
30 June2009
%
The joint ventures are:Afgritech Limited August 50 50
New Amalfi Silo’s (Pty) Ltd February 50 50
Profert Central (Pty) Ltd February 51 51
The Group’s proportionate interest in assets and liabilities of the above joint ventures, which is included in the figures in the consolidated financial statements, is as follows:
R’000 R’000
Balance sheet informationNon-current assets 3 078 4 099
Current assets 4 094 2 367
Total assets 7 172 6 466
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities (1 273) (1 299)
Non-current non-interest-bearing liabilities (5 002) (5 002)
Current non-interest-bearing liabilities (116) (294)
Capital and reserves 781 (129)
The Group’s proportionate interest in the revenue and expenses of the joint ventures is as follows:
Income statement informationRevenue 3 750 2 639
Profit/(loss) before income tax 1 512 (1)
Income tax expense 165 92
Profit for the period 1 677 91
The Group’s proportionate interest in the cash flows of the joint ventures is as follows:
Cash flow informationCash generated from operating activities 273 135
Cash generated from investing activities 1 021 –
Cash (utilised in)/generated from financing activities (26) 30
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 1 268 165
Movement in cash and cash equivalentsBeginning of the year 1 949 1 768
Increase 1 268 181
Balance end of year 3 217 1 949
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Appendix CInterest in unlisted associates
Appendix DAvailable-for-sale financial assets
Number of shares
Interest in associates Shares Loans
Natureof
business
2010 20092010
%2009
%2010
R’0002009
R’0002010
R’0002009
R’000
Deposita Systems (Pty) Ltd* 46 46 46,0 46,0 – – – – A
Electronic Silo Certificates (Pty) Ltd 425 000 425 000 42,5 42,5 – – 3 050 3 050 B
Ronin Grain Management (Pty) Ltd 10 000 10 000 49,0 49,0 4 162 3 804 808 1 078 C
Cropmasters (Zambia) Ltd 1 250 000 1 250 000 25,0 25,0 329 319 375 1 711 D
Limpopo Tobacco Processors Ltd 9 000 9 000 45,0 45,0 31 492 31 492 – – E
Book value 35 983 35 615 4 233 5 839
Fair value 35 983 35 615 4 233 5 839
*Included with non-current assets classified as held-for-sale.
Nature of businessA Cash managementB Administration of silo certificatesC Silo information managementD Contract land preparation and harvestingE Tobacco processing facilities
Financial year-end of associatesThe year-end of all associates is February, except Cropmasters (Zambia) Ltd which has a June year-end.
Country of incorporationAll associates are incorporated and operate in South Africa, except from Cropmasters which is incorporated in Zambia.
Number of shares
Interest in unlisted investments Shares Loans
2010 2009 2010%
2009%
2010R’000
2009R’000
2010R’000
2009R’000
Cape Fruit Processors (Pty) Ltd 12 270 12 270 12 12 41 079 41 079 – –
Other 667 675 4 168 9 059
Total book value 41 746 41 754 4 168 9 059
Impairment (781) (781) (2 893) (2 478)
Fair value 40 965 40 973 1 275 6 581
Separate Companyannual financial statements
162 Company balance sheet
163 Company statement of comprehensive income
164 Company statement of changes in equity
164 Company cash flow statement
165 Notes to the Company annual financial statements
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Company balance sheetat 30 June 2010
Note
30 June2010
R’000
30 June2009
R’000
ASSETS
Non-current assets 951 757 678 930
Financial receivables 2 362 047 100 000
Interest in subsidiary 3 578 925 578 925
Deferred income tax asset 10 785 5
Current assets 86 240 312 825
Trade and other receivables 22 752 260 812
Cash and cash equivalents 63 488 52 013
Total assets 1 037 997 991 755
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves attributable to the Company’s equityholders 19 131 14 654
Share capital 4 4 4
Retained earnings 19 127 14 650
Current liabilities 1 018 866 977 101
Trade and other payables 6 9 412 8 458
Loan from AFGRI Operations Ltd 5 1 008 020 968 196
Current income tax liabilities 1 434 447
Total equity and liabilities 1 037 997 991 755
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Company statement of comprehensive incomefor the year ended 30 June 2010
Note
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
Dividend income 7 137 657 121 523
Management fees 3 402 2 602
Interest received – investments 24 855 11 763
Total income 165 914 135 888
Operating expenses (12 570) (2 618)
Finance costs – (2 024)
Profit before income tax 153 344 131 246
Income tax expense 3 828 (20 902)
Profit for the year/total comprehensive income for the year 157 172 110 344
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Company statement of changes in equityfor the year ended 30 June 2010
Company cash flow statementfor the year ended 30 June 2010
Note
Year ended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
Operating activities
Cash (utilised in)/generated from operations 10.1 269 670 (108 493)
Finance cost – (2 024)
Interest received 24 855 11 763
Income tax paid 10.2 (5 965) (22 873)
Net cash (utilised in)/generated from operating activities 288 560 (121 627)
Investing activities
Financial receivables repaid (262 047) 25 000
Dividends from investments 137 657 121 523
Net cash (utilised in)/generated from investing activities (124 390) 146 523
Financing activities
Dividends on shares (152 695) (103 541)
Net cash utilised in financing activities (152 695) (103 541)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 11 475 (78 645)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 52 013 130 658
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 63 488 52 013
Share capitalR’000
Retainedearnings
R’000
TotalequityR’000
Balance 30 June 2008 4 7 847 7 851
Comprehensive income for the year – 110 344 110 344
Dividends paid – (103 541) (103 541)
Balance 30 June 2009 4 14 650 14 654
Comprehensive income for the year – 157 172 157 172
Dividends paid – (152 695) (152 695)
Balance 30 June 2010 4 19 127 19 131
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Notes to the Company annual financial statementsfor the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Refer to pages 87 to 107 for the various accounting policies of the Group, which are also applicable to the Company. Specific accounting policies applicable to the Company is:
1.1 Investment in subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the parent. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
The financial statements recognise the interests in subsidiaries at cost.
2 FINANCIAL RECEIVABLES
2.1 Held to maturityHY Investments 2B (Pty) Ltd – preference shares – 125 000
The preference shares earned preference dividends at a nominal annual rate of 14,5% compounded annually and were redeemed on 30 November 2009. The preference shares acted as security for a loan by a subsidiary.
Nedbank preference shares 101 564 101 877
The preference shares earn preference dividends of 62,75% of the prime rate payable on 31 March and 30 September every year. The final redemption date is 24 February 2024. These preference shares have been ceded to the Land and Agricultural Development Bank in terms of the Agri Sizwe transaction. The dividends received of R6,9 million (2009: R0,8 million) are in turn placed with the Land and Agricultural Development Bank as additional security.
2.2 Loans and receivablesLoans to AFGRI Operations Ltd 283 235 –
The AFGRI Operations loan is denominated in SA Rands and is not secured. Interest is charged at a fixed rate of 12,4% per annum and payable annually in arrears. Capital is repayable on 31 November 2014.
The fair value was calculated at R285,2 million, using a discount rate of 10% per annum.
2.3 The above financial receivables, as well as trade and other receivables, were performing at the respective balance sheet dates, with the overall credit risk associated with these financial assets considered to be low. The carrying amounts of the financial receivables approximate their fair value (unless where disclosed otherwise).
Total financial receivables 384 799 226 877
Short-term portion (22 752) (126 877)
362 047 100 000
3 INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARY
3.1 Shares at cost – AFGRI Operations Ltd 299 961 328 (2009: 299 961 328) ordinary par value shares of 2 cents each 578 925 578 925
3.2 Directors’ valuation at fair value 2 463 897 1 822 292
3.3 Attributable interest in the total amount of profits and losses of subsidiary after income tax expense.– Profits 266 278 131 106
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Notes to the Company annual financial statements continued
for the year ended 30 June 2010
Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
4 SHARE CAPITAL Number Number
2010 2009
4.1 Authorised
Ordinary shares of 0,001 cents each 515 000 000 515 000 000 6 6
4.2 Issued
Beginning of year 373 794 000 373 794 000 4 4
End of year 373 794 000 373 794 000 4 4
5 BORROWINGS FROM AFGRI OPERATIONS LTD
The loan is unsecured and interest-free with no specific terms of repayment. 1 008 020 968 196
6 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Trade accounts payable 476 364
Other payables and accruals 8 936 8 094
9 412 8 458
7 DIVIDEND INCOME
Dividend income comprises the value of cash dividends received 137 657 121 523
8 DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Final of 16,7 cents for 2009 year 62 424 –
Special of 8,0 cents per share for 2008 period – 29 904
First interim of 24,15 cents per share for 2010 period (2009: 19,7 cents per share) 90 271 73 637
152 695 103 541
9 DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS
Directors’ remuneration paid by Company and subsidiaries for:
Non-executive
Services as directors 3 402 2 602
Executive
Managerial services (includes salary, performance remuneration and other benefits) 17 474 6 408
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Yearended
30 June2010
R’000
Yearended
30 June2009
R’000
10 NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
10.1 Cash generated from operations
Profit before income tax 153 344 131 246
Adjusted for:
Dividends received from investments (137 657) (121 523)
Interest paid – 2 024
Interest received (24 855) (11 763)
Working capital changes
Trade and other receivables 238 060 (146 582)
Trade and other payables (including loan from AFGRI Operations Ltd) 40 778 38 105
Cash (utilised in)/generated from operations 269 670 (108 493)
10.2 Income tax paid
Tax liability beginning of the year (447) (2 418)
Normal income tax charged for the period in the income statement (6 952) (3 299)
STC charged for the year – (17 603)
Tax liability end of the year 1 434 447
Tax paid during the year (5 965) (22 873)
11 RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year the Company in the ordinary course of business, entered into various transactions with related parties. These transactions occurred on an arm’s length and commercial basis.
Associates and joint venturesDetails of investments in joint ventures and associates are disclosed in Appendix B and C.
SubsidiariesInvestments in subsidiaries are disclosed in Appendix A and on page 158.
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Notice of annual general meeting
NOTICE is hereby given that the 15th annual general meeting of shareholders in AFGRI Limited (AFGRI or the Company) will be held at AFGRI Limited, First Floor, AFGRI Building, 267 West Avenue, Centurion on Friday, 15 October 2010 at 10:00 to consider and, if deemed fit, pass with or without modification, the following resolutions and to transact such other matters as may be transacted at an annual general meeting:
ORDINARY BUSINESSOrdinary resolution number 1To receive and consider the Group’s annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2010.
Ordinary resolution number 2To confirm the interim cash dividend of 24,15 cents paid on 24 May 2010.
Ordinary resolution number 3To confirm the final cash dividend of 17,15 cents to be paid on 22 November 2010.
Ordinary resolution number 4To appoint one (1) director to the position of the undermentioned director who retires in terms of the Company’s articles of association, and who, being eligible, offers himself for re-election:4.1 JPR Mbau
His biography can be found on page 13 of this report.
Ordinary resolution number 5To appoint three (3) directors to the positions of the undermentioned directors who have been appointed by the Board from the date of the last annual general meeting:5.1 DD Barber 5.2 L de Beer 5.3 LM Koyana
The Board recommends the re-election of these directors.Biographies of all these directors can be found on page 13 of this report
Ordinary resolution number 6Election of Audit Committee membersThat shareholders elect, by way of a separate vote, the following independent non-executive directors as members of the Group Audit and Risk Management Committee: 6.1 DD Barber 6.2 L de Beer 6.3 LM Koyana
Biographies of all these directors can be found on page 13 of this report.
Ordinary resolution number 7To approve the remuneration payable to non-executive
directors as outlined hereunder:
7.1 Normal Board fees
Member Chairman Board
member
Retainer Rand Rand
Fee deducted
for not attending a meeting
Rand
Board chairman (retainer only) N/A 460 000 20 000
Board member 155 000 N/A 20 000
Audit and Risk Management Committee 80 000 230 000 12 500
Remuneration Committee 62 500 90 000 10 000
Credit Committee 62 500 100 000 10 000
Nomination Committee 45 000 45 000 10 000
7.2 Recommended ad hoc attendance fees to be paid
in respect of special and unscheduled meetings
Ad hoc/unscheduled meeting fee
Rand
Board chairman 20 000
Board member 20 000
Audit and Risk Management Committee 12 500
Remuneration Committee 10 000
Credit Committee 10 000
Nomination Committee 10 000
Ad hoc committees established from time to time 10 000
7.3 Recommended payment to members of the BEE
sub-committee
Members of the BEE sub-committee tasked with the
implementation of the Agri Sizwe transaction did not
as yet receive any fees for services rendered. It is
recommended that the two members of the BEE
sub-committee be paid a fee of R30 000 each in
respect of work performed on the transaction.
Ordinary resolution number 8To authorise the directors to consider and approve the
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. as the
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
terms of this general authority, the maximum premium at which such ordinary shares may be acquired will be 10% (ten percent) above the weighted average of the market price at which such ordinary shares are traded on the JSE, as determined over the 5 (five) trading days immediately preceding the date of the repurchase of such ordinary shares by the Company;
• the acquisitions of ordinary shares in the aggregate in any one financial year do not exceed 20% (twenty percent) of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at the beginning of the financial year;
• upon entering the market to proceed with the repurchase, the Company’s sponsor has confirmed the adequacy of the Company’s working capital in terms of section 2.12 of the JSE Listings Requirements for the purposes of undertaking a repurchase of shares in writing to the JSE;
• after such repurchase the Company will still comply with paragraphs 3.37 to 3.41 of the JSE Listings Requirements concerning shareholder spread requirements;
• the Company or its subsidiary is not repurchasing securities during a prohibited period as defined in the JSE Listings Requirements unless they have in place a repurchase programme where the dates and quantities of securities to be traded during the relevant period are fixed (not subject to any variation) and full details of the programme have been disclosed in an announcement over SENS prior to the commencement of the prohibited period;
• when the Company has cumulatively repurchased 3% of the initial number of the relevant class of securities, and for each 3% in aggregate of the initial number of that class acquired thereafter, an announcement will be made; and
• the Company only appoints one agent to effect any repurchase(s) on its behalf.”
The directors undertake that they will not effect a general repurchase of shares unless the following can be met:• the Company and the Group are in a position to repay
their debt in the ordinary course of business for the next 12 months after the date of the general repurchase;
• the assets of the Company and the Group, being fairly valued in accordance with the accounting policies used in the latest audited consolidated annual financial statements, are in excess of the liabilities of the Company and the Group for the next 12 months after the date of the general repurchase;
• the ordinary capital and reserves of the Company and the Group are adequate for ordinary business
auditors of the Company (with JL Roos being the individual designated auditor) for the 2011 financial year.
Ordinary resolution number 9Adoption of the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme“RESOLVED THAT the deed embodying the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme, a copy of which has been signed by the chairman for identification purposes and tabled at the general meeting convened to consider, inter alia this resolution, be and is hereby adopted”
Ordinary resolution number 10Placement of shares under control of directors“RESOLVED THAT so many of the total authorised but unissued share capital of the Company as, when issued, will not exceed 10% of the total issued ordinary shares in the capital of the Company be and are hereby placed under the control of the directors of the Company, who are hereby authorised, as a specific authority, to allot and issue such shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme and the existing AFGRI Share Incentive Scheme, which was previously adopted by the shareholders of the Company.”
Explanatory note on ordinary resolutions numbered 9 and 10These ordinary resolutions relate to the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme. The salient features of such scheme are contained in annexure A to this notice.
GENERAL AUTHORITY TO REPURCHASE SHARES Special resolution number 1“RESOLVED THAT the Board of Directors of the Company be authorised by way of a renewable general authority contemplated in sections 85 to 89 of the Act to facilitate the acquisition by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company of the issued ordinary shares of the Company, upon such terms and conditions and in such amounts as the directors may from time to time determine (the repurchase), but subject to the articles of association of the Company, the provisions of the Act and the JSE Listings Requirements, when applicable, and provided that:• the repurchase of securities will be effected through
the order book operated by the JSE Limited (the JSE) trading system and done without any prior understanding or arrangement between the Company and the counterparty (reported trades are prohibited);
• this general authority shall only be valid until the Company’s next annual general meeting, provided that it shall not extend beyond 15 (fifteen) months from the date of passing of this special resolution;
• in determining the price at which the Company’s ordinary shares are acquired by the Company in
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contains all information required by law and the JSE Listings Requirements.
MATERIAL CHANGEOther than the facts and developments reported on in the annual report, there have been no material changes in the financial or trading position of the Company and its subsidiaries since the date of signature of the audit report and the date of this notice.
Shares held by the share trust or scheme will not have their votes taken account of for the above special resolution number 1.
VOTING AND PROXIES “Shareholders who have not dematerialised their shares or who have dematerialised their shares with ‘own name’ registration are entitled to attend and vote at the meeting and are entitled to appoint a proxy or proxies to attend, speak and vote in their stead. The person so appointed need not be a shareholder.
Proxy forms must be forwarded to reach the Company’s transfer secretaries, Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited, 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001, PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107, so as to reach them by no later than 10:00 on Wednesday, 13 October 2010. Proxy forms must only be completed by those shareholders who have not dematerialised their shares or who have dematerialised their shares with ‘own name’ registration.”
On a show of hands, every shareholder of the Company present in person or represented by proxy shall have one vote only. On a poll, every shareholder of the Company shall have one vote for every share held in the Company by such shareholder.
Shareholders who have dematerialised their shares, other than those shareholders who have dematerialised their shares with “own name” registration, should contact their CSDP or broker in the manner and time stipulated in their agreement:• to furnish them with their voting instructions, and• in the event that they wish to attend the meeting, to
obtain the necessary authority to do so.
By order of the Board of the Company
N van Wyk Group Company Secretary
Centurion31 August 2010
purposes for the next 12 months after the date of the general repurchase; and
• the available working capital of the Company and the Group is adequate for ordinary business purposes for the next 12 months after the date of the general repurchase.
REASON AND EFFECTThe reason and effect for this special resolution is to grant the Company and/or its subsidiary a general authority to acquire its own issued shares, which general authority shall be valid until the earlier of the next annual general meeting of the Company or its variation or revocation of such general authority by special resolution by any subsequent general meeting of the Company, provided that it does not extend beyond 15 (fifteen) months from the date of this annual general meeting.
STATEMENT OF THE BOARD’S INTENTION 11.26(c) The directors of the Company have no specific intention to effect the provisions of special resolution number 1 but will, however, continually review the Company’s position having regard to prevailing circumstances and market conditions in considering whether to effect the provisions of special resolution number 1.
The JSE Listings Requirements require the following disclosures, some of which are elsewhere in the annual report of which this notice forms part as set out below:Directors and management Pages 12 to 15Major shareholders of the Company Page 73Directors’ interests in securities Page 85 Share capital of the Company Pages 138 and 166
LITIGATION STATEMENTIn terms of section 11.26 of the Listings Requirements of the JSE, the directors, whose names are given on pages 12 to 15 of the annual report of which this notice forms part, are not aware of any legal or arbitration proceedings, including proceedings that are pending or threatened, that may have or have had in the recent past, being at least the previous 12 months, a material effect on the Group’s financial position.
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENTThe directors, whose names are given on pages 12 to 15 of the integrated annual report, collectively and individually accept full responsibility for the accuracy of the information pertaining to special resolution 1 and certify that to the best of their knowledge and belief there are no facts that have been omitted which would make any statement false or misleading, and that all reasonable enquiries to ascertain such facts have been made and that special resolution 1
Notice of annual general meeting continued
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Annexure ASalient information of the AFGRI Group Executive Share Award Scheme
budgeted incentive targets that are approved by the Board. A sliding scale of increasing bonuses (based on fixed maximum percentages of each participant's cost to company), if set percentages of incentive targets are achieved, has been developed;
2.2.2 the participant will receive a percentage of the amount of the notional pretax bonus, as determined by the Board, in cash, after deduction of any relevant tax;
2.2.3 the balance of the notional pretax bonus after deduction of the cash portion will be used to calculate the number of ordinary shares in the share capital of the Company (shares) subject to an individual award by dividing the balance of the notional pretax bonus of the participant by the 30-day volume weighted average price of a share on the JSE prior to the award date;
2.2.4 an award may be made subject to conditions, including performance conditions, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion; and
2.2.5 shares in respect of which an award is made are required to be released on the date specified in an award letter or on such other date as may be specified by the trustees (release date).
2.3 No consideration is payable for the grant of an award.
2.4 The trustees are entitled for purposes of the scheme to subscribe for or purchase through the market, such number of shares at such price as may be agreed from time to time by the trustees and the Board, to the extent required to satisfy the trust's obligations in terms of the scheme.
2.5 As security for each participant's obligation to the trust and/or the employer company, each participant is required to cede its right, title and interest in and to the shares to the trust and the employer company in securitatem debiti.
1 PURPOSE AND PARTICIPANTS 1.1 Having conducted a review of both the
short-term and long-term incentive plans for
senior employees and management, AFGRI
Limited (AFGRI or the Company) intends to
introduce a new cash and share award scheme
for its employees known as "the AFGRI Group
Executive Share Award Scheme” (the scheme).
1.2 The purpose of the scheme is to increase
employee and shareholder alignment through
employee share ownership, to retain key talent
and to incentivise participants to achieve
challenging performance targets.
1.3 Senior employees and management (including
executive directors) will be eligible to
participate in the scheme.
1.4 The scheme will replace the existing AFGRI
Incentive Scheme, a share option scheme,
which will be phased out according to its
terms.
2 GRANT OF AWARDS 2.1 In terms of the scheme, any member of the
AFGRI Group of companies that is the
employer of a particular participant (employer
company) may propose to the Board of AFGRI
(or the Remuneration Committee of the Board)
(Board), the names of eligible employees in the
AFGRI Group of companies (eligible employees)
that it believes should become participants in
the scheme and the extent to which they
should participate in the scheme. The trustees
for the time being (trustees) of the AFGRI Group
Executive Share Award Trust (trust), if so
directed by the Board (based on the proposals
of the employer company) are required to
grant awards in accordance with the rules of
the scheme to any eligible employee.
2.2 An award to an eligible employee (participant)
will be subject to the following terms and
conditions (award):
2.2.1 the participant will receive a notional
pretax bonus, calculated as a
percentage of such participant's total
cost to company. The bonus is limited
to such amount as may be determined
by the Board from time to time and
dependent on the achievement of
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Annexure A continued
Salient information of the AFGRI Group Executive Share Award Scheme (continued)
3 PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS
Performance conditions will apply to 50% of the
shares awarded to each participant. The Board will
ensure that the performance conditions are
sufficiently demanding. The performance conditions
will be based on the increase in earnings, growth or
share price of the Company. The performance
conditions will be set upfront when incentive targets
are set. The performance conditions will be tested
annually.
4 RELEASE OF SHARES
4.1 Shares subject to an award are released to
participants as follows:
4.1.1 50% of the shares subject to an award
are not subject to any performance
conditions (unrestricted shares) and
are released as follows:
4.1.1.1 25% on the first anniversary
of the award date;
4.1.1.2 a further 25% on the second
anniversary of the award
date;
4.1.1.3 a further 25% on the third
anniversary of the award
date; and
4.1.1.4 the remaining balance of
unrestricted shares on the
fourth anniversary of the
award date.
4.2 the remaining 50% of the shares subject to an
award are subject to performance conditions
determined by the Board on the award date
(restricted shares) and these are released
subject to the following:
4.2.1 a maximum of 25% of the restricted
shares on each anniversary of the
award date, provided the performance
conditions applying to such tranche of
restricted shares are met;
4.2.2 should the performance condition not
be met, such tranche of restricted
shares is not released but remains
restricted until the following
anniversary date (rolled over restricted
shares);
4.2.3 on the following anniversary date, the
performance conditions applying to
the rolled over restricted shares are
again measured. Should the
performance conditions be met, the
rolled over restricted shares are
released on such anniversary date; or
4.2.4 should the performance conditions not
be met, the rolled over restricted
shares shall irrevocably be forfeited.
5 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT If a participant ceases to be employed by the AFGRI
Group of companies by reason of:
5.1 injury, disability, ill health, retirement on or after
normal retirement age or by reason of
dismissal for operational reasons or
retrenchment, the trustees shall release to the
participant all the unreleased shares;
5.2 his death, the trustees shall release to his
executor, all the unreleased shares; or
5.3 his resignation or dismissal, all the unreleased
shares on date of resignation or dismissal shall
be forfeited, unless the Board determines
otherwise.
6 TIMING OF AWARDS It is intended that awards will normally only be
granted once in each financial year of the Company,
at the time of the bonus awards, normally following
the announcement of the Company’s annual results.
7 SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS Shares awarded to a participant are held in such
participant's name in a broker's account and enjoy
the same rights as other shares in issue, ranking pari
passu with such shares, including the right to all
dividends in respect of the shares. The voting rights in
respect of the shares will however remain vested
with the trustees until the shares are released. Shares
upon release to participants in terms of the scheme
will rank pari passu in all respects with other shares
of the same class then in issue.
8 BENEFITS NOT TRANSFERABLE Awards granted under the scheme are personal to
the participant and may not be transferred (except to
a family trust or on death), unless the Board
determines otherwise.
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
11.1.3 the fixed maximum number of shares
which may be acquired by one
participant;
11.1.4 the allocation price for the purchase of
any shares by the trust and the basis
for determining that allocation price;
11.1.5 the voting, dividend, transfer and other
rights of participants in relation to
shares released to them;
11.1.6 the rights of participants who leave the
employment of the AFGRI Group of
companies;
11.1.7 the treatment of a participant as a
result of mergers, takeovers or other
relevant corporate actions; and
11.1.8 any amendment of the clause of the
trust deed imposing these restrictions.
11.2 In the event of any increase or variation of the
share capital of the Company as a result of any
conversion, redemption, consolidation,
subdivision and/or rights or capitalisation issue
of shares, such adjustments may be made to
the rights of participants as may be determined
by the auditors of the Company as to be fair
and reasonable (such determination to be
confirmed to the Board in writing); provided
that any adjustments should give a participant
the entitlement to the same proportion of the
equity capital as the proportion to which he/
she was previously entitled.
12 EXCHANGE CONTROL
Employees who are not residents of the Common
Monetary Area, or who are emigrants from the
Common Monetary Area, shall only be entitled to
participate in the scheme to the extent permitted by
all applicable exchange control regulations. Without
derogating from the aforegoing, employees who are
not residents of the Common Monetary Area, or who
are emigrants from the Common Monetary Area, shall
only be entitled to participate in the scheme if their
participation is approved by the Exchange Control
Department of the South African Reserve Bank.
9 NUMBER OF SHARES MADE AVAILABLE UNDER THE SCHEME
Unless the shareholders by ordinary resolution
(requiring a 75% majority of the votes cast in favour of
such resolution) agree otherwise:
9.1 The aggregate number of shares that may be
acquired by all participants under the scheme,
together with any shares which may be
acquired by such participants under any other
incentive schemes or plans operated by the
Company (other schemes), shall not exceed
37 379 400 shares;
9.2 The aggregate number of shares which may be
acquired by any one participant under the
scheme together with shares acquired by such
participant in terms of any other schemes or
plans operated by the Company, shall not
exceed 868 970 shares; and
9.3 The number of shares referred to in 9.1 and
9.2, may be increased or reduced in direct
proportion to any increase or reduction of the
shares in the Company's issued share capital
on any conversion, redemption, consolidation,
subdivision and/or rights or capitalisation issue
of shares.
10 SHARE TRUST A share trust will be established to administer the
scheme (the AFGRI Group Executive Share Award
Trust or the trust). Executive directors of the Company
may not be appointed as trustees. Trustees may not
be participants of the scheme. The Board shall be
entitled to appoint and remove the trustees. The first
trustees are Mr David Barber, Mr Lwazi Koyana and
Ms Linda de Beer (trustees).
11 GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SCHEME
11.1 The Board and the trustees may not amend
any of the following provisions of the scheme,
without the prior approval of the JSE, provided
that the amendment is also sanctioned by the
Company in general meeting by an ordinary
resolution (requiring a 75% majority of the
votes cast), namely:
11.1.1 the definition of “eligible employee”;
11.1.2 the total number of shares which may
be acquired by all participants for
purposes of the scheme;
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Annexure A continued
Salient information of the AFGRI Group Executive Share Award Scheme (continued)
14 OPINION AND RECOMMENDATION The Board has considered the scheme and believes
that it is in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders. The Board accordingly recommends
that shareholders vote in favour of the proposed
ordinary resolutions necessary to adopt and
implement the scheme.
15 DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION A copy of the deed constituting the AFGRI Group
Executive Share Award Trust will be available for
inspection during normal working hours at the
registered office of the Company from 23 September
2010 until the date of the annual general meeting
referred to in paragraph 16.
16 GENERAL MEETING The Board has convened the annual general meeting
of the Company to be held at AFGRI Limited, First
Floor, AFGRI Building, 267 West Avenue, Centurion on
Friday, 15 October 2010 at 10:00 to inter alia consider
and, if deemed fit, passing with or without
modification, the ordinary resolutions necessary to
adopt and implement the scheme. Shareholders are
referred to the notice of annual general meeting on
pages 168 to 170 of this report.
13 TAKEOVER, RECONSTRUCTION AND WINDING UP OF THE COMPANY
If:
13.1 the Company undergoes a change of control
as a result of any person making a general
offer to acquire shares or having obtained
control, makes such an offer; or
13.2 any person becomes bound or entitled to
acquire shares of minorities under section
440K of the Act, for so long as the Companies
Act, 1973 remains in force or under
section 124 of the Act, once the Companies
Act, 2008 comes into force; or
13.3 under section 311 of the Act, for so long as the
Companies Act, 1973 remains in force or under
section 114 of the Act, once the Companies
Act, 2008 comes into force, the court sanctions
a compromise or scheme of arrangement of
the Company; or
13.4 the Company passes a resolution for its
voluntary winding up; or
13.5 an order is made for compulsory winding up of
the Company, and the participant ceases to be
employed by the Company for any reasons
whatsoever, within a period of 12 months of
the date of such event, the Board shall release
all unreleased shares to the participant on the
date of such termination of employment. After
expiry of such 12 month period, any
unreleased shares available for release under
an award, shall be dealt with on the basis set
out in 5.
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AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
Only for use by shareholders who have not dematerialised their shares or shareholders who have dematerialised their shares with “own name” registration. All other dematerialised shareholders must contact their CSDP or broker to make the relevant arrangements concerning voting and/or attendance at the meeting.
I/We (block letters)
(Name of shareholder)
of (address)
being a member/members of the Company, holding number of shares, do hereby appoint
(name of proxy)
of (address)
or failing him, the chairman of the meeting, as my/our proxy to represent me/us at the annual general meeting of the Company to be held on Friday, 15 October 2010 at AFGRI Limited, 267 West Avenue, Centurion, 0046, at 10:00, or at any adjournment thereof, to speak thereon and to vote as follows:
In favour of resolution
Against resolution
Abstain from voting
1. To receive and approve the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2010
2. To confirm the interim cash dividend of 24,15 cents per share3. To confirm the final cash dividend of 17,15 cents per share4. To appoint one (1) director to the position of the undermentioned director who
retires in terms of the Company’s articles of association, and who, being eligible, offers himself for re-election:4.1 JPR Mbau
5. To appoint three (3) directors to the positions of the undermentioned directors who have been appointed by the Board from the date of the last annual general meeting:5.1 DD Barber5.2 L de Beer5.3 LM Koyana
6. To elect, by way of a separate vote, the following independent non-executive directors as members of the Group Audit and Risk Management Committee: 6.1 L de Beer6.2 DD Barber6.3 LM Koyana
7. To approve the remuneration payable to non-executive directors:7.1 To approve the normal Board fees for non-executive directors7.2 To approve fees in respect of ad hoc and unscheduled meetings7.3 To approve the suggested payment to members of the BEE sub-
committee8. To appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. as auditors for the 2010 financial year
with JL Roos being the individual designated auditor 9. To adopt the AFGRI Executive Share Award Scheme
10. To adopt and approve the ordinary resolution placing the unissued share capital under the authority of the directors for purposes of the share incentive scheme
11. To adopt and approve special resolution number 1 to repurchase shares by way of a general authority
Please indicate instruction to proxy by way of a cross in the space provided above.
Signed at on 2010
Signature
Form of proxy
AFGRI LimitedRegistration number 1995/004030/06ISIN code ZAE 000040549 Share code AFR (the Company)
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Notes to the form of proxy
3 A minor must be assisted by his/her parent or guardian unless the relevant documents establishing his/her legal capacity are produced or have been registered by the transfer secretaries.
4 To be valid the completed proxy forms must be lodged with the transfer secretaries of the Company at Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited, 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg 2001, PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107, so as to reach them by no later than 10:00 on Wednesday,13 October 2010.
5 Documentary evidence establishing the authority of a person signing this proxy form in a representative capacity must be attached to this proxy form unless previously recorded by the transfer secretaries or waived by the chairman of the annual general meeting.
6 The completion and lodging of this proxy form shall not preclude the relevant shareholder from attending the annual general meeting and speaking and voting in person thereat to the exclusion of any proxy appointed in terms hereof, should such shareholder wish to do so.
7 The completion of any blank spaces need not be initialled. Any alterations or corrections to this proxy form must be initialled by the signatory/ies.
8 The chairman of the annual general meeting may reject or accept any proxy form which is completed other than in accordance with these instructions provided that he is satisfied as to the manner in which a shareholder wishes to vote.
1 A shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the annual general meeting is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend, speak and vote in his/her stead. A proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company.
2 Every shareholder present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the annual general meeting of the Company shall, on a show of hands, have one vote only, irrespective of the number of shares such shareholder holds, but in the event of a poll, every ordinary share in the Company shall have one vote.
3 Dematerialised shareholders registered in their own names are shareholders who appointed Computershare Custodial Services as their central securities depository participant (CSDP) with the express instruction that their uncertificated shares are to be registered in the electronic sub-register of shareholders in their own names.
INSTRUCTIONS ON SIGNING AND LODGING THE PROXY FORM1 A shareholder may insert the name of a proxy or the
names of two alternative proxies of the shareholder’s choice in the space/s provided, with or without deleting “the chairman of the annual general meeting”, but any such deletion must be initialled by the shareholder. Should this space be left blank, the chairman of the annual general meeting will exercise the proxy. The person whose name appears first on the proxy form and who is present at the annual general meeting will be entitled to act as proxy to the exclusion of those whose names follow.
2 A shareholder’s voting instructions to the proxy must be indicated by the insertion of the number of votes exercisable by that shareholder in the appropriate spaces provided. Failure to do so shall be deemed to authorise the proxy to vote or to abstain from voting at the annual general meeting, as he/she thinks fit in respect of all the shareholders’ exercisable votes. A shareholder or his/her proxy is not obliged to use all the votes exercisable by his/her proxy, but the total number of votes cast, or those in respect of which abstention is recorded, may not exceed the total number of votes exercisable by the shareholder or by his/her proxy.
AFGRI Limited Annual Report 2010
AFGRI Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number 1995/004030/06
ISIN code ZAE 000040549
Share code AFR
Business address and registered office
1st Floor, AFGRI Building
267 West Street
Centurion, 0157
Tel 012 643 8000
Fax 012 643 1768
Company Secretary
Ms N van Wyk
PO Box 11054
Centurion, 0046
Bankers
ABSA Bank Limited
Co-öperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A. trading as Rabo Bank
FirstRand Bank Limited
Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
Investec Bank Limited
Land and Agricultural Development Bank of SA Limited
Nedcor Limited
Standard Bank of SA Limited
Standard Chartered Bank
Transfer secretaries
Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited
70 Marshall Street
Johannesburg, 2001
PO Box 61051
Marshalltown, 2107
Tel 011 370 5000
Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.
32 Ida Street, Menlo Park, 0102
Sponsor
Investec Bank Limited
100 Grayston Drive
Sandton, 2196
PO Box 785700
Sandton, 2146
Administration
Bastion Graphics
www.afgri.co.za